-
Ginekologia Polska Oct 2023Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting approximately 10% of women. It is defined as endometrial tissue outside of the uterus and produces a variety of...
Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting approximately 10% of women. It is defined as endometrial tissue outside of the uterus and produces a variety of symptoms including pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and intermenstrual bleeding. Although several theories have been postulated regarding the pathogenesis of endometriosis, no theory has provided a complete explanation, therefore limiting our progress in diagnostic tools and management of endometriosis. Recently, much attention has been paid to the importance and role of the gut microbiome in endometriosis. As defined by Joshua Lederberg - microbiome is a set of the genome of microorganisms inhabiting a human body, including commensal, symbiotic and pathogenic microorganisms. The aim of this systematic review was to conduct a search in the Embase, Medline, and PubMed databases for literature from July 2013 to July 2023 regarding the relationship between the gut microbiome and endometriosis. 147 records were screened, of which 26 met the eligibility criteria, and 16 were included in this review. Our review concludes that patients with endometriosis show an altered gut microbiome, and that this has the potential to provide insight for pathogenesis, markers for diagnosis, as well as therapeutic options for treatment of endometriosis. Future research is necessary to confirm this and further investigate the relationship between the gut microbiome and endometriosis.
PubMed: 37772919
DOI: 10.5603/gpl.97581 -
European Journal of Cancer Care Nov 2022The objective of this review is to synthesise and present the best available evidence on the prevalence, predictors and information needs about sexual health among... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
The objective of this review is to synthesise and present the best available evidence on the prevalence, predictors and information needs about sexual health among female Arab cancer survivors.
METHODS
The databases searched included MEDLINE, Embase and CINAHL from inception of the database until March 2020. The review was undertaken according to the JBI guidelines. Proportional meta-analysis using a random effects model was used for statistical pooling through JBI SUMARI.
RESULTS
Seven studies involving female Arab cancer survivors were included in the review. The overall prevalence of sexual dysfunction ranged from 16.7 to 67% (pooled estimate 51%, 95% CIs 21.7% to 80.2%). Dyspareunia and erectile dysfunction were the two main types of sexual dysfunction reported after diagnosis, and the overall prevalence ranged from 42.5% to 65% and 38% to 61%, respectively. The prevalence of vaginal dryness was ranged from 19.8% to 54.2%, and dyspareunia ranged from 22.2% to 65%. The lack of sexuality information and communication with health care providers (HCPs) was also reported in the included studies.
CONCLUSION
Cancer and its treatment may result in significant difficulties with sexual activity and sexual functioning among cancer survivor. Communication between the health care professionals and cancer survivors is essential to overcome this problem and improve the quality of life of female Arab cancer survivors.
Topics: Female; Humans; Arabs; Cancer Survivors; Neoplasms; Prevalence; Quality of Life; Sexual Behavior; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological; Needs Assessment
PubMed: 35816027
DOI: 10.1111/ecc.13644 -
Fertility and Sterility Dec 2022To review the use of oral gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists and synthesize their efficacy and safety parameters for the treatment of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To review the use of oral gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists and synthesize their efficacy and safety parameters for the treatment of endometriosis-associated pain.
DESIGN
Systematic review and network meta-analysis.
SETTING
Not applicable.
PATIENT(S)
Premenopausal women with endometriosis who had experienced moderate or severe pain.
INTERVENTION(S)
The Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, and MEDLINE were searched until April 10, 2022. Only randomized controlled trials were included. The risk of bias in the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool 2. A Bayesian random-effects network meta-analysis was used to perform indirect comparisons. I was used to assess the global heterogeneity. Relative treatment estimates were performed. Treatment ranking was performed through the surface under the cumulative ranking curve. The certainty of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation framework.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)
Endometriosis-associated pain, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and noncyclic pelvic pain reduction.
RESULT
(s): Five studies and 6 randomized controlled trials, including a total of 2,796 women and 10 different doses of oral GnRH antagonist treatments, were eligible for inclusion. All studies were considered to have a low risk of bias. Almost all efficacy- and safety-related outcomes showed a dose-response relationship. Regarding endometriosis-associated pain, the top 3 treatments were elagolix 400 mg, linzagolix 75 mg, and linzagolix 200 mg, with mean differences of -1.26 (95% credible interval [CrI], -1.70 to -0.79), -0.98 (95% CrI, -1.84 to -0.15), and -0.98 (95% CrI, -1.90 to -0.064), respectively. The top 3 treatments to decrease dysmenorrhea were relugolix 40 mg, elagolix 400 mg, and relugolix 20 mg, with mean differences of -1.60 (95% CrI, -2.07 to -1.14), -1.25 (95% CrI, -1.56 to -0.95), and -1.10 (95% CrI, -1.59 to -0.62), respectively. However, only high-dose treatments were significantly associated with most quality of life- and adverse effect-related outcomes. Relugolix 40 and 20 mg and elagolix 400 mg, with odds ratios of 6.88 (95% CrI, 2.18-24.58), 1.60 (95% CrI, 0.62-4.13), and 1.85 (95% CrI, 1.05-3.30), had a significantly increased incidence of adverse events.
CONCLUSION
(s): Oral GnRH antagonists are effective for endometriosis-associated pain and dysmenorrhea and the patient global impression. The incidence of ovarian hypoestrogenic effects in a short-term duration was significant in a dose-effect response, particularly the highest dose.
CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews registration number CRD42022332904.
Topics: Female; Humans; Bayes Theorem; Dysmenorrhea; Endometriosis; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; Hormone Antagonists; Network Meta-Analysis; Pelvic Pain; Quality of Life
PubMed: 36283862
DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.08.856 -
Menopause (New York, N.Y.) Aug 2023Ospemifene is a novel selective estrogen receptor modulator developed for the treatment of moderate to severe postmenopausal vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Efficacy, tolerability, and endometrial safety of ospemifene compared with current therapies for the treatment of vulvovaginal atrophy: a systematic literature review and network meta-analysis.
IMPORTANCE
Ospemifene is a novel selective estrogen receptor modulator developed for the treatment of moderate to severe postmenopausal vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA).
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study is to perform a systematic literature review (SLR) and network meta-analysis (NMA) to assess the efficacy and safety of ospemifene compared with other therapies used in the treatment of VVA in North America and Europe.
EVIDENCE REVIEW
Electronic database searches were conducted in November 2021 in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Randomized or nonrandomized controlled trials targeting postmenopausal women with moderate to severe dyspareunia and/or vaginal dryness and involving ospemifene or at least one VVA local treatment were considered. Efficacy data included changes from baseline in superficial and parabasal cells, vaginal pH, and the most bothersome symptom of vaginal dryness or dyspareunia, as required for regulatory approval. Endometrial outcomes were endometrial thickness and histologic classifications, including endometrial polyp, hyperplasia, and cancer. For efficacy and safety outcomes, a Bayesian NMA was performed. Endometrial outcomes were compared in descriptive analyses.
FINDINGS
A total of 44 controlled trials met the eligibility criteria ( N = 12,637 participants). Network meta-analysis results showed that ospemifene was not statistically different from other active therapies in most efficacy and safety results. For all treatments, including ospemifene, the posttreatment endometrial thickness values (up to 52 wk of treatment) were under the recognized clinical threshold value of 4 mm for significant risk of endometrial pathology. Specifically, for women treated with ospemifene, endometrial thickness ranged between 2.1 and 2.3 mm at baseline and 2.5 and 3.2 mm after treatment. No cases of endometrial carcinoma or hyperplasia were observed in ospemifene trials, nor polyps with atypical hyperplasia or cancer after up to 52 weeks of treatment.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
Ospemifene is an efficacious, well-tolerated, and safe therapeutic option for postmenopausal women with moderate to severe symptoms of VVA. Efficacy and safety outcomes with ospemifene are similar to other VVA therapies in North America and Europe.
Topics: Female; Humans; Dyspareunia; Vagina; Hyperplasia; Bayes Theorem; Network Meta-Analysis; Vulva; Atrophy; Tamoxifen; Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators; Vaginal Diseases; Endometrial Neoplasms
PubMed: 37369079
DOI: 10.1097/GME.0000000000002211 -
International Orthopaedics Oct 2021Pelvic ring injuries, frequently caused by high energy trauma, are associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality (5-33%), often due to significant blood loss and... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Pelvic ring injuries, frequently caused by high energy trauma, are associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality (5-33%), often due to significant blood loss and disruption of the lumbosacral plexus, genitourinary system, and gastrointestinal system. The aim of the present study is to perform a systematic literature review on male and female sexual dysfunctions related to traumatic lesions of the pelvic ring.
METHODS
Scopus, Cochrane Library MEDLINE via PubMed, and Embase were searched using the keywords: "Pelvic fracture," "Pelvic Ring Fracture," "Pelvic Ring Trauma," "Pelvic Ring injury," "Sexual dysfunction," "Erectile dysfunction," "dyspareunia," and their MeSH terms in any possible combination. The following questions were formulated according to the PICO (population (P), intervention (I), comparison (C), and outcome (O)) scheme: Do patients suffering from pelvic fracture (P) report worse clinical outcomes (C), in terms of sexual function (O), when urological injury occurs (I)? Is the sexual function (O) influenced by the type of fracture (I)?
RESULTS
After screening 268 articles by title and abstract, 77 were considered eligible for the full-text analysis. Finally 17 studies that met inclusion criteria were included in the review. Overall, 1364 patients (902 males and 462 females, M/F ratio: 1.9) suffering from pelvic fractures were collected.
DISCUSSION
Pelvic fractures represent challenging entities, often concomitant with systemic injuries and subsequent morbidity. Anatomical consideration, etiology, correlation between sexual dysfunction and genitourinary lesions, or pelvic fracture type were investigated.
CONCLUSION
There are evidences in the literature that the gravity and frequency of SD are related with the pelvic ring fracture type. In fact, patients with APC, VS (according Young-Burgess), or C (according Tile) fracture pattern reported higher incidence and gravity of SD. Only a week association could be found between GUI and incidence and gravity of SD, and relationship between surgical treatment and SD. Electrophysiological tests should be routinely used in patient suffering from SD after pelvic ring injuries.
Topics: Causality; Female; Fractures, Bone; Humans; Incidence; Lumbosacral Plexus; Male; Pelvic Bones; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 34378143
DOI: 10.1007/s00264-021-05153-8 -
Breast Care (Basel, Switzerland) Dec 2020To analyse all available evidence to validate the effectiveness of a local intervention in the treatment of dyspareunia in breast cancer survivors (BCS).
OBJECTIVE
To analyse all available evidence to validate the effectiveness of a local intervention in the treatment of dyspareunia in breast cancer survivors (BCS).
METHODS
We searched the Institute of Scientific Information Web of Knowledge, MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases for all articles published in peer-reviewed journals up to April 2019. The PICOS standards were: (population) BCS with dyspareunia; (intervention) any type of vulvovaginal treatment; (main outcome) frequency and severity of dyspareunia; (study design) clinical studies.
RESULTS
The literature search strategy identified 252 articles, of which 233 were excluded at various stages of the search. Finally, we systematically reviewed 19 studies, 8 with local hormonal therapies, 7 with local non-hormonal therapies, 3 with laser therapy, and 1 with other interventions. Of the studies, 7 were randomized control trials and 11 were prospective observations. Most of the interventions were shown to be effective and safe in the improvement of dyspareunia.
CONCLUSION
In addition to the traditional options already analysed in other current reviews, other interesting options are highlighted (such as laser or local dehydroepiandrosterone [DHEA]). Further work on dyspareunia should make use of high-quality trials with large numbers of samples to obtain evidence that could adequately demonstrate key methodological characteristics and harmful effects.
PubMed: 33447234
DOI: 10.1159/000506148 -
International Urogynecology Journal Jan 2022Sacrocolpopexy and sacrospinous ligament fixation (SSLF) have been used for the restoration of apical support. Studies comparing sacrocolpopexy and SSLF have reported... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS
Sacrocolpopexy and sacrospinous ligament fixation (SSLF) have been used for the restoration of apical support. Studies comparing sacrocolpopexy and SSLF have reported conflicting results. We aim to assess the current evidence regarding efficiency and the complications of sacrocolpopexy compared with SSLF.
METHODS
We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library and performed a systematic review meta-analysis to assess the two surgical approaches.
RESULTS
5Five randomized controlled trials, 8 retrospective studies, and 2 prospective studies including 4,120 cases were identified. Compared with abdominal sacrocolpopexy (ASC), SSLF was associated with a lower success rate (88.32% and 91.45%; OR 0.52; 95% CI 0.29-0.95; p = 0.03), higher recurrence (11.58% and 8.32%; OR 1.97; 95% CI 1.04-3.46; p = 0.04), and dyspareunia rate (14.36% and 4.67%; OR 3.10; 95% CI 1.28-7.50; p = 0.01). Patients in this group may benefit from shorter operative time (weighted mean difference -25.08 min; 95% CI -42.29 to -7.88; p = 0.004), lower hemorrhage rate (0.85% and 2.58%; OR 0.45; 95% CI 0.25-0.85; p = 0.009), wound infection rate (3.30% and 5.76%; OR 0.55; 95% CI 0.39-0.77; p = 0.0005), and fewer gastrointestinal complications (1.33% and 6.19%; OR 0.33; 95% CI 0.15-0.76; p = 0.009).
CONCLUSION
Both sacrocolpopexy and SSLF offer an efficient alternative to the restoration of apical support. When anatomical durability and sexual function is a priority, ASC may be the preferred option. When considering factors of mesh erosion, operative time, gastrointestinal complications, hemorrhage, and wound infections, SSLF may be the better option.
Topics: Female; Gynecologic Surgical Procedures; Humans; Ligaments; Pelvic Organ Prolapse; Prospective Studies; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 34081163
DOI: 10.1007/s00192-021-04823-w -
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth Nov 2015Because there is a lack of knowledge on the long-term consequences of maternal morbidity/near miss episodes on women's sexual life and function we conducted a systematic... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Because there is a lack of knowledge on the long-term consequences of maternal morbidity/near miss episodes on women's sexual life and function we conducted a systematic review with the purpose of identifying the available evidence on any sexual impairment associated with complications from pregnancy and childbirth.
METHODS
Systematic review on aspects of women sexual life after any maternal morbidity and/or maternal near miss, during different time periods after delivery. The search was carried out until May 22(nd), 2015 including studies published from 1995 to 2015. No language or study design restrictions were applied. Maternal morbidity as exposure was split into general or severe/near miss. Female sexual outcomes evaluated were dyspareunia, Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) scores and time to resume sexual activity after childbirth. Qualitative syntheses for outcomes were provided whenever possible.
RESULTS
A total of 2,573 studies were initially identified, and 14 were included for analysis after standard selection procedures for systematic review. General morbidity was mainly related to major perineal injury (3(rd) or 4(th) degree laceration, 12 studies). A clear pattern for severity evaluation of maternal morbidity could not be distinguished, unless when a maternal near miss concept was used. Women experiencing maternal morbidity had more frequently dyspareunia and resumed sexual activity later, when compared to women without morbidity. There were no differences in FSFI scores between groups. Meta-analysis could not be performed, since included studies were too heterogeneous regarding study design, evaluation of exposure and/or outcome and time span.
CONCLUSION
Investigation of long-term repercussions on women's sexual life aspects after maternal morbidity has been scarcely performed, however indicating worse outcomes for those experiencing morbidity. Further standardized evaluation of these conditions among maternal morbidity survivors may provide relevant information for clinical follow-up and reproductive planning for women.
Topics: Dyspareunia; Female; Humans; Maternal Health Services; Morbidity; Obstetric Labor Complications; Parturition; Perineum; Postpartum Period; Pregnancy; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological
PubMed: 26596506
DOI: 10.1186/s12884-015-0742-6 -
European Journal of Obstetrics,... Feb 2024For patients with endometrioma it is unclear what treatment: surgery and/or medication, is more effective in reducing pain and improving quality of life (QoL). This... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
For patients with endometrioma it is unclear what treatment: surgery and/or medication, is more effective in reducing pain and improving quality of life (QoL). This systematic review and meta- analysis aimed to provide an overview of the existing evidence on the effects of surgery and/or medication (i.e. analgesics and/or hormonal medication) on pain and QoL. A search through CENTRAL, MEDLINE and Embase was conducted. The study population had to be women treated for endometrioma. Retrospective or prospective studies reporting about QoL and/or the following types of pain were reviewed: dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, chronic pelvic pain, and pain that was not well defined in the included article (referred to as pain). We performed a meta-analysis on mean visual analogue scale (VAS) scores and proportions of patients experiencing different types of pain over time. QoL was described narratively. Out of 11.515 articles, 76 studies including 7148 patients were included for the systematic review. The meta-analysis consisted of 52 studies including 4556 patients. No studies compared medication with surgery. And there were no studies on analgesics. Meta-analysis showed that surgery and/or medication often reduced VAS scores and proportions of all types of pain over time. Surgery and medication combined seems more effective in reducing VAS scores of pain compared to surgery alone, but not to medication alone (estimated mean difference = 0.17, p < 0.0001 and -0.98, p = 0.0339). QoL improved after medication (follow up ≤ 12 months) and QoL was unchanged or worsened after surgery and medication combined (follow up ≤ 24 months). However, these were results from a total of 5 studies. Both surgery and medication reduce endometriosis-related pain in patients with endometrioma. However, there is lack of uniform, good quality data comparing surgery with medication to draw firm conclusions. For better-informed treatment decisions, further studies including a standardized core-outcome set at fixed follow-up times, are necessary.
Topics: Humans; Female; Endometriosis; Quality of Life; Prospective Studies; Retrospective Studies; Pelvic Pain; Analgesics
PubMed: 38134610
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2023.12.012 -
Sexual Medicine Reviews Oct 2022Vaginal stenosis is a distressing side effect of radiation therapy that can impair quality of life. Dilator therapy is an option for patients undergoing pelvic... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Vaginal stenosis is a distressing side effect of radiation therapy that can impair quality of life. Dilator therapy is an option for patients undergoing pelvic radiotherapy to mitigate vaginal stenosis. Currently, the dilators given to patients by most hospitals are made of plastic, compared to silicone dilators which are available on the market for purchase.
OBJECTIVES
We conducted a systematic literature review to find information to guide clinical recommendations to pelvic radiotherapy patients on potential differences regarding the use of plastic vs silicone dilators with regard to efficacy, cost, and patient preferences.
METHODS
A systematic literature review was conducted in Embase, MEDLINE, and PubMed using Emtree terms. To be included in the review, papers needed to: focus on female patients undergoing radiation therapy, assess a vaginal dilator, measure any dilator intervention outcome, and specifically compare plastic vs silicone dilators for any measured outcome (either qualitative or quantitative).
RESULTS
The initial search yielded 195 articles. Two area experts, with a third expert for arbitration, read each article and found that none met all review inclusion criteria. No studies were found that compared silicone to plastic dilators with regard to efficacy in treating vaginal stenosis due to radiation therapy, no studies were found that compared cost or cost-effectiveness of the 2 dilator types, and no studies were found comparing patient preferences or experiences (eg, comfort, adherence, ease of use) between the 2 dilator types.
CONCLUSION
The materials used to create dilators have never been rigorously compared in the context of radiotherapy-related vaginal stenosis. Institutions and patients have no data to guide their choice. Significantly more research at the patient and institutional level is needed to explore the potential long-term quality of life and cost benefits of improved adherence with silicone dilator use, and to guide shared decision-making regarding dilator choice. Morgan O, Lopez MD, Martinez AJC, et al. Systematic Review of Comparisons Between Plastic and Silicone Dilators: Revealing a Knowledge Gap. Sex Med Rev 2022;10:513-519.
Topics: Constriction, Pathologic; Female; Humans; Plastics; Quality of Life; Silicones; Vagina
PubMed: 36030181
DOI: 10.1016/j.sxmr.2022.06.008