Open AccessIncreased risk of obstetric complications in patients with adenomyosis: A narrative literature review
Author(s) -
Harada Takashi,
Taniguchi Fuminori,
Harada Tasuku
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
reproductive medicine and biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.005
H-Index - 22
eISSN - 1447-0578
pISSN - 1445-5781
DOI - 10.1002/rmb2.12473
Subject(s) - adenomyosis , reproductive medicine , medicine , narrative review , obstetrics , gynecology , general surgery , pregnancy , intensive care medicine , endometriosis , biology , genetics
Background Reproductive‐age women occasionally face the pathological condition of adenomyosis, which is often concurrent with endometriosis. It is believed that endometriosis and adenomyosis increases the risk of obstetric complications. Although new insights into the mechanism of obstetric complications due to endometriosis are emerging, there is little information on the etiology of adverse pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women with adenomyosis. Methods We performed a literature review focusing on the pathophysiological pathways of obstetric complications in women with adenomyosis using currently available basic and clinical studies. We used the internet search engines PubMed and Google Scholar to search for studies published between January 2000 and June 2021. We carefully read pertinent sections within each document to ensure relevancy. Main findings The prevalence of adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with adenomyosis is increased after adjusting for conceiving by assisted reproductive technology. Thus, adenomyosis emerges as a relevant factor associated with several obstetric complications such as preterm birth, preterm premature rupture of membranes, placental abruption, small for gestational age/fetal growth restriction, and preeclampsia. Conclusion It is plausible that the impact of adenomyosis on pregnancy outcomes is not always the same; rather it is dependent on the degree of uterine involvement and subtypes.