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

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. (Fertil Steril(R) 2001;75:1228-30. (C) 2001 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.).