Levels of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 are increased in women with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome

Objective: To determine whether plasma and peritoneal fluid levels of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) are altered in women with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Design: Prospective, case-control study. Setting: Lis Maternity Hospital and the Sara Racine IVF Unit, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel. Patient(s): The study group comprised 16 women with severe OHSS. The control groups comprised 10 women treated with controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and 8 women with normal findings at diagnostic laparoscopy. Intervention(s): Plasma samples were obtained from the study group and the first control group. Peritoneal fluid samples were obtained during paracentesis from the study group and during diagnostic laparoscopy from the second control group. Main Outcome Measure(s): Samples were assayed by specific ELISA for sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1. Result(s): The mean peritoneal fluid levels of sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1 and the mean plasma levels of sVCAM-1 were significantly higher in the women with OHSS than in the control groups. However, the mean plasma levels of sICAM-1 were comparable. A positive correlation was demonstrated between the levels of sVCAM-1 and plasma E 2 at the time of hCG administration and between the levels of sICAM-1 and number of ova retrieved. Conclusion(s): Our findings suggest that soluble cell adhesion molecules may have a role in the pathogenesis and progression of OHSS.