Incorporating low haemoglobin into a risk prediction model for conversion in minimally invasive gynaecologic oncology surgeries.

BACKGROUND: A well-known complication of laparoscopic management of gynaecologic masses and cancers is the need to perform an intraoperative conversion to laparotomy. The purpose of this study was to identify novel patient risk factors for conversion from minimally invasive to open surgeries for gynaecologic oncology operations. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of 1356 patients ≥18 years of age who underwent surgeries for gynaecologic masses or malignancies between February 2015 and May 2020 at a single academic medical centre. Multivariable logistic regression was used to study the effects of older age, higher body mass index (BMI), higher American Society of Anaesthesiologist (ASA) physical status, and lower preoperative haemoglobin (Hb) on odds of converting from minimally invasive to open surgery. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis assessed the discriminatory ability of a risk prediction model for conversion. RESULTS: A total of 704 planned minimally invasive surgeries were included with an overall conversion rate of 6.1% (43/704). Preoperative Hb was lowest for conversion cases, compared to minimally invasive and open cases (11.6 ± 1.9 vs 12.8 ± 1.5 vs 11.8 ± 1.9 g/dL, p<.001). Patients with preoperative Hb <10 g/dL had an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 3.94 (CI: 1.65-9.41, p=.002) for conversion while patients with BMI ≥30 kg/m2 had an adjusted OR of 2.86 (CI: 1.50-5.46, p=.001) for conversion. ROC curve analysis using predictive variables of age >50 years, BMI ≥30 kg/m2, ASA physical status >2, and preoperative haemoglobin <10 g/dL resulted in an area under the ROC curve of 0.71. Patients with 2 or more risk factors were at highest risk of requiring an intraoperative conversion (12.0%). CONCLUSIONS: Lower preoperative haemoglobin is a novel risk factor for conversion from minimally invasive to open gynaecologic oncology surgeries and stratifying patients based on conversion risk may be helpful for preoperative planning.

Minimally invasive surgery for management of gynaecologic masses (masses that affect the female reproductive organs) is often preferred over more invasive surgery, because it involves smaller surgical incisions and can have overall better recovery time. However, one unwanted complication of minimally invasive surgery is the need to unexpectedly convert the surgery to an open surgery, which entails a larger incision and is a higher risk procedure. In our study, we aimed to find patient characteristics that are associated with higher risk of converting a minimally invasive surgery to an open surgery. Our study identified that lower levels of preoperative haemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen within red blood cells, is correlated with higher risk for conversion. This new risk factor was used with other known risk factors, including having higher age, higher body mass index, and higher baseline medical complexity to create a model to help surgical teams identify high risk patients for conversion. This model may be useful for surgical planning before and during the operation to improve patient outcomes.

Low serum creatinine levels are associated with major post-operative complications in patients undergoing surgery with gynecologic oncologists.

OBJECTIVE: Serum creatinine is a byproduct of muscle metabolism, and low creatinine is postulated to be associated with diminished muscle mass. This study examined the association between low pre-operative serum creatinine and post-operative outcomes. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study utilized the 2014-2021 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program to identify patients undergoing surgery with gynecologic oncologists. Patients with missing pre-operative creatinine, end-stage renal disease, sepsis, septic shock, dialysis, or pregnancy were excluded. Pre-operative creatinine was categorized into markedly low (≤0.44 mg/dL), mildly low (0.45-0.64 mg/dL), normal (0.65-0.84 mg/dL), and four categories of elevated levels (0.85-1.04, 1.05-1.24, 1.25-1.44, and ≥1.45 mg/dL). Outcomes included major (≥Grade 3) 30-day complications, categorized into any complications, wound, cardiovascular and pulmonary, renal, infectious, and thromboembolic complications. Also examined were 30-day readmissions, reoperations, and mortality. Logistic regressions assessed the association between creatinine and complications, with stratification by albumin and sensitivity analysis with propensity score matching. RESULTS: Among 84 786 patients, 0.8% had markedly low, 19.6% mildly low, and 50.2% normal creatinine; the remainder had elevated creatinine. As creatinine decreased, the risks of major complications increased in a dose-dependent manner on univariable and multivariable analyses. A total of 9.6% (n=63) markedly low patients experienced major complications, second to creatinine ≥1.45 mg/dL (9.9%, n=141). On multivariable models, both markedly and mildly low creatinine were associated with higher odds of major complications (OR 1.715, 95% CI 1.299 to 2.264 and OR 1.093, 95% CI 1.001 to 1.193) and infections (OR 1.575, 95% CI 1.118 to 2.218 and OR 1.165, 95% CI 1.048 to 1.296) versus normal. Markedly low creatinine had similar ORs to creatinine ≥1.45 mg/dL and was further associated with higher odds of cardiovascular and pulmonary complications (OR 2.301, 95% CI 1.300 to 4.071), readmissions (OR 1.403, 95% CI 1.045 to 1.884), and mortality (OR 2.718, 95% CI 1.050 to 7.031). After albumin stratification, associations persisted for markedly low creatinine. Propensity-weighted analyses demonstrated congruent findings. CONCLUSIONS: Low creatinine levels are associated with major post-operative complications in gynecologic oncology in a dose-dependent manner. Low creatinine can offer useful information for pre-operative risk stratification, surgical counseling, and peri-operative management.

Cisplatin Reduces the Frequencies of Radiotherapy-Induced Micronuclei in Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes of Patients with Gynaecological Cancer: Possible Implications for the Risk of Second Malignant Neoplasms.

Gynaecologic cancers are common among women and treatment includes surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy, where the last two methods induce DNA damage in non-targeted cells like peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL). Damaged normal cells can transform leading to second malignant neoplasms (SMN) but the level of risk and impact of risk modifiers is not well defined. We investigated how radiotherapy alone or in combination with chemotherapy induce DNA damage in PBL of cervix and endometrial cancer patients during therapy. Blood samples were collected from nine endometrial cancer patients (treatment with radiotherapy + chemotherapy-RC) and nine cervical cancer patients (treatment with radiotherapy alone-R) before radiotherapy, 3 weeks after onset of radiotherapy and at the end of radiotherapy. Half of each blood sample was irradiated ex vivo with 2 Gy of gamma radiation in order to check how therapy influenced the sensitivity of PBL to radiation. Analysed endpoints were micronucleus (MN) frequencies, apoptosis frequencies and cell proliferation index. The results were characterised by strong individual variation, especially the MN frequencies and proliferation index. On average, despite higher total dose and larger fields, therapy alone induced the same level of MN in PBL of RC patients as compared to R. This result was accompanied by a higher level of apoptosis and stronger inhibition of cell proliferation in RC patients. The ex vivo dose induced fewer MN, more apoptosis and more strongly inhibited proliferation of PBL of RC as compared to R patients. These results are interpreted as evidence for a sensitizing effect of chemotherapy on radiation cytotoxicity. The possible implications for the risk of second malignant neoplasms are discussed.

Effects of brachytherapy on cytogenetic parameters and oxidative status in peripheral blood lymphocytes of gynecologic cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: The state-of-the-art brachytherapy technologies with high-dose sources of 60Co and 192Ir within contemporary treatment protocols for cancer patients allow achieving maximum dose distribution in the clinical target and with minimum radiation exposure of surrounding organs and tissues. For minimization and overcoming the early and late radiation complications, development of respective radiobiological criteria along with perfecting of physical and technical characteristics of the ionizing radiation sources are required. AIM: To study the effect of 192Ir radiation on the chromosomal aberrations and prooxidant/antioxidant status of blood lymphocytes in gynecological cancer patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The patients (n = 45) with endometrial, cervical and secondary cancer of vagina were enrolled in the study. For brachytherapy, the irradiation of vaginal mucosa was conducted using "GammaMed plus" device for contact radiation therapy with 192Ir source. Prior to irradiation and in 20-24 h after brachytherapy session, the venous blood samples were obtained and peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) were cultured for cytogenetic analysis. The prooxidant/antioxidant status was determined in hemolysates by the method of hydrogen peroxide-induced chemiluminescence. RESULTS: The average level of spontaneous chromosome aberrations in PBL of the patients was (7.8 ± 0.4) per 100 metaphases, which is more than twice higher than the upper limit of the average population values. The frequency of chromosome aberrations in PBL of patients after brachytherapy session was (15.3 ± 1.0) per 100 metaphases. An increased intensity of O2- generation by PBL after brachytherapy session was also noticed. CONCLUSION: Local irradiation at a dose of 6 Gy featuring the first dose fraction of brachytherapy induces extra chromosomal aberrations in PBL of gynecological cancer patients and intensifies prooxidant processes in the blood.

Clinical implications of plasma circulating tumor DNA in gynecologic cancer patients.

Molecular characterization of cancers is important in dictating prognostic factors and directing therapy. Next-generation sequencing of plasma circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) offers less invasive, more convenient collection, and a more real-time representation of a tumor and its molecular heterogeneity than tissue. However, little is known about the clinical implications of ctDNA assessment in gynecologic cancer. We describe the molecular landscape identified on ctDNA, ctDNA concordance with tissue-based analysis, and factors associated with overall survival (OS) in gynecologic cancer patients with ctDNA analysis. We reviewed clinicopathologic and genomic information for 105 consecutive gynecologic cancer patients with ctDNA analysis, including 78 with tissue-based sequencing, enrolled in the Profile-Related Evidence Determining Individualized Cancer Therapy (NCT02478931) trial at the University of California San Diego Moores Cancer Center starting July 2014. Tumors included ovarian (47.6%), uterine (35.2%), cervical (12.4%), vulvovaginal (2.9%), and unknown gynecologic primary (1.9%). Most ovarian and uterine cancers (86%) were high grade. 34% (N = 17) of ovarian cancers had BRCA alterations, and 22% (N = 11) were platinum sensitive. Patients received median 2 (range 0-13) lines of therapy prior to ctDNA collection. Most (75.2%) had at least one characterized alteration on ctDNA analysis, and the majority had unique genomic profiles on ctDNA. Most common alterations were TP53 (N = 59, 56.2% of patients), PIK3CA (N = 26, 24.8%), KRAS (N = 14, 13.3%), BRAF (N = 10, 9.5%), ERBB2 (N = 8, 7.6%), and MYC (N = 8, 7.6%). Higher ctDNA maximum mutation allele frequency was associated with worse OS [hazard ratio (HR): 1.91, P = 0.03], while therapy matched to ctDNA alterations (N = 33 patients) was independently associated with improved OS (HR: 0.34, P = 0.007) compared to unmatched therapy (N = 28 patients) in multivariate analysis. Tissue and ctDNA genomic results showed high concordance unaffected by temporal or spatial factors. This study provides evidence for the utility of ctDNA in determining outcome and individualizing cancer therapy in patients with gynecologic cancer.

Direct oral anticoagulant use in gynecologic oncology: A Society of Gynecologic Oncology Clinical Practice Statement.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in women with gynecologic malignancies. This practice statement provides clinical data and overall quality of evidence regarding the use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in this patient population. Specifically, it reviews patient selection, safety measures, and nuances of perioperative use of these medications. The scope of this document is limited to DOAC use in gynecologic oncology rather than a broad discussion of VTE prophylaxis and management in general. The following recommendations and examination of extant data are based on DOAC trials conducted primarily in mixed populations with different cancer subtypes. Many of these trials include few, or no, women with gynecologic cancer. However, because there is very limited data in gynecologic cancer-specific populations, the results of these studies represent the best available evidence to support treatment recommendations in our patients. The members of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) Clinical Practice Committee believe that the results of these studies may be extrapolated, with caution, to VTE treatment and prophylaxis for patients with gynecologic cancer.

Inflammatory markers in gynecologic oncology patients hospitalized with COVID-19 infection.

OBJECTIVE: Elevated inflammatory markers are predictive of COVID-19 infection severity and mortality. It is unclear if these markers are associated with severe infection in patients with cancer due to underlying tumor related inflammation. We sought to further understand the inflammatory response related to COVID-19 infection in patients with gynecologic cancer. METHODS: Patients with a history of gynecologic cancer hospitalized for COVID-19 infection with available laboratory data were identified. Admission laboratory values and clinical outcomes were abstracted from electronic medical records. Severe infection was defined as infection requiring ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, or resulting in death. RESULTS: 86 patients with gynecologic cancer were hospitalized with COVID-19 infection with a median age of 68.5 years (interquartile range (IQR), 59.0-74.8). Of the 86 patients, 29 (33.7%) patients required ICU admission and 25 (29.1%) patients died of COVID-19 complications. Fifty (58.1%) patients had active cancer and 36 (41.9%) were in remission. Patients with severe infection had significantly higher ferritin (median 1163.0 vs 624.0 ng/mL, p < 0.01), procalcitonin (median 0.8 vs 0.2 ng/mL, p < 0.01), and C-reactive protein (median 142.0 vs 62.3 mg/L, p = 0.02) levels compared to those with moderate infection. White blood cell count, lactate, and creatinine were also associated with severe infection. D-dimer levels were not significantly associated with severe infection (p = 0.20). CONCLUSIONS: The inflammatory markers ferritin, procalcitonin, and CRP were associated with COVID-19 severity in gynecologic cancer patients and may be used as prognostic markers at the time of admission.

Incidence and clinical course of septic shock in neutropenic patients during chemotherapy for gynecological cancers.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the incidence and clinical course of septic shock combined with neutropenia during chemotherapy in gynecological cancer patients. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all gynecological cancer patients who received intravenous chemotherapy between March 2009 and March 2018. Patients diagnosed with neutropenic septic shock (NSS) during the course of chemotherapy were identified. We calculated the overall incidence and mortality rate of NSS, and analyzed risk factors and clinical course. RESULTS: A total of 1,009 patients received 10,239 cycles of chemotherapy during the study period. Among these, 30 (3.0%) patients had 32 NSS events, of which 12 (1.2%) died. With respect to patient age during the first course of chemotherapy, the incidence of NSS after the age of 50 was significantly higher than that in patients under 50 (3.9% vs. 1.4%, p=0.034). As the number of chemotherapy courses increased, the incidence of NSS increased, and linear-by-linear association analysis showed a positive correlation (p=0.004). NSS events occurred on average 7.8 days after the last cycle of chemotherapy, and the median duration of vasopressor administration was 23.3 hours. The median age (64.0 vs. 56.5, p=0.017) and peak heart rate (149.5 min-1 vs. 123.5 min-1, p=0.015) were significantly higher in the group of patients who subsequently died of NSS than in those who survived. CONCLUSION: The overall incidence of NSS in gynecological cancer patients receiving chemotherapy was 3.0%, which is higher than previously estimated. Peak heart rate during NSS events may be an indicator for predicting survival.

Targeted therapies in gynecological cancers: a comprehensive review of clinical evidence.

Advanced and recurrent gynecological cancers are associated with poor prognosis and lack of effective treatment. The developments of the molecular mechanisms on cancer progression provide insight into novel targeted therapies, which are emerging as groundbreaking and promising cancer treatment strategies. In gynecologic malignancies, potential therapeutic targeted agents include antiangiogenic agents, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors, tumor-intrinsic signaling pathway inhibitors, selective estrogen receptor downregulators, and immune checkpoint inhibitors. In this article, we provide a comprehensive review of the clinical evidence of targeted agents in gynecological cancers and discuss the future implication.

Deep vein thrombosis and serum D-dimer after pelvic lymphadenectomy in gynecological cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Venous thromboembolism prevention during the perioperative period requires comprehensive risk-level assessment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of deep vein thrombosis and to assess the cut-off levels of serum D-dimer as a screening strategy for deep vein thrombosis during the perioperative period. METHODS: A total of 205 patients (ovarian cancer: 68, endometrial cancer: 76, cervical cancer: 61) who underwent gynecological surgery, including retroperitoneal lymph node dissection, were enrolled. We retrospectively analyzed the data on the cut-off value of D-dimer assessed using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve preoperatively, and 2 or 3 months, postoperatively. All patients underwent leg vein ultrasonography regardless of the serum D-dimer level. Furthermore, CT scans were performed to evaluate both disease status and venous thromboembolism, including pulmonary thromboembolism. Statistical analyzes were performed using the Mann-Whitney U-test (D-dimer values of each cancer), Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test (incidence of deep vein thrombosis), and one-way analysis of variance (patient characteristics). RESULTS: A total of 205 patients (ovarian cancer: 68, endometrial cancer: 76, cervical cancer: 61) who underwent gynecological surgery, including retroperitoneal lymph node dissection, were included in the analysis. Deep vein thrombosis rates were significantly higher in patients with ovarian cancer (P<0.001). The postoperative D-dimer value was significantly higher than the preoperative value. Postoperative D-dimer values were also significantly higher in patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy (P=0.001). The cut-off value of D-dimer was 1.55 µg/mL preoperatively (sensitivity, 48.0%; specificity, 94.1%), and this value was higher postoperatively, at 1.95 µg/mL (sensitivity, 37.0%; specificity, 90.9%). CONCLUSION: Postoperative D-dimer values are higher not only after surgery but also in patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy. The cut-off value of D-dimer at 2 or 3 months postoperatively was higher than preoperative value.

FeOOH@Metal-Organic Framework Core-Satellite Nanocomposites for the Serum Metabolic Fingerprinting of Gynecological Cancers.

High-throughput metabolic analysis is of significance in diagnostics, while tedious sample pretreatment has largely hindered its clinic application. Herein, we designed FeOOH@ZIF-8 composites with enhanced ionization efficiency and size-exclusion effect for laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (LDI-MS)-based metabolic diagnosis of gynecological cancers. The FeOOH@ZIF-8-assisted LDI-MS achieved rapid, sensitive, and selective metabolic fingerprints of the native serum without any enrichment or purification. Further analysis of extracted serum metabolic fingerprints successfully discriminated patients with gynecological cancers (GCs) from healthy controls and also differentiated three major subtypes of GCs. Given the low cost, high-throughput, and easy operation, our approach brings a new dimension to disease analysis and classification.

Predictive and prognostic values of preoperative platelet parameters in patients with gynecological tumors.

BACKGROUND: Platelets play a role in tumor cell growth, metastasis, and angiogenesis, and the present study aimed to evaluate diagnostic and prognostic values of platelet parameters in patients with gynecological tumors. METHODS: A total of 1062 women were included. Differences of platelet parameters (platelet count [PLT], plateletcrit [PCT], mean platelet volume [MPV], platelet-large cell rate [P-LCR], and platelet distribution width [PDW]) between different categories were analyzed by nonparametric test. The optimal cutoff value was calculated with receiver operating characteristic analysis. Overall survivals were analyzed with Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank tests for univariate analysis. RESULTS: Platelet count and PCT were significantly increased, and MPV and P-LCR were significantly reduced in malign and benign gynecological tumor groups compared with the controls (P < .001); PDW had no significant differences. There were no significant differences in PLT, PCT, MPV, P-LCR, and PDW between different tumor locations and pathologic types. The optimal cutoff values of PLT, PCT, MPV and P-LCR were 274, 0.26, 10.08, and 24.8 (AUC: 0.661, 0.643, 0.593, 0.562), and PCT had preferable sensibility and specificity (50.84% and 70.42%) in predicting the presence of gynecological tumors. According to survival analysis, increased PLT (≥274 × 109 /L) and PCT (≥0.26), and induced MPV (<10.08 fL) and P-LCR (<24.8%) were associated with shorter overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: Platelet count, PCT, MPV, and P-LCR can be used as preferable auxiliary parameters for predicting the presence of gynecological tumors. Increased PLT and PCT, or decreased MPV and P-LCR indicated a heavier tumor burden and shorter overall survival.

Perioperative glycemic measures among non-fasting gynecologic oncology patients receiving carbohydrate loading in an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Preoperative carbohydrate loading is an effective method to control postoperative insulin resistance. However, data are limited concerning the effects of carbohydrate loading on preoperative hyperglycemia and possible impacts on complication rates. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was performed of patients enrolled in an enhanced recovery after surgery pathway at a single institution. All patients underwent laparotomy for known or suspected gynecologic malignancies. Patients who had been diagnosed with diabetes preoperatively and those prescribed total parenteral nutrition by their providers were excluded. Data regarding preoperative carbohydrate loading with a commercial maltodextrin beverage, preoperative glucose testing, postoperative day 1 glucose, insulin administration, and complications (all complications, infectious complications, and hyperglycemia-related complications) were collected. The primary endpoint of the study was the incidence of postoperative infectious complications, defined as superficial or deep wound infection, organ/space infection, urinary tract infection, pneumonia, sepsis, or septic shock. RESULTS: Of 415 patients, 76.9% had a preoperative glucose recorded. The mean age was 60.5±12.4 years (range 18-93). Of those with recorded glucose values, 30 patients (9.4%) had glucose ≥180 mg/dL, none of whom were actually given insulin preoperatively. Median preoperative glucose value was significantly increased after carbohydrate loading (122.0 mg/dL with carbohydrate loading vs 101.0 mg/dL without, U=3143, p=0.001); however, there was no relationship between carbohydrate loading and complications. There was a significantly increased risk of hyperglycemia-related complications with postoperative day 1 morning glucose values ≥140 mg/dL (OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.07 to 3.23; p=0.03). Otherwise, preoperative and postoperative hyperglycemia with glucose thresholds of ≥140 mg/dL or ≥180 mg/dL were not associated with increased risk of other types of complications. DISCUSSION: Carbohydrate loading is associated with increased preoperative glucose values; however, this is not likely to be clinically significant as it does not have an impact on complication rates. Preoperative hyperglycemia is not a risk factor for postoperative complications in a carbohydrate-loaded population when known diabetic patients are excluded. PRECIS: While glucose increased with carbohydrate loading in non-diabetic patients, this was not associated with complications.

Risk factors for bloodstream infections in gynecological cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Infections are a threat to frail patients as they have a higher risk of developing serious complications from bloodstream pathogens. The aim of this study was to determine which factors can predict or diagnose bloodstream infections in patients with an underlying gynecologic malignancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between July 2016 and December 2017, 68 patients visiting the emergency room with an underlying gynecologic malignancy were evaluated. Variables concerning underlying disease, invasive procedures, and laboratory and clinical parameters were analyzed. Patients were divided into three groups based on their blood and urine specimens (positive blood specimens, positive urine specimens, and no positive specimens; patients who had both positive blood and urine specimens were included in the group of positive blood specimens). Risk factors for surgical site infections, recent (<30 days) surgery, and chemotherapy were studied separately. RESULTS: 68 patients were included in the analysis. Mean age was 55.6 years (standard deviation 14.1). 44% of patients had ovarian cancer, 35% cervical cancer, 12% endometrial cancer, and 9% had other cancer types. In total, 96% of all patients had undergone surgery. Patients who had been treated with chemotherapy were at a higher risk of developing bloodstream infection (P=0.04; odds ratio (OR)=7.9). C reactive protein, bilirubin, and oxygen saturation (SO2) were significantly different between patients with an underlying infection and those who had none. Only C reactive protein maintained its significance in a linear model, with a cut-off of 180 mg/L (linear regression, P=0.03; OR=4). CONCLUSIONS: Chemotherapy is a risk factor for the development of bloodstream infections in patients with an underlying gynecologic malignancy; C reactive protein could be a useful tool in making this diagnosis.

Gynecological cancer and metabolic screening of 1001 elderly Brazilian women.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate gynecological cancer and metabolic screening of Brazilian women aged 65 years or older. METHODS: This retrospective descriptive study was conducted by including 1,001 Brazilian patients of the gynecological geriatric outpatient office of our institution to evaluate the influence of age on gynecological cancer and metabolic screening parameters at the first clinical visit. All patients were divided into three groups: a) 65 to 69 years; b) 70 to 74 years; c) ≥ 75 years. We considered clinical, laboratorial, and image data as variables of this study. The Chi-square test was used to assess the proportion of differences among the age groups, and Kruskal-Wallis was used for quantitative variables. RESULTS: The values of BMI and height in the group over 75 years was lower than that of the 65 to 69 years (p = 0.001). Regardless of the age group, high arterial blood pressure levels were found in 85.45% of participants. Also, many patients had glucose intolerance in the blood. The pelvic ultrasonography showed abnormal endometrial echo thickness (> 5 mm) in 6.14% of patients, but with no significant statistical difference between the age groups. A total of 4.04% of patients had ovaries with high volume values ( > 6.1 mL). Abnormal mammography (BI-RADS 3 or 4) was observed in 12.21%. CONCLUSIONS: our data suggest that a great reduction in BMI and stature is more frequent in the group over 75 years. Also, systemic arterial hypertension and carbohydrate disturbance are frequent morbidities in women over 65 years.

Gynecological cancer and metabolic screening of 1001 elderly Brazilian women

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate gynecological cancer and metabolic screening of Brazilian women aged 65 years or older. METHODS This retrospective descriptive study was conducted by including 1,001 Brazilian patients of the gynecological geriatric outpatient office of our institution to evaluate the influence of age on gynecological cancer and metabolic screening parameters at the first clinical visit. All patients were divided into three groups: a) 65 to 69 years; b) 70 to 74 years; c) ≥ 75 years. We considered clinical, laboratorial, and image data as variables of this study. The Chi-square test was used to assess the proportion of differences among the age groups, and Kruskal-Wallis was used for quantitative variables. RESULTS The values of BMI and height in the group over 75 years was lower than that of the 65 to 69 years (p = 0.001). Regardless of the age group, high arterial blood pressure levels were found in 85.45% of participants. Also, many patients had glucose intolerance in the blood. The pelvic ultrasonography showed abnormal endometrial echo thickness (> 5 mm) in 6.14% of patients, but with no significant statistical difference between the age groups. A total of 4.04% of patients had ovaries with high volume values ( > 6.1 mL). Abnormal mammography (BI-RADS 3 or 4) was observed in 12.21%. CONCLUSIONS our data suggest that a great reduction in BMI and stature is more frequent in the group over 75 years. Also, systemic arterial hypertension and carbohydrate disturbance are frequent morbidities in women over 65 years.

RESUMO OBJETIVO O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar retrospectivamente alguns dados clínicos, laboratoriais e imagens de um grupo de idosas brasileiras. MÉTODOS Estudo observacional retrospectivo realizado com inclusão de 1.001 mulheres brasileiras atendidas no ambulatório de geriatria ginecológica de nossa instituição. Foram analisados: a idade dos pacientes na primeira consulta clínica e a idade na menopausa natural; alguns achados clínicos durante um exame ginecológico; resultados de análises laboratoriais. Considerou-se a relação dessas variáveis com o grupo da idade das mulheres. O teste do qui-quadrado foi utilizado para avaliar os dados e para algumas variáveis, Kruskal-Wallis ou Anova. RESULTADOS A avaliação do IMC e da estatura nas diferentes faixas etárias das mulheres mostrou que, com o aumento da idade, há diminuição do IMC e da estatura (p=0,001). Nível anormal de pressão arterial estava presente em 85,45%. De acordo com o grupo de idade, as medidas laboratoriais foram avaliadas pelo método estatístico Kruskal-Wallis, e a Anova mostrou diferença estatisticamente significante apenas no valor da creatinina, com pequeno aumento com a idade. A ultrassonografia pélvica foi alterada com espessura endometrial normal (>5 mm) em 29 (6,14%), mas sem diferença estatística significativa com os grupos de idade, e os ovários mostraram sete (4,04%) com volume anormal (>6,1). Mamografia anormal (BI-Rads 3 ou 4) foi observada em 104 pacientes (12,21%). CONCLUSÕES O estudo conclui que, com o aumento da idade, há redução do IMC e da estatura. A hipertensão é morbidade frequente. Os dados laboratoriais e a avaliação de imagens deste estudo são importantes para aumentar o conjunto de informações sobre mulheres idosas e talvez para melhorar a assistência à saúde.

Interleukin-6 and body mass index, tobacco use, and sleep in gynecologic cancers.

OBJECTIVE: Elevated body mass index (BMI), tobacco use, and sleep disturbance are common health concerns among women with gynecologic cancers. The extent to which these factors are associated with systemic inflammation in gynecologic cancers is unknown. This is a significant literature gap given that (a) chronic, systemic inflammation may mediate relationships between behavioral health factors and cancer outcomes; and (b) elevated BMI, tobacco use, and sleep disturbances can be modified via behavioral interventions. This study examined Interleukin-6 (IL-6) relations with BMI, tobacco use history, and sleep disturbances in patients undergoing surgery for suspected gynecologic cancer. METHOD: Participants were 100 women (M age = 58.42 years, SD = 10.62 years) undergoing surgery for suspected gynecologic cancer. Smoking history was determined by participant self-report. Sleep quality/disturbance was assessed via the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. BMI was abstracted from electronic health records. Presurgical serum IL-6 concentrations were determined using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. RESULTS: Controlling for the cancer type and stage, regression analyses revealed higher BMI, ß = 0.258, p = .007, and former/current smoking status, ß = 0.181, p = .046, were associated with higher IL-6. IL-6 did not differ between former and current smokers, ß = 0.008, p = .927. Global sleep quality, sleep latency, and sleep efficiency were not associated with IL-6. CONCLUSIONS: Higher BMI and any history of tobacco use predicted higher IL-6 among women undergoing surgery for suspected gynecologic cancers. Cognitive-behavioral interventions targeting primary and secondary obesity and tobacco use prevention may reduce systemic inflammation and optimize cancer outcomes in this population. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

Nitrotyrosine (NT), a Nitrosative Stress Biomarker, Plasma Concentrations in Gallstone Disease and Cancer Patients.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the plasma concentration of the nitrosative stress biomarker nitrotyrosine (NT) in gallstone disease and cancer patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Initially, 114 patients with symptomatic gallstone disease were randomized into the laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) (n=54) and the minicholecystectomy (MC) (n=60) groups. The plasma concentrations of NT were measured just before, immediately after (POP1) and 6 h after operation (POP2). The cancer patients of this study included ten patients with gastrointestinal cancer and 19 patients with gynecological cancer. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant correlation in the median plasma NT concentrations versus plasma catalase (CAT) concentrations in cholecystectomy patients (r=0.169, p=0.001). Interestingly, there was a statistically significant inverse correlation between the individual values of the pain assessed and filed using a 11-point numeric rating scale 8 h postoperatively (NAD8) and plasma NT median values in cholecystectomy patients (r=-0.337, p=0.004). CONCLUSION: Patients with high plasma concentrations of NT appeared to have significantly lower pain scores 8 h postoperatively.

The role of human epididymis protein 4 as a biomarker in gynecologic malignancies.

INTRODUCTION: The serum levels of glycoprotein human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) have been widely investigated in patients with ovarian cancer as a tumor marker to differentiate benign gynecological tumors from ovarian cancers (OC). A few studies demonstrated the promising role of HE4 in endometrial cancer (EC) too. The aim of this review is to provide an outline of published studies investigating HE4 in the diagnosis of gynecologic malignancies, focusing on its role in OC and EC. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: We conducted a systematic review of literature from January 1952 to June 2018 on the role of HE4 in OC and EC focusing on the diagnostic power in terms of sensitivity and specificity. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: We identified 49 articles with an overall sample size of 12,631 patients in OC group and five studies with an overall sample size of 1221 patients in EC group. We stated that HE4 had a pooled sensitivity of 78% and specificity of 86% in the detection of borderline or malignant OC and a pooled sensitivity of 78.8% and specificity of 100% in EC diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review confirms the importance of HE4 in the diagnosis of epithelial ovarian cancer and its promising role in endometrial cancer (endometrioid histology).

Application value of Caprini risk assessment model and elevated tumor-specific D-dimer level in predicting postoperative venous thromboembolism for patients undergoing surgery of gynecologic malignancies.

AIM: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in gynecologic malignant patients after surgery. We aimed to validate the Caprini risk assessment model (RAM) and elevated tumor-specific D-dimer as predictive marker of postoperative VTE for patients undergoing surgery of gynecologic malignancies. METHODS: Inpatients were divided into five groups (low: score = 0-1; moderate: score = 2; high: score = 3-4; higher: score = 5-7; sup-high: score > 7) and treated according to their risk level after the surgery during the hospitalization according to the Caprini RAM. D-dimer level was detected during the perioperative period. If D-dimer did not fall to normal reference range on the seventh day after operation, the use of low-molecular-weight heparin was prolonged to 28 days after surgery. RESULTS: The majority (853/974, 87.6%) of the patients was in the Caprini score ≥5, with an overall VTE incidence of 1.75%. The VTE group had significantly higher Caprini score, CA125, vascular invasion rate and lymph node metastasis rate. If 1.5 µg/mL was used as the D-dimer cut-off value to predicting VTE, the sensitivity was 87.5%, the specificity was 93.8% and the negative predictive value was 99.2%. The D-dimer level was a marker for prolonging the anticoagulants use during the perioperative period, especially for the sup-high group. CONCLUSION: The Caprini RAM is an effective and reliable VTE risk prediction tool for patients undergoing gynecological malignant tumor surgery. The group (score ≥ 5) can be divided into two subgroups (higher: score = 5-7 and sup-high: score > 7), which may better predict the occurrence of VTE for malignant tumor patients. Great than 1.5 µg/mL D-dimer before operation should be given more attention for the presence of VTE.