P–504 A randomised controlled trial comparing expectant management or intrauterine-insemination in couples with unexplained subfertility and a poor prognosis for natural conception: the impact on health-related-quality-of-life

Study question

Is health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in women with unexplained subfertility and a poor prognosis influenced by expectant management or intrauterine insemination with ovarian stimulation?

Summary answer

HRQoL did not differ, except for the relational domain which was lower after expectant management. Anxiety and depression disorders occurred frequently in both groups.

What is known already

In couples with unexplained subfertility and a poor prognosis, IUI with ovarian stimulation (IUI-OS) is a first line treatment. Not much is known about quality of live or depression and anxiety in these couples. The Fertility Quality of Life (FertiQoL) is reliable for assessment within relational and social domains, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) is a reliable tool to detect anxiety and depression disorders.

Study design, size, duration

We performed a multicentre RCT in couples with unexplained subfertility with a poor prognosis of conceiving naturally within one year. Women were allocated 1:1 to six months expectant management or to six months IUI-OS. HRQoL was assessed with standard self-administered psychometric measures with established reliability and validity: FertiQol and HADS. We intended to include 1091 couples but after almost 4 years, the study had to stop due to slow inclusion and therefore lack of funding.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Between June 2017 and September 2020, we recruited 178 women of wich 92 were assigned expectant management and 86 IUI-OS. All women who participated and could read Dutch were eligible for the HRQoL measurements because HRQoL questionnaires in foreign languages were not yet available online. Women completed the questionnaires before randomisation, 3 and 6 months after randomisation. We used mixed model analyses to assess differences between treatment groups and the effect of time.

Main results and the role of chance

One hundred sixty-two women could read Dutch and were invited (162/178 (91%)). Analyzable data of the FertiQol questionnaire were available for 80% (130/162). Compared to women allocated to IUI-OS, women allocated to expectant management had a lower FertiQol score in the relational domain (mean difference –4.3 (95% CI –7.3 to –1.3) but not in the social domain (mean diff van –0.8 (95% CI –4.5 to 2.9).

Data of the HADS questionnaire were available of 156 women (96% (156/162)). Both groups had comparable scores in the Anxiety (mean difference –0.20; 95% CI 0.63; –0.99 to 0.6) and Depressions score (mean difference 0.002; 95% CI –0.67 to 0.67) at all three moments. At baseline, the incidence of an anxiety disorder (definition score 8 or higher) was 19% (30/156) and increased to 30% and 29% at 3 months and 6 months respectively. The incidence of a depression disorder (definition score 8 or higher) was 5% (7/156) and increased to 16% and 18% at 3 months and 6 months respectively. The incidences of anxiety or depression disorders did not differ significantly between expectant management and IUI.

Limitations, reasons for caution

Our randomized controlled trial did not reach the planned sample size. The results are only applicable to women with unexplained subfertility and a poor prognosis and not to all women with unexplained subfertility.

Wider implications of the findings: Although often assumed, IUI-OS does not improve HRQoL compared to expectant management in all domains. IUI might prevent loss of quality of the relationship, but the impact seems small. Future studies should look into the high incidence of anxiety and depression disorders in these women and how to support them.

Trial registration number

Trial register NL5455 (NTR5599)

P–753 A randomised controlled trial comparing expectant management versus intrauterine insemination in couples with unexplained subfertility and a poor prognosis for natural conception

Study question

Does 6 months expectant management reduces ongoing pregnancy rates compared to intrauterine insemination with ovarian stimulation (IUI-OS) in couples with unexplained subfertility?

Summary answer

In couples with unexplained subfertility and a poor prognosis for natural conception, 6 months of expectant management decreases ongoing pregnancy rates as compared to IUI-OS.

What is known already

In couples with unexplained subfertility and a poor prognosis, IUI-OS is a first line treatment. We have previously shown that in couples with unexplained subfertility and a good prognosis for natural conception (>30% in 12 months), 6 months expectant management does not reduce pregnancy changes. However, in couples with a poor prognosis for natural conception, effectiveness of IUI-OS is uncertain.

Study design, size, duration

We performed a non-inferiority multicentre randomised controlled trial (RCT) within the infrastructure of the Dutch Consortium for Healthcare Evaluation and Research in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. We studied couples with unexplained subfertility and a poor prognosis for natural conception. The couples were allocated in a 1:1 ratio to six months expectant management or six months IUI-OS with either clomiphene citrate or gonadotrophins.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

We intended to include 1091 couples. The trial was halted pre-maturely due to slow inclusion after randomisation of 178 couples. The primary outcome was ongoing pregnancy leading to a live birth with multiple pregnancy and miscarriage rate as important secondary outcomes. We calculated relative risks with 95% CI and a corresponding hazard-rate for ongoing-pregnancy-over-time based on intention-to-treat.

Main results and the role of chance

Between October 2016 and September 2020 92 couples were allocated to expectant management and 86 to IUI-OS. Baseline characteristics were equally distributed. Mean female age was 34 years, median duration of subfertility was 21 months. Within 6 months after randomisation, women allocated to expectant management had a lower ongoing pregnancy rate than women allocated to IUI-OS (12/92 [13.0%] vs 29/86 women [33.7%], risk ratio 0.39 (95%CI 0.21 to 0.71)). There were two ongoing twin pregnancies in the expectant management group versus none in the IUI-OS group. Of 15 clinical pregnancies in the expectant management group three miscarried (20%), of 36 clinical pregnancies in the IUI-OS group seven miscarried (19.4%) (RR 1.03 (95% CI 0.31 to 3.45)). For the outcome ongoing pregnancy, the hazard ratio for expectant management versus IUI-OS was 0.34 (95%CI 0.18 to 0.67).

Limitations, reasons for caution

Our trial did not reach the planned sample size and therefore the results are limited by the number of participants. As 8 women are still pregnant, in this abstract we report ongoing pregnancy rates. Live birth rates will be presented at the conference.

Wider implications of the findings: In couples with unexplained subfertility and a poor prognosis for natural conception, expectant management is inferior to IUI-OS. We advise the basic work-up for subfertility to contain a prognostic assessment, and when subfertility is unexplained and natural fertility prospects are poor IUI-OS should be the preferred treatment.

Trial registration number

NTR5599

Does endometrial scratching increase the rate of spontaneous conception in couples with unexplained infertility and a good prognosis (Hunault > 30%)? Study protocol of the SCRaTCH-OFO trial: a randomized controlled trial

Background

In the Netherlands, couples with unexplained infertility and a good prognosis to conceive spontaneously (i.e. Hunault > 30%) are advised to perform timed intercourse for at least another 6 months. If couples fail to conceive within this period, they will usually start assisted reproductive technology (ART). However, treatment of unexplained infertility by ART is empirical and can involve significant burdens. Intentional endometrial injury, also called ‘endometrial scratching’, has been proposed to positively affect the chance of embryo implantation in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). It might also be beneficial for couples with unexplained infertility as defective endometrial receptivity may play a role in these women. The primary aim of this study is to determine whether endometrial scratching increases live birth rates in women with unexplained infertility.

Method

A multicentre randomized controlled trial will be conducted in Dutch academic and non-academic hospitals starting from November 2017. A total of 792 women with unexplained infertility and a good prognosis for spontaneous conception < 12 months (Hunault > 30%) will be included, of whom half will undergo endometrial scratching in the luteal phase of the natural cycle. The women in the control group will not undergo endometrial scratching. According to Dutch guidelines, both groups will subsequently perform timed intercourse for at least 6 months. The primary endpoint is cumulative live birth rate. Secondary endpoints are clinical and ongoing pregnancy rate; miscarriage rate; biochemical pregnancy loss; multiple pregnancy rate; time to pregnancy; progression to intrauterine insemination (IUI) or IVF; pregnancy complications; complications of endometrial scratching; costs and endometrial tissue parameters associated with reproductive success or failure. The follow-up duration is 12 months.

Discussion

Several small studies show a possible beneficial effect of endometrial scratching in women with unexplained infertility trying to conceive naturally or through IUI. However, the quality of this evidence is very low, making it unclear whether these women will truly benefit from this procedure. The SCRaTCH-OFO trial aims to investigate the effect of endometrial scratching on live birth rate in women with unexplained infertility and a good prognosis for spontaneous conception < 12 months.

Trial registration

NTR6687, registered August 31st, 2017.

Protocol version

Version 2.6, November 14th, 2018.

Endometrial scratching in women with implantation failure after a first IVF/ICSI cycle; does it lead to a higher live birth rate? The SCRaTCH study: a randomized controlled trial (NTR 5342)

BACKGROUND

Success rates of assisted reproductive techniques (ART) are approximately 30%, with the most important limiting factor being embryo implantation. Mechanical endometrial injury, also called 'scratching', has been proposed to positively affect the chance of implantation after embryo transfer, but the currently available evidence is not yet conclusive. The primary aim of this study is to determine the effect of endometrial scratching prior to a second fresh in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) cycle on live birth rates in women with a failed first IVF/ICSI cycle.

METHOD

Multicenter randomized controlled trial in Dutch academic and non-academic hospitals. A total of 900 women will be included of whom half will undergo an endometrial scratch in the luteal phase of the cycle prior to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation using an endometrial biopsy catheter. The primary endpoint is the live birth rate after the 2^nd fresh IVF/ICSI cycle. Secondary endpoints are costs, cumulative live birth rate (after the full 2^nd IVF/ICSI cycle and over 12 months of follow-up); clinical and ongoing pregnancy rate; multiple pregnancy rate; miscarriage rate and endometrial tissue parameters associated with implantation failure.

DISCUSSION

Multiple studies have been performed to investigate the effect of endometrial scratching on live birth rates in women undergoing IVF/ICSI cycles. Due to heterogeneity in both the method and population being scratched, it remains unclear which group of women will benefit from the procedure. The SCRaTCH trial proposed here aims to investigate the effect of endometrial scratching prior to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation in a large group of women undergoing a second IVF/ICSI cycle.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NTR 5342 , registered July 31^st, 2015.

PROTOCOL VERSION

Version 4.10, January 4th, 2017.

Asthma among workers in healthcare settings: role of disinfection with quaternary ammonium compounds

INTRODUCTION

An increased incidence of asthma has been reported among healthcare workers. The role of quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs), commonly used in cleaning/disinfection products, has not been clearly defined. The aim of this study was to analyse associations between asthma and occupational exposure to disinfectants, especially QACs.

METHODS

The study was performed on a stratified random sample of the various healthcare departments of 7 healthcare settings. The study included: questionnaire, physical examination and specific IgE assays. Occupational exposure assessment was performed by means of a work questionnaire, workplace studies and a review of products ingredients. Data were analysed by logistic regression.

RESULTS

Response rate was 77%; 543 workers (89% female) participated; 37.1% were registered nurses (RNs), 16.4% auxiliary nurses (ANs), 17.3% cleaners; 32.8% were atopic. 335 participants were exposed to QACs. Nursing professionals reported a significantly higher risk of reported physician-diagnosed asthma and, for RNs, of nasal symptoms at work than administrative staff working in healthcare sector. This risk was particularly marked during disinfection tasks and when exposure to QACs. Exposure to QACs increased significantly the risk of reported physician-diagnosed asthma and nasal symptoms at work (adjusted OR = 7.5 and 3.2, respectively). No significant association was found with other exposures such as latex glove use, chlorinated products/bleach or glutaraldehyde.

CONCLUSION

RNs and ANs presented a higher risk of reported asthma than administrative staff. The highest risk was associated with tasks involving dilution of disinfection products by manual mixing, suggesting possible exposure to repeated peaks of concentrated products known to be strong respiratory irritants. Workplace interventions should be conducted to more clearly determine QAC exposure and improve disinfection procedures.

Increased acquired dyschromatopsia among solvent-exposed workers: an epidemiology study on 249 employees of an aluminum-foil printing factory

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the effects on color vision of chronic exposure to mixtures of solvents including ethyl acetate, ethanol, and ketones among the workers of a large factory specializing in the manufacture of photoengraved aluminum packaging.

METHODS

We analyzed a group of 129 subjects who had been exposed to solvents for more than 3 years (mean age 40 years, range 25 59 years) and a nonexposed group of 120 subjects (mean age 41 years, range 21-57 years). The two groups had a similar length of service (17 and 19 years on average, respectively). The exposed subjects consumed more tobacco and alcohol than the nonexposed workers. The study involved administration of the Lanthony D-15 desaturated test. The subjects were classified as having or not having dyschromatopsia on the basis of Lanthony's criteria and the chromatic confusion index (CCI) was calculated according to Bowman's method. After observation of the work stations and analysis of an occupational questionnaire the findings were used to construct a cumulative exposure index covering the whole of each subject's working life. Air samples were taken at each work station and in each production sector to determine current exposure.

RESULTS

The average cumulative exposure index was 194 (median 174, range 27-513). The average hygienic effect index (according to ACGIH recommendations), regularly used for atmospheres containing mixtures of products, varied between 12% and 27% of the occupational limit values permitted under French legislation. As regards color vision, 23% of the exposed group had dyschromatopsia, as did 13% of the nonexposed group, with the odds ratio (OR) adjusted for age and consumption of tobacco and alcohol being 1.99 (1.02, 3.89). The analysis of the dose-response relationship according to the cumulative exposure index showed an OR of 1.59 for the lowly exposed group (index < 174) and an OR of 2.40 for the highly exposed group (index > 174) as compared with the nonexposed group. Subjects with complex color vision loss (n=23) had a significantly higher cumulative exposure index than those with blue-yellow loss (n=23; 232 versus 155; P=0.04). The CCI was on average higher in the exposed group, but the difference between the two groups was not significant.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study are in favor of an increased risk for impairment of chromatic discrimination among workers exposed to mixtures of solvents including mainly ethyl acetate, ethanol, and ketones.