Relationship between pelvic floor muscle and hormone levels in polycystic ovary syndrome.

AIMS: To evaluate the electrical activity of the pelvic floor muscles (PFM) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. METHODS: Forty-two women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS group) and 13 premenopausal women (control group) were recruited in this cross-sectional study. Total testosterone and estradiol were measured and muscle tone and maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) of PFM were determined by surface electromyography. RESULTS: There was a difference in muscle tone (PCOS = 59.9 µV and Control group = 25.5 µV; P < 0.0001) and MVC (PCOS = 159.7 µV and Control group = 63.7 µV; P < 0.0002) between groups. The concentration of estradiol and testosterone showed a strong correlation with tone (r = 0.9, r = 0.8 respectively) and MVC (r = 0.9, r = 0.9 respectively) in women with PCOS. The control group exhibited a strong correlation between testosterone and muscle tone (r = 0.9) and MVC (r = 0.9). CONCLUSION: Women with PCOS display higher electromyographic values than those in premenopause. Moreover, electrical activity showed a positive relation with estradiol and testosterone concentrations. Although PCOS is a heterogeneous disorder affecting young women, it is suggested that the hyperandrogenic state associated with PCOS is a protective factor for PFM. Neurourol. Urodynam. 35:780-785, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Assessment of lower urinary tract symptoms in different stages of menopause.

[Purpose] To assess lower urinary tract symptoms in different stages of menopause and the quality of life of females with incontinence. [Subjects and Methods] The sample consisted of 302 females, aged between 40 and 56 years, divided into three groups: PRE (n= 81), PERI (n= 108) and POST (n= 113). This was a cross-sectional, analytical, observational study. Data were collected by assessment chart and conducting the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form. [Results] Most of the women had less than 10 years of schooling and were married. In PERI and POST menopause, the most frequent lower urinary tract symptoms were urinary urgency and stress incontinence. The PRE group did not exhibit nocturia, urge incontinence or urinary urgency, and had the lowest symptoms frequency. In the three stages, stress incontinence was the most prevalent symptom. Of the three menopause stages, PERI had a greater impact on urinary incontinence according to the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire. [Conclusion] The presence of lower urinary tract symptoms can vary across the different stages of menopause and the urinary incontinence was the most frequent complaint. Moreover, it was observed that quality of life was more affected in the perimenopause stage.

[Strategies for development, follow-up, and assessment of care provided to women in the pregnancy-postnatal cycle]. / Estratégias de desenvolvimento, acompanhamento e avaliação do atendimento da gestante no ciclo gravídico-puerperal.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the development of a questionnaire for assessment of prenatal, birth, and postnatal care (Inventário de Avaliação da Assistência ao Pré-natal, Parto e Puerpério, IAAPPP), which was designed taking into consideration the experience of users of a public obstetric service. METHODS: This mixed methods research was performed in the city of Caicó, state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. The study consisted of two phases: in phase 1, focal groups were organized with 19 users of the health care system for identification of relevant issues for assessment of the pregnancy-postnatal cycle. The first draft of the questionnaire was also designed and tested for validity with seven of the 19 focal group participants; a second draft was produced and retested. In phase 2, the intra-class correlation coefficient was calculated to determine reproducibility. A pilot test was carried out to determine the applicability of the survey and the final version of the IAAPPP was developed. RESULTS: Based on the focal group discussions, the inventory was organized into four domains: 1) socioeconomic information, 2) obstetric history, 3) description of current obstetric experience and 4) assessment of follow-up. Domains 3 and 4 were subdivided into prenatal care, birthcare, postnatal care, and pregnancy-postnatal cycle. The answers of the women who evaluated the instrument for domain 4 were strongly correlated (>0.8), indicating reproducibility of the IAAPPP. CONCLUSIONS: The methodological model allowed us to identify needs and demands of women in the pregnancy-postnatal cycle, and allowed us to design a questionnaire that can be applied to other regions with similar sociocultural characteristics.

Is there a difference in the electromyographic activity of the pelvic floor muscles across the phases of the menstrual cycle?

[Purpose] To evaluate the electrical activity of the pelvic floor muscle in women during the follicular, ovulatory, and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle and its correlation with estradiol and total testosterone levels. [Subjects and Methods] This cross-sectional study involved 30 women with ovulatory menstrual cycles. Total testosterone and estradiol levels were measured and the muscle tone and maximum voluntary contraction of the pelvic floor muscles were evaluated using surface electromyography. [Results] Muscle tone was significantly lower during the follicular (21.1±3.3 µV) and ovulatory (27.1±5.9 µV) phases than the luteal phase (30.4±4.1 µV). The maximum voluntary contraction was not different across phases. The estradiol level on the 7th day of the menstrual cycle showed a strong positive correlation with muscle tone and maximum voluntary contraction, and the testosterone level was positively correlated with muscle tone on the 21st day. [Conclusion] Women have better muscle tone during the luteal phase. The muscle tone and maximum voluntary contraction were strongly correlated with the estradiol level on the 7th day, and the muscle tone was correlated with the testosterone level on the 21st day of the menstrual cycle. These findings suggest that hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle alter pelvic floor muscle activity.

Anthropometric indices of central obesity how discriminators of metabolic syndrome in Brazilian women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Central obesity is highly prevalent in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and is strongly associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS). OBJECTIVES: To define cut-off points of waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and conicity index (C-Index) to discriminate metabolic syndrome (MetS) in Brazilian women with PCOS. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, anthropometric, biochemical and clinical parameters were measured in 113 Brazilian PCOS women (27.2 ± 4.5 years). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to find out the cut-off points of anthropometric indices to predict MetS according with National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP-III) criteria. RESULTS: Considering the ROC curve analysis the WC and WHtR had a similar performance in predicting MetS and these parameters were better than WHR and C-Index. The optimal cut-off values of the anthropometric indices for discriminate MetS were: WC = 95 cm; WHtR = 0.59; WHR = 0.88; and C-Index = 1.25. By using these cut-off points the sensitivity and specificity rates of WC and WHtR were higher than those observed for WHR and C-Index. CONCLUSION: Our results indicated that WC and WHtR are more accurate than WHR and C-Index to predict MetS in Brazilian PCOS women.

Effects of high-intensity interval training in combination with detraining on mental health in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A randomized controlled trial.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and detraining on the quality of life and mental health of 23 women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Participants were randomly assigned to the HIIT group (n = 12) [26.0 ± 3.92] and the control group (n = 11) [26.6 ± 4.68]. HIIT sessions comprised 40-60 min, 3 days a week for 12 weeks, followed by detraining for 30 days. We assessed the quality of life using the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and mental health by the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), and we compared group changes on these variables at three time points: 1) at baseline, 2) after 12 weeks of HIIT (or no training), and 3) after 30 days of detraining (or no training). The participants were classified as overweight and had a high percentage of body fat (41.5%) and irregular menstrual cycles (amenorrhea) (66.7%). Throughout training, participants in the HIIT group reported improvements in domains of the quality of life: functional capacity (M = 80.4 ± 3.4 vs. M = 87.0 ± 3.1), physical role functioning (M = 72.5 ± 9.4 vs. M = 81.8 ± 9.7), and general health perception (M = 48.6 ± 4.6 vs. M = 69.0 ± 5.8). Regarding anxiety symptoms (M = 6.4 ± 1.6 vs. M = 3.7 ± 0.7) and depression symptoms (M = 6.7 ± 1.6 vs. M = 3.8 ± 0.9), those reduced significantly after HIIT. After a 30-day detraining period, there was an increase in the significant change in the quality of life; however, domains of mental health showed instability. In summary, the HIIT program promoted improvements in the quality of life and mental health in women with PCOS. The 30 days of detraining changed the benefits in the quality of life and stability in the changes in mental health domains.

Effect of high-intensity interval training on metabolic parameters in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Our aim was to assess the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on metabolic parameters and body composition in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was conducted using Embase, MEDLINE (via Ovid), PubMed, Sport Discus, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar (advanced feature) up to September 2020. Two authors independently screened citations and determined the risk of bias and quality of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). Meta-analyses were conducted using random effects model. RESULTS: Seven trials (n = 423) were included in the systematic review. The studies included HIIT interventions vs. moderate exercise or control groups. Most studies were small (average 32, range 24-110 participants) and of relatively short duration (10-16 weeks). The training intensity was performed between 90% and 95% of the maximum heart rate, three times a week, for at least 10 weeks. Insulin resistance, measured using homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and body mass index (BMI) showed a significant decrease (MD -0.57; 95% CI, -0.98 to -0.16, p = 0.01), (MD -1.90, 95% CI -3.37, -0.42, p = 0.01) with moderate and high certainty of evidence, respectively. CONCLUSION: Results support that HIIT alone is effective for reducing HOMA-IR and BMI in women with PCOS. However, evidence is limited to discern the effect of HIIT on other outcomes. Future studies with a longer duration (> 16 weeks), larger sample sizes and other outcomes are needed.

The effect of exercise as an intervention for women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects reproductive-aged women and is associated with increased prevalence of serious clinical problems including: reproductive implications, metabolic dysfunction, and cardiovascular risk. Physical activity offers several health benefits for women with PCOS. The aim of this systematic review was to synthesize evidence on the effect of different types of exercise on reproductive function and body composition for women with PCOS. METHODS: This was a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) following recommended review methods. We searched 6 databases: Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature; Embase; MEDLINE (via Ovid); PubMed; Sport Discus; and Web of Science; and we developed search strategies using a combination of Medical Subject Headings terms and text words related to exercise interventions for women with PCOS. There was no restriction on language or publication year. The search was conducted on April 16, 2019 and updated on November 15, 2019. Two authors independently screened citations, determined risk of bias and quality of evidence with Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation. We conducted meta-analyses following recommended guidelines, and report results using standardized mean difference (SMD). RESULTS: Ten RCTs (n = 533) were included in this review. Studies tested the following interventions: aerobic, resistance, and combined (aerobic/resistance) training programs. Most studies were small (average 32, range 15-124 participants), and of relatively short duration (8-32 weeks). There was high heterogeneity for outcomes of reproductive function (menstrual cycle, ovulation, and fertility). We noted low certainty evidence for little to no effect of exercise on reproductive hormones and moderate certainty evidence that aerobic exercise reduced body mass index (BMI) in women with PCOS: BMI SMD -0.35, 95% confidence interval -0.56 to -0.14, P = .001. CONCLUSION: For women with PCOS, evidence is limited to discern the effect of exercise on major health outcomes (e.g., reproductive function). There is moderate certainty evidence that aerobic exercise alone is beneficial for reducing BMI in women with PCOS. Future studies should be conducted with longer duration, larger sample sizes, and should provide detailed information on menstrual cycle and fertility outcomes.PROSPERO Systematic review registration: 2017 CRD42017058869.

Lifestyle interventions and quality of life for women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol.

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders in women of reproductive age. PCOS has a significant negative impact on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and psychological function of women, of which there are reports of high levels of depression in women with PCOS compared to those without PCOS. However, the evidence surrounding the effects of exercise and/or dietary intervention participation on the HRQoL of women with PCOS is limited. Therefore, our objective is to examine the effects of lifestyle interventions (definition include exercise-only, diet-only, exercise + diet and behavioral or combined) on health-related quality of life or general quality of life in women with PCOS. METHODS: We will conduct an update of systematic review and we will follow the recommendations and guidelines of the Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocol (PRISMA-P). We will search the studies in the following databases: MEDLINE. PubMed, PsychINFO, Embase, SportDiscus, Web of Science, Cochrane Database (via Cochrane library), Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials (CENTRAL), and Google Scholar (advance). Manual search of the reference list of identified works, without language and year restrictions. The process of study selection and data extraction will be performed independently by 2 reviewers, with a third reviewer being responsible for the final decision in case of disagreement between the first two. We will use Egger funnel chart to evaluate possible publication biases, in addition, when possible we will perform a subgroup/meta-regression analysis. The strength of the evidence will be assessed according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE). PROTOCOL REGISTRY: PROSPERO number: CRD42019124176.

Recommendations for the Use of Testosterone in Male Transgender.

Gender incongruence is defined as a condition in which an individual self-identifies and desires to have physical characteristics and social roles that connote the opposite biological sex. Gender dysphoria is when an individual displays the anxiety and/or depression disorders that result from the incongruity between the gender identity and the biological sex. The gender affirmation process must be performed by a multidisciplinary team. The main goal of the hormone treatment is to start the development of male physical characteristics by means of testosterone administration that may be offered to transgender men who are 18 years old or over. The use of testosterone is usually well tolerated and improves the quality of life. However, there is still lack of evidence regarding the effects and risks of the long-term use of this hormone. Many different pharmacological formulations have been used in the transsexualization process. The most commonly used formulation is the intramuscular testosterone esters in a short-term release injection, followed by testosterone cypionate or testosterone enanthate. In the majority of testosterone therapy protocols, the male physical characteristics can be seen in almost all users after 6 months of therapy, and the maximum virilization effects are usually achieved after 3 to 5 years of regular use of the hormone. To minimize risks, plasmatic testosterone levels should be kept within male physiological ranges (300 to 1,000 ng/dl) during hormonal treatment. It is recommended that transgender men under androgen therapy be monitored every 3 months during the 1st year of treatment and then, every 6 to 12 months.

Incongruência de gênero é uma condição na qual o indivíduo se identifica, deseja viver e ser aceito como uma pessoa do gênero oposto ao designado por ocasião do nascimento. Na disforia de gênero o indivíduo manifesta ansiedade e sofrimento pelo desejo de viver e ser aceito como uma pessoa do gênero oposto ao designado ao nascimento. O processo transsexualizador requer trabalho em equipe multiprofissional. O objetivo do tratamento hormonal é induzir o aparecimento de características sexuais masculinas secundárias por meio da administração da testosterona em indivíduos com idade igual ou superior a 18 anos. O tratamento de estimulação androgênica costuma ser bem tolerado. Entretanto, ainda não existem evidências sobre os efeitos e riscos do uso da testosterona a longo prazo. Diferentes preparações farmacológicas da testosterona têm sido utilizadas. As mais utilizadas têm sido as injeções intramusculares de administração a curto prazo de ésteres, seguidas do cipionato de testosterona e do enantato de testosterona. Na maioria dos protocolos de tratamento observa-se o aparecimento de características corporais masculinas nos primeiros 6 meses, e a obtenção do máximo efeito da estimulação androgênica, após 3 a 5 anos de uso regular da testosterona. Recomenda-se a manutenção dos níveis plasmáticos de testosterona dentro dos limites fisiológicos para o sexo masculino (300 a 1.000 ng/dl), a fim de minimizar os riscos. A monitorização dos homens transgênero é recomendada a cada 3 meses durante o primeiro ano de tratamento e a seguir, a cada 6 a 12 meses.

Exercise and reproductive function in polycystic ovary syndrome: protocol of a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Although many post-participation outcomes in different types of physical training (e.g., aerobic and strength) have been previously investigated for the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome, there is no recent systematic review of the relationship between various types of intervention and the reproductive function of women with PCOS. The current paper describes a systematic review protocol on the benefits of physical exercise and dietary or drug interventions on endocrinological outcomes in women with PCOS. METHODS: PubMed/MEDLINE, Science Direct, Bireme, Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, Cochrane Library (Cochrane Systematic Reviews Database, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Studies (CENTRAL) databases will be searched. Studies randomized controlled trials reporting on intervening changes in exercise interventions with or without interventions compared such as diet, medication and acupuncture on the menstrual cycle, and fertility in women with PCOS will be included. Results will be on the decrease of the characteristics of hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, and obesity. Studies published since 2010 and in the English language will be included. DISCUSSION: This systematic review will identify improvement strategies and types of interventions that are geared toward improving endocrine and consequently metabolic parameters. Thus, the use of such strategies may increase the types of low-cost non-drug therapies that aid in the treatment of PCOS. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42017058869.

[Menstrual cycle irregularity as a marker of cardiovascular risk factors at postmenopausal years]. / Irregularidade do ciclo menstrual no menacme como marcador para fatores de risco cardiovasculares na pós-menopausa.

To evaluate the association between cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) during postmenopausal years and previous menstrual irregularity during reproductive years, we performed a case-control study in 414 postmenopausal women (mean age 60.4 +/- 5.5 years; BMI 25.3 +/- 4.7 kg/m(2)). The variables assessed were: menstrual cycle characteristics at age 2035y (independent) and records of arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and coronary heart disease (dependent). Statistical analysis used the chi-square test and logistic regression, adjusting for potential confounders for cardiovascular risk, with significance set at 5%. Women reporting previous menstrual irregularity were associated with increased risk for some CVRF [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 2.14; CI-95%=1,024.48], when compared with those reporting regular menstrual cycles. Stratified analysis demonstrated significant associations of previous menstrual irregularity with: arterial hypertension (OR= 2.74; CI-95%=1,395.41), hypercholesterolemia (OR= 2.32; CI-95%=1,174.59)), hypertriglyceridemia (OR= 2.09; CI-95%=1,104.33), and coronary angioplasty (OR= 6.82; CI-95%=1,4432.18). These data suggest that a prior history of menstrual irregularity, as indicative of polycystic ovary syndrome, may be related to increased risk for CVD during postmenopausal years.

Ultrasound findings of the physiological changes and most common breast diseases during pregnancy and lactation.

Because of the physiological changes that occur during pregnancy and lactation, diagnostic ultrasound of the breast during these periods is a challenge for physicians. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of imaging, anatomy, and physiology of the breast is important to effectively diagnosing diseases that can arise in women who are pregnancy or lactating. The aim of this article was to review the physiological changes that occur in the breasts during pregnancy and lactation, as well as to describe the main features of the breast diseases that occur most frequently during these periods.

O diagnóstico ultrassonográfico das mamas durante a gravidez e lactação representa um desafio para o médico, em função das alterações fisiológicas próprias destes períodos. Para tanto, é essencial uma compreensão das imagens, da anatomia e da fisiologia mamárias para diagnosticar mais eficazmente doenças concomitantes. O presente artigo teve como objetivo fazer uma revisão das alterações fisiológicas que ocorrem nas mamas durante a gravidez e lactação, bem como relatar as principais características ultrassonográficas das doenças mamárias mais frequentes nestes períodos.

[Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in pubertal stages of female students]. / Prevalência da síndrome metabólica nos estágios pubertários de escolares do sexo feminino.

Objective To analyze the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) in pubertal stages of female students. Methods Cross-sectional study of 449 school children between eight and 18 years, stratified by pubertal stage, body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage (BF %). The MS was classified according to the International Diabetes Federation. The analysis by frequency distribution, confidence intervals (95 %), Chi-square and odds ratio for associations was performed. Results The prevalence of MS was 3.3 % (CI:2 %-5 %) and 2.5 % (CI: 0.1 - 5 %) in pubertal and 7.9% (CI:3.2 % - 12.6 %) in the post-pubescent, with a significant association of this group with MS (X² = 5.2 [p <0.02]). The odds ratio shows that post-pubescent girls (3.3 [CI: 1.2 to 5]) and obese girls (2.1 [CI: 2 - 2.2]) are more likely to have MS, indicating significant linear association between BMI and the outcome (X²=29.4 [p<0.001]). Pubescent children under 10 years of age with MS had higher %G. The prevalent components were altered waist circumference (27.2 % [CI23 %-31 %]) and low HDL cholesterol (39.6 % [CI 35 % - 44 %]), as well as prevalence of systemic hypertension in post-pubertal girls. Conclusions MS begins in the pubertal stage, with prevalence in the post-pubertal stage. Excess fat is a trigger in children under 10 years of age. Prevention strategies are needed for the population of children and adolescents.

Clustering of risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases in low-income, female adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence and clustering patterns of cardiometabolic risk factors among low-income, female adolescents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study involving 196 students of public schools (11-19 years old). The following risk factors were considered in the analysis: excess weight, central obesity, dyslipidemia, high blood pressure, and high fasting glucose. The ratio between observed and expected prevalence and its confidence interval were used to identify clustering of risk factors that exceeded expected prevalence in the population. RESULTS: The most prevalent risk factors were dyslipidemia (70.9%), and central obesity (39.8%), followed by excess weight (29.6%), and high blood pressure (12.8%). A total of 42.9% of adolescents had two or more risk factors, and 24% had three or more. Excess weight, central obesity, and dyslipidemia were common risk factors in the clustering patterns that showed higher-than-expected prevalence. CONCLUSIONS: Clustering of risk factors (≥ two factors) among the adolescents showed considerable prevalence, and there was a non-casual coexistence of excess weight, central obesity, and dyslipidemia (mainly low HDL-cholesterol).

[Breast ultrasonographic features and internal mammary artery hemodynamic indexes during normal pregnancy]. / Características ultrassonográficas mamárias e índices hemodinâmicos das artérias mamárias internas durante a gravidez normal.

PURPOSE: To evaluate breast ultrasonographic features and hemodynamic indexes of the internal mammary arteries in normal pregnant women, and their correlation with the gestational periods. METHODS: Observational and cross-sectional, epidemiological, study, conducted between August 2013 and February 2015, with 93 women divided into three groups: first trimester, second trimester and third trimester. The dependent variables were thickness of the skin, of subcutaneous tissue, fibroglandular tissue, and retrommamary adipose tissue, the diameter of the ducts, as well as the pulsatility and resistance indexes of the internal mammary arteries. Independent variables were the three periods of gestation. Repeated measures ANOVA with the multiple comparison Tukey test and a test of contrasts were used for statistical analysis. The Levene test was used to test the homogeneity of variances between periods of gestation. Student's t-test was used to evaluate the difference between nulliparous and non -nulliparous women, and Pearson's correlation coefficient was used for correlation analysis between the two breasts. The level of significance was set at 5%. RESULTS: Mean age was 26.6±4.6 years, with no significant difference among groups. Breast location (right/left) and gestational period had no significant effect on the thickness of the skin, of subcutaneous tissue and adipose retromammary tissue. However, the thickness of fibroglandular tissue and the diameter of the ducts showed a significant difference according to gestational period (p<0.001), i.e., from the first to the second and to the third trimesters. Doppler flowmetry of the internal mammary arteries showed a difference between breasts and between gestational periods, i.e., the measurements of the right breast were greater than those of the left, and these values decreased throughout pregnancy (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The average thickness of fibroglandular tissue and the diameter of the ducts showed significant differences from the first to the second and to the third trimesters, with no differences being observed between the two breasts. The pulsatility and resistance indexes of the internal mammary arteries decreased progressively throughout pregnancy.

Evaluation of the relationship between the pelvic floor muscles and insulin resistance.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) in women with insulin resistance (IR) using surface electromyography and to associate the results with insulin levels. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Through an analytical, cross-sectional study, 86 women were evaluated and divided into two groups: a control group (n=35) and an IR group (n=51). Data were collected through detailed history-taking, physical examination, and biochemical analysis. Fasting insulin levels were used for diagnosing IR. Electromyography of the PFMs was used for analyzing the tone and maximal voluntary contraction (MVC). The measures of central tendency and linear regression models were used. RESULTS: The average age was 25.3±4.5 years in the IR group and 27.2±4.4 years in the control group. The mean weight was 75.6±17.6 kg and 51.8±4.9 kg in the IR and control groups, respectively. Fasting insulin levels were 19.7±6.6 µIU/mL in the IR group and 5.4±1.8 µIU/mL in the control group (P<0.010). There were significant differences between the groups with regard to PFM tone (IR: 13.4±3.4 µV; control: 25.1±3.3 µV; P<0.001) and MVC (IR: 47.6±4.5 µV; control: 64.3±5.0 µV; P<0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis using the insulin levels as dependent variable showed a significant association for MVC (P=0.047), weight (P=0.017), and waist circumference (P=0.000). CONCLUSION: Compared with the control group, the IR group showed lower electromyographic activity of the PFMs, and there was an association between insulin levels and electromyographic activity.

Polycystic ovary syndrome: aggressive or protective factor for the retina? Evaluation of macular thickness and retinal nerve fiber layers using high-definition optical coherence tomography.

Objective. To compare macular thickness (MT) and retinal nerve fiber layers (RNFL) between women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and healthy women. Materials and Methods. The study included 45 women with PCOS and 47 ovulatory women undergoing clinical-gynecological and ophthalmic evaluations, including measurement of MT, RNFL, and optic disc parameters using optical coherence tomography. Results. The superior RNFL around the optic nerve was significantly thicker in PCOS than in healthy volunteers (P = 0.036). After stratification according to insulin resistance, the temporal inner macula (TIM), the inferior inner macula (IIM), the nasal inner macula (NIM), and the nasal outer macula (NOM) were significantly thicker in PCOS group than in control group (P < 0.05). Both the presence of obesity associated with insulin resistance (P = 0.037) and glucose intolerance (P = 0.001) were associated with significant increase in the PC1 mean score, relative to MT. A significant increase in the PC2 mean score occurred when considering the presence of metabolic syndrome (P < 0.0001). There was a significant interaction between obesity and inflammation in a decreasing mean PC2 score relative to macular RNFL thickness (P = 0.034). Conclusion. Decreased macular RNFL thickness and increased total MT are associated with metabolic abnormalities, while increased RNFL thickness around the optic nerve is associated with hormonal changes inherent in PCOS.