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Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology :... Oct 2019To estimate the procedure-related risk of miscarriage after amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS) based on a systematic review of the literature and an... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the procedure-related risk of miscarriage after amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS) based on a systematic review of the literature and an updated meta-analysis.
METHODS
A search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and The Cochrane Library was carried out to identify studies reporting complications following CVS or amniocentesis. Eligible for inclusion were large controlled studies reporting data for pregnancy loss prior to 24 weeks' gestation. Study authors were contacted when required to identify additional necessary data. Data for cases that had an invasive procedure and controls were inputted into contingency tables and the risk of miscarriage was estimated for each study. Summary statistics based on a random-effects model were calculated after taking into account the weighting for each study included in the systematic review. Procedure-related risk of miscarriage was estimated as a weighted risk difference from the summary statistics for cases and controls. Subgroup analyses were performed according to the similarity in risk levels for chromosomal abnormality between the invasive-testing and control groups. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I statistic. Egger's bias was estimated to assess reporting bias in published studies.
RESULTS
The electronic search yielded 2943 potential citations, from which 12 controlled studies for amniocentesis and seven for CVS were selected for inclusion in the systematic review. A total of 580 miscarriages occurred following 63 723 amniocentesis procedures, resulting in a weighted risk of pregnancy loss of 0.91% (95% CI, 0.73-1.09%). In the control group, there were 1726 miscarriages in 330 469 pregnancies with a loss rate of 0.58% (95% CI, 0.47-0.70%). The weighted procedure-related risk of miscarriage following amniocentesis was 0.30% (95% CI, 0.11-0.49%; I = 70.1%). A total of 163 miscarriages occurred following 13 011 CVS procedures, resulting in a risk of pregnancy loss of 1.39% (95% CI, 0.76-2.02%). In the control group, there were 1946 miscarriages in 232 680 pregnancies with a loss rate of 1.23% (95% CI, 0.86-1.59%). The weighted procedure-related risk of miscarriage following CVS was 0.20% (95% CI, -0.13 to 0.52%; I = 52.7%). However, when studies including only women with similar risk profiles for chromosomal abnormality in the intervention and control groups were considered, the procedure-related risk for amniocentesis was 0.12% (95% CI, -0.05 to 0.30%; I = 44.1%) and for CVS it was -0.11% (95% CI, -0.29 to 0.08%; I = 0%).
CONCLUSIONS
The procedure-related risks of miscarriage following amniocentesis and CVS are lower than currently quoted to women. The risk appears to be negligible when these interventions were compared to control groups of the same risk profile. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Topics: Abortion, Spontaneous; Adult; Amniocentesis; Chorionic Villi Sampling; Chromosome Aberrations; Embryo Loss; Female; Gestational Age; Humans; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Trimester, Second; Prenatal Diagnosis; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Risk Assessment
PubMed: 31124209
DOI: 10.1002/uog.20353 -
Human Reproduction Update Sep 2023A normal chromosomal constitution defined through PGT-A assessing all chromosomes on trophectoderm (TE) biopsies represents the strongest predictor of embryo... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
A normal chromosomal constitution defined through PGT-A assessing all chromosomes on trophectoderm (TE) biopsies represents the strongest predictor of embryo implantation. Yet, its positive predictive value is not higher than 50-60%. This gap of knowledge on the causes of euploid blastocysts' reproductive failure is known as 'the black box of implantation'.
OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE
Several embryonic, maternal, paternal, clinical, and IVF laboratory features were scrutinized for their putative association with reproductive success or implantation failure of euploid blastocysts.
SEARCH METHODS
A systematic bibliographical search was conducted without temporal limits up to August 2021. The keywords were '(blastocyst OR day5 embryo OR day6 embryo OR day7 embryo) AND (euploid OR chromosomally normal OR preimplantation genetic testing) AND (implantation OR implantation failure OR miscarriage OR abortion OR live birth OR biochemical pregnancy OR recurrent implantation failure)'. Overall, 1608 items were identified and screened. We included all prospective or retrospective clinical studies and randomized-controlled-trials (RCTs) that assessed any feature associated with live-birth rates (LBR) and/or miscarriage rates (MR) among non-mosaic euploid blastocyst transfer after TE biopsy and PGT-A. In total, 41 reviews and 372 papers were selected, clustered according to a common focus, and thoroughly reviewed. The PRISMA guideline was followed, the PICO model was adopted, and ROBINS-I and ROB 2.0 scoring were used to assess putative bias. Bias across studies regarding the LBR was also assessed using visual inspection of funnel plots and the trim and fill method. Categorical data were combined with a pooled-OR. The random-effect model was used to conduct the meta-analysis. Between-study heterogeneity was addressed using I2. Whenever not suitable for the meta-analysis, the included studies were simply described for their results. The study protocol was registered at http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/ (registration number CRD42021275329).
OUTCOMES
We included 372 original papers (335 retrospective studies, 30 prospective studies and 7 RCTs) and 41 reviews. However, most of the studies were retrospective, or characterized by small sample sizes, thus prone to bias, which reduces the quality of the evidence to low or very low. Reduced inner cell mass (7 studies, OR: 0.37, 95% CI: 0.27-0.52, I2 = 53%), or TE quality (9 studies, OR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.43-0.67, I2 = 70%), overall blastocyst quality worse than Gardner's BB-grade (8 studies, OR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.24-0.67, I2 = 83%), developmental delay (18 studies, OR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.49-0.63, I2 = 47%), and (by qualitative analysis) some morphodynamic abnormalities pinpointed through time-lapse microscopy (abnormal cleavage patterns, spontaneous blastocyst collapse, longer time of morula formation I, time of blastulation (tB), and duration of blastulation) were all associated with poorer reproductive outcomes. Slightly lower LBR, even in the context of PGT-A, was reported among women ≥38 years (7 studies, OR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.75-1.00, I2 = 31%), while obesity was associated with both lower LBR (2 studies, OR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.55-0.79, I2 = 0%) and higher MR (2 studies, OR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.08-2.99, I2 = 52%). The experience of previous repeated implantation failures (RIF) was also associated with lower LBR (3 studies, OR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.55-0.93, I2 = 0%). By qualitative analysis, among hormonal assessments, only abnormal progesterone levels prior to transfer were associated with LBR and MR after PGT-A. Among the clinical protocols used, vitrified-warmed embryo transfer was more effective than fresh transfer (2 studies, OR: 1.56, 95% CI: 1.05-2.33, I2 = 23%) after PGT-A. Lastly, multiple vitrification-warming cycles (2 studies, OR: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.22-0.77, I2 = 50%) or (by qualitative analysis) a high number of cells biopsied may slightly reduce the LBR, while simultaneous zona-pellucida opening and TE biopsy allowed better results than the Day 3 hatching-based protocol (3 studies, OR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.18-1.69, I2 = 0%).
WIDER IMPLICATIONS
Embryo selection aims at shortening the time-to-pregnancy, while minimizing the reproductive risks. Knowing which features are associated with the reproductive competence of euploid blastocysts is therefore critical to define, implement, and validate safer and more efficient clinical workflows. Future research should be directed towards: (i) systematic investigations of the mechanisms involved in reproductive aging beyond de novo chromosomal abnormalities, and how lifestyle and nutrition may accelerate or exacerbate their consequences; (ii) improved evaluation of the uterine and blastocyst-endometrial dialogue, both of which represent black boxes themselves; (iii) standardization/automation of embryo assessment and IVF protocols; (iv) additional invasive or preferably non-invasive tools for embryo selection. Only by filling these gaps we may finally crack the riddle behind 'the black box of implantation'.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Abortion, Spontaneous; Embryo Implantation; Blastocyst; Embryo Transfer; Genetic Testing; Retrospective Studies; Aneuploidy; Pregnancy Rate; Preimplantation Diagnosis
PubMed: 37192834
DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmad010 -
Fertility and Sterility Feb 2023To investigate the impact of endometrial receptivity array (ERA) before frozen embryo transfer in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). There is a lack of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the impact of endometrial receptivity array (ERA) before frozen embryo transfer in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). There is a lack of consensus regarding the use of ERA for increasing the success rate of IVF cycles, mainly in terms of the live birth rate.
DESIGN
PubMed, Web of Science and Embase were searched from inception up to February 15, 2022.
SETTING
Not applicable.
PATIENT(S)
Patients undergoing ERA vs no ERA before frozen embryo transfer.
INTERVENTION(S)
Only comparative studies evaluating pregnancy rates of patients undergoing frozen embryo transfer cycles with or without prior ERA were included. Inter-study heterogeneity was also assessed using Cochrane's Q test and the I statistic. The random-effects model was used to pool the odds ratio (OR) with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analyses were performed to investigate the impact of ERA on pregnancy rates according to the number of previous embryo transfer (ET) failures (≤ 2 previous failed ETs vs. > 2 failed ETs, defined as recurrent implantation failure). Separate analyses were performed according to the study design and adjustment for confounders.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES(S)
The primary outcomes of the study were live birth rate and/or ongoing pregnancy rate. Implantation rate, biochemical pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and miscarriage rate were considered secondary outcomes.
RESULT(S)
Eight studies (representing data on n = 2,784 patients; n = 831 had undergone ERA and n = 1,953 without ERA) were found to be eligible for this meta-analysis. The live birth or ongoing pregnancy rate for the ERA group was not significantly different compared with the non-ERA group (OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 0.79-2.41; I 83.0%), nor was a difference seen in subgroup analyses based on the number of previous failed ETs. The rates of implantation, biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, and miscarriage were also comparable between the ERA and the non-ERA groups. After separate analyses according to the study design and adjustment for confounding factors, overall pooled estimates remained statistically nonsignificant.
CONCLUSION(S)
The findings of the current meta-analysis did not reveal a significant change in the rate of pregnancy after IVF cycles using ERA, and it is not clear whether ERA can increase the pregnancy rate or not.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
Prospectively registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022310862).
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Abortion, Spontaneous; Embryo Transfer; Fertilization in Vitro; Pregnancy Rate; Embryo Implantation; Live Birth; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 36414088
DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.11.012 -
Fertility and Sterility Feb 2020To compare the effectiveness of different treatments for women with endometriosis-related infertility. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To compare the effectiveness of different treatments for women with endometriosis-related infertility.
DESIGN
A systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
SETTING
Not applicable.
PATIENT(S)
Women with endometriosis confirmed by laparoscopy with associated infertility.
INTERVENTION(S)
An extensive electronic search of the following databases: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Embase.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)
Clinical pregnancy, live birth rate, miscarriage, and adverse events.
RESULT(S)
A total of 4,252 trials/abstracts were identified through the literature search, of which we included 36 trials in the systematic review and 26 trials reporting on 2,245 women with endometriosis-related infertility in the network meta-analysis. Network meta-analysis showed that compared with placebo, surgical laparoscopy alone (odds ratio = 1.63; 95% confidence interval, 1.13-2.35) or GnRH agonist alone (odds ratio = 1.68; 95% confidence interval, 1.07-2.46) results in higher odds of pregnancy. The evidence on the other interventions versus placebo or on the secondary outcomes including live birth, miscarriage, and adverse events is insufficient.
CONCLUSION(S)
The most important conclusion is that more RCTs are needed to clarify the relative effectiveness of treatments for endometriosis-related infertility, ideally comparing interventions to existing recommended interventions such as surgical laparoscopy. In addition, further RCTs comparing IVF and IUI to other treatments are essential.
REGISTRATION NUMBER
PROSPERO registration number, CRD42018087572.
Topics: Abortion, Spontaneous; Endometriosis; Female; Fertility; Humans; Infertility, Female; Live Birth; Network Meta-Analysis; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Rate; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Reproductive Techniques, Assisted; Risk Factors; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 32106991
DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2019.09.031 -
Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology Apr 2022The aim of this systematic review with meta-analysis is to evaluate the impact of hysteroscopic metroplasty on adverse reproductive outcomes such as miscarriage, preterm... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this systematic review with meta-analysis is to evaluate the impact of hysteroscopic metroplasty on adverse reproductive outcomes such as miscarriage, preterm birth, and fetal malpresentation in patients with history of infertility or previous poor obstetrical outcomes.
DATA SOURCES
A systematic electronic search from inception each database up to April 2021 including the following databases was conducted: PubMed-MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, the CGF Specialized Register of Controlled Trials, Google Scholar, and trial registries. A combination of the following keywords was used: uterine septum, septate uterus, congenital uterine malformation, class 2 uterus, class V uterus, metroplasty, hysteroscopic, pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, ongoing pregnancy, miscarriage, live birth, preterm birth, cesarean section, 'cesarean delivery, and fetal malpresentation.
METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION
Studies comparing reproductive outcomes between women undergoing hysteroscopic resection of the uterine septum and those with expectant management were included. Eligible population consisted of infertile women, women with poor obstetrical history, or women without previous pregnancy failures and a diagnosis of septate uterus.
TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS
The systematic electronic search retrieved 1076 studies; after elimination of duplicates, 688 titles and abstracts were screened, and 55 were assessed for eligibility. Eleven studies were included in the quantitative synthesis: one randomized controlled trial and 10 observational studies involving reproductive outcomes from 1589 patients with either complete or partial uterine septum. The pooled OR for miscarriage was 0.45, (95% CI, 0.22-0.90). When the analysis was performed considering subgroups according to the type of septum, pooled OR in complete septum subgroup was 0.16 (95% CI, 0.03-0.78), OR = 0.36 (95% CI, 0.19-0.71) in the partial septum subgroup and 0.58 (95% CI, 0.20-1.67) in those studies not differentiating between complete or partial septum. No significant differences were found between the 2 groups in OR of clinical pregnancy, term live birth, or risk of cesarean delivery. There was a significant decrease in the frequency of preterm birth in patients who underwent partial septum resection (OR = 0.30, 95% CI, 0.11-0.79). This difference was detected neither in patients with complete septum nor in studies not differentiating between partial or complete septum. The risk of fetal malpresentation was also significantly reduced (OR = 0.32, 95% CI, 0.16-0.65).
CONCLUSION
The results of the present meta-analysis support that hysteroscopic metroplasty is effective in reducing the risk of miscarriage in patients with complete or partial uterine septum, although these data should be confirmed with a well-designed randomized controlled trial.
Topics: Abortion, Spontaneous; Cesarean Section; Female; Humans; Hysteroscopy; Infant, Newborn; Infertility, Female; Pregnancy; Premature Birth; Uterus
PubMed: 34648934
DOI: 10.1016/j.jmig.2021.10.001 -
Human Reproduction Update Sep 2019The reproductive impact of adenomyosis and endometriosis is widely researched but the extent of these impacts remains elusive. It has been demonstrated that... (Meta-Analysis)
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.
Topics: Abortion, Spontaneous; Adenomyosis; Cesarean Section; Embryo Implantation; Endometriosis; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infertility, Female; Placentation; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome; Pregnancy, Multiple; Premature Birth
PubMed: 31318420
DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmz012 -
Human Reproduction Update Sep 2020Although spontaneous miscarriage is the most common complication of human pregnancy, potential contributing factors are not fully understood. Advanced maternal age has... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Although spontaneous miscarriage is the most common complication of human pregnancy, potential contributing factors are not fully understood. Advanced maternal age has long been recognised as a major risk factor for miscarriage, being strongly related with fetal chromosomal abnormalities. The relation between paternal age and the risk of miscarriage is less evident, yet it is biologically plausible that an increasing number of genetic and epigenetic sperm abnormalities in older males may contribute to miscarriage. Previous meta-analyses showed associations between advanced paternal age and a broad spectrum of perinatal and paediatric outcomes. This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis on paternal age and spontaneous miscarriage.
OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE
The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the effect of paternal age on the risk of spontaneous miscarriage.
SEARCH METHODS
PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases were searched to identify relevant studies up to August 2019. The following free text and MeSH terms were used: paternal age, father's age, male age, husband's age, spontaneous abortion, spontaneous miscarriage, abortion, miscarriage, pregnancy loss, fetal loss and fetal death. PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews and meta-analysis were followed. Original research articles in English language addressing the relation between paternal age and spontaneous miscarriage were included. Exclusion criteria were studies that solely focused on pregnancy outcomes following artificial reproductive technology (ART) and studies that did not adjust their effect estimates for at least maternal age. Risk of bias was qualitatively described for three domains: bias due to confounding, information bias and selection bias.
OUTCOMES
The search resulted in 975 original articles. Ten studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the qualitative synthesis. Nine of these studies were included in the quantitative synthesis (meta-analysis). Advanced paternal age was found to be associated with an increased risk of miscarriage. Pooled risk estimates for miscarriage for age categories 30-34, 35-39, 40-44 and ≥45 years of age were 1.04 (95% CI 0.90, 1.21), 1.15 (0.92, 1.43), 1.23 (1.06, 1.43) and 1.43 (1.13, 1.81) respectively (reference category 25-29 years). A second meta-analysis was performed for the subgroup of studies investigating first trimester miscarriage. This showed similar pooled risk estimates for the first three age categories and a slightly higher pooled risk estimate for age category ≥45 years (1.74; 95% CI 1.26, 2.41).
WIDER IMPLICATIONS
Over the last decades, childbearing at later ages has become more common. It is known that frequencies of adverse reproductive outcomes, including spontaneous miscarriage, are higher in women with advanced age. We show that advanced paternal age is also associated with an increased risk of spontaneous miscarriage. Although the paternal age effect is less pronounced than that observed with advanced maternal age and residual confounding by maternal age cannot be excluded, it may have implications for preconception counselling of couples comprising an older aged male.
Topics: Abortion, Spontaneous; Adult; Aged; Fathers; Female; Humans; Male; Maternal Age; Middle Aged; Paternal Age; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome; Prenatal Care; Risk Factors; Young Adult
PubMed: 32358607
DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa010 -
Human Reproduction Update May 2022Ovarian tissue cryopreservation involves freezing and storing of surgically retrieved ovarian tissue in liquid or vapour nitrogen below -190°C. The tissue can be thawed... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Ovarian tissue cryopreservation involves freezing and storing of surgically retrieved ovarian tissue in liquid or vapour nitrogen below -190°C. The tissue can be thawed and transplanted back with the aim of restoring fertility or ovarian endocrine function. The techniques for human ovarian tissue freezing and transplantation have evolved over the last 20 years, particularly in the context of fertility preservation in pre-pubertal cancer patients. Fresh ovarian tissue transplantation, using an autograft or donor tissue, is a more recent development; it has the potential to preserve fertility and hormonal function in women who have their ovaries removed for benign gynaecological conditions. The techniques of ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation have progressed rapidly since inception; however, the evidence on the success of this intervention is largely based on case reports and case series.
OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE
The aim of this study was to systematically review the current evidence by incorporating study-level and individual patient-level meta-analyses of women who received ovarian transplants, including frozen-thawed transplant, fresh or donor graft.
SEARCH METHODS
The review protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42018115233). A comprehensive literature search was performed using MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from database inception to October 2020. Authors were also contacted for individual patient data if relevant outcomes were not reported in the published manuscripts. Meta-analysis was performed using inverse-variance weighting to calculate summary estimates using a fixed-effects model.
OUTCOMES
The review included 87 studies (735 women). Twenty studies reported on ≥5 cases of ovarian transplants and were included in the meta-analysis (568 women). Fertility outcomes included pregnancy, live birth and miscarriage rates, and endocrine outcomes included oestrogen, FSH and LH levels. The pooled rates were 37% (95% CI: 32-43%) for pregnancy, 28% (95% CI: 24-34%) for live birth and 37% (95% CI: 30-46%) for miscarriage following frozen ovarian tissue transplantation. Pooled mean for pre-transplant oestrogen was 101.6 pmol/l (95% CI: 47.9-155.3), which increased post-transplant to 522.4 pmol/l (95% CI: 315.4-729; mean difference: 228.24; 95% CI: 180.5-276). Pooled mean of pre-transplant FSH was 66.4 IU/l (95% CI: 52.8-84), which decreased post-transplant to 14.1 IU/l (95% CI: 10.9-17.3; mean difference 61.8; 95% CI: 57-66.6). The median time to return of FSH to a value <25 IU/l was 19 weeks (interquartile range: 15-26 weeks; range: 0.4-208 weeks). The median duration of graft function was 2.5 years (interquartile range: 1.4-3.4 years; range: 0.7-5 years). The analysis demonstrated that ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation could restore reproductive and hormonal functions in women. Further studies with larger samples of well-characterized populations are required to define the optimal retrieval, cryopreservation and transplantation processes.
WIDER IMPLICATIONS
Ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation may not only be effective in restoring fertility but also the return of reproductive endocrine function. Although this technology was developed as a fertility preservation option, it may have the scope to be considered for endocrine function preservation.
Topics: Abortion, Spontaneous; Cryopreservation; Estrogens; Female; Fertility Preservation; Follicle Stimulating Hormone; Humans; Live Birth; Ovary; Pregnancy
PubMed: 35199164
DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmac003 -
Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology Jun 2022To provide a systematic review of pregnancy outcomes after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of uterine myomas. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To provide a systematic review of pregnancy outcomes after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of uterine myomas.
DATA SOURCES
A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase, from database inception to October 2021.
METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION
Two reviewers conducted independent literature searches. Studies that met the criteria based on title and abstract underwent full-text review. Publications were included if they reported pregnancies and obstetric outcomes after laparoscopic or transcervical RFA of myomas.
TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS
A total of 405 publications were initially identified and screened, 39 underwent full-text review, and 10 publications were ultimately included. There were 50 pregnancies reported among 923 RFA patients: 40 pregnancies after 559 laparoscopic RFAs and 10 pregnancies after 364 transcervical RFAs. The number of patients from these studies actively trying to conceive after RFA is unknown. Among the RFA patients who conceived, the average age at ablation was 37 years old (range, 27-46 years). Most patients had between 1 and 3 myomas ablated, and myomas size ranged from <2 cm to 12.5 cm. There were 6 spontaneous abortions (12%) and 44 full-term pregnancies (88%), of which 24 were vaginal deliveries and 20 were cesarean deliveries. There were only 2 complications among 44 deliveries: one placenta previa that underwent an uncomplicated cesarean delivery and 1 delayed postpartum hemorrhage with expulsion of a degenerated myoma, with no long-term sequelae. There were no cases of uterine rupture, uterine window, or invasive placentation and no fetal complications. The spontaneous abortion rate was comparable with the general obstetric population.
CONCLUSION
Almost all pregnancies after RFA of myomas were full-term deliveries with no maternal or neonatal complications. These findings add to the literature that radiofrequency myoma ablation may offer a safe and effective alternative to existing treatments for women who desire future fertility.
Topics: Abortion, Spontaneous; Adult; Catheter Ablation; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leiomyoma; Myoma; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome; Uterine Neoplasms
PubMed: 35123041
DOI: 10.1016/j.jmig.2022.01.015 -
International Journal of Environmental... Jun 2023The aim was to compare the effects of different exercise modalities (aerobic, resistance, aerobic and resistance combined, or mind-body exercise) on gestational diabetes... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The Effects of Exercise during Pregnancy on Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, Preeclampsia, and Spontaneous Abortion among Healthy Women-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
The aim was to compare the effects of different exercise modalities (aerobic, resistance, aerobic and resistance combined, or mind-body exercise) on gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), preeclampsia, spontaneous abortion, withdrawal from the study, and adverse events in healthy pregnant women. A systematic search was conducted in February 2022 using MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane library, and SPORT Discus to identify eligible randomized trials. The meta-analysis of 18 studies that examined exercise compared to no exercise showed a reduced risk of GDM (RR: 0.66 (95% CI: 0.50 to 0.86)). No subgroup differences were found regarding modality, intensity, or supervision. Exercise did not reduce the risk of preeclampsia (nine studies, RR: 0.65 (95% CI: 0.42 to 1.03)); however, in subgroup analyses, mind-body exercise and low-intensity exercise seemed to be effective in reduction of preeclampsia. There was no effect of exercise on withdrawal or adverse events found. No studies reported on spontaneous abortion, therefore, exercise during pregnancy is beneficial and safe. In the prevention of GDM, any modality and intensity seem equally effective. Subgroup analyses support an association between mind-body exercise and physical activity with low intensity and reduced risk of preeclampsia, but more high-quality randomized studies are needed. PROSPERO: CRD42022307053.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Diabetes, Gestational; Pre-Eclampsia; Abortion, Spontaneous; Exercise; Exercise Therapy
PubMed: 37372656
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20126069