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Noise & HealthSudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) during pregnancy is a rare condition and has not been much studied. The study aimed to perform a systematic review and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) during pregnancy is a rare condition and has not been much studied. The study aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the risk factors, complications, and treatment modalities for SSNHL in pregnant women.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest, and Google Scholar were used for the literature search. The Cochrane technique for assessing risk of bias was used for the article quality appraisal, and RevMan 5.4 was used for conducting the meta-analysis. Standard mean difference (SMD) and odds ratios with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were utilized. Heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed using the I-square (I2) test statistic and the Egger's test, respectively.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The seven primary studies employed prospective and retrospective study designs. The meta-analysis showed that there were fewer risk variables for SSNHL in the experimental group compared with those in the control group (SMD = -0.45 to 3.24, 95% CI = -3.063.63 to 2.16-2.85), indicating that the analysis revealed an insignificant difference. However, the treated patients presented hearing improvement, suggesting a significant analysis (SMD = -0.6710.20, 95% CI = -1.2713.51 to -0.066.88). Furthermore, after therapy, substantial differences were observed in SMD between the two groups (SMD = -0.7415.18, 95% CI = -1.2423.85 to -0.256.40) in favor of the experimental group patients, based on the analysis results of four included studies. However, the I2-value of 0% showed that the heterogeneity was low.
CONCLUSION
SSNHL during pregnancy is a notably rare condition with an unknown cause. However, hormonal fluctuations, particularly increased levels of estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy, have been frequently implicated as potential triggers for SSNHL.
Topics: Humans; Pregnancy; Female; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural; Risk Factors; Hearing Loss, Sudden; Pregnancy Complications
PubMed: 38904824
DOI: 10.4103/nah.nah_62_23 -
Psychoneuroendocrinology Jun 2024Animal research has shown that the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis is inhibited by (chronic and/or severe) stress, which can lead to impaired fertility and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Animal research has shown that the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis is inhibited by (chronic and/or severe) stress, which can lead to impaired fertility and reproductive functioning, presumably caused by the inhibition of gonadal steroid secretion and in interactions with glucocorticoids. However, what has not been clarified is how acute psychosocial stress modulates gonadal steroid secretion in humans. Here we summarize the experimental research on the acute effects of stress on the secretion of gonadal steroids in humans. A systematic literature search revealed 21 studies (with N=881 individuals) measuring testosterone, progesterone or estradiol in response to a standardized acute laboratory stressor in healthy humans. Both our literature review and quantitative meta-analysis suggest that in humans, acute stress stimulates rather than inhibits HPG axis activity, although there is a considerable heterogeneity in the reported methods and results. Increased gonadal steroids in response to acute stress contrasts with many animal studies reporting the opposite pattern, at least regarding severe and/or chronic stressors. We discuss methodological issues and challenges for future research and hope to stimulate experimental studies within this area. A better understanding of these mechanisms is needed, and may have important implications for health and disease, as well as the modulation of various behaviors by acute stressors.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System; Gonadal Steroid Hormones; Gonads; Steroids; Stress, Psychological
PubMed: 38471257
DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2024.107004 -
BMC Women's Health May 2024Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine gynecological disease affecting many women of reproductive age. Clomiphene is the first-line treatment for PCOS... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine gynecological disease affecting many women of reproductive age. Clomiphene is the first-line treatment for PCOS patients, but most individuals may be resistant to it. This study aims to assess the efficacy of dexamethasone and clomiphene in the treatment of PCOS patients, and to provide a theoretical basis for clinicians to study and treat PCOS.
METHODS
Chinese and English databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WanFang Medical Network, and VIP Information Chinese Journal Service Platform (VIP) were searched from the inception to January 2023. Review Manager and Stata software were used for meta- analysis. The risk of bias of eligible studies were assessed using Cochrane's risk of bias tool. Publication bias was assessed by funnel plots, Begg's and Egger's tests.
RESULTS
A total of 12 literatures were finally included, with a total of 1270 PCOS patients. Compared with the control group, dexamethasone combined with clomiphene could significantly improve pregnancy (RR = 1.71, P < 0.00001), ovulation (RR = 1.30, P < 0.00001), luteinizing hormone level (SMD = -0.94, P < 0.00001), estradiol level (SMD = 0.99, P = 0.05), progesterone level (SMD = 5.08, P = 0.002) and testosterone level (SMD = -1.59, P < 0.00001). However, there were no significant effects on ovulation-stimulating hormone level (SMD = 0.15, P = 0.37), adverse reactions (RR = 1.30, P = 0.30), dizziness (RR = 1.50, P = 0.45), and vomiting (RR = 1.67, P = 0.48).
CONCLUSION
The treatment of dexamethasone combined with clomiphene is helpful to improve the ovulation and pregnancy rate in patients with PCOS, and improve the hormone levels of patients.
Topics: Humans; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Clomiphene; Female; Dexamethasone; Fertility Agents, Female; Pregnancy; Drug Therapy, Combination; Treatment Outcome; Pregnancy Rate
PubMed: 38769509
DOI: 10.1186/s12905-024-03141-9 -
BMC Cancer May 2024Cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i) combined with endocrine therapy (ET) are currently recommended by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)...
BACKGROUND
Cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i) combined with endocrine therapy (ET) are currently recommended by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines and the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) guidelines as the first-line (1 L) treatment for patients with hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative, locally advanced/metastatic breast cancer (HR+/HER2- LABC/mBC). Although there are many treatment options, there is no clear standard of care for patients following 1 L CDK4/6i. Understanding the real-world effectiveness of subsequent therapies may help to identify an unmet need in this patient population. This systematic literature review qualitatively synthesized effectiveness and safety outcomes for treatments received in the real-world setting after 1 L CDK4/6i therapy in patients with HR+/ HER2- LABC/mBC.
METHODS
MEDLINE®, Embase, and Cochrane were searched using the Ovid® platform for real-world evidence studies published between 2015 and 2022. Grey literature was searched to identify relevant conference abstracts published from 2019 to 2022. The review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO registration: CRD42023383914). Data were qualitatively synthesized and weighted average median real-world progression-free survival (rwPFS) was calculated for NCCN/ESMO-recommended post-1 L CDK4/6i treatment regimens.
RESULTS
Twenty records (9 full-text articles and 11 conference abstracts) encompassing 18 unique studies met the eligibility criteria and reported outcomes for second-line (2 L) treatments after 1 L CDK4/6i; no studies reported disaggregated outcomes in the third-line setting or beyond. Sixteen studies included NCCN/ESMO guideline-recommended treatments with the majority evaluating endocrine-based therapy; five studies on single-agent ET, six studies on mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors (mTORi) ± ET, and three studies with a mix of ET and/or mTORi. Chemotherapy outcomes were reported in 11 studies. The most assessed outcome was median rwPFS; the weighted average median rwPFS was calculated as 3.9 months (3.3-6.0 months) for single-agent ET, 3.6 months (2.5-4.9 months) for mTORi ± ET, 3.7 months for a mix of ET and/or mTORi (3.0-4.0 months), and 6.1 months (3.7-9.7 months) for chemotherapy. Very few studies reported other effectiveness outcomes and only two studies reported safety outcomes. Most studies had heterogeneity in patient- and disease-related characteristics.
CONCLUSIONS
The real-world effectiveness of current 2 L treatments post-1 L CDK4/6i are suboptimal, highlighting an unmet need for this patient population.
Topics: Humans; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 4; Breast Neoplasms; Receptor, ErbB-2; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 6; Female; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Receptors, Estrogen; Receptors, Progesterone; Progression-Free Survival
PubMed: 38783218
DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12269-8 -
Life (Basel, Switzerland) Jan 2024Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is the most common pregnancy-related liver disease, usually presented in the third trimester with pruritus, elevated... (Review)
Review
Severe Early-Onset Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy Following Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome with Pulmonary Presentation after In Vitro Fertilization: Case Report and Systematic Review of Case Reports.
BACKGROUND
Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is the most common pregnancy-related liver disease, usually presented in the third trimester with pruritus, elevated transaminase, and serum total bile acids. Evidence shows that it can be developed in the first trimester, more commonly after in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures, with the presence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).
METHODS
A literature search was conducted in the PubMed/MEDLINE database of case reports/studies reporting early-onset ICP in spontaneous and IVF pregnancies published until July 2023.
RESULTS
Thirty articles on early-onset ICP were included in the review analysis, with 19 patients who developed ICP in spontaneous pregnancy and 15 patients who developed ICP in IVF pregnancies with or without OHSS. Cases of 1st and 2nd trimester ICP in terms of "early-onset" ICP were pooled to gather additional findings.
CONCLUSIONS
Proper monitoring should be applied even before expected pregnancy and during IVF procedures in patients with known risk factors for OHSS and ICP development (patient and family history), with proper progesterone supplementation dosage and genetic testing in case of ICP recurrence.
PubMed: 38255744
DOI: 10.3390/life14010129 -
Biomedicines May 2024Endometriosis is a benign condition affecting women of reproductive age. A potential association with ovarian cancer has been documented. Atypical endometriosis (AE) is... (Review)
Review
Endometriosis is a benign condition affecting women of reproductive age. A potential association with ovarian cancer has been documented. Atypical endometriosis (AE) is characterized by deviations from the typical microscopic appearance of endometriosis, including cytologic and architectural atypia. AE has been recognized as a potential precursor to endometriosis-associated ovarian cancers (EAOC), particularly endometrioid and clear cell subtypes. AE presents challenges in diagnosis due to its diverse clinical and pathological features, often requiring careful histological evaluation for accurate identification. Architectural AE, defined by localized proliferation of crowded glands with atypical epithelium resembling endometrial neoplasia, and cytologic AE, characterized by nuclear atypia within the epithelial lining of endometriotic cysts, are key subtypes. Immunohistochemical and molecular studies have revealed aberrant expression of markers such as Ki67, COX-2, BAF250a, p53, estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and IMP-3. Long-term follow-up studies suggest relatively low recurrence and malignant transformation rates among patients with AE, but uncertainties persist regarding its exact malignancy potential and optimal management strategies. Integration of artificial intelligence and shared molecular aberrations between AE and EAOC may enhance diagnostic accuracy. Continuous interdisciplinary collaboration and ongoing research efforts are crucial for a deeper understanding of the relationship between endometriosis and carcinogenesis, ultimately improving patient care and surveillance.
PubMed: 38927416
DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12061209 -
Human Reproduction Open 2024Is exposure to dydrogesterone a risk factor for congenital anomalies when given in the first trimester for recurrent/threatened pregnancy loss or as luteal support in... (Review)
Review
STUDY QUESTION
Is exposure to dydrogesterone a risk factor for congenital anomalies when given in the first trimester for recurrent/threatened pregnancy loss or as luteal support in assisted reproductive technology (ART)?
SUMMARY ANSWER
Dydrogesterone, when given in the first trimester for recurrent/threatened pregnancy loss or as luteal support in ART, is not a relevant additional risk factor for congenital anomalies.
WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY
Despite large clinical trials and meta-analyses that show no association between dydrogesterone and congenital anomalies, some recently retracted publications have postulated an association with teratogenicity. Dydrogesterone is also often rated as less safe than bioidentical progestins.
STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION
A systematic review was conducted according to a pre-specified protocol with searches on Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Clinicaltrials.gov. The search was limited to human studies, with no restrictions on language, geographical region, or date. The search algorithm used a PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome)-style approach combining both simple search terms and medical subject heading terms. As congenital anomalies are mostly reported as secondary outcomes, the search term 'safety' was added.
PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING METHODS
Interventional study and observational study (OS) designs were eligible for inclusion. Inclusion criteria were: women >17 years old treated for threatened miscarriage, recurrent pregnancy loss, and/or ART; the use of dydrogesterone in the first trimester compared with placebo, no treatment or other interventions; and reporting of congenital anomalies in newborns or infants ≤12 months old (primary outcome). Two authors (A.K., M.R.N.) independently extracted the following data: general study information, study population details, intervention and comparator(s), and frequencies of congenital anomalies (classification, time of determination, and type). Risk of bias focused on the reporting of congenital malformations and was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool Version 2 or the ROBINS-I tool. The GRADEproGDT platform was used to generate the GRADE summary of findings table.
MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE
Of the 897 records retrieved during the literature search, 47 were assessed for eligibility. Nine studies were included in the final analysis: six randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and three OSs. Among the RCTs, three had a low risk and three a high risk of bias. Two of the OSs were considered to have a serious risk of bias and one with critical risk of bias and was excluded for the evidence syntheses. The eight remaining studies included a total of 5070 participants and 2680 live births from 16 countries. In the meta-analysis of RCTs only, the overall risk ratio (RR) was 0.92 [95% CI 0.55; 1.55] with low certainty. When the two OSs were included, the overall RR was 1.11 [95% CI 0.73; 1.68] with low certainty.
LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION
The studies included in the analysis do not report congenital anomalies as the primary outcome; reporting of congenital anomalies was often not standardized.
WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS
This systematic literature review and meta-analysis provide clear reassurance to both clinicians and patients that dydrogesterone is not associated with congenital anomalies above the rate that might be expected due to environmental and genetic factors. The results of this work represent the highest current level of evidence for the question of congenital anomalies, which removes the existing uncertainty caused by poor quality and retracted studies.
STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS
Editorial support was provided by Highfield Communication Consultancy, Oxford, UK, sponsored by Abbott Products Operations AG, Allschwil, Switzerland. A.K., J.A.G.-V., L.P.S., J.N.v.d.A., and J.F.S. received honoraria from Abbott for preparation and participation in an advisory board. J.A.G.-V. received grants and lecture fees from Merck, Organon, Ferring, Gedeon Richter, and Theramex. M.R.N. has no conflicts of interest. J.N.v.d.A. and J.A.G.-V. have no other conflicts of interest. A.K. received payment from Abbott for a talk at the IVF Worldwide congress on 22 September 2023. J.F.S. has received grants from the National Institutes of Health, royalties/licences from Elsevier and Prescient Medicine (SOLVD Health), consulting fees from Burroughs Wellcome Fund (BWF) and Bayer, honoraria from Magee Women's Research Institute, Wisconsin National Primate Research Centre, University of Kansas and Oakridge National Research Laboratory, Agile, Daiichi Sankyo/American Regent, and Bayer, and travel support to attend meetings for the International Academy of Human Reproduction (IAHR). J.F.S. has patents related to diagnosis and treatment of PCOS and prediction of preterm birth. J.F.S. participates on advisory boards for SOLVD Health, Wisconsin National Primate Research Centre, and FHI360, was the past President board member of the Society for Reproductive Investigation, has a leadership role for the following organizations: Scientific Advisory Board, SOLVD Health, EAB Chair for contraceptive technology initiative, FHI360, EAB member, Wisconsin National Primate Research Centre, Advisory Board for MWRI Summit, Chair of BWF NextGen Pregnancy Research Panel, Medical Executive Committee at the Howard, and Georgeanna Jones Foundation, and is Vice President, IAHR. L.P.S. has received consulting fees from Shield Pharmaceuticals, Scynexis, Organon, Natera, Celula China, AiVF, Agile, Daiichi Sankyo, American Regent, and Medicem, honoraria from Agile, Daiichi Sankyo/American Regent, and Bayer, and travel support from BD Diagnostics. L.P.S. participates on the data safety monitoring board for Astellas and is a Chair of DSMB for fezolinetant. Abbott played no role in the funding of the study or in study design, data collection, data analysis, data interpretation, or writing of the report.
TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
PROSPERO 2022 CRD42022356977.
PubMed: 38344249
DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoae004 -
Medicine Jul 2023To evaluate the efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine formulas combined with acupuncture for the treatment of ovulation dysfunction infertility (ODI). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine formulas combined with acupuncture in the treatment of ovulation dysfunction infertility: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine formulas combined with acupuncture for the treatment of ovulation dysfunction infertility (ODI).
METHODS
From January 1, 2018 to March 12, 2023, 7 electronic databases, PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang Database, and CBM, were systematically searched to identify eligible randomized controlled trial studies.
RESULTS
Meta analysis showed that traditional Chinese medicine combined with acupuncture can more effectively improve sex hormone levels compared to Western medicine alone, including follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) in older patients (standardized mean difference [SMD]: 3.00; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.35-3.66; P = .024, I 2 = 28%), FSH in younger patients (SMD: 0.45; 95% CI: -0.15, 1.05; P = .03, I 2 = 71%), estradiol (E2) (SMD: 7.50; 95% CI: v0.47, 15.48; P < .00001, I 2 = 99%), and progesterone (P) (SMD: 2.20; 95% CI: 2.07-2.33; P < .00001, I 2 = 29%). Compared to Western medicine alone, traditional Chinese medicine combined with acupuncture also had a better effect to increase ovulation rate (risk ratio [RR]: 2.46; 95% CI: 1.72-3.52; P < .00001, I 2 = 0%), pregnancy rate (RR: 2.50; 95% CI: 1.96-3.18; P < .00001, I 2 = 0%), maximum follicle diameter (MFD) (SMD: 2.27; 95% CI: 1.37-3.16; P < .00001, I 2 = 91%), and endometrial thickness (SMD: 1.71; 95% CI: 1.31-2.11; P < .00001, I 2 = 87%). The combination of traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture also had better effects on quality of life (RR: 0.19; 95% CI: 0.15-0.23; P < .00001, I 2 = 0%) and reduced adverse reactions (RR: 0.15; 95% CI: 0.05-0.48; P = .001, I 2 = 0%), compared to Western medicine alone.
CONCLUSION
This study shows evidence that traditional Chinese medicine formulas combined with acupuncture are an effective and safe treatment approach. However, this conclusion requires further confirmation due to the insufficient quality of the included trials.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Aged; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Quality of Life; Acupuncture Therapy; Infertility; Ovulation; Follicle Stimulating Hormone
PubMed: 37417606
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000034310 -
The Journal of International Medical... Jul 2023In this article, we present a rare case of breast metastasis of lung cancer. Chest computed tomography (CT) for a woman in her early 50s indicated right lung malignancy,...
In this article, we present a rare case of breast metastasis of lung cancer. Chest computed tomography (CT) for a woman in her early 50s indicated right lung malignancy, multiple bone metastases, and an irregular mass in her right breast. Further inquiry into the case history revealed that the patient had been aware of the breast mass for 3 years, without respiratory symptoms. Biopsy of the breast mass suggested estrogen receptor (ER) (+), progesterone receptor (PR) (-), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) (+ +) breast cancer. The patient was initially diagnosed with breast cancer with lung and bone metastasis. However, comprehensive breast cancer treatment was ineffective, and thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1), napsin A, and cytokeratin 7 (CK7) were evaluated to better understand the origin of the cancer. To the best of our knowledge, this patient had the longest reported disease course from presentation with a breast lump as the first symptom to the final diagnosis of breast metastasis of lung cancer. To provide a better reference for differential diagnosis of ambiguous tumors, we also performed a systematic literature review.
Topics: Humans; Female; Breast Neoplasms; Lung Neoplasms; Skin Neoplasms; Breast; Neoplasms, Second Primary; Bone Neoplasms; Melanoma, Cutaneous Malignant
PubMed: 37523488
DOI: 10.1177/03000605231188287 -
PloS One 2024Breast cancer (BC) diagnosis and treatment rely heavily on molecular markers such as HER2, Ki67, PR, and ER. Currently, these markers are identified by invasive methods. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Breast cancer (BC) diagnosis and treatment rely heavily on molecular markers such as HER2, Ki67, PR, and ER. Currently, these markers are identified by invasive methods.
OBJECTIVE
This meta-analysis investigates the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound-based radiomics as a novel approach to predicting these markers.
METHODS
A comprehensive search of PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases was conducted to identify studies evaluating ultrasound-based radiomics in BC. Inclusion criteria encompassed research on HER2, Ki67, PR, and ER as key molecular markers. Quality assessment using Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) and Radiomics Quality Score (RQS) was performed. The data extraction step was performed systematically.
RESULTS
Our meta-analysis quantifies the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound-based radiomics with a sensitivity and specificity of 0.76 and 0.78 for predicting HER2, 0.80, and 0.76 for Ki67 biomarkers. Studies did not provide sufficient data for quantitative PR and ER prediction analysis. The overall quality of studies based on the RQS tool was moderate. The QUADAS-2 evaluation showed that the studies had an unclear risk of bias regarding the flow and timing domain.
CONCLUSION
Our analysis indicated that AI models have a promising accuracy for predicting key molecular biomarkers' status in BC patients. We performed the quantitative analysis for HER2 and Ki67 biomarkers which yielded a moderate to high accuracy. However, studies did not provide adequate data for meta-analysis of ER and PR prediction accuracy of developed models. The overall quality of the studies was acceptable. In future research, studies need to report the results thoroughly. Also, we suggest more prospective studies from different centers.
Topics: Humans; Breast Neoplasms; Female; Biomarkers, Tumor; Artificial Intelligence; Receptor, ErbB-2; Ki-67 Antigen; Ultrasonography; Receptors, Estrogen; Receptors, Progesterone
PubMed: 38820391
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303669