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International Journal of Hyperthermia :... 2024To analyze and summarize the types, incidence rates and relevant influencing factors of adverse events (AEs) after high-intensity focused ultrasound ablation of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
To analyze and summarize the types, incidence rates and relevant influencing factors of adverse events (AEs) after high-intensity focused ultrasound ablation of gynecological diseases and provide reference and basis for handling such events in clinical practice.
METHOD
We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Embase databases to retrieve all literature since its establishment until February 2024. We evaluated the quality of included literature and publication bias and conducted a meta-analysis of single group rates for various AEs using Stata 17.0.
RESULTS
This systematic review finally included 41 articles. We summarized 34 kinds of AEs in 7 aspects and conducted a single group rate meta-analysis and sub-group analysis of 16 kinds of AEs. Among the common AEs of High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU), the incidence of lower abdominal pain/pelvic pain is 36.1% (95% CI: 24.3%∼48.8%), vaginal bleeding is 20.6% (95% CI: 13.9%∼28.0%), vaginal discharge is 14.0% (95% CI: 9.6%∼19.1%), myoma discharge is 24% (95% CI: 14.6%∼34.8%), buttock pain is 10.8% (95% CI: 6.0%∼16.5%) and sacral pain is 10% (95% CI: 8.8%∼11.2%). Serious complications include uterine rupture, necrotic tissue obstruction requiring surgical intervention, third degree skin burns and persistent lower limb pain or movement disorders.
CONCLUSION
The common AEs after HIFU surgery are mostly mild and controllable, and the incidence of serious complications is extremely low. By reasonable prevention and active intervention, these events can be further reduced, making it a safe and effective treatment method. It is a good choice for patients who crave noninvasive treatment or have other surgical contraindications.
Topics: Humans; Female; High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Ablation; Genital Diseases, Female
PubMed: 38945548
DOI: 10.1080/02656736.2024.2370969 -
Fertility and Sterility Jun 2024As part of the 2023 International Evidence-based PCOS Guideline, this meta-analysis investigated the inclusion of Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) in the diagnostic... (Review)
Review
IMPORTANCE
As part of the 2023 International Evidence-based PCOS Guideline, this meta-analysis investigated the inclusion of Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) in the diagnostic criteria for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
OBJECTIVE
A systematic review and three meta-analyses were performed to answer the following three questions: 1) Is AMH effective to diagnose PCOS in adult women? 2) Is AMH effective to diagnose PCOS in adolescents? 3) Is AMH effective to diagnose PCOM?
DATA SOURCES
Searches were conducted in six databases until July 31st 2023.
STUDY SELECTION AND SYNTHESIS
Eligible studies were those conducted in humans, published in English and reported sensitivity, specificity, and/or area under the curve. Extracted data included study population, age, body mass index (BMI), AMH assay, cut off value of AMH, sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC). Risk of bias was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies tool. Random effects model were used to test diagnostic accuracy.
MAIN OUTCOMES
Pooled sensitivity and specificity to use AMH for PCOS diagnosis in adults and adolescents, and for detecting PCOM in adults.
RESULTS
Eighty-two studies were included. The adult AMH-PCOS meta-analyses (n = 68) showed a pooled sensitivity and specificity of 0.79 [95% CI 0.76; 0.82; I = 86%] and 0.87 [95% CI 0.84; 0.89; I = 91%]. The adolescent AMH-PCOS meta-analysis (n = 11) showed a pooled sensitivity and specificity of 0.66 [95% CI 0.58; 0.73; I = 74%] and 0.78 [95% CI 0.71; 0.83; I = 45%]. The adult AMH-PCOM meta-analysis (n = 7) showed a pooled sensitivity and specificity of 0.79 [95% CI 0.72; 0.85; I = 94%] and 0.87 [95% CI 0.78; 0.93; I = 94%].
CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE
This study investigated the most profound change in the 2023 International Evidence-based PCOS Guideline, which now recommends AMH for defining PCOM in adults, in accordance with the diagnostic algorithm. AMH alone is insufficient for PCOS diagnosis and is nonspecific for PCOM in adolescents. Multiple factors influence AMH levels and caused heterogeneity and limitations in this study. Consequently, no international cut off value could be recommended, emphasizing the need for research on more individualized cut offs.
PubMed: 38944177
DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2024.05.163 -
Reproductive Biomedicine Online Feb 2024In 15-30% of couples with infertility, no abnormalities are found after the initial diagnostic work-up. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of... (Review)
Review
In 15-30% of couples with infertility, no abnormalities are found after the initial diagnostic work-up. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of endometriosis in patients with unexplained infertility undergoing diagnostic laparoscopy in the current era of improved imaging and assisted reproductive technology. A systematic search of PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Central was conducted to identify all studies reporting on pelvic pathologies found by laparoscopy in couples diagnosed with unexplained infertility. Normal ovulatory cycles, normal semen analysis and an infertility period of ≥12 months were the minimum requirements for a study population to be included. The prevalence of endometriosis was 44%, and most lesions were classified as minimal or mild (74%). The prevalence rates of tubal factors and adhesions were 20% and 16%, respectively. The detection rate for pelvic abnormalities was higher in women with prior fertility treatment (75%) compared with women without prior fertility treatment (53%). Despite the significant improvements in imaging for the diagnosis of endometriosis and tubal factors over the last decades, the prevalence rates of endometriosis and tubal abnormalities remain high in patients with unexplained infertility. The high prevalence of endometriosis in this population is important for decision-making in patients who also suffer from pain symptoms suggestive of endometriosis.
PubMed: 38943813
DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2024.103848 -
Reproductive Biomedicine Online Apr 2024This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the impact of ovarian endometriomas (OMA) on indirect markers of oocyte quality in patients undergoing IVF,... (Review)
Review
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the impact of ovarian endometriomas (OMA) on indirect markers of oocyte quality in patients undergoing IVF, compared with women without anatomical or functional ovarian abnormalities. The search spanned original randomized controlled trials, case-control studies and cohort studies published in MEDLINE, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register and the ClinicalTrials.gov database up to October 2023. Thirty-one studies were included in the meta-analysis, showing no significant differences in fertilization (OR 1.10, 95% CI 0.94-1.30), blastulation (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.64-1.14) and cancellation (OR 1.06, 95% CI 0.78-1.44) rates. However, patients with OMA exhibited significantly lower numbers of total and mature (metaphase II) oocytes retrieved (mean difference -1.59, 95% CI -2.25 to -0.94; mean difference -1.86, 95% CI -2.46 to -1.26, respectively), and lower numbers of top-quality embryos (mean difference -0.49, 95% CI -0.92 to -0.06). The Ovarian Sensitivity Index was similar between the groups (mean difference -1.55, 95% CI -3.27 to 0.18). The lack of data published to date prevented meta-analysis on euploidy rate. In conclusion, although the presence of OMA could decrease the oocyte yield in patients undergoing IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection, it does not appear to have an adverse impact on oocyte quality.
PubMed: 38943812
DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2024.104075 -
Genetics in Medicine : Official Journal... Jun 2024Germline testing in pediatric cancer presents opportunities and challenges. Understanding family perspectives, experiences, and preferences will optimize integration... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Germline testing in pediatric cancer presents opportunities and challenges. Understanding family perspectives, experiences, and preferences will optimize integration into routine care.
METHODS
Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched four databases for studies exploring perspectives, experiences, and preferences of parents/caregivers and/or patients regarding germline testing of children with cancer. Qualitative and quantitative data was extracted, organized, and summarized by research question and themes.
RESULTS
We identified 2286 unique articles, of which 24 were included. Interest in and uptake of testing was high. Families were motivated by altruism and a desire for inheritance/causation information. Testing barriers included psychological concerns, timing of the testing approach if offered at diagnosis or in a high-risk cancer setting and privacy/discrimination. Testing experiences highlighted challenges yet also positive impacts, with results providing psychological relief and informing proactive decision-making. Timing preferences varied, however allowing time to adjust to a new diagnosis was a common theme. Most wanted to receive as many germline sequencing-related results as possible.
CONCLUSION
Findings underscore the importance of integrating germline analyses into pediatric cancer care with flexibility and support for families facing challenges. Where possible, consent should be provided at a time that suits each family's situation with access to information aligning with their needs and preferences.
PROSPERO
CRD42023444890.
PubMed: 38943478
DOI: 10.1016/j.gim.2024.101197 -
Journal of Reproductive Immunology Jun 2024Chronic Intervillositis of Unknown Etiology (CIUE) is a rare idiopathic inflammatory disorder of the placenta. The evidence suggests an increased risk for poor... (Review)
Review
Chronic Intervillositis of Unknown Etiology (CIUE) is a rare idiopathic inflammatory disorder of the placenta. The evidence suggests an increased risk for poor obstetrical outcomes and a risk of recurrence as high as 100 %. This meta-analysis examined CIUE prevalence, recurrence, association with autoimmune disorders, reproductive outcomes, pregnancy complications, and the benefits of medical treatments. A systematic review, following PRISMA guidelines, involved a thorough search across multiple databases including Medline, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Evidence Based Medical Reviews, and Scopus. Out of 590 initially identified studies, 19 studies were included for both qualitative synthesis and meta-analysis after full-text review. Risk of bias was assessed using appropriate tools: The Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies of Interventions tool was applied to twelve studies, while the Joanna Briggs Institute case series critical appraisal tool was used for seven studies. Our findings confirm that CIUE is a rare condition (0.7 %). CIUE is associated with decreased live birth rates (53 %), increased recurrent pregnancy loss (23 %), fetal loss beyond 22 weeks gestation (25 %), a higher prevalence of autoimmune diseases (14 %), and a recurrence rate of 30 % in subsequent pregnancies. Moreover, individuals with CIUE had higher rates of pregnancy complications, including gestational hypertension (19 %), intrauterine growth restriction (45 %), and preterm births (43 %). No significant improvement in live birth rate was observed among treated CIUE patients; however, caution is warranted when interpreting these findings due to the limited sample size. Future research in CIUE is crucial given its rarity and complexity.
PubMed: 38941926
DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2024.104285 -
Gynecologic Oncology Reports Aug 2024Studies suggest a need for new diagnostic approaches for cervical cancer including microRNA technology. In this review, we assessed the diagnostic accuracy of microRNAs...
Studies suggest a need for new diagnostic approaches for cervical cancer including microRNA technology. In this review, we assessed the diagnostic accuracy of microRNAs in detecting cervical cancer and Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN). We performed a systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guideline for protocols (PRISMA-P). We searched for all articles in online databases and grey literature from 01st January 2012 to 16th August 2022. We used the quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies tool (QUADAS-2) to assess the risk of bias of included studies and then conducted a Random Effects Meta-analysis. We identified 297 articles and eventually extracted data from 24 studies. Serum/plasma concentration miR-205, miR-21, miR-192, and miR-9 showed highest diagnostic accuracy (AUC of 0.750, 0.689, 0.980, and 0.900, respectively) for detecting CIN from healthy controls. MicroRNA panels (miR-21, miR-125b and miR-370) and (miR-9, miR-10a, miR-20a and miR-196a and miR-16-2) had AUC values of 0.897 and 0.886 respectively for detecting CIN from healthy controls. For detection of cervical cancer from healthy controls, the most promising microRNAs were miR-21, miR-205, miR-192 and miR-9 (AUC values of 0.723, 0.960, 1.00, and 0.99 respectively). We report higher diagnostic accuracy of upregulated microRNAs, especially miR-205, miR-9, miR-192, and miR-21. This highlights their potential as stand-alone screening or diagnostic tests, either with others, in a new algorithm, or together with other biomarkers for purposes of detecting cervical lesions. Future studies could standardize quantification methods, and also study microRNAs in higher prevalence populations like in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Our review protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022313275).
PubMed: 38939506
DOI: 10.1016/j.gore.2024.101424 -
Journal of Clinical Nursing Jun 2024
PubMed: 38937902
DOI: 10.1111/jocn.17306 -
BMC Oral Health Jun 2024Oral diseases are a major global public health problem, impacting the quality of life of those affected. While consensus exists on the importance of high-quality,...
BACKGROUND
Oral diseases are a major global public health problem, impacting the quality of life of those affected. While consensus exists on the importance of high-quality, evidence-informed guidelines to inform practice and public health decisions in medicine, appropriate methodologies and standards are not commonly adhered to among producers of oral health guidelines. This study aimed to systematically identify organizations that develop evidence-informed guidelines in oral health globally and survey the methodological process followed to formulate recommendations.
METHODS
We searched numerous electronic databases, guideline repositories, and websites of guideline developers, scientific societies, and international organizations (January 2012-October 2023) to identify organizations that develop guidelines addressing any oral health topic and that explicitly declare the inclusion of research evidence in their development. Pairs of reviewers independently evaluated potentially eligible organizations according to predefined selection criteria and extracted data about the organization's characteristics, key features of their guidelines, and the process followed when formulating formal recommendations. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze and summarize data.
RESULTS
We included 46 organizations that developed evidence-informed guidelines in oral health. The organizations were mainly professional associations and scientific societies (67%), followed by governmental organizations (28%). In total, organizations produced 55 different guideline document types, most of them containing recommendations for clinical practice (77%). Panels were primarily composed of healthcare professionals (87%), followed by research methodologists (40%), policymakers (24%), and patient partners (18%). Most (60%) of the guidelines reported their funding source, but only one out of three (33%) included a conflict of interest (COI) policy management. The methodology used in the 55 guideline document types varied across the organizations, but only 19 (35%) contained formal recommendations. Half (51%) of the guideline documents referred to a methodology handbook, 46% suggested a structured approach or system for rating the certainty of the evidence and the strength of recommendations, and 37% mentioned using a framework to move from evidence to decisions, with the GRADE-EtD being the most widely used (27%).
CONCLUSION
Our findings underscore the need for alignment and standardization of both terminology and methodologies used in oral health guidelines with current international standards to formulate trustworthy recommendations.
Topics: Humans; Oral Health; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Evidence-Based Dentistry
PubMed: 38937727
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-024-04445-w -
Gynecologic Oncology Jun 2024Chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) is a common and emotionally-taxing side effect of chemotherapy, including taxane agents used frequently in treatment of gynecologic... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) is a common and emotionally-taxing side effect of chemotherapy, including taxane agents used frequently in treatment of gynecologic cancers. Scalp hypothermia, also known as "cold caps", is a possible method to prevent severe CIA, studied primarily in the breast cancer population.
OBJECTIVES
To compile existing data on scalp hypothermia in cancer patients receiving taxane chemotherapy in order to investigate its application to the gynecologic cancer population.
SEARCH STRATEGY
MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Cochrane were searched through January 31, 2023.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Full-text manuscripts reporting on the results of scalp hypothermia in patients receiving taxane-based chemotherapy.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Binomial proportions were summed, and random-effects meta-analyses performed.
MAIN RESULTS
From 1424 records, we included 31 studies, representing 14 different countries. Only 5 studies included gynecologic cancer patients. We extracted the outcome of the proportion of patients with <50% hair loss. Among 2179 included patients, 60.7% were reported to have <50% hair loss (meta-analysis: 60.6%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 54.9-66.1%). Among the 28 studies reporting only on taxane-based chemotherapy, the rate of <50% hair loss was 60.0% (meta-analysis: 60.9%, (95% CI: 54.9-66.7%). In comparative studies, hair loss was significantly less in patients who received scalp hypothermia versus those who did not (49.3% versus 0% with <50% hair loss; OR 40.3, 95% CI: 10.5-154.8). Scalp cooling achieved <50% hair loss in patients receiving paclitaxel (67.7%; meta-analysis 69.9%, 95% CI 64.1-75.4%) and docetaxel (57.1%; meta-analysis 60.5%, 95% CI 50.0-71.6%). Meta-analysis on patient satisfaction in regard to scalp cooling found a satisfaction rate of 78.9% (95% CI 69.1-87.4%).
CONCLUSION
Scalp hypothermia may be an effective method to reduce some cases of CIA due to taxane chemotherapy, especially paclitaxel. More trials need to be done to determine the precise effects of scalp hypothermia in gynecologic cancer patients.
PubMed: 38936283
DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2024.06.012