Around 1–5% of all couples experience recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Established risk factors include anatomical, genetic, endocrine, and hemostatic alterations. With around 50% of idiopathic cases, immunological risk factors are getting into the scientific focus, however international guidelines hardly take them into account. Within this review, the current state of immunological risk factors in RPL in international guidelines of the European Society of Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE), American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), German/Austrian/Swiss Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (DGGG/OEGGG/SGGG) and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (RCOG) are evaluated. Special attention was drawn to recommendations in the guidelines regarding diagnostic factors such as autoantibodies, natural killer cells, regulatory T cells, dendritic cells, plasma cells, and human leukocyte antigen system (HLA)-sharing as well as treatment options such as corticosteroids, intralipids, intravenous immunoglobulins, aspirin and heparin in RPL. Finally, the current state of the art focusing on both diagnostic and therapeutic options was summarized.
Purpose Official guideline of the German Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics (DGGG), the Austrian Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics (ÖGGG) and the Swiss Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics (SGGG). The aim of this guideline was to standardize the diagnosis and treatment of couples with recurrent miscarriage (RM). Recommendations were based on the current literature and the views of the involved committee members. Methods Based on the current literature, the committee members developed the statements and recommendations of this guideline in a formalized process which included DELPHI rounds and a formal consensus meeting. Recommendations Recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with RM were compiled based on the international literature. Specific established risk factors such as chromosomal, anatomical, endocrine, hemostatic, psychological, infectious and immunological disorders were taken into consideration.
1 February 2017 in Journal of Reproductive Immunology
Adverse childhood experiences (ACE) have been shown to have a tremendous negative impact on health outcomes later in life. This study presents data on the prevalence of ACEs, psychological distress, and trauma-related symptoms in transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) people compared to cisgender people. TGD adults (n = 35) and a matched sample of nonpsychiatric hospital patients (n = 35) were surveyed between September 2018 and March 2019. Participants completed the Maltreatment and Abuse Chronology of Exposure Scale to assess ACEs, as well as the Brief Symptom Inventory and the Essener Trauma Inventory to assess psychological distress and trauma-related symptoms. TGD patients reported a higher number of ACEs than cisgender patients (0.7 vs. 2.4; p < 0.001; d = 0.94). A total of 28.6% of TGD vs. 5.7% cisgender patients reported four or more ACEs (p < 0.001). The most common forms of ACEs were parental abuse (54.3%) and peer abuse (54.3%). No significantly increased prevalence of sexual abuse was found (p > 0.05). TGD patients also reported a higher prevalence of depression (48.4% vs. 5.7%, p < 0.001), posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms (59.4% vs. 13.8%, p < 0.001), and anxiety (58.1% vs. 28.6%, p = 0.016). Health care providers should be aware of and assess ACEs, especially in vulnerable groups such as TGD people, and create a safe place through open-minded, affirming care.
Menstrual irregularities are one of the main clinical symptoms caused by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Pharmacological treatment options for non-fertility indications to restore menstrual frequency play an important role in the management of PCOS. Oral contraceptive pills are commonly prescribed for adolescents with menstrual irregularities, however, when contraindicated or poorly tolerated, further pharmacological therapy is required. This systematic literature research aims to provide an overview concerning the effects of non-hormonal pharmacological treatment options on menstrual irregularities in adolescents suffering from PCOS. A systematic literature search in PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Bio-SISS and Web of Science was performed, including literature from January 1998 to September 2022, using specific keywords in order to find related studies. n = 265 studies were identified of which n = 164 were eligible for further evaluation. Only four placebo-controlled studies were identified, with diverging inclusion and exclusion criteria. Available data on specific non-hormonal off-label use medication primarily consisted of metformin, Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists, thiazolidinediones, anti-androgen agents (spironolactone, finasteride, flutamide) and supplements (chromium picolinate, myo-inositol). However, only a few have partly pointed out beneficial effects on improving menstrual frequency in patients diagnosed with PCOS. In summary, metformin in dosages of 1500–2550 g/day, GLP-1—analogues and supplements were effective in regulation of menstrual cycles in adolescents diagnosed with PCOS. Menstrual frequency in adolescents with PCOS is essential to prevent hypoestrogenism with long-term consequences. In this context, MET is the most effective and cost- efficient in overweight adolescent girls, also showing beneficial effects in the regulation of insulin sensitivity, especially if COCs are contraindicated or not well-tolerated. Further studies are needed to evaluate therapies in lean and normal-weight girls with PCOS.