The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Depression and Sexual Function: Are Pregnant Women Affected More Adversely? / O impacto da pandemia de COVID-19 na depressão e na função sexual: as mulheres grávidas são afetadas de forma mais adversa?

Abstract Objective To investigate depression and sexual function among pregnant and nonpregnant women throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A total of 188 women, 96 pregnant and 92 non-pregnant were included. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX) were applied to the participants after obtaining sociodemographic data. Results The depression scores of pregnant and non-pregnant women were similar (p = 0.846). We found that the depression scores were significantly higher among the group of participants who have lower economic status (p = 0.046). Moreover, the depression score was significantly higher among women who lost their income during the pandemic (p = 0.027). The score on the ASEX was significantly higher, and sexual dysfunction was more prevalent among women who have lower levels of schooling and income (p < 0.05). Likewise, the ASEX scores were significantly higher (p = 0.019) among the group who experienced greater income loss throughout the pandemic. Upon comparing the pregnant and non-pregnant groups, we detected that sexual dysfunction had a significantly higher rate among pregnant women (p < 0.001). Conclusion In times of global crisis, such as the current pandemic, low-income families have an increased risk of experiencing depression and sexual dysfunction. When we compared pregnant women with non-pregnant women, depression scores were similar, but pregnant women were at a 6.2 times higher risk of developing sexual dysfunction.

Resumo Objetivo Investigar a depressão e as funções sexuais de mulheres grávidas e não grávidas durante a pandemia de Covid-19. Métodos Um total de 188 mulheres, 96 grávidas e 92 não grávidas, foram incluídas. O Inventário de Depressão de Beck (Beck Depression Inventory, BDI, em inglês) e a Escala de Experiências Sexuais do Arizona (Arizona Sexual Experience Scale, ASEX, em inglês) foram aplicados aos participantes após a obtenção dos dados sociodemográficos. Resultados As pontuações de depressão de mulheres grávidas e não grávidas foram semelhantes (p = 0,846). Verificou-se que as pontuações de depressão foram significativamente maiores no grupo de participantes de menor nível econômico (p = 0,046). Além disso, a pontuação de depressão foi significativamente maior em mulheres que perderam sua renda durante a pandemia (p = 0,027). A pontuação na ASEX foi significativamente maior, e a disfunção sexual foi mais prevalente em pessoas com menores escolaridade e nível de renda (p < 0,05). Da mesma forma, as pontuações na ASEX foram significativamente mais altas (p = 0,019) no grupo que experimentou maior perda de renda durante a pandemia. Ao comparar os grupos de gestantes e não gestantes, detectou-se que a disfunção sexual apresentava índice significativamente Conclusão Em tempos de crise global, como a atual pandemia, famílias de baixa renda têm um risco maior de sofrer depressão e disfunção sexual. Quando comparamos mulheres grávidas e mulheres não grávidas, as pontuações de depressão foram semelhantes, mas as mulheres grávidas apresentaram um risco 6,2 vezes maior de desenvolver disfunção sexual.

Comparison of laboratory and radiological findings of pregnant and non-pregnant women with covid-19

Abstract Objective Covid-19 became a pandemic, and researchers have not been able to establish a treatment algorithm. The pregnant population is also another concern for health care professionals. There are physiological changes related to pregnancy that result in different laboratory levels, radiological findings and disease progression. The goal of the present article is to determine whether the laboratory results and radiological findings were different in non-pregnant women (NPWs) of reproductive age and pregnant women (PWs) diagnosed with the Covid-19 infection. Methods Out of 34 patients, 15 (44.11%) PWs and 19 (55.8%) NPWs were included in the study. Age, comorbidities, complaints, vitals, respiratory rates, computed tomography (CT) findings and stages, as well as laboratory parameters, were recorded from the hospital database. Results Themean age of the PWs was of 27.6 ± 0.99 years, and that of the NPWs was of 37.63 ± 2.00; when agewas compared between the groups, a statistically significant difference (p=0.001) was found. The mean systolic blood pressure of the PWs was of 116.53 ± 11.35, and that of the NPWs was of 125.53 ± 13.00, and their difference was statistically significant (p=0.05). The difference in the minimum respiratory rates of the patients was also statistically significant (p=0.05). The platelet levels observed among the PWs with Covid-19 were lower than those of the NPWs (185.40 ± 39.09 x 109/mcL and 232.00 ± 71.04 x 109/mcL respectively; p=0.05). The mean D-dimer value of the PWs was lower in comparison to that of the NPWs (p<0.05). Conclusion The laboratory findings and imaging studiesmay differ between pregnant and non-pregnant populations. It is important to properly interpret these studies. Future studies with a higher number of patients are required to confirm these preliminary data.

Binary grading may be more appropriate for endometrial cancer

Objective: To elucidate the survival consequences of the prognostic factors for endometrial cancer. Material and Methods: This was a retrospective study of 276 patients diagnosed with endometrial cancer who admitted for staging surgery. The extent of the surgery was determined by clinical staging and preoperative evaluation. The pathology specimens were reassessed by a gynecopathologist. Independent risk factors were revealed for the progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) utilizing Kaplan-Meier and "Cox" proportional analysis. Results: The median follow up of the patients was 50 months. Of the 29 patients who died, 15 (5.43%) died because of endometrial cancer. Multivariate analysis revealed that independent risk factors for OS and PFS were stage (p=0.002, 0.002, respectively) and grade 3 (G3) histology (p=0.013, 0.015, respectively). Positive peritoneal cytology was an independent risk factor for OS (p=0.024), but not for PFS (p=0.050). Stage (p=0.005) was found to be the only independent risk factor for DSS. Patients with G1 and G2 histology had a similar and more favorable prognosis than patients with G3 histology. Conclusion: Advanced stage, high-grade tumor and the presence of positive peritoneal cytology were ascertained as independent prognostic factors for endometrial cancer. A binary histological grading system could be simpler and as effective as the current three grade system because grade 1 and 2 patients showed similar prognosis.

Comparison of female sexual function and sexual function of their partners between groups of pregnant and non-pregnant women.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the female sexual function index and sexual function of their partners between groups of pregnant and non-pregnant Turkish women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 321 women, including 252 healthy pregnant and 69 healthy nonpregnant women. Assessment of female sexual function index (FSFI), ARIZONA scores of their partners were compared in relation to some of the sociodemographic characteristics and pregnancy trimesters. RESULTS: Comparison of the groups revealed a significantly higher FSFI score in the non-pregnant group whereas the ARIZONA score was significantly higher in the pregnant group (p < 0.001). Age, gravidity, parity and smoking rate adjusted mean differences of scores remained statistically significant (p < 0.001). Higher ARIZONA (> 11) score rate was significantly higher in pregnant groups (55.6% vs 23.2%, p < 0.001). Pregnancy was a risk factor for high ARIZONA score [OR: 4.1 (95% CI 2.2-7.6, p < 0.001)]. Lower FSFI score rate was significantly higher in the pregnant group (26.4% vs 69.4%, p < 0.001). Pregnancy was a risk factor for low FSFI score [OR: 6.4 (95% CI 3.5-11.7, p < 0.001)]. CONCLUSIONS: Both female sexual function index and ARIZONA scores of their partners were found to be significantly different between groups of pregnant and nonpregnant Turkish women which indicated altered sexual function of couples during pregnancy.

Effect of Adjuvant Therapy on Oncologic Outcomes of Surgically Confirmed Stage I Uterine Carcinosarcoma: a Turkish Gynecologic Oncology Study

Background: Uterine carcinosarcoma is rare neoplasm that mostly presents as metastatic disease. Stage is one of the most important prognostic factor, however, the management of the early stage uterine carcinosarcoma is still controversial. Aims: To evaluate prognostic factors, treatment options, and survival outcomes in patients with surgically approved stage I uterine carcinosarcoma. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Data of 278 patients with uterine carcinosarcoma obtained from four gynecologic oncology centers were reviewed, and 70 patients with approved stage I uterine carcinosarcoma after comprehensive staging surgery were studied. Results: The median age of the entire cohort was 65 years (range; 39-82). All patients underwent both pelvic and paraaortic lymphadenectomy. Forty-one patients received adjuvant therapy. The median follow-up time was 24 months (range; 1-129). Nineteen (27.1%) patients had disease failure. The 3-year disease-free survival and cancer-specific survival of the entire cohort was 67% and 86%, respectively. In the univariate analysis, only age was significantly associated with disease-free survival (p=0.022). There was no statistical significance for disease-free survival between observation and receiving any type of adjuvant therapy following staging surgery. Advanced age (<75 vs ≥75 years) was the only independent prognostic factor for recurrence (hazard ratio: 3.8, 95% CI=1.10-13.14, p=0.035) in multivariate analysis. None of the factors were significantly associated with cancer-specific survival. Conclusion: Advanced age was the only independent factor for disease-free survival in stage I uterine carcinosarcoma. Performing any adjuvant therapy following comprehensive lymphadenectomy was not related to the improved survival of the stage I disease.

Cervix human papilloma virus positivity: Does it cause sexual dysfunction?

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether testing positive for human papilloma virus (HPV) in cervical screening has an impact on female sexual functioning. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was designed as a single-center, prospective, descriptive-cross-sectional study and 300 women who received HPV testing in our hospital [HPV-positive (n=187) or HPV-negative (n=113)]. The Arizona Sexual Experiences (ASEX) scale and Female Sexual Functioning index (FSFI) were administered to study participants during face-to-face interviews. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between women who were HPV-positive and HPV-negative in sexual functions as assessed using the ASEX and FSFI scales (p=0.343 and p=0.604, respectively). In addition, the analyses addressing whether sexual functioning was affected by a positive test result, at diagnosis or during the follow-up (before 2 weeks, 2 weeks-1 month, 1-3 months, 3-6 months, 6 months-1 year and over 1 year) revealed no significant differences between HPV-positive and HPV-negative women in sexual functioning (p>0.05). Sexual dysfunction was less common in married women than in the ASEX scale (p=0.03), and this difference was not detected when the FSFI scale was applied. The incidence of dysfunction was more frequent in working women than in retirees (p=0.006, p=0.01). CONCLUSION: Educational attainment, socioeconomic status, age, employment status, and marital status were found to have statistically significant effects on sexual functioning. Sexual functioning was affected by neither HPV test results (positive/negative) nor time from diagnosis.

Lymph node dissection in atypical endometrial hyperplasia.

OBJECTIVE: The rate of concomitant endometrial carcinoma in patients with atypical endometrial hyperplasia is high. We aimed to investigate the role of lymphadenectomy in deciding adjuvant treatment in patients with concomitant atypical endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial carcinoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Women with atypical endometrial hyperplasia were enrolled in this retrospective study. Lymph node dissection was performed in only some patients who gave informed consent if their surgeon elected to do so, or if the intraoperative findings necessitated. The final histopathologic evaluations of surgical specimens were compared with endometrial biopsy results. RESULTS: Eighty eligible patients were evaluated. Seventy-two (90%) patients had complex hyperplasia with atypia, and 8 (10%) patients had simple hyperplasia with atypia. Hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy were performed to all patients; 37 also underwent lymph node dissection. Lymph node dissection was extended to the paraaortic region in 9 of 37 patients. The concomitant endometrial carcinoma rate was 50%. Two patients had lymph node metastasis. Among 40 cases of carcinoma, 17 had deep myometrial invasion and/or cervical or ovarian involvement or grade 2 tumors with superficial myometrial invasion on hysterectomy specimens; 27.5% of all carcinomas were stage Ib or higher. CONCLUSION: The concomitant endometrial carcinoma rate was high in patients with atypical endometrial hyperplasia. Nearly half of these patients had risk factors for extrauterine spread. Lymph node dissection might be helpful to decide adjuvant treatment.

Features of ovarian Brenner tumors: Experience of a single tertiary center.

OBJECTIVE: Brenner tumors are rare neoplasms of the ovary. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical features of Brenner tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The clinical features of 22 patients who were treated in Ankara University Faculty of Medicine Obstetrics and Gynecology Department between 2005 and 2015 were evaluated retrospectively from hospital medical records. RESULTS: The patients were aged 34 to 79 years at the time of diagnosis and the mean age was 55.1 years. Two (9.1%) patients were pre-menopausal, five (22.7%) were peri-menopausal, and 25 (68.2%) patients were postmenopausal. One patient was pregnant. Twenty of the neoplasms were benign, one was malignant, and one was both malignant and benign. There was no recurrence in the malignant cases. Six (27.2%) patients had mixed tumors consisting of Brenner tumor and another ovarian pathology. Specifically, the other component of these tumors was mucinous cystadenoma in four patients, endometriosis externa in one patient, and high-grade serous papillary cyst adenocarcinoma in one patient. CONCLUSION: Brenner tumors are usually incidental benign pathologic findings of surgical procedures in postmenopausal women. They can be found with other ovarian pathologies such as mucinous ovarian tumors and can coexist with other female genital tumors. Further studies are needed to completely understand the clinical features of Brenner tumors.

Comparison of alternative ßhCG follow-up protocols after single-dose methotrexate therapy for tubal ectopic pregnancy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the performances of five different ßhCG follow-up protocols after single-dose methotrexate therapy for tubal ectopic pregnancy (EP). METHODS: Data of patients who received single-dose methotrexate therapy for tubal EP at a university hospital between January 2011 and July 2016 were reviewed. A 'successful methotrexate treatment' was defined if the EP treated with no need for surgery. The performances of different protocols were tested by comparing with the currently used '15% ßhCG decrease between days 4 and 7' protocol. The tested follow-up protocols were '20, 25%, and any ßhCG decrease between days 0/1 and 7' and '20% and any ßhCG decrease between days 0/1 and 4'. RESULTS: Among the 96 patients evaluated, 12 (12.5%) required second dose. Totally, 91 (94.8%) patients treated successfully with no need for surgery. Four patients were operated within 4 days following the second dose. One patient who did not need second dose according to the standard follow-up protocol was operated on the 10th day due to rupture (specificity = 80%). Two protocols, namely '20% ßhCG decrease between days 0/1 and 7' and 'any ßhCG decrease between days 0/1 and 7' did not show statistically significant differences from the index protocol regarding the number of patients who should be assigned to 2nd dose. CONCLUSIONS: 'Any ßhCG decrease between days 0/1 and 7' protocol may substitute the currently used one to decide second dose methotrexate in tubal EP management. Omitting 4th day measurement seems to be more convenient and cost effective.

Nomogram with potential clinical use to predict lymph node metastasis in endometrial cancer patients diagnosed incidentally by postoperative pathological assessment.

PURPOSE: To determine the clinical and pathological risk factors for lymph node metastasis (LNM) in patients with endometrial cancer and to create a nomogram to predict LNM in patients without surgical staging. METHODS: All patients with endometrial adenocarcinoma who were treated surgically at a university based gynecologic oncology clinic between January 2011 and December 2014 were recruited. Women with endometrial adenocarcinoma who were surgically staged including lymphadenectomy were included in the study. Data regarding clinical and pathological risk factors were recorded. The histopathologic slides from the staging surgeries were re-evaluated microscopically by a gynecologic pathologist for all parameters along with lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI). RESULTS: A total of 279 patients with endometrial cancer were analyzed. Among those, 31 (11.1%) had lymph node metastasis. According to the univariate analyses, elevated CA 125 (>35 U/mL), LVSI, myometrial invasion ≥50%, grade 3 disease, non-endometrioid type, and cervical stromal involvement were significantly associated with LNM. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that LVSI, non-endometrioid type, elevated CA 125, and cervical stromal involvement increased the risk of LNM. However, myometrial invasion and grade did not significantly affect the risk of LNM. A nomogram to predict LNM was constructed using these factors (concordance index 0.92). CONCLUSIONS: LVSI is the most important predictor for LNM. The present nomogram can be useful to decide if adjuvant therapy is required for patients who undergo simple hysterectomy for a benign etiology and incidentally diagnosed with endometrial cancer by pathological evaluation.

Comparison of Histopathologic Features of Endometrial Cancer Based on Menopausal Status and Safety of Ovarian Preservation in Premenopausal Women.

The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of coexisting ovarian malignancy and to determine whether ovarian preservation is feasible in premenopausal endometrial cancer (EC) patients. The data of 251 patients with endometrioid type endometrial cancer were retrospectively reviewed. We classified patients into two groups based on menopausal status. Information regarding patient age, preoperative and intraoperative evaluations, pathology reports, and follow-up results were abstracted from medical records. Coexisting ovarian malignancy was detected in 2 (4.3%) of 46 patients in premenopausal group and in 11 (5.3%) of 205 patients in postmenopausal group. Both patients in premenopausal group with coexisting ovarian malignancy had lymph node involvement and grade 2 tumors, while 5 (45.4%) of 11 patients in postmenopausal group had lymph node involvement and 9 (81.8%) of 11 patients had grade 3 tumors. Incidence of coexisting ovarian malignancies in premenopausal women with EC should not be underestimated. Owing to that thorough preoperative evaluation and an extensive intraoperative evaluation is critical for the decision of preserving ovaries.

Preoperative 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/CT in Prediction of Uterine Risk Factors and Lymph Node Metastasis: An Analysis of 111 Endometrioid Endometrial Cancer Patients.

INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated the role of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/CT (PET/CT) in the detection of lymph node metastases and the association between uterine maximum standardized uptake values (SUVmax) and the histopathological features in endometrial cancer patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with endometrioid endometrial cancer underwent preoperative 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging and were staged surgically. 18F-FDG PET/CT findings were compared with final pathology reports. Grade 3 histology or grade 2 histology with myometrial invasion ≥50% was established as a high risk feature. RESULTS: One hundred and eleven patients were analysed. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of 18F-FDG PET/CT in the detection of lymph node metastasis in all patients (n = 111) were 67, 96, 93, 60 and 97%, respectively. In the high-risk group, sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV and NPV of 18F-FDG PET/CT were 75, 92, 91, 60 and 96%, respectively. Uterine SUVmax was found to be associated with myometrial invasion, grade and cervical stromal involvement. CONCLUSIONS: 18F-FDG PET/CT has limited sensitivity and accuracy in detecting lymph node metastasis. Therefore, as of now, it is not accepted as a modality that can replace lymphadenectomy. SUVmax values can predict high-risk factors.