Effect of bromocriptine on the severity of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and outcome in high responders undergoing assisted reproduction

CONTEXT: Ever since ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) was recognized as a clinical entity, various treatment modalities have been tried to prevent its occurrence and reduce its severity. Many recent studies have evaluated the role of dopamine agonists in reducing the incidence of OHSS. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness of dopamine agonist bromocriptine in reducing the incidence and severity of OHSS in patients undergoing assisted reproduction and its effect on pregnancy rates. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: It was a prospective study in which patients at high risk of developing OHSS undergoing assisted reproduction were recruited. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was carried out from August 2008 to August 2009 in patients undergoing assisted reproduction and included 40 patients at high risk for developing OHSS. Tablet bromocriptine 2.5 mg was prescribed for a period of 16 days starting from day of ovum pick up. Patients were analyzed on the basis of incidence of moderate and severe OHSS, timing of onset of OHSS (early/late), hospitalization rate, pregnancy rates and tolerability of medication and were compared with a historical group of high responders matched for age and BMI. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Student’s t test and proportion test were used. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in the incidence of moderate OHSS (P=0.037), early OHSS (P=0.012) as well as the number of admissions (P=0.030). Average duration of hospitalization was also significantly reduced (P=0.036). In the study group, the incidence of clinically significant OHSS was 17.5% as compared to 40.9% in the control group. No difference was detected between the groups in clinical pregnancy rates (P=0.0054). CONCLUSION: Bromocriptine reduced the incidence and severity of clinically significant OHSS in high risk patients without affecting the pregnancy rates.