Endometriosis and obstetric complications
Doctors suggest ways to reduce obstetric complications in women with endometriosis
THE endometriosis is a pathological process accompanied by development benign tissues (which are morphologically and functionally similar to the endometrium) outside the uterine cavity. In premenstrual phase, the endometrium it becomes thicker and if the egg is not fertilized, it is removed from the uterine cavity with the menstrual cells. This procedure is almost painless in healthy women, but in patients with endometriosis, is accompanied by inflammation of the surrounding tissues.
Such patients suffer from chronic pelvic pain, menstrual cramps, painful intercourse and often infertility. 10% to 15% of women of childbearing age have endometriosis and 30% to 40% display complications at birth.
A team of doctors from RUDN University with their Italian colleagues had studied the data of existing studies on with the effect of endometriosis on pregnancy and childbirth and suggested ways to reduce obstetric complications in women with this condition. The results of the study were published in The Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine.
Despite the prevalence of endometriosis, the plans for obstetric complications have not yet been properly studied. The team of doctors from RUDN University with their Italian colleagues studied the data of previous works and suggested ways to prevent obstetric complications in women with this condition.
"Previous studies have focused on biological factors that affect the course of pregnancy in women with endometriosis. We know that thePatients with endometriosis may experience miscarriages, premature birth or other complications due to immune and endocrine disorders in the uterus. However, the mechanism of obstetric complications is still an unclear issue. That's why we made one systematic review of the literature and we studied the effects of endometriosis on pregnancy taking into account factors such as the method of treatment and conception, as well as the stage and location of the pathological process. We also suggested ways to prevent obstetric complications in patients with a history of endometriosis. ” said one of the researchers.
The team analyzed the results of previous studies, taking into account any possible complications: premature birth, hypertensive complications during pregnancy, placental abnormalities, risk of cesarean section, degraded fetus and stillbirth. Based on the results of the study, the team suggested various methods to improve the prognosis of pregnancy.
That is, the laparoscopy was mentioned as the main treatment option in case of attachment. Laparoscopy is one modern surgical method allowing doctors to destroy the adhesions between peritoneal and pelvic organs using special endoscopic devices. This helps combating infertility and reduces discomfort and pain in patients with endometriosis.
According to the team, methods of conception should be chosen based on the stages of the disease. Recommended for patients with advanced stages of endometriosis to undergo hormone therapy and women after surgery - in vitro fertilization by embryo transfer (IVF / ET). The team had suggested that all patients be diagnosed endometriosis should start taking 400 micrograms of folic acid before conception to reduce the risk of preterm birth.
"The results of different studies are controversial: some of them did not take into account the simultaneous hormone treatment and some had methodological limitations. However, we have been able to develop a fairly clear picture of all possible obstetric complications in patients with endometriosis, to establish causal relationships and identify issues for further discussion, ”concluded the head of the investigation.
* The content on this blog is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health care providers with questions you may have about medical conditions.