-
The British Journal of Dermatology Jul 2016Hirsutism is a common disorder with a major impact on quality of life. The most frequent cause is polycystic ovary syndrome. Effects of interventions (except laser and... (Review)
Review
Hirsutism is a common disorder with a major impact on quality of life. The most frequent cause is polycystic ovary syndrome. Effects of interventions (except laser and light-based therapies) were evaluated, including Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation assessments. Searches included Cochrane Skin Group Specialised Register, CENTRAL in The Cochrane Library, Medline, Embase and five trials registers to June 2014. We included 157 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 10 550 participants. The majority were assessed as having a 'high risk' of bias (123 of 157). The quality of evidence was rated moderate to very low for most outcomes. Pooled data for an oral contraceptive (OCP) (ethinyl oestradiol and cyproterone acetate) compared with another OCP (ethinyl oestradiol and desogestrel) demonstrated that both treatments were effective in reducing Ferriman-Gallwey scores, but the mean difference (MD) was not statistically significant [-1·84, 95% confidence interval (CI): -3·86-0·18]. Flutamide was more effective than placebo in two studies (MD -7·60, 95% CI: -10·53 to -4·67 and MD -7·20, 95% CI: -10·15 to -4·25), as was spironolactone (MD -7·69, 95% CI: -10·12 to -5·26). Spironolactone appeared to be as effective as flutamide (two studies) and finasteride (two studies). However, finasteride and the gonadotropin-releasing analogues showed discrepant results in several RCTs. Metformin was ineffective. Cyproterone acetate combined with OCPs demonstrated greater reductions in Ferriman-Gallwey scores. Lifestyle interventions reduced body mass index but did not show improvement in hirsutism, and although cosmetic measures are frequently used, no RCTs investigating cosmetic treatments were identified. RCTs investigating OCPs in combination with antiandrogens or finasteride vs. OCP alone, or the different antiandrogens and 5α-reductase inhibitors are warranted.
Topics: 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors; Adolescent; Androgen Antagonists; Body Mass Index; Contraceptives, Oral; Cyproterone Acetate; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Finasteride; Flutamide; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; Hirsutism; Humans; Hyperandrogenism; Hypoglycemic Agents; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Risk Reduction Behavior; Spironolactone; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult
PubMed: 26892495
DOI: 10.1111/bjd.14486 -
Annals of Translational Medicine Apr 2021Nipple-areola complex (NAC) reconstruction in transgender and gender non-binary (TGNB) individuals undergoing chest wall masculinization surgery is critical for adequate... (Review)
Review
Nipple-areola complex (NAC) reconstruction in transgender and gender non-binary (TGNB) individuals undergoing chest wall masculinization surgery is critical for adequate satisfaction and aesthetic results. Here, we conducted a systematic review to find the various techniques and outcomes of NAC reconstruction in double-incision mastectomy and free nipple grafts (DIM-FNG). A comprehensive search of several databases was conducted based on PRISMA guidelines. We included studies that described the NAC reconstruction technique after DIM-FNG, and evaluated the surgical outcomes, or satisfaction, or aesthetic results after a minimum duration of follow-up of 6 months. Studies were assessed for risk of bias. A qualitative synthesis was performed. A total of 19 studies, comprising 1,587 patients (3,174 breasts), were included. There was a total of 14 studies using the conventional FNG technique, 4 describing new approaches for NAC reconstruction in FNG and 1 study comparing the conventional FNG technique to another alternative technique. A total of 1,347 patients underwent DIM-FNG with conventional FNG and 240 underwent alternative techniques for NAC reconstruction after DIM-FNG. Postoperative complications were low, and satisfaction was high for conventional and alternative techniques. Newer techniques aim to reshape the new NACs in an oval shape, reduce nipple size and place the NACs using the pectoralis major lateral and inferior borders as reference. In addition, a horizontal oval incision at the recipient site may avoid an undesired vertical NAC.
PubMed: 33987310
DOI: 10.21037/atm-20-4522 -
Endocrine Jan 2024Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the heightened ovarian dysfunction associated with excessive androgen production, manifesting with hirsutism, abnormal menstrual... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the heightened ovarian dysfunction associated with excessive androgen production, manifesting with hirsutism, abnormal menstrual cycle, and polycystic ovaries. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the effect of resveratrol on laboratory parameters of PCOS women will be assessed.
METHODS
An electronic search via PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Scopus was performed up to February 2023 for randomized controlled trials conforming to our pre-specified outcomes. A random-effects model was utilized, with cohorts compared using mean differences.
RESULTS
Three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included, reporting 84 patients receiving resveratrol, and 85 patients receiving placebo. It was observed that resveratrol significantly improved prolactin levels (P = 0.02), acne scores (P = 0.008), and total cholesterol (P = 0.02). However, there were no significant improvements observed with respect to total testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), lutenizing hormone (LH), body mass index (BMI), hirsutism scores, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL).
CONCLUSION
As per the results of our analysis, resveratrol demonstrates mild therapeutic potential for the sufferers of PCOS, and cannot replace the current established treatment guidelines. However, further comprehensive RCTs are required in order to assess the efficacy in long-term dosing and the safety profile of the use of resveratrol.
Topics: Female; Humans; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Hirsutism; Resveratrol; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Follicle Stimulating Hormone
PubMed: 37568063
DOI: 10.1007/s12020-023-03479-4 -
Psycho-oncology May 2012Prostate cancer (PC) is common and affects Black African and Caribbean men disproportionately more than White men. It is known that PC awareness is low in these groups,... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Prostate cancer (PC) is common and affects Black African and Caribbean men disproportionately more than White men. It is known that PC awareness is low in these groups, but knowledge is lacking about other factors that may deter Black men from seeking information about, or getting tested for, PC. The aim of this review was to appraise research on knowledge and perceptions of PC among Black men.
METHODS
Four medical and social science databases were systematically searched, and reference lists of relevant papers were hand searched. Non-English publications were excluded. Qualitative findings were synthesised using comparative thematic analysis to which quantitative findings were integrated.
RESULTS
Thirteen qualitative studies and 20 cross-sectional surveys were included. All except two were conducted in the USA. The analysis identified individual, cultural and social factors likely to impact on Black men's awareness of, and willingness to be tested for, PC. Black men's awareness of personal risk of PC varied greatly between studies. Misunderstandings regarding methods of diagnosis and treatment were widespread. PC testing and treatment were perceived as a threat to men's sense of masculinity. Mistrust of the health-care system, limited access to health care and lack of trusting relationships with health professionals were also prominent.
CONCLUSION
The factors impacting on Black men's awareness of PC may contribute to late PC diagnosis and should be taken into account when communicating with Black men seeking prostate care. Further, the review demonstrated a need for high-quality studies in countries other than the USA to determine the relevance of the review findings for Black men in other nations and continents.
Topics: Black or African American; Black People; Caribbean Region; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Male; Patient Acceptance of Health Care; Prostatic Neoplasms
PubMed: 21905156
DOI: 10.1002/pon.2043 -
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology... May 2024To conduct a systematic review (SR) and meta-analysis (MA) on health-related quality-of-life (QoL) and associated factors among children/adolescents with congenital... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To conduct a systematic review (SR) and meta-analysis (MA) on health-related quality-of-life (QoL) and associated factors among children/adolescents with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH).
METHOD
Following registration in the PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews(reg no: CRD42022313389), Google Scholar, PubMed, LILACS, Cochrane, and Scopus databases were searched up to March 5, 2022, using predefined search strategy/MESH terms to identify original studies describing/assessing self-reported/parent-reported health-related QoL in patients with CAH ≤21 years. Methodological quality was assessed by Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (NOS), and heterogeneity by I2 statistics. MA assessed mean difference (MD) in QoL between children/adolescents with CAH and healthy children/adolescents.
RESULTS
Among 1308 publications, the 12 studies eligible for the SR (CAH n = 781) showed NOS scales of 3 to 7/9, and the 6 eligible for MA (CAH n = 227) showed moderate-considerable heterogeneity. MA showed that parent-reported psychosocial QoL (MD 9.9 [-12.6,7.3], P ≤ .001) {consisting of school (MD 7.4[-12.2, -2.5], P = .003), emotional (MD 5.6 [-10.2, -0.9], P = .02) and social domains (MD 4.3 [-8.1, -0.5], P = .03), and self-reported school domain QoL (MD 8.5 [-15.9, -1.2], P = .02) was lower in children/adolescents with CAH while parent-reported and self-reported physical QoL were similar to controls.Factors associated with lower QoL among children/ adolescents with CAH included poor disease control, poor medication compliance, and complications including hyperpigmentation, virilization, hypertension, hospital admission, and urinary incontinence.
CONCLUSION
Based on available data, children/adolescents with CAH had preserved physical QoL but impaired psychosocial QoL, especially in the school domain. Factors associated with lower QoL included poor disease control and disease/treatment-related complications. There is a need for further high-quality research that investigates the relationship between disease control, provision of psychosocial support, and improvement in QoL in children/adolescents with CAH.
Topics: Humans; Quality of Life; Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital; Child; Adolescent
PubMed: 38332657
DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgae068 -
Annales D'endocrinologie Feb 2024Aromatase deficiency is a rare disorder, with only a few cases reported in India. We describe a single-center experience in western India, with a systematic review of...
BACKGROUND
Aromatase deficiency is a rare disorder, with only a few cases reported in India. We describe a single-center experience in western India, with a systematic review of genetically proven 46,XX aromatase deficiency patients to evaluate hormonal parameters.
METHODS
Retrospective review of case records, collating phenotypic and genotypic data and molecular modeling. Systematic review of 46,XX aromatase deficiency, analyzing data on gonadotropins, estrogen and androgens.
RESULTS
In the seven patients from our center, presentation was frequent in childhood or adolescence (4/7: delayed puberty or hyperandrogenism), with maternal virilization (4/7), predominance of Prader III/IV (5/7), and initial rearing as females (6/7). Three patients had hypoplastic ovaries. One patient had spontaneous regular menses. We report three novel (p.Arg115Pro, p.Arg192Pro, and c.145+1_145+4delins) and two recurrent variants (p.Val370Met, and c.145+1_145+4delins) in western and northern India, respectively. On systematic review (n=43), gonadotropins were elevated (FSH>LH) across ages (except preterm infants), androgens were elevated in about one-third of cases during childhood and puberty, and estradiol was lower than in controls in mini-puberty and puberty. Spontaneous thelarche and streak ovaries were significantly more frequent in patients with non-truncating and truncating variants, respectively.
CONCLUSION
We report uncommon presentations with possible founder variants, and highlight hormonal parameters across ages. Serum FSH levels were elevated except in preterms, and can be used as a diagnostic marker.
Topics: Male; Infant; Female; Adolescent; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Gynecomastia; Androgens; Follicle Stimulating Hormone; Gonadotropins; Aromatase; Infertility, Male; Metabolism, Inborn Errors; 46, XX Disorders of Sex Development
PubMed: 37348676
DOI: 10.1016/j.ando.2023.05.010 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Oct 2013Progesterone, a female sex hormone, is known to induce secretory changes in the lining of the uterus essential for successful implantation of a fertilized egg. It has... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Progesterone, a female sex hormone, is known to induce secretory changes in the lining of the uterus essential for successful implantation of a fertilized egg. It has been suggested that a causative factor in many cases of miscarriage may be inadequate secretion of progesterone. Therefore, progestogens have been used, beginning in the first trimester of pregnancy, in an attempt to prevent spontaneous miscarriage.
OBJECTIVES
To determine the efficacy and safety of progestogens as a preventative therapy against miscarriage.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (1 August 2013), reference lists from relevant articles, attempting to contact authors where necessary, and contacted experts in the field for unpublished works.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials comparing progestogens with placebo or no treatment given in an effort to prevent miscarriage.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors assessed trial quality and extracted data.
MAIN RESULTS
Fourteen trials (2158 women) are included. The meta-analysis of all women, regardless of gravidity and number of previous miscarriages, showed no statistically significant difference in the risk of miscarriage between progestogen and placebo or no treatment groups (Peto odds ratio (Peto OR) 0.99; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.78 to 1.24) and no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse effect in either mother or baby.A subgroup analysis of placebo controlled trials did not find a difference in the rate of miscarriage with the use of progestogen (10 trials, 1028 women; Peto OR 1.15; 95% CI 0.88 to 1.50).In a subgroup analysis of four trials involving women who had recurrent miscarriages (three or more consecutive miscarriages; four trials, 225 women), progestogen treatment showed a statistically significant decrease in miscarriage rate compared to placebo or no treatment (Peto OR 0.39; 95% CI 0.21 to 0.72). However, these four trials were of poorer methodological quality. No statistically significant differences were found between the route of administration of progestogen (oral, intramuscular, vaginal) versus placebo or no treatment. No significant differences in the rates of preterm birth, neonatal death, or fetal genital anomalies/virilization were found between progestogen therapy versus placebo/control.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
There is no evidence to support the routine use of progestogen to prevent miscarriage in early to mid-pregnancy. However, there seems to be evidence of benefit in women with a history of recurrent miscarriage. Treatment for these women may be warranted given the reduced rates of miscarriage in the treatment group and the finding of no statistically significant difference between treatment and control groups in rates of adverse effects suffered by either mother or baby in the available evidence. Larger trials are currently underway to inform treatment for this group of women.
Topics: Abortion, Habitual; Abortion, Spontaneous; Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Trimester, Second; Progestins; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 24173668
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003511.pub3 -
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology... Mar 2020P450 oxidoreductase deficiency (PORD) is a rare genetic disorder that is associated with significant morbidity. However there has been limited analysis of reported PORD... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
CONTEXT
P450 oxidoreductase deficiency (PORD) is a rare genetic disorder that is associated with significant morbidity. However there has been limited analysis of reported PORD cases.
OBJECTIVE
To determine, based on the cohort of reported PORD cases, genotype-phenotype relationships for skeletal malformations, maternal virilisation in pregnancy, adrenal insufficiency, and disorders of sexual development (DSD).
DATA SOURCES
PubMed and Web of Science from January 2004 to February 2018.
STUDY SELECTION
Published case reports/series of patients with PORD. Eligible patients were unique, had biallelic mutations, and their clinical features were reported.
DATA EXTRACTION
Patient data were manually extracted from the text of case reports/series. A malformation score, representing the severity of skeletal malformations, was calculated for each patient.
DATA SYNTHESIS
Of the 211 patients published in the literature, 90 were eligible for inclusion. More than 60 unique mutations were identified in this cohort. Four groups of mutations were identified, through regression modeling, as having significantly different skeletal malformation scores. Maternal virilization in pregnancy, reported for 21% of patients, was most common for R457H mutations. Adrenal insufficiency occurred for the majority of patients (78%) and was typically mild, with homozygous R457H mutations being the least deficient. DSD affected most patients (72%), but were less common for males (46XY) with homozygous R457H mutations.
CONCLUSIONS
PORD is a complex disorder with many possible mutations affecting a large number of enzymes. By analyzing the cohort of reported PORD cases, this study identified clear relationships between genotype and several important phenotypic features.
Topics: Adrenal Insufficiency; Antley-Bixler Syndrome Phenotype; Female; Genotype; Humans; Male; Musculoskeletal Abnormalities; Mutation; Phenotype
PubMed: 31825489
DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgz255 -
BMC Health Services Research Jul 2021The caregiving's impact on informal carers' quality of life and gender-based stereotypes make older individuals' informal care a complex process for which our knowledge...
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
The caregiving's impact on informal carers' quality of life and gender-based stereotypes make older individuals' informal care a complex process for which our knowledge is still limited. The purpose of this review is to identify how gender relates to informal carers' experiences of providing care for people aged 60 years and over with mental and physical health needs by synthesising the available empirical data published between 2000 to 2020.
DESIGN AND METHODS
The systematic method for reviewing and synthesising qualitative data was performed using the PRISMA checklist and ENTREQ statement. The CASP tool was used to examine the quality of the included papers. Thematic synthesis was used as the methodological framework.
RESULTS
This review produced two analytical themes, the impact of gender on the caregivers' labour and negotiating gender identity with self, society, and cultural norms. While informal caregivers share motivators, a linkage between traditional gender stereotypes impacts caregiving burden and coping strategies. Informal carers' experiences entail a constant pursuit of self-agency after acquiring the caregiver role. Cultural values and their intersection with gender appear to influence caregivers' healthy adjustment into their new caregiving identities. The flexibility to move beyond gender boundaries could mediate caregivers' negotiations between self and society on developing their new caregiving identity. Providing intensive informal primary care to older people affects both men's and women's mental and physical health. Gender ideals of the feminine nurturing role further disadvantage women as they determine the caregiving arrangements, the strategies and resources to sustain the caring burden, and the adaptability to experience their new caregiving role positively. Men appear more flexible to debate their hegemonic masculinity and defend their existence in the caregiving role.
CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS
Transgressing gender lines and expanding gender possibilities can ease the caregiving burden and strengthen caregivers coping potentials. Health professionals can empower informal careers to challenge gender binaries and expand gender possibilities by intentionally injecting the language of diversity in caring information and caring processes. The review findings outline a path for research on gender identity development in older people's care.
Topics: Aged; Caregivers; Female; Gender Identity; Humans; Male; Men; Middle Aged; Patient Care; Quality of Life
PubMed: 34301248
DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-06736-2 -
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology... Apr 2008Insulin sensitizers, including metformin and thiazolidinediones (TZDs), improve hyperinsulinemia and reproductive dysfunctions in some women with hyperandrogenism. The... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
CONTEXT
Insulin sensitizers, including metformin and thiazolidinediones (TZDs), improve hyperinsulinemia and reproductive dysfunctions in some women with hyperandrogenism. The extent to which these agents improve hirsutism remains unclear.
OBJECTIVE
Our objective was to conduct a systematic review and metaanalyses of randomized controlled trials of metformin or TZDs for the treatment of hirsutism.
DATA SOURCES
We searched the following databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL (up to May 2006). Review of reference lists and contact with hirsutism experts further identified candidate trials.
STUDY SELECTION
Reviewers working independently and in duplicate, with acceptable chance-adjusted agreement (kappa = 0.72), determined trial eligibility. Eligible trials randomly assigned women with hirsutism to at least 6 months of insulin sensitizers or control and measured hirsutism outcomes.
DATA EXTRACTION
Reviewers working independently and in duplicate determined the methodological quality of trials and collected data on patient characteristics, interventions, and outcomes.
DATA SYNTHESIS
Of 348 candidate studies, 16 trials (22 comparisons) were eligible. The methodological quality of these trials was low. Random-effects metaanalyses showed a small decrease in Ferriman-Gallwey scores in women treated with insulin sensitizers compared with placebo [pooled weighted mean difference (WMD) of -1.5; 95% confidence interval (CI), -2.8 to -0.2; inconsistency (I(2)) = 75%]. There was no significant difference between insulin sensitizers and oral contraceptives (WMD of -0.5; CI, -5.0, 3.9; I(2) = 79%). Metformin was inferior to both spironolactone (WMD of 1.3; CI, 0.03, 2.6) and flutamide (WMD of 5.0; CI, 3.0, 7.0; I(2) = 0%).
CONCLUSIONS
Imprecise and inconsistent evidence of low to very low quality suggests that insulin sensitizers provide limited or no important benefit for women with hirsutism.
Topics: Androgen Antagonists; Drug Therapy, Combination; Hirsutism; Humans; Hypoglycemic Agents; Metformin; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 18252787
DOI: 10.1210/jc.2007-2429