OVARIAN HYPERSTIMULATION SYNDROME - A NEW INSIGHT INTO AN OLD ENIGMA

OBJECTIVE: To relay the current knowledge on the interaction between c ytokines, growth factors, and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and to propose a new insight into the pathogenesis of OHSS. METHODS: Major studies that have reported on the association between cytokines, growth factors, and OHSS were identified through MEDLINE searches and through the published literature. RESULTS: Several cytokines, as well as vascular endothelial growth factor, were found to have a role, eit her in the prediction or pathogenesis of OHSS. Moreover, intravenous i mmunoglobulin, which has an anticytokine nature and inhibits the secre tion of various cytokines, was shown to prevent the development of OHS S. CONCLUSION: Current knowledge indicates a close interaction between cytokines, growth factors, and OHSS. Further understanding of these i nteractions may lead to different understanding of ovarian hyperstimul ation syndrome. Copyright (C) 1988 by the Society of Gynecologic Inves tigation.