Efficacy of Physiotherapy for Treating Vulvodynia: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVES: We set out to assess the efficacy of physiotherapy for vulvodynia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO, PEDro, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched in February 2023. Two authors selected and extracted the data independently. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool (Rob 2). Because of the high heterogeneity presented between the studies, it was not possible to carry out qualitative analysis. The results were presented narratively. This systematic review was registered with the PROSPERO database. RESULTS: A total of 2,274 articles were retrieved. Seven studies met the criteria and were included in a systematic review, which included a total of 477 patients. The interventions included were electromyography biofeedback ( n = 2), transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation ( n = 1), transcranial direct current stimulation ( n = 1), low-intensity shockwave ( n = 1), physiotherapy treatment ( n = 1), and pelvic floor exercise with behavioral modification ( n = 1). All studies evaluated pain reduction, 5 evaluated sexual function, and 2 evaluated quality of life. All interventions were effective for the main outcomes; only the transcranial direct current stimulation intervention showed no significant difference when compared with the placebo or sham group. Three studies presented a high risk of bias due to the lack of blinding. CONCLUSIONS: The studied interventions (electromyography biofeedback, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, shockwave, physiotherapy, and pelvic floor exercise) seem to improve pain, sexual function, and quality of life. However, the heterogeneity of the studies prevented meta-analysis. In addition, well-designed trials are needed to improve the certainty of this evidence.

Chronic Hypertrophic Herpes Simplex Infection: A 13-Year Delay.

Hypertrophic herpes is a rare and often missed diagnosis that significantly compromises quality of life.

Mobile applications for sexual encounters accessed by men who have sex with men: Information on sexually transmitted infection.

We evaluated existing mobile applications (apps) on both Android and iOS (Apple) platforms that are used by men who have sex with men (MSM) to obtain sexual encounters. The word "gay" was used to search for apps in the Apple and Google Play virtual stores. The 10 most downloaded apps were analysed concerning safe sexual practices (SSP) messages. Out of 245 apps selected, 213 were evaluated - 102 for Android and 111 for iOS. Mostly social networks were accessed by MSM of which 112 allow access to people aged 14 and over. Most of the apps could be downloaded in more than two languages. Of the 10 most downloaded and evaluated apps, 5 had no HIV/STI and SSP messages, only 3 contained HIV/STI and SSP messages, and 2 had information about one or the other. Several social networking apps are available, however, there is no information on HIV/STI in the most accessed apps.

Physical energies for the management of genitourinary syndrome of menopause: An overview of a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Energy-based devices (laser and radiofrequency) have been used to treat genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of physical energy use in managing GSM symptoms. SEARCH STRATEGY: Five databases were searched from inception to December 2022. Language restrictions were not imposed. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included all Cochrane and non-Cochrane systematic reviews with or without meta-analyses that described postmenopausal women with symptoms of GSM treated with physical energy. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We performed a network meta-analysis using frequentist methods to calculate standardized mean differences (SMDs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Methodological and reporting quality were assessed using the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR 2). MAIN RESULTS: Nine reviews were included in the overview, six of which were meta-analyses. Four randomized controlled trials, representing 218 participants and nine different study arms, met the criteria for inclusion in our component network meta-analysis. Confidence in review findings was low in six reviews and critically low in three. Our network meta-analysis results showed that premarin (SMD 2.60, 95% CI 7.76-3.43), conjugated estrogens (SMD 2.13, 95% CI 1.34-2.91), carbon dioxide laser (SMD 1.71, 95% CI 1.10-2.31), promestriene (SMD 1.41, 95% CI 0.59-2.24), and vaginal lubricant (SMD 1.37, 95% CI 0.54-2.20) were more effective than sham for reducing sexual dysfunction, with a consequent increase in Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Two studies showed a high risk of bias, owing to a lack of blinding. CONCLUSION: Several gaps in the use of physical energy for managing GSM still need to be addressed. The small number of blind clinical trials made the results fragile.

Drug therapies for obstructive sleep apnoea: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a common disorder that can affect the quality of life and increase the risk for psychiatric, neurological and cardiometabolic diseases. Despite the significant burden, it poses on health and well-being, there is a lack of evidence regarding the use of drug therapies in these patients. This work aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmacological treatment alternatives for patients with OSA. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Databases, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, SciELO, LILACS, Scopus, Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials and ClinicalTrials.gov, will be used for the search. A search strategy was developed to retrieve clinical trials that have evaluated polysomnographic primary outcome (Apnoea-Hypopnoea index) and secondary outcomes (eg, daytime sleepiness, adverse events) of any drug therapy used for OSA. No date or language restrictions will be applied. Two authors will independently select the studies meeting the inclusion criteria by screening the title, abstract and full text. Data will be extracted, and the risk of bias will be evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Review Manager V.5.4.1 will be used for data synthesis. The Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation will be used to assess the strength of the evidence. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: As a review of published data, it is not necessary to obtain ethical approval. The findings of this systematic review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42022362639.

Pharmacological treatment for obstructive sleep apnea: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Summarize the evidence on drug therapies for obstructive sleep apnea. METHODS: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO, LILACS, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched on February 17th, 2023. A search strategy retrieved randomized clinical trials comparing the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) in pharmacotherapies. Studies were selected and data was extracted by two authors independently. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. RevMan 5.4. was used for data synthesis. RESULTS: 4930 articles were obtained, 68 met inclusion criteria, and 29 studies (involving 11 drugs) were combined in a meta-analysis. Atomoxetine plus oxybutynin vs placebo in AHI mean difference of -7.71 (-10.59, -4.83) [Fixed, 95 % CI, I2 = 50 %, overall effect: Z = 5.25, p < 0.001]. Donepezil vs placebo in AHI mean difference of -8.56 (-15.78, -1.33) [Fixed, 95 % CI, I2 = 21 %, overall effect: Z = 2.32, p = 0.02]. Sodium oxybate vs placebo in AHI mean difference of -5.50 (-9.28, -1.73) [Fixed, 95 % CI, I2 = 32 %, overall effect: Z = 2.86, p = 0.004]. Trazodone vs placebo in AHI mean difference of -12.75 (-21.30, -4.19) [Fixed, 95 % CI, I2 = 0 %, overall effect: Z = 2.92, p = 0.003]. CONCLUSION: The combination of noradrenergic and antimuscarinic drugs shows promising results. Identifying endotypes may be the key to future drug therapies for obstructive sleep apnea. Moreover, studies with longer follow-up assessing the safety and sustained effects of these treatments are needed. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42022362639.

Side effects of COVID-19 vaccines in paediatric patients: a review systematic and meta-analysis protocol.

INTRODUCTION: The paediatric population represents a quarter of the world's population, and like adult patients, they have also suffered immeasurably from the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Immunisation is an effective strategy for reducing the number of COVID-19 cases. With the advancements in vaccination for younger age groups, parents or guardians have raised doubts and questions about adverse effects and the number of doses required. Therefore, systematic reviews focusing on this population are needed to consolidate evidence that can help in decision-making and clinical practice. This protocol aims to assess the safety of COVID-19 vaccines in paediatric patients and evaluate the correlation between the number of vaccine doses and side effects. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will search the PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature, Scopus and Cochrane databases for randomised and quasi-randomised clinical trials that list the adverse effects of the COVID-19 vaccine and assess its correlation with the number of doses, without any language restrictions. Two reviewers will select the studies according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, extract data and asses for risk of bias using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. The Review Software Manager (RevMan V.5.4.1) will be used to synthesise the data. We will use the Working Group's Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluations to grade the strength of the evidence of the results. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Formal ethical approval is not required as no primary data are collected. This systematic review will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed publication. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42023390077.

Music to relieve pain and anxiety in cardiac catheterization: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectiveto evaluate the effectiveness of using music to relieve pain, anxiety, and change in vital signs in adult and older adult patients undergoing cardiac catheterization.Methodsthis is a systematic review with meta-analysis carried out in October 2022, using 12 data sources, without time or language restrictions. The study followed the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. The "Risk-of-bias tool" was used to assess the risk of bias, the "R CORE Team program: A language and environment for statistical computing" was used to perform the meta-analysis, and the "Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation" was used to assess the quality of evidence in the studies. Results: a total of nine studies were included, totaling 1456 participants. The most used tools for measuring anxiety were the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and Numerical Rating Scale. This was also used to measure pain, in addition to the Visual Analogue Scale. The use of instrumental, classical and relaxing music prevailed, applied using headphones during the painful procedure, at a frequency of 60 to 100bpm and sound intensity of 60-70 dB. There was statistical significance in the use of music in reducing pain, anxiety and systolic blood pressure. Conclusion: music interventions are effective in relieving pain, reducing systolic pressure and anxiety, but indifferent in terms of heart rate, respiratory rate and diastolic pressure. They provide humanization of care, can reduce hospital costs and length of hospital stay.

Association of C677T and A1298C polymorphisms of the MTHFR gene with maternal risk for Down syndrome: A meta-analysis of case-control studies.

BACKGROUND: Several studies around the world support the hypothesis that genetic polymorphisms involved in folate metabolism could be related to the maternal risk for Down syndrome (DS). Most of them investigated the role of MTHFR C677T and/or A1298C polymorphisms as maternal risk factors for DS, but their results are often conflicting and still inconclusive. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to clarify the association of MTHFR C677T and/or A1298C polymorphisms with the maternal risk of DS. Our search strategy selected 42 eligible case control studies for a total of 4131 case mothers and 5452 control mothers. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess the methodological quality of the selected studies. To assess the confidence of statistically significant associations we applied false positive report probability test, and we performed the trial sequential analysis to minimize the type I error and random error. RESULTS: We observed significant associations between the MTHFR C677T polymorphism and maternal risk for DS for each of the genetic models investigated (dominant, recessive, codominant, and allelic contrast). Subgroup analysis by region revelated significant association in the Asian population for all the genetic models investigated. Significant associations were also found for certain genetic models in North American, South American, and Middle Eastern populations, while no association was observed in Europeans. The MTHFR A1298C polymorphism did not show any association with the maternal risk of DS, either alone or in combination with the C677T one. The results of false positive report probability to verify the confidence of a significant association suggest that the association between the MTHFR C677T polymorphism and the maternal risk for DS is noteworthy, with high confidence in Asians. CONCLUSION: The results of this meta-analysis support that the MTHFR C677T polymorphism, but not the A1298C one, is associated with the maternal risk for DS. Further studies are required to better characterize the contribution of gene-gene and gene-nutrient interactions as well as those of other regional or ethnic factors that could explain the observed different effect size in different populations.

Evaluation of Exosomal miRNA as Potential Biomarkers in Cervical Cancer.

Different studies show that small non-coding RNAs, such as microRNAs (miRNAs) obtained from exosomes, are considered potential biomarkers in several types of cancer, including cervical cancer (CC). Therefore, the present study seeks to present an overview of the role of circulating exosomal miRNAs with the potential to act as biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of CC and to analyze the presence of these miRNAs according to the stage of CC. For this purpose, a review was developed, with articles consulted from the electronic databases MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science published between 2015 and 2021. Seven articles were included after a selection of studies according to the eligibility criteria. In addition to the methods used for sample analysis, detection, and isolation of miRNAs in each article, clinical data were also extracted from the patients studied, such as the stage of cancer. After analyzing the network of the seven miRNAs, they were associated with the immune system, CC progression and staging, and cisplatin resistance. With the belief that studies on miRNAs in cervical cancer would have major clinical implications, in this review, we have attempted to summarize the current situation and potential development prospects.

Laser and radiofrequency for treating genitourinary syndrome of menopause in breast cancer survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer survivors (BCSs) experience more severe symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) than healthy postmenopausal women. As hormonal therapy with oestrogen should be avoided in BCSs, finding an effective and safe therapy to address vaginal symptoms and sexual dysfunction is urgently needed. Physical methods may be promising alternatives for the specificities of this group of women. This review aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of physical methods (laser and radiofrequency) for treating GSM in BCSs. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, SciELO, LILACS, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and ClinicalTrials.gov databases will be searched. A search strategy was developed to retrieve clinical trials that evaluate the efficacy and safety of any physical method (laser or radiofrequency) used for GSM in BCSs. No date or language restrictions will be imposed. Two authors will independently select studies by title, abstract and full text to meet the inclusion criteria. Data will be extracted, and the risk of bias will be evaluated using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool (RoB 2). Review Manager 5.4.1 will be used for data synthesis. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation will be used to assess the strength of the evidence. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study reviews the published data; thus, obtaining ethical approval is unnecessary. The findings of this systematic review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42023387680.

Microablative fractional radiofrequency for sexual dysfunction and vaginal Trophism: A randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate Microablative Fractional Radiofrequency (MAFRF) as a possible option in treating vaginal atrophy. METHODS: This was a randomized, controlled clinical trial with postmenopausal women diagnosed with vaginal atrophy. The treatment consisted of three sessions of MAFRF, compared to vaginal estrogen administration and an untreated control group. Assessments occurred at baseline and 90 days. The primary endpoints were sexual function, evaluated by the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and vaginal health, assessed by the Vaginal Health Index (VHI). Secondary outcomes included vaginal microbiota composition (Nugent score) and epithelial cell maturation (Maturation Value ‒ MV). RESULTS: One hundred and twenty women (40 in each group) were included. Concerning the FSFI, both groups, MAFRF (median 4.8 [3.6‒6.0]) and vaginal estrogen (mean 4.7 ± 1.1), experienced improved sexual desire when compared to the control group (median 3.6 [2.4‒4.8]). Regarding the total score of VHI, the authors observed an improvement in the mean of the MAFRF (23.7 ± 2.0) and vaginal estrogen groups (23.5 ± 1.9) when compared to the control (14.8 ± 2.9). The Nugent score was reduced in the MAFRF and estrogen groups (p < 0.01) compared to the control group. Lastly, the MV was modified after treatment with MAFRF (p < 0.01) and vaginal estrogen (p < 0.001). No differences existed between the MAFRF and vaginal estrogen groups in the studied variables. No adverse effects were reported following the MAFRF protocol. CONCLUSIONS: Radiofrequency was comparable in efficacy to estrogen administration for treating vulvovaginal atrophy. It deserves consideration as a viable option in managing this condition.

Maternal-fetal outcomes of women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes in pregnant women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. METHODS: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on women admitted with hypertensive disorders of pregnancies to a university maternity hospital from August 2020 to August 2022. Data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire. Variables associated with adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes were compared using multivariable binomial regression. RESULTS: Of 501 women with pregnancies, 2, 35, 14, and 49% had eclampsia, preeclampsia, chronic hypertension, and gestational hypertension, respectively. Women with preeclampsia/eclampsia had significantly higher risks of cesarean section (79.4 vs. 65%; adjusted RR, 2,139; 95%CI, 1,386-3,302; p=0.001) and preterm delivery at <34 weeks' gestation (20.5 vs. 6%; adjusted RR, 2.5; 95%CI, 1.19-5.25; p=0.01) than those of women with chronic/gestational hypertension. Risks of prolonged maternal hospitalization (43.9 vs. 27.1%), neonatal intensive care unit admission (30.7 vs. 19.8%), and perinatal mortality (23.5 vs. 11.2%) were higher among women with preeclampsia/eclampsia. CONCLUSIONS: Women with preeclampsia/eclampsia had a higher risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes than those with chronic or gestational hypertension. This major maternity care center requires strategies for preventing and managing preeclampsia/eclampsia to improve pregnancy outcomes.

Effect of Zingiber Officinale in the Management of Nausea and Vomiting Induced by Treatment With Cisplatin Associated With Radiotherapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: evaluate the efficacy of Zingiber Officinale in the management of nausea and vomiting induced by treatment with cisplatin associated with radiotherapy in patients with uterine cervical neoplasms. METHODS: a triple-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Interventions: Comparing the effects of ginger with institutional antiemetic therapy (ondansetron with dexamethasone). Patients with cervical cancer who started treatment with cisplatin with an indication of 40 mg/m² associated with radiotherapy, aged over 18 years, and with the ability to tolerate swallowing a capsule were recruited and equally allocated (1:1:1) into 3 groups of 16 patients each (the ginger capsules 250 mg group, ginger capsules 500 mg group, and placebo group). Nausea and vomiting were measured on baseline, 7 days after the first dose of medication and every seven consecutive days during a treatment break. RESULTS: The 250 mg ginger group had an 8.0% greater chance of experiencing nausea within 24 h after the chemotherapy infusion than the placebo group, although there is no statistical significance (P = .92986). The 500 mg ginger group showed a 63.9% reduction in nausea under the same conditions (P = .40460). No change was detected in the occurrence of nausea episodes during the 6 weeks (P = .8664) or between the groups (P = .2817). No change was detected in acute or late vomiting during the 6 weeks (P = .3510) or between the groups (P = .8500 and P = .5389, respectively). CONCLUSION: Ginger supplementation does not reduce the intensity of acute and late nausea and vomiting. REBEC (RBR-47yx6p9).

Image guidance for endoscopic sinus surgery in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is a current procedure for treating patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Image-guided surgery (IGS) for ESS may help reduce complications and improve precision. However, it is uncertain in which cases IGS is beneficial. This work aims to compare ESS with and without IGS in patients with CRS. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Scielo, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL, LILACS and Clinicaltrials.gov will be searched for reported clinical trials comparing the quality of life and perioperative outcomes of ESS with and without navigation. The search is planned for 20 April 2022. Three independent authors will select eligible articles and extract their data. The risk of bias will be assessed using the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. The Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation method will evaluate the strength of the evidence. Data synthesis will be performed using the Review Manager software V.5.4.1. To assess heterogeneity, I2 statistics will be computed. Additionally, meta-analysis will be performed if the included studies are sufficiently homogenous. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study reviews published data, and thus it is not necessary to obtain ethical approval. The findings of this systematic review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42020214791.

Side effects of COVID-19 vaccines: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol of randomised trials.

INTRODUCTION: SARS-CoV-2 is responsible for a large number of global COVID-19 cases. Strategies such as social isolation, personal hygiene and frequent hand washing have been implemented; however, a protective vaccine is required to achieve sufficient herd immunity to SARS-CoV-2 infection to ultimately control the COVID-19 pandemic. To meet the urgent need for a vaccine, a reduction in the development schedule has been proposed from 10-15 years to 1-2 years. For this reason, this systematic review and meta-analysis protocol aims to compare the side effects, safety and toxicity of COVID-19 vaccines available globally, including their combinations. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will select randomised controlled trial-type studies that evaluate the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine. PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, LILACS, SCOPUS, ClinicalTrials.gov, International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP), medRxiv.org, biorxiv.org, preprints.org and the Cochrane Library will be searched for eligible studies until December 2021. Three reviewers will independently screen and select studies, assess methodological quality and extract data. A meta-analysis will be performed, if possible, and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations summary of findings will be presented. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study will review published data, and thus it is unnecessary to obtain ethical approval. The findings of this systematic review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42021231101.

Efficacy of Hormonal and Nonhormonal Approaches to Vaginal Atrophy and Sexual Dysfunctions in Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of the hormonal and nonhormonal approaches to symptoms of sexual dysfunction and vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women. DATA SOURCES: We conducted a search on the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) databases, as well as on clinical trial databases. We analyzed studies published between 1996 and May 30, 2020. No language restrictions were applied. SELECTION OF STUDIES: We selected randomized clinical trials that evaluated the treatment of sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women. DATA COLLECTION: Three authors (ACAS, APFC, and JL) reviewed each article based on its title and abstract. Relevant data were subsequently taken from the full-text article. Any discrepancies during the review were resolved by consensus between all the listed authors. DATA SYNTHESIS: A total of 55 studies were included in the systematic review. The approaches tested to treat sexual dysfunction were as follows: lubricants and moisturizers (18 studies); phytoestrogens (14 studies); dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA; 8 studies); ospemifene (5 studies); vaginal testosterone (4 studies); pelvic floor muscle exercises (2 studies); oxytocin (2 studies); vaginal CO2 laser (2 studies); lidocaine (1 study); and vitamin E vaginal suppository (1 study). CONCLUSION: We identified literature that lacks coherence in terms of the proposed treatments and selected outcome measures. Despite the great diversity in treatment modalities and outcome measures, the present systematic review can shed light on potential targets for the treatment, which is deemed necessary for sexual dysfunction, assuming that most randomized trials were evaluated with a low risk of bias according to the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool. The present review is registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; CRD42018100488).

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a eficácia das abordagens hormonais e não hormonais para os sintomas de disfunção sexual e atrofia vaginal em mulheres na pós-menopausa. FONTES DE DADOS: Pesquisamos as bases de dados PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), e Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), assim como bancos de dados de ensaios clínicos. Foram analisados estudos publicados entre 1996 e 30 de maio de 2020. Nenhuma restrição de idioma foi aplicada. SELEçãO DOS ESTUDOS: Foram selecionados ensaios clínicos randomizados que avaliavam o tratamento das disfunções sexuais em mulheres na pós-menopausa. COLETA DE DADOS: Três autores (ACAS, APFC e JL), revisaram cada artigo com base em seu título e resumo. Os dados relevantes foram posteriormente retirados do texto completo do artigo. Quaisquer discrepâncias durante a revisão foram resolvidas por consenso entre todos os autores listados. SíNTESE DOS DADOS: Ao todo, 55 estudos foram incluídos na revisão sistemática. As abordagens testadas para tratar a disfunção sexual foram: lubrificantes e hidratantes (18 estudos); fitoestrogênios (14 estudos); deidroepiandrosterona (DHEA; 8 estudos); ospemifeno (5 estudos); testosterona vaginal (4 estudos); exercícios para os músculos do assoalho pélvico (2 estudos); oxitocina (2 estudos); laser de CO2 vaginal (2 estudos); lidocaína (1 estudo), e vitamina E vaginal (1 estudo). CONCLUSãO: Identificou-se falta de coerência na literatura quanto aos tratamentos propostos e medidas de resultados selecionadas. Apesar da grande diversidade de modalidades de tratamento e medidas de resultados, esta revisão sistemática pode lançar luz sobre alvos potenciais para o tratamento, que é considerado necessário para a disfunção sexual, assumindo que a maioria dos estudos randomizados foi avaliada com baixo risco de viés de acordo com a ferramenta de avaliação de risco de viés de Cochrane Collaboration. Esta revisão tem cadastro no International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; CRD42018100488).

Use of ginger to control nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy in patients with cervical cancer undergoing treatment: An experiment.

INTRODUCTION: Uterine cervix tumors have an invasive nature, with the capacity to proliferate to surrounding organs such as the vagina, bladder, and rectum, as well as the capacity for dissemination and involvement of structures distant from its place of origin. According to the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics, patients with stages IB I, IB I microscopic (small dimension <4 cm) are indicated for radiotherapy or adjuvant chemoradiotherapy with cisplatin (40 mg/m2). However, cisplatin has side effects such as hematological implications (anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia), gastrointestinal disorders (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation), and fatigue. Zingiber officinale contains bioactive compounds that act on pregnancy and postoperative nausea, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, and also in the management of fatigue, myalgia, and insomnia. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of ginger on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in patients with cervical cancer undergoing treatment with cisplatin and radiotherapy. METHODS AND ANALYSES: A randomized intervention clinical and controlled trial with a triple-blind design is described, comparing the effects of institutional antiemetic therapy alone, as well as in combination with 2 different ginger concentrations. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Due to the nature of the study, we obtained approval from the Division Ethics Committee of Liga Contra o Câncer. All participants signed an informed consent form prior to randomization. The results of this study will be published in peer-reviewed journals. The data collected will also be available in a public repository of data. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: This study is registered in the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials under number RBR-47yx6p9. This study was approved by the Division Ethics Committee of Liga Contra o Câncer under CAAE 40602320.0.0000.5293.

Microablative fractional radiofrequency for the genitourinary syndrome of menopause: protocol of randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Menopause is a physiological and progressive phenomenon secondary to decreased ovarian follicular reserve. These changes have consequences: vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, discomfort, burning and irritation, vulvovaginal pruritus, dysuria and increased frequency of genitourinary infections. The therapy more suitable for vaginal symptoms in postmenopause yet is the use of a topical hormone. However, the prescription of topical oestrogens should also be avoided in women with a history of breast cancer, oestrogen-sensitive tumours and thromboembolism, emphasising the necessity of alternative treatments. Recently, physical methods, such as laser and radiofrequency (RF), in their non-ablative, ablative and microablative forms have been used in the vaginal mucosa to promote neocolagenesis and neoelastogenesis. This randomised study aims to compare the efficiency of microablative fractional RF (MAFRF) treatment with vaginal oestrogens and no treatment. METHODS AND ANALYSES: This randomised, controlled clinical intervention trial with an open label design comparing the treatment of MAFRF with vaginal oestrogens and no treatment. Four important moments were considered to evaluate treatment results (T0, T1, T2 and T3). The primary outcome includes vulvovaginal atrophy (vaginal pain, burning, itching, dryness, dyspareunia and dysuria), and the secondary outcomes will be sexual function, vaginal health (epithelial integrity, vaginal elasticity, moisture, fluid volume and vaginal pH) and quality of life. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Due to the nature of the study, we obtained approval from the ethics committee. All participants must sign an informed consent form before randomisation. The results of this study will be published in peer-reviewed journals. The data collected will also be available in a public repository of data. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: RBR-94DX93.

Hormonal Approach for Postmenopausal Vulvovaginal Atrophy.

Menopause is a physiological and progressive phenomenon secondary to decreased ovarian follicular reserve that significantly affects the genital tract. Although postmenopausal vulvovaginal atrophy primarily affects postmenopausal women, it is also seen in premenopausal women. The hypoestrogenic condition results in hormonal and anatomical changes, with the main symptoms, are dryness, burning and genital irritation, decreased lubrication, urinary urgency, dysuria, and recurrent urinary tract infections. This review aims to update hormone therapy for urogenital atrophy, both local and systemic, and discusses the importance of understanding and the need for active treatment of this condition. The main therapeutic objective is the relief of symptoms, and hormonal therapy (HT) is still the most effective choice for treating clinical manifestations, despite the side effects of its use. HT should be used in an individualized way to the needs of the women and appropriate to the stage in which she is menopausal, perimenopausal, or after menopause.