Can dopamine agonist at a low dose reduce ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in women at risk undergoing ICSI treatment cycles? A randomized controlled study

Objective: Dopamine agonists were proposed as a preventive strategy for severe ovarian. The aim of this randomized controlled study is to evaluate the role of dopamine agonist at lower doses (0.25 mg) as a preventive strategy of severe hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in women at high risk in IVF/ICSI treatment cycles. Study design: Two hundred women at risk to develop OHSS undergoing IVF/ICSI treatment cycle were included; the study group received 0.25 mg of cabergoline for 8 days from the day of HCG administration versus no treatment for the prevention of OHSS. Reduction of the incidence OHSS was the primary outcome. Results: The overall incidence of OHSS was significantly reduced, almost 50%, in cabergoline group in comparison with control group (RR: 0.5, 95% CI: 0.29-0.83), with absolute risk reduction following cabergoline administration 11% (ARR: 0.11, 95% CI: 1.09-20.91). The corresponding number needed to treat (NNT) was 9. Conclusion: Prophylactic treatment with the dopamine agonist, cabergoline, at lower doses (0.25 mg) reduces the incidence of OHSS in women at high risk undergoing IVF/ICSI treatment. © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd.