Percutaneous cryoablation of symptomatic uterine adenomyomas: Initial experience.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of percutaneous image-guided cryoablation of adenomyomas MATERIAL AND METHODS: Five symptomatic women who wanted to preserve their uterus and fertility underwent a single session of percutaneous image-guided cryoablation of adenomyoma. Three to six 17-gauge cryoprobes were introduced percutaneously into the adenomyoma under ultrasound and laparoscopy guidance. Clinical efficacy was defined as the diminution of the Visual Analogue Scale of pain (VAS), the decrease in uterine bleeding and the improvement of quality of life assessed by the endometriosis health profile 5 (EHP-5) 12 months after treatment. Technical efficacy was defined by the reduction in volume of each treated adenomyoma on MRI. Complications were classified using the Clavien-Dindo classification system. Hysterosonography was performed at least 3 months after the procedure. RESULTS: Compared to the baseline, all symptom scores had decreased after 12 months: median VAS 8/10 (range, 5-10) to 4/10 (range, 0-7); median dyspareunia score 7/10 (range, 0-10) to 2/10 (range, 0-8); median bleeding score 335 (range, 102-920) to 76 (range, 0-88); median EHP-5 score 60/100 (range, 50-75) to 50/100 (range, 32-55). The median volume of adenomyosis decreased from 57 cm3 (range, 8-87) to 9 cm3 (range, 2-45) at 12 months. No postoperative complications occurred. Two patients had incomplete intrauterine adhesions that were easily removed hysteroscopically. CONCLUSION: Cryoablation may be a promising alternative treatment for symptomatic adenomyoma in women who want to preserve their uterus.

Gynaecological follow-up for women of reproductive age with multiple sclerosis: The GYNESEP study.

BACKGROUND: The gynaecological care of women with Multiple Sclerosis has received little attention; most reports focussed on pregnancy or sexuality. The objective of the present study was to evaluate if gynaecological follow-up for women of reproductive age with Multiple Sclerosis was adequate. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study on a large cohort of women with Multiple Sclerosis aged 18-40 years. All participants completed online questionnaires on general health status, gynaecological follow-up, and sexuality. Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores were extracted from medical records. The study was registered in clinicaltrials.gov with the number NCT05248438, and in the European database ID-RCB with the number 2021-A02912-39. RESULTS: Of the 192 patients who completed questionnaires, 157 (82.2%) reported gynaecological follow-up. Of the 155 patients on immunosuppressive treatments, only 31 (20%) underwent annual cervical screening. Of the 140 patients who met the French papillomavirus vaccination age recommendations, only 50 (35.7%) were vaccinated. A total of 128 (66.7%) patients used contraception. However, 16 (8.3%) patients reported unplanned pregnancies since the time of diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Women with Multiple Sclerosis require more information on reproductive health and prevention of cancer. Better contraceptive advice would reduce the number of unplanned pregnancies and avoid foetal exposure to potentially teratogenic treatment.

Prospective multicenter observational real-world study to assess the use, efficacy and safety profile of follitropin delta during IVF/ICSI procedures (DELTA Study).

OBJECTIVE: To describe the use, efficacy and safety profile of follitropin delta in women undergoing IVF/ICSI in routine clinical practice after one treatment cycle. STUDY DESIGN: This was a French multicenter, prospective, observational study conducted in 14 fertility centers between June 2020 and June 2021. During this period, 248 women undergoing IVF or ICSI were treated with follitropin delta for the first time. Women were followed up to 10-11 weeks after the first fresh or frozen embryo transfer. The main outcomes were use of dosing algorithm, follitropin delta dosing patterns, ovarian response, pregnancy, and adverse drug reactions in routine clinical practice. RESULTS: The analyzable population consisted of 223 patients with mean ± SD age of 33.0 ± 4.4 years, body weight of 65.7 ± 11.8 kg, and the median (IQR) AMH level was 2.6 (1.5-4.0) ng/mL. For 193 patients (86.5 %) it was the first IVF/ICSI cycle and for 30 (13.5 %) the second. The algorithm was used for the calculation of the starting dose for 88.3 % of the patients. The mean daily starting dose of follitropin delta was 11.4 ± 4.1mcg for the whole analyzable population and 14.4 ± 5.2 mcg for the sub-group of 26 patients dosed without the algorithm. The mean duration of stimulation with follitropin delta was 10.8 ± 5.2 days. The mean total dose of follitropin delta administered was 122.2 ± 80.0 mcg. An antagonist protocol was used in 90.3 % of patients. The mean ± SD number of oocytes retrieved among patients that started stimulation was 11.3 ± 6.8 and 46.1 % of patients achieved the targeted response of the algorithm of 8-14 oocytes retrieved. A fresh transfer was performed for 77.6 % of patients; the mean ± SD number of embryos transferred was 1.3 ± 0.5. The implantation rate was 36.0 %. Per started cycle, clinical pregnancy was reported in 35.0 % of the patients and ongoing pregnancy in 29.6 %. In total, 5 patients (2.2 %) reported an event of OHSS. CONCLUSION: Clinical results as collected in routine clinical practice are promising, showing a favorable effectiveness-safety profile of follitropin delta for a very varied patient population (including anovulatory PCOS, very poor responders, or non-IVF naïve patients). These real-world data complement results from clinical trials and provide useful information for usual clinical practice within a heterogeneous population group.

Update on the management of endometriosis-associated pain in France.

The French National College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (CNGOF) published guidelines for managing endometriosis-associated pain in 2018. Given the development of new pharmacological therapies and a review that was published in 2021, most national and international guidelines now suggest a new therapeutic approach. In addition, a novel validated screening method based on patient questionnaires and analysis of 109-miRNA saliva signatures, which combines biomarkers and artificial intelligence, opens up new avenues for overcoming diagnostic challenges in patients with pelvic pain and for avoiding laparoscopic surgery when sonography and MRI are not conclusive. Dienogest (DNG) 2 mg has been a reimbursable healthcare expense in France since 2020, and, according to recent studies, it is at least as effective as combined hormonal contraception (CHC) and can be used as an alternative to CHC for first-line treatment of endometriosis-associated pain. Since 2018, the literature concerning the use of DNG has grown considerably, and the French guidelines should be modified accordingly. The levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG IUS) and other available progestins per os, including DNG, or the subcutaneous implant, can be offered as first-line therapy, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists with add-back therapy (ABT) as second-line therapy. Oral GnRH antagonists are promising new medical treatments for women with endometriosis-associated pain. They competitively bind to GnRH receptors in the anterior pituitary, preventing native GnRH from binding to GnRH receptors and from stimulating the secretion of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone. Consequently, estradiol and progesterone production is reduced. Oral GnRH antagonists will soon be on the market in France. Given their mode of action, their efficacy is comparable to that of GnRH agonists, with the advantage of oral administration and rapid action with no flare-up effect. Combination therapy with ABT is likely to allow long-term treatment with minimal impact on bone mass. GnRH antagonists with ABT may thus be offered as second-line treatment as an alternative to GnRH agonists with ABT. This article presents an update on the management of endometriosis-associated pain in women who do not have an immediate desire for pregnancy.

Using serum anti-Müllerian hormone levels to predict the chance of live birth after spontaneous or assisted conception: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

STUDY QUESTION: Is serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) level predictive of cumulative live birth (CLB) rate after ART or in women trying to conceive naturally? SUMMARY ANSWER: Serum AMH level is linked to CLB after IVF/ICSI but data are lacking after IUI or in women trying to conceive without ART. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Serum AMH level is a marker of ovarian reserve and a good predictor of ovarian response after controlled ovarian stimulation. It is unclear whether AMH measurement can predict CLB in spontaneous or assisted conception. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: A systematic review and meta-analysis was undertaken to assess whether serum AMH level may predict chances of CLB in infertile women undergoing IVF/ICSI or IUI and/or chances of live birth in women having conceived naturally. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed using the following keywords: 'AMH', 'anti-mullerian hormone', 'live-birth', 'cumulative live birth'. Searches were conducted from January 2004 to April 2021 on PubMed and Embase. Two independent reviewers carried out study selection, quality, and risk of bias assessment as well as data extraction. Odds ratios were estimated using a random-effect model. Pre-specified sensitivity analyses and subgroup analyses were performed. The primary outcome was CLB. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: A total of 32 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, 27 articles were included in the meta-analysis of the relation between AMH and CLB or AMH and LB after IVF/ICSI. A non-linear positive relation was found in both cases. A polynomial fraction was the best model to describe it but no discriminant AMH threshold was shown, especially no serum AMH level threshold below which live birth could not be achieved after IVF/ICSI. After IVF-ICSI, only four studies reported CLB rate according to AMH level. No statistically significant differences in mean serum AMH levels were shown between patients with and without CLB, but with a high heterogeneity. After exclusion of two studies with high risks of bias, there was no more heterogeneity [I2 = 0%] and the mean AMH level was statistically significantly higher in women with CLB. There were not enough articles/data to assess the ability of AMH to predict CLB rate or find an AMH threshold after IUI or in women without history of infertility trying to conceive without ART. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: The systematic review and meta-analysis had some limitations owing to the limits and bias of the studies included. In the present meta-analysis, heterogeneity may have been caused by different baseline characteristics in study participants, different stimulating protocols for ART, different serum AMH level thresholds used and the use of various assays for serum AMH. This could explain, in part, the absence of a discriminating AMH threshold found in this analysis. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Serum AMH level is linked to CLB rate after IVF/ICSI but no discriminating threshold can be established, therefore low serum AMH level should not be used as the sole criterion for rejecting IVF treatment, especially in young patients. Data are lacking concerning its predictive value after IUI or in women trying to conceive without ART. Our findings may be helpful to counsel candidate couples to IVF-ICSI. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: No external funding was obtained for this study. There are no conflicts of interest. REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO CRD42021269332.

Fertility Outcomes after Surgical Management of Colorectal Endometriosis: A Single-center Retrospective Study.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To assess the pregnancy rate after surgery for colorectal endometriosis. DESIGN: A retrospective, single-center study performed from January 2014 to December 2019. SETTING: A university tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Patients with the intention to get pregnant younger than the age of 43 years, with or without a history of infertility and who were surgically managed for colorectal endometriosis. INTERVENTIONS: Complete excision of deeply infiltrating endometriosis. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The postoperative pregnancy rate was assessed. Seventy-seven patients had surgery; their mean age was 32.5 ± 4.4 years. Preoperative documented infertility was present in 77.9% of patients (n = 60). The mean length of history of infertility was 36.2 ± 24.9 months. The procedure was performed by laparoscopic surgery in 92.2% of patients (n = 71). Nonconservative, conservative, and mixed treatment were performed in 66.2% (n = 51), 29.9% (n = 23), and 3.9% of patients (n = 3), respectively. According to the Clavien-Dindo classification, the 3B complication rate was 6.5% (n = 5). The mean follow-up was 46.7 ± 20.6 months. Clinical pregnancies were defined by the presence of intrauterine pregnancy with an embryo with cardiac activity. The postoperative pregnancy rate was 62.3% (n = 48), and 54.2% (n = 26) were spontaneous. The mean number of pregnancies was 1.2 ± 0.4 per patient. In addition, 18.7% of patients (n = 9) got pregnant twice. The mean time from surgery to pregnancy was 13.8 ± 13.1 months. The live birth rate was 89.1% (n = 41). There were no significant differences concerning the prognostic criteria reported in the literature (antimüllerian hormone level, age, presence of adenomyosis). There were no predictive criteria for live births. CONCLUSION: According to this study, surgery for colorectal endometriosis results in a high postoperative pregnancy rate. Studies with a high level of evidence are needed to determine good candidates for this type of surgery.

[Impact of combined oral contraceptives and spironolactone on hirsutism and quality of life]. / Contraception œstroprogestative et spironolactone dans l'hirsutisme: efficacité et impact sur la qualité de vie.

OBJECTIVES: Combined oral contraceptives (COC) and spironolactone are the first and second-line treatments of mild hirsutism, since the use of cyproterone acetate was restricted to the treatment of severe hirsutism by the French guidelines for hyperandrogenism published in May 2020. Because spironolactone was until now barely used in France, the aim of this study was to evaluate the indication, efficacy and impact on quality of life of COC and spironolactone treatments on mild hirsutism in non-menopausal women. METHODS: This retrospective monocentric study was conducted between June 2020 and October 2021. It included patients with mild hirsutism who received a prescription of COC or/and spironolactone. Modified Ferriman and Gallwey score (FGm) was performed by clinicians and self-rated by patients during the follow-up. Hirsutism-related quality of life was assessed using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and a visual analog scale. RESULTS: A total of 44 patients were included, but only 30 patients received the treatment for 6 months. 70% of patients were free of side effects. Clinically we observed a decrease of 26% in the FGm score rated by clinicians and patients after 6 months of treatment (P<0,01). This was not correlated with an improvement in quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: The data collected showed the clinical efficacy of both COC and spironolactone in the treatment of mild hirsutism. These two treatments were well-tolerated. However, the quality of life scores did not improve after 6 months. These treatments should be evaluated after a longer period.

Successful live birth after in vitro maturation treatment in a patient with autoimmune premature ovarian failure: a case report and review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE: We report a successful live birth after oocytes in vitro maturation (IVM) and fresh embryo transfer in a patient with autoimmune premature ovarian failure (POF) and performed a review of the literature of livebirths obtained after oocytes IVM treatment in this indication. METHODS: The patient was a 24-year-old woman with autoimmune POF diagnosed post-partum, who developed autoimmune polyglandular syndrome with serum anti-ovarian and anti-21-hydroxylase antibodies. The patient had typical symptoms of POF: secondary amenorrhea with hypoestrogenism, elevated gonadotropins and infertility; however, the serum anti-Müllerian hormone level and total antral follicle count remained normal. IVM of immature oocytes was performed after the administration of 150 IU highly purified human menopausal gonadotropin for three consecutive days and an injection of 10,000 IU human chorionic gonadotropin to trigger ovulation. RESULTS: The six oocyte-cumulus complexes collected matured in vitro. After intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), five embryos were obtained. Pregnancy was achieved after the fresh transfer of two embryos and appropriate endometrial preparation. A normal female child was delivered following a 37-weeks pregnancy characterized by the onset of adrenal insufficiency and unstable diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: We report a successful livebirth after IVM treatment in a patient with autoimmune premature ovarian failure (POF). Management of reproductive age women with autoimmune pathology requires fertility counseling. Early diagnosis of autoimmune POF is important for early conception and oocyte preservation, because the only other option at present is ovum donation.

National survey on the opinions of French specialists in assisted reproductive technologies about social issues impacting the future revision of the French Bioethics laws.

INTRODUCTION: France is known for its conservative and unique position in assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). At the eve of the future revision of French Bioethics laws, we decided to conduct a national survey to examine the opinions of French specialists in ARTs about social issues. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Descriptive study conducted in May 2017 in a university teaching hospital using an anonymous online questionnaire on current issues in ARTs. The questionnaire was sent by email to 650 French ARTs specialists, both clinicians and embryologists. RESULTS: After 3 reminders, 408 responses were collected resulting in a participation rate of 62.7% (408/650). Concerning pre-implantation genetic testing, 80% of the physicians were in favor of expanding the indications, which in France are presently limited to incurable genetic diseases. Authorizing elective Fertility Preservation was supported by 93.4% of the specialists, but without social coverage for 86.3% of them. Concerning gamete donation, 77.4% of the French ARTs specialists were in favor of giving a financial compensation to donors, 92% promoted preserving their anonymity and 80.9% were against a directed donation. ARTs for single heterosexual women were supported by 63.4% of the French specialists and by 72.5% for lesbian couples. The legalization of surrogacy was requested by 55.2%. DISCUSSION: Pending the revision of the French Bioethics laws, this survey provides an overview of the opinion of the specialists in ARTs on expanding ARTs for various social indications.Because of the evolution of social values, a more liberal and inclusive ART program is desired by the majority of ART specialists in France.

Decrease in pregnancy rate after endometrial scratch in women undergoing a first or second in vitro fertilization. A multicenter randomized controlled trial.

STUDY QUESTION: Does endometrial scratch in women undergoing a first or second IVF/ICSI attempt improve the clinical pregnancy rate (CPR)? SUMMARY ANSWER: Endometrial scratch (ES) in women undergoing their first or second IVF/ICSI attempt does not enhance the CPR under the technical conditions of our study. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Several studies have suggested that physical scratch of the endometrium before an IVF attempt could improve embryo implantation. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: This was a randomized controlled multi-center, two-arm, parallel trial. Inclusions started in February 2010 and stopped prematurely in July 2014 after an unplanned interim analysis. At the time of study closure, 191 of the planned 358 patients had been included. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Patients included in the study were randomly assigned to either the ES arm or the non-ES arm. Local ES was performed between Day 20 and Day 24 of the cycle preceding ovarian stimulation using a device for endometrial biopsy. Ovarian stimulation used a combination of recombinant FSH and either an GnRH agonist protocol or a GnRH antagonist protocol without any estrogen pre-treatment. CPR was analyzed on an intent-to-treat basis. All comparisons between the two groups were done using a logistic regression model adjusted for age, BMI and infertility etiology. Differences between the two arms were considered statistically significant at P value of less than 0.0446 for the primary outcome only. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Sixty-eight embryo transfers were performed in the ES arm and sixty-four in the non-ES arm. CPR was 23.5% (16/68) in the ES arm and 35.9% (23/64) in the non-ES arm (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.43; 95% CI, 0.18-1.02; P = 0.0568). The implantation rate was 19.1% and 24.0% in the ES arm and in the non-ES arm, respectively. Two miscarriages and one ectopic pregnancy were reported in each arm. The multiple pregnancy rate was higher in the scratch arm (50.0% vs 20.0%), but the difference was not statistically significant (odds ratio (OR) = 4.54; 95% CI, 0.50-40.93; P = 0.1349). The endometrial biopsy procedure was well tolerated in most women. Of 50 patients in the ES arm having received the embryo transfer, 40 (80.0%) patients reported having felt pain during the procedure, the pain resolving quickly for 31 of them. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: An interim analysis of the primary endpoint was conducted and an independent data monitoring committee agreed on stopping the inclusions. This analysis was prompted by the tendency towards lower pregnancy rates observed in the ES arm. Consequently, the study suffered from a lower inclusion rate and failed to reach the planned sample size. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Under the technical condition employed in this study, ES in the luteal phase of the cycle preceding the ovarian stimulation does not improve CPR in patients undergoing a first or second IVF/ICSI attempt. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: This study was supported by a grant from Ministère de la Santé Français (Programme Hospitalier de Recherche Clinique 2009). There are no conflicts of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT01064193. TRIAL REGISTRATION DATE: 08-Feb-2010. DATE OF FIRST PATIENT'S ENROLMENT: 08-Feb-2010.

Comparison of three real-time PCR assays for the detection of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in young pregnant women.

We compared 3 commercial real-time PCR assays, the Abbott RealTime CT/NG, the cobas® 4800 CT/NG, and the Cepheid Xpert® CT/NG, for the detection of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in vaginal swabs collected prospectively from pregnant women aged <25 years. The overall agreement among 2 assays ranged from 98.9% to 99.5% with a kappa score between 0.94 and 0.97 for C. trachomatis. For N. gonorrhoeae, the overall agreement was 100%. All kits allowed prompt and specific results for C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae in young pregnant women.

Magnetic resonance-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound for uterine fibroids: Mid-term outcomes of 36 patients treated with the Sonalleve system.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to assess the mid-term efficacy of magnetic resonance-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) (Sonalleve system) for uterine fibroids. METHODS: We retrospectively included patients treated by MRgFUS controlled by real-time MR-thermometry. Clinical efficacy was defined as the minimum reduction of ten points in the Transformed Symptom Severity Score (tSSS) without additional treatment. Fibroid volumes were assessed at 6 months, and patients were contacted to assess mid-term efficacy using tSSS. RESULTS: Thirty-six patients were included; 22 patients (61.1%) exhibited clinical efficacy with a mean follow-up duration of 21.4 (95%CI: 16.3-26.5) months. In addition, the tSSS mean decreased significantly from 42.8 ± 16 to 25.4 ± 18 (p < 0.0001). MRgFUS exhibited a preferential effect on menorrhagia (p = 0.001) and symptoms related to pelvic heaviness and swelling (p = 0.004). The volume reduction was 27% (p < 0.001) and was correlated with the non-perfused volume (NPV) after treatment (r = 0.373; p = 0.028). Cumulative re-intervention rates (surgery or uterine artery embolisation) at 12 months, 18 months and 24 months were 2.8%, 8.5% and 21.6%, respectively. No serious adverse events were reported. Two pregnancies occurred during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of uterine fibroids by MRgFUS is efficient and results in low morbidity and satisfactory clinical efficacy with a mean follow-up of 21.4 months.

[Oncofertility and breast cancer: Where have we come from, where are we going?]. / Oncofertilité du cancer du sein : d'où vient-on, où allons-nous ?

BACKGROUND: Focusing on the current context of national and international recommendations, techniques development to evaluate and preserve fertility and patients' claims, this study aims to make a survey about the management of patients' breast cancer regarding oncofertility. METHODS: Retrospective and analytic study of medical practices at Bergonié Institute of health professionals (medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, nurses) dedicated to the care of non-disseminated breast cancer patients younger than 37, needing medical treatment. RESULTS: The number of participants was 230. The most interested practitioners in fertility theme are those of multidisciplinary consultation and surgeons (P<0.001), with an increasing interest during last years (P<0.05). The information about hypofertilizing risks of treatments are delivered most of the time by oncologists (57.7%). The motherhood project is expressed by 11 patients (4.9%) before treatment, only 4 of them receive information on the risks and 49 patients (21.7%) during follow-up. Only 24 patients (48% of the 49) are encouraged for motherhood. CONCLUSION: To satisfy patients' requests, several improvements have to be made regarding the patients' information, the health professionals' awareness and care coordination.

Azoospermia as a new feature of Fabry disease.

OBJECTIVE: To describe two cases of azoospermia in men with Fabry disease. DESIGN: Case report. SETTING: Centre hospitalier universitaire, maternité Pellegrin, Bordeaux, France. PATIENT(S): Two infertile men with azoospermia and with Fabry disease. INTERVENTION: Testicular biopsies. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Histological and electron microscopy analysis of testicular biopsies. RESULT(S): Testicular biopsies revealed characteristic aspects of trihexosid ceramid deposits in Leydig cells by optical and electronic microscopic analysis. Using testicular sperm extraction and intracytoplasmic sperm injection, sperm retrieval led to pregnancies and deliveries of healthy children. CONCLUSION(S): Azoospermia should be considered as a possible complication of Fabry disease. We recommend a routine sperm analysis in the follow-up of young patients with Fabry disease. Azoospermia was still present after 4 years of agalsidase-beta therapy. Because we do not know the efficacy of agalsidase therapy on the genital involvement in Fabry disease, sperm cryopreservation is recommended.

Chlamydia trachomatis in subfertile couples undergoing an in vitro fertilization program: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives were to estimate the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection in subfertile couples and to study the relationship between markers of C. trachomatis infection and male infertility as well as pregnancy rates after in vitro fertilization (IVF). STUDY DESIGN: All consecutive couples consulting for infertility and IVF in Pellegrin Hospital were screened for C. trachomatis by direct (PCR test) and serological methods. RESULTS: Two hundred and seventy-seven couples were included in the study (mean age in years: 35 for men, 32 for women; mean duration of infertility: 4 years). The most frequent indication for IVF was tubal factor in 33%, endometriosis in 6%, dysovarian function in 12%, male infertility in 36% and others in 13%. C. trachomatis PCR was positive in 1.2% of men, 95% confidence interval (CI95%): (0.2%; 3.3%) and in 2.7% of women, CI95%: (1.1%; 5.5%). When combining all chlamydial markers, 17.3% of men, CI95%: (12.7%; 22.8%) and 20.4% of women, CI95%: (15.6%; 25.9%) had at least one positive marker. The presence of positive markers was not associated with altered semen characteristics. Couples with positive markers had a pregnancy rate of 23.1% (12 out of 52) compared with 20.2% (24 out of 119) among those with negative markers. CONCLUSION: In this population, the presence of past or current C. trachomatis infection was associated with neither semen characteristics nor outcome of IVF in subfertile couples.

[Is colpocleisis still indicated for the treatment of female genitourinary prolapse?]. / Le cloisonnement vaginal chez la femme pour prolapsus a-t-il encore une indication?

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the place of colpocleisis in the treatment of genitourinary prolapse with or without stress urinary incontinence. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed 19 patients operated for advanced genitourinary prolapse associated with stress urinary incontinence in 11 cases. The surgical technique was the Le Fort procedure, either alone or combined with TVT placement. Le Fort procedure was indicated by the patient's age, contraindications to other surgical procedures and absence of sexual activity. Objective criteria of cure and subjective criteria were studied with assessment of the repercussions of treatment on quality of life by appropriate questionnaires. RESULTS: The Le Fort procedure gave excellent long-term results with low morbidity. It could be combined with TVT placement without altering the results. No recurrence of genitourinary prolapse was observed during follow-up. The patient satisfaction index was close to 90%. CONCLUSION: The Le Fort procedure should be performed in selected cases when conventional surgery can no longer achieve a satisfactory result. It can also be combined with treatment of stress urinary incontinence.

Survival and prognosis of women with invasive cervical cancer according to age.

OBJECTIVES: We assessed survival and compared clinical and pathological prognostic factors of women with invasive cervical cancer according to the age in order to define a cutoff point where screening should become useless. METHODS: The survival of 308 women with invasive cervical cancer treated at Bordeaux University Hospital between 1976 and 1996 was evaluated on December 31, 2000. Kaplan-Meier survival curves calculated with regard to age were compared by the log-rank test. Prognostic factors were assessed according to age (cutoff 65 years) and included in a Cox model. Survival of women in our population within a particular age group was compared to survival of women of the same age range, using indirect standardization. RESULTS: The 5-year survival rate of women under 65 (n = 221), between 65 and 74 (n = 56), and over 75 (n = 31) was 75%, 69%, 42%, respectively (P < 0.001). Compared to women under 65, women over 65 had a significantly lower Karnofsky performance status and a significantly more advanced clinical stage cancer involving vaginal bleeding. Age, gross cervical appearance, clinical vaginal involvement, histologic grade, and microscopic cervical and parametrial involvements were independent prognostic factors. Compared to women under 65, the risk of mortality was 1.3, 95% CI = 0.8-2.7, P = 0.189, for women aged 65-74, and 2.3, 95% CI = 1.1-3.9, P = 0.022, for women over 75. Mortality of women with invasive cervical cancer was significantly higher than that of women in the general population in the indirect standardization model (SMR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.5-2.2), except beyond age 75. CONCLUSIONS: Age was a significant prognostic factor in our study and advanced stages were significantly increased after 65. However, survival after 75 was not different from that of the population. These considerations address the question of the maintenance of screening between 65 and 75.