Research

Open AccessArticle

Uterine Artery Embolization for the Treatment of Symptomatic Uterine Fibroids of Different Sizes: A Single Center Experience

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Alberta Cappelli

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Cristina Mosconi

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Maria Adriana Cocozza

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Nicolò Brandi

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Laura Bartalena

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Francesco Modestino

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Maria Cristina Galaverni

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J. Pers. Med. 2023, 13(6), 906; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm13060906 - 28 May 2023

Viewed by 882

Abstract

The present study aimed to evaluate the clinical and radiological 1-year outcomes of uterine artery embolization (UAE) performed in a selected population of women with symptomatic myomas and who do not wish to conceive. Between January 2004 and January 2018, a total of [...] Read more.

The present study aimed to evaluate the clinical and radiological 1-year outcomes of uterine artery embolization (UAE) performed in a selected population of women with symptomatic myomas and who do not wish to conceive. Between January 2004 and January 2018, a total of 62 patients with pre-menopausal status and with no wish to conceive in the future underwent UAE for the treatment of symptomatic fibroids. All the patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or transvaginal ultrasonography (TV-US) before and after the procedure at 1-year follow-up. Clinical and radiological parameters were recorded, stratifying the population into 3 groups according to the size of the dominant myoma (group 1: <50 mm; group 2: ≥50 and ≤80 mm; group 3: >80 mm). Mean fibroid diameter was significantly reduced (42.6% ± 21.6%) at 1-year follow-up, with excellent improvements in terms of both symptoms and quality of life. No significant difference was observed regarding baseline dimension and the number of myomas. No major complications were reported (2.5%). The present study confirms the safety and efficacy of UAE in the treatment of symptomatic fibroids in pre-menopausal women with no desire to conceive. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Obstetrics and Gynecology and Women's Health)

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Open AccessArticle

Comparative Evaluation of Sildenafil Citrate and Estrogen as an Adjuvant Therapy for Treatment of Unexplained Infertility in Women

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Ahmed E. Altyar

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Marian S. Boshra

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Ahmed Essam Abou Warda

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Sherwet M. Shawkey

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Sara Abdallah Mohamed Salem

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Rania M. Sarhan

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Neven Sarhan

J. Pers. Med. 2023, 13(5), 842; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm13050842 - 17 May 2023

Viewed by 1109

Abstract

Background: Uterine blood flow determines endometrial thickness. This study examined how vaginal sildenafil citrate and estradiol valerate altered endometrial thickness, blood flow, and fertility in infertile women. Methods: This study observed 148 infertile women whose infertility was unexplained. Group 1 comprised 48 patients [...] Read more.

Background: Uterine blood flow determines endometrial thickness. This study examined how vaginal sildenafil citrate and estradiol valerate altered endometrial thickness, blood flow, and fertility in infertile women. Methods: This study observed 148 infertile women whose infertility was unexplained. Group 1 comprised 48 patients who received oral estradiol valerate (Cyclo-Progynova 2 mg/12 h white tablets) from day 6 till ovulation was initiated with clomiphene citrate. A number of 50 participants in group 2 received oral sildenafil (Respatio 20 mg/12 h film-coated tablets) for 5 days starting the day after their previous menstrual period and finishing on the day they ovulated with clomiphene citrate. Group 3 was the control group, with 50 patients receiving clomiphene citrate (Technovula 50 mg/12 h tablets) ovulation induction from the 2nd to 7th day of cycle. All patients had transvaginal ultrasounds to determine ovulation, follicle count, and fertility. Miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, and multiple pregnancies were monitored for three months. Results: The three groups’ mean ETs differed statistically at p = 0.0004. A statistically significant difference was found between the three groups in terms of the number of follicles, with 69% of patients in group 1 having one and 31% having two or more, 76% of patients in group 2 having one and 24% having two or more, and 90% of patients in the control group having one and 10% having two or more (p = 0.038). The clinical pregnancy rates of the three groups were 58%, 46%, and 27%, respectively (p = 0.005). The distribution of all side effects was not statistically different between the three groups. Conclusion: It is possible to claim that adding oral estrogen to clomiphene citrate therapy as an adjuvant therapy can improve endometrial thickness and, as a result, increase the pregnancy rates in unexplained infertility compared to sildenafil, especially in cases where the infertility has lasted less than two years. Most people who take sildenafil end up with a mild headache. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Obstetrics and Gynecology and Women's Health)

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Open AccessArticle

Ovarian Morphometric and Histologic Characteristics and Correlation with Clinical Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study

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Eirini Giovannopoulou

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Maria-Valeria Karakasi

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Maria Kouroupi

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Argyro-Ioanna Ieronimaki

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Eleni Papakonstantinou

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Alexandra Giatromanolaki

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Panagiotis Tsikouras

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Pavlos Pavlidis

J. Pers. Med. 2023, 13(2), 232; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm13020232 - 28 Jan 2023

Viewed by 1100

Abstract

Reproductive lifespan is determined by the reserve of ovarian follicles; their quality and quality determine the fertility potential at a given point in time for a particular individual. Inter-individual variations related to morphometry, laterality, medical history, demographic characteristics and ethnicity may impact ovarian [...] Read more.

Reproductive lifespan is determined by the reserve of ovarian follicles; their quality and quality determine the fertility potential at a given point in time for a particular individual. Inter-individual variations related to morphometry, laterality, medical history, demographic characteristics and ethnicity may impact ovarian histology, which however, has not been extensively studied or documented. The present cross-sectional study aims to investigate the potential association of clinical factors (age, medical and obstetric history) with ovarian morphometry and histology in females of reproductive age in the local population. The sample included 31 specimens of whole human ovaries, obtained from surgical/autopsy procedures in reproductive-aged women, processed at the Pathology Department. Morphometric characteristics were assessed, including shape, color, length, width, thickness and gross ovarian pathology. Random samples of specific dimensions were histologically examined to determine follicular counts. The results were analyzed statistically in correlation to morphometric characteristics and medical history. The majority of the patients had oval-shaped ovaries (77.8% right; 92.3% left; p = 0.368) of whitish color (38.9% right; 46.2% left; p > 0.999). Right ovaries had significantly greater length, width and volume (p-values 0.018, 0.040 and 0.050, respectively). Thickness was equivalent, as well as follicular distribution of all classes. Age correlated inversely with ovarian volume and primordial/primary follicular count on histology. Women with a caesarian-section history yielded significantly lower primordial/primary follicular counts. As estimated by ovarian histology, macroscopic and clinical factors may be significantly associated with actual ovarian reserve. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Obstetrics and Gynecology and Women's Health)

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Open AccessArticle

Higher Prevalence of Chronic Endometritis in Women with Cesarean Scar Defect: A Retrospective Study Using Propensity Score Matching

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J. Pers. Med. 2023, 13(1), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm13010039 - 24 Dec 2022

Viewed by 1473

Abstract

(1) Background: A cesarean scar defect may cause localized inflammation of the endometrial tissue, and various researchers believe that the presence of a cesarean scar defect is associated with chronic endometritis. However, there is no report on the possible association between cesarean scar [...] Read more.

(1) Background: A cesarean scar defect may cause localized inflammation of the endometrial tissue, and various researchers believe that the presence of a cesarean scar defect is associated with chronic endometritis. However, there is no report on the possible association between cesarean scar defects and chronic endometritis thus far. This study aimed to assess the role of having a cesarean scar defect in a person’s susceptibility to chronic endometritis. (2) Methods: This retrospective propensity-score-matched study comprised 1411 patients with chronic endometritis that were admitted to Henan Provincial People’s Hospital in China from 2020 to 2022. Based on whether a cesarean scar defect was present or not, all cases were assigned to the cesarean scar defect group or the control group. (3) Results: Of the 1411 patients, 331 patients with a cesarean scar defect were matched to 170 controls. All unbalanced covariates between groups were balanced after matching. Before matching, the prevalence of chronic endometritis in the cesarean scar defect group and in the control group was 28.8% and 19.6%, respectively. After correcting for all confounding factors, a logistic regression analysis showed that cesarean scar defect occurrence may increase the risk of chronic endometritis (odds ratio (OR), 1.766; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.217–2.563; p = 0.003). After matching, the prevalence of chronic endometritis was 28.8% in the cesarean scar defect group and 20.5% in the control group. Thus, even after correcting for all confounding factors, the logistic regression analysis still showed that a cesarean scar defect remained an independent risk factor for chronic endometritis prevalence (OR, 1.571; 95% CI, 1.021–2.418; p = 0.040). The findings were consistent throughout the sensitivity analyses. (4) Conclusions: The present results suggest that the onset of a cesarean scar defect may increase the risk of chronic endometritis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Obstetrics and Gynecology and Women's Health)

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Open AccessArticle

Life Quality in Premenopausal Women after Embolization of Uterine Myomas

J. Pers. Med. 2022, 12(12), 1990; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm12121990 - 01 Dec 2022

Viewed by 951

Abstract

Objectives: Fibroids cause significant morbidity and are the most common indication for hysterectomies worldwide, delimiting a major public health problem. Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is an alternative therapy to surgical treatment of symptomatic fibroids; it has satisfactory long-time results and is no longer [...] Read more.

Objectives: Fibroids cause significant morbidity and are the most common indication for hysterectomies worldwide, delimiting a major public health problem. Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is an alternative therapy to surgical treatment of symptomatic fibroids; it has satisfactory long-time results and is no longer considered investigational for the treatment of symptomatic fibroids. This study was undertaken to evaluate changes in fibroid specific symptom severity and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) after UAE and to optimize the assessment of safety and outcomes measures for participants who receive UAE to objective compare UAE and surgical alternatives for therapy of symptomatic fibroids. Study design: The analysis was based on questionnaires completed by 270 pre-menopausal females with a mean age of 42 years (range, 38–50 years) who underwent UAE for uterine leiomyomas and/or adenomyosis from November 2013 through December 2019. Only symptomatic women were selected whose symptoms were not improving with medication and who did not wish to have children. The primary outcome measure was a change in fibroid symptoms and HRQOL (health related quality of life) after UAE. Secondary outcomes included the decrease in uterine volume after UAE. Results: Questionnaires were completed by 270 women (100%) at a mean of 12.1 months from UAE. The median follow-up period was two years. Uterine fibroid embolization led to a shrinkage at three months for the 90% of the participants. A reduction of bleeding symptoms, pain and bulk-related symptoms was observed in 89.7%, 88.9%, and 89.5% of the patients, respectively. In the long term, there was no significant difference in parameters assessed compared with the midterm follow-up findings. A total of 6 patients (2.3%) underwent fractional curettage an average of 32.1 months after intervention due to necrotic changes in submucosal fibroids. All participants continued to be satisfied with the intervention, and 240 patients (88.9%) answered that they would recommend uterine fibroid embolization to other patients. Conclusions: Women who undergo UAE have a significant decrease in symptom severity and increase in HRQOL which is associated with high levels of satisfaction with the procedure (even when subsequent therapies are pursued). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Obstetrics and Gynecology and Women's Health)

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Open AccessArticle

Lipoleiomyomas of the Uterine Cervix: A New Series including the First Recurrent Case and the First Systematic Literature Review

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Vincenzo Dario Mandato

J. Pers. Med. 2022, 12(11), 1852; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm12111852 - 06 Nov 2022

Viewed by 1302

Abstract

Uterine leiomyomas usually arise from the uterine body (95%), and rarely from the cervix (0.6%) or other urogenital sites. Lipoleiomyomas are benign, uncommon variants of leiomyomas (0.03–0.2%), histologically composed of smooth muscle cells and mature adipocytes; they usually occur in the uterine body [...] Read more.

Uterine leiomyomas usually arise from the uterine body (95%), and rarely from the cervix (0.6%) or other urogenital sites. Lipoleiomyomas are benign, uncommon variants of leiomyomas (0.03–0.2%), histologically composed of smooth muscle cells and mature adipocytes; they usually occur in the uterine body and exceptionally in the cervix. We performed the first systematic literature review of cervical lipoleiomyomas (PRISMA guidelines), presenting five new cases. Including our series, thirty-one detailed cases were reported in the literature (mainly in Asia). The age range was 35–74 years, revealing a higher mean age than conventional cervical leiomyomas (46.5 vs. 39.4 years). Patients were usually multiparous (94%), typically complaining of vaginal bleeding (11/31, 36%), pelvic/abdominal pain (10/31, 32%), and/or urinary disturbances (6/31, 19%) 1 week to 10 months before presentation. Clinical examination revealed a pedunculated tumor (48%), or prolapse of ≥1 pelvic organs (16%). Twenty-four (77%) patients underwent total hysterectomy ± additional surgery; simple myomectomy/excision was performed in five (16%) cases. Only one (3%) of our cases recurred 2 years after partial excision; no evidence of disease was found 13 years after recurrence excision. Adipocytes occupied ≤50% of the tumor volume. Hyaline or myxoid changes and cartilaginous metaplasia were uncommon histological findings. Surgically challenging cases or pregnant patients may require expert gynecologists. Interventional radiology or conservative treatments were rarely proposed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Obstetrics and Gynecology and Women's Health)

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Review

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Open AccessReview

Concurrent Diagnosis of Adenomyosis and Congenital Uterine Anomalies: A Review

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Antonio Simone Laganà

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Vito Chiantera

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Salvatore Giovanni Vitale

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Stefano Angioni

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Guglielmo Stabile

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Zaki Sleiman

J. Pers. Med. 2023, 13(5), 716; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm13050716 - 24 Apr 2023

Viewed by 904

Abstract

Background: Adenomyosis and congenital uterine anomalies (CUAs) can compromise reproductive potential and may coexist in the same patient, especially in cases of infertility. This review (CRD42022382850) aims to evaluate the published cases of concurrent adenomyosis and syndromic and nonsyndromic CUAs. Methods: A literature [...] Read more.

Background: Adenomyosis and congenital uterine anomalies (CUAs) can compromise reproductive potential and may coexist in the same patient, especially in cases of infertility. This review (CRD42022382850) aims to evaluate the published cases of concurrent adenomyosis and syndromic and nonsyndromic CUAs. Methods: A literature search for suitable articles published in the English language was performed using the following databases from inception to 30 November 2022: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Global Health, the Cochrane Library, Health Technology Assessment Database, and Web of Science. Articles including both CUAs and adenomyosis, with data about their potential relationship, were included. Results: The literature search retrieved 14 articles that met the purpose of this review and summarized the most recent findings regarding the concurrent diagnosis of adenomyosis and CUAs. Conclusions: Adenomyosis can be found in both syndromic and nonsyndromic CUAs, and may arise from several etiologies. The hypothesis that obstructions in CUAs increase uterine pressure and promote the development of adenomyosis remains to be further elucidated, and additional findings may also play a role. The patient’s genetic, epigenetic, and hormonal patterns, as well as normal physiological processes, such as pregnancy, may influence the growth of adenomyosis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Obstetrics and Gynecology and Women's Health)

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Other

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Open AccessBrief Report

mTOR Inhibition via Low-Dose, Pulsed Rapamycin with Intraovarian Condensed Platelet Cytokines: An Individualized Protocol to Recover Diminished Reserve?

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J. Pers. Med. 2023, 13(7), 1147; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm13071147 - 17 Jul 2023

Viewed by 536

Abstract

No major breakthroughs have entered mainstream clinical fertility practice since egg donation and intracytoplasmic sperm injection decades ago, and oocyte deficits secondary to advanced age continue as the main manifestation of diminished ovarian reserve. In the meantime, several unproven IVF ‘accessories’ have emerged [...] Read more.

No major breakthroughs have entered mainstream clinical fertility practice since egg donation and intracytoplasmic sperm injection decades ago, and oocyte deficits secondary to advanced age continue as the main manifestation of diminished ovarian reserve. In the meantime, several unproven IVF ‘accessories’ have emerged including so-called ovarian rejuvenation which entails placing fresh autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) directly into ovarian tissue. Among cellular responses attributed to this intervention are reduced oxidative stress, slowed apoptosis and improved metabolism. Besides having an impact on the existing follicle pool, platelet growth factors might also facilitate de novo oocyte recruitment by specified gene upregulation targeting uncommitted ovarian stem cells. Given that disordered activity at the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) has been shown to exacerbate or accelerate ovarian aging, PRP-discharged plasma cytokines combined with mTOR suppression by pulsed/cyclic rapamycin represents a novel fusion technique to enhance ovarian function. While beneficial effects have already been observed experimentally in oocytes and embryos with mTOR inhibition alone, this proposal is the first to discuss intraovarian platelet cytokines followed by low-dose, phased rapamycin. For refractory cases, this investigational, tailored approach could amplify or sustain ovarian capacity sufficient to permit retrieval of competent oocytes via distinct but complementary pathways—thus reducing dependency on oocyte donation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Obstetrics and Gynecology and Women's Health)

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Open AccessSystematic Review

The Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation before 20 Weeks of Gestation on Preeclampsia: A Systematic Review

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J. Pers. Med. 2023, 13(6), 996; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm13060996 - 14 Jun 2023

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Abstract

Preeclampsia is a leading cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality worldwide. The role of vitamin D supplementation during early pregnancy in the prevention of preeclampsia remains unclear. Our objective was to synthesize and critically appraise the available evidence from observational and [...] Read more.

Preeclampsia is a leading cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality worldwide. The role of vitamin D supplementation during early pregnancy in the prevention of preeclampsia remains unclear. Our objective was to synthesize and critically appraise the available evidence from observational and interventional studies to determine the effects of early pregnancy vitamin D supplementation on the risk of preeclampsia. A systematic review was conducted in March 2023 using PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Scopus databases, including literature published up to February 2023. In adherence to PRISMA guidelines, a structured and systematic search strategy was employed. A total of five studies were included in the review, encompassing 1474 patients. Overall, vitamin D supplementation during early pregnancy was associated with a reduced incidence of preeclampsia in all studies (ORs ranging from 0.26 to 0.31), while others showed an increased risk of preeclampsia with low vitamin D levels during the first trimester (ORs of 4.60, 1.94, and 2.52). However, other studies found no significant protective effect but good overall safety for various vitamin D dosages administered during the first trimester. Nevertheless, variations in vitamin D dosage, the timing of supplementation, and definitions of vitamin D insufficiency may have contributed to the inconsistencies in the observed outcomes. Some studies reported significant secondary outcomes, such as a reduction in blood pressure, preterm labor, and improved neonatal outcomes, such as birth weight. The evidence from this systematic review suggests that early pregnancy vitamin D supplementation may have a role in reducing the risk of preeclampsia. However, inconsistencies in the timing of supplementation, dosages, and methodological differences between studies highlight the need for further research to determine the optimal supplementation strategy and to clarify the relationship between vitamin D and preeclampsia risk. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Obstetrics and Gynecology and Women's Health)

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