Rôle du lavage utérin dans le diagnostic et le traitement de l'infertilité

Contexte : L’hystérosalpingosonographie (sono-HSG) est un examen proposé comme alternative à l’hystérosalpingographie (HSG) pour tester la perméabilité tubaire chez les couples infertiles. Cet examen échographique est supérieur à l’HSG pour le diagnostic des anomalies ovariennes et utérines et permet d’éviter les risques liés aux irradiations et réactions à l’iode. La littérature suggère qu’en plus de sa valeur diagnostique, le lavage utérin encouru lors du test de perméabilité tubaire pourrait s’avérer thérapeutique en augmentant les chances de concevoir dans les mois suivant la procédure. Objectif : Évaluer le rôle de la sono-HSG et du lavage utérin au salin physiologique dans le diagnostic et le traitement de l’infertilité inexpliquée Méthodes : 1) Dans le cadre d’une revue systématique avec méta-analyse, la validité diagnostique de la sono-HSG a été évaluée et comparée à celle de l’HSG. 2) Une étude rétrospective de non-infériorité menée auprès de 440 femmes infertiles a ensuite été réalisée afin d’évaluer si la sono-HSG est aussi efficace que l’HSG pour augmenter les chances de grossesses dans les 6 mois suivant l’intervention. 3) Nous avons finalement un essai clinique randomisé pilote (ECR) permettant d’étudier l’efficacité du lavage utérin en pré-ovulatoire au salin physiologique, tel que réalisé lors d’une sono-HSG (intervention) en comparaison avec le lavage vaginal (contrôle) comme traitement de l’infertilité inexpliquée. Résultats : 1) Un total de 28 études (1551 femmes) ont été inclues dans la méta-analyse menant à des estimés globaux de sensibilité et spécificité pour la sono-HSG de 92% (IC à 95% : 82%–96%) et 95% (IC à 95% : 90%–97%), respectivement. La synthèse des résultats de neuf études (582 femmes), a permis une comparaison directe de la sono-HSG et l’HSG résultant en des estimés de sensibilité et spécificité de 95% (IC à 95% : 78%–99%) et 93% (IC à 95% : 89%–96%) pour la sono-HSG et de 94% (IC à 95% : 74%–99%) et 92% (IC à 95% : 87%–95%) pour l’HSG, respectivement. Pour ce qui est de la sono-HSG, nous avons observé un bénéfice à l’utilisation de l’échographie Doppler (p=0.0497) en terme de validité diagnostique, mais aucun bénéfice à l’utilisation de contrastes commerciaux plutôt que le salin physiologique (p=0.7046). L’analyse de sensibilité ayant pris en compte la qualité méthodologique des résultats n’a pas modifié les résultats. 2) Les risques relatifs nonajustés et ajustés de grossesse dans les 6 mois suivant la sono-HSG comparativement à l’HSG étaient de 0,61 (IC à 95% : 0,42-0,89) et 0,58 (IC à 95% : 0.39-0.85), respectivement. Les effets secondaires étaient rares pour les deux procédures (sono-HSG= 1%; HSG= 4%, p=0.16). 3) Près de 90% des participantes ont rapporté que le lavage utérin était une option de traitement acceptable. Aucune complication n’a été notée suite à l’intervention et les effets secondaires se limitaient principalement à des douleurs légères (40%) à modérées (21%) transitoires. Au cours de l’étude pilote, nous avons amélioré notre stratégie de recrutement et de rétention etle nombre de femmes recrutées et randomisées mensuellement pour le projet est passé de 1 à 15. Conclusion : La sono-HSG présente une excellente validité pour le diagnostic de l’occlusion tubaire et devrait remplacer l’HSG dans le bilan initial de l’infertilité étant donné ses autres avantages connus. De plus, lors de cet examen, l’utilisation de salin physiologique, combinée à l’utilisation du Doppler, devrait être favorisée plutôt que l’utilisation de contrastes commerciaux. Selon les résultats de notre étude, dont les résultats sont limités par les biais inhérents aux devis rétrospectif, il est possible que le lavage utérin produit lors d’une sono-HSG ne soit pas aussi efficace que celui produit lors d’une HSG pour augmenter les chances de grossesses. Finalement, ce projet de doctorat a permis de mettre sur pied un ECR qui permettra de déterminer si le lavage utérin au salin physiologique en pré-ovulatoire pourrait constituer une nouvelle option thérapeutique acceptable, abordable et efficace pour les couples souffrant d’infertilité inexpliquée.Context: Hysterosalpingosonography (sono-HSG) was proposed as an alternative to hysterosalpingography (HSG) for the detection of tubal occlusion in subfertile couples. This ultrasound test is superior to HSG for diagnosing ovarian and uterine anomalies and avoids risks related to ionizing radiations and iodine reactions. The literature suggests that, in addition to its diagnostic value, the uterine flushing incurred during tubal patency testing could also be therapeutic by increasing the chance of conceiving in the months following the procedure. Objective: To assess the role of sono-HSG and uterine flushing with physiologic saline in the diagnosis and treatment of unexplained infertility. Methods: 1) As part of a systematic review with meta-analysis, the diagnostic validity of the sono-HSG was evaluated and compared to HSG. 2) A retrospective non-inferiority study of 440 infertile women was then conducted to assess whether sono-HSG is as effective as HSG in increasing the chances of pregnancy in the 6 months following the intervention. 3) We finally conducted a pilot randomized clinical trial (RCT) to study the efficacy of preovulatory uterine flushing with saline, as performed during a sono-HSG (intervention), compared to vaginal flushing (control), as a treatment for unexplained infertility. Results: 1) A total of 28 studies (1551 women) were included in the meta-analysis leading to pooled estimates of sensitivity and specificity for sono-HSG of 92% (95% CI: 82%-96%) and 95% (95% CI: 90%-97%), respectively. In nine studies (582 women), a direct comparison of sono-HSG and HSG was performed resulting in sensitivity and specificity of 95% (95% CI: 78%-99%) and 93% (95% CI: 89%-96%) for the sono-HSG and 94% (95% CI: 74%-99%) and 92% (95% CI: 87%-95%) for the HSG, respectively. With regard to sono- HSG, we observed a benefit in the use of Doppler ultrasound (p=0.0497) in terms of diagnostic accuracy, but no benefit in the use of commercial contrasts rather than saline (p=0.7046). Although the methodological quality of the studies was variable, the sensitivity analysis taking this into account did not modify the results. 2) The unadjusted and adjusted relative risks of pregnancy in the 6 months following sono-HSG compared to HSG were 0.58 (95% CI: 0.39-0.85) and 0.61 (95% CI: 0.42-0.89), respectively. Side effects were rare for both procedures (sono-HSG = 1%, HSG = 4%, p = 0.16). 3) Nearly 90% of participants reported that uterine flushing is an acceptable treatment option. No complication was noted following the intervention and side effects were mainly limited to mild (40%) to moderate (21%) transient pain. During the pilot study, we managed to improve our recruitment and retention strategies and increase the number of women recruited and randomized for the project per month from 1 to 15. Conclusion: Sono-HSG has an excellent validity for the diagnosis of tubal occlusion and should replace HSG in the initial infertility workup given its other known benefits. In addition, the use of saline combined with Doppler ultrasound should be favored rather than commercial contrasts. It is possible that the uterine flushing associated with sono-HSG is not as effective as that associated with HSG to increase the chances of pregnancy, but further studies will be necessary given the limits of our retrospective study. Finally, this doctoral project has established the feasibility of an RCT designed to determine whether preovulatory uterine flushing with saline could represent a new, acceptable, affordable and effective therapeutic option for couples with unexplained infertility

Disposition des adolescentes à utiliser l'anneau vaginal contraceptif

Au Québec, 17 adolescentes sur mille deviennent enceintes annuellement et la moitié de ces grossesses surviennent malgré l'utilisation d'une méthode anticonceptionnelle. L'anneau vaginal est un contraceptif hormonal combiné qui, de par son administration mensuelle, pourrait aider à réduire le nombre de grossesses survenant sous contraceptif dans ce groupe d'âge. Nous avons mené une étude descriptive transversale afin d'évaluer la disposition des adolescentes à utiliser cette méthode. Cinquante-neuf volontaires âgées entre 14 et 18 ans ont complété un questionnaire auto-administré. Seule une minorité (17%) des participantes étaient intéressées à utiliser l'anneau et beaucoup demeuraient hésitantes (39%). Elles étaient principalement préoccupées par l'insertion vaginale et craignaient des effets indésirables locaux. L'intérêt des adolescentes pour l'anneau augmentait avec le nombre de méthodes contraceptives déjà utilisées (RC=1.92, p=0.0148). Notre étude souligne l'importance de rassurer les adolescentes quant aux aspects liés à l'insertion vaginale, surtout lorsqu'elles ont peu d'expérience en contraception

Promoting healthy eating in early pregnancy in individuals at risk of gestational diabetes mellitus: does it improve glucose homeostasis? A study protocol for a randomized control trial

BackgroundHealthy eating during pregnancy has favorable effects on glycemic control and is associated with a lower risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). According to Diabetes Canada, there is a need for an effective and acceptable intervention that could improve glucose homeostasis and support pregnant individuals at risk for GDM.AimsThis unicentric randomized controlled trial (RCT) aims to evaluate the effects of a nutritional intervention initiated early in pregnancy, on glucose homeostasis in 150 pregnant individuals at risk for GDM, compared to usual care.MethodsPopulation: 150 pregnant individuals ≥18 years old, at ≤14 weeks of pregnancy, and presenting ≥1 risk factor for GDM according to Diabetes Canada guidelines. Intervention: The nutritional intervention initiated in the first trimester is based on the health behavior change theory during pregnancy and on Canada’s Food Guide recommendations. It includes (1) four individual counseling sessions with a registered dietitian using motivational interviewing (12, 18, 24, and 30 weeks), with post-interview phone call follow-ups, aiming to develop and achieve S.M.A.R.T. nutritional objectives (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound); (2) 10 informative video clips on healthy eating during pregnancy developed by our team and based on national guidelines, and (3) a virtual support community via a Facebook group. Control: Usual prenatal care. Protocol: This RCT includes three on-site visits (10–14, 24–26, and 34–36 weeks) during which a 2-h oral glucose tolerance test is done and blood samples are taken. At each trimester and 3 months postpartum, participants complete web-based questionnaires, including three validated 24-h dietary recalls to assess their diet quality using the Healthy Eating Food Index 2019. Primary outcome: Difference in the change in fasting blood glucose (from the first to the third trimester) between groups. This study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval.DiscussionThis RCT will determine whether a nutritional intervention initiated early in pregnancy can improve glucose homeostasis in individuals at risk for GDM and inform Canadian stakeholders on improving care trajectories and policies for pregnant individuals at risk for GDM.Clinical trial registrationhttps://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05299502, NCT0529950

Quality of life and symptoms of pain in patients with endometriomas compared to those with other endometriosis lesions: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Endometriomas are genetically distinct from other endometriosis lesions and could be associated with a predisposition to excessive inflammation. However, differences in clinical presentation between types of endometriosis lesions have not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the quality of life and pain scores of patients with endometriomas compared to those with other types of endometriosis lesions. Methods A cross-sectional observational study was conducted between January 2020 and August 2023. Patients diagnosed with endometriosis completed the Endometriosis Health Profile 30 pain subscale questionnaire for their quality of life score and rated their endometriosis-associated pain symptoms using an 11-point numerical rating scale. The data were analyzed for comparison through multivariate linear regression models. Results A total of 248 patients were included and divided into endometrioma (81, 33%) and nonendometrioma (167, 67%) groups. The mean age of the patients was 37.1 ± 7.5 years. Most participants were Canadian or North American (84%). One-third of the patients reported experiencing up to four concurrent pain symptoms. The most reported pain included deep dyspareunia (90%), chronic pelvic pain (84%) and lower back pain (81%). The mean quality of life score was 45.9 ± 25.9. We observed no difference in quality of life scores between patients with and without endometriomas. Patients with endometriomas had lower mean scores for deep dyspareunia (0.8; 95% CI [0 to 1.5]; p = 0.049) and higher mean scores for superficial dyspareunia (1.4; 95% CI [0.2 to 2.6]; p = 0.028). Comorbid infertility (p = 0.049) was a factor that modified superficial dyspareunia intensity in patients with endometriomas. Conclusion In patients with endometriosis, evidence was insufficient to conclude that the presence of endometriomas was not associated with a greater or lesser quality of life, but differences in specific symptoms of dyspareunia were identified

Complications following surgeries for endometriosis: A systematic review protocol.

BackgroundEndometriosis is a common gynecological condition with a wide range of symptoms, including infertility, dyspareunia, intestinal disorders, and pelvic pain. Laparoscopy and laparotomy are used widely for diagnosing and managing endometriosis. We will conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis with the aims of reporting complications rates following each type of surgeries for endometriosis and determinants of complications.MethodWe will search Medline (via PubMed), Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for both retrospective and prospective cohorts or trials of at least 30 participants reporting perioperative and postoperative complications for endometriosis surgeries. We will restrict the studies to those conducted after 2011, to be representative of current practices, and will exclude studies of surgeries for gynecological cancer, or other concomitant benign gynecologic surgeries such as myomectomy. Two reviewers will independently screen references and select eligible studies. A standardized form will be used to collect data related to the baseline characteristics, potential determinants of complications, types of interventions, and outcomes. Cumulative incidences of complications will be pooled using DerSimonian and Laird random-effects method. The relation between potential determinants and complications will be reported with risk ratios and their 95% of confidence intervals. Subgroup analysis of surgical approach, surgical procedure, superficial and deep infiltrating endometriosis, and the indication of surgery will be conducted. Sensitivity analyses restricted to studies with low risk of bias will be performed.DiscussionThis systematic review will provide information on the rates of complications for different surgical approaches and procedures for the treatment of endometriosis. It will contribute to inform patients when making decisions regarding their care. Identifying potential determinants of complications will also help to improve care by identifying women being at higher risk of complications.Trial registrationSystematic review registration: CRD42021293865

Transvaginal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of endometrioma: a systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic test accuracy studies

The diagnosis of endometriomas in patients with endometriosis is of primary importance because it influences the management and prognosis of infertility and pain. Imaging techniques are evolving constantly. This study aimed to systematically assess the diagnostic accuracy of transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in detecting endometrioma using the surgical visualisation of lesions with or without histopathological confirmation as reference standards in patients of reproductive age with suspected endometriosis. PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched from their inception to 12 October 2022, using a manual search for additional articles. Two authors independently performed title, abstract and full-text screening of the identified records, extracted study details and quantitative data and assessed the quality of the studies using the ‘Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Study 2’ tool. Bivariate random-effects models were used to determine the pooled sensitivity and specificity, compare the two imaging modalities and evaluate the sources of heterogeneity. Sixteen prospective studies (10 assessing TVUS, 4 assessing MRI and 2 assessing both TVUS and MRI) were included, representing 1976 participants. Pooled TVUS and MRI sensitivities for endometrioma were 0.89 (95% confidence interval ‘CI’, 0.86–0.92) and 0.94 (95% CI, 0.74–0.99), respectively (indirect comparison p-value of 0.47). Pooled TVUS and MRI specificities for endometrioma were 0.95 (95% CI, 0.92–0.97) and 0.94 (95% CI, 0.89–0.97), respectively (indirect comparison p-value of 0.51). These studies had a high or unclear risk of bias. A direct comparison (all participants undergoing TVUS and MRI) of the modalities was available in only two studies. TVUS and MRI have high accuracy for diagnosing endometriomas; however, high-quality studies comparing the two modalities are lacking. The diagnosis of endometriomas in patients with endometriosis impacts infertility and pain management. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the accuracy of transvaginal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging for the diagnosis of endometrioma in patients of reproductive age with suspected endometriosis, and to compare the accuracy of the two imaging modalities. Five databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature and ClinicalTrials.gov databases) were searched. Sixteen prospective studies were included, representing 1976 participants. We found high accuracy of transvaginal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging for diagnosing endometriomas. There was no statistically significant difference in diagnostic accuracy between the two modalities. However, high-quality studies comparing the two modalities in the same population are lacking.</p

Data_Sheet_1_Promoting healthy eating in early pregnancy in individuals at risk of gestational diabetes mellitus: does it improve glucose homeostasis? A study protocol for a randomized control trial.docx

BackgroundHealthy eating during pregnancy has favorable effects on glycemic control and is associated with a lower risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). According to Diabetes Canada, there is a need for an effective and acceptable intervention that could improve glucose homeostasis and support pregnant individuals at risk for GDM.AimsThis unicentric randomized controlled trial (RCT) aims to evaluate the effects of a nutritional intervention initiated early in pregnancy, on glucose homeostasis in 150 pregnant individuals at risk for GDM, compared to usual care.MethodsPopulation: 150 pregnant individuals ≥18 years old, at ≤14 weeks of pregnancy, and presenting ≥1 risk factor for GDM according to Diabetes Canada guidelines. Intervention: The nutritional intervention initiated in the first trimester is based on the health behavior change theory during pregnancy and on Canada’s Food Guide recommendations. It includes (1) four individual counseling sessions with a registered dietitian using motivational interviewing (12, 18, 24, and 30 weeks), with post-interview phone call follow-ups, aiming to develop and achieve S.M.A.R.T. nutritional objectives (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound); (2) 10 informative video clips on healthy eating during pregnancy developed by our team and based on national guidelines, and (3) a virtual support community via a Facebook group. Control: Usual prenatal care. Protocol: This RCT includes three on-site visits (10–14, 24–26, and 34–36 weeks) during which a 2-h oral glucose tolerance test is done and blood samples are taken. At each trimester and 3 months postpartum, participants complete web-based questionnaires, including three validated 24-h dietary recalls to assess their diet quality using the Healthy Eating Food Index 2019. Primary outcome: Difference in the change in fasting blood glucose (from the first to the third trimester) between groups. This study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval.DiscussionThis RCT will determine whether a nutritional intervention initiated early in pregnancy can improve glucose homeostasis in individuals at risk for GDM and inform Canadian stakeholders on improving care trajectories and policies for pregnant individuals at risk for GDM.Clinical trial registrationhttps://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05299502, NCT05299502</p