Endometriosis and adverse pregnancy outcomes: A case-control study

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Perinatal Health

Background:

• Endometriosis is associated with pregnancy, with pain often alleviated but adverse outcomes increased.
• Systemic chronic inflammation, characterized by elevated cytokines and growth factors, is a key factor in endometriosis-related pregnancy complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between endometriosis, including deep endometriosis and adenomyosis, and adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes.
• To assess the impact of surgical treatment for endometriosis on pregnancy results.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study involving 250 women who gave birth between February 2015 and December 2019.
• Participants were divided into two groups: 125 women with endometriosis and 125 without (control group).
• Data on maternal and neonatal health were extracted from hospital records.

Main Results:

• Women with endometriosis experienced significantly higher rates of placenta previa, placenta accreta, placenta abruption, pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, and postpartum hemorrhage compared to controls.
• Infants born to mothers with endometriosis had a higher admission rate to the neonatal intensive care unit (40.7% vs. 24.8%).
• Small for gestational age was more prevalent in infants of mothers with rectal endometriosis.

Conclusions:

• Endometriosis significantly increases the risk of adverse maternal outcomes during pregnancy.
• Women with endometriosis require closer monitoring for potential pregnancy complications and adverse neonatal outcomes.