Outpatient Management of Severe Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) with Placement of Pigtail Catheter

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy and safety of outpatient management of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) requiring placement of a pigtail catheter. METHODS retrospective analysis of thirty-three consecutive patients who underwent in-vitro fertilization (2003-2009) and developed severe/critical OHSS requiring placement of a pigtail catheter. Patients who were managed on outpatient basis were monitored by frequent office visits, daily phone calls, and received IV normal saline for hydration when required. RESULTS In 3 patients (9.1%) OHSS started early, requiring placement of a pigtail catheter 4.3 + 0.6 days after retrieval. In 30 patients (90.9%) OHSS started late (14 ± 4 days after retrieval). The mean amount of ascitic fluid drained immediately after placement of the catheter was 2085 ± 1018 cc. The pigtail catheter was removed after 7.8 ± 5.3 days. Of the 31 patients who had embryo transfer (two had total freeze), 84% conceived. Twenty-nine patients (88%) were managed on outpatient basis without any complications. Four patients required hospital admission for 1-7 days (3.0 ± 2.7). One patient with severe OHSS was admitted for work up for chest pain. Three patients with critical OHSS with severe pleural effusion requiring thoracentesis were admitted for supportive measures. CONCLUSION The placement of a pigtail catheter resulted in safe and effective outpatient management for the majority of patients with severe OHSS.