The impact of risk reducing bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy on sexual function in BRCA1/2 mutation carriers and women with Lynch syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: In the absence of an effective screening test, women with a high genetic predisposition for ovarian cancer are recommended to undergo risk-reducing bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (RRBSO) once childbearing is complete. This reduces the risk of ovarian cancer by up to 96%, but can result in undesirable side effects, including menopausal symptoms and sexual dysfunction. We have performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the effect of RRBSO on sexual function in women at high risk of breast/and or ovarian cancer. METHODS: A literature search of the AMED (Allied and complementary medicine), Embase and Medline databases was performed, using search terms including sexual function, risk reducing and oophorectomy. Results were filtered according to the PRISMA protocol. Quality assessment of studies was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Data were pooled in meta-analysis. RESULTS: There were 21 eligible studies, 10 of which reported sufficient data for meta-analysis. Most studies were retrospective cohort or observational studies. Fifteen of the 21 studies (71%) reported a negative impact of RRBSO on sexual function. Participant numbers ranged from 37 to 1522. Meta-analysis was performed with studies including 3201 patients. This demonstrated that RRBSO has a statistically significant negative impact on sexual function (SMD -0.63, [-0.82, -0.44], p = 0.03). There was a trend towards reduced sexual pleasure and increased discomfort but this did not reach statistical significance. There was minimal change in the frequency of sex. There was a significant increase in vaginal dryness post-RRBSO (SMD 9.25, [3.66, 14.83], p < 0.00001). There was no significant difference in sexual function between pre-menopausal and post-menopausal RRBSO. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) did not abolish this negative impact. CONCLUSION: Sexual function declines post RRBSO, independent of menopausal status. Comprehensive pre-operative counselling regarding anticipated menopausal and sexual symptoms is key to setting realistic patient expectations and minimising post-operative distress. Information and support regarding management of these side effects should be available to all patients.

Botulinum injections for myofascial pelvic pain.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of botulinum toxin injection in women with myofascial pelvic pain (MFPP) syndrome of the pelvic floor who had failed conservative treatment. METHODS: This was a retrospective descriptive observational study of 48 consecutive patients receiving botulinum toxin to the pelvic floor for MFPP syndrome in a tertiary teaching hospital over an 8-year period. Trigger points were identified, and botulinum toxin was injected into the pelvic floor at the trigger points in doses ranging from 50 to 200 units. The patient-reported global impression of improvement scale was used to evaluate the success at follow-up, and adverse effects were recorded. RESULTS: Forty-six women attended for follow-up at 3-6 months. Of these, 34 (74%) reported an improvement in their symptoms (slightly better, much better, very much better), 12 (26%) had no change, and no patients reported worsening of symptoms. One patient (2%) reported transient postoperative faecal incontinence, which resolved after 2 weeks. There appeared to be no difference in outcome between the doses. CONCLUSIONS: Botulinum toxin injection into the pelvic floor of women with MFPP appears to be beneficial in those who have failed conservative treatment. Prospective studies, including dose-finding studies, are now required.

A systematic review of non-invasive modalities used to identify women with anal incontinence symptoms after childbirth.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Anal incontinence following childbirth is prevalent and has a significant impact upon quality of life (QoL). Currently, there is no standard assessment for women after childbirth to identify these symptoms. This systematic review aimed to identify non-invasive modalities used to identify women with anal incontinence following childbirth and assess response and reporting rates of anal incontinence for these modalities. METHODS: Ovid Medline, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database (AMED), Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Cochrane Collaboration, EMBASE and Web of Science databases were searched for studies using non-invasive modalities published from January 1966 to May 2018 to identify women with anal incontinence following childbirth. Study data including type of modality, response rates and reported prevalence of anal incontinence were extracted and critically appraised. RESULTS: One hundred and nine studies were included from 1602 screened articles. Three types of non-invasive modalities were identified: validated questionnaires/symptom scales (n = 36 studies using 15 different instruments), non-validated questionnaires (n = 50 studies) and patient interviews (n = 23 studies). Mean response rates were 92% up to 6 weeks after childbirth. Non-personalised assessment modalities (validated and non-validated questionnaires) were associated with reporting of higher rates of anal incontinence compared with patient interview at all periods of follow-up after childbirth, which was statistically significant between 6 weeks and 1 year after childbirth (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review confirms that questionnaires can be used effectively after childbirth to identify women with anal incontinence. Given the methodological limitations associated with non-validated questionnaires, assessing all women following childbirth for pelvic-floor symptomatology, including anal incontinence, using validated questionnaires should be considered.

Pharmaceutical aspects of silver nanoparticles.

Silver nanoparticles are particles in the size ranging between 1 and 100 nm. The two major methods used for synthesis of silver nanoparticle are the physical and chemical methods with the disadvantage that they are expensive and can also have toxicity. Biological method is being used as an expedient alternative, as this approach is environment-friendly and less toxic and it includes plant extracts, microorganism, fungi, etc. The major applications of silver nanoparticles in the medical field include diagnostic applications and therapeutic applications, apart from its antimicrobial activity. Due to their nanotoxicity, AgNPs have a several drawbacks too. This review presents a complete view of the mechanism of action, synthesis, the pharmacokinetics of silver nanoparticles, different formulations of AgNPs used in biomedical applications, infertility management, antibacterial effects, skin damage, burns, cancer treatment, etc. and various applications of silver nanoparticles together with the possible toxicological challenge.

Impact of pelvic floor muscle training on sexual function of women with urinary incontinence and a comparison of electrical stimulation versus standard treatment (IPSU trial): a randomised controlled trial.

AIMS: To evaluate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of electric stimulation plus standard pelvic floor muscle training compared to standard pelvic floor muscle training alone in women with urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction. METHODS: Single centre two arm parallel group randomised controlled trial conducted in a Teaching hospital in England. Participants were women presenting with urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction. The interventions compared were electric stimulation versus standard pelvic floor muscle training. OUTCOME MEASURES: included Prolapse and Incontinence Sexual function Questionnaire (PISQ) physical function dimension at post-treatment (primary); other dimensions of PISQ, SF-36; EQ-5D, EPAQ, resource use, adverse events and cost-effectiveness (secondary outcomes). RESULTS: 114 women were randomised (Intervention n=57; Control group n=57). 64/114 (56%). PARTICIPANTS: had valid primary outcome data at follow-up (Intervention 30; Control 34). The mean PISQ-PF dimension scores at follow-up were 33.1 (SD 5.5) and 32.3 (SD 5.2) for the Intervention and Control groups respectively; with the Control group having a higher (better) score. After adjusting for baseline score, BMI, menopausal status, time from randomisation and baseline oxford scale score the mean difference was -1.0 (95% CI: -4.0 to 1.9; P=0.474). There was no differences between the groups in any of the secondary outcomes at follow-up. Within this study, the use of electrical stimulation was cost-effective with very small incremental costs and quality adjusted life years (QALYs). CONCLUSIONS: In women presenting with urinary incontinence in conjunction with sexual dysfunction, physiotherapy is beneficial to improve overall sexual function. However no specific form of physiotherapy is beneficial over another. Trial registration ISRCTN09586238.

Improving women's diet quality preconceptionally and during gestation: effects on birth weight and prevalence of low birth weight--a randomized controlled efficacy trial in India (Mumbai Maternal Nutrition Project).

BACKGROUND: Low birth weight (LBW) is an important public health problem in undernourished populations. OBJECTIVE: We tested whether improving women's dietary micronutrient quality before conception and throughout pregnancy increases birth weight in a high-risk Indian population. DESIGN: The study was a nonblinded, individually randomized controlled trial. The intervention was a daily snack made from green leafy vegetables, fruit, and milk (treatment group) or low-micronutrient vegetables (potato and onion) (control group) from ≥ 90 d before pregnancy until delivery in addition to the usual diet. Treatment snacks contained 0.69 MJ of energy (controls: 0.37 MJ) and 10-23% of WHO Reference Nutrient Intakes of ß-carotene, riboflavin, folate, vitamin B-12, calcium, and iron (controls: 0-7%). The primary outcome was birth weight. RESULTS: Of 6513 women randomly assigned, 2291 women became pregnant, 1962 women delivered live singleton newborns, and 1360 newborns were measured. In an intention-to-treat analysis, there was no overall increase in birth weight in the treatment group (+26 g; 95% CI: -15, 68 g; P = 0.22). There was an interaction (P < 0.001) between the allocation group and maternal prepregnant body mass index (BMI; in kg/m(2)) [birth-weight effect: -23, +34, and +96 g in lowest (<18.6), middle (18.6-21.8), and highest (>21.8) thirds of BMI, respectively]. In 1094 newborns whose mothers started supplementation ≥ 90 d before pregnancy (per-protocol analysis), birth weight was higher in the treatment group (+48 g; 95% CI: 1, 96 g; P = 0.046). Again, the effect increased with maternal BMI (-8, +79, and +113 g; P-interaction = 0.001). There were similar results for LBW (intention-to-treat OR: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.66, 1.05; P = 0.10; per-protocol OR = 0.76; 95% CI: 0.59, 0.98; P = 0.03) but no effect on gestational age in either analysis. CONCLUSIONS: A daily snack providing additional green leafy vegetables, fruit, and milk before conception and throughout pregnancy had no overall effect on birth weight. Per-protocol and subgroup analyses indicated a possible increase in birth weight if the mother was supplemented ≥ 3 mo before conception and was not underweight. This trial was registered at www.controlled-trials.com/isrctn/ as ISRCTN62811278.

Integrated care pathways: the way forward for continence services?

OBJECTIVES: To assess if an integrated care pathway improves the services provided for continence care. STUDY DESIGN: This was a prospective cohort study. At Worcester Royal Hospital, a UK district general hospital, an integrated care pathway was developed for the management of women presenting in primary care with continence problems. Sixty-five women referred through this pathway were compared to women referred directly to outpatients with similar problems. The outcomes compared were the time in days from referral to (1) the first medical contact, (2) diagnosis (3) physiotherapy/continence advisory review and (4) surgery or discharge. Statistical significance of the difference in outcomes was established using the Mann-Whitney U-test. RESULTS: The mean time from referral to first medical contact, urodynamic studies, physiotherapy/continence advisory team review and to surgery or discharge for the direct access patients compared to clinic patients was significantly less (p<0.05). Thirty-five percent (7/20) patients were discharged without seeing a doctor. CONCLUSION: The implementation of integrated care pathways enables a more efficient service provision for patients with incontinence problems. Thirty-five percent of women attending gynaecology outpatient department with incontinence problems could be effectively managed by urogynaecology specialist nurses.