Você pesquisou por y - Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2003;25(7):465-471
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032003000700002
PURPOSE: to investigate the effect of antiretroviral drugs on carbohydrate metabolism in HIV-infected pregnant women and on fetal and neonatal prognosis. METHODS: a prospective study was conducted on 57 pregnant women. The women were divided into three groups: ZDV group, taking zidovudine (n=20), TT group, taking zidovudine + lamivudine + nelfinavir (n=25), and control group (n=12). Blood samples were obtained for the determination of the area under the curve (AUC) after a 75-g oral glucose test at four periods during pregnancy (1st=14-20 weeks, 2nd= 21-26 weeks, 3rd=27-32 weeks and 4th=33-38 weeks). Perinatal prognosis was based on prematurity rates, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), low birth weight, perinatal mortality, and vertical HIV-1 transmission. Data were analyzed statistically using the nonparametric c² test, Friedman test and Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: the median values of the AUC were 11.685 mg/dL for the control group, 13.477 mg/dL for the ZDV Group, and 13.650 mg/dL for the TT group (p=0.049). The antiretroviral agents had no deleterious effects on prematurity, low birth weight, IUGR rates or on Apgar score. There was no case of vertical transmission of HIV-1. CONCLUSIONS: an association was detected between the use of triple therapy and the development of carbohydrate intolerance during pregnancy. This association was not shown with ZDV alone. The antiretroviral agents had no deleterious effects on perinatal prognosis.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2003;25(7):465-471
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032003000700002
PURPOSE: to investigate the effect of antiretroviral drugs on carbohydrate metabolism in HIV-infected pregnant women and on fetal and neonatal prognosis. METHODS: a prospective study was conducted on 57 pregnant women. The women were divided into three groups: ZDV group, taking zidovudine (n=20), TT group, taking zidovudine + lamivudine + nelfinavir (n=25), and control group (n=12). Blood samples were obtained for the determination of the area under the curve (AUC) after a 75-g oral glucose test at four periods during pregnancy (1st=14-20 weeks, 2nd= 21-26 weeks, 3rd=27-32 weeks and 4th=33-38 weeks). Perinatal prognosis was based on prematurity rates, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), low birth weight, perinatal mortality, and vertical HIV-1 transmission. Data were analyzed statistically using the nonparametric c² test, Friedman test and Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: the median values of the AUC were 11.685 mg/dL for the control group, 13.477 mg/dL for the ZDV Group, and 13.650 mg/dL for the TT group (p=0.049). The antiretroviral agents had no deleterious effects on prematurity, low birth weight, IUGR rates or on Apgar score. There was no case of vertical transmission of HIV-1. CONCLUSIONS: an association was detected between the use of triple therapy and the development of carbohydrate intolerance during pregnancy. This association was not shown with ZDV alone. The antiretroviral agents had no deleterious effects on perinatal prognosis.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2003;25(7):475-479
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032003000700003
PURPOSE: to study the effects of low-dose oral hormonal contraceptives (OHC) (<30 mg of ethynylestradiol) on the intraerythrocytic folate levels. METHODS: this was a prospective transversal study with 95 patients treated in the Family Planning Clinic of UNIFESP (Federal University of São Paulo). The control group (Condom group) consisted of patients using condom as their exclusive contraceptive method during the last 12 months, and the study groups consisted of patients using low-dose oral hormonal contraceptives, in the following way: OHC 3 group (three to six months of use), OHC 6 group (six to twelve months of use) and OHC 12 group (more than twelve months of use). Intraerythrocytic folate was determined by the ionic capture method. Analysis of variance and c² test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: the Condom group showed a rate of 44% of patients with folate lower than 186.0 ng/mL and the users of low-dose oral contraceptives showed a rate of 32% (OHC 3 group), 16% (OHC 6 group) and 31% (OHC 12 group). We did not find in the group using low-dose oral contraceptives a significant reduction in the average level of intraerythrocytic folate compared to the control group and there was no statistically significant difference (p=0.28) regarding time of use. CONCLUSION: we observed reduced levels of intraerythrocytic folate in a significant number (44%) of patients not using low-dose oral hormonal contraceptives. Their rates were similar to the lower limit considered to be normal by most authors, which points to a basal folate deficiency in the studied group. We did not observe any alteration in the level of intraerythrocytic folate in patients using low-dose oral hormonal contraceptives.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2003;25(7):475-479
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032003000700003
PURPOSE: to study the effects of low-dose oral hormonal contraceptives (OHC) (<30 mg of ethynylestradiol) on the intraerythrocytic folate levels. METHODS: this was a prospective transversal study with 95 patients treated in the Family Planning Clinic of UNIFESP (Federal University of São Paulo). The control group (Condom group) consisted of patients using condom as their exclusive contraceptive method during the last 12 months, and the study groups consisted of patients using low-dose oral hormonal contraceptives, in the following way: OHC 3 group (three to six months of use), OHC 6 group (six to twelve months of use) and OHC 12 group (more than twelve months of use). Intraerythrocytic folate was determined by the ionic capture method. Analysis of variance and c² test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: the Condom group showed a rate of 44% of patients with folate lower than 186.0 ng/mL and the users of low-dose oral contraceptives showed a rate of 32% (OHC 3 group), 16% (OHC 6 group) and 31% (OHC 12 group). We did not find in the group using low-dose oral contraceptives a significant reduction in the average level of intraerythrocytic folate compared to the control group and there was no statistically significant difference (p=0.28) regarding time of use. CONCLUSION: we observed reduced levels of intraerythrocytic folate in a significant number (44%) of patients not using low-dose oral hormonal contraceptives. Their rates were similar to the lower limit considered to be normal by most authors, which points to a basal folate deficiency in the studied group. We did not observe any alteration in the level of intraerythrocytic folate in patients using low-dose oral hormonal contraceptives.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2003;25(7):483-489
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032003000700004
PURPOSE: to describe the pregnancy outcome of women submitted to cervical cerclage during pregnancy. METHODS: a series of 123 pregnancies in 116 women submitted to elective cervical cerclage by Espinosa-Bahamondes, Palmer and MacDonald techniques and followed at the High-Risk Antenatal Care Unit at CAISM/UNICAMP is described. Variables were analyzed through frequency, mean and standard deviation, comparisons were made using c² or Fisher exact tests. RESULTS: 73% had at least one previous abortion, 17.9% had had 3 prior abortions, and 48% had prior preterm deliveries. The mean gestational age at cerclage was 16 weeks. Cerclage by the Espinosa-Bahamondes technique predominated (94.3%). The overall complication rate was 69%, with preterm labor as the most frequent (31.7%), followed by vaginitis (26%), preterm premature rupture of membranes (10.5%) and fetal death (8.7%). Other clinical complications were less common and included urinary tract infections (5.6%), hypertensive disorders (4%) and gestational diabetes (2.4%). Fetal loss occurred in 8.9% of pregnancies (11 stillbirths). Premature deliveries were present in 18%. History of previous premature deliveries was associated with the occurrence of premature deliveries. CONCLUSION: Obstetrical history compatible with cervical incompetence was frequent, and prior preterm delivery was associated with a preterm delivery in the pregnancy under analysis. The use of cerclage by the Espinosa-Bahamondes technique resulted in 18% of premature newborns, and 104 per thousand rate of perinatal death. Prospective, controlled trials are needed to evaluate the real benefits of cervical cerclage performed during pregnancy.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2003;25(7):483-489
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032003000700004
PURPOSE: to describe the pregnancy outcome of women submitted to cervical cerclage during pregnancy. METHODS: a series of 123 pregnancies in 116 women submitted to elective cervical cerclage by Espinosa-Bahamondes, Palmer and MacDonald techniques and followed at the High-Risk Antenatal Care Unit at CAISM/UNICAMP is described. Variables were analyzed through frequency, mean and standard deviation, comparisons were made using c² or Fisher exact tests. RESULTS: 73% had at least one previous abortion, 17.9% had had 3 prior abortions, and 48% had prior preterm deliveries. The mean gestational age at cerclage was 16 weeks. Cerclage by the Espinosa-Bahamondes technique predominated (94.3%). The overall complication rate was 69%, with preterm labor as the most frequent (31.7%), followed by vaginitis (26%), preterm premature rupture of membranes (10.5%) and fetal death (8.7%). Other clinical complications were less common and included urinary tract infections (5.6%), hypertensive disorders (4%) and gestational diabetes (2.4%). Fetal loss occurred in 8.9% of pregnancies (11 stillbirths). Premature deliveries were present in 18%. History of previous premature deliveries was associated with the occurrence of premature deliveries. CONCLUSION: Obstetrical history compatible with cervical incompetence was frequent, and prior preterm delivery was associated with a preterm delivery in the pregnancy under analysis. The use of cerclage by the Espinosa-Bahamondes technique resulted in 18% of premature newborns, and 104 per thousand rate of perinatal death. Prospective, controlled trials are needed to evaluate the real benefits of cervical cerclage performed during pregnancy.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2003;25(7):491-499
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032003000700005
PURPOSE: to investigate whether rectally administered misoprostol is an effective method for induction of labor in patients with premature ruptured membranes at term. METHODS: a pilot trial was conducted, enrolling 32 women with alive, singleton, cephalic fetus and ruptured membranes between 36 and 41 weeks of pregnancy, with Bishop score <6 and without evidence of labor. They received rectal misoprostol (tablets of 50 mg) every 4 h until active labor was diagnosed. Patients with ruptured membranes for >18 h received antibiotics (crystalline penicillin) for prophylaxis of streptococcal infeccion. Outcomes included time from induction to labor and induction to delivery, incidence of tachysystole, mode of delivery, incidence of chorioamnionitis and neonatal outcome. Statistical analysis was performed using the public domain software Epi-Info 2002. Means and standard deviations were calculated, as well as frequency distributions. Survival analysis was performed to determine percent of deliveries according to time (hours) since the administration of the first tablet. RESULTS: the mean (±SD) induction-to-labor and induction-to-delivery intervals were 299.8±199.9 and 681±340.5 min, respectively. The frequency of tachysystole was 9.4%. About 72% of patients achieved vaginal delivery. Chorioamnionitis was diagnosed in 12.5% of the patients. Median Apgar scores at 1st and 5th min were 8 and 9, respectively. There was no case of Apgar <7 at the 5th min. Neonatal sepsis occurred in 12.5% of the neonates. CONCLUSION: induction of labor with rectal misoprostol in the setting of premature rupture of membranes was effective, with 72% of vaginal deliveries and a low rate of chorioamnionitis. These findings must be confirmed by large randomized controlled trials.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2003;25(7):491-499
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032003000700005
PURPOSE: to investigate whether rectally administered misoprostol is an effective method for induction of labor in patients with premature ruptured membranes at term. METHODS: a pilot trial was conducted, enrolling 32 women with alive, singleton, cephalic fetus and ruptured membranes between 36 and 41 weeks of pregnancy, with Bishop score <6 and without evidence of labor. They received rectal misoprostol (tablets of 50 mg) every 4 h until active labor was diagnosed. Patients with ruptured membranes for >18 h received antibiotics (crystalline penicillin) for prophylaxis of streptococcal infeccion. Outcomes included time from induction to labor and induction to delivery, incidence of tachysystole, mode of delivery, incidence of chorioamnionitis and neonatal outcome. Statistical analysis was performed using the public domain software Epi-Info 2002. Means and standard deviations were calculated, as well as frequency distributions. Survival analysis was performed to determine percent of deliveries according to time (hours) since the administration of the first tablet. RESULTS: the mean (±SD) induction-to-labor and induction-to-delivery intervals were 299.8±199.9 and 681±340.5 min, respectively. The frequency of tachysystole was 9.4%. About 72% of patients achieved vaginal delivery. Chorioamnionitis was diagnosed in 12.5% of the patients. Median Apgar scores at 1st and 5th min were 8 and 9, respectively. There was no case of Apgar <7 at the 5th min. Neonatal sepsis occurred in 12.5% of the neonates. CONCLUSION: induction of labor with rectal misoprostol in the setting of premature rupture of membranes was effective, with 72% of vaginal deliveries and a low rate of chorioamnionitis. These findings must be confirmed by large randomized controlled trials.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2003;25(7):501-505
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032003000700006
PURPOSE: to identify Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) in human placentas by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and relate its presence to the histological alterations found on conventional examination, to the pregnancy trimester, age of pregnant women, cases of abortion and premature delivery, and to the occurrence of habitual abortion. METHODS: a retrospective study was carried out at the pathology service of a teaching hospital in the city of Porto Alegre in 2000. The paraffin blocks of 254 placentas, obtained from abortion, premature delivery and full-term birth, were analyzed by conventional histology using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. The IHC assay consisted of a rabbit anti-listeria polyclonal antibody B65420R (Biodesign®) diluted 1:1000, in addition to the avidin-biotin-streptavidin complex; 148 placentas revealed inflammatory disorders, hemorrhage, necrosis and thrombosis. The c² test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Listeria monocytogenes was detected in 33.78% of the placentas analyzed by IHC. Chorioamnionitis and villitis showed significant statistical difference in the positive placentas. Lm occurred in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy. The age of pregnant women, the cases of abortion and/or premature births were not statistically different as to the presence or absence of Lm in the placentas. Habitual abortions occurred in patients with or without Lm in the placental tissue. CONCLUSION: Immunohistochemistry may be used to confirm the histopathological diagnosis of listeriosis in all trimesters of pregnancy.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2003;25(7):501-505
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032003000700006
PURPOSE: to identify Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) in human placentas by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and relate its presence to the histological alterations found on conventional examination, to the pregnancy trimester, age of pregnant women, cases of abortion and premature delivery, and to the occurrence of habitual abortion. METHODS: a retrospective study was carried out at the pathology service of a teaching hospital in the city of Porto Alegre in 2000. The paraffin blocks of 254 placentas, obtained from abortion, premature delivery and full-term birth, were analyzed by conventional histology using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. The IHC assay consisted of a rabbit anti-listeria polyclonal antibody B65420R (Biodesign®) diluted 1:1000, in addition to the avidin-biotin-streptavidin complex; 148 placentas revealed inflammatory disorders, hemorrhage, necrosis and thrombosis. The c² test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Listeria monocytogenes was detected in 33.78% of the placentas analyzed by IHC. Chorioamnionitis and villitis showed significant statistical difference in the positive placentas. Lm occurred in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy. The age of pregnant women, the cases of abortion and/or premature births were not statistically different as to the presence or absence of Lm in the placentas. Habitual abortions occurred in patients with or without Lm in the placental tissue. CONCLUSION: Immunohistochemistry may be used to confirm the histopathological diagnosis of listeriosis in all trimesters of pregnancy.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2003;25(7):507-512
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032003000700007
PURPOSE: to evaluate the prevalence of osteoporosis in climacteric women and analyze the influence of general and reproductive risk factors on bone mineral density. METHODS: a cross-sectional study with the evaluation of the 473 hospital records of climacteric women followed up at the Menopause Outpatient Facility of CAISM/Unicamp, between 03/28/2000 and 04/17/2001. These women were at least 12 months in amenorrhea and presented the results of a bone densitometry study performed at the Nuclear Medicine Department of HC/Unicamp. The following variables were evaluated: age, color, body mass index, level of education, smoking, use of medication, age at menopause, parity, use and length of hormone replacement therapy and its effect on bone mineral density. Statistical analyses were performed using logistic regression ajusted by age and hormone replacement therapy use. RESULTS: the mean age of the studied women was 53.9 years (± 7.1 SD) with mean age at menopause being 45.9 years (± 6.9 SD). Osteoporosis occurred in 14.7% and osteopenia in 38% of the cases in the lumbar vertebrae (L2-L4 interspace) and in 3.8 and 32.7% in the femur, respectively. Logistic regression adjusted to age and hormone therapy showed an association between the following variables: level of education, age at menopause and body mass index. CONCLUSION: there was a high prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia in the studied population. Advanced age, lower level of education, late menarche, early menopause and lower body mass index were identified as risk factors for developing decreased bone mass in the studied population.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2003;25(7):507-512
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032003000700007
PURPOSE: to evaluate the prevalence of osteoporosis in climacteric women and analyze the influence of general and reproductive risk factors on bone mineral density. METHODS: a cross-sectional study with the evaluation of the 473 hospital records of climacteric women followed up at the Menopause Outpatient Facility of CAISM/Unicamp, between 03/28/2000 and 04/17/2001. These women were at least 12 months in amenorrhea and presented the results of a bone densitometry study performed at the Nuclear Medicine Department of HC/Unicamp. The following variables were evaluated: age, color, body mass index, level of education, smoking, use of medication, age at menopause, parity, use and length of hormone replacement therapy and its effect on bone mineral density. Statistical analyses were performed using logistic regression ajusted by age and hormone replacement therapy use. RESULTS: the mean age of the studied women was 53.9 years (± 7.1 SD) with mean age at menopause being 45.9 years (± 6.9 SD). Osteoporosis occurred in 14.7% and osteopenia in 38% of the cases in the lumbar vertebrae (L2-L4 interspace) and in 3.8 and 32.7% in the femur, respectively. Logistic regression adjusted to age and hormone therapy showed an association between the following variables: level of education, age at menopause and body mass index. CONCLUSION: there was a high prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia in the studied population. Advanced age, lower level of education, late menarche, early menopause and lower body mass index were identified as risk factors for developing decreased bone mass in the studied population.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2003;25(7):513-516
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032003000700008
PURPOSE: to evaluate the usefulness of the in vitro maturation technique of human oocyte and subsequent fertilization. METHODS: this is a prospective nonrandomized, descriptive study, carried out during the period of November 1999 to March 2001, with 20 cycles of in vitro fertilization of 15 patients with tubal infertility. All signed the written informed consent before the beginning of the study. The selected patients were at least 18 and at most 32 years of age, with only tubal infertility, and body mass index less than 25 kg/m². The patients received 300 UI of recombinant follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) by intramuscular injection at the second day of the cycle and additional doses of 150 IU at the fourth and sixth days of cycle. The oocyte retrieval was performed at the seventh day of the cycle. Those oocytes classified as immature were cultured in tissue culture medium 199 (TCM-199) with antibiotics, pyruvate, FSH, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and serum (serum substitute supplement - Irvine Scientific®). After 48 h of culture, the oocytes that achieved metaphase II stage were inseminated, and the fertilized ones were transferred. RESULTS: one hundred and forty-four follicles were aspirated. There were 67 (46.5%) immature retrieved oocytes and 43 (64.2%) reached the metaphase II stage and were inseminated. Thirty fertilized oocytes and 25 embryos were transferred to 10 patients. There was one pregnancy with a baby born. CONCLUSION: we conclude that to mature human oocytes in vitro before in vitro fertilization is a procedure able to achieve pregnancy.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2003;25(7):513-516
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032003000700008
PURPOSE: to evaluate the usefulness of the in vitro maturation technique of human oocyte and subsequent fertilization. METHODS: this is a prospective nonrandomized, descriptive study, carried out during the period of November 1999 to March 2001, with 20 cycles of in vitro fertilization of 15 patients with tubal infertility. All signed the written informed consent before the beginning of the study. The selected patients were at least 18 and at most 32 years of age, with only tubal infertility, and body mass index less than 25 kg/m². The patients received 300 UI of recombinant follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) by intramuscular injection at the second day of the cycle and additional doses of 150 IU at the fourth and sixth days of cycle. The oocyte retrieval was performed at the seventh day of the cycle. Those oocytes classified as immature were cultured in tissue culture medium 199 (TCM-199) with antibiotics, pyruvate, FSH, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and serum (serum substitute supplement - Irvine Scientific®). After 48 h of culture, the oocytes that achieved metaphase II stage were inseminated, and the fertilized ones were transferred. RESULTS: one hundred and forty-four follicles were aspirated. There were 67 (46.5%) immature retrieved oocytes and 43 (64.2%) reached the metaphase II stage and were inseminated. Thirty fertilized oocytes and 25 embryos were transferred to 10 patients. There was one pregnancy with a baby born. CONCLUSION: we conclude that to mature human oocytes in vitro before in vitro fertilization is a procedure able to achieve pregnancy.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2003;25(7):519-523
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032003000700009
PURPOSE: to analyze the accuracy of sonohysterography for the evaluation of the uterine cavity in patients with an implantation failure, at the first attempt of an in vitro fertilization cycle. METHODS: in a prospective double blind study, the authors analyzed patients previously submitted to at least one embryo transfer, who presented implantation failures. The patients were submitted to a sonohysterographic examination followed by a diagnostic hysteroscopic examination, carried out by different professionals each of whom was not aware of the results of the other. The results were recorded and only interpreted after the end of the trial. Sonohysterography was performed by the introduction of a urethral catheter 8 into the uterine cervix followed by infusion of physiological saline. The anechoic interface shown by the physiological saline can reveal abnormalities, like uterine polyps or submucosal myomas. Hysteroscopy was performed with a Karl Storz equipment, 4 mm 30º rigid telescope, and infusion of physiological saline for uterine cavity distention. RESULTS: twenty-eight of the 33 originally selected patients for this study were analyzed. Sonohysterography detected abnormalities in 8 patients, five with endometrial polyps (62.5%), two with endocervical polyps (25.0%), and one with submucosal myoma (12.5%). Hysteroscopy (gold standard) detected abnormalities in 7 patients, two with endometrial polyps (28.6%), two with cervical polyps (28.6%) and one with submucosal myoma (14.2%). Sonohysterography, when compared with diagnostic hysteroscopy, presented 71.4% sensibility, 85.7% specificity, 62.5% positive predictive value, and 90% negative predictive value of. CONCLUSION: due to its low positive predictive value, the authors suggest confirmation of the sonohysterography result by diagnostic hysteroscopy. Because sonohysterography presents a good level of specificity and a favorable low negative predictive value, the authors suggest that after a normal sonohysterography diagnostic hysteroscopy to evaluate the uterine cavity before in vitro fertlization is not necessary. This study leads to the conclusion that sonohysterography is a good screening method for the detection of polypoid lesions of the uterine cavity, which could be responsible for implantation failures in in vitro fertilization cycles.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2003;25(7):519-523
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032003000700009
PURPOSE: to analyze the accuracy of sonohysterography for the evaluation of the uterine cavity in patients with an implantation failure, at the first attempt of an in vitro fertilization cycle. METHODS: in a prospective double blind study, the authors analyzed patients previously submitted to at least one embryo transfer, who presented implantation failures. The patients were submitted to a sonohysterographic examination followed by a diagnostic hysteroscopic examination, carried out by different professionals each of whom was not aware of the results of the other. The results were recorded and only interpreted after the end of the trial. Sonohysterography was performed by the introduction of a urethral catheter 8 into the uterine cervix followed by infusion of physiological saline. The anechoic interface shown by the physiological saline can reveal abnormalities, like uterine polyps or submucosal myomas. Hysteroscopy was performed with a Karl Storz equipment, 4 mm 30º rigid telescope, and infusion of physiological saline for uterine cavity distention. RESULTS: twenty-eight of the 33 originally selected patients for this study were analyzed. Sonohysterography detected abnormalities in 8 patients, five with endometrial polyps (62.5%), two with endocervical polyps (25.0%), and one with submucosal myoma (12.5%). Hysteroscopy (gold standard) detected abnormalities in 7 patients, two with endometrial polyps (28.6%), two with cervical polyps (28.6%) and one with submucosal myoma (14.2%). Sonohysterography, when compared with diagnostic hysteroscopy, presented 71.4% sensibility, 85.7% specificity, 62.5% positive predictive value, and 90% negative predictive value of. CONCLUSION: due to its low positive predictive value, the authors suggest confirmation of the sonohysterography result by diagnostic hysteroscopy. Because sonohysterography presents a good level of specificity and a favorable low negative predictive value, the authors suggest that after a normal sonohysterography diagnostic hysteroscopy to evaluate the uterine cavity before in vitro fertlization is not necessary. This study leads to the conclusion that sonohysterography is a good screening method for the detection of polypoid lesions of the uterine cavity, which could be responsible for implantation failures in in vitro fertilization cycles.