Cryopreservation as a strategy for prevention of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in a public assisted reproduction service in São Paulo – Brazil

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and associated risk factors in patients undergoing fertilization cycles at risk of OHSS (≥15 antral follicles or ≥15 oocytes aspirated) and submitted to cryopreservation of all embryos in the Human Reproduction Service of the Pérola Byington Hospital (Referral Center for Women's Health) in São Paulo, SP, Brazil. METHODS: This cross-sectional, institutional, descriptive study of secondary data from patients’ charts enrolled in the Assisted Reproduction Service of the Pérola Byington Hospital at risk of OHSS after controlled ovarian stimulation and submitted to cryopreservation of all embryos was conducted between January 2015 and September 2017. RESULTS: OHSS occurred in 47.5% of cycles, all with mild severity, and there were no moderate or severe cases of OHSS. CONCLUSION: The cryopreservation of all embryos is associated with a reduction in moderate and severe forms of OHSS. Risk factors for OHSS should be evaluated prior to initiation of treatment, with less intense stimulation protocols accordingly.