Assisted reproductive technology pregnancy complications are significantly associated with endometriosis severity before conception: a retrospective cohort study

Association between endometriosis and perinatal complications: a case-control study

BACKGROUND

Recently, a history of endometriosis has been reported to be associated with several perinatal complications. However, it is unknown whether pre-pregnancy treatment for endometriosis reduces perinatal complications. In this study, we aimed to clarify the association between endometriosis and perinatal complications and investigate whether there is a significant difference in the incidence of placenta previa depending on the degree of surgical completion of endometriosis before pregnancy.

METHODS

This case-control study included 2781 deliveries at the Hirosaki University Hospital between January 2008 and December 2019. The deliveries were divided into a case group with a history of endometriosis (n = 133) and a control group without endometriosis (n = 2648). Perinatal outcomes and complications were compared between the case and control groups using a t-test and Fisher's exact test. Multiple logistic regression models were used to identify the risk factors for placenta previa. Additionally, we examined whether the degree of surgical completion of endometriosis before pregnancy was associated with the risk of placenta previa.

RESULTS

Patients with a history of endometriosis had a significantly higher risk of placenta previa (crude odds ratio, 2.66; 95% confidence interval, 1.37‒4.83). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that a history of endometriosis was a significant risk factor for placenta previa (adjusted odds ratio, 2.30; 95% confidence interval, 1.22‒4.32). In addition, among patients with revised American Society for Reproductive Medicine stage III-IV endometriosis, the incidence of placenta previa was significantly lower in patients who underwent complete surgery (3/51 patients, 5.9%) than in those who did not (3/9 patients, 33.3%) (p = 0.038).

CONCLUSIONS

A history of endometriosis is an independent risk factor for placenta previa. Given the limitations of this study, further research is needed to determine the impact of endometriosis surgery on perinatal complications.

Untangling the independent effect of endometriosis, adenomyosis, and ART-related factors on maternal, placental, fetal, and neonatal adverse outcomes: results from a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Women with endometriosis may constitute a group at a particularly increased risk of pregnancy-related complications. Furthermore, women selected for assisted reproductive technology (ART) are exposed to additional endocrinological and embryological factors that have been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes.

OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE

This study aimed to investigate the independent effect of endometriosis, adenomyosis, and various ART-related factors on adverse maternal, placental, fetal, and neonatal outcomes.

SEARCH METHODS

Published randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and case-control studies were considered eligible. PubMed, MEDLINE, ClinicalTrials.gov, Embase, and Scopus were systematically searched up to 1 March 2024. This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed in line with the PRISMA and the MOOSE reporting guidelines. To thoroughly investigate the association between endometriosis/adenomyosis and adverse pregnancy outcomes, sub-analyses were conducted, whenever possible, according to: the method of conception (i.e. ART and non-ART conception), the endometriosis stage/phenotype, the coexistence of endometriosis and adenomyosis, any pre-pregnancy surgical treatment of endometriosis, and the form of adenomyosis. The odds ratio (OR) with 95% CI was used as effect measure. The quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach.

OUTCOMES

We showed a higher risk of placenta previa in women with endometriosis compared to controls (34 studies, OR 2.84; 95% CI: 2.47, 3.26; I2 = 83%, moderate quality). The association was observed regardless of the method of conception and was particularly strong in the most severe forms of endometriosis (i.e. rASRM stage III-IV endometriosis and deep endometriosis (DE)) (OR 6.61; 95% CI: 2.08, 20.98; I2 = 66% and OR 14.54; 95% CI: 3.67, 57.67; I2 = 54%, respectively). We also showed an association, regardless of the method of conception, between endometriosis and: (i) preterm birth (PTB) (43 studies, OR 1.43; 95% CI: 1.32, 1.56; I2 = 89%, low quality) and (ii) cesarean section (29 studies, OR 1.52; 95% CI: 1.41, 1.63; I2 = 93%, low quality). The most severe forms of endometriosis were strongly associated with PTB. Two outcomes were associated with adenomyosis both in the main analysis and in the sub-analysis that included only ART pregnancies: (i) miscarriage (14 studies, OR 1.83; 95% CI: 1.53, 2.18; I2 = 72%, low quality) and (ii) pre-eclampsia (7 studies, OR 1.70; 95% CI: 1.16, 2.48; I2 = 77%, low quality). Regarding ART-related factors, the following associations were observed in the main analysis and confirmed in all sub-analyses conducted by pooling only risk estimates adjusted for covariates: (i) blastocyst stage embryo transfer (ET) and monozygotic twinning (28 studies, OR 2.05; 95% CI, 1.72, 2.45; I2 = 72%, low quality), (ii) frozen embryo transfer (FET) and (reduced risk of) small for gestational age (21 studies, OR 0.59; 95% CI, 0.57, 0.61; P < 0.00001; I2 = 17%, very low quality) and (increased risk of) large for gestational age (16 studies, OR 1.70; 95% CI, 1.60, 1.80; P < 0.00001; I2 = 55%, very low quality), (iii) artificial cycle (AC)-FET and pre-eclampsia (12 studies, OR 2.14; 95% CI: 1.91-2.39; I2 = 9%, low quality), PTB (21 studies, OR 1.24; 95% CI 1.15, 1.34; P < 0.0001; I2 = 50%, low quality), cesarean section (15 studies, OR 1.59; 95% CI 1.49, 1.70; P < 0.00001; I2 = 67%, very low quality) and post-partum hemorrhage (6 studies, OR 2.43; 95% CI 2.11, 2.81; P < 0.00001; I2 = 15%, very low quality).

WIDER IMPLICATIONS

Severe endometriosis (i.e. rASRM stage III-IV endometriosis, DE) constitutes a considerable risk factor for placenta previa and PTB. Herein, we recommend against superimposing on this condition other exposure factors that have a strong association with the same obstetric adverse outcome or with different outcomes which, if coexisting, could determine the onset of an ominous obstetric syndrome. Specifically, we strongly discourage the use of AC regimens for FET in ovulatory women with rASRM stage III-IV endometriosis or DE. We also recommend single ET at the blastocyst stage in this high-risk population.

REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42023401428.

Cervical angle as a possible predictor of abnormal placental position in women with endometriosis

BACKGROUND

We aimed to examine the effects of endometriosis on the rate of abnormal placentation by comparing the data of pregnant women with and without endometriosis.

METHODS

A case-control study was conducted to compare the perinatal outcomes between women with and without endometriosis. In the subgroup analysis, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of pregnant women with placenta previa were used to measure the cervical angle and its relationship with endometriosis. The cervical angle was measured as the angle between the cervical glands and the line perpendicular to the spinal column in each sagittal MRI section.

RESULTS

We retrospectively analyzed data from 3453 cases of singleton deliveries between 2015 and 2019 at two study facilities. Among them, 159 had clinically or surgically confirmed endometriosis. The odds ratio (OR) for abnormal placental position was significantly higher in pregnant women with endometriosis (OR. 2.82; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.58-5.04). The OR was 3.21 (95% CI, 1.57-6.55) in the endometriosis-surgery group (91 patients) and 2.32 (95% CI, 0.91-5.88) in the non-surgery group (68 patients). Furthermore, 44 women who underwent pelvic MRI after 30 weeks of gestation were included to examine the cervical angle. Then, we compared the date of pregnant women with (n = 6) and without endometriosis (n = 38). Regardless of placental attachment position, the cervical angle was significantly lower in the group with than in the group without a history of endometriosis.

CONCLUSION

Pregnant women with a history of endometriosis may have stronger uterine retroversion, which could potentially contribute to abnormal placental positioning.

Increased risk of placenta previa and preterm birth in pregnant women with endometriosis/adenomyosis: A propensity-score matching analysis of a nationwide perinatal database in Japan

AIM

We aimed to investigate the associations of endometriosis and adenomyosis with pregnancy complications by using a large-scale Japanese database.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 145 590 singleton pregnancies from the Japan Perinatal Registry Network Database. Pregnant women registered as having endometriosis or adenomyosis were designated as the case group (EA), whereas the control group (non-EA) was selected using propensity-score matching adjusted for variables such as age, parity, BMI, smoking history, and the use of assisted reproductive technology. The main outcomes included placental malposition, preterm birth, and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP).

RESULTS

In total, 1203 patients from both the EA and non-EA groups were matched and evaluated. The EA group showed significantly higher rates of placenta previa (odds ratio [OR], 3.01; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.84-4.92), low-lying placenta (OR, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.06-3.86), and preterm birth (OR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.13-1.84) than the non-EA group. However, no significant difference was observed in the incidence of HDP (OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 0.90-1.66).

CONCLUSION

The use of propensity-score matching to analyze a nationwide perinatal database in Japan clarified that EA was associated with increased pregnancy complications, specifically placental malposition, including placenta previa and low-lying placenta, and preterm birth, but not with HDP.

Pregnancy outcomes after assisted reproductive technology among women with endometriosis in Ukraine: results a multicenter study

OBJECTIVE

Aim: To evaluate the association between adverse pregnancy outcome, assisted reproductive technology (ART) and a previous diagnosis of endometriosis in Ukraine.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Materials and Methods: We conducted a multicentre retrospective cohort study was based on infertility surveillance data among women reproductive age from January 1st, 2017 to December 31st, 2021 in Ukraine. The patients from 10 Ukrainian regions who achieved singleton pregnancy by ART were included in this study. Linked hospital, pregnancy/birth and mortality data were used. Logistic regression analysis was performed to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95 % confidence interval (CI) for the rates of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

RESULTS

Results: During study period within the cohort of 11,271 singleton births, 94 women with endometriosis diagnosed before birth delivered 102 infants. Compared with women without endometriosis, women with endometriosis had higher risks of preterm birth [adjusted odds ratio 1.33, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.23-1.44]. Women with endometriosis had higher risks of antepartal bleeding/placental complications, pre-eclampsia and Caesarean section. There was no association between endometriosis and risk of SGA-birth or stillbirth.

CONCLUSION

Conclusions: Endometriosis and ART use are both independently associated with increased risk of preterm birth, antepartum haemorrhage, placenta praevia and planned birth. These findings are clinically relevant to obstetricians for distinguishing high- and low-risk pregnancies. Pregnant women with endometriosis require increased antenatal surveillance.

Development and validation of a nomogram model for predicting clinical pregnancy in endometriosis patients undergoing fresh embryo transfer

PURPOSE

To construct and validate a nomogram model for predicting clinical pregnancy in individuals with endometriosis undergoing fersh embryo transfer (ET).

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 1630 individuals with endometriosis who underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF) with fresh embryo transfer at the Reproductive Medicine Center of Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital from January 2018 to January 2022. The research population was sorted into two groups through random sampling, namely, the model group (n = 1141) and the validation group (n = 489), with a ratio of 7:3. Univariate analysis was utilized to determine the influencing factors for clinical pregnancy in the model group. The LASSO algorithm was utilized to select the optimal matching factors, which were then included in a multifactorial forward stepwise logistic regression to determine independent influencing factors and develop a nomogram. The discrimination, accuracy, and clinical efficacy of the prediction model were analyzed utilizing the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration curve, and clinical decision curve.

RESULTS

Through multivariate-logistic-regression analysis, these factors were identified as independent influencing factors for the clinical pregnancy in endometriosis patients undergoing fresh embryo transfer: female age (OR = 0.933, 95% CI = 0.902-0.965, P < 0.001), ASRM stage (OR = 0.384, 95% CI = 0.276-0.532, P < 0.001), postoperative to IVF duration (OR = 0.496, 95% CI = 0.356-0.688, P < 0.001), antral follicle count (AFC) (OR = 1.076, 95% CI = 1.013-1.161, P = 0.045), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) (OR = 1.202, 95% CI = 1.073-1.35, P = 0.002), Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist protocol (OR = 1.536, 95% CI = 1.109-2.131, P = 0.01), number of oocytes retrieved (OR = 1.154, 95% CI = 1.067-1.249, P < 0.001), number of high-quality cleavage embryos (OR = 1.261, 95% CI = 1.164-1.369, P < 0.001), and number of embryos transferred (OR = 1.957, 95% CI = 1.435-2.679, P < 0.001). A prediction model for estimating the clinical pregnancy probability in individuals with endometriosis was constructed per these identified independent factors. The ROC showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.807 (95% CI = 0.782-0.832) in the model group and 0.800 (95% CI = 0.761-0.84) in the validation group. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test demonstrated no statistically significant difference between predicted and actual clinical pregnancy probabilities (P > 0.05). The clinical decision curve demonstrated that both the model and the validation groups achieved maximum net benefit at threshold probability values of 0.08-0.96 and 0.16-0.96, indicating good clinical efficacy within this range of threshold probabilities.

CONCLUSION

Female age, ASRM stage, postoperative to IVF duration, stimulation protocol, AFC, AMH, number of oocytes retrieved, number of high-quality cleavage embryos and number of transferred embryos are independent influencing factors for the clinical pregnancy rate in individuals with endometriosis receiving fresh embryo transfer. The nomogram model based on these factors demonstrates good clinical predictive value and efficacy, providing a basis for clinical prognosis, intervention, and individualized medical treatment planning.

Endometriosis Increases the Risk of Placenta Previa in Both IVF Pregnancies and the General Obstetric Population

Is there a relationship between endometriosis and placenta previa (PP)? To investigate if there is a relationship between endometriosis and PP, a retrospective study was carried out, using prospectively recorded data from two different databases from Cruces University Hospital. Two different populations were included in the study. The ART (assisted reproduction techniques) population consisted of 246 cesarean sections (CS), from a total of 1170 deliveries, and the obstetric population consisted of 7045 CS, from a total of 50,298 deliveries. A representative subset from the obstetric population was established selecting 4 CS without PP for each CS with PP. In our ART population, the PP rate was 1.71% among all deliveries and 8.13% among CS. In our general obstetric population, the PP rate was 0.34% among all deliveries and 2.41% among the CS. Among the CS in ART pregnancies, the PP rate was 20% in the women with endometriosis vs 5.47% in women without endometriosis (OR = 4.32; 95% CI = 1.67-11.17), while considering all ART deliveries, the PP rates were 6.43% and 1.07%, respectively (OR = 6.36; 95% CI = 2.59-15.65). In the CS-obstetric population, the rate of PP was 9.61% among women with endometriosis vs 2.19% among women without endometriosis (OR = 4.74; 95% CI = 2.91-7.73). Considering all deliveries, the PP rate was 1.35% among women with endometriosis vs 0.30% in women without endometriosis. Differences persisted when adjusting for age, IVF, multiplicity, and previous deliveries. In the CS-obstetric population with PP, mean surgical time and hospital stay were significantly higher in women with endometriosis. Endometriosis is associated with a higher risk of PP even after adjusting for other parameters.

Impact of Chronic Exposure to Endometriosis on Perinatal Outcomes: Establishment of a Mouse Model

The purpose of this study was to establish a new mouse model of endometriosis that mimics real-world women’s health problems, in which women continue to be affected by endometriosis long before they wish to become pregnant, and to evaluate the impact of “chronic exposure to endometriosis” on perinatal outcome. Endometriosis was established by the intraperitoneal injection of homologous minced mouse uteri. Vehicle was injected for the control. Mating was initiated either 1 or 43 days after disease establishment (Young or Aged studies, respectively). Mice were sacrificed on 18 dpc. The number pups and resorptions were counted and pups’ body weights (BW) were measured, and the endometriosis lesion was identified and weighted. In the Young study, the number of resorptions and BW were comparable between the groups. In the Aged study, the number of resorptions was significantly higher and BW was significantly lower in endometriosis than that in control. The total weight of endometriosis lesion per dam was significantly lower in the Aged compared to the Young endometriosis group; however, not a single mouse was found to have any lesions at all. These results suggest that in addition to the presence of endometriosis per se, “chronic exposure to endometriosis” prior to pregnancy affect perinatal outcomes.

Implantation Failure in Endometriosis Patients: Etiopathogenesis

Embryo implantation requires adequate dialogue between a good quality embryo and a receptive endometrium. This implantation is still considered as the black box of reproductive medicine. Endometriosis is a highly prevalent chronic inflammatory disease, concerning about 10% of women of reproductive age and is one of the major causes of female infertility. The mechanisms involved in endometriosis-related infertility, an event not yet completely understood, are multifactorial and include anatomical changes, reduction in ovarian reserve, endocrine abnormalities, genetic profile, immunity markers, inflammatory mediators, or altered endometrial receptivity. In this article, we will focus on the impact of endometriosis on embryo quality and on endometrial receptivity. Results: Poor oocyte and embryo quality seem to promote a lower pregnancy rate, more than the endometrium itself in women with endometriosis. Other studies report the contrary. In addition, hormonal imbalance observed in the endometrium could also alter the embryo implantation. Conclusions: Controversial results in the literature add difficulties to the understanding of the mechanisms that lead to embryo implantation disorders. Furthermore, either oocyte/embryo impairment, altered endometrium, or both may cause impaired implantation. New prospective, randomized, and controlled studies are necessary to determine the origin of the defects that make conception more difficult in the case of endometriosis and adenomyosis.

Pregnancy outcomes in women with endometriosis and/or ART use: a population-based cohort study

STUDY QUESTION

What is the association between endometriosis and adverse pregnancy outcomes with ART use and non-use?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Endometriosis and ART use are both associated with increased risk of preterm birth, antepartum haemorrhage, placenta praevia and planned birth (caesarean delivery or induction of labour).

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

There are contradictory findings on the association between endometriosis and adverse pregnancy outcomes, and many large studies have not considered the effect of ART use.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

Population-based cohort study of 578 221 eligible pregnancies during 2006-2015, comparing pregnancy outcomes across four groups (No endo/no ART, No endo/ART, Endo/no ART and Endo/ART).

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

All female residents of New South Wales, Australia aged 15-45 years and their index singleton pregnancy of at least 20 weeks gestation or 400 g birthweight. Linked hospital, pregnancy/birth and mortality data were used. Modified Poisson regression with robust error variances was used to estimate adjusted risk ratios (aRRs) and 99% CIs, adjusting for sociodemographic and pregnancy factors.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Compared to women without endometriosis who had pregnancies without ART use, there was increased risk of preterm birth (<37 weeks) in all groups [No endo/ART (aRR 1.85, 99% CI 1.46-2.34), Endo/no ART (aRR 1.24, 99% CI 1.06-1.44), Endo/ART (aRR 1.93, 99% CI 1.11-3.35)] and antepartum haemorrhage [No endo/ART (aRR 1.99, 99% CI 1.39-2.85), Endo/no ART (aRR 1.31, 99% CI 1.03-1.67), Endo/ART (aRR 2.69, 99% CI 1.30-5.56)] among pregnancies affected by endometriosis or ART use, separately and together. There was increased risk of placenta praevia [No endo/ART (aRR 2.26, 99% CI 1.42-3.60), Endo/no ART (aRR 1.66, 99% CI 1.18-2.33)] and planned birth [No endo/ART (aRR 1.08, 99% CI 1.03-1.14), Endo/no ART (aRR 1.11, 99% CI 1.07-1.14)] among pregnancies with endometriosis or ART use, separately. There was increased risk of placental abruption [No endo/ART (aRR 2.36, 99% CI 1.12-4.98)], maternal morbidity [No endo/ART (aRR 1.67, 99% CI 1.07-2.62)] and low birthweight (<2500 g) [No endo/ART (aRR 1.45, 99% CI 1.09-1.93)] among pregnancies with ART use without endometriosis. There was decreased risk of having a large-for-gestational age infant [Endo/no ART (aRR 0.83, 99% CI 0.73-0.94)] among pregnancies with endometriosis without ART use.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

Endometriosis is often under-diagnosed and women with a history of hospital diagnosis of endometriosis may represent those with more symptomatic or severe disease. If the effects of endometriosis on pregnancy are greater for those with more severe disease, our results may over-estimate the effect of endometriosis on adverse pregnancy outcomes at a population level. We were unable to assess the effect of endometriosis stage or typology on the study outcomes.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

These results suggest that women with endometriosis including those who used ART to achieve pregnancy are a higher-risk obstetric group requiring appropriate surveillance and management during their pregnancy.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

This study was supported by the Prevention Research Support Program, funded by the New South Wales Ministry of Health. The funder had no role in the design, data collection and analysis, interpretation of results, manuscript preparation or the decision to submit the manuscript for publication. The authors have no conflicts of interest.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

N/A.

Difficulty in predicting intra-abdominal adhesion before cesarean section: A case report

Severe adhesions between the bladder and uterus necessitated an atypical incision in the cesarean section of a woman with endometriosis. This could not be predicted with pre-surgery MRI. No methods in the literature are able to predict adhesions with true certainty; it is therefore still difficult to diagnose intra-abdominal adhesions.

Placenta Accreta Spectrum Disorder Complicated with Endometriosis: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This study aimed to assess the relationship between placenta accreta spectrum disorder (PASD) and endometriosis. The relationships among pregnancy, assisted reproductive technology (ART), placenta previa, ART-conceived pregnancy and PASD were also determined. A systematic literature review was conducted using multiple computerized databases. Forty-eight studies (1990–2021) met the inclusion criteria. According to the adjusted pooled analysis (n = 3), endometriosis was associated with an increased prevalence of PASD (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 3.39, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.96–5.87). In the included studies, the ART rate ranged from 18.2% to 37.2% for women with endometriosis. According to the adjusted pooled analysis, women who used ART were more likely to have placenta previa (n = 13: adjusted OR 2.96, 95%CI, 2.43–3.60) and PASD (n = 4: adjusted OR 3.54, 95%CI 1.86–6.76) than those who did not use ART. According to the sensitivity analysis using an unadjusted analysis accounting for the type of ART, frozen embryo transfer (ET) was associated with an increased risk of PASD (n = 4: OR 2.79, 95%CI, 1.22−6.37) compared to fresh ET. Endometriosis may be associated with an increased rate of PASD. Women with placenta previa complicated with endometriosis who conceived using frozen ET may be a high risk for PASD.

Can Laparoscopic Cystectomy Improve Pregnancy Outcomes in Endometrioma? A Prospective Clinical Trial Study

The purpose of this prospective study was to compare the ovarian response and pregnancy outcomes<br />in the infertile women with endometrioma undergoing assisted reproductive technologies (ART) in two<br />groups, who were underwent laparoscopic cystectomy and received gonadotropin releasing hormone-agonist<br />(GnRH-agonist) and who only received GnRH-agonist without any surgery.<br />Materials and Methods: In this prospective clinical trial study, 79 infertile women with asymptomatic endometriomas<br />cyst (2-6 cm) were enrolled and randomly assigned to two groups. First group underwent laparoscopic<br />cystectomy and received GnRH-agonist. Second group only received GnRH-agonist without any surgery. Following<br />ovulation induction, all patients underwent intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Different parameters<br />such as the number of retrieved oocytes and embryos; were made our outcomes that analyzed using SPSS.<br />Results: The pregnancy rate, chemical and clinical, and live birth rate were higher in the combined group,<br />although these differences were not statistically significant (48.48% vs. 30.8%, P=0.12, 36.36% vs. 25.6%,<br />P=0.32, 36.36% vs. 23.1%, P=0.29). The number of injections, antral follicles, retrieved oocytes, mature oocytes,<br />total embryos, transferred embryos and duration of stimulation were similar in two groups.<br />Conclusion: Laparoscopic cystectomy followed by receiving GnRH-agonist improves pregnancy outcomes in endometrioma<br />prior to treatment with ART (registration number: IRCT201106116689N2).

Obstetric Outcome After Surgical Treatment of Endometriosis: A Review of the Literature

A diagnosis of endometriosis is associated with increased risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes including placenta praevia and preterm birth. Some studies have also suggested associations with gestational hypertension, foetal growth restriction, gestational diabetes, perinatal death, and obstetric haemorrhage. This review aims to assess the impact of pre-pregnancy surgical treatment of endometriosis on future obstetric outcomes. A search of the Medline, Embase and PubMed electronic databases was performed to identify studies reporting pre-pregnancy surgery for endometriosis and subsequent pregnancy outcome compared to controls with unresected endometriosis. Three studies met the inclusion criteria. The studies were heterogenous in design, definition of study groups and outcome measures. All three studies were judged at critical risk of bias. Pre-pregnancy excision of endometriosis was associated with an increased risk of caesarean section in one of two studies, OR 1.72 (95% CI 1.59–1.86) and OR 1.79 (95% CI 0.69–4.64). Placenta praevia rates were also increased in one of two studies OR 2.83 (95% CI 0.56–12.31) and OR 2.04 (95% CI 1.66–2.52). One study found increased risks of preterm birth, small for gestational age, gestational hypertension, and antepartum and postpartum haemorrhage (all p &lt; 0.05) with pre-pregnancy excision of endometriosis. There is insufficient evidence examining the role of pre-pregnancy endometriosis surgery in ameliorating adverse pregnancy outcomes, and thus reliable conclusions cannot be drawn. Prospectively designed studies are needed to assess the relationship between surgical treatments for endometriosis and obstetric outcome and examine potential confounders such as comorbid adenomyosis and infertility.

Pregnancy outcomes after in vitro fertilization for moderate and severe endometriosis. A case-control study

INTRODUCTION

Previous international studies showed that endometriosis could have a link with obstetrical complications, as an increased risk of preterm birth, gestational diabetes mellitus, and cesarean section. However, the results are difficult to interpret because biases are common, such as heterogeneity in the severity of the endometriosis cases included. That's why some complications as risk of miscarriage and post-partum hemorrhage are still debated. Our objective was to study pregnancy outcome after In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) in women suffering from rAFS stage III and IV endometriosis.

METHODS

We conducted a case-control study between 2009 and 2019. We compared pregnancy outcomes after IVF in two groups of women matched by age, body mass index and smoking in two hospital centers. Group A was constituted by singleton pregnancies following ART for moderate and severe endometriosis (rAFS stage III and IV endometriosis). Group B was composed of singleton pregnancies in women with no endometriosis following ART for another reproductive disease. All women achieved pregnancy after 22 weeks.

RESULTS

A total of 240 pregnant women were included: 80 singleton IVF pregnancies (group A) were compared with 160 singleton IVF pregnancies (group B). We observed an increased risk of placenta previa (12.5% Vs 1.9%; p = 0,001), and cesarean section (49.4% (n = 39) Vs 29.6% (n = 47) p = 0,004). Rate of postpartum hemorrhage was not significantly different in endometriosis group (11.2% Vs 7.5% p = 0.47).

CONCLUSION

Despite conflicting results in literature due to a lot of confounding variables, the impact of endometriosis on pregnancy is still debated in women suffering from rAFS III and IV endometriosis. In our study, we observed statistically higher rates of placenta previa and cesarean section but not an increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage. Further larger series are needed to confirm our findings and a possible link with other obstetrical complications. However, we think that an ART pregnancy in a context of severe endometriosis should be considered at risk of adverse obstetrical outcomes.

Maternal-Fetal Outcomes in Women with Endometriosis and Shared Pathogenic Mechanisms

The connection between endometriosis and pregnancy outcomes is trending among the research topics. Until recently, endometriosis and its painful symptomatology were considered to be alleviated by pregnancy. However, these beliefs have shifted, as emerging literature has demonstrated the role of this condition in affecting pregnancy evolution. The underlying pathogenesis of endometriosis is still poorly understood, all the more when pregnancy complications are involved. Debatable opinions on endometriosis associated with obstetric complications exist because of the potential bias resulting from the heterogeneity of preceding evidence. This review aims to evaluate the connection between endometriosis and adverse pregnancy outcomes and their shared pathogenic mechanisms. We searched PubMed and EMBASE and focused on the studies that include placenta praevia, premature rupture of membranes, spontaneous preterm birth, gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, obstetric hemorrhages (ante- and postpartum bleeding, abruptio placentae), miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death, gestational diabetes mellitus, gestational cholestasis, small for gestational age, and their association with endometriosis. Not only the risks of emergence were highlighted, but also the pathogenic connections. Epigenetic alterations of some genes were found to be mirrored both in endometriosis and obstetric complications. This review issues a warning for providing increased attention to pregnant women with endometriosis and newborns as higher risks of preeclampsia, placental issues, and preterm deliveries are associated.

Placenta Previa Complicated with Endometriosis: Contemporary Clinical Management, Molecular Mechanisms, and Future Research Opportunities

Endometriosis is a common gynecological disease characterized by chronic inflammation, with an estimated prevalence of approximately 5–15% in reproductive-aged women. This study aimed to assess the relationship between placenta previa (PP) and endometriosis. We performed a systematic review of the literature until 30 June 2021, and 24 studies met the inclusion criteria. Using an adjusted pooled analysis, we found that women with endometriosis had a significantly increased rate of PP (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 3.17, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.58–3.89) compared to those without endometriosis. In an unadjusted analysis, severe endometriosis was associated with an increased prevalence of PP (OR 11.86, 95% CI 4.32–32.57), whereas non-severe endometriosis was not (OR 2.16, 95% CI 0.95–4.89). Notably, one study showed that PP with endometriosis was associated with increased intraoperative bleeding (1.515 mL versus 870 mL, p < 0.01) compared to those without endometriosis. Unfortunately, no studies assessed the molecular mechanisms underlying PP in patients with endometriosis. Our findings suggest that there is a strong association between endometriosis and a higher incidence of PP, as well as poor surgical outcomes during cesarean delivery. Therefore, the development of novel therapeutic agents or methods is warranted to prevent PP in women with endometriosis.

The association of endometriosis with placenta previa and postpartum hemorrhage: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to review the effect of endometriosis on the prevalence of placenta previa and postpartum hemorrhage in pregnant patients and the surgical outcomes of pregnant patients with endometriosis developing placenta previa.

DATA SOURCES

In compliance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, a systematic review of the literature was conducted on December 31, 2020, using PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Comparative studies between pregnant women with and without endometriosis and studies that investigated the surgical outcomes of patients with and without endometriosis developing placenta previa were included.

METHODS

Here, 2 reviewers independently screened the titles and abstracts, completed data extraction, and assessed the reporting quality using the Risk of Bias in Nonrandomized Studies of Interventions tool.

RESULTS

Overall, 19 studies (from 2010 to 2020) met the inclusion criteria (98,463 pregnancies with endometriosis and 7,184,313 pregnancies without endometriosis). In the adjusted pooled analysis, endometriosis was associated with a higher rate of placenta previa (adjusted odds ratio, 3.17; 95% confidence interval, 2.58-3.89), whereas the incidence of postpartum hemorrhage was similar between pregnant women with and without endometriosis (adjusted odds ratio, 1.15; 95% confidence interval, 0.99-1.34). When the analysis was restricted to histologically confirmed endometriosis cases, the relationship of endometriosis with placenta previa (adjusted odds ratio, 4.23; 95% confidence interval, 1.74-10.30) and postpartum hemorrhage (adjusted odds ratio, 1.29; 95% confidence interval, 0.50-3.34) was consistent with results from the nonrestricted analysis. There was no study that examined the surgical outcomes of patients with endometriosis developing placenta previa patients. However, there are 3 studies that examined the effect of endometriosis on surgical outcomes during cesarean delivery: 1 study showing that endometriosis was associated with increased intraoperative bleeding during emergent cesarean delivery; the other study showing that endometriosis was associated with an increased incidence of postpartum hemorrhage during cesarean delivery (adjusted odds ratio, 1.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.0-1.2), especially in primiparous women with singleton pregnancies (adjusted odds ratio, 1.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.5-2.0); and another study suggesting a significantly higher rate of hysterectomy (7.1%) and bladder injury (7.1%) in patients with endometriosis than in those without endometriosis.

CONCLUSION

Endometriosis can potentially be associated with adverse surgical outcomes during cesarean delivery. Although there is a correlation between endometriosis and increased rate of placenta previa, the surgical outcomes of patients with endometriosis developing placenta previa remain understudied.

Obstetrical outcomes of ART pregnancies in patients with male factor infertility

PURPOSE

Pregnancies conceived by in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) are associated with an increased incidence of obstetrical and neonatal complications. With the growing rate of male factor infertility, which is unique by not involving the maternal milieu, we aimed to assess whether obstetrical outcomes differed between IVF/ICSI pregnancies due to male factor infertility and those not due to male factor infertility.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study of women receiving IVF/ICSI treatments at a single hospital over a five-year period was involved in the study. Inclusion criteria were women with a viable pregnancy that delivered at the same hospital. Pregnancies were divided into male factor only related and non-male factor-related infertility. The groups were compared for several maternal and neonatal complications.

RESULTS

In total, 225 patients met the study criteria, with 94 and 131 pregnancies belonging to the male factor and non-male factor groups, respectively. Demographic and clinical characteristics were comparable, except for younger maternal age and higher incidence of twin pregnancies in the male factor group. A sub-analysis for singleton pregnancies revealed a less likelihood of cesarean delivery, preterm birth, and male gender offspring in the male factor group (p < 0.05). These differences were not observed in the sub-analysis for twin pregnancies. Other outcome measures were similar in both groups, both for singleton and twin pregnancies.

CONCLUSION

Singleton IVF pregnancies due to male factor infertility are associated with a reduced incidence of some adverse outcomes, likely due to lack of underlying maternal medical conditions or laboratory conditions related to ICSI. Our findings require validation by further studies on larger samples.

Pregnancy outcomes in women with infertility and coexisting endometriosis and adenomyosis after laparoscopic surgery: a long-term retrospective follow-up study

Background

Adenomyosis (AM) and endometriosis (EM) often coexist. Laparoscopic surgery is one of the main methods for diagnosing and treating these conditions. This study aims to investigate the pregnancy outcomes of women with infertility with both AM and EM after laparoscopic surgery and to identify the relevant associated factors.

Methods

This is a retrospective study involving women with infertility diagnosed with EM and AM. All patients had undergone laparoscopic surgery and were divided into two groups according to their pregnancy outcomes. Demographic data, operation records, and pregnancy outcomes were collected.

Results

A total of 226 female patients with infertility diagnosed with both AM and EM underwent laparoscopic surgery. Of these, a total of 176 patients completed follow-up. Ninety-seven patients had live births, including 81 full-term and 16 preterm deliveries. The clinical pregnancy and live birth rates were 67.4 and 55.11%, respectively. One hundred thirty-five patients received in vitro fertilization (IVF), with 70 (51.85%) of these patients having live births. Age, endometrioma size, and uterus size were significantly lower in those who had a successful delivery. There was no statistically significant difference in symptoms, except that those who achieved live birth had a lower rate of anaemia (13.40% vs. 25.32%, p = 0.044). The group that did not proceed to have a live birth had a higher percentage of ovarian and peritoneal endometriosis (p < 0.05), while the distribution of deep infiltrating endometriosis and adenomyosis types were similar. Mean uterus diameter (OR: 0.636, 95% CI: 0.434–0.932, p = 0.020) and endometriosis fertility index (EFI) (OR: 1.299, 95% CI: 1.101–1.531, p = 0.002) were significantly correlated with live birth in the multivariable analysis.

Conclusions

Endometriosis and adenomyosis appear to have an adverse effect on pregnancy outcome. These might be related to the size of the uterus and EFI. Obstetricians and gynaecologists should be alert to this potential adverse effect and manage these patients accordingly.

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.

Pregnancy outcomes of Chinese women undergoing IVF with embryonic cryopreservation as compared to natural conception

Background

To examine differences in the maternal characteristics and pregnancy outcomes of Chinese women with various causes of infertility who underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF) with embryonic cryopreservation treatment.

Methods

Cases were pregnancies after IVF-ET with embryonic cryopreservation; controls were spontaneously conceived pregnancies. Subgroup analysis was carried out according to etiology of infertility. The IVF treatment group was divided into 5 subgroups according to infertility etiology as follows: ovulation disorder, tubal disease, male infertility, endometriosis, and mixed infertility. Data on demographic characteristics, medical history, laboratory tests, and delivery were reviewed. Logistic regression analysis was performed for pregnancy and perinatal complications and neonatal outcomes. The multivariable model was adjusted for potential confounders.

Results

Among singleton pregnancies, compared with spontaneous pregnancies, IVF pregnancies were associated with significant increases in the rates of the following: gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) (aOR 1.76[95% CI 1.33–2.33]), preeclampsia (2.60[1.61–4.20]), preterm preeclampsia (4.52[2.03–10.06]), postpartum hemorrhage (1.57[1.04–2.36]), intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (3.84[1.06–13.94]), preterm premature rupture of membranes (2.11[1.17–3.81]), preterm birth (1.95[CI 1.26–3.01]), low birthweight (1.90[1.13–3.20]), macrosomia (1.53[1.03–2.27]), and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission (1.69[1.22–2.34]) in the ovulation disorder group; GDM (1.50[1.21–1.86]), placenta previa (2.70[1.59–4.59]), placenta accreta (1.78[1.10–2.89]), postpartum hemorrhage (1.61[1.19–2.18]), macrosomia (1.60[1.21–2.13]) and 5-min Apgar score ≤ 7 (4.09[1.04–16.08]) in the tubal disease group; placenta previa (9.33[4.22–20.62]), small for gestational age (2.29[1.04–5.08]), macrosomia (2.00[1.02–3.95]) and NICU admission (2.35[1.35–4.09]) in the endometriosis group; placenta previa (4.14[2.23–7.68]) and placenta accreta (2.05[1.08–3.87]) in the male infertility group; and GDM (1.85[1.15–2.98]), placenta previa (4.73[1.83–12.21]), placental abruption (3.39[1.20–9.56]), chorioamnionitis (2.93[1.04–8.26]), preterm birth (2.69[1.41–5.15]), and 1-min Apgar score ≤ 7 (4.68[1.62–13.51]) in the mixed infertility group. Among multiple pregnancies, most of the differences that were significant in singleton pregnancies were less extensive or had disappeared.

Conclusions

Infertility etiology within the IVF population was found to affect maternal and neonatal outcomes among all births. During the perinatal period, infertility etiology appears to be an additional risk factor for abnormal pregnancy outcomes besides the use of IVF techniques compared with spontaneous pregnancies. Higher risk was found for ovulation disorders, and lower risk was found for male infertility.

Obstetrical complications and outcome in patients with endometriosis

Endometriosis is a disease that has a profound impact on the quality of life of women, due to the associated chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia and infertility. However, even getting long-awaited pregnancy (often after assisted reproductive technologies), patients with endometriosis have a high risk of obstetric complications, such as miscarriage, preterm birth, preeclampsia, placental abnormalities, hemorrhage in labor, birth of small for gestational age infants, stillbirth and higher cesarean section rate. In addition, during pregnancy acute complications of endometriosis may occur, such as spontaneous hemoperitoneum, which is rare but life-threatening conditions that in most cases require surgical intervention. The mechanisms of the observed complications in pregnant women with endometriosis are not fully understood. This review presents literature data and personal considerations on the effect of endometriosis on pregnancy outcome and the occurrence of complications, as well as their possible underlined mechanisms. Based on this, we proposed ways to reduce the risk of obstetric complications in pregnant women with a history of endometriosis.

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.

Perinatal complications and live-birth outcomes following assisted reproductive technology: a retrospective cohort study

Background

With the development of assisted reproductive technology (ART) and its increasing success rate in the mainland of China, more attention has been paid to the safety of ART. In this study, we explored the associations between conception by ART and pregnancy/perinatal complications, and neonatal outcomes compared with similar outcomes following spontaneous conception.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study of pregnancies over a 3-year period (2013–2015) was performed at Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Beijing, China. Subjects were divided into two groups: conception by ART (n = 2256) or spontaneous conception (n = 6768). According to different fertilization modes, the ART group was divided into in vitro fertilization (IVF, n = 1873) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI, n = 383) subgroups. The ART group was also divided into two different embryo transfer methods; fresh embryo transfer (ET, n = 1583) and frozen embryo transfer (FET, n = 673) subgroups. Pregnancy complications, perinatal complications, and neonatal outcomes of the enrolled subjects were investigated and analyzed by univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression.

Results

After adjustment for maternal age, gravidity, parity, maternal education, smoking, alcohol consumption, and body mass index (BMI), pregnancies conceived by ART were associated with a significantly increased incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM; OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.56–2.27), gestational hypertension (OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.83–2.60), and intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) (OR 2.79, 95% CI 2.15–3.64), compared with spontaneous conception. These associations were similar for the singleton group. In the twin group, only the incidence of ICP was significantly higher than in controls. We found that pregnancies conceived by ART were associated with perinatal complications, including placental abruption (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.33–3.45), premature rupture of membranes (PROM; OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.06–1.45), postpartum hemorrhage (OR 2.89, 95% CI 2.33–3.59) and polyhydramnios (OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.29–3.16). The singleton group had a similar result with placental abruption, but not with fetal membranes ruptures before labor and polyhydramnios. There were no significant differences in the incidence of these perinatal complications in the twin group. Some neonatal outcomes, including preterm labor (OR 4.29, 95% CI 3.84–4.80) and low birth weight (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.42–2.08), were more likely to occur with singleton births after ART. However, there were no significant differences for these outcomes from twin pregnancies. Perinatal complications and neonatal outcomes were consistent between the IVF and ICSI subgroups. The FET and ET subgroups showed a similar increase in complications, except for the incidence of placental abruption. After taking into account the effects of parity, birth plurality and maternal age, the ART group still exhibited increased maternal and neonatal complications, although some differences narrowed or disappeared.

Conclusions

This retrospective cohort study demonstrated that patients who underwent ART were at increased risk of several adverse pregnancy outcomes compared with women who conceived spontaneously. These complications may be attributed in part to the relatively high multiple pregnancy rate after ART. Elective single embryo transfer should be promoted in China to reduce the obstetrical risks of ART pregnancy. Singletons of ART pregnancy exhibited increased maternal and neonatal complications as well, suggesting that underlying infertility or other maternal or parental factors may contribute to the adverse outcomes.

Shared Molecular Features Linking Endometriosis and Obstetric Complications

Recent epidemiological research has shown the increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with endometriosis compared with the general population. The aim of this review is to explore common pathophysiologic mechanisms between endometriosis and obstetric complications. A computerized literature search was performed to identify relevant studies. The search covered the period between January 2008 and October 2018. One of the potential mechanisms driving the initiation and progression of endometriosis is the accumulation of a variety of epigenetic changes in endometrial cells. Epigenetic control of gene expression which is considered to be responsible for the development of endometriosis is commonly seen in patients with preeclampsia, small for gestational age (SGA), or preterm birth. DLX5 and GATA3, paternally imprinted genes, and CDKN1C, a maternally imprinted gene, were aberrantly expressed in placenta tissues of the preeclampsia; CDKN1C, the growth inhibitor gene, was upregulated in human SGA placentas; and hypomethylation of PTGER2 would be associated with preterm birth. Preeclampsia, SGA, or preterm birth may share common epigenetic alterations with endometriosis, which raises the possibility that the occurrence of two conditions might be nonrandom. To date, however, there is a lack of evidence that links endometriosis and other obstetric complications, such as postpartum hemorrhage or placental abruption, at the epigenetic level. In conclusion, epigenetic changes may be a common hallmark of two conditions: endometriosis and obstetrical complications, such as preeclampsia, SGA, or preterm birth.

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.

No specific adverse pregnancy outcome in singleton pregnancies after assisted reproductive technology (ART) for unexplained infertility

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the obstetrical outcome of pregnancies obtained after assisted reproductive technology (ART).in women with unexplained infertility.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective observational case - control cohort study between January 2011 and May 2017. All pregnancies obtained after ART (Intra uterine insemination, In Vitro Fertilization, Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection) were included. The ART pregnancy outcome of women with unexplained infertility was compared to ART pregnancies obtained in a context of male infertility. Cases were matched to controls (1:2) for age, Body Mass Index (BMI), and smoking status.

RESULTS

After exclusion of twins, we studied 67 singleton pregnancies in the case group, matched with 129 singleton pregnancies in the control group. The first-trimester complications (miscarriage before 12 weeks gestation (WG), ectopic pregnancy) were similar in the two groups. Concerning the 2nd and the 3rd trimester, the incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus, pre-eclampsia, placenta previa, preterm labor was comparable between the two groups. In singletons, we found a non-significant increase of post-partum hemorrhage (OR=5.5, IC 0.5-50, p=0.13) and small for gestational age new-borns (OR=3.45, IC 0.65-18.1, p=0.14) in women with unexplained infertility.

CONCLUSION

More adverse obstetrical outcome are commonly reported after ART, even in singleton pregnancies. Little is known for explaining it and to distingue the own contributions of ART techniques and of the infertility etiology. In our study, we didn't observe a significant negative impact of a history of unexplained infertility on pregnancy. However, further large studies are needed to evaluate more accurately the possible liabilities of the infertility etiology on obstetrical and perinatal outcome.

The efficacy of non-assisted reproductive technology treatment might be limited in infertile patients with advanced endometriosis in their 30s

AIM

To determine the efficacious treatment for infertile couples, we assessed the impact of infertility factors including endometriosis on assisted reproductive technology (ART) and non-ART treatment, and the effect of age in infertility treatment outcomes was also investigated.

METHODS

The medical records of 1864 females, infertile patients from January 2000 to December 2015 at our hospital, were retrospectively reviewed under the approval of the Institutional Review Board. We extracted 10 representative factors and calculated the cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) in these patients. Multivariate analysis of ART and non-ART treatment was performed to assess the impact of infertility factors, and the age-related decline in cumulative live birth rate was calculated by creating eight age-stratified subgroups.

RESULTS

In total, 21.9% and 49.4% of the patients conceived after being treated with non-ART and ART, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that age > 35, advanced endometriosis defined by the revised American Society for Reproductive Medicine classification system stages III to IV, and the past history or current presence of uterine fibroid had significantly negative impact on the outcome of non-ART. Age stratification revealed that advanced endometriosis adversely affected the outcome of non-ART, especially for patients in their 30s. Assisted reproductive technology treatment for patients with advanced endometriosis was shown to be efficacious because the negative impact had been diminished.

CONCLUSION

Considering that non-ART treatment had limited role in patients with advanced endometriosis, prompt initiation of ART in these patients aged as young as 30 years can be recommended to achieve conception.

Endometriosis and adverse maternal, fetal and neonatal outcomes, a systematic review and meta-analysis

STUDY QUESTION

How is endometriosis associated with adverse maternal, fetal and neonatal outcomes of pregnancy?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Women with endometriosis are at elevated risk for serious and important adverse maternal (pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, placenta praevia and Cesarean section) and fetal or neonatal outcomes (preterm birth, PPROM, small for gestational age, stillbirth and neonatal death).

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

A number of studies have shown an association between endometriosis and certain adverse maternal and fetal outcomes, but the results have been conflicting with potential for confounding by the use of assisted reproductive technology.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies (1 January 1990-31 December 2017) that evaluated the effect of endometriosis on maternal, fetal and neonatal outcomes was conducted.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Studies were considered for inclusion if they were prospective or retrospective cohort or case-control studies; included women greater than 20 weeks gestational age with endometriosis; included a control group of gravid women without endometriosis; and, reported at least one of the outcomes of interest. Each study was reviewed for inclusion, data were extracted and risk of bias was assessed by two independent reviewers.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

The search strategy identified 33 studies (sample size, n = 3 280 488) for inclusion. Compared with women without endometriosis, women with endometriosis had higher odds of pre-eclampsia (odds ratio [OR] = 1.18 [1.01-1.39]), gestational hypertension and/or pre-eclampsia (OR = 1.21 [1.05-1.39]), gestational diabetes (OR = 1.26 [1.03-1.55]), gestational cholestasis (OR = 4.87 [1.85-12.83]), placenta praevia (OR = 3.31 [2.37, 4.63]), antepartum hemorrhage (OR = 1.69 [1.38-2.07]), antepartum hospital admissions (OR = 3.18 [2.60-3.87]), malpresentation (OR = 1.71 [1.34, 2.18]), labor dystocia (OR = 1.45 [1.04-2.01]) and cesarean section (OR = 1.86 [1.51-2.29]). Fetuses and neonates of women with endometriosis were also more likely to have preterm premature rupture of membranes (OR = 2.33 [1.39-3.90]), preterm birth (OR = 1.70 [1.40-2.06]), small for gestational age <10th% (OR = 1.28 [1.11-1.49]), NICU admission (OR = 1.39 [1.08-1.78]), stillbirth (OR = 1.29 [1.10, 1.52]) and neonatal death (MOR = 1.78 [1.46-2.16]). Among the subgroup of women who conceived spontaneously, endometriosis was found to be associated with placenta praevia, cesarean section, preterm birth and low birth weight. Among the subgroup of women who conceived with the use of assisted reproductive technology, endometriosis was found to be associated with placenta praevia and preterm birth.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

As with any systematic review, the review is limited by the quality of the included studies. The diagnosis for endometriosis and the selection of comparison groups were not uniform across studies. However, the effect of potential misclassification would be bias towards the null hypothesis.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

The association between endometriosis with the important and serious pregnancy outcomes observed in our meta-analysis, in particular stillbirth and neonatal death, is concerning and warrants further studies to elucidate the mechanisms for the observed findings.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

Dr Shifana Lalani is supported by a Physicians' Services Incorporated Foundation Research Grant, and Dr Innie Chen is supported by a University of Ottawa Clinical Research Chair in Reproductive Population Health and Health Services. Dr Singh declares conflicts of interests with Bayer, Abvie, Allergan and Cooper Surgical. All other authors have no conflicts of interests to declare.

REGISTRATION NUMBER

PROSPERO CRD42015013911.

Women with Endometriosis, Especially Those Who Conceived with Assisted Reproductive Technology, Have Increased Risk of Placenta Previa: Meta-analyses

BACKGROUND

Many women with endometriosis have become pregnant through assisted reproductive technology (ART), and have often experienced placenta previa (PP) during pregnancy. The objective of this study was to assess the association between women with endometriosis, especially those who conceived with ART, and the risk of PP.

METHODS

Two reviewers independently determined studies that were considered suitable for meta-analyses published in various medicine-related databases from March 1, 2004 through July 31, 2017 without language restrictions. Eight studies met the inclusion criteria, with a combined sample size of 21,930 women. Of these 21,930 pregnancies, 6,256 had endometriosis (endometriosis) and 15,674 had no endometriosis. Four of these studies included 8,161 women who conceived with ART, 1,640 of whom had endometriosis (endometriosis + ART), and 6,521 of whom did not have endometriosis. Meta-analyses were estimated with odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using random effect analysis according to heterogeneity of studies.

RESULTS

These meta-analyses showed women with endometriosis (endometriosis) have an increased risk of PP (OR, 4.038; 95% CI, 2.291-7.116; P = 0.000). These results showed women who conceived with ART (endometriosis + ART), have a substantially increased risk of PP (OR, 5.543; 95% CI, 1.659-18.523; P = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

These meta-analyses demonstrate women with endometriosis have an increased risk of PP.

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

INTRODUCTION

The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the risk of preterm delivery and having a small-for-gestational-age (SGA) child in women with endometriosis and adenomyosis compared with women without these two diseases.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Studies on endometriosis or adenomyosis and risk of preterm delivery and/or SGA infant were included. The systematic search was conducted for all published articles in PubMed and Embase published from 1950 to 2017 using specific search terms. After duplicates were removed, two authors independently reviewed all studies, initially based on title and subsequently based on abstract. Studies considered relevant were read in full text by both reviewers to identify if studies met the inclusion criteria.

RESULTS

The search found 21 studies on a total of 2 517 516 women meeting the inclusion criteria. Women with endometriosis had an increased odds of preterm delivery [odds ratio (OR) 1.47, 95% CI 1.28-1.69] and SGA infant (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.04-1.549). Compared with endometriosis, adenomyosis implied an even higher odds of both preterm delivery (OR 3.09, 95% CI 1.88-5.09) and SGA infant (OR 3.23, 95% CI 1.71-6.09) as well.

CONCLUSIONS

Women with endometriosis or adenomyosis had a higher odds of preterm delivery and having a child that was SGA compared with women without endometriosis or adenomyosis. The odds of both adverse birth outcomes was highest among women with adenomyosis. The results suggest a closer prenatal monitoring among pregnant women with endometriosis or adenomyosis.

Obstetrical complications of endometriosis, particularly deep endometriosis

Over the past few years, a new topic in the field of endometriosis has emerged: the potential impact of the disease on pregnancy outcomes. This review aims to summarize in detail the available evidence on the relationship between endometriosis, particularly deep endometriosis (DE), and obstetrical outcomes. Acute complications of DE, such as spontaneous hemoperitoneum, bowel perforation, and uterine rupture, may occur during pregnancy. Although these events represent life-threatening conditions, they are rare and unpredictable. Therefore, the current literature does not support any kind of prophylactic surgery before pregnancy to prevent such complications. Results on the impact of DE on obstetrical outcomes are debatable and characterized by several limitations, including small sample size, lack of adjustment for confounders, lack of adequate control subjects, and other methodologic flaws. For these reasons, it is not possible to draw conclusions on this topic. The strongest evidence shows that DE is associated with higher rates of placenta previa; for other obstetrical outcomes, such as miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, preterm birth and hypertensive disorders, results are controversial. Although it is unlikely that surgery of DE may modify the impact of the disease on the course of pregnancy, no study has yet investigated this issue.