Isthmocele, not cesarean section per se, reduces in vitro fertilization success: a systematic review and meta-analysis of over 10,000 embryo transfer cycles.

IMPORTANCE: Previous reviews have shown that a history of cesarean section (CS) is associated with a worse in vitro fertilization (IVF) prognosis. To date, whether the decline in the IVF chances of success should be attributed to the CS procedure itself or to the presence of isthmocele remains to be clarified. OBJECTIVE: To summarize the available evidence regarding the impact of isthmocele on IVF outcomes. DATA SOURCES: Electronic databases and clinical registers were searched until May 30, 2023. STUDY SELECTION AND SYNTHESIS: Observational studies were included if they assessed the effect of isthmocele on IVF outcomes. Comparators were women with isthmocele and women without isthmocele with a previous CS or vaginal delivery. Study quality was assessed using the modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. MAIN OUTCOMES: The primary outcome was the live birth rate (LBR). The effect measures were expressed as adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and unadjusted odds ratios (uORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). The body of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation working group methodology. RESULTS: Eight studies (n = 10,873 patients) were included in the analysis. Women with isthmocele showed a lower LBR than both women with a previous CS without isthmocele (aOR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.53-0.72) and those with a history of vaginal delivery (aOR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.42-0.71). The LBRs in women with a previous CS without isthmocele and those with a history of vaginal delivery were similar (aOR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.47-1.15). Subgroup analysis suggested a negative effect of the intracavitary fluid (ICF) in women with isthmocele on the LBR (uOR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.18-0.75), whereas the LBRs in women without ICF and those without isthmocele were similar (uOR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.61-1.45). CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: We found moderate quality of evidence (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation grade 3/4) supporting a negative impact of isthmocele, but not of CS per se, on the LBR in women undergoing IVF. The adverse effect of isthmocele on IVF outcomes appears to be worsened by ICF accumulation before embryo transfer. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42023418266.

Use and Efficacy of I-Gel in Complicated Intubations in Newborn Infants: A Review of Case Reports in the Literature.

INTRODUCTION: Current guidelines for neonatal resuscitation suggest the use of a laryngeal mask when ventilation with both facemask and endotracheal tube has failed in newborns weighing >2000 g or delivered ≥ 34 weeks of gestation age. Paediatric I-gel® is one of the latest supraglottic airway management devices suitable for children and newborns. I-gel® use was effective in guaranteeing adequate ventilation in patients with anatomic abnormalities in case of respiratory impairment or during surgical procedures after the induction of anaesthesia. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our review was to evaluate the use and efficacy of I-gel® in case of complicated intubations. METHODS: In July 2023, two authors of this paper independently conducted searches of the MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus databases without imposing any time constraints or other restrictions. Three case reports were included, each describing the use of I-gel® device in difficult intubations in newborns with anatomical abnormalities. RESULTS: No difficulties were reported in the insertion of the device, which was placed even by inexperienced clinicians. CONCLUSION: The data collected highlighted the possibility of using I-gel® not only as a rescue device after attempted and failed endotracheal placement but also as a first choice in selected patients. Studies on larger cohorts would be needed. Further research involving larger patient cohorts of multicentre NICUs is necessary to confirm the use of laryngeal masks in neonates weighing less than 2000 grams.