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Obstetrics and Gynecology Jun 2021To systematically review objective and subjective success and complications of apical suspensions for symptomatic uterine or vaginal vault pelvic organ prolapse (POP). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To systematically review objective and subjective success and complications of apical suspensions for symptomatic uterine or vaginal vault pelvic organ prolapse (POP).
DATA SOURCES
MEDLINE, CENTRAL, ClinicalTrials.gov, and EMBASE (2002-2019) were searched using multiple terms for apical POP surgeries, including comparative studies in French and English.
METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION
From 2,665 records, we included randomized controlled trials and comparative studies of interventions with or without hysterectomy, including abdominal apical reconstruction through open, laparoscopic, or robotic approaches and vaginal apical reconstructions. Repairs using transvaginal mesh, off-the-market products, procedures without apical suspension, and follow-up less than 6 months were excluded.
TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS
Relative risk (RR) was used to estimate the effect of surgical procedure on each outcome. For each outcome and comparison, a meta-analysis was conducted to pool the RRs when possible. Meta-regression and bias tests were performed when appropriate. The GRADE (Grades for Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) system for quality rating and PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) reporting were used. Sixty-two articles were included in the review (N=22,792) and 50 studies in the meta-analyses. There was heterogeneity in study quality, techniques used, and outcomes reported. Median follow-up was 1-5 years. Vaginal suspensions showed higher risk of overall and apical anatomic recurrence compared with sacrocolpopexy (RR 1.82, 95% CI 1.22-2.74 and RR 2.70, 95% CI 1.33-5.50) (moderate), whereas minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy showed less overall and posterior anatomic recurrence compared with open sacrocolpopexy (RR 0.59, 95% CI 0.47-0.75 and RR 0.59, 95% CI 0.44-0.80, respectively) (low). Different vaginal approaches, and hysterectomy and suspension compared with hysteropexy had similar anatomic success. Subjective POP recurrence, reintervention for POP recurrence and complications were similar between most procedures.
CONCLUSION
Despite variations in anatomic outcomes, subjective outcomes and complications were similar for apical POP procedures at 1-5 years. Standardization of outcome reporting and comparative studies with longer follow-up are urgently needed.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
PROSPERO, CRD42019133869.
Topics: Female; Humans; Hysterectomy; Laparoscopy; Observational Studies as Topic; Pelvic Organ Prolapse; Postoperative Complications; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Plastic Surgery Procedures; Recurrence; Reoperation; Robotic Surgical Procedures; Sacrum; Surgical Mesh; Vagina
PubMed: 33957652
DOI: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000004393 -
Archivio Italiano Di Urologia,... Oct 2023Urinary incontinence and other urinary symptoms tend to be frequent at menopause because of hormonal modifications and aging. Urinary symptoms are associated with the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Urinary incontinence and other urinary symptoms tend to be frequent at menopause because of hormonal modifications and aging. Urinary symptoms are associated with the genitourinary syndrome of menopause which is characterized by physical changes of the vulva, vagina and lower urinary tract. The treatment strategies for postmenopausal urinary incontinence are various and may include estrogens, anticholinergics, and pelvic floor muscle training. A comparison of these treatments is difficult due to the heterogeneity of adopted protocols. We systematically reviewed the evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) focusing on treatment of postmenopausal women with urge incontinence.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis by searching PubMed and EMBASE databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting results of treatments for postmenopausal urinary urge incontinence. Odds ratios for improvement of urinary incontinence were calculated using random effect Mantel-Haenszel statistics.
RESULTS
Out of 248 records retrieved, 35 eligible RCTs were assessed for risk of bias and included in the meta-analysis. Compared with placebo, systemic estrogens were associated with decreased odds of improving urinary incontinence in postmenopausal women (OR = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.61-0.91, 7 series, 17132 participants, Z = 2.89, P = 0.004, I2 = 72%). In most studies, no significant improvement in urinary symptoms was observed in patients treated with local estrogens, although they showed to be helpful in improving vaginal symptoms. Vitamin D, phytoestrogens and estrogen modulators were not effective in improving symptoms of incontinence and other symptoms of genitourinary menopause syndrome or yielded contradictory results. A randomized controlled trial demonstrated that oxybutynin was significantly better than placebo at improving postmenopausal urgency and urge incontinence. The combination of anticholinergics with local estrogens has not been shown to be more effective than anticholinergics alone in improving urinary incontinence symptoms in postmenopausal women. Physical therapy showed an overall positive outcome on postmenopausal urinary incontinence symptoms, although such evidence should be further validated in the frame of quality RCTs.
CONCLUSIONS
The evidence for effective treatment of postmenopausal urinary incontinence is still lacking. Welldesigned large studies having subjective and objective improvement primary endpoints in postmenopausal urinary incontinence are needed. At present, a combination of different treatments tailored to the characteristics of the individual patient can be suggested.
Topics: Female; Humans; Urinary Incontinence, Urge; Urinary Incontinence, Stress; Postmenopause; Pelvic Floor; Urinary Incontinence; Estrogens; Cholinergic Antagonists; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 37791545
DOI: 10.4081/aiua.2023.11718 -
Reproductive Biomedicine Online Jul 2023Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder affecting reproductive-aged women, but the cause remains unclear. Recent evidence has linked microbial... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder affecting reproductive-aged women, but the cause remains unclear. Recent evidence has linked microbial composition with PCOS; however, the results are inconsistent. The aim of this systematic review was to gather current knowledge of the microbes across body sites (oral cavity, blood, vagina/cervix, gut) in women with PCOS, and meta-analyse the microbial diversity in PCOS. For this purpose, a systematic search using PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane and Scopus was carried out. After selection, 34 studies met the inclusion criteria. Most of the studies associated changes in the microbiome with PCOS, whereas heterogeneity of the studies in terms of ethnicity, body mass index (BMI) and methodology, among other confounders, made it difficult to corroborate this relationship. In fact, 19 out of 34 of the studies were categorised as having high risk of bias when the quality assessment was conducted. Our meta-analysis on the gut microbiome of 14 studies demonstrated that women with PCOS possess significantly lower microbial alpha diversity compared with controls (SMD = -0.204; 95% CI -0.360 to -0.048; P = 0.010; I = 5.508, by Shannon Index), which may contribute to the development of PCOS. Nevertheless, future studies should specifically overcome the shortcomings of the current studies by through well planned and conducted studies with larger sample sizes, proper negative and positive controls and adequate case-control matching.
Topics: Humans; Female; Adult; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Body Mass Index; PubMed; Reproduction
PubMed: 37208218
DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.03.016 -
BMC Women's Health Mar 2023Vulvovaginal yeast infections in pregnancy are common and can cause extensive inflammation, which could contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Symptomatic yeast... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Vulvovaginal yeast infections in pregnancy are common and can cause extensive inflammation, which could contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Symptomatic yeast infections are likely to cause more inflammation than asymptomatic. The objective of this study was to investigate associations between symptomatic and asymptomatic vulvovaginal yeast infections in pregnancy and perinatal outcomes.
METHODS
We did a systematic review and searched eight databases until 01 July 2022. We included studies reporting on pregnant women with and without laboratory confirmed vulvovaginal yeast infection and preterm birth or eight other perinatal outcomes. We used random effects meta-analysis to calculate summary odds ratios (OR), 95% confidence intervals (CI) and prediction intervals for the association between yeast infection and outcomes. We described findings from studies with multivariable analyses. We assessed the risk of bias using published tools.
RESULTS
We screened 3909 references and included 57 studies. Only 22/57 studies reported information about participant vulvovaginal symptoms. Preterm birth was an outcome in 35/57 studies (49,161 women). In 32/35 studies with available data, the summary OR from univariable analyses was 1.01 (95% CI 0.84-1.21, I 60%, prediction interval 0.45-2.23). In analyses stratified by symptom status, we found ORs of 1.44 (95% CI 0.92-2.26) in two studies with ≥ 50% symptomatic participants, 0.84 (95% CI 0.45-1.58) in seven studies with < 50% symptomatic participants, and 1.12 (95% CI 0.94-1.35) in four studies with asymptomatic participants. In three studies with multivariable analysis, adjusted ORs were greater than one but CIs were compatible with there being no association. We did not find associations between vulvovaginal yeast infection and any secondary outcome. Most studies were at high risk of bias in at least one domain and only three studies controlled for confounding.
CONCLUSIONS
We did not find strong statistical evidence of an increased risk for preterm birth or eight other adverse perinatal outcomes, in pregnant women with either symptomatic or asymptomatic vulvovaginal yeast infection. The available evidence is insufficient to make recommendations about testing and treatment of vulvovaginal yeast infection in pregnancy. Future studies should assess vulvovaginal symptoms, yeast organism loads, concomitant vaginal or cervical infections, and microbiota using state-of-the-art diagnostics.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
PROSPERO CRD42020197564.
Topics: Pregnancy; Infant, Newborn; Female; Humans; Premature Birth; Saccharomyces cerevisiae; Pregnancy Outcome; Vagina; Inflammation
PubMed: 36944953
DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02258-7 -
Menopause (New York, N.Y.) Aug 2023Ospemifene is a novel selective estrogen receptor modulator developed for the treatment of moderate to severe postmenopausal vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Efficacy, tolerability, and endometrial safety of ospemifene compared with current therapies for the treatment of vulvovaginal atrophy: a systematic literature review and network meta-analysis.
IMPORTANCE
Ospemifene is a novel selective estrogen receptor modulator developed for the treatment of moderate to severe postmenopausal vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA).
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study is to perform a systematic literature review (SLR) and network meta-analysis (NMA) to assess the efficacy and safety of ospemifene compared with other therapies used in the treatment of VVA in North America and Europe.
EVIDENCE REVIEW
Electronic database searches were conducted in November 2021 in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Randomized or nonrandomized controlled trials targeting postmenopausal women with moderate to severe dyspareunia and/or vaginal dryness and involving ospemifene or at least one VVA local treatment were considered. Efficacy data included changes from baseline in superficial and parabasal cells, vaginal pH, and the most bothersome symptom of vaginal dryness or dyspareunia, as required for regulatory approval. Endometrial outcomes were endometrial thickness and histologic classifications, including endometrial polyp, hyperplasia, and cancer. For efficacy and safety outcomes, a Bayesian NMA was performed. Endometrial outcomes were compared in descriptive analyses.
FINDINGS
A total of 44 controlled trials met the eligibility criteria ( N = 12,637 participants). Network meta-analysis results showed that ospemifene was not statistically different from other active therapies in most efficacy and safety results. For all treatments, including ospemifene, the posttreatment endometrial thickness values (up to 52 wk of treatment) were under the recognized clinical threshold value of 4 mm for significant risk of endometrial pathology. Specifically, for women treated with ospemifene, endometrial thickness ranged between 2.1 and 2.3 mm at baseline and 2.5 and 3.2 mm after treatment. No cases of endometrial carcinoma or hyperplasia were observed in ospemifene trials, nor polyps with atypical hyperplasia or cancer after up to 52 weeks of treatment.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
Ospemifene is an efficacious, well-tolerated, and safe therapeutic option for postmenopausal women with moderate to severe symptoms of VVA. Efficacy and safety outcomes with ospemifene are similar to other VVA therapies in North America and Europe.
Topics: Female; Humans; Dyspareunia; Vagina; Hyperplasia; Bayes Theorem; Network Meta-Analysis; Vulva; Atrophy; Tamoxifen; Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators; Vaginal Diseases; Endometrial Neoplasms
PubMed: 37369079
DOI: 10.1097/GME.0000000000002211 -
BJUI Compass Mar 2023Radical cystectomy (RC) is historically considered the gold standard treatment for muscle invasive and high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. However, this... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Radical cystectomy (RC) is historically considered the gold standard treatment for muscle invasive and high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. However, this technique leaves the majority of patients of both sexes with poor sexual and urinary function. Organ-sparing cystectomy (OSC) techniques are emerging as an alternative to the standard procedure to preserve these functions, without compromising the oncological outcomes. We present a systematic review and meta-analysis of the published literature.
METHODS
MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science were systematically searched for eligible studies on 6 April 2021. Primary outcomes studied were both oncological outcomes, specifically overall recurrence, and functional outcomes, specifically sexual function, and daytime and nighttime continence. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated. The PROSPERO registration reference number was CRD42018118897.
RESULTS
From 13 894 identified abstracts, 19 studies (1886 male and 305 female patients) were eligible for inclusion in this review. These studies included patients who underwent either whole prostate, prostate capsule, seminal vesicle, nerve, uterus, ovary, vagina and fallopian tube sparing techniques. Four studies included only female patients.Thirteen studies reported oncological outcomes, and overall recurrence rate was similar between the two groups (five studies; OR 0.73; 95% CI 0.38-1.40, = 0.34). Thirteen studies reported on male sexual function. In men, OSC had significantly greater odds of retaining potency (five studies; OR 9.05; 95% CI 5.07-16.16, < 0.00001). Fourteen studies (13 on males and 1 female) reported urinary outcomes. In men, OSC demonstrated greater odds of daytime (seven studies; OR 2.61; 95% CI 1.74 to 3.92, < 0.00001) and nighttime continence (seven studies; OR 2.62; 95% CI 1.76 to 3.89, < 0.00001).
CONCLUSION
In carefully selected patients, OSC allows the potential to provide better sexual and urinary function without compromising oncological outcomes. There remains, however, a paucity of OSC studies in females. Further studies are required to make recommendations based on robust clinical evidence.
PubMed: 36816151
DOI: 10.1002/bco2.189 -
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.... Mar 2021Vaginoplasty aims to create a functional feminine vagina, sensate clitoris, and labia minora and majora with acceptable cosmesis. The upward trend in the number of...
UNLABELLED
Vaginoplasty aims to create a functional feminine vagina, sensate clitoris, and labia minora and majora with acceptable cosmesis. The upward trend in the number of transfemale vaginoplasties has impacted the number of published articles on this topic. Herein, we conducted an updated systematic review on complications and patient-reported outcomes.
METHODS
A update on our previous systematic review was conducted. Several databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Scopus were assessed. Random effects meta-analysis and subgroup analyses were performed.
RESULTS
After compiling the results of the update with the previous systematic review, a total of 57 studies pooling 4680 cases were included in the systematic review, and 52 studies were used in the meta-analysis. Overall pooled data including any surgical technique showed rates of 1% [95% confidence interval (CI) <0.1%-2%] of fistula, 11% (95% CI 8%-14%) of stenosis and/or strictures, 4% (95% CI 1%-9%) of tissue necrosis, and 3% (95% CI 1%-4%) of prolapse. Overall satisfaction was 91% (81%-98%). Regret rate was 2% (95% CI <1%-3%). Average neovaginal depth was 9.4 cm (7.9-10.9 cm) for the penile skin inversion and 15.3 cm (13.8-16.7 cm) for the intestinal vaginoplasty.
CONCLUSIONS
Transfemale vaginoplasty is a key component of the comprehensive surgical treatment of transfemale patients with gender dysphoria. Over time, we will see an increased demand for these procedures, so adequate surgical training, clinical/surgical experience, and research outcomes are required, as we continue to strive to provide the best care possible for a population in need.
PubMed: 33767943
DOI: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000003510 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jul 2023Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is the descent of a woman's uterus, bladder, or rectum into the vagina. It affects 50% of women over 50 years old who have given birth to at... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is the descent of a woman's uterus, bladder, or rectum into the vagina. It affects 50% of women over 50 years old who have given birth to at least one child, and recognised risk factors are older age, higher number of births, and higher body mass index. This review assesses the effects of oestrogen therapy, alone or in combination with other treatments, on POP in postmenopausal women.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the benefits and harms of local and systemic oestrogen therapy in the management of pelvic organ prolapse symptoms in postmenopausal women, and to summarise the principal findings of relevant economic evaluations.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Incontinence Specialised Register (up to 20 June 2022), which includes CENTRAL, MEDLINE, two trials registers, and handsearching of journals and conference proceedings. We also checked the reference lists of relevant articles for additional studies.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-RCTs, multi-arm RCTs, and cross-over RCTs that evaluated the effects of oestrogen therapy (alone or in combination with other treatments) versus placebo, no treatment, or other interventions in postmenopausal women with any grade of POP.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently extracted data from the included trials using prespecified outcome measures and a piloted extraction form. The same review authors independently assessed the risk of bias of eligible trials using Cochrane's risk of bias tool. Had data allowed, we would have created summary of findings tables for our main outcome measures and assessed the certainty of the evidence using GRADE.
MAIN RESULTS
We identified 14 studies including a total of 1002 women. In general, studies were at high risk of bias in terms of blinding of participants and personnel, and there were also some concerns about selective reporting. Owing to insufficient data for the outcomes of interest, we were unable to perform our planned subgroup analyses (systemic versus topical oestrogen, parous versus nulliparous women, women with versus without a uterus). No studies assessed the effects of oestrogen therapy alone versus no treatment, placebo, pelvic floor muscle training, devices such as vaginal pessaries, or surgery. However, we did identify three studies that assessed oestrogen therapy in conjunction with vaginal pessaries versus vaginal pessaries alone and 11 studies that assessed oestrogen therapy in conjunction with surgery versus surgery alone.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
There was insufficient evidence from RCTs to draw any solid conclusions on the benefits or harms of oestrogen therapy for managing POP symptoms in postmenopausal women. Topical oestrogen in conjunction with pessaries was associated with fewer adverse vaginal events compared with pessaries alone, and topical oestrogen in conjunction with surgery was associated with reduced postoperative urinary tract infections compared with surgery alone; however, these findings should be interpreted with caution, as the studies that contributed data varied substantially in their design. There is a need for larger studies on the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of oestrogen therapy, used alone or in conjunction with pelvic floor muscle training, vaginal pessaries, or surgery, for the management of POP. These studies should measure outcomes in the medium and long term.
Topics: Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Estrogens; Pelvis; Pessaries; Postmenopause; Urinary Bladder
PubMed: 37431855
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD014592.pub2 -
Journal of Assisted Reproduction and... Nov 2023The aim of the study was to synthesize disparate studies to investigate potential impact of microbial presence in FF of infertile women on IVF outcomes. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
PURPOSE
The aim of the study was to synthesize disparate studies to investigate potential impact of microbial presence in FF of infertile women on IVF outcomes.
METHODS
Following preliminary searches to find medical subject heading (MeSH) terms plus free terms, a systematic search was performed in the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, and Clinicaltrials.gov databases from January 10, 2022, to July 5, 2023. Data collected for each study were analyzed using RevMan 5.4 software available on the Cochrane website.
RESULTS
After correcting for contamination from the vagina, the FFs of 289 women were detected positively by microbial culture and identification, ELISA, and IPA. The pregnancy rate of the FF-positive group was significantly lower than the FF-negative group (19.7% vs. 32.2%) and (OR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.28-1.14, P=0.11; I=56%) while the fertilization rate was almost equal (60.0% vs. 62.0%) and (OR: 1.03, 95% CI: 0.88-1.20, P=0.72; I=0%). Evidence quality was very low.
CONCLUSIONS
The different species of microorganisms in FF of infertile women may have different effects on IVF outcomes. The Lactobacillus spp. may have a positive effect, while other microorganisms may have the opposite effect.
Topics: Pregnancy; Humans; Female; Follicular Fluid; Infertility, Female; Fertilization in Vitro; Pregnancy Rate; Vagina
PubMed: 37688752
DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02912-x -
Posterior compartment prolapse and perineal descent: systematic review of available support devices.International Urogynecology Journal Nov 2023The aim of our study is to systematically review the literature about available devices facilitating perineal support during defecation in patients with obstructive... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
The aim of our study is to systematically review the literature about available devices facilitating perineal support during defecation in patients with obstructive defecation syndrome (ODS) and posterior pelvic organ prolapse (POP).
METHODS
We searched for the terms "defecat/ion or ODS" and" pessar/ies or device/aid/tool/perineal/perianal/prolapse and support" in MEDLINE, PubMed and Web of Science. Data abstraction was performed according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-analysis) guidelines. A two-stage inclusion was performed, selecting first on title and abstract and secondly the full text. For variables with sufficient data, a meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model. Other variables were descriptively reported.
RESULTS
Ten studies out of 1332 were included for systematic review. The devices could be categorized into three groups: pessaries (n = 8), vaginal stent (n = 1) and external support device (n = 1). Methodology and data reporting is heterogeneous. Meta-analysis could be performed for the Colorectal-Anal Distress Inventory (CRADI-8) and Impact Questionnaire (CRAI-Q-7) in three pessary studies which showed a significant mean change. Significant improvement of stool evacuation was seen in two other pessary studies. The vaginal stent significantly decreases ODS. Subjective perception of constipation improved significantly using the posterior perineal support device.
CONCLUSION
All reviewed devices seem to improve ODS in patients with POP. There are no data on their efficacy with regard to perineal descent-associated ODS. There is a lack of comparative studies between devices. Studies are difficult to compare due to different inclusion criteria and evaluation tools.
Topics: Female; Humans; Pelvic Organ Prolapse; Constipation; Vagina; Anal Canal; Perineum; Pessaries
PubMed: 37074368
DOI: 10.1007/s00192-023-05508-2