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Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology :... Jul 2018The primary aim of this systematic review was to explore the strength of association between birth-weight (BW) discordance and perinatal mortality in twin pregnancy. The... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVES
The primary aim of this systematic review was to explore the strength of association between birth-weight (BW) discordance and perinatal mortality in twin pregnancy. The secondary aim was to ascertain the contribution of gestational age and growth restriction in predicting mortality in growth-discordant twins.
METHODS
MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched. Only studies reporting on the risk of mortality in twin pregnancies affected compared with those not affected by BW discordance were included. The primary outcomes explored were incidence of intrauterine death (IUD), neonatal death (NND) and perinatal death. Outcome was assessed separately for monochorionic (MC) and dichorionic (DC) twin pregnancies. Analyses were stratified according to BW discordance cut-off (≥ 15%, ≥ 20%, ≥ 25% and ≥ 30%) and selected gestational characteristics, including incidence of IUD or NND before and after 34 weeks' gestation, presence of at least one small-for-gestational age (SGA) fetus in the twin pair and both twins being appropriate-for-gestational age. Risk of mortality in the larger vs smaller twin was also assessed. Meta-analyses using individual data random-effects logistic regression and meta-analyses of proportion were used to analyze the data.
RESULTS
Twenty-two studies (10 877 twin pregnancies) were included in the analysis. In DC pregnancies, a higher risk of IUD, but not of NND, was observed in twins with BW discordance ≥ 15% (odds ratio (OR) 9.8, 95% CI, 3.9-29.4), ≥ 20% (OR 7.0, 95% CI, 4.15-11.8), ≥ 25% (OR 17.4, 95% CI, 8.3-36.7) and ≥ 30% (OR 22.9, 95% CI, 10.2-51.6) compared with those without weight discordance. For each cut-off of BW discordance explored in DC pregnancies, the smaller twin was at higher risk of mortality compared with the larger one. In MC twin pregnancies, excluding cases affected by twin-twin transfusion syndrome, twins with BW discordance ≥ 20% (OR 2.8, 95% CI, 1.3-5.8) or ≥ 25% (OR 3.2, 95% CI, 1.5-6.7) were at higher risk of IUD, compared with controls. MC pregnancies with ≥ 25% weight discordance were also at increased risk of NND (OR 4.66, 95% CI, 1.8-12.4) compared with those with concordant weight. The risk of IUD was higher when considering discordant pregnancies involving at least one SGA fetus. The overall risk of mortality in MC pregnancies was similar between the smaller and larger twin, except in those with BW discordance ≥ 20%.
CONCLUSION
DC and MC twin pregnancies discordant for fetal growth are at higher risk of IUD but not of NND compared with pregnancies with concordant BW. The risk of IUD in BW-discordant DC and MC twins is higher when at least one fetus is SGA. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Topics: Birth Weight; Crown-Rump Length; Female; Fetal Growth Retardation; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Perinatal Death; Perinatal Mortality; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome; Pregnancy, Twin; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Ultrasonography, Prenatal
PubMed: 29155475
DOI: 10.1002/uog.18966 -
International Journal of Gynaecology... Feb 2018The prenatal detection rate of congenital heart defects (CHDs) is increasing, but reported rates vary. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
The prenatal detection rate of congenital heart defects (CHDs) is increasing, but reported rates vary.
OBJECTIVES
To determine the performance of the second-trimester anomaly scan to detect CHD.
SEARCH STRATEGY
PubMed and Embase were searched for relevant studies in any language from inception to February 3, 2017. The search terms included "prenatal diagnosis" or "pregnancy," "cardiovascular diseases" or "cardiac defects," "congenital," and "specificity," or "sensitivity," or "cohort study."
SELECTION CRITERIA
Cohort studies assessing the detection rate of CHD during population-based prenatal screening from 1995 were eligible for inclusion.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Data were collected from identified studies; authors were approached for additional data when necessary. A review and meta-analysis were performed. When possible, separate analyses were undertaken for isolated CHD cases.
MAIN RESULTS
Meta-analysis of seven studies showed the pooled detection rate of CHD in unselected populations as 45.1% (95% confidence interval 33.5%-57.0%). However, the rate of detection of univentricular defects and heterotaxy was above 85%. Similar rates were found among cases of isolated CHD.
CONCLUSIONS
Prenatal detection showed a strong correlation with CHD severity. The detection of conotruncal anomalies needs to improve. A thoroughly organized screening program will be essential to achieve a higher detection rate.
Topics: Cohort Studies; Female; Heart Defects, Congenital; Humans; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Trimester, Second; Prospective Studies; Retrospective Studies; Severity of Illness Index; Ultrasonography, Prenatal
PubMed: 29094357
DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.12373 -
American Journal of Obstetrics &... Dec 2023This study aimed to compare maternal outcomes of prenatally and nonprenatally diagnosed placenta accreta spectrum. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to compare maternal outcomes of prenatally and nonprenatally diagnosed placenta accreta spectrum.
DATA SOURCES
A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, the Cochrane database, and Web of Science until November 28, 2022.
STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Studies comparing the clinical presentation of prenatally and nonprenatally diagnosed placenta accreta spectrum were included. The primary outcomes were emergent cesarean delivery, hysterectomy, blood loss volume, number of transfused blood product units, urological injury, coagulopathy, reoperation, intensive care unit admission, and maternal death. In addition, the pooled mean values for blood loss volume and the number of transfused blood product units were calculated. The secondary outcomes included maternal age, gestational age at birth, nulliparity, previous cesarean delivery, previous uterine procedure, assisted reproductive technology, placenta increta and percreta, and placenta previa.
METHODS
Study screening was performed after duplicates were identified and removed. The quality of each study and the publication bias were assessed. Forest plots and I statistics were calculated for each study outcome for each group. The main analysis was a random-effects analysis.
RESULTS
Overall, 415 abstracts and 157 full-text studies were evaluated. Moreover, 31 studies were analyzed. Prenatally diagnosed placenta accreta spectrum was associated with a significantly lower rate of emergency cesarean delivery (odds ratio, 0.37; 95% confidence interval, 0.21-0.67), higher hysterectomy rate (odds ratio, 1.98; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-3.83), lower blood loss volume (mean difference, -0.65; 95% confidence interval, -1.17 to -0.13), and lower number of transfused red blood cell units (mean difference, -1.96; 95% confidence interval, -3.25 to -0.68) compared with nonprenatally diagnosed placenta accreta spectrum. The pooled mean values for blood loss volume and the number of transfused blood product units tended to be lower in the prenatally diagnosed placenta accreta spectrum groups than in the nonprenatally diagnosed placenta accreta spectrum groups. Nulliparity (odds ratio, 0.14; 95% confidence interval, 0.10-0.20), previous cesarean delivery (odds ratio, 6.81; 95% confidence interval, 4.12-11.25), assisted reproductive technology (odds ratio, 0.19; 95% confidence interval, 0.06-0.61), placenta increta and percreta (odds ratio, 3.97; 95% confidence interval, 2.24-7.03), and placenta previa (odds ratio, 6.81; 95% confidence interval, 4.12-11.25) showed statistical significance. No significant difference was found for the other outcomes.
CONCLUSION
Despite its severity, the positive effect of prenatally diagnosed placenta accreta spectrum on outcomes underscores the necessity of a prenatal diagnosis. In addition, the pooled mean values provide a preoperative preparation guideline.
Topics: Pregnancy; Infant, Newborn; Female; Humans; Placenta Accreta; Placenta Previa; Cesarean Section; Intensive Care Units; Maternal Mortality
PubMed: 37865220
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2023.101197 -
Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology :... Apr 2023To determine, by expert consensus through a modified Delphi process, the role of standardized and new ultrasound signs in the prenatal evaluation of patients at high...
OBJECTIVE
To determine, by expert consensus through a modified Delphi process, the role of standardized and new ultrasound signs in the prenatal evaluation of patients at high risk of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS).
METHODS
A systematic review of articles providing information on ultrasound imaging signs or markers associated with PAS was performed before the development of questionnaires for the first round of the Delphi process. Only peer-reviewed original research studies in the English language describing one or more new ultrasound sign(s) for the prenatal evaluation of PAS were included. A three-round consensus-building Delphi method was then conducted under the guidance of a steering group, which included nine experts who invited an international panel of experts in obstetric ultrasound imaging in the evaluation of patients at high risk for PAS. Consensus was defined as agreement of ≥ 70% between participants.
RESULTS
The systematic review identified 15 articles describing eight new ultrasound signs for the prenatal evaluation of PAS. A total of 35 external experts were approached, of whom 31 agreed and participated in the first round. Thirty external experts (97%) and seven experts from the steering group completed all three Delphi rounds. A consensus was reached that a prior history of at least one Cesarean delivery, myomectomy or PAS should be an indication for detailed PAS ultrasound assessment. The panelists also reached a consensus that seven of the 11 conventional signs of PAS should be included in the examination of high-risk patients and the routine mid-gestation scan report: (1) loss of the 'clear zone', (2) myometrial thinning, (3) bladder-wall interruption, (4) placental bulge, (5) uterovesical hypervascularity, (6) placental lacunae and (7) bridging vessels. A consensus was not reached for any of the eight new signs identified by the systematic review. With respect to other ultrasound features that are not specific to PAS but increase the probability of PAS at birth, the panelists reached a consensus for the finding of anterior placenta previa or placenta previa with cervical involvement. The experts were also asked to determine which PAS signs should be quantified and consensus was reached only for the quantification of placental lacunae using an existing score. For predicting surgical outcome in patients with a high probability of PAS at delivery, a consensus was obtained for loss of the clear zone, bladder-wall interruption, presence of placental lacunae and presence of placenta previa involving the cervix.
CONCLUSIONS
We have confirmed the continued importance of seven established standardized ultrasound signs of PAS, highlighted the role of transvaginal ultrasound in evaluating the placental position and anatomy of the cervix, and identified new ultrasound signs that may become useful in the future prenatal evaluation and management of patients at high risk for PAS at birth. © 2023 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Topics: Infant, Newborn; Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Placenta Accreta; Placenta; Placenta Previa; Delphi Technique; Ultrasonography; Ultrasonography, Prenatal; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 36609827
DOI: 10.1002/uog.26155 -
Contrast Media & Molecular Imaging 2022Assisted reproductive technology has continued to develop in recent years, the technology has become more and more mature, and it has improved the total gestational age...
Assisted reproductive technology has continued to develop in recent years, the technology has become more and more mature, and it has improved the total gestational age of the population. Assisted reproductive technology has improved twin pregnancy rates with the use of ovulation-inducing drugs. The risk factor of twins is much higher than singletons, and adverse pregnancy outcomes such as stillbirth and premature birth are more likely to occur than singletons, especially the special complications of monochorionic twins (MC), and the neonatal mortality and morbidity are also increased. Prenatal diagnosis and prognosis of twin pregnancy, as well as therapeutic interventions, are of current concern. Ultrasound can realize the understanding of intrauterine growth and development of twin pregnancy fetuses during pregnancy, can more accurately determine gestational age, organ function, and maturity, and timely detect fetal growth and development abnormalities in twin pregnancy, while the prognosis and treatment still need further improvement. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical value and treatment progress of prenatal ultrasound monitoring in twin pregnancy.
Topics: Female; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome; Pregnancy, Twin; Stillbirth; Ultrasonography, Prenatal
PubMed: 36051930
DOI: 10.1155/2022/6748487 -
Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology :... Jan 2024First, to determine the incremental yield of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) over quantitative fluorescence polymerase chain reaction (QF-PCR)/chromosomal microarray... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Incremental yield of whole-genome sequencing over chromosomal microarray analysis and exome sequencing for congenital anomalies in prenatal period and infancy: systematic review and meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVES
First, to determine the incremental yield of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) over quantitative fluorescence polymerase chain reaction (QF-PCR)/chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) with and without exome sequencing (ES) in fetuses, neonates and infants with a congenital anomaly that was or could have been detected on prenatal ultrasound. Second, to evaluate the turnaround time (TAT) and quantity of DNA required for testing using these pathways.
METHODS
This review was registered prospectively in December 2022. Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, MEDLINE (Web of Science), The Cochrane Library and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched electronically (January 2010 to December 2022). Inclusion criteria were cohort studies including three or more fetuses, neonates or infants with (i) one or more congenital anomalies; (ii) an anomaly which was or would have been detectable on prenatal ultrasound; and (iii) negative QF-PCR and CMA. In instances in which the CMA result was unavailable, all cases of causative pathogenic copy number variants > 50 kb were excluded, as these would have been detectable on standard prenatal CMA. Pooled incremental yield was determined using a random-effects model and heterogeneity was assessed using Higgins' I test. Subanalyses were performed based on pre- or postnatal cohorts, cases with multisystem anomalies and those meeting the NHS England prenatal ES inclusion criteria.
RESULTS
A total of 18 studies incorporating 902 eligible cases were included, of which eight (44.4%) studies focused on prenatal cohorts, incorporating 755 cases, and the remaining studies focused on fetuses undergoing postmortem testing or neonates/infants with congenital structural anomalies, constituting the postnatal cohort. The incremental yield of WGS over QF-PCR/CMA was 26% (95% CI, 18-36%) (I = 86%), 16% (95% CI, 9-24%) (I = 85%) and 39% (95% CI, 27-51%) (I = 53%) for all, prenatal and postnatal cases, respectively. The incremental yield increased in cases in which sequencing was performed in line with the NHS England prenatal ES criteria (32% (95% CI, 22-42%); I = 70%) and in those with multisystem anomalies (30% (95% CI, 19-43%); I = 65%). The incremental yield of WGS for variants of uncertain significance (VUS) was 18% (95% CI, 7-33%) (I = 74%). The incremental yield of WGS over QF-PCR/CMA and ES was 1% (95% CI, 0-4%) (I = 47%). The pooled median TAT of WGS was 18 (range, 1-912) days, and the quantity of DNA required was 100 ± 0 ng for WGS and 350 ± 50 ng for QF-PCR/CMA and ES (P = 0.03).
CONCLUSION
While WGS in cases with congenital anomaly holds great promise, its incremental yield over ES is yet to be demonstrated. However, the laboratory pathway for WGS requires less DNA with a potentially faster TAT compared with sequential QF-PCR/CMA and ES. There was a relatively high rate of VUS using WGS. © 2023 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Topics: Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Pregnancy; Cohort Studies; DNA; Exome Sequencing; Microarray Analysis; Prenatal Diagnosis; Ultrasonography; Infant
PubMed: 37725747
DOI: 10.1002/uog.27491 -
Prenatal Diagnosis Oct 2017The objective of the study is to compare outcomes of ultrasound-guided aspiration of fetal ovarian cysts with conservative management. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
The objective of the study is to compare outcomes of ultrasound-guided aspiration of fetal ovarian cysts with conservative management.
METHOD
A systematic review of MEDLINE and Web of Science included studies reporting outcomes (prenatal and postnatal torsion, spontaneous resolution and surgery) of fetuses with ovarian cysts. Subgroup analysis was performed according to cyst diameter at diagnosis and cysts ≥40 mm.
RESULTS
Ninety-two non-randomised studies reported on 380 cysts (324 observed and 56 aspirated in utero) in 365 fetuses. All studies were case reports or series with high heterogeneity and risk of bias. The overall spontaneous resolution rate of conservatively managed cysts was 46%, yet decreased with increasing cyst size. Risk of prenatal ovarian torsion in conservatively managed cases depended on cyst size and was particularly important in the range 30 to 59 mm (15-34%). The rate of prenatal torsion in simple cysts ≥40 mm was lower in aspirated than conservatively managed cysts (0% vs 10%, p = 0.03). Aspirated cysts had lower rates of postnatal surgery (7%) compared with conservatively managed cysts (49%, p < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
Cysts 30 to 59 mm were at highest risk of torsion. Simple cysts >40 mm had lower rates of torsion when aspirated prenatally. Randomised studies and safety data are needed prior to routine prenatal ovarian cyst aspiration. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Topics: Female; Fetal Diseases; Humans; MEDLINE; Ovarian Cysts; Ovarian Diseases; Pregnancy; Risk Factors; Suction; Torsion Abnormality; Treatment Outcome; Ultrasonography, Prenatal
PubMed: 28886226
DOI: 10.1002/pd.5143 -
Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology :... May 2018To investigate the ultrasound characteristics and outcome of pregnancies with fetal intra-abdominal umbilical vein varix (FIUVV). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the ultrasound characteristics and outcome of pregnancies with fetal intra-abdominal umbilical vein varix (FIUVV).
METHODS
Cases of FIUVV managed at our tertiary university hospital over an 8-year period were reviewed. Information retrieved included gestational age and diameter of the umbilical varix at diagnosis, increase in varix diameter, associated ultrasound or chromosomal anomalies and pregnancy outcome. Furthermore, a systematic review and meta-analysis of series of FIUVV in the literature was performed to assess the incidence of chromosomal anomalies, small-for-gestational age infants and intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD), and to pool odds ratio (OR) estimates on the relationship between the incidence of these outcomes and the presence of additional associated ultrasound anomalies.
RESULTS
Thirteen cases of FIUVV were included in the cohort study. Additional ultrasound anomalies were found in two (15.4%) of 13 cases. One case of IUFD was observed and no case of chromosomal anomaly or thrombosis of varix was recorded. A total of five studies comprising 254 cases met the inclusion criteria of the systematic review. FIUVV was associated with additional ultrasound anomalies (non-isolated FIUVV) in 19% (95% CI, 10.9-29.1%) of cases. No case of chromosomal abnormality or IUFD was reported in fetuses with isolated FIUVV. In contrast, in the group of non-isolated FIUVV, the incidence of chromosomal anomalies was 19.6% and that of IUFD was 7.3%, with ORs of 14.8 (95% CI, 2.9-73.0) and 8.2 (95% CI, 1.05-63.1), respectively, when compared with the group of isolated FIUVV.
CONCLUSION
When isolated, the outcome of cases affected by FIUVV is usually favorable. In about 20% of cases, additional ultrasound anomalies are found, which are associated with an increased risk for chromosomal abnormalities and IUFD. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Topics: Adult; Female; Fetal Diseases; Fetus; Gestational Age; Humans; Pregnancy; Retrospective Studies; Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color; Ultrasonography, Prenatal; Umbilical Veins; Varicose Veins
PubMed: 28876490
DOI: 10.1002/uog.18895 -
Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology :... Mar 2018The main aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the prevalence and type of associated anomalies in fetuses with heterotaxy diagnosed prenatally on ultrasound; the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVES
The main aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the prevalence and type of associated anomalies in fetuses with heterotaxy diagnosed prenatally on ultrasound; the perinatal outcome of these fetuses was also studied.
METHODS
An electronic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL databases was performed. Only studies reporting the prenatal diagnosis of isomerism were included. Outcomes observed included associated cardiac and extracardiac anomalies, fetal arrhythmia, abnormal karyotype, type of surgical repair and perinatal mortality. The analysis was stratified according to the type of heterotaxy syndrome (left (LAI) or right (RAI) atrial isomerism). Meta-analyses of proportions were used to combine data. Quality assessment of the included studies was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for cohort studies.
RESULTS
Sixteen studies (647 fetuses) were included in the analysis. Atrioventricular septal defect was the most common associated major cardiac anomaly found both in fetuses with LAI (pooled proportion (PP), 59.3% (95% CI, 44.0-73.7%)), with obstructive lesions of the right outflow tract occurring in 35.5% of these cases, and in fetuses with RAI (PP, 72.9% (95% CI, 60.4-83.7%)). Fetal arrhythmias occurred in 36.7% (95% CI, 26.9-47.2%) of cases with LAI and were mainly represented by complete atrioventricular block, while this finding was uncommon in cases with RAI (PP, 1.3% (95% CI, 0.2-3.2%)). Abnormal stomach and liver position were found, respectively, in 59.4% (95% CI, 38.1-79.0%) and 32.5% (95% CI, 11.9-57.6%) of cases with LAI, and in 54.5% (95% CI, 38.5-70.1%) and 45.9% (95% CI, 11.3-83.0%) of cases with RAI, while intestinal malrotation was detected in 14.2% (95% CI, 2.5-33.1%) of LAI and 27.1% (95% CI, 7.9-52.0%) of RAI cases. Hydrops developed in 11.8% (95% CI, 2.9-25.6%) of fetuses diagnosed prenatally with LAI. Biventricular repair was accomplished in 78.2% (95% CI, 64.3-89.4%) of cases with LAI, while univentricular repair or palliation was needed in 17.0% (95% CI, 9.7-25.9%); death during or after surgery occurred in 26.8% (95% CI, 4.6-58.7%) of LAI cases. Most children with RAI had univentricular repair and 27.8% (95% CI, 15.5-42.1%) died during or after surgery.
CONCLUSIONS
Fetal heterotaxy is associated with a high prevalence of cardiac and extracardiac anomalies. Approximately one quarter of fetuses with heterotaxy died during or after surgery. Abnormal heart rhythm, especially heart block, is common in fetuses with LAI, while this finding is uncommon in RAI. Biventricular repair was common in LAI while univentricular repair was required in the majority of children affected by RAI. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Topics: Female; Heart Septal Defects, Ventricular; Heterotaxy Syndrome; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Perinatal Death; Pregnancy; Prenatal Diagnosis; Survival Rate; Treatment Outcome; Ultrasonography, Prenatal; Vascular Surgical Procedures
PubMed: 28603940
DOI: 10.1002/uog.17546 -
Human Reproduction Update 2016Traditionally, pregnancy was considered to have a positive effect on endometriosis and its painful symptoms due not only to blockage of ovulation preventing bleeding of... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Traditionally, pregnancy was considered to have a positive effect on endometriosis and its painful symptoms due not only to blockage of ovulation preventing bleeding of endometriotic tissue but also to different metabolic, hormonal, immune and angiogenesis changes related to pregnancy. However, a growing literature is emerging on the role of endometriosis in affecting the development of pregnancy and its outcomes and also on the impact of pregnancy on endometriosis. The present article aims to underline the difficulty in diagnosing endometriotic lesions during pregnancy and discuss the options for the treatment of decidualized endometriosis in relation to imaging and symptomatology; to describe all the possible acute complications of pregnancy caused by pre-existing endometriosis and evaluate potential treatments of these complications; to assess whether endometriosis affects pregnancy outcome and hypothesize mechanisms to explain the underlying relationships.
METHODS
This systematic review is based on material searched and obtained via Pubmed and Medline between January 1950 and March 2015. Peer-reviewed, English-language journal articles examining the impact of endometriosis on pregnancy and vice versa were included in this article.
RESULTS
Changes of the endometriotic lesions may occur during pregnancy caused by the modifications of the hormonal milieu, posing a clinical dilemma due to their atypical appearance. The management of these events is actually challenging as only few cases have been described and the review of available literature evidenced a lack of formal estimates of their incidence. Acute complications of endometriosis during pregnancy, such as spontaneous hemoperitoneum, bowel and ovarian complications, represent rare but life-threatening conditions that require, in most of the cases, surgical operations to be managed. Due to the unpredictability of these complications, no specific recommendation for additional interventions to the routinely monitoring of pregnancy of women with known history of endometriosis is advisable. Even if the results of the published studies are controversial, some evidence is suggestive of an association of endometriosis with spontaneous miscarriage, preterm birth and small for gestational age babies. A correlation of endometriosis with placenta previa (odds ratio from 1.67 to 15.1 according to various studies) has been demonstrated, possibly linked to the abnormal frequency and amplitude of uterine contractions observed in women affected. Finally, there is no evidence that prophylactic surgery would prevent the negative impact of endometriosis itself on pregnancy outcome.
CONCLUSIONS
Complications of endometriosis during pregnancy are rare and there is no evidence that the disease has a major detrimental effect on pregnancy outcome. Therefore, pregnant women with endometriosis can be reassured on the course of their pregnancies although the physicians should be aware of the potential increased risk of placenta previa. Current evidence does not support any modification of conventional monitoring of pregnancy in patients with endometriosis.
Topics: Abortion, Spontaneous; Diagnostic Errors; Endometriosis; Female; Gestational Age; Humans; Intestinal Diseases; Lung Diseases; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Pregnancy Outcome; Premature Birth; Prenatal Diagnosis; Skin Diseases; Urologic Diseases
PubMed: 26450609
DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmv045