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Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology... Nov 2020Previous caesarean scar pregnancy is one type of ectopic pregnancy in myometrium and fibrous tissue of previous caesarean scar. One of the therapeutic methods of this... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Previous caesarean scar pregnancy is one type of ectopic pregnancy in myometrium and fibrous tissue of previous caesarean scar. One of the therapeutic methods of this type of ectopic pregnancy is treatment with methotrexate. Given various findings on the treatment of caesarean scar pregnancy with methotrexate and lack of global report in this regard, we aimed to achieve a global report on the treatment of CSP with methotrexate through related literature review and analysis of the results of the studies, to enable more precise planning to reduce complications of CSP.
METHOD
This review study extracted information through searching national and international databases of SID،, Embase, ScienceDirect, ، Scopus, ، PubMed, Web of Science (ISI) between 2003 and January 2020. To perform the meta-analysis, random-effects model and heterogeneity of the studies with I index were investigated. Data were sanalysed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis version 2.
RESULTS
In total, 26 articles with a sample size of 600 individuals were enrolled in the meta-analysis. According to the results of the study, the mean level of β-hCG was 28,744.98 ± 4425.1 mIU/ml before the intervention and was 23,836.78 ± 4533.1 mIU/ml after the intervention. The mean intraoperative blood loss (ml) was 4.8 ± 3.76 ml, mean hospital stay (days) was 11.7 ± 1.2 days, mean time for serum-hCG normalization (days) was 41.6 ± 3.2 days, success was 90.7% (95% CI: 86.7-93.5%), and complication was 9% (95% CI: 6.3-12.8%).
CONCLUSION
The results of the current study show methotrexate significantly reduces β-hCG levels and can be effective in treating caesarean scar pregnancy and its complications.
Topics: Adult; Cesarean Section; Cicatrix; Female; Humans; Methotrexate; Pregnancy; Pregnancy, Ectopic; Treatment Outcome; Uterine Artery Embolization
PubMed: 33168010
DOI: 10.1186/s12958-020-00666-0 -
Human Reproduction Update Jan 2021Adenomyosis is a benign gynecological disorder associated with subfertility, pelvic pain and abnormal uterine bleeding that have significant consequences for the health...
BACKGROUND
Adenomyosis is a benign gynecological disorder associated with subfertility, pelvic pain and abnormal uterine bleeding that have significant consequences for the health and quality of life of women. Histologically, it is defined as the presence of ectopic endometrial islets within the myometrium. Its pathogenesis has not yet been elucidated and several pieces of the puzzle are still missing. One process involved in the development of adenomyosis is the increased capacity of some endometrial cells to infiltrate the myometrium. Moreover, the local and systemic immune systems are associated with the onset of the disease and with maintaining it. Numerous observations have highlighted the activation of immune cells and the release of immune soluble factors in adenomyosis. The contribution of immunity occurs in conjunction with hormonal aberrations and activation of the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathway, which promotes migration of endometrial cells. Here, we review current knowledge on the immunological changes in adenomyosis, with the aim of further elucidation of the pathogenesis of this disease.
OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE
The objective was to systematically review the literature regarding the role of the immune system in development of adenomyosis in the inner and the outer myometrium, in humans.
SEARCH METHODS
A systematic review of published human studies was performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases from 1970 to February 2019 using the combination of Medical Subject Headings (MeSH): Adenomyosis AND ('Immune System' OR 'Gonadal Steroid Hormones'), and free-text terms for the following search terms (and their variants): Adenomyosis AND (immunity OR immune OR macrophage OR 'natural killer cell' OR lymphocyte* OR leucocyte* OR HLA OR inflammation OR 'sex steroid' OR 'epithelial to mesenchymal transition' OR 'EMT'). Studies in which no comparison was made with control patients, without adenomyosis (systemic sample and/or eutopic endometrium), were excluded.
OUTCOMES
A total of 42 articles were included in our systematic review. Changes in innate and adaptive immune cell numbers were described in the eutopic and/or ectopic endometrium of women with adenomyosis compared to disease-free counterparts. They mostly described an increase in lymphocyte and macrophage cell populations in adenomyosis eutopic endometrium compared to controls. These observations underscore the immune contributions to the disease pathogenesis. Thirty-one cytokines and other markers involved in immune pathways were studied in the included articles. Pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin (IL) 6, IL1β, interferon (IFN) α, tumor necrosis factor α, IFNγ) as well as anti-inflammatory or regulatory mediators (IL10, transforming growth factor β…) were found to be elevated in the eutopic endometrium and/or in the ectopic endometrium of the myometrium in women with adenomyosis compared to controls. Moreover, in women affected by adenomyosis, immunity was reported to be directly or indirectly linked to sex steroid hormone aberrations (notably changes in progesterone receptor in eutopic and ectopic endometrium) in three studies and to EMT in four studies.
WIDER IMPLICATIONS
The available literature clearly depicts immunological changes that are associated with adenomyosis. Both systemic and local immune changes have been described in women affected by adenomyosis, with the coexistence of changes in inflammatory as well as anti-inflammatory signals. It is likely that these immune changes, through an EMT mechanism, stimulate the migration of endometrial cells into the myometrium that, together with an endocrine imbalance, promote this inflammatory process. In light of the considerable impact of adenomyosis on women's health, a better understanding of the role played by the immune system in adenomyosis is likely to yield new research opportunities to better understand its pathogenesis.
Topics: Adenomyosis; Endometriosis; Endometrium; Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition; Female; Humans; Myometrium; Quality of Life
PubMed: 33099635
DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa038 -
Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics Jan 2021Several studies have assessed the histological co-existence of endometrial carcinoma (EC) and adenomyosis. However, the significance of this association is still unclear. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Several studies have assessed the histological co-existence of endometrial carcinoma (EC) and adenomyosis. However, the significance of this association is still unclear.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the prevalence of adenomyosis in women with EC for a better understanding of the association between the two diseases.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed by searching electronics databases from their inception to March 2020, for all studies that allowed extraction of data about prevalence of adenomyosis in EC patients. Adenomyosis prevalence was calculated for each included study and as pooled estimate, with 95% confidence interval (CI).
RESULTS
Eight retrospective cohort studies assessing 5573 EC patients were included in our analysis. Of total, 1322 were patients with adenomyosis, and 4251 were patients without adenomyosis. Pooled prevalence of adenomyosis in EC patients was 22.6% (95% CI 12.7-37.1%).
CONCLUSION
Adenomyosis prevalence in EC patients was not different from that reported for other gynecological conditions. The supposed association between the two diseases appears unsupported.
Topics: Adenomyosis; Endometrial Neoplasms; Endometrium; Female; Humans; Prevalence
PubMed: 33098006
DOI: 10.1007/s00404-020-05840-8 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Oct 2020Women may experience differing types of pain and discomfort following birth, including cramping pain (often called after-birth pain) associated with uterine involution,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Women may experience differing types of pain and discomfort following birth, including cramping pain (often called after-birth pain) associated with uterine involution, where the uterus contracts to reduce blood loss and return the uterus to its non-pregnant size. This is an update of a review first published in 2011.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effectiveness and safety of pharmacological and non-pharmacological pain relief/analgesia for the relief of after-birth pains following vaginal birth.
SEARCH METHODS
For this update, we searched Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth's Trials Register, ClinicalTrials.gov, the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) (31 October 2019), and reference lists of retrieved studies.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials comparing two different types of analgesia or analgesia versus placebo or analgesia versus no treatment, for the relief of after-birth pains following vaginal birth. Types of analgesia included pharmacological and non-pharmacological. Quasi-randomised trials were not eligible for inclusion.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently assessed trials for inclusion, conducted 'Risk of bias' assessment, extracted data and assessed the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach.
MAIN RESULTS
In this update, we include 28 studies (involving 2749 women). The evidence identified in this review comes from middle- to high-income countries. Generally the trials were at low risk of selection bias, performance bias and attrition bias, but some trials were at high risk of bias due to selective reporting and lack of blinding. Our GRADE certainty of evidence assessments ranged from moderate to very low certainty, with downgrading decisions based on study limitations, imprecision, and (for one comparison) indirectness. Most studies reported our primary outcome of adequate pain relief as reported by the women. No studies reported data relating to neonatal adverse events, duration of hospital stay, or breastfeeding rates. Almost half of the included studies (11/28) excluded breastfeeding women from participating, making the evidence less generalisable to a broader group of women. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) compared to placebo NSAIDs are probably better than placebo for adequate pain relief as reported by the women (risk ratio (RR) 1.66, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.45 to 1.91; 11 studies, 946 women; moderate-certainty evidence). NSAIDs may reduce the need for additional pain relief compared to placebo (RR 0.15, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.33; 4 studies, 375 women; low-certainty evidence). There may be a similar risk of maternal adverse events (RR 1.05, 95% CI 0.78 to 1.41; 9 studies, 598 women; low-certainty evidence). NSAIDs compared to opioids NSAIDs are probably better than opioids for adequate pain relief as reported by the women (RR 1.33, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.57; 5 studies, 560 women; moderate-certainty evidence) and may reduce the risk of maternal adverse events (RR 0.62, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.89; 3 studies, 255 women; low-certainty evidence). NSAIDs may be better than opioids for the need for additional pain relief, but the wide CIs include the possibility that the two classes of drugs are similarly effective or that opioids are better (RR 0.37, 95% CI 0.12 to 1.12; 2 studies, 232 women; low-certainty evidence). Opioids compared to placebo Opioids may be better than placebo for adequate pain relief as reported by the women (RR 1.26, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.61; 5 studies, 299 women; low-certainty evidence). Opioids may reduce the need for additional pain relief compared to placebo (RR 0.48, 95% CI 0.28 to 0.82; 3 studies, 273 women; low-certainty evidence). Opioids may increase the risk of maternal adverse events compared with placebo, although the certainty of evidence is low (RR 1.59, 95% CI 0.99 to 2.55; 3 studies, 188 women; low-certainty evidence). Paracetamol compared to placebo Very low-certainty evidence means we are uncertain if paracetamol is better than placebo for adequate pain relief as reported by the women, the need for additional pain relief, or risk of maternal adverse events (2 studies, 123 women). Paracetamol compared to NSAIDs Very low-certainty evidence means we are uncertain if there are any differences between paracetamol and NSAIDs for adequate pain relief as reported by the women, or the risk of maternal adverse events. No data were reported about the need for additional pain relief comparing paracetamol and NSAIDs (2 studies, 112 women). NSAIDs compared to herbal analgesia We are uncertain if there are any differences between NSAIDs and herbal analgesia for adequate pain relief as reported by the women, the need for additional pain relief, or risk of maternal adverse events, because the certainty of evidence is very low (4 studies, 394 women). Transcutaneous nerve stimulation (TENS) compared to no TENS Very low-certainty evidence means we are uncertain if TENS is better than no TENS for adequate pain relief as reported by the women. No other data were reported comparing TENS with no TENS (1 study, 32 women).
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
NSAIDs may be better than placebo and are probably better than opioids at relieving pain from uterine cramping/involution following vaginal birth. NSAIDs and paracetamol may be as effective as each other, whereas opioids may be more effective than placebo. Due to low-certainty evidence, we are uncertain about the effectiveness of other forms of pain relief. Future trials should recruit adequate numbers of women and ensure greater generalisability by including breastfeeding women. In addition, further research is required, including a survey of postpartum women to describe appropriately their experience of uterine cramping and involution. We identified nine ongoing studies, which may help to increase the level of certainty of the evidence around pain relief due to uterine cramping in future updates of this review.
Topics: Acetaminophen; Analgesia, Obstetrical; Analgesics, Opioid; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Bias; Female; Humans; Muscle Cramp; Myometrium; Pain; Placebos; Postpartum Period; Pregnancy; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation; Uterine Contraction; Uterine Diseases; Uterus
PubMed: 33078388
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004908.pub3 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... May 2020Uterine leiomyomas, also referred to as myomas or fibroids, are benign tumours arising from the smooth muscle cells of the myometrium. They are the most common pelvic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Uterine leiomyomas, also referred to as myomas or fibroids, are benign tumours arising from the smooth muscle cells of the myometrium. They are the most common pelvic tumour in women. The estimated rate of leiomyosarcoma, found during surgery for presumed benign leiomyomas, is about 0.51 per 1000 procedures, or approximately 1 in 2000. Treatment options for symptomatic uterine leiomyomas include medical, surgical, and radiologically-guided interventions. Laparoscopic myomectomy is the gold standard surgical approach for women who want offspring, or otherwise wish to retain their uterus. A limitation of laparoscopy is the inability to remove large specimens from the abdominal cavity through the laparoscope. To overcome this challenge, the morcellation approach was developed, during which larger specimens are broken into smaller pieces in order to remove them from the abdominal cavity via the port site. However, intracorporeal power morcellation may lead to scattering of benign tissues, with the risk of spreading leiomyoma or endometriosis. In cases of unsuspected malignancy, power morcellation can cause unintentional dissemination of malignant cells, and lead to a poorer prognosis by upstaging the occult cancer. A strategy to optimise women's safety is to morcellate the specimens inside a bag. In-bag morcellation may avoid the dissemination of tissue fragments.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of protected in-bag extracorporeal manual morcellation during laparoscopic myomectomy compared to intra-abdominal uncontained power morcellation.
SEARCH METHODS
On 1 July 2019, we searched; the Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Group Specialized Register of Controlled Trials, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, LILACS, PubMed, Google Scholar, and two trials registers. We reviewed the reference lists of all retrieved full-text articles, and contacted experts in the field for additional and ongoing trials.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included all randomised controlled trials comparing in-bag extracorporeal manual morcellation versus intracorporeal uncontained power morcellation during laparoscopic myomectomy in premenopausal women.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We followed standard Cochrane methods. Two review authors independently reviewed the eligibility of trials, extracted data, and evaluated the risk of bias. Data were checked for accuracy. The summary measures were reported as risk ratios (RR) or mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). The outcomes of interest were a composite of intraoperative and postoperative complications, operative times, ease of morcellation, length of hospital stay, postoperative pain, conversion to laparotomy, and postoperative diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma. Results for the five main outcomes follow.
MAIN RESULTS
We included two trials, enrolling 176 premenopausal women with fibroids, who underwent laparoscopic myomectomy. The experimental group received in-bag manual morcellation, during which each enucleated myoma was placed into a specimen retrieval bag, and manually morcellated with scalpel or scissors. In the control group, intracorporeal uncontained power morcellation was used to reduce the size of the myomas. No intraoperative complications, including accidental morcellation of the liver, conversion to laparotomy, endoscopic bag disruption, bowel injury, bleeding, accidental injury to any viscus or vessel, were reported in either group in either trial. We found very low-quality evidence of inconclusive results for total operative time (MD 9.93 minutes, 95% CI -1.35 to 21.20; 2 studies, 176 participants; I² = 35%), and ease of morcellation (MD -0.73 points, 95% CI -1.64 to 0.18; 1 study, 104 participants). The morcellation operative time was a little longer for the in-bag manual morcellation group, however the quality of the evidence was very low (MD 2.59 minutes, 95% CI 0.45 to 4.72; 2 studies, 176 participants; I² = 0%). There were no postoperative diagnoses of leiomyosarcoma made in either group in either trial. We are very uncertain of any of these results. We downgraded the quality of the evidence due to indirectness and imprecision, because of limited sites in high-income settings and countries, small sample sizes, wide confidence intervals, and few events.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
There are limited data on the effectiveness and safety of in-bag morcellation at the time of laparoscopic myomectomy compared to uncontained power morcellation. We were unable to determine the effects of in-bag morcellation on intraoperative complications as no events were reported in either group. We are uncertain if in-bag morcellation improves total operative time or ease of morcellation compared to control. Regarding morcellation operative time, the quality of the evidence was also very low and we cannot be certain of the effect of in-bag morcellation compared to uncontained morcellation. No cases of postoperative diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma occurred in either group. We found only two trials comparing in-bag extracorporeal manual morcellation to intracorporeal uncontained power morcellation at the time of laparoscopic myomectomy. Both trials had morcellation operative time as primary outcome and were not powered for uncommon outcomes such as intraoperative complications, and postoperative diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma. Large, well-planned and executed trials are needed.
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Intraoperative Complications; Laparoscopy; Leiomyoma; Length of Stay; Middle Aged; Morcellation; Operative Time; Postoperative Complications; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Specimen Handling; Uterine Myomectomy; Uterine Neoplasms; Young Adult
PubMed: 32374421
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD013352.pub2 -
Medicine Feb 2020The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the clinicopathological features and to confirm prognostic value of POLE exonuclease domain mutations (EDM) in endometrial... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the clinicopathological features and to confirm prognostic value of POLE exonuclease domain mutations (EDM) in endometrial carcinoma patients.
METHODS
The PubMed, Web of Science, the data of China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wan fang Medical Network were systematically searched for relevant articles without a cut-off date. The keywords for the search were "endometrial cancer," "endometrial carcinoma," "EC," "POLE mutations," "POLE exonuclease domain mutations," "POLE-mutant," "clinical characteristics" "prognostic." Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by using Review manager 5.3 and Stata 14.0 statistical software.
RESULTS
Six cohort studies assessing 179 EC patients with POLE EDMs were included. The results indicated a favorable progression-free survival in POLE-mutant patients (HR = 0.32; 95% CI: = [0.09-1.18]). Furthermore, the overall survival was great in patients with POLE-mutant (HR = 0.68; 95% CI = [0.41-1.13]). It was shown that a significantly higher incidence of POLE mutations with Federation of International of Gynecologists and Obstetricians (FIGO) I group compared to FIGO II-IV group (pooled ORs: 0.34, 95% CI: [0.12-0.94], P = .04), POLE-mutant EC was not significantly associated with histology (OR = 0.56,95% CI: 0.29-1.23), tumor grade (OR = 1.22,95% CI:0.85-1.74), lymph-vascular space invasion (OR = 0.40,95% 0.06-2.42), depth of myometrial invasion (OR = 0.70,95% CI: 0.41-1.18), lymph node status (OR = 0.41, 95% 0.04-4.50), and European Society for Medical Oncology risk groups (OR = 0.68,95% CI: 0.37-1.26).
CONCLUSION
This meta-analysis has confirmed POLE EDMs may serve as a predictive biomarker of favorable prognosis. Further studies are needed to explore the appropriate clinical utility of POLE EDMs in EC.
Topics: Biomarkers, Tumor; DNA Polymerase II; Endometrial Neoplasms; Female; Humans; Lymph Nodes; Mutation; Myometrium; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Poly-ADP-Ribose Binding Proteins; Prognosis; Progression-Free Survival
PubMed: 32080141
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000019281 -
Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics Jan 2020To investigate the effectiveness and risks of different surgical therapies for isthmocele in symptomatic women with abnormal uterine bleeding, infertility, or for the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
To investigate the effectiveness and risks of different surgical therapies for isthmocele in symptomatic women with abnormal uterine bleeding, infertility, or for the prevention of obstetric complications, considering safety and surgical complications.
METHODS
PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, Science Direct, and Cochrane Library were systematically searched (n° CRD4201912035) for original articles on the surgical treatment of isthmocele published between 1950 and 2018. Data synthesis was completed using MedCalc 16.4.3. The body of evidence was assessed using the GRADE methodology.
RESULTS
We retrieved 33 publications: 28 focused on a single surgical technique, and five comparing different techniques. Meta-analysis showed an improvement of symptoms in 85.00% (75.05-92.76%) of women after hysteroscopic correction, 92.77% (85.53-97.64%) after laparoscopic/robotic correction, and 82.52% (67.53-93.57%) after vaginal correction. Hysteroscopic surgery was associated with the lowest risk of complications (0.76%, 0.20-1.66%).
CONCLUSIONS
We found adequate evidence supporting the use of surgery for the treatment of symptomatic isthmocele, as it was found to improve the bleeding symptoms in more than 80% of patients. Differently, we found a lack of evidence regarding the role of surgery with the purpose of improving fertility or reducing the risk of obstetric complications in women with asymptomatic isthmocele. The hysteroscopic correction of isthmocele may be the safest and most effective strategy in those patients with adequate residual myometrial thickness overlying the isthmocele. Laparoscopic and vaginal surgeries may be the preferred options for patients with a thinner residual myometrium over the defect (< 2.5 mm) and when hysteroscopic treatment is inconclusive.
Topics: Cicatrix; Female; Humans; Hysteroscopy; Laparoscopy; Uterine Diseases
PubMed: 31989288
DOI: 10.1007/s00404-020-05438-0 -
Applied Immunohistochemistry &... Sep 2020Atypical polypoid adenomyoma (APA) is a rare uterine lesion constituted by atypical endometrioid glands, squamous morules, and myofibromatous stroma. We aimed to assess...
Atypical polypoid adenomyoma (APA) is a rare uterine lesion constituted by atypical endometrioid glands, squamous morules, and myofibromatous stroma. We aimed to assess the immunophenotype of the 3 components of APA, with regard to its pathogenesis and its differential diagnosis. A systematic review was performed by searching electronic databases from their inception to January 2019 for immunohistochemical studies of APA. Thirteen studies with 145 APA cases were included. APA glands appeared analogous to atypical endometrial hyperplasia (endometrioid cytokeratins pattern, Ki67≤50%, common PTEN loss, and occasional mismatch repair deficiency); the prominent expression of hormone receptors and nuclear β-catenin suggest that APA may be a precursor of "copy number-low," CTNNB1-mutant endometrial cancers. Morules appeared as a peculiar type of hyperdifferentiation (low KI67, nuclear β-catenin+, CD10+, CDX2+, SATB2+, p63-, and p40-), analogous to morular metaplasia in other lesions and distinguishable immunohistochemically from both conventional squamous metaplasia and solid cancer growth. Stroma immunphenotype (low Ki67, α-smooth-muscle-actin+, h-caldesmon-, CD10-, or weak and patchy) suggested a derivation from a metaplasia of normal endometrial stroma. It was similar to that of nonatypical adenomyoma, and different from adenosarcoma (Ki67 increase and CD10+ in periglandular stroma) and myoinvasive endometrioid carcinoma (h-caldesmon+ in myometrium and periglandular fringe-like CD10 pattern).
Topics: Adenomyoma; Bias; Biomarkers, Tumor; Female; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Immunophenotyping; Ki-67 Antigen; Neprilysin; PTEN Phosphohydrolase; Risk Factors; Uterine Neoplasms; beta Catenin
PubMed: 31855579
DOI: 10.1097/PAI.0000000000000780 -
Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology Feb 2020Evaluate the accuracy of tissue sampling techniques for the diagnosis of adenomyosis.
OBJECTIVE
Evaluate the accuracy of tissue sampling techniques for the diagnosis of adenomyosis.
DATA SOURCES
Systematic Review via MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library searches.
METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION
Review performed utilizing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, utilizing MeSH terms and keywords including "Adenomyosis/diagnosis" or "Adenomyosis/pathology" or "Myometrium/pathology" and "Biopsy" or "Hysteroscopy" or "Laparoscopy." Articles initially screened by title and abstract to include relevant studies with reference lists cross-referenced to find additional studies. Articles related to the diagnosis of uterine malignancy or studies in which tissue sampling was obtained through excisional surgical procedures were excluded from the review.
TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS
Fourteen studies were identified describing tissue sampling techniques to diagnose adenomyosis, with a total of 1909 patients, from 12 different countries, involving 6 different continents. Tissue sampling techniques were categorized based on (1) biopsy approach as either intrauterine and extrauterine and (2) techniques that were validated or not validated with a confirmatory hysterectomy pathology. Overall, there was significant heterogeneity in the tissue sampling techniques including intrauterine sampling obtained through hysteroscopic biopsy or resection and extrauterine tissue sampling obtained with needle biopsy by a percutaneous, transvaginal, laparoscopic, or ex-vivo approach. Sensitivity of these techniques varied significantly based on technique, tissue sampling location and the number of biopsies obtained, and was as low as 22.2% for an ultrasound-guided transvaginal biopsy of suspicious uterine lesions (4 biopsies per patient) and was as high as 97.8% for a laparoscopic guided myometrial biopsy of suspicious uterine lesions (10 biopsies per patient). Specificity for the identified tissue sampling techniques was more homogeneous ranging from 78.5% to 100% for all methods identified. The positive predictive value and negative predictive value ranges were 75.9% to 100% and 46.4% to 80% respectively among all tissue sampling techniques identified with confirmatory hysterectomy pathology.
CONCLUSION
Because of the heterogeneity of the tissue sampling techniques, diverse patient populations, and significant conflicting recommendations, no conclusive recommendation on the optimal tissue sampling technique can be made. However, it would be reasonable to limit uterine tissue sampling for confirmatory diagnosis of adenomyosis in patients with a suspicion of adenomyosis based on both symptom profile and pelvic ultrasound, where a planned diagnostic laparoscopy for either infertility or pelvic pain has already been contemplated and scheduled, and where the confirmatory results may be of clinical benefit in discussing the prognosis of recurrent postoperative symptoms and guide any future treatment recommendations.
Topics: Adenomyosis; Biopsy, Needle; Female; Humans; Hysterectomy; Hysteroscopy; Image-Guided Biopsy; Infertility; Laparoscopy; Myometrium; Pregnancy; Sensitivity and Specificity; Specimen Handling; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 31499191
DOI: 10.1016/j.jmig.2019.09.001 -
BJOG : An International Journal of... Sep 2019Little is known about the pathophysiology underlying the increased risk for impaired reproductive outcomes in women with a septate uterus.
BACKGROUND
Little is known about the pathophysiology underlying the increased risk for impaired reproductive outcomes in women with a septate uterus.
OBJECTIVES
We explored the available evidence on the pathophysiology of the septate uterus in an attempt to find a biological basis for these effects.
SEARCH STRATEGY
We performed a systematic literature search in OVID MEDLINE and OVID EMBASE from inception to January 2018.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We selected studies that investigated the pathophysiology of the septate uterus. Case reports or reviews without original data were excluded.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two reviewers independently evaluated potentially eligible papers.
MAIN RESULTS
Thirty-eight studies were included for analysis. The overall findings were that the intrauterine septum consists of endometrium and myometrium similar to the uterine wall. All five imaging studies that evaluated vascularity found that most of the intrauterine septa were vascularised. Histological studies found that the intrauterine septum consisted of myometrium and was covered by endometrium (n = 9). The endometrium covering the septum showed differences in histological composition in four studies and in gene expression in three studies compared with the normal uterine wall.
CONCLUSIONS
We found no clear biological basis for the impaired reproductive outcomes in women with a septate uterus. Either the gross anatomy of the septum itself or differences in histology or gene expression of the septum could account for the increased risk of reproductive waste observed after implantation in the septum.
TWEETABLE ABSTRACT
In women with a septate uterus differences in histology or gene expression could account for impaired reproductive outcome.
Topics: Abortion, Habitual; Female; Humans; Hysteroscopy; Infertility; Pregnancy; Uterine Diseases; Uterus
PubMed: 31004459
DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.15798