Clinical impact of low-volume lymph node metastases in early-stage cervical cancer: A comprehensive meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: In order to define the clinical significance of low-volume metastasis, a comprehensive meta-analysis of published data and individual data obtained from articles mentioning micrometastases (MIC) and isolated tumor cells (ITC) in cervical cancer was performed, with a follow up of at least 3 years. METHODS: We performed a systematic literature review and meta-analysis, following Cochrane's review methods guide and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The primary outcome was the disease-free survival (DFS), and the secondary outcome was the overall survival (OS). The hazard ratio (HR) was taken as the measure of the association between the low-volume metastases (MIC+ITC and MIC alone) and DFS or OS; it quantified the hazard of an event in the MIC (+/- ITC) group compared to the hazard in node-negative (N0) patients. A random-effect meta-analysis model using the inverse variance method was selected for pooling. Forest plots were used to display the HRs and risk differences within individual trials and overall. RESULTS: Eleven articles were finally retained for the meta-analysis. In the analysis of DFS in patients with low-volume metastasis (MIC + ITC), the HR was increased to 2.60 (1.55-4.34) in the case of low-volume metastasis vs. N0. The presence of MICs had a negative prognostic impact, with an HR of 4.10 (2.71-6.20) compared to N0. Moreover, this impact was worse than that of MIC pooled with ITCs. Concerning OS, the meta-analysis shows an HR of 5.65 (2.81-11.39) in the case of low-volume metastases vs. N0. The presence of MICs alone had a negative effect, with an HR of 6.94 (2.56-18.81). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the presence of MIC seems to be associated with a negative impact on both the DFS and OS and should be treated as MAC.

Is voluntary pelvic floor muscles contraction important for sexual function in women with pelvic floor disorders?

AIMS: To investigate relationships between pelvic floor muscles (PFM) and sexual function (SF) in sexually active (SA) and not-SA (NSA) women with pelvic floor disorders (PFD). METHODS: In 350 women with PFD: 173 (49.4%) SA, 177 (50.6%) NSA, Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP)-Quantification, PFM tone, and strength were evaluated. Transperineal ultrasound (TPS) measured genital hiatus (GH) diameter, bladder neck (BN) movement. Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire, IUGA-Revised (PISQ-IR), and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) were used. SA women were dichotomized according to muscle strength (weak/strong) and tone (normal/hypoactive). RESULTS: FSFI scores reflected sexual dysfunction in 63.5% SA women. 32.2% partnered NSA stated PFD the reason for sexual inactivity. NSA women had higher POP stages and hypoactive PFM rates compared to SA: 72 (40.7%) vs 52 (30.1%), P = .04. TPS GH diameter did not differ between SA and NSA at rest, contraction, and did not correlate with SF. BN length was longer in SA at rest (15.0 ± 7.0 vs 13.1 ± 9.4, P = .03) and contraction (19.7 ± 7.0 vs 16.7 ± 10.2, P = .006); 30 (8.6%) subjects depressed BN during contraction. GH change at contraction correlated with Oxford Grading Scale (rps = 0.41; P < .001), and was smaller in women with nonfunctioning vs normal/underactive PFM (P < .001). Women with hypoactive PFM had lower SF in PISQ-IR Global quality and FSFI Desire domains vs normal tone. BN length at rest, contraction, and total mobility correlated with several PISQ-IR and FSFI domains. CONCLUSIONS: In SA women with PFD, lower rates of hypoactive PFM tone were found. The ability to contract PFM did not influence SF. Greater mobility of BN correlated with lower SF.

Hysteroscopy in the treatment of uterine cesarean section scar diverticulum: A systematic review.

The aim of this paper is to review and to analyze the results of previous studies dealing with hysteroscopic treatment of postcesarean scar defects. A systematic review of publications indexed in MEDLINE/PubMed database identified a total of 11 studies dealing with resectoscopic treatment of postcesarean scar defect. The review was conducted in line with the Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) guidelines and the PRISMA statement. In only few studies, patients were qualified for hysteroscopic surgery based on the measurement of the defect depth and thickness of residual myometrium above the pouch. Two principal techniques were used for the hysteroscopic treatment: resection of one edge of the scar diverticulum, and resection of the inferior and superior edges of the defect. Additionally, most authors performed electrocauterization of the niche bottom. Resectoscopic treatment turned out to be highly effective in the case of women with AUB. No complications of the hysteroscopic procedure have been reported. Methodological value of the reviewed studies was relatively low due to non-unified selection/verification criteria and incomplete, non-systematic postoperative assessment. In conclusion, hysteroscopic treatment seems to be a promising option in the management of postcesarean scar defects, but still further research is needed on the problem in question.

Pregnancy and Delivery in Patients with Mastocytosis Treated at the Polish Center of the European Competence Network on Mastocytosis (ECNM).

OBJECTIVE: To present current guidelines regarding treatment of mastocytosis in pregnancy on the example of observed patients. DESIGN: Case control national study. SETTING: Polish Center of the European Competence Network on Mastocytosis (ECNM). POPULATION OR SAMPLE: 23 singleton spontaneous pregnancies in 17 women diagnosed with mastocytosis in years 1999-2014, before becoming pregnant. METHODS: Prospective analysis outcomes of pregnancies and deliveries. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Survey developed in cooperation with the Spanish Instituto de Estudios de Mastocitosis de Castilla-La Mancha (CLMast), Hospital Virgen del Valle, Toledo, Red Espanola de Mastocitosis (REMA), Spain. RESULTS: All 23 pregnancies resulted from natural conception. Obstetrical complications recorded in the first trimester included spontaneous miscarriage (5 pregnancies). Four patients delivered preterm, including one delivery due to preeclampsia at 26 weeks which resulted with neonate death due to extreme prematurity. Five women delivered via cesarean: four due to obstetrical indications and one due to mastocytosis, during which no anesthesia related complications were recorded. Of patients delivering vaginally, two received extradural anesthesia, three required oxytocin infusion due to uterine hypotonia. No labor complications were recorded. In one woman with pregnancy-induced hypertension, early puerperium was complicated by the presence of persistent arterial hypertension. One neonate was born with the signs of cutaneous mastocytosis. Another neonate was diagnosed with Patau syndrome. Four women were treated for mastocytosis prior to conception and continued therapy after becoming pregnant. One patient was put on medications in the first trimester due to worsening of her symptoms. Pregnancy exerted only a slight effect on the intensity and frequency of mastocytosis-related symptoms observed. Worsening of the disease-related symptoms was documented in only four patients (23%). None of the patients showed the signs of anaphylaxis, either before becoming pregnant, or during pregnancy and puerperium. CONCLUSIONS: There is no contraindication to pregnancy when mastocystosis-related pathologies are under appropriate medical control.