Introduction
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition that can occur after medical intervention. It is an ovarian hyperstimulation of the ovaries, which are located at the ovaries. This overstimulation is the result of a hormonal stimulus, also known as a trigger. The ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is caused by a number of unexplained causes in some women as a result of fertility treatment. While mild forms of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome can be treated on an outpatient basis, severe forms must always be treated in hospital.
Causes
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is the result of hormonal overstimulation of the ovaries, or more precisely the follicles. This hormonal stimulation of the follicles is deliberately carried out as part of fertility treatment for women with unfulfilled desire for children. The established method, in which the hormone HCG is given, leads to ovulation.
The triggering of ovulation is used in artificial insemination, among other things. For unexplained reasons, the administration of HCG can lead to a systemically increased permeability of the blood vessels. The consequence of this increased permeability is a sometimes massive displacement of fluid out of the vessels.
This fluid shift can lead to serious consequences, such as water retention in the abdomen and lungs. The main risk factor for the development of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCO syndrome for short. This metabolic disorder, which is associated with cysts on the ovaries, may tend to hyperstimulate after hormonal treatment with HCG.
Severity levels
The severity of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is determined by the symptoms and results of various examinations. There are generally three degrees of severity according to the classification of the World Health Organization. In stage I, the mildest form of the disease, there is a slight feeling of fullness and an otherwise only slightly restricted general condition.
In the ultrasound examination, ovarian cysts of up to 5 cm in size and a maximum enlargement of the ovaries of up to 12 cm are found. Stage II of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is characterized by more severe symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, as well as a bloated abdomen. The general condition is now clearly limited.
Even in this stage, the ovaries are enlarged to a maximum size of 12 cm. Stage III is a serious clinical picture, which can sometimes be life-threatening. It is accompanied by an ovary enlargement over 12 cm, shortness of breath due to water retention in the lung fur, a massively tense abdominal wall and thromboembolism.
