Review Article Archives - Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2022;44(4):425-433
Diagnosing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) during adolescence is challenging since normal pubertal development overlap typical features of this syndrome. The authors aim to summarize the existing evidence concerning PCOS in adolescence, particularly its diagnostic criteria and therapeutic options. A search throughout medical databases such as PubMed and MedScape was performed. Diagnostic criteria include irregular menstrual cycles according to time postmenarche and evidence of clinical hyperandrogenism and/or biochemical hyperandrogenism, provided other causes have been excluded. Polycystic ovarianmorphology ought not to be used as a diagnostic criterion. Treatment should targetmanifestations and/or comorbidities, even in the absence of a definite diagnosis. Lifestyle interventions are the first-line treatment. Combined oral contraceptives, metformin or antiandrogens may also be considered as adjuvants. Screening for PCOS in adolescence is crucial as it allows an early intervention on the symptoms and comorbidities presented leading to better long-term reproductive and metabolic outcomes.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2022;44(4):425-433
Diagnosing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) during adolescence is challenging since normal pubertal development overlap typical features of this syndrome. The authors aim to summarize the existing evidence concerning PCOS in adolescence, particularly its diagnostic criteria and therapeutic options. A search throughout medical databases such as PubMed and MedScape was performed. Diagnostic criteria include irregular menstrual cycles according to time postmenarche and evidence of clinical hyperandrogenism and/or biochemical hyperandrogenism, provided other causes have been excluded. Polycystic ovarianmorphology ought not to be used as a diagnostic criterion. Treatment should targetmanifestations and/or comorbidities, even in the absence of a definite diagnosis. Lifestyle interventions are the first-line treatment. Combined oral contraceptives, metformin or antiandrogens may also be considered as adjuvants. Screening for PCOS in adolescence is crucial as it allows an early intervention on the symptoms and comorbidities presented leading to better long-term reproductive and metabolic outcomes.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2022;44(4):435-441
Antenatal recognition of severe cases of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) by ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may aid decisions regarding the indication of fetal endoscopic tracheal occlusion.
An integrative review was performed. Searches in MEDLINE and EMBASE used terms related to CDH, diagnosis, MRI, and US. The inclusion criteria were reviews and guidelines approaching US and MRI markers of severity of CDH published in English in the past 10 years.
The search retrieved 712 studies, out of which 17 publications were included. The US parameters were stomach and liver positions, lung-to-head ratio (LHR), observed/expected LHR (o/e LHR), and quantitative lung index. The MRI parameters were total fetal lung volume (TFLV), observed/expected TFLV, relative fetal or percent predicted lung volumes, liver intrathoracic ratio, and modified McGoon index. None of the parameters was reported to be superior to the others.
The most mentioned parameters were o/e LHR, LHR, liver position, o/e TFLV, and TFLV.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2022;44(4):435-441
Antenatal recognition of severe cases of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) by ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may aid decisions regarding the indication of fetal endoscopic tracheal occlusion.
An integrative review was performed. Searches in MEDLINE and EMBASE used terms related to CDH, diagnosis, MRI, and US. The inclusion criteria were reviews and guidelines approaching US and MRI markers of severity of CDH published in English in the past 10 years.
The search retrieved 712 studies, out of which 17 publications were included. The US parameters were stomach and liver positions, lung-to-head ratio (LHR), observed/expected LHR (o/e LHR), and quantitative lung index. The MRI parameters were total fetal lung volume (TFLV), observed/expected TFLV, relative fetal or percent predicted lung volumes, liver intrathoracic ratio, and modified McGoon index. None of the parameters was reported to be superior to the others.
The most mentioned parameters were o/e LHR, LHR, liver position, o/e TFLV, and TFLV.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2022;44(3):295-303
Endometriosis is an inflammatory disease that affects women of reproductive age, causing pain and the possibility of infertility. Endometriosis was associated to low life quality and research shows the impact of endometriosis in several areas of life, justifying how these patients are more likely to develop depression, anxiety, and stress.
The aim of the present systematic review was to explore the field of psychology in endometriosis, identifying studies that used the cognitive behavioral therapy technique as a treatment for endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain.
The keywords used were Endometriosis and Behavioral Therapy; Behavioral Disciplines and Activities; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Mental Health; Psychological Techniques; Psychology; Psychotherapy; Mental Health Services; and the search was performed in the following databases: PubMed/Medline, Scielo, Lilacs, and Capes. The study followed the PRISMA guidelines and all studies whose intervention strategy used was related to cognitive-behavioral therapy were considered.
Of the 129 articles found, only 5 were selected, and it was possible to identify that the psychological intervention whose approach brought cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques promoted a decrease in the sensation of pain, improvements in the scores of depression and stress, and significant changes in aspects of quality of life such as vitality, physical and social functioning, emotional well-being, control, and autonomy.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy can be very promising to take care of the emotional side of those who have endometriosis However, the present systematic review highlights the need to develop more structured studies with consistent, clear and replicablemethods to reach a psychological intervention protocol for patients who live with this gynecological-physical-emotional condition.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2022;44(3):295-303
Endometriosis is an inflammatory disease that affects women of reproductive age, causing pain and the possibility of infertility. Endometriosis was associated to low life quality and research shows the impact of endometriosis in several areas of life, justifying how these patients are more likely to develop depression, anxiety, and stress.
The aim of the present systematic review was to explore the field of psychology in endometriosis, identifying studies that used the cognitive behavioral therapy technique as a treatment for endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain.
The keywords used were Endometriosis and Behavioral Therapy; Behavioral Disciplines and Activities; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Mental Health; Psychological Techniques; Psychology; Psychotherapy; Mental Health Services; and the search was performed in the following databases: PubMed/Medline, Scielo, Lilacs, and Capes. The study followed the PRISMA guidelines and all studies whose intervention strategy used was related to cognitive-behavioral therapy were considered.
Of the 129 articles found, only 5 were selected, and it was possible to identify that the psychological intervention whose approach brought cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques promoted a decrease in the sensation of pain, improvements in the scores of depression and stress, and significant changes in aspects of quality of life such as vitality, physical and social functioning, emotional well-being, control, and autonomy.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy can be very promising to take care of the emotional side of those who have endometriosis However, the present systematic review highlights the need to develop more structured studies with consistent, clear and replicablemethods to reach a psychological intervention protocol for patients who live with this gynecological-physical-emotional condition.
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Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2022;44(7):710-718
, , , , , To describe the effects of combined oral contraceptives (COC) on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS).
The findings of this study suggest that the COC promotes greater activation of the RAAS. Supporting the idea that its use is related to an increased risk of cardiovascular events, including systemic arterial hypertension.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2022;44(7):710-718
, , , , , To describe the effects of combined oral contraceptives (COC) on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS).
The findings of this study suggest that the COC promotes greater activation of the RAAS. Supporting the idea that its use is related to an increased risk of cardiovascular events, including systemic arterial hypertension.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2022;44(8):785-789
To assess the quality of recent meta-analyses reviewing the diagnostic utility of sentinel node biopsy in endometrial cancer.
With the MeSH terms endometrial neoplasms and sentinel lymph node biopsy, PubMed and Embase databases were searched on October 21, 2020, and again on November 10, 2021, with meta-analysis and publication date filters set to since 2015. The articles included were classified with the A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR 2) assessment tool.
The database searches found 17, 7 of which, after the screening, were selected for full review by the author, finally extracting six meta-analyzes for quality analysis. The rating with the AMSTAR 2 assessment tool found that overall confidence in their results was critically low.
This study found that the quality of recent meta-analyses on the utility of the staging of endometrial cancer with sentinel node biopsy, evaluated by the AMSTAR 2 assessment tool, is classified as critically low, and, therefore, these meta-analyses are not reliable in the summary of their studies.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2022;44(8):785-789
To assess the quality of recent meta-analyses reviewing the diagnostic utility of sentinel node biopsy in endometrial cancer.
With the MeSH terms endometrial neoplasms and sentinel lymph node biopsy, PubMed and Embase databases were searched on October 21, 2020, and again on November 10, 2021, with meta-analysis and publication date filters set to since 2015. The articles included were classified with the A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR 2) assessment tool.
The database searches found 17, 7 of which, after the screening, were selected for full review by the author, finally extracting six meta-analyzes for quality analysis. The rating with the AMSTAR 2 assessment tool found that overall confidence in their results was critically low.
This study found that the quality of recent meta-analyses on the utility of the staging of endometrial cancer with sentinel node biopsy, evaluated by the AMSTAR 2 assessment tool, is classified as critically low, and, therefore, these meta-analyses are not reliable in the summary of their studies.
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Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2022;44(7):701-709
, , , , , To analyze the influence of selenium in female fertility.
Selenium supplementation is promising in women with this micronutrient deficiency to promote improvement of the reproductive efficiency and prevent damage to the pregnancy. Further studies on this theme are still required.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2022;44(7):701-709
, , , , , To analyze the influence of selenium in female fertility.
Selenium supplementation is promising in women with this micronutrient deficiency to promote improvement of the reproductive efficiency and prevent damage to the pregnancy. Further studies on this theme are still required.
, , , , Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2022;44(8):776-784
, , , , To investigate the effect of non-pharmacological interventions to improve sleep quality during pregnancy.
A search was made in the NCBI/PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, Embase, BVS, and Web of Science databases. There were no limitations regarding language, sample size, and type of non-pharmacological intervention. We have included prospective clinical trials between July 2014 and July 2019.
This study was registered in the Prospective International Registration of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) database was performed. Publication bias was also assessed with funnel plots. the primary outcome was the total score in the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) before and after intervention. Risk of bias and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria were used for assessing methodological quality. From the 28 retrieved studies, we have selected 8 for qualitative analysis and 6 for meta-analysis.
Two independent reviewers performed the study selection. In the case of disagreement, a third senior reviewer was consulted. The study was initially assessed based on the title, followed by abstract. Lastly, the full text was assessed to be included.
A significant improvement on the sleep quality (PSQI score) was observed when all interventions were grouped (MD = -3.03, 95%CI -4.15 to -1.92, n= 623, i2= 84%, p< 0.001). Analysis by subgroup (music listening: MD = -1.96, 95% CI -3.27 to -0.65, n= 207, i2= 67%, p= 0.003 and other interventions: MD = -3.66, 95% CI -4.93 to -2.40, n= 416, i2 = 80%, p< 0.001) showed an improvement, with high heterogeneity. Risk of bias has shown performance and detection bias for almost studies, and GRADE evidence was very low for all analyzed variables.
Non-pharmacological interventions—listening to music, physical exercise, relaxation exercises, lettuce seed, sleep hygiene, and acupressure—are effective for improving sleep quality during pregnancy.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2022;44(8):776-784
, , , , To investigate the effect of non-pharmacological interventions to improve sleep quality during pregnancy.
A search was made in the NCBI/PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, Embase, BVS, and Web of Science databases. There were no limitations regarding language, sample size, and type of non-pharmacological intervention. We have included prospective clinical trials between July 2014 and July 2019.
This study was registered in the Prospective International Registration of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) database was performed. Publication bias was also assessed with funnel plots. the primary outcome was the total score in the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) before and after intervention. Risk of bias and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria were used for assessing methodological quality. From the 28 retrieved studies, we have selected 8 for qualitative analysis and 6 for meta-analysis.
Two independent reviewers performed the study selection. In the case of disagreement, a third senior reviewer was consulted. The study was initially assessed based on the title, followed by abstract. Lastly, the full text was assessed to be included.
A significant improvement on the sleep quality (PSQI score) was observed when all interventions were grouped (MD = -3.03, 95%CI -4.15 to -1.92, n= 623, i2= 84%, p< 0.001). Analysis by subgroup (music listening: MD = -1.96, 95% CI -3.27 to -0.65, n= 207, i2= 67%, p= 0.003 and other interventions: MD = -3.66, 95% CI -4.93 to -2.40, n= 416, i2 = 80%, p< 0.001) showed an improvement, with high heterogeneity. Risk of bias has shown performance and detection bias for almost studies, and GRADE evidence was very low for all analyzed variables.
Non-pharmacological interventions—listening to music, physical exercise, relaxation exercises, lettuce seed, sleep hygiene, and acupressure—are effective for improving sleep quality during pregnancy.
, , , , Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2022;44(9):878-883
, , , , It is a challenge to consider preeclampsia (PE) diagnosis and management in low and middle-income settings, where it represents a major public health concern. The placenta is the underlying cause of disease, and the plasma concentrations of proangiogenic and antiangiogenic factors released by the placenta can reflect the risks of disease progression. Antiangiogenic proteins, such as soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1), and proangiogenic, like placental growth factors (PlGF), are directly and inversely correlated with the disease onset, respectively.
Narrative review on the use of biomarkers (sFlt-1 to PlGF ratio) with a suggested guidance protocol.
Key considerations on the use of biomarkers: the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio is mainly relevant to rule out PE between 20 and 36 6/7 weeks in cases of suspected PE; however, it should not replace the routine exams for the diagnosis of PE. The sFlt-1/PlGF ratio should not be performed after confirmed PE diagnosis (only in research settings). In women with suspected PE, sFlt-1/PlGF ratio < 38 can rule out the diagnosis of PE for 1 week (VPN = 99.3) and up to 4 weeks (VPN= 94.3); sFlt-1/PlGF ratio > 38 does not confirm the diagnosis of PE; however, it can assist clinical management. In cases of severe hypertension and/or symptoms (imminent eclampsia), hospitalization is imperative, regardless of the result of the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio.
The use of biomarkers can help support clinical decisions on the management of suspected PE cases, especially to rule out PE diagnosis, thus avoiding unnecessary interventions, especially hospitalizations and elective prematurity
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2022;44(9):878-883
, , , , It is a challenge to consider preeclampsia (PE) diagnosis and management in low and middle-income settings, where it represents a major public health concern. The placenta is the underlying cause of disease, and the plasma concentrations of proangiogenic and antiangiogenic factors released by the placenta can reflect the risks of disease progression. Antiangiogenic proteins, such as soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1), and proangiogenic, like placental growth factors (PlGF), are directly and inversely correlated with the disease onset, respectively.
Narrative review on the use of biomarkers (sFlt-1 to PlGF ratio) with a suggested guidance protocol.
Key considerations on the use of biomarkers: the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio is mainly relevant to rule out PE between 20 and 36 6/7 weeks in cases of suspected PE; however, it should not replace the routine exams for the diagnosis of PE. The sFlt-1/PlGF ratio should not be performed after confirmed PE diagnosis (only in research settings). In women with suspected PE, sFlt-1/PlGF ratio < 38 can rule out the diagnosis of PE for 1 week (VPN = 99.3) and up to 4 weeks (VPN= 94.3); sFlt-1/PlGF ratio > 38 does not confirm the diagnosis of PE; however, it can assist clinical management. In cases of severe hypertension and/or symptoms (imminent eclampsia), hospitalization is imperative, regardless of the result of the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio.
The use of biomarkers can help support clinical decisions on the management of suspected PE cases, especially to rule out PE diagnosis, thus avoiding unnecessary interventions, especially hospitalizations and elective prematurity
