Barbed versus conventional sutures for cesarean uterine scar defects: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The role of barbed sutures in preventing myometrial defects and enhancing postpartum outcomes after cesarean section is uncertain. OBJECTIVE: This study compared clinical and ultrasonographic outcomes of uterine scar defects after C-section with barbed and conventional smooth thread sutures. STUDY DESIGN: This was a multicenter, parallel-group, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Four obstetrics and gynecology departments across three Japanese healthcare regions were included. The participants were women requiring their first cesarean delivery between May 2020 and March 2023. Of the 1211 participants enrolled, 298 underwent cesarean section and 253 were followed-up until July 2023. Participants with singleton pregnancies were randomly assigned (1:1 ratio) to receive either conventional or spiral thread sutures with a double-layer continuous suture. The study period comprised the time of consent to the 6- to 7-month examination. The primary endpoint was the rate of scar niches >2 mm evaluated using transvaginal ultrasonography at 6 to 7 months after surgery. Additional metrics included the total operative time, suture application time, operative blood loss, number of additional sutures required for hemostasis, maternal surgical complications, postoperative infections, surgeon's years of experience, and individual subscale scores. RESULTS: All data of the 220 participants (barbed suture group: 110; conventional suture group: 110) were available, thus enabling a full analysis set. A comparison of the barbed and conventional suture groups, respectively, revealed the following: niche length, 2.45±1.65 mm (range: 1.0-6.7) versus 3.79±1.84 mm (range: 1.0-11.0) (P<0.001); niche depth, 1.78±1.07 mm (range: 1.0-5.7) versus 2.70±1.34 mm (range: 1.0-7.3) (P<0.001); residual myometrial thickness, 8.46±1.74 mm (range: 4.8-13.0) versus 7.07±2.186 mm (range: 2.2-16.2) (P<0.001); and niche width, 1.58±2.73 mm (range: 0.0-14.0) versus 2.88±2.36 mm (range: 0.0-11.0) (P<0.001), respectively. The barbed suture group exhibited no defects and a residual myometrial thickness <3 mm. Furthermore, the barbed suture group had a lower rate of uterine niches (29.1%; n=32/110) than the conventional suture group (68.2%; n=75/110). Secondary outcomes showed no significant differences in operative times, maternal surgical complications, or postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: Double-layer barbed sutures during cesarean delivery may prevent cesarean section scar defects and postoperative complications.

Total laparoscopic wedge resection for an intramural ectopic pregnancy using an intraoperative ultrasound system: A case report.

Intramural pregnancy is a rare form of ectopic pregnancy, and the optimal treatment remains uncertain. We describe a 33-year-old woman (gravida 2, para 0) who visited our hospital with suspected ectopic pregnancy. The patient was asymptomatic and hemodynamically stable. Transvaginal ultrasonography revealed pregnancy at 6 weeks of gestation and a gestational sac and fetal heartbeat in the anterior muscular layer of the uterus, away from the endometrium. The fetal sac measured 26 mm. The serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) level had increased to 27 655 mIU/mL. Accordingly, the patient was diagnosed with an intramural ectopic pregnancy and underwent total laparoscopic wedge resection using intraoperative ultrasonography. The postoperative course was uneventful, and she was discharged after 4 days. Her serum hCG level normalized at 26 days postoperatively. This case indicates that intraoperative laparoscopic ultrasonography seems viable for treating intramural pregnancies.

Association of Regular Cervical Cancer Screening with Socioeconomic, COVID-19 Infection and Vaccine Status Among Japanese Population: Cohort Observational Study.

Purpose: Among the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries, Japan has one of the lowest cervical cancer screening coverages. Cancer screening coverage has worsened due to the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This study investigated the relationship between socioeconomic background, COVID-19 infection history and vaccine status, and regular cervical cancer screening (CCS) during the two years of the COVID-19 era in Japan. Patients and Methods: We used data from the Japan COVID-19 and Society Internet Survey, a nationwide, Internet-based, self-report cohort observational study conducted in 2022. The outcome variable was identified by asking whether the participants had undergone CCS within the last two years. Cervical cytology was performed in Japan by brushing the external cervical os. This study used multivariate log-binomial regression models to evaluate inequalities during regular checkups for CCS. Adjusted prevalence ratios (APRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated to incorporate the socioeconomic background variables. Results: Of the 12,066 participants, 5597 (46.4%) had undergone regular CCS for over two years. The prevalence ratio (PR) of patients who underwent CCS was 0.70 for those in their 20s and 0.78 for those in their 60s, compared to those in their 40s. Socioeconomic inequities were found in the following groups: unemployed/student, unmarried, high school graduate or lower, and household income below 4 million Yen. Our final multivariate analysis revealed that participants who were in their 20s or 60s, had a household income below 4 million Yen, were unmarried, had no annual health check-ups, and were unvaccinated with COVID-19 were at a higher risk of not undergoing CCS. Conclusion: The relationship between socioeconomic inequality and CCS hesitancy is prevalent among younger participants. The CCS coverage in Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic year (2020-2022) was not low compared with the pre-pandemic era.

Assessing the efficacy of simulation-based education for paramedics in extended focused assessment with sonography for trauma under physician guidance.

We investigated the effectiveness of simulation-based education in Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (FAST) to increase the number of Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) capable of performing ultrasound examinations in vehicles under the guidance of a physician. Twenty-eight paramedics watched a 14-min video on the features of the ultrasound system, its use, and the scanning method for each part of the body. Each participant performed four FAST examinations using a portable ultrasound device, and the task performance was rated using the Task Specific Checklist (TSC) and Global Rating Scale (GRS). The time required for visualizing each examination site and each FAST was assessed. The mean time required for the first and fourth FAST was 144.6 ± 52.4 s and 90.5 ± 31.0 s, respectively. The time required for each test significantly decreased with repeated testing (p < 0.001). The time to complete FAST was significantly shortened for the pericardial cavity (33.4 ± 23.1/15.3 ± 10.6 s, p < 0.01), right thoracic cavity (25.2 ± 11.8/12.1 ± 8.3 s, p < 0.01), Morrison fossa (19.1 ± 10.8/10.8 ± 6.3 s, p < 0.05), and left thoracic cavity (19.0 ± 8.3/15.6 ± 8.3 s, p < 0.05). TSC and GRS scores were elevated, and all EMTs could obtain valid images. The combination of a brief video lecture and hands-on training significantly reduced the time required for FAST performance. Moreover, repeated practice enabled the EMTs to efficiently obtain accurate and clinically useful images.

Endothelin-1 production via placental (pro)renin receptor in a mouse model of preeclampsia.

INTRODUCTION: Preeclampsia (PE) pathogenesis is explained by the two-stage disorder theory. However, mechanisms underlying hypertension and proteinuria in PE remain unclear. The role of (pro)renin receptor (PRR) in PE pathology has received special attention. We examined endothelin-1 (ET-1) production via placental PRR in a PE mouse model. METHODS: At 14.5 day-post-coitum (DPC), we performed a reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) operation, ligating the uterine arteriovenous vessels in female mice. We also infused these mice with a PRR inhibitor, decoy peptide in the handle region of prorenin (HRP) for mice (NH2-RIPLKKMPSV-COOH). At 18.5 DPC, blood, urine, and placenta were collected; fetus and placenta were weighed. We evaluated placental hypoxia using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR), with hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) as index. We also evaluated PRR, transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1), and ET-1 expression in the placenta using quantitative PCR and western blotting. ET-1 concentration in blood plasma was assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Blood pressure and proteinuria significantly increased, and fetal and placental weights decreased in RUPP mice. HIF-1α, PRR, TGF-ß1, and ET-1 expressions considerably increased in RUPP mice placentas. ET-1 concentration in RUPP mice blood plasma was markedly increased. PRR inhibitor suppressed these changes. DISCUSSION: In PE model mice that underwent RUPP treatment, placental hypoxia increased PRR and ET-1 expression suggesting a causative relationship between ET-1 and intracellular PRR signaling. RUPP treatment, when combined with HRP, reversed the effect of elevated ET-1 levels in the model. This study may help to elucidate the pathogenesis of PE considering PRR and ET-1.

Protocol for a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blinded clinical trial on the effect of oestrogen replacement on physical performance to muscle resistance exercise for older women with osteoarthritis of knee joint: the EPOK trial.

BACKGROUND: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is highly prevalent in older women, and previous studies suggest the involvement of hormonal factors play a role in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis. KOA causes musculoskeletal impairment, resulting in decreased physical activity, muscle mass, and strength, which leads to sarcopenia and further increases the burden on healthcare systems. Oestrogen replacement therapy (ERT) improves joint pain and muscle performance in early menopausal women. Muscle resistance exercise (MRE) is a non-pharmacological method that preserves the physical functions of patients with KOA. However, data on short-term oestrogen administration combined with MRE in postmenopausal women, especially in those aged > 65 years, are limited. Therefore, this study presents a protocol of a trial aimed to examine the synergistic effect of ERT and MRE on lower-limb physical performance in older women with KOA. METHODS: We will conduct a double-blinded, randomised placebo-controlled trial in 80 Japanese women aged > 65 years living independently with knee pain. The participants will be randomly categorised into two groups: (1) 12-week MRE programme with transdermal oestrogen gel containing 0.54 mg oestradiol per push and (2) 12-week MRE programme with placebo gel. The primary outcome measured using the 30-s chair stand test, and secondary outcomes (body composition, lower-limb muscle strength, physical performance, self-reported measure of knee pain, and quality of life) will be measured at baseline, 3 months, and 12 months, and these outcomes will be analysed based on the intention-to-treat. DISCUSSION: The EPOK trial is the first study to focus on the efficacy of ERT on MRE among women aged > 65 years with KOA. This trial will provide an effective MRE to prevent KOA-induced lower-limb muscle weakness, confirming the benefit of short-term oestrogen administration. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Japan Registry of Clinical Trials: jRCTs061210062. Registered 17th December 2021, https://jrct.niph.go.jp/en-latest-detail/jRCTs061210062 .

Postpartum pyomyoma due to Mycoplasma hominis: A case report.

Pyomyoma is a rare condition that causes fever and abdominal pain associated with pregnancy, especially in the postpartum period. An appropriate diagnosis and early medical intervention are required to prevent serious complications. A 38-year-old primigravida with uterine fibroids had fever from the 11th day after cesarean section. The fever did not resolve despite repeated daily administration of broad-spectrum ß-lactam antibiotics for 2 weeks. Although the physical examination did not show any lower abdominal pain, a pelvic magnetic resonance scan revealed degenerative fibroids, and myomectomy was performed. Yellow-greenish odorless pus inside the uterus was detected, and Mycoplasma hominis was detected in the pus culture. Mycoplasma species are resistant to broad-spectrum penicillin antibiotics and can cause pyomyoma. Pyomyomas may not cause uterine tenderness, and the causative organism may be difficult to identify; therefore, additional imaging studies should be considered.

Diffuse myometrium thinning and placenta accreta spectrum in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): a case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Cases of uterine wall thinning and placental abnormalities complicated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) during pregnancy have been reported in Asian countries for ten years. Long-term steroid use can cause muscle degeneration, but the mechanism of myometrium thinning was not known. Through the review of published articles, this report is the first review of cases to discuss the pathogenesis and clinical features of thinned myometrium and placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) in pregnant patients with SLE. CASE PRESENTATION: A twenty-nine-year-old primigravida with a history of lupus enteritis and paralytic ileus had a natural conception after less than two years of steroid treatment. An ultrasonographic study showed a thin uterine wall with a widespread thick placenta on the entire surface of the uterine cavity in the third trimester. At the 39th gestational week, she underwent a cesarean section due to the failure of the uterus to contract, even though the injection of oxytocin. There were several engorged vessels on the surface of the anterior uterine wall at the time of laparotomy. We decided to perform a hysterectomy because diffuse PAS replaced her uterus. CONCLUSION: A review of reported cases and our case shows an unusual complication of SLE that might be related to the particular condition of the estrogen-mediated immune system. Clinicians should always pay attention to the possibility of uterine wall thinning as uterine atony and the structural abnormality of the placenta for SLE patients with the unscarred uterus.

A case report of successful vaginal delivery in a patient with severe uterine prolapse and a review of the healing process of a cervical incision.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of severe uterine prolapse during childbirth is approximately 0.01%. Moreover, to the best of our knowledge, no reports detail the healing process of the cervix during uterine involution. This report describes successful vaginal delivery and the healing process of postpartum uterine prolapse and cervical tears in a patient with severe uterine prolapse. CASE PRESENTATION: A patient in her 40s (gravida 3, para 1, abortus 1) with severe uterine prolapse successfully delivered a live female baby weighing 3190 g at 38 + 5 weeks of gestation by assisted vaginal delivery. Uterine prolapse had improved to approximately 2° by 2 months postoperatively. On postpartum day 4, during the healing process of cervical laceration, the thread loosened in a single layer of continuous sutures due to uterine involution, and poor wound healing was observed. The wound was subsequently re-sutured with a two-layer single ligation suture (Gambee suture + vertical mattress suture). However, on postpartum day 11, a large thread ball was hindering the healing of the muscle layer, which improved with re-suturing. CONCLUSION: Although vaginal delivery in a patient with severe uterine prolapse is possible in some cases, the cervix should be sutured, while considering cervical involution after delivery.

Local Control of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Cervix Treated with CT-based Three-dimensional Image-Guided Brachytherapy with or without Central Shielding.

The purposes of this retrospective study were to analyze local control of squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix treated with computed tomography (CT)-based image-guided brachytherapy (IGBT), as well as the factors affecting local control. A total of 39 patients were analyzed. The prescribed dose to the pelvis was 45-50 Gy with or without central shielding (CS). IGBT was delivered in 1-5 fractions. The total dose for high-risk clinical target volume (HR-CTV) was calculated as the biologically equivalent dose in 2-Gy fractions. The median follow-up period was 29.3 months. The 2-year overall survival and local control rates were 97% and 91%, respectively. In univariate analysis, the dose covering 90% of the HR-CTV (D90) and tumor size were found to be significant factors for local control. The cutoff values of tumor size and D90 for local control were 4.3 cm (area under the curve [AUC] 0.75) and 67.7 Gy (AUC 0.84) in the CS group and 5.3 cm (AUC 0.75) and 73.7 Gy (AUC 0.78) in the group without CS, respectively. However, though the local control of CT-based IGBT was favorable, the results suggested that the dose required for tumor control may differ depending on the presence of CS.