Pregnancy and neonatal outcomes 42 months after application of hyaluronic acid gel following dilation and curettage for miscarriage in women who have experienced at least one previous curettage: follow-up of a randomized controlled trial

Effects and safety of hyaluronic acid gel on intrauterine adhesion and fertility after intrauterine surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of hyaluronic acid gel for the prevention of intrauterine adhesions and improved fertility after intrauterine surgery.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of science, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched up to November 1, 2023.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Randomized controlled trials that reported intrauterine adhesion and fertility outcomes among women who used hyaluronic acid after intrauterine surgery.

METHODS

The risk of bias was assessed using criteria of the Cochrane Handbook, and the quality of the evidence was evaluated using the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed. A trial sequential analysis was conducted to assess the outcomes, and Stata 14 was used for sensitivity analyses and publication bias analyses.

RESULTS

Data from 16 randomized controlled trials involving 2359 patients were extracted and analyzed. The analysis revealed that hyaluronic acid reduced the incidence of intrauterine adhesion (risk ratio, 0.53; 95% confidence interval, 0.42-0.67; I2=48%) and improve pregnancy rates (risk ratio, 1.24; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-1.50; I2=0%). A subgroup analysis was conducted to evaluate factors that influence the effect of hyaluronic acid on the incidence of intrauterine adhesion. It was found that a small volume of hyaluronic acid reduced the incidence of intrauterine adhesions. Hyaluronic acid exhibited a protective effect among patients who underwent various intrauterine surgeries and who had different gynecologic medical histories. The protective effect was statistically significant after a follow-up of 6 to 12 weeks. The results of the trial sequential analysis indicated that the effect of hyaluronic acid on the incidence of mild intrauterine adhesions, pregnancy rates, live birth rates, and miscarriage rates after intrauterine surgery may be inconclusive and thus further evaluation is required in the form of additional clinical trials. However, the remaining effects were found to be verifiable and did not require more clinical trials for confirmation.

CONCLUSION

Hyaluronic acid can safely and effectively reduce the incidence of intrauterine adhesions and may improve fertility outcomes.

A cost-effectiveness analysis of intrauterine spacers used to prevent the formation of intrauterine adhesions following endometrial cavity surgery

AIM

To assess, from a United States (US) payer's perspective, the cost-effectiveness of gels designed to separate the endometrial surfaces (intrauterine spacers) placed following intrauterine surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A decision tree model was developed to estimate the cost-effectiveness of intrauterine spacers used to facilitate endometrial repair and prevent the formation (primary prevention) and reformation (secondary prevention) of intrauterine adhesions (IUAs) and associated pregnancy- and birth-related adverse outcomes. Event rates and costs were extrapolated from data available in the existing literature. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to corroborate the base case results.

RESULTS

In this model, using intrauterine spacers for adhesion prevention led to net cost savings for US payers of $2,905 per patient over a 3.5-year time horizon. These savings were driven by the direct benefit of preventing procedures associated with IUA formation ($2,162 net savings) and the indirect benefit of preventing pregnancy-related complications often associated with IUA formation ($3,002). These factors offset the incremental cost of intrauterine spacer use of $1,539 based on an assumed price of $1,800 and the related increase in normal deliveries of $931. Model outcomes were sensitive to the probability of preterm and normal deliveries. Budget impact analyses show overall cost savings of $19.96 per initial member within a US healthcare plan, translating to $20 million over a 5-year time horizon for a one-million-member plan.

LIMITATIONS

There are no available data on the effects of intrauterine spacers or IUAs on patients' quality of life. Resultingly, the model could not evaluate patients' utility related to treatment with or without intrauterine spacers and instead focused on costs and events avoided.

CONCLUSION

This analysis robustly demonstrated that intrauterine spacers would be cost-saving to healthcare payers, including both per-patient and per-plan member, through a reduction in IUAs and improvements to patients' pregnancy-related outcomes.

Cyclical endometrial repair and regeneration: Molecular mechanisms, diseases, and therapeutic interventions

The endometrium is a unique human tissue with an extraordinary ability to undergo a hormone-regulated cycle encompassing shedding, bleeding, scarless repair, and regeneration throughout the female reproductive cycle. The cyclical repair and regeneration of the endometrium manifest as changes in endometrial epithelialization, glandular regeneration, and vascularization. The mechanisms encompass inflammation, coagulation, and fibrinolytic system balance. However, specific conditions such as endometriosis or TCRA treatment can disrupt the process of cyclical endometrial repair and regeneration. There is uncertainty about traditional clinical treatments' efficacy and side effects, and finding new therapeutic interventions is essential. Researchers have made substantial progress in the perspective of regenerative medicine toward maintaining cyclical endometrial repair and regeneration in recent years. Such progress encompasses the integration of biomaterials, tissue-engineered scaffolds, stem cell therapies, and 3D printing. This review analyzes the mechanisms, diseases, and interventions associated with cyclical endometrial repair and regeneration. The review discusses the advantages and disadvantages of the regenerative interventions currently employed in clinical practice. Additionally, it highlights the significant advantages of regenerative medicine in this domain. Finally, we review stem cells and biologics among the available interventions in regenerative medicine, providing insights into future therapeutic strategies.

Reproductive outcomes of women with moderate to severe intrauterine adhesions after transcervical resection of adhesion: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Intrauterine adhesions (IUA) refers to the adhesion of the inner wall of the uterus, resulting in complete or partial occlusion of the uterine cavity, which causes a series of symptoms. Transcervical resection of adhesion (TCRA) is the standard surgical method for patients with IUA. However, the recurrence rate of women with moderate to severe IUA is high and it has raised a big concern about the reproductive outcomes.

METHODS

We conducted a scoping review by using 4 databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and web of science, to retrieve relevant literature from September 1, 2001, to February 1, 2023, and to explore the reproductive outcomes in women with moderate to severe IUA after TCRA treatment. Following defined guidelines, data extraction was carried out by 2 researchers, and the findings were examined by 2 senior academics. The papers were evaluated by 2 reviewers using the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Using a form developed especially for this study, pertinent information was retrieved, including the first author, research design, study duration, age, intervention measurement, pregnancy rate, techniques of conception, and live birth rate. Two researchers conducted a quality assessment to determine any potential bias using the Cochrane technique and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. RevMan 5.4.1 (The Cochrane Collaboration, London, United Kingdom) was used for data analysis, while I2 was used to evaluate heterogeneity.

RESULTS

In total, this study included 2099 participants. After a detailed systematic review and meta-analyses, the results showed that pregnancy and live birth rates were increased significantly after TCRA, and the risk difference of the pregnancy rate was 1.75 [1.17, 2.62]. Besides, in 2 retrospective studies, the risk difference of live birth rate was 2.26, with a 95% confidence interval of 1.99 to 2.58. Moreover, the menstrual status of women also was improved, and the risk difference of hypermenorrhoea and amenorrhea were -0.28 [-0.37, -0.19] and -0.06 [0.26, 0.13], respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, TCRA is the useful strategy for the treatment of moderate to severe IUA to enhance the reproductive outcomes in women.

A novel technique for moderate to severe intrauterine adhesions: A historical cohort study

To evaluate the feasibility and efficiency of our novel technique, ultrasound guided hysteroscopic catheter dilation (US-HCD), for the treatment of moderate to severe intrauterine adhesion (IUA). A total of 126 patients diagnosed with IUA and met the enrollment criteria were admitted in this historical cohort study from June 1, 2016 to December 31, 2018. All patients were divided into 2 groups according to the surgical techniques used. Group A (n = 68) were treated with traditional hysteroscopic adhesiolysis with scissors (THA) and Group B (n = 58) were treated with US-HCD. Their data for the next 2 years following the initial surgery were analyzed. Safety and feasibility (operation time, surgical complications and the third-look hysteroscopic surgery rate), and post-operation efficacy (reduction of American Fertility Society [AFS] scores, pregnancy and live birth rates) were evaluated between groups. Between the groups, there was no statistically significant differences in basic preoperative information and AFS scores (P > .05). While there were significant differences in the operation time of the initial surgery (P < .05) and reduction of AFS scores (P < .05). No surgical complications were recorded and only 3 patients (5.2%) received a third-look hysteroscopy in Group B, while there were 6 cases of complications and 13 cases (19.1%) of third-look hysteroscopy in Group A, indicating significant differences between Groups (P < .05). Both groups exhibited comparable pregnancy rate, live birth rate and obstetric complications (P > .05). Our new technique is a safe, feasible and effective procedure for moderate to severe IUA patients, which can be mastered more quickly and easily by surgeons and applied in areas with less affluent economy and without hysteroscopic scissors, thus worthy of further study.

Preconception and periconception interventions to prevent low birth weight, small for gestational age and preterm birth: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Low birth weight (LBW), including preterm birth (PTB) and small for gestational age (SGA), contributes a significant global health burden. We aimed to summarise current evidence on the effect of preconception and periconception interventions on LBW, SGA and PTB.

Methods

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and WHO Global Index Medicus for randomised controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies published by 28 November 2020, which assessed interventions delivered in preconception and periconception or preconception and pregnancy. Primary outcomes were LBW, SGA and PTB. Studies were categorised by intervention type and delivery during preconception and periconception or during preconception and pregnancy. Estimates were pooled using fixed-effects or random-effects restricted maximum likelihood method meta-analyses. Quality of evidence for primary outcomes was assessed using the Grades of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach.

Results

We included 58 studies. Twenty-eight studies examined nutrition interventions (primarily micronutrient or food supplementation). Thirty studies (including one reporting a nutrition intervention) provided health interventions (general preconception health, early adverse pregnancy outcome prevention, non-communicable disease and infectious disease prevention and management). One study assessed a social intervention (reproductive planning). Studies varied in terms of specific interventions, including delivery across preconception or pregnancy, resulting in few studies for any single comparison. Overall, the evidence was generally very uncertain regarding the impact of any intervention on LBW, SGA and PTB. Additionally, preconception and periconception nutritional supplementation containing folic acid was associated with reduced risk of birth defects (10 studies, N=3 13 312, risk ratio: 0.37 (95% CI: 0.24 to 0.55), I²: 74.33%).

Conclusion

We found a paucity of evidence regarding the impact of preconception and periconception interventions on LBW, SGA and PTB. Further research on a wider range of interventions is required to clearly ascertain their potential effectiveness.

Trial registration number

This review was prospectively registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020220915).

DOES HYALURONIC ACID GEL REDUCE INTRAUTERINE ADHESIONS AFTER DILATION AND CURETTAGE IN WOMEN WITH MISCARRIAGE? MULTICENTRIC RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL (HYFACO STUDY)

BACKGROUND

Miscarriage is a frequent problem that requires dilation and curettage in 30 % of cases. This routine surgery may lead to intrauterine adhesions and severe infertility. Hyaluronic acid gel is known to reduce intrauterine adhesions after hysteroscopic surgery.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the rate of intrauterine adhesions after dilation and curettage for miscarriage with and without hyaluronic acid gel.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a multicentric (nine hospitals in France), prospective, open-labelled randomized trial. Patients who had a miscarriage between weeks 7 and 14 of gestation, requiring dilation and curettage, and who were wishing for another pregnancy were eligible for the study. Women were randomly assigned 1:1 to surgery alone (control group) vs surgery with intrauterine instillation of hyaluronic acid gel (gel group). An office hysteroscopy was planned six to eight weeks after surgery. The primary endpoint was the rate of intrauterine adhesions during this office follow-up hysteroscopy. Two different follow-up fertility surveys were sent at 6 months and one year after the end of the intervention respectively.

RESULTS

Among the 343 patients who had curettage, 278 had hysteroscopy. After multiple imputation, the rate of intrauterine adhesions was lower in the gel group compared to the control group (9.1% vs. 18.4%, respectively, p=0.0171). Among the 110 responders to the surveys, the overall pregnancy rate twelve months after surgery was 64.5% (71/110), and similar in both groups (57.4 % (27/47) in control group vs. 69.8% (44/63) in gel group, p=0.1789).

CONCLUSION

Intrauterine instillation of hyaluronic acid gel reduces the rate of intrauterine adhesions in women treated with dilation and curettage for miscarriage.

Focus on the Primary Prevention of Intrauterine Adhesions: Current Concept and Vision

Intrauterine adhesion (IUA), and its severe form Asherman syndrome (Asherman’s syndrome), is a mysterious disease, often accompanied with severe clinical problems contributing to a significant impairment of reproductive function, such as menstrual disturbance (amenorrhea), infertility or recurrent pregnancy loss. Among these, its correlated infertility may be one of the most challenging problems. Although there are many etiologies for the development of IUA, uterine instrumentation is the main cause of IUA. Additionally, more complicated intrauterine surgeries can be performed by advanced technology, further increasing the risk of IUA. Strategies attempting to minimize the risk and reducing its severity are urgently needed. The current review will expand the level of our knowledge required to face the troublesome disease of IUA. It is separated into six sections, addressing the introduction of the normal cyclic endometrial repairing process and its abruption causing the formation of IUA; the etiology and prevalence of IUA; the diagnosis of IUA; the classification of IUA; the pathophysiology of IUA; and the primary prevention of IUA, including (1) delicate surgical techniques, such as the use of surgical instruments, energy systems, and pre-hysteroscopic management, (2) barrier methods, such as gels, intrauterine devices, intrauterine balloons, as well as membrane structures containing hyaluronate–carboxymethylcellulose or polyethylene oxide–sodium carboxymethylcellulose as anti-adhesive barrier.