Study of Cabergoline for Prevention of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) in In Vito Fertilization Cycles and Derivation of OHSS Biomarkers

A Randomised Controlled Trial of Cabergoline Prophylaxis for Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome in IVF Cycles and Derivation of Biomarkers for OHSS.

Status

Completed

Phases

Phase 3

Study type

Interventional

Source

ClinicalTrials.gov

Registry ID

NCT01535859

Enrollment

Registered

2012-02-20

Start date

2012-04-30

Completion date

2016-06-30

Last updated

2018-08-07

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome

Brief summary

The purpose of this study is to determine whether cabergoline is effective in reducing the incidence and severity of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), especially for severe cases; and to derive biomarkers for the risk of developing OHSS.

Detailed description

Severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) occurs in up to 2% of in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) cycles, resulting in accumulation of fluid in peritoneal, pleural and pericardial cavities, haemo-concentration with resultant venous thromboembolic phenomena, reduced perfusion of vital organs, renal failure, acute respiratory failure, and even death. The long term aim is to develop a comprehensive strategy in reducing the incidence and severity of OHSS in in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) cycles. Our short term aim (2-3 years) is to test the ability of the dopamine receptor agonist cabergoline in reducing the incidence and severity of OHSS in high risk women undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) in fresh IVF cycles through a reduction in vasoactive cytokine levels, specifically in serum vascular-endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Specifically we will: 1. Conduct a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial in women at high risk of developing OHSS during a fresh COH-IVF cycle 2. Investigate the serum and follicular fluid levels for potential biomarkers of OHSS.

Interventions

DRUGCabergoline

Cabergoline in 0.5mg tablet. 1 tablet daily for 8 days.

DRUGPlacebo

1 tablet daily for 8 days.

Study design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Intervention model

PARALLEL

Primary purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

QUADRUPLE (Subject, Caregiver, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

FEMALE

Age

21 Years to 45 Years

Healthy volunteers

Inclusion criteria

* Patients with more than 20 oocytes collected after COH in both gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist and antagonist cycles

Exclusion criteria

* Patients with allergy to dopamine agonists * Patients who undergo in-vitro maturation cycles * Patients where GnRH analogues have been used to trigger oocyte maturation in antagonist cycles

Design outcomes

Primary

Measure	Time frame
The development of moderate or severe OHSS necessitating admission for management of OHSS.	Within 2 weeks after hCG trigger

Secondary

Measure	Time frame
The need for abdominal or pleural tap	Within 3 weeks after hCG trigger
Other complications of OHSS (venous thromboembolism, cardiac failure, renal failure, acute respiratory failure, pulmonary oedema and coma)	Within 3 weeks after hCG trigger
Admission into intensive care	Within 3 weeks after hCG trigger
Examination of potential biomarkers for OHSS	1-2 years

Countries

Singapore

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026