Hemorheological mechanisms for increased thrombosis in subjects using gestodene.

There are several possible mechanisms by which combined oral contraceptives (COC) use increase venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk. Melodene® is a monophasic COC containing the third-generation progestin Gestodene (GSD), which is associated with increased risk of VTE. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the possible alterations in viscoelastic parameters of whole blood and plasma clots along with the biophysical characteristics of erythrocytes and specifically fibrin fibers in females using a COC containing GSD. GSD appeared to have a significant impact on the biophysical characteristics of fibrin fiber networks. When GSD is combined with ethinylestradiol the viscoelastic properties of whole blood clots tend to become more prothrombotic. The alterations to and aggregation of erythrocytes accompanied with spontaneous formation of a fibrin "blanket" provides a possible mechanism for the increased occurrence of "red" clots, which can lead to occlusions in the vascular system. Thus, the increased risk of VTE associated with these COCs can be attributed to these erythrocyte-and-fibrin-rich-clots occluding venous vessels. However, our findings also propose that these changes to the biophysical properties of both erythrocytes and fibrin, specifically spontaneous expansion of deformed fibrin networks, can also occlude vessels in the microcirculation, which could have lasting, subclinical complications for female users. We recommend that a thorough risk assessment, with specific focus on coagulation and other factors affecting fibrin formation, be done for each female before prescribing a GSD-containing COC. Females that "qualify" then need to be monitored on a regular basis to lower the risk of thrombotic events. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Gestodene in combination with ethinyl estradiol significantly impacts the biophysical characteristics of erythrocytes and fibrin fiber networks. These changes, specifically spontaneous expansion of deformed fibrin networks, can occlude vessels in the microcirculation, which could have lasting, subclinical complications for the female user. The changes observed for specifically erythrocytes and fibrin show that the hormone formulation investigated contribute to a thrombogenic profile for female users.

Interethnic variation in pelvic floor morphology in women with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: There is a lack of epidemiological studies evaluating female pelvic organ prolapse in developing countries. Current studies have largely focused on women of white ethnicity. This study was designed to determine interethnic variation in pelvic floor functional anatomy, namely, levator hiatal distensibility and pelvic organ descent, in women with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse in a multi-ethnic South African population. METHODS: This prospective observational study included 258 consecutive women referred for pelvic organ prolapse assessment and management at a tertiary urogynaecological clinic. After a detailed history and clinical examination, including POPQ assessment, patients underwent a 4D transperineal ultrasound. Offline analysis was performed using 4D View software. Main outcome measures included levator muscle distensibility, pelvic organ descent, and levator ani defects (avulsion). RESULTS: Mean age was 60.6 (range, 25-91) years, mean BMI 29.83 (range, 18-53). Points Ba and C were lower and the genital hiatus more distensible in black women (all p < 0.05). They were found to have greater hiatal area (p = 0.017 at rest, p = 0.006 on Valsalva) compared with South Asians and whites and showed greater pelvic organ mobility (all p < 0.05) than Caucasians on ultrasound. Levator defects were found in 32.2% (n = 83) of patients and most were bilateral (48.2%, n = 40), with significant interethnic differences (p = 0.014). CONCLUSION: There was significant variation in clinical prolapse stage, levator distensibility, and pelvic organ descent in this racially diverse population presenting with pelvic organ prolapse, with South Asians having a lower avulsion rate than the other two ethnic groups (p = 0.014).

Prolapse symptoms are associated with abnormal functional anatomy of the pelvic floor.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The etiology of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) likely includes over-distension or tears (avulsion) of the levator ani muscle. However, there is a lack of studies evaluating the association between symptoms of POP and these factors. This study was designed to determine the association between POP symptoms and clinical prolapse stage on the one hand, and pelvic floor functional anatomy on the other hand. METHODS: This prospective observational study included 258 patients seen at a tertiary urogynecological unit with symptoms of POP as defined by pertinent ICIQ questions. After informed consent and a detailed history including ICIQ responses, 3D transperineal ultrasonography was performed using a GE Voluson i ultrasound system. Offline analysis was performed on de-identified datasets. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 60.6 years (25-91 years) and their mean BMI was 29.8 kg/m2 (18-53 kg/m2). Levator defects were found in 78 (32.4%) of the patients and the defect was bilateral in almost half of these patients (n = 36). There were significant associations between awareness and visualization of a vaginal lump on the one hand and hiatal area measurements as well as diagnosis of avulsion on the other. Interference with everyday life was significantly associated with hiatal area and prolapse stage, but not with avulsion. CONCLUSIONS: There is a significant association between awareness, visualization and/or feeling of a vaginal lump and abnormal pelvic floor functional anatomy, that is, hiatal ballooning and levator avulsion.