Sexuality of Female Spina Bifida Patients: Predictors of a Satisfactory Sexual Function.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the sexual function of women with spina bifida (SB), and to verify the factors that influence their sexual function. METHODS: A cross-sectional study in which a validated female-specific questionnaire was applied to 140 SB female patients from four different cities (Porto Alegre, Brazil; and Barcelona, Madrid, and Málaga, Spain) between 2019 and 2020. The questionnaires collected data on the clinical characteristics of SB, and female sexual function was assessed using the 6-item version of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI-6) validated to Portuguese and Spanish. RESULTS: Half of the patients had had sexual activity at least once in the life, but most (57.1%) did not use any contraception method. Sexual dysfunction was present in most (84.3%) patients, and all sexual function domains were impaired compared those of non-neurogenic women. The presence of urinary and fecal incontinence significantly affected the quality of their sexual activity based on the FSFI-6. CONCLUSION: The specific clinical aspects of the SB patients, such as urinary and fecal incontinence, should be properly addressed by their doctors, since they are associated with reduced sexual activity and lower FSFI-6 scores in the overall or specific domains. There is also a need to improve gynecological care among sexually-active SB patients, since most do not use any contraceptive methods and are at risk of inadvertent pregnancy.

OBJETIVO: Analisar a função sexual de pacientes do sexo feminino com espinha bífida (EB), e avaliar quais fatores influenciam na função sexual. MéTODOS: Uma pesquisa transversal em que um questionário validado para mulheres foi aplicado em 140 pacientes com EB de quatro cidades diferentes (Porto Alegre, Brasil; e Barcelona, Madri e Málaga, Espanha) entre 2019 e 2020. Os questionários coletaram dados sobre características clínicas da espinha bífida, e a função sexual feminina foi avaliada com a versão de seis itens do Índice de Funcionamento Sexual Feminino (IFSF-6) nas versões validadas para português e espanhol. RESULTADOS: Metade das pacientes havia praticado atividade sexual pelo menos uma vez na vida, mas a maioria (57.1%) não utilizava nenhum método contraceptivo. A disfunção sexual estava presente na maioria das pacientes (84.3%), sendo todos os domínios de função sexual prejudicados em comparação com os de mulheres não neurogênicas. A presença de incontinência urinária e fecal afetou significativamente a qualidade da atividade sexual das pacientes. CONCLUSãO: Aspectos clínicos específicos da EB, como incontinência urinária e fecal, devem ser adequadamente abordados pelos médicos assistentes, visto que estão associados à redução na atividade sexual e piores resultados no IFSF-6. Também é necessário melhorar o atendimento ginecológico das pacientes sexualmente ativas, uma vez que a maioria não utiliza métodos contraceptivos e corre o risco de gravidez inadvertida.

Sexuality of Female Spina Bifida Patients: Predictors of a Satisfactory Sexual Function / Sexualidade feminina em pacientes com espinha bífida: preditores de uma função sexual satisfatória

Abstract Objective To assess the sexual function of women with spina bifida (SB), and to verify the factors that influence their sexual function. Methods A cross-sectional study in which a validated female-specific questionnaire was applied to 140 SB female patients from four different cities (Porto Alegre, Brazil; and Barcelona, Madrid, and Málaga, Spain) between 2019 and 2020. The questionnaires collected data on the clinical characteristics of SB, and female sexual function was assessed using the 6-item version of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI-6) validated to Portuguese and Spanish. Results Half of the patients had had sexual activity at least once in the life, but most (57.1%) did not use any contraception method. Sexual dysfunction was present in most (84.3%) patients, and all sexual function domains were impaired compared those of non-neurogenic women. The presence of urinary and fecal incontinence significantly affected the quality of their sexual activity based on the FSFI-6. Conclusion The specific clinical aspects of the SB patients, such as urinary and fecal incontinence, should be properly addressed by their doctors, since they are associated with reduced sexual activity and lower FSFI-6 scores in the overall or specific domains. There is also a need to improve gynecological care among sexually-active SB patients, since most do not use any contraceptive methods and are at risk of inadvertent pregnancy.

Resumo Objetivo Analisar a função sexual de pacientes do sexo feminino com espinha bífida (EB), e avaliar quais fatores influenciam na função sexual. Métodos Uma pesquisa transversal em que um questionário validado para mulheres foi aplicado em 140 pacientes com EB de quatro cidades diferentes (Porto Alegre, Brasil; e Barcelona, Madri e Málaga, Espanha) entre 2019 e 2020. Os questionários coletaram dados sobre características clínicas da espinha bífida, e a função sexual feminina foi avaliada com a versão de seis itens do Índice de Funcionamento Sexual Feminino (IFSF-6) nas versões validadas para português e espanhol. Resultados Metade das pacientes havia praticado atividade sexual pelo menos uma vez na vida, mas a maioria (57.1%) não utilizava nenhum método contraceptivo. A disfunção sexual estava presente na maioria das pacientes (84.3%), sendo todos os domínios de função sexual prejudicados em comparação com os de mulheres não neurogênicas. A presença de incontinência urinária e fecal afetou significativamente a qualidade da atividade sexual das pacientes. Conclusão Aspectos clínicos específicos da EB, como incontinência urinária e fecal, devem ser adequadamente abordados pelos médicos assistentes, visto que estão associados à redução na atividade sexual e piores resultados no IFSF-6. Também é necessário melhorar o atendimento ginecológico das pacientes sexualmente ativas, uma vez que a maioria não utiliza métodos contraceptivos e corre o risco de gravidez inadvertida.

The impact of neurogenic bladder bowel dysfunction in the sexuality of female spina bifida patients.

INTRODUCTION: The sexual life of Spina Bifida (SB) women may be affected by their physical impairments. Data has consistently associated symptoms such as urinary and fecal incontinence with negative effects on social and intimate life. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the female spina bifida patient sexual life and assess which factors - including bladder bowel dysfunction and bladder augmentation - influenced in the sexual function of patients in a multi-center cross-sectional study. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey with validated female-specific questionnaire was applied in 140 spina bifida female patients from four different cities (Porto Alegre/Brazil; Barcelona, Madrid and Málaga/Spain) between 2019 and 2020. Questionnaires collected data on spina bifida clinical characteristics and sexuality, which was assessed using the 6-item version of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI-6) in the Portuguese and Spanish validated versions. Female sexual dysfunction was defined as a FSFI-6 total score ≤19. RESULTS: Sexual dysfunction was present in most (84.3%) patients with a median overall FSFI-6 total score of 14.5 (range 4-26), being all sex domains impaired. Bladder augmentation, type of spina bifida, spinal cord level, hydrocephalus, use of wheelchair and psychological disorder were not statistically associated with differences among rates of sexual activity or female sexual dysfunction. The presence of urinary incontinence (UI) showed both significant lower sexual intercourse and higher dysfunction rates (Summary Table). Urinary and fecal incontinence were significantly associated with worst scores in all domains, except for pain. DISCUSSION: Urinary incontinence status was the most relevant factor since it impaired either female sexual dysfunction and sexual activity rates, as well as the FSFI-6 overall and specific domains. These findings are consistent with previous studies who also observed that desire, arousal and lubrication domains had negative effects from urinary loss on SB patients. Fecal incontinence status did not influenced in sexual activity of female sexual dysfunction rates, nevertheless it promoted lower scores in the overall and specific sexual domains. CONCLUSION: Spina bifida is a complex condition that demands proper care to achieve a satisfactory sexual life, specially regarding neurogenic bladder and bowel dysfunction. Clinical aspects in the SB patient, such as urinary and fecal incontinence, should be properly addressed by pediatric urologists since they are associated with female sexual dysfunction and reduced sexual activity, as well as lower FSFI-6 scores in the overall and specific domains. There is also a need to improve communication about sexuality, because only 18.6% of the patients considered it that had received sufficient sex information from physicians.

Assessment of sexual life in spina bifida patients: A survey among pediatric urologists.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the status of the sexual education approach with spina bifida (SB) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An online survey was sent to 223 pediatric urologists from Latin countries, all contacted using email or mobile messaging software. There were 12 questions about participants' demographic characteristics and SB-specific care topics. Data was collected from January 2019 to January 2020. Checklist for reporting results of internet e-survey (CHERRIES) guidelines were followed to ensure the quality of this study. RESULTS: We received 101 valid answers from participants practicing in seven different countries. Among these, 98.4% confirmed that sexuality in the SB population is considered relevant, nevertheless it is only evaluated by 62.5%. Transitional urologists discuss sexuality more often than those whose practice consists solely of pediatric patients (70% vs. 50%). Basic surgeon training (urologist vs. pediatric surgeon), age, part or full-time pediatric urology practice and country of participants were of no statistically different influence inrates of approach to sexuality. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that pediatric urologists are insufficiently addressing sexuality in SB patients. Those who practise transitional urology show higher rates of approach to sexuality with SB patients, which suggests this is an important model of care.

Effects of remote ischemic preconditioning and topical hypothermia in renal ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats.

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether combining hypothermia and remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) results in protection from ischemia-reperfusion (IR). METHODS: Thirty-two Wistar rats underwent right nephrectomy and were randomly assigned to four experimental protocols on the left kidney: warm ischemia (group 1), cold ischemia (group 2), RIPC followed by warm ischemia (group 3), and RIPC followed by cold ischemia (group 4). After 240 minutes of reperfusion, histological changes in the left kidney, as well as lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme activity, were analyzed. The right kidney was used as the control. Serum creatinine was collected before and after the procedures. RESULTS: RIPC combined with hypothermia during IR experiments revealed no differences on interventional groups regarding histological changes (p=0.722). Oxidative stress showed no significant variations among the groups. Lower serum creatinine at the end of the procedure was seen in animals exposed to hypothermia (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Combination of RIPC and local hypothermia provides no renal protection in IR injury. Hypothermia preserves renal function during ischemic events. Furthermore, RIPC followed by warm IR did not show benefits compared to warm IR alone or controls in our experimental protocol.

Effects of remote ischemic preconditioning and topical hypothermia in renal ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate whether combining hypothermia and remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) results in protection from ischemia-reperfusion (IR). Methods: Thirty-two Wistar rats underwent right nephrectomy and were randomly assigned to four experimental protocols on the left kidney: warm ischemia (group 1), cold ischemia (group 2), RIPC followed by warm ischemia (group 3), and RIPC followed by cold ischemia (group 4). After 240 minutes of reperfusion, histological changes in the left kidney, as well as lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme activity, were analyzed. The right kidney was used as the control. Serum creatinine was collected before and after the procedures. Results: RIPC combined with hypothermia during IR experiments revealed no differences on interventional groups regarding histological changes (p=0.722). Oxidative stress showed no significant variations among the groups. Lower serum creatinine at the end of the procedure was seen in animals exposed to hypothermia (p<0.001). Conclusions: Combination of RIPC and local hypothermia provides no renal protection in IR injury. Hypothermia preserves renal function during ischemic events. Furthermore, RIPC followed by warm IR did not show benefits compared to warm IR alone or controls in our experimental protocol.

Combined effects of melatonin and topical hypothermia on renal ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats.

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether their combination was more effective than either alone in decreasing renal damage due to ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats. METHODS: Thirty-two Wistar rats were assigned to four groups. Following right nephrectomy, their left kidneys were subjected to warm ischemia (IR), cold ischemia (TH+IR), intraperitoneal injection of 10 mg/kg melatonin (MEL+IR), or injection of 10 mg/kg melatonin followed by cold ischemia (MEL+TH+IR). Eight randomly assigned right kidneys constituted the control group. After 240 min of reperfusion, left nephrectomy was performed for histopathological evaluation, lipid peroxidation, and measurement of antioxidant enzyme activity. Serum was collected to measure urea and creatinine concentrations. RESULTS: Histopathological damage induced by ischemia and reperfusion was more attenuated in the MEL+TH+IR group than in the MEL+IR and TH+IR groups (p<0.037). Superoxide dismutase activity was significantly higher (p<0.029) and creatinine (p<0.001) and urea (p<0.001) concentrations were significantly lower in the MEL+TH+IR group than in the MEL+IR and TH+IR groups. CONCLUSION: The combination of melatonin (MEL) and topical hypothermia (TH) better protects against renal I/R injury than does MEL or TH alone.

Combined effects of melatonin and topical hypothermia on renal ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate whether their combination was more effective than either alone in decreasing renal damage due to ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats. Methods: Thirty-two Wistar rats were assigned to four groups. Following right nephrectomy, their left kidneys were subjected to warm ischemia (IR), cold ischemia (TH+IR), intraperitoneal injection of 10 mg/kg melatonin (MEL+IR), or injection of 10 mg/kg melatonin followed by cold ischemia (MEL+TH+IR). Eight randomly assigned right kidneys constituted the control group. After 240 min of reperfusion, left nephrectomy was performed for histopathological evaluation, lipid peroxidation, and measurement of antioxidant enzyme activity. Serum was collected to measure urea and creatinine concentrations. Results: Histopathological damage induced by ischemia and reperfusion was more attenuated in the MEL+TH+IR group than in the MEL+IR and TH+IR groups (p<0.037). Superoxide dismutase activity was significantly higher (p<0.029) and creatinine (p<0.001) and urea (p<0.001) concentrations were significantly lower in the MEL+TH+IR group than in the MEL+IR and TH+IR groups. Conclusion: The combination of melatonin (MEL) and topical hypothermia (TH) better protects against renal I/R injury than does MEL or TH alone.

Full-thickness skin mesh graft vaginoplasty: a skin sparing technique.

INTRODUCTION: The ideal vaginoplasty method should promote good cosmetic and functional results with low morbidity. We describe a new technique for congenital vaginal agenesis using a full-thickness perforated skin graft. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We report an 18 year old patient with vaginal agenesis (Morris syndrome) that undergone a modified version of McIndoe vaginoplasty. Patient is set in a low lithotomy position and lateral traction sutures are placed in labia and a 16Fr urethral catheter inserted. An inverted "V"-shaped incision is made in the mucosal plaque below the urethra. Blunt dissection in a cephalic posterior direction forms a space between the rectum and urethra. Special care is taken to avoid rectal tear during this maneuver. A full-thickness skin graft is removed from the lower abdomen measuring 12.0x6.0cm as an aesthetic abdominoplasty. The fat tissue is removed, remaining epidermis and dermis and the graft is perforated, allowing a great surface increase. After suturing over a mold, the graft is fixed in the created space. The donor site is closed with intradermal transversal suture. RESULTS: From January 2009 to August 2015, seven patients diagnosed with vaginal agenesis underwent this technique. There were no major complications or need for blood transfusions. At the six-month follow-up, all patients reported satisfactory sexual intercourse. There were no significant complications at donor site or neovagina that needed surgical intervention. CONCLUSION: Vaginal reconstruction using the perforated graft is viable with excellent functional results. Applying this modification, we yielded the good results of a classic McIndoe technique with lower donor site morbidity.

Vaginoplasty With Full-thickness Mesh Skin Graft for Vaginal Agenesis.

OBJECTIVE: To present a novel technique in reconstructive urology for congenital vaginal agenesis using a full-thickness mesh skin graft and to evaluate the functional capacity for maintenance of satisfactory intercourse. METHODS: From January 2009 to August 2015, seven patients diagnosed with vaginal agenesis underwent vaginoplasty using a full-thickness mesh graft from lower abdominal skin. Herein, the authors describe the technique and initial results in adult patients. RESULTS: The mean hospital stay was 8 days. There were no major complications or need for blood transfusions. The most relevant postoperative result was the functionality of the neovagina and satisfactory donor site results. At 6-month follow-up, all patients reported satisfactory sexual intercourse. The average depth of the vagina was 11.3 cm. There were no significant complications at donor site or at neovagina that needed surgical intervention. CONCLUSION: We obtained positive functional results with minimal donor site morbidity by performing vaginal reconstruction using a full-thickness mesh skin graft.

Simple and complicated rectal diverticula: endoscopic analysis of a case series from Brazil

INTRODUCTION: Diverticular disease of the colon is a very common condition, present in most of the elderly population. However, the occurrence of rectal diverticula is extremely unusual. It is typically an incidental finding at colonoscopy. OBJECTIVE: Describe epidemiological, clinical, surgical and endoscopic characteristics of a case series of rectal diverticula in Brazil. METHODS: Four patients with rectal diverticula were analyzed in terms of symptomatology, associated conditions and colonoscopy findings. Endoscopic findings were discussed individually. RESULTS: The prevalence of rectal diverticula at our endoscopy unit was 0.15% of all colonoscopies, affecting 0.74% of patients with colonic diverticulosis. The endoscopic analysis showed the diverticulum ostium with mean size of 2.3 cm, depth of 2.8 cm and anal margin distance of 6.8 cm. Colonoscopy also demonstrated simple rectal diverticulum in all patients. Diverticula were located in the anterior, right lateral and posterior walls of the rectum. One patient developed diverticulitis as complication and underwent to diverticulectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Rectal diverticulum is an incidental finding at colonoscopy and associated with diverticulosis. Its rarity and specific colonoscopic characteristics make it a unique entity. Asymptomatic in most cases, it rarely needs intervention. Surgery is reserved for complicated cases. (AU)

INTRODUÇÃO: Diverticulose é uma condição muito comum, presente em grande parte da população idosa. Divertículo retal, entretanto, é condição rara. Geralmente é um achado incidental em colonoscopias. OBJETIVO: Descrever as características epidemiológicas, clínicas, cirúrgicas e, especialmente, endoscópicas de uma série de casos de divertículos retais no Brasil. MÉTODOS: Quatro pacientes com divertículos retais são analisados em relação a sintomatologia, condições associadas e colonoscopias. Os achados endoscópicos são discutidos especificamente. RESULTADOS: Em nosso Serviço de Endoscopia, a prevalência de divertículos retais foi de 0,15% de todas as colonoscopias realizadas e de 0,74% em pacientes portadores de diverticulose. Análise endoscópica revelou tamanho médio do óstio do divertículo de 2,3 cm, profundidade de 2,8 cm e distância da margem anal de 6,8 cm. Colonoscopia demonstrou presença de divertículo retal único em todos pacientes, os quais se localizaram nas paredes anterior, lateral-direita e posterior do reto. Um dos pacientes apresentou diverticulite como complicação, sendo submetido à cirurgia de diverticulectomia. CONCLUSÕES: Divertículo retal é um achado incidental em colonoscopias, estando associado à diverticulose. Sua raridade e seus aspectos endoscópicos específicos tornam importante o reconhecimento como uma entidade única. Assintomático na maioria dos casos, raramente necessita intervenção. Cirurgia está reservada para os casos em que ocorrem complicações. (AU)

Pyoderma gangrenosum as a initial manifestation of ulcerative proctocolitis

Pyoderma gangrenosum is a rare inflammatory skin condition characterized by progressive and recurrent skin ulceration of destructive course. It is usually associated with rheumatoid arthritis, paraproteinemia, myeloproliferative diseases and inflammatory bowel diseases, especially non-specific ulcerative proctocolitis. In these situations, skin lesions are described as concurrent with the intestinal condition. However, reports on pyoderma gangrenosum preceding intestinal findings are less frequent. The authors describe a case of a woman with febrile condition associated with skin lesions diagnosed by biopsy as pyoderma gangrenosum. Two weeks later, she developed diarrhea, arthralgia and sepsis, being diagnosed as ulcerative proctocolitis. After the administration of the treatment for ulcerative proctocolitis, she showed improvements in sepsis care, remission of diarrhea and regression of skin lesions. This case highlights the importance of considering pyoderma gangrenosum as a manifestation associated with inflammatory bowel disease, regardless of its timing in relation to intestinal symptoms. (AU)

Pioderma gangrenoso é uma forma de inflamação cutânea, caracterizada por ulceração progressiva e recorrente da pele, com curso destrutivo. Geralmente é associada à artrite reumatoide, paraproteinemia, doenças mieloproliferativas e doença inflamatória intestinal, em especial retocolite ulcerativa inespecífica. Em tais casos, as lesões cutâneas são descritas concomitantes ao quadro intestinal, porém, relatos com descrição de pioderma gangrenoso precedendo achados intestinais são menos frequentes. Os autores relatam caso de mulher com quadro febril associado a lesões cutâneas diagnosticadas por biópsia como pioderma gangrenoso. Duas semanas depois, apresentou diarreia, artralgia e sepse sendo diagnosticada retocolite ulcerativa. Com o tratamento para retocolite ulcerativa apresentou melhora do quadro séptico, remissão da diarreia e regressão das lesões cutâneas. Este caso enfatiza a importância em considerar o pioderma gangrenoso como manifestação associada à doença inflamatória intestinal, independente de sua temporalidade em relação aos sintomas intestinais. (AU)

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy and peristomal infection: an avoidable complication with the use of a minimum skin incision.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a fast and simple method. Although considered safe, PEG is associated with many potential complications. Peristomal infection is the complication most frequently reported. OBJECTIVE: To analyze patients who underwent PEG and the association of peristomal infection with the extent of skin incision (SI) and usage of prophylactic antibiotics (PA). METHODS: A retrospective review of the records of 120 patients who underwent PEG was carried out. Patients were divided into 3 subgroups: (1) Patients with SI 10 mm/without PA, (2) Patients with SI up to 5 mm/without PA, and (3) Patients with SI up to 5 mm/with PA. RESULTS: Peristomal infection occurred in 12.8% of patients from subgroup 1, and in 2.2% of patients from subgroup 2. There was no infection in subgroup 3. Peristomal infection was associated with the SI extent (P=0.01) and there was no association with PA (P=0.3). SI >5 mm presented an odds ratio of 10.5 (95% confidence interval, 1.58-68.42) for the occurrence of peristomal infection. CONCLUSIONS: The use of PA did not seem to reduce peristomal infection rates. However, minimal SI was significantly associated with reduction of this complication.