RESUMEN
Managing a thin endometrium is a common challenge in assisted reproductive treatments. The thickness of the endometrium is crucial for embryo implantation, with younger patients generally having higher success rates even with a thinner lining. A frozen embryo transfer cycle often allows for a more thorough assessment of the endometrium compared to a fresh transfer. We present a case of a 36-year-old woman who presented to our fertility center with primary infertility for six years. Despite having regular menstrual cycles, her endometrial thickness consistently measured between 5 and 6.0 mm on ultrasonography. She underwent ovarian stimulation using an antagonist protocol, resulting in the retrieval of oocytes and the freezing of three embryos. However, three frozen embryo transfer cycles were cancelled due to inadequate endometrial thickness (ranging from 4.3 to 5.2 mm). In the fourth cycle, she was treated with gonadotropins with the goal of achieving two to three follicles and improved endometrial thickness. Triggering was performed on day 15, followed by the transfer of one frozen embryo at an endometrial thickness of 5.7 mm. Her beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) level was positive, with an initial value of 136.9 mIU/mL, and she subsequently delivered a healthy baby. This case highlights the challenges of managing a thin endometrium in assisted reproductive techniques. Through persistent efforts and tailored treatment protocols, a successful live birth was achieved despite recurrent thin endometrium. This case underscores the importance of individualized treatment strategies in overcoming endometrial challenges in infertility treatments.
RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence, demographic data, risk factors, indications, outcome and complications of emergency peripartum hysterectomy (EPH) performed in two major tertiary care hospitals in Dubai, and to compare the results with the literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The records of all women who underwent EPH from January 2000 to December 2015 in two major tertiary care hospitals in Dubai were accessed and reviewed. Maternal characteristics, hysterectomy indications, outcomes, and postoperative complications were recorded using descriptive statistics to describe the cohort. RESULTS: There were 79 EPH out of 168.293 deliveries, a rate of 0.47/1000 deliveries. The most common indications for hysterectomy were abnormal placentation (previa and/or accreta) and uterine atony. The majority of hysterectomies were subtotal (70%). The complications were dominated by massive transfusion, urinary tract injuries, one case of maternal death, and one case of neonatal death. CONCLUSION: The main indication for EPH was abnormal placentation in scarred uterus and uterine atony. The major method of prevention of EPH is to assess women's risks and to reduce the number of cesarean section deliveries, by limiting the rate of primary cesareans. This is challenging in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) where the culture is for high gravidity and high parity. Recommendations to act to reduce primary and repeated cesareans should be included on the national agenda in UAE.