Prevalence and impact of comorbidities in women with chronic pelvic pain / Prevalência e impacto de comorbidades em mulheres com dor pélvica crônica

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a common condition in women and there are often associated comorbidities. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of comorbidities in patients with CPP and to seek associations between comorbidities and the manifestations of chronic pain. METHODS: Observational case-control study with sociodemographic, behavioral and clinical information, including comorbidities, in 246 women, 123 with CPP and 123 without CPP (control group). RESULTS: Anxiety, depression, migraine and endometriosis were the most frequent comorbidities in women with CPP. The comorbidities assessed in the CPP group were not associated with pain intensity score, history of abortion, physical violence or sexual violence (p>0.05). In the group of women with CPP and endometriosis, the median anxiety and depression score was significantly lower than in the group without endometriosis (14.5; 95% CI: 11.0-14.9) versus (17.0; 95% CI: 14.6-16.7), p=0.012 and (13.0; 95%CI: 11.1-15.9) versus (16.5; 95% CI: 14.5-17.6), p= 0.045, respectively. In patients with migraine, the median depression score was higher in the group of women with CPP compared to the group without CPP (15.0; 95% CI: 14.1-17.8) versus (10.0; 95% CI: 8.5-12.4), p=0.048. CONCLUSION: The most prevalent comorbidities in women with CPP were mental disorders, migraine and endometriosis. Comorbidities were not related to pain intensity, physical violence or sexual violence. Having a diagnosis of endometriosis is associated with lower anxiety and depression scores in patients with CPP. Overlapping migraine and CPP were associated with a worse depression score.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A dor pélvica crônica (DPC) é uma condição comum em mulheres e frequentemente há comorbidades associadas. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a prevalência de comorbidades em pacientes de DPC e buscar associações entre comorbidades e as manifestações da dor crônica. MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional de caso-controle com informações sociodemográficas, comportamentais e clínicas, incluindo comorbidades, em 246 mulheres, sendo 123 com DPC e 123 sem DPC (grupo controle). RESULTADOS: Ansiedade, depressão, enxaqueca e endometriose foram as comorbidades mais frequentes em mulheres com DPC. As comorbidades avaliadas no grupo com DPC não se associaram com o escore de intensidade da dor, com história de aborto, de violência física nem de violência sexual (p>0,05). No grupo de mulheres com DPC e endometriose, a mediana do escore de ansiedade e de depressão foi significativamente menor do que no grupo sem endometriose (14,5; IC 95%: 11,0-14,9) versus (17,0; IC 95%: 14,6-16,7), p=0,012 e (13,0; IC 95%: 11,1-15,9) versus (16,5; IC 95%: 14,5-17,6), p=0,045, respectivamente. Em pacientes com enxaqueca, a mediana do escore de depressão foi maior no grupo de mulheres com DPC em relação ao grupo sem DPC (15,0; IC 95%: 14,1-17,8) versus (10,0; IC 95%: 8,5-12,4), p=0,048. CONCLUSÃO: As comorbidades mais prevalentes em mulheres com DPC foram transtornos mentais, enxaqueca e endometriose. As comorbidades não se associaram à intensidade da dor, violência física ou sexual. O diagnóstico de endometriose associou-se a menores escores de ansiedade e de depressão em mulheres com DPC. A sobreposição de enxaqueca e DPC associou-se a um pior escore de depressão.

Dor pélvica crônica em mulheres: o caminho para a alta ambulatorial / Dolor pélvico crónico en mujeres: el camino hacia el alta ambulatoria / Chronic pelvic pain in women: the path to outpatient discharge

Resumo Objetivo Compreender o significado da dor pélvica crônica sob a ótica das mulheres diagnosticadas e analisar os fatores determinantes para a alta ambulatorial. Métodos Pesquisa de natureza qualitativa, tendo como referencial teórico metodológico a Pesquisa Social do tipo Estratégica. Participaram do estudo 14 mulheres, sendo sete em seguimento ambulatorial e sete que receberam alta, no ambulatório de ginecologia de um hospital universitário no município de Goiânia, Goiás, Brasil. Foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas, com questões norteadoras. A análise dos resultados baseou-se na modalidade temática da análise de conteúdo, segundo Bardin. Resultados A análise dos dados culminou em três categorias temáticas: "Antes da dor", "Convivendo com a dor" e " Tratando a dor". O abandono afetivo parental, o luto, o desentendimento com os pais e dificuldades na infância foram proeminentes antes do início da dor. O surgimento da dor relacionou-se ao nascimento dos filhos, menarca, cirurgias e conflitos familiares. A convivência com a dor promoveu grande sofrimento, medo, prejuízo aos relacionamentos e à atividade laboral. A melhora do estado emocional e das condições financeiras, a resolução dos conflitos matrimoniais, a oportunidade de poder expressar-se e conversar com outras pacientes, o uso de medicamentos e alguns procedimentos cirúrgicos foram determinantes para o controle da dor e da alta ambulatorial. Conclusão A dor pélvica crônica relacionou-se a sofrimentos socioeconômicos, emocionais e físicos. A resolução destes aspectos contribuíram para a alta ambulatorial.

Resumen Objetivo Comprender el significado del dolor pélvico crónico bajo la perspectiva de mujeres diagnosticadas y analizar los factores determinantes para el alta ambulatoria. Métodos Investigación de naturaleza cualitativa, que utilizó el marco referencial teórico metodológico de la investigación social estratégica. Participaron en el estudio 14 mujeres, de las cuales siete estaban realizando seguimiento ambulatorio y siete fueron dadas de alta, en consultorios externos de ginecología de un hospital universitario en el municipio de Goiânia, Goiás, Brasil. Se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas, con preguntas orientadoras. El análisis de los resultados se basó en la modalidad temática del análisis de contenido, de acuerdo con Bardin. Resultados El análisis de los datos culminó en tres categorías temáticas: Antes del dolor, Convivir con el dolor y Tratar el dolor. El abandono afectivo parental, el duelo, falta de entendimiento con los padres y dificultades en la infancia fueron prominentes antes del inicio del dolor. El surgimiento del dolor se relacionó con el nacimiento de los hijos, menarca, cirugías y conflictos familiares. La convivencia con el dolor causó gran sufrimiento, miedo, perjuicio en las relaciones y en la actividad laboral. La mejora del estado emocional y de las condiciones financieras, la resolución de los conflictos matrimoniales, la oportunidad de poder expresarse y hablar con otras pacientes, el uso de medicamentos y algunos procedimientos quirúrgicos fueron determinantes para el control del dolor y el alta ambulatoria. Conclusión El dolor pélvico crónico se relacionó con el sufrimiento socioeconómico, emocional y físico. La resolución de estos aspectos contribuyó al alta ambulatoria.

Abstract Objective To understand the meaning of chronic pelvic pain from the perspective of diagnosed women and analyze the determining factors for outpatient discharge. Methods This is qualitative research, using strategic social research as its theoretical methodological framework. 14 women participated in the study, seven of whom were undergoing outpatient follow-up and seven who were discharged from the gynecology outpatient clinic of a university hospital in the city of Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with guiding questions. The analysis of results was based on the thematic modality of content analysis, according to Bardin. Results Data analysis culminated in three thematic categories: "Before the pain", "Living with the pain" and "Treating the pain". Parental emotional abandonment, grief, disagreement with parents and childhood difficulties were prominent before the onset of pain. The onset of pain was related to the birth of children, menarche, surgeries and family conflicts. Living with pain promoted great suffering, fear, harm to relationships and work activity. The improvement in emotional state and financial conditions, the resolution of marital conflicts, the opportunity to express oneself and talk to other patients, the use of medication and some surgical procedures were decisive for pain control and outpatient discharge. Conclusion Chronic pelvic pain was related to socioeconomic, emotional and physical suffering. The resolution of these aspects contributed to outpatient discharge.

Parenting Styles, Mental Health, and Catastrophizing in Women with Chronic Pelvic Pain: A Case-Control Study.

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) in women is a highly prevalent condition worldwide and requires multimodal treatment. Adverse childhood experiences have been associated with CPP in women, while allodynia and poor outcomes have been linked to pain catastrophizing in these patients. Pain perception has been associated with parenting style during childhood. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between parenting style, pain catastrophizing, anxiety, depression and CPP in women. A case-control study was conducted between May 2018 and August 2021 with 123 women with CPP and 123 pain-free controls. Questionnaires were used to collect participants' data. The association between parenting style and CPP was assessed using multiple logistic regression, with odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) being calculated. The correlation between catastrophizing, pain intensity, pain duration, anxiety, depression, and parenting style in women with CPP was assessed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (r). A higher frequency of low maternal care (60.7% versus 45.2%; p = 0.026), anxiety (79.7% versus 56.9%; p < 0.001), depression (73.2% versus 56.1%; p = 0.008) and physical violence (31.7% versus 14.6%; p = 0.003) was found in the CPP group compared to the controls. There was no association between parenting style and CPP in the adjusted analysis. A positive correlation was found between catastrophizing and pain intensity (r = 0.342; p < 0.001), anxiety (r = 0.271; p = 0.002), depression (r = 0.272; p = 0.002), and maternal overprotection (r = 0.185; p = 0.046). A negative correlation was found between anxiety and maternal (r = -0.184; p = 0.047) and paternal (r = -0.286; p = 0.006) care and between depression and maternal (r = -0.219; p = 0.018) and paternal (r = -0.234; p = 0.026) care. The present results suggest a significant but weak association of parenting style with pain catastrophizing, the mental health of women with CPP, and the way in which they experience pain.

Current Challenges in the Management of Chronic Pelvic Pain in Women: From Bench to Bedside.

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) affects a significant proportion of women worldwide And has a negative impact on several aspects of these women's lives including mental health, work, relationships and sexual function, among others. This set of factors ultimately reflects negatively on quality Of life. The physiopathology of CPP is complex and remains to be fully clarified; however, recent advances have increased understanding of the mechanisms involved in chronic pain in general, and more specifically, CPP. Nonetheless, even when a detailed clinical history is obtained, meticulous physical examination is performed and imaging resources are appropriately used, the organic cause of the pain may still fail to be identified in a substantial number of women with CPP. Management of CPP may therefore be challenging. This narrative review was aimed at adding to the available literature on the subject, presenting and discussing the principal characteristics of CPP in women. The paper highlights gaps in the literature while providing the most up-to-date evidence associated with the physiopathology and classification of pain, its diagnosis and treatment. In addition, current challenges in the management of women with CPP are discussed.

Menopause and cognitive impairment: A narrative review of current knowledge.

A severe impairment of cognitive function characterizes dementia. Mild cognitive impairment represents a transition between normal cognition and dementia. The frequency of cognitive changes is higher in women than in men. Based on this fact, hormonal factors likely contribute to cognitive decline. In this sense, cognitive complaints are more common near menopause, a phase marked by a decrease in hormone levels, especially estrogen. Additionally, a tendency toward worsened cognitive performance has been reported in women during menopause. Vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes, sweating, and dizziness), vaginal dryness, irritability and forgetfulness are common and associated with a progressive decrease in ovarian function and a subsequent reduction in the serum estrogen concentration. Hormone therapy (HT), based on estrogen with or without progestogen, is the treatment of choice to relieve menopausal symptoms. The studies conducted to date have reported conflicting results regarding the effects of HT on cognition. This article reviews the main aspects of menopause and cognition, including the neuroprotective role of estrogen and the relationship between menopausal symptoms and cognitive function. We present and discuss the findings of the central observational and interventional studies on HT and cognition.

Dysfunctional Parenting Styles Are Associated with Mental Disorders and Low Self-Efficacy Beliefs in Brazilian Undergraduate Medical Students.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between parental bonding styles and anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and self-efficacy beliefs in undergraduate medical students. METHODS: A cross-sectional, self-administered survey involving 315 Brazilian medical students was conducted online. The Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale, the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R), and the general self-efficacy (GSE) scale were used. The internal consistency of the instruments used in the study was analyzed using Cronbach's alpha. Multiple logistic regression models were applied, and the odds ratios (OR) and respective 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated to determine the association between parental bonding styles and anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and general self-efficacy beliefs. RESULTS: In the analysis adjusted for sociodemographic variables, maternal affectionless control was associated with a greater risk of anxiety (OR = 2.48; 95% CI: 1.15-5.33), depression (OR = 7.54; 95% CI: 3.20-17.78), suicidal ideation (OR = 3.62; 95% CI: 1.58-8.27), and low self-efficacy (OR = 3.81; 95% CI: 1.76-8.25), while maternal neglectful parenting was associated with depression (OR = 3.24; 95% CI: 1.17-8.96) and paternal affectionate constraint with suicidal ideation (OR = 3.09; 95% CI: 1.36-7.02). CONCLUSIONS: These findings showed dysfunctional parenting styles to be associated with mental illnesses and low self-efficacy in Brazilian undergraduate medical students. This should be taken into consideration when treating medical students with mental disorders.

The incidence of chronic pain following Cesarean section and associated risk factors: A cohort of women followed up for three months.

BACKGROUND: Chronic post-surgical pain (CPSP) is one of the post-surgical complications of a Cesarean section. Despite the high rates of Cesarean section worldwide, the incidence of CPSP and the risk factors for this condition remain relatively unknown. The objective of this study was to calculate the incidence of CPSP in women submitted to Cesarean section and to analyze the associated risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective cohort of 621 women undergoing Cesarean section was recruited preoperatively. Potential presurgical (sociodemographic, clinical and lifestyle-related characteristics) and post-surgical risk factors (the presence and intensity of pain) risk factors were analyzed. Pain was measured at 24 hours and 7, 30, 60 and 90 days after surgery. Following discharge from hospital, data were collected by telephone. The outcome measure was self-reported pain three months after a Cesarean section. The risk factors for chronic pain were analyzed using the log-binomial regression model (a generalized linear model). RESULTS: A total of 462 women were successfully contacted 90 days following surgery. The incidence of CPSP was 25.5% (95%CI: 21.8-29.7). Risk factors included presurgical anxiety (adjusted relative risk [RR] 1.03; 95%CI: 1.01-1.05), smoking (adjusted RR 2.22; 95%CI: 1.27-3.88) and severe pain in the early postoperative period (adjusted RR 2.79; 95%CI: 1.29-6.00). CONCLUSION: One in four women submitted to Cesarean section may develop CPSP; however, the risk factors identified here are modifiable and preventable. Preventive strategies directed towards controlling anxiety, reducing smoking during pregnancy and managing pain soon after hospital discharge are recommended.

The effect of vaginal erbium laser treatment on sexual function and vaginal health in women with a history of breast cancer and symptoms of the genitourinary syndrome of menopause: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of vaginal erbium laser treatment on the vaginal health and sexual function of postmenopausal women with a history of breast cancer. METHODS: An open, prospective, therapeutic intervention study was conducted with 24 postmenopausal women with a history of breast cancer and vaginal dryness, and/or dyspareunia, who had not used vaginal hormone therapy for at least 6 months. The women were treated using a 2,940-nm Erbium: YAG laser (Etherea-MX, Athena, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil), with 90 and 360 scanning scopes, between August, 2017 and October, 2017 in a private clinic in a city of southeastern Brazil. Vaginal erbium laser treatment was performed at three sessions with a 30-day interval between each session. Sexual function was assessed before and 1 month after treatment using the Short Personal Experiences Questionnaire. Questions related to genitourinary symptoms were also applied. Vaginal health was assessed before each laser session using the Vaginal Health Index Score. RESULTS: Mean age was 53.7 years. Vaginal health improved, as shown by an increased overall score (P < 0.001). The effect size was large between pretreatment and post-treatment scores for vaginal elasticity, fluid volume, epithelial integrity, and moisture. The effect size was also significant for the overall sexual function score and for the score in the dyspareunia domain between pretreatment and 1 month after the final treatment session. CONCLUSION: Vaginal erbium laser may represent a novel therapeutic option for improving vaginal health and sexual function in postmenopausal women with a history of breast cancer.

Anxiety and depression in women with and without chronic pelvic pain: prevalence and associated factors.

Objectives: To investigate the prevalence of anxiety, depression and mixed anxiety and depressive disorder (MADD) and factors associated with these conditions in women with chronic pelvic pain (CPP) compared to a pain-free control group. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 100 women with CPP and 100 without CPP. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to evaluate the presence of anxiety and depression. Sociodemographic, behavioral and clinical characteristics were investigated. Fisher's exact test was used to compare characteristics between groups. A log-binomial regression model was used, with adjustment for age, skin color, schooling, body mass index and pain. Prevalence ratios (PR), together with their 95% confidence intervals (CI), were calculated to investigate factors associated with anxiety, depression and MADD. Results: The prevalence of anxiety was 66% in the CPP group and 49% in the controls (p=0.02). Depression was identified in 63% of the women with CPP and in 38% of the controls (p<0.01). MADD was present in 54% of the CPP group and in 28% of the controls (p<0.01). In the adjusted analysis, CPP (PR=1.3; 95%CI: 1.1-1.6), physical abuse (PR=1.5; 95%CI: 1.2-1.8) and sexual abuse (PR=1.5; 95%CI: 1.1-1.8) were independently associated with anxiety. Women of 25 to 34 years of age were less likely to have anxiety (PR=0.6; 95%CI: 0.4-0.8). CPP (PR=1.6; 95%CI: 1.2-2.2), physical abuse (PR=1.3; 95%CI: 1.1-1.7) and sexual abuse (PR=1.7; 95%CI: 1.3-2.2) were independently associated with depression. CPP (PR=1.9; 95%CI: 1.3-2.7), smoking (PR=1.5; 95%CI: 1.1-2.1), physical abuse (PR=1.4; 95%CI: 1.1-1.9) and sexual abuse (PR=1.4; 95%CI: 1.1-1.8) were independently associated with MADD. Conclusions: The prevalence of anxiety, depression and MADD was higher in women with CPP compared to the pain-free controls. Factors associated with mental disorders were identified. The independent association between CPP and anxiety, depression and MADD was noteworthy. These findings suggest that systematic management of psychological factors could contribute towards improving the mental health of these women.

Evaluation of sexual function in Brazilian women with and without chronic pelvic pain.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate sexual function in women with chronic pelvic pain (CPP) compared to a control group without CPP and to investigate the factors associated with sexual dysfunction in women with CPP. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 100 women with CPP and 100 controls. Sexual function was evaluated using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and depression and anxiety using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). A generalized linear model was used to compare the groups with respect to the overall FSFI score and the scores obtained for each FSFI domain. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify the factors associated with sexual dysfunction in the study group. Results: Anxiety was present in 66.0% of women with CPP in the study group compared to 49.0% of the controls (P=0.022). Depression was detected in 63.0% of women with CPP in the study group and in 38.0% of the controls (P=0.001). Sexual dysfunction was identified in 81.0% of the women with CPP in the study group compared to 58.0% of the controls (P=0.003). Following adjustment, the women with CPP had significantly lower mean scores compared to the controls in the FSFI domains of desire (3.0±1.3 vs 3.6±1.3; P=0.038), arousal (2.6±1.6 vs 3.4±1.9; P=0.002), lubrication (3.2±1.9 vs 3.7±2.3; P=0.011), orgasm (3.0±1.9 vs 3.6±2.2; P<0.002), and pain (2.5±1.7 vs 3.4±2.2; P<0.001). There was no difference between the groups for the satisfaction domain (P=0.337) or for the overall score (P=0.252). A positive and independent association was found between depression and sexual dysfunction in the women with CPP (P=0.012). Conclusion: In the women with CPP, sexual dysfunction was more common, and the scores in most of the sexual function domains were poorer than in the control group. Concurrently, depression was found to be positively associated with sexual dysfunction in the women with CPP.

Quality of life and associated factors in Brazilian women with chronic pelvic pain.

Background: Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a common and debilitating clinical condition in women. Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the quality of life (QoL) of women with and without CPP and to investigate factors associated with the QoL of women with CPP. Patients and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 100 women with CPP and 100 women without CPP. QoL was evaluated using the abbreviated version of the World Health Organization QoL instrument (WHOQOL-BREF). Depression and anxiety were evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and sexual function was evaluated using the Female Sexual Function Index. Generalized linear models were used to analyze the data, permitting comparison of QoL scores and identification of the factors affecting QoL. Results: Mean age (± SD) was 37.8±8.0 and 37.2±9.6 years for women with and without CPP, respectively (P=0.648). Following adjustment, women with CPP had significantly lower QoL scores in the physical health (P<0.001) and social relationships' (P=0.025) domains. Anxiety, depression, sexual dysfunction, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, pain intensity, lower family income, and not having a partner were factors negatively associated with QoL, while being postmenopausal, being employed, and having a child were positively associated with QoL in women with CPP. Conclusion: Women with CPP had poorer QoL than those without CPP. Factors affecting the QoL of women with CPP were identified, some for the first time in this population of women. Interventions targeting these factors may prove effective in minimizing the negative repercussion of CPP on QoL.

Multiple bilateral fibroadenoma of the breast and axillary accessory breast: case report / Múltiplos fibroadenomas de mama bilateral e de mama acessória axilar: relato de caso

This article has presented a rare case of multiple fibroadenomas of the breasts and axillary accessory breast. In the light of current knowledge, the most proper management is discussed. A 37-year-old woman was referred to our Breast Service due to complaint of a right axillary accessory breast nodule. On physical examination, there were no palpable breast nodules. Bilateral axillary accessory breast was observed with a right breast nodule and no alterations in the left breast. Mammography and ultrasonography demonstrated multiple bilateral breast nodules with benign characteristics and a possible malignancy in the right axillary nodule. The patient underwent a fine needle aspiration biopsy guided by ultrasonography of the largest nodule in each breast and of the nodule in the right axillary accessory breast. Cytologically, all nodules had benign characteristics. A diagnostic hypothesis of fibroadenoma was formulated. The patient underwent surgical removal of the right axillary nodule. The histopathological examination demonstrated fibroadenoma. Conservative management was chosen for the axillary accessory breasts and multiple breast fibroadenomas. At 11-month follow-up, there was neither recurrence of the right axillary nodule nor changes in the fibroadenomas. Conservative management of axillary accessory breast is possible. However, axillary accessory breast tissue may be affected by neoplasia. In cases of possible malignancy, the investigation should be carried out through the same clinical work-up used for normally-positioned breasts. In the presence of multiple bilateral fibroadenomas in the breasts, conservative management can be safely adopted.

Apresentamos um caso raro de múltiplos fibroadenomas envolvendo as mamas e a mama acessória axilar. À luz do conhecimento atual, a conduta mais adequada é discutida. Uma mulher de 37 anos foi encaminhada ao Serviço de Mastologia em função da queixa de nódulo em mama acessória axilar direita. No exame físico, não havia nódulos palpáveis nas mamas. Observou-se mama acessória axilar bilateral com nódulo à direita e sem alterações à esquerda. Mamografia e ultrassonografia demonstraram múltiplos nódulos de mama bilateral com características benignas e um nódulo suspeito de malignidade na axila direita. A paciente submeteu-se à punção aspirativa com agulha fina guiada por ultrassonografia do maior nódulo de cada mama e do nódulo na mama acessória axilar direita. Citologicamente, todos os nódulos apresentaram características benignas. Formulou-se a hipótese diagnóstica de fibroadenoma. Paciente submeteu-se à remoção cirúrgica do nódulo na axila direita. O exame histopatológico demonstrou fibroadenoma. Decidiu-se por uma conduta conservadora para as mamas acessórias axilares e múltiplos fibroadenomas mamários. Após 11 meses de seguimento, não houve recidiva do nódulo na axila direita nem alterações dos fibroadenomas. A conduta conservadora na mama acessória axilar é possível, porém o tecido mamário acessório pode ser afetado por neoplasia. Nos casos suspeitos de malignidade, a investigação deve ser conduzida com os mesmos recursos propedêuticos utilizados nas mamas normalmente posicionadas. Na presença de múltiplos fibroadenomas nas mamas, a conduta conservadora pode ser adotada com segurança.

Sexual function and quality of life in women with cervical cancer before radiotherapy: a pilot study.

PURPOSE: To achieve a better understanding of issues related to sexual function and quality of life (QOL) of women with cervical cancer before radiotherapy treatment. METHODS: A pilot study with 80 women with cervical cancer from Jan/2013 to Mar/2014. The outcome variables were sexual function assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and QOL, assessed using the World Health Organization questionnaire. Independent variables were clinical and sociodemographic data. Statistical analysis was carried out using Student's t test, Mann-Whitney test, ANOVA and multiple linear regression. RESULTS: The mean age was 48.1 years, 57.5 % were premenopausal and 55 % had clinical stage IIIB. Thirty percent had been sexually active in the 3 months prior to their interviews. The main adverse events during sexual intercourse were bleeding (41.7 %), lack of pleasure (33.3 %), dyspareunia (25 %), and vaginal dryness (16.7 %). The 18 women who had been sexually active in the previous month showed significant sexual dysfunction (total mean FSFI score = 25.6). Advanced clinical stage, using any chronic medication and not having undergone surgery for cancer were negatively correlated with QOL. Higher family income, a longer duration of schooling and no smoking were positive correlated with QOL. CONCLUSIONS: One-third of women with cervical cancer were sexually active 3 months prior to their interviews, but have concomitant significant sexual dysfunction. Factors related to the disease are primarily responsible for the deterioration of sexual function. QOL is influenced not only by factors related to the cancer itself, but also by lifestyle habits, comorbidities, and sociodemographic characteristics.

Primary osteosarcoma of the breast: pathological and imaging findings / Osteossarcoma primário da mama: achados patológicos e de imagem

SUMMARY Primary osteosarcoma of the breast (POB) is an extremely rare and aggressive tumor. Differential diagnosis of POB includes osteosarcoma of the chest wall and metaplastic breast carcinoma. Imaging tests that exclude the existence of a direct connection between the tumor and chest wall, as well as histopathological and immunohistochemical studies that rule out the presence of an epithelial component are required for the diagnosis of POB. We report a case of a 69-year old woman with POB. Imaging and pathological findings are presented. Therapeutic approach is discussed in the light of current knowledge, including potential complications.

RESUMO O osteossarcoma primário da mama (OPM) é um tumor extremamente raro e agressivo. O diagnóstico diferencial do OPM inclui o osteossarcoma da parede torácica e o carcinoma metaplásico da mama. Exames de imagem que excluam a existência de uma conexão direta entre o tumor e a parede torácica, e estudos histopatológico e imuno-histoquímico que descartem a presença de um componente epitelial são necessários para o diagnóstico de OPM. Relatamos um caso de OPM em uma mulher de 69 anos de idade. Os achados de imagem e patológicos são apresentados. A abordagem terapêutica é discutida à luz do conhecimento atual, incluindo potenciais complicações.

Qualidade de vida de mulheres com dor pélvica crônica / Quality of life of women with chronic pelvic pain

Os objetivos deste estudo transversal foram comparar a qualidade de vida e as características socioeconômicas de mulheres com e sem dor pélvica e investigar achados clínicos e cirúrgicos de mulheres com dor pélvica crônica. Os dados foram coletados em um hospital público, de Goiânia/GO, Brasil. A intensidade da dor foi aferida pela escala analógica visual e qualidade de vida avaliada pelo SF-36. A maioria das mulheres classificou a dor como intensa (52%) e conviviam com a dor há 8,8 (±7,7) anos. Mulheres do grupo com dor pélvica crônica apresentaram escores inferiores em todas as dimensões avaliadas pelo SF-36 (p< 0,05), exceto na dimensão saúde mental, quando comparado com o grupo sem dor. A correlação foi negativa (p=0,017) entre a intensidade da dor e a dimensão dor do SF-36. A dor pélvica apresentou impacto negativo significativo na qualidade de vida, com prejuízos para a saúde física e mental das mulheres.

The objective of this cross-sectional study was to compare the quality of life and socioeconomic characteristics of women with and without pelvic pain and investigate clinical and surgical findings about women with chronic pelvic pain. Data were collected in a public hospital in Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil. Pain intensity was measured using the visual analogical scale, whereas quality of life was assessed through the SF-36. Most women classified pain as intensive (52%) and lived with pain for 8.8 (±7.7) years. Women belonging to the group of chronic pelvic pain scored less in all dimensions evaluated by the SF-36 (p< 0.05), except for the mental health dimension, when compared to the painless group. Correlation was negative (p=0,017) between pain intensity and the SF-36 bodily pain dimension. Pelvic pain presented significant negative impact on quality of life with losses to the physical and mental health of women.

[Factors associated with menopausal symptoms in women from a metropolitan region in Southeastern Brazil: a population-based household survey]. / Epidemiologia da menopausa e dos sintomas climatéricos em mulheres de uma região metropolitana no sudeste do Brasil: inquérito populacional domiciliar.

PURPOSE: To determine the average age at the onset of menopause and to investigate menopausal symptoms in women in a metropolitan region in Southeastern Brazil. METHODS: A descriptive, exploratory, cross-sectional study was conducted with 749 women (a population-based household survey). The dependent variable was the intensity of menopausal symptoms assessed by th Menopause Rating Scale (MRS). The independent variables were sociodemographic data, health-related habits and problems, self-perception of health, and gynecological background. Statistical analysis was carried out by the χ2 test and Poisson regression using the backward selection criteria. RESULTS: The mean age of the women was 52.5 (± 4.4) years. With regard to menopausal status, 16% were premenopausal, 16% perimenopausal and 68% postmenopausal. The mean age at the onset of menopause was 46.5 (± 5.8) years. The intensity of menopausal symptoms was defined according to the median MRS score and was considered severe for values ​​above 8. Depression/anxiety (PR = 1.8; 95%CI 1.5-2.2; p < 0.01), rheumatic diseases (PR 1.5; 95%CI 1.2-1.7; p < 0.01), self-perception of health as fair/poor/very poor (PR 1.4; 95% CI 1.2-1.7; p < 0.01), history of abortion (PR 1.3; 95%CI 1.1-1.4; p < 0.01), current or previous treatment for menopausal symptoms (PR 1.2; 95%CI 1.1-1.4; p < 0.01), peri- or postmenopausal status (PR 1.4; 95%CI 1.1-1.7; p < 0.01), number of normal deliveries > 1 (PR 1.2; 95%CI 1.02-1.4; p < 0.01) and asthma (PR 1.2; 95%CI 1.01-1.4; p < 0.01) were associated with more severe menopausal symptoms. Older age (PR 0.96; 95%CI 0.96-0.97; p < 0.01) was associated with less severe symptoms. CONCLUSION: The severity of menopausal symptoms was related to a wild range of factors, especially presence of chronic diseases, a larger number of pregnancies, use of hormone therapy, and worse self-rated health. A better understanding of these factors can help to reduce the impact of symptoms on quality of life, and to identify groups of women who are likely to need more care during and beyond menopause.

The epidemiology and management of postmenopausal osteoporosis: a viewpoint from Brazil.

Brazil has an aging population, with an associated increase in the prevalence of chronic diseases. Postmenopausal osteoporosis is of particular concern because it leads to an increased risk of fractures, with subsequent negative impacts on health in older women. In recent years, efforts have been made to better understand the epidemiology of osteoporosis in Brazil, and to manage both direct and indirect costs to the Brazilian health care system. The reported prevalence of osteoporosis among postmenopausal women in Brazil varies from 15% to 33%, depending on the study methodology and the use of bone densitometry data or self-reporting by participants. A diagnosis of osteoporosis can be made on the basis of fractures occurring without significant trauma or on the basis of low bone mineral density measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. To reduce the risk of osteoporosis, all postmenopausal women should be encouraged to maintain a healthy lifestyle, which includes physical activity and a balanced diet. Smoking and alcohol use should also be addressed. Special attention should be given to interventions to reduce the risk of falls, especially among older women. Calcium intake should be encouraged, preferably through diet. The decision to recommend calcium supplementation should be made individually because there is concern about a possible increased risk of cardiovascular disease associated with this treatment. Brazilian women obtain a minimal amount of vitamin D from their diet, and supplementation is warranted in women with little exposure to solar ultraviolet-B radiation. For women diagnosed with osteoporosis, some form of pharmacologic therapy should be initiated. Compliance with treatment should be monitored, and the treatment period should be individualized for each patient. The Brazilian government provides medication for osteoporosis through the public health system free of charge, but without proper epidemiological knowledge, the implementation of public health programs is impaired.

Epidemiologia da menopausa e dos sintomas climatéricos em mulheres de uma região metropolitana no sudeste do Brasil: inquérito populacional domiciliar / Factors associated with menopausal symptoms in women from a metropolitan region in Southeastern Brazil: a population-based household survey

OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a idade da menopausa e os fatores associados aos sintomas menopausais em mulheres de uma região metropolitana do sudeste do Brasil. MÉTODOS: Um estudo exploratório de corte-transversal foi realizado com 749 mulheres entre 45 e 60 anos (pesquisa de base populacional). A variável dependente foi a intensidade dos sintomas menopausais avaliada através do escore total do questionário Menopause Rating Scale (MRS). As variáveis independentes foram características sociodemográficas, problemas e hábitos de saúde, auto-percepção de saúde e antecedentes ginecológicos. A análise estatística foi realizada com o teste do χ2 e regressão de Poisson. RESULTADOS: A média etária das mulheres entrevistadas foi 52,5 (±4,4) anos. Com relação ao estado menopausal, 16% das mulheres encontravam-se na pré-menopausa, o mesmo número na perimenopausa e 68% estavam na pós-menopausa. A média de idade de ocorrência da menopausa foi 46,5±5,8 anos. A intensidade dos sintomas menopausais foi definida de acordo com a mediana do escore total do MRS e foi considerada severa para valores acima de 8. Depressão/ansiedade (RP=1,8; IC95% 1,5-2,2; p<0,01), doenças osteoarticulares (RP=1,5; IC95% 1,2-1,7; p<0,01), auto-percepção do estado geral de saúde regular, ruim ou péssimo (RP=1,4; IC95% 1,2-1,7; p<0,01), antecedente de algum aborto (RP=1,3; IC95% 1,1-1,5; p<0,01), tratamento para menopausa atual ou prévio (RP=1,2; IC95% 1,1-1,4; p<0,01), estar na perimenopausa ou pós-menopausa (RP=1,4; IC95% 1,1-1,8; p=0,01), número de partos normais >1 (RP=1,2; IC95% 1,02-1,4; p=0,02) e asma (RP=1,2; IC95% 1,01-1,4; p=0,03) se associaram a maior severidade de sintomas menopausais. Apresentar maior idade (RP=0,96; IC95% 0,96-0,97; p<0,01) se associou a menor intensidade de sintomas da menopausa. CONCLUSÃO: A intensidade dos sintomas menopausais está relacionada a um amplo conjunto de fatores. Entender e controlar estes fatores pode auxiliar na ...

PURPOSE: To determine the average age at the onset of menopause and to investigate menopausal symptoms in women in a metropolitan region in Southeastern Brazil. METHODS: A descriptive, exploratory, cross-sectional study was conducted with 749 women (a population-based household survey). The dependent variable was the intensity of menopausal symptoms assessed by th Menopause Rating Scale (MRS). The independent variables were sociodemographic data, health-related habits and problems, self-perception of health, and gynecological background. Statistical analysis was carried out by the χ2 test and Poisson regression using the backward selection criteria. RESULTS: The mean age of the women was 52.5 (±4.4) years. With regard to menopausal status, 16% were premenopausal, 16% perimenopausal and 68% postmenopausal. The mean age at the onset of menopause was 46.5 (±5.8) years. The intensity of menopausal symptoms was defined according to the median MRS score and was considered severe for values ​​above 8. Depression/anxiety (PR=1.8; 95%CI 1.5-2.2; p<0.01), rheumatic diseases (PR 1.5; 95%CI 1.2-1.7; p<0.01), self-perception of health as fair/poor/very poor (PR 1.4; 95% CI 1.2-1.7; p<0.01), history of abortion (PR 1.3; 95%CI 1.1-1.4; p<0.01), current or previous treatment for menopausal symptoms (PR 1.2; 95%CI 1.1-1.4; p<0.01), peri- or postmenopausal status (PR 1.4; 95%CI 1.1-1.7; p<0.01), number of normal deliveries >1 (PR 1.2; 95%CI 1.02-1.4; p<0.01) and asthma (PR 1.2; 95%CI 1.01-1.4; p<0.01) were associated with more severe menopausal symptoms. Older age (PR 0.96; 95%CI 0.96-0.97; p<0.01) was associated with less severe symptoms. CONCLUSION: The severity of menopausal symptoms was related to a wild range of factors, especially presence of chronic diseases, a larger number of pregnancies, use of hormone therapy, and worse self-rated health. A better understanding of these factors can help to reduce ...

Cancer in Women over 50 Years of Age: A Focus on Smoking.

The increase in life expectancy worldwide has resulted in a greater prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence and factors associated with the occurrence of cancer among Brazilian women over the age of 50. A cross-sectional study with 622 women over the age of 50 was performed using a population survey. The outcome variable was the occurrence of a malignant tumor in any location. The independent variables were sociodemographic characteristics, self-perception of health, health-related habits and morbidities. Statistical analysis was carried out using the chi-square test and Poisson regression. The mean age of the women was 64.1 years. The prevalence of cancer was 6.8%. The main sites of occurrence of malignant tumors were the breast (31.9%), colorectal (12.7%) and skin (12.7%). In the final statistical model, the only factor associated with cancer was smoking > 15 cigarettes/day either currently or in the past: PR 2.03 (95% CI 1.06-3.89). The results have improved understanding of the prevalence and factors associated with cancer in Brazilian women aged 50 years or more. They should be encouraged to maintain a healthy lifestyle and pay particular attention to modifiable risk factors such as smoking.