Disparities in the use of assisted reproductive technologies after breast cancer: a population-based study

PURPOSE

Equitable access to oncofertility services is a key component of cancer survivorship care, but factors affecting access and use remain understudied.

METHODS

To describe disparities in assisted reproductive technology (ART) use among women with breast cancer in California, we conducted a population-based cohort study using linked oncology, ART, and demographic data. We identified women age 18-45 years diagnosed with invasive breast cancer between 2000 and 2015. The primary outcome was ART use-including oocyte/embryo cryopreservation or embryo transfer-after cancer diagnosis. We used log-binomial regression to estimate prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to identify factors associated with ART use.

RESULTS

Among 36,468 women with invasive breast cancer, 206 (0.56%) used ART. Women significantly less likely to use ART were age 36-45 years at diagnosis (vs. 18-35 years: PR = 0.17, 95% CI 0.13-0.22); non-Hispanic Black or Hispanic (vs. non-Hispanic White: PR = 0.31, 95% CI 0.21-0.46); had at least one child (vs. no children: adjusted PR [aPR] = 0.39, 95% CI 0.25-0.60); or lived in non-urban areas (vs. urban: aPR = 0.28, 95% CI 0.10-0.75), whereas women more likely to use ART lived in high-SES areas (vs. low-/middle-SES areas: aPR = 2.93, 95% CI 2.04-4.20) or had private insurance (vs. public/other insurance: aPR = 2.95, 95% CI 1.59-5.49).

CONCLUSION

Women with breast cancer who are socially or economically disadvantaged, or who already had a child, are substantially less likely to use ART after diagnosis. The implementation of policies or programs targeting more equitable access to fertility services for women with cancer is warranted.

Disparities in Fertility-Sparing Treatment and Use of Assisted Reproductive Technology After a Diagnosis of Cervical, Ovarian, or Endometrial Cancer

OBJECTIVE

To assess the presence of sociodemographic and clinical disparities in fertility-sparing treatment and assisted reproductive technology (ART) use among patients with a history of cervical, endometrial, or ovarian cancer.

METHODS

We conducted a population-based cohort study of patients aged 18-45 years who were diagnosed with cervical cancer (stage IA, IB), endometrial cancer (grade 1, stage IA, IB), or ovarian cancer (stage IA, IC) between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2015, using linked data from the CCR (California Cancer Registry), the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development, and the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology. The primary outcome was receipt of fertility-sparing treatment , defined as surgical or medical treatment to preserve the uterus and at least one ovary. The secondary outcome was fertility preservation , defined as ART use after cancer diagnosis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to estimate odds ratios and 95% CIs for the association between fertility-sparing treatment and exposures of interest: age at diagnosis, race and ethnicity, health insurance, socioeconomic status, rurality, and parity.

RESULTS

We identified 7,736 patients who were diagnosed with cervical, endometrial, or ovarian cancer with eligible histology. There were 850 (18.8%) fertility-sparing procedures among 4,521 cases of cervical cancer, 108 (7.2%) among 1,504 cases of endometrial cancer, and 741 (43.3%) among 1,711 cases of ovarian cancer. Analyses demonstrated nonuniform patterns of sociodemographic disparities by cancer type for fertility-sparing treatment, and ART. Fertility-sparing treatment was more likely among young patients, overall, and of those in racial and ethnic minority groups among survivors of cervical and ovarian cancer. Use of ART was low (n=52) and was associated with a non-Hispanic White race and ethnicity designation, being of younger age (18-35 years), and having private insurance.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that clinical and sociodemographic disparities exist in the receipt of fertility-sparing treatment and ART use among patients with a history of cervical, endometrial, or ovarian cancer.

Survival outcomes following pregnancy or assisted reproductive technologies after breast cancer: A population-based study

BACKGROUND

This study sought to determine the impact of pregnancy or assisted reproductive technologies (ART) on breast-cancer-specific survival among breast cancer survivors.

METHODS

The authors performed a cohort study using a novel data linkage from the California Cancer Registry, the California birth cohort, and the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology Clinic Outcome Reporting System data sets. They performed risk-set matching in women with stages I-III breast cancer diagnosed between 2000 and 2012. For each pregnant woman, comparable women who were not pregnant at that point but were otherwise similar based on observed characteristics were matched at the time of pregnancy. After matching, Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association of pregnancy with breast-cancer-specific survival. We repeated these analyses for women who received ART.

RESULTS

Among 30,021 women with breast cancer, 553 had a pregnancy and 189 attempted at least one cycle of ART. In Cox proportional hazards modeling, the pregnancy group had a higher 5-year disease-specific survival rate; 95.6% in the pregnancy group and 90.6% in the nonpregnant group (HR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.24-0.77). In women with hormone receptor-positive cancer, we found similar results (HR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.2-0.91). In the ART analysis, there was no difference in survival between groups; the 5-year disease-specific survival rate was 96.9% in the ART group and 94.1% in the non-ART group (HR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.17-1.13).

CONCLUSION

Pregnancy and ART are not associated with worse survival in women with breast cancer.

LAY SUMMARY

We sought to determine the impact of pregnancy or assisted reproductive technologies (ART) among breast cancer survivors. We performed a study of 30,021 women by linking available data from California and the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology Clinic Outcome Reporting System. For each pregnant woman, we matched at the time of pregnancy comparable women who were not pregnant at that point but were otherwise similar based on observed characteristics. We repeated these analyses for women who received ART. We found that pregnancy and ART were not associated with worse survival.

In situ measurements of reef squid polarization patterns using two-dimensional polarization data mapped onto three-dimensional tessellated surfaces

Reef squids belong to a group reputed for polarization sensitivity, yet polarization patterns of reef squid have not been quantified in situ. To quantify polarization patterns from video polarimetric data, we developed a protocol to map two-dimensional polarization data onto squid-shaped three-dimensional tessellated surfaces. This protocol provided a robust data container used to investigate three-dimensional regions-of-interest, producing data lineouts derived from the squid's geometry. This protocol also extracted polarimeter and squid body orientations and the solar heading from polarization images. When averaged over the solar heading, the ventral midline gave a low degree of polarization (2.4 ± 5.3%), and the area between the ventral and flank midlines had higher values (9.0 ± 5.3%). These averaged data had a large discontinuity in the angle of polarization (AoP) at the mantle's ventral midline (64 ± 55°), with larger discontinuities measured on individual squid. Ray-tracing calculations demonstrated that the AoP pattern was not related to the squid's surface-normal geometry. However, the AoP followed virtual striation axes on the squid's surface oriented 24° to the squid's long axis, similar in angle (27°) to the striations of birefringent collagen fibres documented in other squid species' skin.

Pregnancy after breast cancer: A population-based study of survival and obstetric outcomes

e18783

Background: Studies have suggested that pregnancy after breast cancer is safe, but the women who are able to conceive after cancer may also have a better prognosis. We sought to evaluate survival and obstetric outcomes among breast cancer patients in a population-based cohort. Methods: We studied women aged 18-45 years with a history of stage I-III breast cancer reported to the California Cancer Registry (CCR, 2000-2012). CCR data were linked to the 2000-2012 California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD) birth cohort to ascertain both oncologic characteristics and obstetric outcomes. We compared overall survival (OS) for breast cancer patients who did or did not conceive at least 1 year after diagnosis. Breast cancer patients who conceived were matched in a 1:5 ratio to breast cancer patients who did not conceive via optimal bipartite matching accounting for follow-up time such that controls were diagnosed within a 3-month window of the cases and were alive at the time the case delivered; the distributions of cases and controls were directly balanced on socioeconomic and clinical covariates including stage, hormone receptors, and receipt of chemotherapy and radiation. For the obstetric outcomes, propensity score matching in a 1:5 ratio was used to match the same breast cancer patients who conceived to population based controls without cancer who delivered during the study years. Wald statistics, conditional Cox proportional hazards model, and conditional logistic regressions were used to evaluate outcomes. Results: We matched 417 patients aged 18-45 years at time of breast cancer diagnosis who conceived at least one year following diagnosis with 2,085 breast cancer patients who did not conceive. All covariates were balanced within 0.1 mean standardized difference. The majority of the cohort was non-Hispanic White (51%), with stage II disease (53%). The 5-year overall survival for cases relative to controls was 97.6% and 95.7% respectively. There was no difference in overall survival between patients who conceived and those who did not conceive following treatment for breast cancer (HR 0.58, 95% CI 0.3-1.1). Breast cancer patients did not have higher risks of preterm birth before 37 weeks (odds ratio [OR] 0.91, 95% CI 0.39-2.14), small-for-gestational age birthweight ( < 10th percentile: OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.67-1.29; < 5th percentile: OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.39-1.14), cesarean delivery (OR 1.12, 95% CI 0.92-1.35), severe maternal morbidity (OR 1.14, 95% CI 0.61-2.12), or neonatal morbidity (OR 1.08, 95% CI 0.77-1.53) relative to controls. Conclusions: In a population-based cohort, breast cancer patients who conceived at least 1 year after diagnosis did not have worse OS than matched breast cancer patients who did not conceive. Breast cancer patients who conceived during the study period did not have an increased risk of adverse obstetric outcomes compared to population-based controls without cancer.

Outcomes after Fertility-sparing Surgery for Women with Ovarian Cancer: A Systematic Review of the Literature

OBJECTIVE

To compare reproductive and oncologic outcomes of patients diagnosed with early-stage epithelial ovarian carcinoma, borderline ovarian tumors, or nonepithelial ovarian carcinoma according to receipt of fertility-sparing surgery or conventional surgery.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed was searched from January 1, 1995, to May 29, 2020.

METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION

Studies were included if they (1) enrolled women of childbearing age diagnosed with ovarian cancer between the ages of 18 years and 50 years, (2) reported on oncologic and/or reproductive outcomes after fertility-sparing surgery for ovarian cancer, and (3) included at least 20 patients.

TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS

The initial search identified 995 studies. After duplicates were removed, we abstracted 980 unique citations. Of those screened, 167 publications were identified as potentially relevant, and evaluated for inclusion and exclusion criteria. The final review included 44 studies in epithelial ovarian cancer, 42 in borderline ovarian tumors, and 31 in nonepithelial ovarian carcinoma. The narrative synthesis demonstrated that overall survival does not seem to be compromised in patients undergoing fertility-sparing surgery compared with those undergoing conventional surgery, although long-term data are limited. Areas of controversy include safety of fertility-sparing surgery in the setting of high-risk factors (stage IC, grade 3, and clear cell histology), as well as type of surgery (salpingo-oophorectomy vs cystectomy). It seems that although there may be some fertility compromise after surgery, pregnancy and live-birth rates are encouraging.

CONCLUSION

Fertility-sparing surgery is safe and feasible in women with early-stage low-risk ovarian cancer. Pregnancy outcomes for these patients also seem to be similar to those of the general population.

Use of fertility preservation services in male reproductive-aged cancer patients

While fertility preservation is a major concern among reproductive age cancer patients, little is known about access and use of fertility preserving services. We examined use of fertility preserving services among men with common solid tumors. A total of 3648 men age 18-40 including 2610 (71.6%) with testicular cancer, 939 (25.7%) with colorectal and 99 (2.7%) with prostate cancer were identified. Fertility preservation services were utilized in 9.3% of men overall including 4.1% who underwent fertility evaluation only and 7.8% who had a fertility preservation procedure. The rate of fertility preservation services rose from 6.6% (95%CI, 3.2-10.0) in 2008 to 12.4% (95%CI, 7.3-17.5) in 2017 (P = 0.04). Use of fertility preservation service was more common in patients with testicular (11.6%, aRR = 3.31; 95% CI 2.22-4.92) and prostate cancer (6.1%, aRR = 3.14; 95% CI 1.28-7.70) compared to those with colon cancer (3.4%). Younger men were more likely to utilize fertility preservation services. 11.5% of men age ≤ 35 years vs. 5.2% of men 36-40 used these services (P < 0.0001). Fertility preservation services were used in 10.8% of those who received chemotherapy (aRR = 1.81; 95% CI, 1.45-2.27) and in 8.1% of those who received radiation (aRR = 1.30 95% CI, 0.98-1.73). Medicaid patients were less likely to receive fertility preservation services than those with commercial insurance (0.7% vs. 10.1%; aRR = 11.58, 95%CI 2.10-63.69). These data indicate that while use of fertility preserving services is increasing, overall use of services is low among reproductive age males with cancer.

Triple stimulation (TriStim) before bilateral oophorectomy in a young woman with ovarian cancer: a case report and review of the literature

Background

Double ovarian stimulation (DuoStim) involves two rounds of controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) and oocyte retrieval in immediate succession. It represents a promising approach to increase oocyte yield for patients with diminished ovarian reserve or those with limited time before fertility-threatening oncologic treatment. We report the case of a 31-year-old woman with Stage IC endometrioid ovarian cancer who underwent a triple stimulation or "TriStim," completing three rounds of COS and oocyte retrieval within 42 days prior to bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy.

Case presentation

A 31 year old nulligravid woman presented for fertility preservation counseling following a bilateral ovarian cystectomy that revealed Stage IC endometroid adenocarcinoma arising within endometrioid borderline tumors. The patient was counseled for bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, lymph node dissection, and omentectomy followed by three cycles of carboplatin/paclitaxel. Prior to this, all within six weeks, the patient underwent three rounds of controlled ovarian stimulation using an antagonist protocol and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) trigger, resulting in vitrification of nine two-pronuclear zygotes (2PN), after which definitive surgery was performed.

Conclusions

Advantages of DuoStim procedures are increasingly recognized, especially for oncology patients with limited time before potentially sterilizing cancer treatment. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a triple stimulation ("TriStim"). Our case highlights that triple stimulation is a viable option for patients needing urgent fertility preservation in order to maximize egg and embryo yield within a limited time period.

Gender inequality in leadership and academic rank in academic reproductive endocrinology programs

PURPOSE

To identify gender differences in leadership and academic rank within academic reproductive endocrinology (REI) programs with fellowships in the USA.

METHODS

Official institutional websites of the 2017-2018 American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG)-accredited reproductive endocrinology fellowship programs were reviewed, and gender representation at each leadership position and academic rank (Division and Fellowship Director and Full, Associate, and Assistant Professor) was recorded. Univariate comparisons were performed using Chi-square tests, with significance at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

Among 49 ABOG-accredited reproductive endocrinology programs, 263 faculty were identified, 129 (49.0%) male and 134 (51.0%) female. Division directors were 69.3% male and 30.7% female (p = 0.006). Similarly, fellowship directors were 65.3% male and 34.6% female (p = 0.03). Full professors (n = 101) were more frequently male (70.3% vs. 29.7%, p < 0.001). There was no difference in gender among associate professors (n = 60, 51.7% male vs. 48.3% female, p = 0.79), while significantly more assistant professors were female than male (n = 102, 73.6% vs. 26.4%, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

While a majority of residents in obstetrics and gynecology and half of reproductive endocrinology academic faculty are female, women are still underrepresented among leadership positions and full professors in academic reproductive endocrinology programs with fellowship programs.

Hyperglycosylated human chorionic gonadotropin as a predictor of ongoing pregnancy

BACKGROUND

Hyperglycosylated human chorionic gonadotropin, the predominant human chorionic gonadotropin variant secreted following implantation, is associated with trophoblast invasion.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether the initial serum hyperglycosylated human chorionic gonadotropin differs between ongoing and failed pregnancies, and to compare it to total serum human chorionic gonadotropin as a predictor of ongoing pregnancy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Women undergoing fresh/frozen in vitro fertilization cycles at a university-based infertility clinic with an autologous day 5 single embryo transfer resulting in serum human chorionic gonadotropin >3 mIU/mL (n = 115) were included. Human chorionic gonadotropin was measured 11 days after embryo transfer in a single laboratory (coefficient of variation <6%). Surplus frozen serum (-80^oC) was shipped to Quest Laboratories for measurement of hyperglycosylated human chorionic gonadotropin (coefficient of variation <9.1%). Linear regression analyses adjusted for oocyte age a priori were used to compare human chorionic gonadotropin and hyperglycosylated human chorionic gonadotropin in ongoing pregnancies (>8 weeks of gestation) and failed pregnancies (clinical pregnancy loss, biochemical and ectopic pregnancies).

RESULTS

A total of 85 pregnancies (73.9%) were ongoing. Hyperglycosylated human chorionic gonadotropin and human chorionic gonadotropin values were highly correlated (Pearson correlation coefficient 92.14, P < .0001), and mean values of both were positively correlated with blastocyst expansion score (P value test for trend < .0004). Mean human chorionic gonadotropin and hyperglycosylated human chorionic gonadotropin were significantly higher in ongoing vs failed pregnancies. Among ongoing pregnancies vs clinical losses, mean hyperglycosylated human chorionic gonadotropin, but not human chorionic gonadotropin, was significantly higher (19.0 vs 12.2 ng/mL, β -8.1, 95% confidence interval -13.0 to -3.2), and hyperglycosylated human chorionic gonadotropin comprised a higher proportion of total human chorionic gonadotropin (4.6% vs 4.1%; risk ratio, 0.79; 95% confidence interval, 0.66-0.94).

CONCLUSION

Measured 11 days after single blastocyst transfer, hyperglycosylated human chorionic gonadotropin and human chorionic gonadotropin values were highly correlated, but only mean hyperglycosylated human chorionic gonadotropin and its ratio to total human chorionic gonadotropin were significantly higher in ongoing pregnancies vs clinical pregnancy losses. Further evaluation of hyperglycosylated human chorionic gonadotropin, including in multiple embryo transfers and multiple pregnancy, and using serial measurements, is required.

Serum Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Among Women With and Without Obesity After Single Embryo Transfers

CONTEXT

Serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels are essential for diagnosing and monitoring early pregnancy. Obesity is a health care epidemic; however, the performance of this vital serum hormone in women with an elevated body mass index (BMI) is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association of BMI with serum hCG values and rate of hCG increase.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

University-based infertility clinic.

PATIENTS

Women undergoing fresh vs frozen in vitro fertilization cycles with single-day three or five embryo transfers resulting in singleton live births (≥24 weeks' gestational age) from 2008 to 2015.

INTERVENTION(S)

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

The initial hCG (mIU/mL, 16 days after oocyte retrieval) and 2-day percentage of hCG increases among BMI categories were compared using multivariable linear and logistic regression, adjusted a priori for the day of embryo transfer.

RESULTS

The initial serum hCG values correlated inversely with the BMI (P < 0.0001, test for trend). Low initial hCG values (<100 mIU/mL) were significantly more common across increasing BMI classes, from 1.4% of normal weight patients to 15.6% of those with a BMI ≥40 kg/m2 (P = 0.001, test for trend). The mean 2-day hCG increases were similar and normal (≥53%) across the BMI groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with obesity achieving live births had statistically significantly lower initial serum hCG values compared with patients who were nonobese. However, the mean 2-day percentage of increases in hCG were similar across BMI categories. The initial hCG values might lack sensitivity for live births in patients with obesity. The rate of hCG increase remains the mainstay of monitoring very early pregnancies after in vitro fertilization. Future studies should investigate whether serum analyte ranges should be adjusted according to the BMI.

Diagnosis and management of a heterotopic pregnancy and ruptured rudimentary uterine horn

Background

Heterotopic pregnancies implanted in a rudimentary uterine horn account for 1 in 2–3 million gestations, and confer significant risk of morbidity due to uterine rupture and hemorrhage.

Case presentation

A 34-year-old nullipara presented with acute pelvic pain at 17 weeks of gestation with dichorionic-diamniotic twins, one in each horn of an anomalous uterus first diagnosed in pregnancy as bicornuate. Three-dimensional ultrasound and MRI revealed myometrial disruption in the left rudimentary uterine horn, and the patient underwent an uncomplicated abdominal hemi-hysterectomy. Fourteen days later, an uncomplicated dilation and curettage was performed for a fetal anomaly in the remaining twin in the right unicornuate uterus.

Conclusion

This case demonstrates the utility of magnetic resonance imaging and three-dimensional ultrasound in the assessment of myometrial integrity in a gravid patient with a heterotopic pregnancy and ruptured rudimentary uterine horn. This case demonstrates the importance of pre-pregnancy diagnosis and management of mullerian anomalies.

Combined Oocyte Retrieval and Robot-assisted Hysterectomy in a Super Morbidly Obese Patient with Endometrial Carcinoma

AIM

To report on the unique, innovative management of a super morbidly obese patient presenting for fertility preservation in the setting of Grade 2 endometrioid endometrial adenocarcinoma.

CASE REPORT

A back-to-back oocyte retrieval and robot-assisted total laparoscopic hysterectomy (RA-TLH) with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO) was performed in a 37-year-old nulligravid woman with super morbid obesity (BMI 63 kg/m²) with endometrial cancer.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

the successful retrieval of oocytes for fertility preservation and oncologic intervention via RA-TLH with BSO in the same operative and anesthetic episode.

RESULTS

This combined procedure strategy was successful in our case and is a feasible option for similar high-risk patients in the future.

CONCLUSION

Identifying safe and effective approaches for oocyte retrieval in morbidly obese patients represents a pressing need as obesity rates rise among reproductive-aged women. Back-to-back oocyte retrieval and RA-TLH with BSO are not only feasible, but could also decrease significant anesthetic risks for morbidly obese patients.

Outpatient endometrial aspiration: an alternative to methotrexate for pregnancy of unknown location

BACKGROUND

Pregnancies of unknown location with abnormal beta-human chorionic gonadotropin trends are frequently treated as presumed ectopic pregnancies with methotrexate. Preliminary data suggest that outpatient endometrial aspiration may be an effective tool to diagnose pregnancy location, while also sparing women exposure to methotrexate.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of an endometrial sampling protocol for the diagnosis of pregnancies of unknown location after in vitro fertilization.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective cohort study of 14,505 autologous fresh and frozen in vitro fertilization cycles from October 2007 to September 2015 was performed; 110 patients were diagnosed with pregnancy of unknown location, defined as a positive beta-human chorionic gonadotropin without ultrasound evidence of intrauterine or ectopic pregnancy and an abnormal beta-human chorionic gonadotropin trend (<53% rise or <15% fall in 2 days). These patients underwent outpatient endometrial sampling with Karman cannula aspiration. Patients with a beta-human chorionic gonadotropin decline ≥15% within 24 hours of sampling and/or villi detected on pathologic analysis were diagnosed with failing intrauterine pregnancy and had weekly beta-human chorionic gonadotropin measurements thereafter. Those patients with beta-human chorionic gonadotropin declines <15% and no villi identified were diagnosed with ectopic pregnancy and treated with intramuscular methotrexate (50 mg/m²) or laparoscopy.

RESULTS

Across 8 years of follow up, among women with pregnancy of unknown location, failed intrauterine pregnancy was diagnosed in 46 patients (42%), and ectopic pregnancy was diagnosed in 64 patients (58%). Clinical variables that included fresh or frozen embryo transfer, day of embryo transfer, serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin at the time of sampling, endometrial thickness, and presence of an adnexal mass were not significantly different between patients with failed intrauterine pregnancy or ectopic pregnancy. In patients with failed intrauterine pregnancy, 100% demonstrated adequate postsampling beta-human chorionic gonadotropin declines; villi were identified in just 46% (n=21 patients). Patients with failed intrauterine pregnancy had significantly shorter time to resolution (negative serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin) after sampling compared with patients with ectopic pregnancy (12.6 vs 26.3 days; P<.001).

CONCLUSION

With the use of this safe and effective protocol of endometrial aspiration with Karman cannula, a large proportion of women with pregnancy of unknown location are spared methotrexate, with a shorter time to pregnancy resolution than those who receive methotrexate.

Bladder Involvement in Stage I Endometriosis

BACKGROUND

Endometriosis-the ectopic implantation of endometrial-like tissue-affects 10% of adolescent females and adults. Bladder involvement, causing dysuria and hematuria, occurs in a very small number of endometriosis patients.

CASE

The patient presented at age 12 years with dysuria and pelvic pain. Laparoscopy revealed stage I endometriosis. Postoperatively, she reported persistent dysuria and passage of tissue in her urine. Cystoscopy showed diffuse erythema; urine cytology revealed glandular and spindle cells suggestive of endometriosis. She was transitioned from oral contraceptives to an intranasal gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist, with symptom resolution.

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

Intravesicular endometriosis coinciding with stage I disease supports a mechanism of endometriosis dissemination other than direct bladder infiltration. Patients with endometriosis who complain of urinary symptoms warrant assessment, because intravesicular bladder involvement cannot be excluded using pelviscopy.

Hepatic Adenomas in Adolescents and Young Women with Endometriosis Treated with Norethindrone Acetate

BACKGROUND

Endometriosis-ectopic implantation of endometrial-like tissue-affects 10% of female adolescents and adults. First-line treatment includes progesterone only (such as norethindrone acetate [NET-A]) or combined estrogen/progestin oral contraceptive pills. Estrogen-containing contraceptives confer increased risk of hepatic adenomas, whereas the association with NET-A is very rarely reported.

CASE

Three adolescents with stage I to II endometriosis managed with NET-A (up to 15 mg/d for 28-78 months) were diagnosed with hepatic adenomas at ages 17-22 years. They previously received estrogen-containing medications, which were stopped 24 months or longer before diagnosis of hepatic adenoma.

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

NET-A in a dose greater than 10 mg/d might be associated with increased risk for hepatic adenomas, likely due to peripheral conversion to ethinyl estradiol. Use of NET-A might not be advisable in patients with known hepatic adenomas.

Continuation of a Levonorgestrel Intrauterine Device During Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant: A Case Report

BACKGROUND

During treatment of hematologic malignancies in premenopausal women, both menstrual suppression and contraception are crucial. Continuation of hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs) - widely used and highly effective contraceptives that also decrease menstrual flow - is controversial during hematopoietic stem cell transplants (SCTs) due to infectious and vaginal bleeding concerns.

CASE REPORT

A 23-year-old nulligravid female was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML, positive for FLT3-ITD, DNMT3A and RUNX1, with normal cytogenetics). She elected to retain her existing levonorgestrel-containing IUD during chemotherapy and SCT. During and following treatment, she remained amenorrheic without infection, despite severe neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. Eight months later, she remains in remission without IUD-related complications.

DISCUSSION

This is the first report of levonorgestrel IUD retention during hematopoietic SCT. Despite severe neutropenia and thrombocytopenia, the patient developed neither pelvic infection by retaining her IUD nor significant vaginal bleeding. Future studies are needed to confirm the safety of levonorgestrel IUDs in women undergoing SCT.

Clinical predictors of failing one dose of methotrexate for ectopic pregnancy after in vitro fertilization

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical predictors of failure of a single dose of methotrexate (MTX) for management of ectopic pregnancy after in vitro fertilization (IVF).

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was performed of women who conceived ectopic pregnancies following fresh or frozen IVF cycles at an academic infertility clinic between 2007 and 2014, and received intramuscular MTX (50 mg/m²). Successful single-dose MTX treatment was defined as a serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) decline ≥15% between days 4 and 7 post-treatment. Logistic regression models adjusted for oocyte age, number of embryos transferred, and prior ectopic pregnancy were used to estimate the adjusted odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval [CI]) of failing one dose of MTX.

RESULTS

Sixty-four patients with ectopic pregnancies after IVF were included. Forty required only one dose of MTX (62.5%), while 15 required additional MTX alone (up to four total doses, 23.4%), and 9 required surgery (14.1%). By multivariable logistic regression, the highest tertiles of serum hCG at peak (≥499 IU/L, OR = 9.73, CI 1.88-50.25) and at first MTX administration (≥342 IU/L, OR = 4.74, CI 1.11-20.26), fewer embryos transferred (OR = 0.37 per each additional embryo transferred, CI 0.19-0.74), and adnexal mass by ultrasound (OR = 3.65, CI 1.10-12.11) were each correlated with greater odds of requiring additional MTX and/or surgery.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study to report that in women with ectopic pregnancies after IVF, higher hCG-though well below treatment failure thresholds previously described in spontaneous pregnancies-fewer embryos transferred, and adnexal masses are associated with greater odds of failing one dose of MTX. These findings can be used to counsel IVF patients regarding the likelihood of success with single-dose MTX.

Incidence, diagnosis and management of tubal and nontubal ectopic pregnancies: a review

BACKGROUND

Ectopic pregnancy is a potentially life-threatening condition occurring in 1-2 % of all pregnancies. The most common ectopic implantation site is the fallopian tube, though 10 % of ectopic pregnancies implant in the cervix, ovary, myometrium, interstitial portion of the fallopian tube, abdominal cavity or within a cesarean section scar.

FINDINGS

Diagnosis involves a combination of clinical symptoms, serology, and ultrasound. Medical management is a safe and effective option in most clinically stable patients. Patients who have failed medical management, are ineligible, or present with ruptured ectopic pregnancy or heterotopic pregnancy are most often managed with excision by laparoscopy or, less commonly, laparotomy. Management of nontubal ectopic pregnancies may involve medical or surgical treatment, or a combination, as dictated by ectopic pregnancy location and the patient's clinical stability. Following tubal ectopic pregnancy, the rate of subsequent intrauterine pregnancy is high and independent of treatment modality.

CONCLUSION

This review describes the incidence, risk factors, diagnosis, and management of tubal and non-tubal ectopic and heterotopic pregnancies, and reviews the existing data regarding recurrence and future fertility.

Dynamic antimüllerian hormone levels during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation predict in vitro fertilization response and pregnancy outcomes

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the patterns of change in serum antimüllerian hormone (AMH) during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) and their relation to concurrent response and in vitro fertilization (IVF) pregnancy outcomes.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

Academic medical center.

PATIENT(S)

A total of 113 consecutive fresh IVF embryo transfer cycles from September 1, 2012 through January 1, 2013.

INTERVENTION(S)

Serial serum AMH measurements were analyzed on each day that serum estradiol (E2) was drawn during COH.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Relationship between the rate of COH AMH change [Δ ng/mL per day] (stratified into tertiles), and ovarian response, and pregnancy outcomes.

RESULT(S)

During COH, AMH declined. Age and ovarian reserve testing were associated with the rate of AMH decline (RAD). Women with intermediate and minimal RAD had statistically significantly fewer follicles ≥ 12 mm, lower peak serum E2, fewer oocytes, and inferior early embryo development compared with women with the greatest RAD. Compared with patients with the lowest RAD, clinical pregnancy was more likely in patients with the greatest RAD in the total population (adjusted odds ratio 3.51; 95% confidence interval, 1.03, 11.94) and among patients older than 35 years (adjusted odds ratio 6.95; 95% confidence interval, 1.09, 44.1).

CONCLUSION(S)

The rate of COH AMH decline was associated with ovarian reserve testing, oocyte yield, embryo progression, and clinical pregnancy rates, particularly in women older than 35 years. These results suggest that dynamic AMH levels may provide a novel intracycle approach to predict response and treatment outcomes after IVF.

Laparoscopic uteroovarian ligament truncation and uterosacral oophoropexy for idiopathic recurrent ovarian torsion: case report and review of literature

Background

Unilateral recurrent ovarian torsion in adults is unusual following treatment of common underlying risk factors (e.g. benign cysts). Subtle anatomic etiologies, such as an elongated uteroovarian ligament and robust ovarian volume, are commonly underappreciated and may contribute to idiopathic recurrent unilateral torsion in adults. As seen in this case, combined surgical procedures may be required to prevent recurrence.

Case

28 year old nulligravid woman with seven episodes of right ovarian torsion (without adnexal pathology)—six of those within 18 months—refractory to a series of previous surgical interventions. Laparoscopic uteroovarian ligament truncation with interval uterosacral ligament oophoropexy was employed. Ovarian torsion has not occurred in 45 months.

Conclusion

Uteroovarian ligament truncation and uterosacral ligament oophoropexy is a feasible and effective combined surgical approach for the prevention of recurrent idiopathic ovarian torsion in adults without obvious risk factors.

Serum progesterone concentration on day of embryo transfer in donor oocyte cycles

PURPOSE

To evaluate the association between serum progesterone (P) levels on the day of embryo transfer (ET) and pregnancy rates in fresh donor IVF/ICSI cycles.

METHODS

Fresh donor cycles with day 3 ET from 10/2007 to 8/2012 were included (n = 229). Most cycles (93 %) were programmed with a gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist; oral, vaginal or transdermal estradiol was used for endometrial priming, and intramuscular P was used for luteal support (50-100 mg/day). Recipient P levels were measured at ET, and P dose was increased by 50-100 % if <20 ng/mL per clinic practice. The main outcome measure was rate of live birth (> = 24 weeks gestational age). Generalized estimating equations were used to account for multiple cycles from the same recipient, adjusted a priori for recipient and donor age.

RESULTS

Mean recipient serum P at ET was 25.5 ± 10.1 ng/mL. Recipients with P < 20 ng/mL at ET, despite P dose increases after ET, were less likely to achieve clinical pregnancy (RR = 0.75, 95 % CI = 0.60-0.94, p = 0.01) and live birth (RR = 0.77, 95 % CI = 0.60-0.98, p = 0.04), as compared to those with P ≥ 20 ng/mL. P dose increases were more often required in overweight and obese recipients.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum P levels on the day of ET in fresh donor IVF/ICSI cycles were positively correlated with clinical pregnancy and live birth rates. An increase in P dose after ET was insufficient to rescue pregnancy rates. Overweight and obese recipients may require higher initial doses of P supplementation. Future research is needed to define optimal serum P at ET and the interventions to achieve this target.

Safety of conservative management of ovarian masses during pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

To determine the clinical outcomes and risk factors for persistence of ovarian cysts in pregnant women. With the increased use of ultrasound in pregnancy, the identification of incidental ovarian masses is becoming more common.

STUDY DESIGN

An observational study of women with ovarian masses identified before 24 weeks of pregnancy was performed. Only women who underwent follow-up imaging or surgery were included. Factors associated with persistence and outcomes of women who underwent surgery were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of the 803 women with available follow-up, the cysts resolved in 707 (88.1%) patients. Fifty (6.2%) women underwent surgical intervention. Women with persistent cysts were younger, more often Hispanic, detected at a later gestational age, had larger cysts, and more often had complex or solid components (p < 0.05 for all). Overall, 1 (0.1%) malignancy was diagnosed (a patient with a B-cell lymphoma), while 3 (0.4%) women had borderline epithelial ovarian tumors.

CONCLUSION

Ovarian masses identified during pregnancy have a low risk of malignancy. The majority of women can be serially monitored without intervention.

Fetal omphalocele ratios predict outcomes in prenatally diagnosed omphalocele

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to evaluate whether ratios considering omphalocele diameter relative to fetal biometric measurements perform better than giant omphalocele designation at predicting inability to achieve neonatal primary surgical closure.

STUDY DESIGN

Cases of fetal omphalocele that underwent evaluation between May 2003 and July 2010 were identified. Inclusion was restricted to live births with plan for postnatal repair. Omphalocele diameter upon antenatal ultrasound was compared with abdominal circumference, femur length, and head circumference, yielding the respective omphalocele (O)/abdominal circumference (AC), O/femur length (FL), and O/head circumference (HC) ratios. The absolute measurements were used to classify giant lesions. Omphalocele ratios and giant omphalocele designations were evaluated as predictors of inability to achieve primary repair.

RESULTS

Among 25 included cases, staged or delayed closure occurred in 52%. With an optimal cutoff of 0.21 or greater, O/HC best predicted the primary outcome (sensitivity, 84.6%; specificity, 58.3%; odds ratio, 7.7). The O/HC of 0.21 or greater outperformed giant designations.

CONCLUSION

The O/HC of 0.21 or greater best predicted staged or delayed omphalocele closure. Giant omphalocele designation, regardless of definition, poorly predicted outcome.

Detection and significance of parametrial micrometastases in early-stage cervical cancer

BACKGROUND

Parametrial metastases are rare in women with small, node-negative cervical tumors. We examined the incidence of micrometastases in women with pathologically negative parametria.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with IA-IB cervical cancer who underwent radical hysterectomy and had no evidence of parametrial metastases were examined. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) using a cytokeratin antibody was performed in parametrial sections.

RESULTS

Among 46 patients, a parametrial micrometastasis was identified in 1 (2.2%). Micrometastases were seen in 5% of women with lymphvascular space invasion (LVSI) and in 0 (0%) patients without LVSI (p=0.43). The patient with a parametrial micrometastasis experienced recurrence and died from her disease. In a previous report, we defined patients with tumors <2 cm, negative pelvic lymph nodes, and no LVSI as being at low-risk for parametrial disease. There were no micrometastases in this group of women in the current series.

CONCLUSION

Parametrial micrometastases are uncommon in early-stage cervical cancer.

Substance abuse and diagnosis of cervical spine injuries: policy consideration

BACKGROUND

Cervical spine injury occurs in 2% to 6% of patients with blunt injury. Standard cervical radiographs are widely accepted as a primary screen, but may miss injuries. Diagnoses are further confounded by patients' use of alcohol or drugs, which may delay diagnosis.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the rate of incomplete cervical radiographs and to compare the sensitivity of cervical radiographs and neck computed tomography (CT) in patients with cervical spine injury, with and without substance abuse.

DESIGN

A retrospective chart review.

SETTING

A community teaching hospital.

PATIENTS

Eighty-five high-severity trauma cases between 6/1/03 and 5/28/05.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of cervical spine imaging studies, alcohol levels, toxicology screens and clinical diagnosis.

RESULTS

Cervical radiographs generated false negatives or incomplete studies in all injured patients with significant levels of alcohol (> or = 80 mg/ dL) or drugs detected on toxicology screens. Cervical CT produced no false negatives.

CONCLUSIONS

Drug and alcohol screens are important adjunct studies to identify patients with substance abuse who are more prone to sustain cervical spine injury that is likely to be missed by plain cervical radiographs. Cervical CT maybe a better primary imaging study for detection of cervical spine injury in trauma patients with suspected substance abuse.