Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: an endocrinopathy?

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome remains a significant but incompletely un derstood complication of ovarian stimulation. Evidence has accumulated rega rding a role for various cytokines, in particular vascular endothelial grow th factor, in its occurrence. However, the pathogenesis of ovarian hypersti mulation syndrome is likely to be complex and may involve a network of inte racting cytokines and endocrine factors. Recent studies suggest links betwe en specific cytokines and specific functional abnormalities in severe ovari an hyperstimulation syndrome. Two clinical forms of ovarian hyperstimulatio n syndrome may be distinguished, based on time of onset, with implications for the prediction and prevention of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in c linical practice. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 13:329-333. (C) 2001 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.