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Women's Health (London, England) 2023Ectopic pregnancies are the leading cause of maternal mortality in the first trimester, with an incidence of 5%-10% of all pregnancy-related deaths. Diagnosis of ectopic... (Review)
Review
Ectopic pregnancies are the leading cause of maternal mortality in the first trimester, with an incidence of 5%-10% of all pregnancy-related deaths. Diagnosis of ectopic pregnancies is difficult due to clinical mimics and non-specific symptoms of abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding. The current standard for ectopic pregnancy diagnosis includes ultrasound imaging and β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) monitoring. In addition to β-hCG, serum markers are being explored as a potential for diagnosis, with activin-AB and pregnancy-associated plasma protein A specifically showing promise. Other diagnostic methods include endometrial sampling, with dilation and curettage showing the highest specificity; however, frozen section reduces the diagnostic timeline which may improve outcomes. Treatment options for confirmed ectopic pregnancies include medical, surgical, and expectant management. Chosen treatment methodology is based on β-hCG levels, hematologic stability, and risk of ectopic pregnancy rupture. Current innovations in ectopic pregnancy management aim to preserve fertility and include laparoscopic partial tubal resection with end-to-end anastomosis and uterine artery embolization with intrauterine infusion of methotrexate. Psychological interventions to improve patient mental health surrounding ectopic pregnancy diagnosis and treatment are also valuable innovations. This literature review aims to bring light to current ectopic pregnancy diagnostics, treatments, and future directions.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Pregnancy, Ectopic; Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human; Methotrexate; Ultrasonography; Laparoscopy
PubMed: 36999281
DOI: 10.1177/17455057231160349 -
Taiwanese Journal of Obstetrics &... Mar 2020Anomalies in the müllerian ducts are congenital alterations with more prevalence than it is imagined, varying from 0.5 to 6.7% in the general population and up to 16.7%... (Review)
Review
Anomalies in the müllerian ducts are congenital alterations with more prevalence than it is imagined, varying from 0.5 to 6.7% in the general population and up to 16.7% in women with recurrent miscarriage. The main findings are primary amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, pelvic pain, endometriosis, sexual difficulties and low self-esteem. The major impact on the quality of life in women stricken by these problems justifies this study, whose objective is to analyze their most important aspects such as etiopathogeny, classification, diagnostic methods and proposed treatments. The research was performed on the Medline-PubMed database from 1904 to 2018. The American Fertility Society, European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, and the European Society of Gynaecological Endoscopy classify malformations as: Class 1/U5bC4V4: agenesis or hypoplasia of uterus and vagina; Class 1/U5aC4V4: cervical hypoplasia, associated with total or partial vaginal agenesis; Class 2/U4: unicornuate uterus; Class 3/U3bC2V1 or Class3/U3bC2V2: uterus didelphys; Class 4/U3C0: bicornuate uterus; Class 5/U2: septate uterus; Class 6: arcuate uterus; Class 7/U1: induced by diethylstilbestrol, represented by a T-shaped uterus; and V3: transverse vaginal septum. The diagnostic methods are the two-dimensional or three-dimensional ultrasound, MRI, hysterosalpingo-contrast-sonography, X-ray hysterosalpingography, hysteroscopy and laparoscopy. Some müllerian malformations are healed with surgery and/or self-dilatation. For vaginal agenesis, dilatation by Frank technique shows good results while malformations with obstruction of the menstrual flow need to be rapidly treated by surgery.
Topics: Adult; Congenital Abnormalities; Dysmenorrhea; Endometriosis; Female; Humans; Hysterosalpingography; Hysteroscopy; Laparoscopy; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Mullerian Ducts; Pelvic Pain; Pregnancy; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological; Ultrasonography; Urogenital Abnormalities; Uterus; Vagina
PubMed: 32127135
DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2020.01.003 -
American Journal of Obstetrics and... Dec 2020This review aimed to examine the existing evidence about interventions proposed for the treatment of clinical chorioamnionitis, with the goal of developing an... (Review)
Review
This review aimed to examine the existing evidence about interventions proposed for the treatment of clinical chorioamnionitis, with the goal of developing an evidence-based contemporary approach for the management of this condition. Most trials that assessed the use of antibiotics in clinical chorioamnionitis included patients with a gestational age of ≥34 weeks and in labor. The first-line antimicrobial regimen for the treatment of clinical chorioamnionitis is ampicillin combined with gentamicin, which should be initiated during the intrapartum period. In the event of a cesarean delivery, patients should receive clindamycin at the time of umbilical cord clamping. The administration of additional antibiotic therapy does not appear to be necessary after vaginal or cesarean delivery. However, if postdelivery antibiotics are prescribed, there is support for the administration of an additional dose. Patients can receive antipyretic agents, mainly acetaminophen, even though there is no clear evidence of their benefits. Current evidence suggests that the administration of antenatal corticosteroids for fetal lung maturation and of magnesium sulfate for fetal neuroprotection to patients with clinical chorioamnionitis between 24 0/7 and 33 6/7 weeks of gestation, and possibly between 23 0/7 and 23 6/7 weeks of gestation, has an overall beneficial effect on the infant. However, delivery should not be delayed to complete the full course of corticosteroids and magnesium sulfate. Once the diagnosis of clinical chorioamnionitis has been established, delivery should be considered, regardless of the gestational age. Vaginal delivery is the safer option and cesarean delivery should be reserved for standard obstetrical indications. The time interval between the diagnosis of clinical chorioamnionitis and delivery is not related to most adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Patients may require a higher dose of oxytocin to achieve adequate uterine activity or greater uterine activity to effect a given change in cervical dilation. The benefit of using continuous electronic fetal heart rate monitoring in these patients is unclear. We identified the following promising interventions for the management of clinical chorioamnionitis: (1) an antibiotic regimen including ceftriaxone, clarithromycin, and metronidazole that provides coverage against the most commonly identified microorganisms in patients with clinical chorioamnionitis; (2) vaginal cleansing with antiseptic solutions before cesarean delivery with the aim of decreasing the risk of endometritis and, possibly, postoperative wound infection; and (3) antenatal administration of N-acetylcysteine, an antioxidant and antiinflammatory agent, to reduce neonatal morbidity and mortality. Well-powered randomized controlled trials are needed to assess these interventions in patients with clinical chorioamnionitis.
Topics: Acetylcysteine; Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Ampicillin; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Antioxidants; Antipyretics; Ceftriaxone; Cesarean Section; Chorioamnionitis; Clarithromycin; Clindamycin; Delivery, Obstetric; Endometritis; Evidence-Based Medicine; Female; Gentamicins; Gestational Age; Humans; Magnesium Sulfate; Metronidazole; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Pregnancy; Puerperal Infection; Tocolytic Agents
PubMed: 33007269
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2020.09.044 -
Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases Aug 2020Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome, also referred to as Müllerian aplasia, is a congenital disorder characterized by aplasia of the uterus and upper part... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome, also referred to as Müllerian aplasia, is a congenital disorder characterized by aplasia of the uterus and upper part of the vagina in females with normal secondary sex characteristics and a normal female karyotype (46,XX).
MAIN BODY
The diagnosis is often made during adolescence following investigations for primary amenorrhea and has an estimated prevalence of 1 in 5000 live female births. MRKH syndrome is classified as type I (isolated uterovaginal aplasia) or type II (associated with extragenital manifestations). Extragenital anomalies typically include renal, skeletal, ear, or cardiac malformations. The etiology of MRKH syndrome still remains elusive, however increasing reports of familial clustering point towards genetic causes and the use of various genomic techniques has allowed the identification of promising recurrent genetic abnormalities in some patients. The psychosexual impact of having MRKH syndrome should not be underestimated and the clinical care foremost involves thorough counselling and support in careful dialogue with the patient. Vaginal agenesis therapy is available for mature patients following therapeutical counselling and education with non-invasive vaginal dilations recommended as first-line therapy or by surgery. MRKH syndrome involves absolute uterine factor infertility and until recently, the only option for the patients to achieve biological motherhood was through gestational surrogacy, which is prohibited in most countries. However, the successful clinical trial of uterus transplantation (UTx) by a Swedish team followed by the first live-birth in September, 2014 in Gothenburg, proofed the first available fertility treatment in MRKH syndrome and UTx is now being performed in other countries around the world allowing women with MRKH syndrome to carry their own child and achieve biological motherhood.
CONCLUSION
Several advances in research across multiple disciplines have been made in the recent years and this kaleidoscopic review provides a current status of various key aspects in MRKH syndrome and provides perspectives for future research and improved clinical care.
Topics: 46, XX Disorders of Sex Development; Adolescent; Child; Congenital Abnormalities; Female; Humans; Mullerian Ducts; Uterus; Vagina
PubMed: 32819397
DOI: 10.1186/s13023-020-01491-9 -
American Family Physician May 2021Dyspareunia is recurrent or persistent pain with sexual intercourse that causes distress. It affects approximately 10% to 20% of U.S. women. Dyspareunia may be...
Dyspareunia is recurrent or persistent pain with sexual intercourse that causes distress. It affects approximately 10% to 20% of U.S. women. Dyspareunia may be superficial, causing pain with attempted vaginal insertion, or deep. Women with sexual pain are at increased risk of sexual dysfunction, relationship distress, diminished quality of life, anxiety, and depression. Because discussing sexual issues may be uncomfortable, clinicians should create a safe and welcoming environment when taking a sexual history, where patients describe the characteristics of the pain (e.g., location, intensity, duration). Physical examination of the external genitalia includes visual inspection and sequential pressure with a cotton swab, assessing for focal erythema or pain. A single-digit vaginal examination may identify tender pelvic floor muscles, and a bimanual examination can assess for uterine retroversion and pelvic masses. Common diagnoses include vulvodynia, inadequate lubrication, vaginal atrophy, postpartum causes, pelvic floor dysfunction, endometriosis, and vaginismus. Treatment is focused on the cause and may include lubricants, pelvic floor physical therapy, topical analgesics, vaginal estrogen, cognitive behavior therapy, vaginal dilators, modified vestibulectomy, or onabotulinumtoxinA injections.
Topics: Adult; Dyspareunia; Female; Genital Diseases, Female; Gynecological Examination; Humans; Medical History Taking; Pain Measurement; Patient Care Management; Quality of Life; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Stress, Psychological
PubMed: 33983001
DOI: No ID Found -
Gynecology and Minimally Invasive... 2021Retained products of conception (RPOC) can occur after early or mid-trimester pregnancy termination and also following vaginal or cesarean delivery. It is frequently... (Review)
Review
Retained products of conception (RPOC) can occur after early or mid-trimester pregnancy termination and also following vaginal or cesarean delivery. It is frequently associated with continuous vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, and infection. Late complications include intrauterine adhesions formation and infertility. Conventionally, the management of RPOC has been with blind dilation and suction curettage (D and C); however, hysteroscopic resection of RPOC is a safe and efficient alternative. In this review, we analyze the current available evidence regarding the use of hysteroscopic surgery for the treatment of RPOC comparing outcomes and complications of both traditional curettage and hysteroscopic technique. Data search has been conducted using the following databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Sciences, Scopus, Clinical Trial. Gov., OVID, and Cochrane Library interrogate all articles related to hysteroscopy and the preserved product of conception, updated through September 2020.
PubMed: 34909376
DOI: 10.4103/GMIT.GMIT_125_20 -
Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health Jan 2023Vulvodynia affects 7% of American women, yet clinicians often lack awareness of its presentation. It is underdiagnosed and often misdiagnosed as vaginitis. The etiology... (Review)
Review
Vulvodynia affects 7% of American women, yet clinicians often lack awareness of its presentation. It is underdiagnosed and often misdiagnosed as vaginitis. The etiology of vulvodynia remains unknown, making it difficult to identify or develop effective treatment methods. The purpose of this article is to (1) review the presentation and evaluation of vulvodynia, (2) review the research on vulvodynia treatments, and (3) aid the clinician in the selection of vulvodynia treatment methods. The level of evidence to support vulvodynia treatment varies from case series to randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Oral desipramine with 5% lidocaine cream, intravaginal diazepam tablets with intravaginal transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS), botulinum toxin type A 50 units, enoxaparin sodium subcutaneous injections, intravaginal TENS (as a single therapy), multimodal physical therapy, overnight 5% lidocaine ointment, and acupuncture had the highest level of evidence with at least one RCT or comparative effectiveness trial. Pre to posttest reduction in vulvar pain and/or dyspareunia in non-RCT studies included studies of gabapentin cream, amitriptyline cream, amitriptyline with baclofen cream, up to 6 weeks' oral itraconazole therapy, multimodal physical therapy, vaginal dilators, electromyography biofeedback, hypnotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, cold knife vestibulectomy, and laser therapy. There is a lack of rigorous RCTs with large sample sizes for the treatment of vulvodynia, rendering it difficult to determine efficacy of most treatment methods. Clinicians will be guided in the selection of best treatments for vulvodynia that have the highest level of evidence and are least invasive.
Topics: Female; Humans; Vulvodynia; Amitriptyline; Treatment Outcome; Lidocaine; Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation
PubMed: 36533637
DOI: 10.1111/jmwh.13456 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jul 2021Anaphylaxis is a severe, acute, life-threatening multisystem allergic reaction resulting from the release of a plethora of mediators from mast cells culminating in... (Review)
Review
Anaphylaxis is a severe, acute, life-threatening multisystem allergic reaction resulting from the release of a plethora of mediators from mast cells culminating in serious respiratory, cardiovascular and mucocutaneous manifestations that can be fatal. Medications, foods, latex, exercise, hormones (progesterone), and clonal mast cell disorders may be responsible. More recently, novel syndromes such as delayed reactions to red meat and hereditary alpha tryptasemia have been described. Anaphylaxis manifests as sudden onset urticaria, pruritus, flushing, erythema, angioedema (lips, tongue, airways, periphery), myocardial dysfunction (hypovolemia, distributive or mixed shock and arrhythmias), rhinitis, wheezing and stridor. Vomiting, diarrhea, scrotal edema, uterine cramps, vaginal bleeding, urinary incontinence, dizziness, seizures, confusion, and syncope may occur. The traditional (or classical) pathway is mediated via T cells, Th2 cytokines (such as IL-4 and 5), B cell production of IgE and subsequent crosslinking of the high affinity IgE receptor (FcεRI) on mast cells and basophils by IgE-antigen complexes, culminating in mast cell and basophil degranulation. Degranulation results in the release of preformed mediators (histamine, heparin, tryptase, chymase, carboxypeptidase, cathepsin G and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and of de novo synthesized ones such as lipid mediators (cysteinyl leukotrienes), platelet activating factor (PAF), cytokines and growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Of these, histamine, tryptase, cathepsin G, TNF-α, LTC, PAF and VEGF can increase vascular permeability. Recent data suggest that mast cell-derived histamine and PAF can activate nitric oxide production from endothelium and set into motion a signaling cascade that leads to dilatation of blood vessels and dysfunction of the endothelial barrier. The latter, characterized by the opening of adherens junctions, leads to increased capillary permeability and fluid extravasation. These changes contribute to airway edema, hypovolemia, and distributive shock, with potentially fatal consequences. In this review, besides mechanisms (endotypes) underlying IgE-mediated anaphylaxis, we also provide a brief overview of IgG-, complement-, contact system-, cytokine- and mast cell-mediated reactions that can result in phenotypes resembling IgE-mediated anaphylaxis. Such classifications can lead the way to precision medicine approaches to the management of this complex disease.
Topics: Anaphylaxis; Animals; Capillary Permeability; Endothelium, Vascular; Gap Junctions; Humans; Inflammation
PubMed: 34360549
DOI: 10.3390/ijms22157785