Trabalhos Originais Archives - Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2004;26(1):15-20
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032004000100003
PURPOSE: to analyze the values of Doppler ultrasound for blood flow velocity in the ductus venosus between the 10th and the 14th week of gestation, during the different phases of the cardiac cycle: ventricular systole (wave S), ventricular diastole (wave D), atrial systole (wave a), and angle-independent indexes. METHODS: Doppler was used in this prospective cross-sectional study to examine 276 single pregnancies. Fetus malformations, abnormal nuchal translucency, and women with clinical pathologies were excluded. A Toshiba SSH-140 ultrasound equipment was used. The derivation of Doppler frequency spectra was carried out according to standardized measurement procedures: less than 30ºinsonation angle and 50-70 Hz high-pass filter. The ductus venosus was identified in a median sagittal and ventral plane with the presence of color aliasing due to increase in blood flow velocity. The sample volume (1-2 mm³) was placed immediately at the origin of the ductus venosus. At least three clearly and subsequent waves were available for measurement of standard values. The Levene test and the Bonferroni method were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: increase in blood flow velocity from 29 cm/s to 37 cm/s (p=0.013) was observed during ventricular systole between the 10th and the 14th week of gestation. Similarly, increase in blood flow velocity was recorded during the ventricular diastole (from 25 cm/s to 32 cm/s, p=0.026). There were no changes in wave a, pulsatility index, and S/a ratio in this period. CONCLUSION: the reference ranges established by this study may serve as the basis for Doppler ultrasound follow-up in a normal patient population. Further studies are required to determine the validity of these parameters and, in particular, for the fetus at risk.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2004;26(1):15-20
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032004000100003
PURPOSE: to analyze the values of Doppler ultrasound for blood flow velocity in the ductus venosus between the 10th and the 14th week of gestation, during the different phases of the cardiac cycle: ventricular systole (wave S), ventricular diastole (wave D), atrial systole (wave a), and angle-independent indexes. METHODS: Doppler was used in this prospective cross-sectional study to examine 276 single pregnancies. Fetus malformations, abnormal nuchal translucency, and women with clinical pathologies were excluded. A Toshiba SSH-140 ultrasound equipment was used. The derivation of Doppler frequency spectra was carried out according to standardized measurement procedures: less than 30ºinsonation angle and 50-70 Hz high-pass filter. The ductus venosus was identified in a median sagittal and ventral plane with the presence of color aliasing due to increase in blood flow velocity. The sample volume (1-2 mm³) was placed immediately at the origin of the ductus venosus. At least three clearly and subsequent waves were available for measurement of standard values. The Levene test and the Bonferroni method were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: increase in blood flow velocity from 29 cm/s to 37 cm/s (p=0.013) was observed during ventricular systole between the 10th and the 14th week of gestation. Similarly, increase in blood flow velocity was recorded during the ventricular diastole (from 25 cm/s to 32 cm/s, p=0.026). There were no changes in wave a, pulsatility index, and S/a ratio in this period. CONCLUSION: the reference ranges established by this study may serve as the basis for Doppler ultrasound follow-up in a normal patient population. Further studies are required to determine the validity of these parameters and, in particular, for the fetus at risk.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2004;26(1):53-58
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032004000100008
PURPOSE: to correlate endometrial thickening diagnosed by ultrasonography with hysteroscopic findings in postmenopausal women. METHODS: a transversal study with hysteroscopic evaluation was performed in 121 postmenopausal women, with endometrial thickening diagnosed through transvaginal ultrasonography. In 98 women there was no history of hormonal replacement therapy, while the remaining 23 received different types of hormone; 55 patients complained of vaginal bleeding and the remaining did not present this condition. The endoscopic examinations were performed in the outpatient clinic, using a 4 mm rigid hysteroscope. For uterine cavity distention carbon dioxide (CO2) was used. Biopsy was performed in all patients, with a 3 mm Novak type curette, and the collected material was submitted to a histopathological study. RESULTS: endometrial thickening varied from 6 to 38 mm, with a mean of 10.7 ± 5.3 mm. The hysteroscopic findings were: polypoid lesion in 51 patients (42.1%); atrophic endometrium in 15 patients (12.4%); senile synechia in 15 patients (12.4%), focal thickening in 13 patients (10.7%); cerebroid lesion in 6 patients (5.0%); proliferative endometrium in 5 patients (4.1%); mucus in 5 patients (4.1%); myoma in 4 patients (3.3%); secreting endometrium in 3 patients (2.5%); endometrial hyperplasia in 3 patients (2.5%); and cystic atrophy in 1 patient (0.8%). Correlation between hysteroscopic findings and cytopathology was observed in 30 of 51 cases of polypoid lesion, in 12 of 15 cases of atrophic endometrium and in all cases in which the diagnosis of endometrial hyperplasia or adenocarcinoma was suspected. CONCLUSION: in the majority of the patients, the hysteroscopic examinations revealed that there was no genuine endometrial thickening but rather other types of lesion in the uterine cavity.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2004;26(1):53-58
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032004000100008
PURPOSE: to correlate endometrial thickening diagnosed by ultrasonography with hysteroscopic findings in postmenopausal women. METHODS: a transversal study with hysteroscopic evaluation was performed in 121 postmenopausal women, with endometrial thickening diagnosed through transvaginal ultrasonography. In 98 women there was no history of hormonal replacement therapy, while the remaining 23 received different types of hormone; 55 patients complained of vaginal bleeding and the remaining did not present this condition. The endoscopic examinations were performed in the outpatient clinic, using a 4 mm rigid hysteroscope. For uterine cavity distention carbon dioxide (CO2) was used. Biopsy was performed in all patients, with a 3 mm Novak type curette, and the collected material was submitted to a histopathological study. RESULTS: endometrial thickening varied from 6 to 38 mm, with a mean of 10.7 ± 5.3 mm. The hysteroscopic findings were: polypoid lesion in 51 patients (42.1%); atrophic endometrium in 15 patients (12.4%); senile synechia in 15 patients (12.4%), focal thickening in 13 patients (10.7%); cerebroid lesion in 6 patients (5.0%); proliferative endometrium in 5 patients (4.1%); mucus in 5 patients (4.1%); myoma in 4 patients (3.3%); secreting endometrium in 3 patients (2.5%); endometrial hyperplasia in 3 patients (2.5%); and cystic atrophy in 1 patient (0.8%). Correlation between hysteroscopic findings and cytopathology was observed in 30 of 51 cases of polypoid lesion, in 12 of 15 cases of atrophic endometrium and in all cases in which the diagnosis of endometrial hyperplasia or adenocarcinoma was suspected. CONCLUSION: in the majority of the patients, the hysteroscopic examinations revealed that there was no genuine endometrial thickening but rather other types of lesion in the uterine cavity.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2004;26(1):9-13
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032004000100002
PURPOSE: to compare maternal and neonatal outcomes between spontaneous vaginal and Simpson-Braun forceps deliveries in nulliparous women. METHOD: a retrospective study including two groups of nulliparous women, who had vaginal delivery under peridural anesthesia in the obstetric unit of the CAISM-UNICAMP: the forceps group included 119 women who had Simpson-Braun forceps delivery, and the normal group included 114 women who delivered spontaneously. Neonatal outcomes, such as Apgar score and the evolution in the first days of life, were studied. Data were compared in both groups and, for statistical analysis, c² test, Fisher exact, and Student t tests were used. The differences were considered significant when p<0.05. RESULTS: the indications for Simpson-Braun forceps delivery were maternal-fetal relief (90 cases) and abbreviation of the expulsive period (29 cases). In the forceps group there were 8 cases (6.7%) of vaginal injuries; a similar result was observed in the normal group. The number of hospitalization days for the parturient and the newborns was identical, 2.4 days. The newborns in the two groups had similar Apgar scores inferior to 7 at the first minute (7.5 vs 4.3%) and at the fifth minute (1.6 vs1.7%). The weight in the two groups had similar results (3,146 and 3,016 g). The first days of life did not differ between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: the use of Simpson-Braun forceps was safe, when compared to spontaneous vaginal delivery.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2004;26(1):9-13
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032004000100002
PURPOSE: to compare maternal and neonatal outcomes between spontaneous vaginal and Simpson-Braun forceps deliveries in nulliparous women. METHOD: a retrospective study including two groups of nulliparous women, who had vaginal delivery under peridural anesthesia in the obstetric unit of the CAISM-UNICAMP: the forceps group included 119 women who had Simpson-Braun forceps delivery, and the normal group included 114 women who delivered spontaneously. Neonatal outcomes, such as Apgar score and the evolution in the first days of life, were studied. Data were compared in both groups and, for statistical analysis, c² test, Fisher exact, and Student t tests were used. The differences were considered significant when p<0.05. RESULTS: the indications for Simpson-Braun forceps delivery were maternal-fetal relief (90 cases) and abbreviation of the expulsive period (29 cases). In the forceps group there were 8 cases (6.7%) of vaginal injuries; a similar result was observed in the normal group. The number of hospitalization days for the parturient and the newborns was identical, 2.4 days. The newborns in the two groups had similar Apgar scores inferior to 7 at the first minute (7.5 vs 4.3%) and at the fifth minute (1.6 vs1.7%). The weight in the two groups had similar results (3,146 and 3,016 g). The first days of life did not differ between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: the use of Simpson-Braun forceps was safe, when compared to spontaneous vaginal delivery.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2004;26(1):45-52
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032004000100007
PURPOSE: to evaluate the relationship between epidemiologic, anthropometric, reproductive and hormonal factors and mammographic density in postmenopausal women. METHODS: this is a retrospective, cross-sectional study, including 144 women aged 45 years or more, with at least 12 months of amenorrhea and who were non users of hormone replacement therapy during the last six months. Medical charts were reviewed to evaluate age, weight, body mass index (BMI), parity, age at menarche, age at menopause and levels of estradiol, follicle stimulating (FSH) and luteinizing hormones. Mammograms were analyzed by two blinded investigators. The films were taken in the craniocaudal and mediolateral views and mammography was classified as dense and nondense, according to the Wolfe criteria. For statistical analysis, the frequency, median, minimum and maximum values, the Wilcoxon test and the odds ratio were used. Multiple logistic regression was performed, using the stepwise selection, with a 5% significance level. RESULTS: the frequency of dense breasts was 45%. Women with dense breasts were of lower weight (60.5 vs. 71.9 kg - p<0.01), had a lower BMI (25.9 vs 31.0 kg/m² - p<0.01), a shorter time since onset of menopause (6.0 vs 10 years - p<0.01) and higher levels of FSH (75.2 vs 60.3 mU/mL - p<0.01). The probability of having dense breasts decreased in women whose weight was 67 kg or more (OR = 4.0, CI 95% = 1.50-10.66), BMI was higher than 30 kg/m² (OR = 6.69, CI 95% = 1.67-36.81), time since onset of menopause was superior or equal to seven years (OR = 2.05, CI 95% = 1.05-3.99) and FSH levels were lower than 134.8 mU/mL. CONCLUSION: weight, BMI, parity, time since menopause and FSH levels were significantly associated with mammographic density patterns.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2004;26(1):45-52
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032004000100007
PURPOSE: to evaluate the relationship between epidemiologic, anthropometric, reproductive and hormonal factors and mammographic density in postmenopausal women. METHODS: this is a retrospective, cross-sectional study, including 144 women aged 45 years or more, with at least 12 months of amenorrhea and who were non users of hormone replacement therapy during the last six months. Medical charts were reviewed to evaluate age, weight, body mass index (BMI), parity, age at menarche, age at menopause and levels of estradiol, follicle stimulating (FSH) and luteinizing hormones. Mammograms were analyzed by two blinded investigators. The films were taken in the craniocaudal and mediolateral views and mammography was classified as dense and nondense, according to the Wolfe criteria. For statistical analysis, the frequency, median, minimum and maximum values, the Wilcoxon test and the odds ratio were used. Multiple logistic regression was performed, using the stepwise selection, with a 5% significance level. RESULTS: the frequency of dense breasts was 45%. Women with dense breasts were of lower weight (60.5 vs. 71.9 kg - p<0.01), had a lower BMI (25.9 vs 31.0 kg/m² - p<0.01), a shorter time since onset of menopause (6.0 vs 10 years - p<0.01) and higher levels of FSH (75.2 vs 60.3 mU/mL - p<0.01). The probability of having dense breasts decreased in women whose weight was 67 kg or more (OR = 4.0, CI 95% = 1.50-10.66), BMI was higher than 30 kg/m² (OR = 6.69, CI 95% = 1.67-36.81), time since onset of menopause was superior or equal to seven years (OR = 2.05, CI 95% = 1.05-3.99) and FSH levels were lower than 134.8 mU/mL. CONCLUSION: weight, BMI, parity, time since menopause and FSH levels were significantly associated with mammographic density patterns.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2004;26(1):37-42
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032004000100006
PURPOSE: to evaluate the accuracy of directional vacuum-assisted biopsy (mammotomy), guided by ultrasonography, in the diagnosis of nonpalpable breast lesion, as compared with excision biopsy, and to evaluate the therapeutic value of mammotomy in nonpalpable benign lesions. METHODS: 114 patients, who presented nonpalpable breast lesion, visible on ultrasonography, were included. The patients were referred to complementary ultrasonographic evaluation due to mastalgia or earlier found mammographic alteration. All were submitted to mammotomy guided by ultrasonography using Mammotome® (Biopsys, Irvine, Califórnia), with a 11 gauge needle. The excision biopsy was performed with previous puncture of those patients who presented residual lesion after the mammotomy, that is, 88 patients. To evaluate comparatively the mammotomy results with those of excision biopsy, the sensitivity and specificity rates, positive and negative predictive values, and the agreement proportion were calculated. Not only the sensibilities, but also the specificities and the agreement proportions of both examinations were compared through Wald statistics, using a model for classified data. RESULTS: of 114 patients, 88 were submitted to excision biopsy. The remaining 26 did not show post-mammotomy lesions visible on ultrasonography, and for one year they were without alterations on the bi-annual mammographic and ultrasonographic examinations. The diameter of those lesions was less than 1.5 cm. Among the 88 patients that underwent excision biopsy, 69 (78,4%) showed benign and 19 (21,6%), malignant lesions. Mammotomy diagnosed 16 of the malignant lesions, with three false-negative and no false-positive results. The false results occurred in the first cases, showing the existence of a learning curve of the method, or due to technical difficulty such as the blurring of ultrasonographic image by bleeding. The sensitivity and specificity were 84,2% and 100%, respectively, with 100% positive predictive and 95,8% predictive negative values. The mammotomy accuracy was 96,6%. Complications were rare: two cases of hematomas, none of them needing surgical drainage; a case of vasovagal reflex not allowing the conclusion of the examination. The cosmetic results were very favorable due to small incisions (3 mm) and to the smaller amount of excised tissue. CONCLUSION: mammotomy guided by ultrasonography showed to be a diagnostic method with high accuracy, and it may be used as therapy for benign, smaller than 1.5 cm lesions.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2004;26(1):37-42
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032004000100006
PURPOSE: to evaluate the accuracy of directional vacuum-assisted biopsy (mammotomy), guided by ultrasonography, in the diagnosis of nonpalpable breast lesion, as compared with excision biopsy, and to evaluate the therapeutic value of mammotomy in nonpalpable benign lesions. METHODS: 114 patients, who presented nonpalpable breast lesion, visible on ultrasonography, were included. The patients were referred to complementary ultrasonographic evaluation due to mastalgia or earlier found mammographic alteration. All were submitted to mammotomy guided by ultrasonography using Mammotome® (Biopsys, Irvine, Califórnia), with a 11 gauge needle. The excision biopsy was performed with previous puncture of those patients who presented residual lesion after the mammotomy, that is, 88 patients. To evaluate comparatively the mammotomy results with those of excision biopsy, the sensitivity and specificity rates, positive and negative predictive values, and the agreement proportion were calculated. Not only the sensibilities, but also the specificities and the agreement proportions of both examinations were compared through Wald statistics, using a model for classified data. RESULTS: of 114 patients, 88 were submitted to excision biopsy. The remaining 26 did not show post-mammotomy lesions visible on ultrasonography, and for one year they were without alterations on the bi-annual mammographic and ultrasonographic examinations. The diameter of those lesions was less than 1.5 cm. Among the 88 patients that underwent excision biopsy, 69 (78,4%) showed benign and 19 (21,6%), malignant lesions. Mammotomy diagnosed 16 of the malignant lesions, with three false-negative and no false-positive results. The false results occurred in the first cases, showing the existence of a learning curve of the method, or due to technical difficulty such as the blurring of ultrasonographic image by bleeding. The sensitivity and specificity were 84,2% and 100%, respectively, with 100% positive predictive and 95,8% predictive negative values. The mammotomy accuracy was 96,6%. Complications were rare: two cases of hematomas, none of them needing surgical drainage; a case of vasovagal reflex not allowing the conclusion of the examination. The cosmetic results were very favorable due to small incisions (3 mm) and to the smaller amount of excised tissue. CONCLUSION: mammotomy guided by ultrasonography showed to be a diagnostic method with high accuracy, and it may be used as therapy for benign, smaller than 1.5 cm lesions.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2004;26(1):21-29
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032004000100004
PURPOSE: to determine the main factors associated with vaginal delivery in high-risk pregnant women submitted to labor induction with vaginal misoprostol (50 µg). METHODS: this is a secondary analysis of an open nonrandomized clinical trial that included 61 high-risk pregnant women admitted at the "Maternidade-Escola Assis Chateaubriand", Fortaleza (Ceará). All women had singleton pregnancies with alive fetuses, gestational age >37 weeks and Bishop scores <7. Misoprostol was vaginally administered at doses of 50 µg every 6 h for a maximum of four doses. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to determine association between vaginal delivery (dependent variable) and independent variables (predictive), and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed for parity and Bishop scores. RESULTS: parity (one or more previous deliveries), Bishop scores >4 and interval induction to delivery <6 h were significantly associated with vaginal delivery, while tachysystole reduced the probability of vaginal delivery. A multivariate stepwise logistic regression was then performed to evaluate each of these as independent predictors. Parity (OR = 5.41, 95% CI = 4.18-6.64) and Bishop score >4 (OR = 3.30, 95% CI = 2.15-4.45) were significant independent predictors for vaginal delivery. In the ROC curve for parity and Bishop score, sensitivity of 63.2% and positive predictive value of 100% were found. The area under the ROC curve was 86.8%, significantly higher than 50% (p=0.023). CONCLUSIONS: the most important predictive factors for vaginal delivery after induction with misoprostol were parity and Bishop score. These characteristics should be considered when choosing schemes and doses of misoprostol for cervical ripening and labor induction.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2004;26(1):21-29
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032004000100004
PURPOSE: to determine the main factors associated with vaginal delivery in high-risk pregnant women submitted to labor induction with vaginal misoprostol (50 µg). METHODS: this is a secondary analysis of an open nonrandomized clinical trial that included 61 high-risk pregnant women admitted at the "Maternidade-Escola Assis Chateaubriand", Fortaleza (Ceará). All women had singleton pregnancies with alive fetuses, gestational age >37 weeks and Bishop scores <7. Misoprostol was vaginally administered at doses of 50 µg every 6 h for a maximum of four doses. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to determine association between vaginal delivery (dependent variable) and independent variables (predictive), and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed for parity and Bishop scores. RESULTS: parity (one or more previous deliveries), Bishop scores >4 and interval induction to delivery <6 h were significantly associated with vaginal delivery, while tachysystole reduced the probability of vaginal delivery. A multivariate stepwise logistic regression was then performed to evaluate each of these as independent predictors. Parity (OR = 5.41, 95% CI = 4.18-6.64) and Bishop score >4 (OR = 3.30, 95% CI = 2.15-4.45) were significant independent predictors for vaginal delivery. In the ROC curve for parity and Bishop score, sensitivity of 63.2% and positive predictive value of 100% were found. The area under the ROC curve was 86.8%, significantly higher than 50% (p=0.023). CONCLUSIONS: the most important predictive factors for vaginal delivery after induction with misoprostol were parity and Bishop score. These characteristics should be considered when choosing schemes and doses of misoprostol for cervical ripening and labor induction.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2004;26(1):71-75
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032004000100011
PURPOSE: to determine daily calcium ingestion and its correlation with bone density in patients with anorexia nervosa. PATIENTS AND METHODS: fourteen women with anorexia nervosa recorded their 24 h food ingestion in a standardized diary and were submitted to bone densitometry. Data were analyzed statistically by the c² test and the Pearson correlation, with the level of significance set at p<0.05. RESULTS: mean bone density in the lumbar spine and in the femur were 0.95 ± 0.15 and 0.88 ± 0.26, respectively. There was a significant correlation between time of amenorrhea and bone mass loss both in the lumbar spine (r=-0.65; p=0.01) and in the femur (r=-0.71; p=0.006). All patients but one presented lower calcium ingestion than the recommended dietary allowances, with a mean of 554.5 mg/day (range from 120 to 840 mg/day). Sixty-four percent of the patients presented some degree of bone mass loss (osteopenia or osteoporosis) in the spine and 57% in the femur. None of the six patients with a deficit in calcium ingestion of less than 60% presented osteoporosis; on the other hand, three of eight patients who had deficit in calcium ingestion higher than 60% presented osteoporosis. CONCLUSION: patients with anorexia nervosa had a low calcium ingestion and a significant bone mass loss, which were directly intercorrelated. Low bone density was also correlated with time of amenorrhea.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2004;26(1):71-75
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032004000100011
PURPOSE: to determine daily calcium ingestion and its correlation with bone density in patients with anorexia nervosa. PATIENTS AND METHODS: fourteen women with anorexia nervosa recorded their 24 h food ingestion in a standardized diary and were submitted to bone densitometry. Data were analyzed statistically by the c² test and the Pearson correlation, with the level of significance set at p<0.05. RESULTS: mean bone density in the lumbar spine and in the femur were 0.95 ± 0.15 and 0.88 ± 0.26, respectively. There was a significant correlation between time of amenorrhea and bone mass loss both in the lumbar spine (r=-0.65; p=0.01) and in the femur (r=-0.71; p=0.006). All patients but one presented lower calcium ingestion than the recommended dietary allowances, with a mean of 554.5 mg/day (range from 120 to 840 mg/day). Sixty-four percent of the patients presented some degree of bone mass loss (osteopenia or osteoporosis) in the spine and 57% in the femur. None of the six patients with a deficit in calcium ingestion of less than 60% presented osteoporosis; on the other hand, three of eight patients who had deficit in calcium ingestion higher than 60% presented osteoporosis. CONCLUSION: patients with anorexia nervosa had a low calcium ingestion and a significant bone mass loss, which were directly intercorrelated. Low bone density was also correlated with time of amenorrhea.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2004;26(1):65-70
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032004000100010
PURPOSE: to identify risk factors involved in Candida sp vulvovaginitis in an exploratory study using an intentional sample. METHODS: a cross-sectional study with a sample of 135 textile female workers living in Criciúma, South Brazil, between July and September 2002. Oral interview and physical examination were performed by a single gynecologist and vaginal swabs were collected for culture and plated on Sabouraud agar. Epi-Info, version 6.0 was used to analyze the collected data. Prevalence ratios were calculated with a 95% confidence interval. A multivariable analysis of the data by logistic regression and data entry using the SPSS, version 10.0 computer program, was performed. RESULTS: the prevalence of Candida sp vulvovaginitis confirmed by culture in this sample was 19.3%. The prevalence of clinical vulvovaginitis was 17.0% (sensitivity of 38% and specificity of 88%). Significant risk factors for clinically manifest vulvaginitis were the use of hormones and age between 25-34 years and for culture-proven Candida sp vulvovaginitis, regular menstrual cycle. CONCLUSIONS: the overall prevalence of Candida sp vulvovaginitis was 19.3%. A regular menstrual cycle was the main risk factor for Candida sp vulvovaginitis showing the existence of a relationship between menstrual cycle and Candida sp vulvovaginitis. This finding should be better investigated by a cohort study with a larger sample and correlated with blood hormone levels throughout the menstrual cycle.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2004;26(1):65-70
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032004000100010
PURPOSE: to identify risk factors involved in Candida sp vulvovaginitis in an exploratory study using an intentional sample. METHODS: a cross-sectional study with a sample of 135 textile female workers living in Criciúma, South Brazil, between July and September 2002. Oral interview and physical examination were performed by a single gynecologist and vaginal swabs were collected for culture and plated on Sabouraud agar. Epi-Info, version 6.0 was used to analyze the collected data. Prevalence ratios were calculated with a 95% confidence interval. A multivariable analysis of the data by logistic regression and data entry using the SPSS, version 10.0 computer program, was performed. RESULTS: the prevalence of Candida sp vulvovaginitis confirmed by culture in this sample was 19.3%. The prevalence of clinical vulvovaginitis was 17.0% (sensitivity of 38% and specificity of 88%). Significant risk factors for clinically manifest vulvaginitis were the use of hormones and age between 25-34 years and for culture-proven Candida sp vulvovaginitis, regular menstrual cycle. CONCLUSIONS: the overall prevalence of Candida sp vulvovaginitis was 19.3%. A regular menstrual cycle was the main risk factor for Candida sp vulvovaginitis showing the existence of a relationship between menstrual cycle and Candida sp vulvovaginitis. This finding should be better investigated by a cohort study with a larger sample and correlated with blood hormone levels throughout the menstrual cycle.