Clin Exp Reprod Med.  2012 Dec;39(4):161-165. 10.5653/cerm.2012.39.4.161.

Hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography: is possible to quantify the therapeutic effect of a diagnostic test?

• Giugliano
• Cagnazzo E
• Bazzan E
• Patella A
• Marci R

• KMID: 1882021
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5653/cerm.2012.39.4.161

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography (HyCoSy) on natural conception in the infertile patient.
METHODS
We conducted a prospective observational study recruiting 180 patients admitted to Infertility Center of Ferrara University from January 2010 to February 2012. The essential inclusion criteria was the couple's desire to perform only diagnostic evaluation on infertility causes and to wait for natural conception before proceeding with further management. Couples were investigated with hormonal profile, semen analysis and HyCoSy. Expected time for spontaneous pregnancy was 180 days from HyCoSy. First datation sonography of pregnancy was used calculating time elapsed from HyCoSy at conception.
RESULTS
Forty patients (22.2%) obtained spontaneous pregnancy within 6 months after HyCoSy. The mean of "conception time" was 75 days. The pregnancy rate was significantly higher in the first 30 days (45%) compared to other the months of observation (p<0.0005). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that maternal age and sterility duration proved independent variables in detecting the "conception time" after HyCoSy (t=3.742, p=0.001, t=2.371, p=0.02, respectively).
CONCLUSION
A possible beneficial effect of HyCoSy is feasible especially in the days following its execution. This temporal correlation supports its therapeutic use.

Keyword

Fallopian tubes; Hysterosalpingography; Sterility; Sonography; Human

MeSH Terms

Fallopian Tubes
Family Characteristics
Female
Fertilization
Humans
Hysterosalpingography
Infertility
Linear Models
Maternal Age
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Rate
Prospective Studies
Semen Analysis