Endometrial polyps with increased plasma cells are associated with chronic endometritis in infertility patients: Hysteroscopic findings and post-polypectomy pregnancy rates

Abstract

Purpose: The relationship between endometrial polyps (EPs), chronic endometritis (CE), hysteroscopic findings, and antimicrobial in infertility patients was determined.

Methods: We retrospectively enrolled 115 infertility patients with suspected EPs who underwent office hysteroscopy. Patients were divided into 3 groups: 38 with increased plasma cells in EPs (group 1); 31 without increased plasma cells in EPs (group 2); and 46 without EPs (group 3). The 3 groups underwent hysteroscopy with or without polypectomies, and immediately thereafter, an endometrial aspiration biopsy (EAB) was performed. CE was diagnosed based on plasma cell infiltration in the non-polypoid endometrium obtained by EAB.

Results: The percentage of CE was 68.4%, 32.2%, and 28.3% in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. CE was more frequent in group 1 than group 2 or 3 (P = .01 and P = .002, respectively). The number of polyps was higher in group 1 than group 2. After adjustment for age and assisted reproductive technology, antibiotic therapy was not associated with pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio, 0.44; 95% confidence interval, 0.05-3.57) in patients with EPs and CE.

Conclusions: Group 1 was associated with CE, and hysteroscopic findings were different from group 2. Antibiotic therapy after polypectomy for EPs with CE may not always be necessary.

Keywords: endometritis; hysteroscopy; infertility; plasma cell; polyp.