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Gynecologic Oncology Mar 2014Incidentally discovered adnexal masses are common, posing a challenging diagnostic problem because imaging features of benign and malignant overlap. Thus, once an... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Incidentally discovered adnexal masses are common, posing a challenging diagnostic problem because imaging features of benign and malignant overlap. Thus, once an adnexal lesion has been detected, the primary goal of further imaging is accurate tissue characterization resulting in surgery only for lesions that are indeterminate or frankly malignant. This study aims to conduct a systematic review, following the PRISMA guidelines, and critically appraise pelvic MR Imaging as the preferred advanced second imaging test, as regards detection of ovarian cancer and assessment of indeterminate adnexal masses, with respect to pre-operatively improving the assignment of these patients to the appropriate level of care.
METHODS
A comprehensive computerized systematic literature search of English language studies was performed (from 2002 to 2012) of PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Evidence Based Medicine Reviews (Cochrane Database and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), and Google Scholar. Relevant article reference lists were hand searched.
RESULTS
Computerized database search revealed 37 citations of relevance, 10 of which fulfilled the inclusion/exclusion criteria. From the aforementioned, 8 articles were acquired (2 authors were contacted but did not respond) as well as assessed with AHRQ, QUADAS, and STARD evaluation tools. Finally, 6 papers (5 prospective and 1 retrospective) were included in the systematic review.
CONCLUSIONS
MRI with intravenous (IV) contrast administration provides the highest post-test probability of ovarian cancer detection. However, the preponderant contribution of MRI in adnexal mass evaluation is its specificity because it provides confident diagnosis of many benign adnexal lesions.
Topics: Adnexal Diseases; Fallopian Tube Neoplasms; Female; Guideline Adherence; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Ovarian Neoplasms; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 24183731
DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2013.10.022 -
Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology :... Jan 2016To determine the accuracy of ultrasound in the diagnosis of a tubal ectopic pregnancy in the absence of an obvious extrauterine embryo. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVES
To determine the accuracy of ultrasound in the diagnosis of a tubal ectopic pregnancy in the absence of an obvious extrauterine embryo.
METHODS
This was a systematic review conducted in accordance with the PRISMA statement and registered with PROSPERO. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and The Cochrane Library for relevant citations from database inception to July 2014. Studies were selected in a two-stage process and their data extracted by two reviewers. Accuracy measures were calculated for each ultrasound sign, i.e. empty uterus, pseudosac, adnexal mass and free fluid in the pouch of Douglas, alone and in various combinations. Individual study estimates were plotted in summary receiver-operating characteristics curves and forest plots for examination of heterogeneity. The quality of included studies was assessed.
RESULTS
Thirty-one studies including 5858 women were selected from 19,959 citations. Following meta-analysis, an empty uterus on ultrasound was found to predict an ectopic pregnancy with a sensitivity of 81.1% (95% CI, 42.1-96.2%) and specificity of 79.5% (95% CI, 68.9-87.1%). The corresponding performance of the pseudosac, adnexal mass and free fluid were: 5.5% (95% CI, 3.3-9.0%) and 94.2% (95% CI, 75.9-98.8%); 63.5% (95% CI, 48.5-76.3%) and 91.4% (95% CI, 83.6-95.7%); and 47.2% (95% CI, 33.2-61.7%) and 92.3% (95% CI, 85.6-96.0%), respectively.
CONCLUSION
Visualization of an empty uterus, adnexal mass, free fluid or a pseudosac has poor sensitivity for the diagnosis of a tubal pregnancy when an obvious extrauterine embryo is absent, but it has good specificity. We can therefore infer that ultrasound is more useful for 'ruling in' a tubal pregnancy than 'ruling out' one. However, the findings were limited by the poor quality of some included studies and heterogeneity in the index test and reference standard.
Topics: Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Trimester, First; Pregnancy, Tubal; Sensitivity and Specificity; Ultrasonography, Prenatal
PubMed: 25766776
DOI: 10.1002/uog.14844 -
International Journal of Epidemiology Apr 2009Screening programmes are promoted to control transmission of and prevent female reproductive tract morbidity caused by genital chlamydia. The objective of this study was... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Screening programmes are promoted to control transmission of and prevent female reproductive tract morbidity caused by genital chlamydia. The objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of register-based and opportunistic chlamydia screening interventions.
METHODS
We searched seven electronic databases (Cinahl, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, DARE, Embase, Medline, PsycINFO and SIGLE) without language restrictions from January 1990 to October 2007 and reference lists of retrieved articles to identify studies published before 1990. We included studies examining primary outcomes (pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, infertility, adverse pregnancy outcomes, neonatal infection, chlamydia prevalence) and harms of chlamydia screening in men and non-pregnant and pregnant women. We extracted data in duplicate and synthesized the data narratively or used random effects meta-analysis, where appropriate.
RESULTS
We included six systematic reviews, five randomized trials, one non-randomized comparative study and one time trend study. Five reviews recommended screening of women at high risk of chlamydia. Two randomized trials found that register-based screening of women at high risk of chlamydia and of female and male high school students reduced the incidence of pelvic inflammatory disease in women at 1 year. Methodological inadequacies could have overestimated the observed benefits. One randomized trial showed that opportunistic screening in women undergoing surgical termination of pregnancy reduced post-abortal rates of pelvic inflammatory disease compared with no screening. We found no randomized trials showing a benefit of opportunistic screening in other populations, no trial examining the effects of more than one screening round and no trials examining the harms of chlamydia screening.
CONCLUSION
There is an absence of evidence supporting opportunistic chlamydia screening in the general population younger than 25 years, the most commonly recommended approach. Equipoise remains, so high-quality randomized trials of multiple rounds of screening with biological outcome measures are still needed to determine the balance of benefits and harms of chlamydia screening.
Topics: Adolescent; Chlamydia Infections; Chlamydia trachomatis; Female; Genital Diseases, Female; Humans; Male; Mass Screening; Pelvic Inflammatory Disease; Program Evaluation; Research Design; Young Adult
PubMed: 19060033
DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyn222 -
JAMA Sep 2021The 2014 US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendation statement supported the effectiveness of screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea in asymptomatic,...
IMPORTANCE
The 2014 US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendation statement supported the effectiveness of screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea in asymptomatic, sexually active women 24 years or younger and in older women at increased risk for infection, although evidence for screening in men was insufficient.
OBJECTIVE
To update the 2014 USPSTF review on screening for chlamydial and gonococcal infection in adults and adolescents, including those who are pregnant.
DATA SOURCES
Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Ovid MEDLINE (January 1, 2014, through May 28, 2020) with surveillance through May 21, 2021.
STUDY SELECTION
Randomized clinical trials and observational studies of screening effectiveness, accuracy of risk stratification and alternative screening methods, accuracy of tests, and screening harms.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
One investigator abstracted data; a second checked accuracy. Two investigators independently assessed study quality.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
Complications of infection; infection transmission or acquisition; diagnostic accuracy of anatomical site-specific testing and collection methods; screening harms.
RESULTS
Twenty-seven studies were included (N = 179 515). Chlamydia screening compared with no screening was significantly associated with reduced risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in 2 of 4 trials and with reduced hospital-diagnosed PID (0.24% vs 0.38%); relative risk, 0.6 [95% CI, 0.4-1.0]), but not clinic-diagnosed PID or epididymitis, in the largest trial. In studies of risk prediction instruments in asymptomatic women, age younger than 22 years demonstrated comparable accuracy to extensive criteria. Sensitivity of chlamydial testing was similar at endocervical (89%-100%) and self- and clinician-collected vaginal (90%-100%) sites for women and at meatal (100%), urethral (99%), and rectal (92%) sites for men but lower at pharyngeal sites (69.2%) for men who have sex with men. Sensitivity of gonococcal testing was 89% or greater for all anatomical samples. False-positive and false-negative testing rates were low across anatomical sites and collection methods.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
Screening for chlamydial infection was significantly associated with a lower risk of PID in young women. Risk prediction criteria demonstrated limited accuracy beyond age. Testing for asymptomatic chlamydial and gonococcal infections was highly accurate at most anatomical sites, including urine and self-collected specimens. Effectiveness of screening in men and during pregnancy, optimal screening intervals, and adverse effects of screening require further evaluation.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Asymptomatic Diseases; Chlamydia Infections; Female; Gonorrhea; Humans; Male; Mass Screening; Pelvic Inflammatory Disease; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Pregnancy; Risk Factors; Sensitivity and Specificity; Sexual Behavior; Young Adult
PubMed: 34519797
DOI: 10.1001/jama.2021.10577 -
Diseases of the Colon and Rectum Dec 2012The learning curve for laparoscopic colorectal surgery has not been conclusively analyzed. No reliable framework for case selection during training is available. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The learning curve for laparoscopic colorectal surgery has not been conclusively analyzed. No reliable framework for case selection during training is available.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to analyze the length of the learning curve of laparoscopic colorectal surgeons and to recommend a case selection framework at the early stage of independent practice.
DATA SOURCES
Medline (1988-2010, October week 4) and Embase (1988-2010) were used for the literature review, databases were retrieved from the authors, and expert opinion was surveyed.
STUDY SELECTION
Studies describing the learning curve of laparoscopic or laparoscopically assisted colorectal surgery were selected.
INTERVENTION
No interventions were performed.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Learning curves were analyzed by using risk-adjusted, bootstrapped cumulative sum curves. Conversions and complications were independent variables in a multilevel random-effects regression model. Recommendations are based on analysis of ORs and a structured expert opinion gauging process.
RESULTS
Twenty-three studies were identified, showing great disparity on the length of the learning curve. Seven studies, representing 4852 cases (19 surgeons), were analyzed. Risk-adjusted cumulative sum charts demonstrated the length of the learning curves to be 152 cases for conversions, 143 for complications, 96 for operating time, 87 for blood loss, and 103 for length of stay. Body mass index and pelvic dissection (rectum), especially in male patients, independently increased the risk of complication and conversion. The expert survey revealed that increasing T stage and complicated inflammatory disease are likely to increase the complexity of the case. Based on this evidence, a framework for case selection in training was proposed.
LIMITATIONS
The generalizability of the study results maybe reduced because of inconsistent data quality and individual variations in the length of the learning curve
CONCLUSIONS
This multicenter database suggests a length of the learning curve of 88 to 152 cases. The use of the suggested framework may prevent high conversion and complication rates during the learning curve.
Topics: Clinical Competence; Colorectal Surgery; Humans; Laparoscopy; Learning Curve; Postoperative Complications; Regression Analysis
PubMed: 23135590
DOI: 10.1097/DCR.0b013e31826ab4dd -
Annals of Surgery Jul 2023To quantify the absolute risks of adverse fetal outcomes and maternal mortality following nonobstetric abdominopelvic surgery in pregnancy. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To quantify the absolute risks of adverse fetal outcomes and maternal mortality following nonobstetric abdominopelvic surgery in pregnancy.
SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA
Surgery is often necessary in pregnancy, but absolute measures of risk required to guide perioperative management are lacking.
METHODS
We systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and EvidenceBased Medicine Reviews from January 1, 2000, to December 9, 2020, for observational studies and randomized trials of pregnant patients undergoing nonobstetric abdominopelvic surgery. We determined the pooled proportions of fetal loss, preterm birth, and maternal mortality using a generalized linear random/mixed effects model with a logit link.
RESULTS
We identified 114 observational studies (52 [46%] appendectomy, 34 [30%] adnexal, 8 [7%] cholecystectomy, 20 [17%] mixed types) reporting on 67,111 pregnant patients. Overall pooled proportions of fetal loss, preterm birth, and maternal mortality were 2.8% (95% CI 2.2-3.6), 9.7% (95% CI 8.3-11.4), and 0.04% (95% CI 0.02-0.09; 4/10,000), respectively. Rates of fetal loss and preterm birth were higher for pelvic inflammatory conditions (eg, appendectomy, adnexal torsion) than for abdominal or nonurgent conditions (eg, cholecystectomy, adnexal mass). Surgery in the second and third trimesters was associated with lower rates of fetal loss (0.1%) and higher rates of preterm birth (13.5%) than surgery in the first and second trimesters (fetal loss 2.9%, preterm birth 5.6%).
CONCLUSIONS
Absolute risks of adverse fetal outcomes after nonobstetric abdom- inopelvic surgery vary with gestational age, indication, and acuity. Pooled estimates derived here identify high-risk clinical scenarios, and can inform implementation of mitigation strategies and improve preoperative counselling.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Infant, Newborn; Humans; Pregnancy Outcome; Premature Birth; Maternal Mortality; Fetus; Abdomen
PubMed: 34966066
DOI: 10.1097/SLA.0000000000005362 -
Journal of Medical Microbiology Dec 2002Screening women for lower genital tract infection with Chlamydia trachomatis is important in the prevention of pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Screening women for lower genital tract infection with Chlamydia trachomatis is important in the prevention of pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy and infertility. This systematic review aims to state clearly which of the available diagnostic tests for the detection of C. trachomatis would be most effective in terms of clinical effectiveness. The review included all studies published from 1990 onward that evaluated diagnostic tests in asymptomatic, young, sexually active populations. Medline and Embase were searched electronically and key journals were hand-searched. Further studies were identified through the Internet and contact with experts in the field. All studies were reviewed by two reviewers and were scored by Irwig's assessment criteria. Additional quality assessment criteria included a documented sexual history and recording of previous chlamydial infection. The reviews were subjected to meta-analysis and meta-regression. The 30 studies that were included examined three types of DNA-based test--ligase chain reaction (LCR), PCR and gene probe--as well as enzyme immuno-assay (EIA). The results showed that while specificities were high, sensitivities varied widely across the tests and were also dependent on the specimen tested. Pooled sensitivities for LCR, PCR, gene probe and EIA on urine were 96.5%, 85.6%, 92% and 38%, respectively, while on cervical swabs the corresponding sensitivities of PCR, gene probe and EIA were 88.6%, 84% and 65%. Meta-analysis demonstrated that DNA amplification techniques performed best for both urine and swabs in low prevalence populations. We conclude that nucleic acid amplification tests used on non-invasive samples such as urine are more effective at detecting asymptomatic chlamydial infection than conventional tests, but there are few data to relate a positive result with clinical outcome.
Topics: Cervix Uteri; Chlamydia Infections; Chlamydia trachomatis; DNA Probes; Diagnostic Techniques and Procedures; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Female; Gene Amplification; Humans; Ligase Chain Reaction; MEDLINE; Mass Screening; Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Sensitivity and Specificity; Urine
PubMed: 12466399
DOI: 10.1099/0022-1317-51-12-1021 -
Sexually Transmitted Infections Jun 2006To review systematically and critically, evidence used to derive estimates of costs and cost effectiveness of chlamydia screening. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To review systematically and critically, evidence used to derive estimates of costs and cost effectiveness of chlamydia screening.
METHODS
Systematic review. A search of 11 electronic bibliographic databases from the earliest date available to August 2004 using keywords including chlamydia, pelvic inflammatory disease, economic evaluation, and cost. We included studies of chlamydia screening in males and/or females over 14 years, including studies of diagnostic tests, contact tracing, and treatment as part of a screening programme. Outcomes included cases of chlamydia identified and major outcomes averted. We assessed methodological quality and the modelling approach used.
RESULTS
Of 713 identified papers we included 57 formal economic evaluations and two cost studies. Most studies found chlamydia screening to be cost effective, partner notification to be an effective adjunct, and testing with nucleic acid amplification tests, and treatment with azithromycin to be cost effective. Methodological problems limited the validity of these findings: most studies used static models that are inappropriate for infectious diseases; restricted outcomes were used as a basis for policy recommendations; and high estimates of the probability of chlamydia associated complications might have overestimated cost effectiveness. Two high quality dynamic modelling studies found opportunistic screening to be cost effective but poor reporting or uncertainty about complication rates make interpretation difficult.
CONCLUSION
The inappropriate use of static models to study interventions to prevent a communicable disease means that uncertainty remains about whether chlamydia screening programmes are cost effective or not. The results of this review can be used by health service managers in the allocation of resources, and health economists and other researchers who are considering further research in this area.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Bacteriological Techniques; Chlamydia Infections; Chlamydia trachomatis; Contact Tracing; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Female; Humans; Male; Mass Screening; Middle Aged
PubMed: 16731666
DOI: 10.1136/sti.2005.017517 -
Survey of Ophthalmology 2021To identify clinical presentations, main causes, and prognosis of ophthalmic involvement in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), we performed a systematic review of... (Review)
Review
To identify clinical presentations, main causes, and prognosis of ophthalmic involvement in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), we performed a systematic review of articles describing CLL ophthalmic involvement in January 2019, using the PubMed database. We found 86 articles describing 123 cases of patients with ophthalmic involvement associated with CLL. Ophthalmic symptoms were CLL's first manifestation in 25.6% of patients and revealed Richter transformation in 11.0%. There were three main causes of ophthalmic features: CLL-infiltration (52.0%), lymphoma (26.0%), and infection (15.4%), with specific clinical and radiological characteristics. CLL-infiltration was mostly bilateral, whereas lymphoma was usually unilateral (P = 0.02). Optic neuropathy was always secondary to CLL-infiltration, and in those cases, cerebrospinal fluid immunophenotyping was a potential alternative to invasive biopsy as it confirmed the diagnosis in 4 patients (36.4%). On the contrary, lymphoma usually presented as adnexal involvement (P = 0.04), particularly as an orbital mass (P = 0.004). Infections concerned mostly patients previously treated for CLL (P < 0.0001), and main presentations included posterior uveitis (P = 0.0002) and retinal infiltrates (P < 0.0001). Overall, the prognosis was poor, as 29.3% of the patients died within 36 months of follow-up, and 26.1% had a partial or total visual loss. Eye infections were associated with the poorest prognosis as 47% of patients died, with a 6-month-median survival.
Topics: Biopsy; Humans; Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell; Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse; Prognosis
PubMed: 32407752
DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2020.05.001 -
European Radiology Feb 2020The use of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in differentiation between benign and malignant adnexal masses in children and adolescents might be of great value in the...
OBJECTIVES
The use of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in differentiation between benign and malignant adnexal masses in children and adolescents might be of great value in the diagnostic workup of sonographically indeterminate masses, since preserving fertility is of particular importance in this population. This systematic review evaluates the diagnostic value of MR imaging in children with an ovarian mass.
METHODS
The review was made according to the PRISMA Statement. PubMed and EMBASE were systematically searched for studies on the use of MR imaging in differential diagnosis of ovarian masses in both adult women and children from 2008 to 2018.
RESULTS
Sixteen paediatric and 18 adult studies were included. In the included studies, MR imaging has shown good diagnostic performance in differentiating between benign and malignant ovarian masses. MR imaging techniques including diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) imaging seem to further improve the diagnostic performance.
CONCLUSION
The addition of DWI with apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values measured in enhancing components of solid lesions and DCE imaging may further increase the good diagnostic performance of MR imaging in the pre-operative differentiation between benign and malignant ovarian masses by increasing specificity. Prospective age-specific studies are needed to confirm the high diagnostic performance of MR imaging in children and adolescents with a sonographically indeterminate ovarian mass.
KEY POINTS
• MR imaging, based on several morphological features, is of good diagnostic performance in differentiating between benign and malignant ovarian masses. Sensitivity and specificity varied between 84.8 to 100% and 20.0 to 98.4%, respectively. • MR imaging techniques like diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) imaging seem to improve the diagnostic performance. • Specific studies in children and adolescents with ovarian masses are required to confirm the suggested increased diagnostic performance of DWI and DCE in this population.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Child; Contrast Media; Diagnosis, Differential; Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Female; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Ovarian Neoplasms; Prospective Studies; Sensitivity and Specificity; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 31529256
DOI: 10.1007/s00330-019-06420-4