Thin Uterine Lining Linked to Increased Risk of Dangerous Pregnancy Complication
A new study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology has found a surprising link between a thinner uterine lining and a potentially dangerous pregnancy complication. The complication, known as placenta accreta spectrum (PAS), occurs when the placenta grows too deeply into the uterine wall, risking severe bleeding during childbirth. While prior Cesarean sections are known risk factors for PAS, this research suggests that endometrial thickness (EMT) – the measurement of the lining of the uterus – may hold key predictive value, especially for women conceiving through assisted reproductive technology (ART) like IVF.
"PAS disorders have been linked to significant maternal morbidity and mortality, being the leading cause of hemorrhage, blood product transfusion, and emergency postpartum hysterectomy," researchers noted.
The study, conducted at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University in China, analyzed data from over 4,600 women who underwent ART between 2008 and 2020. Scientists measured the EMT on the day of embryo transfer and discovered a noticeable trend: women with a thinner uterine lining were more likely to develop PAS.
This finding was statistically significant. Women with EMT measurements between 7 and 10.9 millimeters were 2.27 times more likely to have PAS compared to those with EMT under 7 mm.
The association between thinning EMT and PAS plateaus after a certain point, however. The risk didn’t increase further for women with EMT over 13 millimeters.
“The curve displaying the link between EMT and PAS showed an initial decline, followed by a plateau linked to increasing EMT,” the researchers explained. “The transition occurred at an EMT of 10.9 mm.”
While the study focused on women undergoing ART, the findings have broad implications. “EMT should be considered a crucial factor when guiding future ART treatment,” the authors concluded.
Further research is needed to fully understand the complex relationship between uterine lining thickness, ART, and PAS. However, this study opens an important new avenue for identifying those women at higher risk for this potentially life-threatening complication during pregnancy.
Understanding these risks could allow for better monitoring and preventative measures, ultimately leading to safer outcomes for mothers and babies.
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