VEGF, IVF clinical variables and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: A prospective study of the preimplantation luteal phase

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationships between vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels in the preimplantation luteal phase and ovarian response, embryonic development, pregnancy outcome and occurrence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). STUDY DESIGN: The level of total VEGF in peritoneal fluid and serum was determined in 61 consecutive women undergoing day 3 tubal embryo transfer via laparoscopy. A MEDLINE search of the literature for 1996 to 2003 was conducted to review the relationship between VEGF levels and clinical variables at different time points during the IVF treatment cycle. RESULTS: No correlation existed between total VEGF levels and patient age, estradiol production, number of oocytes retrieved, embryo development or pregnancy outcome. There was no significant difference between the 12 patients who developed OHSS and the 49 who did not. A literature review yielded inconclusive results. CONCLUSION: A single measurement of total VEGF obtained from the serum or peritoneal fluid during the preimplantation luteal phase adds little to the clinical assessment of IVF response or to predicting the risk of OHSS. Large-scale studies at different times during the IVF cycle are needed to better define its potential use as a biomarker.