Fertility After Endometrial Intraepithelial Neoplasia and Early Endometrial Cancer: Ovulation Induction May Shorten Time to Conception

The purpose of this study was to determine whether utilization of assisted reproductive technology following clearance of endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia (EIN) or early endometrial cancer (EC) shortens time to conception (TTC) and reduces recurrence. Patients aged 18 to 45 with EIN or early EC who achieved pathologic response following progesterone treatment were identified via retrospective chart review. Study groups included patients who pursued ovulation induction (OI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), and spontaneous pregnancy. Primary outcomes were TTC and recurrence rate. Three hundred forty-six charts were reviewed, with 86 patients meeting inclusion criteria and 53 attempting pregnancy. Of those 53 patients, 11 became pregnant and seven had a live birth. Median times to pregnancy were 183 days for IVF, 54 days for OI, and 347 days for spontaneous conception (p < 0.05). No differences were seen in recurrence or progression based on attempted pregnancy method, nor with duration of fertility treatment. Forty-two of 86 patients (49%) were lost to follow-up. For patients with a history of treated EIN or EC, OI may decrease TTC. Larger prospective studies are needed to definitively answer this question. Although no differences in recurrence or progression were identified, the significant loss to follow-up rate in this study is concerning and warrants further investigation.

Delayed diagnosis of a non-communicating right uterine horn: A case report and literature review

Background

Accurate diagnosis of a müllerian anomaly is essential for appropriate management and prevention of complications. However, diagnosis is often missed or delayed.

Case

This is a case of a nulliparous woman with a müllerian anomaly diagnosed at the age of 36 despite prior evaluation with ultrasound and laparoscopy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) suggested a unicornuate uterus with a right non-communicating rudimentary horn. Hysteroscopy and chromopertubation confirmed the diagnosis. The rudimentary horn was resected laparoscopically using bipolar energy.

Conclusion

An undiagnosed müllerian anomaly should be considered in the setting of persistent dysmenorrhea. Three-dimensional ultrasound or MRI should be used judiciously in patients with refractory dysmenorrhea or when ultrasound raises concern for a müllerian anomaly.

The double corpus luteum: A novel sonographic sign of heterotopic pregnancy

Heterotopic pregnancy is a rare and highly morbid condition with simultaneous intrauterine and extra-uterine pregnancies. The early diagnosis of heterotopic pregnancy is difficult, owing to rarity of the condition and nonspecific clinical and laboratory findings. This case report introduces the "double corpus luteum" sign, a new sonographic and magnetic resonance imaging sign which is easily detectable and should raise the index of suspicion for heterotopic pregnancy. We present a surgically confirmed spontaneous heterotopic and angular pregnancy in a young woman without risk factors or assisted reproductive therapy to illustrate the utility of this novel sign.

Assisted Reproductive Technology and the Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Specialist in the U.S. Military

The U.S. military mirrors the U.S. population given the diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds of the service members. Active-duty military members, veterans, and Department of Defense beneficiaries can be negatively impacted by infertility.

Seminal vesicle sperm aspiration from wounded warriors

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether seminal vesicle sperm aspiration (SVSA) is an option for wounded warriors with severe genital and testicular injuries, with the goal of cryopreservation to use in future assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles.

DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

SETTING

Tertiary care military hospital.

PATIENT(S)

Six wounded warriors.

INTERVENTION(S)

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Seminal vesicle fluid analysis after harvest, after thaw analysis, fertilization rates, pregnancy rates (PRs), live birth.

RESULT(S)

Six patients with lower extremity, pelvic, and genital injuries from dismounted improvised explosive devices underwent SVSA within 5-12 days of the initial injury. Sperm retrieved were analyzed (volume, 0.4-1.8 mL; concentration, 40-2,200 K; motility, 0-5%), washed, and cryopreserved. Two patients underwent IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles using their samples. In one couple, fertilization rate was 38%. One grade V embryo was transferred with a negative pregnancy test. The second couple underwent two cycles. In their first cycle, fertilization rate was 44%, with one blastocyst transferred and a negative pregnancy test. In the second cycle, fertilization rate was 47%. Two blastocysts were cryopreserved due to ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) concerns. One blastocyst was later transferred in a frozen cycle resulting in a live birth.

CONCLUSION(S)

The SVSA is a reasonable option to retrieve sperm in wounded warriors or trauma patients with extensive genital injuries.

Are intracytoplasmic sperm injection and high serum estradiol compounding risk factors for adverse obstetric outcomes in assisted reproductive technology?

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) use and E2 on the final day of assisted reproductive technology (ART) stimulation are associated with adverse obstetric complications related to placentation.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Large private ART practice.

PATIENT(S)

A total of 383 women who underwent ART resulting in a singleton live birth.

INTERVENTION(S)

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Adverse placental outcomes composed of placenta accreta, placental abruption, placenta previa, intrauterine growth restriction, preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, and small for gestational age infants.

RESULT(S)

Patients with adverse placental outcomes had higher peak serum E2 levels and were three times more likely to have used ICSI. Adverse placental outcomes were associated with increasing E2 (odds ratio 1.36, 95% confidence interval 1.13-1.65) and ICSI (odds ratio 3.86, 95% confidence interval 1.61-9.27). Adverse outcomes increased when E2 was >3,000 pg/mL and continued to increase in a linear fashion until E2 was >5,000 pg/mL. The association of ICSI with adverse outcomes was independent of male factor infertility. Interaction testing suggested the adverse effect of E2 was primarily seen in ICSI cycles, but not in conventional IVF cycles. Estradiol >5,000 pg/mL was associated with adverse placental events in 36% of all ART cycles and 52% of ICSI cycles.

CONCLUSION(S)

ICSI and elevated E2 on the day of hCG trigger were associated with adverse obstetric outcomes related to placentation. The finding of a potential interaction of E2 and ICSI with adverse placental events is novel and warrants further investigation.

Impact of a prior cesarean delivery on embryo transfer: a prospective study

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether a history of prior cesarean delivery (CD) makes ET more difficult and impacts pregnancy outcomes.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

Tertiary care military facility.

PATIENT(S)

One hundred ninety-four patients with previous delivery undergoing IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)-ET.

INTERVENTION(S)

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Live birth (primary), positive hCG, clinical pregnancy, and time to perform ET.

RESULT(S)

There was no statistically significant difference between patients with a history of only vaginal deliveries versus those with a history of CD for live birth (39% vs. 32%), positive hCG (56% vs. 53%), or clinical pregnancy (49% vs. 41%). Embryo transfers took longer in the history of CD group (157 vs. 187 seconds) and were more likely to have mucus (27% vs. 45%) or blood (8% vs. 21%) on the catheter.

CONCLUSION(S)

Embryo transfers performed on patients with a prior CD took 30 seconds longer. They were also more likely to have blood or mucus on the catheter. Despite the apparently more difficult transfers, pregnancy outcomes were not different between the two groups.

Blastocyst development rate impacts outcome in cryopreserved blastocyst transfer cycles

OBJECTIVE

To assess cycle outcome among day 5 and day 6 cryopreserved frozen-thawed blastocyst embryo transfers (FBET).

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Military-based assisted reproduction technology (ART) center.

PATIENT(S)

One hundred seventy-two nondonor, programmed cryopreserved embryo cycles.

INTERVENTION(S)

Fully expanded blastocysts on day 5 were cryopreserved on day 5, and those achieving this state on day 6 were cryopreserved on day 6. Leuprolide acetate was given for ovulation inhibition, and endometrial supplementation was by oral and vaginal estradiol. Progesterone in oil was administered, and blastocyst transfer occurred in the morning of the sixth day of progesterone.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Implantation, pregnancy, and live-birth rates.

RESULT(S)

Fresh and frozen cycle characteristics were similar between groups. Day-5 FBET had statistically significantly higher implantation rates (32.2% vs. 19.2%), which remained significant even when adjusting for covariates (odds ratio: 1.91; 95% confidence interval, 1.00, 3.67). Live-birth rates trended toward improvement after adjusting for covariates (odds ratio: 1.18; 95% confidence interval, 0.61, 2.30).

CONCLUSION(S)

Cryopreserved day-5 blastocysts have higher implantation rates and trend toward improved pregnancy outcomes compared with cryopreserved day-6 blastocysts. This suggests that embryo development rate may, in part, predict implantation and subsequent FBET outcomes, although embryos not achieving the blastocyst stage until day 6 still demonstrate acceptable outcomes.

Default from Colposcopy and Loop Excision Electrocautery Procedure Appointments in a Military Clinic

OBJECTIVE

To determine the extent of nonadherence and impediments to care in a military colposcopy and loop excision electrocautery procedure (LEEP) clinic.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The nonadherence rate for colposcopy and LEEP appointments was determined for a 6-month period at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Nonadherence was defined as failure to keep an appointment or cancellation within 24 hours of the scheduled time. A nurse coordinator telephoned all nonadherent women. Women who agreed to participate were administered a structured survey to elicit their reasons for default from their appointments.

RESULT

Sixty-one (15%) of 405 women were nonadherent. Of the 61 nonadherent women, 55 (90%) agreed to participate, 4 (7%) were unable to be contacted, and 2 (3%) declined participation. The average age of participants was 30 years. Beneficiary status of the 55 women was as follows: dependent, 27 (49%); active duty, 25 (45%); retired, 2 (4%); and veteran, 1 (2%). The most common reasons for default overall for 55 women were onset of menses (15 [27%]), unplanned family or personal event (9 [16%]), forgetting (8 [15%]), and work conflict (7 [13%]). Leading reasons for 25 active duty women included work conflict (7 [28%]) and menses (6 [24%]). Leading reasons for 27 dependent women included menses (9 [33%]), unplanned family or personal event (6 [22%]), and forgetting (5 [19%]).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite unrestricted access to care in the military clinic, the default rate was similar to rates reported for civilian clinics. Previsit interventions likely to improve compliance include sending informational packets to patients, better attention to scheduling around the time of expected menses, and initiating an appointment reminder system. To decrease the high percentage of nonadherence attributable to work conflicts for active duty women, supervisors need to be better informed about both medical and deployment implications of an unevaluated abnormal Pap smear.

Laparoscopic appendectomy: a series of cases utilizing laparosonic coagulating shears as compared to endo-GIA and endoshears

OBJECTIVE

To report a series of laparoscopic appendectomies utilizing laparosonic coagulating shears (LCS) (harmonic scalpel).

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a retrospective chart underwent laparoscopic appendectomy at Walter Reed Army Medical Center between January 1, 1996, and December 31, 2001. Procedures were included if only 1 instrument was utilized for transection of the appendix: endoshears, endo-GIA (Tyco U.S. Surgical, Norwalk, Connecticut) or LCS. Procedures on ruptured appendixes and emergency procedures were excluded. Outcome variables of interest included operative time, estimated blood loss, length of hospital stay and complications.

RESULTS

Mean estimated blood loss, mean operative times and hospital stay were consistent with those of other techniques of laparoscopic appendectomy. LCS was used more frequently for appendectomy performed at the time of another procedure than were endo-GIA and endoshears. There were no complications in the harmonic scalpel laparoscopic appendectomy series.

CONCLUSION

This series demonstrates that laparoscopic appendectomy with LCS has low morbidity and is as efficacious as other methods of laparoscopic appendectomy.