Artificial Intelligence, Intrapartum Ultrasound and Dystocic Delivery: AIDA (Artificial Intelligence Dystocia Algorithm), a Promising Helping Decision Support System.

The position of the fetal head during engagement and progression in the birth canal is the primary cause of dystocic labor and arrest of progression, often due to malposition and malrotation. The authors performed an investigation on pregnant women in labor, who all underwent vaginal digital examination by obstetricians and midwives as well as intrapartum ultrasonography to collect four "geometric parameters", measured in all the women. All parameters were measured using artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms, called AIDA (artificial intelligence dystocia algorithm), which incorporates a human-in-the-loop approach, that is, to use AI (artificial intelligence) algorithms that prioritize the physician's decision and explainable artificial intelligence (XAI). The AIDA was structured into five classes. After a number of "geometric parameters" were collected, the data obtained from the AIDA analysis were entered into a red, yellow, or green zone, linked to the analysis of the progress of labor. Using the AIDA analysis, we were able to identify five reference classes for patients in labor, each of which had a certain sort of birth outcome. A 100% cesarean birth prediction was made in two of these five classes. The use of artificial intelligence, through the evaluation of certain obstetric parameters in specific decision-making algorithms, allows physicians to systematically understand how the results of the algorithms can be explained. This approach can be useful in evaluating the progress of labor and predicting the labor outcome, including spontaneous, whether operative VD (vaginal delivery) should be attempted, or if ICD (intrapartum cesarean delivery) is preferable or necessary.

Influence of ovarian torsion on reproductive outcomes and mode of delivery.

Purpose: To investigate differences in reproductive outcomes among patients before and following ovarian torsion. Study design: In this retrospective cohort study, we investigated the reproductive outcomes of patients who underwent surgery for ovarian torsion between 1988 and 2015 in a tertiary medical center. Data on deliveries before and after ovarian torsion were compared. Results: During the study period, 199 women underwent surgery due to ovarian torsion. The majority (91.4%; n = 182) underwent detorsion, and 8.6% (n = 17) underwent unilateral adnexectomy. At the time of the torsion, 27.6% (n = 55) of patients were pregnant. Among women who suffered from ovarian torsion, about half (52%) of the deliveries occurred before the torsion and 48% following the torsion. No significant difference in the live birth rate was noted (p = 0.19). The fertility treatment rate in our cohort was 7.5% before and 5% after the torsion (p = 0.01). In addition, live birth, cesarean delivery, and fertility treatment rates were similar in women who underwent detorsion vs. those who had adnexectomy. Conclusion: Surgically treated ovarian torsion does not appear to negatively influence fertility and live birth potential.

Isthmocele and Infertility.

Isthmocele is a gynecological condition characterized by a disruption in the uterine scar, often associated with prior cesarean sections. This anatomical anomaly can be attributed to inadequate or insufficient healing of the uterine wall following a cesarean incision. It appears that isthmocele may impact a woman's quality of life as well as her reproductive capacity. The incidence of isthmocele can range from 20% to 70% in women who have undergone a cesarean section. This review aims to sum up the current knowledge about the effect of isthmocele on fertility and the possible therapeutic strategies to achieve pregnancy. However, currently, there is not sufficiently robust evidence to indicate the need for surgical correction in all asymptomatic patients seeking fertility. In cases where surgical correction of isthmocele is deemed necessary, it is advisable to evaluate residual myometrial thickness (RMT). For patients with RMT >2.5-3 mm, hysteroscopy appears to be the technique of choice. In cases where the residual tissue is lower, recourse to laparotomic, laparoscopic, or vaginal approaches is warranted.

Reproductive Outcomes in Young Women with Early-Stage Cervical Cancer Greater than 2 cm Undergoing Fertility-Sparing Treatment: A Systematic Review.

Background and Objectives: Despite advancements in detection and treatment, cervical cancer remains a significant health concern, particularly among young women of reproductive age. Limited data exists in the literature regarding fertility-sparing treatment (FST) of cervical cancers with tumor sizes greater than 2 cm. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the reproductive outcomes of women diagnosed with cervical cancer greater than 2 cm who underwent FST. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive search of the literature was carried out on the following databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Global Health, The Cochrane Library (Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Methodology Register), the Health Technology Assessment Database, and Web of Science. Only original studies (retrospective or prospective) that reported reproductive outcomes of patients with cervical cancer >2 cm were considered eligible for inclusion in this systematic review (CRD42024521964). Studies describing only the oncologic outcomes, involving FST for cervical cancers less than 2 cm in size, and case reports were excluded. Results: Seventeen papers that met the abovementioned inclusion criteria were included in the present systematic review. In total, 443 patients with a cervical cancer larger than 2 cm were included in this systematic review. Eighty pregnancies occurred, with 24 miscarriages and 54 live births. Conclusions: FST appears to be a viable option for women of childbearing age diagnosed with cervical cancer larger than 2 cm. However, careful consideration is advised in interpreting these encouraging results, as they are subject to limitations, such as variability in study designs and potential biases. In addition, reproductive outcomes should be further cross-referenced with oncologic outcomes to clarify the potential risk-benefit ratio. It is critical to conduct further research using standardized approaches and larger participant groups to strengthen the validity of the conclusions drawn.

Supplementation with vitamin D improves the embryo quality in in vitro fertilization (IVF) programs, independently of the patients' basal vitamin D status.

PURPOSE: The study aims to demonstrate the effects of Vitamin D (VD) supplementation, prior to oocyte pick-up within IVF protocols, in women with diverse VD status at the enrollment. METHODS: A total of 204 women eligible for intra-cytoplasmatic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles were included in the study and two homogeneous groups were selected from the database. Both group of patients with normal VD baseline level (> 40 ng/ml) and patients with low VD baseline level (< 20 ng/ml) were divided into control group and treatment group. The control group followed the standard procedure. The treatment group was supplemented with vitamin D3 as cholecalciferol in combination with Myo-Inositol, folic acid, and melatonin 3 months before standard procedure, once a day in the evening. RESULTS: VD levels significantly increased in the study group of low baseline VD, both in serum and in the follicular fluid compared to controls. The treatment induced a significant improvement of the embryo quality in both group of patients considered. CONCLUSION: Supplementation of VD in patients undergoing ICSI procedures significantly improved the number of top-quality embryos compared with the control group, either starting from VD normal baseline values or starting from low values. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: 07/2018.

Endometrial Osseous Metaplasia: An Hysteroscopic Incidental Finding - An Overview.

Endometrial osseous metaplasia (EOM) is an uncommon clinical entity with the presence of bone in the endometrium which requires clinical and therapeutic framework. It is also described by various other names such as endometrial ossification, ectopic intrauterine bone, and heterotopic intrauterine bone. Ossification could have various locations as the cervix the ovary, and the vagina. This overview highlights the attention on the actual pivotal points of EOM.

Intrapartum ultrasound and mother acceptance: A study with informed consent and questionnaire.

Introduction: Intrapartum ultrasound (IU) is used in the delivery ward; even if IU monitors the labouring women, it could be perceived as a discomfort and even as an" obstetric violence", because it is a young technique, not often well "accepted". A group of clinicians aimed at obtain an informed consent from patients, prior to perform a translabial ultrasound (TU). The aim of this study was to evaluate the acceptance of both translabial and transabdominal IU. Methods: In this study, performed at the University Hospital of Bari (Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology), were enrolled 103 patients in the first or second stage of labor in singleton cephalic presentation. A statistical frequency and an association analysis were performed. As a significant result, we consider the peace of mind/satisfaction and the" obstetric violence". IU was performed both transabdominal and translabial to determine the presentation, head positions, angle of progression and head perineum distance. During the first and second stage of labor, the ASIUG questionnaires (Apulia study intrapartum ultrasonography group) were administered. Results: 74 (71, 84%) patients underwent IU and 29 had a vaginal examination (28, 15%). Significant less "violence" has been experienced with a IU (73 out 74/98, 65%) and only one person (1 /1, 35%) recorded that. On the contrary, 10 patients (10/29) perceived that "violence" (34, 48%) while 19 (65, 52%) did not respond on a similar way, after a vaginal examination (VE). More patients felt satisfaction (71 out 74/95, 95%) with the use of IU and only 3 (3/4, 05%) felt unease. A different picture was evident in the vaginal examination group. Only 17 patients (17 out 29/58, 62%) felt comfort while 12 (41, 38%) felt unease. Conclusions: In our study, IU use is well accepted by most of patients, because it could reassure women about their fetal condition. Moreover, they can see the fetus on the screen, while the obstetrician is performing the US and this is important for a visual feedback, in comparison with the classical VE.

Inadvertent Administration of 72 µg of Follitropin-Δ for Three Consecutive Days Does Not Appear to Be Dangerous for Poor Responders: A Case Series.

Follitropin delta (Δ) is a recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone (rFSH), like natural human FSH, that can stimulate the development and growth of multiple follicles. Treatment with Follitropin-Δ may cause mild to severe adverse reactions, such as the risk of developing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, resulting in nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, weight loss, respiratory difficulty, stomach swelling and discomfort of the pelvic area, headaches, and fatigue. To date, the effects of a Follitropin-Δ overdosage are unknown, and no data are reported in the scientific literature or in the drug data sheet. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the effects of Follitropin-Δ overdosages in poorly responding women who underwent IVF cycles. This is a descriptive case series of four nulligravid, poorly responding patients, two of whom made requests for fertility preservation. Four poorly responding patients who were prescribed 20.0 µg/day of Follitropin-Δ for three consecutive days wrongly injected the total cartridge of 72 µg Follitropin-Δ every day. After the incorrect injection of Follitropin-Δ, the patients continued their controlled ovarian stimulation and underwent vaginal ovarian pick up. The analyzed patients had no side effects or adverse reactions. The evaluations reported in this case series showed that the accidental use of 72 µg/day of Follitropin-Δ for three days did not cause side effects or adverse reactions in poor responders.

"Lights and Shades" of Fertility Preservation in Transgender Men Patients: A Clinical and Pathological Review.

Fertility preservation (FP) is becoming a critical issue in transgender men who desire biological offspring in the future. The prevalence of transgender individuals in the United States is increasing, and as a result, the demand for gender-affirming surgeries (GAS) and associated FP techniques is rising. Despite the growing demand, there is currently no personalized approach to FP for transgender men, and the available techniques have limitations that require further investigation. In the present review we carefully examine the existing literature on this topic to highlight the shortcomings of current methods and areas where additional research is needed to advance the field. Hormonal therapy (HT), which is an integral part of gender transition in transgender men, can have a significant impact on fertility and may increase the risk of various diseases. Moreover, GAS usually leads to permanent sterility in these patients. Therefore, it is essential to provide patients with accurate information about the benefits and potential risks of different FP techniques, taking into account the patient's reproductive goals. This review underscores the complex and multifaceted nature of FP in transgender men and emphasizes the need for further research to develop more effective and personalized approaches to FP for this population.

Role of mode of induction and delivery and women's satisfaction after induction of labour at term: An observational study.

This cross-sectional study aimed at evaluating the impact of different modalities of induction of labour (IOL) and delivery on levels of woman' satisfaction. All women aged 18 years or older, who underwent IOL for at-term pregnancy (≥41 weeks of gestation) in randomly selected days during the study period in 6 participating centres were eligible for the study. The questionnaire investigated women's opinion regarding information about induction, pain control, length of induction, their experience about induction, labour and delivery and their attitude towards induction in a subsequent pregnancy. Women were also asked to fill in the Italian version of the Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised (BSS-R). A total of 300 women entered the study. The answer to the question about a "positive attitude towards induction in a subsequent pregnancy was "absolutely yes" or "yes" respectively in the 77.8%, 52.8% and 48.6% of women who were induced with oral drugs, vaginal drugs and Cook balloon (heterogeneity chi-square p = 0.05). The corresponding values for women who delivered vaginally or by caesarean section (CS) were 63.3% and 36.4% (chi-square p = 0.0009). The mean BSS-R total score was higher among women who underwent IOL with oral drugs than with vaginal drugs (p < 0.0001) or Cook Balloon (p < 0.0001), and among women who delivered vaginally than in those who delivered by CS (p < 0.0001). Women were asked "What do you think is important for a method of induction?": 47.3% (95% CI 41.7%-53.0%) of women answered that "should make the induction as painless as possible", 47.0% (95% CI 41.4%-52.7%) "should induce labour quickly", 44.3% (95% CI 38.8%-50.0%) "should be safe for baby". This study showed that vaginal delivery was associated with a higher rate of satisfaction among induced women. Considering mode of induction, oral drugs were associated with a higher level of satisfaction. Control of pain and quick induction were the most appreciated characteristics.

Vitamin and Carotenoid Intake and Outcomes of In Vitro Fertilization in Women Referring to an Italian Fertility Service: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of a Prospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Nutrition may impact reproductive health and fertility potential. The role of dietary antioxidants in affecting conception and birth outcomes is a topic of emerging interest. METHODS: This cross-sectional analysis from a prospective cohort study aims to explore the relationship between the intake of antioxidants, vitamins, and carotenoids and the outcomes of assisted reproduction techniques. Information on the socio-demographic characteristics, health histories, lifestyle habits, and diet information of subfertile couples referred to a fertility center was obtained. RESULTS: A total of 494 women were enrolled. According to the four IVF outcomes considered, 95% of women achieved good quality oocytes, 87% achieved embryo transfer, 32.0% achieved clinical pregnancies, and 24.5% achieved pregnancy at term. Associations were found between age and the number of good quality oocytes (p = 0.02). A moderate level of physical activity in the prior 5 years was associated with a better rate of achieving clinical pregnancy (p = 0.03). Smoking habits, alcohol intake, and caffeine consumption did not show associations with any outcome. No associations were found, even after accounting for potential confounders, with the intake of vitamins C, D, E, and α-carotene, ß-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein, and folate. CONCLUSION: Further research is needed to understand how antioxidant intake may have a role in modulating fertility.

Asynclitism and Its Ultrasonographic Rediscovery in Labor Room to Date: A Systematic Review.

Asynclitism, the most feared malposition of the fetal head during labor, still represents to date an unresolved field of interest, remaining one of the most common causes of prolonged or obstructed labor, dystocia, assisted delivery, and cesarean section. Traditionally asynclitism is diagnosed by vaginal examination, which is, however, burdened by a high grade of bias. On the contrary, the recent scientific evidence highly suggests the use of intrapartum ultrasonography, which would be more accurate and reliable when compared to the vaginal examination for malposition assessment. The early detection and characterization of asynclitism by intrapartum ultrasound would become a valid tool for intrapartum evaluation. In this way, it will be possible for physicians to opt for the safest way of delivery according to an accurate definition of the fetal head position and station, avoiding unnecessary operative procedures and medication while improving fetal and maternal outcomes. This review re-evaluated the literature of the last 30 years on asynclitism, focusing on the progressive imposition of ultrasound as an intrapartum diagnostic tool. All the evidence emerging from the literature is presented and evaluated from our point of view, describing the most employed technique and considering the future implication of the progressive worldwide consolidation of asynclitism and ultrasound.

Management of a rare case of placenta trophotropism.

There are several variations of placental shape or implantation. Multilobed placentas are thought to arise due to implantation in areas of decreased uterine perfusion. An example is represented by lateral implantation in between the anterior and posterior walls of the uterus. Other local factors leading to multilobation are implantation over leiomyomas, in areas of previous surgery, in the cornu, or over the cervical os. After implantation, there is preferential growth in areas of superior perfusion and atrophy in areas of poor perfusion. This is called trophotropism. We described a singular case of uterine synechia, where is laid the succenturiate lobe from the anterior to the posterior wall, obstacles fetal head descent in the pelvis. Due of that synechia, a cesarean section is necessary for fetal transverse situation with reverse breech extraction.

Altered Gene Expression Encoding Cytochines, Grow Factors and Cell Cycle Regulators in the Endometrium of Women with Chronic Endometritis.

To evaluate the expression of genes encoding cytokines, grow factors and cell cycle regulators in the proliferative endometrium of women with chronic endometritis (CE) compared to controls. We performed a case-control study on seven women with CE as diagnosed by hysteroscopy and histology (Cases) compared to six women without CE (Controls). All women underwent diagnostic hysteroscopy plus endometrial biopsy during the mid-proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle. Endometrial samples were divided into two different aliquots for histological and molecular analyses. The endometrial expression profile of 16 genes encoding proteins involved in the inflammatory process, proliferation and cell cycle regulation/apoptosis was assessed by using high-throughput qPCR. Study endpoints were between-group differences in the expression of VEGF A, VEGF B, VEGF C, EGF, TNF, TGF B1, IFNG, TP73, TP73L, BAXva, CDC2, CDC2va, CCND3, CCNB1, BAX and IL12. RESULTS: VEGF A, VEGF B, VEGF C, EGF, TNF, TGF B1, IFNG, TP73, TP73L, BAXva, CDC2, CDC2va, CCND3, CCNB1 were significantly overexpressed in women with CE compared to controls, while BAX and IL12 had similar expression between groups. In women with CE, we found an altered endometrial expression of genes involved in inflammatory, cell proliferation, and apoptosis processes. The dominance of proliferative and anti-apoptotic activity in CE may potentially promote the development of polyps and hyperplastic lesions.

Laparoscopic Intracapsular Myomectomy in Women 40 Years Old and Over with Symptomatic Uterine Fibroids. A Pilot Study.

Authors evaluated the impact of laparoscopic intracapsular myomectomy (LIM) in women 40 years of age and over with desire of future fertility compared with medical management of symptomatic fibroids, by a prospective cohort study in University affiliated Hospitals. This study includes a cohort of women 40 years of age and older with symptomatic intramural fibroids with desire of future fertility. Women with symptomatic fibroid uterus were offered to undergo LIM or medical management. They were encouraged to attempt conception either spontaneously or by assisted reproductive technology (ART) according to their individual preference. All women were followed for 2 years. Fibroid characteristics, pre- and post-surgical variables, including surgical complications, days of hospitalization, pregnancy rate, and obstetrical outcomes were collected. A total of 100 patient were included in the analysis. Fifty patients were assigned to the LIM group and 50 to the medical treatment group (MT). Groups were similar regarding age (43.5 ± 2.4 and 43.5 ± 2.4, p = 0.99), body mass index (23.8 ± 3.1 and 24.2 ± 3.1, p = 0.54), parity (0.46 ± 0.09 and 0.58 ± 0.09, p = 0.37), fibroid number (1.38 ± 0.6 and 1.46 ± 0.6, p = 0.53), and fibroid size (5.92 ± 1.62 cm vs. 5.94 ± 1.49 cm, p = 0.949). Of the patients who underwent LIM, 62% conceived within the study period compared with 56% in the control group ( p = 0.54). Pregnancy was achieved by ART in 44% of the patients of the LIM group and 30% in control group. There was no significant difference in pregnancy rates among the two groups regarding spontaneous pregnancy rate ( p = 0.332), nor in pregnancies obtained by ART with own eggs ( p = 0.146) and oocyte or embryo donation ( p = 0.821). The take home baby rate was 65% (20/31) in the LIM group and 61% (17/28) in the control group ( p = 0.7851). Both groups had similar rate of miscarriage ( p = 0.748). Patients 40 years old and over with symptomatic fibroid uterus who undergo LIM have similar subsequent fertility and obstetrical outcomes than women treated with medical management. LIM has no detrimental impact on future fertility in women 40 years old and over.

Vitamin D: Mechanism of Action and Biological Effects in Uterine Fibroids.

Uterine fibroids (UFs) are the most common benign gynecological tumors. It was estimated that fifty percent of women presenting with UFs has symptomatology that negatively influences their quality of life. Pharmacological and/or surgical treatments are frequently required, depending on the woman's desire to preserve fertility, with a high impact on healthcare costs. Generally, the use of currently available pharmacological treatments may lead to side effects. Therefore, there is a growing interest in a natural and safe approach for UFs. In recent years, epidemiological studies reported a vitamin D deficiency in patients with UFs raised interest in the potential biological effects of vitamin D supplementation. In vitro studies proved vitamin D efficacy in inhibiting UFs growth by targeting pathways involved in the regulation of various biological processes, including proliferation, extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, DNA repair, signaling and apoptosis. However, clinical studies supported only in part the beneficial effects of vitamin D supplementation in reducing UFs growth and tumor volume. Randomized controlled trials and large population studies are mandatory as the potential clinical benefits are likely to be substantial.