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BMJ Clinical Evidence Aug 2015A woman has premenstrual syndrome (PMS) if she complains of recurrent psychological and/or physical symptoms occurring during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle,... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
A woman has premenstrual syndrome (PMS) if she complains of recurrent psychological and/or physical symptoms occurring during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, and often resolving by the end of menstruation. Symptom severity can vary between women. Premenstrual symptoms occur in 95% of women of reproductive age. Severe, debilitating symptoms occur in about 5% of those women. There is no consensus on how symptom severity should be assessed for PMS, which has led to the use of a wide variety of symptom scores and scales, thus making it difficult to synthesise data on treatment efficacy. The cyclical nature of the condition also makes it difficult to conduct RCTs.
METHODS AND OUTCOMES
We conducted a systematic overview, aiming to answer the following clinical question: What are the effects of continuous hormonal treatments in women with premenstrual syndrome? We searched: Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and other important databases up to April 2014 (Clinical Evidence overviews are updated periodically; please check our website for the most up-to-date version of this overview).
RESULTS
At this update, searching of electronic databases retrieved 132 studies. After deduplication and removal of conference abstracts, 132 records were screened for inclusion in the overview. Appraisal of titles and abstracts led to the exclusion of 102 studies and the further review of 30 full publications. Of the 30 full articles evaluated, one systematic review and three RCTs were added to this overview. We performed a GRADE evaluation for three PICO combinations.
CONCLUSIONS
In this systematic overview, we categorised the efficacy for three interventions based on information relating to the effectiveness and safety of continuous combined oral contraceptives, continuous transdermal estradiol, and continuous subcutaneous estradiol implants.
Topics: Administration, Cutaneous; Contraceptives, Oral, Combined; Drug Implants; Estradiol; Female; Humans; Infusions, Subcutaneous; Premenstrual Syndrome
PubMed: 26303988
DOI: No ID Found -
Fertility and Sterility Nov 2018To assess the efficacy of an etonogestrel (ENG)-releasing contraceptive implant or the 52-mg levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) in the control of... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Control of endometriosis-associated pain with etonogestrel-releasing contraceptive implant and 52-mg levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system: randomized clinical trial.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the efficacy of an etonogestrel (ENG)-releasing contraceptive implant or the 52-mg levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) in the control of endometriosis-associated pelvic pain.
DESIGN
Noninferiority randomized clinical trial in which women with endometriosis were assigned to use an ENG implant (experimental treatment) or an LNG-IUS (active comparator). Monthly follow-up visits were conducted up to 6 months.
SETTING
University teaching hospital.
PATIENT(S)
One hundred three women, with endometriosis-associated chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, or both for more than 6 months. In cases of deep endometriosis, vaginal ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging were used as additional diagnostic tools.
INTERVENTION(S)
The ENG implant or the LNG-IUS were inserted within the first 5 days of the menstrual cycle.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)
Daily scores of noncyclic pelvic pain and dysmenorrhea were evaluated using a daily visual analogue scale. Health-related quality of life was evaluated using the Endometriosis Health Profile-30 questionnaire at baseline and up to 6 months. Bleeding patterns were assessed daily from a menstrual calendar.
RESULT(S)
Both contraceptives improved significantly the mean visual analogue scale endometriosis-associated pelvic pain and dysmenorrhea, without significant differences between treatment group profiles. Health-related quality of life improved significantly in all domains of the core and modular segments of the Endometriosis Health Profile-30 questionnaire, with no difference between both treatment groups. The most common bleeding patterns at 180 days of follow-up were amenorrhea and infrequent bleeding and infrequent bleeding and spotting among ENG implant and LNG-IUS users, respectively.
CONCLUSION(S)
In this noninferiority study both contraceptives improved significantly pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, and health-related quality of life in endometriosis.
CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
Clinicaltrials.gov under number NCT02480647.
Topics: Adult; Contraceptive Agents, Female; Desogestrel; Drug Implants; Drug Liberation; Endometriosis; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Intrauterine Devices, Medicated; Levonorgestrel; Pain Management; Pelvic Pain
PubMed: 30396557
DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2018.07.003 -
Journal de Gynecologie, Obstetrique Et... Dec 2016To establish guidelines of the French National College of Gynecologists and Obstetricians about post-abortion contraception. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To establish guidelines of the French National College of Gynecologists and Obstetricians about post-abortion contraception.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A systematic review of the literature about post-abortion contraception was performed on Medline and Cochrane Database between 1978 and March 2016. The guidelines of the French and foreign scientific societies were also consulted.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
After an abortion, if the woman wishes to use a contraception, it should be started as soon as possible because of the very early ovulation resumption. The contraception choice must be done in accordance with the woman's expectations and lifestyle. The contraindications of each contraception must be respected. The long-acting reversible contraception, intra-uterine device (IUD) and implant, could be preferred (grade C) as the efficacy is not dependent on compliance. Thus, they could better prevent repeat abortion (LE3). In case of surgical abortion, IUD should be proposed and inserted immediately after the procedure (grade A), as well as the implant (grade B). In case of medical abortion, the implant can be inserted from the day of mifépristone, the IUD after an ultrasound examination confirming the success of the abortion (no continuing pregnancy or retained sac) (grade C).
Topics: Abortion, Induced; Contraceptive Agents, Female; Drug Implants; Female; Humans; Intrauterine Devices; Pregnancy
PubMed: 27773547
DOI: 10.1016/j.jgyn.2016.09.017 -
The New England Journal of Medicine Feb 2017
Review
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Contraceptive Agents, Female; Drug Implants; Female; Humans; Intrauterine Devices; Practice Guidelines as Topic
PubMed: 28146650
DOI: 10.1056/NEJMcp1608736 -
Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery Mar 2015Proteins are effective biotherapeutics with applications in diverse ailments. Despite being specific and potent, their full clinical potential has not yet been realized.... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Proteins are effective biotherapeutics with applications in diverse ailments. Despite being specific and potent, their full clinical potential has not yet been realized. This can be attributed to short half-lives, complex structures, poor in vivo stability, low permeability, frequent parenteral administrations and poor adherence to treatment in chronic diseases. A sustained release system, providing controlled release of proteins, may overcome many of these limitations.
AREAS COVERED
This review focuses on recent development in approaches, especially polymer-based formulations, which can provide therapeutic levels of proteins over extended periods. Advances in particulate, gel-based formulations and novel approaches for extended protein delivery are discussed. Emphasis is placed on dosage form, method of preparation, mechanism of release and stability of biotherapeutics.
EXPERT OPINION
Substantial advancements have been made in the field of extended protein delivery via various polymer-based formulations over last decade despite the unique delivery-related challenges posed by protein biologics. A number of injectable sustained-release formulations have reached market. However, therapeutic application of proteins is still hampered by delivery-related issues. A large number of protein molecules are under clinical trials, and hence, there is an urgent need to develop new methods to deliver these highly potent biologics.
Topics: Biological Products; Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; Delayed-Action Preparations; Drug Delivery Systems; Drug Implants; Drug Liberation; Drug Stability; Gels; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Microspheres; Nanoparticles; Peptides; Polymers; Proteins
PubMed: 25251334
DOI: 10.1517/17425247.2015.961420 -
Dermatology Online Journal May 2018The role of exogenous progestin in the development of acne is unclear. Progestins are known for their androgenic potential, but newer generations of progestins have low... (Review)
Review
The role of exogenous progestin in the development of acne is unclear. Progestins are known for their androgenic potential, but newer generations of progestins have low or anti-androgenic activity. This review will evaluate the association between progestins found in hormonal long-acting reversible contraceptives (intrauterine devices and subdermal implants) and acne, as well as the role of oral contraceptives in acne management. Our review demonstrates that the cause and effect relationship between progestins and acne is difficult to establish and future studies that seek to understand how progestins modulate acne are necessary.
Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Androgens; Contraceptives, Oral; Drug Implants; Humans; Intrauterine Devices, Medicated; Progestins
PubMed: 30142728
DOI: No ID Found -
F1000Research 2020Overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) is defined as urinary urgency, usually accompanied by frequency and nocturia, with or without urgency incontinence, in the absence of... (Review)
Review
Overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) is defined as urinary urgency, usually accompanied by frequency and nocturia, with or without urgency incontinence, in the absence of urinary tract infection or other obvious pathology. In this review, we focus on recent advances in the management of OAB. We examine the evidence on the effect of anticholinergic load on OAB patients. Advances in medical treatment include a new beta-3 agonist, vibegron, which is thought to have fewer drug interactions than mirabegron. Treatment of genitourinary syndrome of the menopause with oestrogens and ospemifene have also shown promise for OAB. Botulinum toxin has been shown to be an effective treatment option. We discuss the new implantable neuromodulators that are on the market as well as selective bladder denervation and laser technology.
Topics: Acetanilides; Adrenergic beta-3 Receptor Agonists; Botulinum Toxins; Denervation; Drug Implants; Humans; Laser Therapy; Pyrimidinones; Pyrrolidines; Tamoxifen; Thiazoles; Treatment Outcome; Urinary Bladder, Overactive
PubMed: 32968482
DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.26607.1 -
Acta Biomaterialia Apr 2019Macroscale biomaterials, such as preformed implantable scaffolds and injectable soft materials, possess powerful synergies with anti-cancer immunotherapies.... (Review)
Review
Macroscale biomaterials, such as preformed implantable scaffolds and injectable soft materials, possess powerful synergies with anti-cancer immunotherapies. Immunotherapies on their own typically have poor delivery properties, and often require repeated high-dose injections that result in serious off-tumor effects and/or limited efficacy. Rationally designed biomaterials allow for discrete localization and controlled release of immunotherapeutic agents, and have been shown in a large number of applications to improve outcomes in the treatment of cancers via immunotherapy. Among various strategies, macroscale biomaterial delivery systems can take the form of robust tablet-like scaffolds that are surgically implanted into a tumor resection site, releasing programmed immune cells or immunoregulatory agents. Alternatively they can be developed as soft gel-like materials that are injected into solid tumors or sites of resection to stimulate a potent anti-tumor immune response. Biomaterials synthesized from diverse components such as polymers and peptides can be combined with any immunotherapy in the modern toolbox, from checkpoint inhibitors and stimulatory adjuvants, to cancer antigens and adoptive T cells, resulting in unique synergies and improved therapeutic efficacy. The field is growing rapidly in size as publications continue to appear in the literature, and biomaterial-based immunotherapies are entering clinical trials and human patients. It is unarguably an exciting time for cancer immunotherapy and biomaterial researchers, and further work seeks to understand the most critical design considerations in the development of the next-generation of immunotherapeutic biomaterials. This review will discuss recent advances in the delivery of immunotherapies from localized biomaterials, focusing on macroscale implantable and injectable systems. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Anti-cancer immunotherapies have shown exciting clinical results in the past few decades, yet they suffer from a few distinct limitations, such as poor delivery kinetics, narrow patient response profiles, and systemic side effects. Biomaterial systems are now being developed that can overcome many of these problems, allowing for localized adjuvant delivery, focused dose concentrations, and extended therapy presentation. The field of biocompatible carrier materials is uniquely suited to be combined with immunotherapy, promising to yield significant improvements in treatment outcomes and clinical care. In this review, the first pioneering efforts and most recent advances in biomaterials for immunotherapeutic applications are explored, with a specific focus on implantable and injectable biomaterials such as porous scaffolds, cryogels, and hydrogels.
Topics: Biocompatible Materials; Drug Implants; Humans; Hydrogels; Immunologic Factors; Immunotherapy; Neoplasms
PubMed: 30771535
DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2019.02.016 -
BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.) Jun 1996
Topics: Choice Behavior; Communication; Contraceptive Agents; Drug Implants; Female; Humans; Levonorgestrel
PubMed: 8664661
DOI: 10.1136/bmj.312.7046.1555 -
Global Health, Science and Practice Mar 2018This article draws from national surveys of every sub-Saharan African country with at least 1 recent survey published between 2015 and 2017 and 2 prior surveys from 2003... (Review)
Review
This article draws from national surveys of every sub-Saharan African country with at least 1 recent survey published between 2015 and 2017 and 2 prior surveys from 2003 to 2014. Twelve countries comprising over 60% of the region's population met these inclusion criteria. The analysis considers recent and longer-term changes in 3 key variables: modern contraceptive prevalence rate (mCPR), method-specific prevalence, and a method's share of the current modern method mix. As recently as 2011, implant CPR in sub-Saharan Africa was only 1.1%. Since then, sizeable price reductions, much-increased commodity supply, greater government commitment to rights-based family planning, broader WHO eligibility guidance, and wider adoption of high-impact service delivery practices have resulted in expanded client access and marked increases in implant prevalence and share of the method mix. Ten of the 12 countries now have an implant CPR around 6% or higher, with 3 countries above 11%. Increased implant use has been the main driver of the increased mCPR attained by 11 countries, with gains in implant use alone exceeding combined gains in use of injectables, pills, and intrauterine devices. In countries as diverse as Burkina Faso and Ethiopia, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Ghana, Kenya and Senegal, implant use now accounts for one-fourth to one-half of all modern method use. Implants have become the first or second most widely used method in 10 countries. In the 7 countries with multiple surveys conducted over a 2- to 3-year span between 2013-14 and 2016-17, average annual gains in implant prevalence range from 0.97 to 4.15 percentage points; this contrasts to historical annual gains in use of all modern methods of 0.70 percentage points in 42 sub-Saharan African countries from 1986 to 2008. Implant use has risen substantially and fairly equitably across almost all sociodemographic categories, including unmarried women, women of lower and higher parity, women in all 5 wealth quintiles, younger and older women, and women residing in rural areas. A notable exception is the category of nulliparous married women, whose implant use is mostly below 1%. These attainments represent a major success story not often seen in family planning programming. With continued program commitment and donor support, these trends in implant uptake and popularity are likely to continue for the next few years. This implies even greater need for the international family planning community to maintain its focus on rights-based programming, ensuring reliable access to implant removal as well as insertion services, and addressing issues of financing and sustainability.
Topics: Africa South of the Sahara; Contraceptive Agents, Female; Drug Implants; Female; Humans; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 29559495
DOI: 10.9745/GHSP-D-17-00396