Reduced Intellectual Ability in Offspring of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome: A Cohort Study

Background: Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), a complication of ovarian stimulation, has various adverse effects on both pregnantwomen and their offspring. However, whether OHSS will affect intellectual ability in offspring is still unknown. Methods: We recruited 86 Chinese children born to OHSS women and 172 children conceived with non-OHSS In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) in this cohort study. Their intellectual ability was assessed according to the Revised Chinese Version of theWechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (C-WISC). Verbal Intelligence Quotient (VIQ), Performance Intelligence Quotient (PIQ), and Full Intelligence Quotient (FIQ) were calculated. The investigation was registered in Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR-SOC-16009555). Findings: OHSS offspring scored less on C-WISC (mean (standard deviation [ SD]): (VIQ = 92.7 (14.7), PIQ = 108.9 (13.1), FIQ = 100.6 (13.4)) compared with non-OHSS IVF offspring (VIQ = 100.1 (13.2), PIQ = 113.7 (10.8), FIQ= 107.4 (11.5)). The prevalence of lowIQ (<80) childrenwas 4.7 times higher inOHSS offspring compared with non-OHSS offspring. Maternal estradiol level on hCG administration day was negatively associated with FIQ in offspring. Interpretation: OHSS offspring displayed reduced intellectual ability. Prenatal estradiol exposure might be involved in underlying mechanism. (C) 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license.