The prediction role of interleukin-18 and vascular endothelial growth factor in the ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome development

Objective To determine the role of interleukin-18(IL-18) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the ovari-an hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) development. Methods Serum and follicular IL-18 and VEGF levels were measured with ELISA in 66 IVF patients, who were divided into three study groups according to OHSS risk factors on the day of ovum retrieval and whether will devel-op OHSS in future or not. 20 patients had no OHSS risk factors (normal group), 28 patients had OHSS risk factors without developing OHSS (OHSS risk group) and 18 patients had OHSS risk factors and developing OHSS in future (OHSS group). Results Serum and follicular IL-18 levels in OHSS group were significantly higher than those of other two groups(P<0.01). Serum and follicular VEGF levels in OHSS group were also significantly higher than those of other two groups(P<0.01). Conclusion Serum and follicular IL-18 and VEGF levels in OHSS group increased significantly, which suggested IL-18 and VEGF were positive correlated with OHSS development. And follicular IL-18 and VEGF levels in serum on the day of ovum retrieval have a prediction role in OHSS development. Key words: Interleukin-18 ;  Vascular endothelial growth factors;  Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome/PP