Comment: The quality of evidence is downgraded by study limitations (poor reporting of methods).
A Cochrane review included 16 studies (n=2091) assessing dopamine agonists in preventing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in assisted reproduction treatment. When compared with placebo or no intervention, dopamine agonists (cabergoline, quinagolide and bromocriptine) seemed effective in the prevention of moderate or severe OHSS (table ). There was no difference in live birth rate, clinical pregnancy rate, multiple pregnancy rate or miscarriage rate (table ).
| Outcome | Relative effect (95% CI) | Risk with placebo/no intervention | Risk with intervention / Dopamine agonist (95% CI) | No of women (trials) Quality of evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Incidence of moderate or severe OHSS | OR 0.27 (0.19 to 0.39) | 286 per 1000 | 97 per 1000 (71 to 135) | 1022 (8) Moderate |
| Live birth rate | OR 1.01 (0.53 to 1.91) | 509 per 1000 | 512 per 1000 (355 to 665) | 182 (1) Low |
| Clinical pregnancy rate | OR 0.81 (0.54 to 1.22) | 401 per 1000 | 352 per 1000 (266 to 450) | 432 (4) Moderate |
Date of latest search: 15 August 2016