The difference in extracellular matrix metabolism in women with and without pelvic organ prolapse: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Studies on the changes of extracellular matrix (ECM) in pelvic organ prolapse (POP) are still controversial. OBJECTIVE: To identify the changes in the ECM in POP patients. SEARCH STRATEGY: Comprehensive searching in Embase, PubMed, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library was carried out until 23 February 2023. SELECTION CRITERIA: Studies comparing the protein levels of ECM-related components between women with and without POP. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Quality and risk of bias were assessed using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality assessment. Indicators were pooled with random or fixed effect meta-analysis based on heterogeneity and sub-grouped analysed by the biopsy site. MAIN RESULTS: Thirty cross-sectional studies were included, comprising 840 POP cases and 755 controls. Overall results showed that the expression of type III collagen (COLIII) and several matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1, -2 and -9) were increased, whereas those of type I collagen (COLI), and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) were decreased in patients with POP. Subgroup analysis showed that the expression of COLIII in the anterior vaginal wall (AVW) and COLIII, MMP-2 and -9 in the uterosacral ligament (USL) were consistent with the overall results. However, the expression of COLI and MMP-1 in the AVW showed no difference and the expression of COLI and MMP-1 in the USL is still controversial based on current studies. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with POP have lower expression of COLI and TIMP-1 and higher expression of COLIII and MMPs compared with non-POP cases, but further studies are required to investigate in specified anatomical sites.

Pelvic floor muscle strength and influencing factors based on vaginal manometry among healthy women at different life stages: A multicentre cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength and influencing factors among healthy women at different life stages. DESIGN: Multicentre cross-sectional study. SETTING: Fourteen hospitals in China. POPULATION: A total of 5040 healthy women allocated to the following groups (with 1680 women per group): premenopausal nulliparous, premenopausal parous and postmenopausal. METHODS: The PFM strength was evaluated by vaginal manometry. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the influencing factors for low PFM strength. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Maximum voluntary contraction pressure (MVCP). RESULTS: The median MVCP values were 36, 35 and 35 cmH2O in premenopausal nulliparous (aged 19-51 years), premenopausal parous (aged 22-61 years), and postmenopausal (aged 40-86 years) women, respectively. In the premenopausal nulliparous group, physical work (odds ratio, OR 2.05) was the risk factor for low PFM strength, which may be related to the chronic increased abdominal pressure caused by physical work. In the premenopausal parous group, the number of vaginal deliveries (OR 1.28) and diabetes (OR 2.70) were risk factors for low PFM strength, whereas sexual intercourse (<2 times per week vs. none, OR 0.55; ≥2 times per week vs. none, OR 0.56) and PFM exercise (OR 0.50) may have protective effects. In the postmenopausal group, the number of vaginal deliveries (OR 1.32) and family history of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) (OR 1.83) were risk factors for low PFM strength. CONCLUSIONS: Physical work, vaginal delivery, diabetes and a family history of POP are all risk factors for low PFM strength, whereas PFM exercises and sexual life can have a protective effect. The importance of these factors varies at different stages of a woman's life.

A retrospective study of the management and outcomes of pregnancies with inherited antithrombin deficiency.

INTRODUCTION: Antithrombin (AT) deficiency is a rare but highly thrombogenic inherited thrombophilia. Its association with adverse pregnancy outcomes (APO) is undefined. There is limited guidance on managing AT deficiency in pregnancy. Some significant issues remain controversial, including risk assessment for prophylactic anticoagulation, anticoagulant therapy, and monitoring. Our goal was to examine if the antepartum management of patients with AT deficiency affected their pregnancy outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective, single-center observational study included pregnant women with inherited AT deficiency in Peking Union Medical College Hospital between 2013 and 2024. RESULTS: Seventeen pregnancies in 6 women with AT deficiency were identified. A total of 7 pregnancies received adjusted-dose low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) and were monitored by anti-Xa level, AT activity, and D-dimer. There were 5 live births (all received LMWH), 7 second-trimester abortions (1 received LMWH), and 5 early pregnancy losses (1 received LMWH). There were 5 abruptio placentae events (3 received LMWH) and 7 thrombotic events (2 received LMWH). CONCLUSIONS: AT deficiency is at least an important partial factor contributing to APO. It is suggested to make a full assessment of AT patients both for venous thrombus embolism and APO risk. We observed a high prevalence of heparin resistance and a positive correlation between adequate anticoagulation and pregnancy outcome based on tight monitoring with anti-Xa level and timely adjustment of the LMWH dosage.

Impact of female stress urinary incontinence and related treatments on the sexual function of male partners: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: No conclusions have been reached on whether female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and related treatments affect male partners' sexual function. AIM: To assess the effects of female SUI and related treatments on male partners' sexual function. METHODS: A comprehensive search of the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Scopus databases was performed up to September 6, 2022. Studies were included that investigated the effect of female SUI and related treatments on male partners' sexual function. OUTCOME: Male partners' sexual function. RESULTS: Of the 2294 citations identified, 18 studies with 1350 participants were included. Two studies assessed the effect of female SUI without treatment on male partners' sexual function, finding that partners had more erectile dysfunction, more sexual dissatisfaction, and less sexual frequency than partners of women without urinary incontinence. Seven studies directly assessed the effect of female SUI treatments on male partners' sexual function by surveying the male partners. Among these, 4 assessed transobturator suburethral tape (TOT) surgery; 1 assessed TOT and tension-free vaginal tape obturator surgery; and the remaining 2 assessed pulsed magnetic stimulation and laser treatment. Among the 4 TOT studies, 3 used the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). TOT surgery significantly improved the total IIEF score (mean difference [MD] = 9.74, P < .00001), along with erectile function (MD = 1.49, P < .00001), orgasmic function (MD = 0.35, P = .001), sexual desire (MD = 2.08, P < .00001), intercourse satisfaction (MD = 2.36, P < .00001), and overall satisfaction (MD = 3.46, P < .00001). However, the improvements in IIEF items may be of unclear clinical significance, as 4 points in the erectile function domain of the IIEF are typically defined as the minimal clinically important difference. In addition, 9 studies indirectly assessed the effect of female SUI surgery on male partners' sexual function by surveying patients with the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire. The results demonstrated no significant differences in erectile function (MD = 0.08, P = .40) or premature ejaculation (MD = 0.07, P = .54). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The effects of female SUI and related treatments on male partners' sexual function were summarized for the first time, providing a reference for future clinical practice and scientific research. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: A limited number of studies that used various scales met the standardized eligibility criteria. CONCLUSION: Female SUI may affect male partners' sexual function, and female patients' anti-incontinence surgery does not appear to have a clinically significant improvement on the sexual function of their partners.

Ovariectomy with simulated vaginal delivery to establish a rat model for pelvic organ prolapse.

The widespread prevalence of Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) and the paucity of ongoing treatments prompted us to develop a unique rat model combining ovariectomy and simulated vaginal delivery. We hypothesized that the tissue changes caused by low hormone levels and mechanical stretch could complement each other. Thus, the combined model can potentially mimic the collagen metabolism of vaginal wall tissue as well as mechanical stretch properties to complement disease progression in POP. Ovariectomy with sequential simulated vaginal delivery was performed on rats in the modeling group. Sham surgeries were performed as control. At 2, 4, and 12 weeks after modeling, the vaginal tissues of rats were evaluated by Masson's trichrome staining, Picro-Sirius red staining, immunohistochemistry, western blotting, and uniaxial tensile tests. Compared to the control group, the vaginal tissues of the model rats showed an atrophic epithelial layer and loose collagen fibers. The smooth muscle fibers were ruptured, smaller in diameter, and disorganized. The ratio of collagen type I/III significantly increased, but the contents of both Collagen I and III decreased. The expression of metalloproteinases 2 and 9 in the tissues increased, and the expression of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases 1 and 2 decreased. The tangent modulus of the tissues was significantly increased in the model rats. We verified a novel method to establish a pelvic organ prolapse model in rats. This approach combined the advantages of low hormone levels and mechanical stretch effects.

Mechanical stress influences the morphology and function of human uterosacral ligament fibroblasts and activates the p38 MAPK pathway.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common condition in older women that affects quality of life. Mechanical injury of the pelvic floor support system contributes to POP development. In our study, we aimed to examine the mechanical damage to human uterosacral ligament fibroblasts (hUSLFs) to preliminarily explore the mechanism of mechanical transduction in POP. METHODS: hUSLFs were derived from POP and non-POP patients. Mechanical stress was induced by the FX-5000 T-cell stress loading system. Student's t-test was used for comparisons between different groups. RESULTS: We found that hUSLFs from POP patients were larger and longer than those from non-POP patients and exhibited cytoskeleton F-actin rearrangement. Collagen I and III expression levels were lower and matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1) levels were higher in POP patients than in non-POP patients. Additionally, the apoptosis rate was significantly increased in POP patients compared to non-POP patients. After mechanical stretching, hUSLFs underwent a POP-like transformation. Cells became longer, and the cytoskeleton became thicker and rearranged. The extracellular matrix (ECM) was remodelled because of the upregulation of collagen I and III expression and downregulation of MMP1 expression. Mechanical stress also induced hUSLF apoptosis. Notably, we found that the p38 MAPK pathway was activated by mechanical stretching. CONCLUSIONS: Mechanical stress induced morphological changes in ligament fibroblasts, leading to cytoskeleton and ECM remodelling and cell apoptosis. p38 MAPK might be involved in this process, providing novel insights into the mechanical biology of and possible therapies for this disease.

The polymorphisms of extracellular matrix-remodeling genes are associated with pelvic organ prolapse.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis and metabolism abnormalities may influence the pelvic supporting system and lead to the occurrence and development of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Genetic polymorphisms of such related genes have been increasingly studied. This study aims to explore the association between the single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of genes encoding ECM processing enzymes (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs [ADAMTSs]), ECM degrading enzymes (matrix metalloproteinases [MMPs]) and their tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMPs), and POP. METHODS: We conducted an association study including 48 women with POP at stages III and IV and 48 women without prolapse in Chinese groups. SNPs were identified using the target region sequencing technique. We performed Fisher's exact tests to assess the association between SNPs and POP in the unadjusted model and logistic regression analysis in the adjusted model, adjusting for delivery and pregnancy. RESULTS: There was a significant association between TIMP2 SNP rs2277698 (odds ratio [OR], 0.37; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.16-0.82; P = 0.015), ADAMTS13 SNP rs149586801 (OR, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.05-0.69; P = 0.012), and ADAMTS1 SNPs rs370850 and rs422803 (OR, 3.71; 95% CI, 1.35-10.15; P = 0.011 for both), rs402007, rs428785, rs434857, and rs445784 (OR, 2.18; 95% CI, 1.05-4.56; P = 0.038 for the four), and POP in the adjusted model. CONCLUSION: TIMP2, ADAMTS13, and ADAMTS1 might be candidate genes for POP. Our results provide preliminarily new evidence for future investigation of these genes in the pathophysiology of POP.

Evaluation of extracellular matrix protein expression and apoptosis in the uterosacral ligaments of patients with or without pelvic organ prolapse.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: This study aimed to compare the expression levels of extracellular matrix (ECM) and apoptosis proteins in the uterosacral ligament (USL) of patients with and without pelvic organ prolapse (POP). METHODS: The USL were obtained from patients with POP-Q ≥ III (n = 35) and without POP (n = 20). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining and RT-qPCR were conducted to assess the protein and mRNA levels, respectively. The levels of type I collagen (COLI), type III collagen (COLIII), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)1, MMP2, MMP9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)1, TIMP2, estrogen receptor (ER)α, ERß and apoptosis-related gene B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)-associated agonist of cell death (Bad) and Bcl-2-associated X (Bax) in the USL were analyzed. RESULTS: The protein expression and mRNA levels of MMP2 and MMP9, mRNA levels of BAD and BAX, and protein expression of active cleaved-Caspase3 were significantly higher in the POP group. There were no evident differences in COLIII, MMP1 or ERß expression at either the mRNA or protein level or in TIMP1, TIMP2 or Caspase3 by IHC between the two groups. However, obvious decreases in COLI and ERα were evident at both the mRNA and protein levels in the POP group, and the mRNA levels of TIMP1 and TIMP2 were also decreased compared to those of the control group. CONCLUSION: ECM in the USL tissues of POP patients is remodeled compared with non-POP patients and is characterized by decreased synthesis and increased degradation of collagen; moreover, the levels of the main proteins involved in apoptosis are increased in POP tissue.

Current situation of complications related to reconstructive surgery for pelvic organ prolapse: a multicenter study.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: This study aimed to investigate the evaluation and management of complications after pelvic floor reconstructive surgery for pelvic organ prolapse in China. METHODS: Complications of pelvic floor reconstructive surgery for pelvic organ prolapses from 27 institutions were reported from November 2017 to October 2019. All complications were coded according to the category-time-site system proposed by the International Urogynecological Association (IUGA) and the International Continence Society (ICS). The severity of the complications was graded by the Clavien-Dindo grading system. Four scales were used to evaluate patient satisfaction and quality of life after management of the complications: the Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I), the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire Short Form (PFIQ-7), the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Symptom Score (POP-SS), and a 5-point Likert-type scale that evaluated the patient's choice of surgery. RESULTS: Totally, 256 cases were reported. The occurrence of complications related to transvaginal mesh (TVM) and laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (LSC) had a significantly longer post-surgery delay than those of native tissue repair surgery (p < 0.001 and p = 0.010, respectively). Both PFIQ-7 and POP-SS score were lower after management of complications (p < 0.001). Most respondents (81.67%) selected very much better, much better, or a little better on the PGI-I scale. Only 13.3% respondents selected unlikely or highly unlikely on the 5-point Likert-type scale. CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of complications related to TVM surgery and LSC had a longer post-surgery delay than native tissue repair surgery. Long-term regular follow-up was vital in complication management. Patient satisfaction with the management of TVM complications was acceptable.

Comparison of outcomes between single-incision sling and transobturator sling for treating stress urinary incontinence: A 10-year prospective study.

AIMS: To evaluate and compare the clinical outcomes of the transobturator sling with the single-incision sling, for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence at a long-term follow-up. METHODS: From October 2008 to October 2010, 94 patients who were enrolled and underwent either TVT-O, one of standard mid-urethral sling or TVT-S, one of single-incision mini-sling (SIMS) procedure. The study population was followed until February 2019. Surgical outcomes were analyzed by subjective and objective evaluations and Chinese version questionnaires. Data were analyzed by IBM 23.0 SPSS Statistics. The level of statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: At the 10-year follow-up, 31(64.6%) TVT-O patients and 33(71.7%) TVT-S patients were still available. Objective cure and subjective satisfaction rate were not significantly different for TVT-O compared with TVT-S (P > 0.05). However, TVT-S showed a greater drop in success from the second to the tenth year compared with TVT-O (15.1% vs 0% and 9.2% vs 3.2%, respectively). Both groups experienced significantly improved quality of life in the TVT-O group and in the TVT-S group (P < 0.05). The total PISQ-12 scores at 10 years postoperatively of the TVT-O and TVT-S groups were 33.4(4.7) compared with 33.6(3.9) before surgery (P = 0.67 > 0.05) and 35.5(5.9) compared with 31.5(6.3) before surgery (P = 0.045 < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It is difficult to state that there is superiority of one sling over another sling without a significant difference. But TVT-O showed superior objective cure and subjective satisfaction rates and a less decline in success during 10 years compared with TVT-S.

Comparison of outcomes between postpartum and non-postpartum women with stress urinary incontinence treated with conservative therapy: A prospective cohort study.

AIM: This study aimed to compare the outcomes of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) between postpartum and non-postpartum women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and to detect potential factors that may influence these outcomes. METHODS: A total of 54 and 79 participants were recruited into postpartum (PP group) and non-postpartum (non-PP group) groups, respectively. A physiotherapist treated the participants twice a week for 6-8 weeks. At baseline and 6 and 12 months after treatment, the 1-h pad weight test (PWT), vaginal contraction pressure (VCP), and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire Short Form (IIQ-7) were assessed by an evaluator or physiotherapist. The primary outcome was PWT improvement. The participants whose PWT improvement reached a >50% reduction relative to baseline were considered responders. Secondary outcomes included VCP, IIQ-7 score, and patient satisfaction rate. RESULTS: The PWT improvement was 87.04% (95%CI: 0.78, 0.96) in the PP group at 1-year follow-up, which was significantly better than the 72.15% improvement (95%CI: 0.62, 0.82) in the non-PP group (OR = 2.591, 95%CI: 1.018, 6.595, P = 0.041). Changes in VCP and BMI were significant predictors of responders in the regression analysis. As the change in VCP increased by 1 cmH2 O, the efficiency increased by 4.2% (OR = 1.042, 95%CI: 1.010, 1.070). The change in BMI increased by 1 kg/m2 , and the efficiency decreased 23.0% (OR = 0.770, 95%CI: 0.633, 0.937). CONCLUSIONS: The outcome of PFMT in postpartum participants with SUI was better than that in non-postpartum participants. Women with more improvements in VCP and weight loss showed better amelioration of SUI symptoms after PFMT.

Evaluation of Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome with magnetic resonance imaging: Three patterns of uterine remnants and related anatomical features and clinical settings.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the anatomical features and clinical settings of Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome and correlate them with patterns of uterine involvement. METHODS: Pelvic magnetic resonance images and medical records of 92 MRKH patients were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were subgrouped by uterine morphology: uterine agenesis, unilateral rudimentary uterus and bilateral rudimentary uteri. Uterine volume, presence of endometrium, location of ovary, endometriosis and pelvic pain were compared among groups. RESULTS: The mean uterine volume was 33.5 ml (17.5-90.0 ml) for unilateral uterine remnants, and 16.1 ml (3.5-21.5 ml) for bilateral uterine rudiments (p<0.01). The incidence of presence of endometrium (100% vs. 22%, p<0.001), haematometra (56% vs. 3%, p<0.001) and ovarian endometriosis (22% vs. 3%, p<0.01) was significantly increased in the group of unilateral rudimentary uteri as compared with the group of bilateral uterine remnants. Thirty-one patients (38%) showed ectopic ovaries. Pelvic pain was more common in individuals with unilateral rudimentary uterus than those who had no (56% vs. 5%, p<0.01) or bilateral uterine remnants (56% vs. 14%, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: MRKH patients with different patterns of uterine involvement may have differentiated anatomical features and clinical settings. KEY POINTS: • Rudimentary uteri, especially bilateral rudimentary uteri, were quite common in MRKH syndrome. • Uterine remnants can be relatively large, especially the unilateral rudimentary uterus. • Presence of endometrium and related complications are not rare in MRKH syndrome. • Existence of endometrium and complications are more frequent in unilateral rudimentary uterus.

[Continuous improvement of portable domestic pelvic floor neuromuscular electrical stimulation on the pelvic floor function of patients with urinary incontinence].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate continuous improvement of portable domestic pelvic floor neuromuscular electrical stimulation on the pelvic floor function of patients with stress urinary incontinence after short-term pelvic floor electrophysiological treatment in hospital. METHODS: Totally 60 women with stress urinary incontinence were recruited for this randomized controlled trial. The control group including a total of 30 patients, only received 4 weeks pelvic floor electrophysiological treatment in the hospital. Family consolidation treatment group (experimental group) including 30 patients, after 4-week treatment in hospital, received 12-week of pelvic floor neuromuscular electrical stimulation using portable electrical stimulator at home under the guidance of doctors. In post-treatment 6 months and 9 months, 1-hour pad test was measured for urine leakage, pelvic floor electrical physiological parameters were assessed, and subjective improvement of symptoms of urinary incontinence were evaluated. All these data were analysed to compare the effect of the two groups. RESULTS: In 9 months after treatment, average change of urine leakage, the control group and experiment group were (75±24)% versus (99±3)%, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.01). In the experiment group, strength of type I muscle (4.4±0.7), strength of type II muscle (4.8±0.4) and pelvic floor dynamic pressure [(96±12) cmH(2)O, 1 cmH(2)O=0.098 kPa] were better than those of control group [3.2±1.0, 4.3±0.9, (86±10) cmH(2)O, respectively], the differences were statistically significant (P<0.01). Subjective outcome, the control group and experiment group were (6.5±2.9) versus (1.8±1.7), subjective outcome between the two groups had significant difference (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: After short-term pelvic floor electrophysiological treatment in hospital, the portable domestic pelvic floor neuromuscular electrical stimulation in patients with stress urinary incontinence is helpful to continuous improvement of pelvic floor function.

[Postpartum pelvic floor rehabilitation on prevention of female pelvic floor dysfunction: a multicenter prospective randomized controlled study].

OBJECTIVE: To study the postpartum pelvic floor rehabilitation on the improvement of pelvic floor electrical physiological indexes and the prevention of female pelvic floor dysfunction in China. METHODS: A multicenter prospective randomized controlled study was carried out. From October 2011, postpartum women in five provinces were randomly assigned into treatment group and control group. The women in treatment group received electrical stimulation and biofeedback treatment. The women in control group performed pelvic floor muscle exercise at home. When 6 months and 12 months after delivery, comparing two groups of patients with pelvic floor electrical physiological indexes and pelvic organ prolapse quantitation measurements (POP-Q), to evaluate the effect of postpartum pelvic floor rehabilitation on the prevention of pelvic floor dysfunction. Pelvic floor impact questionnaire short form (PFIQ-7) and pelvic organ prolapse/incontinence sexual questionnaire-12 (PISQ-12) were used to evaluate the influence on quality of life and sexual life. RESULTS: Until June 2013, 324 women were participated, 124 in control group, 200 in treatment group. According to the baseline results, there was statistical significance in the results of pelvic floor electrical physiological indexes between the treatment and control groups in postpartum 6 months and 12 months; the proportion above level III of type I and type II muscle fibers strength in the treatment group, it was from 41.5% (83/200) and 40.5% (81/200) to 76.3% (145/190) and 79.5% (151/190) in postpartum 6 weeks and postpartum 6 months, increased to 80.6% (58/72) and 80.6% (58/72) in postpartum 12 months, improved significantly comparing with the control group (P < 0.01). According to Point Aa, treatment group and control group in the postpartum 6 weeks was (-2.2 ± 0.7) versus (-2.4 ± 0.6) cm, in postpartum 12 months (- 2.5 ± 1.1) versus (- 2.7 ± 0.6) cm, the improvement in treatment group was statistically significant (P < 0.01). And the other points were not significantly different (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in the questionnaires in quality of life and quality of sexual life (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Neuromuscular electrical stimulation and biofeedback therapy in the early postpartum period could obviously improve pelvic floor electrical physiological indexes, and is beneficial to prevent the pelvic floor dysfunction.

Protocol for a prospective longitudinal cohort study on the effects of non-surgical weight loss on pelvic floor dysfunction.

INTRODUCTION: Recent studies have recommended non-surgical weight loss and pelvic floor muscle training as first-line treatment for obese patients with urinary incontinence. However, limited studies are detecting the effect of weight loss on other types of pelvic floor dysfunctions (PFDs), as well as on the quality of life (QoL) and the related influencing factors. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The "Weight Loss on Pelvic Floor Dysfunction"(WLPFD) observational study is a 6 months prospective, longitudinal real-world cohort study aiming to recruit 200 patients. Participants will be followed up three times during the study: at baseline, and at 2 and 6 months. The methodology involves recruitment and follow-up of participants, data collection through validated questionnaires, and statistical analysis to assess the impact of non-surgical weight loss on PFD and QoL. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study has been reviewed and given a favourable ethical opinion by the Peking Union Medical College Hospital ethics committee (K4278). All results from the study will be submitted to international journals and international conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05987085.

Being insulted by parents is the most severe early adverse experience of anxiety in adulthood.

INTRODUCTION: Which adverse childhood experiences are causally associated with anxiety in adulthood is unclear. Sensitive Period Model states that early adverse experiences can influence anxiety levels in adulthood. However, it remains unknown which adverse experience is the most important early adverse factor for anxiety in adulthood, and whether early alleviation or aggravation of this adverse experience predicts a decrease or increase in anxiety levels in adulthood. METHODS: A national cross-sectional survey was conducted from 20 June 2023 to 31 August 2023, with a total of 30,054 adults aged 18 years or older recruited on questionnaires that completed the Adverse Childhood Experiences Scale and Generalised Anxiety Disorder Scale. We used network analysis and computer simulation techniques to simulate aggravating and simulate alleviating interventions to observe changes in anxiety levels to identify early adverse experiences causally associated with anxiety levels in adulthood. RESULTS: The results of both the network analysis and the nodeIdentifyR algorithm (NIRA) indicated that in the Adverse Childhood Experiences-Anxiety Network (ACE-GAD Network), being cursed and insulted (CUR) by parents in childhood was the most severe early adverse experience contributing to anxiety in adulthood. In particular, simulated aggravation interventions targeting CUR in young and middle-aged adults resulted in significantly higher levels of anxiety in adulthood. CONCLUSIONS: This suggests that preventing verbal curses or insults in childhood can be an early preventive measure for future anxiety interventions. This study has important theoretical and practical implications, providing new insights for early prevention of anxiety and family education.

Nonlinear relationships between sleep duration, mental health, and quality of life: The dangers of less sleep versus more sleep.

BACKGROUND: Recent research has found a non-linear relationship between sleep duration and mental health/quality of life. However, it is currently unclear which age group is more affected by sleep duration and what the optimal sleep duration is for each age group. Additionally, the underlying mechanisms of the non-linear relationship between sleep duration and quality of life are not well understood. METHODS: Therefore, this study utilized questionnaire data from 20,962 participants in the Chinese PBICR-2022 database(Cross-sectional study) and constructed models to analyze the relationship between sleep duration and quality of life. RESULTS: The results showed that the optimal sleep duration varied among different age groups: approximately 9 h for adolescents, 8 h for early/middle-aged adults, and 7 h for older adults. Compared to other age groups, less or more sleep duration had a greater impact on mental health and quality of life in adolescents. Furthermore, mental health was found to play a significant mediating role between sleep duration and quality of life in both the less sleep group and the more sleep group, but this mediating effect was not significant among the older adults in the less sleep group, whereas the mediating effect of mental health was not significant among the middle-aged adults in the more sleep group. CONCLUSIONS: This suggests that different age groups have different optimal sleep duration, and age may be an important factor influencing the relationship between sleep duration and mental health/quality of life, with mental health playing a mediating role in the relationship between sleep duration and quality of life.

De novo urinary incontinence and lower urinary tract symptoms after colpocleisis: A single-center prospective study.

Background: Colpocleisis is one of traditional surgical procedures for elderly and frail women with advanced pelvic organ prolapse. The occurrence of de novo urinary incontinence following colpocleisis was considered to impair the postoperative quality of life. The incidence of de novo urinary incontinence after colpocleisis has been reported to be ranging from 6.6 % to 27 %. There was an absence of prospective large-sample study to investigate the accurate incidence of de novo urinary incontinence following colpocleisis and the impact on the quality of life till now. Purpose: s The primary objective was to report the incidence of de novo urinary incontinence after colpocleisis. The second objectives were to evaluate the long-term quality of life in patients with de novo urinary incontinence, and to conduct detailed pre- and post-operative evaluations of lower urinary tract symptoms. Methods: This prospective study included 253 patients with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse who underwent colpocleisis between 2009 and 2021. De novo urinary incontinence was defined as the occurrence of urinary incontinence 3 months postoperatively. All patients were required to complete the Urinary Distress Inventory questionnaire and the Urinary Impact Questionnaire for the evaluation of patients' quality of life, and the Patient Global Impression of Improvement questionnaire for the evaluation of patients' satisfaction. Results: 245 patients (245/253, 96·8 %) completed the 3-month follow-up, and were included in the final analysis. The incidence of de novo urinary incontinence was 5.4 % (10/185). There was no significant difference in the Urinary Distress Inventory -6 scores (22.50 vs. 10.30, P = 0.276) or the subjective satisfaction rate (100 % vs. 98.9 %, P = 0.250) between the patients with or without de novo urinary incontinence at the long-term follow-up. The incidence of voiding difficulty was significantly reduced after colpocleisis (27.8 % vs. 0.0 %, P < 0.001). The patients' quality of life indicated by Urinary Distress Inventory-6 and Urinary Impact Questionnaire-7 scores were significantly improved postoperatively (26.27 vs. 13.39, and 19.13 vs. 6.05, P < 0.05). Conclusion: The incidence of de novo urinary incontinence after colpocleisis was very low. Patients' quality of life, and low urinary tract symptoms were significantly improved after colpocleisis.

Effect of Surgically Induced Weight Loss on Pelvic Organ Prolapse: A Meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Bariatric surgery alleviates certain aspects of pelvic floor disorder, but the effect on pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is unclear. To assess the effect of bariatric surgery on POP we conducted the present meta-analysis and firstly performed a subgroup analysis based on the duration of follow-up. METHODS: Four databases including PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Embase were searched to identify relevant studies published before February 24, 2023. The main outcome was the prevalence and severity of POP symptoms before and after bariatric surgery. Then we assessed the heterogeneity, publication bias and performed subgroup analyses based on follow-up time, study quality and region. RESULTS: Eleven studies with a total of 696 participants met the inclusion criteria. The results showed that the prevalence of POP decreased after bariatric surgery (odds ratio[OR] = 2.29, 95% confidence interval[CI]: 1.05, 5.01; P = 0.04, I2 = 78%), with significant differences observed both at 3-6 months (OR = 2.24, 95% CI: 1.25, 4.01; P = 0.007, I2 = 59%) and 12 months (OR = 4.64, 95% CI: 2.83, 7.58; P < 0.0001, I2 = 0%) of follow-up compared with pre-surgery. Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory scores 6-item also decreased after bariatric surgery (mean difference [MD] = 2.11, 95% CI: 0.32, 3.89; P = 0.02, I2 = 55%) with significant differences observed both at 3-6 months (MD = 3.72; 95% CI: [0.10, 7.34], P = 0.04, I2 = 70%) and ≥ 12 months (MD = 3.24; 95% CI: [0.56, 5.91], P = 0.02, I2 = 56%) of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Bariatric surgery alleviated POP symptoms in women with obesity both during short-term (3-6 months) and long-term (≥ 12 months) follow-up.