Minerva obstetrics and gynecology最新文献

Background: The primary purpose of this study was to verify if trabecular bone score (TBS) might fit with the changes of bone mineral density (BMD) confirming as a reliable marker of bone fragility.

Methods: A retrospective observational study on 898 Italian women (aged 40-90 years) was conducted between January 2021 and February 2023. All recruited women were divided into two main groups according to TBS (Group A: TBS ≥1.31; Group B: TBS<1.31) and, further, in five subgroups according to age.

Results: According to univariate ANOVA, there was not significant difference of BMI between group A and group B but Bonferroni Test found that BMI significantly differed for age subgroups and TBS value (P<0.05). ANOVA analysis reported that mean L1-L4 BMD and/or T-score were significantly different for age and TBS (P=0.000); Bonferroni Test found that L1-L4 BMD significantly differed in the comparison of age subgroups for Group A and Group B (P<0.05). Besides, Bonferroni analysis found significant differences regarding total and neck femoral BMD and/or T-score in the comparison between age subgroups for group A and group B (P<0.05). As for neck femoral BMD and T-score, all significances were observed for group B in the comparison between subgroups aged over 60 years and others (P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age and femoral neck BMD significantly contribute to TBS (P<0.05).

Conclusions: Our results seem to suggest that low level of TBS may detect patients that could be more prone to bone frailty consistently with age and BMD at both vertebral and cortical level. However, its role in clinical practice should be refined.

Background: Hypercoagulability exceeding normal physiological changes in pregnancy may lead to adverse outcomes in select populations, but most prior studies have tested women outside of pregnancy. Rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM), which performs a comprehensive clotting evaluation, may demonstrate abnormalities during early pregnancy that contribute to adverse outcomes. This study evaluated the relationship between ROTEM coagulation profiles during pregnancy with the outcome of miscarriage.

Methods: This was a prospective cohort study from a single center. Patients in early pregnancy (less than 20 weeks) were recruited from the obstetric clinic and the Emergency Department for ROTEM testing using extrinsic thromboelastometry (EXTEM), intrinsic thromboelastometry (INTEM), and natural thromboelastometry (NATEM) tracings. The cohort was followed to determine pregnancy outcomes for association with ROTEM clot formation kinetics. Results were analyzed using univariate analysis and multiple linear regression, controlling for patient age and estimated gestational age (EGA) in weeks.

Results: Over the study, 98 patients were recruited with 14 lost to follow-up and 7 having elective abortion. Miscarriage occurred in 26 patients, with live delivery without complications occurring in 51 patients. Both groups had similar mean patient age and racial and ethnic breakdown. ROTEM results were similar between groups on univariate analysis. After controlling the patient age and estimated gestational age, only EXTEM clotting time (CT) results differed between groups.

Conclusions: In patients tested during early pregnancy, ROTEM profiles were not associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes in this cohort except for EXTEM CT. This suggests that ROTEM clotting profiles may not be useful in identifying patients at higher risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Introduction: The purpose of this review was to provide current evidence of the relationship between fibroid surgery (hysteroscopic, laparoscopic/robotic, open) and the formation of intrauterine adhesions (IUA).

Evidence acquisition: A systematic electronic literature search was conducted to provide a survey of the various surgical modalities and their relevant incidence of intrauterine adhesions. Utilizing PRISMA methodology the search identified 23 full text original studies that were included in the analysis.

Evidence synthesis: Our analysis identified 2437 cases reported in the international literature whereby the de novo formation of IUAs were systematically assessed with second look hysteroscopy at least 4 weeks and usually up to 3 months after the surgery. In our analysis, out of 1678 hysteroscopic cases the mean incidence was 9.4% for all different techniques, including monopolar or bipolar diathermy, cold loop and radio frequency ablation. The reported numbers for laparoscopic/robotic and open surgery were 399 and 360 cases respectively. The incidence of IUA following endoscopic abdominal surgery was 12.8% and for the traditional open approach (laparotomy) was 18.3%. There is substantial heterogeneity on the reported data regarding risks factors contributing to IUAs; such as fibroid size, location, number as well as uterine cavity breach during abdominal surgery (either open, laparoscopic or robotic).

Conclusions: Iatrogenic IUAs following myomectomies are not uncommon and may be implicated in patient morbidity and sub fertility. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the prevention of such sequelae and improve therapeutic outcomes following fibroid surgery.

Background: Surgical audits are quality improvement initiatives developed to enhance the quality of surgical care and to highlight sub-optimal local practices. The aim of this audit was to collate necessary data to track and analyze gynecological surgery complications for quality assurance in operative care.

Methods: A retrospective study of all patients who underwent both elective and emergency gynecological surgery across two health care institutions was undertaken over a 10-year period.

Results: The incidence of complications and mortality was low in a review of over 9000 gynecological surgeries. Patients who underwent major surgeries such as operative laparoscopies and hysterectomies, which made up of 30% of all surgeries, had a longer postoperative mean length of stay - one variable noted was majority of these patients live in remote areas. Other morbidities such as postoperative pneumonia, bradycardia and hypotension related intensive care admissions were associated with obesity and medical co-morbidities. There was no statistical difference in operative complication between elective and emergency surgeries.

Conclusions: The morbidity and mortality associated with modern gynecological surgery occurred infrequently, especially postoperative venous thromboembolism and wound site infection. Implementation of an enhanced recovery after surgery program and an increasing trend in minimally invasive surgery were key practices contributing to this low rate. Future assessments should include comparison of outcomes against local and international outcome databases such as the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program for further evaluation.

Background: It is known that 17-beta estradiol, administered in the postmenopausal period, is able to positively influence blood glucose concentration, as well as the incidence of DM over time. Postmenopausal hypertensive women are a group of patients at high risk of developing diabetes mellitus. The aim of this prospective matched cohort study was to evaluate whether estrogen influences the glycometabolic profile also in postmenopausal hypertensive women.

Methods: The present study selected hypertensive postmenopausal women, treated with 17-beta estradiol administered transdermally at a dose of 50 µg per 24 hours. Hypertensive patients who were never treated with hormones served as control group.

Results: We compared HbA1c among 1418 postmenopausal hypertensive women: 709 treated with 17-beta estradiol, and 709 age-matched never treated with hormones. Length of the follow-up resulted in a median time of 4.5 years (25^th-75^th percentiles=3.0-5.5 years). At baseline, the concentration of HbA1c was 5.6% in both groups. HbA1c (mean±SEM) was significantly lower at 6-months in patients treated with 17-beta estradiol (5.0±0.05%) compared with no-hormones group (5.5±0.04%); absolute decline from baseline was -0.6±0.06% with 17-beta-estradiol, compared with -0.1±0.04% (P<0.0001). New-onset DM was significantly reduced in the group of 17-beta estradiol (adjusted relative risk=2.04; 95%CI: 1.03-3.05; P=0.01).

Conclusions: 17-beta estradiol significantly improved HbA1c and reduced the long-term incidence of new-onset diabetes mellitus in the postmenopausal hypertensive population.

Background: Pelvic floor dysfunctions are highly prevalent among women, yet many remain unaware of their condition. While conservative treatment is the first-line approach for urinary incontinence, surgical intervention is often necessary in severe cases. However, its effectiveness becomes less predictable when incontinence is associated with pelvic organ prolapse (POP). This cohort study aimed to evaluate pelvic floor muscle function in women undergoing surgical correction of POP, either alone or in combination with urinary incontinence repair.

Methods: Women aged 18 to 65 years with no prior history of POP or urinary incontinence surgery were enrolled and divided into two groups: an isolated POP group (POPg, N.=47) and a group with urinary incontinence associated with POP (UI+POPg, N.=53). A blinded researcher evaluated participants at three time points: before surgery, three months postoperatively, and twelve months postoperatively. Assessments included manometry, the Urogenital Distress Inventory, the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory, and the Colorectal-Anal Distress Inventor.

Results: The results demonstrated improvements in pelvic floor muscle function across both groups, emphasizing the positive impact of surgical intervention on pelvic floor performance in women with POP, regardless of the presence of urinary incontinence.

Conclusions: Pelvic floor muscle performance and symptoms in women treated surgically for pelvic organ prolapse whether isolated or accompanied by urinary incontinence correction showed comparable improvement throughout the 12-month follow-up.

Introduction: Endometriosis is an inflammatory disorder characterized by ectopic endometrial-like tissue, affecting approximately 10% of women. It significantly impairs quality of life through symptoms such as dysmenorrhea, pelvic pain, and infertility. Conventional treatments often inadequately manage the complex pain associated with the disease. Complementary, alternative, and integrative medicine (CAIM) approaches are proposed as supplementary strategies addressing broader symptomatology.

Evidence acquisition: This scoping review employed a comprehensive search of PubMed and PsycINFO databases from inception through April 25^th, 2025. Studies assessing CAIM treatments on endometriosis-associated pain or quality of life were included. Screening and data extraction were performed independently by multiple reviewers, following PRISMA-ScR guidelines.

Evidence synthesis: A total of 107 studies across diverse CAIM domains were analyzed, including acupuncture, Chinese and natural medicine, nutritional supplements, physical therapy, dietary interventions, relaxation techniques, psychotherapy, and combined therapies. Acupuncture, Chinese and natural medicine, and nutritional supplements had the most substantial evidence base, featuring randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses indicating significant pain relief and quality of life improvements. However, significant heterogeneity in study designs, diagnosis confirmation methods, intervention specifics, and outcome measures limited direct comparability and generalizability.

Conclusions: CAIM therapies demonstrate potential as adjunctive treatments for endometriosis-associated pain and quality of life enhancement. Future research should examine additive benefits of CAIM therapies combined with conventional treatments, supporting integrative care addressing endometriosis-related pain, sensitization, mental health, inflammation, and myofascial dysfunction.

Background: This study aimed to confirm the association between hypertension and the onset of menopause in Koreans.

Methods: For this retrospective cross-sectional study, data for women aged 40 to 80 years with natural menopause were extracted using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (IV~VIII) (2007~2019). Women with hypertension before menopause were included in the case group, and women without hypertension before menopause were included in the control group. The relationship between hypertension and onset of menopause was evaluated through multivariate linear regression analysis.

Results: Of the 105,732 participants, we selected 23,441 women aged 40 to 80 years who had no history of cancer and had undergone natural menopause. This cohort comprised 16,839 women without a history of hypertension and 6,602 women with hypertension. The median age at menopause was 52 [50; 54] and 50 [47; 52] years in the hypertension and control groups, respectively. Hypertension (Beta coefficient [BC]±standard error [SE], 1.93±0.13) increased menopausal age. In the subgroup analysis, there was no significant difference in menopausal age according to the gap between menopausal age and age at hypertension diagnosis.

Conclusions: This study found an association between hypertension and the onset of menopause, such that women diagnosed with hypertension before menopause had a higher menopausal age. However, the timing of the diagnosis of hypertension was not related to the onset age of menopause.

Introduction: Embryo implantation is a crucial step in pregnancy that requires interaction between the embryo and the endometrial lining, facilitated by cytokines, growth factors, and adhesion molecules. Failures in this process are a leading cause of implantation failure and miscarriage in in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments. Heparin has shown potential to improve outcomes by enhancing endometrial receptivity, promoting angiogenesis, and modulating inflammatory responses. This study aims to provide an overview of the main characteristics of existing research on the role of heparin adjuvant therapy in IVF cycles.

Evidence acquisition: A comprehensive bibliographic search was systematically conducted from inception to 2024, focusing on studies that evaluated the impact of heparin adjuvant therapy in IVF cycles and compared clinical outcomes between case and control groups.

Evidence synthesis: A total of 31 studies were included. Most of the studies have focused on patients with recurrent implantation failure, defined using highly heterogeneous criteria across studies, as well as patients with both congenital and acquired thrombophilic disorders. Additionally, most of the studies involved small sample sizes.

Conclusions: Current evidence does not adequately support the routine use of heparin in IVF cycles. To date, the research is plagued by methodological inconsistencies, which undermine both the reliability and the applicability of the findings.