Thrombophilia and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: a case report

Ovarian Hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is one of the most serious complications of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. Recent prospective data revealed possible increased prevalence of thrombophilia markers in women who develop severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).

A 26-year-old nulliparous woman underwent ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization with recombinant follicle stimulating hormone and developed severe OHSS. She was screened for hereditary and inherited thrombophilia markers and was found to be homozygous for MTHFR mutation and had decreased antithrombin levels.

This case adds to the limited information that there may be an association between women who develop severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and an increased prevalence of underlying thrombophilia markers. If further research demonstrates a cost effective strategy, screening for those markers may identify women who are at a higher risk for development of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.