Doppler analysis of uterine perfusion and ovarian stromal blood flow in polycystic ovary syndrome

Objective

To investigate blood flow velocity in the ovarian stromal artery and uterine artery in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and to correlate these velocities with clinical and biochemical parameters.

Methods

A prospective study was carried out in 55 patients with PCOS and 42 age-matched women who did not have PCOS. Clinical, biochemical, and hormonal characteristics, and utero-ovarian Doppler ultrasound blood flow parameters were determined, and correlations between the parameters were evaluated.

Results

Ovarian stromal blood flow was higher (P < 0.01) and uterine perfusion was lower (P < 0.01) in women with PCOS compared with women who did not have PCOS. Ovarian stromal artery pulsatility index (PI) was inversely correlated with levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) and insulin-like growth factor-1, and with the luteinizing hormone/follicle-stimulating hormone ratio. There was a positive correlation between uterine artery PI and DHEAS level.

Conclusion

Doppler analysis of the uterine and intraovarian arteries may provide additional information about the etiopathogenesis of PCOS and partly explain the clinical implications of the condition.     

Three-dimensional power Doppler imaging in the diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome

Objective

To determine the role of three-dimensional (3D) power Doppler imaging in the diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Methods

Pulsatility index (PI) and resistance index (RI) of the uterine artery and ovary were measured by two-dimensional (2D) Doppler imaging, while vascularization index (VI), flow index (FI), and vascularization flow index (VFI) were measured by 3D power Doppler in 25 patients with PCOS and 25 women with normal menstrual cycles used as a control group.

Results

Uterine artery PI and RI were significantly higher (P < 0.001) and ovarian PI and RI were significantly lower (P < 0.001) in women with PCOS compared with controls. Ovarian VI and VFI were significantly higher in women with PCOS compared with the control group (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

3D power Doppler indices were higher in women with PCOS than in the control group and were positively correlated with 2D color Doppler indices, and clinical and hormonal parameters. High 3D power Doppler indices may be useful as one of the diagnostic criteria for PCOS.     

Evaluation of the impact of laparoscopic ovarian drilling on Doppler indices of ovarian stromal blood flow,serum vascular endothelial growth factor,and insulin-like growth factor-1 in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

OBJECTIVE: To study the serum levels and correlation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), hormonal profile, and Doppler blood flow changes within the ovarian stroma before and after laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD) in women with clomiphene-resistant polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). DESIGN: Prospective controlled study. SETTING: University teaching hospital. PATIENT(S): Twenty-five women with clomiphene-resistant PCOS (group 1) and 20 women with regular menstrual cycles as a comparison group (group 2). INTERVENTION(S): Laparoscopic ovarian drilling. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Serum levels of VEGF, IGF-1, and Doppler indices of ovarian stromal blood flow. RESULT(S): The serum levels of VEGF, IGF-1, T, and LH were significantly higher in group 1 before LOD than in group 2. The Doppler indices (pulsatility index and resistance index) of ovarian stromal blood flow were also significantly lower in group 1 before LOD than in group 2. The serum levels of VEGF, T, and LH were significantly reduced in group 1 after LOD compared with in group 1 before LOD. Doppler indices (pulsatility index and resistance index) of ovarian stromal blood flow were significantly increased after LOD. The VEGF levels before LOD were positively correlated with IGF-1, LH, and T. After LOD, the VEGF levels were positively correlated with LH and T. CONCLUSION(S): Higher serum levels of VEGF and IGF-1 may explain the increased vascularity that was demonstrated by Doppler blood flow measurements in PCOS. Laparoscopic ovarian drilling reduced serum VEGF, IGF-1, T, and LH and reduced ovarian blood flow velocities, which may explain the reduction of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in women with PCOS after LOD.     

Reproductive outcome after letrozole versus laparoscopic ovarian drilling for clomiphene-resistant polycystic ovary syndrome

Objective

To compare the clinical outcomes of letrozole and laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD) in patients with clomiphene-citrate-resistant polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Methods

In the present prospective randomized trial, 140 women with clomiphene-citrate-resistant PCOS were randomly allocated to receive 5 mg letrozole from day 3 to day 7 of menses for 6 consecutive cycles, or to undergo LOD. When a leading follicle of at least 18 mm was present, ovulation was triggered with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). The 6-month rates of ovulation, pregnancy, abortion, and live births were evaluated.

Results

The groups were similar with regard to baseline clinical characteristics and hormonal profiles. The ovulation rate was significantly higher in the letrozole group than in the LOD group (59.0% versus 47.5%). On the days of the hCG injection, women in the letrozole group had a significantly thicker endometrium than those in the LOD group (P < 0.0001). Women receiving letrozole had a higher pregnancy rate (35.7% versus 28.6%) and a lower rate of spontaneous abortion (8.0% versus 20.0%, respectively), but these differences were not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Letrozole seems to be a suitable second-line ovulation-inducing alternative to LOD in women with PCOS who do not conceive with clomiphene citrate.     

Effects of laparoscopic ovarian drilling on young adult women with polycystic ovarian syndrome

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To assess changes in serum hormone levels and ovarian stromal blood flow after laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD) in young adult women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). DESIGN: Prospective, nonrandomized study (Canadian Task Force classification II-1). SETTING: Tertiary care, major teaching hospitals. PATIENTS: Anovulatory young women with PCOS who were resistant to clomiphene citrate. INTERVENTION: Laparoscopic ovarian drilling. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: To evaluate the endocrinological effects of LOD, serum leptin, insulin-like growth factor-1, estrone (E1), and estradiol were measured before and after ovarian drilling in the early follicular phase. Three-dimensional transabdominal power Doppler examinations were performed to determine the effects of LOD. Serum leptin was correlated with body mass index (BMI) before LOD. Levels of BMI, fasting blood sugar, and leptin were higher and LH, LH/FSH, and the sugar/insulin ratio were lower in the obese group. There were significant decreases in the free androgen index, and total testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and LH/follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, and a significant increase in sex hormonebinding globulin (SHBG) concentration in the 3 months after the operation. The vascularization index and vascularization flow index of the intraovarian stroma significantly decreased after treatment. Reversed correlations between leptin and LH, LH/FSH, E1, thyroid-stimulating hormone, and SHBG were noted 3 months after the operation compared with levels obtained before the operation. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of young adult women with PCOS using LOD did not influence leptin levels but changed the ovarian stromal blood flow dynamics during short-term follow-up. The surgical procedure may be beneficial both to endocrine profiles and to intraovarian stromal flow in patients with PCOS.     

Clomiphene citrate plus tamoxifen versus laparoscopic ovarian drilling in women with clomiphene-resistant polycystic ovary syndrome

Objective

To compare the efficacy of clomiphene citrate (CC) plus tamoxifen with that of laparoscopic ovarian drilling in clomiphene-resistant women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Method

We randomly allocated 150 women with CC-resistant PCOS to a combined medication group (group 1) or a laparoscopic surgery group (group 2). The primary outcome was the live birth rate in each group; secondary outcomes were the rates of ovulation, clinical pregnancy and miscarriage.

Results

There were no significant differences between the groups regarding rates of ovulation (81.3% vs 85.3%), pregnancy (53.3% vs 50.7%), or live births (49.3% vs 44.0%), but the mean endometrium thickness was significantly greater on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin administration in group 1 (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Clomiphene citrate plus tamoxifen was as effective as laparoscopic ovarian drilling in promoting ovulation and pregnancy.     

A Comparative Study on Quantitative Assessment of Blood Flow and Vascularization in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Patients and Normal Women Using Three-Dimensional Power Doppler Ultrasonography

Purpose of the Study

To compare the quantitative assessment of blood flow and vascularization of ovaries in polycystic ovary syndrome patients and normal women using three-dimensional power Doppler ultrasonography.

Methods

This cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted on women of reproductive age group (15–45 years) attending Gynaecology OPD AIMSR, Bathinda, Punjab. Thirty women were enrolled in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) group and 30 healthy women in control group. Women were categorized as polycystic ovary syndrome according to Rotterdam’s criteria. The women with PCOS underwent transvaginal USG Doppler on day 6 of the cycle using 3D power Doppler USG equipment (GE Voluson E8), and vascularization index (VI), flow index (FI) and vascularization flow index (VFI) were measured.

Results

The mean values of VI, FI and VFI measured by power Doppler ultrasonography were significantly increased (P value = 0.000) in women with PCOS when compared with healthy women.

Conclusion

This study suggests that blood flow and vascularization measured by 3D power Doppler ultrasonography in ovaries of polycystic ovary syndrome patients were significantly more than the ovaries of normal women.

     

Laparoscopic salpingo-oophorectomy for ovarian ablation in women with hormone-sensitive breast cancer

Objective

To evaluate institutional experiences regarding laparoscopic salpingo-oophorectomy in breast cancer patients and to compare the technique with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogs among premenopausal women with hormone-sensitive breast cancer.

Methods

Between 2004 and 2009, 103 women with breast cancer underwent laparoscopic salpingo-oophorectomy at Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK. All relevant medical records—including reasons for salpingo-oophorectomy, peri-operative events, and subsequent follow-up—were reviewed.

Results

In the study period, 3 (2.9%) women experienced a recurrence of breast cancer but none had primary peritoneal/ovarian cancer within a median follow-up interval of 34 months (range, 0-70 months). No operative complications were noted among these women and all of them went home on the day of their operation.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic salpingo-oophorectomy seems to be a safe, permanent, and cost-effective method of ovarian ablation compared with the use of GnRH analogs. Salpingo-oophorectomy also considerably reduces the risk of subsequent ovarian/fallopian tube malignancy in this high-risk population.     

Secreted cyclophilin A induction during embryo implantation in a model of human trophoblast-endometrial epithelium interaction

Objective

The aim of this study was to show glycemic and oxidative/antioxidative status (GOAS) in rats with estradiol valerate (EV)-induced polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Study design

Thirty mature female rats were randomly allocated to EV-induced PCOS, sham and control groups. Malondialdehyde, catalase and fasting blood glucose levels were determined in order to evaluate GOAS.

Results

There was a statistically significant difference between PCOS and control groups (p < 0.001) for hemolysate MDA while no difference was determined for either catalase or fasting blood glucose levels. On histopathological examination, the EV-induced PCOS group revealed disease-characteristic ovarian morphology.

Conclusion

There was an increased compensation for oxidative stress by antioxidative biologic mechanisms in EV-induced PCOS rats. Interestingly, the sole result derived from this limited study is that the sesame oil + EV combination is not appropriate for the evaluation of oxidant-antioxidant status and also glycemic condition in PCOS. This study demonstrates the need for better designed experimental studies to elucidate the aetiopathogenesis of PCOS via novel techniques.     

Overview of anti-angiogenic agents in development for ovarian cancer

Objective

To review the rationale for targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) pathways for anti-angiogenic therapy in patients with ovarian cancer and to summarize the currently available data with agents that block these pathways.

Methods

Relevant papers and studies were identified by searches conducted on Medline using the terms angiogenesis, ovarian cancer, VEGF, PDGF, FGF, receptor, kinase, and inhibitor alone or in combination as well as by searches by drug name and by review of abstracts presented at recent oncology meetings.

Results

The VEGF pathway is considered to be the key driver of angiogenesis, but the PDGF and FGF pathways also play important roles and may contribute to resistance to VEGF-specific blockade. Each pathway may also promote tumorigenesis; tumor cell overexpression of these growth factors and their receptors have been detected in ovarian tumor specimens, suggesting that autocrine loops may lead to tumor growth and progression. Selective inhibitors of the VEGF pathway (e.g., bevacizumab and VEGF Trap) as well as VEGF/PDGF pathway inhibitors (e.g., sorafenib and sunitinib) and VEGF/PDGF/FGF pathway inhibitors (e.g., cediranib, pazopanib, and BIBF 1120) have shown single-agent activity in women with ovarian cancer in phase II trials. Response rates of up to 21% have been reported with several agents in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer. Phase III trials with many anti-angiogenic agents in the treatment of ovarian cancer are currently ongoing.

Conclusions

Anti-angiogenic agents may provide an improvement in the treatment of patients with recurrent ovarian cancer and may be useful when incorporated into first-line platinum/taxane therapy. It remains to be determined whether multitargeted agents will offer greater clinical benefit than specific VEGF pathway inhibitors.     

Polycystic ovary syndrome: relationship between insulin sensitivity, sex hormone levels and ovarian stromal blood flow.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause of menstrual disorders, and is characterized by chronic anovulation, hyperandrogenism and infertility. In recent years, it has become apparent that PCOS is also associated with hyperinsulinemia that is probably central to the pathogenesis of PCOS. As a peculiar vascular pattern has been reported to be present in PCOS, the aim of this study was to investigate intraovarian stromal vascularization in PCOS patients and its possible correlation with sex hormones, gonadotropins and insulin levels. Twenty-eight oligomenorrheic or amenorrheic patients with PCOS and 14 eumenorrheic women with a PCOS-like ovarian pattern undergoing endocrine screening and ultrasound color Doppler intraovarian blood flow were recruited to the study. Ten healthy women with regular menses represented the control group. Hormonal assays (follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), androstenedione, testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and estradiol), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), baseline and glucose-induced insulin levels, and transvaginal ultrasonographic and color Doppler analysis (pulsatility index (PI), resistance index (RI) and velocity (Vmax) of ovarian stromal flow) were performed in all participants in the early proliferative phase. Endocrine values showed significant differences in PCOS patients compared with PCOS-like women and controls, while PI and RI indices were significantly higher in controls. PCOS patients were divided into hyperinsulinemic (n = 16) and normoinsulinemic (n = 12). Androstenedione was significantly higher (p < 0.01) in the hyperinsulinemic than in the normoinsulinemic patients and controls, while SHBG was significantly (p < 0.01) lower in the hyperinsulinemic group. Analysis of color Doppler intraovarian vascularization showed a significantly lower RI and a higher Vmax in the hyperinsulinemic subjects than in the normoinsulinemic PCOS patients and controls. An increased stromal blood flow was observed in the PCOS and PCOS-like patients by transvaginal color Doppler evaluation, but this technique is not able to differentiate these two similar ovarian patterns. However, hyperinsulinemic PCOS patients had an increased vascularity of the ovarian stroma. A strong correlation between hyperinsulinemia, hyperandrogenism and low SHBG levels was evidenced, and a hyperinsulinemia-induced mechanism for ovarian stromal angiogenesis is discussed.     

Contribution of power Doppler blood flow mapping to gray-scale ultrasound for predicting malignancy of adnexal masses in symptomatic and asymptomatic women

Objective

To determine the contribution of power Doppler blood flow mapping to gray-scale ultrasound for predicting malignancy of adnexal masses in symptomatic and asymptomatic women.

Study design

One thousand and ninety-four women with adnexal mass were included. Patients were divided into three groups according to clinical complaints: asymptomatic (group A), patients with symptoms non-suspicious of ovarian cancer (group B) and patients with symptoms suspicious of ovarian cancer (group C). All patients underwent transvaginal power Doppler ultrasound prior to surgery. Any mass in which the echo architecture at B-mode ultrasound was not highly suggestive of benign histology was categorized as questionable. In these cases power Doppler was performed as the second step. Definitive histological diagnosis was used as the standard reference. Sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (+LR) and negative likelihood ratio (−LR) were calculated for B-mode diagnosis and B-mode plus Doppler in each group.

Results

In group A, B-mode was significantly more sensitive (98.1%) than Doppler ultrasound (91.3%) (p < 0.01). In group B Doppler ultrasound (97.0%) was more specific than B-mode ultrasound (92.2%) (p < 0.001). In group C Doppler ultrasound (84.0%) was more specific than B-mode ultrasound (68.0%) (p < 0.001). Positive LR was significantly higher after Doppler evaluation in all groups (30.5 vs 12.8 in group A, 33.2 vs 12.8 in group B and 6.0 vs 3.1 in group C).

Conclusions

The diagnostic performance of B-mode and power Doppler ultrasound is different depending on patients’ complaints.     

Ultrasound-guided transvaginal aspiration as initial treatment for adnexal torsion following ovarian hyperstimulation

Objective

To evaluate the safety, feasibility, and pregnancy outcomes of adnexal detorsion using simple aspiration following ovarian hyperstimulation in pregnancy.

Study design

Retrospective review of eight pregnant women who underwent ultrasound (US)-guided transvaginal aspiration to induce natural reduction of ovarian torsion following ovarian hyperstimulation.

Results

Six of the eight patients were successfully treated with simple aspiration only, without any complications. Symptoms recurred in two patients, necessitating further laparoscopic detorsion. The outcome of the pregnancy was normal in seven women, with the eighth experiencing loss of one fetus from a twin pregnancy 2 days after laparoscopy. Normal ovarian blood flow was confirmed within one month after the treatment.

Conclusion

US-guided transvaginal aspiration for adnexal detorsion in pregnant women following ovarian stimulation might serve as a simpler, less morbid and equally effective alternative to conventional treatment.     

Polycystic ovary syndrome: relationship between insulin sensitivity,sex hormone levels and ovarian stromal blood flow

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause of menstrual disorders ,and is characterized by chronic anovulation ,hyperandrogenism and infertility. In recent years ,it has become apparent that PCOS is also associated with hyperinsulinemia that is probably central to the pathogenesis of PCOS. As a peculiar vascular pattern has been reported to be present in PCOS ,the aim of this study was to investigate intraovarian stromal vascularization in PCOS patients and its possible correlation with sex hormones ,gonadotropins and insulin levels. Twenty-eight oligomenorrheic or amenorrheic patients with PCOS and 14 eumenorrheic women with a PCOS-like ovarian pattern undergoing endocrine screening and ultrasound color Doppler intraovarian blood flow were recruited to the study. Ten healthy women with regular menses represented the control group. Hormonal assays (follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) ,luteinizing hormone (LH) ,androstenedione ,testosterone ,sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and estradiol), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) ,baseline and glucose-induced insulin levels ,and transvaginal ultrasonographic and color Doppler analysis (pulsatility index (PI) ,resistance index (RI) and velocity (V_max) of ovarian stromal flow) were performed in all participants in the early proliferative phase. Endocrine values showed significant differences in PCOS patients compared with PCOS-like women and controls ,while PI and RI indices were significantly higher in controls. PCOS patients were divided into hyperinsulinemic (n = 16) and normoinsulinemic (n = 12). Androstenedione was significantly higher (p < 0.01) in the hyperinsulinemic than in the normoinsulinemic patients and controls ,while SHBG was significantly (p < 0.01) lower in the hyperinsulinemic group. Analysis of color Doppler intraovarian vascularization showed a significantly lower RI and a higher V_max in the hyperinsulinemic subjects than in the normoinsulinemic PCOS patients and controls. An increased stromal blood flow was observed in the PCOS and PCOS-like patients by transvaginal color Doppler evaluation ,but this technique is not able to differentiate these two similar ovarian patterns. However, hyperinsulinemic PCOS patients had an increased vascularity of the ovarian stroma. A strong correlation between hyperinsulinemia ,hyperandrogenism and low SHBG levels was evidenced ,and a hyperinsulinemia-induced mechanism for ovarian stromal angiogenesis is discussed.     

Effect on ovarian reserve of laparoscopic bipolar electrocoagulation versus laparotomic hemostatic sutures during unilateral ovarian cystectomy

Objective

To compare the effects of laparoscopic bipolar electrocoagulation with laparotomic hemostatic suturing during unilateral ovarian cystectomy on the ovarian reserve.

Methods

A prospective randomized trial was conducted on 59 women with unilateral benign ovarian cysts who underwent laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy by a stripping technique (n = 30) or open laparotomy with hemostatic suturing (n = 29). Serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), antral follicle count (AFC), and ovarian stromal peak systolic velocity (PSV) at the 1st, 3rd, and 6th postoperative cycle were used to assess the ovarian reserve.

Results

Preoperative AMH levels did not differ significantly (P = 0.18) between the laparoscopy and laparotomy groups. In the laparoscopy group, there was a significant decrease in AMH levels, AFC, and PSV at the 3rd and 6th postoperative cycles compared with the 1st postoperative cycle, with an insignificant decrease between the 3rd and 6th cycles. In the laparotomy group, nonsignificant decreases in AMH levels, AFC, and PSV were detected at the 1st, 3rd, and 6th postoperative cycle and between the 3rd and 6th cycles.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy is associated with a significant reduction in ovarian reserve. This is a consequence of damage to the ovarian vascularity and the removal of an increased amount of ovarian tissue.     

Color Doppler analysis of pelvic arteries following bilateral internal iliac artery ligation for severe postpartum hemorrhage

Objective

To compare Doppler blood flow characteristics of the uterine, arcuate, and ovarian arteries of women who underwent bilateral internal iliac artery ligation with those of controls.

Methods

Thirteen women who underwent bilateral internal iliac artery ligation for severe postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) were matched with 15 healthy women of reproductive age. Transvaginal color and pulsed (duplex) Doppler modes were used to visualize the pelvic arteries. The pulsatility index, the resistance index, the systolic/diastolic blood flow ratio, the peak systolic velocity, and the end-diastolic velocity were measured.

Results

The mean age was 26.1 ± 5.2 years in the study group and 27.0 ± 5.4 years in the control group. All participants had regular menstrual periods. There were no significant differences between the groups regarding each of the vascular indices for the uterine, arcuate, and ovarian arteries.

Conclusion

These findings are consistent with published data demonstrating that pelvic circulation is not compromised after bilateral internal iliac artery ligation.     

Impact of transvaginal hydrolaparoscopy ovarian drilling on ovarian stromal blood flow and ovarian volume in clomiphene citrate-resistant PCOS patients: a case-control study

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in gynecology. In PCOS patients vascularization parameters are altered. Transvaginal hydrolaparoscopy (THL) is a mini-invasive approach for ovarian drilling in PCOS patients. In this study, we assessed the effect of ovarian drilling using THL on ovarian volume (OV) and vascularization index (VI) using 3D power Doppler ultrasonography in CC-resistant PCOS patients. A case-control study on 123?CC-resistant PCOS women who underwent THL ovarian drilling was performed. Patients underwent 3D ultrasound and power Doppler to measure VI, flow index (FI), vascularization flow index (VFI) and to evaluate OV before and after the procedure, at six months, and on the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. After THL ovarian drilling, OV and power Doppler flow indices were significantly reduced compared to pre-operative values (OV: 7.85 versus 11.72?cm³, p?p?p?p?相似文献   

Change in the ovarian environment after hysterectomy as assessed by ovarian arterial blood flow indices and serum anti-Müllerian hormone levels

Objective

The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the changes in the ovarian environment after hysterectomy based on ovarian arterial blood flow indices and serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels.

Study design

Ovarian arterial blood flow indices (pulsatile and resistance indices) by Doppler ultrasonography and serum AMH levels were measured at baseline and 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after hysterectomy in 32 women ranging in age from 38 to 49 years, or at the time of screening in 21 age-matched controls. The study subjects underwent hysterectomy with conservation of both ovaries for benign diseases of the uterus (laparoscopy-assisted vaginal hysterectomy [LAVH], n = 26; and total abdominal hysterectomy [TAH], n = 6). The study subjects and controls were analyzed using a t-test or one-way analysis of variance.

Results

No differences existed in demographic profiles, ovarian arterial blood flow indices, and serum AMH levels at baseline between the hysterectomy and control groups. Ovarian arterial blood flow indices did not change before and after surgery, and there were no serial changes in the mean levels of serum AMH at each time point (1.80 ± 1.81 ng/mL [pre-operatively], 1.69 ± 1.62 ng/mL [1 week post-hysterectomy], 1.42 ± 1.34 ng/mL [1 month post-hysterectomy], and 1.52 ± 1.72 ng/mL [3 months post-hysterectomy]; p = 0.805). In addition, no significant differences in ovarian arterial blood flow indices and serum AMH levels existed between the LAVH and TAH groups.

Conclusion

This preliminary study suggests that hysterectomy does not affect the ovarian environment for up to 3 months post-operatively, as assessed by ovarian arterial blood flow indices and serum AMH levels.     

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the Medicare cohort with advanced ovarian cancer

Objective

The value of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) for the treatment of advanced ovarian cancer has yet to be determined. While NAC may facilitate and simplify complete cytoreduction and reduce the risk of surgery, the delay of surgery related to NAC needs to be balanced against any potential benefit.

Methods

Surveillance, Epidemiology and End-Results (SEER) data linked to Medicare claims were used to identify 6844 women with treated stage III/IV epithelial ovarian cancer (1995-2005). Patients were classified by primary treatment (surgery (PDS) or chemotherapy), and the primary chemotherapy group was characterized as having NAC or palliative chemotherapy (PC) based on whether there was documentation that surgery was recommended. We compared surgical complications and survival between the groups.

Results

4827 (71%) of women were treated with PDS, 958 received NAC (14%) and 1059 (15%) had PC. Only 577 (60%) of women with NAC underwent surgery and they had fewer ostomies (8.5% vs. 19.2%, p < 0.001) and fewer infections, gastrointestinal and pulmonary complications than PDS (all p < 0.01). Comparing NAC to PDS there was a 16% increase in the risk of death at 2 years (RR 1.16, 95%CI 1.01-1.34) for women with stage III disease and a 15% reduction in the risk for women with stage IV disease (RR 0.85, 95%CI 0.73-0.99).

Conclusions

NAC followed by surgery was associated with fewer surgical complications than PDS. The direction and magnitude of the difference in survival between women receiving NAC and those receiving PDS differed according to the stage of disease and follow up time.     

三维及彩色多普勒超声对多囊卵巢综合征的辅助诊断价值

目的探讨三维及彩色多普勒超声对多囊卵巢综合征(PCOS)的辅助诊断价值。方法对中国医科大学附属盛京医院2005年2月至2007年6月收治的60例PCOS患者和60例健康育龄女性进行三维及彩色多普勒超声检查,检测卵泡数目、三维容积和血流动力学指标,并进行对比分析。结果PCOS组的卵泡数目、卵巢容积、卵巢间质容积、卵泡容积大于对照组[分别为(16.91±4.34)个、(12.56±3.96)cm3、(11.49±3.50)cm3、(1.07±0.61)cm3对(5.48±2.10)个、(4.76±1.78)cm3、(4.43±1.74)cm3、(0.32±0.21)cm3],差异均有统计学意义(P<0.01);卵巢间质内动脉阻力指数低于对照组(0.53±0.06对0.65±0.09),收缩期峰值血流速度高于对照组[(12.68±3.10)cm/s对(9.30±1.64)cm/s],差异具有统计学意义(分别P<0.01,P<0.05)。结论三维超声和彩色多普勒超声增加了鉴别PCOS的客观定量指标,对多囊卵巢综合征有较高的辅助诊断价值。