Comparison of the influence of three fibroid treatment options: supracervical hysterectomy, ulipristal acetate and uterine artery embolization on ovarian reserve - an observational study

Hysterectomy-a possible risk factor for operative intervention in female patients for degenerative lumbar spine conditions: a case control and cohort study

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Researchers have recently linked hysterectomy, which alters sex hormone levels, to diseases like osteoporosis, lumbar spondylolisthesis, hypertension and diabetes etc. However, the association between hysterectomy and lumbar disc herniation (LDH)/lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) remains unclarified.

PURPOSE

To determine whether there is a correlation between hysterectomy and surgical intervention for LDH/LSS in women, further substantiated through imaging and clinical research.

STUDY DESIGN

A case control and cohort study.

PATIENT SAMPLE

The study group comprised 1202 female patients aged 45 and older who had undergone operative treatment due to LDH/LSS (825 for LDH and 377 for LSS), and the comparison group comprised 1168 females without lumbar diseases who visited health examination clinic during the same period. One hundred and 2 hysterectomized patients were further selected (Hysterectomy cohort) and matched approximately with the control cohort at a 1:2 ratio from the study group with a minimum follow-up of 2 years.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the association between hysterectomy and surgical intervention for LDH/LSS in women after adjusted by confounding factors. Patients from both the hysterectomy and control cohorts underwent a comprehensive assessment. This assessment included the evaluation of several parameters: the functional cross-sectional area, fat infiltration rate, relative functional cross-sectional area of the lumbar paravertebral muscles, facet joint degeneration grade, cartilage endplate damage, Modic changes for the L3/4-L5/S1 segments, Pfirrmann grade of lumbar disc degeneration, and disc height index for the L1/2-L5/S1 segments. Additionally, the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores were recorded preoperatively and at the last follow-up.

METHODS

Associations between hysterectomy and patients treated surgically for LDH or LSS were analyzed using multivariate binomial logistic regression analysis. Lumbar X-ray, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were used to evaluate the imaging variables. Imaging and clinical variables were compared.

RESULTS

Hysterectomized women were associated with requiring surgery due to LDH/LSS, with ORs of 2.613 (p<.001) and 2.084 (p=.006), respectively. The imaging evaluation further revealed that the hysterectomy cohort had more severe degeneration of the paraspinal muscles, facet joints, endplates, and intervertebral discs, Modic changes at L3/4-L5/S1 segments, and intervertebral height reduction at L1/2-L5/S1 segments when compared to the control cohort (p<.01). Compared to the control cohort, the hysterectomy cohort exhibited higher preoperative and last follow-up VAS scores for low back pain, and last follow-up JOA scores (p<.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the findings of this study, it seems that women who have had a hysterectomy are correlated with requiring surgical intervention due to LDH/LSS. Imaging and clinical studies also indicate that hysterectomized patients exhibited more severe lumbar degeneration and back pain.

Impact of ultrasound-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound for the treatment of uterine fibroids on ovarian reserve and quality of life: a single-center prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

We aimed to evaluate changes in ovarian reserve and quality of life in women treated with ultrasound-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (USgHIFU) for uterine fibroids.

METHODS

In this single-center prospective study, a total of 69 patients with uterine fibroids treated with USgHIFU from October 2018 to November 2021 were enrolled. Fibroid volume, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels, uterine fibroid symptom scores, and uterine fibroid symptoms and quality of life (UFS-QOL) questionnaire scores before and 1, 3, and 6 months after USgHIFU treatment were analyzed. Correlations between AMH levels and age, fibroid type, and fibroid location were assessed.

RESULTS

Data from 54 of the 69 patients included in the present study were analyzed. The UFS-QOL scores at baseline and at 1 month and 6 months after USgHIFU treatment were 70 (50.75-87.50), 57 (44.75-80.00), and 52 (40.75-69.00) points, respectively (p < 0.001). The rate of fibroid volume reduction increased significantly at the 3-month follow-up compared with the 1-month follow-up (p < 0.001), and no significant change was observed between the 3-month and 6-month follow-ups (p > 0.99). The median AMH levels before and at 1, 3 and 6 months after treatment were 1.22 (0.16-3.28) ng/ml, 1.12 (0.18-2.52) ng/ml, 1.15 (0.19-2.08) ng/ml and 1.18 (0.36-2.43) ng/ml, respectively (p = 0.2). Multivariate linear regression analyses revealed that age was independently associated with AMH levels.

CONCLUSIONS

USgHIFU treatment for uterine fibroids can significantly improve quality of life with minimal adverse effects on ovarian function.

Uterine artery embolization versus hysterectomy for uterine myoma: a meta-analysis of postoperative ovarian function

Introduction

Uterine artery embolization (UAE) and hysterectomy are often used to treat uterine myoma. Nevertheless, the impact of these two treatments on postoperative ovarian function remains uncertain.

Aim

To compare the postoperative ovarian function in individuals with uterine myoma who had UAE against hysterectomy.

Material and methods

Searches were conducted in the Wanfang, Web of Science, and PubMed databases to find qualifying studies. The data were combined and analyzed.

Results

Seven publications were included in this meta-analysis. Uterus and uterine myoma volume were dramatically decreased by UAE (p < 0.00001 for both). The combined preoperative levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estradiol (E2) were similar in both groups. Three months postoperatively, the combined FSH (p = 0.28) and LH (p = 0.64) levels were similar in both groups, while the combined E2 level was notably higher in the UAE group compared to the hysterectomy group (p < 0.00001). Six months postoperatively, the combined postoperative FSH and LH levels were considerably lower in the UAE group compared to the hysterectomy group (p = 0.002 for both). However, the combined E2 levels were similar between the two groups (p = 0.07). Also, 12 months after surgery, the combined postoperative FSH and LH levels were remarkably lower in the UAE group compared to the hysterectomy group (p = 0.02 and p < 0.00001, respectively). However, the combined E2 levels were similar in both groups (p = 0.15).

Conclusions

UAE may provide superior preservation of postoperative ovarian function compared to hysterectomy in individuals with uterine myoma.

Long-term Efficacy of Fibroid Devascularization with Ultrasound-Guided High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) has been increasingly used for treatment of uterine leiomyoma. The superiority of HIFU therapy targeting uterine leiomyoma blood vessels, however, still needs to be further explored. This study aims to evaluate the long-term efficacy of fibroid devascularization with ultrasound-guided HIFU (USgHIFU) and the effects of treatment on the ovarian reserve and endometrial injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fibroid devascularization was assessed with the Adler grade obtained by color Doppler flow imaging and power Doppler imaging (PDI). The targeted vessels were covered and then sonicated by HIFU focal spots. The patients were followed up at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years and 3 years after treatment. Adverse effects and complications were recorded. The non-perfusion volume rate (NPVR), fibroid volume shrinkage rate (FVSR), Adler Grade, symptom severity score (SSS) and uterine fibroid symptom and quality of life (UFS-QOL) were evaluated. Adverse events (AEs) were recorded. In Center 1, the enrolled patients completed the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) test before and at 6 months after treatment.

RESULTS

A total of 117 eligible patients were consecutively enrolled to receive interventions and follow-up evaluations of the three centers from January 2019 to May 2023. The 1-month and 6-month NPVRs were 66.60% ± 33.14% and 51.12% ± 39.84%, respectively. The mean FVSRs at 1 month and 6 months after treatment were 38.20% and 43.89%, respectively. No significant difference was observed in AMH levels before and after treatment (p > 0.05). No irreversible endometrial injury was observed in MR images after HIFU treatment. No significant difference was observed in both 1-month and 6-month FVSRs among Center 1, 2 and 3 (p > 0.05). No severe AEs occurred. For long-term outcomes, significant differences were observed in Adler grade, FV, FVSR, SSS, reduction in SSS and UFS-QOL before and after treatment (p < 0.001) whereas no significant difference was observed in Adler grade among 3 months, 1 year, 2 years and 3 years after treatment (p > 0.05). The SSSs were reduced by 33.42% at 1 year, 42.32% at 2 years and 52.46% at 3 years after treatment.

CONCLUSION

For patients with uterine fibroids, USgHIFU-induced devascularization is a safe and effective treatment option. It has little effect on ovarian function and the endometrial injury is reversible, which could be attractive for patients who plan to become pregnant.

Advances in Treating Cesarean Scar Pregnancy: A Comprehensive Review of Techniques, Clinical Outcomes, and Fertility Preservation

Cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) is a rare but potentially dangerous condition that occurs when an embryo implants and develops within the scar tissue from a previous cesarean section. Treatment of cesarean scar pregnancy depends on several factors, including the gestational age of the pregnancy, the presence of complications, and the individual patient's circumstances. We performed a systematic review of the published literature on management of cesarean scar pregnancy and the outcomes, complications, and effects on fertility. A systematic review of recent scientific literature published up to April 2023 in the databases PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. We used the search keywords "cesarean scar pregnancy," "methotrexate," "systemic," "chemoembolization," and "uterine artery embolization." The baseline search resulted in 413 articles. After the exclusion of 342 irrelevant articles, the abstracts and titles of the remaining 71 articles were read for potential inclusion, resulting in exclusion of a further 16 articles. Therefore, the full texts of 55 articles were investigated. Finally, 42 papers were included in the study. The main finding was that chemoembolization is more successful than systemic methotrexate therapy, and is associated with less blood loss and shorter hospital stay. Transarterial chemoembolization appears to be safe and effective method of treatment in patients with CSP and should thus be considered during multidisciplinary evaluation of these patients.

Prophylactic Use of Uterine Artery Embolization to Decrease Bleeding in Laparoscopic Myomectomy: A Case Report

Uterine fibroids, or leiomyomas, are the most frequent benign tumors affecting the female reproductive system, particularly during the reproductive years. The case report that follows presents the diagnosis and treatment of uterine fibroids in a female patient. The 33-year-old female patient in this instance arrived at the tertiary rural hospital with an abnormally large, bloated belly. Upon examination and imaging, it was discovered that the patient had multiple fibroids growing inside her uterus. Here, we present a successful management of uterine leiomyoma with laparoscopic myomectomy where we performed uterine artery embolization before surgical management in order to minimize blood loss during surgery. The case highlights the significance of collaboration between gynecologists, surgeons, and interventional radiologists. Thanks to their combined expertise, the patient was given a variety of treatment options, such as minimally invasive treatments, surgical interventions, and medication therapy. Decision considerations included the consequences of fibroids and the patient's age and desire to preserve fertility. The effect of fibroids on her life expectancy is taken into account. This case emphasizes how important it is to embolize the uterine arteries before having a myomectomy to cure large uterine leiomyomas successfully.

Effectiveness and safety of prophylactic abdominal aortic balloon occlusion for patients with type III caesarean scar pregnancy: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Caesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) is a special type of ectopic pregnancy with a high risk of massive haemorrhage. Few studies have focused on the efficacy of prophylactic abdominal aortic balloon occlusion as a minimally invasive method in caesarean section. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of prophylactic abdominal aortic balloon occlusion for patients with type III CSP.

METHODS

This was a prospective cohort study. Patients with type III CSP in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2020 to June 2022 were enrolled. Eligible patients received prophylactic abdominal aortic balloon occlusion (defined as the AABO group) or uterine artery embolization (defined as the UAE group) before laparoscopic surgery. Clinical outcomes included intraoperative blood loss, body surface radiation dose, hospitalization expenses, and time to serum β-hCG normalization, and safety were also assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 68 patients met the criteria for the study, of whom 34 patients were in the AABO group and 34 patients were in the UAE group. The median intraoperative blood loss in the AABO and UAE groups was 17.5 (interquartile ranges [IQR]: 10, 45) and 10 (IQR: 6.25, 20) mL, respectively (P = 0.264). The body surface radiation dose of the AABO group was much lower than that of the UAE group (5.22 ± 0.44 vs. 1441.85 ± 11.59 mGy, P < 0.001). The AABO group also had lower hospitalization expenses than the UAE group (2.42 ± 0.51 vs. 3.42 ± 0.85 *10^5 yuan, P < 0.001). The average time to serum β-hCG normalization in the AABO group was 28.9 ± 3.21 d, which was similar to that in the UAE group (30.3 ± 3.72 d, P = 0.099). In addition, the incidence of adverse events in the AABO group was lower than that in the UAE group (5.9% vs. 58.8%, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Prophylactic AABO was equally as effective as UAE in patients with type III CSP but was safer than UAE during and after the operation.

Contemporary approaches in the management of uterine leiomyomas

BACKGROUND

Leiomyomas (fibroids), the most common benign solid tumours in females, originate from the myometrium and are associated with poor quality of life for patients. The current management of uterine leiomyomas mainly includes surgical interventions such as hysterectomy and myomectomy, either by laparoscopy or laparotomy, which have several complications and are not ideal for preserving fertility. Therefore, there is a need to develop or repurpose medical treatments that do not require surgical intervention.

OBJECTIVE

Many drugs are used to treat the symptoms associated with uterine fibroids. The main objective of this systematic review is to give an up-to-date account of potential pharmacological agents (non-surgical methods) for the management of uterine leiomyomas.

SEARCH STRATEGY

PubMed was searched for scientific and clinical literature using the keyword 'uterine fibroids' along with the drug names described in each section. For example, 'uterine fibroids' and 'ulipristal acetate' were the keywords used to search for literature on ulipristal acetate (UPA).

RESULTS

Various preclinical and clinical studies have shown that some drugs and herbal formulations exhibit activity in the management of uterine leiomyomas. Recent studies found that drugs such as UPA, elagolix, EC313, asoprisnol, nutritional supplements and herbal preparations were helpful in treating the symptoms associated with uterine leiomyomas.

CONCLUSION

Many drugs show efficacy in patients with symptomatic uterine fibroids. UPA is one of the most studied and prescribed medicines for uterine fibroids; however, its usage has been restricted due to a few recent incidences of hepatic toxicity. Herbal drugs and natural supplements have also shown promising effects on uterine fibroids. The synergistic effects of nutritional and herbal supplements have been reported in certain cases, and should be studied in detail. Further research is warranted to identify the mode of action of the drugs, and to determine the precise conditions that would explain the causes of toxicity in some patients.

Efficacy and Safety of High-intensity Focused Ultrasound Compared with Uterine Artery Embolization in Cesarean Section Pregnancy: A Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the efficacy and safety of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) compared with uterine artery embolization (UAE) in cesarean section pregnancy (CSP) and to calculate the success rate of HIFU.

DATA SOURCES

We searched PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase on September 30, 2022, and the related studies were independently reviewed by 2 researchers.

METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION

Medical subject headings and relevant terms from other articles were used for the database search. Patients with CSP who underwent HIFU were included in this analysis. The following results were recorded: success rate, intraoperative blood loss, time for serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-HCG) normalization and menstruation recovery, adverse events, hospitalization time, and hospitalization expenses. We used the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale scoring system and the methodological index for nonrandomized studies system to evaluate the quality of the studies.

TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS

Data from 6 studies were used to compare the efficacy and safety of UAE and HIFU. We pooled the success rate of HIFU by including 10 studies. No data overlap between the 10 studies. Success rate was higher in the HIFU group (odds ratio [OR] = 1.90; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06-3.41; p = .03; I2 = 0). We performed the meta-analysis of single rate in R 4.2.0 software, and the success rate of HIFU group was 0.94 (95% CI 0.92-0.96; p = .04; I2 = 48%). Intraoperative blood loss (mean difference [MD]= -21.94 mL; 95% CI -67.34 to 23.47; p = .34; I2 = 99%) and time for serum beta-HCG normalization (MD = 3.13 days; 95% CI 0.02-6.25; p = .05; I2 = 70%) were not significantly different. Time to menstruation recovery (MD = 2.72 days; 95% CI 1.32-4.12; p = .0001; I2 = 0) in the UAE group was shorter than that in the HIFU group. Adverse events were not significantly different between the 2 groups (OR = 0.53; 95% CI 0.22-1.29; p = .16; I2 = 81%). Hospitalization time was not significantly different between the HIFU and UAE groups (MD = -0.41 days; 95% CI -1.14 to 0.31; p = .26; I2 = 55%). Hospitalization expenses of the HIFU group were lower than those of the UAE group (MD = -7488.49 yuan; 95% CI -8460.13 to -6516.84; p <.000; I2 = 0). Heterogeneity of the time for beta-HCG normalization, adverse events, and hospitalization time were improved after excluding one study, and HIFU showed better results in the sensitivity analysis of adverse events and hospitalization time.

CONCLUSION

According to our analysis, HIFU demonstrated satisfactory treatment success, accompanied by similar intraoperative blood loss, slower normalization of beta-HCG levels, and menstruation recovery, but potentially shorter hospitalization time, lower adverse events and lower costs than UAE. Therefore, HIFU is an effective, safe, and economical treatment for patients with CSP. These conclusions should be interpreted with caution because of the significant heterogeneity. However, large and strictly designed clinical trials are required to verify these conclusions.

Effect of hysterectomy on ovarian function: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Hysterectomy is one of the most frequently gynecologic surgeries performed in premenopausal women. Many premenopausal patients are unwilling to undergo hysterectomy due to the probable decreased ovarian function. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of hysterectomy on ovarian function.

METHODS

A meta-analysis has been reported in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 and the A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) guidelines. We mainly searched the Embase, PubMed and Web of Science databases for eligible studies. The outcomes were the levels of common indicators of ovarian function, such as anti-müllerian hormone (AMH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), inhibin B, estradiol (E2) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The evidence was synthesized using meta-analysis via fixed or random effect model according to heterogeneity. Subgroup analyses were performed to examine the potential sources of heterogeneity.

RESULTS

The 14 included studies were conducted between 1989 and 2021, involving a total of 1,457 premenopausal women with 760 and 697 in the hysterectomy and control group, respectively. We found that hysterectomy damage ovarian function compared to the control group, with lower AMH level [Weighted mean difference (WMD) = -0.56, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): -0.72 to -0.39, P = 0.000], higher FSH levels (WMD = 2.96, 95% CI: 1.47 to 4.44, P = 0.000), lower inhibin B levels (WMD = -14.34, 95% CI: -24.69 to -3.99, P = 0.000) and higher LH levels (WMD = 4.07, 95% CI: 1.78 to 6.37, P = 0.000). In addition, E2 levels have a decreasing trend (WMD = -17.13, 95% CI: -35.10 to 0.85, P = 0.631) in the hysterectomy group but were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Hysterectomy has a negative impact on ovarian function, especially in female patients over 40 years old. So, the older patients should closely monitor their ovarian function for early diagnosis and treatment of menopausal symptoms.

Comparison of efficacies between ultrasound-guided curettage combined with hysteroscopic electro-resection after injection of pituitrin and hysteroscopic electro-resection after methotrexate chemotherapy in the treatment of cesarean scar pregnancy

To compare the efficacies between ultrasound-guided curettage combined with hysteroscopic electro-resection after injection of pituitrin and hysteroscopic electro-resection after methotrexate chemotherapy in the treatment of caesarean scar pregnancy (CSP). 60 patients with CSP admitted to our hospital were selected as the study subjects, and divided into observation group (n = 35) and control group (n = 25) in accordance with the therapeutic options. The observation group was treated with ultrasound-guided curettage combined with hysteroscopic electro-resection after injection of pituitrin, while the control group was treated with hysteroscopic electro-resection after methotrexate chemotherapy. The observation group was superior to the control group in the amount of intraoperative haemorrhage, in-hospital costs, and postoperative time to control vaginal haemorrhage, time to return to a normal serum human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) level. The observation group had a lower incidence rate of adverse reactions (5.71% vs. 28.00%, p < .05) and a higher first-attempt success rate for treatment (85.71% vs. 84.00%, p > .05) compared with the control group. Ultrasound-guided curettage combined with hysteroscopic electro-resection after injection of pituitrin, exhibiting a higher efficacy, can more effectively shorten the postoperative recovery, reduce adverse reactions, and improve the postoperative quality of life in patients with CSP. IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? Caesarean scar pregnancy (CSP), a rare form of ectopic pregnancy where the fertilised egg is implanted in the muscle or fibrous tissue of the scar after a previous caesarean section (CS), is a long-term complication of CS that may be life-threatening for parturients. Some therapies have been used to treat CSP, such as uterine artery embolisation and uterine artery embolisation chemotherapy combined with curettage, but the potential adverse effects may affect the ovarian reserve and even affecting the fertility of patients.What do the results of this study add? This study showed that ultrasound-guided curettage combined with hysteroscopic electro-resection after injection of pituitrin, exhibiting a higher efficacy, can more effectively shorten the postoperative recovery, reduce adverse reactions, and improve the postoperative quality of life in patients with CSP.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? The findings of this study may provide some references for the clinical practitioners and further research and may contribute to the treatment of CSP.

Temporary Internal Iliac Artery Blockage versus Uterine Artery Embolization in Patients After Laparoscopic Pregnancy Tissue Removal Due to Cesarean Scar Pregnancy

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the clinical value of laparoscopic temporary internal iliac artery blockage (TIIAB) compared with uterine artery embolization (UAE) in type III cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP).

Methods

A total of 76 patients with type III CSP admitted to the Department of Gynecology the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between September 2017 and June 2019 were selected for this retrospective study. Thirty-six of them in the study group received TIIAB, and the rest in control group received UAE. Laparoscopic pregnancy tissue was removed from all patients, and the uterine defects were repaired. The absence of remnants was then confirmed using ultrasonography. Follow-ups were performed in the two groups for six months, and the factors of intraoperative blood loss, operation and menelipsis time, 24-h human chorionic gonadotropin decline rate, postoperative complications, hospitalization days, hospitalization costs, peri-operative hormone levels, and ovarian function indicators were compared between the two groups and within each group.

Results

There were statistically significant differences in the hospitalization cost, menelipsis time, and postoperative complication incidence between the two groups (p < 0.05). There were statistically significant differences between ovarian function at one month and three months after surgery (p < 0.05) as well as among the follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and estradiol levels at one, three, and six months after surgery in the control group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Compared with uterine artery embolization, laparoscopic TIIAB has the advantages of a low hospitalization cost, lower postoperative complication rate, and shorter menelipsis time. Moreover, it avoids ovarian function damage. It is a safe method worthy of clinical popularization.

Successful Conservative Treatment of Cesarean Scar Ectopic Pregnancy with Local Injections of Absolute Ethanol

Cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy (CSEP) is becoming more common worldwide. Here, we report a case of cesarean scar pregnancy successfully treated using transvaginal ethanol injection. A 31-year-old female (gravida 3, para 2) with two prior cesarean sections presented at 9 weeks and 3 days of pregnancy. Her serum human chorionic gonadotropin level was 91,798 mIU/mL. CSEP was confirmed by transvaginal ultrasonography, pelvic magnetic resonance imaging, and color Doppler ultrasonography. Transvaginal absolute ethanol local injection under transvaginal ultrasound guidance was performed. She was discharged 7 days after treatment with no complications and resumed normal menses 1 month after treatment. We describe a safe and successful treatment option for CSEP.

Knowledge of iatrogenic premature ovarian insufficiency among Chinese obstetricians and gynaecologists: a national questionnaire survey

Background

With increasing cases of iatrogenic premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), more clinicians are required to counsel patients regarding the gonadotoxic effects of iatrogenic treatments. This survey aimed to explore obstetricians and gynaecologists’ knowledge regarding iatrogenic POI. A national online questionnaire survey was conducted across China. Respondents were asked to select the iatrogenic condition(s) that can cause POI based on their experience and knowledge.

Results

Of the 5523 returned questionnaires, 4995 were analysed. Among tumour therapies causing POI, most respondents agreed that radiotherapy (73.5% of respondents) and chemotherapy (64.1%) are risk factors for POI. While only 6.5 and 7.8% of the gynaecological oncologists believed that tumour immunotherapy and tumour-targeting therapy, respectively, may cause ovarian impairment, 31.8 and 22.2% of the non-gynaecologic oncologists believed that these therapies could affect ovarian health. Most respondents believed that ovarian cystectomy (54.4%) was a risk factor for POI. In contrast, only a few respondents believed that hysterectomy with bilateral salpingectomy (39.6%) and uterine artery embolisation (33.5%) could cause ovarian impairment. Only 30.5% of respondents believed that immunosuppressants (ISs) increased the risk of POI. Views differed with experience and hospital setting.

Conclusions

The knowledge of gonadal toxicity due to traditional tumour treatments is generally high among Chinese obstetricians and gynaecologists. A misunderstanding may exist in primary care hospitals and general gynaecologists regarding a link between novel tumour treatments and POI, owing to the lack of convincing evidence. Knowledge of POI caused by hysterectomy and ISs should be improved.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13048-020-00739-z.

Cesarean delivery with and without uterine artery embolization for the management of placenta accreta spectrum disorder-A comparative study

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study is to compare immediate and long-term obstetrical outcomes of patients who underwent cesarean delivery with and without uterine artery embolization (UAE) for the management of placenta accreta spectrum disorder.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective case control study including all pregnant women admitted to a single tertiary medical center between December 2001 and May 2018 with a diagnosis of placenta accreta spectrum disorder, who underwent cesarean delivery with and without UAE. Groups were compared for maternal characteristics, operative management, postoperative complication rate and long-term outcomes. Follow up on future obstetrical outcomes was conducted via telephone questionnaire. Non-parametric statistics were used.

RESULTS

During the study period, 272 women met the inclusion criteria: 64 (23.53%) and 208 (76.47%) underwent preservative cesarean section with and without UAE, respectively. UAE procedure was associated with a longer operative time (82.5 [68-110] vs 50.5 [39-77] minutes; P = .001), and higher blood loss (2000 (1500-3000) vs 1000 (600-2000) mL; P = .001). Hysterectomy rate was comparable between the groups (9 [14%] vs 35 [16.82%]; P = .88); however, multivariate logistic regression analysis found UAE to be an independent factor associated with lower hysterectomy rate (P = .02). Postoperative complications were more frequent in the UAE group. Follow up was achieved in 29 (59.18%) and 72 (51.79%) of the women with and without UAE, respectively (P = .36). No differences were found in rate of abortions, pregnancy and deliveries between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Cesarean delivery using UAE in placenta accreta spectrum disorder is associated with a higher rate of operative and postoperative complications. Nevertheless, in cases of severe adherence of the placenta, embolization reduces the need for hysterectomy, allowing future fertility.

The impact of uterine artery embolization on ovarian reserve: A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Uterine artery embolization (UAE) has been gaining increasing popularity as an effective and minimally invasive treatment for uterine fibroids. However, there has been growing concern over the risk of unintended embolization of the utero-ovarian circulation, leading to reduction of ovarian blood supply with subsequent impairment of ovarian reserve. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of UAE on circulating anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and other markers of ovarian reserve.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This meta-analysis included all published cohort, cross-sectional and case-control studies, as well as randomized trials that investigated the impact of UAE on circulating AMH. Data sources included MEDLINE, EMBASE, Dynamed Plus, ScienceDirect, TRIP database, ClinicalTrials.gov and the Cochrane Library from January 2000 to June 2019. All identified articles were screened, and articles were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. AMH and other data were extracted from the eligible articles and entered into RevMan software to calculate the weighted mean difference between pre- and post-embolization values. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42017082615.

RESULTS

This review included 3 cohort and 3 case-control studies (n = 353). The duration of follow up after UAE ranged between 3 and 12 months. Overall pooled analysis of all studies showed no significant effect of UAE on serum AMH levels (weighted mean difference -0.58 ng/mL; 95% CI -1.5 to 0.36, I²  = 95%). Subgroup analysis according to age of participants (under and over 40 years) and according to follow-up duration (3, 6 and 12 months) showed no significant change in post-embolization circulating AMH. Pooled analysis of serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) concentrations (4 studies, n = 248) revealed no statistically significant change after UAE (weighted mean difference 4.32; 95% CI -0.53 to 9.17; I²  = 95%). Analysis of 2 studies (n = 62) measuring antral follicle count showed a significant decline at 3-month follow up (weighted mean difference -3.28; 95% CI -5.62 to -0.93; I²  = 94%).

CONCLUSIONS

Uterine artery embolization for uterine fibroids does not seem to affect ovarian reserve as measured by serum concentrations of AMH and FSH.

Uterine artery embolization in the treatment of symptomatic fibroids - state of the art 2018

Uterine fibroids are considered to be the most common benign tumours in females. The vast majority of these tumours are incidental findings and do not require any treatment. Symptomatic fibroids, with ailments such as abnormal uterine bleeding, dysmenorrhoea, pelvic pain, impaired urination, bowel dysfunction, infertility, and recurrent pregnancy loss, are indicated for medical treatment. Surgery remains a first-line treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids; however, minimally invasive techniques and pharmacological management have become more available and popular. Among minimally invasive techniques uterine artery embolization (UAE) is the most well-established uterine preserving treatment. UAE was first introduced in obstetrics and gynaecology in 1987 and since then many studies have shown the safety and efficacy of UAE in fibroid treatment with low rates of complications. In this review we present a novel approach to UAE, which reflects the current state of knowledge based on recent clinical trials and long-term post-procedural follow-up.