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Bui BN, Lensen SF, Gibreel A, Martins WP, Torrance H, Broekmans FJ. Endometrial injury for pregnancy following sexual intercourse or intrauterine insemination. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2022; 10:CD011424. [PMID: 36278845 PMCID: PMC9590232 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd011424.pub4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intentional endometrial injury is being proposed as a technique to improve the probability of pregnancy in women undergoing assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF). Endometrial injury is often performed by pipelle biopsy and is a common gynaecological procedure with established safety. However, it causes a moderate degree of discomfort/pain and requires an additional pelvic examination. The effectiveness of this procedure outside of ART, in women or couples attempting to conceive via sexual intercourse or with intrauterine insemination (IUI), remains unclear. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness and safety of intentional endometrial injury performed in infertile women or couples attempting to conceive through sexual intercourse or intrauterine insemination (IUI). SEARCH METHODS The Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Group Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, LILACS, ISI Web of Knowledge, and clinical trial registries were searched from inception to 21 May 2020, as were conference abstracts and reference lists of relevant reviews and included studies. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated any kind of intentional endometrial injury in women planning to undergo IUI or attempting to conceive spontaneously (with or without ovarian stimulation (OS)) compared to no intervention, a mock intervention, or intentional endometrial injury performed at a different time. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard methodological procedures recommended by Cochrane. Primary outcomes were live birth/ongoing pregnancy and pain experienced during the procedure. Due to high risk of bias associated with many of the studies, primary analyses of all review outcomes were restricted to studies at low risk of bias. Sensitivity analysis including all studies was then performed. MAIN RESULTS We included 22 RCTs (3703 women). Most of these studies included women with unexplained infertility. Intentional endometrial injury versus either no intervention or a sham procedure The primary analysis was restricted to studies at low risk of bias, which left only one study included. We are uncertain whether endometrial injury has an effect on the probability of live birth, as only one study is included in the analysis and the confidence interval is wide (risk ratio (RR) 1.11, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.78 to 1.59; 1 RCT, 210 participants). Evidence suggests that if the chance of live birth with no intervention/a sham procedure is assumed to be 34%, then the chance with endometrial injury would be 27% to 55%. When all studies were included in the sensitivity analysis, we were uncertain whether endometrial injury improves live birth/ongoing pregnancy, as the evidence was of very low quality (RR 1.71, 95% CI 1.32 to 2.21; 8 RCTs, 1522 participants; I² = 16%). Evidence suggests that if the chance of live birth/ongoing pregnancy with no intervention/a sham procedure is assumed to be 13%, then the chance with endometrial injury would be 17% to 28%. A narrative synthesis conducted for the other primary outcome of pain during the procedure included studies measuring pain on a zero-to-ten visual analogue scale (VAS) or grading pain as mild/moderate/severe, and showed that most often mild to moderate pain was reported (6 RCTs, 911 participants; very low-quality evidence). Timing of intentional endometrial injury Four trials compared endometrial injury performed in the cycle before IUI to that performed in the same cycle as IUI. None of these studies reported the primary outcomes of live birth/ongoing pregnancy and pain during the procedure. One study compared endometrial injury in the early follicular phase (EFP; Day 2 to 4) to endometrial injury in the late follicular phase (LFP; Day 7 to 9), both in the same cycle as IUI. The primary outcome live birth/ongoing pregnancy was not reported, but the study did report the other primary outcome of pain during the procedure assessed by a zero-to-ten VAS. The average pain score was 3.67 (standard deviation (SD) 0.7) when endometrial injury was performed in the EFP and 3.84 (SD 0.96) when endometrial injury was performed in the LFP. The mean difference was -0.17, suggesting that on average, women undergoing endometrial injury in the EFP scored 0.17 points lower on the VAS as compared to women undergoing endometrial injury in the LFP (95% CI -0.48 to 0.14; 1 RCT, 110 participants; very low-quality evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Evidence is insufficient to show whether there is a difference in live birth/ongoing pregnancy between endometrial injury and no intervention/a sham procedure in women undergoing IUI or attempting to conceive via sexual intercourse. The pooled results should be interpreted with caution, as the evidence was of low to very low quality due to high risk of bias present in most included studies and an overall low level of precision. Furthermore, studies investigating the effect of timing of endometrial injury did not report the outcome live birth/ongoing pregnancy; therefore no conclusions could be drawn for this outcome. Further well-conducted RCTs that recruit large numbers of participants and minimise bias are required to confirm or refute these findings. Current evidence is insufficient to support routine use of endometrial injury in women undergoing IUI or attempting to conceive via sexual intercourse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bich Ngoc Bui
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecology, University Medical Center, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Sarah F Lensen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ahmed Gibreel
- Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | | | - Helen Torrance
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecology, University Medical Center, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Frank J Broekmans
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecology, University Medical Center, Utrecht, Netherlands
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Oxycodone Alleviates Endometrial Injury via the TLR4/NF- κB Pathway. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:6153279. [PMID: 35310024 PMCID: PMC8933090 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6153279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Endometrial injury is a common female disease. This study was designed to illustrate the effects of oxycodone on mifepristone-induced human endometrial stromal cells (hEndoSCs) injury and delineate the underlying molecular mechanism. hEndoSCs were stimulated with mifepristone to generate the endometrial injury in vitro model. hEndoSCs viability, cytotoxicity, and apoptosis were measured by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay, lactate dehydrogenase assay (LDH), and flow cytometry (FCM) analysis, respectively. Meanwhile, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot assay were conducted to evaluate gene and protein expressions. The secretions of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The data revealed that mifepristone exposure memorably inhibited hEndoSCs viability and promoted cell apoptosis and inflammatory cytokines secretion, and oxycodone had no cytotoxicity on hEndoSCs. Oxycodone increased hEndoSCs growth, blocked cell apoptosis, enhanced Bcl-2 expression, reduced Bax levels, and decreased the secretion of inflammatory cytokines in mifepristone-induced hEndoSCs, exhibiting the protective effects in endometrial injury. In addition, the TLR4/NF-κB pathway-related protein levels (TLR4 and p-p65) in mifepristone-treated hEndoSCs were enhanced, while these enhancements were inhibited by oxycodone treatment. In conclusion, oxycodone exhibited the protective role in mifepristone-triggered endometrial injury via inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB signal pathway.
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Glanville EJ, Wilkinson J, Sadler L, Wong TY, Acharya S, Aziz N, Clarke F, Das S, Dawson J, Hammond B, Jayaprakasan K, Milner M, Shankaralingaiah N, Farquhar C, Lensen S. A randomized trial of endometrial scratching in women with PCOS undergoing ovulation induction cycles. Reprod Biomed Online 2022; 44:316-323. [PMID: 34893436 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2021.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Does endometrial scratching improve the chance of a live birth in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) undergoing ovulation induction and trying to conceive? DESIGN An international, multicentre, randomized, sham-controlled trial across six fertility clinics in three countries (New Zealand, UK and Brazil). Women with a diagnosis of PCOS who were planning to commence ovulation induction cycles (at least three cycles) in order to conceive were randomly assigned to receive the pipelle (scratch) procedure or a sham (placebo) procedure in the first cycle of ovulation induction. Women kept a diary of ovulation induction and sexual intercourse timing over three consecutive cycles and pregnancies were followed up to live birth. Primary outcome was live birth and secondary outcomes were clinical pregnancy, ongoing pregnancy, multiple pregnancy, adverse pregnancy outcomes, neonatal outcomes, bleeding following procedure and pain score following procedure. RESULTS A total of 117 women were randomized; 58 to the scratch group and 59 to the sham group. Live birth occurred in 11 (19%) women in the scratch group and 14 (24%) in the sham group (odds ratio 0.76, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.30-1.92). Secondary outcomes were similar in each group. Significantly higher pain scores were reported in the scratch group (adjusted mean difference 3.2, 95% CI 2.5-3.9) when measured on a visual analogue scale. CONCLUSION No difference was detected in live birth rate for women with PCOS who received an endometrial scratch when trying to conceive using ovulation induction; however, uncertainty remains due to the small sample size in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jack Wilkinson
- Centre for Biostatistics, Division of Population Health, Health Services Research, and Primary Care, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Lynn Sadler
- Department of Women's Health, Auckland District Health Board, Private Bag 92024, Auckland Mail Centre, Auckland 1142, New Zealand; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland Mail Centre, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Tze Yoong Wong
- Fertility Plus, National Women's Hospital Auckland, New Zealand; Repromed, 105 Remuera Road, Auckland 1050, New Zealand
| | - Santanu Acharya
- Ayrshire Fertility Unit, University Hospital Crosshouse, Ayrshire and Arran, Kilmarnock KA2 0BE, UK
| | - Nabil Aziz
- Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust, Crown Street, Liverpool L8 7SS, UK
| | - Fiona Clarke
- East Lancashire NHS Teaching Hospitals Trust, Burnley General Hospital, Burnley Lancashire BB10 2PQ, UK
| | - Sangeeta Das
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, Bolton Lancashire BL4 0JR, UK
| | - Jeanette Dawson
- Derby Fertility Unit, Royal Derby Hospital, Derby DE22 8NE, UK
| | - Bev Hammond
- East Lancashire NHS Teaching Hospitals Trust, Burnley General Hospital, Burnley Lancashire BB10 2PQ, UK
| | | | - Matthew Milner
- East Lancashire NHS Teaching Hospitals Trust, Burnley General Hospital, Burnley Lancashire BB10 2PQ, UK
| | - Nethra Shankaralingaiah
- East Lancashire NHS Teaching Hospitals Trust, Burnley General Hospital, Burnley Lancashire BB10 2PQ, UK
| | - Cynthia Farquhar
- Fertility Plus, National Women's Hospital Auckland, New Zealand; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland Mail Centre, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Sarah Lensen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland Mail Centre, Auckland 1142, New Zealand; Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Women's Hospital, University of Melbourne Melbourne, Australia
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Morrell JM, Rocha A. A Novel Approach to Minimising Acute Equine Endometritis That May Help to Prevent the Development of the Chronic State. Front Vet Sci 2022; 8:799619. [PMID: 35071389 PMCID: PMC8770823 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.799619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the most commonly encountered challenges in equine breeding is endometritis, which can be difficult to resolve and causes considerable economic losses to the industry. It is a multifactorial condition, developing as an exaggerated form of the normal physiological response to breeding. Seminal plasma proteins, spermatozoa, bacteria and debris initiate an inflammatory response; the resulting fluid and neutrophils are then cleared from the uterus along with the debris. However, in some mares, the response is prolonged or exaggerated, with much fluid formation and neutrophil infiltration leading to acute endometritis. A bacterial cause has been implicated, although in some cases no pathogenic organisms can be isolated on culture. It has been postulated that any one of a variety of bacteria could be involved, or dysbiosis of the uterine microbiome could be responsible. Repeated episodes of acute endometritis may lead to the pathology associated with chronic endometritis, with mucociliary dysfunction, vascular degeneration and plasma cell infiltration. This review examines the information that is currently available about equine endometritis, particularly about the role of the inseminate in the uterus, and its current treatment. There are some promising lines of research into treatment or prevention that may help to resolve the issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Morrell
- Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - A Rocha
- Department of Immuno-Physiology and Pharmacology, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Centro de Estudos de Ciência Animal, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Metwally M, Walters S, Chatters R. The Current Role of Induced Endometrial Trauma (Endometrial Scratch) in Women Undergoing Infertility Treatment. Semin Reprod Med 2021; 39:e1-e4. [PMID: 34781399 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1739162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Induced endometrial trauma, otherwise known as endometrial scratch is a simple technique that has been rapidly adopted into clinical practice, mainly for women having IVF treatment, in an attempt to increase pregnancy rates. The introduction of endometrial scratch followed early reports of improved clinical pregnancy rates in women with repetitive implantation failure after having the procedure and follows on from evidence from animal models in the early 20th century suggesting that mechanical trauma to the endometrium can induce decidual changes. Due to the ease and low cost of the procedure, it has been rapidly adopted as an add-on to fertility treatments, in many cases where evidence is still lacking. Despite the initial publication of a large number of studies that demonstrated encouraging improvements in pregnancy rates in women who underwent this procedure, these studies were mainly limited by the small sample sizes and heterogeneity of their study populations, leading to limited validity of the evidence provided by these studies. More recently, three large randomized controlled studies have been published that paint a different picture regarding the value of this procedure. This article explores the evolution of the evidence and the current state of endometrial scratch as an adjuvant therapy for women undergoing IVF treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mostafa Metwally
- The Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, The University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen Walters
- The Clinical Trials Research Unit, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Robin Chatters
- The Clinical Trials Research Unit, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
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Bui BN, Lensen SF, Gibreel A, Martins WP, Torrance H, Broekmans FJ. Endometrial injury for pregnancy following sexual intercourse or intrauterine insemination. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2021; 3:CD011424. [PMID: 33734431 PMCID: PMC8094383 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd011424.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intentional endometrial injury is being proposed as a technique to improve the probability of pregnancy in women undergoing assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF). Endometrial injury is often performed by pipelle biopsy and is a common gynaecological procedure with established safety. However, it causes a moderate degree of discomfort/pain and requires an additional pelvic examination. The effectiveness of this procedure outside of ART, in women or couples attempting to conceive via sexual intercourse or with intrauterine insemination (IUI), remains unclear. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness and safety of intentional endometrial injury performed in infertile women or couples attempting to conceive through sexual intercourse or intrauterine insemination (IUI). SEARCH METHODS The Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Group Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, LILACS, ISI Web of Knowledge, and clinical trial registries were searched from inception to 21 May 2020, as were conference abstracts and reference lists of relevant reviews and included studies. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated any kind of intentional endometrial injury in women planning to undergo IUI or attempting to conceive spontaneously (with or without ovarian stimulation (OS)) compared to no intervention, a mock intervention, or intentional endometrial injury performed at a different time or to a higher/lower degree. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard methodological procedures recommended by Cochrane. Primary outcomes were live birth/ongoing pregnancy and pain experienced during the procedure. Due to high risk of bias associated with many of the studies, primary analyses of all review outcomes were restricted to studies at low risk of bias. Sensitivity analysis including all studies was then performed. MAIN RESULTS We included 23 RCTs (4035 women). Most of these studies included women with unexplained infertility. Intentional endometrial injury versus either no intervention or a sham procedure The primary analysis was restricted to studies at low risk of bias, which left only one study included. We are uncertain whether endometrial injury has an effect on the probability of live birth, as only one study is included in the analysis and the confidence interval is wide (risk ratio (RR) 1.11, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.78 to 1.59; 1 RCT, 210 participants). Evidence suggests that if the chance of live birth with no intervention/a sham procedure is assumed to be 34%, then the chance with endometrial injury would be 27% to 55%. When all studies were included in the sensitivity analysis, we were uncertain whether endometrial injury improves live birth/ongoing pregnancy, as the evidence was of very low quality (RR 1.71, 95% CI 1.32 to 2.21; 8 RCTs, 1522 participants; I² = 16%). Evidence suggests that if the chance of live birth/ongoing pregnancy with no intervention/a sham procedure is assumed to be 13%, then the chance with endometrial injury would be 17% to 28%. A narrative synthesis conducted for the other primary outcome of pain during the procedure included studies measuring pain on a zero-to-ten visual analogue scale (VAS) or grading pain as mild/moderate/severe, and showed that most often mild to moderate pain was reported (6 RCTs, 911 participants; very low-quality evidence). Higher versus lower degree of intentional endometrial injury Evidence was insufficient to show whether there is a difference in ongoing pregnancy rates (RR 1.29, 95% CI 0.71 to 2.35; 1 RCT, 332 participants; low-quality evidence) between hysteroscopy with endometrial injury and hysteroscopy alone. Evidence suggests that if the chance of ongoing pregnancy with hysteroscopy alone is 10%, then the chance with hysteroscopy with endometrial injury would be 7% to 24%. This study did not report the primary outcomes of live birth and pain during the procedure. Timing of intentional endometrial injury Four trials compared endometrial injury performed in the cycle before IUI to that performed in the same cycle as IUI. None of these studies reported the primary outcomes of live birth/ongoing pregnancy and pain during the procedure. One study compared endometrial injury in the early follicular phase (EFP; Day 2 to 4) to endometrial injury in the late follicular phase (LFP; Day 7 to 9), both in the same cycle as IUI. The primary outcome live birth/ongoing pregnancy was not reported, but the study did report the other primary outcome of pain during the procedure assessed by a zero-to-ten VAS. The average pain score was 3.67 (standard deviation (SD) 0.7) when endometrial injury was performed in the EFP and 3.84 (SD 0.96) when endometrial injury was performed in the LFP. The mean difference was -0.17, suggesting that on average, women undergoing endometrial injury in the EFP scored 0.17 points lower on the VAS as compared to women undergoing endometrial injury in the LFP (95% CI -0.48 to 0.14; 1 RCT, 110 participants; very low-quality evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Evidence is insufficient to show whether there is a difference in live birth/ongoing pregnancy between endometrial injury and no intervention/a sham procedure in women undergoing IUI or attempting to conceive via sexual intercourse. The pooled results should be interpreted with caution, as the evidence was of low to very low quality due to high risk of bias present in most included studies and an overall low level of precision. Furthermore, studies investigating the effect of timing of endometrial injury did not report the outcome live birth/ongoing pregnancy; therefore no conclusions could be drawn for this outcome. Further well-conducted RCTs that recruit large numbers of participants and minimise bias are required to confirm or refute these findings. Current evidence is insufficient to support routine use of endometrial injury in women undergoing IUI or attempting to conceive via sexual intercourse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bich Ngoc Bui
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecology, University Medical Center, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Sarah F Lensen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ahmed Gibreel
- Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | | | - Helen Torrance
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecology, University Medical Center, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Frank J Broekmans
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecology, University Medical Center, Utrecht, Netherlands
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Maranhão KDS, Mariz MEGDSM, Araújo EADD, Souza GRD, Taveira KVM, Morais DB. Factors related to infertility in Brazil and their relationship with success rates after assisted reproduction treatment: an integrative review. JBRA Assist Reprod 2021; 25:136-149. [PMID: 32759095 PMCID: PMC7863087 DOI: 10.5935/1518-0557.20200051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
This integrative review evaluated the most commonly diagnosed causes of infertility in men and women in Brazil, as well as the medically assisted reproduction technologies regularly employed in these cases. We searched in four electronic databases (PubMed, including Medline; Scopus; Web of Science and LILACS), and two grey literature (Google Scholar and OpenGrey), guided by the focused question: "What are the main factors responsible for male and female infertility in Brazil, and what are its relationships with success rates after assisted reproduction treatment?". We included interventional or observational studies, without limitation by language or year of publication. Our searches in the electronic indexers recovered 1,119 articles, and after analyzing the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 27 articles composed the body of analysis for this review. We grouped the studies into four themes: factors responsible for male and female infertility, assisted reproductive technologies (ART) used in the infertility treatment, assisted reproduction procedures, and clinical predictors of success rates in ART. Despite the scarcity of studies analyzing the association between infertility and assisted reproductive technologies in Brazil, it was possible to infer that the most prevalent infertility cause in women was endometriosis, while in men it was azoospermia. The most widely assisted reproductive technology applied in the country is the intracytoplasmic injection of spermatozoa (ICSI), ensuring better success rates in the treatment of infertility for men and women.
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Izquierdo A, de la Fuente L, Spies K, Rayward J, López L, Lora D, Galindo A. Endometrial scratch vs no intervention in egg donation cycles: the ENDOSCRATCH trial protocol. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2020; 20:333. [PMID: 32473654 PMCID: PMC7260784 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-020-02958-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The effects of endometrial scratching (ES) on embryo implantation have been studied for many years. Several studies have shown better outcomes when performed on patients undergoing intrauterine insemination and in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles, but many other reports have not been able to find these differences. As far as cycles with donor eggs are concerned, reported evidence is scarce. Our aim in this trial is to determine if ES is useful for those patients undergoing IVF cycles with donor eggs, in order to assure a greater homogeneity in embryo quality and endometrial preparation. Methods This single centre randomized controlled trial will include patients undergoing an egg donation cycle, meeting the inclusion criteria and who accept to participate in the study. Once informed consent is signed, patients will be randomly allocated to the study arm (group A) and then receive ES in the luteal phase of the cycle prior to embryo transfer, or the control arm (group B) without any intervention. All cycle data will be collected and analyzed to obtain the clinical pregnancy and the live birth rates in the two groups. Discussion Several studies have tried to determine the effectiveness of an ES in IVF cycles, but it is still unclear due to the heterogeneity of these reports. The aim of this study is to determine if there are differences in clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate in egg donor cycles, when comparing an ES performed in the preceding luteal phase versus no intervention, given that embryo quality and endometrial preparation protocols will be comparable. Trial registration Ethical approval of version 2.0 of this trial was obtained on the 13th January 2017. It was retrospectively registered on the 5th April 2017 as the ENDOSCRATCH Trial (NCT03108157) in ClinicalTrials.gov.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura de la Fuente
- Human Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | - David Lora
- Clinical Research Unit (imas12-CIBERESP). University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alberto Galindo
- Fetal Medicine Unit - Maternal and Child Health and Development Network (Red SAMID-RD12/0026/0016). Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. University Hospital 12 de Octubre. 12 de Octubre Research Institute (imas12), Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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Li W, Suke S, Wertaschnigg D, Lensen S, Wang R, Gurrin L, Mol BW. Randomised controlled trials evaluating endometrial scratching: assessment of methodological issues. Hum Reprod 2019; 34:2372-2380. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractSTUDY QUESTIONDo randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating endometrial scratching suffer from methodological issues including insufficient trial registration, statistical errors or irreproducibility, randomisation errors or miscellaneous issues?SUMMARY ANSWERThe majority of RCTs investigating endometrial scratching have methodological issues.WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADYA large number of small RCTs investigating the effectiveness of endometrial scratching prior to in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI)/intercourse have reported favourable findings. Subsequently, systematic reviews incorporating these RCTs yielded meta-analyses in favour of endometrial scratching. Endometrial scratching has been widely adopted by infertility specialists around the world. Recently, an international RCT including 1364 women reported no benefit from endometrial scratching before IVF.STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATIONWe evaluated several methodological issues of RCTs investigating the effectiveness of endometrial scratching prior to IVF and IUI/intercourse. We identified 25 RCTs for IVF and 12 RCTs for IUI/intercourse with full-text publication.PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODSWe assessed the RCTs on the following criteria: adequacy of trial registration, statistical issues (description of statistical methods and reproducibility of univariable statistical analysis), excessive similarity or difference in baseline characteristics that is not compatible with chance (Monte Carlo simulations and Kolmogorov–Smirnov test) and miscellaneous methodological issues.MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCEOf 25 RCTs evaluating endometrial scratching prior to IVF, only eight (32%) had adequate trial registration. In total, 10 (40%) RCTs had issues regarding statistical methods. Nine (69%, 13 applicable) RCTs had at least one inconsistency between reported and reproduced univariable statistical analysis for categorical baseline/intermediate characteristics. Statistical results of at least one outcome were not reproducible in 14 (74%, 19 applicable) RCTs. Only two (8%) RCTs had none of the above issues. Suggested by the simulations, these RCTs did not significantly violate the null hypothesis that the baseline characteristics were the results of a properly conducted randomisation process (P = 0.4395).Of 12 IUI/intercourse RCTs, only 2 (17%) had adequate trial registration. In total, five (42%) studies had issues of statistical methods. Inconsistency between reported and reproduced univariable analysis for baseline/intermediate categorical variable(s) was found in four (57%, 7 applicable) RCTs. Statistical analysis was not reproducible for at least one outcome in eight (80%, 10 applicable) studies. All RCTs had at least one of the above issues. These RCTs were inconsistent with the null hypothesis that their baseline characteristics were the results of proper randomised allocation (P = 1.659*10−7).LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTIONWe were unable to assess RCTs which were not published as full-text papers. We could not analyse individual participant data to investigate possible reasons for statistical inconsistencies. The method to infer the likelihood of proper random sampling rests on assumptions including independent baseline characteristics, simple randomisation and no publication bias.WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGSThe methodological issues common to RCTs evaluating endometrial scratching may have biased the results of the trials. Further development and validation of these novel methods may be helpful for the critical appraisal of RCTs.STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)No external funding was sought to support this work. B.W.M. is supported by a National Health Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Practitioner Fellowship (GNT1082548). B.W.M. reports consultancy for ObsEva, Merck and Guerbet. D.W. is supported by a grant from the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Austria (PMU Research Fund—PMU FFF Number: L-18/02/006-WET) and by Drs Haackert Foundation, Germany. S.L. is an author of a trial included in this study, an author of an included systematic review and a Cochrane editor. All other authors have no conflicts of interest.TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERN/A
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Affiliation(s)
- Wentao Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Australia
| | - Sophie Suke
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Australia
| | - Dagmar Wertaschnigg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg 5020, Austria
| | - Sarah Lensen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Australia
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5006, Australia
| | - Lyle Gurrin
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3010, Australia
| | - Ben W Mol
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Australia
- Monash Women’s, Monash Health, Clayton 3168, Australia
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10
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Yakin K, Oktem O, Urman B. Intrauterine administration of peripheral mononuclear cells in recurrent implantation failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sci Rep 2019; 9:3897. [PMID: 30846784 PMCID: PMC6405957 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-40521-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been proposed that intrauterine administration of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) modulates maternal immune response through a cascade of cytokines, chemokines and growth factors to favor implantation. We conducted a meta-analysis to verify the effect of intrauterine PBMC administration on the outcome of embryo transfer in women with recurrent implantation failure (RIF). All relevant trials published in PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane library databases were searched. Two randomized controlled trials and three cohort studies (1173 patients in total) matched the inclusion criteria. No differences in live birth rates were seen between the PBMC-treated patients and controls (OR: 1.65, 95% CI: 0.84–3.25; p = 0.14; I2: 66.3%). The clinical pregnancy rate was significantly higher in women who received intrauterine PBMCs before embryo transfer compared with those who did not (OR: 1.65, 95% CI: 1.30–2.10; p = 0.001, heterogeneity; I2: 60.6%). Subgroup analyses revealed a significant increase in clinical pregnancy rates with the administration of PBMCs in women with ≥3 previous failures compared with controls (OR: 2.69, 95% CI: 1.53–4.72; p = 0.001, I2: 38.3%). In summary, the data did not demonstrate an association between the administration of PBMCs into the uterine cavity before fresh or frozen-thawed embryo transfer and live birth rates in women with RIF. Whether intrauterine PBMC administration significantly changes live birth and miscarriage rates requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayhan Yakin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Koc University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Ozgur Oktem
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Koc University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Bulent Urman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Koc University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
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11
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Bui BN, Torrance HL, Janssen C, Cohlen B, de Bruin JP, den Hartog JE, van der Linden PJQ, Deurloo KL, Maas JWM, van Oppenraaij R, Cantineau A, Lambalk CB, Visser H, Brinkhuis E, van Disseldorp J, Schoot BC, Lardenoije C, van Wely M, Eijkemans MJC, Broekmans FJM. Does endometrial scratching increase the rate of spontaneous conception in couples with unexplained infertility and a good prognosis (Hunault > 30%)? Study protocol of the SCRaTCH-OFO trial: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2018; 18:511. [PMID: 30594169 PMCID: PMC6311044 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-018-2160-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In the Netherlands, couples with unexplained infertility and a good prognosis to conceive spontaneously (i.e. Hunault > 30%) are advised to perform timed intercourse for at least another 6 months. If couples fail to conceive within this period, they will usually start assisted reproductive technology (ART). However, treatment of unexplained infertility by ART is empirical and can involve significant burdens. Intentional endometrial injury, also called ‘endometrial scratching’, has been proposed to positively affect the chance of embryo implantation in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). It might also be beneficial for couples with unexplained infertility as defective endometrial receptivity may play a role in these women. The primary aim of this study is to determine whether endometrial scratching increases live birth rates in women with unexplained infertility. Method A multicentre randomized controlled trial will be conducted in Dutch academic and non-academic hospitals starting from November 2017. A total of 792 women with unexplained infertility and a good prognosis for spontaneous conception < 12 months (Hunault > 30%) will be included, of whom half will undergo endometrial scratching in the luteal phase of the natural cycle. The women in the control group will not undergo endometrial scratching. According to Dutch guidelines, both groups will subsequently perform timed intercourse for at least 6 months. The primary endpoint is cumulative live birth rate. Secondary endpoints are clinical and ongoing pregnancy rate; miscarriage rate; biochemical pregnancy loss; multiple pregnancy rate; time to pregnancy; progression to intrauterine insemination (IUI) or IVF; pregnancy complications; complications of endometrial scratching; costs and endometrial tissue parameters associated with reproductive success or failure. The follow-up duration is 12 months. Discussion Several small studies show a possible beneficial effect of endometrial scratching in women with unexplained infertility trying to conceive naturally or through IUI. However, the quality of this evidence is very low, making it unclear whether these women will truly benefit from this procedure. The SCRaTCH-OFO trial aims to investigate the effect of endometrial scratching on live birth rate in women with unexplained infertility and a good prognosis for spontaneous conception < 12 months. Trial registration NTR6687, registered August 31st, 2017. Protocol version Version 2.6, November 14th, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- B N Bui
- University Medical Centre Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584, CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - H L Torrance
- University Medical Centre Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584, CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - C Janssen
- Groene Hart Hospital, Gouda, The Netherlands
| | - B Cohlen
- Isala Fertility Clinic, Zwolle, The Netherlands
| | - J P de Bruin
- Jeroen Bosch Hospital, 's-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands
| | - J E den Hartog
- Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - J W M Maas
- Máxima Medical Centre, Veldhoven, The Netherlands
| | | | - A Cantineau
- University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - C B Lambalk
- Vrije Universiteit Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - H Visser
- Tergooi Hospital, Hilversum, The Netherlands
| | - E Brinkhuis
- Meander Medical Centre, Amersfoort, The Netherlands
| | | | - B C Schoot
- Catharina Hospital, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | | | - M van Wely
- Dutch Consortium for Healthcare Evaluation and Research in Obstetrics and Gynecology - NVOG Consortium 2.0, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M J C Eijkemans
- University Medical Centre Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584, CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - F J M Broekmans
- University Medical Centre Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584, CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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12
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Gutarra‐Vilchez RB, Bonfill Cosp X, Glujovsky D, Viteri‐García A, Runzer‐Colmenares FM, Martinez‐Zapata MJ. Vasodilators for women undergoing fertility treatment. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2018; 10:CD010001. [PMID: 30312988 PMCID: PMC6517312 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd010001.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The rate of successful pregnancies brought to term has barely increased since the first assisted reproductive technology (ART) technique became available. Vasodilators have been proposed to increase endometrial receptivity, thicken the endometrium, and favour uterine relaxation, all of which could improve uterine receptivity and enhance the chances for successful assisted pregnancy. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of vasodilators in women undergoing fertility treatment. SEARCH METHODS We searched the following electronic databases, trial registers, and websites: the Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Group (CGF) Specialised Register of controlled trials, the Cochrane Central Register of of Controlled Trials, via the Cochrane Register of Studies Online (CRSO), MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Web of Knowledge, the Open System for Information on Grey Literature in Europe (OpenSIGLE), the Latin American and Caribbean Health Science Information Database (LILACS), clinical trial registries, and the reference lists of relevant articles. We conducted the search in October 2017 and applied no language restrictions. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing vasodilators alone or in combination with other treatments versus placebo or no treatment or versus other agents in women undergoing fertility treatment. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Four review authors independently selected studies, assessed risk of bias, extracted data, and calculated risk ratios (RRs). We combined study data using a fixed-effect model and assessed evidence quality using Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation Working Group (GRADE) methods. Our primary outcomes were live birth or ongoing pregnancy and vasodilator side effects. Secondary outcomes included clinical pregnancy, endometrial thickness, multiple pregnancy, miscarriage, and ectopic pregnancy. MAIN RESULTS We included 15 studies with a total of 1326 women. All included studies compared a vasodilator versus placebo or no treatment. We judged most of these studies as having unclear risk of bias. Overall, the quality of evidence was low to moderate for most outcomes. The main limitations were imprecision due to low numbers of events and participants and risk of bias due to unclear methods of randomisation.Vasodilators probably make little or no difference in rates of live birth compared with placebo or no treatment (RR 1.18, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.83 to 1.69; three RCTs; N = 350; I² = 0%; moderate-quality evidence) but probably increase overall rates of side effects including headache and tachycardia (RR 2.35, 95% CI 1.51 to 3.66; four RCTs; N = 418; I² = 0%; moderate-quality evidence). Evidence suggests that if 236 per 1000 women achieve live birth with placebo or no treatment, then between 196 and 398 per 1000 will do so with the use of vasodilators.Compared with placebo or no treatment, vasodilators may slightly improve clinical pregnancy rates (RR 1.45, 95% CI 1.19 to 1.77; 11 RCTs; N = 1054; I² = 6%; low-quality evidence). Vasodilators probably make little or no difference in rates of multiple gestation (RR 1.15, 95% CI 0.55 to 2.42; three RCTs; N = 370; I² = 0%; low-quality evidence), miscarriage (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.37 to 1.86; three RCTs; N = 350; I² = 0%; low-quality evidence), or ectopic pregnancy (RR 1.48, 95% CI 0.25 to 8.69; two RCTs; N = 250; I² = 5%; low-quality evidence). All studies found benefit for endometrial thickening, but reported effects varied (I² = 92%) and ranged from a mean difference of 0.80 higher (95% CI 0.18 to 1.42) to 3.57 higher (95% CI 3.01 to 4.13) with very low-quality evidence, so we are uncertain how to interpret these results. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Evidence was insufficient to show whether vasodilators increase the live birth rate in women undergoing fertility treatment. However, low-quality evidence suggests that vasodilators may slightly increase clinical pregnancy rates. Moderate-quality evidence shows that vasodilators increase overall side effects in comparison with placebo or no treatment. Adequately powered studies are needed so that each treatment can be evaluated more accurately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa B Gutarra‐Vilchez
- San Martin de Porres UniversityFaculty of Human MedicineAlameda del Corregidor N°1531, Urb. Los Sirius, Etapa III, La MolinaLimaPeru
| | - Xavier Bonfill Cosp
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP)Iberoamerican Cochrane Centre, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau)Sant Antoni Maria Claret 167Pavilion 18BarcelonaCatalunyaSpain08025
| | - Demián Glujovsky
- CEGYR (Centro de Estudios en Genética y Reproducción)Reproductive MedicineViamonte 1432,Buenos AiresArgentina
| | - Andres Viteri‐García
- Universidad Tecnológica EquinoccialCochrane Ecuador. Centro de Investigación en Salud Pública y Epidemiología Clínica (CISPEC). Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud Eugenio EspejoAvenida Mariana de Jesús y OccidentalQuitoPichinchaEcuador170527
| | - Fernando M. Runzer‐Colmenares
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de San Martín de PorresResearch InstituteAlameda del Corregidor Ave. 1531, Urb. Los Sirius, Las Viñas, La MolinaLimaLimaPeru12
| | - Maria José Martinez‐Zapata
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP)Iberoamerican Cochrane Centre, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau)Sant Antoni Maria Claret 167Pavilion 18BarcelonaCatalunyaSpain08025
- Equinoccial Technological UniversityCochrane Ecuador. Center for Research in Public Health and Clinical Epidemiology (CISPEC). Eugenio Espejo School of Health SciencesAvenida República de El Salvador 733 y Portugal Edificio Gabriela 3. Of. 403 Casilla Postal 17‐17‐525QuitoEcuador
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13
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Wadhwa L, Mishra M. Therapeutic Efficacy of Endometrial Scratching in Repeated Controlled Ovarian Stimulation (COS) Failure Cycles. J Hum Reprod Sci 2018; 11:59-71. [PMID: 29681718 PMCID: PMC5892106 DOI: 10.4103/jhrs.jhrs_130_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: The objective of the study was (1) “to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of endometrial scratching in repeated controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) failure cycles.” And (2) “to compare differences in pregnancy outcome by endometrial scratching in early (D2–D4) and late follicular phases (D7–D9) of the same stimulation cycle.” Materials and Methods: Women attending infertility clinic in a tertiary care center and who have two or more repeated COS failure cycles and planned for COS with intrauterine insemination (IUI) were included in the study which is a prospective parallel, interventional, single-blinded, randomized control study, in 1:1 allocation ratio. A total of 165 patients were recruited and randomly allocated into three groups: Group A (n = 55) underwent endometrial scratching on D2–D4 of the same COS cycle, Group B (n = 55) on D7–D9, and Group C (n = 55) no intervention done. All the patients underwent COS according to standard protocol followed by IUI. Results: Clinical pregnancy rate was 12.73% (odds ratio [OR] =0.87 95% confidence interval [CI] =0.288–2.55, P = 1), 16.36% (OR = 1.15; 95% CI = 0.40–3.23, P = 1), and 14.54%, respectively, in Group A, B, and C, respectively (P = 0.86), as per intention to treat analysis. Using Chi-square test, P value between Group A and B was 0.787, between Group A and C was 1.000, and between Group B and C was 1.000. As per protocol analysis, clinical pregnancy rate was 13.46% (OR = 0.83; 95% CI = 0.27–2.5, P = 0.74), 19.57% (OR = 1.3 95%; CI = 0.45–3.73, P = 0.41), and 15.69%. Using Chi-square test, Pvalue between Group A and B was 0.588, between Group A and C was 0.967, and between Group B and C was 0.815. No abortions and multiple pregnancies occurred in either of the groups. Conclusion: The effect found was of good quantum in Group B as per protocol analysis which could be of clinical relevance if larger sample size would have been taken. Endometrial scratching is a cost-effective and easy technique which may improve clinical pregnancy rates in previous COS failure cycles, but more trials are needed to be conducted using larger sample size to achieve the improved and significant outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leena Wadhwa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ESI-PGIMSR, Basaidarapur, New Delhi, India
| | - Mona Mishra
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ESI-PGIMSR, Basaidarapur, New Delhi, India
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14
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Endometriales Scratching. GYNAKOLOGISCHE ENDOKRINOLOGIE 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s10304-017-0152-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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15
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Senocak GC, Yapca OE, Borekci B. Comparison of pregnancy rates between patients with and without local endometrial scratching before intrauterine insemination. J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod 2017; 46:687-690. [PMID: 28964963 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2017.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Revised: 09/10/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the implantation success of local endometrial injury in patients undergoing intrauterine insemination following ovulation induction with gonadotropins as an infertility treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS In this prospective randomized controlled trial, ovulation induction was performed with gonadotropins in 80 patients following intrauterine insemination. In 40 patients, local endometrial injury (scratch) was performed in the midluteal phase of the cycle preceding ovarian stimulation with a Novak curette to the posterior side of the endometrial cavity. RESULTS Fifteen pregnancies (37.5%) and 11 clinical pregnancies (27.5%) occurred in the intervention group, whereas eight pregnancies (20%) and five clinical pregnancies (12.5%) occurred in the control group. Although the pregnancy rates and clinical pregnancy rates were increased in the intervention group, no statistically significant difference was found between the intervention and control groups (pregnancy rates: P=0.084; clinical pregnancy rates: P=0.094). CONCLUSION Performing local endometrial injury (scratch) in the cycle preceding ovulation induction in patients with a diagnosis of infertility and indication for intrauterine insemination increased the pregnancy and clinical pregnancy rates. This increase was not, however, statistically significant. More randomized, controlled, prospective studies with larger patient numbers are required before the use of iatrogenic induction of local endometrial injury can be recommended in routine clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- G C Senocak
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Ataturk University, 25040 Erzurum, Turkey.
| | - O E Yapca
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Ataturk University, 25040 Erzurum, Turkey.
| | - B Borekci
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Ataturk University, 25040 Erzurum, Turkey.
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16
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Ashrafi M, Tehraninejad ES, Haghiri M, Masomi M, Sadatmahalleh SJ, Arabipoor A. The effect of endometrial scratch injury on pregnancy outcome in women with previous intrauterine insemination failure: A randomized clinical trial. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2017; 43:1421-1427. [PMID: 28612975 DOI: 10.1111/jog.13401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2016] [Revised: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM Endometrial scratch injury (ESI) has been recently proposed to enhance the implantation rate in assisted reproductive technology cycles. The present study was conducted to determine the effect of ESI on pregnancy rate in women with intrauterine insemination (IUI) failure. METHODS This prospective randomized controlled study was carried out in Imam-Khomeini Hospital and Royan Institute, Tehran, during a 12-month period from January 2013 to January 2014. After assessment, 169 patients who had IUI failure twice or more (no chemical or clinical pregnancy) with normal uterine anatomy and hysterosalpingography, were enrolled. They were randomly assigned into two groups. In the experimental group, all patients underwent ESI at day 8 or 9 of stimulation phase in the present IUI cycle, whereas no intervention was performed on the control group. IUI outcome was then compared between the two groups. RESULTS A total of 150 patients completed the IUI cycle during the study. The chemical pregnancy rate was 10.7% and 2.7% in the experimental and control groups, respectively, without significant difference (P = 0.09). Also no significant differences were detected in terms of clinical pregnancy and miscarriage rates between the two groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS No significant beneficial effect of ESI on fertility outcome in patients with repeated IUI failure was detected when it was carried out on day 8 or 9 of the same IUI stimulation cycle. Also, however, no negative impact secondary to ESI was observed. Therefore, confirmation or refutation of this hypothesis requires further studies with a larger sample size. IRCT201507271141N19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahnaz Ashrafi
- Department of Endocrinology and Female Infertility, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.,Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran.,Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ensieh Shahrokh Tehraninejad
- Department of Endocrinology and Female Infertility, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.,Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran.,Vali-e-Asr Reproductive Health Research Center, Vali-e-Asr Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mansooreh Haghiri
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran.,Vali-e-Asr Reproductive Health Research Center, Vali-e-Asr Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Masomi
- Vali-e-Asr Reproductive Health Research Center, Vali-e-Asr Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Arezoo Arabipoor
- Department of Endocrinology and Female Infertility, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
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17
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Park HJ, Kim YS, Yoon TK, Lee WS. Chronic endometritis and infertility. Clin Exp Reprod Med 2016; 43:185-192. [PMID: 28090456 PMCID: PMC5234283 DOI: 10.5653/cerm.2016.43.4.185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2016] [Revised: 06/09/2016] [Accepted: 06/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic endometritis (CE) is a condition involving the breakdown of the peaceful co-existence between microorganisms and the host immune system in the endometrium. A majority of CE cases produce no noticeable signs or mild symptoms, and the prevalence rate of CE has been found to be approximately 10%. Gynecologists and pathologists often do not focus much clinical attention on CE due to the time-consuming microscopic examinations necessary to diagnose CE, its mild clinical manifestations, and the benign nature of the disease. However, the relationship between CE and infertility-related conditions such as repeated implantation failure and recurrent miscarriage has recently emerged as an area of inquiry. In this study, we reviewed the literature on the pathophysiology of CE and how it may be associated with infertility, as well as the literature regarding the diagnosis and treatment of CE. In addition, we discuss the value of hysteroscopic procedures in the diagnosis and treatment of CE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Jong Park
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fertility Center of CHA Gumi Medical Center, CHA University, Gumi, Korea
| | - You Shin Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fertility Center of CHA Gangnam Medical Center, CHA University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Tae Ki Yoon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fertility Center of CHA Gangnam Medical Center, CHA University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Woo Sik Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fertility Center of CHA Gangnam Medical Center, CHA University, Seoul, Korea
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