A severe case of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome despite the prophylactic administration of intravenous albumin

Objective: To evaluate the role of the recently suggested IV administration of human albumin solution as an effective preventive measure of severe ovarian hyperstimulation in high-risk patients. Case: Presented here is, to the best of our knowledge, the first case of early severe ovarian hyperstimulation necessitating early transabdominal aspiration of ascites and intensive fluid and colloid (dextran and albumin) replacement, which developed despite administration of IV human albumin solution in an attempt to prevent severe ovarian hyperstimulation. Conclusions: Because IV albumin does not prevent severe ovarian hyperstimulation in absolute terms, its use in high-risk patients should not lead one astray. Further research should be directed at investigating the fundamental cause of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and developing a reliable predictive test for this complication.