Authors: Johnson, N.P.; Kwok, R.; Stewart, A.W.; Saththianathan, M.; Hadden, W.E.; Chamley, L.W.

Source: Human Reproduction, Volume 22, Number 11, 12 November 2007 , pp. 2857-2862(6)

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Abstract:

BACKGROUND

A New Zealand randomized trial has shown that lipiodol treatment enhances fertility with high short-term effectiveness for women with endometriosis.

METHODS

An open randomized trial in a single-centre secondary- and tertiary-level infertility service assessing lipiodol flushing versus no intervention. A total of 158 women with unexplained infertility (62 women with mild endometriosis and 96 women with pure unexplained infertility) were evaluated at 24 months after trial entry. The main outcome measure was clinical pregnancy, assessed using a Cox proportional hazards regression model.

RESULTS

There was a significant benefit in overall pregnancy rate following lipiodol [hazard ratio 2.0, 95 confidence interval (CI) 1.33.2]. Among women with endometriosis, the benefit in pregnancy rate seen in the first 6 months following lipiodol (hazard ratio 5.4, 95 CI 2.114.2) was not present at 624 months (hazard ratio 0.6, 95 CI 0.22.1). There was a more consistent effect of lipiodol on fertility throughout the 24-month follow-up among women with unexplained infertility (hazard ratio 2.0, 95 CI 1.13.5). CONCLUSIONS: Lipiodol flushing is effective at enhancing fertility not only for women with endometriosis, but also for those with pure unexplained infertility.

Keywords: endometriosis; lipiodol; oil-soluble contrast media; randomized trial; unexplained infertility

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/humrep/dem275

Publication date: 2007-11-12

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.

Related content

• In this: publication
• By this: publisher
• In this Subject: Anatomy & Physiology ,  Obstetrics & Gynecology
• By this author: Johnson, N.P. ;  Kwok, R. ;  Stewart, A.W. ;  Saththianathan, M. ;  Hadden, W.E. ;  Chamley, L.W.

Website © Publishing Technology. Article copyright remains with the publisher, society or author(s) as specified within the article.

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Information for advertisers