10% hydroxyethyl starch for plasma expansion in the treatment of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome - A case report

BACKGROUND: Severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is a complication of h ormonal therapy for in vitro fertilization and carries the risk of renal fa ilure. The infection of 6% hydroxyethyl starch has been used as a preventiv e measure. CASE: A 33-year-old woman was admitted with severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome after receiving gonadotropins as part of our in vitro fertilizati on protocol. Despite treatment with saline, albumin and abdominal taps. oli guria developed on the third day. The patient was transferred to the genera l intensive care unit and treated with 10% hydroxyethyl starch, furosemide and a further abdominal tap. Recovery was rapid. CONCLUSION: Ten percent hydroxyethyl starch is an efficient plasma expander . It is safe, biohazard free and cost-effective. It seems to effectively co ntrol severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and to overcome acute preren al failure. Larger prospective studies are necessary to further evaluate it s role in the treatment of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.