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The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Mar 2015Uterine fibroids (also known as leiomyomas) are the most common benign pelvic tumours among women. They may be asymptomatic, or may be associated with pelvic symptoms... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Uterine fibroids (also known as leiomyomas) are the most common benign pelvic tumours among women. They may be asymptomatic, or may be associated with pelvic symptoms such as bleeding and pain. Medical treatment of this condition is limited and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues are the most effective agents. Long-term treatment with such agents, however, is restricted due to their adverse effects. The addition of other medications during treatment with GnRH analogues, a strategy known as add-back therapy, may limit these side effects. There is concern, however, that add-back therapy may also limit the efficacy of the GnRH analogues and that it may not be able to completely prevent their adverse effects.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the short-term (within 12 months) effectiveness and safety of add-back therapy for women using GnRH analogues for uterine fibroids associated with excessive uterine bleeding, pelvic pain, or urinary symptoms.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched electronic databases including the Cochrane Menstrual Disorders and Subfertility Group (MDSG) Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, LILACS, CINAHL, PsycINFO; and electronic registries of ongoing trials including ClinicalTrials.gov, Current Controlled Trials, World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. All searches were from database inception to 16 June 2014.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that included women with uterine fibroids experiencing irregular or intense uterine bleeding, cyclic or non-cyclic pelvic pain, or urinary symptoms, and that compared treatment with a GnRH analogue plus add-back therapy versus a GnRH analogue alone or combined with placebo were eligible for inclusion.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two authors independently reviewed the identified titles and abstracts for potentially eligible records. Two review authors reviewed eligible studies and independently extracted data. Two authors independently assessed the studies' risk of bias. They assessed the quality of the evidence using GRADE criteria.
MAIN RESULTS
Fourteen RCTs were included in the review. Data were extracted from 12 studies (622 women). The primary outcome was quality of life (QoL).Add-back therapy with medroxyprogesterone (MPA): no studies reported QoL or uterine bleeding. There was no evidence of effect in relation to bone mass (standardized mean difference (SMD) 0.38, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.62 to 1.38, 1 study, 16 women, P = 0.45, low quality evidence) and MPA was associated with a larger uterine volume (mean difference (MD) 342.19 cm(3), 95% CI 77.58 to 606.80, 2 studies, 32 women, I(2) = 0%, low quality evidence).Tibolone: this was associated with a higher QoL but the estimate was imprecise and the effect could be clinically insignificant, small or large (SMD 0.47, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.85, 1 study, 110 women, P = 0.02, low quality evidence). It was also associated with a decreased loss of bone mass, which could be insignificant, small or moderate (SMD 0.36, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.7, 3 studies, 160 women, I(2) = 7%, moderate quality evidence). Tibolone may, however, have been associated with larger uterine volumes (MD 23.89 cm(3), 95% CI= 8.13 to 39.66, 6 studies, 365 women, I(2) = 0%, moderate quality evidence) and more uterine bleeding (results were not combined but three studies demonstrated greater bleeding with tibolone while two other studies demonstrated no bleeding in either group). Four studies (268 women; not pooled owing to extreme heterogeneity) reported a large benefit on vasomotor symptoms in the tibolone group.Raloxifene: there was no evidence of an effect on QoL (SMD 0.11, 95% CI -0.57 to 0.34, 1 study, 74 women, P = 0.62, low quality evidence), while there was a beneficial impact on bone mass (SMD 1.01, 95% CI 0.57 to 1.45, 1 study, 91 women, P < 0.00001, low quality evidence). There was no clear evidence of effect on uterine volume (MD 27.1 cm(3), 95% CI -17.94 to 72.14, 1 study, 91 women, P = 0.24, low quality evidence), uterine bleeding or severity of vasomotor symptoms (MD 0.2 hot flushes/day, 95% CI -0.34 to 0.74, 1 study, 91 women, P = 0.46, low quality evidence).Estriol: no studies reported QoL, uterine size, uterine bleeding or vasomotor symptoms. Add-back with estriol may have led to decreased loss of bone mass, from results of a single study (SMD 3.93, 95% CI 1.7 to 6.16, 1 study, 12 women, P = 0.0005, low quality evidence).Ipriflavone: no studies reported QoL, uterine size or uterine bleeding. Iproflavone was associated with decreased loss of bone mass in a single study (SMD 2.71, 95% CI 2.14 to 3.27, 1 study, 95 women, P < 0.00001, low quality evidence); there was no evidence of an effect on the rate of vasomotor symptoms (RR 0.67, 95% Cl 0.44 to 1.02, 1 study, 95 women, P = 0.06, low quality evidence).Conjugated estrogens: no studies reported QoL, uterine size, uterine bleeding or vasomotor symptoms. One study suggested that adding conjugated estrogens to GnRH analogues resulted in a larger decrease in uterine volume in the placebo group (MD 105.2 cm(3), 95% CI 27.65 to 182.75, 1 study, 27 women, P = 0.008, very low quality evidence).Nine of 12 studies were at high risk of bias in at least one domain, most commonly lack of blinding. All studies followed participants for a maximum of six months. This short-term follow-up is usually insufficient to observe any significant effect of the treatment on bone health (such as the occurrence of fractures), limiting the findings.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
There was low or moderate quality evidence that tibolone, raloxifene, estriol and ipriflavone help to preserve bone density and that MPA and tibolone may reduce vasomotor symptoms. Larger uterine volume was an adverse effect associated with some add-back therapies (MPA, tibolone and conjugated estrogens). For other comparisons, outcomes of interest were not reported or study findings were inconclusive.
Topics: Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal; Bone Density; Bone Density Conservation Agents; Drug Therapy, Combination; Estriol; Female; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; Humans; Isoflavones; Leiomyoma; Medroxyprogesterone; Norpregnenes; Quality of Life; Raloxifene Hydrochloride; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Uterine Hemorrhage; Uterine Neoplasms
PubMed: 25793972
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD010854.pub2 -
Cureus Dec 2022Epithelioid sarcoma is a rare entity that shows a predilection for the young and middle-aged population. There are two subtypes, i.e., the distal or conventional type,...
Epithelioid sarcoma is a rare entity that shows a predilection for the young and middle-aged population. There are two subtypes, i.e., the distal or conventional type, which is located in distal extremities, and the proximal type, located in proximal areas of the extremities, pelvis, perineal, and genital region. The latter is characterized by more aggressive behavior, a higher recurrence rate, and poor prognosis. Histopathological and immunohistochemical diagnoses are key to correct and timely treatment and a higher survival rate. We report a case of a 41-year-old man who presented a palpable progressive growth mass in the hypogastrium. The disease time was of nine months, and the tumor was resected, but it recurred a few months later in the same location. Computed tomography (CT) scans showed images suggestive of lung metastasis and the patient had to undergo a second surgery. He received eight cycles of chemotherapy and a subsequent CT scan control showed the progression of the disease, so a new chemotherapy regimen was established. The patient received three cycles of chemotherapy without improvement, so he decided to discontinue treatment. His last outpatient medical consultation was in January 2022. A systematic review of the studies published in PubMed and Google Scholar was performed. We identified 291 articles, but only 41 reports and case series were included, with a total of 55 patients. It is important to include this type of tumor in the differential diagnosis of epithelial tumors due to its aggressive behavior. Correct and timely diagnosis is crucial to obtain lower recurrence rates, lower mortality, and higher survival rates in these patients.
PubMed: 36712724
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.32962 -
Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) Oct 2021If interplanetary travel is to be successful over the coming decades, it is essential that countermeasures to minimize deterioration of the musculoskeletal system are as... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
If interplanetary travel is to be successful over the coming decades, it is essential that countermeasures to minimize deterioration of the musculoskeletal system are as effective as possible, given the increased duration of spaceflight associated with such missions. The aim of this review, therefore, is to determine the magnitude of deconditioning of the musculoskeletal system during prolonged spaceflight and recommend possible methods to enhance the existing countermeasures.
METHODS
A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Ovid and Scopus databases. 5541 studies were identified prior to the removal of duplicates and the application of the following inclusion criteria: (1) group means and standard deviations for pre- and post-spaceflight for measures of strength, muscle mass or bone density were reported (or provided by the corresponding author when requested via e-mail), (2) exercise-based countermeasures were included, (3) the population of the studies were human, (4) muscle function was assessed and (5) spaceflight rather than simulated spaceflight was used. The methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated using a modified Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale for quality, with publication bias assessed using a failsafe N (Rosenthal method), and consistency of studies analysed using I as a test of heterogeneity. Secondary analysis of studies included Hedges' g effect sizes, and between-study differences were estimated using a random-effects model.
RESULTS
A total of 11 studies were included in the meta-analyses. Heterogeneity of the completed meta-analyses was conducted revealing homogeneity for bone mineral density (BMD) and spinal muscle size (Tau < 0.001; I = 0.00%, p > 0.05), although a high level of heterogeneity was noted for lower body force production (Tau = 1.546; I = 76.03%, p < 0.001) and lower body muscle mass (Tau = 1.386; I = 74.38%, p < 0.001). The estimated variance (≤ -0.306) for each of the meta-analyses was significant (p ≤ 0.033), for BMD (- 0.48 to - 0.53, p < 0.001), lower body force production (- 1.75, p < 0.001) and lower body muscle size (- 1.98, p < 0.001). Spaceflight results in small reductions in BMD of the femur (Hedges g = - 0.49 [- 0.69 to - 0.28]), trochanter (Hedges g = - 0.53 [- 0.77 to - 0.29]), and lumbo-pelvic region (Hedges g = - 0.48 [- 0.73 to - 0.23]), but large decreases in lower limb force production (Hedges g = - 1.75 [- 2.50 to - 0.99]) and lower limb muscle size (Hedges g = - 1.98 [- 2.72 to - 1.23]).
CONCLUSIONS
Current exercise countermeasures result in small reductions in BMD during long-duration spaceflight. In contrast, such exercise protocols do not alleviate the reductions in muscle function or muscle size, which may be attributable to the low to moderate loads reported by crewmembers and the interference effect associated with concurrent training. It is recommended that higher-load resistance exercise and the use of high-intensity interval training should be investigated, to determine if such modifications to the reported training practices result in more effective countermeasures to the deleterious effect of long-duration spaceflight on the muscular system.
Topics: Bone Density; Exercise; Humans; Muscle Strength; Space Flight; Time Factors
PubMed: 34115344
DOI: 10.1007/s40279-021-01496-9 -
Acta Orthopaedica Et Traumatologica... May 2022This study aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the risk factors for proximal junctional kyphosis after the correction surgery of adult... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the risk factors for proximal junctional kyphosis after the correction surgery of adult spinal deformity.
METHODS
Relevant studies were systematically retrieved from databases including Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Embase. Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, literature screening, quality evaluation, and data extraction were conducted. Analysis was performed with Revman 5.3 software.
RESULTS
Sixteen studies with 2388 patients, covering 905 cases with proximal junctional kyphosis and 1483 cases without proximal junctional kyphosis, were included in the study. The high-risk factors for the development of proximal junctional kyphosis were found to be high body mass index, osteoporosis, severe fatty infiltration of paravertebral muscles, small functional area of paravertebral muscles, lumbar lordosis over-correction, lack of ligament reinforcement device at the proximal vertebrae and upper instrumented vertebra at the thoracolumbar segment, and pelvic fixation. The results were statistically significant.
CONCLUSION
Evidence from this study has revealed that the independent risk factors for proximal junctional kyphosis complications after correction surgery of adult spinal deformity are high body mass index, osteoporosis, severe degeneration of paravertebral muscles, lumbar lordosis overcorrection, fixed fusion to the pelvis, and lack of ligament reinforcement device at the proximal vertebrae and upper instrumented vertebra at the thoracolumbar segment.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level IV, Therapeutic Study.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Kyphosis; Lordosis; Lumbar Vertebrae; Osteoporosis; Postoperative Complications; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Spinal Fusion; Thoracic Vertebrae
PubMed: 35703502
DOI: 10.5152/j.aott.2022.21255 -
Sexually Transmitted Infections Feb 2022The UK National Chlamydia Screening Programme uses an opportunistic approach. Many programmes use campaigns to raise awareness of chlamydia screening in young people....
What is the effectiveness of community-based health promotion campaigns on chlamydia screening uptake in young people and what barriers and facilitators have been identified? A mixed-methods systematic review.
BACKGROUND
The UK National Chlamydia Screening Programme uses an opportunistic approach. Many programmes use campaigns to raise awareness of chlamydia screening in young people. This review aimed to assess the effectiveness of campaigns on uptake of chlamydia screening in young people.
METHODS
We conducted a mixed-methods systematic review of articles assessing the outcomes of community-based health-promotion campaigns to increase chlamydia screening in young people, their experiences of the campaigns and other facilitators and barriers to the conduct of the campaigns. We searched four databases for quantitative and qualitative studies with no language restrictions.
MAIN RESULTS
From 10 329 records identified, 19 studies (20 articles) were included in the review: 14 quantitative, 2 qualitative and 3 mixed methods. All studies with quantitative outcomes were before-after study designs or interrupted time series. The prediction interval for relative change (RC) in test counts ranged from 0.95 to 1.56, with a summary pooled estimate of RC 1.22 (95% CI 1.14 to 1.30, 13 studies, I=97%). For test positivity rate, 95% prediction interval was 0.59 to 1.48, with a summary pooled estimate of RC 0.93 (95% CI 0.81 to 1.07, 8 studies, I=91.8%). Large variation in characteristics between studies precluded exploring outcomes by type of campaign components. Seven major qualitative themes to improve screening were identified: targeting of campaigns; quality of materials and message; language; anonymity; use of technology; relevance; and variety of testing options.
CONCLUSIONS
Health promotion campaigns aiming to increase chlamydia testing in those aged 15-24 years may show some effectiveness in increasing overall numbers of tests, however numbers of positive tests do not follow the same trend. Qualitative findings indicate that campaigns require clear, relevant messaging that displays the full range of testing options and assures anonymity in order to be effective.
Topics: Adolescent; Chlamydia Infections; Health Promotion; Humans; Interrupted Time Series Analysis; Mass Screening; Public Health; Qualitative Research; United Kingdom; Young Adult
PubMed: 34446545
DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2021-055142 -
Neurospine Sep 2021The aim of study is to investigate the features and risk factors of rod fracture (RF) following adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of study is to investigate the features and risk factors of rod fracture (RF) following adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery.
METHODS
We searched the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases to identify relevant studies. Patient's data including age, sex, body mass index (BMI), previous spine surgery, pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO), interbody fusion, fusion to the pelvis, smoking history, preoperative sagittal vertical axis (SVA), preoperative pelvic tilt (PT), preoperative pelvic incidence minus lumbar lordosis, preoperative thoracic kyphosis (TK), and change in the SVA were documented. Comparable factors were evaluated using odds ratio (OR) and weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI).
RESULTS
Seven studies were included. The overall incidence of RF following ASD surgery was 12%. Advanced age (WMD, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.01-4.59; p < 0.002), higher BMI (WMD, 1.98; 95% CI, 0.65-3.31; p = 0.004), previous spine surgery (OR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.05-2.04; p = 0.02), PSO (OR, 2.28; 95% CI, 1.62-3.19; p < 0.0001), a larger preoperative PT (WMD, 6.17; 95% CI, 3.55-8.97; p < 0.00001), and a larger preoperative TK (WMD, 5.19; 95% CI, 1.41-8.98; p = 0.007) were identified as risk factors for incidence of RF.
CONCLUSION
The incidence of RF in patients following ASD surgery was 12%. Advanced age, higher BMI, previous spine surgery, and PSO were significantly associated with an increased occurrence of RF. A larger preoperative PT and TK were also identified as risk factors for occurrence of RF following ASD surgery.
PubMed: 34610673
DOI: 10.14245/ns.2040832.416 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Apr 2024Malignant-associated abdominal wall endometriosis (AWE) is a rare pathology, likely to occur in 1% of scar endometriosis. The objectives of this study were to update... (Review)
Review
Malignant-associated abdominal wall endometriosis (AWE) is a rare pathology, likely to occur in 1% of scar endometriosis. The objectives of this study were to update the evidence on tumor degeneration arising from AWE to notify about the clinical characteristics, the different treatments offered to patients and their outcomes. A comprehensive systematic review of the literature was conducted. PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases were used. Prospero (ID number: CRD42024505274). Out of the 152 studies identified, 63 were included, which involved 73 patients. The main signs and symptoms were a palpable abdominal mass (85.2%) and cyclic pelvic pain (60.6%). The size of the mass varied between 3 and 25 cm. Mean time interval from the first operation to onset of malignant transformation was 20 years. Most common cancerous histological types were clear cell and endometrioid subtypes. Most widely accepted treatment is the surgical resection of local lesions with wide margins combined with adjuvant chemotherapy. The prognosis for endometriosis-associated malignancy in abdominal wall scars is poor, with a five-year survival rate of around 40%. High rates of relapse have been reported. Endometrial implants in the abdominal wall should be considered as preventable complications of gynecological surgeries. Special attention should be paid to women with a history of cesarean section or uterine surgery.
PubMed: 38673556
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13082282 -
Frontiers in Oncology 2019Newer technologies such as near-infrared (NIR) imaging of the fluorescent dye indocyanine green (ICG) and daVinci Xi Surgical System have become promising tools for...
Newer technologies such as near-infrared (NIR) imaging of the fluorescent dye indocyanine green (ICG) and daVinci Xi Surgical System have become promising tools for sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping. This meta-analysis was conducted to comprehensively evaluate the diagnostic value of SLN in assessing lymph nodal metastasis in pelvic malignancies, using ICG with NIR imaging in robotic-assisted surgery. A literature search was conducted using PubMed for studies in English before April 2019. The detection rate, sensitivity of SLN detection of metastatic disease, and factors associated with successful mapping (sample size, study design, mean age, mean body mass index, type of cancer) were synthesized for meta-analysis. A total of 17 articles including 1,059 patients were finally included. The reported detection rates of SLN ranged from 76 to 100%, with a pooled average rate of 95% (95% CI: 93-97; 17 studies). The sensitivity of SLN detection of metastatic disease ranged from 50 to 100% and the pooled sensitivity was 86% (95% CI: 75-94; 8 studies). There were no complications related to ICG administration reported. NIR imaging system using ICG in robotic-assisted surgery is a feasible and safe method for SLN mapping. Due to its promising performance, it is considered to be an alternative to a complete pelvic lymph node dissection.
PubMed: 31312614
DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00585 -
Frontiers in Oncology 2023Castleman´s disease is an extremely rare heterogenous lymphoproliferative pathology with a mostly benign behavior. It is a localized or generalized lymph node...
BACKGROUND
Castleman´s disease is an extremely rare heterogenous lymphoproliferative pathology with a mostly benign behavior. It is a localized or generalized lymph node enlargement of an unknown aetiology. Unicentric form is typically a slow-growing solitary mass occurring mostly in the mediastinum, abdominal cavity, retroperitoneum, pelvis and neck. Aetiology and pathogenesis of CD is probably diverse, varying in different types of this heterogeneous disease.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Authors present a review of this issue based on their extensive experience. The aim is to summarize the crucial factors in the management of diagnostics and a surgical treatment of the unicentric form of Castleman´s disease. One of the key issues in the unicentric form is precise preoperative diagnostics and thus choosing the right surgical treatment strategy. Authors highlight pitfalls of the diagnosis and surgical treatment.
RESULTS
All histological types such as a hyaline vascular type, plasmacytic type and a mixed type are presented as well as options of surgical and conservative treatment. Differential diagnosis and malignant potential is discussed.
CONCLUSION
Patients with Castleman´s disease should be treated in the high- volume centers, with a great experience in major surgical procedures as well as with preoperative imaging diagnostic techniques. Specialized pathologists and oncologists focusing on this issue are also absolutely necessary to avoid misdiagnosis. Only this complex approach can lead to excellent outcomes in patients with UCD.
PubMed: 36793610
DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1057683 -
Annals of Hepatology 2020Endometriosis is characterized by the presence of endometrial-like tissue and stroma in extra-uterine locations. Hepatic endometriosis (HE) is one of the rarest forms of...
Endometriosis is characterized by the presence of endometrial-like tissue and stroma in extra-uterine locations. Hepatic endometriosis (HE) is one of the rarest forms of extrapelvic endometriosis. We aimed to summarize the existing evidence on HE with special consideration to natural history, diagnosis and surgical treatment. Three electronic databases were systematically searched for articles published up to March 2019. All appropriate observational studies and case reports addressing cases of women with HE were considered eligible for inclusion. A total of 27 studies which comprised 32 patients with HE were included. Mean age of patients was 39.7 years. Ten (62.5%) were nulliparous and 24 (75%) were women of reproductive age. Eleven patients (36.7%) had a history of pelvic endometriosis of various sites. Abdominal pain was the primary symptom in 28 patients (87.5%). Preoperative diagnosis of endometriosis was available for 5 patients and 6 underwent a preoperative diagnostic procedure. Cyst resection, minor and major liver resections were performed in 14/31, 9/31 and 8/31 patients, respectively. Preoperative diagnosis of HE is challenging due to variable radiologic features and clinical symptomatology. Nonetheless, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a liver mass especially in premenopausal women with a history of endometriosis. The type of resection of the endometriotic lesion is based on the extent and the location of the disease and presented with favourable outcomes concerning morbidity, symptom relief and recurrence.
Topics: Abdominal Pain; Ascites; Endometriosis; Female; Hepatectomy; Humans; Jaundice; Liver Diseases; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Treatment Outcome; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 31630985
DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2019.08.006