The vascular edothelial growth factor levels throughout IVF cycles and its relation to ovarian hyperstimulation syndrom

Objective: To investigate the VEGF levels throughout IVF cycles and to eveluate its forcast value for the syndrome. Method: Fortyone patients including OHSS group?high-responder group and low-moderate-responder group were enrolled prospectively from IVF-ET or ICSI program. Serum VEGF was assayed before godadotropin Gn, on the day of hCG administration, OPU, ET and after 7 and 14 days of ET. VEGF levels of follicular fluid (FF) were also assayed. Results: During IVF cycles, serum VEGF concentrations increased consistently till the day of ET, and those of low-moderate-responder group were all lower than those of other two groups. The difference was significant on mid luteal phase and late luteal phase between OHSS and high-responder group. FF VEGF concentration in OHSS group was higher than those of other two groups. Conclusion: VEGF levels have a positive correlation with the ovary's response to Gn during the IVF cycle. FF VEGF levels can be used to predict the occurrence of OHSS.