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Patabendige M, Chan F, Vayssiere C, Ehlinger V, Van Gemund N, le Cessie S, Prager M, Marions L, Rozenberg P, Chevret S, Young DC, Le Roux PA, Gregson S, Waterstone M, Rolnik DL, Mol BW, Li W. Vaginal misoprostol versus vaginal dinoprostone for cervical ripening and induction of labour: An individual participant data meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. BJOG 2024; 131:1167-1180. [PMID: 38425020 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.17794] [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: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Induction of labour (IOL) is common practice and different methods carry different effectiveness and safety profiles. OBJECTIVES To compare the effectiveness, and maternal and perinatal safety outcomes of IOL with vaginal misoprostol versus vaginal dinoprostone using individual participant data from randomised clinical trials. SEARCH STRATEGY The following databases were searched from inception to March 2023: CINAHL Plus, ClinicalTrials.gov, Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group Trial Register, Ovid Embase, Ovid Emcare, Ovid MEDLINE, Scopus and the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP). SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), with viable singleton gestation, no language restrictions, and all published and unpublished data. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS An individual participant data meta-analysis was carried out. MAIN RESULTS Ten of 52 eligible trials provided individual participant data, of which two were excluded after checking data integrity. The remaining eight trials compared low-dose vaginal misoprostol versus dinoprostone, including 4180 women undergoing IOL, which represents 32.8% of all participants in the published RCTs. Of these, 2077 were assigned to low-dose vaginal misoprostol and 2103 were assigned to vaginal dinoprostone. Compared with vaginal dinoprostone, low-dose vaginal misoprostol had a comparable rate of vaginal birth. Composite adverse perinatal outcomes did not differ between the groups. Compared with vaginal dinoprostone, composite adverse maternal outcomes were significantly lower with low-dose vaginal misoprostol (aOR 0.80, 95% CI 0.65-0.98, P = 0.03, I2 = 0%). CONCLUSIONS Low-dose vaginal misoprostol and vaginal dinoprostone for IOL are comparable in terms of effectiveness and perinatal safety. However, low-dose vaginal misoprostol is likely to lead to a lower rate of composite adverse maternal outcomes than vaginal dinoprostone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malitha Patabendige
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash Medical Centre, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Ministry of Health, Colombo, Sri Lanka
- Monash Health - Casey Hospital, Berwick, Victoria, Australia
| | - Fei Chan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash Medical Centre, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christophe Vayssiere
- Centre for Epidemiology and Research in Population Health (CERPOP), UMR1295, Toulouse University, Inserm, Paul Sabatier University, Toulouse, France
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Paule de Viguier Hospital, Toulouse University Hospital, Toulouse, France
| | - Virginie Ehlinger
- Centre for Epidemiology and Research in Population Health (CERPOP), UMR1295, Toulouse University, Inserm, Paul Sabatier University, Toulouse, France
| | - Nicolette Van Gemund
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Franciscus Gasthuis, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Saskia le Cessie
- Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Martina Prager
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lena Marions
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Patrick Rozenberg
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Poissy Hospital, University Paris V, Paris, France
| | - Sylvie Chevret
- Department of Biostatistics, Hopital Saint-Louis, University Paris VII, INSERM, Paris, France
| | - David C Young
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- IWK Health Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Paul A Le Roux
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sarah Gregson
- Maternity Unit, Queen Mary's Sidcup NHS Trust, Kent, UK
| | | | - Daniel L Rolnik
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash Medical Centre, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ben W Mol
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash Medical Centre, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Wentao Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash Medical Centre, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- National Perinatal Epidemiology and Statistics Unit (NPESU), Centre for Big Data Research in Health, and School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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Jiang NX, Zhao WJ, Shen HR, Du DF, Li XL. Hyperinsulinemia impairs decidualization via AKT-NR4A1 signaling: new insight into polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)-related infertility. J Ovarian Res 2024; 17:31. [PMID: 38310251 PMCID: PMC10837998 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-023-01334-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Investigating the underlying molecular mechanisms responsible for endometrial dysfunction in women with PCOS is essential, particularly focusing on the role of hyperinsulinemia. METHODS We explored the role of insulin in the decidualization process using a synthetic decidualization assay. To dissect the effects of PI3K/AKT-NR4A signaling, we employed small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) targeting the NR4A genes and inhibitors of the PI3K/AKT pathway. We also investigated the disruption of AKT-NR4A1 signaling in the endometrium of PCOS female rats induced with dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot (WB) analyses were utilized to evaluate gene expression regulation. RESULTS Insulin was found to suppress the expression of decidualization markers in human endometrial stromal cells (hESC) in a dose-dependent manner, concurrently triggering an inappropriate activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. Members of the NR4A family, as downstream effectors in the PI3K/AKT pathway, were implicated in the insulin-induced disruptions during the decidualization process. Moreover, the endometrium of PCOS models showed significantly elevated levels of phosphorylated (Ser473) AKT, with a corresponding reduction in Nr4a1 protein. CONCLUSIONS Our research demonstrates that insulin negatively regulates decidualization in hESC via the PI3K/AKT-NR4A pathway. In vivo analysis revealed a significant dysregulation of the AKT-NR4A1 pathway in the endometrium of PCOS rats. These findings offer novel insights into the pathogenesis of infertility and endometrial disorders associated with hyperinsulinemia in PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan-Xing Jiang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, 200011, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, 200011, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei-Jie Zhao
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, 200011, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, 200011, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao-Ran Shen
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, 200011, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, 200011, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan-Feng Du
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, 200011, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, 200011, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue-Lian Li
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, 200011, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, 200011, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
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Peel MD, Croll DMR, Kessler J, Haugland B, Pennell CE, Dickinson JE, Salim R, Zafran N, Palmer KR, Mol BW, Li W. Double-vs single-balloon catheter for induction of labor: Systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2023; 102:1440-1449. [PMID: 37417714 PMCID: PMC10577628 DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14626] [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: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Evidence comparing double-balloon vs single-balloon catheter for induction of labor is divided. We aim to compare the efficacy and safety of double-vs single-balloon catheters using individual participant data. MATERIAL AND METHODS A search of Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Ovid Emcare, CINAHL Plus, Scopus, and clinicaltrials.gov was conducted for randomized controlled trials published from March 2019 until April 13, 2021. Earlier trials were identified from the Cochrane Review on Mechanical Methods for Induction of Labour. Randomized controlled trials that compared double-balloon with single-balloon catheters for induction of labor in singleton gestations were eligible. Participant-level data were sought from trial investigators and an individual participant data meta-analysis was performed. The primary outcomes were rates of vaginal birth achieved, a composite measure of adverse maternal outcomes and a composite measure of adverse perinatal outcomes. We used a two-stage random-effects model. Data were analyzed from the intention-to-treat perspective. RESULTS Of the eight eligible randomized controlled trials, three shared individual-level data with a total of 689 participants, 344 women in the double-balloon catheter group and 345 women in the single-balloon catheter group. The difference in the rate of vaginal birth between double-balloon catheter and single-balloon catheter was not statistically significant (relative risk [RR] 0.93, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.86-1.00, p = 0.050; I2 0%; moderate-certainty evidence). Both perinatal outcomes (RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.54-1.21, p = 0.691; I2 0%; moderate-certainty evidence) and maternal composite outcomes (RR 0.65, 95% CI 0.15-2.87, p = 0.571; I2 55.46%; low-certainty evidence) were not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS Single-balloon catheter is at least comparable to double-balloon catheter in terms of vaginal birth rate and maternal and perinatal safety outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan D. Peel
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Doortje M. R. Croll
- Wilhelmina Children's Hospital Birth CenterUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Jørg Kessler
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyHaukeland University HospitalBergenNorway
- Department of Clinical ScienceUniversity of BergenBergenNorway
| | | | - Craig E. Pennell
- School of Medicine and Public HealthThe University of NewcastleNewcastleAustralia
| | - Jan E. Dickinson
- Division of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe University of Western AustraliaPerthAustralia
| | - Raed Salim
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyEmek Medical CenterAfulaIsrael
- Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, TechnionHaifaIsrael
| | - Noah Zafran
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyEmek Medical CenterAfulaIsrael
- Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, TechnionHaifaIsrael
| | - Kirsten R. Palmer
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Ben W. Mol
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Wentao Li
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia
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Mol BW, Lai S, Rahim A, Bordewijk EM, Wang R, van Eekelen R, Gurrin LC, Thornton JG, van Wely M, Li W. Checklist to assess Trustworthiness in RAndomised Controlled Trials (TRACT checklist): concept proposal and pilot. Res Integr Peer Rev 2023; 8:6. [PMID: 37337220 DOI: 10.1186/s41073-023-00130-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To propose a checklist that can be used to assess trustworthiness of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). DESIGN A screening tool was developed using the four-stage approach proposed by Moher et al. This included defining the scope, reviewing the evidence base, suggesting a list of items from piloting, and holding a consensus meeting. The initial checklist was set-up by a core group who had been involved in the assessment of problematic RCTs for several years. We piloted this in a consensus panel of several stakeholders, including health professionals, reviewers, journal editors, policymakers, researchers, and evidence-synthesis specialists. Each member was asked to score three articles with the checklist and the results were then discussed in consensus meetings. OUTCOME The Trustworthiness in RAndomised Clinical Trials (TRACT) checklist includes 19 items organised into seven domains that are applicable to every RCT: 1) Governance, 2) Author Group, 3) Plausibility of Intervention Usage, 4) Timeframe, 5) Drop-out Rates, 6) Baseline Characteristics, and 7) Outcomes. Each item can be answered as either no concerns, some concerns/no information, or major concerns. If a study is assessed and found to have a majority of items rated at a major concern level, then editors, reviewers or evidence synthesizers should consider a more thorough investigation, including assessment of original individual participant data. CONCLUSIONS The TRACT checklist is the first checklist developed specifically to detect trustworthiness issues in RCTs. It might help editors, publishers and researchers to screen for such issues in submitted or published RCTs in a transparent and replicable manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben W Mol
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
- Aberdeen Centre for Women's Health Research, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Shimona Lai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Ayesha Rahim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Esmée M Bordewijk
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Rik van Eekelen
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology & Data Science, Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Lyle C Gurrin
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.
| | - Jim G Thornton
- Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Madelon van Wely
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology & Data Science, Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Netherlands Satellite of the Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Group, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Wentao Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
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GRADE Use in Evidence Syntheses Published in High-Impact-Factor Gynecology and Obstetrics Journals: A Methodological Survey. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12020446. [PMID: 36675377 PMCID: PMC9866985 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12020446] [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: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: To identify and describe the certainty of evidence of gynecology and obstetrics systematic reviews (SRs) using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Method: Database searches of SRs using GRADE, published between 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2020, in the 10 "gynecology and obstetrics" journals with the highest impact factor, according to the Journal Citation Report 2019. Selected studies included those SRs using the GRADE approach, used to determine the certainty of evidence. Results: Out of 952 SRs, ninety-six SRs of randomized control trials (RCTs) and/or nonrandomized studies (NRSs) used GRADE. Sixty-seven SRs (7.04%) rated the certainty of evidence for specific outcomes. In total, we identified 946 certainty of evidence outcome ratings (n = 614 RCT ratings), ranging from very-low (42.28%) to low (28.44%), moderate (17.65%), and high (11.63%). High and very low certainty of evidence ratings accounted for 2.16% and 71.60% in the SRs of NRSs, respectively, compared with 16.78% and 26.55% in the SRs of RCTs. In the SRs of RCTs and NRSs, certainty of evidence was mainly downgraded due to imprecision and bias risks. Conclusions: More attention needs to be paid to strengthening GRADE acceptance and building knowledge of GRADE methods in gynecology and obstetrics evidence synthesis.
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Jones MN, Palmer KR, Pathirana MM, Cecatti JG, Filho OBM, Marions L, Edlund M, Prager M, Pennell C, Dickinson JE, Sass N, Jozwiak M, Eikelder MT, Rengerink KO, Bloemenkamp KWM, Henry A, Løkkegaard ECL, Christensen IJ, Szychowski JM, Edwards RK, Beckmann M, Diguisto C, Gouge AL, Perrotin F, Symonds I, O'Leary S, Rolnik DL, Mol BW, Li W. Balloon catheters versus vaginal prostaglandins for labour induction (CPI Collaborative): an individual participant data meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Lancet 2022; 400:1681-1692. [PMID: 36366885 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(22)01845-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Induction of labour is one of the most common obstetric interventions globally. Balloon catheters and vaginal prostaglandins are widely used to ripen the cervix in labour induction. We aimed to compare the effectiveness and safety profiles of these two induction methods. METHODS We did an individual participant data meta-analysis comparing balloon catheters and vaginal prostaglandins for cervical ripening before labour induction. We systematically identified published and unpublished randomised controlled trials that completed data collection between March 19, 2019, and May 1, 2021, by searching the Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and PubMed. Further trials done before March 19, 2019, were identified through a recent Cochrane review. Data relating to the combined use of the two methods were not included, only data from women with a viable, singleton pregnancy were analysed, and no exclusion was made based on parity or membrane status. We contacted authors of individuals trials and participant-level data were harmonised and recoded according to predefined definitions of variables. Risk of bias was assessed with the ROB2 tool. The primary outcomes were caesarean delivery, indication for caesarean delivery, a composite adverse perinatal outcome, and a composite adverse maternal outcome. We followed the intention-to-treat principle for the main analysis. The primary meta-analysis used two-stage random-effects models and the sensitivity analysis used one-stage mixed models. All models were adjusted for maternal age and parity. This meta-analysis is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020179924). FINDINGS Individual participant data were available from 12 studies with a total of 5460 participants. Balloon catheters, compared with vaginal prostaglandins, did not lead to a significantly different rate of caesarean delivery (12 trials, 5414 women; crude incidence 27·0%; adjusted OR [aOR] 1·09, 95% CI 0·95-1·24; I2=0%), caesarean delivery for failure to progress (11 trials, 4601 women; aOR 1·20, 95% CI 0·91-1·58; I2=39%), or caesarean delivery for fetal distress (10 trials, 4441 women; aOR 0·86, 95% CI 0·71-1·04; I2=0%). The composite adverse perinatal outcome was lower in women who were allocated to balloon catheters than in those allocated to vaginal prostaglandins (ten trials, 4452 neonates, crude incidence 13·6%; aOR 0·80, 95% CI 0·70-0·92; I2=0%). There was no significant difference in the composite adverse maternal outcome (ten trials, 4326 women, crude incidence 22·7%; aOR 1·02, 95% CI 0·89-1·18; I2=0%). INTERPRETATION In induction of labour, balloon catheters and vaginal prostaglandins have comparable caesarean delivery rates and maternal safety profiles, but balloon catheters lead to fewer adverse perinatal events. FUNDING Australian National Health and Medical Research Council and Monash Health Emerging Researcher Fellowship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine N Jones
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
| | - Kirsten R Palmer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
| | - Maleesa M Pathirana
- Adelaide Medical School and Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | | | | | - Lena Marions
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Måns Edlund
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Martina Prager
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Craig Pennell
- School of Medicine and Public Health, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Jan E Dickinson
- School of Women's and Infants' Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Nelson Sass
- Departamento de Obstetricia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marta Jozwiak
- Gynaecologic Oncology, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Mieke Ten Eikelder
- Department of Gynaecology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Katrien Oude Rengerink
- Department of Biostatistics and Research Support, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Kitty W M Bloemenkamp
- Department of Obstetrics, WKZ Birth Centre, Division Woman and Baby, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Amanda Henry
- Medicine & Health, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia.
| | - Ellen C L Løkkegaard
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Nordsjællands Hospital, Hillerød, Denmark.
| | | | - Jeff M Szychowski
- School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Rodney K Edwards
- College of Medicine, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Michael Beckmann
- Mothers, Babies and Women's Health Services, Mater Health, South Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Caroline Diguisto
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Fetal Medicine, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Amélie Le Gouge
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Fetal Medicine, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Franck Perrotin
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Fetal Medicine, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Ian Symonds
- School of Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sean O'Leary
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Daniel L Rolnik
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
| | - Ben W Mol
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, VIC, Australia; Aberdeen Centre for Women's Health Research, School of Medicine, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK.
| | - Wentao Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
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Hunter KE, Webster AC, Page MJ, Willson M, McDonald S, Berber S, Skeers P, Tan-Koay AG, Parkhill A, Seidler AL. Searching clinical trials registers: guide for systematic reviewers. BMJ 2022; 377:e068791. [PMID: 35473822 DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2021-068791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kylie E Hunter
- Evidence Integration, NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Angela C Webster
- Evidence Integration, NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
- School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Matthew J Page
- Methods in Evidence Synthesis Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Melina Willson
- Evidence Integration, NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Steve McDonald
- Methods in Evidence Synthesis Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Slavica Berber
- Health Technology Assessment Team, NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Peta Skeers
- Evidence Integration, NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Ava G Tan-Koay
- Evidence Integration, NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Anne Parkhill
- Centre for Health Communication and Participation, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Anna Lene Seidler
- Evidence Integration, NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
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Wessel JA, Danhof NA, van Eekelen R, Diamond MP, Legro RS, Peeraer K, D’Hooghe TM, Erdem M, Dankert T, Cohlen BJ, Thyagaraju C, Mol BWJ, Showell M, van Wely M, Mochtar MH, Wang R. OUP accepted manuscript. Hum Reprod Update 2022; 28:733-746. [PMID: 35587030 PMCID: PMC9434229 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmac021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intrauterine insemination with ovarian stimulation (IUI-OS) is a first-line treatment for unexplained infertility. Gonadotrophins, letrozole and clomiphene citrate (CC) are commonly used agents during IUI-OS and have been compared in multiple aggregate data meta-analyses, with substantial heterogeneity and no analysis on time-to-event outcomes. Individual participant data meta-analysis (IPD-MA) is considered the gold standard for evidence synthesis as it can offset inadequate reporting of individual studies by obtaining the IPD, and allows analyses on treatment–covariate interactions to identify couples who benefit most from a particular treatment. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE We performed this IPD-MA to compare the effectiveness and safety of ovarian stimulation with gonadotrophins, letrozole and CC and to explore treatment–covariate interactions for important baseline characteristics in couples undergoing IUI. SEARCH METHODS We searched electronic databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, CINAHL, and PsycINFO from their inception to 28 June 2021. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing IUI-OS with gonadotrophins, letrozole and CC among couples with unexplained infertility. We contacted the authors of eligible RCTs to share the IPD and established the IUI IPD-MA Collaboration. The primary effectiveness outcome was live birth and the primary safety outcome was multiple pregnancy. Secondary outcomes were other reproductive outcomes, including time to conception leading to live birth. We performed a one-stage random effects IPD-MA. OUTCOMES Seven of 22 (31.8%) eligible RCTs provided IPD of 2495 couples (62.4% of the 3997 couples participating in 22 RCTs), of which 2411 had unexplained infertility and were included in this IPD-MA. Six RCTs (n = 1511) compared gonadotrophins with CC, and one (n = 900) compared gonadotrophins, letrozole and CC. Moderate-certainty evidence showed that gonadotrophins increased the live birth rate compared to CC (6 RCTs, 2058 women, RR 1.30, 95% CI 1.12–1.51, I2 = 26%). Low-certainty evidence showed that gonadotrophins may also increase the multiple pregnancy rate compared to CC (6 RCTs, 2058 women, RR 2.17, 95% CI 1.33–3.54, I2 = 69%). Heterogeneity on multiple pregnancy could be explained by differences in gonadotrophin starting dose and choice of cancellation criteria. Post-hoc sensitivity analysis on RCTs with a low starting dose of gonadotrophins (≤75 IU) confirmed increased live birth rates compared to CC (5 RCTs, 1457 women, RR 1.26, 95% CI 1.05–1.51), but analysis on only RCTs with stricter cancellation criteria showed inconclusive evidence on live birth (4 RCTs, 1238 women, RR 1.15, 95% CI 0.94–1.41). For multiple pregnancy, both sensitivity analyses showed inconclusive findings between gonadotrophins and CC (RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.45–1.96; RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.32–2.03, respectively). Moderate certainty evidence showed that gonadotrophins reduced the time to conception leading to a live birth when compared to CC (6 RCTs, 2058 women, HR 1.37, 95% CI 1.15–1.63, I2 = 22%). No strong evidence on the treatment–covariate (female age, BMI or primary versus secondary infertility) interactions was found. WIDER IMPLICATIONS In couples with unexplained infertility undergoing IUI-OS, gonadotrophins increased the chance of a live birth and reduced the time to conception compared to CC, at the cost of a higher multiple pregnancy rate, when not differentiating strategies on cancellation criteria or the starting dose. The treatment effects did not seem to differ in women of different age, BMI or primary versus secondary infertility. In a modern practice where a lower starting dose and stricter cancellation criteria are in place, effectiveness and safety of different agents seem both acceptable, and therefore intervention availability, cost and patients’ preferences should factor in the clinical decision-making. As the evidence for comparisons to letrozole is based on one RCT providing IPD, further RCTs comparing letrozole and other interventions for unexplained infertility are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Wessel
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - N A Danhof
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - R van Eekelen
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M P Diamond
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - R S Legro
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - K Peeraer
- UZ Leuven, Leuven University Fertility Center, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - T M D’Hooghe
- Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt 64293, Germany
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven/University of Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - M Erdem
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Gazi University, Ankara 06560, Turkey
| | - T Dankert
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rijnstate Hospital Arnhem, 06560 Ankara, The Netherlands
| | - B J Cohlen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Isala Fertility Center, 8025 AB Zwolle, The Netherlands
| | - C Thyagaraju
- Department of OBG, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical education and Research (JIPMER), Pondicherry 605006, India
| | - B W J Mol
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
- Aberdeen Centre for Women’s Health Research, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3FX, UK
| | - M Showell
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - M van Wely
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M H Mochtar
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - R Wang
- Correspondence address. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Level 5, Monash Medical Centre, 246 Clayton Road, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia. E-mail:
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Wang L, Tang J, Zhou J, Zhu L, Tan F, Chen Y, Wang L, Song H, Miao Y, Mei S, Li F. N-Acetyl-l-cysteine restores reproductive defects caused by Ggt1 deletion in mice. Clin Transl Med 2021; 11:e510. [PMID: 34459136 PMCID: PMC8387720 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ling Wang
- Key Lab of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs & Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Jinhua Tang
- Key Lab of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs & Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Jiawei Zhou
- Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Lihua Zhu
- Key Lab of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs & Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Feng Tan
- Key Lab of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs & Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Yaru Chen
- Key Lab of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs & Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Lei Wang
- Key Lab of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs & Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Huibin Song
- Key Lab of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs & Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Yiliang Miao
- Key Lab of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs & Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Shuqi Mei
- Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Fenge Li
- Key Lab of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs & Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, P. R. China.,The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, P. R. China
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10
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Assessing Research Misconduct in Randomized Controlled Trials. Obstet Gynecol 2021; 138:338-347. [PMID: 34352811 DOI: 10.1097/aog.0000000000004513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) serve as the pillar of evidence-based medicine and guide medical practice. Compromised data integrity in RCTs undermines the authority of this valuable tool for science and puts patients at risk. Although a large number of retractions due to data issues in obstetrics and gynecology have occurred in the past few years, many problematic RCTs could still go uncovered because in general there is insufficient willingness to envisage and confront research misconduct. In this article, we discuss the necessity of assessing research misconduct, summarize methods that have been applied in detecting previous cases of misconduct, and propose potential solutions. There is no established mechanism to monitor feedback on published articles and the current system that handles potential research misconduct is unsatisfactory. Fortunately, there are methods to assess data integrity in RCTs both with and without individual participant data. Investigations into research misconduct can be facilitated by assessing all publications from a leading author or author group to identify duplication and patterns of ongoing misconduct. There is a pressing need to improve the mechanism that investigates data manipulation. The mechanism that handles misconduct should prioritize the interests of patients and readers rather than trial authors and their institutions. An equally urgent issue is to establish mechanisms that prevent compromised trials from polluting evidence synthesis or misguiding practice.
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Albaghdadi AJH, Kan FWK. Therapeutic Potentials of Low-Dose Tacrolimus for Aberrant Endometrial Features in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:2872. [PMID: 33808965 PMCID: PMC7998611 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22062872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a major anovulatory infertility affecting a great proportion of women of childbearing age and is associated with obesity, insulin resistance and chronic inflammation. Poor endometrial receptivity and recurrent implantation failure are major hurdles to the establishment of pregnancy in women with PCOS. The accumulating body of evidence obtained from experimental and clinical studies suggests a link between inherent adaptive and innate immune irregularities and aberrant endometrial features in PCOS. The use of conventional therapeutic interventions such as lifestyle modification, metformin and ovarian stimulation has achieved limited clinical success in restoring ovulation and endometrial receptivity in women with PCOS. Unlike other immunosuppressive drugs prescribed in the clinical management of autoimmune and inflammatory disorders that may have deleterious effects on fertility and fetal development, preclinical studies in mice and in women without PCOS but with repeated implantation failure revealed potential therapeutic benefits for the use of low-dose tacrolimus in treating female infertility. Improved systemic and ovarian immune functions, endometrial progesterone receptor and coreceptor expressions and uterine vascular adaptation to pregnancy were among features of enhanced progesterone-receptor sensitivity in the low-dose tacrolimus-treated mouse model of the disease. In this review, we have compiled available experimental and clinical data in literature on endometrial progesterone resistance and current therapeutic options, as well as mechanisms of actions and reported outcomes relevant to the potential therapeutic benefits for the use of low-dose tacrolimus in treating PCOS-associated female infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Frederick W. K. Kan
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada;
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