Shared Molecular Features Linking Endometriosis and Obstetric Complications

Histopathologic characteristics of term placentas in singleton pregnancies in women with endometriosis-related infertility after ART treatment: case-control study

OBJECTIVES

Endometriosis is one of the leading causes of infertility, due to negative impact on ovarian folliculogenesis and endometrial receptivity. Literature show that endometriosis could be associated with perinatal complications such as preterm birth (PTB) and preeclampsia (PE). Authors hypothesized that women with endometriosis-related infertility conceived by assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment have higher frequency of placental disorders. Main outcome is the occurrence of histopathologic alterations of term placentas in singleton pregnancies of women with endometriosis conceived by ART treatment, compared to healthy women with infertility due to male factor (MF) conceived by ART and to healthy women with spontaneous pregnancies. Secondary outcome include the occurrence of perinatal complications and the relationship of endometriosis and placental histopathologic characteristics.

METHODS

Single-center, case-control study of term placentas that were collected within Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of University Hospital Center (UHC) Split and analyzed in the Pathology department of the same hospital, by one senior perinatal pathologist. Histopathologic analysis was reported using Amsterdam Placental Workshop Group Consensus. All the noted placental lesions were divided into following categories: anatomic, inflammatory, villous maturation and vascular malperfusion disorders. Required sample size was 80 placentas, and study results were reported with descriptives, and analyzed with chi-squared, Fisher's exact test and Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA. Multivariate regression analysis was carried with adjustment for confounding factors. Ethics approval: Class n. 520-03/24-01/83.

RESULTS

Study included term placentas of 107 women, of which 36 were women with endometriosis conceived by ART, 31 were healthy women with MF infertility conceived by ART and 40 healthy women with spontaneous pregnancies. Endometriosis women were predominantly primiparas, with longer infertility duration. Endometriosis group had higher occurrence of early pregnancy bleeding and imminent preterm labor. Endometriosis and MF groups had higher occurrence of Cesarian delivery (CS), while endometriosis group had newborns with lowest birthweight. Endometriosis group had shorter placental cords (PC), higher rates of increased syncytial knotting and vascular malperfusion disorders (subchorionic and perivillous fibrin, intervillous thrombosis, high grade fetal vascular malperfusion). Finally, endometriosis is showed to be associated with increased syncytial knots' formation and PC hypercoiling, after adjustment for confounding factors in the multivariate regression analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite low rates of perinatal complications, we report endometriosis to have higher occurrence of increased syncytial knotting and vascular malperfusion placental disorders, compared to control groups. Endometriosis is also associated with increased syncytial knotting and PC hypercoiling. Further studies are needed to elucidate the endometriosis impact on endometrial receptivity and immunopathogenesis in placental disorders and perinatal complications.HighlightsEndometriosis women were predominantly primiparas, with longer infertility duration.Endometriosis group had higher occurrence of early pregnancy bleeding and imminent preterm labor. Moreover, endometriosis and MF groups had higher occurrence of Cesarian delivery, while endometriosis group had newborns with lowest birthweight.Endometriosis group had shorter placental cords, higher rates of increased syncytial knotting and vascular malperfusion lesions.Endometriosis is showed to be associated with increased syncytial knots formation and hypercoiling of placental cord, after adjustment for confounding factor.

Endometriosis, pregnancy and delivery complications: Evidence from the US nationwide inpatient sample 2005-2018

OBJECTIVE

Endometriosis is associated with higher risk of ectopic pregnancy, premature delivery, miscarriage, and other adverse maternal and fetal complications. This study aimed to assess the impact of endometriosis on maternal and fetal outcomes of singleton pregnancies in a large nationally representative database.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This population-based, retrospective observational study extracted the data of women aged 20-49 years with singleton, spontaneously conceived pregnancies from the US Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from 2005 to 2018. Included subjects were divided into those with ICD codes for endometriosis and those without (non-endometriosis group). Data of maternal and fetal outcomes were compared between groups and analyzed using regression analysis.

RESULTS

After excluding 17,124 women who conceived with assisted reproductive technology (ART), 162,155 women with multiple pregnancies, and 27,847 with abnormal trend weight values (TRENDWT), a total of 8,584,269 women were eligible. After propensity score matching (PMS) case-control 1:4 by age, 45,560 remained (9112 (0.1%) with endometriosis, 36,448 without) and were included in the analysis. The mean age of women before matching was 28.7 years, and 30.5 years after matching. The most common comorbidity was chronic pulmonary disease (3.6%). Smoking frequency was higher in women with endometriosis compared to those without (4.8% vs. 2.4%). Multivariable analysis adjusted for confounders revealed that endometriosis was associated with significantly higher risk of maternal complications, including pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, antepartum hemorrhage, placenta previa, Cesarean delivery, post-partum hemorrhage, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), transfusion, hemoperitoneum, and hospital stays ≥6 days. For fetal outcomes, endometriosis was associated with higher risk of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), premature birth, birth defects and abortion.

CONCLUSION

Endometriosis during pregnancy is associated with maternal and fetal complications. Study findings may serve as a benchmark for expanding medical assistance for endometriosis-affected pregnant women.

Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome in Newborn of Mother with HELLP Syndrome/Preeclampsia: An Analysis of Literature and Case Report with Fetal Growth Restriction and Absence of CDKN1C Typical Pathogenic Genetic Variation

Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome (BWS) is an imprinting disorder, which manifests by overgrowth and predisposition to embryonal tumors. The evidence on the relationship between maternal complications such as HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count) and preeclampsia and the development of BWS in offspring is scarce. A comprehensive clinical evaluation, with genetic testing focused on screening for mutations in the CDKN1C gene, which is commonly associated with BWS, was conducted in a newborn diagnosed with BWS born to a mother with a history of preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome. The case study revealed typical clinical manifestations of BWS in the newborn, including hemihyperplasia, macroglossia, midfacial hypoplasia, omphalocele, and hypoglycemia. Surprisingly, the infant also exhibited fetal growth restriction, a finding less commonly observed in BWS cases. Genetic analysis, however, showed no mutations in the CDKN1C gene, which contrasts with the majority of BWS cases. This case report highlights the complex nature of BWS and its potential association with maternal complications such as preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome. The atypical presence of fetal growth restriction in the newborn and the absence of CDKN1C gene mutations have not been reported to date in BWS.

Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes Associated with Endometriosis and Its Influencing Factors

Aim

To investigate the adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with endometriosis and its influencing factors.

Methods

A total of 188 endometriosis patients who gave birth at our hospital between June 2018 and January 2021 were screened for eligibility and included in the research group, while a control group of 188 nonendometriosis women who delivered at our hospital during the same period were also included as healthy controls. Pregnancy outcomes were the key outcome measure, and the relationship between endometriosis and unfavorable pregnancy outcomes, as well as the influencing factors, were explored.

Results

There was no significant difference in the risk of adverse pregnancy events such as miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, and fetal death between the two groups (P > 0.05). The differences in hypertensive disorder in pregnancy, gestational diabetes, placental abruption, fetal growth restriction, and luteal support between the two groups also failed to reach the statistical standard (P > 0.05). The two groups significantly differed in terms of cesarean delivery, preterm delivery, and placenta previa (1.92 (95% CI 1.33-2.85), 2.43 (95% CI 1.05-5.58), and 4.51 (95% CI 1.23-16.50)) (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Endometriosis is an influential factor in adverse pregnancy outcomes and results in a high risk of preterm delivery, placenta previa, and cesarean delivery in patients. Mutual interactions exist among adverse pregnancy outcomes and thus require appropriate management.

A Lifelong Impact on Endometriosis: Pathophysiology and Pharmacological Treatment

Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with bothersome symptoms in premenopausal women and is complicated with long-term systemic impacts in the post-menopausal stage. It is generally defined by the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterine cavity, which causes menstrual disorders, chronic pelvic pain, and infertility. Endometriotic lesions can also spread and grow in extra-pelvic sites; the chronic inflammatory status can cause systemic effects, including metabolic disorder, immune dysregulation, and cardiovascular diseases. The uncertain etiologies of endometriosis and their diverse presentations limit the treatment efficacy. High recurrence risk and intolerable side effects result in poor compliance. Current studies for endometriosis have paid attention to the advances in hormonal, neurological, and immunological approaches to the pathophysiology and their potential pharmacological intervention. Here we provide an overview of the lifelong impacts of endometriosis and summarize the updated consensus on therapeutic strategies.

Increased risk of obstetric complications in patients with adenomyosis: A narrative literature review

Background

Reproductive-age women occasionally face the pathological condition of adenomyosis, which is often concurrent with endometriosis. It is believed that endometriosis and adenomyosis increases the risk of obstetric complications. Although new insights into the mechanism of obstetric complications due to endometriosis are emerging, there is little information on the etiology of adverse pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women with adenomyosis.

Methods

We performed a literature review focusing on the pathophysiological pathways of obstetric complications in women with adenomyosis using currently available basic and clinical studies. We used the internet search engines PubMed and Google Scholar to search for studies published between January 2000 and June 2021. We carefully read pertinent sections within each document to ensure relevancy.

Main findings

The prevalence of adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with adenomyosis is increased after adjusting for conceiving by assisted reproductive technology. Thus, adenomyosis emerges as a relevant factor associated with several obstetric complications such as preterm birth, preterm premature rupture of membranes, placental abruption, small for gestational age/fetal growth restriction, and preeclampsia.

Conclusion

It is plausible that the impact of adenomyosis on pregnancy outcomes is not always the same; rather it is dependent on the degree of uterine involvement and subtypes.

Obstetric Outcome After Surgical Treatment of Endometriosis: A Review of the Literature

A diagnosis of endometriosis is associated with increased risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes including placenta praevia and preterm birth. Some studies have also suggested associations with gestational hypertension, foetal growth restriction, gestational diabetes, perinatal death, and obstetric haemorrhage. This review aims to assess the impact of pre-pregnancy surgical treatment of endometriosis on future obstetric outcomes. A search of the Medline, Embase and PubMed electronic databases was performed to identify studies reporting pre-pregnancy surgery for endometriosis and subsequent pregnancy outcome compared to controls with unresected endometriosis. Three studies met the inclusion criteria. The studies were heterogenous in design, definition of study groups and outcome measures. All three studies were judged at critical risk of bias. Pre-pregnancy excision of endometriosis was associated with an increased risk of caesarean section in one of two studies, OR 1.72 (95% CI 1.59–1.86) and OR 1.79 (95% CI 0.69–4.64). Placenta praevia rates were also increased in one of two studies OR 2.83 (95% CI 0.56–12.31) and OR 2.04 (95% CI 1.66–2.52). One study found increased risks of preterm birth, small for gestational age, gestational hypertension, and antepartum and postpartum haemorrhage (all p &lt; 0.05) with pre-pregnancy excision of endometriosis. There is insufficient evidence examining the role of pre-pregnancy endometriosis surgery in ameliorating adverse pregnancy outcomes, and thus reliable conclusions cannot be drawn. Prospectively designed studies are needed to assess the relationship between surgical treatments for endometriosis and obstetric outcome and examine potential confounders such as comorbid adenomyosis and infertility.

Chinese herbal compound prescription for Endometriosis: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Endometriosis (EMT) is one of the common diseases of women of childbearing age. EMT destroys the anatomical structure of the pelvis, which leads to abnormal ovulation and endocrine abnormalities. It also affects embryo implantation and makes patients infertile. Recently, it is confirmed that Chinese medicine also have an excellent clinical efficacy on EMT. Compared with the conventional western medicine treatment, it effectively relieve pain and other concomitant symptoms.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The following databases will be searched for relevant information before July 2020: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and CNKI.

MAJOR RESULTS

the overall effective rate, VAS score.

SECONDARY OUTCOMES

blood serum estradiol (E2), progesterone (P), Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), adverse events. Data will be collected independently by 2 researchers, and the risk of bias in meta-analysis will be evaluated according to "Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions". All data analysis will be conducted using Review Manager V.5.3. and Stata V.12.0.

RESULTS

The curative effect and safety of Chinese herbal compound prescription treatment for EMT patients will be evaluated systematically.

CONCLUSION

The systematic review of this study will summarize the currently published evidence of Chinese herbal compound prescription treatment for EMT to further guide its promotion and application.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The private information from individuals will not be published. This systematic review also will not involve endangering participant rights. Ethical approval is not required. The results may be published in a peer-reviewed journal or disseminated in relevant conferences. OPEN SCIENCE FRAMEWORK (OSF) REGISTRATION NUMBER:: https://osf.io/p5nrk.