Levels of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 are increased in women with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome

Objective: To determine whether plasma and peritoneal fluid levels of solub le vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) and soluble intercellular ad hesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) are altered in women with ovarian hyperstimulat ion syndrome (OHSS). Design: Prospective, case-control study. Setting: Lis Maternity Hospital and the Sara Racine IVF Unit, Tel Aviv Sour asky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel. Patient(s): The study group comprised 16 women with severe OHSS. The contro l groups comprised 10 women treated with controlled ovarian hyperstimulatio n and 8 women with normal findings at diagnostic laparoscopy. Intervention(s): Plasma samples were obtained from the study group and the first control group. Peritoneal fluid samples were obtained during paracent esis from the study group and during diagnostic laparoscopy from the second control group. Main Outcome Measure(s): Samples were assayed by specific ELISA for sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1. Result(s): The mean peritoneal fluid levels of sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1 and the mean plasma levels of sVCAM-1 were significantly higher in the women with O HSS than in the control groups. However, the mean plasma levels of sICAM-1 were comparable. A positive correlation was demonstrated between the levels of sVCAM-1 and plasma E-2 at die time of hCG administration and between th e levels of sICAM-1 and number of ova retrieved. Conclusion(s): Ou findings suggest that soluble cell adhesion molecules may have a role in the pathogenesis and progression of OWSS. (C) 1999 by Ameri can Society for Reproductive Medicine.