THE POSSIBLE ROLE OF THE IMMUNE-SYSTEM IN THE ETIOPATHOGENESIS OF OVARIAN HYPERSTIMULATION SYNDROME

This review examines recent evidence suggesting a role for the immune system, in particular cytokines, in the pathogenesis of ovarian hypers timulation syndrome (OHSS). Ovarian tissue is known to contain cells c apable of producing a ascitic fluid from women with established OHSS. Available evidence points to a role for vascular endothelial growth fa ctor and interleukin-2, possibly acting through other intermediary cyt okines, in the pathogenesis of OHSS, However, each individual has a un ique cytokine profile and several cytokines may share biological actio ns, making it difficult to interpret data on isolated cytokine concent rations from relatively small numbers of patients. Improved understand ing of the role of the immune system in the development of OHSS may ha ve implications for the prediction, prevention and management of this iatrogenic condition.