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Background and Objectives: Genitourinary syndrome, previously defined as vulvovaginal atrophy, manifests with signs and symptoms deriving from estrogen diminution in the female genitourinary tract. Stable ozonides are derivatives of artemisinin found to be stable against strong basic and acidic conditions. Vitamin E is an important antioxidant diminishing the output of reactive oxygen species in the oxidation of fats and the emanation of free radicals, reducing cellular injury and aging. The primary aim of the present study was to assess the positive effects of an ozonide plus a vitamin E acetate-based compound (Ozoile) on genitourinary syndrome symptom relief after a maximum of 20 days of treatment. Materials and Methods: The inclusion criteria for patients' enrollment were women of child-bearing age or in menopause reporting genitourinary syndrome's related symptoms, such as pain, burning, a bad smell, dyspareunia, dryness, itching, bleeding, and nervousness. The exclusion criteria were Sjogren's syndrome and patients administered retinoic acid, an agent that causes mucosal dryness. Participants completed a questionnaire before and after 20 days of treatment. Results: The incidence of pain decreased from 16.7% to 11.8% (p-value < 0.0001). In addition, the mean symptom intensity decreased from 2.10 to 0.87 (p-value < 0.0001). Dryness was the most frequent pre-treatment symptom and decreased from 85.5% to 53.8% (p-value < 0.0001) (mean: 2.21 vs. 0.90; p-value < 0.0001). Conclusions: Ozoile was effective in reducing most gynecologic symptoms related to genitourinary syndrome. However, further studies are needed to compare its effect with other standards of care.
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Vitamina E , Humanos , Femenino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Adulto , Síndrome , Vitamina E/uso terapéutico , Vitamina E/administración & dosificación , Antioxidantes/uso terapéutico , Antioxidantes/administración & dosificación , Enfermedades Urogenitales Femeninas/tratamiento farmacológico , Atrofia/tratamiento farmacológico , Anciano , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Resultado del TratamientoRESUMEN
Background and Objectives: An extracellular vesicle is part of a class of submicron particles derived from cells, mediating cellular crosstalk through microRNA (miRNA). MiRNA is a group of RNA molecules, each of which consists of 15-22 nucleotides and post-transcriptionally modulates gene expression. The complementary mRNAs-onto which the miRNAs hybridize-are involved in processes such as implantation, tumor suppression, proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis that define the entire tumor microenvironment. The endometrial biopsy is a standard technique used to recognize cellular atypia, but other non-invasive markers may reduce patient discomfort during the use of invasive methods. The present study aims to examine the distribution and the regulation of the differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) and EV-derived substances in women with endometrial cancer. Materials and Methods: We systematically searched the PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and ScienceDirect databases in April 2023, adopted the string "Endometrial Neoplasms AND Exosomes", and followed the recommendations in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. We selected all the studies that included patients with endometrial cancer and that described the regulation of miRNA molecules in that context. The differences in molecule expression between patients and controls were evaluated as significant when the proteins had a fold change of ±1.5. Results: Seventeen records fulfilled the inclusion criteria: a total of 371 patients and 273 controls were analyzed. The upregulated molecules that had the widest delta between endometrial cancer patients and controls-relative expression ≥ 1 > 3 log2(ratio)-were miR-20b-5p, miR-204-5p, miR-15a-5p, and miR-320a. In particular, miR-20b-5p and miR-204-5p were extracted from both serum and endometrial specimens, whereas miR-15a-5p was only isolated from plasma, and miR-320a was only extracted from the endometrial specimens. In parallel, the most downregulated miRNA in the endometrial cancer patients compared to the healthy subjects was miR-320a, which was found in the endometrial specimens. Conclusions: Although their epigenetic regulation remains unknown, these upregulated molecules derived from EVs are feasible markers for the early detection of endometrial cancer. The modulation of these miRNA molecules should be assessed during different treatments or if recurrence develops in response to a targeted treatment modality.
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Neoplasias Endometriales , MicroARNs , Femenino , Humanos , Implantación del Embrión , Neoplasias Endometriales/genética , Neoplasias Endometriales/terapia , Endometrio/patología , Epigénesis Genética , MicroARNs/genética , Microambiente TumoralRESUMEN
Background and Objectives: The role and the levels of ghrelin in diabetes-induced retinal damage have not yet been explored. The present study aimed to measure the serum levels of total ghrelin (TG), and its acylated (AG) and des-acylated (DAG) forms in patients with the two stages of diabetic retinopathy (DR), non-proliferative (NPDR) and proliferative (PDR). Moreover, the correlation between serum ghrelin and neutrophil elastase (NE) levels was investigated. Materials and Methods: The serum markers were determined via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays in 12 non-diabetic subjects (CTRL), 15 diabetic patients without DR (Diabetic), 15 patients with NPDR, and 15 patients with PDR. Results: TG and AG serum levels were significantly decreased in Diabetic (respectively, p < 0.05 and p < 0.01 vs. CTRL), NPDR (p < 0.01 vs. Diabetic), and in PDR patients (p < 0.01 vs. NPDR). AG serum levels were inversely associated with DR abnormalities (microhemorrhages, microaneurysms, and exudates) progression (r = -0.83, p < 0.01), serum neutrophil percentage (r = -0.74, p < 0.01), and serum NE levels (r = -0.73, p < 0.01). The latter were significantly increased in the Diabetic (p < 0.05 vs. CTRL), NPDR (p < 0.01 vs. Diabetic), and PDR (p < 0.01 vs. PDR) groups. Conclusions: The two DR stages were characterized by decreased AG and increased NE levels. In particular, serum AG levels were lower in PDR compared to NPDR patients, and serum NE levels were higher in the PDR vs. the NPDR group. Together with the greater presence of retinal abnormalities, this could underline a distinctive role of AG in PDR compared to NPDR.
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Diabetes Mellitus , Retinopatía Diabética , Humanos , Elastasa de Leucocito , Ghrelina , Ensayo de Inmunoadsorción Enzimática , Exudados y TransudadosRESUMEN
Background and Objectives: Available evidence reports the overexpression of ß1 integrin in dysplastic rather than normal cervical tissue. We aimed to evaluate the involvement of ß1 (CD29) integrin in the progressive pathogenesis of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). Materials and Methods: From January 2019 to December 2021, we prospectively enrolled women undergoing a colposcopy with a cervical biopsy for abnormal cervical cytology and/or undefined cytology with a positive HPV DNA test and women with relapsing cervical inflammatory disorders. Based on the histopathological results, women were divided into four groups: group A (CIN1), group B (CIN2), group C (CIN3), and group D (no CIN diagnosis) as a control group. Subsequently, cytofluorimetry and immunohistochemical analysis (based on the identified positive cell ratios as follows: ≤10%, negative; 10-25%, 1+ (weak); 25-50%, 2+ (medium); ≥50%, and 3+ (high)) for ß1 integrin were carried out. Results: In total, 154 women were included. The average fluorescence intensity in the four groups was 2.35 ± 1.37, 2.73 ± 1.56, 3.09 ± 1.56, and 2.13 ± 1.25 UA from groups A to D, respectively; this figure was significantly different for CIN3 (group C) women relative to the other groups (p = 0.0132). Higher ß1 integrin/CD29 concentrations in the CIN groups with HR-HPV 16 and 18 were also detected (p = 0.0292, 0.0367, and 0.0357 respectively for CIN3, CIN2, and CIN1). Immunohistochemistry analysis showed higher results for the CIN3 group compared to controls and all the other groups (p < 0.001). Conclusions: ß1/CD29 integrin expression increased with CIN grade, and it was significantly higher in CIN3 lesions. This could be used as a promising screening tool to identify women prone to developing high-grade cervical lesions. However, additional evidence is needed to strengthen these findings.
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Carcinoma , Infecciones por Papillomavirus , Displasia del Cuello del Útero , Neoplasias del Cuello Uterino , Femenino , Humanos , Integrina beta1 , Infecciones por Papillomavirus/complicaciones , Pronóstico , Recurrencia Local de Neoplasia , Neoplasias del Cuello Uterino/patologíaRESUMEN
Background and Objectives: The most common sites of implantation of endometriotic tissue are the ovaries. Endometriomas are present in most cases of endometriosis (up to 45%). Although laparoscopic cystectomy is the standard of care in endometrioma, new strategies have been set up to minimize iatrogenic injuries to ovarian tissue. Sclerotherapy consists of injecting alcohol into the endometrioma to denature the amino acidic components of its pseudocapsule. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to compare clinical and pregnancy outcomes in surgery and sclerotherapy. Materials and Methods: Following the recommendations in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement, we systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Google Scholar, Clinical-trials.gov, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases in January 2023, adopting the string "Endometriosis and sclerotherapy". We made no limitations on the country and year of publication. We included the studies containing Success Rate (SR), Recurrence Rate (RR), Pregnancy Rate (PR) before and after the procedure. We used comparative studies for meta-analysis. Results: A total of 29 studies fulfilled inclusion criteria, 7 retrospective observational studies and 22 prospective studies. Eight comparative studies were enrolled in meta-analysis. Patients were analyzed concerning the number of recurrences and pregnancies in surgery, and compared with sclerotherapy. Four studies showed SR > 80.0%, and only two had SR < 80.0%, of which one consisted of tetracycline instillation. Only 1 study had 100% PR, the other 14 reported PR > 30.0%, whereas six had PR < 30.0%, of which one showed 0.0% PR with ethanol injection at two-thirds of the cyst fluid volume. Meta-analysis highlighted a non-significant lower incidence of recurrence in the surgery group compared to the sclerotherapy group (p = 0.87). In parallel, the surgery group showed a non-significant better PR than the sclerotherapy group (p = 0.08). Conclusions: Despite sclerotherapy having a minor incidence of postoperative complications compared to surgery, the latter is associated with a lower RR and better PR. However, those data assert the importance of a targeted therapy according to preoperative conditions and reproductive potential.
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Endometriosis , Escleroterapia , Femenino , Embarazo , Humanos , Endometriosis/terapia , Estudios Prospectivos , Estudios Retrospectivos , FertilidadRESUMEN
Background and Objectives: Signs and symptoms of vulvovaginitis, especially when recurrent, have a significant impact on a woman's quality of life. The aim of this study was to survey gynecologists about their habits regarding the treatments of the pathology and to evaluate the efficacy of a novel vaginal hydrogel composed of wheat extracts and polyhexanide aimed at reducing vulvovaginitis symptomatology. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of a national survey using 155 Italian gynecologists and a prospective, open-label, observational study were carried out in 75 outpatient clinics across Italy. Pre- and postmenopausal women with suspicion of vulvovaginitis due to at least four of the following symptoms (leucoxanthorrhea, bad odor from genitalia, vulvovaginal dryness, petechiae, burning, and pruritus) while waiting for microbiological swab analysis were included and treated with one hydrogel application every 3 days for 1 week. Primary endpoint was the complete resolution of symptomatology. Results: The pre-study survey reported that, for most clinicians, local or oral treatment (65.7% and 82.8%, respectively) with antibiotics or antifungals is used very often. Therefore, we proceeded to carry out an observational study. Overall, 615 (362 of fertile age and 253 in postmenopause) women were included in this study. At the 28th follow-up examination, complete resolution of symptomatology was achieved in 578/615 (94.1%; p < 0.001) within 12.72 ± 6.55 and 13.22 ± 6.33 days for those of fertile age and in postmenopause, respectively (p = 0.342). All of the evaluated symptoms were significantly reduced after treatment (p = 0.001) without differences according to the patient's menopausal status. A slightly significant reduction in Gardnerella Vaginalis (p = 0.040) and Candida Albicans (p = 0.049) was found after treatment. No patient reported side effects, adverse reactions, or discontinued therapy. Conclusions: This pilot study showed that a hydrogel based on Rigenase® (wheat extract) and polyhexanide could be a promising treatment for the relief of vulvovaginitis symptoms. However, these results are limited by the absence of a control group. Additional comparative and randomized controlled trials between the hydrogel and other non-antibiotic devices as well as local antibiotic therapy should be performed to increase the validity of the findings.
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Hidrogeles , Vulvovaginitis , Femenino , Humanos , Estudios Transversales , Hidrogeles/uso terapéutico , Estudios Prospectivos , Proyectos Piloto , Calidad de Vida , Vulvovaginitis/tratamiento farmacológico , Vulvovaginitis/microbiología , Antibacterianos/uso terapéuticoRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Autoimmune diseases share a significant part of their genetic background and tend to coexist in the same patient. Some studies have investigated the possible association between autoimmune thyroiditis and psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis (PsA), with conflicting results. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of autoimmune thyroiditis in psoriatic patients with (PsA) or without (PsC) joint involvement. METHODS: 208 patients with psoriasis and/or PsA were recruited. These patients were divided into two groups: psoriasis patients (without PsA) (PsC group: 100 patients; mean age of 50.1 ± 11.7 years) and subjects with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA group: 108 subjects: mean age of 39.8 ± 10.8 years). Assessment of psoriasis severity was conducted using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score. The diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis was made according to CASPAR criteria. All patients had thyroid evaluation through evaluation of thyroid function, thyroperoxidase antibodies and thyroid ultrasound examination. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was found between the prevalence of autoimmune thyroiditis in the PsA group than the PsC group (25.9 vs 9.0 %; P = 0.018) with higher trends to hypothyroidism in the PsA group compared to the PsC group (13.9% vs 2.0%, P = 0.0018). CONCLUSIONS: The higher prevalence of autoimmune thyroiditis in the PsA group may be due to an immune dysfunction pathway in patients with psoriatic arthritis with a higher risk to develop other autoimmune diseases. This evidence confirms that psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune disease with an overactive immune system that can involve multiple organs. Thyroid function evaluation should be part of the clinical and laboratory examination of patients with psoriatic arthritis.
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Artritis Psoriásica/complicaciones , Psoriasis/complicaciones , Tiroiditis Autoinmune/complicaciones , Adulto , Femenino , Humanos , Hipertiroidismo/complicaciones , Hipotiroidismo/complicaciones , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Estudios Prospectivos , Índice de Severidad de la Enfermedad , Tirotropina/sangre , Triyodotironina/sangreRESUMEN
Oral minoxidil (OM) has been reported to be effective for androgenetic alopecia (AGA). In this retrospective study, we share our experience of using OM for >24 weeks in 12 patients with female AGA (Ludwig scale I-3-III). Twelve women (aged 18-66 years; mean age 36.66 ± 18.79 years) with AGA (Ludwig scale I-3-III) were recruited. The starting dose of minoxidil was 0.50 mg daily; at 3 months, the dose was increased to 1.50 to 2 mg daily. Efficacy outcome measures were evaluated at baseline and after 24 weeks and included global clinical photography, quantitative digital videotrichoscopic assessment and quality-of-life evaluation. An overall improvement of 38% and 23% in hair density in the frontal and vertex area, respectively, was observed after 24 weeks. The quantitative digital videotrichoscopic evaluation highlighted a statistically significant improvement in the frontal area of the total average hair density and of the total number of hairs per unit area at 24 weeks (131.47 ± 36.11 vs 181.40 ± 57.38; P = .025 and 118.72 ± 32.61 vs 163.81 ± 51.82; P = .025, respectively). In conclusion, OM was effective and had an acceptable safety profile in treating female AGA. The low number of patients and retrospective design of this study are limitations.
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Alopecia , Minoxidil , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Alopecia/diagnóstico , Alopecia/tratamiento farmacológico , Método Doble Ciego , Femenino , Cabello , Humanos , Persona de Mediana Edad , Minoxidil/efectos adversos , Estudios Retrospectivos , Resultado del Tratamiento , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: Acne is a common skin disease with important psychosocial impact. Often inadequate compliance affects the efficacy of the therapy. Because of emerging use of mobile and electronic health technology, the recent literature evaluated the helpfulness of the tools in medication adherence. The first goal of our study was to evaluate the adherence to therapy with topical adapalene 0.3%/benzoyl peroxide (A-BPO) 2.5% in different groups of patients who received explicative information supported by different strategies. The second goal was to evaluate the patient's quality of life and skin parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We enrolled 126 subjects with mild to severe acne vulgaris. They were randomized into 3 groups of 42 patients each and applied daily topical A-BPO (0.3%, 2.5%) for 12 weeks. The first group (G1) was trained on the gel application by an explicative leaflet. The second group (G2) received the same instructions as group 1 and a daily SMS to remind them of the application of the product. The third group (G3) only received standard instructions. Evaluations were performed at the beginning of treatment (T0) and after 12 weeks (T1): assessment of acne severity using the Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) Scale for Acne Severity, quality of life by the Cardiff Acne Disability Index (CADI) and the Patient-Doctor Relationship Depth-of-Relationship Scale (PDRDS), skin pH, grade of hydration and adherence to treatment with a 7-day recall calendar were also measured. RESULTS: After 12 weeks of therapy, we observed a reduction in IGA in all groups confirming the clinical efficacy of the product. In the multiple comparison analysis of IGA score reduction, a significant difference was found in G2 versus G1 and G2 versus G3, while the G1 versus G3 comparison was not statistically significant. However, the leaflet group (G1) showed better results compared to the no-leaflet group (G3). Supporting these data, we observed that adherence days correlated positively with the improvement of the single parameters. Moreover, we observed that SMS and leaflet groups had a greater improvement in quality of life evaluated by CADI and PDRDS scores. CONCLUSIONS: According to our data, this experimental setup based on text message service and leaflet service is inexpensive and easy to use. Physicians could consider using these items in their practice to enhance patient adherence and satisfaction as well as treatment outcome.
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Acné Vulgar/tratamiento farmacológico , Combinación Adapaleno y Peróxido de Benzoílo/administración & dosificación , Fármacos Dermatológicos/administración & dosificación , Cumplimiento de la Medicación , Folletos , Envío de Mensajes de Texto , Acné Vulgar/fisiopatología , Adolescente , Femenino , Geles , Humanos , Concentración de Iones de Hidrógeno , Masculino , Relaciones Médico-Paciente , Calidad de Vida , Índice de Severidad de la Enfermedad , Piel/fisiopatología , Agua/metabolismo , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
Because of their similar clinical presentation, discrimination between nail psoriasis and onychomycosis often is difficult. We aim to investigate the actual frequency of onychomycosis in psoriatic patients and to compare it between psoriatic and non-psoriatic patients. This retrospective study included a total of 9281 patients, referring to our Mycology Laboratory from September 2003 to May 2018. The patients are divided into two groups: PsoGroup (patients with psoriasis) and non-PsoGroup (non-psoriatic patient). Direct microscopic examination with 20% KOH and culture was carried out in both groups. In PsoGroup (711 patients, 59.50% female, 40.50% male, median age of 52.22 ± 15.01), the prevalence of onychomycosis was 49.08%. On the other hand, in non-PsoGroup (8570 patients (71.65% female, 28.35% male, median age of 48.51 ± 19.31 years), the prevalence of onychomycosis was 51.30%. There was no statistically significant difference between the prevalence of onychomycosis in PsoGroup 49.08% (349/711) compared to 51.30% (4397/8570) of non-PsoGroup (P = 0.2578). However, yeasts were significantly more prevalent in non-psoriatic than in psoriatic patients (P = 0.0144.). In our Mycological Laboratory, we observed a similar prevalence of onychomycosis in psoriatic patients and non-psoriatic patients. However, the spectrum of fungal species isolated was different from each other, with a higher prevalence of yeasts in non-PsoGroup that reflect a recent oriental trends.
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Dermatosis de la Mano/epidemiología , Uñas/microbiología , Onicomicosis/diagnóstico , Onicomicosis/epidemiología , Psoriasis/epidemiología , Adulto , Anciano , Arthrodermataceae/aislamiento & purificación , Aspergillus/aislamiento & purificación , Candida/aislamiento & purificación , Femenino , Dermatosis del Pie/diagnóstico , Dermatosis del Pie/epidemiología , Dermatosis del Pie/microbiología , Dermatosis de la Mano/diagnóstico , Dermatosis de la Mano/microbiología , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Uñas/patología , Onicomicosis/microbiología , Prevalencia , Psoriasis/microbiología , Estudios RetrospectivosRESUMEN
Background: In the last few years, there has been increasing demand for aesthetic procedures to improve the effects of skin aging. Aim: To evaluate the anti-aging efficacy, tolerability and skin changes induced by the topical products containing hyaluronic acid, N-acetyl glucosamine and gamma-amino butyric acid through instrumental techniques, clinical and subjective evaluation. Patients/Method: Twenty female enrolled applied a day and night cream after applying a serum, once week applied a mask, for 2 months. A clinical assessment of smoothness, expression wrinkles, fine wrinkles and measurements of the parameters using Reveal Imager, X-Rite, Corneometer, Dermalab, Moisture Meter EpiD were taken at day 0, 15, 30 and 60 of study period. A final assessment questionnaire was submitted. Results: The products were accepted by all the volunteers. The hydration (Corneometer: T0 49.17 vs T60 61.11, average variation 24.28%) (Moisture Meter EpiD: T0 45.73 vs T60 61.10, average variation 33.60%), elasticity (Dermalab: T0 56.06 vs T60 62.78, average variation 11.98%) and lightening of the skin (X-Rite: T0 60.23 vs T60 63.36, average variation 5.26%) improved. All changes were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The efficacy of the topical products is confirmed by subjective, clinical and instrumental assessment. This should be a routine approach in dermatologic practice.
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Técnicas Cosméticas , Cara , Glucosamina/administración & dosificación , Ácido Hialurónico/administración & dosificación , Envejecimiento de la Piel/efectos de los fármacos , Ácido gamma-Aminobutírico/administración & dosificación , Administración Cutánea , Adulto , Femenino , Humanos , Persona de Mediana Edad , Pomadas , Encuestas y CuestionariosAsunto(s)
Alopecia Areata , COVID-19 , Alopecia/diagnóstico , Alopecia/etiología , Humanos , SARS-CoV-2Asunto(s)
Artritis Reumatoide/tratamiento farmacológico , Betacoronavirus/patogenicidad , Infecciones por Coronavirus/prevención & control , Hidroxicloroquina/administración & dosificación , Pandemias/prevención & control , Neumonía Viral/prevención & control , Enfermedades de la Piel/tratamiento farmacológico , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , COVID-19 , Enfermedad Crónica/tratamiento farmacológico , Infecciones por Coronavirus/epidemiología , Infecciones por Coronavirus/virología , Femenino , Humanos , Hidroxicloroquina/efectos adversos , Italia/epidemiología , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Neumonía Viral/epidemiología , Neumonía Viral/virología , Estudios Retrospectivos , SARS-CoV-2 , Encuestas y Cuestionarios/estadística & datos numéricos , Teléfono/estadística & datos numéricos , Adulto JovenAsunto(s)
Alopecia Areata/tratamiento farmacológico , Dermatitis Alérgica por Contacto/etiología , Dermatosis Facial/etiología , Latanoprost/efectos adversos , Dermatosis del Cuero Cabelludo/etiología , Administración Cutánea , Femenino , Humanos , Persona de Mediana Edad , Minoxidil/uso terapéutico , Pruebas del ParcheRESUMEN
Treatment for pregnant women with psoriasis is limited by the lack of information typically related to clinical trials. While anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) drugs offer therapeutic benefits, their safety during pregnancy is a concern. Notably, certolizumab is comparatively safer than adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab, and golimumab according to the current recommendations. Thus, this study aimed to conduct a pharmacovigilance comparative analysis of maternal and neonatal outcomes associated with certolizumab versus other anti-TNF drugs by using data from EudraVigilance. A descriptive analysis was performed of Individual Case Safety Reports (ICSRs) associated with an anti-TNF drug and related to the pregnant patients with psoriasis from 2009 and 2023, focusing our analysis on the specific pregnancy outcomes and fetal/neonatal disorders. The most common pregnancy-related adverse event was spontaneous abortion, predominantly related to adalimumab and certolizumab. Certolizumab was also reported in cases of caesarean section, gestational diabetes, abortion, fetal death, fetal distress syndrome, pre-eclampsia, and premature separation of placenta. Generally, the findings from our study depicted a safety profile that overlapped for each anti-TNF drug, both in maternal/neonatal outcomes and other adverse events, suggesting no substantial differences between treatments. We advocate for further investigations before making concrete recommendations.
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BACKGROUND: The treatment of choice for patients with locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) is definitive concurrent radio chemotherapy which consists of external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and concurrent platinum-based chemotherapy (CCRT), with the possible addition of brachytherapy (BT). However, the benefits of adjuvant surgery after neoadjuvant treatments remain a debated issue and a still open question in the literature. This meta-analysis aims to provide an updated view on the controversial topic, focusing on comparing surgery after any adjuvant treatment and standard treatment. METHODS: Following the recommendations in the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement, the PubMed and Embase databases were systematically searched in April 2023 for early publications. No limitations on the country were applied. Only English articles were considered. The comparative studies containing data about disease-free survival (DFS) and/or overall survival (OS) were included in the meta-analysis. RESULTS: The CCRT + surgery group showed a significantly better DFS than CCRT (RR 0.69 [95% CI 0.58-0.81] p < 0.01) and a better OS (RR 0.70 [95% CI 0.55-0.89] p < 0.01). Nine studies comparing neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) plus surgery and CCRT were also enrolled. The NACT + surgery group showed a significantly better DFS than CCRT (RR 0.66 [95% CI 0.45-0.97] p < 0.01) and a better OS (RR 0.56 [95% CI 0.38-0.83] p < 0.01). In the sub-analysis of three randomized control trials, the surgery group documented a non-significantly better DFS and OS than CCRT (OR 1.10 [95% CI 0.67-1.80] p = 0.72; I2 = 69% p = 0.72; OR 1.09 [95% CI 0.63-1.91] p = 0.75; I2 = 13% p = 0.32). CONCLUSION: The results provide updated findings about the efficacy of neoadjuvant treatments, indicating significantly improved DFS and OS in patients undergoing hysterectomy after CCRT or NACT compared with patients undergoing standard treatments.
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BACKGROUND: Abdominoplasty is a critical aesthetic and functional procedure for individuals who have undergone massive weight loss. Numerous techniques have been proposed to optimize aesthetic results while minimizing complications. METHODS: This prospective study examined 500 patients who underwent abdominoplasty during body-contouring procedures between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2021 at a tertiary center. The Skin-Adipose Tissue-Muscle (SAM) protocol was employed to analyze the operative strategies and complication rates and compare them with the existing literature. Furthermore, patient satisfaction and aesthetic outcomes were measured one year post-operation using a comprehensive four-point questionnaire evaluated by the patients themselves and two independent surgeons. RESULTS: Participants had an average age of 34.8 years and a mean BMI of 31.1 kg/m2. The surgeries included 328 full abdominoplasties and 172 T-inverted abdominoplasties. Notable complications included wound infection (4%), wound dehiscence (8.6%), tissue necrosis (0.6%), seroma (8.4%), and hematoma (2.6%). A higher BMI was correlated with an increased risk of complications and lower patient satisfaction. Data analysis was performed using Stata version 18 software. CONCLUSIONS: The increasing prevalence of obesity highlights an urgent need for more bariatric surgeries and subsequent abdominoplasties to mitigate the effects of massive weight loss. A crucial link between elevated BMI and a heightened risk of postoperative complications, emphasizing the necessity for standardized surgical protocols tailored to individuals with higher BMI, was noted. Innovatively, future studies must further investigate the intricate dynamics between BMI and surgical risks. Exploring and establishing uniform, adaptive surgical guidelines promise to revolutionize patient care by significantly reducing complications and enhancing recovery and satisfaction following abdominoplasty.