-
Turkish Journal of Obstetrics and... Jun 2024Endometriosis is a common condition among women and can cause complications such as abdominal pain, dysmenorrhea, and infertility. One of the potential causes of this...
Endometriosis is a common condition among women and can cause complications such as abdominal pain, dysmenorrhea, and infertility. One of the potential causes of this disease is autoimmunity. However, evidence regarding the role of autoimmunity is conflicting and inconclusive. The aim of this study was to investigate whether autoantibodies, a sign of autoimmunity, are present in people suffering from endometriosis. Relevant studies up to April 14, 2023 were identified by systematically searching Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Google Scholar. This meta-analysis includes all qualified case-control studies of human populations that analyzed the association between serum autoantibodies and endometriosis. The odd ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. In addition, heterogeneity and publication bias were examined, and subgroup analyses were performed based on region and target antigens. Forty-one studies were included, comparing 2,825 endometriosis patients with 4,158 healthy controls. The meta-analysis findings indicated a significant association between the presence of autoantibodies in the serum and an increased susceptibility to endometriosis (odds ratio: 4.242, confidence interval 95%: 3.824-4.706, p<0.001). In addition, there was a significant correlation between the presence of endometriosis and serum levels of anti-nuclear antibodies, B2 glycoprotein 1, CA125, carbonic anhydrase 1, cardiolipin, endometrial, laminin-1, smooth muscle, and syntaxin autoantibodies. Upon further analysis, it was found that the serum levels of these autoantibodies were higher in patients with endometriosis from North America than in those from other regions (p=0.001). The study revealed a significant correlation between serum autoantibodies and susceptibility to endometriosis, highlighting autoimmunity as a potential cause.
PubMed: 38853493
DOI: 10.4274/tjod.galenos.2024.77489 -
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth Jun 2024Decision-to-delivery time (DDT), a crucial factor during the emergency caesarean section, may potentially impact neonatal outcomes. This study aims to assess the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Decision-to-delivery time (DDT), a crucial factor during the emergency caesarean section, may potentially impact neonatal outcomes. This study aims to assess the association between DDT and various neonatal outcomes.
METHODS
A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases was conducted. A total of 32 eligible studies that reported on various neonatal outcomes, such as Apgar score, acidosis, neonatal intensive unit (NICU) admissions and mortality were included in the review. Studies were selected based on predefined eligibility criteria, and a random-effects inverse-variance model with DerSimonian-Laird estimate of tau² was used for meta-analysis. Heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed using I² statistics and Egger's test, respectively.
RESULTS
The meta-analysis revealed a significant association between DDT < 30 min and increased risk of Apgar score < 7 (OR 1.803, 95% CI: 1.284-2.533) and umbilical cord pH < 7.1 (OR 4.322, 95% CI: 2.302-8.115), with substantial heterogeneity. No significant association was found between DDT and NICU admission (OR 0.982, 95% CI: 0.767-1.258) or neonatal mortality (OR 0.983, 95% CI: 0.565-1.708), with negligible heterogeneity. Publication bias was not detected for any outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS
This study underscores the association between shorter DDT and increased odds of adverse neonatal outcomes such as low Apgar scores and acidosis, while no significant association was found in terms of NICU admissions or neonatal mortality. Our findings highlight the complexity of DDT's impact, suggesting the need for nuanced clinical decision-making in cases of emergency caesarean sections.
Topics: Humans; Infant, Newborn; Pregnancy; Female; Apgar Score; Cesarean Section; Time Factors; Intensive Care Units, Neonatal; Acidosis; Delivery, Obstetric; Infant Mortality; Pregnancy Outcome
PubMed: 38849748
DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06603-y -
PloS One 2024Evidence supports the benefits of hydroxyurea (HU) in adults with sickle cell disease (SCD), but reservations remain due to long-term concerns of fertility.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Evidence supports the benefits of hydroxyurea (HU) in adults with sickle cell disease (SCD), but reservations remain due to long-term concerns of fertility. Retrospective analysis of clinical records of SCD patients (haemoglobin SS genotype) have identified gender-related differences in disease progression. This could inform risk stratification during SCD at diagnosis with the possibility to guide therapeutic decisions.
METHODS
This systemic review and meta-analysis evaluated fertility parameters in both children (aged ≥ 6 years) and adults with SCD receiving HU therapy. Studies were sourced from PubMed and EMBASE from inception to July 2023. A total of 160 potentially relevant articles were identified.
RESULTS
Four studies were included that evaluated the effects of HU on sperm parameters in males. A further 4 studies assessed anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) levels and ovarian reserves in females. Differences from baseline values were used to identify compromised fertility. Amongst males, HU treatment negatively impacted the concentration of spermatozoa (MD = -15.48 million/mL; 95% CI: [-20.69, -10.26]; p< 0.001), which continued following treatment cessation (MD = -20.09 million/mL; 95% CI: [-38.78, -1.40]; P = 0.04). HU treatment also led to lower total sperm counts (MD = -105.87 million; 95% CI: [-140.61, -71.13]; P< 0.001) which persisted after treatment (MD = -53.05 million; 95% CI: [-104.96, -1.14]; P = 0.05). Sperm volume, initial forward motility and morphology were unaffected by HU treatment. In females, HU treatment decreased the mean AMH levels 1.83 (95% CI [1.42, 2.56]. A total of 18.2.% patients treated with HU showed reduced ovarian reserves.
INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS
This systemic review and meta-analysis suggest that the use of HU for SCD impacts seminal fluid parameters in males and can diminish AMH levels and ovarian reserves in females.
Topics: Adult; Child; Female; Humans; Male; Anemia, Sickle Cell; Anti-Mullerian Hormone; Antisickling Agents; Fertility; Hydroxyurea; Ovarian Reserve; Sperm Count; Spermatozoa
PubMed: 38848387
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304241 -
Annals of Medicine and Surgery (2012) Jun 2024Approximately 1-2% of pregnant women undergo non-obstetric surgery under anaesthesia during their pregnancy. This review specifically targets anaesthesia management for...
BACKGROUND
Approximately 1-2% of pregnant women undergo non-obstetric surgery under anaesthesia during their pregnancy. This review specifically targets anaesthesia management for pregnant women undergoing non-obstetric surgery in resource-limited settings.
METHODS
Following the delineation of primary questions, scope, and inclusion criteria, a comprehensive search strategy utilizing advanced techniques was implemented across electronic sources, databases, and websites to identify relevant articles. A rigorous screening process was applied during the literature evaluation. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 statement guided the conduct of this review, ensuring adherence to standardized reporting practices.
RESULTS
A total of 240 articles were initially identified from databases and websites. After screening titles and abstracts, 85 papers were excluded, and an additional 43 were removed due to duplication. Subsequently, 68 items were subjected to eligibility screening. Finally, 30 papers that specifically addressed anaesthetic considerations for pregnant women undergoing non-obstetric operations were reviewed.
CONCLUSION
Thorough preoperative evaluation is essential for all patients, with particular attention to modifications in anaesthetic management to accommodate physiological changes during pregnancy. Urgent and emergent surgeries should proceed promptly during pregnancy to optimize outcomes for both the mother and foetus. Maintaining uteroplacental perfusion generally involves avoiding maternal hypoxaemia, hypotension, hyper- and hypocapnia, temperature extremes, and stress. When deemed safe, regional anaesthesia may offer favourable outcomes for both the mother and foetus.
PubMed: 38846888
DOI: 10.1097/MS9.0000000000002057 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2024Various stem cell-loaded scaffolds have demonstrated promising endometrial regeneration and fertility restoration. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of stem... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
Various stem cell-loaded scaffolds have demonstrated promising endometrial regeneration and fertility restoration. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of stem cell-loaded scaffolds in treating uterine injury in animal models.
METHODS
The PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched. Data were extracted and analyzed using Review Manager version 5.4. Improvements in endometrial thickness, endometrial glands, fibrotic area, and number of gestational sacs/implanted embryos were compared after transplantation in the stem cell-loaded scaffolds and scaffold-only group. The standardized mean difference (SMD) and confidence interval (CI) were calculated using forest plots.
RESULTS
Thirteen studies qualified for meta-analysis. Overall, compared to the scaffold groups, stem cell-loaded scaffolds significantly increased endometrial thickness (SMD = 1.99, 95% CI: 1.54 to 2.44, P < 0.00001; I² = 16%) and the number of endometrial glands (SMD = 1.93, 95% CI: 1.45 to 2.41, P < 0.00001; I² = 0). Moreover, stem cell-loaded scaffolds present a prominent effect on improving fibrosis area (SMD = -2.50, 95% CI: -3.07 to -1.93, P < 0.00001; I² = 36%) and fertility (SMD = 3.34, 95% CI: 1.58 to 5.09, P = 0.0002; I² = 83%). Significant heterogeneity among studies was observed, and further subgroup and sensitivity analyses identified the source of heterogeneity. Moreover, stem cell-loaded scaffolds exhibited lower inflammation levels and higher angiogenesis, and cell proliferation after transplantation.
CONCLUSION
The evidence indicates that stem cell-loaded scaffolds were more effective in promoting endometrial repair and restoring fertility than the scaffold-only groups. The limitations of the small sample sizes should be considered when interpreting the results. Thus, larger animal studies and clinical trials are needed for further investigation.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, identifier CRD42024493132.
Topics: Female; Endometrium; Regeneration; Tissue Scaffolds; Animals; Humans; Fertility; Stem Cells; Infertility, Female; Stem Cell Transplantation
PubMed: 38846497
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1397783 -
Frontiers in Global Women's Health 2024Health care for women with Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) in the Global North is often described as sub-optimal and focused on maternity care. Specialist...
BACKGROUND
Health care for women with Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) in the Global North is often described as sub-optimal and focused on maternity care. Specialist FGM/C services have emerged with little empirical evidence informing service provision. The objective of this scoping review is to identify the key features of FGM/C specialist care.
METHODS
The review was conducted in accordance with JBI methodology. Participants: organisations that provide specialist FGM/C care. Concept: components of specialist services. Context: high-income OECD countries. Eligibility criteria included primary research studies of any design from 2012 to 2022, providing a comprehensive description of specialist services. Seven bibliographic databases were searched (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, SCOPUS, Cochrane Library and MIC). The components of "specialist" (as opposed to "generalist") services were defined and then applied to an analysis of FGM/C specialist care. FGM/C specialist provision was categorised into primary (essential) and secondary features. Data were extracted and analysed descriptively through charting in tables and narrative summary.
RESULTS
Twenty-five papers described 20 unique specialist services across eleven high income countries. Primary features used to identify FGM/C specialist care were:-(i) Named as a Specialist service/clinic: 11/20 (55%); (ii) Identified expert lead: 13/20, (65%), either Midwives, Gynaecologists, Urologist, or Plastic Surgeons; (iii) Offering Specialist Interventions: surgical (i.e., reconstruction and/or deinfibulation) and/or psychological (i.e., trauma and/or sexual counselling); and (iv) Providing multidisciplinary care: 14/20 (70%). Eleven services (in Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, France, Belgium, and USA) provided reconstruction surgery, often integrated with psychosexual support. No services in UK, Norway, and Australia offered this. Six services (30%) provided trauma therapy only; 25% sexual and trauma therapy; 15% sexual therapy only; 30% did not provide counselling. Secondary features of specialist care were subdivided into (a) context of care and (b) the content of care. The context related to concepts such as provision of interpreters, cost of care, community engagement and whether theoretical underpinnings were described. Content referred to the model of care, whether safeguarding assessments were undertaken, and health education/information is provided.
CONCLUSION
Overall, the features and composition of FGM/C specialist services varied considerably between, and sometimes within, countries. Global guidelines advocate that specialist care should include access to deinfibulation, mental health support, sexual counselling, and education and information. The review found that these were rarely all available. In some high-income countries women cannot access reconstruction surgery and notably, few services for non-pregnant women mentioned safeguarding. Furthermore, services for pregnant women rarely integrated trauma therapy or psychosexual support. The review highlights a need for counselling (both trauma and psychosexual) and culturally-appropriate sensitive safeguarding assessments to be embedded into care provision for non-pregnant as well as pregnant women. Further research is needed to extract the features of specialist services into a comprehensive framework which can be used to examine, compare, and evaluate FGM/C clinical specialist care to determine which clinical features deliver the best outcomes. Currently a geographical lottery appears to exist, not only within the UK, but also across the Global North.
PubMed: 38840583
DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2024.1329819 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024Data on the association between social isolation, loneliness, and risk of incident coronary heart disease (CVD) are conflicting. The objective of this study is to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Data on the association between social isolation, loneliness, and risk of incident coronary heart disease (CVD) are conflicting. The objective of this study is to determine the relationship between social isolation and loneliness, and the risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) in middle age and elderly using meta-analysis. The purpose of the bibliometric analysis is to systematically evaluate the existing literature on the relationship between social isolation, loneliness, and the risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) in middle-aged and elderly individuals. A comprehensive search through four electronic databases (MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science) was conducted for published articles that determined the association between social isolation and/or loneliness and the risk of developing coronary heart disease from June 2015 to May 2023. Two independent reviewers reviewed the titles and abstracts of the records. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guideline to conduct the systematic review and meta-analysis. Data for the bibliometric analysis was obtained from the Scopus database and analyzed using VOSviewer and Bibliometrix applications. Six studies involving 104,511 patients were included in the final qualitative review and meta-analysis after screening the records. The prevalence of loneliness ranged from 5 to 65.3%, and social isolation ranged from 2 to 56.5%. A total of 5073 cardiovascular events were recorded after follow-up, ranging between 4 and 13 years. Poor social relationships were associated with a 16% increase in the risk of incident CVD (Hazard Ratio of new CVD when comparing high versus low loneliness or social isolation was 1.16 (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.10-1.22). The bibliometric analysis shows a rapidly growing field (9.77% annual growth) with common collaboration (6.37 co-authors/document, 26.53% international). The US leads research output, followed by the UK and Australia. Top institutions include University College London, Inserm, and the University of Glasgow. Research focuses on "elderly," "cardiovascular disease," and "psychosocial stress," with recent trends in "mental health," "social determinants," and "COVID-19". Social isolation and loneliness increase the risk of and worsen outcomes in incident cardiovascular diseases. However, the observed effect estimate is small, and this may be attributable to residual confounding from incomplete measurement of potentially confounding or mediating factors. The results of the bibliometric analysis highlight the multidimensional nature of CVD research, covering factors such as social, psychological, and environmental determinants, as well as their interplay with various demographic and health-related variables.
Topics: Humans; Loneliness; Social Isolation; Bibliometrics; Cardiovascular Diseases; Risk Factors; Aged; Middle Aged; Male; Female
PubMed: 38834606
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63528-4 -
PloS One 2024Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is a serious liver conditions that negatively impacts obstetric and neonatal outcomes. Elevated levels of bile acid,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is a serious liver conditions that negatively impacts obstetric and neonatal outcomes. Elevated levels of bile acid, particularly glycine conjugate, may compromise blood flow and cause functional hypoxia-ischemia.
AIMS
This meta-analysis aims to assess the association between ICP and key pregnancy outcomes including emergency caesarian sections (C-sections), preeclampsia, hemorrhage, preterm birth, small for gestational age, admission rate to neonatal intensive care union (NICU), gestational age, and stillbirth.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Literature search across five databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science) was done to detect relevant studies published up until June 2023. Meta-analysis of the identified studies was done using a random-effects model, and the results presented as Odds ratio (OR).
RESULTS
A literature search identified 662 studies. Of them, 21 met the inclusion criteria. There was a significant association between ICP and odds of C-section (OR: 1.42, p <0.001), preeclampsia (OR: 2.64, p <0.001), NICU admission (OR: 2.1, p <0.001), and pre-term birth (OR: 2.64, p <0.001). ICP was not associated with postpartum hemmorhage (OR: 1.31, p = 0.13), small for gestational age (OR: 0.87, p = 0.07), stillbirth (OR: 1.49, p = 0.29).
CONCLUSIONS
Our results confirm the adverse effects of ICP on co-existing pregnancy complications, obstetric and neonatal outcomes. ICP in associated with severe complications including increased rates of preeclampsia, emergency C-sections, preterm births, l gestational periods and higher rates of NICU admissions. These results may assist healthcare professionals in formulating comprehensive care guidelines for expectant mothers and newborns.
Topics: Humans; Pregnancy; Cholestasis, Intrahepatic; Female; Pregnancy Complications; Infant, Newborn; Pregnancy Outcome; Premature Birth; Stillbirth; Pre-Eclampsia; Cesarean Section; Gestational Age; Infant, Small for Gestational Age
PubMed: 38833446
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304604 -
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth Jun 2024Perineal massage, as a preventive intervention, has been shown to reduce the risk of perineal injuries and may have a positive impact on pelvic floor function in the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Perineal massage, as a preventive intervention, has been shown to reduce the risk of perineal injuries and may have a positive impact on pelvic floor function in the early postpartum period. However, there is still debate concerning the best period to apply perineal massage, which is either antenatal or in the second stage of labor, as well as its safety and effectiveness. Meta-analysis was used to evaluate the effect of implementing perineal massage in antenatal versus the second stage of labor on the prevention of perineal injuries during labor and early postpartum pelvic floor function in primiparous women.
METHODS
We searched nine different electronic databases from inception to April 16, 2024. The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) we included assessed the effects of antenatal and second-stage labor perineal massage in primiparous women. All data were analyzed with Revman 5.3, Stata Statistical Software, and Risk of Bias 2 was used to assess the risk of bias. Subgroup analyses were performed based on the different periods of perineal massage. The primary outcomes were the incidence of perineal integrity and perineal injury. Secondary outcomes were perineal pain, duration of the second stage of labor, postpartum hemorrhage, urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, and flatus incontinence.
RESULTS
This review comprised a total of 10 studies that covered 1057 primigravid women. The results of the analysis showed that perineal massage during the second stage of labor reduced the perineal pain of primigravid women in the immediate postpartum period compared to the antenatal period, with a statistical value of (MD = -2.29, 95% CI [-2.53, -2.05], P < 0.001). Additionally, only the antenatal stage reported that perineal massage reduced fecal incontinence (P = 0.04) and flatus incontinence (P = 0.01) in primiparous women at three months postpartum, but had no significant effect on urinary incontinence in primiparous women at three months postpartum (P = 0.80).
CONCLUSIONS
Reducing perineal injuries in primiparous women can be achieved by providing perineal massage both antenatally and during the second stage of labor. Pelvic floor function is improved in the postnatal phase by perineal massage during the antenatal stage.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
CRD42023415996 (PROSPERO).
Topics: Humans; Female; Perineum; Massage; Pregnancy; Pelvic Floor; Parity; Postpartum Period; Labor Stage, Second; Obstetric Labor Complications; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Fecal Incontinence
PubMed: 38831257
DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06586-w -
Langenbeck's Archives of Surgery Jun 2024Natural orifice specimen extraction (NOSE) is an alternative to conventional transabdominal retrieval. We aimed to compare outcomes following transvaginal specimen... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Comparative Study
AIM
Natural orifice specimen extraction (NOSE) is an alternative to conventional transabdominal retrieval. We aimed to compare outcomes following transvaginal specimen extraction (TVSE) and transabdominal specimen extraction (TASE) in minimally invasive abdominal surgery.
METHODS
An electronic database search of PubMed, Embase and CENTRAL was performed from inception until March 2023. Comparative studies evaluating TVSE versus TASE in adult female patients were included. Studies involving transanal NOSE, endoluminal surgery, or TVSE with concomitant hysterectomy were excluded. Weighted mean differences (WMD) and odds ratio were estimated for continuous and dichotomous outcomes respectively. Primary outcomes were postoperative day 1 (POD1) pain and length of stay (LOS). Secondary outcomes were operative time, rescue analgesia, morbidity, and cosmesis. A review of sexual, oncological, and technical outcomes was performed.
RESULTS
Thirteen studies (2 randomised trials, 11 retrospective cohort studies), involving 1094 patients (TASE 583, TVSE 511), were included in the analysis. Seven studies involved colorectal disease and six assessed gynaecological conditions. TVSE resulted in significantly decreased POD1 pain (WMD 1.08, 95% CI: 0.49, 1.68) and shorter LOS (WMD 1.18 days, 95% CI: 0.14, 2.22), compared to TASE. Operative time was similar between both groups, with fewer patients requiring postoperative rescue analgesia with TVSE. Overall morbidity rates, as well as both wound-related and non-wound related complication rates were better with TVSE, while anastomotic morbidity rates were comparable. Cosmetic scores were higher with TVSE. TVSE did not result in worse sexual or oncological outcomes.
CONCLUSION
TVSE may be feasible and beneficial compared to TASE when performed by proficient laparoscopic operators, using appropriate selection criteria. Continued evaluation with prospective studies is warranted.
Topics: Humans; Female; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; Vagina; Natural Orifice Endoscopic Surgery; Length of Stay; Operative Time
PubMed: 38829526
DOI: 10.1007/s00423-024-03361-5