[Ultrasonic monitoring as a method of preventing risks of ovarian hyperstimulation during drug therapy].

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Ultrasonographic monitoring represents the most immediate method for an early confirmation of the onset of the worst complication of the pharmacological induction of ovulation: ovarian hyperstimulation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of this complication in a sample group of anovulatory patients receiving pharmacological treatment and undergoing repeated ultrasonographic monitoring.

METHODS

The authors analysed the controls performed during 1996-1997 in which a total of 413 cycles were stimulated. The patients included in the study group (mean age 28.5 years) were treated using clomiphene, oestradiol, FSH, LH and GnRH, and in 5 cases stimulation was preceded by suppression of the menstrual cycle using tryptorelin. Each patient was monitored with 3 scans, except for those treated with tryptorelin or GnRH who were more closely monitored.

RESULTS

In 413 patients included in this study the authors noted the onset of slight hyperstimulation in 6 cases (1.45%) which then resolved spontaneously without the need for hospitalisation.

CONCLUSIONS

The authors affirm that ultrasonographic monitoring represents a valid means of controlling and preventing the risks of ovarian hyperstimulation.