The effects of bromocriptine on VEGF, kidney function and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in in vitro fertilization patients: a pilot study

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of bromocriptine on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels in serum, kidney function and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in women undergoing in vitro fertilization. Twenty-eight women were randomly divided into two groups and were administered daily oral capsules for 14 days, starting on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration. Group A received 2.0 mg of folic acid, whereas Group B was given 2.5 mg of bromocriptine. Physical exams, pelvic ultrasounds and laboratory evaluations were performed on the day of hCG administration and again 7 days later. No differences in ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, urine volume, creatinine clearance, urine sodium concentration or serum VEGF levels were found between the two groups. Thus, these results indicate that bromocriptine does not affect blood levels of VEGF, kidney function or the incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in high-risk patients subjected to in vitro fertilization.