Endometriosis and adenomyosis are associated with increased risk of preterm delivery and a small-for-gestational-age child: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Prevalence of adenomyosis features in women scheduled for assisted reproductive treatment, using the Morphological Uterus Sonographic Assessment group definitions

INTRODUCTION

Studies that use standardized ultrasonographic criteria to diagnose adenomyosis in subfertile women are needed. These would improve the understanding of the disease burden and enable further studies on its impact on fertility and assisted reproductive treatment (ART) outcome. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of different features of adenomyosis in women scheduled for their first ART, diagnosed at two (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) transvaginal ultrasonography (TVUS) using the revised Morphological Uterus Sonographic Assessment (MUSA) group definitions.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This was a prospective, observational cross-sectional study of subfertile women aged 25 to ≤39 years, that were referred to a university hospital for their first ART between December 2018 and May 2021. Of 1224 eligible women, 1160 women fulfilled the inclusion criteria and consented to participate in the study. All women underwent a systematic 2D and 3D TVUS examination. The primary outcome was the presence of direct and indirect features of adenomyosis, as proposed by the MUSA group. Secondary outcomes were to describe the ultrasonographic characteristics of the different features, as well as any difference in the diagnostics at 2D or 3D TVUS and any association with clinical characteristics such as endometriosis.

RESULTS

At least one direct or indirect feature of adenomyosis was observed in 272 (23.4%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 21.0-25.9) women. Direct features that are pathognomonic for the disease were observed in 111 (9.6%, 95% CI, 7.9-11.3) women. Direct features were visible only at 3D TVUS in 56 (4.8%, 95% CI 3.6-6.1) women, that is, 56/111 (50.5%) of women with at least one direct adenomyosis feature. Direct features were more common in women with endometriosis (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.8-4.3).

CONCLUSIONS

We found than one in 10 women scheduled for ART had direct features of adenomyosis at ultrasound examination. The present study suggests that the use of 3D TVUS is an important complement to 2D in the diagnostics of adenomyosis. Our results may further improve the counseling of women scheduled for ART and enables future studies on the impact of different features of adenomyosis on subfertility, ART results and obstetric outcomes.

Association between endometriosis and obstetric complications: Insight from the National Inpatient Sample

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between endometriosis and adverse obstetric outcomes using data from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database.

METHODS

The ICD-10 coding system was used to identify codes for endometriosis and obstetric outcomes, and data from the NIS (2016-2019) were analyzed. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize variables, while the chi-square test was used to detect significant differences for categorical variables. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were conducted to assess the association between endometriosis and obstetric outcomes. On multivariate analysis, adjustment was done for age, race, hospital region, smoking status, and alcohol misuse. Forest plots were used to visualize odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

Overall, 2,854,149 women were included in this analysis, of whom 4,006 women had endometriosis. The post-hoc Bonferroni correction was applied to account for multiple comparisons, and our analyses revealed several statistically significant associations (p < 0.004). Specifically, on univariate analysis, significant associations with endometriosis were identified for ruptured uterus, placenta previa, placental abruption, postpartum hemorrhage, preeclampsia, amniotic fluid abnormality, gestational diabetes, preterm labor, and multiple gestation. On multivariate analysis, significant associations with endometriosis were observed for placenta previa, placental abruption, postpartum hemorrhage, preeclampsia, amniotic fluid abnormality, preterm labor, premature rupture of membranes, and multiple gestation.

CONCLUSION

The present findings provide important insights into the potential relationship between endometriosis and various adverse obstetric outcomes and may help inform clinical practice and future research. Further studies that use more detailed clinical data and longitudinal designs are needed to solidify the presented conclusions.

Network pharmacology prediction and experimental verification of Rhubarb-Peach Kernel promoting apoptosis in endometriosis

BACKGROUND

"Rhubarb-Peach Kernel" herb pair (RP) one of the most frequently used drug pairs, has been used in traditional medicine in China to treat inflammation and diseases associated with pain. Although it is widely used clinically and has a remarkable curative effect, the mechanism of RP treatment for endometriosis (EMs) remains unclear due to its complicated components. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-endometriosis effect of RP, with emphasis on apoptosis via network pharmacology prediction, molecular docking and experimental verification.

METHODS

The related ingredients and targets of RP in treating EMs were screened out using Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP), Tool for Molecular mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine (BATMAN-TCM), and GeneCards database. The data of the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was obtained by the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interaction Gene/Proteins (STRING) Database. The Metascape database was adopt for Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. After that, the molecular docking of the main active ingredients and apoptosis targets was performed. Finally, the pro-apoptotic effect of RP was verified in hEM15a cells.

RESULTS

A total of 32 RP compounds were collected. Forty-two matching targets were picked out as the correlative targets of RP in treating EMs. Among these, 18 hub targets including P53, CASP3 were recognized by the PPI network. KEGG enrichment analysis discovered that the regulation of apoptosis was one of the potential mechanisms of RP against EMs. Anthraquinone compounds, flavonoids, and triterpenes in RP were identified as crucial active ingredients, involved in the pro-apoptotic effect, which were confirmed subsequently by molecular docking. Additionally, it was verified that RP treatment promoted apoptosis and inhibited the proliferation of EMs cells (assessed by MTT and Flow cytometry). Moreover, the induction of apoptosis in treated EMs cells may be due to the regulation of apoptosis-related protein expression, including P53, BAX, and CASP3.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of our study demonstrated that RP may exert its therapeutic effects on EMs through the potential mechanism of promoting apoptosis. Anthraquinones, flavonoids and triterpenoids are the possible pro-apoptotic components in RP.

Impact of adenomyosis on perinatal outcomes: a large cohort study (JSOG database)

BACKGROUND

A previous study investigated the effect of adenomyosis on perinatal outcomes. Some studies have reported varying effect of adenomyosis on pregnancy outcomes in some patients and dependence on the degree and subtype of uterine lesions. To elucidate the impact of adenomyosis on perinatal outcomes.

METHODS

This large-scale cohort study used the perinatal registry database of the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology. A dataset of 203,745 mothers who gave birth between January 2020 and December 2020 in Japan was included in the study. The participants were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of adenomyosis. Information regarding the use of fertility treatment, delivery, obstetric complications, maternal treatments, infant, fetal appendages, obstetric history, underlying diseases, infectious diseases, use of drugs, and maternal and infant death were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

In total, 1,204 participants had a history of adenomyosis and 151,105 did not. The adenomyosis group had higher rates of uterine rupture (0.2% vs. 0.01%, P = 0.02) and placenta accreta (2.0% vs. 0.5%, P < 0.001) than the non-adenomyosis group. A history of adenomyosis (odds ratio: 2.26; 95% confidence interval: 1.43-3.27; P < 0.001), uterine rupture (odds ratio: 3.45; 95% confidence interval: 0.89-19.65; P = 0.02), placental abruption (odds ratio: 2.11; 95% confidence interval: 1.27-3.31; P < 0.01), and fetal growth restriction (odds ratio: 2.66; 95% confidence interval: 2.00-3.48; P < 0.01) were independent risk factors for placenta accreta.

CONCLUSION

Adenomyosis in pregnancies is associated with an increased risk of placenta accreta, uterine rupture, placental abruption, and fetal growth restriction.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Institutional Review Board of Tottori University Hospital (IRB no. 21A244).

Biological and pathological mechanisms leading to the birth of a small vulnerable newborn

The pathway to a thriving newborn begins before conception and continues in utero with a healthy placenta and the right balance of nutrients and growth factors that are timed and sequenced alongside hormonal suppression of labour until a mature infant is ready for birth. Optimal nutrition that includes adequate quantities of quality protein, energy, essential fats, and an extensive range of vitamins and minerals not only supports fetal growth but could also prevent preterm birth by supporting the immune system and alleviating oxidative stress. Infection, illness, undernourishment, and harmful environmental exposures can alter this trajectory leading to an infant who is too small due to either poor growth during pregnancy or preterm birth. Systemic inflammation suppresses fetal growth by interfering with growth hormone and its regulation of insulin-like growth factors. Evidence supports the prevention and treatment of several maternal infections during pregnancy to improve newborn health. However, microbes, such as Ureaplasma species, which are able to ascend the cervix and cause membrane rupture and chorioamnionitis, require new strategies for detection and treatment. The surge in fetal cortisol late in pregnancy is essential to parturition at the right time, but acute or chronically high maternal cortisol levels caused by psychological or physical stress could also trigger labour onset prematurely. In every pathway to the small vulnerable newborn, there is a possibility to modify the course of pregnancy by supporting improved nutrition, protection against infection, holistic maternal wellness, and healthy environments.

Adenomyosis in Pregnancy-Should It Be Managed in High-Risk Obstetric Units?

BACKGROUND

Uterine adenomyosis is an increasingly frequent disorder. Our study aimed to demonstrate the presence of obstetric complications in the population affected by this condition to demonstrate the need for follow-up in high-risk obstetric units.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The data for the study were obtained from TriNetX, LLC, between 2010 and 2020. The outcomes analyzed were intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), preterm delivery, cesarean delivery, hypertension, abruption placentae, and spontaneous abortion. Seven thousand six hundred and eight patients were included in the cohort of pregnant patients with adenomyosis, and 566,153 women in the cohort of pregnant patients without any history of endometriosis.

RESULTS

Upon calculating the total risk of presenting any of these problems during pregnancy, we obtained an OR = 1.521, implying that a pregnancy with adenomyosis was 52.1% more likely to present some complication. We found: IUGR OR = 1.257 (95% CI: 1.064-1.485) (p = 0.007); preterm delivery OR = 1.422 (95% CI: 1.264-1.600) (p = 0.0001); cesarean delivery OR = 1.099 (95% CI: 1.002-1.205) (p = 0.046); hypertensive disorders OR = 1.177 (95% CI: 1.076-1.288) (p = 0.0001); abruption placentae OR = 1.197 (95% CI: 1.008-1.422) (p = 0.040), and spontaneous abortion OR = 1.529 (95% CI: 1.360-1.718) (p = 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

We conclude that the review carried out and the data we obtained on increased risk provide sufficient evidence to recommend that patients with adenomyosis should be managed in obstetric high-risk units.

The importance of vitamin D in the diagnosis and treatment of adenomyosis

There is still no unified theory of the occurrence of adenomyosis. The theories of retrograde menstruation, metaplasia, activation of Mullerian residues, lymphatic and vascular dissemination, iatrogenic dissemination, immunological changes, genetic predisposition, etc. are discussed. The theory of retrograde menstruation is the most relevant among all these theories. The aim is to study the content of folic acid, vitamins B1, D, E, ferritin in the blood, zinc, copper, calcium in the blood and removed uterine tissues, to assess the hormonal status in women with combined uterine pathology leiomyoma and adenomyosis. 150 women underwent a health examination, residents of the cities of Pavlodar and Nur-Sultan, aged 18 to 49 years with benign dishormonal diseases of reproductive organs (the main group). The control group consisted of 40 women without gynaecological pathology. The study of the somatic status, objective general somatic, clinical and laboratory, gynaecological examination was carried out by routine methods. Ultrasound examination was performed for mammary glands, thyroid gland, pelvic organs in a real-time mode according to standard methods.

Fertility and Pregnancy Outcomes in Patients With Adenomyosis: Is Adenomyosis Synonymous With Infertility?

Adenomyosis is a disease related to the presence of endometrial glands and stromal cells within the uterine myometrium that used to be linked to females that are more than 40 years old and multiparous. Nowadays, females are delaying their pregnancies to their third or fourth decade, and as diagnostic approaches evolve, the disease has become a common problem for females who desire pregnancy. The aim of this study is to identify the physio-pathological factors by which adenomyosis causes infertility and pregnancy complications, as well as the possible results from infertility treatments and the most common pregnancy complications that females with adenomyosis face. A systematic review based on a systematic search from PubMed, Cochrane, and ScienceDirect databases from the past five years was done. Papers with free full text available were subject to the removal of duplicates, screening for relevant titles and abstracts, and a quality assessment to identify the risk of bias (RoB). A total of 10 papers were selected for this study; they include systematic reviews and meta-analyses, cohorts, literature review, and a case-control study. After the review of the data, we conclude that infertility may be due to several factors that impair adequate sperm mobility through the uterus and an impaired implantation of a product. After some fertility treatments were performed, females with adenomyosis had a lower rate of clinical pregnancy. The pregnancy complications such as preterm delivery and hypertension problems related to pregnancy had an increased risk for females with adenomyosis, while for others such as intrauterine fetal death and gestational diabetes, the information is still controversial. The main limitation of this study was the lack of information of physio-pathological-related information probably due to only including data from the past five years.

Development of a core outcome set and outcome definitions for studies on uterus-sparing treatments of adenomyosis (COSAR): an international multistakeholder-modified Delphi consensus study

STUDY QUESTION

What outcomes should be reported in all studies investigating uterus-sparing interventions for treating uterine adenomyosis?

SUMMARY ANSWER

We identified 24 specific and 26 generic core outcomes in nine domains.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Research reporting adenomyosis treatment is not patient-centred and shows wide variation in outcome selection, definition, reporting and measurement of quality.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

An international consensus development process was performed between March and December 2021. Participants in round one were 150 healthcare professionals, 17 researchers and 334 individuals or partners with lived experience of adenomyosis from 48 high-, middle- and low-income countries. There were 291 participants in the second round.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Stakeholders included active researchers in the field, healthcare professionals involved in diagnosis and treatment, and people and their partners with lived experience of adenomyosis. The core component of the process was a 2-step modified Delphi electronic survey. The Steering Committee analysed the results and created the final core outcome set (COS) in a semi-structured meeting.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

A total of 241 outcomes was identified and distilled into a 'long list' of 71 potential outcomes. The final COS comprises 24 specific and 26 generic core outcomes across nine domains, including pain, uterine bleeding, reproductive outcomes, haematology, urinary system, life impact, delivery of care, adverse events and reporting items, all with definitions provided by the Steering Committee. Nineteen of these outcomes will apply only to certain study types. Although not included in the COS, the Steering Committee recommended that three health economic outcomes should be recorded.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

Patients from continents other than Europe were under-represented in this survey. A lack of translation of the survey might have limited the active participation of people in non-English speaking countries. Only 58% of participants returned to round two, but analysis did not indicate attrition bias. There is a significant lack of scientific evidence regarding which symptoms are caused by adenomyosis and when they are related to other co-existent disorders such as endometriosis. As future research provides more clarity, the appropriate review and revision of the COS will be necessary.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

Implementing this COS in future studies on the treatment of adenomyosis will improve the quality of reporting and aid evidence synthesis.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

No specific funding was received for this work. T.T. received a grant (grant number 2020083) from the South Eastern Norwegian Health Authority during the course of this work. T.T. receives personal fees from General Electrics and Medtronic for lectures on ultrasound. E.R.L. is the chairman of the Norwegian Endometriosis Association. M.G.M. is a consultant for Abbvie Inc and Myovant, receives research funding from AbbVie and is Chair of the Women's Health Research Collaborative. S.-W.G. is a board member of the Asian Society of Endometriosis and Adenomyosis, on the scientific advisory board of the endometriosis foundation of America, previous congress chair for the World Endometriosis Society, for none of which he received personal fees. E.S. received outside of this work grants for two multicentre trials on endometriosis from the National Institute for Health Research UK, the Rosetrees Trust, and the Barts and the London Charity, he is a member of the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), Medicines for Women's Health Expert Advisory Group, he is an ambassador for the World Endometriosis Society, and he received personal fees for lectures from Hologic, Olympus, Medtronic, Johnson & Johnson, Intuitive and Karl Storz. M.H. is member of the British Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy subcommittee. No other conflict of interest was declared.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

N/A.

Endometriosis: A Disease with Few Direct Treatment Options

Endometriosis is a gynecological condition characterized by the growth of endometrium-like tissues inside and outside the pelvic cavity. The evolution of the disease can lead to infertility in addition to high treatment costs. Currently, available medications are only effective in treating endometriosis-related pain; however, it is not a targeted treatment. The objective of this work is to review the characteristics of the disease, the diagnostic means and treatments available, as well as to discuss new therapeutic options.

MRI and Adenomyosis: What Can Radiologists Evaluate?

Uterine adenomyosis is a common benign condition defined by the presence of heterotopic endometrial glands and stroma within the myometrium. Adenomyosis is often related to infertility and other adverse pregnancy outcomes. Modern imaging techniques allow the non-invasive diagnosis of adenomyosis and, in this framework, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has assumed a central role due to its high diagnostic accuracy in the detection of adenomyosis. Currently, there is still a lack of international consensus on adenomyosis diagnostic criteria and classification, despite the fact that an agreed reporting system would promote treatment outcomes and research. This review aims to emphasize the important contribution of MRI to the diagnosis of adenomyosis and to highlight how, thanks to the great tissue differentiation provided by MRI, it is possible to identify the main direct (cystic component) and indirect (junctional zone features) signs of adenomyosis and to distinguish its various subtypes according to different MRI-based classifications. We also explored the main MRI criteria to identify the most common pitfalls and differential diagnoses of adenomyosis, whose features should be considered to avoid misdiagnosis.

Endometriosis and Impaired Placentation: A Prospective Cohort Study Comparing Uterine Arteries Doppler Pulsatility Index in Pregnancies of Patients with and without Moderate-Severe Disease

The aim of this study was to evaluate if moderate-severe endometriosis impairs uterine arteries pulsatility index (UtA-PI) during pregnancy when compared to unaffected controls. In this prospective cohort study, pregnant women with stage III–IV endometriosis according to the revised American Fertility Society (r-AFS) classification were matched for body mass index and parity in a 1:2 ratio with unaffected controls. UtA-PIs were assessed at 11–14, 19–22 and 26–34 weeks of gestation following major reference guidelines. A General Linear Model (GLM) was implemented to evaluate the association between endometriosis and UtA-PI Z-scores. Significantly higher third trimester UtA-PI Z-scores were observed in patients with r-AFS stage III–IV endometriosis when compared to controls (p = 0.024). In the GLM, endometriosis (p = 0.026) and maternal age (p = 0.007) were associated with increased third trimester UtA-PI Z-scores, whereas conception by in-vitro fertilization with frozen-thawed embryo transfer significantly decreased UtA-PI measures (p = 0.011). According to these results, r-AFS stage III–IV endometriosis is associated with a clinically measurable impaired late placental perfusion. Closer follow-up may be recommended in pregnant patients affected by moderate-severe endometriosis in order to attempt prediction and prevention of adverse pregnancy and perinatal outcomes due to a defective late placental perfusion.

Influence of laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis and its recurrence on perinatal outcomes

Purpose

It is unknown whether surgery for endometriosis or recurrence of endometriosis affects obstetric outcomes.

Methods

A total of 208 pregnant women with a history of endometriosis were analyzed. Patients who had endometriomas >3 cm and no history of laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis were defined as non‐surgery group (n = 60), while those who had a history of surgery for endometriosis (n = 148) were defined as surgery group. We investigated the obstetric outcomes in 208 patients according to with or without postoperative recurrence of endometriosis and the time from surgery to pregnancy.

Results

Among 177 cases of on‐going pregnancy, in surgery group, there were lower prevalence of placenta previa compared with non‐surgery group (8.5% vs. 23.4%; p = 0.020). Subgroup analysis revealed a decreased prevalence of placenta previa in postoperative non‐recurrence group (6.0%: p = 0.007) compared with non‐surgery (23.4%) and postoperative recurrence group (28.6%). Placenta previa was more prevalent in the patients who got pregnant more than 2 years after surgery (20.0%) than the patients who got pregnant within 2 years (2.4%: p = 0.002). Multivariate analysis revealed that the surgery was associated with a reduction in placenta previa (OR: 0.32, 95% CI [0.11–0.90]; p = 0.032).

Conclusions

Pregnancy within two years after laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis may reduce placenta previa.

Adenomyosis and infertility

PURPOSE

Adenomyosis is a poorly understood entity with no unified treatment protocol. It has been thought to only affect the quality of life of older women, but growing evidence is highlighting the increased frequency of adenomyosis in younger patients and its possible effects on fertility outcomes. This can have a great impact on how clinicians screen, diagnose, and treat this condition. The aim of this review is to explore the relationship between adenomyosis and infertility.

METHODS

A literature search of the keywords "adenomyosis", "infertility", "pregnancy" and "fertility" was conducted using the PubMed and Medline search engines. The articles selected were observational, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and randomized controlled trials. The search was limited to English, abstracts were screened, and articles were selected.

RESULTS

The literature reports lower clinical pregnancy rates, lower live birth rates, higher miscarriage rates, and higher odds of adverse obstetric outcomes in patients with adenomyosis. Treatment seems to be associated with higher pregnancy rates and live births rates.

CONCLUSION

An association between adenomyosis and infertility seems to exist, and treatment could lead to improved fertility outcomes.

A systematic review on estimating population attributable fraction for risk factors for small-for-gestational-age births in 81 low- and middle-income countries

Background

Small for gestational age (SGA) is a public health concern since it is associated with mortality in neonatal and post-neonatal period. Despite the large magnitude of the problem, little is known about the population-attributable risk (PAR) of various risk factors for SGA. This study estimated the relative contribution of risk factors for SGA, as a basis for identifying priority areas for developing and/or implementing interventions to reduce the incidence of SGA births and related mortality and morbidity.

Methods

We conducted a literature review on 63 potential risk factors for SGA to quantify the risk relationship and estimate the prevalence of risk factors (RFs). We calculated the population-attributable fraction for each of the identified RF for 81 Countdown countries and calculated regional estimates. Twenty-five RFs were included in the final model while extended model included all the 25 RFs from the final model and two additional RFs.

Results

In the final and extended models, the RFs included in each model have a total PAF equal to 63.97% and 69.66%, respectively of SGA across the 81 LMICs. In the extended model, maternal nutritional status has the greatest PAF (28.15%), followed by environmental and other exposures during pregnancy (15.82%), pregnancy history (11.01%), and general health issues or morbidity (10.34%). The RFs included in the final and extended model for Sub-Saharan African (SSA) region have a total PAF of 63.28% and 65.72% of SGA, respectively. In SSA, the top three RF categories in the extended model are nutrition (25.05%), environment and other exposure (13.01%), and general health issues or morbidity (10.72%), while in South-Asia's it was nutrition (30.56%), environment and other exposure (15.27%) and pregnancy history (11.68%).

Conclusions

The various types of RFs that play a role in SGA births highlight the importance of a multifaceted approach to tackle SGA. Depending on the types of RFs, intervention should be strategically targeted at either individual or household and/or community or policy level. There is also a need to research the mechanisms by which some of the RFs might hinder fetal growth.

Iron overload compromises preimplantation mouse embryo development

We and others have previously shown that abnormal pelvic environment plays an important role in the unexplained infertility of endometriosis. However, whether iron overload caused by ectopic periodic bleeding found in patients with endometriosis participates in endometriosis-associated reproductive failure is unknown. This study aimed to investigate effects of iron at level relevant to pelvic iron overload on the development of preimplantation mouse embryo. Two-cell embryos were collected, and cultured to blastocysts in G1/G2 medium supplemented with iron alone or in combination with iron chelator. The development rates, ATP level, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), reactive oxygen species level (ROS), and apoptotic and ferroptotic indices were compared between control and iron treatments across each specific developmental stage. Prolonged exposure to iron remarkably impaired early embryo development in vitro by hampering blastocyst formation (P < 0.001), which could be partly restored by iron chelator (P < 0.001). The arrest of embryo development was linked with iron-initiated mitochondrial dysfunction with reduction of ATP generation and MMP (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively). Impaired mitochondria altered ROS accumulation post-iron exposure at morula stage and blastocyst stage (P < 0.05). Moreover, Iron-exposed blastocyst stage embryos showed higher apoptotic and ferroptotic rates (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05, respectively). Our results highlight that pathologically relevant level of iron compromises preimplantation mouse embryo development by disrupting mitochondrial function and triggering both apoptosis and ferroptosis, which implicates that excess iron found in peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis likely participates in endometriosis-associated reproductive failure.

A protocol for developing, disseminating, and implementing a core outcome set for adenomyosis research

Background

Adenomyosis is a common benign gynaecological condition that has been associated with heavy and/or painful periods, subfertility and poor obstetric outcomes including miscarriage and preterm delivery. Studies evaluating treatments for adenomyosis have reported a wide range of outcomes and outcome measures. This variation in outcomes and outcome measures prevents effective data synthesis, thereby hampering the ability of meta-analyses to draw useful conclusions and inform clinical practice.

Objectives

Our aim is to develop a minimum set of outcomes to be reported in all future studies that investigate any uterus-sparing intervention for treating uterine adenomyosis. Wide adoption of 'core outcomes' into research on adenomyosis would reduce the heterogeneity of studies and make data synthesis easier. This will ultimately lead to comparable, prioritised, and patient-centred conclusions from meta-analyses and guidelines.

Materials and Methods

Outcomes identified from a systematic review of the literature will form a long list, agreed by an international steering group representing key stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, researchers, and public research partners. Through a modified Delphi process, key stakeholders will score outcomes from the agreed long list on a nine-point Likert scale that ranges from 1 (not important) to 9 (critical). Following the Delphi process, the refined outcome set will be finalised by the steering group. Finally, the steering group will develop recommendations for high-quality measures for each outcome. The study was prospectively registered with Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials Initiative; number 1649.

Conclusion

The implementation of the core outcome set for adenomyosis in future trials will enhance the availability of comparable data to facilitate more patient-centred evidence-based care.

What is new?

The core outcome set will facilitate the generation of clinically important and patient centred outcomes for studies evaluating treatments for adenomyosis.

Premature Birth in Women with Endometriosis: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

The objective of this study is to verify the association between endometriosis and preterm birth through systematic review and meta-analysis. Is there an increased risk of premature birth in women with endometriosis compared to women without this diagnosis? The databases searched were PubMed, Medline, and LILACS in order to identify all studies published up to April 2020, using the keywords (prematurity OR preterm birth OR premature birth OR premature labor OR obstetric premature labor OR preterm labor OR premature obstetric labor) AND (endometriosis OR adenomyosis OR endometrioma OR endometriomas). A manual research was also performed through the analysis of theses, book chapters, reference references, guidelines, and reviews. All published prospective cohort studies that reported the prevalence of preterm delivery among women with endometriosis, adenomyosis, or endometrioma were included, comparing it to the control group of women without such diagnoses. The random-effects model, the calculation of relative risk, and the confidence interval of 95% were used to perform the meta-analysis. Three studies involving 10,111 patients were included. Compared to women without endometriosis, women with endometriosis present an increased risk of premature birth (RR: 2.68, 95% CI [1.19; 6.02], I² = 91%). In the subgroup of women with spontaneous conception, endometriosis is also a risk factor for prematurity (RR: 3.26, 95% CI [2.09; 5.09], I² = 0%, 2 studies, 682 participants). The evidence presented suggests that women with endometriosis should be alerted to a potential risk of preterm birth. PROSPERO registration number, CRD42020189451.

Effect of adenomyosis on adverse obstetrical outcomes in twin pregnancies achieved with assisted reproductive technology

The incidence of twin pregnancy with adenomyosis (AD) is increasing due to advanced maternal age and infertility treatment. We retrospectively analysed the data of 45 dichorionic twin pregnancies complicated with AD in contrast to a control group of dichorionic twin pregnancies without AD (n = 130). Compared with those in the control group, the AD group had a higher overall foetal loss rate (8.9% vs. 0.8%; adjusted p = .031; odds ratio (OR), 13.6; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.27-146.3), higher early preterm delivery rate (20% vs. 6.9%; adjusted p = .007; OR, 4.22; 95% CI, 1.47-12.13) and higher rate of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (26.7% vs. 7.7%; adjusted p = .005; OR, 3.94; 95% CI, 1.5-10.2). Patients in the AD group were significantly more likely to require transfusion during or after delivery (17.8% vs. 5.4%; p = .026) and have smaller babies (2168 g vs. 2399 g; p = .004) compared with those in the control group. This is the first study to report that twin pregnancies with AD may be treated as high-risk for placental dysfunction and may need closer monitoring during pregnancy.Impact StatementWhat is already known on this subject? The incidence of twin pregnancy with adenomyosis (AD) is increasing due to advanced maternal age and infertility treatment. However, there are very few studies on the effect of AD on pregnancy outcomes.What the results of this study add? This is the first study to report that twin pregnancies with AD have higher rates of early preterm delivery, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, and transfusion compared to controls.What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? The results of this study can be used in counselling twin pregnancies with AD. Further research is needed to confirm the current findings.

Objective measures of adenomyosis on MRI and their diagnostic accuracy-a systematic review & meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) diagnosis of adenomyosis is considered the most accurate non-invasive technique, but remains subjective, with no consensus on which diagnostic parameters are most accurate. We aimed to systematically review the literature on how adenomyosis can be objectively quantified on MRI in a scoping manner, to review the diagnostic performance of these characteristics compared with histopathological diagnosis, and to summarize correlations between measures of adenomyosis on MRI and clinical outcomes.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We searched databases Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane for relevant literature up to April 2020 according to PRISMA guidelines. We included studies that objectively assessed adenomyosis on MRI, and separately assessed studies investigating the diagnostic performance of MRI vs histopathology for inclusion in a meta-analysis. The QUADAS-2 tool was used for risk of bias, with many studies showing an unclear or high risk of bias.

RESULTS

Eighty studies were included, of which 14 assessed the diagnostic performance of individual MRI parameters, with four included in the meta-analysis of diagnostic accuracy. Common MRI parameters were: junctional zone (JZ) characteristics, such as maximum JZ thickness-pooled sensitivity 71.6% (95% CI 46.0%-88.2%), specificity 85.5% (52.3%-97.0%); JZ differential-pooled sensitivity 58.9% (95% CI 44.3%-72.1%), specificity 83.2% (95% CI 71.3%-90.8%); and JZ to myometrial ratio-pooled sensitivity 63.3% (95% CI 51.9%-73.4%), specificity 79.4% (95% CI 42.0%-95.4%); adenomyosis lesion size, uterine morphology (pooled sensitivity 42.9% (95% CI 15.9%-74.9%), specificity 87.7%, (95% CI 37.9-98.8) and changes in signal intensity-eg, presence of myometrium cysts; pooled 59.6% (95% CI 41.6%-75.4%) and specificity of 96.1% (95% CI 80.7%-99.3%). Other MRI parameters have been used for adenomyosis diagnosis, but their diagnostic performance is unknown. Few studies attempted to correlate adenomyosis MRI phenotype to clinical outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

A wide range of objective parameters for adenomyosis exist on MRI; however, in many cases their individual diagnostic performance remains uncertain. JZ characteristics remain the most widely used and investigated with acceptable diagnostic accuracy. Specific research is needed into how these objective measures of adenomyosis can be correlated to clinical outcomes.

Utilizing network pharmacology and molecular docking to explore the underlying mechanism of Guizhi Fuling Wan in treating endometriosis

Background

Guizhi Fuling Wan (GZFLW) is a widely used classical Chinese herbal formulae prescribed for the treatment of endometriosis (EMs). This study aimed to predict the key targets and mechanisms of GZFLW in the treatment of EMs by network pharmacology and molecular docking.

Methods

Firstly, related compounds and targets of GZFLW were identified through the TCMSP, BATMAN-TCM and CASC database. Then, the EMs target database was built by GeneCards. The overlapping targets between GZFLW and EMs were screened out, and then data of the PPI network was obtained by the STRING Database to analyze the interrelationship of these targets. Furthermore, a topological analysis was performed to screen the hub targets. After that, molecular docking technology was used to confirm the binding degree of the main active compounds and hub targets. Finally, the DAVID database and Metascape database were used for GO and KEGG enrichment analysis.

Results

A total of 89 GZFLW compounds and 284 targets were collected. One hundred one matching targets were picked out as the correlative targets of GZFLW in treating EMs. Among these, 25 significant hub targets were recognized by the PPI network. Coincidently, molecular docking simulation indicated that the hub targets had a good bonding activity with most active compounds (69.71%). Furthermore, 116 items, including the inflammatory reaction, RNA polymerase, DNA transcription, growth factor activity, and steroid-binding, were selected by GO enrichment analysis. Moreover, the KEGG enrichment analysis results included 100 pathways focused on the AGE-RAGE pathway, HIF pathway, PI3K Akt pathway, MAPK pathway, and TP53 pathway, which exposed the potential mechanisms of GZFLW in treating EMs. Also, the MTT colorimetric assay indicated that the cell proliferation could be inhibited by GZFLW. Compared with the control group, the protein levels of P53, BAX, and caspase3 in the drug groups were all increased in Western blotting results. The results of flow cytometry showed that the percentage of apoptotic cells in the GZFLW group was significantly higher than that in the control group.

Conclusion

Through the exploration of network pharmacology and molecular docking technology, GZFLW has a therapeutic effect on EMs through multi-target mechanism. This study provided a good foundation for further experimental research.

Adenomyosis in Pregnancy: Diagnostic Pearls and Pitfalls

Adenomyosis is a common benign uterine disorder in which ectopic endometrial glands extend into the myometrium. Adenomyosis is increasingly diagnosed in young women, affecting 20%-35% of women of reproductive age. Features of adenomyosis can be seen with either US or MRI, especially with newer imaging technology. With advances in reproductive endocrinology as well as a trend toward later maternal age, adenomyosis is increasingly noted during pregnancy, often while performing imaging for other reasons. Hormonal changes during pregnancy alter the appearance of adenomyosis, which includes diffuse, focal, and cystic adenomyosis. Recognizing these imaging changes in pregnancy proves essential for accurately diagnosing adenomyosis as a benign condition, as it mimics serious placental and myometrial abnormalities. Using a lower-frequency US transducer or MRI can be helpful in distinguishing among these entities. Describing the location of adenomyosis in relationship to the site of placentation is also important. Diagnosing adenomyosis is crucial because it can be associated with poor pregnancy outcomes, including spontaneous abortion, preterm birth, and fetal growth restriction. Adenomyosis is also a risk factor for preeclampsia. Intramural ectopic pregnancy is a rare but serious condition that can mimic cystic adenomyosis, and comparison with prepregnancy images can help differentiate the two conditions. The authors review the unique imaging characteristics of adenomyosis in pregnancy, focusing on accurate diagnosis of an underrecognized benign condition that can mimic myometrial and placental pathologic conditions.^©RSNA, 2021.

Endometriosis and Risk of Adverse Pregnancy Outcome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: This systematic review and meta-analysis summarizes the evidence for the association between endometriosis and adverse pregnancy outcome, including gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia, low birth weight, and small for gestational age, preterm birth, placenta previa, placental abruption, cesarean section, stillbirth, postpartum hemorrhage, spontaneous hemoperitoneum in pregnancy, and spontaneous bowel perforation in pregnancy. Methods: We performed the literature review in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA), by searches in PubMed and EMBASE, until 1 November 2020 (PROSPERO ID CRD42020213999). We included peer-reviewed observational cohort studies and case-control studies and scored them according to the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale, to assess the risk of bias and confounding. Results: 39 studies were included. Women with endometriosis had an increased risk of gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia, preterm birth, placenta previa, placental abruption, cesarean section, and stillbirth, compared to women without endometriosis. These results remained unchanged in sub-analyses, including studies on spontaneous pregnancies only. Spontaneous hemoperitoneum in pregnancy and bowel perforation seemed to be associated with endometriosis; however, the studies were few and did not meet the inclusion criteria. Conclusions: The literature shows that endometriosis is associated with an increased risk of gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia, preterm birth, placenta previa, placental abruption, cesarean section, and stillbirth.

Endometriosis and assisted reproductive techniques independently related to mother-child morbidities: a French longitudinal national study

RESEARCH QUESTION

Does endometriosis increase obstetric and neonatal complications, and does assisted reproductive technology (ART) cause additional risk of maternal or fetal morbidity?

DESIGN

A nationwide cohort study (2013-2018) comparing maternal and perinatal morbidities in three groups of single pregnancies: spontaneous pregnancies without endometriosis; spontaneous pregnancies with endometriosis; and ART pregnancies in women with endometriosis.

RESULTS

Mean maternal ages were 30.0 (SD = 5.3), 31.7 (SD = 4.8) and 33.1 years (SD = 4.0), for spontaneous conceptions, spontaneous conceptions with endometriosis and ART pregnancies with endometriosis groups, respectively (P < 0.0001). Comparison of spontaneous conceptions with endometriosis and spontaneous conceptions: endometriosis independently increased the risk of venous thrombosis (adjusted OR [aOR] 1.51, P < 0.001), pre-eclampsia (aOR 1.29, P < 0.001), placenta previa (aOR 2.62, P < 0.001), placental abruption (aOR 1.54, P < 0.001), premature birth (aOR 1.37, P < 0.001), small for gestational age (aOR 1.05, P < 0.001) and malformations (aOR 1.06, P = 0.049). Comparison of ART pregnancies with endometriosis and spontaneous conceptions with endometriosis: ART increased the risk of placenta previa (aOR 2.43, 95% CI 2.10 to 2.82, P < 0.001), premature birth (aOR 1.42, 95% CI 1.29 to 1.55, P < 0.001) and small for gestational age (aOR 1.18, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.27, P < 0.001), independently from the effect of endometriosis. Risk of pre-eclampsia, placental abruption or congenital malformations was not increased with ART.

CONCLUSION

Endometriosis is an independent risk factor for mother and child morbidities. Maternal morbidity and perinatal morbidity were significantly increased by ART in addition to endometriosis; however, some perinatal and maternal morbidity risks were increasingly linked to pathologies related to infertility.

Pathology and Pathogenesis of Adenomyosis

Adenomyosis represents a unique pathophysiological condition in which normal-appearing endometrial mucosa resides within myometrium and is thus protected from menstrual shedding. The resulting ectopic presence of endometrial tissue composed of glands and stroma is thought to affect normal contractile function and peristalsis of uterine smooth muscle, causing menometrorrhagia, infertility, and adverse obstetric outcomes. Since the first description of adenomyosis more than 150 years ago, pathologists have studied this lesion by examining tissue specimens, and have proposed multiple explanations to account for its pathogenesis. However, as compared with endometriosis, progress of adenomyosis research has been, at best, incremental mainly due to the lack of standardized protocols in sampling tissue and a lack of consensus diagnostic criteria in pathology practice. Despite these limitations, recent advances in revealing the detailed anatomy and biology of eutopic endometrium offer an unprecedented opportunity to study this common but relatively understudied disorder. Here, we briefly summarize the pathological aspects of adenomyosis from an historical background, and discuss conventional morphology and recent tissue-based molecular studies with a special emphasis on elucidating its tissue of origin from a pathologist's perspective. We also discuss unmet needs in pathology studies that would be important for advancing adenomyosis research.

Pregnancy and delivery outcomes in women with rectovaginal endometriosis treated either conservatively or operatively

OBJECTIVE

To study reproductive outcomes, and pregnancy and delivery complications after conservative or operative treatment of rectovaginal endometriosis during long-term follow-up.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

University hospital.

PATIENT(S)

Women with rectovaginal endometriosis referred to hospital due to any indication from 2004 to 2013 (N = 543) who were treated initially either conservatively (group CONS, n = 183), or operatively (OPER, n = 360) either with resection of rectovaginal nodule (RVR, n = 192) or with concomitant bowel resection (BR, n = 132).

INTERVENTION(S)

Conservative or operative management.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Clinical pregnancy rate, live-birth rate, and assessment of the complications during pregnancy and delivery.

RESULTS(S)

Between women in the CONS group or OPER group, no differences were found in either clinical pregnancy rate (56%, n = 102 vs. 50%, n = 181) or live-birth rate (48%, n = 87 vs. 42%, n = 153). Of the pregnancies, 64% (n = 65) and 49% (n = 89), respectively, started after medically assisted reproduction. No differences emerge in the subanalysis of women <40 years-old who wished to conceive. The most common pregnancy complication was preterm birth: 15% (n = 13) in the CONS group and 20% (n = 30) in the OPER group. The cesarean delivery rate also was high (46%, n = 40 vs. 49%, n = 76). Complications emerged in 21% (n = 10) versus 29% (n = 23) of vaginal deliveries and 45% (n = 18) versus 53% (n = 40) of cesarean deliveries. The most common delivery complication was excessive bleeding. The follow-up period was 4.9 years in the CONS group and 5.6 years in the OPER group.

CONCLUSION(S)

Women with rectovaginal endometriosis have comparable and good reproductive prognosis regardless of the treatment method.

Reproductive, obstetric, and perinatal outcomes of women with adenomyosis and endometriosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The reproductive impact of adenomyosis and endometriosis is widely researched but the extent of these impacts remains elusive. It has been demonstrated that endometriosis, in particular, is known to result in subfertility but endometriosis and adenomyosis are increasingly linked to late pregnancy complications such as those caused by placental insufficiency. At the molecular level, the presence of ectopic endometrium perturbs the endometrial hormonal, cellular, and immunological milieu, negatively influencing decidualization, placentation, and developmental programming of the embryo. It is unclear if and how such early aberrant reproductive development relates to pregnancy outcomes in endometriosis and adenomyosis.

OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE

The aims of this systematic review and meta-analysis were to (i) investigate the association of adenomyosis and endometriosis with fertility, obstetric, and neonatal outcomes of women through both assisted reproduction and natural conception and (ii) determine whether endometriosis disease subtypes have specific impacts on different stages of the reproductive process.

SEARCH METHODS

A systematic literature review of NHS evidence electronic databases and the Cochrane database identified all comparative and observational studies between 1980 and December 2018 in any language on adenomyosis and endometriosis with fertility, obstetric, and neonatal outcomes (23 search terms used). A total of 104 papers were selected for data extraction and meta-analysis, with use of Downs and Black standardized checklist to evaluate quality and bias.

OUTCOMES

We found that endometriosis consistently leads to reduced oocyte yield and a reduced fertilization rate (FR), in line with current evidence. Milder forms of endometriosis were most likely to affect the fertilization (FR OR 0.77, CI 0.63-0.93) and earlier implantation processes (implantation rate OR 0.76, CI 0.62-0.93). The more severe disease by American Society for Reproductive Medicine staging (ASRM III and IV) influenced all stages of reproduction. Ovarian endometriosis negatively affects the oocyte yield (MD -1.22, CI -1.96, -0.49) and number of mature oocytes (MD -2.24, CI -3.4, -1.09). We found an increased risk of miscarriage in both adenomyosis and endometriosis (OR 3.40, CI 1.41-8.65 and OR 1.30, CI 1.25-1.35, respectively), and endometriosis can be associated with a range of obstetric and fetal complications including preterm delivery (OR 1.38, CI 1.01-1.89), caesarean section delivery (OR 1.98 CI 1.64-2.38), and neonatal unit admission following delivery (OR 1.29, CI 1.07-1.55).

WIDER IMPLICATIONS

Adenomyosis and the subtypes of endometriosis may have specific complication profiles though further evidence is needed to be able to draw conclusions. Several known pregnancy complications are likely to be associated with these conditions. The complications are possibly caused by dysfunctional uterine changes leading to implantation and placentation issues and therefore could potentially have far-reaching consequences as suggested by Barker's hypothesis. Our findings would suggest that women with these conditions should ideally receive pre-natal counselling and should be considered higher risk in pregnancy and at delivery, until evidence to the contrary is available. In order to expand our knowledge of these conditions and better advise on future management of these patients in reproductive and maternal medicine, a more unified approach to studying fertility and reproductive outcomes with longer term follow-up of the offspring and attention to the subtype of disease is necessary.

Pregnancy outcomes in women with history of surgery for endometriosis

OBJECTIVE

To assess the relationship between history of surgery for endometriosis and adverse obstetrical outcomes.

DESIGN

Retrospective study using prospectively recorded data.

SETTING

Referral center.

PATIENT(S)

Total of 569 women with history of surgery for endometriosis, postoperative conception, and pregnancy evolution over 22 weeks of gestation.

INTERVENTIONS(S)

Surgery for endometriosis.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Small for gestational age (SGA) status of the newborn, spontaneous preterm birth (PT, before 37 weeks' gestation), and placenta previa.

RESULTS

Among 733 pregnancies included in the study, 566 deliveries were recorded (77.2%), of which 535 were singleton (72.9% of pregnancies) and 31 twins (4.2%). SGA was observed in 81 of 535 (15.1%) singleton pregnancies and in 9 of 31 (29%) twin pregnancies. PT occurred in 53 of 535 (9.9%) singleton pregnancies and in 19 of 31 (61.2%) twin pregnancies. The number of singleton and multiple pregnancies complicated by placenta previa were, respectively, 9 of 535 (1.7%) and 0 of 31. The independent factor found to relate to SGA was the absence of endometriomas; conception with the use of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) only tended toward statistical significance. Independent factors found to increase risk of PT were conception with the use of ART, body mass index >30 kg/m², and surgery of deep endometriosis infiltrating the rectum and the bladder. Independent factors associated with placenta previa were conception with the use of ART and history of stage III or IV endometriosis.

CONCLUSION(S)

The risk of SGA and PT is increased in women with a history of surgery for endometriosis, and a high rate of conception with the use of ART may jeopardize outcomes.

Endometriosis and Pregnancy: A Single Institution Experience

Endometriosis may compromise the physiological course of pregnancy. The aim of this prospective observational study was to evaluate whether endometriosis causes a higher prevalence of obstetric and neonatal complications as well as a higher risk of caesarean section and to detect a possible correlation between the presence, type, and location of endometriosis and obstetric complications, previous surgery, and pregnancy outcome, as well as the influence of pregnancy on the course of the disease. We compared two cohorts of women with spontaneous pregnancy, with and without endometriosis. Obstetric and neonatal outcomes, mode of delivery, presence, type, and location of endometriotic lesions and the effect of pregnancy on the disease were analyzed. A total of 425 pregnancies were evaluated: 145 cases and 280 controls. Patients with endometriosis showed a higher incidence of miscarriage, threatened miscarriage, threatened preterm labor, preterm delivery, placental abruption, and a higher incidence of caesarean section. A significant correlation with pregnancy-induced hypertension and preeclampsia was found in the presence of adenomyosis. No difference in fetal outcome was found. One case of hemoperitoneum during pregnancy was observed. Pregnancy in women with endometriosis carries a higher risk of obstetric complications, such as miscarriage, threatened miscarriage, preterm labor, preterm birth, and a higher caesarean section rate. Endometriosis does not seem to influence fetal well-being.

Classification and Reporting Systems for Adenomyosis

OBJECTIVE

To conduct a review of the available histologic and image-based classification systems to determine which of these systems, if any, provide clinical utility for prognosis or the selection of appropriate therapeutic interventions.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed in addition to the bibliographies of identified publications.

METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION

One investigator searched PubMed using Medical Subject Headings terms that included "Adenomyosis," "Classification," "Ultrasound Classification," "MRI Classification," and "Diagnosis," TABULATION, INTEGRATION AND RESULTS: Search results were tabulated in a Microsoft Excel workbook that facilitated the identification of duplicate entries. Publications were allocated into separate categories that included histopathologic, ultrasound, and MRI classifications. Identified systems associated with clinical outcomes were separately tabulated. Abstracts of 1669 articles were reviewed and 278 were identified for review of full text. Twenty-five were considered potentially relevant from the PubMed review and an additional 17 were found in bibliographies. In the 42 full-text articles that were reviewed in detail, 9 histologic classifications were identified, 4 of which were accompanied by an attempt at clinical correlation, 1 of which described a correlation with the outcome of medical, procedural, or surgical intervention. There were 9 image-based reporting or classification systems, 2 using transvaginal ultrasound and 7 using MRI, 3 of which included correlations with intervention outcomes, although these were surrogate (imaging) and not clinical outcomes.

CONCLUSION

There is inconsistency in histopathologic definitions, and there is no uniformly accepted or validated system of image-based reporting or classification that can inform clinical decision making. There exists a need for harmonized classification systems for both ultrasound and MRI that agree with the histopathologic features of the disorder.

Adverse effects of endometriosis on pregnancy: a case-control study

Background

Endometriosis is a common disease occurring in 1–2% of all women of reproductive age. Although there is increasing evidence on the association between endometriosis and adverse perinatal outcomes, little is known about the effect of pre-pregnancy treatments for endometriosis on subsequent perinatal outcomes. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate maternal and neonatal outcomes in pregnant women with endometriosis and to investigate whether pre-pregnancy surgical treatment would affect these outcomes.

Methods

This case-control study included 2769 patients who gave birth at Nagoya University Hospital located in Japan between 2010 and 2017. Maternal and neonatal outcomes were compared between the endometriosis group (n = 80) and the control group (n = 2689). The endometriosis group was further divided into two groups: patients with a history of surgical treatment such as cystectomy for ovarian endometriosis, ablation or excision of endometriotic implants, or adhesiolysis (surgical treatment group, n = 49) and those treated with only medications or without any treatment (non-surgical treatment group, n = 31).

Results

In the univariate analysis, placenta previa and postpartum hemorrhage were significantly increased in the endometriosis group compared to the control group (12.5% vs. 4.1%, p <  0.01 and 27.5% vs. 18.2%, p = 0.04, respectively). In the multivariate analysis, endometriosis significantly increased the odds ratio (OR) for placenta previa (adjusted OR, 3.19; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.56–6.50, p <  0.01) but not for postpartum hemorrhage (adjusted OR, 1.14; 95% CI, 0.66–1.98, p = 0.64). Other maternal and neonatal outcomes were similar between the two groups. In patients with endometriosis, patients in the surgical treatment group were significantly associated with an increased risk of placenta previa (OR. 4.62; 95% CI, 2.11–10.10, p <  0.01); however, patients in the non-surgical treatment group were not associated with a high risk (OR, 1.63; 95% CI, 0.19–6.59, p = 0.36). Additionally, other maternal and neonatal outcomes were similar between the two groups.

Conclusion

Women who have had surgical treatment for their endometriosis appear to have a higher risk for placenta previa. This may be due to the more severe stage of endometriosis often found in these patients. However, clinicians should be alert to this potential increased risk and manage these patients accordingly.

Comparisons of the efficacy and recurrence of adenomyomectomy for severe uterine diffuse adenomyosis via laparotomy versus laparoscopy: a long-term result in a single institution

Purpose

Studies have shown that adenomyomectomy can effectively treat women with adenomyosis in a short period of time. However, the long-term efficacy of adenomyomectomy has rarely been reported. The objective of this study was to determine whether laparotomy is superior to laparoscopic surgery in the long-term efficacy of double-flap method adenomyomectomy for severe diffuse adenomyosis.

Methods

Between March 2011 and September 2018, a total of 148 patients with severe uterine diffuse adenomyosis who underwent laparoscopic (group A, n=72) and laparotomic (group B, n=76) double-flap adenomyomectomy were recruited. Adenomyomectomy efficacy and adenomyosis recurrence after surgery between groups A and B were comparatively analyzed.

Results

The effective rate at 6-year follow up after surgery was higher in group B (75.0%) than that in group A (62.1%), while the 6-year cumulative recurrence rate was higher in group A (27.8%) than that in group B (17.1%), but the differences did not reach statistical significance between the two groups (P>0.05). The recurrence rate was lower in patients who were treated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) plus Mirena or oral contraceptives post-surgically than that in patients who were treated with only GnRHa post-surgically in groups A (51.6% vs 9.8%, P<0.01) and B (33.3% vs 6.5%, P<0.05). Moreover, the recurrence rate of adenomyosis patients with endometriosis was higher than that of adenomyosis patients without endometriosis in group A (55.0% vs 17.3%, P<0.05) and group B (36.0% vs 7.8%, P<0.05).

Conclusion

The long-term outcomes of laparoscopic and laparotomic double-flap adenomyomectomy can be achieved for severe diffuse uterine adenomyosis, but laparotomy seems to have advantages over laparoscopy. Postoperative drug use may be beneficial to reduce the recurrence of adenomyosis, especially for adenomyosis with endometriosis.