Preoperative serum anti-Müllerian hormone level is a potential predictor of ovarian endometrioma severity and postoperative fertility

Endometriosis: recent advances that could accelerate diagnosis and improve care

Endometriosis is a common disorder associated with pain, gastrointestinal and urinary symptoms, infertility, and fatigue. It is defined by the presence of endometrial-like lesions found predominantly in the pelvis. Mechanisms that contribute to disease aetiology include changes in hormonal, inflammatory, and pain pathways. In this article, we focus on recent developments in imaging technologies, on our improved understanding of mechanisms contributing to infertility, on drug therapies that are in clinical trials, and on insights from studies on the gut that offer potential to support self-management strategies. We postulate that improvements in the quality of life of patients will be accelerated by reframing endometriosis as a multi-system disorder and learning from treatments targeting symptoms shared between endometriosis, neuroinflammatory, and gastrointestinal disorders.

The kisspeptin system in and beyond reproduction: exploring intricate pathways and potential links between endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome

Endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are two common female reproductive disorders with a significant impact on the health and quality of life of women affected. A novel hypothesis by evolutionary biologists suggested that these two diseases are inversely related to one another, representing a pair of diametrical diseases in terms of opposite alterations in reproductive physiological processes but also contrasting phenotypic traits. However, to fully explain the phenotypic features observed in women with these conditions, we need to establish a potential nexus system between the reproductive system and general biological functions. The recent discovery of kisspeptin as pivotal mediator of internal and external inputs on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis has led to a new understanding of the neuroendocrine upstream regulation of the human reproductive system. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the physiological roles of kisspeptin in human reproduction, as well as its involvement in complex biological functions such as metabolism, inflammation and pain sensitivity. Importantly, these functions are known to be dysregulated in both PCOS and endometriosis. Within the evolving scientific field of "kisspeptinology", we critically discuss the clinical relevance of these discoveries and their potential translational applications in endometriosis and PCOS. By exploring the possibilities of manipulating this complex signaling system, we aim to pave the way for novel targeted therapies in these reproductive diseases.

Treatment after endometrioma recurrence: a narrative review

INTRODUCTION

Ovarian endometrioma is a common subtype of endometriosis with a prevalence between 17 and 44%. The reported average recurrence of endometrioma after surgical management is 21.5% after 2 years and 40-50% after 5 years. The aim of this narrative review was to summarize the existing literature focusing on treatment options after endometrioma recurrence in order to provide an evidence-based approach for the clinical practice.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

Three electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane) were searched until September 2022 for eligible studies.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

The available studies showed that repeated surgery has a negative impact on ovarian function, without improving the fertility outcomes. Transvaginal aspiration as an alternative option for surgery has a high rate of recurrence, which varies from 8.20 to 43.5% depending on the technique used and on the study population. Pregnancy related outcomes were similar between transvaginal aspiration groups and no intervention groups in patients with endometrioma recurrence. Regarding medical treatments, only four studies were found, showing that progestins reduce the pain and the diameter of the ovarian cyst.

CONCLUSIONS

Recurrent endometrioma is a challenging condition which could be encountered during the care of women with endometriosis. The decision about the treatment-strategy has to be individualized considering family planning status, age, ovarian reserve and transvaginal ultrasound findings. Well-designed randomized clinical trials are needed to export safer conclusions about the most appropriate treatment in each specific condition after endometrioma recurrence.

Surgical Management of Ovarian Endometrioma: Impact on Ovarian Reserve Parameters and Reproductive Outcomes

Ovarian endometriomas have a negative impact on a patient's reproductive potential and are likely to cause a reduction in ovarian reserve. The most commonly employed ovarian reserve parameters are anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and antral follicular count (AFC). Surgical management options of endometrioma include cystectomy, ablative methods, ethanol sclerotherapy and combined techniques. The optimal surgical approach remains a matter of debate. Our review aimed to summarize the literature on the impact of surgical management of endometrioma on AMH, AFC and fertility outcomes. Cystectomy may reduce recurrence rates and increase chances of spontaneous conception. However, a postoperative reduction in AMH is to be anticipated, despite there being evidence of recovery during follow-up. The reduction in ovarian reserve is likely multi-factorial. Cystectomy does not appear to significantly reduce, and may even increase, AFC. Ablative methods achieve an ovarian-tissue-sparing effect, and improved ovarian reserve, compared to cystectomy, has been demonstrated. A single study reported on AMH and AFC post sclerotherapy, and both were significantly reduced. AMH levels may be useful in predicting the chances of conception postoperatively. None of the aforementioned approaches has a clearly demonstrated superiority in terms of overall chances of conception. Surgical management of endometrioma may, overall, improve the probability of pregnancy. Evidence on its value before medically assisted reproduction (MAR) is conflicting; however, a combination of surgery followed by MAR may achieve the optimal fertility outcome. In view of the complexity of available evidence, individualization of care, combined with optimal surgical technique, is highly recommended.

Pregnancy rate following endometriomas management by ablation using plasma energy, cystectomy and drainage: A three-arm comparative study

OBJECTIVE

To compare differences in the postoperative pregnancy rate in women seeking to conceive and presenting with endometriomas larger than 3 cm in diameter, which were managed by ablation using plasma energy, cystectomy, or simple drainage.

METHODS

A retrospective three-arm comparative study based on prospective collection of data evaluating 363 patients, undergoing endometrioma cystectomy, ablation using plasma energy, or simple drainage.

RESULTS

In this series, 204 (56.2%) patients underwent endometrioma ablation using plasma energy, 121 (33.3%) received cystectomy, and 38 (10.5%) had a simple drainage. Postoperative follow up was 50 ± 26 months. Overall postoperative pregnancy rate was 60.3%. The probability of being pregnant after cystectomy, ablation, and drainage was respectively 27%, 32%, and 16% at 12 months, with a statistically significant difference between pregnancy rates among the three arms (P = 0.015). Simple drainage was associated with a probability of conception over 50% after 2 years, mainly based on postoperative assisted reproductive technology.

CONCLUSIONS

We reveal good postoperative pregnancy rate after ablation using plasma energy or cystectomy for endometriomas. Surgical management should be carefully considered in women with endometriomas and pregnancy intention, because the postoperative pregnancy rate may be compared with that observed after first-line assisted reproductive technology management.

Fertility preservation counselling for women with endometriosis: a European online survey

BACKGROUND

Endometriosis is a common cause for infertility. Decreased ovarian reserve due to pathology or surgical management can reduce the chances of natural pregnancy and limit the effectiveness of controlled ovarian stimulation during fertility treatment. Cryopreservation of oocytes or ovarian cortex prior to surgery or before loss of follicular capital is a strategy to preserve fecundity.

METHODS

An online survey was sent to reproductive specialists and gynecological surgeons representing major centers of reproductive medicine in Europe to investigate current fertility preservation practices for endometriosis patients.

RESULTS

Of 58 responses, 45 (77.6%) in 11/13 countries reported the existence of endometriosis management guidelines, of which 37/45 (82.2%) included treatment recommendations for infertile patients. Most centers (51.7%) reserved fertility counselling for severe endometriosis (large endometriomas with or without deep endometriosis) while 15.5% of centers did not offer fertility preservation for endometriosis.

CONCLUSIONS

To address non-uniformity in available guidelines and the diversity in fertility preservation practices, we propose an algorithm for managing patients with severe endometriosis most likely to be impacted by reduced ovarian reserve. Improved awareness about the possibilities of fertility preservation and clear communication between gynaecological surgeons and reproductive medicine specialists is mandatory to address the unmet clinical need of preventing infertility in women with endometriosis.

Endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome are diametric disorders

Evolutionary and comparative approaches can yield novel insights into human adaptation and disease. Endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) each affect up to 10% of women and significantly reduce the health, fertility, and quality of life of those affected. PCOS and endometriosis have yet to be considered as related to one another, although both conditions involve alterations to prenatal testosterone levels and atypical functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. Here, we propose and evaluate the novel hypothesis that endometriosis and PCOS represent extreme and diametric (opposite) outcomes of variation in HPG axis development and activity, with endometriosis mediated in notable part by low prenatal and postnatal testosterone, while PCOS is mediated by high prenatal testosterone. This diametric disorder hypothesis predicts that, for characteristics shaped by the HPG axis, including hormonal profiles, reproductive physiology, life-history traits, and body morphology, women with PCOS and women with endometriosis will manifest opposite phenotypes. To evaluate these predictions, we review and synthesize existing evidence from developmental biology, endocrinology, physiology, life history, and epidemiology. The hypothesis of diametric phenotypes between endometriosis and PCOS is strongly supported across these diverse fields of research. Furthermore, the contrasts between endometriosis and PCOS in humans parallel differences among nonhuman animals in effects of low versus high prenatal testosterone on female reproductive traits. These findings suggest that PCOS and endometriosis represent maladaptive extremes of both female life-history variation and expression of sexually dimorphic female reproductive traits. The diametric disorder hypothesis for endometriosis and PCOS provides novel, unifying, proximate, and evolutionary explanations for endometriosis risk, synthesizes diverse lines of research concerning the two most common female reproductive disorders, and generates future avenues of research for improving the quality of life and health of women.

Factors affecting the accuracy and reliability of the measurement of anti-Müllerian hormone concentration in the clinic

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to identify the factors that influence serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentration measurements.

METHODS

We collected serum samples between May and September 2018 and compared the effect on AMH concentration measured by ELISA of conditions including venepuncture, storage time, storage temperature, locations of the reaction microplate, and the use of the oral contraceptive pill and gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH).

RESULTS

AMH concentration was not affected by food intake but was affected by haemolysis. It was also much higher in samples on the edge of the ELISA microtitre plate. AMH concentration increased after incubation at room temperature for 1 day, 4°C for 3 days, -20°C for 1 month and -40°C for 4 months, but no change occurred during storage at -80°C for 9 months. AMH concentration was high in patients following GnRH agonist treatment but was not affected by oral contraceptives.

CONCLUSIONS

No fasting is required prior to AMH measurement. Placement of serum samples on the edge of microtitre plates affects the results of the AMH ELISA. If serum samples cannot be assayed immediately, it is best to store them at -80°C. Basal AMH concentration cannot be used as a measure of ovarian reserve after GnRH agonist treatment.

Impact of Surgical Management of Endometrioma on AMH Levels and Pregnancy Rates: A Review of Recent Literature

Ovarian endometrioma are found in up to 40% of women with endometriosis and 50% of infertile women. The best surgical approach for endometrioma and its impact on pregnancy rates is still controversial. Therefore, we conducted a literature review on surgical management of ovarian endometrioma and its impact on pregnancy rates and ovarian reserve, assessed by anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) serum levels. Ovarian cystectomy is the preferred technique, as it is associated with lower recurrence and higher spontaneous pregnancy rate. However, ablative approaches and combined techniques are becoming more popular as ovarian reserve is less affected and there are slightly higher pregnancy rates. Preoperative AMH level might be useful to predict the occurrence of pregnancy. In conclusion, AMH should be included in the preoperative evaluation of reproductive aged women with endometriosis. The surgical options for ovarian endometrioma should be individualized. The endometrioma ablation procedure seems to be the most promising treatment.