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BMJ Clinical Evidence Dec 2013Pelvic inflammatory disease is caused by infection of the upper female genital tract and is often asymptomatic. Pelvic inflammatory disease is the most common... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Pelvic inflammatory disease is caused by infection of the upper female genital tract and is often asymptomatic. Pelvic inflammatory disease is the most common gynaecological reason for admission to hospital in the US, and is diagnosed in approximately 1% of women aged 16 to 45 years consulting their GP in England and Wales.
METHODS AND OUTCOMES
We conducted a systematic review and aimed to answer the following clinical questions: How do different antimicrobial regimens compare when treating women with confirmed pelvic inflammatory disease? What are the effects of routine antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent pelvic inflammatory disease before intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) insertion? We searched: Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and other important databases up to September 2013 (Clinical Evidence reviews are updated periodically; please check our website for the most up to date version of this review). We included harms alerts from relevant organisations such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Medicines Agency (EMA), and the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
RESULTS
We found 13 RCTs or systematic reviews of RCTs that met our inclusion criteria. We performed a GRADE evaluation of the quality of evidence for interventions.
CONCLUSIONS
In this systematic review, we present information relating to the effectiveness and safety of the following interventions: antibiotics (oral, parenteral, different durations, different regimens) and routine antibiotic prophylaxis (before intrauterine device insertion in women at high risk or low risk).
Topics: Acute Disease; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anti-Infective Agents; Antibiotic Prophylaxis; Hospitalization; Humans; Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
PubMed: 24330771
DOI: No ID Found -
BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.) Oct 2013To estimate the disease burden of the most important complications of postoperative abdominal adhesions: small bowel obstruction, difficulties at reoperation,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the disease burden of the most important complications of postoperative abdominal adhesions: small bowel obstruction, difficulties at reoperation, infertility, and chronic pain.
DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analyses.
DATA SOURCES
Searches of PubMed, Embase, and Central, from January 1990 to December 2012, without restrictions to publication status or language.
STUDY SELECTION
All types of studies reporting on the incidence of adhesion related complications were considered.
DATA EXTRACTION AND ANALYSIS
The primary outcome was the incidence of adhesive small bowel obstruction in patients with a history of abdominal surgery. Secondary outcomes were the incidence of small bowel obstruction by any cause, difference in operative time, enterotomy during adhesiolysis, and pregnancy rate after abdominal surgery. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were done to study the robustness of the results. A random effects model was used to account for heterogeneity between studies.
RESULTS
We identified 196 eligible papers. Heterogeneity was considerable for almost all meta-analyses. The origin of heterogeneity could not be explained by study design, study quality, publication date, anatomical site of operation, or operative technique. The incidence of small bowel obstruction by any cause after abdominal surgery was 9% (95% confidence interval 7% to 10%; I(2)=99%). the incidence of adhesive small bowel obstruction was 2% (2% to 3%; I(2)=93%); presence of adhesions was generally confirmed by emergent reoperation. In patients with a known cause of small bowel obstruction, adhesions were the single most common cause (56%, 49% to 64%; I(2)=96%). Operative time was prolonged by 15 minutes (95% confidence interval 9.3 to 21.1 minutes; I(2)=85%) in patients with previous surgery. Use of adhesiolysis resulted in a 6% (4% to 8%; I(2)=89%) incidence of iatrogenic bowel injury. The pregnancy rate after colorectal surgery in patients with inflammatory bowel disease was 50% (37% to 63%; I(2)=94%), which was significantly lower than the pregnancy rate in medically treated patients (82%, 70% to 94%; I(2)=97%).
CONCLUSIONS
This review provides detailed and systematically analysed knowledge of the disease burden of adhesions. Complications of postoperative adhesion formation are frequent, have a large negative effect on patients' health, and increase workload in clinical practice. The quantitative effects should be interpreted with caution owing to large heterogeneity.
REGISTRATION
The review protocol was registered through PROSPERO (CRD42012003180).
Topics: Abdomen; Digestive System Surgical Procedures; Global Health; Humans; Incidence; Intestinal Obstruction; Intestine, Small; Pelvis; Postoperative Period; Reoperation; Tissue Adhesions
PubMed: 24092941
DOI: 10.1136/bmj.f5588 -
International Journal of Biometeorology Apr 2014Balneotherapy is appreciated as a traditional treatment modality in medicine. Hungary is rich in thermal mineral waters. Balneotherapy has been in extensive use for... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Balneotherapy is appreciated as a traditional treatment modality in medicine. Hungary is rich in thermal mineral waters. Balneotherapy has been in extensive use for centuries and its effects have been studied in detail. Here, we present a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials conducted with Hungarian thermal mineral waters, the findings of which have been published by Hungarian authors in English. The 122 studies identified in different databases include 18 clinical trials. Five of these evaluated the effect of hydro- and balneotherapy on chronic low back pain, four on osteoarthritis of the knee, and two on osteoarthritis of the hand. One of the remaining seven trials evaluated balneotherapy in chronic inflammatory pelvic diseases, while six studies explored its effect on various laboratory parameters. Out of the 18 studies, 9 met the predefined criteria for meta-analysis. The results confirmed the beneficial effect of balneotherapy on pain with weight bearing and at rest in patients with degenerative joint and spinal diseases. A similar effect has been found in chronic pelvic inflammatory disease. The review also revealed that balneotherapy has some beneficial effects on antioxidant status, and on metabolic and inflammatory parameters. Based on the results, we conclude that balneotherapy with Hungarian thermal-mineral waters is an effective remedy for lower back pain, as well as for knee and hand osteoarthritis.
Topics: Balneology; Clinical Trials as Topic; Evidence-Based Medicine; Female; Humans; Hungary; Low Back Pain; Osteoarthritis; Pelvic Inflammatory Disease; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 23677421
DOI: 10.1007/s00484-013-0667-6 -
Journal de Gynecologie, Obstetrique Et... Dec 2012Diagnosis of pelvic inflammatory disease is difficult. We focus on a systematic literature review to study diagnostic values of history-taking, clinical examination,... (Review)
Review
Diagnosis of pelvic inflammatory disease is difficult. We focus on a systematic literature review to study diagnostic values of history-taking, clinical examination, laboratory tests and imagery. After this literature review, we build a diagnostic model for pelvic inflammatory disease. This diagnostic model is built on two major criteria: presence of adnexal tenderness or cervical motion tenderness. Additional minor criteria, increasing the likelihood of the diagnosis of pelvic inflammatory disease were added based on their specificity and their positive likelihood ratio. These minor criteria are supported by history-taking, clinical examination, laboratory tests and also on relevant ultrasonographic criteria.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Cervix Uteri; Chlamydia Infections; Chlamydia trachomatis; Diagnostic Imaging; Female; France; Humans; Laparoscopy; Leukorrhea; MEDLINE; Metrorrhagia; Palpation; Pelvic Inflammatory Disease; Pelvic Pain; Young Adult
PubMed: 23140620
DOI: 10.1016/j.jgyn.2012.09.016 -
Infectious Diseases in Obstetrics and... 2012Evidence suggests adherence to clinical guidelines for pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) diagnosis and management is suboptimal. We systematically reviewed the... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Evidence suggests adherence to clinical guidelines for pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) diagnosis and management is suboptimal. We systematically reviewed the literature for studies describing strategies to improve the adherence to PID clinical guidelines.
METHODS
The databases MEDLINE and EMBASE, and reference lists of review articles were searched from January 2000 to April 2012. Only studies with a control group were included.
RESULTS
An interrupted time-series study and two randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were included. The interrupted time-series found that following a multifaceted patient and practitioner intervention (practice protocol, provision of antibiotics on-site, written instructions for patients, and active followup), more patients received the recommended antibiotics and attended for followup. One RCT found a patient video on PID self-care did not improve medication compliance and followup. Another RCT found an abbreviated PID treatment guideline for health-practitioners improved their management of PID in hypothetical case scenarios but not their diagnosis of PID.
CONCLUSION
There is limited research on what strategies can improve practitioner and patient adherence to PID diagnosis and management guidelines. Interventions that make managing PID more convenient, such as summary guidelines and provision of treatment on-site, appear to lead to better adherence but further empirical evidence is necessary.
Topics: Female; Guideline Adherence; Humans; Patient Compliance; Pelvic Inflammatory Disease; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Self Care; Severity of Illness Index
PubMed: 22973085
DOI: 10.1155/2012/325108 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jan 2012Amnioinfusion aims to prevent or relieve umbilical cord compression during labour by infusing a solution into the uterine cavity. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Amnioinfusion aims to prevent or relieve umbilical cord compression during labour by infusing a solution into the uterine cavity.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effects of amnioinfusion for potential or suspected umbilical cord compression on maternal and perinatal outcome .
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (31 October 2011).
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised trials of amnioinfusion compared with no amnioinfusion in women with babies at risk of umbilical cord compression in labour.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
The original review had one author only (Justus Hofmeyr (GJH)). For this update, two authors (GJH and T Lawrie) assessed 13 additional trial reports for eligibility and quality. We extracted data and checked for accuracy.
MAIN RESULTS
We have included 19 studies, with all but two studies having fewer than 200 participants. Transcervical amnioinfusion for potential or suspected umbilical cord compression was associated with the following reductions: caesarean section overall (13 trials, 1493 participants; average risk ratio (RR) 0.62, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.46 to 0.83); fetal heart rate (FHR) decelerations (seven trials, 1006 participants; average RR 0.53, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.74); Apgar score less than seven at five minutes (12 trials, 1804 participants; average RR 0.47, 95% CI 0.30 to 0.72); meconium below the vocal cords (three trials, 674 participants, RR 0.53, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.92); postpartum endometritis (six trials, 767 participants; RR 0.45, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.81) and maternal hospital stay greater than three days (four trials, 1051 participants; average RR 0.45, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.78). Transabdominal amnioinfusion showed similar trends, though numbers studied were small.Mean cord umbilical artery pH was higher in the amnioinfusion group (seven trials, 855 participants; average mean difference 0.03, 95% CI 0.00 to 0.06) and there was a trend toward fewer neonates with a low cord arterial pH (less than 7.2 or as defined by trial authors) in the amnioinfusion group (eight trials, 972 participants, average RR 0.58, 95% CI 0.29 to 1.14).
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
The use of amnioinfusion for potential or suspected umbilical cord compression may be of considerable benefit to mother and baby by reducing the occurrence of variable FHR decelerations, improving short-term measures of neonatal outcome, reducing maternal postpartum endometritis and lowering the use of caesarean section, although there were methodological limitations to the trials reviewed here. In addition, the trials are too small to address the possibility of rare but serious maternal adverse effects of amnioinfusion. More research is needed to confirm the findings, assess longer-term measures of fetal outcome, and to assess the impact on caesarean section rates when the diagnosis of fetal distress is more stringent. Trials should assess amnioinfusion in specific clinical situations, such as FHR decelerations, oligohydramnios or prelabour rupture of membranes.
Topics: Amnion; Cesarean Section; Constriction, Pathologic; Endometritis; Female; Fetal Distress; Heart Rate, Fetal; Humans; Injections; Meconium; Oligohydramnios; Pregnancy; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Umbilical Cord
PubMed: 22258939
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD000013.pub2 -
The Brazilian Journal of Infectious... 2011To evaluate the effect of Chlamydia trachomatis infection during pregnancy on perinatal morbidity and mortality. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of Chlamydia trachomatis infection during pregnancy on perinatal morbidity and mortality.
METHODS
Systematic review and meta-analysis in an electronic database and manual, combining high sensitivity specific descriptors seeking to answer the research objective. The articles considered to be of high methodological quality (score above 6 on the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale) were assessed by meta-analysis.
RESULTS
Summary estimates of 12 studies were calculated by means of Mantel-Haenszel test with 95% confidence interval. It was observed that Chlamydia infection during pregnancy increased risk of preterm labor (relative risk (RR) = 1.35 [1.11, 1.63]), low birth weight (RR = 1.52 [1.24, 1.87]) and perinatal mortality (RR = 1.84 [1.15, 2.94]). No evidence of increased risk was associated with Chlamydia infection in regard to premature rupture of membranes (RR = 1.13 [0.95, 1.34]), abortion and postpartum endometritis (RR = 1.20 [0.65, 2.20] and 0.89 [0.49, 1.61] respectively).
CONCLUSION
The diagnosis and treatment of Chlamydia cervicitis during pregnancy can reduce perinatal morbidity and mortality associated with this infection. However, clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings.
Topics: Abortion, Spontaneous; Chlamydia Infections; Endometritis; Female; Humans; Infant, Low Birth Weight; Infant, Newborn; Obstetric Labor, Premature; Perinatal Mortality; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; Risk Factors; Uterine Cervicitis
PubMed: 22218511
DOI: 10.1590/s1413-86702011000600006 -
BMJ Clinical Evidence Jul 2011Chronic prostatitis can cause pain and urinary symptoms, and usually occurs without positive bacterial cultures from prostatic secretions (known as chronic abacterial... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Chronic prostatitis can cause pain and urinary symptoms, and usually occurs without positive bacterial cultures from prostatic secretions (known as chronic abacterial prostatitis or chronic pelvic pain syndrome [CP/CPPS]). Bacterial infection can result from urinary tract instrumentation, but the cause and natural history of CP/CPPS are unknown.
METHODS AND OUTCOMES
We conducted a systematic review and aimed to answer the following clinical questions: What are the effects of treatments for chronic bacterial prostatitis? What are the effects of treatments for chronic abacterial prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome? We searched: Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and other important databases up to August 2010 (Clinical Evidence reviews are updated periodically; please check our website for the most up-to-date version of this review). We included harms alerts from relevant organisations such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
RESULTS
We found 33 systematic reviews, RCTs, or observational studies that met our inclusion criteria. We performed a GRADE evaluation of the quality of evidence for interventions.
CONCLUSIONS
In this systematic review, we present information relating to the effectiveness and safety of the following interventions: 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors, allopurinol, alpha-blockers, biofeedback, local injections of antimicrobial drugs, mepartricin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), oral antimicrobial drugs, pentosan polysulfate, prostatic massage, quercetin, radical prostatectomy, sitz baths, transurethral microwave thermotherapy, and transurethral resection.
Topics: 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors; Chronic Disease; Humans; Male; Mepartricin; Pentosan Sulfuric Polyester; Prostatitis; Quercetin
PubMed: 21736764
DOI: No ID Found -
BMJ Clinical Evidence Feb 2011Dysmenorrhoea may begin soon after the menarche, after which it often improves with age, or it may originate later in life after the onset of an underlying causative... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Dysmenorrhoea may begin soon after the menarche, after which it often improves with age, or it may originate later in life after the onset of an underlying causative condition. Dysmenorrhoea is common, and in up to 20% of women it may be severe enough to interfere with daily activities.
METHODS AND OUTCOMES
We conducted a systematic review and aimed to answer the following clinical question: What are the effects of treatments for primary dysmenorrhoea? We searched: Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and other important databases up to January 2010 (Clinical Evidence reviews are updated periodically, please check our website for the most up-to-date version of this review). We included harms alerts from relevant organisations such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
RESULTS
We found 35 systematic reviews, RCTs, or observational studies that met our inclusion criteria. We performed a GRADE evaluation of the quality of evidence for interventions.
CONCLUSIONS
In this systematic review we present information relating to the effectiveness and safety of the following interventions: acupressure, acupuncture, aspirin, behavioural interventions, contraceptives (combined oral), fish oil, herbal remedies, magnets, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, paracetamol, progestogens (intrauterine), spinal manipulation, surgical interruption of pelvic nerve pathways, thiamine, toki-shakuyaku-san, topical heat, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), vitamin B12, and vitamin E.
Topics: Acetaminophen; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Aspirin; Chronic Disease; Denervation; Dysmenorrhea; Humans; Progestins; Thiamine
PubMed: 21718556
DOI: No ID Found -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jun 2010Highly effective contraception is essential to reduce unintended pregnancies and the effect these have on individuals, society and public health resources. Intrauterine... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Highly effective contraception is essential to reduce unintended pregnancies and the effect these have on individuals, society and public health resources. Intrauterine devices (IUDs) and depot progestogens are two commonly used long-acting, reversible contraceptive methods with different risk and benefit profiles.
OBJECTIVES
To compare the contraceptive and non-contraceptive benefits and risks of using the copper-containing IUD versus depot progestogens for contraception.
SEARCH STRATEGY
In June 2009 we searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group Trials Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Pubmed, Popline, Clinical Trials.gov, the Current Controlled Trials metaRegister, EMBASE and LILACS, and contacted study authors.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomized trials comparing women using copper-containing IUDs with women using depot progestogens.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We assessed eligibility and trial quality, extracted and double-entered data.
MAIN RESULTS
Two studies were included in the review. In the one study in HIV infected women, the IUD was compared with depot progestogen or the oral contraceptive, according to the women's choice. As the majority of women chose depot progestogen, we have included this study in the review, within a mixed hormonal contraception sub-group.Overall, the copper IUD was more effective than depot progestogens/hormonal contraception at preventing pregnancy (risk ratio (RR) 0.45; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.24 to 0.84). HIV disease progression was reduced in the IUD group (RR 0.58; 95% CI 0.39 to 0.87). There was no significant difference in pelvic inflammatory disease rates between the two groups. Discontinuation of the allocated method was less frequent with the IUD in one study, and less frequent with hormonal contraception in the other study (in which women were allowed to switch between various hormonal methods).
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
In the populations studied, the IUD was more effective than hormonal contraception with respect to pregnancy prevention. High quality research is urgently needed to compare the effects, if any, of these two commonly used contraception methods on HIV acquisition/seroconversion and HIV/AIDS disease progression.
Topics: Contraception; Contraceptive Agents, Female; Disease Progression; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Intrauterine Devices, Copper; Medroxyprogesterone Acetate; Pregnancy; Progestins; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 20556773
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD007043.pub2