Presence of hydrosalpinx correlated to endometrial inflammatory response in vivo.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate and compare the inflammatory response and mediators in the endometrium of patients with hydrosalpinges compared with normal controls.

DESIGN

Retrospective case-control study.

SETTING

Urban medical center.

PATIENT(S) AND INTERVENTION(S): Hysterectomy samples were identified as being affected by hydrosalpinx or salpingitis (n = 30) and were age-matched with control samples (n = 30).

INTERVENTIONS: Fallopian tube and endometrial slides were analyzed for leukocytes and immunohistochemical techniques performed for cytokines (interleukin-2 [IL-2]).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Evaluate and compare the endometrial inflammatory response (leukocytes and cytokines) from samples affected and non-affected by hydrosalpinx and salpingitis.

RESULT(S): Examination of tubal and endometrial slides with hydrosalpinx demonstrated a statistically significant increase in the number of overall inflammatory cells. High-intensity immunohistochemical staining for IL-2 was demonstrated in 7.4% of controls versus 65% of cases.

CONCLUSION(S): A defined, identifiable, local response to hydrosalpingeal fluid has been demonstrated in the endometrium. This response consists of statistically significant elevations of leukocytes and IL-2. An inflammatory endometrial response may be an independent contributor to the decreased reproductive outcome observed in patients with hydrosalpinges.