Junctional Zone Evaluation by 3D Ultrasound and Its Relation to Clinical Outcomes in Assisted Reproductive Technology
试验速览
- 阶段
- 不适用
- 状态
- 招募中
- 发起方
- 入组人数
- 200
- 试验地点
- 1
- 主要终点
- Abortion rate
研究概览
简要总结
The junctional zone (JZ) is an internal layer of the myometrium, with unique characteristics that allow its visualization as a hypoechogenic structure in three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound.
Although traditionally evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging, 3D reconstruction offers an opportunity for reliable and easily accessible assessment. The only study that evaluated the thickness of the JZ in 3D ultrasound in the context of assisted reproductive technology (ART) found that the smaller the thickness of the JZ, the greater the rate of embryonic implantation.
This project aims to evaluate the relationship between the characteristics of the ZJ in 3D ultrasound, and the clinical outcomes of ART treatments, namely in vitro fertilization cycles, intracytoplasmic sperm injection and frozen embryo transfer (FET). Additionally, the intra and inter-observer variability of the characteristics of the JZ will be determined.
In a prospective and observational study with the inclusion of 200 cases, a 3D ultrasound will be performed on the day on which the final oocyte maturation is triggered or, on FET, on the day prior to the administration of progesterone.
The images will be evaluated independently by two observers. The principal investigator will evaluate the images in two stages.
After the quality of visualization of the JZ is classified, its thickness will be measured and described as regular, irregular or interrupted.
The volume of the ZJ will be obtained by subtracting the endometrial volume from the volume of the junctional zone and the endometrium.
These characteristics will be related to the clinical outcomes of each cycle: clinical pregnancy rate and abortion rate.
详细描述
After explaining the study and obtaining written consent, a 3D ultrasound will be performed for uterine evaluation, on the day of the final oocyte maturation trigger in cases of IVF / ICSI. In cases of FET, the ultrasound evaluation will be carried out on the day before the start of the luteal phase support.
All ultrasounds will be performed in a standardized manner by the same operator. With an empty bladder, in a lithotomy position, a 2D transvaginal ultrasound will be performed using a GE Voluson 730 Expert® ultrasound, with an endovaginal probe with a 4-8MHz frequency. Identification of endometriosis lesions or acquired uterine abnormalities such as leiomyomas or adenomyosis will be exclusion criteria. After evaluating the number and maximum dimension of the ovarian follicles and the endometrial thickness, the three-dimensional volume box will be placed to encompass the entire uterus in longitudinal section, with minimal inclusion of para-uterine structures. A maximum acquisition angle of 90º and maximum quality will be used. To minimize artifacts, during the acquisition both the probe and the woman must remain immobile, being asked to hold their breath. Then, a three-dimensional volume will be generated by automatic 360º rotation of the transducer. For each case, two volumes will always be obtained.
研究设计
- 研究类型
- Observational
- 观察模型
- Cohort
- 时间视角
- Prospective
入排标准
- 年龄范围
- 18 Years 至 42 Years（Adult）
- 性别
- Female
- 接受健康志愿者
- 是
入选标准
- •Women followed in the infertility clinic
- •aged between 18 and 42 years in cycles of IVF, ICSI or endometrial preparation for frozen embryo transfer
排除标准
- •adenomyosis
结局指标
主要结局
Abortion rate
时间窗: 7 weeks
Abortion rate
Clinical pregnancy rate
时间窗: 7 weeks
Clinical pregnancy rate
次要结局
- intra-observer variability(2 years)
- inter-observer variability(2 years)
研究者
Isabel Pereira
Principal investigator
Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte