Background: OHSS (Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome) is the most serious iatrogenic complication of
ovulation induction. The pathophysiology of OHSS is characterised by increased capillary permeability,
leading to leakage of fluid from the vascular compartment, with third space fluid accumulation and
intravascular dehydration.
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of diosmin in comparison to the dopamine agonist
cabergoline in preventing OHSS in high risk patients undergoing assisted reproductive technique
cycles.
Methods: In this study, 200 women who were at high risk for developing OHSS were randomly allocated
into two groups. Group A (Diosmin group, 100 women) and group B (Cabergoline group, 100 women). All
patients were assessed every two weeks after retrieval and for 8 weeks to determine early clinical or
ultrasound evidence of OHSS.
Results: There was a statistically significant reduction (P = 0.005) in the incidence of OHSS in the diosmin
group (12%) compared to cabergoline group (28%). The number of severe OHSS cases in the cabergoline
group (n = 13) was significantly higher (P = 0.003) than the diosmin group (n = 2). There was no difference
in clinical pregnancy rate.
Conclusion: Our results concluded that diosmin was more effective in preventing severe OHSS and
decreasing OHSS occurrence rates than cabergoline when used in high-risk patients.
Trial registration: Clinical trial.gov (NCT02134249).