The role of endometrial scratching prior to in vitro fertilization: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis

Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology

Research

Efstratios Kolibianakis¹  Maria Chrysoula Iakovidou¹  Leonidas Zepiridis¹  Christos Venetis² 

[1] Unit for Human Reproduction, Medical School, 1st Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Peripheral Road, Nea Efkarpia, 56430, Thessaloniki, Greece;Unit for Human Reproduction, Medical School, 1st Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Peripheral Road, Nea Efkarpia, 56430, Thessaloniki, Greece;Centre for Big Data Research in Health, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia;

关键词: Endometrial scratching;    Endometrial injury;    In vitro fertilization;    Reproductive outcomes;    Live birth;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12958-023-01141-2

 received in 2023-09-05, accepted in 2023-09-15,  发布年份 2023

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

Research questionTo evaluate the role of endometrial scratching performed prior to an embryo transfer cycle on the probability of pregnancy compared to placebo/sham or no intervention.DesignA computerized literature (using a specific search strategy) search was performed across the databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, COCHRANE CENTRAL, SCOPUS and WEB OF SCIENCE up to June 2023 in order to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effect of endometrial scratching prior to an embryo transfer cycle on the probability of pregnancy, expressed either as live birth, ongoing pregnancy or clinical pregnancy (in order of significance) compared to placebo/sham or no intervention. Data were pooled using random-effects or fixed-effects model, depending on the presence or not of heterogeneity. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic. Subgroup analyses were performed based on the population studied in each RCT, as well as on the timing and method of endometrial biopsy. Certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADEPro tool.ResultsThe probability of live birth was significantly higher in embryo transfer cycles after endometrial scratching as compared to placebo/sham or no intervention (relative risk-RR: 1.12, 95% CI: 1.05–1.20; heterogeneity: I2=46.30%, p<0.001, 28 studies; low certainty). The probability of ongoing pregnancy was not significantly difference between the two groups (RR: 1.07, 95% CI: 0.98–1.18; heterogeneity: I2=27.44%, p=0.15, 11 studies; low certainty). The probability of clinical pregnancy was significantly higher in embryo transfer cycles after endometrial scratching as compared to placebo/sham or no intervention (RR: 1.12, 95% CI: 1.06–1.18; heterogeneity: I2=47.48%, p<0.001, 37 studies; low certainty).A subgroup analysis was performed based on the time that endometrial scratching was carried out. When endometrial scratching was performed during the menstrual cycle prior to the embryo transfer cycle a significantly higher probability of live birth was present (RR: 1.18, 95% CI:1.09-1.27; heterogeneity: I2=39.72%, p<0.001, 21 studies; moderate certainty). On the contrary, no effect on the probability of live birth was present when endometrial injury was performed during the embryo transfer cycle (RR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.67-1.15; heterogeneity: I2=65.18%, p=0.33, 5 studies; low certainty).In addition, a higher probability of live birth was only present in women with previous IVF failures (RR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.20-1.53; heterogeneity: I2=0%, p<0.001, 13 studies; moderate certainty) with evidence suggesting that the more IVF failures the more likely endometrial scratching to be beneficial (p=0.004). The number of times endometrial scratching was performed, as well as the type of instrument used did not appear to affect the probability of live birth.ConclusionsEndometrial scratching during the menstrual cycle prior to an embryo transfer cycle can lead to a higher probability of live birth in patients with previous IVF failures.PROSPERO registrationPROSPERO CRD42023433538 (18 Jun 2023)

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© BioMed Central Ltd., part of Springer Nature 2023

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Fig. 1: The conceptual framework for adherence to treatment guidelines in private drug outlets in Kisumu, Kenya

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