Rollerball Endometrial Ablation: A Histological Study in Danazol Pretreated Patients

Summary: Endomyometrial biopsies were taken from danazol pretreated patients about to undergo rollerball endometrial ablation for menorrhagia. The biopsies were taken with a loop electrode at hysteroscopy before and after 1, 2, 3 passes of a rollerball electrode over the endometrium using powers of electrocoagulation diathermy varying from 30 to 100 watts. The biopsies were then assessed histologically. Nineteen biopsies from the perceived endocervical canal, 25 posttreatment curettings and 3 hysterectomy specimens were also assessed. Biopsies taken after danazol pretreatment but before diathermy showed a thinned inactive endometrium. A histological classification of the effect of electrocoagulation diathermy on the endometrium was developed describing increasing endometrial damage. The degree of endometrial damage was directly related to the number of rolls of the ball over the endometrium and to the power of electrocoagulation diathermy. Endometrium was found in 84% of biopsies from the perceived endocervical canal and endometrium was found in curettings from 3 of 11 patients who were amenorrhoeic following ablation.     

Venous Gas Embolism during Hysteroscopic Endometrial Ablation: Report of 5 Cases and Review of the Literature

Study ObjectiveTo highlight the circumstances, presentation, and treatment of venous gas embolism (VGE) and provide guidance and propose potential changes in surgical practice and perioperative monitoring to minimize the adverse consequences and sequalae of this potentially serious complication.DesignA case series.SettingA university-affiliated teaching hospital.PatientsFive women developed VGE during hysteroscopic endometrial ablation.InterventionsFrom 1990 through 2014, the principle author (G.A.V.) performed 5249 primary and 458 repeat hysteroscopic endometrial ablations under general anesthesia using a monopolar 26F (9-mm) resectoscope connected to a peristaltic pump-driven active inflow and outflow irrigation and distension system (1.5% glycine) and an 8-mm monopolar loop electrode at a 120-W continuous (cut) and/or a 3- to 5-mm rollerball interrupted (coagulation) waveform or a combination of them.Measurements and Main ResultsAmong 5707 procedures, we encountered 5 (0.09%, 1/1140) incidents of VGE during primary ablations. All patients exhibited the same symptoms of ventilatory and hemodynamic decompensation, beginning with a reduction in end-tidal carbon dioxide and arterial oxygen desaturation. All patients recovered after immediate cessation of the surgery and resuscitation including ventilatory support with 100% O₂ and intravenous fluids.ConclusionsAlthough entrainment of some air/gas bubbles is common during hysteroscopy, life-threatening/fatal VGE is rare (1/1140 cases). Situational awareness and strict adherence to certain principles including understanding the conditions, prerequisites, and pathophysiology of VGE; attention to surgical principles and operative technique; close communication with the anesthesiologist; and early therapeutic intervention are of paramount importance to avoid this rare but potentially serious complication.     

第二代子宫内膜去除术诺舒临床应用70例分析

目的：评估第二代子宫内膜去除术诺舒（NovaSure）的安全性和有效性,对术后随访结果进行疗效分析。方法：对2011年1月—2013年12月,在首都医科大学附属复兴医院宫腔镜中心使用诺舒治疗的70例异常子宫出血（AUB）患者,记录病情、手术前后血红蛋白、子宫内膜厚度、手术情况和术后随访症状改善情况。结果：①患者年龄28～54岁,平均（43.5±5.5）岁,有严重内科合并症者占27.1%（19/70）,子宫长度（9.17±1.12）cm,诺舒主机工作时间55～179 s,平均（122.00±19.73）s,术时出血均小于10 mL;所有患者均未发生并发症。②随访闭经率54.3%（38/70）,有效率97.1%（68/70）,再次手术率2.9%（2/70）,宫腔积液率28.6%（20/70）。③术前与术后3个月血红蛋白（98.56 g/L vs. 115.27 g/L）及子宫内膜厚度（9.2 mm vs. 3.4 mm）差异有统计学意义（均P=0.000）。④子宫腺肌病与非子宫腺肌病患者诺舒治疗后闭经率差异有统计学意义（χ2=6.860,P=0.013）。结论：诺舒子宫内膜去除术治疗异常子宫出血安全、有效、疗效显著;子宫腺肌病可能是影响疗效的因素。     

Randomized Comparison of Goserelin Versus Suction Curettage Prior to Thermachoice II Balloon Endometrial Ablation: One-year Results

ObjectivesTo evaluate the clinical outcomes following the use of goserelin and suction curettage prior to ThermaChoice II balloon endometrial ablation to treat menorrhagia.MethodsQualified patients (n = 105) were randomized to receive either goserelin 3.6 mg one month before or suction curettage immediately before undergoing thermal balloon endometrial ablation. All patients had negative Papanicolaou smears, normal endometrial histology, and normal findings on transvaginal sonography. Uterine bleeding was documented by menstrual diary scores at baseline (Higham score > 150), and at three, six, and 12 months after the procedure. Five patients withdrew prior to surgery and 50 patients were anaesthetized in each group. Two patients in the suction curettage group had their management converted to hysteroscopic ablation, one because of a large uterine cavity (> 12 mL) and one because of a submucous myoma. The ThermaChoice II system circulated the liquid within the silicone balloon for eight minutes at approximately 180 mmHg pressure and 87°C.ResultsParticipants’ mean age, weight, and duration of menorrhagia were not significantly different between the groups. No safety issues related to the device were noted. At one year after ablation, the median reduction in Higham score was from 286 to 10 (96.5%) in the goserelin group (n = 47), and from 272 to 14 (94.9%) in the curettage group (n = 45). The combined amenorrhea/hypomenorrhea rates (higham score 0 to 35), eumenorrhea rate (higham score 36 to 75) and menorrhagia rate (higham score > 75) were 85%, 9%, and 6% (goserelin), and 76%, 16%, 9% (curettage), respectively. Patients’ reported self-assessment of dysmenorrhea was none (51%), mild (30%), moderate (10%), and severe (9%) in both groups. Patient satisfaction was 89% in the goserelin group and 95% in the curettage group. In the goserelin group, one patient had a hysterectomy for bleeding and two had repeat resectoscopic endometrial ablations, one for pain (hematometra) and one for pain and bleeding. In the curettage group, one patient had repeat resectoscopic ablation, one patient withdrew, and one requested hormone therapy. The overall success rates were 88% in the goserelin group and 89% in the curettage group.ConclusionAt one year after ThermaChoice II treatment, 88.5% of women had normal menstrual bleeding or less. There was a non-significant trend (a lower Higham score) towards superiority of goserelin therapy before ablation compared with curettage.     

Hysteroscopic Resection of Endometrial Polyps and Assisted Reproductive Technology Pregnancy Outcomes Compared with No Treatment: A Systematic Review

Endometrial polyps are frequently encountered in the uterine cavity of infertile women. There is much debate regarding the treatment of endometrial polyps in patients who are undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART). A systematic review was performed by searching PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for retrospective or prospective studies that compared the effect of hysteroscopic resection of polyps with no treatment on pregnancy outcomes of patients who underwent ART. The primary outcomes were clinical pregnancy, live birth, miscarriage, and implantation rates after ART. Eight studies with a total of 2267 patients were included. The results showed that hysteroscopic resection of endometrial polyps (mean size <2 cm) was associated with an increased rate of clinical pregnancy in patients who underwent intrauterine insemination. No clear benefit was observed for clinical pregnancy, live birth, miscarriage, or implantation rates in patients who underwent in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles. In conclusion, the effect of hysteroscopic polypectomy on pregnancy outcomes of patients who have undergone ART remains unclear. More prospective, randomized controlled trials are warranted to determine appropriate treatment.     

Comparison of Hysteroscopic Cesarean Scar Defect Repair with 26 Fr Resectoscope and 16 Fr Mini-resectoscope: A Prospective Pilot Study

Study ObjectiveSeveral studies have been published on hysteroscopic treatment of cesarean scar defect using the 26 Fr resectoscope. This study compared the effects of the 26 Fr resectoscope with those of the 16 Fr mini-resectoscope in terms of efficacy, safety profile, and peri- and postoperative complications.DesignA prospective cohort study.SettingTertiary care university hospital (S. Orsola–Malpighi, Bologna, Italy).PatientsThree hundred and nine women having symptoms and with a cesarean scar defect diagnosis were divided into 2 groups according to a temporal criterion: from March 2012 to March 2015, 155 consecutive women (control group) underwent isthmoplasty with the 26 Fr resectoscope (Karl Storz, Tuttlingen, Germany), whereas from April 2015 to March 2018, 154 consecutive women (study group) underwent isthmoplasty with the 16 Fr mini-resectoscope (Gubbini system, Tontarra Medizintechnik, Tuttlingen, Germany).InterventionsOne hundred and fifty-five women (control group) underwent isthmoplasty with the 26 Fr resectoscope, and 154 women (study group) underwent isthmoplasty with the 16 Fr mini-resectoscope. The so-called “channel-like” 360° endocervical resection technique was applied.Measurements and Main ResultsThe isthmoplasty time with the 2 resectoscopes, excluding cervical dilatation, was similar (p = .25), whereas the overall surgical time was shorter in the case of the mini-resectoscope. The use of the 16 Fr mini-resectoscope was significantly associated with a reduced volume of distension medium used (p <.001) and a lower fluid absorption (p <.001). A significant increase (p = .01) in postoperative complications in the control group (9/155; 5.8%) compared with the study group (1/154; 0.7%) was also found. No significant reduction in discharge time was observed between the 2 groups (p = .13). Patient satisfaction immediately after surgery was significantly higher (p <.001) in the study group than in the control group.ConclusionIsthmoplasty with a 16 Fr mini-resectoscope seems to be as effective as isthmoplasty with a 26 Fr resectoscope in reducing postmenstrual abnormal uterine bleeding and suprapubic pelvic pain. It is associated with a significant reduction in overall surgical time owing to the non-necessity of performing cervical dilatation. The 16 Fr mini-resectoscope facilitates surgery in small anatomical spaces such as the cervical canal and reduces the complication rate linked to blind maneuvers not respecting the uterine anatomy.     

A New Hysteroscopic Technique for the Preparation of Partially Intramural Myomas in Office Setting (OPPIuM technique): A Pilot Study

ObjectiveTo assess the safety and the effectiveness of a novel hysteroscopic technique for the Office Preparation of Partially Intramural Myomas (OPPIuM), to facilitate the subsequent, already scheduled, resectoscopic myomectomy.DesignPilot study.SettingUniversity of Bari, Naples and Foggia.PatientsFifty-nine fertile women (age 27-48 years) diagnosed at office hysteroscopy as having symptomatic submucous myomas > 1.5 cm with intramural development (G1 and G2), scheduled for resectoscopic surgery.InterventionsThe OPPIuM technique consisted of an incision of the endometrial mucosa covering the myoma by means of Fr scissors or bipolar Versapoint Twizzle electrode, along its reflection line on the uterine wall, up to the precise identification of the cleavage surface between the myoma and its pseudo-capsule. Such procedure was aimed at triggering the protrusion of the intramural portion of the myoma into the uterine cavity during the following menstrual cycles, thus facilitating the subsequent total removal of the lesion via resectoscopic surgery. All patients underwent follow-up in-patient hysteroscopy after 2 menstrual cycles before resectoscopic surgery were performed.Measurements and Main ResultsThe OPPIuM technique was successfully performed in all cases. The mean diameter of successfully prepared myomas was 2.9 ± 0.8 cm. At follow-up hysteroscopy, the conversion of partially intramural myomas into totally or prevalently intracavitary ones was observed in 93.2% (55/59) of cases. In 2 of 3 cases of failure, the myomas' size was > 4 cm. One patient was excluded from the study because of the occurrence of total spontaneous expulsion of the myoma at the subsequent menstrual cycle.ConclusionsOur preliminary findings seem to support the safety and the effectiveness of the OPPIuM procedure by reporting the conversion of myomas with intramural development > 1.5 cm into totally or prevalently intracavitary ones in nearly 93% of cases. Such technique may allow surgeons to perform resectoscopic surgery more safely and quickly as dealing with prevalently intracavitary lesions. However, further studies are mandatory to validate its use in daily practice.     

Hysteroscopic Management of Residual Trophoblastic Tissue and Reproductive Outcome: A Pilot Study

We report on the feasibility, efficiency, and reproductive outcomes of hysteroscopic resection of late residual trophoblastic tissue in 50 patients in an observational study over 6 years. Complete evacuation of the uterus was achieved in all patients by hysteroscopy. The median operative time was 21 (15-30) min. Only one surgical complication was registered: a uterine perforation in a patient with previous metroplasty. Hysteroscopic resection of persistent trophoblastic tissue seems to be a safe and efficient procedure that could be proposed as an alternative to conventional non-selective blind curettage. We would also recommend systematic second-look hysteroscopy to asess the exact prevalence of post-procedure intrauterine adhesions.     

Post-Ablation Cavity Evaluation: A Prospective Multicenter Observational Clinical Study to Evaluate Hysteroscopic Access to the Uterine Cavity 4 Years after Water Vapor Endometrial Ablation for the Treatment of Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Study ObjectivePatients who have undergone endometrial ablation may present a diagnostic challenge when they subsequently develop vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, or postmenopausal bleeding. Extensive scarring of the uterine cavity often precludes evaluation and/or conservative treatment. For further research on this topic, we performed hysteroscopic examination in study subjects a mean duration of 4 years after they had undergone water vapor endometrial ablation.DesignProspective, multicenter, observational clinical study.SettingEight private practice or outpatient sites in the United States and Mexico.PatientsSeventy subjects who had completed their 36-month follow-up in the AEGEA Pivotal Trial.InterventionsDiagnostic hysteroscopy.Measurements and Main ResultsThe subjects were screened for general health and infection and underwent diagnostic hysteroscopy. Menstrual bleeding status was recorded. The video of the hysteroscopic examination was analyzed by an independent reviewer, who assessed uterine cavity access and visualization of the cornua and tubal ostia as well as characterized adhesions on the basis of the criteria by March et al. An independent reviewer also subjectively assessed whether Pipelle endometrial biopsy or intrauterine device placement would be feasible. Uterine cavity access was achieved in 90% (63/70) of subjects. Among subjects with cavity access, the cornua and ostia were visualized in 79% (50/63) and adhesions were absent in 75% (47/63), with only 2 women having severe adhesions (3%, 2/63). Biopsy was projected to be feasible in 86% (62/70) and intrauterine device placement in 60% (42/70) of all subjects. The subjects’ bleeding statuses were not correlated with uterine cavity access. The results were consistent for subjects with large uterine cavities and International Federation of Gynecologic and Obstetrics type II to VI myomas ≤4 cm.ConclusionWater vapor endometrial ablation preserved an accessible uterine cavity and visualization of the ostia in most subjects, with minimal incidence of severe adhesions, a mean of 4 years after the ablation procedure.     

Post-Uterine Artery Embolization Pain and Clinical Outcomes for Symptomatic Myomas Using Gelfoam Pledgets Alone Versus Embospheres Plus Gelfoam Pledgets: A Comparative Pilot Study

BackgroundTo evaluate the efficacy and post-procedural pain associated with uterine artery embolization (UAE) using Gelfoam alone versus Embospheres plus Gelfoam in women with symptomatic uterine fibroids.MethodWe conducted a prospective, non-randomized pilot study. Fluoroscopy-guided trans-femoral artery UAE was performed using Gelfoam pledgets alone or Embospheres (500 to 700 mg) plus Gelfoam under conscious sedation and local anaesthesia. This was followed by patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) using a morphine pump overnight.Post-procedural pain was assessed by the mean amount of self-administered morphine delivered by PCA pump (mL) from 0 to 19 hours in each group. The mean volumes of the uterus and the dominant fibroid were calculated by ultrasound at baseline, three months, six months, and 12 months.ResultsA total of 17 women participated in the study. Bilateral uterine artery occlusion was performed in eight women using Gelfoam alone, and in nine women using Embosphere + Gelfoam. One woman in the Embosphere + Gelfoam group developed a puncture-site hematoma requiring further intervention one week later. The mean (SD) amount of morphine self-administered by PCA pump at time 0, 1, and 2 hours was 3.4 mg (3.1), 2.9 mg (2.2), and 2.4 mg (3.3) in the Gelfoam-only group and 6.1 mg (3.0), 9.6 mg (7.1), and 5.3 mg (4.4) in the Embosphere + Gelfoam group, respectively. After three hours, the amount of morphine used was equal in both groups. The mean (SD) total dose of morphine used was 29.5 mg (18.6) in the Gelfoam group and 41.1 mg (19.3) in the Embosphere + Gelfoam group (P = 0.228). At 12 months, the reduction in median total uterine volume and median dominant fibroid volume in each group was equal.ConclusionClinical outcomes were equivalent after uterine artery embolization using Gelfoam alone versus Gelfoam + Embospheres. Although the amount of immediate post-procedure pain may be less with Gelfoam alone, we could not demonstrate this objectively using morphine use as a measure of pain.     

Laparoendoscopic Single-site Myomectomy Versus Conventional Laparoscopic Myomectomy: A Comparison of Surgical Outcomes

Study ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate laparoendoscopic single-site myomectomy (LESS-M) for the surgical treatment of fibroids and to compare surgical outcomes and postoperative pain with conventional laparoscopic myomectomy (CLM).DesignRetrospective study.SettingUniversity-based hospital.PatientsData were obtained from medical records of patients who underwent LESS-M between August 2011 and June 2012. Considering the surgeon's learning curve for LESS-M, we collected the data after 100 LESS-M procedures were performed. The cases were compared with a historic cohort of patients who underwent CLM performed by the same surgeon between July 2008 and May 2009. A single experienced surgeon performed both procedures in all patients. A total of 118 patients who underwent LESS-M or CLM were included in the study (59 in the LESS-M group and 59 in the CLM group).InterventionsNone.Measurements and Main ResultsWe analyzed and compared patient basal characteristics and surgical outcomes between the 2 groups. There were no statistically significant differences in basal characteristics (i.e., age, body mass index, number and size of myomas, and type of the largest myoma) between the 2 groups. The surgical outcomes (i.e., operative time, estimated blood loss, postoperative hemoglobin drop, postoperative hospital stay, and postoperative pain scores) were not different statistically between the 2 groups. Moreover, patients did not experience major intraoperative complications. Postoperative complications were wound infections that occurred in 3 patients (2 in the LESS-M and 1 in the CLM groups).ConclusionLESS-M is feasible for less than 5 myomas and offers comparable surgical outcomes with those of CLM after the surgeon's initial learning curve.     

Laparoscopic Radiofrequency Ablation of Uterine Leiomyomas: Clinical Outcomes during Early Adoption into Surgical Practice

Study ObjectiveTo assess surgical outcomes, clinical effectiveness, and gynecologist experience of introducing laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of leiomyomas into surgical practice.DesignUncontrolled clinical trial.SettingFive academic medical centers across California.PatientsPremenopausal women with symptomatic uterine leiomyomas, uterus size ≤16 weeks size, and all leiomyomas ≤10 cm with no more than 6 total leiomyomas.InterventionsLaparoscopic RFA of leiomyomas.Measurements and Main ResultsWe assessed intraoperative complications, blood loss, operative time, and adverse events. Gynecologists reported the operative difficulty and need for further training after each case. Participants reported leiomyoma symptoms preoperatively and at 6 and 12 weeks after surgery. We analyzed all outcome data from the first case performed by gynecologists with no previous RFA experience. Patient demand for RFA was high, but poor insurance authorization prevented 74% of eligible women from trial participation; 26 women underwent surgery and were enrolled. The mean age of the participants was 41.5 ± 4.9 years. The mean operating time was 153 ± 51 minutes, and mean estimated blood loss was 24 ± 40 cc. There were no intraoperative complications and no major adverse events. Menstrual bleeding, sexual function, and quality of life symptoms improved significantly from baseline to 12 weeks, with a 25 ± 18-point, or 47%, decrease in the Leiomyoma Symptom Severity Score. After the first procedure, the mean difficulty score was 6 (95% confidence interval [CI], 4–7.5) on a 10-point scale, and 89% of surgeons felt “very or somewhat” confident in performing laparoscopic RFA. The difficulty score decreased to 4.25 (95% CI, 1.2–6) after the fourth procedure, with all gynecologists reporting surgical confidence.ConclusionLaparoscopic RFA of leiomyomas can be introduced into surgical practice with good clinical outcomes for patients. Gynecologists with no previous experience are able to gain confidence and skill with the procedure in fewer than 5 cases.     

Hysteroscopic Endometrial Focal Resection followed by Levonorgestrel Intrauterine Device Insertion as a Fertility-Sparing Treatment of Atypical Endometrial Hyperplasia and Early Endometrial Cancer: A Retrospective Study

Study Objective

To evaluate safety and effectiveness of the combination of hysteroscopic endometrial focal resection with levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device (LNG-IUD) for International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage IA G1 early endometrial cancer (EEC) and atypical endometrial hyperplasia (AEH) in young women to preserve their fertility.

First- Versus Second-Generation Endometrial Ablation Devices for Treatment of Menorrhagia: A Systematic Review,Meta-Analysis and Appraisal of Economic Evaluations

ObjectiveTo estimate the clinical and economic effect of using second-generation endometrial ablation devices compared to first-generation devices for treatment of menorrhagia in pre-menopausal women. The secondary objective was to compare the second-generation devices with one another.Data SourcesWe searched Medline and EMBASE, and other sources of unpublished literature, and screened references from relevant articles.Study SelectionWe included only randomized controlled trials or full economic evaluations of premenopausal women with menorrhagia undergoing endometrial ablation using first-generation compared with second-generation devices.Data Extraction and Data SynthesisData extraction and risk of bias assessment was carried out for all clinical studies, and data were pooled using the random effects model. A qualitative narrative synthesis was used to combine results from the economic review. Eleven studies met eligibility criteria (n = 1679). There was no difference in the rate of amenorrhea between first- and second-generation ablation (5 studies with 998 patients, rate ratio 1.15, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.38; P = 0.14), but second-generation devices had a lower complication rate (7 studies with 1272 patients, rate ratio 0.52, 95% CI 0.35 to 0.76; P < 0.001), decreased operating time by 16.6 minutes (3 studies with 486 patients, 95% CI 12.1 to 21.2 minutes; P < 0.001), and could more commonly be used with local anaesthesia (3 studies with 558 patients, rate ratio 1.87, 95% CI 1.04 to 3.37; P = 0.04). There was a higher rate of amenorrhea in patients treated with Novasure than with other second-generation devices (4 studies with 407 patients, rate ratio 2.60, 95% CI 1.63 to 4.14; P < 0.001). Three European studies were included in the economic synthesis, which found that second-generation devices were more cost-effective than first-generation devices.ConclusionSecond-generation endometrial ablation devices seem to be as effective as first-generation devices but likely reduce operating time, can be used more often with local anaesthesia, and have fewer complications. They also seem to be more cost-effective than first-generation devices, but further economic evaluations need to be carried out in Canada.     

The Role of the Mirena Intrauterine Device in the Management of Endometrial Polyps: A Pilot Study

Study ObjectiveTo study the hypothesis that the levonorgestrel intrauterine device (LNG-IUD) can have a role in the treatment of endometrial polyps confirmed at outpatient hysteroscopy in premenopausal women.DesignCanadian Task Force classification level II1 (a controlled trial that is not randomised).SettingOutpatient hysteroscopy.PatientsPremenopausal women who had a polyp diagnosed at outpatient hysteroscopy.InterventionsPremenopausal women who had a polyp diagnosed at outpatient hysteroscopy and had a LNG-IUD inserted were booked for general anesthesia hysteroscopy and polypectomy through the standard booking process. A contemporaneous control was taken sequentially from the outpatient hysteroscopy database to match the case.Measurements and Main ResultsThe presence of a polyp at hysteroscopy under general anesthesia. A total of 39 patients were included in the study, with 19 in the intervention group and 20 in the control group. The mean age was 43.6 (standard deviation = 5.6) and 43.2 (standard deviation = 8.1) years in the 2 groups, respectively. No difference was found in the time interval between the 2 procedures in the intervention and control groups (mean = 92 vs 84 days, p = .73). However, the proportion of polyps present at the second procedure was significantly higher in the control group (80% vs 37%; relative risk = 2.17; 95% confidence interval, 1.16–4.07; p = .0062).ConclusionOur case-control study found that the LNG-IUD can have a role in the treatment of polyps for women who have heavy menstrual bleeding. This is the first study to show regression of endometrial polyps after treatment with LNG-IUD by direct visualisation at hysteroscopy.     

多囊卵巢综合征患者冻融胚胎移植3种内膜准备方案的临床结局比较

目的:比较多囊卵巢综合征(PCOS)患者冻融胚胎移植(FET)周期3种不同内膜准备方案的临床妊娠结局,探讨适合PCOS患者的子宫内膜准备方案.方法:回顾性分析127例PCOS患者冻融胚胎移植周期的临床资料,比较激素替代组(HRT组)、HMG诱导排卵组(HMG组)和来曲唑诱导排卵组(LE组)的子宫内膜厚度、临床妊娠率、种植率、早期流产率、活产率.结果:HRT组47例,43个移植周期,HMG组35例,32个移植周期,LE组45例,42个移植周期,3组年龄、不孕年限、体重指数、血清睾酮水平差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),周期取消率、子宫内膜厚度、复苏后胚胎存活率、平均移植胚胎个数,移植优质胚胎率、周期临床妊娠率、周期种植率、早期流产率、活产率亦差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).结论:PCOS患者FET周期3种子宫内膜准备方案均能获得良好的妊娠结局,来曲唑诱导排卵可作为PCOS患者FET周期内膜准备方案之一,应个体化选择临床用药方案.     

Multiple Versus Single Courses of Antenatal Corticosteroids for Preterm Birth: A Pilot Study

Objectives: (1) To determine the feasibility of a multicentre, randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled trial to investigate the effects of multiple courses of antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) more than 7 days following the initial course of ACS therapy, on perinatal or neonatal mortality or neonatal morbidity. (2) To determine the risk of complications that would require discontinuation of ACS therapy. (3) To determine if multiple courses of ACS have an effect on the concentrations of plasma cortisol and adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) in cord blood and in maternal blood immediately following delivery, compared to a single course of ACS.Methods: Women at 24 to 30 weeks' gestation, at continued increased risk of preterm birth 7 or more days following a single course of ACS were randomized to receive weekly courses of betamethasone or placebo until 33 weeks' gestation or delivery.Results: Women were recruited at two hospitals in Toronto from 01 September 1999 to 31 August 2000. Of the 78 women who were approached and were eligible for the study, 12 (15%) were recruited and 66 (85%) refused to participate. Of the 66 refusals, 38 (58%) did not feel their physicians were supportive of the study, 10 (15%) did not want to be randomized, and 4 (6%) had other personal reasons for refusing to enter the trial. Fourteen women (21%) had physicians who did not allow them to join the study. The lack of physician support was due to concerns related to the potential adverse effects of multiple courses of ACS. There were no complications requiring discontinuation of ACS. Plasma cortisol and ACTH concentrations in cord and maternal blood taken after delivery were not significantly different between ACS and placebo groups.Conclusion: A multicentre randomized controlled trial is required to determine the benefits and risks of multiple versus a single course of ACS. If the study Protocols are supported by physicians and their patients, a multicentre randomized controlled trial is feasible.     

Biomechanical Comparison of Inflatable Penile Implants: A Cadaveric Pilot Study

Background

Throughout the last decade there has been a growing interest in the biomechanical differences between inflatable penile prostheses (IPPs) and their significance with regard to the patient experience.