Question
asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by Lord Darzi of Denham on 22 October (WA 109–10), whether the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority considers ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome to be a serious condition; and, if so, whether or not comparing the relevant figures has an impact on the interests of women providing eggs for research.
Answer
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) has informed me that it considers ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) to be a serious complication following stimulation of the ovaries with gonadotrophin drugs. It is because the HFEA has regard to the interests of women that it commissioned Professor Adam Balen to update his report on OHSS, as referred to in my Written Answer of 22 July 2008 (WA 246). The report compares the HFEA record of perceived risk of OHSS with larger data sets from across Europe. Therefore, as outlined in my Written Answer of 22 October 2008 (WA 109-110), the HFEA is of the view that there would be minimal value in assessing national data on perceived risk against the actual incidence of OHSS in one fertility centre, as reported in Human Fertility (vol.10, issue 3, pages 183-87).