Clinical Research Directory

Artificial Cycle With or Without GnRH Agonist Pre-treatment for Frozen Embryo Transfer in Adenomyosis Patients

This randomized clinical trial aims to assess the comparative effectiveness of two distinct endometrial preparation protocols for frozen embryo transfer (FET) among women with adenomyosis undergoing IVF/ICSI. Specifically, it seeks to address the following key questions: 1. Does the protocol involving the combination of GnRH agonist and letrozole for down regulation with exogenous steroids (GnRHa+AI - AC) result in a higher live birth rate compared to the use of exogenous steroids alone (AC) in women with adenomyosis undergoing frozen embryo transfer? 2. What are the common side effects of the GnRHa+AI - AC regimen? Eligible participants will undergo screening before endometrial preparation for FET, following which they will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: GnRHa+AI - AC or AC. In the GnRHa+AI - AC group, participants will be pre-treated with GnRH agonist and letrozole two months before endometrial preparation. After this period, participants will return for endometrial preparation, and any side effects resulting from the down regulation will be evaluated. In contrast, the AC group will receive standard treatment.

Transvaginal Electromechanical Fragmentation and Removal of Large Uterus in a Sealed Bag: The First Group of Clinical Studies Balancing Scar - Free and Anti - Dissemination

This study evaluates the feasibility, safety, and efficiency of transvaginal in-bag electromechanical morcellation for specimen extraction in patients undergoing total laparoscopic hysterectomy for large uteri.

Determination of Lipocalin Type-prostaglandin (L-PGDS) in Blood, Urine, Vaginal Samples and Endometrial Ablation by Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay

Prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) has anti-inflammatory activity, particularly via Lipocalin type-prostaglandin (L-PGDS). L-PGDS has been studied in pathologies such as sleep apnea, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma and allergic phenomena, but never in adenomyosis. Adenomyosis is a estrogen-dependent multifactorial pathology whose pathophysiology is still poorly defined. This hyperestrogenism causes chronic inflammation, particularly via the activation of the prostaglandin H2 (PGH2) signaling pathway. This would lead to the excess production of prostaglandins E2 (PGE2) and F2a (PGF2a) and the decrease of PGD2 and therefore of L-PGDS, leading to the proliferation of endometrial cells in the myometrium by the epithelial-mesenchymal transition via aromatase. A preliminary study comparing the expression of L-PGDS found a significant decrease in L-PGDS in the uterus of women with adenomyosis lesions versus healthy controls. However, during this study, some information was not collected, including the patients' symptoms, preoperative radiological data and surgical indication. The study authors hypothesize that L-PGDS could be a potential tissue and circulating diagnostic marker of adenomyosis in its early stages. L-PGDS appears to be a good candidate to aid in the diagnosis of adenomyosis via a minimally invasive assay for patients (blood or urine).

Central Sensitization in Women With Adenomyosis: Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Therapeutic Failure

This is an observational, prospective, multicenter, non-profit study. The study aims to investigate the association between the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) score and the presence of Central Sensitization Syndrome (CSS) in women with adenomyosis, identifying a potential predictive threshold value. Additionally, the study aims to: Estimate the prevalence of Central Sensitization (CS) in women with adenomyosis using the previously defined cut-off value; Identify risk factors for CS in the study population; Examine the relationship between CSI scores and concomitant pain symptoms/pain-related conditions; Investigate the association of CSI scores and the identified cut-off with pain persistence at 6 months in relation to the pharmacological or surgical treatment performed; Assess changes in CSI scores at 12 months from the initiation of pharmacological therapy or surgical intervention, both in women with improvement of pain symptoms and in those with persistent pain; Develop a short Italian version of the CSI to be used in women with adenomyosis. Participants aged 18-50 years attending the outpatient clinics of the participating centers with an ultrasound diagnosis of adenomyosis (defined as at least two features according to MUSA criteria, including one direct feature) will be enrolled. Patients will be treated according to standard clinical practice, ensuring the highest quality of care, and will not undergo additional visits beyond routine care. At baseline (T0), relevant demographic and medical history data will be collected. Pain scores will be assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), pelvic floor hypertonia will be evaluated via bimanual gynecological examination, and a transvaginal ultrasound will be performed. The indication for pharmacological therapy or surgical intervention will be recorded, and the CSI questionnaire will be administered. At the 6- and 12-month follow-ups (T1 and T2, respectively), the gynecologist will update medical history, evaluate pain scores (NRS), assess adherence to pharmacological therapy (if prescribed at T0), and record postoperative course and complications (if the patient underwent surgery). The bimanual gynecological examination and transvaginal ultrasound will be repeated. At the 12-month visit, the gynecologist will repeat the T1 assessments and re-administer the CSI questionnaire. A total of 1,200 patients will participate in this study

Study of Endometrial Immune and Microbiological Modifications in Cases of Recurrent Implantation Failure and/or Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

The IMERR study aims to improve understanding of certain causes of infertility related to recurrent implantation failure (RIF) and/or recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), conditions that affect many women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART). Despite medical advances, some patients repeatedly fail to achieve pregnancy, or experience repeated miscarriages. These situations may be linked to subtle immune or microbial disturbances in the uterus. This study seeks to identify immune and microbiological profiles in the endometrium during the implantation window-a crucial period when the embryo attaches to the uterine wall. We will compare women who have experienced RIF and/or RPL with women who have had no such history. Blood and uterine samples will be analyzed to investigate whether certain immune or microbial features are associated with these reproductive failures. The ultimate goal is to uncover predictive factors that may explain why some women experience implantation failure or pregnancy loss, and to lay the foundation for future personalized treatments to improve reproductive outcomes.

FET in Adenomyosis

Purpose of the Study: To compare the effectiveness of GnRH agonist downregulation alone versus GnRH agonist combined with letrozole in improving pregnancy outcomes in women with adenomyosis undergoing frozen embryo transfer (FET). Research Question: Is the combined use of GnRH agonist and letrozole more effective than GnRH agonist downregulation alone in achieving better ongoing pregnancy rates in adenomyosis cases undergoing FET? Hypothesis: Null Hypothesis (H₀): The combined use of GnRH agonist and letrozole is not more effective than GnRH agonist downregulation alone in achieving a higher ongoing pregnancy rate in adenomyosis cases undergoing FET. Study Outcomes: Primary Outcome: Ongoing pregnancy rate at 12 weeks of gestation.

Benefit of GnRH Agonist Before Frozen Embryo Transfer in Patients With Endometriosis and/or Adenomyosis

Women suffering from endometriosis and/or adenomyosis may also suffer from infertility. GnRH agonist injection could improve implantation and therefore increase the pregnancy rate in these patients. This study was designed to evaluate effects of the additional of GnRH agonist (single or 2 doses) to the routine oestrogens and progestins use as support before Frozen Embryon Transfer as compared to oestrogens and progestins only.

Effect of Addition of Steroids on Duration of Analgesia

The purpose of the study is to investigate the differences in post-procedural pain scores and narcotic use among patients who receive a Superior Hypogastric Nerve Block (SHNB) with and without corticosteroid performed as part of the Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE) procedure.

Clinical and Molecular Study of Endometriosis and Adenomyosis

The purpose of this study is to determine whether endometriosis and adenomyosis are progressive diseases, in terms of symptoms (pain, abnormal uterine bleeding and infertility), anatomical lesions size, and recurrences. We also aimed to address molecular questions on immune dialogues between ectopic lesions and the eutopic endometrium, auto-immunity in endometriosis and adenomyosis and the role of the microbiota in their respective pathophysiologies.

Adenomyosis Imaging,Histo, Clinical

The goal of this clinical trial is to identify and compare the results of imaging studies and evaluating adenomyosis features and post hysterectomy results and their clinical relievants as well as to describe classification for adenomyosis based on one or a combination of clinical, imaging and histopathological features. Main questions it aim to answer: What's the relation between clinical symptoms ,maging and histopathological classification of adenomyosis? Research will identify relationships between clinical symptoms, imaging and histopathological classification of adenomyosis Participants will undergo transvaginal ultrasound, non contrast pelvic MRI, hysterectomy then histopathological examination for their uterus

Next-Generation Endometriosis Diagnostics Through Comprehensive Multi-Dimensional Analysis

This study is a multicentric, observational, case-control, non-profit with additional procedures. It aims to deepen the understanding of the chronic gynecological conditions of endometriosis and adenomyosis, which significantly impact women's reproductive health. Its purpose is to improve early diagnosis and personalized treatment of these conditions using a multi-omic approach, that integrates genetic, epigenetic, imaging, and endometrial receptivity data. The goal is also to refine image-based predictions through recent advancements in artificial intelligence and to study uterine extracellular vesicles to assess fertility non-invasively. The study targets patients with endometriosis and/or adenomyosis and involves women seeking fertility treatments at assisted reproduction centers, who will serve as a control population. The study comprises both prospective and retrospective components. The prospective recruitment involves the collection of blood and uterine fluid samples, while the retrospective element utilizes pre-existing biobank samples for comprehensive genetic and epigenetic analysis.

The Good Pain Consultation in Endometriosis.

This PhD project investigates the effect of "the good pain consultation" and early integration of biopsychosocial pain education with current standard management of endometriosis. Our goal is to facilitate self-management of pain and improve health-related quality of life (HRQOL) using limited resources. Our research question is: Does a good pain consultation improve pain self-efficacy and HRQOL, compared to usual care at 3 months and 1 year.? Researchers will compare a good pain consultation to a control group that will receive usual care. Participants will: Attend a consultation and biopsychososial pain education plus usual care or usual care alone. They will answer questions in an internet-based questionnaires three times point during the study.

Comparing the Efficacy of TU-LESS and vNOTES for Hysterectomy of Enlarged Uterus

Enlarged uterus is frequently encountered in clinical practice, and its incidence due to conditions such as adenomyosis, uterine fibroids, and other gynecological disorders has steadily increased over the years statistically. For example, greater healthcare awareness has led to more frequent early diagnoses of these conditions, contributing to the observed rise in incidence. Additionally, increasing life expectancy results in more women reaching the perimenopausal and postmenopausal stages, during which conditions like uterine fibroids and adenomyosis become more prevalent. For these women, hysterectomy (removal of the entire uterus) is often the recommended option of treatment. With advances in surgical techniques over recent decades, there has been a notable shift from traditional open abdominal surgeries to minimally invasive approaches. Laparoscopic surgery has been widely adopted, significantly reducing the size and number of incisions required, thereby promoting faster recovery, minimizing postoperative pain, and reducing the risk of complications. However, conventional multi-port laparoscopic hysterectomy still presents certain challenges, such as large uterus extraction following resection, and concerns about healing of incisions. In contrast, innovative techniques like Transumbilical Laparoendoscopic Single-Site Surgery(TU-LESS) and Transvaginal Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery(vNOTES) both take advantage of natural anatomical openings to achieve minimal or no visible scarring. Studies demonstrate that these techniques provide superior outcomes in terms of reduced pain, faster recovery, and quicker return to daily activities compared to traditional multi-port laparoscopic approaches. Yet a direct comparison of the efficacy of these two methods in real-world, particularly for enlarged uterus, remains inconclusive. Thus this study aims to evaluate and compare the outcomes of these two techniques in patients with enlarged uteri. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive one of the two surgical approaches, ensuring an unbiased comparison of the efficacy of the procedures in terms of healing status and recovery time.

A Randomized Study Comparing Subtotal vs Total Hysterectomy Long Term Outcomes

The goal of this randomized clinical trial is to assess the outcomes of total laparoscopic hysterectomy vs subtotal laparoscopic hysterectomy + mini-laparotomy for uterine extraction for benign gynecological conditions in terms of change in quality of life at 36 months after surgery and patient's impression of improvement. The secondary objectives of the study are to assess any differences in terms of peri and postoperative outcomes (postoperative pain, blood loss, hospital stay, intraoperative or short and long-term postoperative complications, long term urinary, bowel and pelvic floor symptoms, prevalence of vaginal cuff dehiscence). Participants will fill the following questionnaires pre-operatively and at the follow up: * Short Form 36 (SF36), * Euro Quality of life 5D-3L (EQ 5D-3L) * Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) * Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) only during the follow-up period.

Cohort Profile：The Shandong Adenomyosis Cohort of Population Undergoing Reproductive Technology (SAart)

Previous studies have shown that compared with infertile women without adenomyosis, the clinical pregnancy rate, live birth rate and continuous pregnancy rate of women with adenomyosis significantly reduce, and the abortion rate obviously increased. However, these studies lack a definite classification of adenomyosis, so the true effect of adenomyosis with different severity on pregnancy outcomes are not clear. Our research team intends to collect clinical data of infertility patients with adenomyosis receiving IVF and the detailed classification of adenomyosis according to MUSA criteria. Finally, we can have an objective recognition of adenomyosis on pregnancy outcomes, which also bring benefits to evidence-based clinical practice.

Pain in Endometriosis And the Relation to Lifestyle

The goal of this clinical trial is to investigate the effect of an anti-inflammatory diet and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on pain symptoms, health related quality of life and the effect on inflammatory characteristics in serum and menstruum samples as well as the effect on the gut and vaginal microbiome in women with endometriosis. In addition, we want to investigate the differences in stress (measured by hair cortisol levels), inflammatory markers in peripheral blood, menstrual effluent, and the vaginal and intestinal microbiome between persons without and with endometriosis. Participants will be randomized between standard care (control group), standard care and an anti-inflammatory diet intervention, or standard care, an anti-inflammatory diet intervention and CBT or CBT alone. Participants will follow an anti-inflammatory diet based on the Dutch Dietary Guidelines or CBT or a combination of both interventions for 12 weeks. They will receive personalized dietary advice from a dietician and recipes will be available. cognitive behavioral therapy will be administered in a total of seven individual sessions led by a psychotherapist. The content of these sessions will be psycho-education regarding pain mechanisms (and diet).

Electroacupuncture for Dysmenorrhea Secondary to Adenomyosis

The aim of this study is to preliminarily evaluate the is to assess the effects and safety of electroacupuncture for moderate to severe dysmenorrhea secondary to adenomyosis.

Observational Study of Patients Suffering From Endometriosis and Adenomyosis

Endometriosis and adenomyosis are chronic difficult diseases affecting a significant proportion of reproductive age women. it is hoped that the investigators can collect the health profile of these participants using structured questionnaires on their quality of life, reproductive health, collect the sonographic characteristics, identify the risks factors of participants suffering from severe disease, and to propose the best treatment modality for different patient groups, both with and without fertility wish.

Fertility Limiting Diseases of Pelvic Organs and Their Influence on Receptivity of Endometrial Cavity: Prospective Clinical Trial

In this project, we will characterize the effects of fertility limiting diseases of pelvic organs on the receptivity of the endometrium. The primary aim of the project is the characterization of endometrium in patients with infertility suffering from AD, UF and DE, and compare it with infertile patients with minimal or mild endometriosis but no AD or UF (ETRS group), and with healthy women with only male factor of infertility (CTRL group, controls). The proper infertility treatment of patients with AD,UF and endometriosis is controversial and lacking clear evidence based algorithms. Despite their topical character, especially AD and DE (and UFs as well if present as multiple lesions) can be classified as systemic diseases in relation to women´s fertility. The presumed impact of these pathologies to endometrial receptivity (no matter they do not occur in the uterine cavity itself) can beseen as a fascinating hypothesis. Eradication of these diseases could have a potential to increase the prognosis of these women fundamentally.

Adenomyosis and Pregnancy Outcomes in Women Undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technology Treatment

Rationale: A rising number of adenomyosis cases are being diagnosed in women in the age group of 30 to 40 years. This is due to a combination of better diagnostic imaging techniques and a higher number of women delaying the fulfilment of their fertility aspirations. The association between adenomyosis and pregnancy outcomes in women with subfertility has not been adequately explained by existing evidence due to lack of data on the association between the severity of adenomyosis, disease location, presence of symptoms and coexisting gynaecological conditions and pregnancy loss in women undergoing fertility treatment. There is a need to improve our understanding of prognostic features which would be beneficial in counselling women with adenomyosis undergoing fertility treatment and inform future management options. The investigators propose a research body of work aimed at improving our understanding of adenomyosis and its association with pregnancy loss. Objective: The aim of the study is to determine the association between adenomyosis and pregnancy loss in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment. Study design: Prospective multicentre cohort study. The cohort will comprise of women with adenomyosis undergoing ART treatment and the control group will include women with normal uterus on baseline ultrasound scan undergoing ART treatment during the study duration. Settings: The study will be conducted at all main CARE fertility units, one of the largest providers of fertility treatment in the United Kingdom. Participant population with exposure and sample size: The cohort group will comprise of women diagnosed with adenomyosis on pre-treatment baseline ultrasound scan before ART treatment who satisfy the eligibility criteria and consent to participate in the study. The total sample size for this study will be 750 participants with 375 women in each arm. Recruitment will take place over the course of 18 months. Diagnostic tool for detection of exposure: The diagnosis of adenomyosis will be made using transvaginal ultrasound scan (TVS) (2D and 3D Ultrasound and applying Morphological Uterus Sonographic Assessment (MUSA) criteria. Schematic mapping system of adenomyosis severity proposed by Lazzeri and colleagues will be used to grade the severity of adenomyosis. Eligibility: Inclusion criteria: All women aged \>18 years and ≤42 years undergoing IVF/ICSI cycle. Exclusion criteria: Women with coexisting fibroid uterus, endometrioma confirmed on USS or known laparoscopic diagnosis of endometriosis (with histological confirmation), untreated hydrosalpinx, uterine malformation, previous myomectomy, previous surgery for adenomyosis or inconclusive USS. Recruitment: All women undergoing pre-treatment pelvic ultrasound scans before ART treatment will be screened for adenomyosis at the participating centres. Women who meet the eligibility criteria will be provided with an information leaflet about the study. They will be enrolled in the study after informed consent is obtained. The severity of adenomyosis will be subsequently evaluated using stored 2D and 3D ultrasound scan (USS) images. Several demographic, clinical and treatment characteristics will be recorded for each participant. Control: To ensure adequate comparability of the cohort, women with normal uterus on baseline ultrasound scan during the study duration will be used as control and will be matched for the following variables: age, embryo quality, type of ART cycle (donor or self and IVF or ICSI) and number of embryos transferred. The eligibility criteria will be applicable to the controls as well. Outcome measures: Primary outcome: Pregnancy loss up to 24 weeks out of all pregnancies achieved. The pregnancy loss will include biochemical pregnancy loss, miscarriage, pregnancy of unknown location (PUL) and ectopic pregnancy. This will be reported per embryo transfer and per woman. Secondary outcomes:1. Implantation rate per embryo transfer (number of gestational sacs divided by number of embryos transferred) and per woman; 2. Biochemical pregnancy rate per embryo transfer (positive pregnancy test following embryo transfer) and per woman; 3. Clinical pregnancy rate per embryo transfer (presence of at least one intrauterine gestational sac on ultrasound) and per woman; 4. Ongoing pregnancy rate per woman (defined as a live pregnancy at 12 weeks onwards); 5. Live birth rate after 34 weeks per woman. Subgroup analysis: We will carry out subgroup analysis according to specific patient characteristics. These analyses will include, but not necessarily be limited to women with the following characteristics:1. Varying severity of adenomyosis; 2. Presence /absence of symptoms of adenomyosis; 3. Frozen vs. Fresh embryo transfer; 4. Short vs. long vs. ultralong ovarian stimulation protocol; 5. Recurrent miscarriages; 6. Other associations that may become apparent in post-hoc analyses.

Validation and Optimisation of Ultrasound Diagnosis of Adenomyosis

Defining ultrasound criteria for normal uterine biometry and assessing the prevalence of repeat abortions in patients with abnormalities of the uterine cavity

Ttt of Adenomyosis

to evaluate use of Dienogest versus uterine arteries embolization in treatment of Adenomyosis-associated symptoms as dysmenorrhea, heavy menstrual bleeding and bulk-related symptoms

Risk Factors Associated With the Progression of Adenomyosis

Adenomyosis is a gynaecological disorder with a high prevalence in women of childbearing age and is characterised by the presence of endometrial glands and stroma within the myometrium, associated or not with hypertrophy and hyperplasia of the surrounding myometrium. Adenomyosis may cause pelvic pain and/or abnormal uterine bleeding. Transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) is considered the main non-invasive diagnostic modality for the diagnosis of adenomyosis. Although adenomyosis is a very common condition among patients of childbearing age, its natural course is still debated. Some studies have evaluated the role of hormonal treatments (systemic or local oestrogen or progestin-based) on adenomyosis, which have been effective in controlling symptoms such as pelvic pain and abnormal uterine bleeding. Despite all this, no evidence is available on the progression of adenomyosis and the factors that may influence its progression over time. The aim of this study is therefore to assess the progression of adenomyosis and associated risk factors using transvaginal ultrasound.

Comparing Efficacy of Microwave Vs Embolization Treatment for Adenomyosis

Single blinded randomized controlled study of symptom improvement after uterine artery embolization (UAE) versus ultrasound guided percutaneous/transvaginal microwave ablation, evaluated by validated questionnaires. Adenomyosis is a benign condition causing pain and bleeding disorders in many women. Hysterectomy has historically been the golden standard for treatment as well as (postoperatively) diagnosis of the disease. In accordance with refined diagnostic tools such as ultrasound and/or MRI, minimally invasive treatments for adenomyosis are being explored. We plan to compare two minimally invasive techniques: embolization of the uterine artery (a commonly used procedure) and microwave ablation of adenomyotic tissue (previously only in clinical use in China).