Endometriosis fertility index predicts pregnancy in women operated on for moderate and severe symptomatic endometriosis.

Endometriosis Fertility Index (EFI) is a clinical staging system created to predict spontaneous pregnancy outcomes in patients with endometriosis. The present study aimed at evaluating the performance of EFI in symptomatic patients, submitted to laparoscopy for moderate and severe endometriosis associated to infertility in a Brazilian population. Seventy-seven women with endometriosis and pelvic pain, who desired to become pregnant, were selected from a tertiary care unit between those operated on between May 2007 and March 2017. All of them were submitted to laparoscopy for the surgical treatment of endometriosis and allowed to attempt natural conception for 36 months or immediately referred to in vitro fertilization (IVF). EFI was calculated according to surgical description and clinical information in medical records. Pregnancy rates and live birth rates after natural conception or IVF are reported and correlated to EFI. Fifty-three women tried natural conception and 24 were referred to IVF. Of the 53 who tried natural conception, 29 achieved pregnancy (54.7%) and 28 had live birth (52.8%). The majority of pregnancies (82.7%) occurred in the first 12 months after surgery and 75% of the patients who became spontaneously pregnant had EFI ≥ 7. Of the 24 patients referred to IVF, 13 became pregnant (54.1%) and 10 had live birth (41.7%). Infertility duration of 36 months or more and the presence of endometrioma increased the probability of having EFI ≤ 5. The overall live birth rate (LBR) for patients with low EFI scores (2-4) was 17% compared with 83.8% for those with higher EFI scores (6-9). EFI predicts pregnancy rates in patients operated on for moderate and severe endometriosis. Scores seem also to predict pregnancy rates after IVF.

Using social media to educate women and healthcare providers on endometriosis: preliminary results.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the performance of our Facebook fan page and compare it to similar pages. METHODS: The authors reviewed page-specific metrics provided by Facebook, including number of fans, their age and sex, and country of origin; number of views, likes, and shares tied to our posts. A search for similar fan pages using keyword "endometriosis" found pages in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. They were analyzed for country of origin, authors, number of fans and posts, and were compared to our page. RESULTS: Our fan page went online on April 2016 and 127 posts have been published up to December 2017. Most of its 1746 fans (89% women; 11% men) were Brazilians (n=1677). Our audience comprised primarily women aged 25-34 (39%) and 35-44 (30%) years. The most viewed posts discussed thrombosis and oral contraceptives (n =11078); continuous use of oral contraceptives (n=6448); deep endometriosis (n=4425); intrauterine levonorgestrel system (n=4045); IVF and endometriosis (n=2885); and endometriosis and cancer (n=2431). Our search found 399 Facebook pages from 44 different countries. The United States (n=81), Brazil (n=49), and the United Kingdom (n=46) topped the list of countries hosting pages, while most of the fan pages were written in English. The majority of the pages were active and 20% claimed they were based on science. Physicians administered four of the 10 most popular pages. Page heterogeneity prevented comparisons between them. CONCLUSION: Men and women have visited our Facebook fan page to obtain information on endometriosis. The pages found in our search were exceedingly heterogeneous and were not compared. Developing pages with sound information is an important step toward educating individuals about endometriosis and helping them make informed choices on available treatments.

Study of possible association between endometriosis and phthalate and bisphenol A by biomarkers analysis.

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) such as phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA) are substances that may interfere with the actions of endogenous hormones and may be associated with estrogen-related diseases such as endometriosis. This paper describes a case-control study to evaluate the relationship between endometriosis and phthalates and BPA exposure, through biomarkers analysis in urine. The biomarkers of exposure analyzed were metabolites mono-methyl phthalate, mono-isobutyl phthalate (MiBP), mono-butyl phthalate, mono-cyclohexyl phthalate, mono-(ethylhexyl) phthalate, mono-isononyl phthalate, mono-octyl phthalate (MOP), mono-benzyl phthalate and BPA. Urine samples were collected from women aged 18-45 years old. The Study group (n = 30) and Control group (n = 22) were composed of women using as criteria confirmation of endometriosis by videolaparoscopy surgery with histological diagnosis and the absence of the disease, respectively. The analytical method used liquid phase microextraction with determination by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The concentrations of biomarkers were adjusted by the creatinine concentration in urine samples of the two groups. The values obtained for the Study Group were compared with the values obtained for the Control Group. The chi-square test and Odds Ratio were used to compare dichotomized phthalate metabolites and BPA metabolite by endometriosis. All nine metabolites were found in different concentrations in the urine samples in both groups The phthalate metabolites that had the highest concentrations, were MOP and MiBP, in which the values of 670 µg g-1 and 560 µg g-1, respectively. The relationship between endometriosis and the all grouped metabolites was evaluated, but was not statistically significant with a 95% CI [X2 (df = 1) = 1.471; p = 0.225]. However, odds ratio (95% confidence interval - CI) for MiBP, which was found at relatively high concentrations in the samples, by endometriosis was 1.929 (0.507-7.332). The food habits and gynecologic history were evaluated and no difference was found between groups. Although no evidences of causal link was found, this study contributes to show that other analysis must be done for evaluating the association between endometriosis and compounds suspected of being EDC.

Reconhecimento e diagnóstico dos sintomas cutâneos do hiperandrogenismo em mulheres: proposta do Grupo Appropriate Care for Women with Androgen Excess (AWARE)) / Recognition and diagnosis of hyperandrogenic skin symptoms in women: proposal of the Appropriate Care for Women with Androgen Excess group (AWARE))

O hiperandrogenismo representa um problema de saúde pública complexo. Essa condição pode acome- ter 1/5 das mulheres na idade reprodutiva e apresenta um impacto negativo importante na qualidade de vida. As mulheres com hiperandrogenismo podem apresentar uma combinação de diferentes sintomas e repercussões clínicas. Os sintomas cutüneos incluem a seborreia, acne, hirsutismo e aIopecia. Trata-se de uma condição desafiadora tanto para as mulheres afetadas quanto para os profissionais de saúde. A nomenclatura atribuída ao hiperandrogenismo é confusa e faltam ainda recomendações diagnósticas e terapêuticas padronizadas. O grupo Appropriate Care for Women with Androgen Excede (AWARE) foi criado com proposta de aborda os aspectos confusos e inconclusivos do hiperandrogenismo. Foram elaborados protocolos simplificados referentes ao diagnóstico e tratamento do hiperandrogenismo visando contribuir de forma mais eficaz com os médicos em seus diferentes cenários de atuação. O roteiro para o reconhecimento e abordagem dos sintomas cutâneos do hiperandrogenismo em mulheres compreende perguntas chaves e ações específicas, sinalizando para a indicação de métodos propedêuticos adicionais.(AU)

Hyperandrogenism is a complex public health problem. This condition can affect 1/5 of women in repro- ductive age and has a significant negative impact on quality of life. Women with hyperandrogenism may exhibit a combination of different symptoms and clinical repercussions. Cutaneous symptoms include seborrhea, acne, hirsutism, and alopecia. It is a challenging condition for both affected women and health professionals.The nomenclature attributed to hyperandrogenism is confusing, and standard diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations are lacking. The Appropriate Care for Women with Androgen Excess (AWARE) group was created to address the confusing and inconclusive aspects of hyperandrogenism. Simplified protocols have been developed for the diagnosis and treatment of hyperandrogenism, aiming to contribute more effectively to physicians in their different settings.The roadmap for recognizing and approaching the cutaneous symptoms of hyperandrogenism in women comprises key questions and specific actions, signaling for indication of additional propaedeutic methods.(AU)

Intestinal Perforation due to Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis during Pregnancy: Case Report.

We report the case of a 33 year-old woman who complained of severe dysmenorrhea since menarche. From 2003 to 2009, she underwent 4 laparoscopies for the treatment of pain associated with endometriosis. After all four interventions, the pain recurred despite the use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues and the insertion of a levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS). Finally, a colonoscopy performed in 2010 revealed rectosigmoid stenosis probably due to extrinsic compression. The patient was advised to get pregnant before treating the intestinal lesion. Spontaneous pregnancy occurred soon after LNG-IUS removal in 2011. In the 33rd week of pregnancy, the patient started to feel severe abdominal pain. No fever or sings of pelviperitonitis were present, but as the pain worsened, a cesarean section was performed, with the delivery of a premature healthy male, and an intestinal rupture was identified. Severe peritoneal infection and sepsis ensued. A colostomy was performed, and the patient recovered after eight days in intensive care. Three months later, the colostomy was closed, and a new LNG-IUS was inserted. The patient then came to be treated by our multidisciplinary endometriosis team. The diagnostic evaluation revealed the presence of intestinal lesions with extrinsic compression of the rectum. She then underwent a laparoscopic excision of the endometriotic lesions, including an ovarian endometrioma, adhesiolysis and segmental colectomy in 2014. She is now fully recovered and planning a new pregnancy. A transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) performed six months after surgery showed signs of pelvic adhesions, but no endometriotic lesions.

Relatamos o caso de uma mulher de 33 anos que apresentava de dismenorreia grave desde a menarca. Entre 2003 e 2009, a paciente foi submetida a quatro laparoscopias para o tratamento de dor associada à endometriose. A dor persistiu apos as 4 cirurgias apesar do uso de análogos do hormônio de liberação de gonadotropina (GnRH) e da inserção de um sistema intrauterino de levonorgestrel (SIU-LNG). Finalmente, uma colonoscopia realizada em 2010 revelou estenose rectosigmoide, provavelmente devido à compressão extrínseca. A paciente foi aconselhada a engravidar antes de tratar a lesão intestinal. A gravidez espontânea ocorreu logo após a remoção de LNG-IUS em 2011. Na 33ª semana de gestação, a paciente começou a sentir dor abdominal intensa, sem febre ou sinais de peritonite. Como a dor piorou consideravelmente, a paciente foi submetida à cesariana com nascimento prematuro de um menino saudável. Durante a cesárea foi identificado rotura intestinal com peritonite grave e sepse. Uma colostomia foi realizada, e a paciente admitida no centro de terapia intensiva por 8 dais. A colostomia foi fechada e um novo SIU-LNG inserido. A paciente passou a ser tratada pela nossa equipe multidisciplinar de endometriose. A avaliação diagnóstica revelou a presença de lesões intestinais com compressão extrínseca do reto. Foi então submetida a uma excisão laparoscópica das lesões endometrióticas, incluindo um endometrioma ovariano, adesiólise e colectomia segmentar em 2014. Ela está agora totalmente recuperada e planeja nova gravidez. Uma ultrassonografia transvaginal (TVUS) realizada seis meses após a cirurgia revelou sinais de aderências pélvicas sem lesões de endometriose.

Intestinal perforation due to deep infiltrating endometriosis during pregnancy: case report / Rotura intestinal durante a gravidez devido a endometriose profunda infiltrativa: relato de caso

Abstract We report the case of a 33 year-old woman who complained of severe dysmenorrhea since menarche. From 2003 to 2009, she underwent 4 laparoscopies for the treatment of pain associated with endometriosis. After all four interventions, the pain recurred despite the use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues and the insertion of a levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS). Finally, a colonoscopy performed in 2010 revealed rectosigmoid stenosis probably due to extrinsic compression. The patient was advised to get pregnant before treating the intestinal lesion. Spontaneous pregnancy occurred soon after LNG-IUS removal in 2011. In the 33rd week of pregnancy, the patient started to feel severe abdominal pain. No fever or sings of pelviperitonitis were present, but as the pain worsened, a cesarean section was performed, with the delivery of a premature healthy male, and an intestinal rupturewas identified. Severe peritoneal infection and sepsis ensued. A colostomy was performed, and the patient recovered after eight days in intensive care. Three months later, the colostomy was closed, and a new LNG-IUS was inserted. The patient then came to be treated by our multidisciplinary endometriosis team. The diagnostic evaluation revealed the presence of intestinal lesions with extrinsic compression of the rectum. She then underwent a laparoscopic excision of the endometriotic lesions, including an ovarian endometrioma, adhesiolysis and segmental colectomy in 2014. She is now fully recovered and planning a new pregnancy. A transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) performed six months after surgery showed signs of pelvic adhesions, but no endometriotic lesions.

Resumo Relatamos o caso de uma mulher de 33 anos que apresentava de dismenorreia grave desde a menarca. Entre 2003 e 2009, a paciente foi submetida a quatro laparoscopias para o tratamento de dor associada à endometriose. A dor persistiu apos as 4 cirurgias apesar do uso de análogos do hormônio de liberação de gonadotropina (GnRH) e da inserção de um sistema intrauterino de levonorgestrel (SIU-LNG). Finalmente, uma colonoscopia realizada em 2010 revelou estenose rectosigmoide, provavelmente devido à compressão extrínseca. A paciente foi aconselhada a engravidar antes de tratar a lesão intestinal. A gravidez espontânea ocorreu logo após a remoção de LNGIUS em 2011. Na 33ª semana de gestação, a paciente começou a sentir dor abdominal intensa, sem febre ou sinais de peritonite. Como a dor piorou consideravelmente, a paciente foi submetida à cesariana com nascimento prematuro de um menino saudável. Durante a cesárea foi identificado rotura intestinal com peritonite grave e sepse. Uma colostomia foi realizada, e a paciente admitida no centro de terapia intensiva por 8 dais. A colostomia foi fechada e um novo SIU-LNG inserido. A paciente passou a ser tratada pela nossa equipe multidisciplinar de endometriose. A avaliação diagnóstica revelou a presença de lesões intestinais com compressão extrínseca do reto. Foi então submetida a uma excisão laparoscópica das lesões endometrióticas, incluindo umendometrioma ovariano, adesiólise e colectomia segmentar em 2014. Ela está agora totalmente recuperada e planeja nova gravidez. Uma ultrassonografia transvaginal (TVUS) realizada seis meses após a cirurgia revelou sinais de aderências pélvicas sem lesões de endometriose.

To operate or not to operate on women with deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) before in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) can cause infertility and pelvic pain. There is little evidence of a clear connection between DIE and infertility, and the absolute benefits of surgery for DIE have not been established. This paper aimed to review the current literature on the effect of surgery for DIE on fertility, pregnancy, and IVF outcomes. Clinicians should bear in mind that a comprehensive clinical history is useful to identify patients at risk for endometriosis, although many women remain asymptomatic. Imaging can be useful to plan surgery. The effect of surgery on the fertility of women with DIE remains unanswered due to the heterogeneous nature of the disease and the lack of trials with enough statistical power and adequate follow-up. Surgery is not recommended when the main goal is to treat infertility or to improve IVF results. Decisions should be tailored according to the individual needs of each woman. Patients must be provided information on the potential benefits, harm, and costs of each treatment alternative, while the medical team observes factors such as presence of pelvic pain, patient age, lesion location, and previous treatments. In this scenario, management by a multidisciplinary endometriosis team is a key step to achieving successful outcomes.

Effect of letrozole in carcinogen-plus-estrogen-induced endometrial hyperplasia in mice.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of letrozole (Ltz) in carcinogen+estrogen-induced endometrial hyperplasia. METHODS: BALB/c female mice were divided into four groups of 12 animals each receiving an intrauterine dose of N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) and weekly subcutaneous injections of estradiol hexaidrobenzoate (EHB), except for group I(control). The groups were divided in I (control), II (ENU+EHB), III (ENU+EHB+MPA) and IV (ENU+EHB+Ltz). Group III also received intramuscular injections of MPA (medroxy progesterone acetate) every four weeks, while group IV received oral doses of Ltz daily. At the end of 16 weeks, the animals were sacrificed, and blood samples were collected for the measurement of serum estradiol and progesterone levels. Uterine histological sections were made to evaluate the presence of endometrial proliferative lesions. Differences between groups were evaluated with student's t test, ANOVA and chi-square test. RESULTS: Groups ENU+EHB, ENU+EHB+MPA and ENU+EHB+Ltz showed varying degrees of endometrial hyperplasia. The incidence of hyperplasia in groups ENU+EHB and ENU+EHB+Ltz was higher and more severe than in group ENU+EHB+MPA. Control group showed lower levels of serum estradiol than the other groups. CONCLUSION: There was no evidence that letrozole could act as an antiestrogenic drug in the development of endometrial proliferative lesions.

Effect of letrozole in carcinogen-plus-estrogen-induced endometrial hyperplasia in mice

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of letrozole (Ltz) in carcinogen+estrogen-induced endometrial hyperplasia. METHODS: BALB/c female mice were divided into four groups of 12 animals each receiving an intrauterine dose of N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) and weekly subcutaneous injections of estradiol hexaidrobenzoate (EHB), except for group I(control). The groups were divided in I (control), II (ENU+EHB), III (ENU+EHB+MPA) and IV (ENU+EHB+Ltz). Group III also received intramuscular injections of MPA (medroxy progesterone acetate) every four weeks, while group IV received oral doses of Ltz daily. At the end of 16 weeks, the animals were sacrificed, and blood samples were collected for the measurement of serum estradiol and progesterone levels. Uterine histological sections were made to evaluate the presence of endometrial proliferative lesions. Differences between groups were evaluated with student's t test, ANOVA and chi-square test. RESULTS: Groups ENU+EHB, ENU+EHB+MPA and ENU+EHB+Ltz showed varying degrees of endometrial hyperplasia. The incidence of hyperplasia in groups ENU+EHB and ENU+EHB+Ltz was higher and more severe than in group ENU+EHB+MPA. Control group showed lower levels of serum estradiol than the other groups. CONCLUSION: There was no evidence that letrozole could act as an antiestrogenic drug in the development of endometrial proliferative lesions.

Fertility-preservation in endometrial cancer: is it safe? Review of the literature.

Almost 5% of women with endometrial cancer are under age 40, and they often have well-differentiated endometrioid estrogen-dependent tumors. Cancer survival rates have improved over the last decades so strategies to avoid or reduce the reproductive damage caused by oncologic treatment are needed. We reviewed the published literature to find evidence to answer the following questions: How should we manage women in reproductive age with endometrial cancer? How safe is fertility preservation in endometrial cancer? Can pregnancy influence endometrial cancer recurrence? What are the fertility sparing options available? Progestins may be prescribed after careful evaluation and counseling. Suitable patients should be selected using imaging methods and endometrial sampling since surgical staging will not be performed. Conservative treatment should only be offered to patients with grade 1 well-differentiated tumors, absence of lymph vascular space invasion, no evidence of myometrial invasion, metastatic disease or suspicious adnexal masses, and expression of progesterone receptors in the endometrium. The presence of co-existing ovarian metastatic of synchronous cancer should be investigated and ruled out before the decision to preserve the ovaries. The availability of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) has made it possible for women with endometrial cancer to give birth to a child without compromising their prognoses. Gamete, embryo or ovarian tissue cryopreservation techniques can be employed, although the latter remains experimental. Unfortunately, fertility preservation is rarely considered. Current recommendations for conservative management are based on the overall favorable prognosis of grade 1 minimally invasive tumors. Selected patients with endometrial cancer may be candidates to a safe fertility-preserving management.

Tratamento do sangramento uterino anormal: uma análise sob a perspectiva dos custos no Sistema Único de Saúde e da medicina suplementar / Treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding: an analysis from the perspective of costs in the public health system and supplementary medicine

Objetivos: Comparar os custos diretos e indiretos do sistema intra‐uterino de liberação de levonorgestrel (SIU‐LNG), ablação endometrial com balão térmico (AEBT) e histerectomia no tratamento de mulheres com sangramento uterino anormal (SUA). Métodos: Foram avaliadas retrospectivamente 88 pacientes tratadas para SUA pelo SIU‐LNG (n = 30), AEBT (n = 28) e histerectomia (n = 30). Foram considerados todos os procedimentos, consultas e exames envolvidos no tratamento das pacientes por um período de 5 anos, assim como os custos resultantes das falhas dos tratamentos utilizados. Foram estimados os custos pelo Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) e sistema de saúde suplementar. As diferenças entre os grupos foram avaliadas pelo teste do t de Student ou ANOVA. Resultados:O custo do tratamento do SUA com AEBT foi significante mais elevado em comparação ao SIU‐LNG e histerectomia após um e cinco anos de seguimento, tanto no SUS quanto na medicina suplementar (p < 0,001). No SUS, o tratamento com o SIU‐LNG foi de 38,2% dos custos da histerectomia no primeiro ano (R$ 769,61 vs. R$ 2.012,21, p < 0,001) e de 45,2% após cinco anos (R$ 927,83 vs. R$ 2.052,21, p < 0,001). Na saúde suplementar essa diferença foi ainda mais expressiva. Nesse contexto, o custo do SIU‐LNG foi de 29,1% dos custos da histerectomia no primeiro ano (R$ 1.551,92 vs. R$5.324,74, p < 0,001) e de 37,4% após cinco anos (R$ 2.069,35 vs. R$ 5.538,74, p < 0,001). Conclusões: O uso do SIU‐LNG resulta em custos diretos e indiretos menores do que a AEBT e histerectomia no tratamento do SUA. A custo‐efetividade do SIU‐LNG aliado à reversibilidade e por ser um procedimento ambulatorial reforçam o seu papel no tratamento de mulheres com SUA tanto na perspectiva do SUS quanto na saúde suplementar.

Objectives: To compare direct and indirect costs of the levonorgestrel‐releasing intrauterine system (LNG‐IUS), thermal balloon endometrial ablation (TBEA) and hysterectomy in the treatment of women with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB). Methods: 88 patients treated for AUB by LNG‐IUS (n = 30), TBEA (n = 28) and hysterectomy (n = 30) were retrospectively evaluated. All procedures, medical appointments and tests involved in the treatment of patients were considered for a period of five years, as well as all costs arising from failures of the treatments used. The costs for the Unified Health System (SUS) and the private health care system were estimated. Differences between groups were evaluated by the test t of Student or ANOVA. Results: The cost of the treatment of AUB with TBEA was significantly higher versus LNG‐IUS and hysterectomy after a five‐year follow‐up in both SUS and private health care system (p <0.001). In SUS, the treatment with the LNG‐IUS represented 38.2% of the hysterectomy cost in the first year (R$ 769.61 vs. R$ 2,012.21, p <0.001) and 45.2% after five years (R$ 927.83 vs. R$ 2,052.21, p <0.001). As for the private health care system, this difference was even more significant. In this context, the cost of LNG‐IUS represented 29.1% of the hysterectomy cost in the first year (R$ 1,551.92 vs. R$ 5,324.74, p <0.001) and 37.4% after five years (R$ 2,069.35 vs. R$ 5,538.74, p <0.001). Conclusions: The use of LNG‐IUS results in lower direct and indirect costs versus TBEA and hysterectomy in the treatment of women with AUB. The cost‐effectiveness of LNG‐IUS, together with the reversibility and also by this being an outpatient procedure, highlights its role in the treatment of women with AUB, both in SUS perspective as in private health care system's.

Sangramento uterino anormal: proposta de abordagem do Grupo Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: Evidence-Based Learning for Best Practice (HELP) / Heavy menstrual bleeding: management proposal of the Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: Evidence-Based Learning for Best Practice Group (HELP)

O Sangramento Uterino Anormal (SUA) representa um problema de saúde pública complexo que pode acometer 1/3 das mulheres em todo o mundo. Apresenta um impacto negativo importante na qualidade de vida de mulheres e associa-se a elevados custos econômicos diretos e indiretos. Trata-se de uma condição desafiadora tanto para as mulheres afetadas quanto para os profissionais de saúde. A nomenclatura atribuída ao SUA é confusa e faltam ainda recomendações diagnósticas e terapêuticas padronizadas. Foi criado o grupo Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: Evidence-based Learning for Best Practice (HELP) com proposta abordar os aspectos inconclusivos do SUA. Foram avaliados 134 documentos, incluindo 121 artigos científicos e 14 revisões de medicamentos, para desenvolvimento dos protocolos HELP. Foram elaborados protocolos simplificados referentes ao diagnóstico e tratamento do SUA, visando contribuir de forma mais eficaz com os médicos em seus diferentes cenários de atuação. O roteiro diagnóstico sugerido, compreendendo perguntas chaves e ações específicas, sinaliza para indicação de métodos propedêuticos adicionais. O tratamento proposto visa reduzir a perda do sangue menstrual e melhorar de a qualidade de vida das pacientes.(AU)

Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is a complex public health problem that can affect one third of women worldwide. It has a significant negative impact on quality of life of women and is associated with high direct and indirect economic costs. It is a challenging condition for both the women affected and for the health professionals. The nomenclature assigned to the AUB is confusing and still miss diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations standardized. The Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: Evidence-based Learning for Best Practice Group (HELP) was created with the proposal to address the inconclusive aspects of AUB. The group evaluated 134 documents, including 121 scientific articles and 14 reviews of drugs for the development of protocols HELP. Simplified protocols were drawn up relating to the diagnosis and treatment of AUB, to contribute more effectively with doctors at different scenarios of operation. The script diagnostic suggested, comprising keys questions and specific actions, can indicate additional diagnostic methods. The proposed treatment aims to reduce the loss of menstrual blood and improve the quality of life of patients.(AU)

What is the role of hysteroscopic surgery in the management of female infertility? A review of the literature.

The position of hysteroscopy in current fertility practice is under debate. There are many randomized controlled trials on technical feasibility and patient compliance demonstrating that the procedure is well tolerated and effective in the treatment of intrauterine pathologies. However, no consensus on the effectiveness of hysteroscopic surgery in improving the prognosis of subfertile women is available. A literature review was performed to explore the available information regarding the role of hysteroscopy in the evaluation and management of female infertility as well as to ascertain evidence that treatment of these uterine abnormalities improves fertility. The debate regarding the role of hysteroscopic surgery in the management of female infertility remains as the published studies did not reach a consensus on the benefit of such an intervention in this setting. The randomized trials do not clearly demonstrate that surgical correction of all intrauterine abnormalities improves IVF outcome. However, published observational studies suggest a benefit for resection of submucosal leiomyomas, adhesions, and endometrial polyps in increasing pregnancy rates. More randomised controlled studies are needed to substantiate the effectiveness of the hysteroscopic removal of suspected intrauterine pathology in women with unexplained subfertility or prior to assisted reproductive technology.