Characteristics and treatment of hepatic rupture caused by HELLP syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to review the management of hepatic rupture caused by HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count) syndrome and to assess maternal and perinatal outcomes of these cases. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study of HELLP syndrome cases that were complicated by hepatic rupture was conducted. RESULTS: Ten cases of hepatic rupture were identified. The median maternal age was 42.5 +/- 5.9 years (median +/- SD), and the median gestational age at delivery was 35.5 +/- 4.9 weeks. The most frequent signs and symptoms of hepatic rupture were the sudden onset of abdominal pain, acute anemia, and hypotension. Laboratory findings included low platelet count and increased hepatic enzymes. Surgery was performed in 9 cases. One case was treated nonsurgically. The maternal mortality rate was 10%, and the perinatal mortality rate was 80%. CONCLUSION: A combination of surgical treatment with hepatic artery ligation and omental patching with supportive measures was effective in decreasing the mortality rate in hepatic rupture caused by HELLP syndrome.

[Menstrual cycle irregularity as a marker of cardiovascular risk factors at postmenopausal years]. / Irregularidade do ciclo menstrual no menacme como marcador para fatores de risco cardiovasculares na pós-menopausa.

To evaluate the association between cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) during postmenopausal years and previous menstrual irregularity during reproductive years, we performed a case-control study in 414 postmenopausal women (mean age 60.4 +/- 5.5 years; BMI 25.3 +/- 4.7 kg/m(2)). The variables assessed were: menstrual cycle characteristics at age 2035y (independent) and records of arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and coronary heart disease (dependent). Statistical analysis used the chi-square test and logistic regression, adjusting for potential confounders for cardiovascular risk, with significance set at 5%. Women reporting previous menstrual irregularity were associated with increased risk for some CVRF [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 2.14; CI-95%=1,024.48], when compared with those reporting regular menstrual cycles. Stratified analysis demonstrated significant associations of previous menstrual irregularity with: arterial hypertension (OR= 2.74; CI-95%=1,395.41), hypercholesterolemia (OR= 2.32; CI-95%=1,174.59)), hypertriglyceridemia (OR= 2.09; CI-95%=1,104.33), and coronary angioplasty (OR= 6.82; CI-95%=1,4432.18). These data suggest that a prior history of menstrual irregularity, as indicative of polycystic ovary syndrome, may be related to increased risk for CVD during postmenopausal years.

Aerobic exercise improves cardiac autonomic modulation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of aerobic exercise on cardiac autonomic modulation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS: Thirty women with PCOS (25.8±4.8 years old; body mass index, BMI≥25 kg/m2) were divided into two groups; exercise group (n=15) and control group (n=15). R-R interval was recorded during 15-min at rest in the supine position. Heart rate variability (HRV) was analyzed by linear (rMSSD, SDNN, LF, HF, LFnu, HFnu, and LF/HF) and nonlinear methods (Shannon entropy, SE; symbolic analyses, 0 V%, 1 V%, 2LV%, and 2UV%) at baseline and after 16 weeks. The multivariate analysis of covariance was used to analyze the effects of exercise on HRV indexes, adjusted for changes in BMI, fasting insulin, and testosterone level. RESULTS: The exercise group increased parasympathetic modulation (rMSSD, HF, HFnu, 2UV%; (p<0.05)) and decreased sympathetic modulation (LF, LFnu, 0 V%; (p<0.05)) independently of changes in BMI, fasting insulin, and testosterone level. Moreover, the exercise group decreased resting HR and systolic blood pressure (p<0.05). All parameters remained unchanged in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Aerobic exercise increased vagal modulation and decreased sympathetic modulation in women with PCOS. This finding reinforces the recommendations for exercise during the clinical management of these patients.

Clustering of risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases in low-income, female adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence and clustering patterns of cardiometabolic risk factors among low-income, female adolescents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study involving 196 students of public schools (11-19 years old). The following risk factors were considered in the analysis: excess weight, central obesity, dyslipidemia, high blood pressure, and high fasting glucose. The ratio between observed and expected prevalence and its confidence interval were used to identify clustering of risk factors that exceeded expected prevalence in the population. RESULTS: The most prevalent risk factors were dyslipidemia (70.9%), and central obesity (39.8%), followed by excess weight (29.6%), and high blood pressure (12.8%). A total of 42.9% of adolescents had two or more risk factors, and 24% had three or more. Excess weight, central obesity, and dyslipidemia were common risk factors in the clustering patterns that showed higher-than-expected prevalence. CONCLUSIONS: Clustering of risk factors (≥ two factors) among the adolescents showed considerable prevalence, and there was a non-casual coexistence of excess weight, central obesity, and dyslipidemia (mainly low HDL-cholesterol).

[Tibolone treatment of diabetic postmenopausal women: clinical and laboratory safety parameters]. / Terapêutica com tibolona em mulheres diabéticas na pós-menopausa: parâmetros clínicos e laboratoriais de segurança.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinical-laboratory safety profile of tibolone treatment in postmenopausal women with NIDDM. METHOD: a prospective, longitudinal, open and uncontrolled study involving 24 postmenopausal women with NIDDM sequentially treated with placebo (6 months) and 2.5 mg/day tibolone (6 months). Clinical evaluation, anthropometric parameters, biochemical and hormonal measurements, and transvaginal ultrasonography were performed at baseline and after 6 (time 1) and 12 months of follow-up (time 2). Statistical analysis was performed by repeated measures analysis of variance, with the level of significance set at 5%. RESULTS: Side effects were present only during tibolone use (headache and mastalgia in 8.3% and genital bleeding in 16.6%). There was a significant reduction in the climacteric symptoms evaluated by Blatt-Kupperman index [22.2 +/- 7.1 (baseline) vs. 13.6 +/- 6.7 (time 1) vs. 3.1 +/- 3.3 (time 2); p< 0.0001]. After the tibolone use, we observed significant reductions in % body fat, diastolic arterial pressure, aminotransferases, triglycerides and HDL-cholesterol. There were no significant variations in systolic arterial pressure, heart rate, body mass index, waist to hip ratio, or in the glycemic, glycosylated hemoglobin, urea, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels. Ultrasonographic evaluation showed no significant changes in uterine volume or endometrial thickness. CONCLUSION: Short-term treatment with tibolone showed a good clinical-laboratory safety profile in postmenopausal women with NIDDM.

An innovative approach to the assessment of laypersons' knowledge of contraceptive methods, followed by an educational intervention.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the knowledge of laypersons about contraceptive methods and to pilot an educational strategy. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey using an anonymous questionnaire followed by an educational intervention. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 167 respondents to 400 invitations. METHOD: A questionnaire with 10 questions about contraceptive methods was answered before a meeting between laypersons and health professionals. Small groups facilitated by a health professional discussed the answers. One representative from each group presented the conclusions. At the end of the discussion session, gynaecologists gave lectures about contraceptive methods. RESULTS: Of the 167 people who attended, only 65 (39%) individuals handed over their anonymous answers for analysis. Those who did knew about the existence of contraceptive methods, but most of them showed incorrect or little knowledge about mechanism of action or risks. CONCLUSION: Embarrassment led many participants not to hand in their questionnaires but the results were evidence of the need for educational interventions. Lessons learnt from this experience are discussed.

Clustering of risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases in low-income, female adolescents

ABSTRACT Objective To assess the prevalence and clustering patterns of cardiometabolic risk factors among low-income, female adolescents. Materials and methods Cross-sectional study involving 196 students of public schools (11-19 years old). The following risk factors were considered in the analysis: excess weight, central obesity, dyslipidemia, high blood pressure, and high fasting glucose. The ratio between observed and expected prevalence and its confidence interval were used to identify clustering of risk factors that exceeded expected prevalence in the population. Results The most prevalent risk factors were dyslipidemia (70.9%), and central obesity (39.8%), followed by excess weight (29.6%), and high blood pressure (12.8%). A total of 42.9% of adolescents had two or more risk factors, and 24% had three or more. Excess weight, central obesity, and dyslipidemia were common risk factors in the clustering patterns that showed higher-than-expected prevalence. Conclusions Clustering of risk factors (≥ two factors) among the adolescents showed considerable prevalence, and there was a non-casual coexistence of excess weight, central obesity, and dyslipidemia (mainly low HDL-cholesterol).

Analysis of testosterone pulsatility in women with ovulatory menstrual cycles.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the pattern of the pulsatile secretion of testosterone in normal menstrual cycle. METHODS: Eight healthy women with ovulatory menstrual cycles were enrolled. Blood samples were collected at ten-minute intervals for six hours, starting between 7 and 8 am, after a ten-hour fasting, in three phases: mid-follicular (Day 7), late follicular (Day 12) and mid-luteal phase (Day 21). Samples were assayed for testosterone, LH and the baseline also for SHBG. RESULTS: Testosterone pulse frequency, mean amplitude pulse, percentage of increment in pulse amplitude, mean duration of pulses and pulse interval were similar in the three phases. LH pulsatility was statistically different among the three phases (p < 0.001) representing normal ovulatory cycles. CONCLUSIONS: These data increase the knowledge about the testosterone secretion profile in the human menstrual cycle and can be used as a contribution to clinical investigation in both hyperandrogenism and androgen insufficiency syndrome.

Analysis of testosterone pulsatility in women with ovulatory menstrual cycles / Análise da pulsatilidade da testosterona em mulheres com ciclos menstruais ovulatórios

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the pattern of the pulsatile secretion of testosterone in normal menstrual cycle. METHODS: Eight healthy women with ovulatory menstrual cycles were enrolled. Blood samples were collected at ten-minute intervals for six hours, starting between 7 and 8 am, after a ten-hour fasting, in three phases: mid-follicular (Day 7), late follicular (Day 12) and mid-luteal phase (Day 21). Samples were assayed for testosterone, LH and the baseline also for SHBG. RESULTS: Testosterone pulse frequency, mean amplitude pulse, percentage of increment in pulse amplitude, mean duration of pulses and pulse interval were similar in the three phases. LH pulsatility was statistically different among the three phases (p < 0.001) representing normal ovulatory cycles. CONCLUSIONS: These data increase the knowledge about the testosterone secretion profile in the human menstrual cycle and can be used as a contribution to clinical investigation in both hyperandrogenism and androgen insufficiency syndrome.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o padrão pulsátil da secreção da testosterona em mulheres normais. MÉTODOS: Oito mulheres saudáveis com ciclos ovulatórios foram selecionadas. Amostras sanguíneas foram coletadas a cada dez minutos durante seis horas, começando entre 7 e 8 h da manhã, após dez horas de jejum, nas três fases do ciclo menstrual: folicular média (Dia 7), folicular tardia (Dia 12) e lútea (Dia 21). Foram mensurados: testosterona, LH e, no basal, também SHBG. RESULTADOS: A frequência dos pulsos de testosterona, média da amplitude do pulso, porcentagem do incremento da amplitude, duração e intervalos dos pulsos foram similares nas três fases (p > 0,05). A pulsatilidade do LH foi estatisticamente diferente entre as três fases (p < 0,001), caracterizando padrão característico do ciclo ovulatório normal. CONCLUSÕES: Esses dados aumentam o conhecimento sobre o padrão de secreção da testosterona no ciclo menstrual humano e representam uma contribuição para a investigação clínica, tanto no hiperandrogenismo como na síndrome de insuficiência androgênica.

Irregularidade do ciclo menstrual no menacme como marcador para fatores de risco cardiovasculares na pós-menopausa / Menstrual cycle irregularity as a marker of cardiovascular risk factors at postmenopausal years / Menstrual cycle irregularity as a marker of cardiovascular risk factors at postmenopausal years

A associação entre fatores de risco cardiovascular (FRCV) na pós-menopausa e o antecedente de irregularidade menstrual no menacme foi avaliado em estudo caso-controle envolvendo 414 mulheres na pós-menopausa com idade de 60,4 ± 5,5 anos e IMC de 25,3 ± 4,7 kg/m². As variáveis consideradas foram: caracterização do ciclo menstrual entre 20 e 35 anos (independente) e relato atual sobre ocorrência de hipertensão arterial, dislipidemia, diabetes mellitus e doença arterial coronariana (dependentes). Utilizou-se o teste qui-quadrado e modelos de regressão logística, ajustados para outras variáveis implicadas no risco para doenças CV, com nível de significância 5 por cento. Observou-se que mulheres que relataram irregularidade menstrual prévia estiveram associadas com risco aumentado para ocorrência de algum FRCV [odds ratio ajustado (OR)= 2,14; IC-95 por cento= 1,02­4,48], quando comparadas àquelas com ciclos regulares. Análise estratificada demonstrou as seguintes associações significativas com o antecedente de irregularidade menstrual: hipertensão arterial (OR= 2,4; 95 por cento IC= 1,39­5,41), hipercolesterolemia (OR= 2,32; 95 por cento IC= 1,17­4,59), hipertrigliceridemia (OR= 2,09; 95 por cento IC= 1,10­4,33) e angioplastia coronariana (OR= 6,82; 95 por cento IC= 1,44­32,18). Os dados sugerem que o antecedente de irregularidade menstrual, indicativo da ocorrência da síndrome dos ovários policísticos na idade reprodutiva, pode estar relacionado com aumento do risco para doenças CV na pós-menopausa.

To evaluate the association between cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) during postmenopausal years and previous menstrual irregularity during reproductive years, we performed a case-control study in 414 postmenopausal women (mean age 60.4 ± 5.5 years; BMI 25.3 ± 4.7 kg/m²). The variables assessed were: menstrual cycle characteristics at age 20­35y (independent) and records of arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and coronary heart disease (dependent). Statistical analysis used the chi-square test and logistic regression, adjusting for potential confounders for cardiovascular risk, with significance set at 5 percent. Women reporting previous menstrual irregularity were associated with increased risk for some CVRF [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 2.14; CI-95 percent= 1.02­4.48], when compared with those reporting regular menstrual cycles. Stratified analysis demonstrated significant associations of previous menstrual irregularity with: arterial hypertension [OR= 2.74; CI-95 percent= 1.39­5.41), hypercholesterolemia (OR= 2.32; CI-95 percent= 1.17­4.59), hypertriglyceridemia (OR= 2.09; CI-95 percent=1.10­4.33), and coronary angioplasty (OR= 6.82; CI-95 percent= 1.44­32.18). These data suggest that a prior history of menstrual irregularity, as indicative of polycystic ovary syndrome, may be related to increased risk for CVD during postmenopausal years.

Terapêutica com tibolona em mulheres diabéticas na pós-menopausa: parâmetros clínicos e laboratoriais de segurança / Tibolone treatment of diabetic postmenopausal women: clinical and laboratory safety parameters

OBJETIVO: determinar o perfil de segurança clínico-laboratorial da terapia com tibolona em mulheres portadoras de diabetes mellitus não-insulinodependente (DMNID). MÉTODO: estudo prospectivo, longitudinal, aberto e controlado envolvendo 24 mulheres na pós-menopausa portadoras de DMNID, tratadas seqüencialmente com placebo (6 meses) e tibolona 2,5mg/dia (6 meses). Parâmetros clínicos, antropométricos, bioquímicos, hormonais e ultra-sonográficos foram avaliados no período basal, após 6 (tempo 1) e 12 meses de acompanhamento (tempo 2). Análise estatística foi realizada utilizando-se ANOVA para medidas repetidas, com nível de significância 5 por cento. RESULTADOS: efeitos colaterais surgiram apenas durante uso da tibolona (cefaléia e mastalgia em 8,3 por cento e sangramento genital em 16,6 por cento). Houve diminuição significativa dos sintomas climatéricos avaliados através do índice de Blatt-Kuperman [22,2 ± 7,1 (basal) vs. 13,6 ± 6,7 (tempo 1) vs. 3,1 ± 3,3 (tempo 2); p< 0,0001]. Após uso da tibolona, evidenciamos reduções significativas no percentual de gordura corporal, pressão arterial diastólica, níveis de transaminases, triglicerídeos e HDL-colesterol. Não houve variações significativas na pressão arterial sistólica, freqüência cardíaca, índice de massa corporal, relação cintura/quadril, glicemia de jejum, hemoglobina glicosilada, uréia, colesterol total e LDL-colesterol. A avaliação ultra-sonográfica não revelou variações significativas do volume uterino e espessura endometrial. CONCLUSAO: o tratamento com tibolona em curto prazo mostrou bom perfil de segurança clínico-laboratorial em pacientes na pós-menopausa portadoras de DMNID.