A new evaluation score that uses salpingoscopy to reflect fallopian tube function in infertile women

Abstract

Objective: To build an evaluation scoring system using the results of salpingoscopy, and to evaluate the relationship between this scoring system and the outcome of pregnancy.

Design: Retrospective study.

Setting: Sugiyama Clinic.

Intervention(s): Using salpingoscopy, we observed the tubal lumen, paying attention to the following six results: adhesions, loss of mucosal folds, rounded edges of mucosal folds, debris, foreign bodies, and abnormal vessels.

Patient(s): From April 2008 through June 2009, 104 women in whom unexplained infertility had been diagnosed underwent salpingoscopy. The F scores were evaluated related with various clinical results or pregnancy rates.

Main outcome measure(s): The F score expressed the sum of the abnormal results, and one abnormal result was given a 1-point F score.

Results: Approximately 60% of the patients showed an F score of 0, and the percentages of patients who showed 1, 2, 3, and ≥4 points were 19.2%, 11.5%, 4.5%, and 4.5%, respectively. After evaluation, 23 patients achieved pregnancy within a year. The pregnancy rates for patients with F scores of 0 and 1 point were 30.6% and 20.0%, respectively, and the rate of patients with an F score of 0 was significantly higher than the rate of patients with high F scores (F score ≥2; 9.1%).

Conclusion(s): The patients showing a lower F score (0 or 1) showed higher fecundity than those showing an F score of ≥2.