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Cesarean Section ComplicationsNCT04747418

Uterine Inflammatory Characteristics

An observational study of Cesarean Section Complications and Fertility Disorders, run by Sheba Medical Center at 1 site in Israel.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

Data regarding fertility following niche repair is limited. It has been reported that a niche can reduce the chances of embryo implantation and may lead to spontaneous miscarriages if the implantation is close to or in the niche. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 45 years, women onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
What is being tested?
Diagnostic Hysteroscopy and Trans-vaginal ultrasound
Type of treatment
Surgery or procedure
How many people
163 participants
Where
1 siteIsrael
Study dates
1 Feb 2021to 7 Apr 2025
Phase
Observational
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 45 years
  • Women only
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Adult

Study population: Women with low segment uterine scar following cesarean delivery ( Study group ) and women with no uterine scar ( Controls), that have no abnormal finding on diagnostic hysterocopy.

Who may be able to join

  • Fertility age 18-45
  • No abnormal finding during hysteroscopy

Who cannot join

  • Women with other uterine scars (following myomectomy, T/J scar)

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Israel1 site
  • Sheba Medical Center

    Ramat Gan

Other trials in Israel

About this study

Official title: Uterine Inflammatory Characteristics Following Cesarean Delivery

Data regarding fertility following niche repair is limited. It has been reported that a niche can reduce the chances of embryo implantation and may lead to spontaneous miscarriages if the implantation is close to or in the niche. One possible theory refers to inflammatory process at the area of the niche that harms the endometrial environment. Due to the aforementioned, the aim of our study is to compare the inflammatory characteristics of women with cesarean uterine scar to those without.

Read the detailed description

Background As the rate of caesarean section continues to increase, concern regarding the association between delivery by caesarean section and long-term maternal morbidity has been growing . In the past decade, several articles have described a defect that can be seen on ultrasound at the site of the caesarean delivery scar, known as a 'niche' . A 'niche' describes the presence of a hypoechoic area within the myometrium of the lower uterine segment, reflecting a discontinuation of the myometrium at the site of a previous cesarean delivery. An incompletely healed scar is a long-term complication of cesarean delivery and is associated with symptoms such as postmenstrual spotting, dysmenorrhoea, chronic pelvic pain dyspareunia and subfertility. Furthermore, it can increase rates of complications during gynaecological procedures and it is associated with higher complication rate in subsequent pregnancy including: risk of rupture and morbidly adherent placenta.

Lately, a surgical resection of the abnormal myometrial area has been proposed mainly for symptomatic women, or for women that are planning future pregnancy. Different techniques have been used including hysteroscopy, laparoscopy and vaginal repair. Consideration of the surgical approach is usually determined by the patient's plans for fertility and by niche thickness. For women who do not desire pregnancy and whose niche thickness is >3 mm, a hysteroscopic approach is considered. Patients who desire future fertility, especially those with <3 mm of myometrium at the niche site, is usually recommended laparoscopic resection.

Data regarding fertility following niche repair is limited. It has been reported that a niche can reduce the chances of embryo implantation and may lead to spontaneous miscarriages if the implantation is close to or in the niche. One possible theory refers to inflammatory process at the area of the niche that harms the endometrial environment. Additional theories address the mechanical changes influencing the myometrium and the discontinuation of the endometrium at the site of the niche. Gurol Urganci et al. reported in a meta-analysis including 16 studies, that caesarean delivery reduces the probability of subsequent pregnancy by 10% [relative risk (RR) 0.91; 95% 0.87-0.95] on average, compared with a previous vaginal delivery, however, none of the studies included in the meta-analysis evaluated the relation between subsequent fertility and the presence of a niche. So far there is no definite proof for niche as a cause of infertility. Should this be supported by randomized controlled trials, it would be grounds for providing treatment that will expectedly lead to beneficial effects on reproductive outcomes. This yet needs to be proven in.

Due to the aforementioned, the aim of our study is to compare the inflammatory characteristics of women with cesarean uterine scar to those without.

Material and Methods This is a prospective study including all women visiting hysteroscopy ambulatory clinics for diagnostic hysteroscopy . All women meeting inclusion criteria will sign informed consent prior to the hysteroscopy after given explanation by one of the research team. During hysteroscopy 5 cc of the flushed water, that usually is drilled into a collecting bin that is thrown away, will be collect threw a small outlet port using a syringe connected to the outlet port of the hysteroscope. Women with normal diagnostic hysteroscopy will be included in the study. Those with low segment cesarean deliver scar will comprise the study arm and will be compared to women with no uterine scar (controls). Samples will be send to the IVF laboratory for analyzing inflammatory characteristics. Date regarding demographics, obstetrical and gynecological history will be collected from women's medical records. Primary outcome is defined as the level of inflammatory cytokines as a composite outcome

Being tested
Diagnostic Hysteroscopy, Trans-vaginal ultrasound
Keywords
Cesarean Section Complications, Fertility Disorder, Inflammatory characteristics

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Diagnostic HysteroscopyProcedure or surgery

    Collection of first 5 cc of normal saline from the output port during diagnostic hysteroscopy

  • Trans-vaginal ultrasoundProcedure or surgery

    Trans vaginal ultrasound performed immediately following the diagnostic hysteroscopy ( as sonohysterography)

Study groups in NCT04747418
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Study Group: Women with low segment uterine scar following cesarean deliveryWomen with low segment uterine scar following cesarean delivery, with no other abnormalities observed during diagnostic hysteroscopy
Receives: Procedure: Diagnostic Hysteroscopy; Procedure: Trans-vaginal ultrasound
Cohort Group: Women with no uterine scarWomen with no uterine scar, with no other abnormalities observed during diagnostic hysteroscopy
Receives: Procedure: Diagnostic Hysteroscopy

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Level of inflammatory cytokines ( Granulocyte Macrophage colony stimulating factor(GM-CSF), Interferone-GAMMA, Interleukin(IL)-1,IL-2,IL-5,IL-6,IL-7,IL13,IL-15, IL-17, IL-22, IL-23,IL-31,IL-33,IL-36, Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) -ALPHA )

    All parameters will be evaluated in picogram/milliliter

    Measured: Through study completion, an estimated period of 1 year

Secondary outcomes (4)
  1. Niche characteristics-Residual myometrial thickness

    Evaluated in millimeters

    Measured: During sonographic evaluation performed immediately following diagnostic hysteroscopy

  2. Niche characteristics-Adjacent myometrial thickness

    Evaluated in millimeters

    Measured: During sonographic evaluation performed immediately following diagnostic hysteroscopy

  3. Niche characteristics-Depth

    Evaluated in millimeters

    Measured: During sonographic evaluation performed immediately following diagnostic hysteroscopy

  4. Niche characteristics-Length

    Evaluated in millimeters

    Measured: During sonographic evaluation performed immediately following diagnostic hysteroscopy

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted10 Feb 2021
  2. Study start1 Feb 2021
  3. Primary completion7 Apr 2025
  4. Study completion7 Apr 2025

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Observational
Observational model
Case-control
Time perspective
Cross-sectional
Enrolment
163 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT04747418
Sponsor's protocol ID
7975-20-SMC
Status last verified
Apr 2025
First submitted
29 Jan 2021
Last updated
8 Apr 2025
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Undecided: Will be available upon request

Publications

  • van der Voet LF, Bij de Vaate AM, Veersema S, Brolmann HA, Huirne JA. Long-term complications of caesarean section. The niche in the scar: a prospective cohort study on niche prevalence and its relation to abnormal uterine bleeding. BJOG. 2014 Jan;121(2):236-44. doi: 10.1111/1471-0528.12542.

    PubMed 24373597
  • Naji O, Abdallah Y, Bij De Vaate AJ, Smith A, Pexsters A, Stalder C, McIndoe A, Ghaem-Maghami S, Lees C, Brolmann HA, Huirne JA, Timmerman D, Bourne T. Standardized approach for imaging and measuring Cesarean section scars using ultrasonography. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2012 Mar;39(3):252-9. doi: 10.1002/uog.10077.

    PubMed 21858885
  • Roberge S, Boutin A, Chaillet N, Moore L, Jastrow N, Demers S, Bujold E. Systematic review of cesarean scar assessment in the nonpregnant state: imaging techniques and uterine scar defect. Am J Perinatol. 2012 Jun;29(6):465-71. doi: 10.1055/s-0032-1304829. Epub 2012 Mar 7.

    PubMed 22399223
  • Vervoort AJ, Uittenbogaard LB, Hehenkamp WJ, Brolmann HA, Mol BW, Huirne JA. Why do niches develop in Caesarean uterine scars? Hypotheses on the aetiology of niche development. Hum Reprod. 2015 Dec;30(12):2695-702. doi: 10.1093/humrep/dev240. Epub 2015 Sep 25.

    PubMed 26409016
  • Wang CB, Chiu WW, Lee CY, Sun YL, Lin YH, Tseng CJ. Cesarean scar defect: correlation between Cesarean section number, defect size, clinical symptoms and uterine position. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2009 Jul;34(1):85-9. doi: 10.1002/uog.6405.

    PubMed 19565535
  • Brown K, Tkacz Z. Hysteroscopic and laparoscopic management of caesarean scar (niche) defects in symptomatic patients. J Obstet Gynaecol. 2018 Jul;38(5):730. doi: 10.1080/01443615.2018.1444394.

    PubMed 29944046
  • Vervoort AJ, Van der Voet LF, Witmer M, Thurkow AL, Radder CM, van Kesteren PJ, Quartero HW, Kuchenbecker WK, Bongers MY, Geomini PM, de Vleeschouwer LH, van Hooff MH, van Vliet HA, Veersema S, Renes WB, van Meurs HS, Bosmans J, Oude Rengerink K, Brolmann HA, Mol BW, Huirne JA. The HysNiche trial: hysteroscopic resection of uterine caesarean scar defect (niche) in patients with abnormal bleeding, a randomised controlled trial. BMC Womens Health. 2015 Nov 12;15:103. doi: 10.1186/s12905-015-0260-8.

    PubMed 26563197
  • van der Voet LF, Vervoort AJ, Veersema S, BijdeVaate AJ, Brolmann HA, Huirne JA. Minimally invasive therapy for gynaecological symptoms related to a niche in the caesarean scar: a systematic review. BJOG. 2014 Jan;121(2):145-56. doi: 10.1111/1471-0528.12537.

    PubMed 24373589
  • Hemminki E. Impact of caesarean section on future pregnancy--a review of cohort studies. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol. 1996 Oct;10(4):366-79. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-3016.1996.tb00062.x.

    PubMed 8931052
  • Naji O, Wynants L, Smith A, Abdallah Y, Saso S, Stalder C, Van Huffel S, Ghaem-Maghami S, Van Calster B, Timmerman D, Bourne T. Does the presence of a Caesarean section scar affect implantation site and early pregnancy outcome in women attending an early pregnancy assessment unit? Hum Reprod. 2013 Jun;28(6):1489-96. doi: 10.1093/humrep/det110. Epub 2013 Apr 12.

    PubMed 23585560
  • Gurol-Urganci I, Bou-Antoun S, Lim CP, Cromwell DA, Mahmood TA, Templeton A, van der Meulen JH. Impact of Caesarean section on subsequent fertility: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Hum Reprod. 2013 Jul;28(7):1943-52. doi: 10.1093/humrep/det130. Epub 2013 May 3.

    PubMed 23644593
  • Vissers J, Hehenkamp W, Lambalk CB, Huirne JA. Post-Caesarean section niche-related impaired fertility: hypothetical mechanisms. Hum Reprod. 2020 Jul 1;35(7):1484-1494. doi: 10.1093/humrep/deaa094.

    PubMed 32613231
  • Vitale SG, Ludwin A, Vilos GA, Torok P, Tesarik J, Vitagliano A, Lasmar RB, Chiofalo B. From hysteroscopy to laparoendoscopic surgery: what is the best surgical approach for symptomatic isthmocele? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2020 Jan;301(1):33-52. doi: 10.1007/s00404-020-05438-0. Epub 2020 Jan 27.

    PubMed 31989288

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

An observational study of Cesarean Section Complications and Fertility Disorders, run by Sheba Medical Center at 1 site in Israel.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 2 inclusion and 1 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 8 Apr 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Israel. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Level of inflammatory cytokines ( Granulocyte Macrophage colony stimulating factor(GM-CSF), Interferone-GAMMA, Interleukin(IL)-1,IL-2,IL-5,IL-6,IL-7,IL13,IL-15, IL-17, IL-22, IL-23,IL-31,IL-33,IL-36, Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) -ALPHA ) (time frame: Through study completion, an estimated period of 1 year). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT04747418, which also lists 13 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 8 Apr 2025.

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