Malformação arteriovenosa uterina: um relato de caso / Uterine arteriovenous malformation: a case report

O presente estudo tem como objetivo relatar o caso de uma paciente com malformação arteriovenosa uterina, efetivamente tratada com embolização seletiva e com fertilidade preservada. A malformação arteriovenosa uterina é uma alteração vascular rara até então pouco descrita na literatura. A paciente do sexo feminino apresentou quadro de sangramento uterino anormal, com início 30 dias após um abortamento, sem realização de curetagem, de uma gestação resultante de fertilização in vitro. Foram, então, realizados exames de imagem, que levaram ao diagnóstico de malformação arteriovenosa uterina. O tratamento de escolha foi a embolização arterial seletiva, com resolução do caso. Após sete meses, nova fertilização in vitro foi realizada, encontrando-se na 36a semana de gestação. São necessários mais estudos sobre essa malformação a fim de que sejam estabelecidos os métodos mais eficazes para o manejo de casos futuros, especialmente quando há desejo de gestar.

The present study aims to report the case of a patient with uterine arteriovenous malformation, effectively treated with selective embolization and with preserved fertility. Uterine arteriovenous malformation is a rare vascular disorder that has so far been rarely described in the literature. Female patient presented with abnormal uterine bleeding, starting 30 days after an abortion without subsequent curettage, of a pregnancy resulting from in vitro fertilization. Imaging tests were then performed that led to the diagnosis of uterine arteriovenous malformation. The treatment of choice was selective arterial embolization, with successful results. After seven months, a new in vitro fertilization was performed, being in the 36th week of pregnancy. Further studies on this pathology are needed in order to establish the most effective methods for the management of future cases, especially when there is a desire to become pregnant.

Malformaciones müllerianas: actualización y revisión a propósito de casos clínicos, 2022 / Müllerian malformations: update and review of clinical cases, 2022

Las malformaciones müllerianas (MM) son un grupo de anomalías estructurales originadas por fallas de desarrollo de los conductos paramesonéfricos o de Müller durante las primeras 16 semanas de gestación. Un oportuno diagnóstico y una correcta clasificación permiten ofrecer el mejor manejo y diferenciar aquellas pacientes que requieren tratamiento quirúrgico. Se realizó una revisión de la literatura sobre MM en las bases de datos Epistemonikos, SciELO, Cochrane y PubMed. Se rescataron todas las pacientes ingresadas con diagnóstico de MM. En el año 2021, la American Society of Reproductive Medicine publicó un consenso en el que se estandarizó la nomenclatura, se amplió el espectro y se simplificó la clasificación. La clínica es variada, e incluye pacientes asintomáticas cuyo diagnóstico es un hallazgo por imágenes. Los mejores estudios imagenológicos son la resonancia magnética (RM) y la ultrasonografía 3D, dejando la histeroscopia y la laparoscopia (método de referencia) como procedimiento diagnóstico-terapéutico. Se presentan casos clínicos desarrollados durante el primer trimestre de 2022. Recomendamos la utilización sistemática de la RM para el diagnóstico de anomalías complejas u obstructivas del aparato genital. El tratamiento de estas patologías debe ser realizado por ginecólogos endoscopistas expertos, e incluye tratamiento médico y quirúrgico, el cual debe ser enfocado en cada paciente dependiendo del tipo de MM y de los deseos de fertilidad.

Müllerian malformations (MM) are a group of structural anomalies caused by developmental failure of the paramesonephric or Müllerian ducts during the first 16 weeks of gestation. Timely diagnosis and classification allow us to offer the best management and to differentiate those patients who require surgical treatment. Literature review on MM in Epistemonikos, SciELO, Cochrane and PubMed databases. All patients admitted with a diagnosis of MM were rescued. In 2021, the American Society of Reproductive Medicine publishes a consensus where it standardizes the nomenclature, broadens the spectrum, and simplifies the classification. The clinical picture is varied and includes asymptomatic patients whose diagnosis is an imaging finding. The best imaging studies are magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 3D ultrasonography, leaving hysteroscopy and laparoscopy (gold standard) as diagnostic therapeutic. Clinical cases developed during the first trimester 2022 are presented. We recommend the routine use of MRI for the diagnosis of complex and/or obstructive anomalies of the genital tract. The treatment of these pathologies should be performed by expert endoscopic gynecologists and include medical and surgical treatment, which should be focused on each patient, depending on the type of MM and fertility desires.

Análise das gestações ectópicas íntegras tratadas com o protocolo de dose única de metotrexato / Analysis of unruptured ectopic pregnancies treated with single-dose methotrexate protocol

Objetivo: Avaliar o índice de sucesso do tratamento da gravidez ectópica com o protocolo de dose única do metotrexato e verificar sua correlação com variáveis clínicas e dados dos exames complementares. Métodos: É um estudo epidemiológico observacional, analítico, retrospectivo, de delineamento transversal. Foi realizado de janeiro de 2014 a agosto de 2020 em um hospital público, de ensino, em nível terciário, do Sul do Brasil. Em 73 casos com diagnóstico de gestação ectópica íntegra, foi utilizado o protocolo de dose única de metotrexato intramuscular, com a dose de 50 mg/m2 de superfície corporal. As variáveis do estudo foram relacionadas ao sucesso do tratamento e abordaram as características clínicas na admissão, dos exames complementares e do tratamento realizado. As variáveis foram comparadas por análise de regressão de Poisson. O nível de significância estabelecido foi de p < 0,05. Resultados: O índice de sucesso foi de 83,6%, e em nove casos foi necessária uma segunda dose da medicação. Nível de ß-hCG inicial superior a 5.000 mUI/mL foi relacionado a menor chance de sucesso (odds ratio ajustado de 0,20 [0,05-0,95]). Tamanho da imagem anexial, presença de líquido livre na cavidade abdominal e demais variáveis estudadas não afetaram a chance de sucesso do tratamento. Conclusão: O protocolo de dose única de metotrexato mostrou-se uma opção válida para o tratamento da gestação ectópica íntegra, notadamente quando o nível de ß-hCG inicial é inferior 5.000 mUI/mL.

Objective: The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the success rate of treatment of ectopic pregnancy with the single-dose methotrexate protocol and to verify its correlation with clinical variables and complementary exam data. Methods: This is a retrospective epidemiological observational analytical cross-sectional study. It was carried out from January 2014 to August 2020 in a tertiary level teaching hospital in southern Brazil. In 73 cases with a diagnosis of intact ectopic pregnancy, the intramuscular methotrexate single-dose protocol was applied with a dose of 50 mg/m2 of body surface. The study variables were related to the success of the treatment and addressed the clinical characteristics on admission, the complementary exams and the treatment performed. The variables were compared by Poisson regression analysis. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The success rate was 83.6%, and in nine cases a second dose of the medication was necessary. An initial ß-hCG level greater than 5,000 mIU/mL was related to a lower chance of success (adjusted odds ratio of 0.20 [0.05- 0.95]). The size of the adnexal image, the presence of free fluid in the abdominal cavity and other variables studied did not affect the chance of a successful treatment. Conclusion: The methotrexate single-dose protocol proved to be a valid option for the treatment of intact ectopic pregnancy, notably when the initial ß-hCG level is below 5,000 mIU/mL.

Intervenção psicossocial para mulheres com histórico de tentativas de gravidez / Psychosocial intervention for women with a history of pregnancy attempts / Intervención psicosocial para mujeres con antecedentes de intentos de embarazo

OBJETIVO: A dificuldade ou impossibilidade para engravidar representa um problema vivenciado por mulheres no mundo inteiro, o que necessita de ações na área da saúde. OBJETIVO: Descrever um relato de experiência de uma intervenção psicossocial para mulheres com histórico de tentativas de gravidez. MÉTODO: Foram realizados seis encontros por meio do sistema remoto com o auxílio do Google Meet. Participaram sete mulheres, na faixa etária entre 30 e 37 anos, casadas, e com histórico de tratamentos para engravidar. Utilizou-se metodologia da Investigação Ação Participante (IAP) e os encontros iniciavam-se com uma temática proposta para discussão buscando fomentar o compartilhamento de experiências. RESULTADOS: Observou-se que as discussões possibilitaram a expressão de suas angústias provenientes das dificuldades para engravidar, o que inclui pressões sociais, percepções de inferioridade, incompletude, e falta de realização pessoal. CONCLUSÃO: O grupo de discussão representou uma estratégia promotora de mudanças e de reflexão/ação. Este espaço permitiu construir o apoio social para o enfrentamento dos desafios inerentes ao projeto maternal. Sugere-se a continuidade destas intervenções nas unidades de saúde e centros especializados para fomentar a promoção da saúde integral, assim como intervenções futuras que focalizem a inclusão dos cônjuges.

OBJECTIVE: The difficulty or impossibility of getting pregnant represents a problem experienced by women all over the world, which requires actions in the health area. OBJECTIVE: To describe an experience report of a psychosocial intervention for women with a history of pregnancy attempts. METHOD: Six meetings were held through the remote system with the help of Google Meet. Seven women participated, aged between 30 and 37 years old, married, and with a history of treatments to get pregnant. Participating Action Research (PAR) methodology was used and the meetings began with a proposed theme for discussion, seeking to encourage the sharing of experiences. RESULTS: It was observed that the discussions made it possible to express their anxieties arising from difficulties in getting pregnant, which includes social pressures, perceptions of inferiority, incompleteness, and lack of personal fulfillment. CONCLUSION: The discussion group represented a strategy to promote changes and reflection/action. This space made it possible to build social support to coping challenges inherent to the maternal project. It is suggested that these interventions be continued in health units and specialized centers to foster the promotion of comprehensive health, as well as future interventions that focus on the inclusion of spouses.

OBJETIVO: La dificultad o imposibilidad de quedar embarazada representa un problema vivido por mujeres de todo el mundo, que requiere acciones en el área de la salud. OBJETIVO: Describir un relato de experiencia de una intervención psicosocial para mujeres con antecedentes de intentos de embarazo. MÉTODO: Se realizaron seis reuniones a través del sistema remoto con la ayuda de Google Meet. Participaron siete mujeres, con edades entre 30 y 37 años, casadas y con antecedentes de tratamientos para quedar embarazadas. Se utilizó la metodología de Investigación Acción Participativa (IAP) y las reuniones comenzaron con una propuesta de tema de discusión, buscando incentivar el intercambio de experiencias. RESULTADOS: Se observó que las discusiones permitieron expresar sus angustias derivadas de las dificultades para quedar embarazada, que incluye presiones sociales, percepciones de inferioridad, incompletitud y falta de realización personal. CONCLUSIÓN: El grupo de discusión representó una estrategia para promover cambios y reflexión/acción. Este espacio permitió construir apoyo social para enfrentar los desafíos inherentes al proyecto materno. Se sugiere continuar con estas intervenciones en unidades de salud y centros especializados para promover la promoción de la salud integral, así como futuras intervenciones que se centren en la inclusión de los cónyuges.

The Role of Thyroid Hormones, Vitamins, and Microelements in Female Infertility / O papel dos hormônios da tiroide, das vitaminas e dos microelementos na fertilidade feminina

Abstract Objective It is well known that female infertility is multifactorial. Therefore, we aimed to compare the effects of thyroid dysfunction, vitamin deficiency, and microelement deficiency in fertile and infertile patients. Materials and Methods Between May 1st, 2017, and April 1st, 2019, we conducted a retrospective case-control study with of 380 infertile and 346 pregnant patients (who normally fertile and able to conceive spontaneously). The fertile patients were selected among those who got pregnant spontaneously without treatment, had a term birth, and did not have systemic or obstetric diseases. The levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO), vitamin D, vitamin B12, folic acid, ferritin, and zinc of both groups were compared. Results There was no difference between patients in the infertile and pregnant groups in terms of low normal and high serum T3 and T4 levels (p = 0.938; p > 0.05) respectively, nor in terms of normal and high anti-TPO levels (p = 0.182; p > 0.05) respectively. There was no significant difference regarding patients with low, insufficient, and sufficient vitamin D levels in the infertile and pregnant groups (p = 0.160; p >0.05) respectively. The levels of folic acid, ferritin, and zinc of the infertile group were significantly lower than those of the pregnant group. Conclusion The serum levels of folic acid, ferritin, and zinc in infertile patients presenting to our outpatient clinic were lower than those o the fertile patients.

Resumo Objetivo Sabe-se que a infertilidade feminina é multifatorial. Portanto, nosso objetivo foi comparar os efeitos da disfunção tireoidiana, deficiência de vitaminas e deficiência de microelementos em pacientes férteis e inférteis. Materiais e Métodos Entre 1° de maio de 2017 e 1° de abril de 2019, realizamos um estudo retrospectivo caso-controle com 380 pacientes inférteis e 346 grávidas (normalmente férteis e capazes de conceber espontaneamente). As pacientes férteis foram selecionadas entre aquelas que engravidaram espontaneamente sem tratamento, tiveram parto a termo e não apresentavam doenças sistêmicas ou obstétricas. Os níveis de hormônio estimulante da tireoide (TSH), triiodotironina (T3), tiroxina (T4), antitireoide peroxidase (anti-TPO), vitamina D, vitamina B12, ácido fólico, ferritina e zinco de ambos os grupos foram comparados. Resultados Não houve diferença entre as pacientes dos grupos inférteis e gestantes em relação aos níveis altos de sérumT3 e T4 normais baixos e altos (p = 0,938; p > 0,05), respectivamente nem aos níveis normais e altos de anti-TPO (p = 0,182; p > 0,05), respectivamente. Não houve diferença significativa em relação aos pacientes com níveis baixos, insuficientes e suficientes de vitamina D nos grupos inférteis e gestantes (p = 0,160; p > 0,05), respectivamente. Os níveis de ácido fólico, ferritina e zinco do grupo infértil foram significativamente menores do que os do grupo grávida. Conclusão Os níveis de sérum de ácido fólico, ferritina e zinco nas pacientes inférteis atendidas em nosso ambulatório foram menores do que nas pacientes férteis.

Facteurs associés à l'infertilité féminine liée aux adhérences à Mbujimayi (RDC) / Factors associated with female infertility due to adherences in Mbujimayi (DRC)

Dans une société pro-nataliste, l'infertilité féminine est considérée comme un drame. Cette étude avait pour objectif d'identifier les facteurs associés à l'infertilité mécanique féminine liée aux adhérences pelviennes à Mbujimayi. MéthodologieIl s'agissait d'une étude cas-témoins, réalisée dans les Hôpitaux Généraux de Référence Dipumba et Saint Sauveur à Mbujimayi (RDC), durant une période allant du premier janvier 2006 au 31 décembre 2020. Nous avons colligé un total de 354 cas RésultatsLes facteurs associés à l'infertilité mécanique féminine étaient: l'âge inférieur à 20 ans qui multipliait par 4 le risque de développer des adhérences pelviennes (OR=4,01[1,19-13,49]); l'antécédent des infections sexuellement transmises (IST) (OR=1,77[1,06-2,96]) et l'antécédent de chirurgie abdomino-pelvienne (OR=1,76[1,07-2,88] qui multipliaient respectivement de presque par 2 le risque d'avoir les adhérences pelviennes. Ces associations étaient statistiquement significatives. ConclusionLes IST et la chirurgie abdomino-pelvienne exposent au développement des adhérences pelviennes et/ou aux altérations tubaires conduisant à l'infertilité féminine. Leur prévention doit se baser sur la prise en charge préventive des IST par la sensibilisation pour une sexualité responsable surtout chez les adolescentes, la rationalisation dans les indications et la bonne pratique de la chirurgie abdomino-pelvienne par les médecins.

Introduction: In a pro-natalist society, female infertility is considered a tragedy. This study aimed to identify the factors associated with female mechanical infertility related to pelvic adhesions in Mbujimayi. Methodology This was a case-control study, carried out in Dipumba and Saint Sauveur General Reference Hospitals in Mbujimayi (DRC), during a period from January 1, 2006 until December 31, 2020. We collected a total of 354 cases ResultsThe factors associated with female mechanical infertility were: age below 20 years, which multiplied by 4 the risk of developing pelvic adhesions (OR=4.01 [1.19-13.49]); history of sexually transmitted infections (STI) (OR=1.77[1.06-2.96]) and history of abdomino-pelvic surgery (OR=1.76[1.07-2.88] which respectively increased the risk of having pelvic adhesions by almost 2. These associations were statistically significant. Conclusion: Sexually transmitted infections (STI) and abdomino-pelvic surgery expose the patient to the development of pelvic adhesions and/or tubal alterations leading to female infertility. Their prevention must be based on the preventive management of STI by raising awareness for responsible sexuality, especially among adolescents, the rationalization of the indications and the good practice of abdomino-pelvic surgery by doctors

Efficacy and safety of acupuncture for polycystic ovary syndrome: An overview of systematic reviews / 中西医结合学报

BACKGROUND@#Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the primary cause of anovulatory infertility, bringing serious harm to women's physical and mental health. Acupuncture may be an effective treatment for PCOS. However, systematic reviews (SRs) on the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for PCOS have reported inconsistent results, and the quality of these studies has not been adequately assessed.@*OBJECTIVE@#To summarize and evaluate the current evidence on the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for PCOS, as well as to assess the quality and risks of bias of the available SRs.@*SEARCH STRATEGY@#Nine electronic databases (Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, Chongqing VIP Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database, and China Biology Medicine disc) were searched from their establishment to July 27, 2022. Based on the principle of combining subject words with text words, the search strategy was constructed around search terms for "acupuncture," "polycystic ovary syndrome," and "systematic review."@*INCLUSION CRITERIA@#SRs of randomized controlled trials that explored the efficacy and (or) safety of acupuncture for treating patients with PCOS were included.@*DATA EXTRACTION AND ANALYSIS@#Two authors independently extracted study data according to a predesigned form. Tools for evaluating the methodological quality, risk of bias, reporting quality, and confidence in study outcomes, including A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR 2), Risk of Bias in Systematic Reviews (ROBIS), Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses for Acupuncture (PRISMA-A), and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE), were used to score the included SRs.@*RESULTS@#A total of 885 studies were retrieved, and 11 eligible SRs were finally included in this review. The methodological quality of 2 SRs (18.18%) was low, while the other 9 SRs (81.82%) were scored as extremely low. Four SRs (36.36%) were considered to be of low risk of bias. As for reporting quality, the reporting completeness of 9 SRs (81.82%) was more than 70%. Concerning the confidence in study results, 2 study results were considered to have a high quality of evidence (3.13%), 14 (21.88%) a "moderate" quality, 28 (43.75%) a "low" quality, and 20 (31.24%) considered a "very low" quality. Descriptive analyses suggested that combining acupuncture with other medicines can effectively improve the clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and ovulation rate, and reduce luteinizing hormone/follicle-stimulating hormone ratio, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, and body mass index (BMI). When compared with medicine alone, acupuncture alone also can improve CPR. Further, when compared with no intervention, acupuncture had a better effect in promoting the recovery of menstrual cycle and reducing BMI. Acupuncture was reported to cause no adverse events or some adverse events without serious harm.@*CONCLUSION@#The efficacy and safety of acupuncture for PCOS remains uncertain due to the limitations and inconsistencies of current evidence. More high-quality studies are needed to support the use of acupuncture in PCOS.

Correlation analysis of vitamin D level and anti-Müllerian hormone in infertile female and the role in predicting pregnancy outcome / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the relationship between serum 25(OH)D and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) among infertile females and their predictive impacts on in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer pregnancy outcome.@*METHODS@#Totally 756 infertile females treated with assisted reproductive technology were enrolled and divided into three groups according to their vitamin D levels (group A with serum 25(OH)D≤10 μg/L, group B with serum (10-20) μg/L, and group C with serum ≥20 μg/L). The serum AMH levels were detected. The differences among the groups were analyzed, as well as the correlation between vitamin D levels and serum AMH levels in various infertility types (fallopian tube/male factor, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), ovulation disorders excluded PCOS, endometriosis, unexplained infertility, and others). Also, the predictive roles of vitamin D and AMH in pregnancy outcome in all the infertile females were discussed.@*RESULTS@#(1) 87.7% of the enrolled females were insufficient or deficient in vitamin D. (2) The serum AMH levels in the three groups with different vitamin D levels were 1.960 (1.155, 3.655) μg/L, 2.455 (1.370, 4.403) μg/L, 2.360 (1.430, 4.780) μg/L and there was no significant difference in serum AMH levels among the three groups (P>0.05). (3) Serum 25(OH)D and AMH levels presented seasonal variations (P < 0.05). (4) There was no prominent correlation between the serum AMH level and serum 25(OH)D level in females of various infertility types after adjusting potential confounding factors [age, body mass index (BMI), antral follicle count (AFC), vitamin D blood collection season, etc.] by multiple linear regression analysis (P>0.05). (5) After adjusting for confounding factors, such as age, BMI, number of transplanted embryos and AFC, the results of binary Logistics regression model showed that in all the infertile females, the serum AMH level was an independent predictor of biochemical pregnancy outcome (P < 0.05) while the serum 25(OH)D level might not act as a prediction factor alone (P>0.05). In the meanwhile, the serum 25(OH)D level and serum AMH level were synergistic predictors of biochemical or clinical pregnancy outcome (P < 0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Based on the current diagnostic criteria, most infertile females had vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency, but there was not significant correlation between serum 25(OH)D and ovarian reserve. While vitamin D could not be used as an independent predictor of pregnancy outcome in infertile females, the serum AMH level could predict biochemical pregnancy outcome independently or jointly with vitamin D.

Treatment Progress in Diminished Ovarian Reserve: Western and Chinese Medicine / 中国结合医学杂志

Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), generally defined as a decreased number or quality of oocytes, has a significant impact on quality of life and fertility in women. In recent years, the incidence of DOR has been increasing and the ages of patients are younger. The search for an effective DOR treatment has emerged as one of the preeminent research topics in reproductive health. An effective DOR therapy would improve ovarian function, fertility, and quality of life in patients. In this review we evaluated DOR treatment progress both in Western medicine and Chinese medicine, and elucidated the characteristics of each treatment.

La responsabilidad subjetiva en los derroteros del deseo de hijo / Subjective Responsibility in the Paths of the Desire for a Child

El presente escrito aborda la cuestión del proyecto monomarental, sus derroteros y periplos singulares. Al tiempo que en ellos se vislumbra un camino muchas veces compartido y repetido. La temática reviste una presencia estadística en aumento a nivel mundial que visibiliza cambios sociales, económicos y de derechos en la agenda femenina. El objetivo central del escrito radica en describir en primera persona las circunstancias que llevaron a Helen a recurrir a la ovodonación como método reproductivo y los duelos que dicho recorrido encierra. En síntesis, en la historia de Helen se vislumbra de modo paradigmático el encuentro con la imposibilidad del propio cuerpo reproductivo y la solución que ofrece la medicina; al tiempo que en otra cuerda, se trasluce la dimensión singular y clínica de las decisiones subjetivas por las que ella deberá responder

This paper addresses the question of the singleparent project, its paths and unique journeys. At the same time that in them a path many times shared and repeated is glimpsed. The issue has a growing statistical presence worldwide that makes visible social, economic and rights changes on the women's agenda. The central objective of the writing lies in describing in the first person the circumstances that led Helen to resort to egg donation as a reproductive method and the duels that this journey entails. In short, in Helen's story, the encounter with the impossibility of the reproductive body itself and the solution offered by medicine is glimpsed in a paradigmatic way; while on another string, the singular and clinical dimension of the subjective decisions for which she will have to answer shines through

O papel dos polimorfismos genéticos na etiologia da endometriose / The role of genetic polymorphism in the etiology of endometriosis

O objetivo deste estudo é apresentar uma revisão atualizada sobre o papel dos polimorfismos genéticos na etiologia da endometriose. Trata-se de uma pesquisa bibliográfica feita no PubMed utilizando os descritores "polymorphism and endometriosis". Foram identificados 36 artigos e após aplicação dos critérios de inclusão foram selecionados 17 artigos para a amostra final. Os principais resultados foram: 1) cerca de 60% dos artigos foram publicados em 2019; 2) em 35,3% dos estudos o número de casos e controles investigados foi menor que 100; 3) a maioria dos trabalhos investigou de um a dois polimorfismos por gene; 4) a produção científica sobre endometriose é maior em países orientais; 5) houve heterogeneidade quanto aos periódicos onde os trabalhos foram publicados; 6) as principais técnicas para detecção de polimorfismos foi a PCR-RFLP e o PCR em tempo real, com frequências semelhantes. Em suma, os polimorfismos genéticos podem estar implicados na etiologia da endometriose.

The aim of this study is to present an updated review on the role of genetic polymorphisms in the etiology of endometriosis. This is a literature review made on PubMed using the descriptors "polymorphism and endometriosis". A total 36 articles were identified and, after applying the inclusion criteria, 17 articles were selected for the final sample. The main results were: 1) approximately 60% of the articles were published in 2019; 2) 35.3% of the studies investigated less than 100 cases and controls; 3) most studies investigated one to two polymorphisms per gene; 4) scientific production on endometriosis is higher in Eastern countries; 5) heterogeneity was observed regarding the journals where works were published; 6) the main techniques for detecting polymorphisms were PCR-RFLP and real-time PCR, with similar frequencies. In summary, it can be concluded that genetic polymorphisms may be implicated in the etiology of endometriosis.

De las enfermedades terminales a la infertilidad; convergencias y desencuentros / From Terminal Illnesses to Infertility: Convergences and Disagreements

El presente estudio intenta delinear un paralelismo entre la infertilidad y el cáncer a partir de la contrastación de la bibliografía disponible con la serie New Amsterdam, a la vez que pretende responder a los siguientes interrogantes: ¿qué puntos en común tienen ambas enfermedades? ¿en qué se diferencian? ¿qué rol podemos adoptar desde la psicología y desde la comunidad? Siguiendo esta línea, se encontró que ambas ponen en funcionamiento mecanismos de afrontamiento ya que son enfermedades crónicas que disparan un gran impacto emocional y cambios en la cotidianeidad. Asimismo, la infertilidad se diferencia del cáncer en que no presenta dolor asociado, no hay amenaza hacia la supervivencia y tampoco afecta a la funcionalidad de ningún órgano (Antequera et al, 2008). Estos resultados llevan a plantear una equivalencia en las intervenciones, principalmente psicoeducativas, que pueden ser aplicadas tanto por profesionales de la salud como por miembros de la comunidad, y que redundarían en: mayor adherencia al tratamiento, un rol más activo por parte del paciente en la toma de decisiones, un mayor sentimiento de control sobre su propia vida, entre otras

This study aims to outline a parallelism between infertility and cancer based on the comparison of the available bibliography with the New Amsterdam series, while attempting to answer the following questions: what points do both diseases have in common? What is the difference between them? What role can we adopt from psychology and the community? Following this line, it was found that both put coping mechanisms into operation since they are chronic diseases that trigger a great emotional impact and changes in daily life. Likewise, infertility differs from cancer in that it does not present associated pain, there is no threat to survival and it does not affect the functionality of any organ (Antequera et al, 2008). These results lead to propose an equivalence in interventions, mainly psychoeducational, which can be applied both by health professionals and by members of the community, and which would result in: greater adherence to treatment, a more active role from the patient in decision-making, a greater feeling of control over their own life, among others

FMR1 alleles in women with idiopathic infertility / Alelos do gene FMR1 em mulheres com infertilidade idiopática

INTRODUCTION: The frequency of the premutation alleles of the FMR1 gene varies from 1:100 to 1:260 Israeli, Canadian, Finnish and American women, but it is unknown in Brazil. Premutation carriers may have reduced reproductive age and are at risk of transmitting the expanded allele to their offspring, and consequently fragile X syndrome. OBJECTIVE: To observe the distribution range of the FMR1 gene alleles in a population of women with idiopathic infertility, without symptoms of premature ovarian insufficiency. METHODS: The presence of premutation in FMR1 was assessed by conventional PCR, agarose, and acrylamide gel and analysis of fragments in capillary electrophoresis. Lymphocyte DNA obtained from 283 women undergoing infertility treatment was analyzed. RESULTS: 169 patients had the normal heterozygous allele (59.7%), 114 had the normal homozygous allele (40.6%) and no patient had the premutation. Premature ovarian insufficiency is seen in 20 to 30% of women with the permutated allele. Thus, the condition can be asymptomatic in a large part of the premutation carriers. Brazil has a diverse population and, therefore, the allele frequencies of many gene variants are unknown. Previous Brazilian studies have shown a low frequency of the premutation allele in different patient cohorts. Corroborating these articles, the results demonstrated that the frequency of the premutation allele is low in the infertile women population studied. CONCLUSION: Tracking the size of the FMR1 gene alleles allows the expansion of knowledge about the frequency of risk alleles associated with genetic diseases in the Brazilian population.

INTRODUÇÃO: A frequência dos alelos pré-mutados do gene FMR1 varia de 1:100 e 1:260 mulheres israelenses, canadenses, finlandesas e americanas, mas é desconhecida no Brasil. Portadoras da pré-mutação podem apresentar redução da idade reprodutiva e possuem risco de transmissão do alelo expandido para a prole, e consequentemente a Síndrome do X frágil. OBJETIVO: Observar a faixa de distribuição dos alelos do gene FMR1 em uma população de mulheres com infertilidade idiopática, sem sintomas de insuficiência ovariana prematura. MÉTODOS: A presença da pré-mutação em FMR1 foi avaliada por PCR convencional, gel de agarose e acrilamida e análise de fragmentos em eletroforese capilar. Analisou-se DNA de linfócitos obtidos de 283 mulheres em tratamento de infertilidade. RESULTADOS: Foi observado que 169 pacientes apresentam o alelo heterozigoto normal (59,7%), 114 apresentam o alelo homozigoto normal (40,6%) e nenhuma paciente apresentou a pré-mutação. A insuficiência ovariana prematura é observada em 20 a 30% das mulheres portadoras do alelo pré-mutado. Assim, a presença de um alelo pré-mutado pode ser assintomática em grande parte dos casos. O Brasil possui uma população diversificada e, portanto, as frequências alélicas de muitas variantes gênicas são desconhecidas. Estudos brasileiros anteriores mostraram uma baixa frequência do alelo pré-mutado em diferentes coortes de pacientes. Corroborando estes autores, os resultados demonstram que frequência do alelo pré-mutado é baixa na população de mulheres inférteis estudada. CONCLUSÃO: O rastreamento do tamanho dos alelos do gene FMR1 permite ampliar o conhecimento sobre a frequência dos alelos de risco para doenças genética na população brasileira.

Mecanismos fisiopatológicos del hipotiroidismo en la infertilidad femenina / Physiopathological mechanisms of hypothyroidism on feminine infertility

INTRODUCCIÓN Y OBJETIVO: El hipotiroidismo es una condición frecuente en mujeres en Chile. Existe evidencia contundente de una fuerte asociación entre esta patología e infertilidad femenina. El objetivo de esta revisión es resumir los principales mecanismos fisiopatológicos descritos en la literatura que explicarían la infertilidad femenina en mujeres hipotiroideas. MÉTODOS: Se llevó a cabo una búsqueda bibliográfica por medio PubMed con los términos: hipotiroidismo, infertilidad y fisiopatología. De todos los artículos se seleccionaron únicamente los correspondientes a población femenina. Incluimos tanto hipotiroidismo clínico como subclínico, y mujeres eutiroideas con anti-TPO (+). RESULTADOS: Clasificamos la literatura disponible en tres grupos de mecanismo fisiopatológicos. En primer lugar, la deficiencia de hormonas tiroideas T3 y T4 producirían alteraciones en la foliculogénesis, ovulación, implantación y placentación. En segundo lugar, la hiperprolactinemia secundaria al hipotiroidismo llevaría a un hipogonadismo hipogonadotrópico e insuficiencia en la fase lútea. En tercer lugar, los anticuerpos anti-TPO, independientemente de los niveles de hormonas tiroideas, podrían tener una reacción cruzada con proteínas presentes en el útero, afectando el proceso de implantación. CONCLUSIONES: El hipotiroidismo produce infertilidad femenina por variados mecanismos fisiopatológicos. Dada la variabilidad de estos, existe un mayor espectro de aproximaciones terapéuticas para tratar mujeres hipotiroideas con problemas de fertilidad.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Hypothyroidism is a frequent condition in Chile in women in Chile. There is strong evidence of an association between this pathology and feminine infertility. The objective of this review is to summarize the main physiopathological mechanisms described in the literature that explain infertility in women with hypothyroidism. METHODS: We performed a bibliographic search on PubMed with the terms: hypothyroidism, infertility, physiopathology. Among all the articles we selected only the ones regarding to feminine population. We included both clinical and subclinical hypothyroidism, and euthyroid women with Anti-TPO (+). RESULTS: We classified the available literature into three groups of physiological mechanisms. In the first place, decreased thyroid hormones T3 and T4 may lead to alterations on folliculogenesis, ovulation, implantation and placentation. Secondly, hyperprolactinemia secondary to hypothyroidism would produce hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and luteal phase insufficiency. Thirdly, anti-TPO antibodies, independently on thyroid hormones levels, may have a cross reactivity towards proteins in the womb, negatively affecting the process of implantation. CONCLUSIONS: Hypothyroidism produces infertility through varied physiopathological mechanisms. Due to their variability, there is a wider scope for therapeutical approaches to treat women with hypothyroidism and fertility problems.

A qualitative synthesis of the impact of infertility on the mental health of African women

Infertility is a reproductive problem that affects all gender, race, or social class. In many African countries, the burden of infertility is usually associated with economic, psychological, and socio-cultural factors. This review aimed to explore the factors that impact the mental health of African women with primary infertility. A qualitative evidence synthesis was used to summarise and analyse primary qualitative studies focused on the impact of primary infertility on African women. Seventeen studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. The review found that social pressure, stigma from family and community members, and financial constraints led to psychological distress. In addition, social stigma also led to marital problems which led to significant psychological distress and low self-worth, especially on the wife. Recommendations to reduce stigma among African infertile women were as follows: advocacy and community mobilisation, education by health professionals, and holistic person-centred care. An intersectional approach to inform public health and social policy was also suggested.

Sexual Experiences of Infertile Women: A Qualitative Study

It is suggested that stress related to infertility causes marriage conflicts and decreases in the frequency of sexual intercourse. Aim: This study aimed to explore the experiences of the sexuality of infertile women. Patients and Methods: A phenomenological design was used in this study. We conducted face-to-face, semistructured, in-depth interviews with 11 infertile women. The interviews were audio-recorded, and a thematic approach was used to assess the data. Results: The average age of the women was 33.05 ± 3.40 years, and their age of first sexual intercourse was 23.0 ± 2.8 years and all of them are legally married. The durations of experiencing the problem of infertility were as follows; 3-5 years in 33%, 6-10 years in 27%, and 11 years and above in 38%. According to interpretative phenomenological analysis, two main themes emerge. Two main themes were determined: Perception of Sexuality and Sexual Problems. The results show that infertile women have a higher risk for sexual dysfunction than fertile women. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the diagnosis of infertility is an important factor in assessing the differences in the sexual satisfaction of women. In infertility counseling, health professionals must explain the gender differences. Also, infertile couples must encourage to share each other's feelings and this may help couples to cope with the communication problems they may experience.

'Gift with a price tag': Nigerian egg donors' knowledge, experiences and motivations

Research around the world has indicated that the demand for egg donation has grown considerably among young females. This study qualitatively examines the knowledge, experiences, and motivations of young egg donors at a Nigerian health facility. Indepth interviews were conducted in Igbo and English with consenting thirty-one egg donors attending a fertility clinic in Anambra State, south-eastern Nigeria. Data were collected and analysed to generate themes with the aid of NVivo 10 software. Three themes were identified from the participants' motivations and include (a) monetary (93.6%), (b) altruistic (3.2%), and (c) both monetary and altruistic reasons (3.2%). Findings highlighted that the differences were based on a variety of reasons in Nigeria. All the participants were literate and single, and the majority received payment. The majority (77.4%) of those who received payment mentioned that the payment was not worth the donation program. The participants preferred to be anonymous because they had not discussed their donation with their family members, and the non-acceptance of egg donation program by the Nigerian society. Given that the market for egg donation has become a common method of infertility management in Nigeria, our findings have important implications for practices, policy actions, and future research. (Afr J Reprod Health 2022; 26[6]:64-79).

Effect of acupuncture on pregnancy outcomes of frozen embryo transfer in patients with anovulatory infertility / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of conventional ovulation induction protocol and acupuncture combined with conventional ovulation induction protocol on pregnancy outcomes of frozen embryo transfer (FET) in patients with anovulatory infertility.@*METHODS@#A total of 60 patients with anovulatory infertility were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each group. In the control group, conventional ovulation induction protocol was applied to prepare endometrium. On the basis of the control group, acupuncture was started on the 2nd day of menstrual cycle in the observation group，Baihui (GV 20), Mingmen (GV 4), Geshu (BL 17), Guanyuan (CV 4), Qihai (CV 6), etc. were selected, once every other day, until 1 day before transplantation. The clinical pregnancy rate, embryo implantation rate, endometrial morphology on HCG trigger day, ovulation rate and cycle cancellation rate were compared in the two groups. The endometrial thickness before treatment and on HCG trigger day, TCM symptom score before and after treatment were observed in the two groups.@*RESULTS@#In the observation group, the embryo implantation rate and clinical pregnancy rate were higher than the control group (P<0.05), endometrial thickness and endometrial morphology on HCG trigger day were superior to the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the TCM symptom score in the observation group was decreased compared with before treatment (P<0.05), and the variation was greater than the control group (P<0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#On the basis of the conventional ovulation induction protocol, acupuncture could enhance the embryo implantation rate and clinical pregnancy rate of FET, improve the endometrial receptivity of patients with anovulatory infertility.