Effect of paracentesis of ascitic fluids on urinary output and blood indices in patients with severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome

Objective: To determine the isolated effect of abdominal paracentesis of ascitic fluid in women with severe OHSS on urine production and blood indices. Design: Retrospective interventional study. Setting: Gynecology department at the Lis Maternity Hospital, affiliated to Tel Aviv University. Patient(s): Thirty women with severe OHSS. Intervention(s): Abdominal paracentesis according to clinical indications. Main Outcome Measure(s): Urinary output, blood urea nitrogen, as well as a complete blood count were measured before and following the procedure. Result(s): Urinary output increased from 1890 ± 128 mL per 24 hours on the day before paracentesis to 2,660 ± 226 mL per 24 hours after the procedure. Blood urea nitrogen values were 8.9 ± 0.56 mg/dL and 7.8 ± 0.53 mg/dL on the days before and after paracentesis, respectively. White blood cell count decreased from 15.4 ± 1.1 (× 10³ cells/mm³) on the days before the paracentesis to 13.3 ± 0.9 (× 10³ cells/mm³) after the procedure. Hematocrit was reduced significantly from 35.2 ± 1.0% before the paracentesis to 33.4 ± 0.8% after paracentesis. Conclusion(s): Paracentesis of ascitic fluids in women with severe OHSS has an isolated effect in improving renal function, as is evident by the increased urinary output and reduced blood urea nitrogen.