Where histology used the presence of glands and/or stroma in the myometrium as pathognomonic for adenomyosis, imaging uses the appearance of the myometrium, the presence of striations, related to the ...presence of endometrial tissue within the myometrium, the presence of intramyometrial cystic structures and the size and asymmetry of the uterus to identify adenomyosis. Preliminary reports show a good correlation between the features detected by imaging and the histological findings. Symptoms associated with adenomyosis are abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic pain (dysmenorrhea, chronic pelvic pain, dyspareunia), and impaired reproduction. However a high incidence of existing comorbidity like fibroids and endometriosis makes it difficult to attribute a specific pathognomonic symptom to adenomyosis. Heterogeneity in the reported pregnancy rates after assisted reproduction is due to the use of different ovarian stimulation protocols and absence of a correct description of the adenomyotic pathology. Current efforts to classify the disease contributed a lot in elucidated the potential characteristics that a classification system should be relied on. The need for a comprehensive, user friendly, and clear categorization of adenomyosis including the pattern, location, histological variants, and the myometrial zone seems to be an urgent need. With the uterus as a possible unifying link between adenomyosis and endometriosis, exploration of the uterus should not only be restricted to the hysteroscopic exploration of the uterine cavity but in a fusion with ultrasound.
To review systematically the literature on uterus-sparing surgical treatment options for adenomyosis.
Systematic literature review.
Tertiary academic center.
Women with histologically proven ...adenomyosis treated with uterus-sparing surgical techniques.
Conservative uterine-sparing surgery for adenomyosis classified as (1) complete excision of adenomyosis, (2) cytoreductive surgery or incomplete removal of the lesion, or (3) nonexcisional techniques, with studies selected if women with adenomyosis were treated surgically without performing hysterectomy.
The cure rate after interventional strategies, the rate of symptom (dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia) control, and pregnancy rate in each group of intervention.
A quality assessment tool was used to assess the scientific value of each study. In total, 64 studies dealing with 1,049 patients were identified. After complete excision, the dysmenorrhea reduction, menorrhagia control, and pregnancy rate were 82.0%, 68.8%, and 60.5%, respectively. After partial excision, the dysmenorrhea reduction, menorrhagia control, and pregnancy rate were 81.8%, 50.0%, and 46.9%, respectively.
Uterine-sparing operative treatment of adenomyosis and its variants appear to be feasible and efficacious. Well-designed, comparative studies are urgently needed to answer the multiple questions arising from this intriguing intervention.
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Genomic imprinting is an epigenetic gene regulatory mechanism; disruption of this process during early embryonic development can have major consequences on both fetal and ...placental development. The periconceptional period and intrauterine life are crucial for determining long-term susceptibility to diseases. Treatments and procedures in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and adverse in-utero environments may modify the methylation levels of genomic imprinting regions, including insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2)/H19, mesoderm-specific transcript (MEST), and paternally expressed gene 10 (PEG10), affecting the development of the fetus. ART, maternal psychological stress, and gestational exposures to chemicals are common stressors suspected to alter global epigenetic patterns including imprinted genes.
OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE
Our objective is to highlight the effect of conception mode and maternal psychological stress on fetal development. Specifically, we monitor fetal programming, regulation of imprinted genes, fetal growth, and long-term disease risk, using the imprinted genes IGF2/H19, MEST, and PEG10 as examples. The possible role of environmental chemicals in genomic imprinting is also discussed.
SEARCH METHODS
A PubMed search of articles published mostly from 2005 to 2019 was conducted using search terms IGF2/H19, MEST, PEG10, imprinted genes, DNA methylation, gene expression, and imprinting disorders (IDs). Studies focusing on maternal prenatal stress, psychological well-being, environmental chemicals, ART, and placental/fetal development were evaluated and included in this review.
OUTCOMES
IGF2/H19, MEST, and PEG10 imprinted genes have a broad developmental effect on fetal growth and birth weight variation. Their disruption is linked to pregnancy complications, metabolic disorders, cognitive impairment, and cancer. Adverse early environment has a major impact on the developing fetus, affecting mostly growth, the structure, and subsequent function of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis and neurodevelopment. Extensive evidence suggests that the gestational environment has an impact on epigenetic patterns including imprinting, which can lead to adverse long-term outcomes in the offspring. Environmental stressors such as maternal prenatal psychological stress have been found to associate with altered DNA methylation patterns in placenta and to affect fetal development. Studies conducted during the past decades have suggested that ART pregnancies are at a higher risk for a number of complications such as birth defects and IDs. ART procedures involve multiple steps that are conducted during critical windows for imprinting establishment and maintenance, necessitating long-term evaluation of children conceived through ART. Exposure to environmental chemicals can affect placental imprinting and fetal growth both in humans and in experimental animals. Therefore, their role in imprinting should be better elucidated, considering the ubiquitous exposure to these chemicals.
WIDER IMPLICATIONS
Dysregulation of imprinted genes is a plausible mechanism linking stressors such as maternal psychological stress, conception using ART, and chemical exposures with fetal growth. It is expected that a greater understanding of the role of imprinted genes and their regulation in fetal development will provide insights for clinical prevention and management of growth and IDs. In a broader context, evidence connecting impaired imprinted gene function to common diseases such as cancer is increasing. This implies early regulation of imprinting may enable control of long-term human health, reducing the burden of disease in the population in years to come.
Current proposals for classifying female genital anomalies seem to be associated with limitations in effective categorization, creating the need for a new classification system that is as simple as ...possible, clear and accurate in its definitions, comprehensive, and correlated with patients' clinical presentation, prognosis, and treatment on an evidence-based foundation. Although creating a new classification system is not an easy task, it is feasible when taking into account the experience gained from applying the existing classification systems, mainly that of the American Fertility Society.
Infertility and uterine fibroids Zepiridis, Leonidas I., MD, PhD; Grimbizis, Grigoris F., MD, PhD; Tarlatzis, Basil C., MD, PhD
Best practice & research. Clinical obstetrics & gynaecology,
07/2016, Volume:
34
Journal Article
Peer reviewed
Uterine fibroids are the most common tumors in women and their prevalence is higher in patients with infertility. At present, they are classified according to their anatomical location, as no ...classification system includes additional parameters such as their size or number. There is a general agreement that submucosal fibroids negatively affect fertility, when compared to women without fibroids. Intramural fibroids above a certain size (>4 cm), even without cavity distortion, may also negatively influence fertility. However, the presence of subserosal myomas has little or no effect on fertility. Many possible theories have been proposed to explain how fibroids impair fertility: mechanisms involving alteration of local anatomical location, others involving functional changes of the myometrium and endometrium, and finally endocrine and paracrine molecular mechanisms. Nevertheless, any of the above mentioned mechanisms can cause reduced reproductive potential, thereby leading to impaired gamete transport, reduced ability for embryo implantation, and creation of a hostile environment. The published experience defines the best practice strategy, as not many large, well-designed, and properly powered studies are available. Myomectomy appears to have an effect in fertility improvement in certain cases. Excision of submucosal myomas seems to restore fertility with pregnancy rates after surgery similar to normal controls. Removal of intramural myomas affecting pregnancy outcome seems to be associated with higher pregnancy rates when compared to non-operated controls, although evidence is still nοt sufficient. Treatment of subserosal myomas of reasonable size is not necessary for fertility reasons. The results of endoscopic and open myomectomy are similar; thus, endoscopic treatment is the recommended approach due to its advantages in patient's postoperative course.
Abstract The clinical implications of congenital uterine anomalies (CUA), and the benefits of hysteroscopic resection of a uterine septum, were evaluated. Studies comparing reproductive and obstetric ...outcome of patients with and without CUA and of patients who had and had not undergone hysteroscopic resection of a uterine septum, were evaluated. Meta-analysis of studies indicated that the pregnancy rate was decreased in women with CUA (RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.73 to 1.00; marginally significant finding, P = 0.05). The spontaneous abortion rate was increased in women with CUA (RR 1.68, 95% CI 1.31 to 2.15). Preterm delivery rates (RR 2.21, 95% CI 1.59 to 3.08), malpresentation at delivery (RR 4.75, 95% CI 3.29 to 6.84), low birth weight (RR 1.93, 95% CI 1.50 to 2.49) and perinatal mortality rates (RR 2.43, 95% CI 1.34 to 4.42) were significantly higher in women with CUA. Hysteroscopic removal of a septum was associated with a reduced probability of spontaneous abortion (RR 0.37, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.55) compared with untreated women. Presence of CUA might be associated with a detrimental effect on the probability of pregnancy achievement, spontaneous abortion and obstetric outcome. Hysteroscopic removal of a septum may reduce the probability of a spontaneous abortion.
STUDY QUESTION
What classification system is more suitable for the accurate, clear, simple and related to the clinical management categorization of female genital anomalies?
SUMMARY ANSWER
The new ...ESHRE/ESGE classification system of female genital anomalies is presented.
WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY
Congenital malformations of the female genital tract are common miscellaneous deviations from normal anatomy with health and reproductive consequences. Until now, three systems have been proposed for their categorization but all of them are associated with serious limitations.
STUDY DESIGN, SIZE AND DURATION
The European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) and the European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (ESGE) have established a common Working Group, under the name CONUTA (CONgenital UTerine Anomalies), with the goal of developing a new updated classification system. A scientific committee (SC) has been appointed to run the project, looking also for consensus within the scientists working in the field.
PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS
The new system is designed and developed based on (i) scientific research through critical review of current proposals and preparation of an initial proposal for discussion between the experts, (ii) consensus measurement among the experts through the use of the DELPHI procedure and (iii) consensus development by the SC, taking into account the results of the DELPHI procedure and the comments of the experts. Almost 90 participants took part in the process of development of the ESHRE/ESGE classification system, contributing with their structured answers and comments.
MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE
The ESHRE/ESGE classification system is based on anatomy. Anomalies are classified into the following main classes, expressing uterine anatomical deviations deriving from the same embryological origin: U0, normal uterus; U1, dysmorphic uterus; U2, septate uterus; U3, bicorporeal uterus; U4, hemi-uterus; U5, aplastic uterus; U6, for still unclassified cases. Main classes have been divided into sub-classes expressing anatomical varieties with clinical significance. Cervical and vaginal anomalies are classified independently into sub-classes having clinical significance.
LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION
The ESHRE/ESGE classification of female genital anomalies seems to fulfill the expectations and the needs of the experts in the field, but its clinical value needs to be proved in everyday practice.
WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS
The ESHRE/ESGE classification system of female genital anomalies could be used as a starting point for the development of guidelines for their diagnosis and treatment.
STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)
None.
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