Randomized trial of combined cabergoline and coasting in preventing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome during in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles

Objective To assess the efficacy of coasting alone, cabergoline alone, or combining both interventions for preventing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome ( OHSS ) among high‐risk patients undergoing in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection ( IVF / ICSI ) treatment cycles. Methods The present randomized controlled trial was conducted at the IVF unit of a university hospital in Cairo between October 28, 2013, and July 31, 2015. Patients undergoing IVF / ICSI considered at risk of OHSS were randomly allocated to coasting, cabergoline, or combined coasting and cabergoline. The primary outcome was the rate and degree of symptomatically assessed OHSS . Data were analyzed on a per‐protocol basis. Results There were 100 patients recruited to each group. The occurrence of early OHSS was lowest in the combination group compared with the other groups ( P= 0.002). Conclusion Combining coasting and cabergoline was associated with a lower OHSS rate compared with either therapy alone. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01984320