Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Earl Howe on 16 February (WA 170), why there was a greater number of IVF treatment cycles cancelled due to ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome at centre 0076 compared to centre 0017; and to what extent either centre might have been responsible for related data published in the journal Human Fertility (volume 10, issue 3, pages 183–7).
Answer
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) has advised that it does not hold information on the reason for a particular number of eggs being collected during an in vitro fertilisation treatment cycle. The treatment of individual patients is a matter for the judgment of the clinician or clinical team providing the treatment. The prescription of fertility drugs and ovarian stimulation are not licensable activities under the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990, as amended. The HFEA has advised that, with respect to the licensed centres referred to, no specific discussions have been held. The HFEA has also advised that because cases of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) can occur in connection with licensed fertility treatment, it requires licensed centres to have documented procedures for the management of OHSS, which may be reviewed on inspection. It refers clinics to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists’ guidance on the management of OHSS and monitors reports of incidents involving OHSS. With regard to the origin of the data reported in the study published in Human Fertility, the HFEA has advised that it has nothing further to add to the information given to the noble Lord in my Written Answer of 3 December 2010 (Official Report, cols. WA 492-3).