Breast cancer and the steadily increasing maternal age: are they colliding?

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy-related cancers are mostly breast cancers, and their incidence is likely to increase as a result of the modern trend of delaying childbearing. In particular, advanced maternal age increases breast cancer risk, and younger breast cancer patients are more likely to die and metastasize. This study compared a population with a high incidence of delayed childbearing with another population with a lower mean age at childbirth in order to determine whether breast cancer diagnosis and childbearing age overlap. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed multiple data sources. The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program, the United States National Center for Health Statistics as part of the National Vital Statistics System, the United Nations Population Division, the GLOBOCAN Cancer Observatory, the CLIO-INFRA project database, the Human Fertility Database, and anonymized local data were used. RESULTS: As women's age at delivery increased, the convergence between their age distribution at breast cancer diagnosis and childbearing increased. In addition, the overlap between the two age distributions increased by more than 200% as the average age at delivery increased from 27 to 35 years. CONCLUSIONS: As women's average childbearing age has progressively risen, pregnancy and breast cancer age distributions have significantly overlapped. This finding emphasizes the need for increased awareness and educational efforts to inform women about the potential consequences of delayed childbearing. By providing comprehensive information and support, women can make more informed decisions about their reproductive health and cancer prevention strategies.

Elasticity of the Cervix in Relation to Uterus Position.

Strain elastography allows the evaluation of tissue elasticity. Background/Objectives: Tissue elasticity depends on the content and distribution of collagen fibers and is shaped by the applied tensile forces that may differ in uteri with a different angle of flexion of the corpus on the cervix. The objective was to investigate whether the angle of uterine flexion is related to cervical tissue elasticity. Methods: The anterior angle between the longitudinal axis of the uterus corpus and that of the cervix was measured in 275 non-pregnant young women by transvaginal ultrasonography and considered both as an absolute value or categorized as ≤150°, between >150° and ≤210°, and >210°. Strain elastography was used to assess tissue elasticity by placing the probe in the anterior vaginal fornix. Tissue elasticity was evaluated in the middle of the anterior cervical compartment (ACC), in the middle of the posterior cervical compartment (PCC), in the middle portion of the cervical canal (MCC), and at the internal cervical os (ICO). In a sagittal plane MCC was evaluated across the cervical canal, and ACC and PCC at a distance equal between the cervical canal and the outer anterior or posterior part of the cervix. MCC, ACC and PCC were evaluated at equal distance between the ICO and the external cervical os. Elasticity was expressed as a color score ranging from 0.1 (low elasticity) to 3 (high elasticity). Results: The angle of uterine flexion show a negative linear relation with the elasticity of the ACC (p = 0.001) and MCC (p = 0.002) and a positive relation with the elasticity of the PCC (p = 0.054). In comparison to uteri with an angle of flexion of <150°, those with an angle of flexion of >210° had lower elasticity of the ACC (p = 0.001) and MCC (p = 0.001) and higher elasticity of the PCC (p = 0.004). The ACC/PCC and PCC/MCC elasticity ratios were also significantly different (p = 0.001). Conclusions: The angle of uterine flexion is associated with changes in cervix elasticity. Retroflexion is associated with stiffer ACC and MCC and a more elastic PCC. Differences in tissue elasticity suggest structural changes of the cervix that may have implication in variate obstetric and gynecological conditions.

Timing of cesarean delivery for fetal heart rate abnormalities in hypertensive pregnancies induced with oral misoprostol or Foley catheter: Secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: The study aims to assess how oral misoprostol for cervical ripening affects the time of cesarean delivery (CD) for fetal heart rate (FHR) abnormalities in pre-eclampsia patients. Secondary goals include determining the role of uterine hyperstimulation, comparing misoprostol with Foley catheter, and identifying risk factors for FHR abnormalities associated with CD. METHODS: A previously published randomized clinical trial was subjected to a secondary analysis (NCT01801410). We conducted a time-dependent analysis, stratifying the population based on the final mode of induction used (low-dose oral misoprostol vs Foley catheter). RESULTS: There was no CD for FHR abnormalities within 2 h of starting misoprostol. At 5 h, the cumulative incidence of CD for FHR abnormalities in the misoprostol group was 2.10%, while it was 1.00% in the Foley group (P = 0.565). After 25 h, the CD risk for FHR abnormalities remained constant in both groups at 21.00% (95% confidence interval [CI] 15.00%-28.00%). Within 5 h of misoprostol induction, the risk of uterine hyperstimulation was similar in both groups (0.33% in misoprostol vs 0.34% in Foley group, P = 0.161). The risk of CD for FHR abnormalities was unaffected by newborn weight centiles. CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference in CD risk for FHR abnormalities between misoprostol and Foley catheter induction. Nonetheless, the cumulative incidence of CD for FHR abnormalities increased faster in the misoprostol group, indicating that FHR monitoring timing should be tailored to the induction method.

The Benefit of Transvaginal Elastography in Detecting Deep Endometriosis: A Feasibility Study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate elastography features of deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE), and to define whether this technique may discriminate lesions from surrounding non-endometriotic tissue. METHODS: This was an exploratory observational study on women affected by DIE treated in a third-level academic hospital gynaecology outpatient facility between 2020 and 2021. Strain elastography (SE) was conducted via transvaginal probe. Tissue deformation of DIE and surrounding tissue was expressed as percentage tissue deformation or as subjective colour score (CS; from blue=stiff to red=soft, assigned numerical values from 0 to 3). Ratios of normal tissue/DIE were compared to ratio of normal tissue/stiffer normal tissue area. RESULTS: Evaluations were performed on 46 DIE nodules and surrounding tissue of the uterosacral ligaments (n=21), parametrium (n=7), rectum (n=14), and recto-vaginal septum (n =4). Irrespective of location, DIE strain ratio (3.09, IQR 2.38-4.14 vs. 1.25, IQR 1.11-1.48; p<0.001) and CS ratio (4.62, IQR 3.83-6.94 vs. 1.13, IQR 1.06-1.29; p<0.001) was significantly higher than that of normal tissue. ROC AUC of CS ratio was higher than ROC AUC of strain ratio (99.76%, CI.95 99.26-100% vs. 91.35%, CI.95 85.23-97.47%; p=0.007), and best ROC threshold for CS ratio was 1.82, with a sensitivity of 97.83% (CI.95 93.48-100%) and a specificity of 100% (CI.95 100-100%). CONCLUSIONS: Both strain and CS ratios accurately distinguish DIE nodules at various locations. Applications of elastography in improving the diagnosis DIE, in distinguishing different DIE lesions and in monitoring DIE evolution can be envisioned and are worthy of further evaluation.

Is the multinational, surveillance PRO-E2 study informative for all countries? The Italian data on VTE and contraceptive effectiveness.

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether the thromboembolic risk and contraceptive effectiveness of NOMAC-E2 observed in the PRO-E2 study can be extended to each participating country, as lifestyle, cardiovascular risk factors and prescribing habits may differ geographically. This analysis was performed on the PRO-E2 Italian subpopulation, where smoking habit and women over 35 years were more prevalent compared with the overall study population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from NOMAC-E2 or levonorgestrel-containing COCs (COCLNG) new users were descriptively analysed. Incidence rates of thrombosis (events/10,000 women-years [WY]) and the Pearl Index (pregnancies/100 WY) were calculated. RESULTS: Overall, 11,179 NOMAC-E2 and 8,504 COCLNG users were followed up to 2 years (34,869 WY). The NOMAC-E2 cohort included more women over 35 vs. COCLNG (37.7% vs. 31.8%; p = 0.001). A comparable low risk of combined deep venous thrombosis of lower extremities (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) was observed in NOMAC-E2 (1.7/10,000 WY; 95% CI: 0.21-6.2) and COCLNG users (6.6/10,000 WY; 95% CI: 2.4-14.4). Similar results were obtained by considering all thromboembolic events (VTE). Unintended pregnancies did not differ between NOMAC-E2 (0.12/100 WY; 95% CI: 0.06-0.21) and COCLNG (0.15/100 WY; 95% CI: 0.08-0.26) cohorts. CONCLUSION: Despite the higher age and tobacco use, findings from the Italian subpopulation were broadly consistent with overall PRO-E2 results, confirming a similar low thromboembolic risk and high contraceptive effectiveness of NOMAC-E2 and COCLNG. SHORT CONDENSATION: This subgroup analysis of the PRO-E2 study provides comprehensive epidemiological data on the use of combined oral contraceptives in a large Italian cohort, with a higher prevalence of women over 35 years and smokers. The study confirms the low thromboembolic risk and high contraceptive effectiveness of NOMAC-E2 pill.

Paternal age and perinatal outcomes: an observational study.

OBJECTIVES: The study's primary aim was to examine the relationship between paternal age and perinatal outcomes. METHODS: This study used data from two hospital birth registries to examine the association between paternal age and adverse perinatal outcomes. The sample included all live singleton births between 2010 and 2022. The primary exposure was paternal age, and the following perinatal outcomes were considered: mode of conception, mode of delivery, pregnancy complications, and neonatal outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 15,232 pregnant women were considered. Maternal and paternal ages were 31.9 ± 5.3 and 36.5 ± 6.5 years, respectively. Independent of maternal, paternal age was associated with lower odds of spontaneous conceptions (OR 0.930, 95 % CI 0.968/0.993; p=0.003) and higher odds of intracytoplasmatic sperm injection (OR 1.054, 95 % CI 1.045/1.062; p=0.0001), respectively. In contrast to maternal age, paternal age decreased the odds of any (OR 0.922, 95 % CI 0.985/0.999; p=0.032) and urgent/emergent (OR 0.984, 95 % CI 0.975/0.993; p=0.0001) cesarean delivery. Paternal age did not affect the gestation length, placental or neonatal weight, blood loss during delivery, and neonatal 5th-minute Apgar score. CONCLUSIONS: Paternal age is associated with perinatal outcomes. These findings suggest that advanced paternal age may have implications for reproductive counseling and prenatal care.

Oxidative Stress: The Role of Estrogen and Progesterone.

The effect of estrogen and progesterone on oxidative status is not yet very clear, improvements and detrimental effects having been reported with the use of menopausal hormone therapy or hormonal contraceptives, respectively. In this study, we evaluated the role played by estrogen and progesterone separately, on the oxidative status of 32 women, 18 to 43 years old, by inducing high levels of estrogen and then adding high levels of progesterone. During a cycle of in vitro fertilization, blood samples were collected prior to gonadotrophin stimulation (low estradiol levels), on the day of oocyte retrieval (high levels of estrogen), and on the day of embryo transfer (high levels of estrogen and progesterone). Total blood levels of oxidants (FORT), antioxidants (FORD), and their ratio FORT/FORD were measured using a colorimetric method based on the Fenton reaction. Seven women measured their early morning body temperature at the same time points. FORT significantly decreased from the low- to the high-estrogen phase (p = 0.023) and increased from the high-estrogen to the high-estrogen-progesterone phase (p = 0.006). FORD showed an opposite but non-significant trend. The FORT/FORD ratio decreased from the low- to the high-estrogen phase (p = 0.0104) and increased from the high-estrogen to the high-estrogen -progesterone phase (p = 0.004). Body temperature (n = 7) decreased in the high-estrogen phase (p = 0.001) and increased from the high-estrogen to the high-estrogen-progesterone phase (p = 0.001). In the seven women, FORT (p = 0.009) and FORT/FORD (p = 0.0056) were linearly related to body temperature values. Our data show opposite effects of estrogen and progesterone on oxidative status. These effects seem to be related to the effect exerted on body temperature regulation.

Gut Microbiota and Endometriosis: Exploring the Relationship and Therapeutic Implications.

Endometriosis is a common inflammatory disease affecting women of reproductive age, characterized by the growth of endometrial tissue beyond the uterus. In addition to gynecological manifestations, many endometriosis patients experience gastrointestinal symptoms, indicating a potential association between gut health and the disease. Recent studies have revealed alterations in the gut microbiota of individuals with endometriosis, including reduced diversity, microbial composition imbalances, and pathogenic bacteria. These changes can disrupt immune function, increase inflammation, and contribute to the chronic inflammatory state observed in endometriosis. Moreover, dysregulation of intestinal permeability may further exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms in affected individuals. Understanding the role of the gut microbiota and intestinal permeability in endometriosis can provide valuable insights into disease pathogenesis, aid in non-invasive diagnostic approaches, and open new avenues for therapeutic interventions. Probiotics, in particular, have shown promise in improving endometriosis-associated pain symptoms and reducing endometriotic lesions in animal models. This review suggests that additional research and well-designed clinical trials are necessary to validate the potential diagnostic and therapeutic benefits of manipulating the gut microbiota in managing endometriosis and its gastrointestinal symptoms, thereby improving the quality of life for those affected.

Examining the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Network in the Placental Tissues of Pregnancies Complicated by Pre-Eclampsia: An Explorative Case-Control Analysis.

Severe maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality associated with pre-eclampsia, which are caused partly by premature delivery, affect a factual proportion of pregnancies. Despite its prevalence, the underlying causes of pre-eclampsia remain elusive, with emerging evidence implicating the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in its pathogenesis. This study sought to elucidate the involvement of the AhR and its associated pathway in pre-eclampsia by comparing placental components of the AhR pathway in pregnant individuals with and without pre-eclampsia. This case-control investigation was conducted at the University Hospital of Udine from May 2021 to February 2023. The AhR was assessed using immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence, and its mRNA was evaluated using a Real-Time Quantitative Reverse Transcription PCR. Levels of mRNA expression were also estimated for other components of the AhR pathway (CYP1B1, IDO1, ARNT, TIPARP, S100A4, and AHRR). Our findings show decreased levels of expression of AhR, IDO1, ARNT, TiPARP, and S100A4 in the placental tissues of individuals with pre-eclampsia compared to controls (p < 0.05). The AhR exhibited a distinct localization within the syncytiotrophoblast (nuclei and cytoplasm) and CD45-positive cells (nuclei and cytoplasm). Furthermore, a significant positive correlation between the AhR and S100A4 (rho = 0.81) was observed in normal placentas, while CYP1B1 displayed a significant negative correlation with the AhR (rho = -0.72), within addition to its negative correlation with TiPARP (rho = -0.83). This study illuminates pre-eclampsia's molecular aberrations, suggesting new diagnostic, therapeutic, and mechanistic approaches. This study emphasizes the need for more research to validate and broaden these findings to improve the management of this complex pregnancy condition.

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Breech Delivery: A Nationwide Cohort Study in Singleton Pregnancies.

Since essential factors have changed in recent years in assisted reproduction technologies (ARTs), this study reassessed the association between ART and breech presentation. We primarily aimed to estimate the correlation between ART and breech at delivery. Secondary purposes were to evaluate the correlation between other subfertility treatments (OSTs) and breech and to assess possible confounding factors and temporal trends. This study investigated the 31,692,729 live birth certificates from US states and territories in the 2009-2020 period. The inclusion criteria were singleton births reporting the method of conception and the presentation at delivery. The outcome was the breech presentation at delivery, while the primary exposure was ART, the secondary exposure was OST, and the potential confounding factors from the literature were considered. ART (OR 2.32 CI.95 2.23-2.41) and OST (OR 1.79 CI.95 1.71-1.87) were independent and significant risk factors for breech at delivery (p < 0.001). This study confirmed breech presentation risk factors maternal age, nulliparity, tobacco smoke, a previous cesarean delivery (CD), neonatal female sex, gestational age, and birth weight. Black race and Hispanic origin were verified to be protective factors. We found breech prevalence among ART and OST to be stable during the study period. Meanwhile, newborn birth weight was increased, and the gap between breech and other presentations in ART was reduced. Our results indicate that singleton pregnancies conceived by ART or OST were associated with a higher risk of breech at delivery. Well-known risk factors for the breech presentation were also confirmed. Some of these factors can be modified by implementing interventions to reduce their prevalence (e.g., tobacco smoke and previous CD).

Fetal growth at term and placental oxidative stress in a tissue micro-array model: a histological and immunohistochemistry study.

This study examines 8-hydroxyguanine (8-oxo-Gua) staining in placental tissue samples based on fetal size at birth as well as its relationships with placental histology and other pregnancy variables. This prospective cohort study included women > 18 years with a singleton pregnancy, a live fetus, fluency in Italian, and delivery at term. A total of 165 pregnancies were included in the study. The nuclear syncytiotrophoblast 8-oxo-Gua staining score in LGA was substantially greater than in late FGR (p < 0.05), although the cytoplasm score was lower in SGA and LGA than in AGA (p < 0.05). Furthermore, a sex-specific pattern of 8-oxo-Gua staining was discovered in single-term placentas, with more oxidative damage found in the nuclei of syncytiotrophoblast cells and stromal and endothelial cells in AGA males compared to AGA females (p < 0.05). Second, the histological pattern of late FGR placentae differed by gender. Finally, a significant correlation (p < 0.05) was found between high-intensity 8-oxo-Gua staining in the cytoplasm of syncytiotrophoblast cells and thrombi in the chorionic plate or villi in males. On the other hand, female fetuses demonstrated a significant connection (p < 0.05) between high-intensity 8-oxo-Gua staining in endothelial and stromal cells and high birthweight MoM values. Our findings indicated a significant variation in the oxidative stress pattern between male and female placentae, implying that fetal growth is regulated differently in the two sexes.

Reappraising 21 years of the WHI study: Putting the findings in context for clinical practice.

Menopausal hormone treatment (MHT) is recommended for the management of menopause symptoms. The Women's Health Initiative (WHI) placebo-controlled randomised study examined the effects of continuous combined or estrogen-only MHT on the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in post-menopausal women. The study was terminated prematurely after an interim analysis showed an increased risk of breast cancer diagnosis, which led to a rapid decrease in MHT use worldwide. Subsequently, limitations of the study design and its interpretation in the context of other clinical studies has contributed to a more nuanced appreciation of the risk-benefit profile of differing MHT regimens regarding risk associated with the class of progestogen prescribed, its pattern of prescription, duration of use and timing of initiation related to menopause onset. This review provides a contextual interpretation of the WHI placebo-controlled study and evaluates the impact of bioidentical MHT, with a focus on combined therapies containing micronised progesterone, on the risk of chronic NCDs in post-menopausal women.

Anthropometric Features and Third-Fourth Degree Perineal Tears.

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the association between maternal and fetal anthropometric characteristics and third- and fourth-degree perineal tears. This retrospective cohort study considered all consecutive pregnancies from 2011 to 2017 at a single Institution. The inclusion criteria were: singletons who delivered vaginally during the study period, the presence of information on maternal pre-pregnancy weight, maternal height, and weight of the newborn. The feto-maternal body-mass index (BMI) was calculated as neonatal weight in kg on maternal height in squared meters (kg/m2). In total, 5397 singleton-term pregnancies were included; the prevalence of third-fourth-degree perineal tears was 0.47%. The most predictive factors were: nulliparity, feto-maternal BMI, neonatal weight, gestational age at delivery, and neonatal head circumference. After adjustment in multivariate analysis, the only independent predictors were nulliparity and fetomaternal BMI. The AUC of the final multivariate model was 73.54% (95% CI 65.65-81.42). Furthermore, feto-maternal BMI and gestational age had a significant direct correlation. Nulliparity and feto-maternal BMI are the two best predictors for third and fourth-degree perineal tears in our setting. Confirming this association in future research and integrating it into a decision algorithm on delivery timing could reduce obstetric damage to the anal sphincter.

Risk-Reducing Breast and Gynecological Surgery for BRCA Mutation Carriers: A Narrative Review.

This narrative review aims to clarify the role of breast and gynecological risk-reduction surgery in BRCA mutation carriers. We examine the indications, contraindications, complications, technical aspects, timing, economic impact, ethical issues, and prognostic benefits of the most common prophylactic surgical options from the perspectives of a breast surgeon and a gynecologist. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using the PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and EMBASE databases. The databases were explored from their inceptions to August 2022. Three independent reviewers screened the items and selected those most relevant to this review's scope. BRCA1/2 mutation carriers are significantly more likely to develop breast, ovarian, and serous endometrial cancer. Because of the Angelina effect, there has been a significant increase in bilateral risk-reducing mastectomy (BRRM) since 2013. BRRM and risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) significantly reduce the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. RRSO has significant side effects, including an impact on fertility and early menopause (i.e., vasomotor symptoms, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, cognitive impairment, and sexual dysfunction). Hormonal therapy can help with these symptoms. Because of the lower risk of developing breast cancer in the residual mammary gland tissue after BRRM, estrogen-only treatments have an advantage over an estrogen/progesterone combined treatment. Risk-reducing hysterectomy allows for estrogen-only treatments and lowers the risk of endometrial cancer. Although prophylactic surgery reduces the cancer risk, it has disadvantages associated with early menopause. A multidisciplinary team must carefully inform the woman who chooses this path of the broad spectrum of implications, from cancer risk reduction to hormonal therapies.

Gynaecological pathologies leading to emergency department admissions: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: Knowing the population's needs in order to plan measures to reduce emergency department (ED) use is fundamental. The objective of this study was to describe gynaecological ED visits and associated findings in women of reproductive age. METHODS: This study was a retrospective anonymized chart review analysis of visits to the ED for gynaecological disturbances at the University Hospital of Modena. All consecutive women of reproductive age were included. Women aged <18 years and postmenopausal women were excluded from this study. RESULTS: In total, 461 records were analysed. The median age was 41 (interquartile range 34-46) years. The most common symptom was dysmenorrhoea (42.7 %), followed by heavy menstrual bleeding (33.2 %). The most common gynaecological findings in the ED were adenomyosis (86.1 %), endometriosis (37.1 %) and leiomyomas (13.7 %). Adenomyosis was the most common finding, regardless of age. Endometriosis was more prevalent in women aged <41 years (43.8 % vs 31.2 %; p < 0.05). Meanwhile, adenomyosis and leiomyomas were more prevalent in women aged ≥41 years (81.11 % vs 90.57 % and 7.37 % vs 19.26 %, respectively; p < 0.05). Moreover, potentially life-threatening findings had low prevalence [i.e. haemorrhagic ovarian cyst (0.2 %), tubo-ovarian abscess (0.2 %) and pelvic inflammatory disease (0.4 %)]. CONCLUSION: In the study setting, chronic pathologies such as adenomyosis, endometriosis and leiomyomas significantly impacted use of the ED. Adenomyosis was the most common pathology, regardless of age. Adenomyosis and leiomyomas were more prevalent in women aged ≥41 years, and endometriosis was more prevalent in women aged <41 years.

Pregnancy complications after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cells transplantation: Focus on the placenta.

INTRODUCTION: hematopoietic stem cells transplantation (HSCT) is a treatment option for malignant and non-malignant haematological diseases. Because of the improved survival rates and the more widespread use of reproductive technologies in the last two decades, the number of patients who conceive is increasing while the pathogenesis of some obstetrical complications observed is not yet fully clarified. METHODS: we present complete data about two pregnancies in women who had previously undergone HSTC, with conditioning regimen including total body irradiation. One pregnancy is spontaneous and one after oocytes donation. RESULTS: In both pregnancies we observed relevant intrauterine growth retardation, attributable to a deficit in implantation and placentation. Ultrasound and histological data point to a defective placenta development, possibly sustained by uterine vessel damage caused by irradiation. A deeper understanding of factors influencing placentation post total body irradiation and HSCT, including the possible role of donor's sex and graft versus host disease, is pivotal to improve pregnancy outcomes in this specific population.

Vasomotor symptoms and management of women undergoing treatment for breast cancer: literature review with focus on the therapeutic potential of cytoplasmic pollen extract.

OBJECTIVE: Effective management of vasomotor symptoms (VMS) in patients undergoing treatment for breast cancer (BC) represents a critical but frequent unmet need. This review summarizes the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and clinical features of VMS in patients with BC and provides a synopsis of the complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) approaches in relieving VMS with a focus on purified cytoplasm of pollen (PCP). METHODS: The literature on VMS epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical burden, and CAM treatment in healthy women and patients with BC was reviewed. RESULTS: VMS are common in patients with BC undergoing hormonal treatment and negatively impact quality of life, leading to treatment discontinuation in up to 25% of patients with detrimental impact on risk of BC recurrence and overall survival. CAM approaches to treat VMS in patients with BC include vitamin E, phytoestrogens, and black cohosh, even if there is a lack of solid evidence to guide clinicians in the choice of treatment. PCP, obtained according to standards of good manufacturing practice, has a definite pharmacological mechanism of action, is devoid of estrogen activity, and has shown clinical efficacy on menopause-associated symptoms with a favorable safety profile and high compliance. As such, it appears to represent a valid management option to improve quality of life in patients with pre- and postmenopausal BC. CONCLUSIONS: Physicians should actively investigate the presence and impact of VMS in patients receiving therapy for BC. Additional and appropriately sized randomized clinical trials are needed to provide clear evidence on how to best meet the needs of patients with BC suffering from menopause-associated symptoms.

An implementation of the learning curve cumulative summation test to evaluate a practicum for endometrial cancer ultrasound staging.

PURPOSE: The learning curve cumulative summation (LC-CUSUM) test is commonly used as a quantitative assessment of the individual learning process. This study aimed to evaluate the skill acquisition process for performing ultrasound staging of endometrial cancer using the LC-CUSUM test. METHODS: Sixty-seven ultrasound examinations performed by two operators were evaluated using the LC-CUSUM test according to their rate of success or failure to correctly stage myometrial invasion, serosa involvement, and pelvic and para-aortic lymph node involvement. The reference standard was the pathologic result. After the learning phase, the cumulative summation (CUSUM) test was applied to assess performance maintenance. RESULTS: The processes achieved satisfactory performance in the majority of the cases according to the established definitions. Operator 1 reached adequate performance within the 30th procedure for all the locations considered, while operator 2 performed fewer than 30 ultrasound examinations by the audit time. The CUSUM test confirmed that the target quality was preserved after the learning phase. Moreover, the ultrasound staging for endometrial cancer was highly accurate. CONCLUSION: Using the LC-CUSUM test made it possible to monitor the achievement and maintenance of a satisfactory performance quantitatively. The LC-CUSUM test could be a valuable instrument to survey diagnostic pathways in gynecological ultrasonography quantitatively.

Factors influencing the effect of external cephalic version: a retrospective nationwide cohort analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the factors associated with the success and failure rate of the external cephalic version (ECV) in breech fetuses. Secondary outcomes were fetal presentation in labor and mode of delivery. METHODS: This cross-sectional study examined the live birth certificates from 2003 through 2020 from US states and territories that implemented the 2003 revision. A total of 149,671 singleton pregnancies with information about ECV success or failure were included. The outcome was ECV success/failure, while the exposures were possible factors associated with the outcome. RESULTS: The successful ECV procedures were 96,137 (64.23%). Among the successful ECV procedures, the prevalence of spontaneous vaginal delivery was 71.63%. Among the failed ECV procedures, 24.74% had a cephalic presentation at delivery, but 63.11% of these pregnancies were delivered by cesarean section. Nulliparity, female sex, low fetal weight centile, high pre-pregnancy BMI, high BMI at delivery, and high maternal weight gain during pregnancy were associated with an increased ECV failure (p < 0.001). African American, American Indian and Alaska Native race categories were significant protective factors against ECV failure (p < 0.001). Maternal age had a U-shape risk profile, whereas younger maternal age (< 25 years) and old maternal age (> 40 years) were significant protective factors against ECV failure (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of successful ECV procedures and subsequent spontaneous vaginal delivery were found. The present results found nulliparity, maternal race, maternal age, female fetal sex, low fetal weight, and maternal anthropometric features correlated to ECV results. These findings can potentially improve the knowledge about the factors involved in ECV, allowing more informed counseling to the women undergoing this procedure.