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Fedele F, Bulfoni A, Parazzini F, Levi-Setti PE, Busnelli A. Assisted reproductive technology outcomes in women with congenital uterine anomalies: a systematic review. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2024:10.1007/s00404-024-07666-0. [PMID: 39227392 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-024-07666-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The present systematic review aimed to assess the fecundity of women with congenital uterine anomalies (CUAs) undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART). METHODS The present systematic review of the literature was reported according to the PRISMA guidelines. We systematically searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase and Scopus, from database inception to 17th October 2023. Studies were deemed eligible only if they included women with CUAs clearly fitting into one of the categories of the ASRM Müllerian anomalies classification 2021. RESULTS Data relevant to the reproductive outcomes of women with CUAs who underwent ART were extracted from 55 studies. Regarding Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome, studies on gestational surrogacy reported a live birth rate (LBR) ranging from 37 to 54%. Uterus transplant, although still experimental, showed promising results. Most studies reported a negative impact of unicornuate uterus and partial or complete septate uterus on both the miscarriage rate (MR) and the live birth rate (LBR). The reproductive prognosis of women with unicornuate uterus was shown to be particularly poor in case of twin pregnancy. Uterus didelphys, bicornuate and arcuate uterus seem not to negatively impact the ART reproductive outcomes. Uterus didelphys was associated with an increased risk of preterm birth (PTB), cesarean section and low birth weight (LBW). CONCLUSION Women with CUAs should be informed regarding the impact (if any) of their congenital anomaly on both the chances of success of ART and on pregnancy-related complications. Elective single embryo transfer (eSET) should always be the first choice in patients with an increased baseline obstetric risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Fedele
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bulfoni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, 20090, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Parazzini
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Emanuele Levi-Setti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, 20090, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Busnelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, 20090, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy.
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.
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Schubert M, Tihon A, Andresen K, Ruchay Z, Farrokh A, Maass N, Elischer P, Longardt AC, Tesch K, Lebenatus A, Krüger M, Alkatout I. Peripartal management of dichorial twin pregnancy in a bicornuate bicollis uterus: a case report and review of the literature. J Med Case Rep 2024; 18:196. [PMID: 38643176 PMCID: PMC11032606 DOI: 10.1186/s13256-024-04506-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The management of a pregnancy in a bicornuate uterus is particularly challenging. A bicornuate uterus is a rare occurrence and a twin pregnancy in a bicornuate uterus even more rare. These pregnancies call for intensive diagnostic investigation and interdisciplinary care. CASE PRESENTATION We report on a 27-year-old European woman patient (gravida I, para 0) with a simultaneous pregnancy in each cavity of a bicornuate bicollis uterus after embryo transfer. The condition was confirmed by hysteroscopy and laparoscopy. Several unsuccessful in vitro fertilization (IVF) attempts had been performed earlier before embryo transfer in each cornus. After a physiological course of pregnancy with differential screening at 12 + 6 weeks and 22 + 0 weeks of gestation, the patient presented with therapy-resistant contractions at 27 + 2 weeks. This culminated in the uncomplicated spontaneous delivery of the leading fetus and delayed spontaneous delivery of the second fetus. DISCUSSION Only 16 cases of twin pregnancy in a bicornuate unicollis uterus have been reported worldwide and only 6 in a bicornuate bicollis uterus. The principal risks in such pregnancies are preterm labor, intrauterine growth restriction, malpresentation and preeclampsia. These typical risk factors of a twin pregnancy are greatly potentiated in the above mentioned setting. CONCLUSION A twin pregnancy in the presence of a uterine malformation is rare and difficult to manage. These rare cases must be collected and reported in order to work out algorithms of monitoring and therapy as well as issue appropriate recommendations for their management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Schubert
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Schleswig Holstein, Campus Kiel, 24105, Kiel, Germany.
| | - Anastasia Tihon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Würzburg, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Kristin Andresen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Schleswig Holstein, Campus Kiel, 24105, Kiel, Germany
| | - Zino Ruchay
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Schleswig Holstein, Campus Kiel, 24105, Kiel, Germany
| | - André Farrokh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Schleswig Holstein, Campus Kiel, 24105, Kiel, Germany
| | - Nicolai Maass
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Schleswig Holstein, Campus Kiel, 24105, Kiel, Germany
| | - Philipp Elischer
- Department for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine I, Neonatology, University Hospital of Schleswig Holstein, Campus Kiel, 24105, Kiel, Germany
| | - Ann Carolin Longardt
- Department for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine I, Neonatology, University Hospital of Schleswig Holstein, Campus Kiel, 24105, Kiel, Germany
| | - Karolin Tesch
- Department of Radiology and Neuroradiology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, 24105, Kiel, Germany
| | - Annett Lebenatus
- Department of Radiology and Neuroradiology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, 24105, Kiel, Germany
| | - Magret Krüger
- Center for Operative Gynecology, Park Clinic, 24116, Kiel, Germany
| | - Ibrahim Alkatout
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Schleswig Holstein, Campus Kiel, 24105, Kiel, Germany.
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Caballero Campo M, Pérez Milán F, Carrera Roig M, Moratalla Bartolomé E, Domínguez Arroyo JA, Alcázar Zambrano JL, Alonso Pacheco L, Carugno J. Impact of congenital uterine anomalies on obstetric and perinatal outcomes: systematic review and meta-analysis. Facts Views Vis Obgyn 2024; 16:9-22. [PMID: 38551471 PMCID: PMC11198883 DOI: 10.52054/fvvo.16.1.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Congenital uterine anomalies (CUA) can be associated with impairments of early and late pregnancy events. Objective To assess the impact of CUA on reproductive outcomes in pregnancies conceived spontaneously or after assisted reproduction. Materials and Methods Systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies comparing patients with CUA versus women with normal uterus. A structured literature search was performed in leading scientific databases to identify prospective and retrospective studies. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale, adapted to AHRQ standards, was used to assess the risk of bias. Pooled odds ratios (OR) were calculated. Publication bias and statistical heterogeneity were assessed, and meta-regression was used to analyse the heterogeneity. Main outcome measures Miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, placental abruption, term, and premature rupture of membranes (PROM), malpresentation at delivery, preterm delivery prior to 37, 34 and 32 weeks, caesarean delivery, intrauterine growth restriction/small for gestational age, foetal mortality and perinatal mortality. Results 32 studies were included. CUAs increased significantly the risk of first/second trimester miscarriage (OR:1.54;95%CI:1.14-2.07), placental abruption (OR:5.04;3.60-7.04), PROM (OR:1.71;1.34-2.18), foetal malpresentation at delivery (OR:21.04;10.95-40.44), preterm birth (adjusted OR:4.34;3.59-5.21), a caesarean delivery (adjusted OR:7.69;4.17-14.29), intrauterine growth restriction/small for gestational age (adjusted OR:50;6.11-424), foetal mortality (OR:2.07;1.56-2.73) and perinatal mortality (OR:3.28;2.01-5.36). Conclusions CUA increases the risk of complications during pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum. Complications most frequent in CUA patients were preterm delivery, foetal malpresentation, and caesarean delivery. What is new? Bicornuate uterus was associated with the highest number of adverse outcomes, followed by didelphys, subseptate and septate uterus.
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Chen Q, Du S, Lin Y, Zheng B. Controlled ovarian stimulation for endometriosis patients with ultra-long GnRH-agonist or GnRH-antagonist protocols: A retrospective study by propensity score matching. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2023; 49:1366-1374. [PMID: 36780873 DOI: 10.1111/jog.15570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Although in vitro fertilization with embryo transfer is the most effective treatment for infertile patients with endometriosis, ovarian stimulation protocols are controversial. STUDY DESIGN We recruited 639 patients with endometriosis from January 2016 to June 2020; 111 and 528 patients were treated with the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist and ultra-long GnRH agonist protocols, respectively. Potential baseline differences between the regimens were adjusted by propensity score matching. Clinical and laboratory data, including the cumulative clinical pregnancy rate (CCPR) and cumulative live birth rate (CLBR), were compared. RESULTS Ovulation induction required significantly longer use of gonadotropins in the GnRH agonist group. However, the GnRH agonist group had a lower starting dose of gonadotropin (all p < 0.05). Furthermore, significantly lower clinical pregnancy, implantation, and live birth rates were observed in the GnRH antagonist group receiving fresh assisted reproductive technology cycles (all p < 0.05); however, pregnancy outcomes using the subsequent freeze-thaw cycles for the same oocyte retrieval were not significantly different. CCPR and CLBR for the oocyte retrieval cycles of the antagonist and ultra-long agonist protocols were similar. The ultra-long agonist protocol resulted in more favorable implantation of fresh embryos and improved clinical outcomes of the fresh cycle. CONCLUSIONS This novel strategy could be appropriate for endometriosis patients who are temporarily unsuitable for fresh embryo transfer. The GnRH antagonist protocol can be combined with the whole embryo freezing strategy to achieve CCPR and CLBR similar to the ultra-long agonist regimen, thus simultaneously avoiding the long pre-treatment duration of GnRH agonists during the ultra-long agonist protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingfen Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, P.R. China
| | - Shengrong Du
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, P.R. China
| | - Yunhong Lin
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, P.R. China
| | - Beihong Zheng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, P.R. China
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Qiu J, Du T, Chen C, Lyu Q, Mol BW, Zhao M, Kuang Y. Impact of uterine malformations on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes of IVF/ICSI–frozen embryo transfer. Hum Reprod 2022; 37:428-446. [PMID: 35048124 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION
What is the impact of uterine malformations on reproductive and neonatal outcomes of IVF/ICSI–frozen embryo transfer?
SUMMARY ANSWER
Unification defective uteri are associated with poorer neonatal outcomes including higher preterm delivery rate and lower birthweight, and septate uteri are associated with worse fertility outcomes including higher miscarriage and lower live birth rates (LBRs).
WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY
Several studies have investigated the negative effects of uterine malformations on pregnancy outcomes. However, an all-round and definitive conclusion has not been reached yet owing to the relatively low incidence of the disease and the heterogeneity of study populations, especially among women undergoing ART.
STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION
This was a retrospective cohort study including 411 women with congenital uterine anomalies and 14 936 women with a normal uterus who underwent first frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles of IVF/ICSI from July 2008 to August 2019. We compared reproductive outcomes.
PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS
Reproductive outcomes of women with uterine malformations were studied through three propensity score-matched comparisons (patients with bicorporeal uterus, septate uterus and hemi-uterus [bicorporeal, septate and hemi-uterus groups, respectively] along with corresponding control groups without uterine malformations). We also compared pregnancy and neonatal outcomes, and performed subgroup analysis addressing didelphus, bicornuate uteri and septate uteri before and after surgery independently.
MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE
Compared to the matched control group, women with a bicorporeal uterus had a significantly lower LBR (24.4% versus 34.8%, odds ratio (OR) 0.61 [95% CI: 0.37, 1.00], P = 0.048). The incidence of miscarriage and preterm delivery was higher but not statistically significant (29.0% versus 18.1%, OR 1.85 [95% CI: 0.82, 4.19], P = 0.135; 22.6% versus 9.9%, OR 2.64 [95% CI: 1.07, 6.52], P = 0.063, respectively). In addition, the bicorporeal group had a significantly lower gestational age, higher caesarean rate and lower birthweight than bicorporeal control. Women with a septate uterus had comparable clinical pregnancy rates to controls (43.3% versus 49.9%, OR 0.77 [95% CI: 0.57, 1.04], P = 0.091), increased miscarriage rates (23.5% versus 13.0%, OR 2.05 [95% CI: 1.18, 3.58], P = 0.010) and lower LBRs (29.4% versus 42.2%, OR 0.57 [95% CI: 0.41, 0.79], P = 0.001). In both singleton and twins pregnancies, pregnancy and neonatal outcomes were comparable between women with a septate uterus and control. Women with a hemi-uterus had a tendency for lower clinical pregnancy rate (36.8% versus 42.3%, OR 0.80 [95% CI: 0.52, 1.21], P = 0.287) and LBR (29.8% versus 33.1%, OR 0.86 [95% CI: 0.55, 1.34], P = 0.502), compared to women without malformations. The incidences of miscarriage and preterm delivery, respectively, were 16.7% versus 16.6% (OR 1.01 [95% CI: 0.41, 2.47], P = 0.989), and 9.5% versus 11.4% (OR 0.82 [95% CI: 0.27, 2.51], P = 1) in women with a hemi-uterus as compared to control.
LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION
This was a single-centre, retrospective study in which neonatal data were extracted from parental questionnaires. The information on uteri septum type and surgery methods was poorly presented, with limited detail. In patients with uterine malformations, the number of babies with birth defects and twin pregnancies was relatively small, limiting the power of the study.
WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS
Compared to patients with a normal uterus, women with uterine malformation have poorer reproductive outcomes. Pregnant women with a uterine anomaly need to be managed as high-risk pregnancies and followed with appropriate obstetric review.
STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)
This work was supported by the National Ministry of Technology (2018YFC1003000), the Elite Team Project of Ninth People’s Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (JY201801), Shanghai Sailing Program (21YF1423200) and the Fundamental Research Program Funding of Ninth People’s Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (JYZZ117). B.W.M. is supported by an NHMRC Investigatorgrant (GNT1176437). B.W.M. reports consultancy (with stock options) for ObsEva. B.W.M. has received research funding from Ferring and Merck. The authors declare no other competing interests.
TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Qiu
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Tong Du
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Qifeng Lyu
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Ben W Mol
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Aberdeen Centre for Women's Health Research, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Ming Zhao
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- The Shanghai Towako Hospital, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanping Kuang
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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Kim MA, Kim HS, Kim YH. Reproductive, Obstetric and Neonatal Outcomes in Women with Congenital Uterine Anomalies: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Clin Med 2021; 10:4797. [PMID: 34768344 PMCID: PMC8584292 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10214797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital uterine anomalies (CUA) may influence reproductive performance, resulting in adverse pregnancy associated complications. This study aimed to assess the association of CUA subtypes with reproductive, obstetric, and perinatal outcomes. We performed a systematic search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane libraries for studies comparing pregnancy outcomes between women with CUA and those with a normal uterus. The random effects model was used to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Women with CUA had a lower rate of live births (OR 0.47; 95% CI 0.33-0.69), and a higher rate of first trimester miscarriage (OR, 1.79; 95% CI 1.34-2.4), second trimester miscarriage (OR 2.92; 95% CI 1.35-6.32), preterm birth (OR 2.98; 95% CI 2.43-3.65), malpresentation (OR 9.1; 95% CI 5.88-14.08), cesarean section (OR 2.87; 95% CI 1.56-5.26), and placental abruption (OR 3.12; 95% CI 1.58-6.18). Women with canalization defects appear to have the poorest reproductive performance during early pregnancy. However, unification defects were associated with obstetric and neonatal outcomes throughout the course of pregnancy. It may be beneficial for clinicians to advise on potential complications that may be increased depending on the type and severity of CUA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-A Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Institute of Women’s Life Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea; (M.-A.K.); (H.S.K.)
| | - Hyo Sun Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Institute of Women’s Life Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea; (M.-A.K.); (H.S.K.)
| | - Young-Han Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Severance Hospital, Institute of Women’s Life Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06273, Korea
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