Elevated levels of interleukin-2, soluble interleukin-2 receptor alpha, interleukin-6, soluble interleukin-6 receptor and vascular endothelial growth factor in serum and ascitic fluid of patients with severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.

Objective: To investigate the possible role of vascular endothelial growth factor, interleukin-2, soluble interleukin-2 receptor alpha, interleukin-6 and soluble interleukin-6 receptor in the pathogenesis of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.

Study Design: The study group consisted of 10 healthy women who developed severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, group A (n=10), following ovarian stimulation by long GnRHa/hMG protocol for IVF. A control group B=10 patients underwent stimulation with the same protocol and did not develop OHSS.

Second-trimester termination of pregnancy by extra-amniotic prostaglandin F2alpha or endocervical misoprostol. A comparative study.

Background: To compare the efficacy and side effects of extra-amniotic prostaglandin F2alpha with intracervical misoprostol for midtrimester termination of pregnancy

Methods: Forty women were randomized to receive either intracervical misoprostol or extra-amniotic prostaglandin F2alpha for termination of pregnancy for congenital abnormalities or intrauterine fetal death. Induction-abortion interval and the incidence of side effects were analyzed for both groups.

Results: All women in the PGF2alpha group; aborted within 28 hours, 16 (80%) of which aborted within 20 hours.