-
European Journal of Obstetrics,... Dec 2021Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a common complication post-caesarean section. Advanced dressings aim to provide an optimal wound environment, primarily by physically... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE(S)
Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a common complication post-caesarean section. Advanced dressings aim to provide an optimal wound environment, primarily by physically or chemically controlling moisture, in order to promote timely healing. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of advanced dressings in SSI prevention post-caesarean section. Secondary effectiveness outcomes included superficial SSI, endometritis, wound dehiscence, rehospitalisation and length of rehospitalisation.
STUDY DESIGN
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis according to PRISMA guidelines. A protocol was registered a priori. MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL and CINAHL databases were searched from inception to May 2021, without date or language restrictions. Keywords included: caesarean section; bandages; dressing and surgical wound infection. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were included if they investigated any advanced dressing in women post-caesarean section compared to simple dressings and assessed SSI incidence. Relative risks (RR), with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and p-values, were calculated using Review Manager software (RevMan version 5.0, The Cochrane Collaboration). I percentages were reported to assess heterogeneity and a funnel plot was produced to assess publication bias. Quality assessment was performed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool. All data were double-extracted and discrepancies were finalised by a third reviewer.
RESULTS
From 253 citations identified, six RCTs were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. Two studies investigated dialkylcarbamoyl chloride (DACC)-impregnated dressings; two investigated silver-impregnated dressings; one investigated copper-impregnated dressings and one investigated chlorhexidine gluconate dressings. The overall meta-analysis showed that advanced dressings did not reduce SSI risk (RR 0.81 [95% CI 0.52-1.24; p = 0.32]). However, subgroup analysis revealed that DACC-impregnated dressings reduced SSI risk (RR 0.33 [95% CI 0.14-0.77; p = 0.01]). Silver-impregnated dressings caused a nonsignificant increase in SSI risk (RR 1.20 [95% CI 0.77-1.88; p = 0.41]). All studies showed a high risk of bias.
CONCLUSION
This systematic review and meta-analysis suggests DACC dressings potentially reduce SSI. However we have shown no benefit of silver dressings. Further high-quality RCTs are required to recommend a change in clinical practice.
Topics: Bandages; Cesarean Section; Endometritis; Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Surgical Wound Infection; Wound Healing
PubMed: 34826671
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2021.11.014 -
The Journal of Maternal-fetal &... Dec 2022To estimate the effect of speculum examination only versus digital cervical examination on maternal infectious morbidity in women with preterm prelabor rupture of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the effect of speculum examination only versus digital cervical examination on maternal infectious morbidity in women with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We explored MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, CINAHL, ClinicalTrials.gov and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for studies comparing the rate of a composite maternal infectious morbidity (either chorioamnionitis, endometritis or both) in women with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes that underwent a speculum only versus digital cervical examination at the time of diagnosis. Two reviewers separately ascertained studies, obtained data, and gauged study quality. The rate of a composite maternal infectious morbidity (either chorioamnionitis, endometritis or both) were compared and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated.
RESULTS
Four cohort studies, reporting on 1213 women were identified. The median point prevalence of the composite maternal infectious morbidity was 26% (interquartile range 15-35%) in women who had a speculum examination only compared to 33% (interquartile range 22-42%) in women who underwent a digital examination. The overall maternal composite infectious morbidity rate in women that had a speculum examination only was less compared to women that had undergone a digital examination (pooled OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.58-0.98, 17%). The weighted mean length of latency in women with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes was longer in individuals evaluated by speculum only versus digital examination, 6.6 d versus 2.9 d (mean difference 4.5 d, 95% CI 1.4 to 7.8, 99%).
CONCLUSION
Speculum examination only in women with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes is associated with less maternal infectious morbidity and longer latency periods.
Topics: Pregnancy; Infant, Newborn; Female; Humans; Chorioamnionitis; Fetal Membranes, Premature Rupture; Endometritis; Morbidity; Surgical Instruments
PubMed: 34818968
DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2021.2006628 -
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 -
Sexually Transmitted Infections Feb 2022The UK National Chlamydia Screening Programme uses an opportunistic approach. Many programmes use campaigns to raise awareness of chlamydia screening in young people....
What is the effectiveness of community-based health promotion campaigns on chlamydia screening uptake in young people and what barriers and facilitators have been identified? A mixed-methods systematic review.
BACKGROUND
The UK National Chlamydia Screening Programme uses an opportunistic approach. Many programmes use campaigns to raise awareness of chlamydia screening in young people. This review aimed to assess the effectiveness of campaigns on uptake of chlamydia screening in young people.
METHODS
We conducted a mixed-methods systematic review of articles assessing the outcomes of community-based health-promotion campaigns to increase chlamydia screening in young people, their experiences of the campaigns and other facilitators and barriers to the conduct of the campaigns. We searched four databases for quantitative and qualitative studies with no language restrictions.
MAIN RESULTS
From 10 329 records identified, 19 studies (20 articles) were included in the review: 14 quantitative, 2 qualitative and 3 mixed methods. All studies with quantitative outcomes were before-after study designs or interrupted time series. The prediction interval for relative change (RC) in test counts ranged from 0.95 to 1.56, with a summary pooled estimate of RC 1.22 (95% CI 1.14 to 1.30, 13 studies, I=97%). For test positivity rate, 95% prediction interval was 0.59 to 1.48, with a summary pooled estimate of RC 0.93 (95% CI 0.81 to 1.07, 8 studies, I=91.8%). Large variation in characteristics between studies precluded exploring outcomes by type of campaign components. Seven major qualitative themes to improve screening were identified: targeting of campaigns; quality of materials and message; language; anonymity; use of technology; relevance; and variety of testing options.
CONCLUSIONS
Health promotion campaigns aiming to increase chlamydia testing in those aged 15-24 years may show some effectiveness in increasing overall numbers of tests, however numbers of positive tests do not follow the same trend. Qualitative findings indicate that campaigns require clear, relevant messaging that displays the full range of testing options and assures anonymity in order to be effective.
Topics: Adolescent; Chlamydia Infections; Health Promotion; Humans; Interrupted Time Series Analysis; Mass Screening; Public Health; Qualitative Research; United Kingdom; Young Adult
PubMed: 34446545
DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2021-055142 -
Seminars in Cancer Biology Nov 2022Ovarian cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers with a high mortality rate in women. Published studies indicate that inflammation, DNA damage, and pelvic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Ovarian cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers with a high mortality rate in women. Published studies indicate that inflammation, DNA damage, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) are the most important risk factors for ovarian cancer and this could be induced and exacerbated by infectious agents such as Chlamydia trachomatis and Mycoplasma genitalium. The aim of this study was to determine the association between Chlamydia and Mycoplasma infections and the risk of ovarian cancer.
METHODS
We carried out a comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Google Scholar without limitation on publication date. All relevant studies which investigatived probable potential connection between Chlamydia and Mycoplasma infection and development of ovarian cancer were included.
RESULTS
Eighteen studies comprising a total of 8207 patients were evaluated in the study and this showed that the frequency of infection with Chlamydia and Mycoplasma among ovarian cancer patients was 32.6 % and 23 %, respectively. The results suggested that Chlamydia trachomatis infection increased the overall risk for ovarian cancer by 1.344 fold (OR: 1.344; 95 %CI: 1.19-1.50). Moreover, infection with Mycoplasma infections showed a week but not significant increased risk of ovarian cancer (OR: 1.12; 95 %CI: 0.86-1.44). However, the test for heterogeneity was significant among these studies.
CONCLUSION
This study confirmed the clinical relevance of Chlamydia and Mycoplasma infection and development of the ovarian cancer risk, although the significance was marginal and study heterogeneity was significant. This highlights the need for further studies in this area.
Topics: Humans; Female; Mycoplasma Infections; Mycoplasma genitalium; Chlamydia trachomatis; Chlamydia Infections; Carcinoma, Ovarian Epithelial; Ovarian Neoplasms
PubMed: 34333041
DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.07.016 -
Infectious Diseases and Therapy Dec 2021Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Ng) is the second most common sexually transmitted bacterial infection (STI), leading to serious health problems in men, women and newborns. While... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Ng) is the second most common sexually transmitted bacterial infection (STI), leading to serious health problems in men, women and newborns. While early antibiotic treatment is effective, infections are increasingly antibiotic-resistant. No systematic reviews present health problems associated with Ng infections or their likelihood of occurrence. The objective, therefore, was to conduct a systematic literature review to address these gaps.
METHODS
A systematic literature review was conducted of all studies with an English abstract published since 1950 (Pubmed)/1966 (Embase). The search included patients with a history of/current sexually transmitted Ng infection. Expected outcomes were defined from published reviews of gonorrhoea health problems. Observational studies with a control group were included. A decision tree determined the best quality studies for each outcome, prioritising generalisable populations, laboratory-confirmed diagnosis, clearly defined outcomes, no STI co-infections, adjusted analyses and risk estimates. Where feasible, a meta-analysis was performed; otherwise, the best quality study estimates were identified.
FINDINGS
In total, 46 studies were included, and 22 health problems were identified. Of these problems, Ng infection was statistically significantly associated with preterm premature ruptures of membranes, preterm birth, low birth weight, stillbirth, infant death, neonatal ophthalmia, schizophrenia in offspring, pelvic inflammatory disease and subsequent tubal infertility, human immunodeficiency virus and prostate cancer/problems. High-quality evidence was generally lacking, with high heterogeneity across studies, and limited or inconclusive data on other health problems.
CONCLUSION
Ng infection is associated with severe health problems in women, men and newborns. More high-quality comparative studies are needed to address the limitations in current knowledge.
PubMed: 34279817
DOI: 10.1007/s40121-021-00481-z -
Surgery Dec 2021Ileal-pouch anal anastomosis is used for treatment of different conditions, including mucosal ulcerative colitis and familial adenomatous polyposis. The present... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Ileal-pouch anal anastomosis is used for treatment of different conditions, including mucosal ulcerative colitis and familial adenomatous polyposis. The present systematic review aimed to assess the literature for studies that compared the outcome of ileal-pouch anal anastomosis in patients with obesity versus patients with ideal weight.
METHODS
A systematic literature search of electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane library was performed and reported in line with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The main outcome measures were pouch failure, pouch complications, overall complications, operation time, blood loss, and hospital stay.
RESULTS
This systematic review included 6 retrospective studies (3,460 patients). Out of the total number of patients, 19.8% had obesity or overweight. Patients with obesity were significantly less likely to have laparoscopic ileal-pouch anal anastomosis compared with patients with ideal body mass index (odds ratio = 0.436; P = .017). The weighted mean operation time and blood loss were significantly longer in the obesity group than the ideal weight group (weighted mean difference = 22.84; P = .006) and (weighted mean difference = 85.8; P < .001). The obesity group was associated with significantly higher odds of total complications (odds ratio = 2.27; P < .001), leak (odds ratio = 1.81; P = .036), and incisional hernia (odds ratio = 4.56; P < .001). The 2 groups had comparable rates of pouch failure, pouchitis, stricture, pelvic sepsis, wound infection, bowel obstruction, ileus, and venous thromboembolism. Male sex, longer operation time, and including inflammatory bowel disease patients only were significantly associated with higher complications in the obesity group.
CONCLUSION
Patients with obesity who undergo ileal-pouch anal anastomosis are more likely to have laparotomy rather than a laparoscopic procedure, have longer operation time, greater blood loss, higher overall complications, leak and incisional hernia, and longer hospital stay.
Topics: Adenomatous Polyposis Coli; Anastomosis, Surgical; Blood Loss, Surgical; Colitis, Ulcerative; Colonic Pouches; Humans; Ileum; Laparoscopy; Obesity; Operative Time; Proctocolectomy, Restorative; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 34226045
DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2021.06.009 -
The International Journal of Eating... Jun 2021Although multiple pathophysiologic changes develop within the gastrointestinal (GI) system in the setting of malnutrition, the etiology of the reported multitude of... (Review)
Review
The intersect of gastrointestinal symptoms and malnutrition associated with anorexia nervosa and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder: Functional or pathophysiologic?-A systematic review.
OBJECTIVE
Although multiple pathophysiologic changes develop within the gastrointestinal (GI) system in the setting of malnutrition, the etiology of the reported multitude of symptoms in those with anorexia nervosa and avoidant restrictive intake disorder, as well as their contribution toward disordered eating, remain poorly understood. This systematic review seeks to better understand how these physiologic changes of malnutrition of the esophagus, stomach, intestines, and pancreas contribute toward the reported GI symptoms, as well as better understand how celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, pelvic floor dysfunction, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome contribute toward disordered eating.
METHODS
Studies of any design exploring the pathogenesis of complications and treatment strategies were included. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines were used to structure and complete the review.
RESULTS
A total of 146 articles were used for the review. The majority of studies were observational or case reports/case series.
DISCUSSION
Pathophysiologic changes of the esophagus, stomach, and intestines develop with malnutrition, although these changes do not consistently correlate with expressed GI symptoms in patients with restrictive eating disorders. Celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease also contribute to disordered eating through the associated somatic GI complaints, while pelvic floor dysfunction and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome contribute through both somatic symptoms and functional symptoms. Indeed, functional GI symptoms remain problematic during the course of treatment, and further research is required to better understand the extent to which these symptoms are functional in nature and remit or remain as treatment ensues.
Topics: Anorexia Nervosa; Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder; Eating; Feeding and Eating Disorders; Gastrointestinal Diseases; Humans; Malnutrition
PubMed: 34042203
DOI: 10.1002/eat.23553 -
International Journal of Environmental... Apr 2021Endometriosis is a common chronic gynecological disorder that undoubtedly impacts on quality of life, and is one of the more complex and mysterious illnesses of our... (Review)
Review
Endometriosis is a common chronic gynecological disorder that undoubtedly impacts on quality of life, and is one of the more complex and mysterious illnesses of our century, which is associated with the improper growth of endometrial tissue outside of the uterine cavity. This pathologically implanted tissue can be found most frequently in the minor pelvis, but also in the peritoneal cavity, and can affect many organs, leading to chronic pelvic pain syndrome, infertility, and dysmenorrhea. Endometrial tissue is a particularly dynamic tissue that has a direct impact on the progression of the disease, with altered immunity, as well as cytokine storms within the metaplastic endometriotic site, as possible key factors. Currently, diagnosis of this mysterious chronic illness relies on performing a laparoscopic procedure with tissue sampling. One of the most troublesome outcomes of this unintended progression is that we lack any specific, sensitive, non-invasive diagnostic tools. Currently, the vast majority of regime stewardship options rely on anti-contraceptive drugs, or other remedies that suppress the release of estrogen through the gonads-although in most clinical trials, endometriosis is a chronic progressive disorder that depends mostly on the high concentration of estrogen. Moreover, many specific trials have demonstrated that the eutopic endometrial cells in individuals with endometriosis remain much more resistant to the immunological annihilation process caused by certain elements of the immune system. Nevertheless, eutopic endometrial cells have the potential to similarly escalate the expression of aromatase receptors on the surface of the pathological cells, which in the final cascade cause an increase in the concentration of estrogen, as well as other inflammatory proteins that contribute to pathological outgrowth. Data reveal occurrence among first-degree relatives, suggesting that the specific cascade could be related to inherited as well as epigenetic (acquired) mechanisms. In women with the disease, confirmed by laparoscopic procedures, diagnosis of endometriosis can be established also via detection by gene polymorphism in the genes which are responsible for responsible for the detoxification phase of estrogen receptors and other immunomodulator components. A recent publication aims to reveal a new prospect for the non-invasive diagnosis, detection, and estimation of certain biomarkers for much more specific investigation of the disease's progression.
Topics: Adolescent; Cytokines; Endometriosis; Endometrium; Female; Humans; Pelvic Pain; Quality of Life
PubMed: 33946650
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18094726