ABSTRACT
The ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a serious and potentially life-threat ening iatrogenic complication, typically encountered in patients who undergo so-called controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH). The syndrome is usually associated with regimens of exogenous gonadotropins, but can also be seen, albeit rarely, during the administration of clomiphene citrate for ovulation induction, and, moreover, exceptional spontaneous OHSS may also occur. Although the full clinical manifesta tion of the syndrome occurs in the postovula tory (or post-oocyte retrieval) phase of a stimu lated cycle, signs and symptoms predictive of OHSS can be observed earlier in the stimulation phase of the treatment cycle. At this stage of our knowledge of the etiology of OHSS, we have to base our decisions about preventive strategies on the identification of risk factors that have been associated with OHSS and are thought to have predictive value, as there is currently no specific treatment for the condition.
