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Tahmasbi Rad M, Akpinar-Isci D, Nobs T, Gasimli K, Becker S. Pregnancy after laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis: How long should we wait? A retrospective study involving a long-term follow up at a university endometriosis center. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2023; 163:108-114. [PMID: 37177870 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.14849] [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: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To find the factors that influence the time until pregnancy after laparoscopic intervention and to evaluate the proper time to start assisted reproductive therapy (ART). METHODS This is a retrospective analysis that includes a prospective evaluation of patients with infertility and with a diagnosis of endometriosis. A subgroup of patients who desired to be pregnant after laparoscopic intervention (102 patients) was followed up for 36-197 months after the surgery. RESULTS In this study, 71 (69.9%) and 60 (58.8%) of the patients achieved pregnancy and live birth, respectively. In the group of patients who became pregnant, the duration of infertility was significantly lower (2.7 ± 2.1 years vs. 4.7 ± 3.2 years). The median time until pregnancy after laparoscopic intervention was 8 months (the average was 10 months). After 38 months, no pregnancy occurred. CONCLUSION In the group of patients with endometriosis and infertility, the first 12 months were the optimal time for pregnancy. For women with revised American Society for Reproductive Medicine classification of endometriosis (rASRM) stages I and II, spontaneous pregnancy can probably be delayed for up to 24 months, but in patients with rASRM stages III and IV, ART may be considered after 12 months. The gynecologist must be careful about the timing of further interventions after the operation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morva Tahmasbi Rad
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Dilara Akpinar-Isci
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Tatjana Nobs
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Khayal Gasimli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sven Becker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Slawek A, Lorek D, Kedzierska AE, Kubik P, Pajak J, Chrobak A, Chelmonska-Soyta A. Peripheral blood subpopulations of Bregs producing IL-35 in women with endometriosis. Am J Reprod Immunol 2023; 89:e13675. [PMID: 36579639 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Interleukin 35 (IL-35) is involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis by suppressing immunoreaction and promoting endometrial cell proliferation. It may also be an essential cytokine in forming the immunosuppressive functions of regulatory B lymphocytes (Bregs). The involvement of Bregs in the pathogenesis of endometriosis has not been previously investigated. In this study, we determined the frequencies of different Breg subpopulations, namely, B10, immature B-cells, and plasmablasts, and their abilities to produce IL-35 in women with endometriosis compared to healthy women. METHODS The frequencies of different subpopulations of Bregs producing IL-35 were measured in the peripheral blood of women with endometriosis (total pool), women with deep infiltration endometriosis (DIE), women with ovarian endometriosis, and healthy women as a control by flow cytometry. RESULTS We observed a decrease in the percentage of B10 cells and plasmablasts in women with endometriosis and an increase in the percentage of these Breg populations producing IL-35 in the same experimental group. Interestingly, we also revealed that women with DIE had increased percentages of B10 cells and plasmablasts producing IL-35. CONCLUSION Taken together, our findings are the first to reveal the frequencies of different subpopulations of Bregs producing IL-35 in women with endometriosis. The results suggest that IL-35 expression in B lymphocytes could be used as a peripheral marker of endometriosis; however, further studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Slawek
- Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Daria Lorek
- Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Anna Ewa Kedzierska
- Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Paulina Kubik
- Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Jaroslaw Pajak
- Clinical Department of Oncological and Procreative Gynecology of the 4th Military Clinical Hospital with the Polyclinic, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Chrobak
- Clinical Department of Oncological and Procreative Gynecology of the 4th Military Clinical Hospital with the Polyclinic, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Anna Chelmonska-Soyta
- Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
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Link DG. What the Mind Knows the Eye Will See. J Nurse Pract 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nurpra.2022.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Fan J, Qin K, Li K, Li X, Huang Q, Liao Y, Liang H, Xie J, Yang Y, Li Q. Modified endometriosis fertility index is more accurate to predict the non-ART pregnancy rate following surgery: a cohort of Chinese women. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2020; 303:1353-1361. [PMID: 33200306 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-020-05871-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine whether a modified endometriosis fertility index (EFI) can better predict the rate of pregnancy without assisted reproductive technologies (ART) after laparoscopic surgery in infertile Chinese women with endometriosis. METHODS 564 infertile women undergoing laparoscopy for endometriosis were retrospectively collected from January 2014 to December 2018. 472 patients were used to modify the EFI based on new, optimal cutoffs for its predictor variables. The predictive accuracy of the modified EFI was examined in the other 92 patients. RESULTS Among the patients for the EFI modification, the multivariable Cox regression results showed that historical factors made more contribution in predicting non-ART pregnancy rate than surgical factors both in modified EFI (C-index: historical factors 0.617 vs surgical factors 0.558) and original EFI (C-index: historical factors 0.600 vs surgical factors 0.549). No significant relationship between the prior pregnancy and post-operative non-ART pregnancy rates was detected by both modified EFI and original EFI (p = 0.530 and 0.802, respectively). To assess the predictive effect of modified EFI, the two versions of modified EFI not only had higher predictive accuracy (C-index: 0.627 and 0.632) for non-ART pregnancy rates than that of the original EFI (C-index: 0.602) in the patients undergoing surgery during 2014-2017, but also higher than that of the original EFI (C-index: 0.638 and 0.612 vs 0.560) in the externally validated population in 2018. CONCLUSIONS A modified EFI based on population-specific optimal cutoffs and weights might be more suitable for estimating the rate of non-ART pregnancy after laparoscopic surgery in infertile women with endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaying Fan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No. 9 Jinsui Road, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Kang Qin
- Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kuanrong Li
- Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaojun Li
- Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingsheng Huang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yunsheng Liao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No. 9 Jinsui Road, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Huiying Liang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingying Xie
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No. 9 Jinsui Road, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No. 9 Jinsui Road, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Qingfeng Li
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No. 9 Jinsui Road, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
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Endometriosis Associated Infertility: A Critical Review and Analysis on Etiopathogenesis and Therapeutic Approaches. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 56:medicina56090460. [PMID: 32916976 PMCID: PMC7559069 DOI: 10.3390/medicina56090460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Endometriosis represents a frequently diagnosed gynecological affliction in the reproductive timespan of women, defined by symptoms ranging from pelvic pain to infertility. A complex interplay between the genetic profile, hormonal activity, menstrual cyclicity, inflammation status, and immunological factors define the phenotypic presentation of endometriosis. To date, imaging techniques represent the gold standard in diagnosing endometriosis, of which transvaginal ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging bring the most value to the diagnostic step. Current medical treatment options for endometriosis-associated infertility focus on either stimulating the follicular development and ovulation or on inhibiting the growth and development of endometriotic lesions. Techniques of assisted reproduction consisting of superovulation with in vitro fertilization or intrauterine insemination represent effective treatment alternatives that improve fertility in patients suffering from endometriosis. Emerging therapies such as the usage of antioxidant molecules and stem cells still need future research to prove the therapeutic efficacy in this pathology.
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Alfaraj S, Noga H, Allaire C, Williams C, Lisonkova S, Yong PJ, Bedaiwy MA. Negative Sliding Sign during Dynamic Ultrasonography Predicts Low Endometriosis Fertility Index at Laparoscopy. J Minim Invasive Gynecol 2020; 28:249-258.e2. [PMID: 32416264 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmig.2020.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/03/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE Endometriosis fertility index (EFI) is a robust tool to predict the pregnancy rate in patients with endometriosis who are attempting non-in vitro fertilization conception. However, EFI calculation requires laparoscopy. Newly established imaging techniques such as sliding sign, which is used to diagnose pouch of Douglas obliteration, could provide a promising alternative. The objective of this study was to investigate the practicality of using ultrasound data to predict a low EFI (score ≤6). DESIGN Observational study from a prospective registry (Endometriosis Pelvic Pain Interdisciplinary Cohort, clinicaltrials.gov #NCT02911090). Analyzed data were captured from December 2013 to June 2017. SETTING Tertiary referral center at British Columbia Women's Hospital. PATIENTS We analyzed data for 2583 participants from the Endometriosis Pelvic Pain Interdisciplinary Cohort. In this cross-sectional study, we included 86 women aged <40 years. INTERVENTIONS Dynamic ultrasonography for the sliding sign testing and EFI calculation during laparoscopic surgery. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Logistic regression was used to obtain receiver operating characteristic area under the curve (AUC) for the prediction models. Significance was p <.05. Patients with a negative sliding sign were older and had severe endometriosis and longer duration of infertility. Patients with a negative sliding sign had significantly lower total EFI scores and lower surgical factors scores than patients with a positive sliding sign. Logistic regression showed that a negative sliding sign and EFI historic factors score can predict an EFI score ≤6 (sensitivity = 87.9%, specificity = 81.1%, AUC = 0.93 [95% confidence interval, 0.88-0.98]). Adding the diagnosis of endometrioma to the previous prediction model resulted in AUC = 0.95 (95% confidence interval, 0.90-0.995), sensitivity = 84.8%, and specificity = 92.5%. CONCLUSION The sliding sign could be a potential alternative to the EFI surgical factors, and it could be used in combination with EFI historic factors and the diagnosis of endometrioma to predict an EFI score ≤6 for patients who are not scheduled for immediate surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukainah Alfaraj
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada (all authors)
| | - Heather Noga
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada (all authors)
| | - Catherine Allaire
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada (all authors)
| | - Christina Williams
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada (all authors)
| | - Sarka Lisonkova
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada (all authors)
| | - Paul J Yong
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada (all authors)
| | - Mohamed A Bedaiwy
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada (all authors)..
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Vesali S, Razavi M, Rezaeinejad M, Maleki-Hajiagha A, Maroufizadeh S, Sepidarkish M. Endometriosis fertility index for predicting non-assisted reproductive technology pregnancy after endometriosis surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BJOG 2020; 127:800-809. [PMID: 31967727 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.16107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Results of studies that have assessed the accuracy of the endometriosis Fertility Index (EFI) for predicting non-assisted reproductive technology (ART) pregnancy are inconsistent. OBJECTIVE We intended to evaluate the accuracy of EFI for the prediction of non-ART pregnancy. SEARCH STRATEGY Embase, Medline, Scopus and Web of Science were searched up to 5 October 2019. SELECTION CRITERIA We included studies that used EFI to predict non-ART pregnancy in women with surgically documented endometriosis. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS A total of 5547 studies were identified, from which we included 17 studies on 4598 women in the meta-analysis. Eight studies were classified as good quality, and the rest were considered to be of fair quality. Only five (29.41%) studies used appropriate approaches to account for potential confounders. Pooled effect sizes with corresponding 95% CI were calculated using random-effects model. MAIN RESULTS The cumulative non-ART pregnancy rate at 36 months was 10% (95% CI: 3, 16%; P < 0.001) for women with an EFI of 0-2, which significantly increased to 69% (95% CI: 58, 79%; P < 0.001) for women with an EFI of 9-10. Compared with women with an EFI of 3-4 (18%, 95% CI: 12, 24%; P < 0.001), the combined cumulative non-ART pregnancy rates were 44% (95% CI: 26, 63%; P < 0.001) for women with an EFT of 5-6 and 55% (95% CI: 47, 64%; P < 0.001) for women with an EFI of 7-8. Paired comparison by the chi-square test showed a significant difference between all categories (P < 0.001). The odds ratio (OR) for EFI was 1.33 (95% CI: 1.17, 1.49, P < 0.001) and the summary area under the curve (AUC) was 72% (95% CI: 65, 80%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION The current findings highlighted the good performance of the EFI score in predicting the non-ART pregnancy rate. However, these findings should be considered with caution because of the substantial heterogeneity between studies. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT Review findings show the merits of Endometriosis Fertility Index as having a prognostic ability for non-assisted reproductive technology pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Vesali
- Reproductive Epidemiology Research Centre, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - M Razavi
- Pregnancy Health Research Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - M Rezaeinejad
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - A Maleki-Hajiagha
- Research Development Centre, Arash Women's Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - S Maroufizadeh
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - M Sepidarkish
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.,Infertility and Reproductive Health Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
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Rolla E. Endometriosis: advances and controversies in classification, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment. F1000Res 2019; 8:F1000 Faculty Rev-529. [PMID: 31069056 PMCID: PMC6480968 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.14817.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is an enigmatic disease that could start at birth. Its pathogenesis is supported by different theories. Accumulating facts relate it to a multigenic disorder. In this review of recent publications, the principal symptoms of the disease, pain and infertility, as well as its pathogenesis, diagnosis, and classification will be addressed. Endometriosis presents three main variants: superficial peritoneal disease, deep infiltrating endometriosis, and ovarian endometriomas. The management of the disease, surgery, and medical and alternative therapies will be discussed. Special reference will be made to the quality of surgery and how to understand patients with endometriosis and endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgardo Rolla
- Sociedad Argentina de Endometriosis, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Sociedad Argentina de Cirugía Laparoscópica, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- World Endometriosis Society, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Endometriosis and infertility: Insights into the causal link and management strategies. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2018; 51:25-33. [PMID: 30245115 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2018.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
When evaluating the correlation between endometriosis and infertility with application of the evidence-based guidelines to establish causality in medicine, it becomes apparent that endometriosis causes infertility. This is supported by a strong and consistent association between the two in various settings (prevalence, natural conception, intrauterine insemination (IUI), and assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs)), evidence for a temporal relation, arguments for a dose-response gradient, and proven effects of the removal of lesions on infertility. Next to surgical treatment of endometriosis lesions, medically assisted reproduction treatments such as IUI and ART such as in vitro fertilization are cornerstones of the management of endometriosis-related infertility. Because the revised American Society for Reproductive Medicine (rASRM) staging system is poorly correlated with pregnancy rates as opposed to the Endometriosis Fertility Index (EFI), the latter should be used as the preferred clinical tool to counsel patients on their postoperative fertility management options.
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