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International Urogynecology Journal Feb 2022Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is common and associated with sexual dysfunction. Vaginal pessaries are an effective treatment for POP, but their impact on sexual function... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is common and associated with sexual dysfunction. Vaginal pessaries are an effective treatment for POP, but their impact on sexual function is not well established. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to establish the impact of vaginal pessaries used for POP on female sexual function.
METHODS
Systematic review of the literature following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and checklist. A comprehensive search was conducted across Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, EMBASE, MEDLINE, CINAHL, ClinicalTrials.gov , The WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, ProQuest Dissertations & Theses, Open Grey and Scopus Citation Database. Randomised controlled trials and cohort studies that assessed sexual function in women pre- and post-pessary treatment for POP were included, assessed for risk of bias and their results synthesised.
RESULTS
A total of 1,945 titles and abstracts were screened, 104 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility, 14 studies were included in the narrative analysis and 7 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The results suggest that, in sexually active women, there is no evidence of a deterioration in sexual function and some evidence of an improvement.
DISCUSSION
This review offers reassurance that in sexually active women who successfully use a pessary for treatment of their prolapse, there is no deterioration in sexual function. There is some evidence of an improvement in sexual function, but given the clinical heterogeneity in the studies included, caution should be taken in generalising these findings.
Topics: Female; Humans; Pelvic Organ Prolapse; Pessaries; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 34982188
DOI: 10.1007/s00192-021-05059-4 -
Journal of Personalized Medicine Jun 2023Forty percent of women will experience prolapse in their lifetime. Vaginal pessaries are considered the first line of treatment in selected patients. Major complications... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Forty percent of women will experience prolapse in their lifetime. Vaginal pessaries are considered the first line of treatment in selected patients. Major complications of vaginal pessaries rarely occur.
METHODS
PubMed and Embase were searched from 1961 to 2022 for major complications of vaginal pessaries using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and free-text terms. The keywords were pessary or pessaries and: vaginal discharge, incontinence, entrapment, urinary infections, fistula, complications, and vaginal infection. The exclusion criteria were other languages than English, pregnancy, complications without a prior history of pessary placement, pessaries unregistered for clinical practice (herbal pessaries), or male patients. The extracted data included symptoms, findings upon examination, infection, type of complication, extragenital symptoms, and treatment.
RESULTS
We identified 1874 abstracts and full text articles; 54 were assessed for eligibility and 49 met the inclusion criteria. These 49 studies included data from 66 patients with pessary complications amenable to surgical correction. Clavien-Dindo classification was used to grade the complications. Most patients presented with vaginal symptoms such as bleeding, discharge, or ulceration. The most frequent complications were pessary incarceration and fistulas. Surgical treatment included removal of the pessary under local or general anesthesia, fistula repair, hysterectomy and vaginal repair, and the management of bleeding.
CONCLUSIONS
Pessaries are a reasonable and durable treatment for pelvic organ prolapse. Complications are rare. Routine follow-ups are necessary. The ideal patient candidate must be able to remove and reintroduce their pessary on a regular basis; if not, this must be performed by a healthcare worker at regular intervals.
PubMed: 37511669
DOI: 10.3390/jpm13071056 -
Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics Jun 2024There is no evidence about the efficacy of self-care of vaginal pessary in women with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse (POP). The aim of this systematic review and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
There is no evidence about the efficacy of self-care of vaginal pessary in women with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse (POP). The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess the adherence to pessary treatment among women who engage in self-management of their pessary.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis, according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines, and selected seven publications for inclusion in the analysis.
RESULTS
Pooled continuation rate of self-cared vaginal pessary was the 76% (95%CI: 66-85%) with a I-test of 93.3% (p < 0.001). Pooled conversion to POP surgery was the 12% (95%CI: 1-23%) with a I-test of 96% (p < 0.001). Continuation rate was not statistically different between women who were treated by self-care and non-self-care management of vaginal pessary (RR 1.11, 95%CI 0.96-1.27; p = 0.15), with a related I-test of 37% (p = 0.21).
CONCLUSION
Self-care vaginal pessary management presented a high continuation rate in women affected by pelvic organ prolapse at a long follow-up. The rate of conversion to surgical management of POP was low. No significant difference in continuation rate were highlighted between women who adopted the self-care or the clinical-based management of pessary.
Topics: Humans; Pelvic Organ Prolapse; Pessaries; Female; Self Care; Patient Compliance; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38634900
DOI: 10.1007/s00404-024-07506-1 -
Climacteric : the Journal of the... Dec 2022We aimed to systematically review the impact of local estrogen use in combination with a pessary on vaginal complications in postmenopausal women with pelvic organ... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
We aimed to systematically review the impact of local estrogen use in combination with a pessary on vaginal complications in postmenopausal women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP).
METHODS
We searched databases including Medline, Embase, PubMed, Clinical Trials and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for relevant literature published in English from inception to 31 May 2021. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies were included.
RESULTS
In total, five studies were included (three RCTs, one prospective study and one retrospective cohort study). The meta-analysis was performed with subgroups. Our results indicated a significantly lower incidence of bacterial vaginosis (BV) among postmenopausal women who used estrogen than among controls, with a total pooled odds ratio (OR) of 0.29 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.11-0.72; = 38%; = 0.008). The summary ORs of the estrogen use group were 0.98 (95% CI: 0.59-1.63; = 41%; = 0.95) for vaginal ulceration, 0.80 (95% CI: 0.42-1.54; = 29%; = 0.50) for vaginal bleeding and 0.74 (95% CI: 0.35-1.58; = 35%; = 0.44) for vaginal discharge.
CONCLUSIONS
Local estrogen in combination with a pessary could decrease the BV rate among postmenopausal women with POP. However, consensus regarding the value of estrogen use for decreasing other pessary complications has not yet been reached. Additional multicenter RCTs with large sample sizes should be conducted to better understand the effect of estrogen use on reducing pessary-related complications.
Topics: Female; Humans; Pessaries; Pelvic Organ Prolapse; Vagina; Estrogens; Uterine Hemorrhage; Multicenter Studies as Topic
PubMed: 35695119
DOI: 10.1080/13697137.2022.2079973 -
Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics Nov 2023Levator ani muscle (LAM) avulsion affects up to 35% of women. Unlike obstetric anal sphincter injury, LAM avulsion is not diagnosed immediately after vaginal delivery,... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Levator ani muscle (LAM) avulsion affects up to 35% of women. Unlike obstetric anal sphincter injury, LAM avulsion is not diagnosed immediately after vaginal delivery, however, has a profound impact on quality of life. The management of pelvic floor disorders is in growing demand yet the significance of LAM avulsion in the context of pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) is poorly understood. This study collates information on success of treatment for LAM avulsion to establish the best options for management of women.
METHODS
MEDLINE, MEDLINE In-Process, EMBASE, PubMed, CINAHL and The Cochrane Library were searched for articles that evaluated the management techniques used to treat LAM avulsion. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021206427).
RESULTS
Natural healing of LAM avulsion occurs in 50% of women. Conservative measures, including pelvic floor exercises and pessary use are poorly studied. Pelvic floor muscle training for major LAM avulsions was of no benefit. Post-partum pessary use was only of benefit in the first three months for women. Surgeries for LAM avulsion are poorly researched but studies suggest they may provide benefit for 76-97% of patients.
CONCLUSIONS
Whilst some women with PFD secondary to LAM avulsion improve spontaneously, 50% continue to have pelvic floor symptoms 1 year following delivery. These symptoms result in a significant negative impact on quality of life, however, it is not clear whether conservative or surgical methods are helpful. There is a pressing need for research to find effective treatments and explore appropriate surgical repair techniques for women with LAM avulsion.
Topics: Pregnancy; Humans; Female; Quality of Life; Postpartum Period; Anal Canal; Pelvic Floor Disorders; Delivery, Obstetric; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 36808288
DOI: 10.1007/s00404-023-06955-4 -
Reproductive Sciences (Thousand Oaks,... Jan 2023This study was to assess the effectiveness of cervical pessary combined with vaginal progesterone for the prevention of preterm birth (PTB). Ten studies about singleton... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
This study was to assess the effectiveness of cervical pessary combined with vaginal progesterone for the prevention of preterm birth (PTB). Ten studies about singleton [five randomized controlled trials (RCTs), vs vaginal progesterone; four cohorts, vs vaginal progesterone; two cohorts, vs cervical cerclage + vaginal progesterone] and two cohort studies about multiple pregnancies (vs vaginal progesterone) were included after searching electronic databases. For singleton pregnancies, the meta-analysis of three non-RCTs [relative risk (RR) = 0.41, p = 0.001] or total trials in non-Asian country (RR = 0.56, p = 0.03) revealed that compared with vaginal progesterone alone, cervical pessary + vaginal progesterone treatment had significant effectiveness on preventing PTB < 34 weeks, but not for five RCTs; meta-analysis of two trials showed that cervical pessary + vaginal progesterone had no significant prevention effects of PTB compared with cervical cerclage + vaginal progesterone. For multiple pregnancies, meta-analysis of two trials showed that compared with vaginal progesterone, cervical pessary + vaginal progesterone treatment increased neonatal birth weight (standardized mean difference = 0.50, p = 0.01). Trial sequential analysis implied additional studies were required. Four studies vs other controls (pessary, three-combined, tocolysis, conservative or no treatment; one study, each) were selected for systematic review. In conclusion, cervical pessary combined with vaginal progesterone may be safe and effective to prevent PTB in singleton pregnancies and increase neonatal birth weight in the multiple pregnancies compared with vaginal progesterone alone.
Topics: Pregnancy; Infant, Newborn; Female; Humans; Progesterone; Premature Birth; Pessaries; Birth Weight; Cervix Uteri; Administration, Intravaginal
PubMed: 35352330
DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-00926-x -
The Journal of Maternal-fetal &... Jun 2018Preterm births occur frequently in multiple pregnancies with a short cervix. The cervical pessary is a potential intervention for prevention of preterm births. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Preterm births occur frequently in multiple pregnancies with a short cervix. The cervical pessary is a potential intervention for prevention of preterm births.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effectiveness of cervical pessary in the prevention of preterm births in multiple pregnancies with a short cervix (<25 mm).
SEARCH STRATEGY
Major databases from 2006 to 20th November 2016 were searched for relevant terms.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomized controlled trials that assessed the effectiveness of cervical pessary on pregnancy outcomes in multiple pregnancies with a short cervix.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Risk ratio was used as the summary measure with random effects model. We assessed heterogeneity between studies using the I index. Quality assessment was done based on Cochrane Handbook Method.
MAIN RESULTS
Pooled data showed no benefit of using cervical pessary in the prevention of preterm births, birth weights less than 1500 g, less than 2500 g, adverse neonatal events and fetal/neonatal deaths in twin pregnancies with a short cervix.
CONCLUSION
We are unable to show benefit of using cervical pessary in preventing preterm births in twin pregnancies with a short cervix. However, as cervical pessary is a reasonable intervention, there is a need for more randomized controlled trials in this area.
Topics: Female; Humans; Pessaries; Pregnancy; Pregnancy, Multiple; Premature Birth
PubMed: 28412851
DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2017.1319930 -
BJOG : An International Journal of... Apr 2019Recent progesterone trials call for an update of previous syntheses of interventions to prevent preterm birth. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Vaginal progesterone, oral progesterone, 17-OHPC, cerclage, and pessary for preventing preterm birth in at-risk singleton pregnancies: an updated systematic review and network meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
Recent progesterone trials call for an update of previous syntheses of interventions to prevent preterm birth.
OBJECTIVES
To compare the relative effects of different types and routes of administration of progesterone, cerclage, and pessary at preventing preterm birth in at-risk women overall and in specific populations.
SEARCH STRATEGY
We searched Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Web of Science up to 1 January 2018.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomised trials of progesterone, cerclage or pessary for preventing preterm birth in at-risk singleton pregnancies.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We used a piloted data extraction form and performed Bayesian random-effects network meta-analyses with 95% credibility intervals (CrI), as well as pairwise meta-analyses, rating the quality of the evidence using GRADE.
MAIN RESULTS
We included 40 trials (11 311 women). In at-risk women overall, vaginal progesterone reduced preterm birth <34 (OR 0.43, 95% CrI 0.20-0.81) and <37 weeks (OR 0.51, 95% CrI 0.34-0.74), and neonatal death (OR 0.41, 95% CrI 0.20-0.83). In women with a previous preterm birth, vaginal progesterone reduced preterm birth <34 (OR 0.29, 95% CI 0.12-0.68) and <37 weeks (OR 0.43, 95% CrI 0.23-0.74), and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate reduced preterm birth <37 weeks (OR 0.53, 95% CrI 0.27-0.95) and neonatal death (OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.16-0.95). In women with a short cervix (≤25 mm), vaginal progesterone reduced preterm birth <34 weeks (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.24-0.84).
CONCLUSIONS
Vaginal progesterone was the only intervention with consistent effectiveness for preventing preterm birth in singleton at-risk pregnancies overall and in those with a previous preterm birth.
TWEETABLE ABSTRACT
In updated NMA, vaginal progesterone consistently reduced PTB in overall at-risk pregnancies and in women with previous PTB.
Topics: 17 alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate; Administration, Intravaginal; Administration, Oral; Cerclage, Cervical; Cervical Length Measurement; Cervix Uteri; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Network Meta-Analysis; Perinatal Death; Pessaries; Pregnancy; Pregnancy, High-Risk; Premature Birth; Progesterone; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 30480871
DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.15566 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2022To investigate the risk of preterm birth in women with a placenta previa or a low-lying placenta for different cut-offs of gestational age and to evaluate preventive... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the risk of preterm birth in women with a placenta previa or a low-lying placenta for different cut-offs of gestational age and to evaluate preventive interventions.
SEARCH AND METHODS
MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, Web of Science, WHO-ICTRP and clinicaltrials.gov were searched until December 2021. Randomized controlled trials, cohort studies and case-control studies assessing preterm birth in women with placenta previa or low-lying placenta with a placental edge within 2 cm of the internal os in the second or third trimester were eligible for inclusion. Pooled proportions and odds ratios for the risk of preterm birth before 37, 34, 32 and 28 weeks of gestation were calculated. Additionally, the results of the evaluation of preventive interventions for preterm birth in these women are described.
RESULTS
In total, 34 studies were included, 24 reporting on preterm birth and 9 on preventive interventions. The pooled proportions were 46% (95% CI [39 - 53%]), 17% (95% CI [11 - 25%]), 10% (95% CI [7 - 13%]) and 2% (95% CI [1 - 3%]), regarding preterm birth <37, <34, <32 and <28 weeks in women with placenta previa. For low-lying placentas the risk of preterm birth was 30% (95% CI [19 - 43%]) and 1% (95% CI [0 - 6%]) before 37 and 34 weeks, respectively. Women with a placenta previa were more likely to have a preterm birth compared to women with a low-lying placenta or women without a placenta previa for all gestational ages. The studies about preventive interventions all showed potential prolongation of pregnancy with the use of intramuscular progesterone, intramuscular progesterone + cerclage or pessary.
CONCLUSIONS
Both women with a placenta previa and a low-lying placenta have an increased risk of preterm birth. This increased risk is consistent across all severities of preterm birth between 28-37 weeks of gestation. Women with placenta previa have a higher risk of preterm birth than women with a low-lying placenta have. Cervical cerclage, pessary and intramuscular progesterone all might have benefit for both women with placenta previa and low-lying placenta, but data in this population are lacking and inconsistent, so that solid conclusions about their effectiveness cannot be drawn.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
PROSPERO https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42019123675.
Topics: Cervix Uteri; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Placenta; Placenta Previa; Pregnancy; Premature Birth; Progesterone
PubMed: 36120450
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.921220 -
Neurourology and Urodynamics Aug 2021To systematically evaluate the content and quality of national and international clinical guidelines on pelvic organ prolapse (POP).
AIMS
To systematically evaluate the content and quality of national and international clinical guidelines on pelvic organ prolapse (POP).
METHODS
We searched medical databases and organizations websites, to identify national and international guidelines on diagnosis and management of POP. Five authors independently assessed guidelines using the validated AGREE II tool. Its six domains include (1) scope and purpose, (2) stakeholder involvement, (3) rigor of development, (4) clarity of presentation, (5) applicability, and (6) editorial independence.
RESULTS
Eight guidelines met the inclusion criteria. Three hundred and thirteen different recommendations were identified. One hundred and ninety-nine recommendations were comparable across guidelines. Thirty-one recommendations were not supported by research evidence. Assessment by history and physical examination using the POP quantification system and consideration of imaging were recommendations featuring in all guidelines. Conservative treatment recommendations namely pelvic floor muscle training and vaginal pessaries were also found in all guidelines. Regarding surgical management, patient counseling, treating only symptomatic POP, consideration of apical fixation during surgical treatment, and use of biological or synthetic implants in recurrent cases were recommendations in all guidelines. Overall, the highest median scores were in the domains "scope and purpose" and "rigor of development". The lowest median score was for applicability (28.3%). Although the median score of "editorial independence" was high (85.4%), variability was also substantial (interquartile range: 12.5-100).
CONCLUSION
We identified variations in quality and deficiencies in certain areas, especially "applicability" and "editorial independence." Improvements in these key domains may enhance the quality and clinical impact of clinical practice guidelines.
Topics: Female; Humans; Databases, Factual; Pelvic Organ Prolapse; Practice Guidelines as Topic
PubMed: 34350610
DOI: 10.1002/nau.24709