Can dopamine agonist at a low dose reduce ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in women at risk undergoing ICSI treatment cycles? A randomized controlled study

ObjectiveDopamine agonists were proposed as a preventive strategy for severe ovarian. The aim of this randomized controlled study is to evaluate the role of dopamine agonist at lower doses (0.25 mg) as a preventive strategy of severe hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in women at high risk in IVF/ICSI treatment cycles.Study designTwo hundred women at risk to develop OHSS undergoing IVF/ICSI treatment cycle were included; the study group received 0.25 mg of cabergoline for 8 days from the day of HCG administration versus no treatment for the prevention of OHSS. Reduction of the incidence OHSS was the primary outcome.ResultsThe overall incidence of OHSS was significantly reduced, almost 50%, in cabergoline group in comparison with control group (RR: 0.5, 95% CI: 0.29-0.83), with absolute risk reduction following cabergoline administration 11% (ARR: 0.11, 95% CI: 1.09-20.91). The corresponding number needed to treat (NNT) was 9.ConclusionProphylactic treatment with the dopamine agonist, cabergoline, at lower doses (0.25 mg) reduces the incidence of OHSS in women at high risk undergoing IVF/ICSI treatment.