Relationship between the magnetic resonance imaging appearance of adenomyosis and endometriosis phenotypes.

STUDY QUESTION: What is the relationship between endometriosis phenotypes superficial peritoneal endometriosis (SUP), ovarian endometrioma (OMA), deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) and the adenomyosis appearance by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)? SUMMARY ANSWER: Focal adenomyosis located in the outer myometrium (FAOM) was observed more frequently in women with endometriosis, and was significantly associated with the DIE phenotype. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: An association between endometriosis and adenomyosis has been reported previously, although data regarding the association between MRI appearance of adenomyosis and the endometriosis phenotype are currently still lacking. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: This was an observational, cross-sectional study using data prospectively collected from non-pregnant patients who were between 18 and 42 years of age, and who underwent surgery for symptomatic benign gynecological conditions between January 2011 and December 2014. For each patient, a standardized questionnaire was completed during a face-to-face interview conducted by the surgeon during the month preceding the surgery. Only women with preoperative standardized uterine MRIs were retained for this study. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Surgery was performed on 292 patients with signed consent and available preoperative MRIs. After a thorough surgical examination of the abdomino-pelvic cavity, 237 women with histologically proven endometriosis were allocated to the endometriosis group and 55 symptomatic women without evidence of endometriosis to the endometriosis free group. The existence of diffuse or FAOM was studied in both groups and according to surgical endometriosis phenotypes (SUP, OMA and DIE). MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Adenomyosis was observed in 59.9% (n = 175) of the total sample population (n = 292). Based on MRI, the distribution of adenomyosis was as follows: isolated diffuse adenomyosis (53 patients; 18.2%), isolated FAOM (74 patients; 25.3%), associated diffuse and FAOM (48 patients; 16.4%). Diffuse adenomyosis (isolated and associated to FAOM) was observed in one-third of the patients regardless of whether they were endometriotic patients or endometriosis free women taken as controls (34.2% (81 cases) versus 36.4% (20 cases)); P = 0.764. Among endometriotic women, diffuse adenomyosis (isolated and associated to FAOM) failed to reach significant correlation with the endometriosis phenotypes (SUP, 20.0% (8 cases); OMA, 45.2% (14 cases) and DIE, 35.5% (59 cases); P = 0.068). In striking contrast, there was a significant increase in the frequency of FAOM in endometriosis-affected women than in controls (119 cases (50.2%) versus 5.4% (3 cases); P < 0.001). FAOM correlated with the endometriosis phenotypes, significantly with DIE (SUP, 7.5% (3 cases); OMA, 19.3% (6 cases) and DIE, 66.3% (110 cases); P < 0.001). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: There was a possible selection bias due to the specificity of the study design, as it only included surgical patients in a referral center that specializes in endometriosis surgery. Therefore, women referred to our center may have suffered from particularly severe forms of endometriosis. This could explain the high number of women with DIE (166/237-70%) in our study group. This referral bias for women with severe lesions may have amplified the difference in association of FAOM with the endometriosis-affected patients compared to women without endometriosis. Furthermore, according to inclusion criteria, women in the endometriosis free group were symptomatic women. This may introduce some bias as symptomatic women may be more prone to have associated adenomyosis that in turn could have been overrepresented in the endometriosis free group. Whether this selection could have introduced a bias in the relationship between endometriosis and adenomyosis remains unknown. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: This study opens the door to future epidemiological, clinical and mechanistic studies aimed at better characterizing diffuse and focal adenomyosis. Further studies are necessary to adequately determine if diffuse and focal adenomyosis are two separate entities that differ in terms of pathogenesis. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): No funding supported this study. The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.

Prognostic factors for assisted reproductive technology in women with endometriosis-related infertility.

BACKGROUND: Assisted reproductive technology is one of the therapeutic options offered for managing endometriosis-associated infertility. Yet, published data on assisted reproductive technology outcome in women affected by endometriosis are conflicting and the determinant factors for pregnancy chances unclear. OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate assisted reproductive technology outcomes in a series of 359 endometriosis patients, to identify prognostic factors and determine if there is an impact of the endometriosis phenotype. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective observational cohort study, including 359 consecutive endometriosis patients undergoing in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection, from June 2005 through February 2013 at a university hospital. Endometriotic lesions were classified into 3 phenotypes-superficial peritoneal endometriosis, endometrioma, or deep infiltrating endometriosis-based on imaging criteria (transvaginal ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging); histological proof confirmed the diagnosis in women with a history of surgery for endometriosis. Main outcome measures were clinical pregnancy rates and live birth rates per cycle and per embryo transfer. Prognostic factors of assisted reproductive technology outcome were identified by comparing women who became pregnant and those who did not, using univariate and adjusted multiple logistic regression models. RESULTS: In all, 359 endometriosis patients underwent 720 assisted reproductive technology cycles. In all, 158 (44%) patients became pregnant, and 114 (31.8%) had a live birth. The clinical pregnancy rate and the live birth rate per embryo transfer were 36.4% and 22.8%, respectively. The endometriosis phenotype (superficial endometriosis, endometrioma, or deep infiltrating endometriosis) had no impact on assisted reproductive technology outcomes. After multivariate analysis, history of surgery for endometriosis (odds ratio, 0.14; 95% confidence ratio, 0.06-0.38) or past surgery for endometrioma (odds ratio, 0.39; 95% confidence ratio, 0.18-0.84) were independent factors associated with lower pregnancy rates. Anti-müllerian hormone levels <2 ng/mL (odds ratio, 0.51; 95% confidence ratio, 0.28-0.91) and antral follicle count <10 (odds ratio, 0.27; 95% confidence ratio, 0.14-0.53) were also associated with negative assisted reproductive technology outcomes. CONCLUSION: The endometriosis phenotype seems to have no impact on assisted reproductive technology results. An altered ovarian reserve and a previous surgery for endometriosis and/or endometrioma are associated with decreased pregnancy rates.

Endometriosis-related infertility: ovarian endometrioma per se is not associated with presentation for infertility.

STUDY QUESTION: Is there an association between the endometriosis phenotype and presentation with infertility? SUMMARY ANSWER: In a population of operated patients with histologically proven endometriosis, ovarian endometrioma (OMA) per se is not associated with an increased risk of presentation with infertility, while previous surgery for endometriosis was identified as a risk factor for infertility. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: The increased prevalence of endometriosis among subfertile women indicates that endometriosis impairs reproduction for reasons that are not completely understood. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: This was an observational, cross-sectional study using data prospectively collected in all non-pregnant patients aged between 18 and 42 years, who were surgically explored for benign gynaecological conditions at our institution between January 2004 and March 2013. For each patient, a standardized questionnaire was completed during a face-to-face interview conducted by the surgeon during the month preceding surgery. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Surgery was performed in 2208 patients, of which 2066 signed their informed consent. Of the 1059 women with a visual diagnosis of endometriosis, 870 had histologically proven endometriosis and complete treatment for their endometriotic lesions, including 307 who presented with infertility. Univariate analysis and multiple logistic regression analysis were performed to determine factors associated with infertility. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: The following variables were identified as risk factors for endometriosis-related infertility: age >32 years (odds ratio [OR] = 1.9; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.4-2.4), previous surgery for endometriosis (OR = 1.9; 95% CI: 1.3-2.2), as well as peritoneal superficial endometriosis (OR = 3.1; 95% CI: 1.9-4.9); Conversely, previous pregnancy was associated with a lower rate of infertility (OR = 0.7; 95% CI: 0.6-0.9 and OR = 0.6; 95% CI: 0.4-0.9, respectively). OMA is not selected as a significant risk factor for infertility. LIMITATIONS, REASON FOR CAUTION: The selection of our study population was based on a surgical diagnosis. We cannot exclude that infertile women with OMA associated with a diminished ovarian reserve, as assessed during their infertility work-up, were referred less frequently to surgery and might therefore be underrepresented. In addition we cannot exclude that our group of infertile women present associated other causes of infertility. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Identification of risk and preventive factors of endometriosis-related infertility can help improve clinical and surgical management of endometriosis in the setting of infertility. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: None. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: None.

Increased serum cancer antigen-125 is a marker for severity of deep endometriosis.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine whether cancer antigen-125 (CA-125) levels are increased in women with endometriosis, especially in those with endometriomas (OMAs), deep infiltrating lesions (DIE), and superficial endometriosis (SUP) compared with controls without endometriosis in a large cohort of operated women. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: Tertiary-care university hospital. PATIENTS: Four hundred six women with histologically proven endometriosis and 279 women without endometriosis. INTERVENTIONS: Surgical examination of the abdomino-pelvic cavity. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Preoperative serum CA-125 antigen levels were evaluated by electrochemoluminescence immunoassay in women with endometriosis and controls. Correlations between serum CA-125 levels and clinical and anatomical characteristics of disease severity were examined. Women with endometriosis displayed higher mean serum CA-125 levels compared with disease-free controls (50.1 ± 62.4 U/mL vs 22.5 ± 25.2 U/mL; p ≤ .001). CA-125 levels were significantly increased in women with OMA (60.8 ± 63.5 U/mL) and DIE (55.2 ± 68.7 U/mL) compared with women with SUP (23.2 ± 24.5 U/mL) and controls (22.5 ± 25.2 U/mL). There was no difference in CA-125 levels between patients with SUP and controls and between patients with OMA and DIE. CA-125 serum levels were correlated with DIE severity: the mean number of DIE lesions and worst DIE lesion. CONCLUSION: Serum CA-125 levels were significantly increased in women with severe forms of endometriosis, OMA, and DIE lesions. In addition, elevated serum Ca-125 levels were associated with more severe and extended DIE lesions. In women with superficial peritoneal lesions, CA-125 levels were not different from women without endometriosis.

Deep infiltrating endometriosis is associated with markedly lower body mass index: a 476 case-control study.

BACKGROUND: An inverse association between BMI and endometriosis has been reported but remains controversial. We decided to evaluate the association between BMI and the different types of endometriosis, classified as superficial endometriosis (SUP), deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) and ovarian endometrioma (OMA). METHODS: From a prospective database of patients who underwent gynecological surgery between February 2005 and October 2008, we compared 238 patients with a histological diagnosis of endometriosis to 238 age- and smoking-status-matched controls using a prospective preoperative questionnaire and surgical data. Numerical variables means were compared for matched pairs, and non-parametric variables using Wilcoxon test. The Odds ratios for all types of endometriosis adjusted for confounding variables were computed according to predefined BMI groups [1(<18.5), 2 (≥18.5 and <22), 3(≥22 and <25), 4(≥25)], taking Group 3 as the reference population. RESULTS: BMI was significantly lower for all 238 patients (21.70 ± 3.7 versus 23.29 ± 4.1, P < 0.001), for 101 OMA patients (21.88 ± 3.8 versus 22.99 ± 4, P < 0.038), and for 97 DIE patients (21.35 ± 3.4 versus 23.35 ± 3.8, P < 0.001) compared with their own controls, but not for the 40 SUP patients. Patients in Group 1 had adjusted odds ratios as high as 3.3 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.6-6.8] for DIE and 2.7 (95% CI: 1.1-6.8) for OMA; in Group 2, the adjusted oddd ratios were 2.6 (95% CI: 1.3-5.5) for DIE and 2.9 (95% CI: 1.5-5.4) for OMA. CONCLUSIONS: Endometriotic patients have lower BMI than age- and smoking-status-matched controls, independent of confounding variables. Patients with the lowest BMI (<18.5) are at a high risk of DIE.

A new validated screening method for endometriosis diagnosis based on patient questionnaires.

BACKGROUND: The time between symptoms onset and endometriosis diagnosis is usually long. The negative impacts of delayed endometriosis diagnosis can affect patients and health outcomes. METHODS: We conducted a case-control study using clinical symptoms and epidemiological data extracted from a prospective pre-operative patient questionnaire compared between patients with histologically proven endometriosis and patients with no endometriosis at surgical exploration from 2005 to 2018, in a French referral center. We used the beta coefficients of the significant variables introduced in a multiple regression model to devise a score (score 1), evaluated by the area under the curve (or C-index), with three levels, defined by a score between 1 and ≥ 25: (i) highly specific, identifying correctly the patients without the disease; (ii) highly sensitive, identifying the patients with the disease; and (iii) a level maximizing sensitivity and specificity for the best classification of the whole population. To minimize patient self-evaluation of pain, we devised a second score (score 2) with the same method and levels and scores definition, excluding visual analog scale pain scores, except for dysmenorrhea. These scores were validated on an internal and external population. FINDINGS: Score 1 had a C-index of 0.81 (95% CI [0.79-0.83]). Results for the three score 1 levels were: ≥ 25: specificity of 91% (95% CI [89-93]); < 11: sensitivity of 91% (95% CI [89-93]); ≥ 18: specificity of 75% (95% CI [72-78]) and sensitivity of 73% (95% CI [70-76]). Score 2 had a C-index of 0.75 (95% CI [73-77]). The three levels of score 2 were: ≥ 24: specificity of 82% (95% CI [80-85]); < 7: sensitivity of 92% (95% CI [90-94]); ≥ 17: specificity of 62% (95% CI [58-65]) and sensitivity of 78% (95% CI [75-81]). The two scores were internally and externally validated. INTERPRETATION: A score based only on a patient questionnaire could allow identification of a population at high risk of endometriosis. This strategy might help referral to specialized radiologists for a non-surgical endometriosis scan. FUNDING: None.

Oral contraceptives and endometriosis: the past use of oral contraceptives for treating severe primary dysmenorrhea is associated with endometriosis, especially deep infiltrating endometriosis.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between the use of oral contraception (OC) and endometriosis remains controversial. We therefore compared various characteristics of OC use and the surgical diagnosis of endometriosis histologically graded as superficial peritoneal endometriosis (SUP), ovarian endometrioma (OMA) or deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE). METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 566 patients without visible endometriosis at surgery as controls, and 410 patients with histologically proven endometriosis, categorized by their worst lesions as SUP n = 47, OMA n = 120 and DIE n = 243. Personal data, including on OC use, were prospectively collected during standardized interviews. Statistical analysis was performed using unconditional logistic regression. RESULTS: Past OC users had an increased incidence of endometriosis (adjusted odd ratios (OR) = 2.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.74-5.12, P = 0.002) of any revised American Fertility Society stage. Women who had previously used OC for severe primary dysmenorrhea were even more frequently diagnosed with endometriosis (adjusted OR = 5.6, 95% CI 3.2-9.8), especially for DIE (adjusted OR = 16.2, 95% CI 7.8-35.3). Women who had previously used OC for other reasons also had an increased risk of endometriosis, but to a lesser extent (adjusted OR = 2.6, 95% CI 1.8-4.1). The age at which OC was initiated, duration of OC use and free interval from last OC use were not significantly different between control and endometriosis women, irrespective of histological grading. Current OC users did not show an increased prevalence of endometriosis (OR = 1.22, 95% CI 0.6-2.52). CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that a history of OC use for severe primary dysmenorrhea is associated with surgical diagnosis of endometriosis, especially DIE, later in life. However, this does not necessarily mean that use of OC increases the risk of developing endometriosis. Past use of OC for primary dysmenorrhea may serve as a marker for women with endometriosis and DIE.

Superficial Peritoneal Endometriosis: Clinical Characteristics of 203 Confirmed Cases and 1292 Endometriosis-Free Controls.

The aim of this study was to characterize a large sample of women with superficial peritoneal endometriosis (SUP) and no other types of endometriosis in order to test the association of SUP with gynecologic symptoms. We included 203 cases of histologically proven SUP and 1292 endometriosis-free controls diagnosed between January 2004 and July 2017. The participants were non-pregnant patients aged 18 to 42 years submitted to a laparoscopy or laparotomy for a benign gynecologic condition. We excluded all cases of ovarian endometrioma, deep infiltrating endometriosis, and women who had previously undergone an endometriosis surgery. All patients underwent face-to-face interviews, thorough preoperative physical examination, and transvaginal ultrasound. Pain severity was assessed preoperatively through an 11-point numerical rating scale. The association of SUP with gynecologic symptoms was adjusted for potential confounders using multivariable logistic regression. The presence of SUP was associated with lower body weight (59.8 vs. 63.5 kg) and body mass index (21.8 vs. 23.3 kg/m2), and a higher frequency of smoking habit (41.6% vs. 32.8%) and of positive familial history of endometriosis (7.0% vs. 2.3%). Moreover, SUP was associated with an increased risk of primary infertility (adjusted prevalence ratio [PR] 1.83, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.46-2.24), moderate to intense dysmenorrhea (PR 1.43, 95% CI 1.31-1.52), and moderate to intense deep dyspareunia (PR 1.50, 95% CI 1.25-1.75). In conclusion, in this large surgical series, isolated SUP was independently associated to primary infertility and moderate to severe painful symptoms.

Focal adenomyosis of the outer myometrium and deep infiltrating endometriosis severity.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the presence of focal adenomyosis of the outer myometrium (FAOM) at preoperative magnetic resonance imaging is associated with the severity of deep infiltrating endometriosis. DESIGN: Observational cross-sectional study involving 255 symptomatic deep infiltrating endometriosis patients. Comparisons were performed according to the presence of FAOM. SETTING: University hospital. PATIENT(S): Women with a preoperative magnetic resonance imaging and complete surgical exeresis of endometriotic lesions with histologically documented deep infiltrating endometriosis. INTERVENTION(S): Surgical management for deep infiltrating endometriosis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The presence of multiple deep infiltrating endometriosis lesions, the mean number and location of deep infiltrating endometriosis lesions, and the mean total revised American Society for Reproductive Medicine scores. RESULT(S): The prevalence of FAOM at preoperative magnetic resonance imaging in the 255 patients with deep infiltrating endometriosis was 56.5%. The mean number of deep infiltrating endometriosis lesions was significantly higher in the FAOM(+) group than in the FAOM(-) group: 3.5 ± 2.1 vs. 2.2 ± 1.5. The mean total revised American Society for Reproductive Medicine score was higher in case of FOAM coexisting with deep infiltrating endometriosis. After adjusting for confounding factors, the presence of FAOM was significantly associated with multiple deep lesions. CONCLUSION(S): FAOM was significantly associated with greater deep infiltrating endometriosis severity. This needs to be integrated into the management strategy. Furthermore, a pathogenic link between deep infiltrating endometriosis and FAOM cannot be excluded.

Incidence and risk factors of bladder injuries during laparoscopic hysterectomy indicated for benign uterine pathologies: a 14.5 years experience in a continuous series of 1501 procedures.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic hysterectomy is indicated as an alternative to laparotomy when the vaginal route is potentially difficult because of an immobile uterus and a poor vaginal accessibility. The aim of this study was to evaluate the rate, the risk factors for bladder injuries in a series of 1501 laparoscopic hysterectomies indicated for benign uterine pathologies. METHODS: This study was conducted retrospectively from January 1993 to 2000 and prospectively from 2001 to July 2007.The indications, patients' characteristics and complications were recorded. The overall rate of bladder injuries, the comparison of means (t test) and percentages (exact chi(2) test) between the cases and the population with no injury, the odd ratios (OR) and multivariate analysis were performed using the statistical package for the social sciences software. RESULTS: The rate of bladder injuries was 1% (15 patients). Risks factors were previous Caesarian section [OR: 4.33, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.53-12.30] and previous laparotomy (OR: 4.69, 95% CI: 1.59-13.8). The rate of injury decreases with the surgeons' experience and reaches a plateau of 0.4% after 100 hysterectomies performed. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of bladder injury during total laparoscopic hysterectomy is low and decreases with the surgeon's experience. Bladder injury is not linked to an increase of post-operative morbidity when recognized and repaired during the same laparoscopic procedure. The comparison with other routes of hysterectomies should take into account these risk factors.

Total laparoscopic hysterectomy for benign uterine pathologies: obesity does not increase the risk of complications.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to investigate the intra-operative characteristics and the risk of intra- and post-operative complications in cases of total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) in overweight, obese and non-obese patients. METHODS: This cohort study includes all patients undergoing TLH for benign pathologies between January 1993 and June 2007 in Cochin university hospital (Paris). Demographic and surgical data were analysed. A comparison between overweight and obese patients versus non-obese patients and multivariate analyses were performed. RESULTS: Of 1460 patients undergoing TLH, 101 patients (6.9%) had a BMI of 30 or higher and 338 (23.2%) were overweight. After adjustment with respect to the patients' characteristics and past history (age, parity, past history of laparotomies, previous Cesarean section, menopausal status), no significant difference was found whether in terms of intra-operative (haemorrhage, transfusion, thrombosis, ureter, bladder or bowel injuries) or post-operative complications (hyperthermia, infections, fistula). Concerning the intra- and post-operative characteristics of these patients, only a significantly longer operating time was noted in the case of obesity (RR = 1.80; CI 95%: 1.16-2.81). CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, provided that the operating technique is meticulous, the intra- and post-operative complications are not increased in the case of obesity, although the operating time is longer.

Decreased ovarian reserve in HIV-infected women.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate HIV directly or indirectly related altered ovarian function, using serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels in HIV-infected women as compared with seronegative women. DESIGN: We conducted a matched cohort study from January 2008 to December 2013 in a tertiary university centre. Two hundred and one HIV-infected women requesting assisted reproductive technology and 603 age and cause of infertility-matched HIV seronegative women were enrolled in this study. METHODS: All data were prospectively collected using a semistructured questionnaire. Serum AMH levels in HIV-infected women and matched controls were compared. To find out the contributing factors to increased serum AMH levels in HIV-infected women, a backward multiple linear regression was performed. RESULTS: Serum AMH levels were significantly lower in HIV-infected group as compared with seronegative controls (3.0 ±â€Š2.8 vs 3.7 ±â€Š3.5 ng/ml; respectively, P = 0.001). Looking for factors associated with altered AMH among HIV-infected women, an association has been shown between tubal disease and a further decrease in serum AMH levels (2.4 ±â€Š2.4 vs 3.4 ±â€Š3.0 ng/ml; respectively, P = 0.011). Among HIV-infected women, after multivariate linear regression analysis, we showed that increased age, BMI and viral load were associated with decreased serum AMH levels whereas in striking contrast an increase in CD4⁺ cell count was associated with an increase of serum AMH levels. CONCLUSION: Serum AMH levels were lower in the HIV-infected group than in the control group. Age, BMI, CD4⁺ cell count and viral load were the independent contributors affecting serum AMH levels among HIV-infected women.

Low birth weight is strongly associated with the risk of deep infiltrating endometriosis: results of a 743 case-control study.

The influence of intrauterine environment on the risk of endometriosis is still controversial. Whether birth weight modifies the risk of endometriosis in adulthood remains an open question. For this purpose, we designed a case-control study involving 743 women operated on for benign gynecological indications from January 2004 to December 2011. Study group included 368 patients with histologically proven endometriosis: 54 superficial endometriosis (SUP), 79 endometriomas (OMA) and 235 deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE). Control group included 375 patients without endometriosis as surgically checked. Mean birth weights were compared between patients and controls, according to endometriosis groups and rAFS stages. Mean birth weight was significantly lower for patients with endometriosis as compared to controls (3,119 g ± 614 and 3,251 g ± 557 respectively; p = 0.002). When compared to controls, patients with DIE had the lowest birth weight with a highly significant difference (3,103 g ± 620, p = 0.002). In univariate analysis, patients with low birth weight (LBW), defined as a BW < 2,500 g, had a higher risk of endometriosis, especially DIE, as compared to the reference group (OR = 1.5, 95%CI: 1.0-2.3 and OR = 1.7, 95%CI: 1.0-2.7, respectively). Multivariate analysis, adjusted on ethnicity and smoking status, showed the persistence of a significant association between endometriosis and LBW with a slight increase in the magnitude of the association (aOR = 1.7, 95%CI: 1.0-2.6 for endometriosis, aOR = 1.8; 95%CI: 1.1-2.9 for DIE). In conclusion, LBW is independently associated with the risk of endometriosis in our population. Among patients with LBW, the risk is almost two-times higher to develop DIE. This association could reflect common signaling pathways between endometriosis and fetal growth regulation. There is also the possibility of a role played by placental insufficiency on the development of the neonate's pelvis and the occurrence of neonatal uterine bleeding that could have consequences on the risk of severe endometriosis.

ABO and Rhesus blood groups and risk of endometriosis in a French Caucasian population of 633 patients living in the same geographic area.

OBJECTIVES: The identification of epidemiological factors increasing the risk of endometriosis could shorten the time to diagnosis. Specific blood groups may be more common in patients with endometriosis. STUDY DESIGN: We designed a cross-sectional study of 633 Caucasian women living in the same geographic area. Study group included 311 patients with histologically proven endometriosis. Control group included 322 patients without endometriosis as checked during surgery. Frequencies of ABO and Rhesus groups in the study and control groups were compared using univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: We observed a higher proportion of Rh-negative women in the study group, as compared to healthy controls. Multivariate analysis showed that Rh-negative women are twice as likely to develop endometriosis (aOR = 1.90; 95% CI: 1.20-2.90). There was no significant difference in ABO group distribution between patients and controls. There was no difference when taking into account either the clinical forms (superficial endometriosis, endometrioma, and deep infiltration endometriosis) or the rAFS stages. CONCLUSION: Rh-negative women are twice as likely to develop endometriosis. Chromosome 1p, which contains the genes coding for the Rhesus, could also harbor endometriosis susceptibility genes.

Questioning patients about their adolescent history can identify markers associated with deep infiltrating endometriosis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether the clinical history, particularly of the adolescence period, contains markers of deeply infiltrating endometriosis (DIE). DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Universitary tertiary referral center. PATIENT(S): Two hundred twenty-nine patients operated on for endometriosis. Endometriotic lesions were histologically confirmed as non-DIE (superficial peritoneal endometriosis and/or ovarian endometriomas) (n = 131) or DIE (n = 98). INTERVENTION(S): Surgical excision of endometriotic lesions with pathological analysis of each specimens. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Epidemiological data, pelvic pain scores, family history of endometriosis, absenteeism from school during menstruation, oral contraceptive (OC) pill use. RESULT(S): Patients with DIE had significantly more positive family history of endometriosis (odds ratio [OR] = 3.2; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2-8.8) and more absenteeism from school during menstruation (OR = 1.7; 95% CI: 1-3). The OC pill use for treating severe primary dysmenorrhea was more frequent in patients with DIE (OR = 4.5; 95% CI: 1.9-10.4). Duration of OC pill use for severe primary dysmenorrhea was longer in patients with DIE (8.4 ± 4.7 years vs. 5.1 ± 3.8 years). There was a higher incidence of OC pill use for severe primary dysmenorrhea before 18 years of age in patients with DIE (OR = 4.2; 95% CI: 1.8-10.0). CONCLUSION(S): The knowledge of adolescent period history can identify markers that are associated with DIE in patients undergoing surgery for endometriosis.

Smoking habits of 411 women with histologically proven endometriosis and 567 unaffected women.

Smoking habits did not influence either the risk of any form of endometriosis (superficial peritoneal endometriosis, ovarian endometriomas, and deep infiltrating endometriosis) and did not correlate with the revised American Fertility Society stages or scores.