[The ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Anesthesiologic aspects based on a severe case]

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHS) is an iatrogenic syndrome in which induction of ovulation results in a wide spectrum of clinical symptoms and signs and laboratory manifestations. Based on the severity of the symptoms and signs, three degrees of hyperstimulation have been described: mild, moderate and severe. The most severe manifestation, presented in this paper with reference to the case of a 27-year-old woman, takes the form of massive ovarian enlargement with multiple cysts, hemoconcentration and third-space accumulation of fluid in the form of ascites, pleural and pericardial effusion. The full-blown clinical syndrome may be complicated by renal failure and oliguria, hypovolemic shock, thromboembolic episodes, adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and even death. The pathophysiologic mechanisms responsible for the development of OHS are still not known. The incidence of this iatrogenic syndrome can be reduced by monitoring plasma estradiol and by ultrasonographic evaluation of growing follicles. The anesthesiological aspects of OHS are discussed. A strategy for treatment, based on repeated ultrasonographic examination, clinical and biochemical evaluation, plasma volume replacement, abdominal paracentesis and aspiration puncture of the pleural effusion, is suggested.