A systematic review and meta-analysis of thermal coagulation compared with cryotherapy to treat precancerous cervical lesions in low- and middle-income countries.

BACKGROUND: Thermal coagulation is gaining popularity for treating cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) in screening programs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) due to unavailability of cryotherapy. OBJECTIVES: Assess the effectiveness of thermal coagulation for treatment of CIN lesions compared with cryotherapy, with a focus on LMICs. SEARCH STRATEGY: Papers were identified from previous reviews and electronic literature search in February 2018 with publication date after 2010. SELECTION CRITERIA: Publications with original data evaluating cryotherapy or thermal coagulation with proportion of cure as outcome, assessed by colposcopy, biopsy, cytology, and/or visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA), and minimum 6 months follow-up. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Pooled proportions of cure are presented stratified per treatment modality, type of lesion, and region. MAIN RESULTS: Pooled cure proportions for cryotherapy and thermal coagulation, respectively, were 93.8% (95% CI, 88.5-97.7) and 91.4% (95% CI, 84.9-96.4) for CIN 1; 82.6% (95% CI, 77.4-87.3) and 91.6% (95% CI, 88.2-94.5) for CIN 2-3; and 92.8% (95% CI, 85.6-97.7) and 90.1% (95% CI, 87.0-92.8) for VIA-positive lesions. For thermal coagulation of CIN 2-3 lesions in LMICs 82.4% (95% CI, 75.4-88.6). CONCLUSIONS: Both cryotherapy and thermal coagulation are effective treatment modalities for CIN lesions in LMICs.

Urinating standing versus sitting: position is of influence in men with prostate enlargement. A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: It is suggested that the body posture during urination can influence urodynamic parameters in patients with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) to an extent approaching pharmacological interventions. In this article, the influence of body position during micturition on maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), voiding time (TQ) and post-void residual volume (PVR) in healthy males and patients with LUTS is analyzed by means of a systematic review and meta-analysis. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A systematic search was conducted in 14 medical databases. Studies comparing urodynamic parameters in standing versus sitting position were eligible for inclusion. Studies were stratified according to health status of included male participants: healthy individuals and patients with LUTS. Standardized mean differences for Qmax, TQ and PVR were pooled in a random effects model. RESULTS: Eleven articles were included. In men with LUTS, a significantly lower PVR (-24.96 ml; 95%CI -48.70 to -1.23) was shown in sitting position compared to standing. In accordance, Qmax was increased (1.23 ml/s; 95%CI -1.02 to 3.48), and TQ was decreased (-0.62 s; 95%CI -1.66 to 0.42) in sitting position, although these differences did not reach statistical significance. In healthy men, Qmax (0.18 ml/s; 95% CI -1.67 to 2.02), TQ (0.49 s; 95%CI -3.30 to 4.27) and PVR (0.43 ml; 95%CI -0.79 to 1,65) were similar in sitting and standing position. CONCLUSION: For healthy men, no difference is found in any of the urodynamic parameters. In patients with LUTS, the sitting position is linked with an improved urodynamic profile.