Showing papers in "Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia in 2007"
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TL;DR: The high number of women with pre-gestational weight deviation reinforces the importance of a nutritional guidance that favors a good nutritional state and reduces the risks of maternal and newborn adverse outcomes.
Abstract: PURPOSE: to analyze the association between maternal pre-gestational nutritional status and maternal outcomes - hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, gestational diabetes, vitamin A deficiency, and anemia - and the newborn outcome - low birth weight. METHODS: cross-sectional study, with 433 adult puerperal women (> 20 years old) and their newborns, attending the Maternidade Escola of Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). Data was collected through interviews and access to their medical records. Maternal pre-gestational nutritional status was established through pre-gestational body mass index according to the cut-offs for adult women defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), in 1995. The association between gestational outcomes and pre-gestational nutritional status was estimated through odds ratio (OR) and a 95% confidence interval (95%CI). RESULTS: frequency of pre-gestational weight deviation (low weight, overweight and obesity) was 31.6%. Considering the pre-gestational nutritional status, overweight and obese women presented a lower weight gain than eutrophic and low-weight women (p<0.05). Women with pre-gestational obesity presented a higher risk of developing hypertensive disordens of pregnancy (OR=6.3; 95%CI=1.9-20.5) and those with low pre-gestational weight were more likely to give birth to low birth weigh infants (OR=7.1; 95%CI=1.9-27.5). There was no evidence of the association between pre-gestational nutritional status and the development of anemia, vitamin A deficiency and gestational diabetes. The mean weight gain among overweight and obese pregnant women was significantly lower when compared to eutrophic and low-weight pregnant women (p=0.002, p=0.049, p=0.002, p=0.009). CONCLUSIONS: the high number of women with pre-gestational weight deviation reinforces the importance of a nutritional guidance that favors a good nutritional state and reduces the risks of maternal and newborn adverse outcomes.
73 citations
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TL;DR: There was an improvement in several aspects of women's QoL treated by physiotherapy, when evaluated with a specific tool, the King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ), before and after the treatment.
Abstract: PURPOSE: to compare women's quality of life (QoL) before and after physical therapy treatment for stress urinary incontinence (SUI). METHODS: an uncontrolled clinical trial of 26 women, who had mainly complaints of SUI. Post-menopausal women with overactive bladder, cystocele >grade II and previous surgical/conservative treatments were excluded from the study. The physiotherapy treatment relied on 12 individual pelvic floor exercises assisted by electromyographyc-biofeedback sessions. A total of 200 contractions were carried out, divided in phasic (quick) and tonic (slow). The tool used to evaluate QoL was the King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ), before and after the treatment. RESULTS: there was a decrease in the urinary symptoms, particularly in urinary frequency, nocturia, urgency and urinary incontinence. Regarding the QoL, there was a significant improvement in the following domain scores: general health perception (49.0±24.0 versus 26.9±15.7; p=0.0015), incontinence impact (78.2±28.2 versus 32.1±30.5; p=0.001), activity limitation (75.0±28.2 versus 13.5±22.6; p<0.001), physical limitation (72.4±29.4 versus 15.4±24.5; p<0.001), social limitations (38.3±28.6 versus 6.4±14.5; p<0.001), emotions (59.0±33.8 versus 14.1±24.7; p=0.0001, sleep/energy (34.0±23.8 versus 6.4±16.4; p=0.001) and severity measures (66.9±19.6 versus 22.3±24.2; p<0.001), except for personal relationships (60.5±33.9 versus 41.7±16.7; p=0.0679). CONCLUSIONS: there was an improvement in several aspects of women's QoL treated by physiotherapy, when evaluated with a specific tool, the KHQ.
67 citations
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TL;DR: Positive anal colonization concomitant with vaginal colonization was significant, suggesting possible vaginal contamination from the anus and a relevant association between vaginal cultures positive for Candida spp and the use of tight and/or synthetic underclothing.
Abstract: PURPOSE: to analyze patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis with respect to risk factors, symptomatology and results of anal culture, to identify the frequency of species of Candida albicans and non-C. albicans, and to correlate anal and vaginal colonization. METHODS: a total of 99 patients were included with suspected vulvovaginal candidiasis, from Natal, Brazil, between May 2003 and May 2005, totalling 294 collections. The clinical material, obtained by vaginal and anal swabs, was seeded on CHROMagar Candida®. The yeasts were identified using the classic method, in addition to the growth test at 42o and 45oC and the Hypertonic Saboraud broth test. Symptomatology, risk factors and anal colonization were assessed according to positive or negative culture for Candida spp. The cultures positive for C. albicans at the two sites were compared with other results encountered. Yates c2 test and Fishers exact test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: the most frequent was C. albicans in 69% of the cases. Wearing tight and/or synthetic underclothing, the presence of allergic diseases, the occurrence of itching, leukorrhea and hyperemia showed a significant association with positive culture for Candida spp in the vagina. The chance of a patient with positive anal colonization to present with concomitant positive vaginal colonization was 2.8 and 4.9 times greater for Candida spp and C. albicans, respectively. The risk of a patient with anal culture positive for C. albicans to present with positive vaginal colonization was 3.7 times greater when compared to non-C. albicans species. CONCLUSIONS: the most common species was C. albicans, and a relevant association between vaginal cultures positive for Candida spp and the use of tight and/or synthetic underclothing, allergic diseases, the occurrence of pruritus, leukorrhea and erythema was observed (p<0.05). Positive anal colonization concomitant with vaginal colonization was significant, suggesting possible vaginal contamination from the anus.
47 citations
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TL;DR: The chance of having CS was greater among women with better socio-economic conditions, with adequate prenatal care, for primiparous, for multiparous and in twin gestations, suggesting that the basis for indication of cesarean sections were not restricted to clinical factors but influenced by non-medical reasons.
Abstract: PURPOSE: to determine the cesarean section (CS) rate in Campinas (SP) and to identify its risk factors. METHODS: a cross-sectional study that analyzed data obtained from Live Birth Certificates in 2001. The dependent variable was the type of delivery and the independent variables were: mothers characteristics and those related to their pregnancies, deliveries and to newborns. The assessment of the association among variables was performed through the c2 test, and crude and adjusted odds ratio (OR) values were calculated. RESULTS: the CS rate was 54.9%. The chances of having CS increased 1.9 times for women from 20-34 years old (adjOR-1.9; 95% CI:1.7-2.1); 3.7 times for those over 35 years old (adjOR-3.8; 95% CI:3.2-4.5); 1.5 times for those who studied from 8-11 years (adjOR-1.5; 95% CI:1.4-1.6); 2.5 times for those who studied more than 11 years (adjOR-2.6; 95% CI:2.2-2.9); 1.3 times for those who were married (adjOR-1.3; 95 % CI:1.2-1.4); 1.6 times for those who had jobs (adjOR-1.6; 95% CI:1.5-1.8); 1.2 times for who had good living conditions (adjOR-1.2; 95% CI:1.0-1.3); 2.2 times for primiparous (adjOR-2.2; 95% CI:1.9-2.5), 1.6 times for multiparous (adjOR-1.6; 95% CI:1.4-1.9) and 2.7 times in twin gestations (adjOR-2.7; 95% CI:1.9-3.9). The women who had inadequate prenatal care were protected for CS (adjOR-0.6; 95% CI:0.5-0.7). CONCLUSION: the chance of having CS was greater among women with better socio-economic conditions, with adequate prenatal care, for primiparous, for multiparous and in twin gestations, suggesting that the basis for indication of cesarean sections were not restricted to clinical factors but influenced by non-medical reasons.
46 citations
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TL;DR: The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) for gravidas brasileiras as discussed by the authors has been adapted to a lingua portuguesa and a cultura brasileira, apresenting significant confiabilidade e validade.
Abstract: OBJETIVO: traduzir e validar o Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) para gravidas brasileiras. METODOS: participaram da pesquisa 92 gestantes assistidas em ambulatorio de pre-natal de baixo risco, com diagnostico da gravidez confirmado por ultra-sonografia precoce. Inicialmente, traduzimos o questionario FSFI para a lingua portuguesa (do Brasil), de acordo com os criterios internacionais. Foram realizadas adaptacoes culturais, conceituais e semânticas do FSFI, em funcao das diferencas da lingua, para que as gestantes compreendessem as questoes. Todas as pacientes responderam duas vezes ao FSFI, no mesmo dia, com dois entrevistadores diferentes, com intervalo de uma hora de uma entrevista para a outra. Em seguida, 7 a 14 dias depois, o questionario foi novamente aplicado numa segunda entrevista. Foram avaliadas a confiabilidade (consistencia interna intra e interobservador) e a validade do construto (para demonstrar que o questionario avalia a funcao sexual). RESULTADOS: adaptacoes culturais foram necessarias para obtermos a versao final. A consistencia interna intra-observador (alfa de Chronbach) dos diversos dominios oscilou de moderada a forte (0,791 a 0,911) e a consistencia interobservador variou de 0,791 a 0,914. Na validacao do construto, foram obtidas correlacoes de moderada a forte entre os escores finais (gerais) do FSFI e do Quociente Sexual Feminino (QS-F), que tem a capacidade de avaliar a funcao sexual feminina. CONCLUSOES: o FSFI foi adaptado a lingua portuguesa e a cultura brasileira, apresentando significante confiabilidade e validade, podendo ser incluido e utilizado em futuros estudos da funcao sexual de gravidas brasileiras.
36 citations
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TL;DR: To investigate women’s age at their first sexual intercourse and its correlation with their present age, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and cytological abnormalities at Pap smear, women from the general population were invited to be screened for cervical cancer and pre-malignant lesions.
Abstract: PuRPOse : to investigate women’s age at their first sexual intercourse and its correlation with their present age, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and cytological abnormalities at Pap smear. MethOds : women from the general population were invited to be screened for cervical cancer and pre-malignant lesions. After answering a behavior questionnaire, they were submitted to screening with cervical cytology and high-risk HPV testing with Hybrid Capture 2 (HC2). This report is part of the Latin American Screening (LAMS) study, that comprises centers from Brazil and Argentina, and the data presented herein refer to the Brazilian women evaluated at the cities of Porto Alegre, Sao Paulo and Campinas. Results : from 8,649 women that answered the questionnaire, 8,641 reported previous sexual activity and were included in this analysis. The mean age at the interview was 38.1±11.0 years and the mean age at the first sexual intercourse was
32 citations
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TL;DR: The purpose of this policy brief is to raise awareness among MEANs decision-makers and opinion leaders about the urgent need for action by presenting some of the warning signs risks and vulnerabilities that face the region.
Abstract: The number of people living with HIV/AIDS in the Middle East and North Africa (MEAN) region increased from 87000 in 2003 to 152000 in 2005 according to United Nations estimates. While these numbers may look small compared to about 40 million people who are living with HIV worldwide the number of infections appears to be increasing rapidly in the region. More important the low number of HIV infections does not mean low risk. MEANs conservative culture--in which sexual relationships outside marriage are forbidden--has been partly responsible for keeping the rates of HIV infection relatively low. The same conservative norms however often contribute to a general attitude of denial combined with strong stigmatization and social ostracism of people living with HIV/AIDS. Because HIV infection is concentrated for now among people who are often perceived as socially deviant the AIDS epidemic has been shrouded in ignorance--and that ignorance does not help prevent the spread of the infection. Thepurpose of this policy brief is to raise awareness among MEANs decision-makers and opinion leaders about the urgent need for action by presenting some of the warning signs risks and vulnerabilities that face the region. The current low rates of HIV infection and concentration among specific groups in MEAN offer the opportunity to develop policies and programs to prevent an epidemic that could have far-reaching social and economic implications. (excerpt)
31 citations
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TL;DR: According to the currently available evidence, aspartame, sucralose, acessulfame-K and stevia can be safely used during pregnancy.
Abstract: Sweeteners are frequently used by women of reproductive age. This is a narrative review about the sweeteners currently sold in the Brazilian commerce. There is a few information on the use of saccharin and cyclamates in pregnancy and their effects on the fetus. Due to the limited information available and their carcinogenic potential in animal species, saccharin and cyclamates should be avoided during pregnancy (risk C). Aspartame has been extensively studied in animals and it is considered safe for use during pregnancy (risk B), except by women homozygous for phenylketonuria (risk C). Sucralose and acessulfame-K are not toxic, carcinogenic or mutagenic in animals, but there are no controlled studies in humans. However, since these two sweeteners are not metabolized, it is unlikely that their use during pregnancy could be harmful (risk B). Stevia, a substance extracted from a native Brazilian plant, is innocuous in animal pregnancies, but there are no controlled studies in humans (risk B). Body agents found in the composition of artificial sweeteners (mannitol, sorbitol, xylitol, erithrol, lactilol, isomalt, maltilol, lactose, fructose, maltodextrin, dextrin, and inverted sugar) are substances generally regarded as safe for human consumption. In conclusion, according to the currently available evidence, aspartame, sucralose, acessulfame-K and stevia can be safely used during pregnancy.
30 citations
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TL;DR: This review provides a surgical methodology overview for the BCS in breast carcinoma with an increasing number of patients eligible to BCS.
Abstract: O tratamento cirurgico do câncer de mama sofreu expressivas mudancas nas ultimas decadas. A cirurgia conservadora e o tratamento padrao para o câncer de mama em estadio inicial. Com a implementacao dos programas de rastreamento e o uso emergente de tratamento sistemico neoadjuvante, um crescente numero de pacientes esta sendo considerado elegivel para o tratamento conservador. No entanto, uma serie de fatores importantes merecem ser considerados no planejamento terapeutico destas pacientes. Esta revisao fornece uma visao geral da metodologia cirurgica no tratamento conservador do carcinoma da mama.
28 citations
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TL;DR: The most relevant clinical signs and symptoms were pruritus and vaginal discharge followed by erythema and edema, statistically independent from the etiological agent.
Abstract: PURPOSE: to relate yeasts identified by laboratory tests to clinical signs and symptoms in patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis, and to investigate the importance of the sexual partners in the recurrence of the infection. METHODS: from July 2001 to July 2003, a sample of 179 patients aged from 18 to 65 years old, with clinical suspicion of fungal vaginitis were analyzed in a prospective study in Great Sao Paulo. Exclusion criteria included: pregnancy, impaired intrinsic or extrinsic immune response (including Aids), diabetes or immunosuppression; patients undergoing corticosteroid, antibiotic or hormone therapy, in post menopause, with intrauterine device (IUD) or making use of vaginal douches or spemicides. Samples of vaginal and penis secretions from partners of patients with relapse of vaginitis episodes were collected for microscopy and fungal culture. Fungal colonies isolated in CHROMagar Candida were identified by classical methods. Fisher's exact t-test was used to correlate the clinical picture with the yeasts isolated from patients. RESULTS: the most relevant clinical signs and symptoms were pruritus and vaginal discharge followed by erythema and edema, statistically independent from the etiological agent. Direct microscopy revealed yeasts in 77 patients with vulvovaginitis, and 40 Candida spp cultures were obtained. Candida albicans (70%), C. glabrata (20%), C. tropicalis (7,5%) and C. guilliermondii (2,5%) were identified. The yeasts prevalent in partners were C. albicans and C. glabrata. The same species were detected in female and male sex partners in 87% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: fungal vulvovaginitis was more frequent in women between 18 and 34 years old. No correlation was observed between the species of yeast detected and clinical symptomatology. Sexual partners are important Candida spp reservoirs and may be related to the maintenance of the vulvovaginal candidiasis.
27 citations
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TL;DR: Maternal height and GWG showed positive and significant BW relation and pre-gestational BMI and protein intake showed statistically significant inverse correlation with birth weight, and no correlation between caloric intake and BW was demonstrated.
Abstract: PURPOSE: to evaluate the impact of the nutritional status of pregnant adolescents on the birth weight. METHODS: a cohort study including 97 adolescents and their respective newborns, evaluated from May to June, 2004. Pregnant women from 10 to 19 years old in labor were included in the study, and those with multiple pregnancies, complications, less than 37 weeks gestation, and incomplete data records were excluded. Maternal nutritional status evaluation included height, body mass index (BMI) before pregnancy, gestational weight gain (GWG) and caloric-proteic intake, obtained by habitual food intake recordatory by the end of the third gestational trimester. The association between maternal variables (height, pre-gestational BMI, GWG and intake) and the newborn weight was analyzed by Spearman's correlation test. Statistical significance was assumed when p<0.05. RESULTS: the mean age was 17.8±1.12 years old. Most adolescents (66%) started pregnancy with adequate weight, 29% had low weight and 5% overweight. Most adolescents showed inadequate GWG, caloric and proteic intake. Low birth weight was recorded in 7% of the newborns and insufficient weight was recorded in 37% of them. Maternal height and GWG showed positive and significant BW relation. Pre-gestational BMI and protein intake showed statistically significant inverse correlation with birth weight. No correlation between caloric intake and BW was demonstrated. CONCLUSION: maternal height and GWG influence the newborn nutritional status.
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TL;DR: The characterization of severe maternal morbidity and near miss allows for monitoring the process of obstetrical care and could help to qualify treatment of maternal urgencies and emergencies, interrupting the process that can lead to death.
Abstract: In Brazil, where 90% of the childbirths occur in hospitals, 67.1% of the cases of maternal death are due to direct obstetric causes, mainly hypertensive disorders, but a quarter of the deaths are due to indirect obstetric causes. As maternal death is a rare event, estimated in 76/100,000, the study of severe maternal morbidity, following international literature, can contribute to qualify obstetrical care. Maternal morbidity is a continuum that ends with death, but there is a separate group, with extreme severity, known as near miss. From the literature review, there are the difficulties to obtain an operational definition of the cases of extremely severe morbidity or near miss. The prevalence ranged from 0.80-8.23%, according to the defining criteria and health care provided at the region. The characterization of severe maternal morbidity and near miss allows for monitoring the process of obstetrical care and could help to qualify treatment of maternal urgencies and emergencies, interrupting the process that can lead to death.
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TL;DR: Treatments were equally effective; reduction of urge-incontinence was correlated with patient satisfaction; and the reduction of urges- incontinence correlated with customer satisfaction.
Abstract: PURPOSE: to evaluate and to compare the effectiveness of oxybutynin, electrostimulation (ES) and pelvic floor training (PFT) in the management of women with detrusor overactivity. METHODS: a total of 64 women, 35 to 80 years old, were enrolled in this randomized prospective trial. Patients were randomized in three groups: Oxybutynin (n=22), ES (n=21) and PFT (n=21). There were no statistical differences between the three groups with regards to race (p=0.948), age (p=0.747), hormonal status (p=0.813), time of symptomatology (p=0.789), previous surgery for urinary incontinence (p=0.993), or body mass index (p=0.897). Patients were assessed before and after treatment by urodynamic test, a seven-day voiding diary, and subjective response. The duration of the treatment was twelve weeks. For statistical analyses, the Pearson c2, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the paired t-test were used. RESULTS: there was a decrease in the urge-incontinence episodes and in the number of pads required in all groups (p 0.05). Urgency was resolved in 14 (63.6%), 11 (52.4%) and 12 (57.1%) patients of the Oxybutynin, ES and PFT Groups, respectively, without differences among the groups (p=0.754). Subjectively, 17 (77.3%), 11 (52.4%) and 16 (76.2%) women who had accomplished oxybutynin, ES and PFT, respectively, were satisfied, without differences among the groups (p = 0.142). Urodynamic was normal in 8 (36.4%), 12 (57.1%) and 11 (52.4%) patients of the Oxybutynin, ES and PFT Groups, respectively. This urodynamic analysis revealed no differences between the three groups (p=0.358). The reduction of urge-incontinence correlated with patient satisfaction (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: treatments were equally effective; reduction of urge-incontinence was correlated with patient satisfaction.
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TL;DR: The prevalence of significant climacteric symptoms is less in women from a rural environment, showing that sociocultural and environmental factors are strongly related to the appearance of climacterics symptoms in the population.
Abstract: PURPOSE: to evaluate climacteric symptoms and related factors in women living in rural and urban areas of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. METHODS: a cross-sectional study involving 261 women in the climacteric was performed. A total of 130 women from Natal and Mossoro (urban group) and 131 from Uruacu, in Sao Goncalo do Amarante (rural group), were studied. Climacteric symptoms were assessed by the Blatt-Kupperman Menopausal Index (BKMI) and Greene Climacteric Scale (GCE). Statistical analysis involved comparison of median between groups and logistic regression analysis. Patients were defined as "very symptomatic" when the climacteric score was >20 for both questionnaires (dependent variable). Independent variables were: age, living area, schooling, obesity and physical activity. RESULTS: the urban group had significantly higher scores than those of the rural group, both for BKMI (median of 26.0 and 17.0, respectively; p<0.0001) and for GCE (median of 27.0 and 16.0, respectively; p<0.0001). For the entire sample, a total of 56.3% (n=147) of the women were classified as "very symptomatic". This prevalence was significantly higher in urban than in rural women (79.2 and 33.6%, respectively; p<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that the likelihood of belonging to the group defined as "very symptomatic" was greater for urban women [adjusted odds ratio (OR)=7.1; confidence interval at 95% (95%CI)=3.69-13.66] who were literate (OR=2.19; 95%CI=1.16-4.13). Individuals over the age of 60 years had less chance of having significant symptoms (OR=0.38; 95%CI=0.17-0.87). CONCLUSIONS: the prevalence of significant climacteric symptoms is less in women from a rural environment, showing that sociocultural and environmental factors are strongly related to the appearance of climacteric symptoms in our population.
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TL;DR: The quality of maternal glycemic control and the satisfactory perinatal outcome have proven that the treatment protocol was adequate and did not depend on the type of diabetes.
Abstract: PURPOSE: to evaluate the insulin therapy protocol and its maternal and perinatal outcome in patients with clinical or gestational diabetes in a high risk reference service. METHODS: descriptive and prospective study including 103 pregnant women with gestational or clinical diabetes treated with insulin and attended by the reference service from October 2003 to December 2005. Gemellarity, miscarriages, unfinished prenatal care and deliveries not attended by the service were excluded. The gestational age at the beginning of the treatment, dosage, doses/day, increment of insulin (UI/kg), glycemic index (GI) and perinatal outcomes were compared. ANOVA, Fishers exact test and Goodmans test considering p 25 kg/m2 (88 versus 58.5%), weight gain (WG) <8 kg (36 versus 17%) and a high increment of insulin characterized the gestational diabetes. For the patients with clinical diabetes, despite the highest GI (120 mg/dL (39.2 versus 24%)) at the end of the gestational period, insulin therapy started earlier (47.2 versus 4%), lasted longer (56.6 versus 6%) and higher doses of insulin (92 versus 43 UI/day) were administered up to three times a day (54.7 versus 16%). Macrosomia was higher among newborns from the cohort of patients with gestational diabetes (16 versus 3.8%), being the only significant neonatal outcome. There were no neonatal deaths, except for one fetal death in the cohort of patients with clinical diabetes. There were no differences in the other neonatal complications in both cohorts, and most of the newborns were discharged from hospital up to seven days after delivery (46% versus 55.8%). CONCLUSIONS: the analysis of these two cohorts has shown differences in the insulin therapy protocol in quantity (UI/day), dosage (UI/kg weight) and number of doses/day, higher for the clinical diabetes cohort, and in the increment of insulin, higher for the gestational diabetes cohort. Indirectly, the quality of maternal glycemic control and the satisfactory perinatal outcome have proven that the treatment protocol was adequate and did not depend on the type of diabetes.
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TL;DR: TL in young vulnerable women, not informed about the definitive condition of the method, may increase the search for attended reproduction services and impair their reproductive future, as far as only 8.1% of the sample delivered babies and reached their goal.
Abstract: PURPOSE: to analyze the factors associated with the reproductive future of patients wishing to become pregnant after having being submitted to tubal ligation (TL), attended at a public service. METHODS: a prospective study including 98 patients previously submitted to TL, who came to the Human Reproduction Center of the University Hospital of Brasilia (HUB), from January 1996 to January 2004, wishing to become pregnant again These patients were followed up from their first appointment till the end of the study, when they answered a structured questionnaire about the social demographic aspects at both the moment they asked for the TL and the reversion of the procedure. RESULTS: the patients average age at the TL procedure was 25 years old. Among them, 55.1% were younger than 25, 46.9% had three or more children, and ten of them had only one child. The most common reasons for the TL procedure were: contraception (48%), financial difficulties (25.5%) and marital problems (15.3%). The major causes for wishing a new pregnancy were: a new relationship/marriage (80.6%), the desire of having another child with the same partner (8.2%), and the death of a child (6.1%). The regret time informed by most of the patients was between two and four years, and the search for reversion was between six and ten years. About 83.6% of the sample referred lack of information about the procedure and the difficulties of reversion. Twenty patients were submitted to TL reversal procedure; from the ten who became pregnant, only six delivered babies, after a full-term pregnancy. Eight patients were referred to in vitro fertilization treatment, four of them became pregnant and two delivered healthy babies. CONCLUSIONS: TL in young vulnerable women, not informed about the definitive condition of the method, may increase the search for attended reproduction services and impair their reproductive future, as far as only 8.1% of the sample delivered babies and reached their goal.
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TL;DR: The probability of presenting depression was high among the post- partum women attended at a tertiary maternity in the southeast of Brazil, and the DV after they were 15 years old was significantly associated with risk of post-partum depression.
Abstract: PURPOSE: to assess the prevalence of the risk of post-partum depression in women in the post-natal ward of a hospital in Sao Paulo city, in the southeastern region of Brazil, and analyze the associated factors, including domestic violence (DV). METHODS: this was a descriptive, cross-sectional study. The participants were 133 women with at least 20 weeks of gestation age, who delivered their babies from August to September 2005 in a tertiary maternity in the city of Sao Paulo (Brazil). They were interviewed using the Portuguese version of the Abuse Assessment Screen for the diagnosis of violence and filled out a self-evaluation questionnaire for post-partum depression (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale). Variables were presented as absolute and relative frequencies. The c2 or Fisher exact tests were used to analyze possible associations between the variables of interest and post-partum depression. The value of 5% was considered significant. RESULTS: risk for post-partum depression was detected in 24 women (18%). A total of 38.3% of the participants interviewed had a history of abuse. There was an association between DV after they were 15 years old and risk of depression (p=0.036). The prevalence of abuse in the group of women at risk for post-partum depression was 58.3% and this was significantly higher than the 33.9% observed in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: the probability of presenting depression was high among the post-partum women attended at a tertiary maternity in the southeast of Brazil. The DV after they were 15 years old was significantly associated with risk of post-partum depression.
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TL;DR: In this article, a structured and pre-tested questionnaire was sent to all the members of the Brazilian Federation of Gynecologists and Obstetricians (FEBRASGO) and they were asked to answer the questions, anonymously, and return the questionnaire in a stamped envelope provided.
Abstract: PURPOSE: to evaluate and compare the knowledge and the opinion of gynecologists and obstetricians regarding termination of pregnancy, in 2003 and 2005. METHODS: a structured and pre-tested questionnaire was sent to all the members of the Brazilian Federation of Gynecologists and Obstetricians (FEBRASGO). They were asked to answer the questions, anonymously, and return the questionnaire in a stamped envelope provided. They were asked about their knowledge of and opinion on Brazilian legislation related to abortion. RESULTS: in both surveys the percentage of doctors who knew under which circumstances abortion was not penalized was over 80%. However, there was a significant reduction in the percentage of doctors who knew that abortion was legal if the womans life was at risk. The participants who knew that abortion because of a severe congenital malformation of the fetus was not currently permitted by law increased by a third. The percentage of doctors in favor of allowing abortion increased consistently for the various circumstances presented. The proportion of those who thought that abortion should not be permitted in any circumstances decreased. The percentage of those who judged that the legal consents should not be modified decreased. There was an increase in the proportion of those who considered that abortion should not be considered a crime under any circumstance. CONCLUSIONS: in general, it seems that people have been thinking more about induced abortion during the time elapsed between the two surveys. Nevertheless, there is the need to correctly inform Brazilian gynecologists and obstetricians on the laws and norms that regulate the practice of legal abortion in the country, so as to ensure that women who need one have, in fact, access to this right.
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TL;DR: Sexual dysfunctions are frequent in patients with cancer of the advanced uterine cervix treated with exclusive radiotherapy using the high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy technique, and specific attention should be given to the sexual anamnesis and the gynecological exam during patients' attendance.
Abstract: PURPOSE: to identify sexual dysfunctions in patients with cancer of the uterine cervix submitted to exclusive radiotherapy, using the high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy technique. METHODS: a descriptive transversal study from January to June of 2004. The study involved 71 selected patients who had been followed in the pelvis outpatient clinic from the Hospital do Câncer de Pernambuco and selected according to the established profile. Data were collected from a structured questionnaire, complemented by a gynecological exam aimed at investigating complaints of sexual dysfunction after the radiotherapy. Epi-Info 6.04 was the statistical program used to process and analyze the data. Descriptive analysis was done through the mean, median and range. Bivariate analysis was done through the Marginal Homogeneity and McNamara's tests, considering 5% as the level of significance. RESULTS: among the gynecological complications identified, we can highlight fibrosis, stenosis and vaginal atrophy (98.6%, 76.1% and 71.8%, respectively). The sexual dysfunctions identified were: frigidity, lack of lubrication, excitation and orgasm in 76.1% of the cases, lack of sex drive in 40.8% and vaginism in 5.6% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: sexual dysfunctions are frequent in patients with cancer of the advanced uterine cervix treated with exclusive radiotherapy using the protocol of HDR. Specific attention should be given to the sexual anamnesis and the gynecological exam during these patients' attendance.
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TL;DR: Patients with ICBN preservation had less pain and more preservation of cutaneous sensitivity, with no decreased number of axillary lymph nodes removed during the axillary dissection.
Abstract: PURPOSE: loss of cutaneous sensitivity has been related to lesions of the intercostobrachial nerve (ICBN) during the axillary lymph node dissection for breast cancer treatment. We evaluated pain and cutaneous sensitivity in the ICBN dermatome of patients in which the nerve was preserved during the axillary dissection. METHODS: we carried out a prospective cohort study of 77 patients divided into: NP group (n=34), patients without ICBN preservation, and ICB group (n=43), patients in which the nerve was preserved. Cutaneous sensitivity was evaluated one year after surgery using 1) a modified McGill Pain Questionnaire; 2) clinical examination including brachial perimetry and evaluation of pain and tactile sensitivity; 3) Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments which allow an objective, qualitative, and quantitative evaluation of peripheral nerve lesions. RESULTS: pain was more frequently reported in the NP group (23/33) than in patients from the ICB group (17/42); p=0,012. Painful sensitivity was preserved in the majority of patients from the ICB group (38/42) but in only 11/33 patients from the NP group (p<0,01). There was no significant difference in the number of lymph nodes dissected between the two groups (p=0,06). CONCLUSIONS: patients with ICBN preservation had less pain and more preservation of cutaneous sensitivity, with no decreased number of axillary lymph nodes removed during the axillary dissection.
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TL;DR: O presente trabalho teve como objetivo realizar revisao da literatura em busca of evidencias para estas supostas associacoes, observa-se a falta de padronizacao metodologica dos mesmos, fato que limita conclusoes definitivas a respeito.
Abstract: Estudos tem apontado possiveis relacoes de risco existentes entre doencas bucais, principalmente a doenca periodontal, e complicacoes gestacionais, como parto prematuro, nascimento de recem-nascidos de baixo peso e pre-eclâmpsia. As explicacoes para tais hipoteses baseiam-se no fato de a doenca periodontal ser de origem infecciosa, o que poderia provocar aumento de citocinas inflamatorias no sangue materno, por liberacao direta da bolsa periodontal ou por disseminacao de bacterias patogenicas, induzindo sua producao sistemica. Esta suposicao fundamenta-se no conhecimento de que a fisiopatologia das complicacoes obstetricas citadas esta associada a presenca de algumas citocinas no sangue materno. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo realizar revisao da literatura em busca de evidencias para estas supostas associacoes. Apesar do grande numero de estudos clinicos encontrados nesta revisao, observa-se a falta de padronizacao metodologica dos mesmos, fato que limita conclusoes definitivas a respeito. Por outro lado, o fato de a doenca periodontal ainda nao ser comprovadamente um fator de risco para as complicacoes obstetricas nao diminui a importância da manutencao da saude bucal das gestantes, que devem apresentar condicoes orais que propiciem adequada alimentacao, sem dor e sangramento, e assim manter seu aporte nutricional adequado.
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TL;DR: O estudo histopatologico dos linfonodos axilares continua sendo o melhor parâmetro para a avaliacao do prognostico do câncer de mama, reduzindo a morbidade cirurgica nas pacientes com resultado negativo.
Abstract: O estudo histopatologico dos linfonodos axilares continua sendo o melhor parâmetro para a avaliacao do prognostico do câncer de mama. No entanto, como em cerca de 80% das pacientes com tumores de ate 2 cm os linfonodos nao apresentam comprometimento neoplasico, foi proposta, ha alguns anos, a disseccao do linfonodo sentinela, reduzindo a morbidade cirurgica nas pacientes com resultado negativo. Recentemente, esta tecnica cirurgica disseminou-se no Brasil, mas existem duas questoes importantes: qual a probabilidade de resultado falso-negativo, ou seja, deixar de identificar um linfonodo comprometido pelo câncer, e se o subestadiamento pelo resultado falso-negativo exporia a paciente ao risco de recidiva axilar ou mesmo metastase a distância, pela utilizacao de terapia cirurgica e adjuvante menos agressiva. A revisao da literatura mostra que a taxa de falsos-negativos varia de 5 a 10%, sendo o principal fator associado a falta de experiencia do cirurgiao. Embora as recidivas axilares sejam raras, nao e ainda possivel avaliar o efeito a longo prazo de deixar de retirar linfonodos comprometidos, devido ao curto periodo de seguimento. Portanto, a recomendacao e que o linfonodo sentinela so seja realizado por cirurgioes com experiencia comprovada pela pequena taxa de resultados falso-negativos.
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TL;DR: The hormone therapy normalizes the cellular immune response in post-menopausal women, and the interaction between sexual steroids and the immune system is examined.
Abstract: There is evidence that estrogen, progesterone and testosterone have modulatory effects over both cellular and humoral immune responses. These effects occur via immune-neuroendocrine interactions, involving the pituitary, gonadal steroids, thymic hormones, and the presence of specific receptors and messengers. These immune responses may be altered during pregnancy, gonadectomy, menopause and hormone therapy. Estrogen depresses the cellular immunity, suppresses the natural killer cell activity and increases the production of antibodies. Progesterone/progestogen suppresses the cellular immune system. Androgens, after metabolization in estrogens, might stimulate the humoral immune response. Hormone therapy is still broadly used in post-menopause women with the purpose of decreasing climacteric symptoms, as well as preventing genital atrophy and bone loss. Its use to attenuate the risk of cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases remains in debate. A few studies have been carried out to examine the effect of post-menopause hormone therapy on the immune system. There is evidence that the hypoestrogenic state, following menopause, could result in less resistance to infections. The present review examines the interaction between sexual steroids and the immune system and, based on epidemiological and clinical studies, evaluates the effects of hormone therapy on the immune responses. It was concluded that the hormone therapy normalizes the cellular immune response in post-menopausal women.
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TL;DR: Exogenous female hormones used for contraception or postmenopausal hormonal replacement therapy are associated with an increase of venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk, mainly because they cause a hypercoagulable state.
Abstract: Exogenous female hormones used for contraception or postmenopausal hormonal replacement therapy are associated with an increase of venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk, mainly because they cause a hypercoagulable state. The risk is highest during the first year of use and it is not cumulative. The dose of estrogen, the type of estrogen and progestogen, the route of administration of female sex steroid hormones, and the hereditary risk factors for VTE of each patient can interfere on the final risk for VTE. The knowledge of their effect on hemostasis is essential for a correct prescription.
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TL;DR: In this article, a randomized and double-blind study with 79 postmenopausal patients, 12 months of amenorrhea, 40 years old or more and body mass index (BMI) above 30 kg/m2.
Abstract: PURPOSE: to analyze the isoflavone and estrogen effects on the postmenopausal quality of life. METHODS: this is a randomized and double-blind study with 79 postmenopausal patients, 12 months of amenorrhea, 40 years old or more and body mass index (BMI) above 30 kg/m2. The participants were randomly divided into two treatment groups: GECP received orally two capsules, every 12 hours, one contained 0.625 mg conjugated equine estrogen and another placebo (n=33); GECS received two capsules of 150 mg extract of soy, with 60 mg isoflavone (n=32). Both treatments were administered for six months. The Quality Menopause Specific Questionnaire of Life was applied before and after one, three and six months of treatment. The parameters of gynecological cancer risk were evaluated. ANOVA and the Tukey test were used for data analysis. RESULTS: there was a reduction in the values of the vasomotor parameters after six months of treatment, 1.6±0.8 and 2.4±1.6, compared to before therapy, 4.0±2.2 and 4.2±2.3 in GECP and GECS, respectively. The psychological aspects showed reduction in values after six months of therapy, 2.5±1.2 and 2.9±1.4, compared to before treatment, 3.6±1.6 and 4.1±1.9 in GECP and GECS, respectively. Similar results were obtained on the physical aspects and in the sexual symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: isoflavones may positively act on life quality of postmenopausal women. This effect was similar to conjugated equine estrogen.
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TL;DR: The results suggest that women would like intervals longer than one month or to never menstruate, and there was no association between preferred intervals by women and the following characteristics of pain: duration, intensity and use of medication.
Abstract: PURPOSE: to evaluate the association between women's menstrual experience and preferred changes in their menstrual cycles. METHODS: a cross-sectional study design was used. A total of 420 women were interviewed. Participants complied with the following criteria: age (18 to 20, 25 to 34 and 45 to 49 years); schooling ( 12 years); having menstruated during the three months previous to the study. Subjects were selected in the city of Campinas (SP), in nine private and seven public health services. For data collection, a questionnaire was prepared on the basis of the results of a previous pilot study that consisted of small groups. A data bank was prepared with the information registered in the questionnaires and the analysis was carried out with SAS, version 8.2. For the statistical analysis, the Pearson c2 test and the Fisher exact test were used to evaluate the association between variables (p<0.05). RESULTS: most subjects preferred greater than once a month intervals between menstruations. There was an association of the typical menstrual intervals experienced by women (p=0.0248) and the degree of interference of menstruation with daily activities (p=0.048) with the preferred interval between menses. However, there was no association between preferred intervals by women and the following characteristics of pain: duration, intensity and use of medication. CONCLUSIONS: the results suggest that women would like intervals longer than one month or to never menstruate.