Definition and criteria for diagnosing cesarean scar disorder.
File(s)CS scar disorder JAMA Meuleman.pdf (797.42 KB)
Published version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
IMPORTANCE: Approximately 60% of women develop a uterine niche after a cesarean delivery (CD). A niche is associated with various gynecological symptoms including abnormal uterine bleeding, pain, and infertility, but there is little consensus in the literature on the distinction between the sonographic finding of a niche and the constellation of associated symptoms. OBJECTIVE: To achieve consensus on defining the clinical condition that constitutes a symptomatic uterine niche and agree upon diagnostic criteria and uniform nomenclature for this condition. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A consensus based modified electronic Delphi (eDelphi) study, with a predefined Rate of Agreement (RoA) of 70% or higher. Experts were selected according to their expertise with niche-related consultations, publications, and participation in expert groups and received online questionnaires between November 2021 and May 2022. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Definition, nomenclature, symptoms, conditions to exclude, and diagnostic criteria of an illness caused by a symptomatic uterine niche. RESULTS: In total, 31 of the 60 invited experts (51.7%) participated, of whom the majority worked in university-affiliated hospitals (28 of 31 [90.3%]), specialized in benign gynecology (20 of 31 [64.5%]), and worked in Europe (24 of 31 [77.4%]). Three rounds were required to achieve consensus on all items. All participants underlined the relevance of a new term for a condition caused by a symptomatic niche and its differentiation from a sonographic finding only. Experts agreed to name this condition cesarean scar disorder, defined as a uterine niche in combination with at least 1 primary or 2 secondary symptoms (RoA, 77.8%). Defined primary symptoms were postmenstrual spotting, pain during uterine bleeding, technical issues with catheter insertion during embryo transfer, and secondary unexplained infertility combined with intrauterine fluid. Secondary symptoms were dyspareunia, abnormal vaginal discharge, chronic pelvic pain, avoiding sexual intercourse, odor associated with abnormal blood loss, secondary unexplained infertility, secondary infertility despite assisted reproductive technology, negative self-image, and discomfort during participation in leisure activities. Consensus was also achieved on certain criteria that should be met and conditions that should be excluded before making the diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In this modified Delphi study, a panel of 31 international niche experts reached consensus for the constellation of symptoms secondary to a uterine niche and named it cesarean scar disorder.
Date Issued
2023-03-01
Date Acceptance
2023-02-12
Citation
JAMA Network Open, 2023, 6 (3), pp.1-11
ISSN
2574-3805
Publisher
JAMA Network
Start Page
1
End Page
11
Journal / Book Title
JAMA Network Open
Volume
6
Issue
3
Copyright Statement
© 2023 The Author(s). Open Access. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the CC-BY License.
License URL
Identifier
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36988956
PII: 2802847
Subjects
Cicatrix
Female
Humans
Infertility
Pelvic Pain
Pregnancy
Uterine Hemorrhage
Uterus
Publication Status
Published
Coverage Spatial
United States
Date Publish Online
2023-03-29