SIGnificance of Routine Hysteroscopy Prior to a First 'in Vitro Fertilization'(IVF) Treatment Cycle

Summary

BACKGROUND: Despite the numerous advances in the field of in vitro fertilisation/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI), there still exists a maximum implantation rate per embryo transferred of about 30%. Next to the physiological and physic burden that comes with every IVF treatment cycle, implantation failure also adds up to the considerable costs associated with ART. Studies have shown, that minor intrauterine abnormalities can be found in 11-40% of the infertile women with a normal transvaginal sonography. Detection and treatment of these abnormalities by office hysteroscopy have led to a 9-13% increase in pregnancy rate. Therefore, it is increasingly advocated to screen all infertile women on intracavitary pathology prior to the start of IVF/ICSI.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the proposed study is to assess whether diagnosing and treating unsuspected intrauterine abnormalities by saline infusion sonography and/or routine office hysteroscopy prior to a first IVF/ICSI treatment cycle improves the cost-effectiveness of the fertility treatment.

STUDY DESIGN: Multicenter randomized intervention study. POPULATION: Asymptomatic women, indicated for a first IVF/ICSI treatment cycle and a normal transvaginal ultrasonography.

INTERVENTION: Participants will be randomized for a (SIS and) hysteroscopy with treatment-on-the spot of predefined intrauterine abnormalities versus no diagnostic work-up. In both groups standard IVF/ICSI treatment will be initiated.

PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE:

Cumulative ongoing pregnancy rate resulting in live birth achieved within 18 months of IVF/ICSI treatment after randomization (obtained in both treatment cycles with fresh embryos, as well as in subsequent cryo/thaw cycles)

SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURE:

* Cumulative implantation rate achieved within 18 months of IVF/ICSI treatment after randomization (obtained in both treatment cycles with fresh embryos, as well as in subsequent cryo/thaw cycles)
* Cumulative miscarry rate within 18 months of IVF/ICSI treatment after randomization (obtained in both treatment cycles with fresh embryos, as well as in subsequent cryo/thaw cycles)
* Cost calculations of, SIS, hysteroscopy procedures and the IVF treatment
* Patient preference and tolerance of a SIS and diagnostic/therapeutic hysteroscopy procedure
* Prevalence of unexpected intrauterine abnormalities
* Diagnostic accuracy of SIS in diagnosing intrauterine abnormalities

Conditions

• Intrauterine Abnormalities in Infertility

Interventions

PROCEDURE

Office hysteroscopy (in combination with a 'Saline Infusion Sonography'(SIS))

Routine fertility work-up, added up with diagnostic tests. In 5 research centers the extra tests consist of SIS \& hysteroscopy (HY). In the other research hospitals it consists of only a HY. The HY examination will be scheduled on Day 3-12 of a cycle. It will be performed in an outpatient setting with a vaginoscopic approach. A 5-mm diameter continuous flow hysteroscope and a 30º direction of view will be used. The uterus will be inspected methodically a endometrial biopsy obtained and the findings recorded into a standardized form. Intrauterine pathology is defined as septum, endometrial polyp, submucous myoma, adhesions \& endometritis. These will be treated, using scissors, Versapoint, grasping forceps, polyp snare or antibiotics. In 5 of the research hospitals, 1 week prior to the HY, also a SIS will be performed. Via a catheter saline solution will be infused into the uterine cavity as distention media. The findings at the following sonography will be standardized recorded.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Academisch Medisch Centrum - Universiteit van Amsterdam (AMC-UvA)

  collaborator OTHER

• Erasmus Medical Center

  collaborator OTHER

• Maastricht University Medical Center

  collaborator OTHER

• Maxima Medical Center

  collaborator OTHER

• UMC Utrecht

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

DIAGNOSTIC

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Sex

FEMALE

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2011-05-31

Primary Completion

2015-03-31

Completion

2015-03-31

Countries

• Netherlands

Study Locations