Effects of hydrosalpinx on ultrasonographic parameters for endometrial receptivity during the window of implantation measured by power color Doppler ultrasound

AIM

The aim of this study is to assess the effects of hydrosalpinx on ultrasonographic parameters for endometrial receptivity during the window of implantation, as measured by power color Doppler ultrasound.

METHODS

The women recruited to this study included sixty with unilateral or bilateral hydrosalpinx and fifty-seven prior to in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) or artificial insemination (AI) performed due to male infertility. Ultrasonographic parameters for endometrial receptivity were measured during the window of implantation by power color Doppler ultrasound.

RESULTS

The proportion of triple-line endometrial pattern and uterine contractions from the cervix to the fundus were significantly lower in the hydrosalpinx group than in the control group. In addition, patients in the hydrosalpinx group had a significantly lower pulsatility index (PI) of uterine spiral arteries. There were no significant differences in endometrial thickness, subendometrial blood flow distribution pattern, uterine artery PI, uterine artery resistance index (RI), or uterine spiral artery RI between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Hydrosalpinx may be involved in the regulation of endometrial receptivity through its influence on endometrial pattern, uterine contractions, and PI of the uterine spiral arteries.

Impact of obesity on endometrial blood flow in women without polycystic ovarian syndrome during intracytoplasmic sperm injection

BACKGROUND

Obesity may exert a negative effect on in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment. However, the effect of obesity on the endometrium remains unknown. This study was designed to assess the effect of isolated body mass index (BMI) on endometrial blood supply in non-polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) women during ICSI by power Doppler Ultrasound.

METHODS

An observational prospective study was carried out. A total of 206 patients without PCOS were divided into 4 groups based on Chinese BMI classification (kg/m(2): underweight (BMI < 18.5), normal weight (18.5 less than or equal to BMI < 24), overweight (24 less than or equal to BMI < 28), and obese (BMI greater than or equal to 28). Endometrial thickness, endometrial pattern, endometrial spiral arterial resistance index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) values and systolic/diastolic ratio (S/D) were assessed on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin administration.

RESULTS

Obese patients required more doses of gonadotrophin and longer stimulation duration than the normal weight patients (P < 0.05). Endometrial thickness and pattern were not statistically different between the 4 BMI subgroups (P > 0.05). Subendometrial blood flow was detected in 165 (80.1%) patients and spiral arterial PI was significantly higher in the obese group than in the normal weight and underweight groups (P < 0.05). All parameters of ICSI outcome were comparable, including pregnancy and miscarriage rates.

CONCLUSIONS

Obesity (BMI greater than or equal to 28 kg/m(2)) appears to exert a negative effect on endometrial and subendometrial blood flow based on the Chinese standard of obesity; however, it seems to have no significant effect on ICSI outcomes in non-PCOS women.