Correlation between the diversity of vaginal microbiota and the risk of high-risk human papillomavirus infection.

OBJECTIVES: Since other genital infections enhance HIV susceptibility by inducing inflammation and evidence suggests that the vaginal microbiome plays a functional role in the persistence or regression of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, we investigated the relationship between the composition of the vaginal microbiota and the risk of high-risk HPV infection. METHODS: The study included 151 healthy women (65 HPV-positive and 86 HPV-negative) aged 20-65 at enrollment. Total genome DNA from samples was extracted using the hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) CTAB method. The vaginal microbiota composition was determined by sequencing barcoded 16S rDNA gene fragments (V4) on Illumina HiSeq2500. RESULTS: Of the 30 most abundant bacteria at the genus level, we found only six bacteria with a statistical difference between HPV-positive and HPV-negative women: Bacteroides, Acinetobacter, Faecalibacterium, Streptococcus, Finegoldia, and Moryella. Lactobacillus was the predominant genus and was detected in all women, but there was no significant difference between the two groups for L. iners, L. jensenii, and L. gasseri. Furthermore, we found 26 types of bacteria with a statistical difference at the species level between the two groups. Anaerobic bacteria such as Bacteroides plebeius, Acinetobacter lwoffii, and Prevotella buccae were found significantly more frequently in HPV-positive women, which is the most important finding of our study. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest a possible role for the composition of the vaginal microbiota as a modifier of high-risk HPV infection, and specific microbiota species may serve as sensors for changes in the cervical microenvironment associated with high-risk HPV infection. The exact molecular mechanism of the vaginal microbiota in the course of high-risk HPV infection and cervical neoplasia should be further explored. Future research should include intervention in the composition of the vaginal microbiota to reverse the course of high-risk HPV infection and the natural history of cervical neoplasia.

[Reevaluating the role of dilation and curettage in the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical role of dilation and curettage (DC) in the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy (EP). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of 108 patients with pregnancy of unknown location who underwent a DC with an abnormal rise in ß-human chorionic gonadotropin (ß-HCG) level and without visible intrauterine pregnancy (IUP) on transvaginal ultrasound and 24 patients who did not receive DC with ß-HCG>5 000 IU/L.The final diagnosis depended on ß-HCG trend review after DC and the pathologic and laparoscopic findings. RESULTS: Overall, 65.3% of the patients were finally diagnosed with EP and 34.7% were found to have a nonviable IUP.Those with EP had significantly higher initial ß-HCG than those with nonviable IUP.IUP patients were more likely to have had a history of delivery.Among the patients with ß-HCG<2 000 IU/L, 40.0% of EP and 11.0% of IUP had endometrial echo complex no more than 5 mm (P=0.035). In ß-HCG<2 000 IU/L and 2 000 IU/L<ß-HCG<5 000 IU/L groups, the diagnostic rate of EP was 42.6% and 68.3% respectively (P=0.012). Among the patients with ß-HCG>5 000 IU/L, there was no significant difference between those with DC and those without DC (96.7% vs.96%, P=0.915). CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound findings such as a thin endometrial echo complex and the presence of pelvic mass are associated with but are not diagnostic of an ectopic pregnancy.The patients with the suspected diagnosis of EP are 2 000 IU/L<ß-HCG<5 000 IU/L, whereas DC remains important valuable to differentiate EP from nonviable IUP and to avoid misdiagnosis and unnecessary exposure to methotrexate. Because EP is the common final diagnosis in most of the patients with ß-HCG>5 000 IU/L and pelvic mass and without intrauterine gestational sac, the value of DC decreases and laparoscopy can be considered directly.

Evaluation of Influences of Changed Lower Cover Geometry on Kerosene-Air Interaction in a Scramjet Combustor.

The fuel in a scramjet combustor must be injected into a high-speed crossflow and mixed with supersonic air in a very short period of time in order for the scramjet jet to operate reliably. More generally, the supersonic air is produced by the lower cover, similar to a Laval type nozzle, of the scramjet combustor. However, significant variation in lower cover geometry is prone to produce unstable vortexes. The unstable vortexes are accompanied by nonuniform stress and strain and are detrimental to the lower cover, even to the combustor. Inspired by mechanical design, this study proposes to change lower cover geometry by decreasing its sizes and then evaluates effects of these changes on kerosene fuel-air interaction in the combustor. The evaluation is based on three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics with couple level set and volume of fluids, which characterizes the penetration height, span expansion area, shock wave angle, and Sauter mean diameter of kerosene jets for three different injection diameters (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mm). The simulated air-kerosene interactions reasonably agree with the past numerical findings at identical working conditions. This result demonstrates the effectiveness of the changed lower cover geometry for the scramjet combustor.

[Multicenter randomized clinical study of high-intensity focused ultrasound and cortical hormone in the treatment of non-neoplastic epithelial disorders of vulva].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) and cortical hormone in the treatment of non-neoplastic epithelial disorders of vulva. METHODS: A total of 268 cases with pathologically diagnosed non-neoplastic epithelial disorders of vulva were randomly allocated into two groups of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) (n = 119) and cortical hormone (n = 124). And 25 cases became lost to follow-ups. Their signs, symptoms and quality-of-life were assessed before treatment, 1 month post-treatment and 3 months post-treatment. And the relationship was analyzed between pathologic type, age, course and efficacies. RESULTS: Their signs, symptoms and quality-of-life improved in both groups after 1 and 3 month. Compared with drug therapy, HIFU showed superior results in lesion amelioration at 1 month with significantly statistical difference and so did lesion amelioration and therapeutic effect at 3 month. And the efficacy of HIFU was better in those with >10-year disease course and pathologically diagnosed lichen sclerosus in 3 months. CONCLUSIONS: HIFU is both safe and effective in the treatment of non-neoplastic epithelial disorders of vulva.

Results of sacrospinous ligament fixation using conventional instruments for symptomatic stage 2 and 3 apical prolapse over 3 years.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term efficacy and quality of life concerning sacrospinous ligament fixation (SSLF) using conventional instruments for Chinese women with symptomatic stage 2 and 3 apical prolapse. METHODS: This single-arm prospective cohort study was conducted at our hospital between October 2011 and December 2018. Eligible participants were followed up over 3 years after surgery. The primary surgical outcome was composite surgical failure. Secondary outcomes included rate of satisfaction, quality of life (QoL) scores, and long-term complications. RESULTS: Fifty-nine patients were enrolled (mean age 57.1 years), of whom 55 (93.22%) completed the 3-year follow up. At year 3, the composite failure rate was 21.34% (95% confidence interval [CI] 9.30%-31.79%), and satisfaction rate was 81.40% (95% CI 66.09%-91.08%). Right thigh pain and de novo dyspareunia occurred in 1.8% and 14.6% patients after year 1, respectively, but at year 3 there were no complications. Lower urinary tract symptoms were present in 5.5% of patients. Improvement was found in urinary symptoms and prolapse symptoms, but sexual function showed no significant change. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with results at year 1, complication rates of SSLF decreased at year 3. The composite failure rate was relatively low and satisfaction rate was relatively high at year 3. Prolapse and urinary symptoms improved significantly after surgery.

[Role of canonical Wnt signaling transduction pathway in the pathogenesis of pelvic organ prolapse].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of canonical Wnt signaling transduction pathway on the proliferation and secretion of fibroblasts of uterosacral ligament so as to elucidate the pathogenic mechanism of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). METHODS: Five patients with grade ≥Ш POP and five with other benign gynecologic disorders as control were recruited. Specimens were taken from uterosacral ligaments and fibroblasts were cultured and purified. After the confirmation of cultured fibroblasts by immunohistochemical staining, their growth and proliferation activity were detected by thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and the expressions of matrix metal proteinase-2 (MMP-2), Wnt16, FZD5 and ß-catenin by Western blot. RESULTS: (1) Over 90% of the cultured cells were fibroblasts of vimentin positive and keratin negative. (2) The growth and proliferation activity of fibroblasts were significantly lower in the POP group than those in the control group (P<0.01). (3) The levels of MMP-2 and FZD5 in the POP group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05 and P<0.01 respectively) while those of Wnt16 and ß-catenin were significantly lower than the control group (both P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Canonical Wnt16 signaling transduction pathway becomes inhibited in the fibroblasts of POP patients resulting in lower growth and proliferation activity and reduced secretion of collagen. Elevated MMP-2 contributes to the increased degradation of collagen. And MMP-2 and Wnt16 signaling transduction pathway may be important factors for the changes of collagen state in pelvic organ support structures leading ot POP.

[Study on ischiospinous ligament fixation in treatment of stage III pelvic organ prolapse].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of ischiospinous ligament fixation in treatment of stage III pelvic organ prolapse (POP). METHODS: Between March 2007 and December 2009, 65 patients with stage III POP who underwent ischiospinous ligament fixation in Peking Union Medical College Hospital were enrolled in this study. Among 21 cases complicated with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) underwent transobturator tension-free vaginal tape (TVT-O) concomitantly. Clinical parameter associated with perioperation, objective and subjective successful rate and complication were recorded. RESULTS: The mean operating time was (71 ± 22) min and the mean blood loss was (93 ± 40) ml. No intraoperative blood transfusion and viscera injury cases were observed. All patients were able to recover spontaneous micturition. Two cases experienced pelvic hematoma with diameter of 7 cm, after conservative treatment, they all recovered later. The objective success rate was 100% at 6 weeks follow-up by POP-Q scoring. And 46.2% (30/65) were followed up at range of 1 - 3 years, recurrence rate were 10% (3/30), and however, no operation were needed. At median of 20 months, all patients were followed up by telephone, the subjective successful rate was 95.4% (62/65). At 6 weeks after operation, 6.2% (4/65) patients suffered from lower back pain and right thigh pain, visual analogue scale of pain was at range of 3 to 5, which relieved gradually after treatment and disappeared totally within 2 years. The rate of suture exposure was 10% (3/30), the new urinary incontinence 4.6% (3/65), and the new dyspareunia 12.5% (3/24). CONCLUSIONS: Ischiospinous ligament fixation is a safe and efficacious management.

[Prospective study on total pelvic reconstruction surgery with Prosima in the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse stage III].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of total pelvic reconstruction surgery with Prosima in treatment of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) stage III. METHODS: From July 2010 to December 2011, 31 patients with POP stage III undergoing total pelvic reconstruction surgery with Prosima were enrolled in this prospective study. Among two cases complicated with stress urinary incontinence underwent transobturator tension-free vaginal tape concomitantly with total pelvic reconstruction surgery with Prosima. Clinical parameters during peri-operation were recorded and compared. Pelvic organ prolapse quantitative examination (POP-Q) and anatomic improvement in these patients after surgery were analyzed. Comparisons of pelvic floor impact questionnaire-short form 7 (PFIQ-7) and pelvic organ prolapse-urinary incontinence sexual questionnaire-short form 12 (PISQ-12) in these patients before and after surgery were used to evaluate quality of life and quality of sexual life. RESULTS: The mean operating time was (55 ± 13) minutes, mean blood loss was (66 ± 25) ml. No severe intraoperative complications were observed. All patients were able to recover spontaneous micturation within 5 days. Two cases experienced pelvic hematoma with diameters less than 7 cm, and resolved later. Another case was urinary tract infection. At the median follow-up 6 months (1 - 15 months), the rate of anatomic success defined as the leading vaginal edge above the hymen was 94% (29/31). There were significant improvements in Aa, Ba, Ap, Bp, and C (P < 0.01) by POP-Q. Two patients showed recurrent prolapse at 3 months and 1 year after surgery, without the need of further operation. The median score of post-operative PFIQ-7 was 0 point at 6 months and 0 point at 12 months after operation, respectively, which were significantly lower than that of 50 points pre-operation (P < 0.01). And there was no significant difference in the average score of PISQ-12 before and after surgery [(30 ± 6) points versus (31 ± 4) points] (P > 0.05). The rate of mesh exposure was 16% (5/31), all the 5 cases occurred within 6 months and was cut in clinic. There was no case of de novo urinary incontinence and de novo dyspareunia. CONCLUSIONS: Pelvic reconstruction surgery with Prosima is safe and efficacy in treatment of POP stage III. It could improve quality of life remarkably without influence on sexual quality of life.

[Total Prolift(TM) system surgery for the repair of recurrent severe pelvic organ prolapse].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of total Prolift(TM) system surgery for the repair of recurrent severe pelvic organ prolapse. METHODS: The clinical records of 13 cases of recurrent severe pelvic organ prolapse were retrospectively analyzed. The characteristic was vaginal vault prolapse in combination with anterior and posterior wall prolapse. Anatomic effect (according to POP-Q score), functional effect (according to prolapse quality of life) and sexual life (according to sexual life score) of each patient were assessed. All subjects were post-menopausal with a mean age (60 ± 9) years and a mean BMI of (25.6 ± 2.9) kg/m(2). RESULTS: All operations were accomplished successfully without any impairment of bladder, urethra, rectum, great vessels or nerves or blood transfusion. The mean operation time was (61 ± 18) minutes and the mean blood loss (155 ± 84) ml. All patients were followed up for a medium of 19 (15 - 30) months. Except for one post-operative urinary retention for a period of 7 days, 12 patients were able to micturate spontaneously 1 - 2 d post-operatively with a residual urine volume of less than 100 ml. During follow-up, mesh erosion (n = 1), de novo overactive bladder (n = 1), one algopareunia (n = 1) and dyspareunia (n = 1) occurred. Postoperative Quality of Life Scores improved significantly (P < 0.01). However, sexual life scores was impaired (P < 0.05). The anatomic cure rate was 92.3% and the patient subjective satisfactory rate 84.6%. CONCLUSION: The total Prolift(TM) system surgery represents a safe, simple and useful treatment for recurrent severe pelvic organ prolapse with satisfactory objective clinical outcomes. However, the level of patient subjective satisfaction is lower than objective cure rate. Meanwhile, harmful effects on sexual life remain a main concern.

Clinical Manifestations Of Adenomyosis Patients With Or Without Pain Symptoms.

PURPOSE: Our study aims to investigate the distribution of pain symptoms and the association between pain symptoms and clinical parameters in patients with adenomyosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The clinical and pathological data of 291 patients diagnosed with adenomyosis in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Peking Union Medical College Hospital from March 2012 to September 2015 were collected, and analyzed in regard to the pain symptoms. RESULTS: The median age at disease onset was 34 years. 71.8% of the patients had pain symptoms (pain group) and 28.2% had no pain symptoms (painless group). Patients with symptoms accompanied by dysmenorrhea accounted for 68%, among which 30.3% were mild, 36.9% were moderate, and 32.8% severe, while 56.1% presented with progressive pain. Through comparison, significant differences were identified between the pain and painless groups with regard to age at diagnosis (P=0.009), age at onset of disease (P=0.008), and level of pre-surgical CA125 (P<0.001), as well as proportion of patients with rectal irritation (P=0.008), elevated CA125 level (P<0.001), thickened myometrial layer (P<0.001) and concurrent endometriosis (P=0.001). In the multivariable analysis, an elevated level of pre-surgical CA125 (P<0.001) and thickened posterior myometrial layer (P=0.023) were both independent risk factors for the morbidity of pain symptoms. Similar results except for the difference in rectal irritation were noticed when we made further comparison between the dysmenorrhea and non-dysmenorrhea groups in adenomyosis patients. CONCLUSION: Our research analyzes the clinical features related to pain symptoms in patients with adenomyosis, which may provide clues for the possible presurgical diagnosis of adenomyosis, as well as references for pain management of adenomyosis.

Risk Factors for Recurrence of Ovarian Endometriosis in Chinese Patients Aged 45 and Over.

BACKGROUND: When considering the issue of recurrence, perimenopausal women may have more dilemma during management comparing with young women, for example, whether to retain the uterus and ovary during surgery, whether it is necessary to add adjuvant medicine treatment after operation, and there is no evidence for reference about using of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist. This study aimed to study the risk factors for the recurrence of ovarian endometriosis (EM) in patients aged 45 and over. METHODS: This is a retrospective nested case-control study. We reviewed the medical records of patients aged over 45 years who underwent surgical treatments for ovarian EM from 1994 to 2014, in Peking Union Medical College Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. By following up to January 2016, 45 patients were found to have relapses and regarded as the recurrence group. The patients with no recurrence during the same follow-up period were randomly selected by the ratio of 1:4 as the nonrecurrence group (180 patients in total). Stratified Cox regression was used to analyze the risk factors of the recurrence. RESULTS: Univariate analysis showed that there was a significant difference in the postoperative treatment (the percentage of patients who received postoperative treatment in non-recurrence group and recurrence group, 23.9% vs. 40.0%, χ2 = 4.729, P = 0.030) and ovarian preservation (the percentage of patients who received surgery of ovarian preservation in non-recurrence group and recurrence group, 25.0 % vs. 44.4%, χ2 = 19.462, P < 0.001) between the nonrecurrence group and the recurrence group. There was no correlation between recurrence and the following factors including patient's age, menarche age, gravidity, parity, CA125 level, ovarian lesions, menopausal status, combined benign gynecological conditions (such as myoma and adenomyoma) and endometrial abnormalities, and surgical approach or surgical staging (all P > 0.05). Multivariate analysis indicated that whether to retain the ovary was the only independent risk factor of recurrence for patients aged 45 years and over with ovarian EM (odds ratio: 5.594, 95% confidence interval: 1.919-16.310, P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Ovarian preservation might be the only independent risk factor of recurrence for patients aged 45 years and over with ovarian EM.

[Modified total pelvic floor reconstruction for repair of severe pelvic organ prolapse].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical outcome of a novel approach for pelvic floor reconstruction using synthetic mesh (modified total pelvic floor reconstruction) for treatment of pelvic organ prolapse. METHODS: Modified total pelvic floor reconstruction was performed in 30 patients with severe pelvic organ prolapse (including vault prolapse). The clinical outcome of each patient was assessed. RESULTS: The mean operation time was (74.2 +/- 21.5) minutes, and the mean blood loss was (103.3 +/- 40.1) ml. Among them, 23 patients (76.7%) were able to micturate spontaneously the next morning after surgery, with residual urine less than 100 ml. The mean post-operative hospital stay was (4.2 +/- 1.8) days. All patients were followed up for a medium of 6 months. Totally 93.3% and 96.7% of patients were objectively (according to Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantitive Examination score) and subjectively (according to Prolapse Quality of Life) cured, respectively. During follow-up, only one patient was found to have asymptomatic erosion, and de novo urgent urinary incontinence was seen in 6.7% of patients. The most prominent complication was dyspareunia (66.7%). Although the post-operative sexual function was reported to be worse, no significant difference between patients' pre- and post-operative Pelvic Organ Prolapse/ Urinary Incontinence Sexual Function Questionnaire-12 scores was noted. CONCLUSION: Modified total pelvic floor reconstruction is a safe, effective, and micro-invasive approach for severe pelvic organ prolapse repair; however, dyspareunia remains a main concern.

Predictive factors of ovarian carcinoma for women with ovarian endometrioma aged 45 years and older in China.

BACKGROUND: To explore the risk factors of endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer (EAOC) in women with ovarian endometriosis (OEM) aged 45 years and above in China. METHODS: This study reviewed the medical records of 1038 women in total who were aged 45 years and above, surgical-pathologically diagnosed with ovarian endometriosis, and were treated at Peking Union Medical College Hospital between December 1996 and December 2016. Histology evaluation was used to determine whether the ovarian endometriosis specimen was with (n = 30) or without (n = 1008) ovarian cancer. RESULTS: 2.9% (30/1038) of women with the surgical-pathological diagnosis of ovarian endometriosis were found to have EAOC. Those patients with EAOC were prone to be in the postmenopausal status at the time of the diagnosis (OR 5.50, 95%CI 2.54-11.90, P < .001) and larger size of tumor (≥8 cm, OR 7.19, 95% CI 3.34-15.50, P < .001), and higher prevalence of coexisting with endometrial disorders (OR 4.11, 95%CI 1.73-9.73, P = .003). This study showed that patients of an older age when diagnosed with OEM, were at a higher risk of developing EAOC, respectively measuring of 1.7% (13/751) at 45-49 years, 5.6% (12/215) at 50-54 years, and 10.0%(5/50) at 55-59 years (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that for women aged 45 years and above who were diagnosed with OEM, the independent risk factors of EAOC were menopausal status, tumor size of 8 cm or greater in diameter, and coexisting endometrial disorders. Therefore, intensive follow-ups or active interventions should be considered for them.

Gliomatosis peritonei: a series of eight cases and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Gliomatosis peritonei (GP) is a rare condition characterized by mature glial tissue implants widespread in the peritoneum. The GP is often associated with ovarian teratoma. However, little is known about the characteristics and prognosis of GP. The purpose of this study was to describe the features, treatment, and prognosis of GP. Additionally, we review previously reported cases of GP, summarizing the presently known data. METHODS: From January 2000 to January 2016, cases of ovarian teratoma and GP treated at Peking Union Medical College Hospital were reviewed. We assessed the pathology, treatments, and outcomes along with prognostic information. Additionally, the literature regarding this clinical condition was also reviewed. RESULTS: Eight patients met the inclusion criteria. Patients had a median age of 20 (range, 15-25) years. GP was diagnosed as the primary tumor in 6 patients and at a secondary surgery in two patients. The primary ovarian tumor consisted of immature teratoma (n = 7) and mature teratoma (n = 1). Grades of immature ovarian teratoma were 2, grade 1; 3, grade 2; and 2, grade 3. Tumors mean had a size of 20.4 (range, 11-30) cm. The median follow-up time was 60.5 (range, 3-144) months. All cases had conservative surgery and seven of them had macroscopic residual disease postoperatively. During the study period, the eight patients remained alive and asymptomatic. Three patients in the study experienced spontaneous pregnancy. After reviewing the existing literature, a total of 14 patients with nodal gliomatosis were present and 10 of them were alive. According to the literature review, five articles reported more than five cases. Of a total of 67 patients, 60 of them remained alive. CONCLUSION: The prognosis of immature ovarian teratoma with GP is favorable. Complete resection of GP is often difficult. Residual peritoneal disease in GP can be asymptomatic and quiescent over a long period. A more conservative surgical approach may be carried out in patients with massive peritoneal spread after the presence of metastatic immature elements is excluded. Owing to the risk of recurrence and malignant transformation of GP, a long-term follow-up is necessary for patients with residual peritoneal disease.

[Alterations of mitochondrial DNA in ovarian cancer patients with and without chemotherapy].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the alterations of mitochondrial DNA in ovarian cancer patients with and without chemotherapy. METHODS: Tumor tissues and their adjacent normal tissues of 9 ovarian cancer patients with chemotherapy and 7 ovarian cancer patients without chemotherapy were collected respectively from November 2002 to August 2003 in Peking Union Medical College Hospital. The complete mitochondrial DNAs were sequenced and the results were compared with the data in Genbank. RESULTS: A total of 69 novel polymorphisms and 17 mutations were detected. The mean polymorphisms in patients without chemotherapy were 2.7, whereas those with chemotherapy were 5.6. There was significant difference between them (P = 0.01). In the coding area, the proportion of amino acid changes accounted for 21% and 32% in the two groups induced by polymorphisms. The mutation rates were 5/7 and 5/9 in the two groups respectively and the amino acid changes were 3/4 and 5/5. CONCLUSIONS: There are more polymorphisms which do not alter the amino acids accordingly in ovarian cancer patients with chemotherapy compared with patients without chemotherapy. Meanwhile, the amount of mutations does not enhance in these patients. It indicates that mitochondrial DNA mutation may be a unique characteristic of tumors.

[Significance of serum/cerebrospinal fluid human chorionic gonadotropin ratio and prophylactic intrathecal therapy in patients with brain metastases of gestational trophoblast tumor].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of serum/cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) ratio of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in detecting brain metastases of gestational trophoblast tumor and the significance of prophylactic intrathecal therapy. METHODS: Clinical information of 44 patients with brain metastases (stage IV) and 29 patients with lung metastases (stage III) of gestational trophoblast tumor who were admitted to our hospital between 1986 to 2001 were retrospectively analyzed by case control study. The variability of the ratio and the relationship between brain metastases was investigated, together with the effect of prophylactic intrathecal therapy. RESULTS: Serum/CSF hCG ratio in patients with brain metastases declined with time. The ratio before chemotherapy was in relevant with the size of the lesion which were less than 60 in advanced stages and more than 60 in early stages. Patients of stage III with prophylactic intrathecal therapy did not progress to stage IV. CONCLUSIONS: Serum/CSF hCG ratio before chemotherapy could reflect the encephalic tumor load which had reference value in diagnosis and prognosis and prophylactic intrathecal therapy played an important role in preventing brain metastasis.

[Mutations in the D-loop region of mitochondrial DNA in ovarian tumors].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate mutations in the D-loop region of mitochondrial DNA in ovarian tumors. METHODS: The D-loop region of 25 epithelial ovarian tumors together with the adjacent normal tissues were amplified by PCR and sequenced. RESULTS: Among the 25 ovarian tumors, 26 mutations were identified with the mutation rate of 32%. 19 mutations were detected in two cases of borderline carcinoma which was a special type of epithelial ovarian carcinoma. There were 6 microsatellite instabilities among the mutations and 11 new polymorphisms which were not reported previously in the GenBank. CONCLUSIONS: The D-loop region of mitochondrial DNA is a highly polymorphoric and mutable region and the mutation rate is relatively high in patients with ovarian tumors.

Evaluating the feasibility and safety of vaginal myomectomy in China.

BACKGROUND: Classically, myomectomy has been performed via laparotomy, but laparoscopic myomectomy has now become a valuable treatment option. Vaginal myomectomy as a minimal invasive procedure has also been evaluated; however, its feasibility and safety are controversial with few clinical trials published. This study was designed to evaluate the feasibility of vaginal myomectomy in China and to document any associated complications. METHODS: From January 2005 to December 2010, 43 patients with symptomatic myomas were admitted for vaginal myomectomy in Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH). The indications, operative performance, postoperative complications and outcome of these patients were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: Myomectomy was performed vaginally in all patients. The mean operating time was (66.4 ± 22.6) minutes and the mean operative blood loss and hospital stay were (78.3 ± 64.4) ml and (4.9 ± 3.3) days, respectively. Five (12%) patients developed febrile morbidity and experienced a high postoperative temperature (mean 38.4°C). Postoperative fever was associated with greater operative trauma, longer operative time and greater weight of the tumor (all P < 0.01). The cost of surgery was RMB (820.6 ± 339.1) Yuan ((124.3 ± 51.4) US dollars) and the total medical cost was RMB (4880.4 ± 1088.4) Yuan ((739.5 ± 164.9) US dollars). Three patients later conceived spontaneously and had uneventful vaginal deliveries. Only one patient had a tumor recurrence during the following-up period. CONCLUSION: Vaginal myomectomy is a feasible and safe surgical procedure with low recurrence and complication rates.