The Effect of Human Albumin Infusion on VEGF Levels in Women at Risk for Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome
Status:
Withdrawn
Trial end date:
1969-12-31
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
This research study was designed to look at the effect of human albumin transfusion on
circulating levels of Vascular Endothelial Derived Growth Factor (VEGF), a protein that is
believed to be responsible for the syndrome of ovarian hyperstimulation. Patients have been
asked to participate because they are identified as at risk for the Ovarian Hyperstimulation
Syndrome (OHSS), a potentially serious complication of in vitro fertilization. It has been
established that the onset of OHSS may be preventable by the infusion of albumin at the time
of egg retrieval; however, we do not know by what mechanism albumin works. As we know the
pathogenesis of OHSS is related to VEGF released from the ovaries, we believe human albumin
may serve to "bind up" this VEGF and prevent it from causing its harmful effects. The purpose
of this study is to evaluate the effect of albumin infusion on blood and urine VEGF levels in
these patients.