Endocrine gland-derived vascular endothelial growth factor concentrations in follicular fluid and serum may predict ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in women undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation

Objective: To assess the predictive value of endocrine gland-derived vascular endothelial growth factor (EG-VEGF) concentrations in follicular fluid (FF) and serum for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in patients undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. Design: Retrospective, case-control study. Setting: University hospital, IVF center. Patient(s): Seventeen women with OHSS and 61 controls. Intervention(s): None. Main Outcome Measure(s): FF and serum EG-VEGF and VEGF concentrations, IVF outcome. Result(s): FF and serum EG-VEGF concentrations showed a significant negative correlation with serum E-2 concentration on the day of hCG administration. FF, but not serum, VEGF concentrations also showed a significant negative correlation with serum E2 concentrations on hCG day. The FF EG-VEGF, FF VEGF, and serum EG-VEFG concentrations were significantly lower in the OHSS group than in the non-OHSS group. There was no significant difference in serum VEGF concentrations. Among FF and serum EG-VEGF and VEGF concentrations, only FF EG-VEGF concentrations were significantly lower in patients with moderate OHSS than in those with mild OHSS. Conclusion(s): FF and serum EG-VEGF concentrations may predict OHSS occurrence. Furthermore, FF EG-VEGF concentrations were significantly correlated with OHSS severity; thus, EG-VEGF appears to be more valuable than VEGF for predicting OHSS. (Fertil Steril(R) 2011;95:673-8. (C) 2011 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.)