Publication:

Efficacy of cabergoline in the prevention of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in high-risk women undergoing assisted reproductive technology treatment

Background Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a severe and potentially life-threatening complication of controlled ovarian stimulation (COH). Cabergoline has been tried as a preventive measure for OHSS in high-risk women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment. Our study was done to assess the effectiveness of cabergoline in preventing severe OHSS in high-risk women undergoing ART treatment.

Methods This is a prospective interventional study done among patients undergoing ART with serum estradiol levels >4000 pg/ml on the day of hCG administration were included in the study. Women undergoing ART with serum estradiol levels >4000 pg/ml on the day of hCG administration, were assigned into two groups using random number allocation. Women in treatment group received cabergoline 0.5 mg daily for 8 days from the day of hCG administration and control group did not receive Cabergoline therapy. The patients in both groups were followed up to study the incidence and severity of OHSS in that treatment cycleResults: The incidence of severe OHSS was two in each group with clinical and ultrasound evidence of ascites. Embryo transfer was cancelled in one patient in each group in view of severe OHSS with tense ascites. One patient in treatment group had severe OHSS that needed peritoneal fluid tapping with fresh frozen plasma administration. Life threatening complications were not encountered in any of the patients with high risk for OHSS included in the study.

Conclusions Cabergoline did not prevent the incidence of severe OHSS in patients at high risk for OHSS in our study. Large randomized trials would be needed to confirm the findings of our study.