The Effect of Human Albumin Infusion on VEGF Levels in Women at Risk for Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome

This research study was designed to look at the effect of human albumin transfusion on circulating levels of Vascular Endothelial Derived Growth Factor (VEGF), a protein that is believed to be responsible for the syndrome of ovarian hyperstimulation. Patients have been asked to participate because they are identified as at risk for the Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), a potentially serious complication of in vitro fertilization. It has been established that the onset of OHSS may be preventable by the infusion of albumin at the time of egg retrieval; however, we do not know by what mechanism albumin works. As we know the pathogenesis of OHSS is related to VEGF released from the ovaries, we believe human albumin may serve to "bind up" this VEGF and prevent it from causing its harmful effects. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of albumin infusion on blood and urine VEGF levels in these patients.