Association between the use of oral contraceptives and the occurrence of systemic hypertension: A systematic review with statistical comparison between randomized clinical trial interventions.

Introduction: In the WHO eligibility criteria, there is agreement that hypertensive women taking Oral Contraceptive Hormonal Combined (OCHC) may be at increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The risk-to-benefit ratio hinges on the severity of the condition. While a mild increase in blood pressure is a common occurrence in consumers of OCHC, the potential for developing high blood pressure exists during oral contraceptive use. Consequently, there is a possibility of increased cardiovascular risk, with limited available data on this issue. Objective: To evaluate the potential effects of OCHC on blood pressure through a systematic review with statistical analysis of existing randomized controlled trials. Method: This systematic review with statistical comparison adheres to the recommendations outlined in the PRISMA (Principal Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses) guidelines. The analysis strategy involves comparing the mean difference in blood pressure change according to the type of treatment, in addition to the calculation of clinically relevant outcomes (CRO). Results: Our findings suggest a clinically relevant outcome related to the increase in blood pressure in users of ethinyl estradiol combined with gestodene in a cyclic regimen over 6 months. Conversely, a decrease in blood pressure was observed among users of ethinyl estradiol combined with chlormadinone over 24 months of usage. Conclusion: While our study found minor variations in blood pressure across varying forms of oral contraceptives, these differences are not significant enough to warrant specific clinical recommendations. However, the results suggest that individuals with hypertension should exercise caution with ethinyl estradiol, particularly when administered cyclically alongside gestodene, due to the potential risk of increased blood pressure. Additionally, the use of oral contraceptives containing ethinyl estradiol paired with chlormadinone acetate or ethinyl estradiol combined with drospirenone may be more suitable for individuals at a high risk of developing hypertension.

Pap Smear Cancer Coverage in Brazilian Capitals including the Pandemic Period Caused by the SARS-CoV-2 Virus: Ecological Study.

INTRODUCTION: Cervical cancer develops slowly and may not manifest signs and symptoms at an early stage. It is worth mentioning the factors that can influence the onset of cervical cancer: smoking, early sexual life, multiple sexual partners, use of oral contraceptives, multiparity, low socioeconomic status, among others. An important risk factor for the onset of this disease is HPV infection, a virus associated with most cases of precursor lesions of this type of cancer. It is essential to understand the comprehensiveness of the scope and adherence to the recommended guidelines throughout the national territory. Therefore, health indicators are important management tools that make it possible to evaluate the services offered, measuring the reach of the target population, the supply and access to preventive exams. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the trend of progress in cervical cancer coverage actions in Brazilian capitals from 2016 to 2021. METHOD: This is an ecological study with temporal analysis that used secondary data referring to process indicators for cervical cancer control actions in women aged between 25 and 64 years living in Brazilian capitals between 2016 and 2021. Aspects related to the quality of care in the cervical cancer prevention program were evaluated using databases of the Cancer Information System (SISCAN), available in DATASUS. The indicators used to monitor and evaluate cervical cancer control actions were (i) cervical coverage, (ii) reason for cervical surgery, and (iii) proportion of cervical cancer every 3 years. RESULTS: In 2016, 410,000 tests were performed and notified in the SISCAN system in all Brazilian capitals, with emphasis on Curitiba, with 65,715 tests performed, and Porto Velho, with 174. In 2020, there was a reduction in exams compared to the previous year in all capitals, with the exception of Palmas, which went from 7655 exams to 9604. It was observed that all the capitals studied showed an increase in the annual percentage variation of Pap smear coverage, with the exception of Brasília, Manaus, Porto Alegre and Porto Velho, which did not show a statistically significant increase (APC = 3.01, 2.746, 3.987, 3.69, respectively). When analyzing the performance of oncotic cytology exams in the capitals according to the years 2019 and 2020, it was observed that only Manaus registered an increase in the number of procedures performed, reaching a difference of 56.5% from one year to the next. CONCLUSION: The ecological analysis revealed a worrying drop in the number of tests performed in 2020, reflecting a sharp drop in coverage actions in Brazilian capitals during the pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The pandemic has exacerbated existing inequalities and highlighted the need for adaptive strategies to maintain essential screening services in times of crisis.

Changes in Food Consumption in Postmenopausal Women during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Longitudinal Study.

Studying the dietary habits and symptoms of postmenopausal women during situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic is important to mitigate long-term post-pandemic health problems. We compared the menopausal symptoms and food consumption in postmenopausal women before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. A longitudinal survey was conducted on postmenopausal Brazilian women between 2018 and 2021. The Kupperman-Blatt Menopausal Index, Women's Health Questionnaire, and 24 h food recall were used. Of 274 women, 78 (28.5%) participated in the study during the COVID-19 pandemic. The intensity of the symptoms was lower during the pandemic than during the previous period (p < 0.05). Energy and processed food consumption were lower during the pandemic than before (p = 0.003 and p = 0.003, respectively). Milk and plain yogurt consumption were also lower (p = 0.043), while the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and sweet foods was higher (p = 0.007 and p = 0.001, respectively) during the pandemic. There was also a decrease in the consumption of proteins and lipids (p = 0.001 and p = 0.004, respectively). In conclusion, we found that postmenopausal women consumed sweet foods and sugar-sweetened beverages in higher quantities and had a lower consumption of milk and plain yogurt and processed foods during the pandemic than during the pre-pandemic period. Furthermore, decreases in energy and macronutrient consumption were observed.

Non-oncological gynecological diagnoses in a women's health care service during the pandemic caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2.

OBJECTIVE: Analyze clinical factors and non-oncological gynecological diagnoses before and during the initial months of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD: Crosssectional study at an Outpatient Gynecology Clinic in Brazil involving medical consultations performed during the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods. The number of visits, prevalence of non-oncological gynecological diagnoses, and clinical-demographic data were analyzed. Parametric continuous variables were evaluated by Student's t-test and ANOVA tests, non-parametric variables were evaluated by the Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon tests, and categorical or binary variables were evaluated by chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. Univariate logistic regression tests were performed, and variables with p ≤ 0.20 were subjected to multivariate logistic regression. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: There were 1,236 records during the pre-pandemic period and 530 during the pandemic, reflecting a significant reduction (57.88%; p = 0.001) in medical consultations. The outpatient prevalence of women older than 50 y (OR 0.85; 95%CI 0.68-1.05) reduced, and the outpatient prevalence of postmenopausal women with hot flashes (OR 1.34; 95%CI 1.09-1.65; p = 0.005) and alcohol consumption habits (OR 2.76; 95%CI 1.15-6.59; p = 0.023) increased. There was a 6% proportional increase in noninflammatory disorders of the female genital tract (p = 0.030) and a 72.4% decrease in general physical examinations, contraception, and procreation (p = 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that there was an increased prevalence of abnormal uterine bleeding (OR, 1.7; 95% CI 1.34-2.16; p = 0.001) and endometriosis (OR 1.65; 95% CI 1.13-2.42; p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Medical consultations for benign gynecological diseases during the pandemic prevented non-inflammatory disorders of the female genital tract, with an emphasis on abnormal uterine bleeding and endometriosis. There was an increased prevalence of women under 50 years of age, women with symptoms of hot flashes, and alcohol consumption habits and a reduction in the prevalence of general physical examinations, contraception, and procreation.

Autonomic heart rate modulation in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 in mechanical ventilation.

BACKGROUND: Patients with coronavirus disease 2019 on automatic mechanical ventilation have greater heart rate modulation with greater parasympathetic modulation. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the autonomic modulation of heart rate in critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019 on invasive mechanical ventilation. METHODS: A cross-section study was carried out with 36 individuals divided into two groups. The control group included patients of both genders, in orotracheal intubation with invasive mechanical ventilation under controlled assisted mode, hospitalized in the intensive care unit for another 24 h. In the non-COVID group, patients diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 in the same condition mentioned in the control group. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in heart rate variability (standard deviation of all normal RR intervals recorded at an interval of time; p=0.001; triangular interpolation histogram of RR intervals; p=0.048; and SD2; p=0.014) in the coronavirus disease group compared to the non-COVID group. Successively, the parameters that demonstrate parasympathetic modulation are shown to be higher in the group of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (root mean square of the square of differences between adjacent normal RR intervals in an interval of time; p<0.001; pNN50; p<0.001; SD1; p=0.002; and high frequency; p=0.022). CONCLUSIONS: There was a greater autonomic modulation of heart rate with a greater parasympathetic modulation in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 on mechanical ventilation.

Cardiac Behavior and Heart Rate Variability in Elderly Hypertensive Individuals during Aerobic Exercise: A Non-Randomized Controlled Study.

BACKGROUND: High blood pressure is an important public health problem due to its high prevalence, the difficulty to control it, and its high contribution to morbidity. A series of changes may be linked to the aging process, compromising cardiac conduction, and reducing cardiovascular baroreceptor function. Advancing age promotes a decline in heart rate variability and this decrease can increase the probability of cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to analyze the autonomic modulation of heart rate in hypertensive elderly individuals during and after a session of aerobic exercise, and to compare it with elderly individuals without cardiovascular or metabolic disease. Our study was a non-randomized controlled study with hypertensive elderly (HBP group) and elderly without cardiovascular and/or metabolic diseases (control group). Data on blood pressure and heart rate variability (HRV) were collected before, during, and after 30 min of aerobic physical exercise on a treadmill. There was a reduction in HF (ms2) and SD1 (ms) in the 5 min of recovery for the elderly in the control group. The elderly in the control group also had greater RMSSD and SD1 30 min post-exercise when compared to the initial mins of recovery. We concluded that there was no difference in autonomic modulation and global heart rate variability between elderly individuals without cardiovascular and metabolic diseases and hypertensive individuals after a bout of aerobic exercise. Elderly individuals without metabolic diseases showed a decrease in parasympathetic modulation and global variability between the time of rest and 5 min of recovery. However, up to 30 min of post-exercise recovery, they restored parasympathetic activity.

Autonomic heart rate modulation in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 in mechanical ventilation

SUMMARY BACKGROUND: Patients with coronavirus disease 2019 on automatic mechanical ventilation have greater heart rate modulation with greater parasympathetic modulation. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the autonomic modulation of heart rate in critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019 on invasive mechanical ventilation. METHODS: A cross-section study was carried out with 36 individuals divided into two groups. The control group included patients of both genders, in orotracheal intubation with invasive mechanical ventilation under controlled assisted mode, hospitalized in the intensive care unit for another 24 h. In the non-COVID group, patients diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 in the same condition mentioned in the control group. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in heart rate variability (standard deviation of all normal RR intervals recorded at an interval of time; p=0.001; triangular interpolation histogram of RR intervals; p=0.048; and SD2; p=0.014) in the coronavirus disease group compared to the non-COVID group. Successively, the parameters that demonstrate parasympathetic modulation are shown to be higher in the group of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (root mean square of the square of differences between adjacent normal RR intervals in an interval of time; p<0.001; pNN50; p<0.001; SD1; p=0.002; and high frequency; p=0.022). CONCLUSIONS: There was a greater autonomic modulation of heart rate with a greater parasympathetic modulation in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 on mechanical ventilation.

Adolescents' knowledge of HPV and sexually transmitted infections at public high schools in São Paulo: A cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: To assess the knowledge of students from public high schools in poor communities about HPV and Sexually Transmitted Infections and their attitude towards and prevention of such diseases. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study with adolescents from public schools of São Paulo - Brazil. Participants were selected for an interview by a randomization program. A questionnaire about knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices regarding STIs, including HPV, according to sex was administered and answers were analyzed by the Poisson regression model with robust variance. RESULTS: Median age of the 269 participants was 16 years. The majority was of African descent (68.8%, n = 185), most (74%, n = 199) were religious and the vast majority (90.7%, n = 244) lived with their parents. The Poisson regression revealed statistically significant sex-related differences regarding the following questions: "Do you know how it is prevented?" (PR = 1.12 [1.03‒1.23], p = 0.007); "Have you ever been concerned with HPV?" (PR = 1.10 [1.02‒1.19], p = 0.011); "Have you ever sought health care due to concerns about HPV?" (PR = 1.09 [1.04‒1.14], p < 0.001); "Do you know what a Pap Smear is?" (PR = 1.24 [1.13‒1.36], p < 0.001); "Do you know what the cervix is?" (PR = 1.23 [1.13‒1.34], p < 0.001); "Do you know what cervical cancer is?" (PR = 1.13 [1.04‒1.22], p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: The present results show that adolescents from public schools in poor communities in São Paulo City know little about HPV and cervical cancer. Male adolescents know less than female adolescents and are less concerned with health care.

Cognitive-behavioral group therapy for women with hypoactive sexual desire: A pilot randomized study.

BACKGROUND: Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) is a very prevalent sexual problem, with limited options for treatment. Given that psychological factors are major contributors to the disorder, a therapy such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) may be useful to treat HSDD. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of group CBT on women with HSDD. METHOD: Clinical trial randomized study with 106 women diagnosed with HSDD, who were divided as follows: Group 1 (n = 53) underwent group CBT for 8-weeks, and Group 2 (n = 53), were put on a waiting list and used as a control group. Sexual function was assessed by the Female Sexual Quotient (FSQQ) at the initial interview and after 6-months. Mann Whitney test was used for group comparison. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: demographics, education, sexual history, FSQQ and its domains for sexual function assessment. RESULTS: Both groups had similar characteristics regarding sexual response, self-image, and relationship with a partner at the initial interview. Women undergoing therapy showed significant improvement in sexual function when compared with the control group. The overall FSQQ result showed an average growth of 18.08 points (95% CI 12.87‒23.28) for the therapy group against a decrease of 0.83 points (95% CI 3.43‒1.77) for controls (p < 0.001). The five domains of the questionnaire also exhibited significant improvement in the therapy group: desire and interest (p = 0.003), foreplay (p = 0.003), excitation and tuning (p < 0.001), comfort (p < 0.001), and orgasm and satisfaction (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Group CBT was shown to be an effective tool for treating HSDD.

Do heart rate variability indices present potential to predict late postmenopausal? A retrospective study

SUMMARY OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare heart rate variability indices in early and late postmenopausal women and assess their correlation and prognostic value to predict late postmenopausal. METHODS: An observational and retrospective study was performed with the medical records of patients from Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Sao Paulo between 2018 and 2019. We selected medical records of women with menopause, over 40 years old, which were divided into two groups, according to postmenopausal time, i.e., early and late postmenopausal. RESULTS: We analyzed data from 123 women (55 in the early and 68 in the late postmenopausal group). RRtri (triangular index) was lower in the late postmenopausal group (8.68 vs. 7.15, p=0.040). There was a significant weak negative correlation in SDNN, RRtri, and SD2 and postmenopausal time. RRtri presented the potential to predict late postmenopausal. CONCLUSION: The increase in postmenopausal time decreases global heart rate variability indices. The geometric index RRtri was significantly lower in late postmenopausal women and presented the potential to predict late postmenopausal.

Does temporomandibular disorder correlate with menopausal symptoms?

OBJECTIVE: To assess the correlation between menopausal symptoms and pain caused by temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and the impact of sociodemographic factors on the association. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 74 women with TMD symptoms were enrolled and divided into three groups according to the Stages of Reproductive Aging Workshop + 10 (STRAW + 10) criteria: G1 (n = 25, late menopausal transition), G2 (n = 30, early postmenopause), and G3 (n = 19, late postmenopause). Sociodemographic data were collected, along with data on menopausal symptoms (Blatt-Kupperman menopausal index) and TMD-induced pain (craniomandibular index). Statistical analysis was performed using a chi-squared test and linear correlation tests (Spearman and Pearson). RESULTS: Analysis of the three groups showed that TMD-induced pain was more intense in G1 than in G3 (P = 0.0426, r  = 0.2364, r2 = 0.05589), and menopausal symptoms correlated with the intensity of TMD-induced pain (P = 0.0004, r  = 0.4020). This correlation was more significant during the late menopausal transition (G1: P  = 0.0267, r  = 0.4427, r2 = 0.1960). In G2, women with fewer than 4 years of schooling had a higher total Blatt- Kupperman menopausal index score (17.0 ±â€Š85.0) and craniomandibular index (0.29 ±â€Š0.23) than women with more than 4 years of schooling (P  = 0.02 for both indices). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that TMD-induced pain and menopausal symptoms are correlated, and more strongly so in the late menopausal transition. Additionally, sociodemographic factors, such as schooling, have a major influence on symptoms in early postmenopause. Performing the TMD evaluation during the climacteric period may be important.

Do heart rate variability indices present potential to predict late postmenopausal? A retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare heart rate variability indices in early and late postmenopausal women and assess their correlation and prognostic value to predict late postmenopausal. METHODS: An observational and retrospective study was performed with the medical records of patients from Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Sao Paulo between 2018 and 2019. We selected medical records of women with menopause, over 40 years old, which were divided into two groups, according to postmenopausal time, i.e., early and late postmenopausal. RESULTS: We analyzed data from 123 women (55 in the early and 68 in the late postmenopausal group). RRtri (triangular index) was lower in the late postmenopausal group (8.68 vs. 7.15, p=0.040). There was a significant weak negative correlation in SDNN, RRtri, and SD2 and postmenopausal time. RRtri presented the potential to predict late postmenopausal. CONCLUSION: The increase in postmenopausal time decreases global heart rate variability indices. The geometric index RRtri was significantly lower in late postmenopausal women and presented the potential to predict late postmenopausal.

Life habits of postmenopausal women: Association of menopause symptom intensity and food consumption by degree of food processing.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate in postmenopausal women the association between menopause symptom intensity and the quality of life and clinical, anthropometric, and lifestyle factors, focusing on food consumption by degree of processing. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study of 288 postmenopausal women using interviews. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The Kupperman-Blatt Menopausal Index and the Women's Health Questionnaire were used to evaluate the main outcomes of menopausal symptom intensity and quality of life, respectively. Data on socioeconomic, clinical, anthropometric, and lifestyle variables (smoking, alcohol intake, physical activity, and food consumption) were collected. RESULTS: Most women had moderate to severe intensity of menopausal symptoms. The highest tertile of ultra-processed food consumption was associated with a greater intensity of vasomotor symptoms (prevalence ratio [PR] 0.73, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 0.55-0.96) and sexual behavior (PR 1.22, CI 1.01-1.49). Higher intakes of sugar-sweetened beverages and sausages were associated with somatic symptoms (PR 1.23, CI 1.01-1.49) and poorer memory/concentration (PR 1.22, CI 1.02-1.47/ PR 1.22, CI 1.01-1.48). The highest tertile of vegetable intake was associated with greater protection against depressive mood (PR 0.64, CI 0.43-0.96), vasomotor symptoms (PR 0.79, CI 0.63-0, 99), and sleep disorders (PR 0.83, CI 0.69-0.99), and better quality of life (PR 0.79, CI 0.62-0.99). CONCLUSION: More intense vasomotor, sexual, somatic, and memory and concentration symptoms are associated with a higher consumption of ultra-processed foods, whereas those with a higher consumption of vegetables reported lower menopause symptom intensity and a better quality of life.