Influence of interleukin-8 polymorphism on endometriosis-related pelvic pain.

Endometriosis presents a pro-inflammatory microenvironment influenced by cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-8, which expression may be influenced by genetic polymorphisms. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the role of interleukin (IL)-8 rs4073 polymorphism in endometriosis' development and its related symptoms. A case-control study was conducted with 207 women with endometriosis and 193 healthy controls. Polymorphism was genotyped using a TaqMan validated assay. Associations were evaluated by binary logistic regression, using odds ratios (OR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI), and P ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Cases were younger (36 ± 6.8 versus 39 ± 8.4) and had lower body mass index (26.5 ± 5.3 versus 35.7 ± 6.3 Kg/m2) than controls (P < 0.001). Higher prevalence of symptoms and infertility was observed in cases, compared to controls (P < 0.001). Minor allele frequencies of IL-8 rs4073 (T) were 42.3 % and 39.9 % for cases and controls, respectively, and no associations were found between IL and 8 rs4073 polymorphism and endometriosis' prevalence or staging. However, the polymorphism was associated with chronic pelvic pain among cases (OR = 0.54; 95 %CI = 0.29-0.98). The IL-8 rs4073A > T polymorphism may contribute to lower IL-8 expression and, consequently, decrease endometriosis-related pelvic pain. These findings can support the early diagnosis of endometriosis' painful symptoms, preventing its complications, and allowing an individualized treatment.

Deep Endometriosis: the Involvement of Multiple Pelvic Compartments Is Associated with More Severe Pain Symptoms and Infertility.

Endometriosis can be classified into three phenotypes: superficial, ovarian, and deep. Deep endometriosis (DE) has been associated with more severe pain symptoms, although no large-scale studies have evaluated the association between pain intensity and infertility and the different compartments of the pelvis affected by superficial and DE. This retrospective study included 1116 women who underwent laparoscopy for endometriosis treatment at two referral centers between 2009 and 2019. For the evaluation of each symptom, patients were divided according to their visual analog scale score (< 7 and ≥ 7) and fertility status. On multiple logistic regression, severe dysmenorrhea and dyschezia were correlated with DE of the posterior compartment alone (odds ratio (OR) = 1.6, confidence interval (CI) 1.09-2.34, and p = 0.02 and OR = 2.09, CI 1.36-3.23, and p < 0.01, respectively) and in combination with other compartments. DE of the posterior and lateral compartments had the most consistent statistical power (OR = 3.55 for dysmenorrhea and OR = 4.4 for dyschezia). Infertility was associated with DE of the posterior compartment alone (OR = 1.6, CI 1.06-2.54, p = 0.04) and in combination with the anterior compartment (OR = 2.62, CI 1.29-5.29, p < 0.01), with the combination of posterior and anterior compartment having the highest OR value. Severe dyschezia and infertility were also correlated with the presence of multiple localizations of DE (p = 0.04 and p < 0.01). This study confirms the association between DE and severe pain symptoms as well as the influence of the number of DE compartments on the severity of symptoms and the chance of infertility.

Association between partial thrombosis of the corpus cavernosum, partial priapism, and hard flaccid syndrome: A scoping review.

AIM: To describe the association between partial thrombosis of the corpus cavernosum, partial priapism, and hard flaccid syndrome. METHODS: A scoping review was performed according to the recommendations of the Joanna Briggs Institute. Moreover, we performed a search strategy using the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases. We included the available information, evaluating the conditions of partial thrombosis of the corpus cavernosum, partial priapism, and hard flaccid syndrome, and their molecular and physiological mechanisms and clinical presentation. RESULTS: We identified 207 articles and chose eight studies published between 2001 and 2021. The total number of patients was 34, and their mean age was 28.2 years. Moreover, in 84% of the studies, the pathophysiology of the events was related to microtrauma or prolonged perineal compression. Additionally, 94.2% of the patients had some degree of erectile dysfunction. In addition, out of all patients, 94% underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, patients with hard flaccid syndrome did not show relevant findings in these studies. Conversely, MRI showed asymmetry in the proximal corpora cavernosa, thrombosed corpus cavernosum segments, and mainly cavernous fibrous septum in patients with partial cavernous thrombosis and partial priapism. CONCLUSION: Partial thrombosis of the corpus cavernosum, partial priapism, and hard flaccid syndrome occurred more frequently in young patients, possibly related to microtraumas that generate cavernous fibrosis and trigger alterations in the erection of the distal portion of the penis. Additionally, they cause proximal hardening of the pelvis, perineal pain, painful ejaculations, and cavernous asymmetry. Moreover, the imaging characteristics are similar in patients with partial priapism and partial cavernous thrombosis.

Caracterización epidemiológica, clínica e histopatológica de los tumores malignos de cérvix en las pacientes sometidas a histerectomía radical tipo Wertheim-Meigs que acuden al servicio de Ginecología y Obstetricia del Hospital General San Juan de Dios, de Guatemala (enero 2017 a diciembre del 2018) / Epidemiological, clinical and histopathological characterization of malignant tumors of the cervix in patients undergoing Wertheim-Meigs radical hysterectomy who attend the Gynecology and Obstetrics service of the San Juan de Dios General Hospital, Guatemala (January 2017 to December 2018)

Los tumores malignos de cérvix continúan siendo un problema de salud pública para nuestro país, es por ello que se consideró de importancia realizar este estudio. Se estudiaron las características clínicas más frecuentes encontradas en las pacientes sometidas dentro de los cuales encontramos como principal motivo de consulta el dolor pélvico con un 86.75%, seguido del sangrado con un 84.34% finalizando con la leucorrea con el 79.52%. En cuanto a la clasificación de los tumores malignos se comprobó que la mayoría de las pacientes presentaron el estadio CaCu IB1 con el 91.57% seguido del CaCu IA1 con el 6.02% finalizando con el CaCu IB2 con el 2.41%. Así mismo, se pudo determinar que los tumores malignos de cérvix más frecuentes en las pacientes estudiadas fue el carcinoma epitelial, seguido del adenocarcinoma de cérvix, siendo su histopatología más encontrada el carcinoma epidermoide no queratinizante de células grandes con el 53.01%. (AU)

Uterine Cervical Cancer continues to be one of the main public health problems in Guatemala, thus being important to do this type of research. The most frequent clinical characteristics found in the present study were pelvic pain (86.75%) followed by bleeding in 84.34% and vaginal discharge in 79.52%. Most of the patients were classified as Stage IB1 (91.57%) followed by Stage IA1(6/02%) and Stage IB2 (2.41%). The most frequent Histologic Type was Squamous Carcinoma. (AU)

Sensitivity and specificity of clinical findings for the diagnosis of pelvic congestion syndrome in women with chronic pelvic pain.

Background Pelvic congestion syndrome is among the causes of pelvic pain. One of the diagnostic tools is pelvic venography using Beard's criteria, which are 91% sensitive and 80% specific for this syndrome. Objective To assess the diagnostic performance of the clinical findings in women diagnosed with pelvic congestion syndrome coming to a Level III institution. Methods Descriptive retrospective study in women with chronic pelvic pain taken to transuterine pelvic venography at the Advanced Gynecological Laparoscopy and Pelvic Pain Unit of Clinica Comfamiliar, between August 2008 and December 2011, analyzing social, demographic, and clinical variables. Results A total of 132 patients with a mean age of 33.9 years. Dysmenorrhea, ovarian points, and vulvar varices have a sensitivity greater than 80%, and the presence of leukorrhea, vaginal mass sensation, the finding of an abdominal mass, abdominal trigger points, and positive pinprick test have a specificity greater than 80% when compared with venography. Conclusion This study may be considered as the first to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the clinical findings associated with pelvic congestion syndrome in a sample of the Colombian population. In the future, these findings may be used to create a clinical score for the diagnosis of this condition.

Measurement of pain and anthropometric parameters in women with chronic pelvic pain.

RATIONALE, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To analyse anthropometric parameters, clinical pain and experimental pain in women with chronic pelvic pain (CPP). METHODS: Ninety-one women with a clinical diagnosis of CPP, mean age of 40.03 ± 9.97 years, submitted to anthropometric evaluation based on body mass index (BMI) and percent body fat (%BF) using bioimpedance body composition monitor; pain intensity was determined by visual analogue scale (VAS), numerical categorical scale (NCS) and McGill Pain Questionnaire; experimental pain was determined by transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), and anxiety and depression symptoms were determined by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale. RESULTS: A total of 54.8% of the women showed %BF >32 risk of disease associated with obesity. Regarding the anthropometric data, a statistically significant difference was observed between groups for both BMI and %BF (P<0.0001). In the analysis of pain intensity by the VAS, NCS and total McGill, there was no significant difference between the groups, and experimental pain by TENS revealed significant difference only between the normal weight and overweight groups (P=0.0154). The results of anxiety symptoms were above the cut-off point in all groups, with no significant difference between them (P=0.3710). The depression symptoms were below the cut-off point in the normal weight group and above the cut-off point in the overweight and obese groups, 9.469(4.501) and 9.741(4.848), respectively, with no significant difference between them (P=0.6476). CONCLUSION: Evaluation of anthropometric parameters and pain measurements can be applied in clinical practice, making a contribution to the diagnosis and influencing the choice of a more effective treatment for women with CPP.

Prevalence and conditions associated with chronic pelvic pain in women from São Luís, Brazil

The objective of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of chronic pelvic pain in the community of São Luís, capital of the State of Maranhão, Northeastern Brazil, and to identify independent conditions associated with it. A cross-sectional study was conducted, including a sample of 1470 women older than 14 years predominantly served by the public health system. The interviews were held in the subject's home by trained interviewers not affiliated with the public health services of the municipality. The homes were visited at random according to the city map and the prevalence of the condition was estimated. To identify the associated conditions, the significant variables (P=0.10) were selected and entered in a multivariate analysis model. Data are reported as odds ratio and 95% confidence interval, with the level of significance set at 0.05. The prevalence of chronic pelvic pain was 19.0%. The independent conditions associated with this diagnosis were: dyspareunia (OR=3.94), premenopausal status (OR=2.95), depressive symptoms (OR=2.33), dysmenorrhea (OR=1.77), smoking (OR=1.72), irregular menstrual flow (OR=1.62), and irritative bladder symptoms (OR=1.90). The prevalence of chronic pelvic pain in Sao Luís is high and is associated with the conditions cited above. Guidelines based on prevention and/or early identification of risk factors may reduce the prevalence of chronic pelvic pain in São Luís, Brazil.

Prevalence and conditions associated with chronic pelvic pain in women from São Luís, Brazil.

The objective of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of chronic pelvic pain in the community of São Luís, capital of the State of Maranhão, Northeastern Brazil, and to identify independent conditions associated with it. A cross-sectional study was conducted, including a sample of 1470 women older than 14 years predominantly served by the public health system. The interviews were held in the subject's home by trained interviewers not affiliated with the public health services of the municipality. The homes were visited at random according to the city map and the prevalence of the condition was estimated. To identify the associated conditions, the significant variables (P=0.10) were selected and entered in a multivariate analysis model. Data are reported as odds ratio and 95% confidence interval, with the level of significance set at 0.05. The prevalence of chronic pelvic pain was 19.0%. The independent conditions associated with this diagnosis were: dyspareunia (OR=3.94), premenopausal status (OR=2.95), depressive symptoms (OR=2.33), dysmenorrhea (OR=1.77), smoking (OR=1.72), irregular menstrual flow (OR=1.62), and irritative bladder symptoms (OR=1.90). The prevalence of chronic pelvic pain in Sao Luís is high and is associated with the conditions cited above. Guidelines based on prevention and/or early identification of risk factors may reduce the prevalence of chronic pelvic pain in São Luís, Brazil.

[Depressive symptoms in women with chronic pelvic pain]. / Sintomas depressivos em mulheres com dor pelvica cronica.

PURPOSE: To investigate the presence of depressive symptoms in women with chronic pelvic pain. METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed with women aged 18 years or older, diagnosed with chronic pelvic pain, with no pregnancy history in the previous year, and with no cancer history. The sample was established by calculating the representative sample, estimated as 50 women. All women were undergoing treatment at a gynecology outpatient clinic, referred by the primary health care network of the Brazilian national health system. Data collection was performed from October 2009 to May 2010. The women's sociodemographic, economic and clinical characteristics were analyzed. Pain intensity was evaluated using a visual analogue scale. The depressive symptoms were investigated using Beck's Depression Inventory. Statistical analysis was performed using position measures (mean, median), dispersion (standard deviation) and the χ² test. Values of p ≤ .05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The participants' mean age was 41.6 ± 9.4 years. The following features predominated: secondary education level; pardo (brown) skin color; Catholic religion; and living with a steady partner. Most (98%) were economically active and worked with general domestic services. Regarding the participants' subjective perception of pain, 52% reported experiencing intense pain, while 48% reported experiencing moderate pain. Most women (52%) had been living with pain for five years or less, and 30%, for over 11 years. The mean BDI score was 17.4 (± 9.4). It was observed that 58% of the women presented mild, moderate and severe depressive symptoms according to the BDI. The most frequent depressive symptoms were fatigability, loss of libido, irritability, difficulty to work, somatic preoccupations, crying, dissatisfaction, sadness, and insomnia. CONCLUSION: Depressive symptoms were frequent among these women suffering with chronic pelvic pain.

Sintomas depressivos em mulheres com dor pelvica cronica / Depressive symptomsin womenwith chronic pelvic pain

OBJETIVO: Investigar a presença de sintomas depressivos em mulheres com dor pélvica crônica. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo de corte transversal descritivo, no qual foram incluídas mulheres com diagnóstico de dor pélvica crônica, com idade maior ou igual a 18 anos, sem gravidez no último ano e sem câncer. A amostra foi definida com base no cálculo de amostragem representativa que estimou o quantitativo de 50 mulheres, que estavam em seguimento no ambulatório de Ginecologia, tendo sido encaminhadas pela rede básica do Sistema Único de Saúde. A coleta dos dados ocorreu no período de outubro de 2009 a maio de 2010. Foram analisadas características sociodemográficas, econômicas e clínicas. A intensidade da dor foi avaliada pela escala analógica visual. Os sintomas depressivos foram investigados pelo Inventário de Depressão de Beck.Para análise estatística, foram utilizadas medidas de posição (média, mediana), dispersão (desvio padrão) e teste do χ2. O nível de significância estatística adotado foi de p≤0,05. RESULTADOS: A média de idade das participantes foi de 41,6±9,4 anos. Predominaram mulheres com nível médio de escolaridade, cor parda, religião católica, que viviam com o companheiro fixo. A maioria (98%) estava economicamente ativa, tendo como ocupação serviços domésticos. Quanto à percepção subjetiva da dor, evidenciou-se que 52% afirmaram dor intensa e 48%, moderada. A maioria das mulheres (52%) convivia com a dor há menos de cinco anos, e 30%, há mais de 11 anos. O escore médio do BDI foi de 17,4 (±9,4). Foi observado que 58% das mulheres tiveram sintomas depressivos de grau leve, moderado e grave avaliados pelo BDI. Os sintomas depressivos de frequências mais ...

PURPOSE: To investigate the presence of depressive symptoms in women with chronic pelvic pain. METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed with women aged 18 years or older, diagnosed with chronic pelvic pain, with no pregnancy history in the previous year, and with no cancer history. The sample was established by calculating the representative sample, estimated as 50 women. All women were undergoing treatment at a gynecology outpatient clinic, referred by the primary health care network of the Brazilian national health system. Data collection was performed from October2009 to May 2010. The women's sociodemographic, economic and clinical characteristics were analyzed. Pain intensity was evaluated using a visual analogue scale. The depressive symptoms were investigated using Beck's Depression Inventory. Statistical analysis was performed using position measures (mean, median), dispersion (standard deviation) and the χ2 test. Values of p≤ .05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The participants' mean age was 41.6±9.4 years. The following features predominated: secondary education level; pardo (brown) skin color; Catholic religion; and living with a steady partner. Most (98%) were economically active and worked with general domestic services. Regarding the participants' subjective perception of pain, 52% reported experiencing intense pain, while 48% reported experiencing moderate pain. Most women (52%) had been living with pain for five years or less, and 30%, for over 11 years. The mean BDI score was 17.4 (±9.4). It was observed that 58% of the women presented mild, moderate and severe depressive symptoms according to the BDI. The most frequent depressive symptoms were fatigability, loss of libido, irritability, difficulty to work, somatic preoccupations, crying, dissatisfaction, sadness, and insomnia. CONCLUSION: Depressive symptoms were frequent among these women suffering ...

Irritable bowel syndrome in women with chronic pelvic pain in a Northeast Brazilian city.

PURPOSES: To determine the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in women with chronic pelvic pain (CPP) and its associated features; to determine whether IBS and CPP constitute the same syndrome. METHODS: Cross-sectional population survey with systematic sequential sampling according to census districts in which 1470 women were interviewed with respect to the sample calculation. The participants resided in their own homes, were at least 14 years of age, experienced menarche and presented CPP according to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. The dependent variable was IBS based on Rome III criteria in women with CPP, and the following independent variables were possibly associated with IBS: age, schooling, duration of pain, sedentary lifestyle, migraine, depression, insomnia, back pain, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, depression, history of violence, and intestinal symptoms. The sample was subdivided into groups with and without IBS. After the descriptive analysis of the variables was performed, the respective frequencies were evaluated using GraphPad Prism 5 software. To evaluate the association between the dependent variable and the independent variables, the χ² test was used with a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: The prevalence of IBS in women with CPP was 19,5%. Pain duration (p=0.03), back pain (p=0.002), history of physical or sexual abuse (p=0.002), and intestinal complaints were more prevalent in the group with IBS and CPP. There was no difference between the groups regarding other criteria. CONCLUSION: The data confirmed the literature, identified several aspects that were shared between the pathologies and supported the hypothesis that both pathologies can constitute the same syndrome.

Irritable bowel syndrome in women with chronic pelvic pain in a Northeast Brazilian city / Síndrome do intestino irritável em mulheres com dor pélvica crônica em uma cidade do Nordeste Brasileiro

PURPOSES: To determine the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in women with chronic pelvic pain (CPP) and its associated features; to determine whether IBS and CPP constitute the same syndrome. METHODS: Cross-sectional population survey with systematic sequential sampling according to census districts in which 1470 women were interviewed with respect to the sample calculation. The participants resided in their own homes, were at least 14 years of age, experienced menarche and presented CPP according to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. The dependent variable was IBS based on Rome III criteria in women with CPP, and the following independent variables were possibly associated with IBS: age, schooling, duration of pain, sedentary lifestyle, migraine, depression, insomnia, back pain, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, depression, history of violence, and intestinal symptoms. The sample was subdivided into groups with and without IBS. After the descriptive analysis of the variables was performed, the respective frequencies were evaluated using GraphPad Prism 5 software. To evaluate the association between the dependent variable and the independent variables, the χ² test was used with a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: The prevalence of IBS in women with CPP was 19,5%. Pain duration (p=0.03), back pain (p=0.002), history of physical or sexual abuse (p=0.002), and intestinal complaints were more prevalent in the group with IBS and CPP. There was no difference between the groups regarding other criteria. CONCLUSION: The data confirmed the literature, identified several aspects that were shared between the pathologies and supported the hypothesis that both pathologies can constitute the same syndrome.

OBJETIVOS: Verificar a prevalência da síndrome do intestino irritável (SII) em mulheres com dor pélvica crônica (DPC) e as características associadas; analisar se SII e DPC constituem a mesma síndrome. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal do tipo inquérito populacional com amostragem sistemática sequencial de acordo com os distritos censitários, no qual 1470 mulheres foram entrevistadas conforme o cálculo amostral. Foram selecionadas aquelas residentes no respectivo domicílio, com pelo menos 14 anos de idade, que já haviam tido a menarca e apresentavam DPC de acordo com o Colégio Americano de Obstetrícia e Ginecologia. A variável considerada dependente foi a SII baseando-se nos Critérios de Roma III em mulheres com DPC, e as independentes, possivelmente associadas com a SII foram: idade, escolaridade, tempo de dor, sedentarismo, enxaqueca, depressão, insônia, lombalgia, dismenorreia, dispareunia, depressão, passado de violência e sintomas intestinais. A amostra foi subdividida nos grupos com e sem SII. Após a análise descritiva das variáveis, as respectivas frequências foram avaliadas utilizando GraphPad Prism 5. Para determinação da presença de associação entre a variável dependente e as independentes, utilizou-se o teste do χ² com nível de significância a 5%. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de SII em mulheres com DPC foi de 19,5%. O tempo de dor (p=0,03), a lombalgia (p=0,002), história de abuso físico ou sexual (p=0,002) e as queixas intestinais foram maiores no grupo com SII e DPC. Não houve diferença entre os grupos quanto aos demais critérios. CONCLUSÃO: Os dados confirmam a literatura, demonstrando muitos aspectos comuns entre as duas condições e valorizando a hipótese de que elas possam compor a mesma síndrome.

Dismetría pélvica en una muestra radiológica de adolescentes de la ciudad de Temuco-Chile / Pelvic asymmetry in a radiographic sample of adolescents from the city of Temuco-Chile

La dismetría de la pelvis es frecuente en los adolescentes y puede ser un factor que provoque dolores en la columna vertebral y estar asociada a escoliosis funcionales de la región lumbar. Estas disfunciones de la columna vertebral producen incapacidad laboral, son de alta prevalencia en el mundo. Este problema de salud pública es de origen multifactorial afecta a la mayoría de las personas principalmente en la edad media de la vida. El propósito del estudio fue conocer cómo se comportan nuestros adolescentes con respecto a la variable dismetría pélvica. Para ello se analizaron 49 radiografías panorámicas de columna vertebral, de escolares entre 13 y 17 años de ambos géneros, 24 hombres y 25 mujeres, de la ciudad de Temuco, Chile. Del total de sujetos, 33 presentaron algún grado de desnivel pélvico lo que corresponde al 67,3 por ciento de los individuos. En 27 sujetos estaban en el rango 1 a 10 mm y 4 sujetos en el rango de 11 a 15 mm. En 33 sujetos tenían algún grado de desviación de la columna lumbar en el plano frontal y 16 sujetos no se observó desviación. Es importante conocer estos parámetros en nuestra población adolescente, para incorporar a la educación formal la prevención en todos los aspectos de la vida y así disminuir la sintomatología, costos de atención y rehabilitación.

Lower limb asymmetry is common in adolescents and may be a factor causing pain the spine and may also be associated with functional scoliosis of the lumbar region. Spine dysfunctions causing work related disabilities are highly prevalent throughout the world This public health issue is of multifactorial origin and affects he majority of those in mid life, the result of pelvic drop and increased lumbar lordosis. The aim of this work was to study the performance of our teenagers with respect to the mentioned variables. We analyzed 49 panoramic radiographs of the spines of schoolchildren between 13 and 17 years, 24 male and 25 female in the city of Temuco, Chile. Of total subjects 33 showed some degree of pelvic tilt which corresponds to 67.3 percent of subjects.. In 27 cases subjects were in the 1 to 10mm range and 4 subjects in the 11 to 15mm range. In 16 subjects no deviation was observed in frontal plane and 33 subjects had some degree of deviation. It is important to know these parameters in our adolescent population, to include formal education prevention in all aspects of life and to reduce the symptoms and costs of care and rehabilitation.

Endometriose / Endometriosis

Esse trabalho teve por objetivo apresentar uma revisão e análise crítica sobre o tratamento da endometriose, com ênfase no manejo clínico da doença e, principalmente, comparar esquemas disponíveis e padronizados de tratamento clínico. Pôde-se observar uma alta prevalência de manifestações clínicas dessa afecção em mulheres com infertilidade e portadoras de dor pélvica crônica. O tratamento farmacológico depende da extensão e severidade da doença, idade da paciente e desejo de engravidar. Os dados e informações relacionados à eficácia das diferentes abordagens terapêuticas descritas para endometriose são muito controversos e devem ser revistos à medida que outros estudos clínicos mostrarem evidências mais concretas e confiáveis.

Relationship between chronic pelvic pain and functional constipation in women of reproductive age.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of functional constipation on women with and without chronic pelvic pain (CPP). STUDY DESIGN: One hundred women ages 18-50 were separated into three groups: (A) women without CPP, (B) women with CPP but without functional constipation, and (C) women with CPP with functional constipation according to Rome III criteria. All participants were followed over 3 months, completing a questionnaire on pain and constipation daily. CPP was evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS). RESULTS: In Group A, 16 of 31 women complained of lumpy or hard stools; 13 had symptoms of functional constipation. In Group B, 4 of 19 women had lumpy or hard stools. In Group C, 46 of 50 reported straining or incomplete bowel movements and 49 reported lumpy or hard stools. Regarding CPP, no significant differences were found in VAS pain score between Groups B and C; no changes were found in VAS pain score throughout the 12-week evaluation period. The most common diagnoses associated with CPP were idiopathic pain, endometriosis, and pelvic adhesions. CONCLUSION: Functional constipation was significantly more prevalent in women with CPP than women without CPP; however, it does not appear to have a role in worsening the pain.

Postural changes in women with chronic pelvic pain: a case control study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a lower abdominal pain lasting at least 6 months, occurring continuously or intermittently and not associated exclusively with menstruation or intercourse. Although the musculoskeletal system has been found to be involved in CPP, few studies have assessed the contribution of posture in women with CPP. We aimed to determine if the frequency of postural changes was higher in women with CPP than healthy subjects. METHODS: A case-control study included 108 women with CPP of more than 6 months' duration (CPP group) who consecutively attended at the Hospital of the University of São Paulo and 48 healthy female volunteers (control group). Postural assessment was noninvasive and performed in the standing position, with the reference points of Kendall used as normal parameters. Factors associated with CPP were assessed by logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Logistic regression showed that the independent factors associated with CPP were postural changes in the cervical spine (OR 4.1; 95% CI 1.6-10.7; p < 0.01) and scapulae (OR 2.9; 95% CI 1.1-7.6; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Musculoskeletal changes were associated with CPP in 34% of women. These findings suggest that a more detailed assessment of women with CPP is necessary for better diagnosis and for more effective treatment.

Dor pélvica crônica: o papel da síndrome do quebra-nozes / Chronic pelvic pain: the role of the nutcracker syndrome

A dor pélvica crônica é um problema subdiagnosticado e relativamente comum nas mulheres. Alguns autores evidenciaram prevalência de até 15 por cento entre mulheres de 18 a 50 anos, com repercussões sobre a qualidade de vida e sobre a economia. Dentre as causas de dor pélvica crônica, destaca-se a síndrome de congestão venosa pélvica, com quadro clínico caracterizado por diversos graus de dor, disúria, hematúria, dismenorréia, dispareunia e congestão vulvar, que pode ser acompanhado de varizes vulvares, descrito em 1949 por Taylor. Relatamos o caso de uma paciente portadora de dor pélvica crônica, na qual se diagnosticou o pinçamento da veia renal esquerda entre a aorta e a artéria mesentérica superior, com conseqüente quadro de hipertensão do plexo gonadal esquerdo, varizes pélvicas e sintomas de congestão pélvica. O tratamento realizado constou de embolização das varizes pélvicas, por método minimamente invasivo endovascular, com sucesso técnico e resolução dos sintomas em menos de 24 h.

Chronic pelvic pain is a problem at the same time common and underdiagnosed in women. Some literature reports show an incidence of up to 15 percent in women aged between 18-50 years, with impact over quality of life and economy. Among the causes of chronic pelvic pain, pelvic congestion syndrome stands out, characterized by pain, dysuria, hematuria, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia and vulvar congestion, often accompanied by vulvar varices, described in 1949 by Taylor. We herein report a case of a patient with chronic pelvic pain in whom we diagnosed a nutcracker syndrome, characterized by stenosis of the left renal vein between the superior mesenteric artery and the aorta, with consequent status of left gonadal plexus hypertension, pelvic varices and symptoms of pelvic congestion. The treatment was varicose pelvic veins embolization, through a minimally invasive endovascular approach, with immediate technical and clinical success in less than 24 hours.

Pelvic pain and dispareunia: a benign cystic mesothelioma case report

Benign cystic mesothelioma is a rare tumor originated from mesenchymal cells of the abdominal and pelvic peritoneum. This rare tumor should be considered in the differential diagnosis of young women presenting with abdominal pain and a multicystic abdominal mass

Cesarean section as a cause of chronic pelvic pain.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if the history of cesarean section was associated with chronic pelvic pain, independent of the presence of other conditions such as pelvic adhesions, endometriosis, sequelae of pelvic inflammatory disease, leiomyoma and pelvic varices. METHODS: Retrospective case-control study conducted on 199 patients consecutively admitted from January 1998 to January 2000, 116 of them submitted to laparoscopy for the diagnosis of chronic pelvic pain and 83 asymptomatic patients submitted to tubal ligation by laparoscopy. A logistic regression analysis was used to verify the association between chronic pelvic pain and the history of previous cesarean section. RESULTS: In women with chronic pelvic pain, a history of cesarean section was observed in 67.2% of cases, adhesions in 51.7%, endometriosis in 33.6%, sequelae of pelvic inflammatory disease in 31.9%, leiomyoma in 6.9% and pelvic varices in 11.2%. In asymptomatic women, a history of cesarean section was observed in 38.5%, adhesions in 24.1%, endometriosis in 9.6%, sequelae of pelvic inflammatory disease in 4.8%, leiomyoma in 7.2% and pelvic varices in 3.6%. In a logistic model, chronic pelvic pain was associated with a history of cesarean section (O.R.=3.7), as well as with endometriosis (O.R.=8.5), sequelae of pelvic inflammatory disease (O.R.=10.5). CONCLUSIONS: In the present study cesarean section was associated with chronic pelvic pain. This fact may be the cause of a public health problem in the coming years, due to the raised rates of cesarean section in Brazilian women.