Location,color, size,depth, and volume may predict endometriosis in lesions resected at surgery

OBJECTIVE: To correlate the diagnosis of endometriosis in lesions excised at laparoscopy with pathologic diagnosis. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: U.S. government research hospital. PATIENT(S): Women with chronic pelvic pain thought to be due to endometriosis. INTERVENTION(S): Excision of lesions suspicious for endometriosis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Histologic examination of lesions for color, width, depth, and location of endometriosis. Lesion colors were grouped as black, red, white, mixed color, or endometriomas. RESULT(S): Sixty-five women with a surgical diagnosis of endometriosis had minimal (n = 22), mild (n = 25), moderate (n = 9), or severe disease (n = 9) according to the revised American Fertility Society classification. Endometriosis was confirmed in all but seven patients with minimal and one with severe disease. Twelve other patients did not have endometriosis. Of 314 lesions excised, 189 (61%) were endometriotic. Black or red lesions were less often histologically confirmed to be endometriosis than were white lesions, mixed-color lesions or endometriomas. Lesions > 5 mm wide or deep were more likely to be endometriosis than were narrower or shallower implants. Endometriomas deeper than 1 cm were histologically confirmed to be endometriosis, and 50% of peritoneal windows contained endometriosis. CONCLUSION(S): White lesions, mixed-color lesions, endometriomas, and larger lesions by depth or width were more likely to be histologically confirmed endometriosis than were smaller, black, or red lesions.     

Pulsatile intravenous gonadotropin-releasing hormone for ovulation-induction in infertile women. II. Analysis of follicular and luteal phase responses

Pulsatile intravenous gonadotropin releasing hormone (IV-GnRH) was used in 36 infertile patients with primary amenorrhea (n = 5), secondary amenorrhea due to hypothalamic chronic anovulation (HCA) (n = 22), hyperprolactinemia (n = 1) or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) (n = 5), and oligomenorrhea (n = 3), using several dosage and timing regimens. Early follicular phase responses showed four patterns: type 1 consisted of a delayed follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) peak and was seen with severe hypothalamic suppression (n = 4); type 2 consisted of a brisk and dominant FSH peak on the first day of treatment, and occurred with mild to moderate hypothalamic suppression (n = 19); type 3, which consisted of an FSH peak accompanied by an immediate and exaggerated luteinizing hormone (LH) rise, occurred with mild PCOS and some cases of HCA (n = 5); and type 4, in which LH levels were high to begin with and neither FSH nor LH levels rose with GnRH, occurred with severe PCOS (n = 2). Exaggerated estradiol responses within 24 hours of therapy were seen in eight cycles: in four cases no ovarian abnormality was apparent; in three cases a dominant follicle was already present; and in one case ovarian hyperstimulation was diagnosed ultrasonographically. With standard human chorionic gonadotropin luteal phase support, luteal phase defects were rare with HCA but common with PCOS.     

Delayed onset of luteinization as a cause of infertility

Two groups of infertility patients with regular cycles and apparently normal ovarian function were studied. In group I (n = 28) the infertility could be explained satisfactorily either by tubal occlusion or by infertility of the husband, or the women became pregnant within a few months. In group II (n = 32) no explanation was found for the infertility. Significantly fewer ovulation stigmata were present at laparoscopy in group II than in group I (P less than 0.05). In group I the basal body temperature (BBT) (P less than 0.001) and the plasma progesterone concentrations (P less than 0.05) were significantly elevated on the 1st day following the luteinizing hormone (LH) peak. In group II, THE BBT was slightly elevated on the 1st day following the LH peak (P less than 0.05), but the increase in the plasma progesterone concentrations occurred only on the 2nd day following the LH peak. In four women the onset of the BBT rise followed a normal LH peak with delays respectively, of 3, 4, 4, and 5 days, and in two women no LH peak occurred immediately prior to the onset of the BBT rise. The datings of the endometrial biopsies in these patients were in phase with the onset of the BBT rise but not with the LH peak. It is concluded that anovulation with in situ luteinization may be a rather frequent cause of infertility in regularly cycling women. A hypothesis about the mechanism of anovulation with in situ luteinization is proposed.     

子宫内膜异位症影响体外受精-胚胎移植结局的初步探讨

目的　探讨子宫内膜异位症的严重程度对体外受精 胚胎移植 (IVF ET)各个环节的影响。方法　对1999年 1月至 2 0 0 2年 4月在中山大学附属第一医院 10 7例已明确分期的子宫内膜异位症不育患者共 139周期IVF ET与同期输卵管因素不育患者 139例进行的 139周期IVF ET的控制性超排卵 (COH)治疗、受精率、卵裂率、每周期胚胎植入率和临床妊娠率、流产率等进行回顾性对照分析。结果　中、重度子宫内膜异位症不育患者与对照组相比进行IVF治疗时使用促性腺激素的总量增加而获卵数减少。重度患者雌二醇 (E2 )峰值下降 ,流产率增加 ,差异有统计学意义 (P <0 0 5 )。子宫内膜异位症不育患者IVF ET治疗时随着病情加重 ,卵巢对控制性超排卵的反应性下降 ,重度患者流产率增高。结论　子宫内膜异位症影响了卵子与胚胎的发育。     

The effect of moderate to severe endometriosis on expression of growth differentiation factor‐9 mRNA in human granulosa cells under controlled ovarian hyperstimulation

PurposeTo investigate the effect of moderate to severe endometriosis on mRNA expression of growth differentiation factor‐9 (GDF‐9) in the granulosa cells of mature follicles.MethodsFollicular fluid (FF) was obtained from 13 patients with moderate to severe endometriosis and 11 without endometriosis, as a control group, and GDF‐9 protein levels in both were assayed by western blotting. mRNA expression by GDF‐9 and LH receptor (LHR) in granulosa cells obtained from all patients in the study were investigated by StepOne Real‐Time PCR.ResultsAlthough GDF‐9 in FF from patients with endometriosis was no different from that of controls, GDF‐9 mRNA expression in granulosa cells of patients with endometriosis was statistically significantly lower than for the control group. The number of oocytes and high‐quality embryos was positively correlated with GDF‐9 mRNA expression in controls but not in patients with endometriosis Moreover, a negative correlation was identified between GDF‐9 mRNA expression and serum estrogen and progesterone levels in the control group, whereas no correlation was observed for the endometriosis group.ConclusionsModerate to severe endometriosis can significantly reduce GDF‐9 mRNA expression in the granulosa cells of patients with the disease compared with those without, thus causing poor oocyte maturation and lower embryo quality.     

Glucocorticoid treatment decreases sera embryotoxicity in endometriosis patients.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of short-term glucocorticoid administration on embryotoxicity of sera from infertile patients with mild to moderate endometriosis. DESIGN: Prospective longitudinal study. SETTING, PATIENTS: Eight infertile patients with mild to moderate endometriosis and a control group of eight infertile patients with tubal infertility were selected on the basis of laparoscopic examination. INTERVENTIONS: Basal (B) serum collection and day 1 (T1), day 3 (T2), day 6 (T3), and day 12 (T4) serum drawn after a 3-day glucocorticoid treatment in endometriosis patients. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Embryotoxicity of endometriosis sera, before and after glucocorticoid treatment, was investigated using a bioassay performed on two-cell mouse embryos. Interleukin 1 alpha (IL-1 alpha) and antismooth muscle, antimitochondrial, and antinuclear autoantibodies were also tested in these sera. RESULTS: At 50% concentration, endometriosis serum is embryotoxic in comparison with control; 0% versus 61% of the embryos reached the blastocyst stage at 72 hours, respectively (basal versus control, P less than 0.001). However, this embryotoxicity significantly decreases 12 days after glucocorticoid treatment in comparison with untreated sera; 32.4% versus 0% of the embryos reached blastocyst stage at 72 hours, respectively (T4 versus basal, P less than 0.001), although they did not reach nontoxic levels (greater than 50%). Interleukin 1 alpha was undetectable in all samples analyzed. In endometriosis sera, antismooth muscle antibody was detected. CONCLUSIONS: At 50% concentration, serum from infertile patients with minimal to moderate endometriosis appears to be embryotoxic to the in vitro development of two-cell mouse embryos. However, this embryotoxicity significantly decreases 12 days after a 3-day treatment with glucocorticoids.     

Endometriosis is not detrimental to embryo implantation in oocyte recipients

Purpose: Our purpose was to determine the effects of endometriosis on implantation and pregnancy rates in ovum recipients. Methods: The medical records of 239 consecutive oocyte recipient patients who were treated between January 1, 1991, and June 30, 1995, were analyzed retrospectively. Recipients with endometriosis (group I; n=55) were compared to recipients without endometriosis (group II; n=184). Patients in group I had active endometriotic disease confirmed by laparoscopy and were subdivided into mild (Stages I and II; n=18) and moderate to severe (Stages III and IV; n=37) endometriosis. Results: No difference was found in recipient age, endometrial thickness, donor age, and embryos transferred. The pregnancy rates (28 versus 29%) and implantation rates (12 and 13%) were also comparable between group I and group II, as well as between patients with mild and patients with moderate to severe endometriosis. Conclusions: The presence of endometriosis in oocyte recipients does not lower implantation or pregnancy rates. We conclude that the adverse effect of endometriosis on reproductive outcome is not related to implantation but, in fact, is most likely an effect on oocyte or embryo quality. Presented at the 43rd Annual Meeting of the Society for Gynecological Investigations, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, March 21–22, 1996.     

Pregnancy rates after laparoscopic treatment. Differences related to tubal status and presence of endometriosis

OBJECTIVE: To examine how preexisting tubal adhesions and endometriosis affect pregnancy outcome after laparoscopic treatment in infertile women with no apparent causes of infertility other than tubal factors. STUDY DESIGN: Pregnancy outcomes in 186 infertile women for a follow-up period of 18 months after laparoscopy were analyzed. Laparoscopic manipulations consisted of adhesiolysis of tubes and removal of endometriotic lesions. RESULTS: The patients were classified into three groups, those with no tubal adhesions (group A, n = 83), unilateral tubal adhesions (group B, n = 46) and bilateral tubal adhesions with at least one tube patent (group C, n = 57). The cumulative pregnancy rate in group C (13.2%) was lower than in groups A (41.8%) and B (45.7%) 18 months after laparoscopy. The average time to conception in group A (6.7 +/- 0.8 months) tended to be shorter than that in group B (10.6 +/- 1.2 months). In group A, pregnancy rates were essentially the same between minimal/mild endometriosis and moderate/severe endometriosis. Regarding group B, women with minimal/mild endometriosis exhibited significantly higher pregnancy rates than those with moderate/severe endometriosis, while pregnancy rates in women without endometriosis fell in between. CONCLUSION: Pregnancy rates after laparoscopic treatment are different in relation to tubal status and the presence of endometriosis.     

Impact of nafarelin and leuprolide for endometriosis on quality of life and subjective clinical measures

OBJECTIVE: To examine the impact of treating endometriosis with nafarelin or leuprolide acetate depot on patient quality of life (QOL) and subjective clinical measures. STUDY DESIGN: A randomized, multicenter study was conducted on 192 women with endometriosis. Patients received nafarelin or leuprolide for six months and were followed for up to six months after treatment. QOL was defined by seven items, including symptom severity, daily activities, pain medication use and need for bed rest. RESULTS: No significant differences were found at baseline between treatments for patients with mild, moderate or no endometriosis symptoms. Those with severe symptoms of endometriosis at baseline and taking nafarelin had a significantly greater improvement in QOL at the last posttreatment visit than those receiving leuprolide (P < .01). Nafarelin was associated with significantly fewer days with moderate or severe hot flashes than leuprolide during treatment (P < .05) and with significantly fewer moderate or severe hypoestrogenic symptoms overall at three months of treatment (P < .05). Additionally, poorer QOL was significantly associated with hypoestrogenic and endometriosis symptoms. CONCLUSION: Treatment of endometriosis with nafarelin was associated with fewer days of moderate or severe hot flashes as compared to leuprolide and with greater improvement in QOL after treatment in patients with severe symptoms at baseline.     

来曲唑/FSH促排卵中GnRHa与hCG诱发卵泡成熟效果的比较

目的:比较曲普瑞林和hCG在来曲唑(LE)/FSH促排卵行IVF-ET治疗中诱发卵泡成熟的效果。方法:391个IVF-ET治疗周期随机分成促性腺激素激动剂(GnRHa)组(n=267)和hCG组(n=124),所有患者均采用LE/FSH促排卵方案,当主导卵泡平均直径达18～20mm时,GnRHa组患者采用达菲林0.1mg诱导卵泡成熟,hCG组采用hCG10000IU诱导卵泡成熟,比较组间的获卵数、MII卵率、受精率、卵裂率、优胚率、临床妊娠率和中-重度卵巢过度刺激综合症(OHSS)发生率。同时比较两组患者诱导日(d0)、取卵日(d2)、胚胎移植前日(d4)和胚胎移植后第4日(d9)的血清E2、P、LH水平。结果:hCG组Gn使用总量、MII卵率、卵裂率、中-重度OHSS发生率显著高于GnRHa组(P<0.05)。Gn使用天数、获卵数、受精率、种植率、临床妊娠率、流产率组间无统计学差异(P>0.05)。GnRHa组d0LH、d2LH、d9LH水平显著高于hCG组(P<0.05),而d2P、d4E2、d4P、d4LH、d9E2、d9P水平显著低于hCG组(P<0.05)。结论:在LE/FSH促排卵方案中可以用GnRHa替代hCG诱导卵泡成熟,而不影响IVF结局,并显著降低OHSS发生率。GnRHa诱导卵泡成熟的IVF周期其黄体期存在黄体功能不全,需适当补充外源性hCG加强黄体支持。     

Incidence of the luteinized unruptured follicle syndrome in fertile women and in women with endometriosis

One-hundred normal fertile women with normal luteal phase and 118 women with endometriosis underwent luteal phase laparoscopy before day 22. The luteal phase was ascertained by the presence of secretory endometrium and serum progesterone levels higher than 3 ng/ml. The ovaries were carefully inspected for the presence or absence of an ovulation ostium. The percentage of ostii that was observed in fertile women (91%) was similar to that observed in women with mild endometriosis (85%). However, in women with moderate and severe endometriosis, significantly less ostii were noted, respectively 72 and 51%. It is therefore argued that the absence of an ovulation ostium (so-called luteinized unrupted follicle syndrome, LUF) is more frequent in women with moderate and severe endometriosis and may contribute to infertility in this group of women.     

子宫腺肌病/卵巢异位囊肿炎性压力及其与临床特征相关性研究

目的：系统探讨子宫腺肌病/卵巢异位囊肿患者外周血炎性指标变化及其与临床特征的相关性,为子宫腺肌病/卵巢异位囊肿抗炎治疗提供依据。方法：选取来自同济大学附属杨浦医院收治的子宫腺肌病手术患者58例（子宫腺肌病组）、卵巢异位囊肿手术患者37例（卵巢异位囊肿组）,健康女性47例（对照组）,于增生期抽取外周血,检测血清炎性细胞因子和肿瘤相关抗原浓度,分析炎性压力与临床特征的相关性。结果：子宫腺肌病组外周血中性粒细胞（Neu）、Neu%、中性粒细胞与淋巴细胞比值（NLR）、白细胞介素6（IL-6）、IL-8、CA199、CA125高于对照组,差异有统计学意义（均P＜0.05）;子宫腺肌病组外周血血红蛋白（HGB）低于对照组,差异有统计学意义（Z=688.50,P=0.00）。卵巢异位囊肿组外周血Neu、Neu%、NLR、IL-6、IL-8、肿瘤坏死因子-α（TNF-α）、CA199和CA125高于对照组,差异有统计学意义（均P＜0.05）。子宫腺肌病中度痛经组外周血白细胞（WBC）、CA125高于轻度痛经组,差异有统计学意义（均P＜0.05）。子宫腺肌病重度痛经组外周血WBC、Neu、Neu%、NLR、IL-8和IL-6高于中度痛经组,差异有统计学意义（均P＜0.05）。子宫腺肌病重度痛经组外周血WBC、Neu、Neu%、NLR、IL-6、IL-8和CA125高于轻度痛经组,差异有统计学意义（均P＜0.05）。子宫腺肌病中、重度痛经组外周血HGB低于轻度痛经组,差异有统计学意义（均P＜0.05）。子宫腺肌病经量过多组外周血WBC、Neu、Neu%、NLR、IL-6、IL-8和CA125高于正常月经组,差异有统计学意义（均P＜0.05）。卵巢异位囊肿重度痛经组外周血IL-6、IL-8高于轻度、中度痛经组,差异有统计学意义（均P＜0.05）。子宫内膜异位症患者肿瘤指标与外周血炎性指标在统计学上无明显相关性。结论：子宫腺肌病/卵巢异位囊肿处于全身炎症压力状态,并与临床特征相关,为子宫内膜异位症抗炎治疗提供了依据。。     

不同促排卵方案对子宫内膜异位症妊娠结局的影响因素分析

目的:了解不同促排卵方案对行体外受精-胚胎移植( IVF-ET)子宫内膜异位症(EMT)患者妊娠结局的影响.方法:回顾性分析安徽医科大学第一附属医院生殖医学中心2008年1月至2010年3月因EMT行IVF-ET共262周期的临床资料,根据超促排卵方案不同分为超长方案组、短方案组和长方案组,比较3组间年龄、不孕类型、不孕年限、降调前CA125值、基础FSH、LH、E2水平、基础窦卵泡数、Gn启动量、Gn天数、Gn总量、取卵日E2、P、LH水平、子宫内膜厚度、获卵率、优质胚胎率和临床妊娠率,以及超长方案组降调后血清CA125水平与临床妊娠率的关系.结果:①短方案组年龄大于超长方案组和长方案组(P＜0.05),而3组患者不孕类型和不孕年限比较,差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05);②短方案组基础FSH水平、Gn启动量、取卵日LH值均较超长方案组及长方案组高(P＜0.05);短方案组基础窦卵泡数、Gn天数、Gn用量、取卵日子宫内膜厚度及获卵数均少于其他两组(P＜0.05);超长方案组降调前CA125值大于短方案组及长方案组(P＜0.05).③超长方案组降调后CA125值≤10 KU/L的妊娠率(40.91％)与10～20 KU/L和＞20 KU/L水平的妊娠率(18.31％和17.65％)比较,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论:对于轻度EMT患者早期发现、早期选择辅助生殖技术治疗可以有效增加临床妊娠率,中重度患者采用超长方案同时检测血清CA125水平,对判断妊娠结局有辅助指导意义.     

Endocrine relationships of thymosin-alpha 1, thymosin-beta 4, and luteinizing hormone throughout the prepubertal period of development in heifers, ovariectomized heifers and ovariectomized heifers with estradiol implants

To monitor the relationships of luteinizing hormone (LH) and thymosin-alpha 1 and -beta 4 in conjunction with possible gonadal feedback mechanisms that could alter thymic function (thymosin secretion), circulating thymosin-alpha 1 and -beta 4 and LH concentrations of control heifers (n = 6), ovariectomized heifers (n = 5) and ovariectomized heifers implanted with estradiol (n = 5) were determined during the prepubertal period (initiated at 266 days of age). Sequential blood samples were collected at 12-min intervals for 8 h before ovariectomy on day 0 and on days 8, 36, 50, 64, 78, 92, 106, 120 and 134 of the experiment. Thymosin-beta 4 concentrations were not different between treatments. Thymosin-beta 4 concentrations gradually decreased until day 92 of the study, then increased two-fold by day 134 of experimental sampling (400 days of age) when all control animals had attained puberty. Concentrations of thymosin-alpha 1 changed little as animals matured, but peak amplitude did increase over time (0.287 ng/ml at day 0 to 0.403 ng/ml at day 120; P less than 0.05). Mean concentration, number of episodic peaks and peak amplitude of thymosin-alpha 1 was increased in ovariectomized heifers in comparison to ovariectomized plus estradiol implants (P less than 0.05). Prior to cyclic ovarian function (prepuberty), changes in circulating thymosin-beta 4 concentrations seem to be independent of effects of gonadal steroids but thymosin-alpha 1 was responsive to estradiol.     

Physiopathological aspects of corpus luteum defect in infertile patients with mild/minimal endometriosis

Purpose: We describe a physiopathological model to the luteal insufficiency of infertile patients with mild/minimal endometriosis with normal hormone measurements in the early follicular phase. Methods: We designed a case-control study with 24 patients, 14 fertile with in-phase endometrium (control group) and 10 infertile with mild/minimal endometriosis and luteal insufficiency (study group). The histologic dating of endometrium was performed during cycle days 23–25 and serum TSH, FSH, LH, prolactin, and estradiol levels were measured during the early follicular phase (cycle day 3). Progesterone serum levels were measured in three different occasions during the luteal phase. Results: Patients with out-of-phase endometrium have lower estradiol levels (P = 0.031) and decreased progesterone secretion (P = 0.012) during the late luteal phase. Serum prolactin, TSH, FSH, and LH levels were similar between the groups (P > 0.05). Conclusions: The physiopathology of luteal phase defect in infertile patients with mild/minimal endometriosis is associated with a small and large luteal cells dysfunction, characterized by abnormal follicular phase (lower estradiol serum levels) and lower progesterone LH-dependent secretion.     

Gonadotropin pulsatility in a stimulated cycle: clomiphene citrate increases pulse amplitudes of both luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone

OBJECTIVE: To elucidate gonadotropin secretory patterns during ovarian hyperstimulation for in vitro fertilization. DESIGN: All volunteers who attended the unit during a period of 3 months were prospectively investigated. SETTING: Infertility unit of the University Central Hospital of Oulu. PARTICIPANTS: Normally menstruating tubal infertility patients (n = 8) and healthy women with ovulatory cycles (hospital personnel, n = 11). All patients finished the study. INTERVENTIONS: Clomiphene citrate (CC), 50 mg, was administered on cycle days 5 to 9 and 300 IU of pure follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) on cycle day 7 and 150 IU on cycle day 8. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Serum samples for luteinizing hormone (LH) and FSH measurements were collected at 10-minute intervals for 6 hours on cycle day 7 (effect of CC) and day 9 (effect of CC/FSH), and the data were analyzed with the Munro computer program. RESULTS: The number of LH peaks was identical in the controls and study subjects on cycle days 7 and 9, whereas the pulse amplitude (P less than 0.025) and the pulse area (P less than 0.01) were higher in the CC/FSH-treated patients. The increase in overall mean LH level during the hormone therapy was not significant. In the CC/FSH-treated women, a decreased number of FSH pulses (P less than 0.01) with increased amplitude (P less than 0.001) and pulse area (P less than 0.01) was found. Clomiphene citrate treatment increased the mean FSH level (control versus cycle day 7, P less than 0.05) which was further increased (cycle day 7 versus cycle day 9, P less than 0.05) by FSH administration on cycle days 7 to 8. Otherwise pure FSH was found to be unable to modify endogenous LH or FSH secretory patterns under these conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Clomiphene citrate increases the amplitudes of both LH and FSH pulses in the midfollicular phase of a stimulated cycle, an effect which is not influenced by pure FSH administration.     

Peritoneal fluid volume, 17beta-estradiol and progesterone concentrations in women with endometriosis and/or luteinized unruptured follicle syndrome

Data on the presence of an ovulation ostium and the volume and the concentrations of estradiol (17 beta-estradiol) and progesterone In women with endometriosis (n = 80) and women with luteinized unruptured follicle (LUF) syndrome (n = 32) are reported and compared with data obtained from normal ovulatory women, previously reported. in women with endometriosis, less ovulation ostia were observed, the difference being significant in moderate and severe endometriosis. During the luteal phase, no statistical difference was found in the amount of peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis. Estradiol and progesterone levels in the peritoneal fluid of normal women and women with mild endometriosis were not significantly different. Lower steroid concentrations found in peritoneal fluid of women with moderate (phase days 20-22) and severe endometriosis (phase days 14-19 and 20-22) may explain the high incidence of infertility reported in these women (peritoneal steroids deficiency). During the phases days 14-19 and 20-22, very low peritoneal steroid concentrations were found in women with LUF syndrome. It is suggested that progesterone assay in peritoneal fluid is an aid to diagnose the luteinized unruptured syndrome.     

Danazol and medroxyprogesterone acetate inefficacious in the treatment of infertility in endometriosis

Danazol (200 mg three times a day) and medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA, 100 mg a day) were compared with placebo in the treatment of infertility of patients with endometriosis. Twenty-seven patients had medical therapy alone for 6 months, and 22 patients received it after conservative surgery. The clinical characteristics of the patients in the danazol group (n = 18), the MPA group (n = 17), and the placebo group (n = 14) were comparable to each other. The follow-up time was 30 months. The cumulative pregnancy rates, 33% in the danazol group (n = 6), 42% in the MPA group (n = 7), and 46% in the placebo group (n = 6), did not differ significantly from each other. The time to pregnancy after the start of therapy was 17.7 +/- 8.4 (standard deviation [SD]) months in the danazol group, 18.0 +/- 9.0 months in the MPA group and 10.0 +/- 5.8 months in the placebo group with no significant difference between the groups. The abortion rate was 26%, and there was no significant difference among the groups. Cox multivariant analysis did reveal ovarian endometriosis a prognostically significant negative indicator as regards fecundation in endometriosis (P less than 0.05). In summary, correction of infertility alone does not appear to be an indication for the use of danazol or MPA in the treatment of endometriosis, and ovarian endometriotic lesions but not peritoneal ones do make a worse prognosis as regards fecundation in endometriosis.     

The effect of intermittent umbilical cord occlusion on elastin composition in the ovine fetus

This study aimed to determine the effect of varying degrees of intermittent umbilical cord occlusion (UCO) on arterial elastin composition. Over 4 days, chronically catheterized late gestation fetal sheep received 5 total UCO per day lasting 1 min/h (mild group: n = 6), 2 min/h (moderate group: n = 4), 3 min/h (severe group; n = 6); or no occlusion (control group: n = 7). Each group was evaluated for elastin content of the carotid and superior mesenteric artery (SMA), the arterial pressure response to UCO, and plasma cortisol concentration. Elastin content of the carotid artery was significantly increased by severe UCO (9.5 μg/mg versus 6.4 μg/mg; P < .05) and insignificantly increased in mild and moderate groups, whereas UCO had no effect on elastin content of the SMA. This dose- and site-dependent response of the vasculature appears attributable to the hemodynamic changes that accompany UCO.     

Elevated peritoneal fluid luteinizing hormone and prolactin concentrations in infertile women with endometriosis

In this study, we compared (Mann-Whitney U-test) the peritoneal fluid FSH, LH and PRL levels, measured by RIA, at the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle in women with (n = 43; age 25-44 years) and with no evidence of endometriosis (n = 35; age 25-39 years) who were considered as controls. Both follicular and luteal phase FSH concentrations of women with endometriosis were not statistically different (n = 22 vs 18; 0.32-5.8 vs 0.50-8.2 IU/l, P = 0.247; n = 13 vs 14; 0.6-6.5 vs 0.66-6.7 IU/l, P = 0.604) compared to their respective controls. In contrast to FSH, the concentrations of LH at follicular (n = 19 vs 17; 3.1-34.2 vs 2.3-12.2 IU/l, P = 0.01) and luteal (n = 17 vs 15; 2.1-95.4 vs 1.3-17.9 IU/l, P = 0.02) phases of the test group was significantly elevated at both phases of the cycle. With respect to differences in PRL concentrations at follicular phase no significant change (n = 21 vs 16; 1030-5800 vs 1305-4650 mIU/l; P = 0.255) was observed. The greatest difference in luteal PRL concentrations (P = 0.007) was obtained between the women with endometriosis and controls (n = 17 vs 17; 1895-8600 vs 1041-5000 mIU/l). The results suggest that disordered synchronization of neuroendocrine mechanisms controlling LH and PRL may be the underlying abnormality causing infertility in our group of patients with endometriosis.