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Persistent ovarian masses and pregnancy outcomes
William A Goh1, Monica Rincon, Justin Bohrer
1Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Women's Health, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI 96826, USA. wgoh@hawaii.edu
Summary
Persistent ovarian masses in pregnancy, defined as 5 cm or larger, were evaluated for adverse outcomes. This study found no increased risk of adverse pregnancy or neonatal outcomes associated with these masses.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Obstetrics
- Gynecologic Oncology
Background:
- Ovarian masses identified during pregnancy require careful management.
- Understanding potential risks associated with persistent ovarian masses is crucial for patient counseling and clinical decision-making.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between persistent ovarian masses (≥5 cm) during pregnancy and adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes.
- To evaluate the incidence of complications such as miscarriage, preterm birth, and ovarian torsion.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study of 126 pregnant women with persistent ovarian masses (≥5 cm) delivering between 2001 and 2009.
- Maternal outcomes assessed: gestational age at diagnosis, delivery, and surgery; miscarriage; preterm birth (PTB); ovarian torsion; pain admissions.
- Neonatal outcomes assessed: birth weight, respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), death, and sepsis.
Main Results:
- Persistent ovarian masses were found in 0.7% of pregnancies.
- The miscarriage rate was 3.3%, and preterm birth occurred in 9.3% of cases.
- Ovarian torsion was observed in 8.5% of patients, with no overt malignancies detected.
Conclusions:
- A persistent ovarian mass in pregnancy is not associated with an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes.
- The study suggests that expectant management may be appropriate for many persistent ovarian masses during pregnancy.
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