We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress
Sign In
Advertise with Us

Download Mobile App




Endometriosis Associated with Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes

By HospiMedica International staff writers
Posted on 02 Sep 2019
Print article
A new study links endometriosis to increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes such as spontaneous abortion, ectopic pregnancy and preeclampsia.

Researchers at the University of Arizona (Tucson, USA), Michigan State University (MSU; East Lansing, USA), Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH; Boston, AM, USA), and other institutions conducted a study based on data from the Nurses' Health Study II involving 116,429 women and 196,722 pregnancies over a period of 20 years (1989-2009), in order to investigate the relationship between endometriosis and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Adverse pregnancy outcomes included spontaneous abortion, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), hypertensive pregnancy disorders (preeclampsia or gestational hypertension), preterm birth, and low birth weight. The researchers then estimated the relative risks (RRs) of adverse pregnancy outcomes comparing pregnancies in women with and without a history of laparoscopically confirmed endometriosis using multivariable regression, with generalized estimating equations to account for multiple pregnancies per woman.

The results revealed that endometriosis was associated with an RR of 1.4 for spontaneous abortion, 1.46 for ectopic pregnancy, 1.35 for GDM, and 1.3 for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. As to stillbirth, the association was termed "a suggestion". Supplemental analyses found increased risk for spontaneous abortion in nulliparous women younger than 35 years; the relation with ectopic pregnancy was stronger for pregnancies in women without a history of infertility; and relation with GDM was stronger among women who were multiparous, under age 35 years, and without infertility. The study was published on August 7, 2019, in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

“We observed an association between laparoscopically confirmed endometriosis and several adverse pregnancy outcomes. Elucidating mechanisms of association and possible pathways for intervention or screening procedures will be critical to improve the health of women with endometriosis and their children,” concluded lead author Leslie Farland, ScD, of the University of Arizona, and colleagues. “Future research should focus on the potential biological pathways underlying these relationships to inform screening or preventive interventions.”

Endometriosis is a condition in which cells similar to those in the endometrium, the layer of tissue that normally covers the inside of the uterus, grow outside of it. Most often this is on the ovaries, fallopian tubes and tissue around the uterus and ovaries; however, in rare cases, it may also occur in other parts of the body. The main symptoms are pelvic pain and infertility, which occurs in up to half of women affected. Less common symptoms include urinary or bowel symptoms. About 25% of women have no symptoms.

Related Links:
University of Arizona
Michigan State University
Brigham and Women's Hospital

Gold Member
Real-Time Diagnostics Onscreen Viewer
GEMweb Live
Gold Member
STI Test
Vivalytic Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Array
Silver Member
Compact 14-Day Uninterrupted Holter ECG
NR-314P
New
Patient Monitor
CMS9100PLUS

Print article

Channels

Critical Care

view channel
Image: Researchers have developed a novel risk score for cardiovascular complications after bone marrow transplant (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

Novel Tool Predicts Cardiovascular Risks after Bone Marrow Transplantation

Every year, thousands of people undergo bone marrow transplants to potentially cure serious diseases like leukemia, lymphoma, and immune deficiency disorders. While these transplants can be lifesaving,... Read more

Surgical Techniques

view channel
Image: The Early Bird Bleed Monitoring System provides visual and audible indicators of the onset and progression of bleeding events (Photo courtesy of Saranas)

Novel Technology Monitors and Lowers Bleeding Complications in Patients Undergoing Heart Procedures

Bleeding complications at the femoral access site can significantly hamper recovery, affecting the success of procedures, patient satisfaction, and overall healthcare costs. It is crucial for surgeons... Read more

Health IT

view channel
Image: First ever institution-specific model provides significant performance advantage over current population-derived models (Photo courtesy of Mount Sinai)

Machine Learning Model Improves Mortality Risk Prediction for Cardiac Surgery Patients

Machine learning algorithms have been deployed to create predictive models in various medical fields, with some demonstrating improved outcomes compared to their standard-of-care counterparts.... Read more

Point of Care

view channel
Image: The new eye-safe laser technology can diagnose traumatic brain injury (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

Novel Diagnostic Hand-Held Device Detects Known Biomarkers for Traumatic Brain Injury

The growing need for prompt and efficient diagnosis of traumatic brain injury (TBI), a major cause of mortality globally, has spurred the development of innovative diagnostic technologies.... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.