Serum concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor cannot predict the course of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is stated to be a possible promoter of the development and the severity of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). The secretion of VEGF in granulosa cells seems to be human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) dependent. In this prospective study, the data of 10 patients suffering from severe OHSS with ascites and pleural effusions (haematocrit, fluid balance, serum HCG, serum oestradiol) were analysed. The serum VEGF concentration declined during the period of clinical improvement but provided no additional diagnostic information for the further course of OHSS. VEGF was neither an early marker of improvement, nor of worsening of the clinical picture of the OHSS. Serum oestradiol concentrations and serum VEGF concentrations showed a statistical correlation (r = 0.33, P < 0.001). There was no correlation between haematocrit and VEGF, nor between serum HCG and VEGF. To conclude, although VEGF may be involved in the pathogenesis of OHSS, it is not an important clinical marker for the course of an OHSS.