In a nutshell
This paper studied whether calcium could reduce the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in women undergoing in-vitro fertilisation (IVF). Authors concluded that an infusion of calcium significantly reduced the rate of ovarian hyperstimulation in women at high risk.
Some background
In-vitro fertilisation (IVF) is a procedure whereby the egg is fertilized by the sperm outside the body. To obtain eggs, the ovaries are stimulated with hormones. One severe complication of ovarian stimulation is ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), in which ovaries become swollen and painful. Many cases are mild, but OHSS can lead to further complications and even death. Early studies have suggested that calcium infusions (delivered into the vein) can prevent the development of severe OHSS.
Methods & findings
The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of calcium infusions in preventing OHSS in women at high risk undergoing IVF.
200 women undergoing IVF and who were at high risk of developing OHSS were studied. Women were randomly assigned to receive either calcium infusions or placebo (control drug with no active effect). All women then underwent IVF.
23% of women receiving placebo developed OHSS. This was significantly greater compared to women receiving calcium infusions (7%).
On further analysis, of those receiving placebo, 11% had mild OHSS, 8% had moderate OHSS, and 4% had severe OHSS. The incidence of mild OHSS was similar in women receiving calcium infusions (6%). However, the rate of moderate OHSS (1%) and severe OHSS (no incidence) was significantly reduced among women receiving calcium infusions.
4% of patients receiving placebo required hospitalization due to OHSS, while none of the patients receiving calcium infusion required hospitalization. There were no reported major side effects associated with the calcium infusion. There were also no significant differences regarding fertilization rate, pregnancy rate, and live birth rate.
The bottom line
The authors concluded that calcium infusions are effective in preventing OHSS in women at high risk undergoing IVF without affecting pregnancy rates.
The fine print
Furthur studies are needed to confirm these results.
Published By :
Fertility and Sterility
Date :
Jan 01, 2015
