[Endometriosis as an inflammatory disease ?] / L'endométriose est-elle une pathologie inflammatoire ?

Endometriosis is the presence of stromal and epithelial cells outside the uterine cavity. This chronic inflammatory disease affects about 10 % of the female population in reproductive age and is responsible for chronic pelvic pain and infertility. Its pathogenesis is complex, and the treatment will rely on medical treatment or/and surgery. Medical treatment consists in alleviating pain thanks to analgesic and hormonal treatment but none can eradicate the disease. Medical treatment often fails and about 10 % will add nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs to their hormonal treatment. Major role of immune/inflammatory cells in the disease makes them a promising tool for targeted therapy.

: L'endométriose est définie par la présence de cellules stromales et épithéliales endométriales en dehors de la cavité utérine. Considérée comme une pathologie inflammatoire chronique, elle touche environ 10 % des femmes en âge de procréer et est responsable de douleur pelvienne et d'infertilité. Sa pathologie est complexe et le traitement sera médical et/ou chirurgical. Le traitement médical consistera à soulager la douleur grâce à des antalgiques et une hormonothérapie, mais aucune des molécules utilisées actuellement ne permet l'éradication de l'endométriose. Le traitement médical échoue fréquemment. Il est estimé que 10 % des patientes ne seront pas soulagées par une hormonothérapie seule et nécessiteront le recours à des anti-inflammatoires. Le rôle prépondérant des cellules et cytokines inflammatoires dans la survenue de la maladie permet d'envisager des thérapies ciblées.

[Uterine rupture in a patient with a cesarean scar pregnancy]. / Cas clinique. Rupture utérine en début de grossesse sur cicatrice de césarienne.

Caesarean scar pregnancy is a rare form of ectopic pregnancy, but it is increasingly common due to the increasing number of caesarean sections and advances in medical imaging. There are two types of cesarean scar pregnancy depending on the depth of the implantation : endogenous type I and exogenous type II. In the case of a pregnancy resulting from a type II caesarean scar, the main complication is uterine rupture, which could be life-threatening for the patient. Early diagnosis and treatment are therefore essential for the woman. We report the case of a patient in early pregnancy with a history of cesarean section who presented with severe pelvic pain due to uterine rupture.

La grossesse sur cicatrice de césarienne est une forme rare de grossesse extra-utérine mais dont la fréquence augmente en raison du nombre croissant de césariennes et du progrès de l'imagerie médicale. Il en existe deux types en fonction de la profondeur d'implantation : le type I endogène et le type II exogène. Dans les cas d'une grossesse sur cicatrice de césarienne de type II, la complication principale est la rupture utérine qui pourrait engager le pronostic vital de la patiente. Un diagnostic et un traitement précoce sont donc primordiaux pour la patiente. Nous rapportons le cas d'une patiente en début de grossesse avec un antécédent de césarienne qui se présente pour des douleurs abdominales aiguës dues à une rupture utérine.

[Appropriate care at the end of life : insuring quality of life]. / Une bonne gestion de la fin de vie, ou le respect de la qualité de vie .

Progress of medical knowledge pushed the limits of medicine. This raises major ethical issues. The Belgian lawmaker, concerned to ensure the observance of Human Rights, attempted to regulate some of these issues. It remains essential to listen to the patient and to respect his/her will. Likewise, defining therapeutic goals based on patient's values and priorities is crucial until the end of patient's life.

: Les progrès scientifiques ont reculé les limites de la médecine. Ceci a conduit à d'importants débats éthiques. En Belgique, le législateur, soucieux du respect des Droits de l'Homme, a tenté de réglementer certaines pratiques. L'essentiel est d'écouter le patient et de respecter ses volontés. Il est capital de définir des objectifs thérapeutiques basés sur les valeurs et les priorités du patient, jusqu'à la fin de sa vie.

[Should you operate on a uterine septum ?] / Faut-il opérer un septum utérin ?

Uterine septum is the most common congenital uterine malformation and may cause obstetric problems such as repeated miscarriages, premature deliveries or dystocial presentations. It also appears to be associated with infertility. The uterine septum can be demonstrated by ultrasound, MRI and hysteroscopy. The benefit of hysteroscopic septoplasty remains controversial although most studies agree on the benefits of this treatment. It improves the fertility and obstetrical future of women by increasing the rate of pregnancies and live births and reducing the rate of miscarriages. Resection of the uterine septum is therefore encouraged in symptomatic patients but also in prophylaxis, in asymptomatic patients in order to increase the chances of carrying their pregnancy to term.

Le septum utérin est la malformation utérine congénitale la plus fréquente et peut être à l'origine de problèmes obstétricaux tels que des fausses couches à répétition, des accouchements prématurés ou des présentations dystociques. Par ailleurs, il semble également associé à une infertilité. Le septum utérin peut être mis en évidence à l'aide de l'échographie, de l'IRM et de l'hystéroscopie. Le bénéfice d'une septoplastie hystéroscopique reste controversé bien que la plupart des études s'accordent sur les bienfaits de ce traitement. En effet, il permet d'améliorer la fertilité et l'avenir obstétrical des patientes en augmentant le taux de grossesses et de naissances d'enfants vivants et en réduisant le taux de fausses couches. La résection du septum utérin est donc encouragée chez les patientes symptomatiques, mais également, en prophylaxie, chez des patientes asymptomatiques afin d'augmenter les chances de mener leur grossesse à terme.

[Polycystic ovary syndrome : the advantages of multidisciplinary management]. / Le syndrome des ovaires micropolykystiques : l'avantage d'une prise en charge multidisciplinaire.

The polycystic ovary syndrome is one of the most frequent endocrine disorders in women of reproductive age. The first signs and symptoms of the disease may be present as early as puberty. Diagnostic criteria include hyperandrogenism (clinical or biological), ovulatory dysfunction and polycystic ovarian morphology on ultrasound. The consequences of the syndrome are multiple. These consist of fertility issues and metabolic anomalies with increased cardiovascular risk, but also sleep disturbances, increased risk of endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer and a potentially important psychological impact with decreased quality of life. The management of polycystic ovary syndrome is multidisciplinary and treatment is variable, depending on symptoms and the patient's desire for fertility. In all cases, measures aiming to improve the metabolic dysfunction are essential, going from adopting a healthy lifestyle to adequate therapy of each metabolic anomaly.

Le syndrome des ovaires micropolykystiques est une des endocrinopathies les plus fréquentes de la femme en âge de reproduction. Les premiers signes et symptômes peuvent se manifester dès la puberté. Les critères de diagnostic reposent sur une hyperandrogénie (clinique ou biologique), une anovulation chronique et un aspect d'ovaires micropolykystiques à l'échographie. Les conséquences du syndrome sont multiples, essentiellement concernant les troubles de la fertilité et les perturbations métaboliques avec un risque cardio-vasculaire augmenté, mais également des anomalies du sommeil, un risque augmenté d'hyperplasie endométriale et de cancer endométrial et un impact psychologique parfois important avec diminution de la qualité de vie. La prise en charge est multi-disciplinaire et le traitement variable, en fonction des symptômes et des souhaits de fertilité de la patiente. Dans tous les cas, une prise en charge métabolique, avec une hygiène de vie saine et des traitements visant les perturbations métaboliques individuelles, est essentielle.

[Asherman's syndrome : management after curettage following a postnatal placental retention and literature review]. / Syndrome d'Asherman. Prise en charge après curetage suite à une rétention placentaire post-natale et revue de la littérature.

Asherman's syndrome (AS) is a partial or complete obliteration of the uterine cavity after intrauterine trauma. Approximately 90 % of severe AS cases occur after abortion curettage or postpartum curettage. Clinical signs and symptoms are abnormalities of the cycle (hypomenorrhoea or amenorrhoea) and fertility disorders. We have reviewed the recent literature on AS following the description of a typical clinical case. The management of AS is not easy. It must be done by experienced surgeons. Realization of several surgeries is sometimes mandatory, with the use of anti-adhesive devices between interventions. Its complex management encourages insistence on the avoidance of its risk factors.

Le syndrome d'Asherman (SA) correspond à une oblitération plus ou moins complète de la cavité utérine et se développe après un traumatisme intra-utérin. Approximativement 90 % des cas de SA sévères surviennent après un curetage post-abortum ou post-partum. Il se manifeste par des anomalies du cycle (hypoménorrhée ou ménorrhée) et des troubles de la fertilité. Nous avons revu la littérature récente concernant le SA à la suite de la description d'un cas clinique exemplatif. La prise en charge du SA n'est pas aisée : elle doit se faire par les chirurgiens expérimentés et passe parfois par la réalisation de plusieurs chirurgies, avec l'utilisation des dispositifs anti-adhésifs entre les interventions. Sa prise en charge complexe incite à insister sur l'éviction des facteurs favorisant sa survenue.

[Chemical peritonitis complicating the spontaneous rupture of a dermoid cyst of the ovary]. / Péritonite chimique compliquant la rupture spontanée d'un kyste dermoïde de l'ovaire.

Mature ovarian teratoma is the most frequent benign tumor in premenopausal women. It is usually asymptomatic but complications are possible such as adnexal torsion, infection, malignant transformation or cystic rupture. The latter can be spontaneous or more often occurs during surgery of excision of dermoid cyst. It can rarely result in chemical peritonitis, which is due to the irritation of the peritoneal serosa by the aseptic content of the tumour. We report the case of a patient who undrewent an emergency laparotomy for a chemical peritonitis following a spontaneous rupture of a dermoid cyst. Afterwards, she developed an acute respiratory distress syndrome that required an admission in the intensive care unit and subsequent surgery.

Le tératome mature de l'ovaire est la tumeur ovarienne bénigne la plus fréquente chez la femme en pré-ménopause. Le plus souvent, il est asymptomatique, mais il peut se compliquer par une torsion annexielle, une infection, une dégénérescence maligne ou une rupture kystique. Celle-ci peut être spontanée ou, plus souvent, survenir lors d'une chirurgie d'exérèse du kyste. Rarement, elle peut entraîner une péritonite chimique. Celle-ci est consécutive à l'irritation de la séreuse péritonéale par le contenu aseptique da la tumeur. Nous rapportons ici le cas d'une patiente opérée en urgence pour une péritonite chimique suite à une rupture spontanée d'un kyste dermoïde. Dans les suites opératoires, la patiente a développé un syndrome de détresse respiratoire aigu qui a nécessité une prise en charge aux soins intensifs et une nouvelle intervention chirurgicale.

[Female Genital Mutilations : the condition in Liege]. / Les mutilations génitales féminines : le point sur la situation au Centre Hospitalier Régional de la Citadelle.

Due to current migration flows, the practising obstetrician is likely to encounter parturient women carriers of female genital mutilations (FGM). This article describes the obstetrical complications related to the latter. We compared a group of mutilated patients (n = 69) to a control group (n = 162) and studied the data concerning pregnancy, childbirth, newborn, postpartum and length of hospital stay. Among the mutilated patients, 44% were group B streptococcus carriers against 23 % in the control group (p inferior to 0.01). As regards the perineum, an episiotomy was performed in 31 % of patients in the FGM group versus 35 % of the control group; a tear occurred in 42 % of vaginal deliveries in the FGM group against 26 % in the control group.

En raison des flux migratoires actuels, le praticien obstétricien sera amené à prendre en charge des patientes porteuses de mutilations génitales féminines (MGF). Cet article reprend les principales complications obstétricales en relation avec celles-ci. Nous avons comparé un groupe de patientes ayant subi une MGF (n = 69) à un groupe contrôle (n = 162) et étudié les données concernant la patiente, la grossesse en cours, l'accouchement, le nouveau-né, le post-partum et la durée du séjour hospitalier. Dans le groupe MGF, 44 % des patientes sont porteuses de streptocoque B contre 23 % dans le groupe contrôle (p inférieur a 0,01). Concernant le périnée, dans le groupe MGF, une épisiotomie est pratiquée chez 31 % des patientes versus 35 % dans le groupe contrôle; une déchirure survient dans 42 % des accouchements par voie basse dans le groupe MGF contre 26 % dans le groupe contrôle.

[MINIMAL AND MILD ENDOMETRIOSIS: WHICH IMPACT ON FERTILITY?]. / ENDOMÉTRIOSE MINIME ET LÉGÈRE: QUEL IMPACT SUR LA FERTILITÉ?

Minimal and mild endometriosis (stages I/II) is frequently identified in subfertile patients, especially in case of unexplained infertility. The impact of those lesions on fecundity is still debatted and they have been considered as paraphysiological by some experts. In addition, they are heterogenous with variable spread, biological activity, induced inflammation and, sometimes, the presence of associated mild adhesions. Stages I/II endometriosis are the most frequent endometriotic lesions encountered in subfertile women. Reduced oocyte quality, anti sperm effects and, possibly, endometrial disorders appear as the most pertinent mechanisms involved. Spontaneous fecundity of women with minimal or mild endometriosis is reduced when compared to fecundity of women whose infertility is unexplained. Intra-uterine insemination with controlled ovarian stimulation improves fecundity. Laparoscopic ablation of endometriotic lesions modestly improves fecundity. This procedure has thus been recommended in view of the very small increased surgical risk. IVF is the most efficient method allowing to obtain pregnancy, with slightly reduced or similar results when compared to the performances of IVF in case of tubal infertility.

[Role of genetic and environmental factors in the development of endometriosis]. / Le role de la génétique et de l'environnement dans le developpement de l'endométriose.

Endometriosis is usually described as a complex multifactorial disease involving dysregulation of estrogen metabolism, inflammatory and immunological mechanisms. Recently, many authors have questioned the environmental pollution and toxins in the formation and development of endometriotic lesions. Therefore, while dioxins and PCBs have been implicated, insufficient data are available until now to confirm this theory. Endometriosis has also been considered as a genetic disease. Indeed, early familial aggregation and twin studies noted a higher risk of endometriosis among relatives. However, demonstration of a genetic component in the pathogenesis of such a multifactorial disease is quite difficult due to many limitations such as ethnic differences, involvement of environmental factors and size of needed patients cohorts. Over the last decade, the epigenetic approach (DNA methylation, histones modifications and microRNA) has allowed to consider many new perspectives. Indeed, dysregulation (hyper- or hypomethylation) of many genes has already been highlighted. This method of analysis is the subject of numerous studies in order to develop diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic tools for this disease which is becoming a real public health problem.

[Obstetrical epidural analgesia and postpartum backache]. / Analgésie péridurale obstétricale et lombalgie du post-partum: un lien de cause a effet?

Backache is a common problem in the general population. The prevalence of backpain is increased during pregnancy and after delivery. Early studies have suggested that labor epidural analgesia might be associated with an increased incidence of backache in the postpartum period. However, these initial studies were retrospective and their design included several methodological deficiencies. All the prospective studies published afterwards (prospective cohort studies and 3 randomized controlled trials) yield the same result: there is no relationship between labor epidural analgesia and long-term postpartum backpain. Pregnant women must be aware of this in order to make an informed and appropriate choice about labor epidural analgesia, the most effective technique for intrapartum pain relief.

Daily practice management of septate uterus: reproductive outcome after septoplasty.

Background: Septate uterus is the most common uterine malformation found in women presenting poor reproductive history. Hysteroscopic septoplasty (HS) restores the uterine anatomy in a safe procedure. Objectives: The goal of our study is to determine the reproductive outcomes after HS of symptomatic septate uterus. Materials and Methods: In a retrospective observational single centre study the reproductive outcomes and complications after HS were evaluated in 31 women with symptomatic septate uterus. The patients were separated into two groups according to the symptoms - infertility or recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Main outcome measures: were the pregnancy and live birth rate and secondarily the complication rate. Furthermore, the results were analysed depending on the need of assisted reproductive techniques (ART). Results: The treatment has resulted in an overall pregnancy rate of 71% for both groups. The spontaneous pregnancy rate is 45% and 8 pregnancies resulted from ART (26%). The overall first live birth rate is 51.6%. A decrease has been noticed in the miscarriage rate from 95.24% to 24% (p<0.001) in the overall population. Conclusions: In patients with a symptomatic septate uterus hysteroscopic septoplasty is a safe and effective procedure. The favourable results pointing out the benefits of surgery on the reproductive outcomes as well as the relatively simple and safe technique of HS make the intervention attractive.

Use of methotrexate in the treatment of ectopic pregnancies: a retrospective single center study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of methotrexate (MTX) in the treatment of ectopic pregnancies. We identified predictive factors of success or failure and compared our results with previous studies to make recommendations for its use. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cohort of 61 patients from a single center was retrospectively analyzed. Inclusion criteria were a diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy and treatment with a single-dose injection of MTX. The need to perform surgery despite MTX was defined as treatment failure while needing a second MTX injection was not. RESULTS: In our cohort, MTX demonstrated a success rate of 80%. This rate rose to 84% when patients with human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG ) > 5,000 IU/L were excluded. Twenty percent underwent surgery for pain, increased mass size and/or suboptimal hCG kinetics. Low hCG levels on days 0, 4 and 7 as well as the absence of pain, metrorrhagia and hemoperitoneum were predictive of success. MTX was also efficient in the treatment of persisting pregnancies of unknown location (PUL). CONCLUSION: Our results are consistent with previous studies and emphasize the fact that MTX is less effective above a certain level of hCG. We obtained a cut-off value of 2439 IU/L with a sensitivity of 66.7% and a specificity of 93.9%. MTX should not be used when hCG is higher than 5,000 IU/L and laparoscopic surgery should be performed. Our results bring additional data about the efficacy of MTX in the management of persisting pregnancies of unknown location.

Persistence of an intact endometrial matrix and vessels structure in women exposed to VA-2914, a selective progesterone receptor modulator.

BACKGROUND: VA-2914 is a selective progesterone receptor modulator with potential contraceptive activity that induces amenorrhea, whereas progestins cause endometrial spotting and bleeding. This abnormal bleeding due to progestins is a consequence of focal stromal proteolysis by an increase in naked vessel size and density. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to quantify the effects of VA-2914 on endometrial vascularization, fibrillar matrix, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A expression in endometrial biopsies from 41 women before and after 12 wk daily treatment with a placebo, or 2.5, 5, or 10 mg VA-2914. METHODS: Collagen fibrillar network was stained by silver impregnation. Vessel area, density, and structure were quantified with a computer-assisted image analysis system after double immunostaining using an anti-von Willebrand factor (endothelial cells) and an anti-alpha smooth muscle actin (vascular smooth muscle cells) marker antibody. VEGF-A mRNAs were quantified by RT-PCR and localized by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The endometrial vessels, collagen network, and mRNA levels of VEGF-A were identical during the luteal phase at baseline and in VA-2914 treated women. VEGF-A distribution was unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: VA-2914 does not alter the endometrial matrix and cells, and does not modify the endometrial vessel morphology as compared with baseline biopsies.

Management of severe preeclampsia.

Features of severe preeclampsia include severe proteinuric hypertension and symptoms of central nervous system dysfunction, hepatocellular injury, thrombocytopenia, oliguria, pulmonary oedema, cerebrovascular accident and severe intrauterine growth restriction. Women with severe preeclampsia must be hospitalized to confirm the diagnosis, to assess the severity of the disease, to monitor the progression of the disease and to try to stabilize the disease. Severe preeclampsia may be managed expectantly, in selected cases. The objective of expectant management in these patients is to improve neonatal outcome. Expectant management is based on antihypertensive treatment and prevention of end organ dysfunction. Antihypertensive treatment improves maternal outcome but has the potential to be deleterious for the foetus. Plasma volume expansion has been suggested for severe preeclampsia but trials failed to show any benefit. Magnesium sulfate is the anticonvulsivant of choice to treat or prevent eclampsia when indicated. Antenatal corticosteroids are recommended in severely preeclamptic women with 26-34 weeks gestation. Timing of delivery is based upon gestational age, severity of preeclampsia, maternal and foetal risks.

[Circulatory and respiratory problems in preeclampsia]. / Manifestations hémodynamiques et respiratoires de la prééclampsie.

The hemodynamic and cardiovascular changes seen during PE vary according to the natural history of the disease, its severity and eventual therapeutic measures taken. In the early stages of pregnancy, patients who will eventually develop PE, present with a blood pressure which even though within normal limits, is higher than in other women. Similarly, their cardiac output is higher with a normal or decreased peripheral vascular resistance. As soon as the clinical signs of the disease appear, the hemodynamic picture usually shifts toward that of a high peripheral resistance with low cardiac output. Sometimes however, a clinically hyperkinetic circulation may be demonstrated. In PE patients, cardiac preload pressures are usually normal even though the circulatory volumes are lower by 600 to 800 ml when compared to those found in normal pregnancy. The cardiac function is however usually preserved during PE. PE induces an exaggerated capillary permeability. This results in the worsening of the airway edema which may render the intubation very difficult. The increased capillary permeability contributes, among other factors, to the heightened risk of acute pulmonary edema. It is not justified to administer an anti-hypertensive treatment to PE women presenting with only moderate hypertension. An anti-hypertensive treatment must only be initiated whenever the hypertension is severe (i.e. SBP> or =160 mmHg and/or DBP> or =110 mmHg) in order to reduce the risk of maternal complications. In the absence of objective comparative data assessing anti-hypertensive agents for the PE patient, the choice of therapy relies predominantly on the practitioners' own experience. Systematic circulatory volume expansion has not been proven to improve the maternal nor the neonatal prognosis. Such treatment is to be reserved solely for situations in which correcting a hypo-volemia is absolutely necessary. The treatment of acute pulmonary edema in a PE patient is symptomatic and includes the administration of vasodilating agents and of diuretics. A benefit in setting-up an invasive monitoring of the pulmonary artery occlusive pressure has not been demonstrated. The sonographic surveillance of the hemodynamic state can however be useful in these circumstances.