ABSTRACT
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is mostly an iatrogenic complication of ovarian stimulation. It has been observed over the past 60 years, since gonadotropins were first used to induce ovulation in infertile patients. OHSS is the consequence of an exaggerated response to ovulation induction therapy. Ideally, ovulation induction should stimulate the ovaries to obtain the desired level of ovulation, i.e. monofollicular development. However, the narrow range between no response at all and an exaggerated response to ovulation induction agents com bined with the unpredictable patient response makes prevention of OHSS virtually impossible, and prediction unlikely1. Some degree of ovar ian hyperstimulation occurs in all women who respond to ovulation induction, but this should be distinguished from the clinical entity of OHSS. OHSS may also be encountered in clini cal practice in some rare conditions not related to the intake of ovulation-inducing drugs (Table 1).
