Submucous leiomyoma: an uncommon cause of heavy menstrual bleeding in early adolescence.

Uterine leiomyomas are rare in the paediatric population. This report describes a rare case of a submucous leiomyoma in an adolescent girl. The patient presented with a history of abnormal and painful period which was refractory to medical treatment. Sonographic findings revealed a uterine mass that protruded through the cervix until the upper third of the vagina. A hysteroscopic resection was performed, and a pathological examination confirmed a leiomyoma. 12 months after surgery, there were no signs of recurrence. Conservative sparing-fertility management, such as hysteroscopic resection, is the best option with a type 0 submucosal fibroid, especially in adolescents and young women.

A 13-Year-Old Girl with Caudal Regression Syndrome and Distal Vaginal Atresia: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND Caudal regression syndrome (CRS) is a rare anomaly characterized by maldevelopment of the caudal half of the body and can involve the genitourinary system. This report presents the case of a 13-year-old girl diagnosed with CRS and previously unknown distal vaginal atresia, presenting with monthly pelvic pain. CASE REPORT A 13-year-old pre-menarcheal patient with CRS sought emergency care due to debilitating monthly pelvic pain persisting for 3 months. Pelvic examination revealed the absence of a vaginal opening, and a rectal exam showed a 5-cm large bulge anteriorly, along with a 2-cm fibrous septum in the distal portion of the vagina. Pelvic ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the presence of hematometrocolpus and hematosalpinx on the right adnexa, while the left ovary was not identified. Treatment commenced with fixed analgesia and combined continuous oral contraception. Due to the persistent pain and uncertainty regarding the anatomy of the internal reproductive organs, diagnostic laparoscopy with drainage of the hematocolpus was performed 2 weeks later. Six months later, after multidisciplinary discussion, definitive surgery (pull-through vaginoplasty) was carried out, allowing for emotional preparation for postoperative dilation. One year after the definitive surgery, the patient remains asymptomatic, experiencing regular withdrawal bleeding with no signs of obstruction. CONCLUSIONS Patients with musculoskeletal anomalies should undergo urogenital tract evaluation. Timely identification of distal vaginal atresia is pivotal for devising appropriate treatment and averting complications. During the acute phase, laparoscopic drainage can alleviate symptoms and clarify anatomy, without compromising the success of subsequent definitive surgery.

[Long-Term Reversible Contraception in Adolescence: The Reality of a Tertiary Pediatric Hospital in Portugal]. / Contraceção Reversível de Longa Duração na Adolescência: A Realidade de um Hospital Pediátrico Terciário em Portugal.

INTRODUCTION: Contraception in adolescence is essential to prevent unwanted pregnancies, abortion and sexually transmitted diseases. The use of longacting reversible contraceptive methods (LARCs) has been highly recommended due to their efficacy since they are user independent methods. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of LARCs in adolescence in the population of a Childhood and Adolescence Gynecology clinic, and to describe the sociodemographic characteristics of the adolescents as well as previous contraceptive practices. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis that included adolescents using LARCs, monitored in a Childhood and Adolescence Gynecology clinic of a Portuguese tertiary pediatric hospital, between June 2012 and June 2021. RESULTS: A total of 122 adolescents were included, with a median age of 16 (11 - 18) years and 62.3% (n = 76) were sexually active. The preferred method was the subcutaneous implant, placed in 82.3% (n = 101), followed by the Levonorgestrel-Intrauterine System in 16.4% (n = 20) and the copper intrauterine device in 1.3% (n = 1). The main indications for LARCs were contraceptive needs 90.2% (n = 110), abnormal uterine bleeding during puberty in 14.8% (n = 18), dysmenorrhea in 10.7% (n = 13) and need for amenorrhea in 0.8% (n = 1). The median time of implant use was 20 (1 - 48) months and of the LNG-IUS it was 20 (1 - 36) months. The 12-month adherence rate for both was 76.2% (n = 93). The removal rate for reasons besides the expiration date was 9.8% (n = 12) in adolescents who had implants, and no LNG-IUS or copper intrauterine devices were removed. There were no pregnancies after insertion of LARCs. CONCLUSION: Contraceptive needs were the main reason for choosing LARCs, followed by abnormal uterine bleeding during puberty management and dysmenorrhea. All these factors may contribute to the high rate of satisfaction and continuity of these methods.

Introdução: A contraceção na adolescência tem um papel fundamental na sociedade por prevenir gravidezes indesejadas e infeções sexualmente transmissíveis. O uso de métodos contracetivos reversíveis de longa duração (LARCs) tem vindo a ser recomendado pela sua eficácia e perfil de segurança nesta faixa etária. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a utilização de LARCs na população de uma consulta de Ginecologia da Infância e Adolescência e descrever as características sociodemográficas das adolescentes assim como a prática contracetiva prévia. Material e Métodos: Análise retrospetiva que incluiu as adolescentes utilizadoras de LARCs, acompanhadas na consulta de Ginecologia da Infância e Adolescência de um hospital pediátrico terciário português, no período entre junho de 2012 e junho de 2021. Resultados: Foram incluídas 122 adolescentes, cuja mediana de idades foi 16 (11 ­ 18) anos. Destas, 62,3% (n = 76) eram sexualmente ativas. O método preferencial foi o implante subcutâneo, colocado em 82,3% (n = 101), seguido do sistema intrauterino de Levonorgestrel (SIU-LNG) em 16,4% (n = 20) e o dispositivo intrauterino de cobre em 1,3% (n = 1). As principais indicações para a escolha de LARCs foram desejo contracetivo em 90,2% (n = 110), hemorragia uterina anormal da puberdade em 14,8% (n = 18), dismenorreia em 10,7% (n = 13) e necessidade de amenorreia em 0,8% (n = 1). O tempo mediano de utilização do implante foi 20 (1 ­ 48) meses e do SIU-LNG 20 (1 ­ 36) meses. A taxa de continuidade aos 12 meses para ambos foi de 76,2% (n = 93). A taxa de remoção antes do tempo padronizado foi de 9,8% (n = 12) nas adolescentes que colocaram implante, sendo que não foram removidos SIU-LNG ou dispositivo intrauterino de cobre. Não se registaram gravidezes após a colocação de LARCs. Conclusão: O desejo contracetivo foi o primeiro motivo para a escolha de um LARC seguido do controlo da hemorragia uterina anormal e da dismenorreia. Todos estes fatores poderão contribuir para a elevada taxa de satisfação e continuidade destes métodos.

Cardiovascular diseases in women - Consensus document of the Sociedade Portuguesa de Cardiologia, Sociedade Portuguesa de Ginecologia, Sociedade Portuguesa de Obstetrícia e Medicina Materno-Fetal, Sociedade Portuguesa de Contraceção e Associação Portuguesa de Medicina Geral e Familiar. / Saúde cardiovascular da mulher ­ Documento de Consenso da Sociedade Portuguesa de Cardiologia, Sociedade Portuguesa de Ginecologia, Sociedade Portuguesa de Obstetrícia e Medicina Materno­Fetal, Sociedade Portuguesa de Contraceção e Associação Portuguesa de Medicina Geral e Familiar.

The main objective of this consensus statement from the Portuguese Society of Cardiology, the Portuguese Society of Gynecology, the Portuguese Society of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Portuguese Society of Contraception, Portuguese Association of General Practice and Family Medicine is to improve cardiovascular care for women. It includes a brief review of the state-of-the-art of cardiovascular diseases in women and of the links to other fields such as Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Endocrinology. It also provides final recommendations to help clinicians working in care of women's health.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia in adolescence - a gynecological perspective.

OBJECTIVES: Analysis of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) cases, gynaecological implications, referral reasons to gynaecologist and treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective, longitudinal, single-centre study with female CAH paediatric patients ≥ 10 years-old, followed between 1998-2018 in gynaecology and endocrinology departments at a public university tertiary hospital. RESULTS: 47 patients, 34.0% (n = 16) with classic, 66.0% (n = 31) with non-classic forms (NCAH), CYP21 deficit and 46,XX karyotype. We found a normal median menarche age (11.5 IQR 2 [6-15] years-old), but significantly earlier in NCAH (p = 0.003). Precocious puberty occurred in 48.9%, n = 23. Primary amenorrhea occurred in salt-wasting form (21.4%, n = 3). Oligomenorrhea and hirsutism were significantly more prevalent in NCAH (p = 0.018, p = 0.014 respectively) and acanthosis nigricans and virilization signs in classic forms (p = 0.05, p = 0.000 respectively). Sixteen patients (34.0%) were referred to gynaecology, mostly due to menstrual irregularities (50.0%, n = 8). Medical treatment with isolated or combined corticoids, oestrogen and progestogen were chosen in all but one case. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues were used in 19.0% (n = 9). Surgery was performed in 34.0% (n = 16) patients, median age 2.0 IQR 2.5 (0.6-90) years-old. CONCLUSIONS: This paper highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach. Early treatment contributes to a phenotypical feminine differentiation and normalization of the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian axis, which is essential given the gynaecologic and obstetric consequences of untreated cases.

Innovating the conservative management of isolated cervical aplasia.

Isolated cervical aplasia (ESHRE/ESGE U0C4V0) is a rare condition with an incidence of approximately 1:100,000 births.This congenital malformation of the female genital tract represents an impairment of the outflow tract and is an inevitable cause of infertility. Patients usually present with pelvic pain or haematometra and surgical treatment is needed. Conservative management is the first line of approach, allowing for future fertility. However, complications are not negligible. Choosing the best surgical technique remains controversial as few follow-up studies have been published.We describe a case report of isolated cervical aplasia diagnosed in a 16-year-old patient, managed by a canalisation procedure using a Foley catheter. Following failure of this approach, a levonorgestrel intrauterine system was inserted, which remained efficient after 4 years.This case adds to the few reports of success in the management of this challenging clinical entity and might guide clinicians to avoid non-conservative approaches in young patients.

Breast pathology in adolescence.

OBJECTIVE: Description of breast pathology in adolescents. METHODS: A retrospective descriptive study of adolescents who were referred to the Gynecology consultation of a tertiary pediatric hospital for suspected breast pathology, in the period from the 1st June 2011 to the 30th December 2018. RESULTS: One hundred and two female adolescents (11 to 18 years old) with suspected breast pathology were referred (6% of the motives for consultation), with confirmation in 58 (56.9%), who were included in the study. The reasons for referral were breast masses (66%), anomalies in breast size or symmetry (29%) and infection (5%). Of breast masses, the most frequent diagnosis was fibroadenoma (76%), followed by fibro-cystic pathology (18%). In most cases, a conservative approach was chosen, with clinical and imaging surveillance. Surgery was required in 29% of these cases. Anomalies in breast size and symmetry were observed in 17 adolescents. Two adolescents were submitted to symmetrization, after 18 years of age. Infectious and inflammatory pathology occurred in three cases: two mastitis and one retroareolar cyst. The approach consisted mainly of antibiotherapy. There were no cases of malignant breast disease. CONCLUSION: Lumps or breast masses are the most frequent breast pathology in adolescence, and in the majority of cases surveillance was recommended, as they are a mere sign of hormonal oscillations at this age. Objective examination and/or breast ultrasound are usually enough to make the diagnosis. The approach must be mainly conservative, since malignancy is extremely rare in this age group.

Prevalence of cytogenetic abnormalities and FMR1 gene premutation in a Portuguese population with premature ovarian insufficiency.

INTRODUCTION: Chromosome abnormalities contribute to about 10% of cases of premature ovarian insufficiency. Most are associated with X chromosome. Fragile mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene premutation has an estimated prevalence of 1% - 7% in sporadic cases and up to 13% in familial cases. Our aim was to describe the clinical characteristics, cytogenetic and FMR1 testing of a Portuguese population with premature ovarian insufficiency. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Women diagnosed with premature ovarian insufficiency in a Portuguese tertiary centre were retrospectivelyanalysed. Data were retrieved from electronic medical records including clinical characteristics, cytogenetic and FMR1 testing. The main outcome measures were the prevalence of chromosome abnormalities and FMR1 premutation in a Portuguese population with premature ovarian insufficiency. RESULTS: Ninety-four patients were included, with a median age at menopause of 36 years. The prevalence of chromosome abnormalities was 16.5% (14/85) and most were X chromosome related (78.6%). The prevalence of FMR1 premutation was 6.7% (6/90). The prevalence of karyotypic abnormalities or FMR1 premutation did not differ significantly between familial and sporadic cases. Neither chromosome abnormalities nor FMR1 premutation influenced age at menopause or follicle stimulating hormone levels at diagnosis in premature ovarian insufficiency patients. DISCUSSION: This is the first study describing the clinical characteristics and both cytogenetic and FMR1 testing in a Portuguese population with premature ovarian insufficiency. The rate of chromosome abnormalities in our sample was higher than in other populations, while the prevalence of FMR1 premutation was similar to previous reports. CONCLUSION: Our results underline the importance of genetic screening in premature ovarian insufficiency patients in both etiological study and genetic counselling.

Introdução: As anomalias cromossómicas contribuem para 10% dos casos de insuficiência ovárica prematura estando maioritariamente associadas ao cromossoma X. A pré-mutação do gene fragile mental retardation 1 (FMR1) tem uma prevalência estimada de 1% - 7% nos casos esporádicos e até 13% nos casos familiares. O nosso objetivo foi descrever as características clínicas e a análise citogenética e do gene FMR1 de uma população Portuguesa com insuficiência ovárica prematura. Material e Métodos: Análise retrospetiva das mulheres com o diagnóstico de insuficiência ovárica prematura vigiadas num hospital terciário Português. Recolha de dados através do processo médico eletrónico incluindo características clínicas, análise citogenética e análise do gene FMR1. Os desfechos principais foram a prevalência de anomalias cromossómicas e da pré-mutação FMR1 numa população Portuguesa com insuficiência ovárica prematura. Resultados: Foram incluídas 94 doentes, com uma mediana de idade de menopausa de 36 anos. A prevalência de anomalias cromossómicas foi 16,5% (14/85) e a maioria estavam relacionadas com o cromossoma X (78,6%, n = 11). A prevalência da pré-mutação FMR1 foi de 6,7% (6/90). A prevalência de anomalias cromossómicas ou pré-mutação FMR1 não diferiu entre casos esporádicos e familiares. Nem as anomalias cromossómicas nem a pré-mutação FMR1 influenciaram a idade de menopausa ou os níveis da hormona estimulante dos folículos capilares aquando do diagnóstico na população com insuficiência ovárica prematura. Discussão: Este é o primeiro estudo a descrever as características clínicas e a análise citogenética e do gene FMR1 numa população Portuguesa com insuficiência ovárica prematura. A prevalência de anomalias cromossómicas na nossa amostra foi superior à descrita para outras populações, enquanto a prevalência da pré-mutação FMR1 foi semelhante à descrita em estudos anteriores. Conclusão: Os nossos resultados sublinham a importância do rastreio genético em doentes com insuficiência ovárica prematura, quer no estudo etiológico, quer no aconselhamento genético.

Successful management of a rudimentary uterine horn ectopic pregnancy by combining methotrexate and surgery: A case report.

Pregnancy in a non-communicating rudimentary uterine horn is rare but presents a significantly increased risk of maternal and foetal morbidity due to uterine rupture. We describe a case of rudimentary horn pregnancy diagnosed in the first trimester in an asymptomatic and haemodynamically stable woman. Medical termination of the pregnancy was performed with systemic and intrasacular methotrexate. Laparoscopic uterine horn excision was performed three months after termination. This case shows that early diagnosis of a rudimentary horn pregnancy is key to the successful management of this condition. Preoperative medical termination in an asymptomatic woman proved to be an effective and safe option that minimized surgical risks.

Contraception in adolescents with intellectual disability.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of the study were to investigate the reasons for first gynaecological consultation in adolescents with intellectual disability (ID) and assess how contraception is prescribed with regard to the different contraceptive methods, their medical indications, adverse effects and compliance, in comparison with a group of adolescents without ID. METHODS: A retrospective case-control study was conducted among 200 adolescents with ID (group A) and a control group of 200 adolescents without ID (group B). RESULTS: The main reasons for gynaecological consultation in group A were 'need for contraception' (46.5% in group A vs 32.0% in group B, p = .003) and abnormal uterine bleeding (42.0% in group A vs 27.0% in group B, p = .002). Contraception was prescribed in 80.0% of the adolescents in both groups. Combined oral contraception was prescribed in 83.1% in group A vs. 91.3% in group B (p = .03). The transdermal patch was more prevalent in group A (6.3% vs. 0.6% in group B, p = .006). Other contraceptive methods were similar between the two groups. In group B there were 5.0% unintended pregnancies vs no cases in group A (p = .001). Sexual abuse occurred similarly in both groups (2.5% in group A vs 2.0% in group B, p = not significant). CONCLUSION: The need for contraception in adolescents with ID is a frequent reason for gynaecological consultation, despite their younger age and lower number who are sexually active. Combined oral contraception is the most prescribed method in adolescents with ID; however, the transdermal patch also plays an important role in this group.

Hirsutismo pós-menopausa: caso clínico raro de hipertecose ovárica / Post-menopausal hirsutism: a rare case of ovarian hyperthecosis

Durante o climatério podem ocorrer sinais clínicos de hiperandroginismo. Contudo quadros de virilização exigem investigação para exclusão de uma fonte produtora de androgênios. Doente de 66 anos, com menopausa espontânea aos 50, referenciada à consulta de ginecologia por hirsutismo após a menopausa, com agravamento no último ano e episódios demetrorragia que não valorizava. Ao exame objetivo tinha masculinização da voz, alopécia androgênica, aumento da pilosidade na face, tronco e membros e hipertrofia do clitóris.Feita ecografia endovaginal que revelou espessamento endometrial e ovários aumentados de volume para a idade; estudo analítico que demonstrou um valor de testosterona total elevado (225ng/dL); tomografia computadorizada da suprarrenal e ressonância magnética crânio-encefálica que não revelaram alterações; e histeroscopia com remoção de pólipo endometrial, associado a hiperplasia endometrial simples sem atipia. Submetida a histerectomia total com anexectomia bilateral. O estudo histológico concluiu tratar-se de hipertecose ovárica. Seis meses após a cirurgia apresentava normalização da testosterona sérica, acentuada redução do hirsutismo e melhoria da alopécia.O diagnóstico de hiperandrogenismo em mulheres na pós-menopausa constitui um desafio. Os meios complementares de diagnóstico nem sempre permitem detectar a origem da hiperandrogenemia. O tratamento da hipertecose ovárica melhora o hirsutismo e pode reduzir o risco de patologia maligna hormonodependente.

tMild clinical signs of hyperandrogenism such as hirsutism may arise during the menopausal transition as part of the aging process. However, development of virilization may be interpreted as the presence a specific source of androgen excess. 66 year-old menopausal woman, with a record of progressive hirsutism since menopausal age (50 years-old) exacerbated over the past year. Episodes of metrorrhagia were not valued by the patient. Physical examination showed deepening of voice, frontotemporal alopecia, hirsutism in face, trunk and limbs and hypertrophy of the clitoris. A transvaginal ultrasound revealed a thickened endometrium and enlarged ovaries considering her age and analytical study showed an increase of total testosterone (225ng/dL). No changes were detected at computerized tomography of adrenals and cerebral magnetic resonance. Performed an hysteroscopy with removal of endometrial polyp, associated to simple endometrial hyperplasia without atypia. The histological diagnosis after hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, revealed a ovarian hyperthecosis. Six months after surgery it was observed a testosterone within the normal range, marked hirsutism reduction and alopecia improvement.Diagnosis of hyperandrogenism in postmenopausal is a challenging task. Imaging techniques do not always reveal the source of excess androgens. The ovarian hyperthecosis treatment effectively improves hirsutism and reduces the risk of hormone-dependent tumors.

Differentiating Swyer syndrome and complete androgen insensitivity syndrome: a diagnostic dilemma.

BACKGROUND: Swyer syndrome and complete androgen insensitivity syndrome are disorders of sex development in which patients present a female phenotype and 46,XY karyotype. CASE: The authors present a case report of an 18-year-old patient with primary amenorrhea and delayed puberty. The karyotype was 46,XY. No mutations of sex-determining region Y gene and androgen receptor genes were identified, and imaging methods failed to show müllerian structures. A diagnosis of complete androgen insensitivity syndrome was presumed, but after hormonal replacement therapy was started a "hidden" uterus developed, leading to the definite diagnosis of Swyer syndrome. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of Swyer syndrome can be challenging, because visualization of müllerian structures is sometimes difficult and analysis of genetic mutations is not helpful in the majority of cases.

Levonorgestrel intrauterine system as a treatment option for severe menorrhagia in adolescent with type III von Willebrand disease.

The authors describe a case of an adolescent with type III von Willebrand disease and severe menorrhagia since menarche. Antifibrinolytic, hormonal (estroprogestative pill in high doses, etonogestrel implant and gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist goserelin) and Von Willebrand Factor/Factor VIII replacement therapies were prescribed to the patient, but symptomatic control was only obtained with high doses of VWF/FVIII twice a week. In March 2012, a levonorgestrel intrauterine system was inserted in a 14-year-old. At present, the patient is asymptomatic without regular prophylaxis (VWF/FVIII replacement therapy) and has had a remarkable improvement in her quality of life.

Impacto da terapia hormonal sobre o peso corpóreo / Impact of hormone replacement therapy on body weight

OBJETIVO: avaliar o efeito da terapêutica hormonal (TH) no peso de mulheres na peri-menopausa, assim como o efeito de diferentes regimes terapêuticos no referido parâmetro. MÉTODOS: estudo retrospectivo de 139 mulheres, com menopausa há menos de 2 anos, acompanhadas na consulta de climatério do nosso departamento. Obtiveram-se dois grupos: mulheres a quem se iniciou TH (n=89) e outro, grupo controle, sem terapia hormonal (n=50). Em cada grupo, foi avaliada a modificação ponderal no intervalo de 1 ano após a primeira consulta. Nas submetidas a TH, avaliou-se esse mesmo parâmetro em função de diferentes regimes terapêuticos preconizados: estrogênio isolado vs estroprogestagênio e dose standard vs baixa dosagem. A análise estatística foi realizada com recurso ao programa SPSS®, adotando-se como nível de significância valores p<0,05. RESULTADOS: os dois grupos foram semelhantes no que diz respeito a características basais e demográficas. No nosso estudo, constatou-se um aumento ponderal médio superior no grupo controle relativamente ao grupo de mulheres sob TH (434 vs 76 g), embora a diferença verificada não seja estatisticamente significativa (p=0,406); Nas usuárias de TH, aquelas sob estrogênio isolado tiveram um aumento ponderal acrescido face a mulheres sob terapêutica com estroprogestativo (775 vs 24 g), embora com diferenças não significativas, o mesmo sucedendo quando analisada a dosagem de TH inicialmente prescrita (92 vs 49 g). CONCLUSÕES: apesar da crença comum do aumento ponderal associado à TH, os resultados do estudo descrito parecem contrariar esse aspecto, não havendo um ganho ponderal adicional ao normalmente associado a este período da vida da mulher.

PURPOSE: to evaluate the effect of hormone replacement therapy (HT) on the weight on perimenopausal women as well as the effect of different treatment regimens on this parameter. METHODS: a retrospective study of 139 women with menopause for less than 2 years, who were monitored with periodical visits in our department. We compared two groups: women who started HT (n=89) with women who had no hormonal treatment (n=50) and in the two groups, we evaluated the changes in body weight over a 1-year period. In the first group, we assessed the same parameter as a function of different treatment regimens: estrogen alone versus estrogen combined with progestin and standard dose versus low dose. The SPSS® program was used for statistical analysis, with the level of significance set at p<0.05. RESULTS: the groups were similar with respect to demographic and baseline characteristics; weight gain was higher in the untreated group (434 vs 76 g), but the difference observed was not significant (p = 0.406); among HT users, those taking estrogen alone had an increased weight gain compared to women taking estrogen with progestin (775 vs 24 g), although no statistically significant difference was observed and the same applied when comparing the dose initially prescribed (92 vs 49 g). CONCLUSIONS: despite the common belief about weight gain associated with HT, the results of the present study seem to contradict this point, with no additional weight gain beyond that normally associated with this period in a woman´s life.

[Impact of hormone replacement therapy on body weight]. / Impacto da terapia hormonal sobre o peso corpóreo.

PURPOSE: to evaluate the effect of hormone replacement therapy (HT) on the weight on perimenopausal women as well as the effect of different treatment regimens on this parameter. METHODS: a retrospective study of 139 women with menopause for less than 2 years, who were monitored with periodical visits in our department. We compared two groups: women who started HT (n=89) with women who had no hormonal treatment (n=50) and in the two groups, we evaluated the changes in body weight over a 1-year period. In the first group, we assessed the same parameter as a function of different treatment regimens: estrogen alone versus estrogen combined with progestin and standard dose versus low dose. The SPSS® program was used for statistical analysis, with the level of significance set at p<0.05. RESULTS: the groups were similar with respect to demographic and baseline characteristics; weight gain was higher in the untreated group (434 vs 76 g), but the difference observed was not significant (p = 0.406); among HT users, those taking estrogen alone had an increased weight gain compared to women taking estrogen with progestin (775 vs 24 g), although no statistically significant difference was observed and the same applied when comparing the dose initially prescribed (92 vs 49 g). CONCLUSIONS: despite the common belief about weight gain associated with HT, the results of the present study seem to contradict this point, with no additional weight gain beyond that normally associated with this period in a woman's life.

[Increased level of tetanus antibody twenty one years after a booster dose of tetanus vaccine]. / Nível elevado de anticorpos anti-tetânicos.

We report the case of a 37 years old woman who asked for clinical advice about revaccination with tetanus toxoid. An adverse reaction to the last booster dose of vaccine, 21 years before, was recorded by a clinical doctor on the vaccination card. It was decided to evaluate serum antibody levels against tetanus and other diseases included in the Portuguese Vaccination Programme. The level of serum tetanus antitoxin (IgG) observed (6.4 IU/ml) corresponds to high protection against the disease and furthermore it is considered as a contraindication to vaccination due to the increased risk of adverse reactions to revaccination. The woman was susceptible to pertussis and diphtheria, and immune to measles, mumps and rubella. It was recommended that the woman should not receive tetanus toxoid and a new serological evaluation would be done 10 years after, in order to support the decision about revaccination.