The feasibility of a less invasive method to assess endometrial maturation—comparison of simultaneously obtained uterine secretion and tissue biopsy |
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Authors: | MH van der Gaast NS Macklon K Beier-Hellwig CA Krusche BCJM Fauser HM Beier I Classen-Linke |
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Affiliation: | Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Division of Reproductive Medicine, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands;Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Reinier de Graaf Hospital, Delft, the Netherlands;Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecology, University Medical Centre, Utrecht, the Netherlands;Department of Anatomy and Reproductive Biology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany |
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Abstract: | Objective To compare the assessment of endometrial maturation parameters in endometrial secretion samples obtained by a novel minimally invasive technique with those assessed in tissue biopsies. Design Prospective study. Setting University Hospital. Population Healthy female volunteers attending a gynaecological outpatient clinic. Methods Endometrial secretion fluid and tissue sampling 5 days after a spontaneous ovulation assessed with ultrasound. Main outcome measures Progesterone (P) receptor, Ki-67 expression and the Noyes criteria were used to date endometrial biopsies. In the endometrial fluid samples, glycodelin A (GdA), leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and P levels were analysed, and protein content and electrophoresis patterns were determined. Results All data were correlated to estradiol (E2) and P serum concentrations. The dating according to histology and immunohistochemical staining patterns correlated significantly with GdA levels ( r = 0.376, P = 0.048) in endometrial fluid samples as well with serum levels of E2 ( r = 0.568, P = 0.001) and P ( r = 0.408, P = 0.023). No correlation was observed between tissue dating and LIF levels and protein content in endometrial fluid samples. Conclusions The measurement of GdA in endometrial secretion samples may provide a less invasive method for assessing endometrial maturation in potential conception cycles without disrupting implantation. |
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Keywords: | Biopsy endometrial glycodelin A leukaemia inhibitory factor maturation uterine secretion |
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