Clin Exp Reprod Med.  2014 Sep;41(3):140-145. 10.5653/cerm.2014.41.3.140.

Spontaneous ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome following a thawed embryo transfer cycle

• Kim MK
• Won HJ
• Shim SH
• Cha DH
• Yoon TK

• KMID: 1805498
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5653/cerm.2014.41.3.140

Abstract

This article reports a case of spontaneous ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) following a thawed embryo transfer cycle. OHSS, a potentially life-threatening condition, is an iatrogenic complication of controlled ovarian stimulation; therefore, it is very important to prevent and treat OHSS during treatment with ovulation-inducing agents. Despite our efforts to prevent OHSS, in this case, severe spontaneous OHSS occurred, which resulted in uncontrolled preterm labor and a preterm delivery and also persisted for 6 weeks after delivery. Freezing all embryos cannot entirely prevent the development of OHSS because OHSS can occur spontaneously. Although spontaneous OHSS remains a rare event, females with a history of OHSS may have an elevated risk for spontaneous OHSS. We suggest closely monitoring cases of pregnancy following thawed embryo transfer for early diagnosis of spontaneous OHSS and the use of conservative management.

Keyword

Cryopreservation; In vitro fertilization; Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome

MeSH Terms

Cryopreservation
Early Diagnosis
Embryo Transfer*
Embryonic Structures
Female
Fertilization in Vitro
Freezing
Humans
Obstetric Labor, Premature
Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome*
Ovulation Induction
Pregnancy