Clinical Management of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome with Furosemide at a Tertiary Referral Center—A Retrospective Data Analysis

Background/Objective: Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a severe complication during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. Ascites and consecutive hemoconcentration may lead to potentially life-threatening complications like thromboembolic events and the need for intensive care. The use of diuretics is widely used to treat ascites in non-OHSS patients. The aim of this study was to assess whether the use of furosemide in the treatment of OHSS was associated with a higher rate of complications compared to the literature. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, 502 cases treated from January 2005 to June 2023 for OHSS at the Medical University of Vienna were evaluated regarding the distribution of OHSS severity, average duration of treatment, types and frequency of complications associated with antidiuretic treatment, and predictive factors for paracentesis. Results: The median AMH levels were 5.7 ng/mL. An antagonist protocol was used in 80% of stimulations. Human Chorionic Gonadotropin trigger was used in 80% of stimulations, with 71.7% of cases being early-onset. The incidence dropped from 8.4% (2006 to 2016) to 3.3% (from 2015 to 2023). The median duration of inpatient treatment was seven days, with about 75% of patients receiving furosemide as a diuretic treatment. Ascites drainage was necessary in 27.9%. None of our patients developed a thromboembolic complication following the furosemide treatment. Conclusions: During the study period, the incidence of OHSS declined, most probably as a result of advances in ovarian stimulation protocols and freezing strategies. In moderate to severe OHSS, standardized diuretic treatment with furosemide was not associated with additional thromboembolic complications as long as patients remain normovolemic.