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Authors: Ana Mitrović, Branka Nikolić, Svetlana Dragojević, Predrag Brkić, Aleksandar Ljubić, Tomislav Jovanović
Abstract:
Endometrial sonographic and color doppler features can be used to predict the occurrence of pregnancy in natural or stimulated cycles. Implantation will usually only take place if the endometrium has reached a certain stage of vascularisation and development. The aim of this study was to evaluate endometrial development – endometrial thickness and reflectivity, sub-endometrial, endometrial and uterine perfusion, after hyperbaric oxygenation, using
a transvaginal color doppler. During a three years period, 32 women with unexplained infertility were entered into a randomised study. The patients were treated in a multiplace HAUX chamber at a pressure of 2.3 ATA for 70 minutes, 7 days consecutively beginning with 5th day of the menstrual cycle. The evaluation of the effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy was carried out by transvaginal color doppler sonography which was continuously used starting from 8th day of the menstrual cycle until the ovulation in the cycles when the therapy was applied, one month before and one month after the therapy. Folliculometry in the cycles when hyperbaric oxygen therapy at 2.3 ATA was applied, indicated an excellent response of endometrium. Thickness of endometrium at the time of ovulation was 11.0 ± 2.6mm. Desirable quality of endometrium was significantly better in the cycle when HBO therapy had been applied (p<0.001). The doppler flowmetry of the uterine arteries indicated that the uterine blood vessel resistance was slightly higher than expected. Mapping of sub-endometrial blood vessels in the cycles covered by hyperbaric oxygen therapy showed the intensive capillary network of endometrium with low resistance Ri< 0.45. The oxygen used under higher pressure – oxygen as a drug, may have an extraordinary significance for better outcomes of pregnancy implantation by improving endometrial receptivity. If endometrial receptivity is conditioned by adequate
vascularisation and oxygenation, then hyperbaric oxygen therapy is the treatment of choice.
Key words: endometrial receptivity, hyperbaric therapy, infertility
Conclusion
Endometrial receptivity is a significant factor among a series of conditions determining the future pregnancy. It is conditioned by regular anatomy of the uterus and its cavity, optimal hormonal status as well as by optimal vascularization and oxygenation. The application of hyperbaric oxygen provides, in so far the first two factors were accomplished, an optimal quality of endometrium and adequate subendometrial vascularization and oxygenation. If endometrial receptivity is conditioned by adequate vascularization and oxygenation, then hyperbaric oxygen therapy is the treatment of choice.