The hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis is a tightly regulated system controlling female reproduction. HPO axis dysfunction leading to ovulation disorders can be classified into three categories defined by the World Health Organization (WHO). Group I ovulation disorders involve hypothalamic failure characterized as hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Group II disorders display a eugonadal state commonly associated with a wide range of endocrinopathies. Finally, group III constitutes hypergonadotropic hypogonadism secondary to depleted ovarian function. Optimal evaluation and management of these disorders is based on a careful analysis tailored to each patient. This article reviews ovulation disorders based on pathophysiologic mechanisms, evaluation principles, and currently available management options.
Purpose: Geographic disparities for assisted reproductive technology (ART) continue to exist. Travel cost and time off work may create additional barriers for patients living remotely. Implementing telehealth can alleviate these barriers by reducing office visits. The aim of this study was to evaluate patient satisfaction with telehealth during ART. Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey and retrospective cohort study. Patients living remotely who underwent ART utilizing telehealth between 2015 and 2018 at a single institution were selected for the telehealth group. The non-telehealth control group included randomly selected patients who underwent IVF at the same institution between 2015 and 2018. Demographic variables and treatment outcomes were obtained for both groups. A patient satisfaction questionnaire was distributed to telehealth patients. Statistical analysis using χ2 test was performed to compare ART outcomes between both groups. Results: Ninety-seven control and 97 telehealth patients were included. For telehealth patients, the mean number of office visits and distance traveled was 2.9 (± 0.8 SD) and 143.1 miles (± 49.2 SD) respectively. 58.8% of patients completed the survey. 44/57 participants had an oocyte retrieval and 42/44 underwent embryo transfer. For those who completed the survey, the clinical pregnancy rate was 31/44 and the live birth rate was 25/44. There was no difference in treatment outcomes between telehealth compared to controls. 73% of patients were highly satisfied with telehealth. Conclusions: Telehealth can improve access to ART in underserved areas and results in high patient satisfaction. Reproductive health providers could consider telehealth as a safe and efficacious tool to ameliorate geographic disparities.
1 January 2017 in Case Reports in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Ectopic breast tissue is a rare condition caused by remnants of the mammary ridges that fail to involute during embryologic development. To date, only 39 cases have been reported in the literature worldwide. Here, we report the 40th case of a 69‐year‐old G3P2 postmenopausal Caucasian woman who presented with complaint of vulvar swelling. Biopsy of the mass revealed the presence of a benign mammary gland‐like adenoma which was completely excised shortly thereafter. Clinical presentation of vulvar breast tissue is highly variable depending on the amount of breast tissue developed and its functionality. Diagnosis is ultimately made by tissue biopsy and histopathologic examination. Due to the scarce evidence that exists pertaining to supernumerary breast tissue located on the vulva, specific management guidelines are lacking. Since this ectopic tissue serves no function, but rather may provide a source for future malignancy, surgical excision is recommended.
1 January 2017 in Case Reports in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Background. In 2013, the abortion rate in the United States was found to be 200 abortions per 1,000 live births. Of these, the CDC estimates that nearly 49% were performed using unsafe measures. Even when these procedures are safely performed, patients are at risk for immediate or delayed complications. In second‐trimester terminations, mechanical dilation with an osmotic dilator is common to allow for delivery of the fetus. The Japanese seaweed Laminaria japonica is used to achieve this purpose. Case. A 28‐year‐old primigravida presented with chronic pelvic pain and infertility. She had irregular menstrual cycles and reported scant yellow discharge. A transvaginal ultrasound revealed an abnormally appearing endometrium with an elongated structure suspicious for a foreign body. The patient reported a voluntary termination of pregnancy twelve years earlier, for which laminaria were placed prior to the dilation and extraction. She underwent an operative hysteroscopy confirming our suspicion for retained laminaria. The pathology report demonstrated chronic severe endometritis and plant based material. Conclusion. Retained laminaria are associated with chronic pelvic pain and chronic infertility. Since they can be difficult to detect on conventional imaging, proper counting prior to insertion and after removal is an essential physician responsibility.
1 January 2018 in Case Reports in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Background. Catastrophic APS (CAPS) is a rare but life‐threatening form of APS defined as multiorgan thrombosis affecting a minimum of three organs with confirmation by histopathology of small vessel occlusions in at least one organ or tissue. The development of CAPS in pregnancy poses many diagnostic challenges as a result of its broad range of clinical presentations and its overlap with other obstetric complications and microangiopathic diseases. Because of the high associated mortality rate, prompt recognition and treatment are paramount. Case. A twenty‐five‐year‐old G3P0111 with a history of multiple thromboembolisms presented at 21 weeks and 3 days of gestation with complaints of right upper quadrant pain, visual disturbances, headache, and syncopal episodes. Laboratory evaluation demonstrated microangiopathic disease with hemolysis (confirmed on peripheral smear), elevated liver enzymes, and abnormal 24‐hour urine protein with vital signs within the normal range. Presence of significantly elevated antiphospholipid antibodies was noted, facilitating the diagnosis of probable CAPS. Proper workup was achieved based on clinical suspicion, allowing immediate and appropriate management. Conclusion. CAPS is a life‐threatening condition rarely seen in pregnancy making early recognition difficult. A low threshold to initiate urgent and aggressive treatment should be maintained to minimize the risk of adverse outcomes.