Postmenopausal women's cognitive function and performance of virtual reality tasks.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess whether prior knowledge of computer use determines performance of virtual reality tasks by postmenopausal women and whether menopausal symptoms, sociodemographic factors, lifestyle and cognition modify or interfere with their performance. METHOD: This cross-sectional study included 152 postmenopausal women divided into two groups: computer users and non-users. Age, ethnicity, time of menopause, menopausal symptoms, female health status, level of physical activity and cognitive function were considered. The participants played a virtual reality game and were assessed for hits, errors, omissions and game time. The Mann-Whitney, chi-square and Fisher exact tests and multivariate linear regression analysis were used. RESULTS: Postmenopausal computer users play virtual reality games (p = 0.005) better than postmenopausal non-users of computers. Vasomotor symptoms were high in women who used computers compared to those who did not (p = 0.006). Multivariate linear regression analysis found that the best-fitting predictors for the number of hits - that is, age (p = 0.039), Mini-Mental State Examination score (p = 0.006) and the headache symptom (p = 0.021) - influence the performance of virtual reality tasks. CONCLUSION: Computer users performed virtual reality tasks better than non-users. Headache and age but not vasomotor symptoms negatively affected the postmenopausal women's performance.

Hormone therapy effect on menopausal systemic lupus erythematosus patients: a systematic review.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) primarily affects women, who may need hormone therapy (HT) in menopause. There is, however, some concern as to its efficacy and safety. This systematic review aimed to determine the effect of HT on the activity of SLE and its safety. The study was a qualitative systematic review. Research was conducted with data retrieved from Embase, MEDLINE and Cochrane databases using MESH terms up to April 2021, with no bar on date or language. Sixteen studies were selected for analysis. Most of them showed HT to be effective in the treatment of menopausal symptoms with no impact in SLE activity, but one randomized clinical trial showed an increase in the number of thrombotic events. The present systematic review demonstrated the efficacy of HT for treating the menopausal symptoms of SLE patients. The risk of flare and thrombosis seems to be very low.

Use of interventions involving virtual reality tasks during the climacteric: a systematic review.

Technological advances have been impacting health care worldwide. Our study aimed to research the literature systematically to determine the impact of technological treatments versus conventional treatments on the quality of life of climacteric women. The study was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021241638). We searched seven databases, including PRISMA, using mesh terms. After screening for eligibility, we selected five clinical trials, and applying the snowball technique we were able to include four more articles, totaling nine articles that used technology-based interventions (virtual reality games) during the climacteric. The total study population consisted of 298 climacteric women. Two studies evaluated a technology-based treatment for pelvic floor, one for urinary incontinence symptoms, three for postural balance, one for cardiorespiratory capacity, one for osteoporosis and one study for lower back pain. The studies showed that the technological treatments improved pelvic floor strength, balance, cardiorespiratory fitness and bone mineral density when compared to conventional treatments. Improvement was linked to adherence to training and a high level of satisfaction during the training sessions. Technology-based treatments appear to be a viable alternative to conventional treatments in improving the quality of health, with benefits for the cardiovascular, genitourinary and skeletal systems, and ultimately for the overall quality of life.

Dietary intake and menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women: a systematic review.

Despite literature pointing to a relation between dietary intake and menopausal symptoms, most studies have evaluated either only supplements or only specific nutrients or foods. Therefore, this study aimed to provide a systematic review of the literature regarding the association between dietary intake and menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women. A systematic search was conducted across PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase to identify studies published between 2009 and 2019. We identified 3828 studies; after screening, 73 studies were reviewed and 19 of these investigated nutrient and food intake and eating patterns associated with the intensity of menopausal symptoms. Studies evaluating diet quality or dietary patterns showed an association between lower intensity of psychological symptoms, sleep disorders, and vasomotor, urogenital, and somatic symptoms and higher consumption of vegetables, whole grains, and unprocessed foods. Also, the intensity of these symptoms is associated with high-processed foods, saturated fats, and sugars. Regarding nutrient and/or specific food, the studies indicated an association between caffeine intake and type of fat intake and the intensity of menopausal symptoms. Dietary intake was found to be associated with the severity of menopausal symptoms; however, evidence for the association between dietary intake and menopausal symptoms is inconsistent and inconclusive, and is provided by a small number of studies.

Association of estrogen receptor ß polymorphisms with posterior tibial tendon dysfunction.

Posterior tibial tendon (PTT) dysfunction is three times more common in females, and some patients may have a predisposition without a clinically evident cause, suggesting that individual characteristics play an important role in tendinopathy. The present study investigated the association of rs4986938 (+ 1730G > A; AluI RFLP) and rs1256049 (- 1082G > A; RsaI RFLP) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of estrogen receptor-beta (ER-ß) gene with PTT dysfunction. A total of 400 participants were recruited. The PTT dysfunction group: these patients underwent surgery, with PTT tendinopathy confirmed by histopathology and magnetic resonance image (MRI). The control group was composed of participants with no clinical or MRI evidence of PTT dysfunction. Each group was composed of 100 postmenopausal women, 50 premenopausal women, and 50 men. Genomic DNA was extracted from saliva samples, and genotypes were obtained by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Concerning the ER-ß SNP rs4986938, there were significant differences in the frequencies of alleles between test and control groups of all the cases, only postmenopausal women and only men (p < 0.0001, p = 0.0016 and p = 0.0001). Considering the PTT dysfunction group and comparing postmenopausal women versus premenopausal women adding men, the analysis showed significant differences in the allelic distribution (p = 0.0450): the allele A in postmenopausal women is a risk factor. The ER-ß SNP rs1256049 did not show differences in the frequencies of alleles and genotypes between groups. The ER-ß SNP rs4986938, but not ER -ß SNPs rs1256049, may contribute to PTT insufficiency in the Brazilian population, with additional risk in postmenopausal women. Addition, in men the genetic factor could be more determinant.

Isoflavones improve collagen I and glycosaminoglycans and prevent bone loss in type 1 diabetic rats.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the action of soy isoflavones (ISO) and 17ß-estradiol on collagen I (CollI) and sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in the bone matrix of diabetic rats.Methods: Sixty adult female rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus) underwent ovariectomy, and then were randomized into six groups of 10 animals each: GI, sham control ovariectomized animals; GII, sham control diabetic (DM) ovariectomized animals; GIII, control ovariectomized animals receiving propylene glycol vehicle; GIV, control ovariectomized DM animals receiving propylene glycol vehicle; GV, ovariectomized DM animals treated with ISO (150 mg/kg by gavage); and GVI, ovariectomized DM animals treated with estrogen (17ß-estradiol, 10 mg/kg, subcutaneously). 17ß-Estradiol was used as a positive control when compared with ISO. To obtain significant depletion of the estrogen levels and subsequent bone loss, a postsurgical period of 90 days was observed. Treatments occurred during 30 consecutive days. After euthanasia, shafts of the animals' femurs were immersed in liquid nitrogen for molecular biology analysis, and the distal femurs were removed and processed for paraffin embedding.Results: ISO (GV) and 17ß-estradiol (GVI) improved bone formation, increasing GAGs and CollI formation when compared to the control group (GIV) (p < 0.05).Conclusions: ISO and 17ß-estradiol contribute to the decrease of bone loss in diabetic rats.

Efficacy of MLPA for detection of Y-chromosome microdeletions in infertile Brazilian patients.

PURPOSE: Worldwide publications follow the gold standard method-the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-for detecting Y-chromosome microdeletions; however, markers are frequently variable between the studies. Can we detect the deletions by another molecular method with more genomic coverage? The Y chromosome harbors several different genes responsible for testicular development and spermatogenesis, and its repetitive conformation predisposes it to complex rearrangements that have clinical impact. Our aim was to evaluate a molecular diagnostic method, the Multiplex Ligand Probe-dependent Amplification (MLPA), which is also a valuable ancillary method for the identification of deletions, duplications, and rearrangements in a single and faster reaction, leading to a better comprehension of patients' phenotypes, and should be considered a useful tool for detection of Y chromosome deletions. METHODS: This is a study of diagnostic accuracy (transversal prospective study) conducted to investigate Y-chromosome deletions in 84 individuals through PCR and MLPA methods. Forty-three infertile men (azoospermic and oligozoospermic) and 41 controls (40 fertile men and 1 normal karyotyped woman) were analyzed by PCR and MLPA techniques. RESULTS: We diagnosed seven (7) deletions (16.2%) by PCR and 9 with MLPA (21%). In addition, we found five (5) duplications and a suggestive mosaic. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that MLPA technique is valuable in the investigation of microdeletions and microduplications. Besides deletions, duplications can cause instability of chromosome genes, possibly leading to infertility. Both studied techniques provide an advantageous diagnostic strategy, thus enabling a better genetic counseling.

Accuracy of saline contrast sonohysterography in detection of endometrial polyps and submucosal leiomyomas in women of reproductive age with abnormal uterine bleeding: systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the diagnostic accuracy of two- (2D) and three- (3D) dimensional saline contrast sonohysterography (SCSH) in the detection of endometrial polyps and submucosal uterine leiomyomas in women of reproductive age with abnormal uterine bleeding compared with gold standard hysteroscopy. METHODS: A systematic review of diagnostic studies that compared 2D- and/or 3D-SCSH with hysteroscopy and anatomopathology was conducted according to PRISMA and SEDATE recommendations. The databases MEDLINE, EMBASE and The Cochrane Library were searched electronically using specific terms with no restriction on language or publication year. Quality assessment of included studies was performed using the QUADAS-2 tool. Meta-analysis was performed with the Meta-DiSk program and data presented as forest plots and summary receiver-operating characteristics (SROC) curves. Pooled sensitivity, specificity and positive (LR+) and negative (LR-) likelihood ratios of SCSH in the detection of uterine cavity abnormalities were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 1398 citations were identified and five studies were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. Pooled sensitivity and specificity of 2D-SCSH in detecting endometrial polyps were 93% (95% CI, 89-96%) and 81% (95% CI, 76-86%), respectively, with pooled LR+ of 5.41 (95% CI, 2.60-11.28) and LR- of 0.10 (95% CI, 0.06-0.17). In the detection of submucosal uterine leiomyomas, pooled sensitivity and specificity were 94% (95% CI, 89-97%) and 81% (95% CI, 76-86%), respectively, with pooled LR+ of 4.25 (95% CI, 2.20-8.21) and LR- of 0.11 (95% CI, 0.05-0.22). 2D-SCSH had good accuracy in detecting endometrial polyps and submucosal uterine leiomyomas, with areas under the SROC curves of 0.97 ± 0.02 and 0.97 ± 0.03, respectively. Studies that analyzed the diagnostic accuracy of 3D-SCSH could not be compared due to high heterogeneity related to menopausal status, type of technique used and primary outcome being investigation of infertility. CONCLUSIONS: 2D-SCSH proved to be a highly sensitive method for detection of endometrial polyps and submucosal uterine leiomyomas, making it a potential first-line diagnostic method in the work-up for women with abnormal uterine bleeding. More studies are needed on 3D-SCSH in women of reproductive age. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

What is the influence of cyclooxygenase-2 on postmenopausal endometrial polyps?

BACKGROUND: The genesis of the endometrial polyp is as yet unclear. There is evidence that the polyp is related to the inflammatory process and that it interacts with the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme. OBJECTIVE: To review the influence of COX-2 on the postmenopausal endometrial polyp. METHODS: A systematic review was made of the Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases, covering the years of 2001-2014. The inclusion criteria were: experimental studies with immunohistological analysis of COX-2 in endometrial polyps; women; hysteroscopic and surgical evaluation; and studies with comparisons between the endometrial polyp and other tissues (normal endometrium, adjacent endometrium, and other uterine diseases). The exclusion criteria were: polyps in other organs; genetic polymorphisms; endometrial cancer exclusively; abnormal uterine bleeding unrelated to polyps. The search key words (taken from the Medical Subject Headings - MeSH) were endometrial polyp and cyclooxygenase-2. RESULTS: Seven of ten articles were selected. Results showed positive COX-2 expression in the glandular epithelium of the polyps, and expression was more intense when the polyp was malignant. However, there was a study which did not find any difference between polyps and the normal endometrium, and there was another which compared polyps in menacme with postmenopausal polyps. CONCLUSION: There is no consensus in the literature as to the participation of COX-2 in the development of benign and/or malignant endometrial polyps. In all of the studies, COX-2 was present in the postmenopausal polyps and with greater intensity in the malignant ones.

Ovarian reserve in women with primary antiphospholipid syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this paper is to evaluate ovarian reserve in primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPS) women and the association between ovarian reserve tests and clinical and laboratorial parameters, and anti-corpus luteum antibody (anti-CoL). METHODS: We screened 85 female patients between 18 to 40 years old with APS. Of these, 67 patients were excluded because of association with other autoimmune diseases (n = 42), contraindication or unwillingness to stop hormonal contraceptive (n = 21), current pregnancy or breastfeeding (n = 3) and previous ovarian surgery (n = 1). Therefore, a cross-sectional study was conducted in 18 PAPS patients and 24 healthy women. They were evaluated at early follicular phase with measurement of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol, and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and sonographic antral follicle count (AFC). Serum measurement of anti-CoL was determined by immunoblot analysis. All analyses were performed after at least six months from the last intake of hormonal contraceptive and resumption of menstruation. RESULTS: The mean age was comparable in PAPS and controls (33.0 ± 5.0 vs. 30.4 ± 7.0 years; p = 0.19). Regarding ovarian reserve tests, the frequencies of low AFC (≤10) (56% vs. 22%, p = 0.04) and very low AFC (≤5) (37% vs. 9%, p = 0.04) were significantly higher in PAPS patients than controls. Trends of higher frequencies of reduced (<1.0 ng/ml), low (<0.5 ng/ml) and negligible (<0.2 ng/ml) AMH levels were found in PAPS patients (p = 0.08, p = 0.07 and p = 0.07, respectively). FSH, LH and estradiol were similar in patients and controls. There was no association between low ovarian reserve and specific types of antiphospholipid antibodies. Anti-CoL was solely observed in PAPS patients (11% vs. 0%; p = 0.177) and was not related to ovarian reserve tests. CONCLUSION: Women suffering from PAPS possessed reduced ovarian reserve, with prevalence greater than 50%.

Do extracts of oral soybean augment the trophic effect of estrogen on the rat uterus?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether soybean extracts and estrogens present additive effects on adult rat uterus. METHODS: Fifty ovariectomized rats were randomly divided into five equal groups of ten animals: Control, treated with vehicle; SE46 and SE120, treated with 46 and 120 mg/kg soybean concentrated extract (SE), respectively; EE, treated with conjugated equine estrogens (CE) 50 µg/kg; SE120 + EE, treated with 50 µg/kg (CE) plus 120 mg/kg SE. The substances were administered daily by gavage for 21 consecutive days. Thereafter the animals were weighed and killed by decapitation; trunk blood was collected for hormone determinations. Uteri were removed immediately and fixed in 10% formaldehyde, followed by dehydration, embedding in paraffin and 6-m sections staining with hematoxylin and eosin for histomorphometric analyses of myometrium and endometrium. After ANOVA analysis of the data, the study was complemented with the Tukey-Kramer test for multiple comparisons. RESULTS: The concentrated extract of soybean at high concentration (SE 120 kg/mg) and estrogens proved to have a trophic effect on the uterus (endometrium and myometrium) of castrated rats. In groups SE120, EE and SE120 + EE, all morphometric parameters examined (number of glands, eosinophils, blood vessels and the glandular area) were increased. No significant addictive effects of soybean extract plus estrogens were detected in the SE120 + EE group. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that soy extract has a trophic effect on rat uterine structures. Treatment of ovariectomized rats with a concentrated soy extract in combination with conjugated estrogens had no addictive effect on the uterine response.

Expression of p53 protein in the endometrial polyp in postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate p53 protein expression in the endometrial polyp and compare with adenocarcinoma and atrophic endometrium of postmenopausal women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-eight postmenopausal women were included in this study and divided into three groups related to histopathologic diagnosis: Group A--endometrial adenocarcinoma (n = 40), Group B--endometrial polyp (n = 38), and Group C--endometrial atrophy (n = 20). The length of this study was from 1990 to 2004. The endometrial samples were collected from hysteroscopic biopsy or surgery then processed for histopathologic routine. One thousand cells of each histological section were evaluated for immunohistochemical analysis using p53 antibodies. The ANOVA test was performed for the statistical analysis. RESULTS: The expression of p53 in adenocarcinoma samples was the highest. The expression of polyp was positive when associated to hyperplasia without atypia. All samples of atrophic endometrial were negative. CONCLUSIONS: The present data suggested that presence of hyperplasia in the endometrial polyp is factor to increase the expression of p53.

Intravesical treatment of painful bladder syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The objective of the study was to assess the effectiveness of intravesical treatment for painful bladder syndrome (PBS). METHODS: A systematic review was performed until December 31, 2010. The selection criteria included only randomized controlled trials of PBS patients who received intravesical treatment. The primary outcomes measures were clinical and urodynamic parameters. Relative risk and mean differences were used for binary and continuous outcomes respectively, with confidence interval of 95%. RESULTS: The search strategy identified 770; however, only 28 eligible trials met methodological requirements for complete analysis. Altogether, the review included four treatment modalities: resiniferatoxin, Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), oxybutynin, and alkalinized lidocaine. Meta-analysis of BCG therapy showed improvement in symptoms according to the Wisconsin Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Inventory, but no difference in 24-h urinary frequency. CONCLUSIONS: Meta-analysis showed an improvement exclusively of the symptoms as measured by the Wisconsin Interstitial Cystitis Inventory, but not in 24-h urinary frequency, with BCG therapy. Further randomized clinical trials, including trials of more recent drugs, are required for evaluation of intravesical therapies for PBS.

Health education intervention in early and late postmenopausal Brazilian women.

AIM: To identify aspects of health in postmenopausal Brazilian women using a health-related educational program provided by a multidisciplinary team as part of the primary care approach for early and late postmenopausal symptoms. DESIGN: A prospective cohort was formed with 69 postmenopausal women; they were divided into groups corresponding to early (n = 32) and late postmenopause (n = 37) through gynecological and clinical evaluations. We administered the Kuppermann-Blatt Menopausal Index and the Women's Health Questionnaire before and after health education instructions. RESULTS: The average age for the onset of menopause was 47.9 years (n = 69). Fifty women (72.5%) in this study had completed their primary education, 78.3% (n = 54) performed manual labor, and 60.9% (n = 42) showed concomitant chronic illnesses. After attending a series of health-related presentations, the mean weight of the women was reduced by 3.54% in early postmenopausal women (p < 0.001) and by 2.06% in the late postmenopausal group (p < 0.001). The mean abdominal circumference was reduced by 1.75% (p < 0.001) in the early postmenopausal group. In addition, the total score in the Kuppermann-Blatt Menopausal Index decreased by 34.38% in the early and by 33.33% in the late postmenopausal groups. According to the Women's Health Questionnaire, there was a decrease in the domain Depressive mood by 0.839 to 0.700 (p < 0.001) in the early and by 0.814 to 0.648 (p < 0.001) in the late postmenopausal groups. CONCLUSION: Regardless of improving menopausal symptoms and anthropometric parameters, the effects of the multidisciplinary team activities in early postmenopausal women may be similar to those in late postmenopausal women.

The effects of conjugated estrogen, raloxifene and soy extract on collagen in rat bones.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the action of conjugated equine estrogen, raloxifene and isolated or combined genistein-rich soy extracts on collagen fibers in the bones of oophorectomized rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy female rats received testosterone propionate (0.1 µg/g) on the 9th day after birth. At 6 months of age, the rats were administered the vehicle (propylene glycol, 0.5 ml/day), and ten of the rats were randomly chosen to comprise the non-oophorectomized control group (GI). The other 60 rats were ovariectomized and randomized into six groups of ten as follows: GII, vehicle; GIII, conjugated equine estrogen (CEE), 50 µg/kg/day; GIV, raloxifene (RAL), 0.75 mg/kg/day; GV, genistein-rich soy extract (GSE), 300 mg/kg/day; GVI, CEE + GSE, 50 µg/kg/day + 300 mg/kg/day; and GVII, CEE + RAL, 50 µg/kg/day + 0.75 mg/kg/day. Three months after surgery, the drugs were administered for 60 consecutive days. All rats were euthanized, and their left tibiae were removed for histological routine. The histological sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin, and picrosirius for evaluating bone microarchitecture. Types I and II collagen fibers were analyzed by immunofluorescence. Data analysis was carried out with ANOVA and Tukey's test. RESULTS: Collagen reduction was significant in the GIII animals when compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the thickness of collagen fibers among the groups. There was a greater quantity of type III collagen in GVI than in the other groups. CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that conjugated equine estrogen improves bone quality because it increases the quantity of type I collagen while reducing the quantity of thin collagen fibers. In addition, the combination of CEE and raloxifene or genistein-rich soy extract is not as efficient as CEE itself to improve bone quality.

Minimally invasive mastectomy: minimal incisions for better aesthetic quality of breast reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Women with a family history of breast cancer who develop this disease are confronted with important situations regarding the increased risk for development of a second cancer in the contralateral breast. Prophylactic contralateral mastectomy (PCM) reduces by approximately 95% the risk for contralateral breast cancer. In spite of an increase in indications for PCM, the technical difficulties are many regarding the accomplishment of these procedures. The aim of this study is to describe the technique of mastectomy with preservation of the nipple-areola complex and a small incision, reducing surgical difficulties and complications attributed to this technique, thus allowing better aesthetic results in breast reconstruction. METHODS: Forty-six patients with indications for PCM (28 bilateral) were submitted to minimally invasive mastectomy from March 2005 to November 2007. A small incision in the superior pole of the areola, sufficient to pass a liposuction 4 mm cannula is made. With the help of this cannula, detachment of the skin from the gland tissue is performed. Then a 3.5 to 4.5-cm long incision in the inframammary fold is made. Glandular detachment is completed using cautery in the subglandular portion and scissors in the upper breast portion cutting the restraints left by the cannula. The mammary gland tissue is removed through this incision. RESULTS: Seventy-four breasts were operated on. The resected breast mass ranged from 285 g to 475 g. All 43 patients were reconstructed with prostheses. There was no necrosis of the nipple-areola complex or of the skin. CONCLUSIONS: This technique is an option for cases of patients with indications for PCM.

Evaluation of frozen-section analysis of surgical margins in the treatment of breast cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate surgical margins in cases of ductal carcinoma through a histopathological exam using frozen sections. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective study encompassing 242 conservative surgeries, 179 of which included intraoperative frozen-section histopathology and 63 intraoperative nonfreezing techniques (macroscopy/gross examination and cytology). The results of such analyses were compared with those of the histology processing following paraffin embedment and hematoxylin and eosin (H & E) staining. A margin was deemed free when the distance between the tumor and the surgical border was equal to or greater than two millimeters. The factors given consideration for possibly affecting the results were: age, surgical aspects (skin removal and widening of surgical margins), histopathological findings (size, affected lymph nodes, and angiolymphatic invasion), and extensive intraductal and immunohistochemical components (estrogen, progesterone, Ki-67, and HER-2 receptors). In the statistical analyses, the chi-square test was used and negative predictive values were calculated. RESULTS: The negative predictive values were 87.1% and 79.3% for frozen and nonfrozen sections, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.14). The factors under consideration had no influence on the results of the intraoperative exam of the margins. CONCLUSION: The present study allowed to conclude that the intraoperative exam of the surgical margins by frozen section is not superior to a macroscopy and/or cytology exam.

Severe hemorrhagic corpus luteum complicating anticoagulation in antiphospholipid syndrome.

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a disorder of coagulation that causes thrombosis as well as pregnancy-related complications, occurring due to the autoimmune production of antibodies against phospholipid. Full anticoagulation is the cornerstone therapy in patients with thrombosis history, and this can lead to major bleeding. During a 3-year period, 300 primary and secondary APS patients were followed up at the Rheumatology Division of the authors' University Hospital. Of them, 255 (85%) were women and 180 (60%) were of reproductive age. Three of them (1%) had severe hemorrhagic corpus luteum while receiving long-term anticoagulation treatment and are described in this report. All of them were taking warfarin, had elevated international normalized ratio (>4.0) and required prompt blood transfusion and emergency surgery. Therefore, we strongly recommend that all women with APS under anticoagulation should have ovulation suppressed with either intramuscular depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate or oral desogestrel.

The effects of cinnarizine on menopausal symptoms in women.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of cinnarizine in the treatment of menopausal symptoms. DESIGN: A total of 100 climacteric and symptomatic women participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. They were divided into two groups of the same size: Gcin, intake of 25 mg of cinnarizine every 12 h for 6 months (n=50); and Gpla, placebo intake every 12 hours for 6 months (n=50). Menopausal symptoms were evaluated according to the Kupperman menopausal index on the first visit and at 6 months of treatment. A total of 62 women completed the study: 27 from the Gcin group and 35 from the Gpla group. RESULTS: Based on the Kupperman menopausal index, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups before and after the treatment. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest cinnarizine is not effective on menopausal symptoms because it had no more efficacy than placebo.

Acupuncture-ameliorated menopausal symptoms: single-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of acupuncture and sham-acupuncture on women with menopausal symptoms as reflected in the intensity of their hot flushes and the Kupperman Menopausal Index (KMI). METHOD: This was a randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial with 81 patients assigned to two groups: Group 1 received 12 months of acupuncture, then 6 months of sham-acupuncture treatment (n = 56) and Group 2 received 6 months of sham-acupuncture, then 12 months of acupuncture treatment (n = 25). The needles were inserted in a harmonic craniocaudal manner at a depth of about 2 cm, and each session lasted approximately 40 min. The efficacy of acupuncture in ameliorating the climacteric symptoms of patients in postmenopause was determined through the KMI and the intensity of hot flushes. The analysis of variance method for two factors and repeated measures was applied. RESULTS: The baseline values of the women in both groups were similar for the KMI score and number of hot flushes. At the end of 6 months, the values for the KMI and hot flushes for the women in Group 1 were lower than those of the women in Group 2 (p < 0.05). After 12 months, the KMI and hot flush data were similar in both groups. After 18 months, the values of the KMI and hot flushes for the women in Group 2 for were lower than those of the women in Group 1 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture treatment for relieving menopausal symptoms may be effective for decreasing hot flushes and the KMI score in postmenopausal women.