Authors: T. Habara; M. Nakatsuka; H. Konishi; K. Asagiri; S. Noguchi

Source: Human Reproduction, Volume 17, Number 1, January 2002 , pp. 190-194(5)

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Uterine perfusion appears to regulate uterine receptivity. However, vascular changes in recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) remain poorly studied. METHODS: One hundred and twentyone women were enrolled into this study: normal women with sterility caused by male factor (control group: n = 72) and women with RPL (n = 49). Women with uterine anomaly, impaired glucose tolerance, abnormal thyroid function, or anti-phospholipid antibodies were excluded from the study. In the mid-luteal phase of a non-pregnant cycle, transvaginal pulsed Doppler ultrasonography of the uterine artery was performed. Uterine arterial pulsatility index (PI), endometrial thickness, serum estradiol, progesterone, and nitrite/nitrate concentrations were determined. RESULTS: In the RPL group, the PI in the uterine artery of women with antinuclear antibodies was significantly higher than that of women without antinuclear antibodies (P < 0.05). Among women without antinuclear antibodies, the mean (±SD) uterine artery PI in the RPL group (2.44 ± 0.41) was also significantly higher than in the control group (2.19 ± 0.40; P < 0.01). The PI was inversely correlated with serum progesterone levels (r = -0.47, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Elevated uterine arterial impedance is associated with RPL. Pulsed Doppler ultrasonography is useful in identifying women with unexplained RPL who have impaired uterine circulation.

Keywords: progesterone; pulsed Doppler ultrasonography; recurrent pregnancy loss; uterine artery; uterine receptivity

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Okayama University Medical School, Okayama City, Okayama, Japan

Publication date: 2002-01-01

More about this publication?

• Human Reproduction features full-length, peer-reviewed papers reporting original research, clinical case histories, as well as opinions and debates on topical issues. Papers published cover the scientific and medical aspects of reproductive physiology and pathology, endocrinology, andrology, gonad function, gametogenesis, fertilization, embryo development, implantation, pregnancy, genetics, genetic diagnosis, oncology, infectious disease, surgery, contraception, infertility treatment, psychology, ethics and social issues. The highest scientific and editorial standard is maintained throughout the journal along with a rapid rate of publication.

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