title: The effect on IVF outcome of small intramural fibroids not compressing the uterine cavity as determined by a prospective matched control study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Several studies have reported that the presence of intramural fibroids affects conception following IVF. We attempted to corroborate or refute the conclusions relating to IVF and leiomyomas of the aforementioned studies.
  
  
  METHODS
  Women with small intramural leiomyomata (< or = 5 cm) discovered on initial pelvic sonographic studies performed in preparation for IVF were prospectively matched by age, with the next patient of the same age undergoing IVF who did not demonstrate fibroids (controls).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Though no significant differences were found in outcome when comparing these two groups, there was a distinct trend for lower live delivery rates and higher miscarriage rates.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These data support the conclusions of the only other prospective matched control study evaluating similar factors, i.e. that small intramural fibroids can negatively affect IVF outcome. Nevertheless, we think that a multicentre study should be conducted first before evaluating whether myomectomy improves outcome or not.
authors: The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School at Camden, Cooper Hospital/University Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New Jersey, USA. laurie@ccivf.com
authors: J H
authors: JH
authors: Check
authors: J K
authors: JK
authors: Choe
authors: G
authors: G
authors: Lee
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Dietterich
mesh_terms: D000022:Abortion, Spontaneous / Q000453:epidemiology; D000328:Adult; D001723:Birth Rate; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012016:Reference Values; D016896:Treatment Outcome