Prevention of OHSS – dopamine agonists

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is an iatrogenic complication of ovulation induction, which may seriously affect the patient's health, with 0.1–2.0% of the patients developing severe forms of the syndrome. OHSS signs and symptoms are direct consequences of fluid shift from capillaries to the third space due to increased vascular permeability. The mechanisms of OHSS pathophysiology remain unknown but evidence obtained in animal models prove that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is directly involved and the inhibition of the VEGF system could prevent OHSS from occurring. Dopamine agonists impede the phosphorylation of the VEGF receptor 2 and reduce the incidence and severity of OHSS with a safe clinical profile. As far as is known, this is the first pathophysiological approach for treatment and prevention of OHSS.