Hydroxyethylstarch versus human albumin for the treatment of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: a preliminary report

Abstract

Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of 6% hydroxyethylstarch and human albumin as colloid solutions for treatment of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).

Design: Controlled cohort study.

Setting: Tertiary medical center.

Patient(s): Sixteen patients with severe OHSS.

Intervention(s): Six percent hydroxyethylstarch (6 patients) and human albumin (10 patients).

Main outcome measure(s): Urine output, number of abdominal and pleural drainage procedures, complications, duration of hospitalization, and perinatal outcome.

Result(s): Patients who received 6% hydroxyethylstarch had higher urine output, needed fewer abdominal and pleural paracenteses, and had a shorter hospital stay than those who received human albumin. In each group, no adverse effects or congenital malformations were observed and the rates of miscarriage were similar.

Conclusion(s): These results suggest that 6% hydroxyethylstarch may be superior to albumin as a colloid solution for the treatment of severe OHSS.