[Severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome treatment by decompressive paracentesis and self-transfusion of ascitis fluid].

BACKGROUND: The ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is a serious complication in patients who undergo controlled ovarian stimulation and for that reason all clinicians who prescribe ovulation inducing agents must be prepared to recognize and manage ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, to prevent severe and ocasionally mortal complications. OBJECTIVE: To communicate the experience in the treatment of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome as a complication in patients who undergo controlled ovarian stimulation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In the present study seven patients who developed severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome were included, and were treated by ultrasound guided paracentesis and self-transfusion of the ascitic fluid. RESULTS: In all patients we observed a clinical improvement immediately after the drainage of ascitic fluid no hematological or infectious disease were observed after the self-transfusion. We observed a reduction in hemoglobin of 20.9% and 22.2% in the hematocrit after paracentesis and self-transfusion, meanwhile we observed an increase of 55.5% in the albumin level. Any patient developed hemodynamic disturbance after paracentesis after drainage of great volume in the paracentesis (mean of 4453.4 mL per patient). CONCLUSIONS: The drainage of ascitis by paracentesis and self-transfusion of the fluid is a good therapeutic option in patients with severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in combination with intravenous fluids and administration of human albumin 25%.