Effect of prior birth and miscarriage frequency on the prevalence of acquired and congenital uterine anomalies in women with recurrent miscarriage: a cross-sectional study

The importance of the 'uterine factor' in recurrent pregnancy loss: a retrospective cohort study on women screened through 3D transvaginal ultrasound

STUDY QUESTION

What is the prevalence of congenital and acquired anomalies of the uterus in women with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) of unknown etiology examined using 3D transvaginal ultrasound (US)?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Depending on the adopted diagnostic criteria, the prevalence of partial septate uterus varies between 7% and 14% and a T-shaped uterus is 3% or 4%, while adenomyosis is 23%, at least one of type 0, type 1 or type 2 myoma is 4%, and at least one endometrial polyp is 4%.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

ESHRE and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists guidelines on RPL recommend the adoption of the 3D transvaginal US to evaluate the 'uterine factor'. Nevertheless, there are no published studies reporting the prevalence of both congenital and acquired uterine anomalies as assessed by 3D transvaginal US and diagnosed according to the criteria proposed by the most authoritative panels of experts in a cohort of women with RPL.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

This was a retrospective cohort study including 442 women with at least two previous first-trimester spontaneous pregnancy losses (i.e. non-viable intrauterine pregnancies), who referred to the obstetrics and gynecology unit of two university hospitals between July 2020 and July 2023.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Records of eligible women were reviewed. Women could be included in the study if: they were between 25 and 42 years old; they had no relevant comorbidities; they were not affected by infertility, and they had never undergone ART; they and their partner tested negative to a comprehensive RPL diagnostic work-up; and they had never undergone metroplasty, myomectomy, minimally invasive treatments for uterine fibroids or adenomyomectomy. Expert sonographers independently re-analyzed the stored 2- and 3D transvaginal US images of all included patients. Congenital uterine anomalies (CUAs) were reported according to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) 2021, the ESHRE/European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (ESGE) and the Congenital Uterine Malformation by Experts (CUME) criteria. Acquired uterine anomalies were reported according to the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) and the Morphological Uterus Sonographic Assessment (MUSA) criteria.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

The partial septate uterus was diagnosed in 60 (14%; 95% CI: 11-17%), 29 (7%; 95% CI: 5-9%), and 47 (11%; 95% CI: 8-14%) subjects, according to the ESHRE/ESGE, the ASRM 2021, and the CUME criteria, respectively. The T-shaped uterus was diagnosed in 19 women (4%; 95% CI: 3-7%) according to the ESHRE/ESGE criteria and in 13 women (3%; 95% CI: 2-5%) according to the CUME criteria. The borderline T-shaped uterus (diagnosed when two out of three CUME criteria for T-shaped uterus were met) was observed in 16 women (4%; 95% CI: 2-6%). At least one of FIGO type 0, type 1, or type 2 myoma was detected in 4% of included subjects (95% CI: 3-6%). Adenomyosis was detected in 100 women (23%; 95% CI: 19-27%) and was significantly more prevalent in women with primary RPL and in those with three or more pregnancy losses. At least one endometrial polyp was detected in 4% of enrolled women (95% CI: 3-7%).

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

The absence of a control group prevented us from investigating the presence of an association between both congenital and acquired uterine anomalies and RPL. Second, the presence as well as the absence of both congenital and acquired uterine anomalies detected by 3D US was not confirmed by hysteroscopy. Finally, the results of the present study inevitably suffer from the intrinsic limitations of the adopted classification systems.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

The prevalence of CUAs in women with RPL varies depending on the classification system used. For reasons of clarity, the US reports should always state the name of the uterine anomaly as well as the adopted classification and diagnostic criteria. Adenomyosis seems to be associated with more severe forms of RPL. The prevalence rates estimated by our study as well as the replicability of the adopted diagnostic criteria provide a basis for the design and sample size calculation of prospective studies.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

No specific funding was used. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

N/A.

Role of genetic analysis of products of conception and PGT in managing early pregnancy loss

This article considers the addition of comprehensive 24-chromosomal microarray (CMA) analysis of products of conception (POC) to a standard evaluation for recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) to help direct treatment towards expectant management versus IVF with preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies (PGT-A). The review included retrospective data from 65,333 miscarriages, a prospective evaluation of 378 couples with RPL who had CMA testing of POC and the standard workup, and data from an additional 1020 couples who were evaluated for RPL but did not undergo CMA testing of POC. Aneuploidy in POC explained the pregnancy loss in 57.7% (218/378) of cases. In contrast, the full RPL evaluation recommended by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine identified a potential cause in only 42.9% (600/1398). Combining the data from the RPL evaluation and the results of genetic testing of POC provides a probable explanation for the loss in over 90% (347/378) of women. Couples with an unexplained loss after the standard evaluation with POC aneuploidy accounted for 41% of cases; PGT-A may be considered after expectant management. Conversely, PGT-A would have a limited role in those with a euploid loss and a possible explanation after the standard workup. Categorizing a pregnancy loss as an explained versus unexplained loss after the standard evaluation combined with the results of CMA testing of POC may help identify patients who would benefit from expectant management versus PGT-A.

Impact of congenital uterine anomalies on obstetric and perinatal outcomes: systematic review and meta-analysis

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.

Expanding the role of chromosomal microarray analysis in the evaluation of recurrent pregnancy loss

Multiple factors contribute to recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). This review highlights the latest international guidelines for RPL workup, including immunological testing, by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE), and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG). These three societies recommend testing for antiphospholipid syndrome. ESHRE and RCOG also recommend thyroid peroxidase antibody testing, whereas ASRM does not. All guidelines advise against testing of natural killer cells, cytokines, antinuclear antibodies, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) compatibility, anti-HLA antibodies, and anti-sperm antibodies. However, when following ASRM, ESHRE or RCOG diagnostic guidelines, over 50% of cases have no identifiable cause. Genetic testing of products of conception (POC) can improve our understanding of unexplained RPL as aneuploidy is a common cause of RPL. Based on studies reporting results from chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) of POC, we propose a novel algorithm for RPL evaluation. The algorithm involves following evidence-based societal guidelines (published by ASRM, ESHRE, or RCOG), excluding parental karyotyping, in combination with CMA testing of miscarriage tissue. When utilizing this new evaluation algorithm, the number of unexplained cases of RPL decreases from over 50% to less than 10%. As a result, most patients are provided an explanation for their loss and healthcare costs are potentially reduced. Patients with an otherwise negative workup with euploid POC, are classified as "truly unexplained RPL". These patients are excellent candidates for enrollment in randomized, controlled trials examining novel immunological testing and treatment protocols.

Uterine Septum and Other Müllerian Anomalies in a Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Population: Impact on Reproductive Outcomes

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To study the impact of Müllerian anomalies on reproductive outcomes in a recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) population and to evaluate the effect of surgical correction of uterine septum on the odds of achieving live birth in RPL patients with a septate uterus.

DESIGN

A retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

A specialized RPL clinic at a tertiary center.

PATIENTS

RPL patients with ≥ 2 pregnancy losses before 20 weeks' gestation who attended a specialized RPL clinic.

INTERVENTION

We aimed to assess the association between a possible risk factor (Müllerian anomalies) and reproductive outcomes and that between having surgery for septate uterus and achieving a live birth.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The primary outcome is live birth rate in RPL patients with Müllerian anomalies compared with those without; secondary outcome measures include rates of full-term live birth, preterm live birth, first and second trimester pregnancy loss, and stillbirth. After adjusting for patient age at the initial RPL visit, the number of pregnancy losses, and the presence of any other abnormal RPL investigation, the odds of achieving live birth were on average 49.4% lower for patients with a septate uterus than those without Müllerian anomalies (odds ratio, 0.51; 95% confidence interval, 0.30-0.86) in the studied cohort (n = 377). A subanalysis of 72 patients with septate uterus demonstrated a higher likelihood of live birth in those who underwent septum resection (46/72; 63.9%) than those who elected to go for expectant management (26/72; 36.1%), yet this study was underpowered to establish a significant difference (52.2% vs 34.6%; p = .22).

CONCLUSION

In RPL patients, having a septate uterus significantly decreased the chances of achieving live birth. Patients with septate uterus who received hysteroscopic septum division had a higher tendency to achieve more live births than those who elected expectant management. However, our study was underpowered to detect a statistically significant difference.

The number of prior pregnancy losses does not impact euploidy rates in young patients with idiopathic recurrent pregnancy loss

PURPOSE

Our study aimed to determine the possible factors that might impact the probability of obtaining a euploid blastocyst following intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) procedures in idiopathic recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) patients.

METHODS

This single-center retrospective cohort analysis included 180 oocyte retrieval cycles of 166 women under 35 years old and those diagnosed with idiopathic RPL according to American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) guidelines. Trophectoderm biopsy and next-generation sequencing (NGS) were the techniques used. Patients were stratified by the number of previous losses (Group A: 2, Group B: 3, and Group C: > 3).

RESULTS

Baseline and embryological characteristics showed no statistically significant differences. The euploidy rate per analyzed blastocyst was comparable within the groups (63.3%, 58.2%, and 58.5%; p = 0.477). Logistic regression analyses confirmed that only the trophectoderm scores of A and B increased the probability of obtaining a euploid embryo [OR: 1.82, 95% CI (1.120-2.956), p: 0.016].

CONCLUSION

It is concluded that there was no correlation between the number of previous losses and the chance of finding at least one euploid embryo in ICSI cycles of women younger than 35 years.

Interventions to prevent miscarriage

The physical and psychological impact of miscarriage can be devastating. There are many lifestyle and therapeutic interventions that may prevent a miscarriage. In this review, we have outlined the key areas for health optimization to prevent pregnancy loss, drawing on the most up-to-date evidence available. The 3 key areas identified are lifestyle optimization in women, lifestyle optimization in men, and therapeutic interventions. The evidence demonstrates that the treatments to consider are first-trimester progesterone administration, levothyroxine in women with subclinical hypothyroidism, and the combination of aspirin and heparin in women with antiphospholipid antibodies.

The Diagnostics and Treatment of Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

Recurrent pregnancy loss is a common problem in the reproductive age population of women. It can be caused by many different conditions. This problem is addressed in international guidelines that take a slightly different approach to its diagnosis and treatment. The guidelines used in this review mainly use the guidelines of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE). This review shows how much the approach to miscarriages has changed and how much more needs to be explored and refined. The review also addresses the topic of unexplained pregnancy loss, which continues to be a challenge for clinicians.

Is I-shaped uterus more common in patients with hyperandrogenism?

OBJECTIVES

Subtypes of T-shaped uterus are rare uterine cavity anomalies and there are no morphometric criteria for the diagnosis. Earlier we established a high frequency of I-shaped uterus in patients with adrenalhyperandrogenism, which is more common in Armenian populations. The aim of the study was to determine the frequency of I-shaped uterus as a subtype of T-shaped uterus in patients with ovarian and adrenal hyperandrogenism, accompanied by infertility and miscarriage, as well as the development of it's ultrasonic morphometric criteria.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted an ultrasound of 486 patients aged 19-40 years (mean 30.1 ± 5.5) who applied for infertility or habitual pregnancy loss.74 of them were diagnosed with the PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrome) and 43-CAH (congenital adrenal hyperplasia). Ultrasound was performed in early luteal phase. The classification of uterine cavities was carried out according ESHRE/ESGE.

RESULTS

299 had normal ultrasound morphology of the uterine cavity, 20.7% various uterine cavity abnormalities. T-shaped uterus was observed in 3.7%, I-shaped uterus exclusively in patients with hyperandrogenism, 24.3% with PCOS and 39.5% with CAH. To determine the relevant morphometric features as diagnostic criteria for the I-shaped uterus some measurements were performed. The values of dist1-dist2 and dist1-dist3 in the normal cavity had a significant difference (P1-2 0.3), also the cavity width in the middle third and the isthmic section did not have a significant difference (P > 0.05), while in the normal cavity shape these values were significantly different (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Frequency of occurrence of the T-shaped uterus did not exceed that in comparison with a group of women with other causes of infertility, while I-shaped congenital anomaly of the uterine cavity was found in 24.3-39.5% patients with hyperandrogenism. The difference between the interostial and corporal distances and the interostial and isthmic distances was the most relevant morphometric attribute of I-shaped uterus.

The impact of T-shaped uterine cavity anomaly on IVF outcomes: More questions than answers

RESEARCH QUESTION

The aim of our study was the impact of T-shaped uterine anomaly on in vitro fertilization (per 1 IVF cycle per one embryo transfer) results and pregnancy outcomes.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study included 388 somatically healthy patients at the age of 20-40 years old who underwent 3-dimensional ultrasound of uterine cavity before embryo transfer. The uterine cavities were classified based on morphometric criteria according to the CUME study. The comparison was performed between patients with normal uterine cavity (n = 266), patients with T-shaped anomaly of uterine cavity (n = 27), intermediate forms of T-shaped anomaly (n = 73), and patients with other uterine anomalies (n = 22).

RESULTS

The rates of biochemical pregnancy in Normal, T-shaped, Intermediate and Other groups were 58.6%, 51.9% 52.1% and 45.4%, respectively, but there weren't detected statistically significant differences (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

T-shaped uterus did not affect the percentage of occurring pregnancy, but was associated with increased rate of preterm deliveries, miscarriages and ectopic pregnancy. No differences in occurrence of pregnancy rates in cases of intermediate types, but an increased number of preterm deliveries and miscarriages in cases with increased myometrial thickness in lateral angle area.

A new algorithm for the evaluation of recurrent pregnancy loss redefining unexplained miscarriage: review of current guidelines

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Couples with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) are often referred to reproductive specialists to help determine the reason for their repeated losses. This review will help to develop a strategy that is effective in providing a diagnosis, efficient to administer, and cost-effective to the healthcare system.

RECENT FINDINGS

International societies have published different recommendations for the evaluation of RPL, they consider it appropriate to initiate an evaluation after two (or three) clinical miscarriages. On the contrary, the clinician who follows these guidelines will only be able to offer a possible explanation to fewer than half of the couples being evaluated. Recently, genetic testing of miscarriage tissue using 24-chromosome microarray (CMA) analysis at the time of the second pregnancy loss coupled with testing based on society guidelines has been shown provide an explanation in more than 90% of cases.

SUMMARY

New guidelines for the complete evaluation of RPL should consider adding 24-CMA testing on the miscarriage tissue. Providing couples with an explanation for recurrent loss assists them in dealing with the loss and discourages the clinician from instituting unproven therapies. Truly unexplained pregnancy loss can be reduced to less than 10% with this new algorithm. Incorporation of these strategies will result in significant cost savings to the healthcare system.

Prevalence of T-shaped uterus among fertile women based on ESHRE/ESGE and Congenital Uterine Malformation by Experts (CUME) criteria

RESEARCH QUESTION

What is the prevalence of T-shaped uteri among fertile women based on ESHRE/ESGE and Congenital Uterine Malformation by Experts (CUME) criteria?

DESIGN

A prospective cohort study of 258 women of reproductive age with a history of at least one natural pregnancy resulting in live birth. Participants were recruited from the family planning clinic between January 2018 and March 2020. The ESHRE/ESGE classification of congenital anomalies of the female genital tract was used for describing abnormal findings. CUME criteria were also used for diagnosing T-shaped uterus. Uterine cavity volume was measured.

RESULTS

Mean age of participants was 35.4 ± 6.2 years. Participants were diagnosed with the following: congenital uterine abnormality (n = 9 [3.6%]); partial septate uterus (n = 5 [2.0%]) and hemiuterus (n = 2 [0.8%]). Two women (0.8%) were diagnosed with T-shaped uterus and borderline T-shaped uterus based on the ESHRE/ESGE criteria and CUME. Mean lateral indentation angle, lateral indentation depth and T-angle were 156.2° ± 9.53°, 2.85 ± 0.93 mm and 73.3° ± 9.85° in patients with normal uterine cavity. In patients with T-shaped and borderline T-shaped uteri, respective figures were 115° versus 121°, 10 mm versus 7.6 mm and 27.5° versus 70°. Median volume of the uterine cavity in patients with normal uterine cavity and T-shaped uterus was 3.71 ml (minimum 2.0 to maximum 9.03 ml, interquartile range 1.93) and 3.2 ml (2.9 and 3.62 ml), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of T-shaped uteri in fertile women is low, which corresponds to previous reports of women with poor reproductive history.

Genetic testing of products of conception in recurrent pregnancy loss evaluation

Genetic testing of products of conception (POC) has been proposed as a tool to be used in the evaluation of patients with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Following a complete RPL evaluation, POC results may reveal an aneuploidy and provide an explanation for the miscarriage in more than 55% of cases. When the cytogenetic result of the pregnancy loss reveals a euploid pregnancy, management should be directed towards the identification of treatable abnormalities. Furthermore, the results of POC testing might better define a subgroup of patients with unexplained RPL who may benefit from expectant management versus preimplantation genetics (aneuploid unexplained RPL) or investigational therapy (euploid unexplained RPL).

Definition, prevalence, clinical relevance and treatment of T-shaped uterus: systematic review

OBJECTIVES

To summarize in a systematic review the current evidence regarding definitions, diagnosis, prevalence, etiology, clinical relevance and impact of surgical treatment for T-shaped uterus not related to diethylstilbestrol (DES) exposure, and to highlight areas on which future research should focus.

METHODS

A search of PubMed, Scopus and EMBASE was performed on 9 April 2020 using the search terms 't-shaped OR t-shape OR infantile OR (lateral indentation) OR (diethylstilbestrol OR DES) AND (uterus OR uterine OR uteri) AND (anomaly OR anomalies OR malformation OR malformations)'. Additionally, the reference lists of the included studies were searched manually for other relevant publications. All studies presenting data on T-shaped uterus not associated with DES exposure and including at least 10 women were considered eligible. Studies regarding DES-related T-shaped uterus were excluded because DES has not been used since 1971. There were no restrictions on language, date of publication or status of publication.

RESULTS

Of 2504 records identified by the electronic search, 20 studies were included in the systematic review. The majority of studies were of poor quality. In 11 of 16 studies reporting on the diagnosis of T-shaped uterus, the diagnostic method used was three-dimensional ultrasound. There is no consensus on the definition of T-shaped uterus, but the most cited criteria (4/16 studies) were of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology and the European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (ESHRE/ESGE; 2013). The prevalence of T-shaped uterus varied from 0.2% to 10% in the four included studies reporting such data. With respect to etiology (except for DES), T-shaped uterus was considered a primary condition in three studies and secondary to adhesions in five and adenomyosis in one. T-shaped uterus was related to worse reproductive outcome based on subfertility (nine studies), miscarriage (seven studies), preterm delivery (two studies), ectopic pregnancy (one study) and repeat implantation failure (seven studies). Of the 12 studies that reported on the effects of surgical treatment of T-shaped uterus by hysteroscopic metroplasty, some mentioned an improvement in pregnancy rate (rates ranging from 49.6% to 88%; eight studies), live-birth rate (rates ranging from 35.1% to 76%; seven studies) and term-delivery rate (four studies) and a reduction in miscarriage (rates ranging from 7% to 49.6%; five studies) and ectopic pregnancy (one study). However, the evidence is of very low quality with serious/critical risk of bias toward overestimating the intervention effect. Some authors reported no complications related to the procedure, while others mentioned persistence of the dysmorphism (rates ranging from 1.4% to 11%; three studies), bleeding (1.3%; one study), infection (2.6%; one study) and adhesions (11.1% and 16.8%; two studies).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence, etiology and clinical relevance, with respect to reproductive outcome, of T-shaped uterus remain unclear and there is no consensus on the definition and diagnostic method for this condition. Expectant management should be considered the most appropriate choice for everyday practice until randomized controlled trials show a benefit of intervention. © 2020 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Recurrent pregnancy loss

Recurrent pregnancy loss is a distressing pregnancy disorder experienced by ~2.5% of women trying to conceive. Recurrent pregnancy loss is defined as the failure of two or more clinically recognized pregnancies before 20-24 weeks of gestation and includes embryonic and fetal losses. The diagnosis of an early pregnancy loss is relatively straightforward, although progress in predicting and preventing recurrent pregnancy loss has been hampered by a lack of standardized definitions, the uncertainties surrounding the pathogenesis and the highly variable clinical presentation. The prognosis for couples with recurrent pregnancy loss is generally good, although the likelihood of a successful pregnancy depends on maternal age and the number of previous losses. Recurrent pregnancy loss can be caused by chromosomal errors, anatomical uterine defects, autoimmune disorders and endometrial dysfunction. Available treatments target the putative risk factors of pregnancy loss, although the effectiveness of many medical interventions is controversial. Regardless of the underlying aetiology, couples require accurate information on their chances of having a baby and appropriate support should be offered to reduce the psychological burden associated with multiple miscarriages. Future research must investigate the pathogenesis of recurrent pregnancy loss and evaluate novel diagnostic tests and treatments in adequately powered clinical trials.

Recurrent pregnancy loss: diagnostic workup after two or three pregnancy losses? A systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) occurs in 1–3% of all couples trying to conceive. No consensus exists regarding when to perform testing for risk factors in couples with RPL. Some guidelines recommend testing if a patient has had two pregnancy losses whereas others advise to test after three losses.

OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE

The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the current evidence on the prevalence of abnormal test results for RPL amongst patients with two versus three or more pregnancy losses. We also aimed to contribute to the debate regarding whether the investigations for RPL should take place after two or three or more pregnancy losses.

SEARCH METHODS

Relevant studies were identified by a systematic search in OVID Medline and EMBASE from inception to March 2019. A search for RPL was combined with a broad search for terms indicative of number of pregnancy losses, screening/testing for pregnancy loss or the prevalence of known risk factors. Meta-analyses were performed in case of adequate clinical and statistical homogeneity. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale.

OUTCOMES

From a total of 1985 identified publications, 21 were included in this systematic review and 19 were suitable for meta-analyses. For uterine abnormalities (seven studies, odds ratio (OR) 1.00, 95% CI 0.79–1.27, I² = 0%) and for antiphospholipid syndrome (three studies, OR 1.04, 95% CI 0.86–1.25, I² = 0%) we found low quality evidence for a lack of a difference in prevalence of abnormal test results between couples with two versus three or more pregnancy losses. We found insufficient evidence of a difference in prevalence of abnormal test results between couples with two versus three or more pregnancy losses for chromosomal abnormalities (10 studies, OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.55–1.10), inherited thrombophilia (five studies) and thyroid disorders (two studies, OR 0.52, 95% CI: 0.06–4.56).

WIDER IMPLICATIONS

A difference in prevalence in uterine abnormalities and antiphospholipid syndrome is unlikely in women with two versus three pregnancy losses. We cannot exclude a difference in prevalence of chromosomal abnormalities, inherited thrombophilia and thyroid disorders following testing after two versus three pregnancy losses. The results of this systematic review may support investigations after two pregnancy losses in couples with RPL, but it should be stressed that additional studies of the prognostic value of test results used in the RPL population are urgently needed. An evidenced-based treatment is not currently available in the majority of cases when abnormal test results are present.

Review of current guidelines for recurrent pregnancy loss: new strategies for optimal evaluation of women who may be superfertile

The current evidence-based guidelines for the evaluation of recurrent pregnancy loss recommended by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and by the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology are compared and contrasted in this review. The clinical use of either of these guidelines will result in a probable diagnosis for only half of the affected patients. New strategies for a full evaluation of recurrent pregnancy loss incorporating 24- chromosome microarary on the products of conception offer more explanations for patients and caregivers. This new algorithm should decrease the use of empiric, unproven treatments. Combining the results of genetic testing on the miscarriage tissue with the conventional diagnostic tests has made it possible to explain the etiology of pregnancy loss in more than 90% of the cases. This cost-saving strategy can decrease the emotional distress and frustration for both couples and physicians when it comes to management of recurrent pregnancy loss.

Chromosomal abnormalities in couples with recurrent spontaneous miscarriage: a 21-year retrospective study, a report of a novel insertion, and a literature review

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to evaluate the frequency and nature of chromosomal abnormalities in Moroccan couples with recurrent spontaneous miscarriage (RSM). In addition, the data were compared with those reported elsewhere in order to give a global estimation of chromosomal abnormalities frequencies.

METHODS

The study was performed for all couples with RSM who were referred to the cytogenetic department, Pasteur Institute of Morocco, from different hospitals in Morocco between 1996 and 2016. Cytogenetic analysis was performed according to the standard method.

RESULTS

Among 627 couples with RSM, the chromosomal abnormalities were identified in 11.00% of couples, with chromosomal inversions in 4.30%, reciprocal translocations in 2.71%, Robertsonian translocations in 1.43%, and deletion, isochromosome, and insertion in 0.15% each. The insertion identified [46,XX,ins(6)(p24q21q27)] is new, and is the fourth reported in association with RSM. The mosaic karyotypes were observed in 0.64%, polymorphic variants were identified in 1.27%, and numerical aneuploidy was observed in 0.15%. In regrouping our results with those in 27 other studies already published in 21 different countries, we obtained the frequency of chromosomal abnormalities in couple with RSM to be 5.16% (991/19197 couples). The reciprocal translocation was the most frequent with 2.50%, followed by Robertsonian translocation 0.83% and inversions 0.77%. The other types of chromosomal abnormalities were present with 0.98% in the world.

CONCLUSION

This data showed that the frequency of chromosomal abnormalities in Moroccan couples with RSM is 11.00%, and in regrouping our results with other studies, the frequency changes to 5.16%.

Frequency and types of uterine anomalies during caesarean section

In this study all women undergoing caesarean section were included regardless of the indication. After the foetus and placenta were delivered, the uterus was examined for the presence or absence of congenital malformation through digital palpation of uterine cavity and direct inspection of the fundus. Of the 653 caesarean sections included, uterine anomalies were diagnosed in 31 women (4.75%). Most of the anomalies were septate and sub-septate uterus (71%) followed by bicornuate uterus (19.4%), while the frequency of unicornuate uterus was 6.4% and uterine didelphys represented only 3.2%. In conclusion, an examination of the uterus internally and externally should be performed as a routine step during caesarean section. Impact statement What is already known on this subject? Most of the data of uterine anomalies has been derived from studies of patients with reproductive problems and not from those with a normal reproductive outcome. What do the results of this study add? Approximately 5% of women were found to have uterine anomalies when examined during caesarean section. If any were detected, we feel that the patient should be informed, as they may affect future reproductive performance and the choice of contraception. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? An examination of the uterus internally and externally should be considered as a routine step during a caesarean section.

Cell cycle and histone modification genes were decreased in placenta tissue from unexplained early miscarriage

Genetic defect is a major cause of early miscarriage, but still in many cases the etiology are not fully understood. Recent studies have shown that dysregulation of genes in placenta tissue are participated in the pathogenesis of unexplained early miscarriage. The aim of our study is to explore mRNA expression profile in placental chorionic villi and to reveal the underlying mechanism of unexplained early miscarriage. Chorionic villous were isolated and extracted from early miscarriage (n=3) and control pregnancy (n=3) placenta with normal chromosome karyotype using MLPA assay, and then mRNA expression profiles were determined by microarray. For verification the reproducibility of the microarray, three up-regulated genes and six down-regulated genes were chosen and examined by real-time PCR (n=30). A total of 81 genes were up-regulated and 231 genes were down-regulated when compared to the control group, and the differences were reached statistically significances (P<0.05). After Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses, we found that almost down-regulation genes are associated with cell cycle and histone modification, and these genes are participated in several important physiological processes, such as cell proliferation, nuclear division, chromatic assembly, DNA packing and modification. These results indicated that cell cycle and histone modification genes, and related signaling pathway maybe contribute to the genesis and development of unexplained early miscarriage. Further studies and validations are necessary to elucidate the exact roles of these genes in miscarriage pathogenesis, which can develop tools for early detection and management.

Maternal müllerian anomalies and future health of the offspring

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether offspring of women with müllerian anomalies are at an increased risk for long-term pediatric morbidity.

STUDY DESIGN

A population-based cohort study compared the incidence of long-term (up to the age of 18 years for offspring) hospitalizations due to cardiovascular, endocrine, neurological, hematological, respiratory and urinary morbidity of offspring to mothers diagnosed with uterine anomalies. Deliveries occurred between the years 1991 and 2013 in a tertiary medical center. Multiple pregnancies, unknown gestational age, gestational age of less than 24 weeks, perinatal mortality, and fetuses with congenital malformations were excluded. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to compare cumulative morbidity incidence. Survival analysis for clustered data was performed for each major-system pediatric hospitalization.

RESULTS

During the study period 253,808 deliveries met the inclusion criteria; 0.48% (n=1230) of which occurred in women diagnosed with müllerian anomalies. In the Kaplan-Meier survival curve, children born to mothers with müllerian anomalies did not have a significantly different cumulative incidence of any of the long-term pediatric morbidities, compared with the comparison group. In the multivariable survival analysis for clustered data, after adjustment of maternal clusters, maternal age, gestational age and birthweight, müllerian anomalies did not exhibit an independent association with long-term morbidities of the offspring.

CONCLUSION

Müllerian anomalies do not appear to have an independent impact on long-term morbidity of the offspring.

3D ultrasound findings in women attending a South Australian recurrent miscarriage clinic

Background

Women who suffer recurrent miscarriage are a heterogeneous group. Known causes include genetic and endocrine abnormalities, anti-phospholipid syndrome and autoimmune disease. Congenital uterine abnormalities (CUAs) such as bicornuate, unicornuate, septate and arcuate uterine abnormalities are known to negatively impact on pregnancy rates, and to increase the miscarriage rates of genetically normal pregnancies. In some countries, such as Britain, 3D ultrasound of the pelvis is offered routinely to women with recurrent miscarriages.

Aim

To determine the prevalence of CUAs and other pelvic pathology, in women attending a South Australian recurrent miscarriage clinic.

Materials and methods

3D transvaginal ultrasounds performed during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle were offered to all patients attending the recurrent miscarriage clinic, who had not previously had a hysteroscopy, laparoscopy, HyCoSy or MRI study of their pelvis. A Philips IUI 8 MHz transvaginal probe for freehand sweep, and dedicated 3D transvaginal probe was used. 3D scans provide a coronal view of the uterus, ideal for detecting abnormalities which may be missed during routine conventional 2D scanning.

Results

A total of 210 women were recruited, 200 results were available, and 29% were found to have a CUA. 15% had polycystic ovaries detected, 15% were found to have fibroids, 12% adenomyosis and 1.5% Asherman's syndrome.

Conclusions

3D ultrasound evaluation of patients attending a recurrent miscarriage clinic detects CUAs, and has a high detection rate of other pelvic abnormalities that may contribute to recurrent miscarriages.

The future of human uterus transplantation

The only untreatable subgroup of female infertility is absolute uterine factor infertility (AUFI), which is due to congenital or surgical absence of a uterus or presence of a nonfunctional uterus. The solitary option for a woman with AUFI to become a biological mother today is through a gestational surrogate mother, a procedure that is prohibited in Sweden and large parts of the world. Uterus transplantation (UTx) is a potential future treatment of AUFI. After extensive animal research, also involving non-human primates, a small number of human UTx cases have recently been performed. Here, we summarize the primate UTx experiments that have paved the way for the human UTx cases, which are described and analyzed in more detail. We also estimate how many women of fertile age are affected by AUFI and describe the causes. The ethics around UTx is complex and is also addressed.

Predictors of miscarriage: a matched case-control study

OBJECTIVES:

The risk factors for miscarriage vary across communities and countries. This study was conducted to investigate the predictors of miscarriage in the west of Iran.

METHODS:

This matched case-control study was conducted in Hamadan Province from April 2013 to March 2014. Cases were selected from women who had a recent spontaneous abortion and controls were selected from women who had a recent live birth. Two controls were selected for every case and matched for date of pregnancy and area of residence. Multivariate conditional logistic regression analysis was performed and odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.

RESULTS:

Five hundred fifty cases were compared with 1,091 controls. The OR of miscarriage was 1.58 (95% CI=1.30-1.92) for every five-year increase in age, 0.20 (95% CI=0.14-0.28) for every live birth, and 3.43 (95% CI=2.03-5.79) for a history of previous spontaneous abortion. Compared to nulliparous women, primiparous or multiparous women had an OR of 17.85 (95% CI=6.65-47.91) for miscarriage. There was a strong association between miscarriage and abnormal amniotic status (OR, 2.46; 95% CI, 0.46-13.09) and also abnormal placenta status (OR, 10.44; 95% CI, 0.95-114.92); however, these associations were not statistically significant. No significant associations were observed between miscarriage and body mass index, previous history of stillbirth, low birth weight, congenital anomaly, ectopic pregnancy, impaired thyroid function, or high blood pressure.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our study suggests that miscarriage is a multifactorial outcome associated with several modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors that may vary among different communities.

Uterine factors

Uterine anomalies are one of the most common parental causes of recurrent pregnancy loss, occurring in about 19% of patients. Congenital uterine anomalies are most likely caused by HOX gene mutations, although the mechanism is probably polygenic. There are no known environmental causes other than estrogenic endocrine disruptors such as diethylstilbestrol. Acquired uterine anomalies may result from uterine trauma (adhesions) or benign growths of the myometrium (fibroids) or endometrium (polyps). Although randomized controlled trials are lacking, surgical treatment is recommended for repair of uterine septa, and for removal of severe adhesions and submucosal fibroids, especially if no other causes are identified.

Classic and cutting-edge strategies for the management of early pregnancy loss

There are few conditions in medicine associated with more heartache to patients than recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). The management of early RPL is a formidable clinical challenge for physicians. Great strides have been made in characterizing the incidence and diversity of this heterogeneous disorder, and a definite cause of pregnancy loss can be established in more than half of couples after a thorough evaluation. In this review, current data are evaluated and a clear roadmap is provided for the evaluation and treatment of RPL.