Determinants of transplantation success with cryopreserved ovarian tissue: data from 196 women of the FertiPROTEKT network

STUDY QUESTION

What are the pregnancy and live birth rates for ovarian tissue transplantation and which factors are associated with the success rate?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Pregnancy and live birth rates per transplanted woman are 32.7% and 26.5% and success rate is associated with female age and first versus repeated transplantation.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Live birth rates after ovarian tissue transplantations have been reported to be between around 24% and 41% per patient. Success rates seem to be negatively associated with increasing female age at the time of tissue cryopreservation and with pelvic radiation. Success rates are apparently not reduced after overnight transportation of ovarian tissue before freezing.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

Registry analysis of 244 transplantations in 196 women, performed by 26 FertiPROTEKT network centres from 2007 to 2019 with follow-up till December 2020.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Orthotopic ovarian tissue transplantations were performed in 196 women, 191 with previous malignant and 5 with previous non-malignant diseases. Size of transplanting centres varied between 1 and 100 transplantations per centre (median: 2). Factors possibly associated with success rate such as female age, first and repeated transplantation, experience of the transplanting centre and overnight transportation of the ovarian tissue before freezing were analysed.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Average age of all 196 transplanted women was 31.3 years (SD 5.2; range 17-44) at the time of cryopreservation of tissue and 35.9 years (SD 4.8; range 23-47) at the time of transplantation. Pregnancy rate was 30.6% (95% CI, 24.2-37.6%) per first transplantation and 32.7% (95% CI, 26.1-39.7%) per patient. Pregnancy rate was higher after first transplantation (30.6% (95% CI, 24.2-37.6%)) compared to second and subsequent transplantations (11.8% (95% CI, 3.3-27.5%)). Live birth rate per first transplantation was 25.0% (95% CI, 19.1-31.7%) and per patient 26.5% (95% CI, 20.5-33.3%). Success rate decreased with increasing age at the time of ovarian tissue freezing. Live birth rate was 28.2% (95% CI, 20.9-36.3%) in women <35 years and 16.7% (95% CI, 7.9-29.3%) in women >35 years. Pregnancy rates after first transplantation were higher in centres who had performed ≥10 transplantations (35.1%) compared to centres with <10 transplantation (25.4%) (P = 0.12). Corresponding live birth rates were 27.0% and 18.6%. Success rates were not different in women with and without overnight transportation of tissue before cryopreservation.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

The data were drawn from a registry analysis. Data such as ovarian reserve and premature ovarian insufficiency were not available for all women. Data might be influenced by different follow-up policies of the centres.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

The study reveals the high potential of ovarian tissue freezing and transplantation, but only if freezing is performed in younger women. The study suggests focus should be placed on the first and not on repeated transplantations. It also opens the discussion of whether transplantation should rather be performed by experienced centres.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

No funding. No competing interests.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

N/A.

O-033 Ovarian tissue transplantations in 196 women by FertiPROTEKT– live birth rate of 26.5% per woman is associated with female age and first versus repeated transplantation

Study question

What is the live birth rate of ovarian tissue transplantation and which factors are associated with the success rate?

Summary answer

Live birth rate per transplanted woman is 26.5% and the success rate is associated with female age and first versus repeated transplantation.

What is known already

Live birth rates after tissue transplantations have been reported to be between around 24% and 41% per patient. Success rates seem to be negatively associated with increasing female age at the time of tissue cryopreservation and with pelvic radiation. Success rates are apparently not reduced after overnight transportation of tissue before freezing.

Study design, size, duration

Registry analysis of 244 transplantations in 196 women, performed by 26 centers of the FertiPROTEKT network from 2007 to 2019 with a follow up till 12/2020.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Orthotopic transplantation was performed in 196 women, 191 with previous malignant and 5 with previous non-malignant diseases. Size of transplanting centers varied between 1 and 100 transplantations per center (average: 9.5 ± 19.6 transplantations). Factors possibly associated with success rate such as female age, first and repeated transplantation, experience of the transplanting center and overnight transportation of the tissue before freezing were analysed.

Main results and the role of chance

Average age of all transplanted 196 women was 31.3 years (SD, standard deviation, 5.2) at the time of cryopreservation (range 17-44y) and 35.9 years (SD 4.8, range 23-47) at the time of first transplantation. Overall pregnancy rate was 30.6% (95% CI, 24.2-37.6%) per first transplantation and 32.7% (95% CI, 26.1-39.7) per patient. Overall live birth rate per first transplantation was 25.0% (95% CI, 19.1-31.7%) and per patient 26.5% (95% CI, 20.5-33.3%). Pregnancy and live birth rates were calculated and graphically expressed as a continuous function of age to allow estimation of success rates per age group. Success rate decreased with increasing age at the time of tissue freezing. Pregnancy rate after first transplantation was 34.5% (95% CI, 26.7-42.9%) in women &lt;35y and 20.4% (95% CI, 10.6-33.5%) in women ≥35y.

Pregnancy rate was higher after 1st transplantation (30.6% (95% CI, 24.2-37.6%)) compared to 2nd and more transplantations (11.8% (95% CI, 3.3-27.5%)).

Pregnancy rates after 1st transplantation was higher in centers with ≥10 transplantations (35.1%) compared to centers with &lt;10 transplantation (25.4%) (p = 0.12). Corresponding live birth rates were 27.0% and 18.6%.

Success rates was not different in women with and without overnight transportation of tissue before cryopreservation.

Limitations, reasons for caution

The data were drawn from a registry analysis. Data such as ovarian reserve and premature ovarian insufficiency were not available for all women. Data might be influenced by different follow up policies of the centers.

Wider implications of the findings

The study reveals the high potential of ovarian tissue freezing and transplantation but only if freezing is performed in younger women. The study suggests to better focus on the first and not on repeated transplantations. It also opens the discussion if transplantation should rather be performed by experienced centres.

Trial registration number

Non

First live birth in China after cryopreserved ovarian tissue transplantation to prevent premature ovarian insufficiency

OBJECTIVE

This article reports the first live birth after cryopreserved ovarian tissue transplantation to prevent premature ovarian insufficiency in China.

METHODS

A patient with myelodysplastic syndrome received ovarian tissue cryopreservation before hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and six ovarian cortex strips were thawed and transplanted into her peritoneal pocket 2 years later.

RESULTS

Pregnancy occurred spontaneously 27 months after grafting, and a healthy girl was born at 38 weeks gestation. Until now, the child has developed normally without any major diseases.

CONCLUSIONS

We report the first live birth resulting from ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation in China.

First pregnancy in China after ovarian tissue transplantation to prevent premature ovarian insufficiency

OBJECTIVE

This article reports the first case of pregnancy after frozen-thawed ovarian tissue transplantation to prevent iatrogenic premature ovarian insufficiency in China.

METHODS

Ovarian tissue cryopreservation was performed in a patient with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) before multi-agent chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Two years later, she showed complete remission from MDS, and six frozen-thawed ovarian tissue strips were transplanted into the peritoneal pocket.

RESULTS

The patient's ovarian activity was restored 3 months after transplantation, and pregnancy occurred spontaneously 27 months after grafting. Until now, the pregnancy has progressed for 30 weeks, and the repeated ultrasound showed normal fetal development.

CONCLUSION

This is the first pregnancy resulting from ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation in China.

Practical recommendations for fertility preservation in women by the FertiPROTEKT network. Part II: fertility preservation techniques

Purpose

In addition to guidelines focusing on scientific evidence, practical recommendations on fertility preservation are also needed.

Methods

A selective literature search was performed based on the clinical and scientific experience of the authors. This article (Part II) focuses on fertility preservation techniques. Part I, also published in this journal, provides information on disease prognosis, disease-specific therapy, and risks for loss of fertility.

Results

Ovarian stimulation including double stimulation and freezing of oocytes is the best-established therapy providing live birth chances in women < 35 years with high ovarian reserve of around 30–40%. Ovarian tissue freezing is especially useful in young women with good ovarian, if spontaneous conception is favoured and if < 1 week until chemotherapy is provided. Data on success rates are still limited, but this further evolving technique will possibly reach similar success rates as ovarian stimulation. GnRH agonists seem to reduce the risk of premature ovarian failure up to 50%; however, the effect is possibly not long-lasting. Ovarian transposition can easily be combined with freezing of ovarian tissue and is the preferred technique before pelvic radiotherapy. Other techniques, such as in vitro maturation, are limited to women with high ovarian reserve and remain less effective. In addition, procedures such as in vitro growth of follicles, etc. are still experimental.

Conclusions

Fertility preservation in women provides realistic chances of becoming pregnant. The choice of technique needs to be based on the time required, the woman’s age, its risks and efficacy, and the individual preference of the patient.

Ninety-five orthotopic transplantations in 74 women of ovarian tissue after cytotoxic treatment in a fertility preservation network: tissue activity, pregnancy and delivery rates

STUDY QUESTION

What is the success rate in terms of ovarian activity (menstrual cycles) as well as pregnancy and delivery rates 1 year after orthotopic ovarian transplantations conducted in a three-country network?

SUMMARY ANSWER

In 49 women with a follow-up >1 year after transplantation, the ovaries were active in 67% of cases and the pregnancy and delivery rates were 33 and 25%, respectively.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Cryopreservation of ovarian tissue in advance of cytotoxic therapies and later transplantation of the tissue is being performed increasingly often, and the total success rates in terms of pregnancy and delivery have been described in case series. However, published case series have not allowed either a more detailed analysis of patients with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) or calculation of success rates based on the parameter 'tissue activity'.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

Retrospective analysis of 95 orthotopic transplantations in 74 patients who had been treated for cancer, performed in the FertiPROTEKT network from 2008 to June 2015. Of those 95 transplantations, a first subgroup (Subgroup 1) was defined for further analysis, including 49 women with a follow-up period >1 year after transplantation. Of those 49 women, a second subgroup (Subgroup 5) was further analysed, including 40 women who were transplanted for the first time and who were diagnosed with POI before transplantation.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Transplantation was performed in 16 centres and data were transferred to the FertiPROTEKT registry. The transplantations were carried out after oncological treatment had been completed and after a remission period of at least 2 years. Tissue was transplanted orthotopically, either into or onto the residual ovaries or into a pelvic peritoneal pocket. The success rates were defined as tissue activity (menstrual cycles) after 1 year (primary outcome) and as pregnancies and deliveries achieved.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

The average age of all transplanted 74 women was 31 ± 5.9 years at the time of cryopreservation and 35 ± 5.2 at the time of transplantation. Twenty-one pregnancies and 17 deliveries were recorded. In Subgroup 1, tissue was cryopreserved at the age of 30 ± 5.6 and transplanted at 34 ± 4.9 years. Ovaries remained active 1 year after transplantation in 67% of cases (n = 33/49), the pregnancy rate was 33% (n = 16/49) and the delivery rate was 25% (n = 12/49). In Subgroup 5, tissue was cryopreserved at the age 30 ± 5.9 years and transplanted at 34 ± 5.2 years. Ovaries remained active 1 year after transplantation in 63% of cases (n = 25/40), the pregnancy rate was 28% (n = 11/40) and the delivery rate was 23% (n = 9/40). The success rates were age dependant with higher success in women who cryopreserved at a younger age. In Subgroup 5, tissue was exclusively transplanted into the ovary in 10% (n = 4/40) of women and into a peritoneal pocket in 75% (n = 30/40), resulting in spontaneous conceptions in 91% of patients (n = 10/11).

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

The data were drawn from a retrospective analysis. The cryopreservation and transplantation techniques used have changed during the study period. The tissue was stored in many tissue banks and many surgeons were involved, leading to heterogeneity of the procedures. However, this does reflect the realistic situation in many countries. Although patients with POI were evaluated before transplantation to allow specific analysis of the transplanted tissue itself, the possibility cannot be excluded that residual ovarian tissue was also reactivated.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

This is the largest case series worldwide to date and it confirms that cryopreservation and transplantation of ovarian tissue can be a successful option for preserving fertility. Persistent tissue activity 12 months after transplantation suggests that the pregnancy and delivery rates may increase further in the future. As transplantation into the peritoneum results in a high success rate, this approach may be an alternative to transplantation into the ovary. However, in order to establish the best transplantation site, a randomized study is required.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST

This study was in part funded from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (# DI 1525) and the Wilhelm Sander Foundation (2012.127.1) and did not receive any funding from a commercial company. No competing interests.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

None.

Gynaecological endoscopic evaluation of 4% icodextrin solution: a European, multicentre, double-blind, randomized study of the efficacy and safety in the reduction of de novo adhesions after laparoscopic gynaecological surgery

BACKGROUND

Gynaecological laparoscopic surgery outcomes can be compromised by the formation of de novo adhesions. This randomized, double-blind study was designed to assess the efficacy and safety of 4% icodextrin solution (Adept(®)) in the reduction of de novo adhesion incidence compared to lactated Ringer's solution (LRS).

METHODS

Patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for removal of myomas or endometriotic cysts were treated with randomized solution as an intra-operative irrigant and 1l post-operative instillate. De novo adhesion incidence (number of sites with adhesions), severity and extent were independently scored at a second-look procedure and the efficacy of the two solutions compared. The effect of surgical covariates on adhesion formation was also investigated. Initial exploratory analysis of individual anatomical sites of clinical importance was progressed. RESULTS Of 498 patients randomized, 330 were evaluable (160 LRS--75% myomectomy/25% endometriotic cysts; 170 Adept--79% myomectomy/21% endometriotic cysts). At study completion, 76.2% LRS and 77.6% Adept had ≥ 1 de novo adhesion. The mean (SD) number of de novo adhesions was 2.58 (2.11) for Adept and 2.58 (2.38) for LRS. The treatment effect difference was not significant (P = 0.909). Assessment of surgical covariates identified significant influences on the mean number of de novo adhesions regardless of treatment, including surgery duration (P = 0.048), blood loss in myomectomy patients (P = 0.019), length of uterine incision in myomectomy patients (P < 0.001) and number of suture knots (P < 0.001). There were 15 adverse events considered treatment-related in the LRS patients (7.2%) and 18 in the Adept group (8.3%). Of 17 reported serious adverse events (9 LRS; 8 Adept) none were considered treatment-related.

CONCLUSIONS

The study confirmed the safety of Adept in laparoscopic surgery. The proportion of patients with de novo adhesion formation was considerably higher than previous literature suggested. Overall there was no evidence of a clinical effect but various surgical covariates including surgery duration, blood loss, number and size of incisions, suturing and number of knots were found to influence de novo adhesion formation. The study provides direction for future research into adhesion reduction strategies in site specific surgery.

[Perioperative patient management. Evaluation of subjective stress and demands of patients undergoing elective gynaecological surgery]

BACKGROUND

The aim of this investigation was to assess the extent of stress and demands in patients during preparation for general anesthesia for elective surgical procedures.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 52 female patients scheduled for elective gynecological surgery under general anesthesia were included in this prospective study. The extent and time course of actual demands describing perceived emotional stress was assessed at close intervals using the German version of the Questionnaire for Actual Demands (KAB). Pre-operative and postoperative anxiety was assessed using part one of Spielberger's state-trait-anxiety inventory (STAI-X1). This was compared to hemodynamic (heart rate und blood pressure) and endocrinal stress parameters [cortisol concentration in serum and saliva, prolactin and dehydroepiandrosteronesulfate (DHEA-S) in serum]. Postoperatively, all patients were asked to rate the quality of care during preparation for general anesthesia.

RESULTS

The extent of patients' demands and stress during preparation for general anesthesia could be quantified by the short questionnaire for the actual demands (KAB). So-called objective stress parameters like hemodynamic and endocrinal data alone did not correlate with perceived stress. However, the subjective information correlated with the nature of the underlying diagnosis. The postoperative assessment of quality of care during preparation for general anesthesia did not correlate with the course of actual demands and stress.

CONCLUSION

In future studies assessing the perioperative management of patients and quality of care, standardized testing questionnaires should be preferred, instead of vegetative parameters alone, to reliably evaluate perioperative demands and stress in surgical patients.

Pesticide exposure and self-reported Parkinson's disease in the agricultural health study

Previous studies based on limited exposure assessment have suggested that Parkinson's disease (PD) is associated with pesticide exposure. The authors used data obtained from licensed private pesticide applicators and spouses participating in the Agricultural Health Study to evaluate the relation of self-reported PD to pesticide exposure. Cohort members, who were enrolled in 1993-1997, provided detailed information on lifetime pesticide use. At follow-up in 1999-2003, 68% of the cohort was interviewed. Cases were defined as participants who reported physician-diagnosed PD at enrollment (prevalent cases, n = 83) or follow-up (incident cases, n = 78). Cases were compared with cohort members who did not report PD (n = 79,557 at enrollment and n = 55,931 at follow-up). Incident PD was associated with cumulative days of pesticide use at enrollment (for highest quartile vs. lowest, odds ratio (OR) = 2.3, 95% confidence interval: 1.2, 4.5; p-trend = 0.009), with personally applying pesticides more than half the time (OR = 1.9, 95% confidence interval: 0.7, 4.7), and with some specific pesticides (ORs > or = 1.4). Prevalent PD was not associated with overall pesticide use. This study suggests that exposure to certain pesticides may increase PD risk. Findings for specific chemicals may provide fruitful leads for further investigation.

Clinical evaluation of a viscoelastic gel for reduction of adhesions following gynaecological surgery by laparoscopy in Europe

BACKGROUND

Commonly used adhesion prevention devices either cannot be applied or are difficult to use via laparoscopy. A viscoelastic gel was developed specifically for adhesion prophylaxis during minimally invasive surgery.

METHODS

Randomized, third party-blinded, parallel-group design conducted at four centres. Patients (18-46 years old) underwent laparoscopic surgery with second look 6-10 weeks later. Viscoelastic gel coated adnexa and adjacent tissues. Blinded reviews of videotapes were quantified by American Fertility Society (AFS) adhesion scores.

RESULTS

In 25 treatment patients, surgery was performed on 45 adnexa. Coverage of surgical sites at risk for adhesions was typically accomplished with approximately 15 ml of viscoelastic gel which was delivered in approximately 90 s. In 24 control patients, surgery alone was performed on 41 adnexa. Treated adnexa showed a decrease in AFS score (11.9-9.1). In contrast, control adnexa showed an increase in AFS score (8.8-15.8). This difference in second-look AFS scores (42% reduction) is significant (P<0.01). Ninety-three per cent of treated adnexa did not have a worse adhesion score in contrast to 56% of control adnexa. Combining scores into prognostic categories also show significant treatment effect of the viscoelastic gel (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

Viscoelastic gel was easy to use via laparoscopy and produced significant reduction in adnexal adhesions. It provides benefits to patients undergoing gynaecological surgery.

Detection and mapping of intraabdominal adhesions by using functional cine MR imaging: preliminary results

PURPOSE

To identify and map intraabdominal adhesions by using functional cine magnetic resonance (MR) Imaging.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-seven patients suspected of having intraabdominal adhesions were examined. Section-by-section dynamic depiction of induced visceral slide throughout the whole abdomen was achieved by using a transverse or sagittal true fast imaging with steady-state precession sequence. Location and type of diagnosed adhesions were documented by using the nine segments of the abdominal map. These criteria and intraoperative results were compared in 13 patients.

RESULTS

MR images depicted a total of 42 intraabdominal adhesions; 21 (50%) were in the lower abdomen. The most common types of adhesions were located between the ventral abdominal wall and small-bowel loops (n = 10 [24%]) and between adjacent small-bowel loops (n = 9 [21%]). Comparison with the intraoperative results showed a sensitivity of 87.5% and a specificity of 92.5%. MR imaging was most accurate in depicting adhesions to the abdominal wall (15 [94%] of 16) and subperitoneal space (eight [100%] of eight). The presence of adhesions between bowel loops was overestimated.

CONCLUSION

Detection of visceral slide at functional cine MR imaging is easy to perform and represents a well-tolerated and accurate procedure for use in the identification of intraabdominal adhesions in patients with chronic pain and equivocal clinical findings.

Assessment of 5-aminolevulinic acid-induced porphyrin fluorescence in patients with peritoneal endometriosis

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to examine the diagnostic potential for patients with endometriosis of porphyrin fluorescence after oral administration of 5-aminolevulinic acid.

STUDY DESIGN

Fifteen women referred for laparoscopy because of suspected endometriosis received 1 or 10 mg/kg 5-aminolevulinic acid orally. After 1.5 to 6 hours endoscopic fluorescence spectral analysis and video inspection were performed.

RESULTS

With 10 mg/kg 5-aminolevulinic acid and application intervals of >3 hours we observed a significantly higher porphyrin fluorescence in active peritoneal endometriosis than in adjacent normal peritoneum. Pigmented and nodular endometriosis showed weak to negative fluorescence. A strong fluorescence of the fimbrial mucosa was seen. A 1-mg/kg dose of 5-aminolevulinic acid was insufficient for fluorescence diagnosis. No side effects were recorded.

CONCLUSION

Porphyrin fluorescence after oral administration of 5-aminolevulinic acid may be beneficial in diagnosis of peritoneal endometriosis. The strong fluorescence of fimbrial mucosa may limit the applicability of this technique in young women, however, because phototoxic damage cannot be excluded at present.

[Effects of tubal sterilization]

OBJECTIVE

Besides manifestations of hormonal deficits, psychological problems are also known as possible negative effects of tubal sterilization (here termed "operative contraception"--OC). It is generally assumed that the age at time of operation and the number of children play a crucial role in enabling the patient to come to terms with surgical contraception. We investigated whether these patients were satisfied and the frequency of a desire for refertilization as well as further factors possibly affecting our patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A standardized questionnaire was sent to 274 women in whom surgical contraception was performed from 1984 to 1990 in our hospital. Besides physical symptoms, the questions mainly inquired as to satisfaction, degree of regret and desire for refertilization.

RESULTS

5.4% of women were not satisfied with the operation. 13.7% of the patients regretted the operative contraception and 6.5% wished to have refertilization. The negative appraisal did not correlate with the number of children and age at the time of operative contraception. Altogether, satisfaction was very much greater in patients who had completed family planning than in patients who had received operative contraception for medical reasons. Appraisal of operative contraception was especially negative in women in whom the operation had been performed on the occasion of a cesarean section.

CONCLUSION

Our follow-up investigation confirmed that operative contraception was experienced as being very liberating by most women and was accordingly appraised positively on the whole. The number of children and age only played a subordinate role in how patients came to terms with their situation. For a positive experience of operative contraception, the time of the operation appears to be of major importance. In particular, "favorable opportunities" on the occasion of cesarean section and the if anything doubtful need for this measure in the condition after prior cesarean sections must be avoided, since in these cases a free decision in favor of operative contraception, which the woman concerned feels to be autonomous, is not possible.

[A new vacuum extraction system with a ball joint and detachment warning--in vitro studies and clinical use]

BACKGROUND

The vacuum extractor is used in about 5% of deliveries. It is associated with a lower maternal morbidity than is forceps extraction. On the other hand, cephalhematomas, hyperbilirubinemia and cerebral hemorrhages in the baby are observed more frequently. The sudden detachment of the vacuum extractor with appreciable fluctuations in intracranial pressure in the baby is especially dangerous. In order to improve the conventional Malmström system, we have developed a new vacuum extractor and investigated its handling in vitro and in clinical application.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The essential constructional principle of the new vacuum extractor consists in a pivot lowered by ball bearings and a volume reduction of one third. Moreover, in two-chamber vacuum it is possible to give a warning of sudden detachment. The possible tractional force in kiloponds was determined at various angles (0 degree, 15 degrees, 30 degrees und 45 degrees) comparing the Malmström extractor with the new one and two-chamber system in a standardized apparatus. In addition, the new vacuum extractor was also used clinically in 43 women; besides the obstetric parameters, the handling was also appraised.

RESULTS

In the in-vitro experiments, a distinct decrease of the possible tractional force with increasing angles was shown for the Malmström extractor (0 degree--15.7 kp, 15 degrees--12.7 kp, 30 degrees--8.6 kp, 45 degrees--7.3 kp). The values for the new one-chamber system were significantly greater from a tractional angle of 15 degrees (0 degree--15.6 kp, 15 degrees--14.4 kp, 30 degrees--14.0 kp, 45 degrees--13.8). The clinical application of the new vacuum system was unproblematic and confirmed the feasibility of good traction. A very much smaller caput succedaneum was found in the baby. Especially in the training situation, the warning system enables a good surveillance before sudden detachment, but reduces the possible tractional force.

CONCLUSIONS

The new vacuum system appears to enable the vaginal surgical delivery to be improved compared to the conventional Malmström extractor. After these promising approaches, a multicenter study was commenced in order to enable better evaluation of their clinical significance.

Photodynamic therapy of vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia using 5-aminolevulinic acid

Photodynamic (PDT) therapy is a relatively new technique with unique properties that make it attractive for the local treatment of superficial epithelial disorders. The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical response of PDT with the photosensitizing agent 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) in patients with vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) grades 1 to 3. Twenty-five patients with 111 lesions of VIN 1-3 were topically sensitized with 10 ml of a 20% solution of 5-ALA and treated with 57 cycles of laser light at 635 nm (100 J/cm(2)). Seventy (64%) of the 111 VIN lesions regressed after various PDT cycles. A complete response was achieved in 13 patients (52%) with 27 lesions. All patients with VIN 1 and mono- and bifocal VIN 2-3 showed complete clearance. However, a complete response could be achieved in only 4 (27%) of 15 women with multifocal VIN 2-3, whereas a partial response was noted in 9 of these patients with a total of 70 lesions, out of which 44 (63%) lesions disappeared. No response was seen in 2 patients with multifocal VIN 3. Histological assessment of the fluorescence-directed biopsies revealed that increased pigmentation and hyperkeratosis of the lesions were associated with low response rates. PDT using 5-ALA represents an alternative treatment modality for VIN which is easy to perform and has the advantage of minimal tissue destruction, low side effects and excellent cosmetic results. However, multifocal VIN disease with pigmented and hyperkeratinic lesions remains difficult to treat.

[Congenital skull depression. Case report and review of the literature]

A 40-week gestational age infant was delivered by cesarean section because of intense contractions and pathological fetal heart rate pattern. The umbilical artery pH was 7.03, Apgar scores were 1/4/7 at 1, 5 and 10 min of age. The 3,250-gram infant had a skull depression of 5 x 7 cm in the left temporal-parietal region with a depth of 1.5 cm. There were no edemas or hematomas in this area; neurological examination was normal. A CT scan did not show a fracture, but the cortex below the depression appeared slightly compressed. At the age of 11 days, the depressed part of the parietal squama was surgically elevated. The child was discharged in good condition 8 days later and remained well at a 6-month follow-up examination.

Photodynamic therapy in women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia using topically applied 5-aminolevulinic acid

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a novel treatment modality that produces local tissue necrosis with laser light after prior administration of a photosensitizing agent. We performed a study of topically applied 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) in the photodynamic treatment of women with high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) using fixed 5-ALA doses and application protocols derived from previous in vitro and in vivo results. Three to 5 hr prior to PDT, 10 ml of a 20% solution of 5-ALA was topically applied using a cervical cap. PDT was performed with irradiation of 100 J/cm2 at an irradiance of 100-150 mW/cm2 with an argon-ion-pumped dye laser at 635 nm. For the endocervix, a specifically designed cylindrical applicator was used. Ten treatment cycles of PDT using 5-ALA were performed in 7 patients with high-grade CIN. Non-thermal laser treatment with 100-150 mW/cm2 was well tolerated. Local toxicity was minor as several patients reported burning sensations and vaginal discharge, but no necrosis, sloughing or scarring occurred. After 3 months, a significant reduction in the size of the ectocervical CIN lesions was noted in only 3 patients, who underwent a second PDT cycle. However, no significant improvement in CIN lesions was noted since cold knife conization revealed persistent CIN in all 7 cases. Therefore, PDT after topical application of 5-ALA using an irradiation of 100 J/cm2 produces only minimal side effects. However, it does not appear to be effective in treating CIN.

Photodynamic therapy of vulvar lichen sclerosus with 5-aminolevulinic acid

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the therapeutic effect of photodynamic therapy on vulvar lichen sclerosus.

METHODS

Twelve women with lichen sclerosus were enrolled in a prospective, single-arm pilot study. Four to 5 hours before photodynamic therapy, 10 mL of a 20% solution of 5-aminolevulinic acid was applied topically to the vulva. Photodynamic therapy was administered with an irradiation of 80 J/cm2 at an irradiance of 40-70 mW/cm2. Light with a wavelength of 635 nm was delivered by an argon ion-pumped dye laser. The degree of pruritus was evaluated using a horizontal visual analog scale before and after 6-8 weeks, and patients were followed tri-monthly after photodynamic therapy.

RESULTS

Two women underwent two cycles of photodynamic therapy, one underwent three cycles, and the remaining nine women underwent one cycle each. Treatment was tolerated moderately well, with eight patients not requiring any analgesia; three treated with opioids intravenously during the procedure, due to burning sensations; and one undergoing separation of adhesions under general anesthesia. Minimal local toxicity included vulvar erythema but no necrosis, sloughing, or scarring. No generalized cutaneous photosensitivity was present. Six to 8 weeks after photodynamic therapy, pruritus significantly improved in ten of the 12 women. A prolonged effect of photodynamic therapy was reported, with a mean of 6.1 months.

CONCLUSION

Photodynamic therapy after topical application of 5-aminolevulinic acid produced statistically significant relief of symptoms of vulvar lichen sclerosus for an average of 6.1 months with minimal side effects.

Low-dose FSH stimulation in polycystic ovary syndrome: comparison of 3 FSH-preparations

In patients with PCOS low dose administration of follicle stimulating hormone is accepted as a safe treatment modality with low risk for an ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome or a multiple pregnancy. In this study we have retrospectively compared the efficacy of 3 different FSH preparations in low dose protocols-urinary FSH (FSH), highly purified urinary FSH (FSHHP) and recombinant FSH (rec. FSH). A total of 68 PCOS-patients, 36 lean and 32 moderately obese patients, were treated in 116 stimulation cycles. The mean age did not differ between the groups. A mean number of 1.7 cycles per patient was performed. PCOS was diagnosed in all patients by hormonal and sonographic means. Treatment was performed with daily injections of one ampoule FSH from day 3 onwards. Ovulation was induced with 10,000 IU HCG, when the leading follicle exceeded 16 mm in diameter and no more than 3 follicles were seen. The rate of monofollicular cycles was lowest in obese patients after FSHHP stimulation (30%) and after rec. FSH (66.6% in lean and 58.3% in obese patients, respectively). The number of FSH ampoules did not differ significantly between the groups. No severe hyperstimulation syndrome was registered. 21 pregnancies were achieved without significant differences between the different FSH preparations. Besides two abortions and one ectopic implantation, 12 pregnancies were ongoing singleton pregnancies, 3 twin pregnancies and 3 sets of triplets were noted. In conclusion, low-dose stimulation with FSH offers a safe and successful treatment option in patients with PCOS with an acceptable risk for multiple gestations.

Pharmacokinetics and selectivity of aminolevulinic acid-induced porphyrin synthesis in patients with cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia

Photodynamic therapy (PDT), due to its tumor selectivity, represents an alternative approach to diagnose and treat cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia (CIN) without altering normal surrounding tissue. Our aim was to investigate the pharmacokinetics and the selectivity of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA)-induced porphyrin fluorescence after topical administration, to obtain basic clinical data for future diagnostic fluorescence imaging and PDT protocols for CIN. Twenty-eight non-pregnant women with a cytological diagnosis of low-grade or high-grade squamous intra-epithelial lesions were included. An aqueous solution containing 3% 5-ALA was topically applied 1 to 6 hrs prior to conization using a cervical cap. After excision, porphyrin-induced fluorescence was quantified in dysplastic (n = 14) and normal epithelium (n = 28) by means of quantitative fluorescence microscopy. High values of porphyrin fluorescence were found in squamous epithelium between 150 and 450 min, with a maximum at 300 min following administration of 5-ALA. Ratios of porphyrin fluorescence of dysplastic vs. surrounding normal epithelium were 1.3 and 1.21 for CIN 1 (n = 3) and CIN 2 (n = 3), respectively. In CIN 3 patients (n = 8), this ratio was 2.35; the best selectivity of 5-ALA-induced porphyrin fluorescence in CIN 3 lesions (ratio 3) was observed with a topical administration time of between 150 and 250 min. Our results demonstrate that patients with CIN 3 show higher 5-ALA-induced fluorescence compared with normal epithelium. The optimal administration time of topically applied 5-ALA was between 3 and 4 hr. Our data suggest that topical ALA-PDT and photodynamic diagnosis might be suitable for detecting CIN.

[Hormonal treatment of proximal tubal pathology with the GnRH analogue leuprorelin]

In proximal tubal occlusions (PTO) the microsurgical anastomosis or in case of extensive tubal damage the in vitro-fertilisation (IVF) are the treatment modalities of choice. Aim of our study was to evaluate the effectivity of GnRH-analogues in the treatment of PTO. In 23 patients with repeatedly proven proximal tubal occlusion the GnRH-analogon Leuprorelin was applied for a 3 month period. 20 out of 23 patients completed the entire study including a further tubal patency test. 10 patients showed open tubes on both sides and in 2 cases one oviduct was patent. In 8 patients no effect of the hormonal treatment was found. Following the therapy 4 pregnancies occurred, 2 were located ectopically. Regarding tubal patency we could demonstrate a significant effect of hormonal treatment in proximal tubal occlusions (PTO). However, in respect to the pregnancy rate the results were not satisfactory. Therefore, the hormonal treatment of PTO by GnRH-analogues is limited to certain cases and doesn't represent a standard therapy.

Dynamic glenohumeral joint stability

Stability of the glenohumeral joint with an anterior, posterior, and inferior displacement force of 50 N was measured in a dynamic shoulder model. Controlled hydrodynamic actuator forces were applied to the deltoid muscle and to the rotator cuff in seven anatomic specimens. During elevation of the arm the position of the humerus was measured with a six-degree-of-freedom ultrasonic sensor device. The rotational center of the humeral head was used as a reference point for translation. A displacement force of 50 N led to significant humeral head displacement anteriorly and posteriorly but not inferiorly. A 50% reduction of rotator cuff forces increased anterior displacement by 46% and posterior displacement by 31%. Venting of the glenohumeral joint space and of the subacromial bursa resulted in a 50% increase of anterior displacement, a 19% increase of posterior displacement, and significant inferior displacement. This study demonstrates that in addition to passive stabilizers and negative intraarticular pressure, rotator cuff force significantly contributes to stabilization of the glenohumeral joint during arm motion. Muscle strength and coordination should gain more emphasis in the diagnosis and treatment of shoulder instability.

Fertility after organ-preserving surgery of ectopic pregnancy: results of a multicenter study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the postoperative fertility rate after ectopic pregnancy (EP) and to compare the impact of different surgical techniques.

DESIGN

Prospective, multicenter trial.

SETTING

Twenty-five centers with microsurgical facilities.

PATIENT(S)

A total of 1,025 patients with EP were enrolled between 1984 and 1990.

INTERVENTION(S)

Organ-preserving operation and at least one patent remaining tube. Evaluation of postoperative outcome by standardized questionnaires.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Postoperative fertility in terms of pregnancy rate (PR) and recurrent ectopic implantation.

RESULT(S)

The PR was similar after wedge resection (45.9%) and salpingotomy or milk out (42.0%). The recurrence rates did not differ between both groups (7.5% versus 8.2%). In patients with a blocked or absent contralateral tube, the PR was poor (31.2%), and the recurrence rate of EP was high (16.0%), indicating that most pregnancies are achieved through the contralateral tube.

CONCLUSION(S)

The postoperative fertility rate after an EP is reduced. The type of surgery usually has no significant impact. In the case of a blocked or absent contralateral tube, the patient must be informed about the significantly reduced fertility rate and the elevated risk for EP recurrence.

[Radiologic versus ultrasound fallopian tube imaging. Painfulness of the examination and diagnostic reliability of hysterosalpingography and hysterosalpingo-contrast-ultrasonography with echovist 200]

Evaluation of tubal patency is usually assessed with hysterosalpingography (HSG) or laparoscopy including chromopertubation. Sonographical visualisation with Echovist 200 (hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography-HyCoSy) provides a new noninvasive tool. Therefore we conducted a prospective controlled study to compare sonographic and radiological evaluation of the fallopian tube. Main test parameters were accuracy of both methods and patient discomfort.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

50 patients were enrolled in this study. All patients were examined by both techniques; the sequence was randomly chosen. The results of HSG and HyCoSy were compared. Patient discomfort was assessed with a standardised questionnaire using a visual analog scale (0-10).

RESULTS

Diagnosis of tubal patency identifying proximal or distal blockage was the primary end point using HSG as standard technique. Proximal and distal patency by HSG was sonographically confirmed in 82.9% (63/76) and 82.1% (46/56) tubes respectively. If HSG revealed proximal or distal occlusion, identical results were obtained in 91.7% (22/24) or 60% (12/20) by HyCoSy. No significant differences were found in patient discomfort. However a significant correlation was demonstrated between tubal patency and discomfort. The lowest score was obtained in patients with open tubes (4.6) increased in patients with distal occlusion (6.0) and reached a maximum with proximal pathology (8.7).

CONCLUSION

Compared to conventional HSG, HyCoSy provides a highly efficient evaluation of tubal pathology and can be successfully used as a noninvasive screening method.

Pain intensity following laparoscopy

The temperature of the gas used for insufflation during laparoscopy has a significant influence on postoperative shoulder and subphrenic pain according to a prospective randomized study of 103 female patients who filled out a standardized pain assessment questionnaire with a visual analogue scale from 0 to 10. Women in group B (n = 53), who had been insufflated with warm CO2 gas during laparoscopy, had significantly less pain than women in the control group (group A; n = 50). The declared value for shoulder pain at the first postoperative day was 3.6 with cold gas versus 2.5 with warm CO2 (p = 0.013). The strongest pain was found following long operations (5.4 vs. 4, respectively) and following high CO2 gas use (5.5 vs. 2.3); in both cases, a significant advantage was noted for the group treated with warmed CO2. Further research is needed regarding the etiology and possible prevention of postoperative pain following laparoscopy. As the use of warm CO2 gas leads to significant reduction of pain, technical and mechanical parameters should be changed accordingly.

[Diagnosis and therapy of extrauterine pregnancy]

The combined use of transvaginal ultrasound and serial quantitative determination of the serum human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) concentration offers an early and exact diagnosis of an ectopic pregnancy before the onset of clinical symptoms. Therefore, a large variety of invasive and noninvasive treatment options can be chosen. In patients without severe clinical symptoms, the trophoblast activity should be determined via the HCG course before invasive treatment methods are performed, because a considerable proportion part of the patients show spontaneous resolution of the ectopic pregnancy without further measures. Recently systemic treatment with methotrexate alone or local injection of different substances like prostaglandins, glucose, and methotrexate, etc. became an alternative to surgical therapy, i.e., endoscopic salpingotomy or salpingectomy. The success rates are generally lower in comparison to surgical therapy. Therefore, medical treatment is useful only in patients with a low trophoblast activity (e.g., < 2,500 mIU/ml HCG). However, in cases with low HCG values, observation alone frequently leads to a resolution. Corresponding to the data being available up to now, the postoperative pregnancy rate does not depend on this decision.

[Measurement of glenohumeral joint translation with a dynamic shoulder model]

Translation of the glenohumeral joint was measured with a dynamic shoulder model, during elevation of the arm in eight cadaveric specimens. Controlled hydrodynamic actuator forces were applied to the deltoid muscle and the rotator cuff through wire cables. Using a constant force ratio, the glenohumeral joint was elevated to 90 degrees. The position of the arm in all spatial orientations was measured with an ultrasonic device. Reproducibility of glenohumeral joint motion was demonstrated on the basis of five cycles of glenohumeral joint elevation. The rotational center of the humeral head was used as the reference point for translation. Translation during elevation of the glenohumeral joint between 20 degrees and 90 degrees averaged 9.0 mm +/- 5.2 mm superiorly and 4.4 mm +/- 1.3 mm anteriorly. In vivo, this may be diminished by coordinated activity of the rotator cuff. The presence of significant glenohumeral joint translation underlines the importance of active, muscular guidance at the shoulder. Physiologic translation of total shoulder arthroplasty, in shoulder instability and in the impingement syndrome.

Conservative treatment of endometrial cancer permitting subsequent triplet pregnancy

We report on a 28-year-old woman who received conservative treatment of endometrial carcinoma by curettage and progestins. After regression of endometrial lesions the patient's infertility was treated by gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT). Intact triplet pregnancy was diagnosed 3 weeks later. The patient was delivered of three infants by caesarean section following premature rupture of membranes at 30 weeks of gestation. Subsequent standard treatment of endometrial cancer by abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy after 4 weeks revealed no clinical or histological evidence of persistent carcinoma. One year after surgery the patient remained without evidence of disease. We believe that individualized cancer therapy may be safely performed in carefully selected cases.

[Dynamic stability of the glenohumeral joint. A biomechanical study]

Stability of the glenohumeral joint with an anterior, posterior and inferior displacement force of 50 Newton was measured in a dynamic shoulder model. Controlled hydrodynamic actuator forces were applied to the deltoid muscle and to the rotator cuff in seven anatomic specimens. During elevation of the arm, the position of the humerus was measured with a six-degree-of-freedom ultrasonic sensor device. The rotational center of the humeral head was used as reference point for translation. A displacement force of 50N led to significant humeral head displacement anteriorly and posteriorly, but not inferiorly. A 50% reduction of rotator cuff forces increased anterior displacement by 46% and posterior displacement by 31%. Venting of the glenohumeral joint space and of the subacromial bursa resulted in a 50% increase of anterior displacement, a 19% increase of posterior displacement and in significant inferior displacement. This study demonstrates that, in addition to passive stabilizers and negative intraarticular pressure, rotator cuff force significantly contributes to stabilization of the glenohumeral joint during arm motion. Muscle strength and coordination should gain more emphasis in the diagnosis and treatment of shoulder instability.

[Use of photodynamic laser therapy in gynecology]

OBJECTIVE

Dysplasia of the vulva and uterine cervix are often multicentric, tend to recur and have mostly to be treated by surgical procedures. The photodynamic laser therapy (PDT) may be an alternative, which selectively destroys neoplastic tissue after topical delta-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) used as a photosensitizer.

METHODS

We measured the distribution of fluorescence in dysplastic and nondysplastic tissue after topical application of ALA in 27 patients with dysplasia. In 3 vulvar and 2 cervical dysplasias, PDT was performed.

RESULTS

We could show a selective enrichment of endogenous porphyrins in dysplastic tissues, whereas benign tissue showed no fluorescence. The fluorescence was limited to the mucosa. The heterogeneous fluorescence pattern was influenced by the duration of ALA application. In the treated patients, cytological and clinical parameters showed improvement after use of PDT. The longest recurrence-free interval from treatment up to date is 15 months (range 3-15 months).

CONCLUSIONS

After first results of penetration studies and clinical follow-up, PDT after topical ALA application seems to be a good alternative to surgical procedures in dysplastic changes of the genital tract.

[The synergistic effect of delta-aminolevulinic acid and photodynamic laser therapy based on an in vitro model of the ATP tumor chemosensitivity test]

Photodynamic laser therapy (PDT) is under prospective clinical evaluation in gynecology. We used the ATP tumorchemosensitivity assay to detect the efficacy of delta-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) in combination with PDT. Two invasive cervical cancer cell lines were used, C33 and SIHA. The cell-damaging effect was quantified by measuring the intracellular ATP content. The 50% inhibitory concentration of ALA was 760 microM in the cell line C33 and 500 microM in the cell line SIHA. The combination of ALA incubation and PDT was synergistic in both cell lines. After in vitro experiments with this method, the combination is now used in a clinical phase II study. PDT after topical ALA application promises to become a possible alternative for the treatment of preinvasive and invasive malignancies in gynecology.

Translation of the glenohumeral joint with simulated active elevation

Translation of the glenohumeral joint was measured with a dynamic shoulder model during elevation of the arm in 8 cadaveric specimens. Controlled hydrodynamic actuator forces were applied to the deltoid muscle and the rotator cuff through wire cables. Using a constant force ratio, the glenohumeral joint was elevated to 90 degrees. The position of the arm in all spatial orientations was measured with an ultrasonic device. Reproducibility of glenohumeral joint motion was demonstrated on the basis of 5 cycles of glenohumeral joint elevation. The rotational center of the humeral head was used as the reference point for translation. Translation during elevation of the glenohumeral joint between 20 degrees and 90 degrees averaged 9.0 mm +/- 5.2 mm superiorly and 4.4 mm +/- 1.3 mm anteriorly. Physiologic variation of muscle activity, which is not yet fully understood, was not included in the model. In vivo, translation may be diminished by coordinated activity of the rotator cuff. The presence of significant glenohumeral joint translation underlines the importance of active, muscular guidance at the shoulder. Physiologic translation must be considered in the design of total shoulder arthroplasty, in shoulder instability, and in the impingement syndrome.