Comparing the Effects of Intravenous Infusion of Calcium or Hydroxyethyl Starch as Preventive Therapies of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome in High-Risk Women in Isfahan City, Iran, during the Years 2006-2017: A Clinical Trial Study

Some of studies suggest that hydroxyethyl starch (HES) and calcium Infusion may be beneficial for women with a high risk of developing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). This study aimed to compare the effects of intravenous infusion of calcium or hydroxyethyl starch in preventing OHSS in high-risk women. This clinical trial study was carried out on 100 women considered at risk of developing OHSS were divided in two equal groups. The first group received 10 mg of 10% calcium gluconate in 100 mg normal saline within 2 hours, and the dose was repeated at the third day of oocyte retrieval. In the second group, in a time of oocyte retrieval, 500 cc hydroxyethyl starch was administered by infusion, and it was repeated at second and third days of oocyte removal. Finally, incidence and intensity of OHSS was measured and compared between the two groups. Findings: OHSS was found in 21 patients (42%) in each group; but intensity of OHSS in hydroxyethyl starch group was higher (P = 0.024). There was no sever OHSS in calcium group, whereas in hydroxyethyl starch group, 3 patients (14%) had sever form OHSS. Calcium or hydroxyethyl starch infusion strategies were both effective in preventing OHSS, but the intensity of OHSS in calcium infusion was lower. Therefore, probably calcium infusion is a better novel therapy that may be used effectively in prevention of OHSS