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American Journal of Obstetrics and... Aug 2020We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine whether D-mannose reduces urinary tract infection recurrence (ie, cumulative incidence) in adult women... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine whether D-mannose reduces urinary tract infection recurrence (ie, cumulative incidence) in adult women with recurrent urinary tract infection compared with other prevention agents. Secondary outcomes included side effects and compliance with D-mannose use.
DATA SOURCES
Ovid Medline 1946-, Embase 1947-, Scopus 1823-, Cochrane Library, Web of Science 1900-, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched through 4/15/2020.
STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Systematic review inclusion: randomized controlled trials, prospective cohorts, and retrospective cohorts written in English of women ≥18 years old with recurrent urinary tract infection in which D-mannose was utilized as an outpatient prevention regimen. Systematic review exclusion: lab or animal-based research, study protocols only, and conference abstracts. Meta-analysis inclusion: stated D-mannose dose, follow-up time ≥6 months, a comparison arm to D-mannose, and data available from women ≥18 years of age.
STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS
Two independent reviewers made abstract, full text, and data extraction decisions. Study methodologic quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Relative risks, confidence intervals, and heterogeneity were computed.
RESULTS
Searches identified 776 unique citations. Eight publications met eligibility: 2 using D-mannose only; 6 using D-mannose combined with another treatment. Seven studies were prospective: 2 randomized controlled trials, 1 randomized cross-over trial, and 4 prospective cohort studies. One retrospective cohort study was included. Three studies met meta-analysis eligibility (1 randomized controlled trial, 1 randomized cross-over trial, and 1 prospective cohort). Pooled relative risk of urinary tract infection recurrence comparing D-mannose to placebo was 0.23 (95% confidence interval, 0.14-0.37; heterogeneity=0%; D-mannose n=125, placebo n=123). Pooled relative risk of urinary tract infection recurrence comparing D-mannose to preventative antibiotics was 0.39 (95% confidence interval, 0.12-1.25; heterogeneity=88%; D-mannose n=163, antibiotics n=163). Adverse side effects were reported in 2 studies assessing D-mannose only (1 study (n=10) reported none; the other reported a low incidence (8/103 participants) of diarrhea). Two studies reported compliance, which was high.
CONCLUSION
D-mannose appears protective for recurrent urinary tract infection (vs placebo) with possibly similar effectiveness as antibiotics. Overall, D-mannose appears well tolerated with minimal side effects-only a small percentage experiencing diarrhea. Meta-analysis interpretation must consider the small number of studies with varied study design and quality and the overall small sample size.
Topics: Adult; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Chemoprevention; Diarrhea; Female; Humans; Mannose; Medication Adherence; Recurrence; Urinary Tract Infections
PubMed: 32497610
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2020.05.048 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Feb 2015Postpartum endometritis occurs when vaginal organisms invade the endometrial cavity during the labor process and cause infection. This is more common following cesarean... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Postpartum endometritis occurs when vaginal organisms invade the endometrial cavity during the labor process and cause infection. This is more common following cesarean birth. The condition warrants antibiotic treatment.
OBJECTIVES
Systematically, to review treatment failure and other complications of different antibiotic regimens for postpartum endometritis.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (30 November 2014) and reference lists of retrieved studies.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomized trials of different antibiotic regimens after cesarean birth or vaginal birth; no quasi-randomized trials were included.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently assessed trials for inclusion and risk of bias, extracted data and checked them for accuracy.
MAIN RESULTS
The review includes a total of 42 trials, and 40 of these trials contributed data on 4240 participants.Regarding the primary outcomes, seven studies compared clindamycin plus an aminoglycoside versus penicillins and showed fewer treatment failures (risk ratio (RR) 0.65, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.46 to 0.90). There were more treatment failures in those treated with an aminoglycoside plus penicillin when compared to those treated with gentamycin/clindamycin (RR 2.57, 95% CI 1.48 to 4.46). There were more treatment failures (RR 1.66, 95% CI 1.01 to 2.74) and wound infections (RR 1.88, 95% CI 1.08 to 3.28) in those treated with second or third generation cephalosporins (excluding cephamycins) versus those treated with clindamycin plus gentamycin. In four studies comparing once-daily with thrice-daily dosing of gentamicin, there were fewer failures with once-daily dosing. There were more treatment failures (RR 1.94, 95% CI 1.38 to 2.72) and wound infections (RR 1.88, 95% CI 1.17 to 3.02) in those treated with a regimen with poor activity against penicillin-resistant anaerobic bacteria as compared to those treated with a regimen with good activity against penicillin-resistant anaerobic bacteria. There were no differences between groups with respect to severe complications and no trials reported any maternal deaths.Regarding the secondary outcomes, three studies that compared continued oral antibiotic therapy after intravenous therapy with no oral therapy, found no differences in recurrent endometritis or other outcomes. Four trials that compared clindamycin plus aminoglycoside versus cephalosporins identified fewer wound infections in those treated with clindamycin plus an aminoglycoside (RR 0.53, 95% CI 0.30 to 0.93). There were no differences between groups for the outcomes of allergic reactions. The overall risk of bias was unclear in the most of the studies. The quality of the evidence using GRADE comparing clindamycin and an aminoglycoside with another regimen (compared with cephalosporins or penicillins) was low to very low for therapeutic failure, severe complications, wound infection and allergic reaction.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
The combination of clindamycin and gentamicin is appropriate for the treatment of endometritis. Regimens with good activity against penicillin-resistant anaerobic bacteria are better than those with poor activity against penicillin-resistant anaerobic bacteria. There is no evidence that any one regimen is associated with fewer side-effects. Following clinical improvement of uncomplicated endometritis which has been treated with intravenous therapy, the use of additional oral therapy has not been proven to be beneficial.
Topics: Aminoglycosides; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Cephalosporins; Clindamycin; Drug Therapy, Combination; Endometritis; Female; Gentamicins; Humans; Penicillins; Postpartum Period; Puerperal Infection; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Treatment Failure
PubMed: 25922861
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD001067.pub3 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Mar 2012Caesarean section rates are progressively rising in many parts of the world. One suggested reason is increasing requests by women for caesarean section in the absence of... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Caesarean section rates are progressively rising in many parts of the world. One suggested reason is increasing requests by women for caesarean section in the absence of clear medical indications, such as placenta praevia, HIV infection, contracted pelvis and, arguably, breech presentation or previous caesarean section. The reported benefits of planned caesarean section include greater safety for the baby, less pelvic floor trauma for the mother, avoidance of labour pain and convenience. The potential disadvantages, from observational studies, include increased risk of major morbidity or mortality for the mother, adverse psychological sequelae, and problems in subsequent pregnancies, including uterine scar rupture and a greater risk of stillbirth and neonatal morbidity. The differences in neonatal physiology following vaginal and caesarean births are thought to have implications for the infant, with caesarean section potentially increasing the risk of compromised health in both the short and the long term. An unbiased assessment of advantages and disadvantages would assist discussion of what has become a contentious issue in modern obstetrics.
OBJECTIVES
To assess, from randomised trials, the effects on perinatal and maternal morbidity and mortality, and on maternal psychological morbidity, of planned caesarean delivery versus planned vaginal birth in women with no clear clinical indication for caesarean section.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (31 January 2012) and reference lists of relevant studies.
SELECTION CRITERIA
All comparisons of intention to perform caesarean section and intention for women to give birth vaginally; random allocation to treatment and control groups; adequate allocation concealment; women at term with single fetuses with cephalic presentations and no clear medical indication for caesarean section.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We identified no studies that met the inclusion criteria.
MAIN RESULTS
There were no included trials.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
There is no evidence from randomised controlled trials, upon which to base any practice recommendations regarding planned caesarean section for non-medical reasons at term. In the absence of trial data, there is an urgent need for a systematic review of observational studies and a synthesis of qualitative data to better assess the short- and long-term effects of caesarean section and vaginal birth.
Topics: Cesarean Section; Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Term Birth
PubMed: 22419296
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004660.pub3 -
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 -
Journal of Ovarian Research Jul 2017Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent chronic inflammatory condition that affects women in their reproductive period causing infertility and pelvic pain. The disease,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent chronic inflammatory condition that affects women in their reproductive period causing infertility and pelvic pain. The disease, especially at the ovarian site has been shown to have a detrimental impact on ovarian physiology. Indeed, sonographic and histologic data tend to support the idea that ovarian follicles of endometriosis patients are decreased in number and more atretic. Moreover, the local intrafollicular environment of patients affected is characterized by alterations of the granulosa cell compartment including reduced P450 aromatase expression and increased intracellular reactive oxygen species generation. However, no comprehensive evaluation of the literature addressing the effect of endometriosis on oocyte quality from both a clinical and a biological perspective has so far been conducted. Based on this systematic review of the literature, oocytes retrieved from women affected by endometriosis are more likely to fail in vitro maturation and to show altered morphology and lower cytoplasmic mitochondrial content compared to women with other causes of infertility. Results from meta-analyses addressing IVF outcomes in women affected would indicate that a reduction in the number of mature oocytes retrieved is associated with endometriosis while a reduction in fertilization rates is more likely to be associated with minimal/mild rather than with moderate/severe disease. However, evidence in this field is still far to be conclusive, especially with regards to the effects of different stages of the disease and to the impact of patients' previous medical/surgical treatment(s).
Topics: Biomarkers; Cellular Microenvironment; Endometriosis; Female; Fertilization in Vitro; Granulosa Cells; Humans; Infertility, Female; Oocytes; Ovarian Follicle; Ovary; Pregnancy
PubMed: 28701212
DOI: 10.1186/s13048-017-0341-4 -
Sexually Transmitted Infections Aug 2020Genital chlamydia infection in women is often asymptomatic, but may result in adverse outcomes before and during pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to examine the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Genital chlamydia infection in women is often asymptomatic, but may result in adverse outcomes before and during pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to examine the strength of the relationships between chlamydia infection and different reproductive health outcomes and to assess the certainty of the evidence.
METHODS
This review was registered and followed the Cochrane guidelines. We searched three databases to quantitatively examine adverse outcomes associated with chlamydia infection. We included pregnancy and fertility-related outcomes. We performed meta-analyses on different study designs for various adverse outcomes using unadjusted and adjusted analyses.
RESULTS
We identified 4730 unique citations and included 107 studies reporting 12 pregnancy and fertility-related outcomes. Sixty-eight studies were conducted in high-income countries, 37 studies were conducted in low-income or middle-income countries, and 2 studies were conducted in both high-income and low-income countries. Chlamydia infection was positively associated with almost all of the 12 included pregnancy and fertility-related adverse outcomes in unadjusted analyses, including stillbirth (OR=5.05, 95% CI 2.95 to 8.65 for case-control studies and risk ratio=1.28, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.51 for cohort studies) and spontaneous abortion (OR=1.30, 95% CI 1.14 to 1.49 for case-control studies and risk ratio=1.47, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.85 for cohort studies). However, there were biases in the design and conduct of individual studies, affecting the certainty of the overall body of evidence. The risk of adverse outcomes associated with chlamydia is higher in low-income and middle-income countries compared with high-income countries.
CONCLUSION
Chlamydia is associated with an increased risk of several pregnancy and fertility-related adverse outcomes in unadjusted analyses, especially in low-income and middle-income countries. Further research on how to prevent the sequelae of chlamydia in pregnant women is needed.
TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42017056818.
Topics: Abortion, Spontaneous; Chlamydia Infections; Chlamydia trachomatis; Endometritis; Female; Fetal Membranes, Premature Rupture; Humans; Infant, Low Birth Weight; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Small for Gestational Age; Infertility, Female; Obstetric Labor, Premature; Pre-Eclampsia; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; Pregnancy Outcome; Pregnancy, Ectopic; Premature Birth; Puerperal Infection; Reproductive Tract Infections; Stillbirth
PubMed: 31836678
DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2019-053999 -
Obstetrics and Gynecology Dec 2014To comprehensively review and critically assess the literature on vaginal estrogen and its alternatives for women with genitourinary syndrome of menopause and to provide... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To comprehensively review and critically assess the literature on vaginal estrogen and its alternatives for women with genitourinary syndrome of menopause and to provide clinical practice guidelines.
DATA SOURCES
MEDLINE and Cochrane databases were searched from inception to April 2013. We included randomized controlled trials and prospective comparative studies. Interventions and comparators included all commercially available vaginal estrogen products. Placebo, no treatment, systemic estrogen (all routes), and nonhormonal moisturizers and lubricants were included as comparators.
METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION
We double-screened 1,805 abstracts, identifying 44 eligible studies. Discrepancies were adjudicated by a third reviewer. Studies were individually and collectively assessed for methodologic quality and strength of evidence.
TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS
Studies were extracted for participant, intervention, comparator, and outcomes data, including patient-reported atrophy symptoms (eg, vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, dysuria, urgency, frequency, recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI), and urinary incontinence), objective signs of atrophy, urodynamic measures, endometrial effects, serum estradiol changes, and adverse events. Compared with placebo, vaginal estrogens improved dryness, dyspareunia, urinary urgency, frequency, and stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and urgency urinary incontinence (UUI). Urinary tract infection rates decreased. The various estrogen preparations had similar efficacy and safety; serum estradiol levels remained within postmenopausal norms for all except high-dose conjugated equine estrogen cream. Endometrial hyperplasia and adenocarcinoma were extremely rare among those receiving vaginal estrogen. Comparing vaginal estrogen with nonhormonal moisturizers, patients with two or more symptoms of vulvovaginal atrophy were substantially more improved using vaginal estrogens, but those with one or minor complaints had similar symptom resolution with either estrogen or nonhormonal moisturizer.
CONCLUSION
All commercially available vaginal estrogens effectively relieve common vulvovaginal atrophy-related complaints and have additional utility in patients with urinary urgency, frequency or nocturia, SUI and UUI, and recurrent UTIs. Nonhormonal moisturizers are a beneficial alternative for those with few or minor atrophy-related symptoms and in patients at risk for estrogen-related neoplasia.
CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION
PROSPERO International prospective register of systematic reviews, http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, CRD42013006656.
Topics: Administration, Intravaginal; Atrophic Vaginitis; Estrogens; Female; Humans; Menopause; Urologic Diseases
PubMed: 25415166
DOI: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000000526 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... May 2016About 10% of reproductive-aged women suffer from endometriosis, a costly chronic disease causing pelvic pain and subfertility. Laparoscopy is the gold standard... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
About 10% of reproductive-aged women suffer from endometriosis, a costly chronic disease causing pelvic pain and subfertility. Laparoscopy is the gold standard diagnostic test for endometriosis, but is expensive and carries surgical risks. Currently, there are no non-invasive or minimally invasive tests available in clinical practice to accurately diagnose endometriosis. Although other reviews have assessed the ability of blood tests to diagnose endometriosis, this is the first review to use Cochrane methods, providing an update on the rapidly expanding literature in this field.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate blood biomarkers as replacement tests for diagnostic surgery and as triage tests to inform decisions on surgery for endometriosis. Specific objectives include:1. To provide summary estimates of the diagnostic accuracy of blood biomarkers for the diagnosis of peritoneal, ovarian and deep infiltrating pelvic endometriosis, compared to surgical diagnosis as a reference standard.2. To assess the diagnostic utility of biomarkers that could differentiate ovarian endometrioma from other ovarian masses.
SEARCH METHODS
We did not restrict the searches to particular study designs, language or publication dates. We searched CENTRAL to July 2015, MEDLINE and EMBASE to May 2015, as well as these databases to 20 April 2015: CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, LILACS, OAIster, TRIP, ClinicalTrials.gov, DARE and PubMed.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We considered published, peer-reviewed, randomised controlled or cross-sectional studies of any size, including prospectively collected samples from any population of reproductive-aged women suspected of having one or more of the following target conditions: ovarian, peritoneal or deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE). We included studies comparing the diagnostic test accuracy of one or more blood biomarkers with the findings of surgical visualisation of endometriotic lesions.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two authors independently collected and performed a quality assessment of data from each study. For each diagnostic test, we classified the data as positive or negative for the surgical detection of endometriosis, and we calculated sensitivity and specificity estimates. We used the bivariate model to obtain pooled estimates of sensitivity and specificity whenever sufficient datasets were available. The predetermined criteria for a clinically useful blood test to replace diagnostic surgery were a sensitivity of 0.94 and a specificity of 0.79 to detect endometriosis. We set the criteria for triage tests at a sensitivity of ≥ 0.95 and a specificity of ≥ 0.50, which 'rules out' the diagnosis with high accuracy if there is a negative test result (SnOUT test), or a sensitivity of ≥ 0.50 and a specificity of ≥ 0.95, which 'rules in' the diagnosis with high accuracy if there is a positive result (SpIN test).
MAIN RESULTS
We included 141 studies that involved 15,141 participants and evaluated 122 blood biomarkers. All the studies were of poor methodological quality. Studies evaluated the blood biomarkers either in a specific phase of the menstrual cycle or irrespective of the cycle phase, and they tested for them in serum, plasma or whole blood. Included women were a selected population with a high frequency of endometriosis (10% to 85%), in which surgery was indicated for endometriosis, infertility work-up or ovarian mass. Seventy studies evaluated the diagnostic performance of 47 blood biomarkers for endometriosis (44 single-marker tests and 30 combined tests of two to six blood biomarkers). These were angiogenesis/growth factors, apoptosis markers, cell adhesion molecules, high-throughput markers, hormonal markers, immune system/inflammatory markers, oxidative stress markers, microRNAs, tumour markers and other proteins. Most of these biomarkers were assessed in small individual studies, often using different cut-off thresholds, and we could only perform meta-analyses on the data sets for anti-endometrial antibodies, interleukin-6 (IL-6), cancer antigen-19.9 (CA-19.9) and CA-125. Diagnostic estimates varied significantly between studies for each of these biomarkers, and CA-125 was the only marker with sufficient data to reliably assess sources of heterogeneity.The mean sensitivities and specificities of anti-endometrial antibodies (4 studies, 759 women) were 0.81 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.76 to 0.87) and 0.75 (95% CI 0.46 to 1.00). For IL-6, with a cut-off value of > 1.90 to 2.00 pg/ml (3 studies, 309 women), sensitivity was 0.63 (95% CI 0.52 to 0.75) and specificity was 0.69 (95% CI 0.57 to 0.82). For CA-19.9, with a cut-off value of > 37.0 IU/ml (3 studies, 330 women), sensitivity was 0.36 (95% CI 0.26 to 0.45) and specificity was 0.87 (95% CI 0.75 to 0.99).Studies assessed CA-125 at different thresholds, demonstrating the following mean sensitivities and specificities: for cut-off > 10.0 to 14.7 U/ml: 0.70 (95% CI 0.63 to 0.77) and 0.64 (95% CI 0.47 to 0.82); for cut-off > 16.0 to 17.6 U/ml: 0.56 (95% CI 0.24, 0.88) and 0.91 (95% CI 0.75, 1.00); for cut-off > 20.0 U/ml: 0.67 (95% CI 0.50 to 0.85) and 0.69 (95% CI 0.58 to 0.80); for cut-off > 25.0 to 26.0 U/ml: 0.73 (95% CI 0.67 to 0.79) and 0.70 (95% CI 0.63 to 0.77); for cut-off > 30.0 to 33.0 U/ml: 0.62 (95% CI 0.45 to 0.79) and 0.76 (95% CI 0.53 to 1.00); and for cut-off > 35.0 to 36.0 U/ml: 0.40 (95% CI 0.32 to 0.49) and 0.91 (95% CI 0.88 to 0.94).We could not statistically evaluate other biomarkers meaningfully, including biomarkers that were assessed for their ability to differentiate endometrioma from other benign ovarian cysts.Eighty-two studies evaluated 97 biomarkers that did not differentiate women with endometriosis from disease-free controls. Of these, 22 biomarkers demonstrated conflicting results, with some studies showing differential expression and others no evidence of a difference between the endometriosis and control groups.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Of the biomarkers that were subjected to meta-analysis, none consistently met the criteria for a replacement or triage diagnostic test. A subset of blood biomarkers could prove useful either for detecting pelvic endometriosis or for differentiating ovarian endometrioma from other benign ovarian masses, but there was insufficient evidence to draw meaningful conclusions. Overall, none of the biomarkers displayed enough accuracy to be used clinically outside a research setting. We also identified blood biomarkers that demonstrated no diagnostic value in endometriosis and recommend focusing research resources on evaluating other more clinically useful biomarkers.
Topics: Adult; Autoantibodies; Biomarkers; CA-125 Antigen; CA-19-9 Antigen; Endometriosis; Endometrium; Female; Humans; Interleukin-6; Ovarian Diseases; Pelvis; Peritoneal Diseases; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 27132058
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD012179 -
Neurological Sciences : Official... Mar 2023Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). The most common clinical manifestations of MS... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). The most common clinical manifestations of MS are spasticity, pain, vesico-urethral disorders, cognitive impairments, chronic fatigue and sexual dysfunction. This review aims to explore the possible therapeutic options for managing sexual dysfunction in people with MS (PwMS).
METHOD
A thorough search of the PubMed Medline database was performed. Records were limited to clinical studies published between 01/01/2010 up to 01/01/2022. The results were screened by the authors in pairs.
RESULTS
The search identified 36 records. After screening, 9 records met the inclusion-exclusion criteria and were assessed. The pharmacological approaches investigated the effectiveness of sildenafil, tadalafil and onabotulinumtoxinA. Of the interventional studies the non-pharmacological investigated, the effectiveness of aquatic exercises, the application of pelvic floor exercises,the combination of pelvic floor exercises and mindfulness technique, the combination of pelvic floor exercises and electro muscular stimulation with electromyograph biofeedback, the application of yoga techniques and the efficacy of assistive devices like the clitoral vacuum suction device and the vibration device.
CONCLUSION
The management of sexual dysfunction in PwMS needs to be further investigated. A team of healthcare professionals should be involved in the management of SD in order to address not only the primary (MS-related) SD symptoms but the secondary and tertiary as well. The main limitations that were identified in the existing literature were related to MS disease features, sample characteristics and evaluation tools and batteries.
Topics: Humans; Multiple Sclerosis; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological; Sildenafil Citrate; Pain; Exercise Therapy
PubMed: 36585597
DOI: 10.1007/s10072-022-06572-0 -
Contraception Jan 2017The objective was to determine the association between use of intrauterine devices (IUDs) by young women and risk of adverse outcomes. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
The objective was to determine the association between use of intrauterine devices (IUDs) by young women and risk of adverse outcomes.
METHODS
We searched Pubmed, CINAHL, Embase, Popline and the Cochrane Library for articles from inception of database through December 2015. For outcomes specific to IUD use (IUD expulsion and perforation), we examined effect measures for IUD users generally aged 25 years or younger compared with older IUD users. For outcomes of pregnancy, infection, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and heavy bleeding or anemia, we examined young IUD users compared with young users of other contraceptive methods or no method.
RESULTS
We identified 3169 articles of which 16 articles from 14 studies met our inclusion criteria. Six studies (Level II-2, good to poor) reported increased risk of expulsion among younger age groups compared with older age groups using copper-bearing (Cu-) IUDs. Two studies (Level II-2, fair) examined risks of expulsion among younger compared with older women using levonorgestrel-releasing (LNG-) IUDs; one reported no difference in expulsion, while the other reported increased odds for younger women. Four studies (Level II-2, good to poor) examined risk of expulsion among Cu- and LNG-IUD users combined and reported no significant differences between younger and older women. For perforation, four studies (Level II-2, fair to poor) found very low perforation rates (range, 0%-0.1%), with no significant differences between younger and older women. Pregnancies were generally rare among young IUD users in nine studies (Level I to II-2, fair to poor), and no differences were reported for young IUD users compared with young combined oral contraceptive (COC) or etonogestrel (ENG) implant users. PID was rare among young IUD users; one study reported no cases among COC or IUD users, and one reported no difference in PID among LNG-IUD users compared with ENG implant users from nationwide insurance claims data (Level I to II-2, fair). One study reported decreased odds of bleeding with LNG-IUD compared with COC use among young women, while one study of young women reported decreased odds of removal for bleeding with LNG-IUD compared with ENG implant (Level I to II-2, fair).
CONCLUSION
Overall evidence suggests that the risk of adverse outcomes related to pregnancy, perforation, infection, heavy bleeding or removals for bleeding among young IUD users is low and may not be clinically meaningful. However, the risk of expulsion, especially for Cu-IUDs, is higher for younger women compared with older women. If IUD expulsion occurs, a young woman is exposed to an increased risk of unintended pregnancy if replacement contraception is not initiated. IUDs are safe for young women and provide highly effective reversible contraception.
Topics: Adolescent; Contraception; Contraceptive Agents, Female; Contraceptives, Oral, Combined; Desogestrel; Female; Humans; Intrauterine Device Expulsion; Intrauterine Devices, Copper; Levonorgestrel; Pregnancy; Pregnancy, Unplanned; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Risk Assessment; Young Adult
PubMed: 27771475
DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2016.10.006