Nocturnal Urinary Symptoms as Screening Tools for Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

IMPORTANCE: Nocturnal lower urinary tract symptoms are part of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and urogynecology clinics may serve as OSA screening sites. OBJECTIVE: This study's aim was to determine the accuracy of nocturia and nocturnal enuresis (NE) as screening tools for OSA in new patients at a urogynecology clinic. STUDY DESIGN: Using a retrospective study design, we gathered information regarding diagnostic OSA testing, continuous positive airflow pressure use, and lower urinary tract symptoms improvement from women in a urogynecology clinic who were previously screened for OSA using validated questionnaires. Nocturia and NE were tested for sensitivity and specificity using positive OSA diagnosis by polysomnography as the gold standard. RESULTS: Nocturia with a cutoff of ≥2 episodes per night had the best test characteristics-86.4% sensitivity (95% confidence interval [CI], 65.1-97.1) and 58.5% specificity (95% CI, 44.1-71.9) for an overall accuracy of 78.4% (95% CI, 67.0-89.8). Nocturnal enuresis with a cutoff of ≥1 episode per week had the best NE characteristics with 31.8% sensitivity (95% CI, 13.9-54.9) and 79.3% specificity (95% CI, 65.9-89.2) for an overall accuracy of 56.1% (95% CI, 41.2-71). CONCLUSIONS: Lower urinary tract symptoms such as nocturia and NE are routinely assessed in urogynecology clinics, making them useful for OSA screening and referral. The present study found nocturia symptoms with ≥2 episodes per night to retain acceptable test characteristics in screening for OSA, whereas NE was found to have less acceptable test characteristics for OSA screening. Urogynecology clinics may utilize nocturia symptoms in clinical decision making for OSA referral.

Prolapse and mesh reoperations following sacrocolpopexy: comparing supracervical hysterectomy, total hysterectomy, and no hysterectomy.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Sacrocolpopexy is effective for apical prolapse repair and is often performed with hysterectomy. It is unknown whether supracervical or total hysterectomy at time of sacrocolpopexy influences prolapse recurrence and mesh complications. The primary objective of this study is to compare reoperations for recurrent prolapse after sacrocolpopexy with either supracervical hysterectomy or total hysterectomy, or without concomitant hysterectomy. We also sought to compare these three groups for the incidence of mesh complications and describe cervical interventions following supracervical hysterectomy. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of sacrocolpopexy was performed using the MarketScan® Research Database. Women > 18 years who underwent sacrocolpopexy between 2010 to 2014 were identified. Utilizing diagnostic and procedural codes, reoperations for prolapse and mesh complications were identified. Women with < 2 years of follow-up were excluded. RESULTS: From 2010 to 2014, 3463 women underwent sacrocolpopexy with at least 2 years of follow-up, 910 (26.3%) with supracervical hysterectomy, 1243 (35.9%) with total hysterectomy, and 1310 (37.8%) without hysterectomy. Reoperations for prolapse were similar after supracervical hysterectomy (1.5%), after total hysterectomy (1.1%, p = 0.40), and without hysterectomy (1.5%, p = 0.98). Mesh complications after sacrocolpopexy were similar after supracervical hysterectomy (1.8%), after total hysterectomy (1.5%, p = 0.68), and without hysterectomy (2.8%, p = 0.11). Following supracervical hysterectomy, 0.9% underwent cervical procedures. CONCLUSIONS: When comparing supracervical and total hysterectomy at time of sacrocolpopexy, there were no significant differences in reoperations for recurrent prolapse, reoperations for mesh complications, or mesh complication diagnoses. This study shows that surgeons can be reassured on performing hysterectomy with sacrocolpopexy.

Antibiotic Prescribing Patterns and Guideline Concordance for Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections Among Adult Women in the US Military Health System.

Importance: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most commonly diagnosed infections, and prior studies have reported discordance in antibiotic treatment with the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) guidelines. Objective: To assess IDSA guideline concordance rates for women with uncomplicated UTIs treated with antibiotics, and compare concordance rates between different specialty field. Design, Setting, and Participants: Retrospective cross-sectional study of health care claims data from the US Military Health System Data Repository, which contains comprehensive health care encounter and claims data for all military beneficiaries. Participants were adult women between the ages of 18 to 50 years with uncomplicated UTIs from October 1, 2017, to September 30, 2019. Data extraction and analysis were performed in 2022. Patients with diagnosis of UTI in the preceding 6 months, current pregnancy, history of pyelonephritis, history of diabetes, history of organ transplant, history of human immunodeficiency virus, immunosuppression, renal insufficiency, urinary tract abnormalities, or history of urologic procedures were excluded. Exposures: Antibiotic treatment for uncomplicated UTIs. Only antibiotics received within 1 day after the diagnosis were analyzed. The IDSA recommends the following antibiotics as first-line therapy: nitrofurantoin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, fosfomycin, pivmecillinam. Main Outcomes and Measures: The IDSA guideline concordance rates were calculated as the number of patients receiving first-line antibiotic therapy divided by the total number of cases for uncomplicated UTIs. Results: A total of 46 793 adult women (67.3% [31 475 of 46 793] aged 18-34 years; 38.2% [31 475 of 46 793] of White race) were diagnosed with uncomplicated UTIs with 91.0% receiving guideline-concordant antibiotic treatment. In comparison with obstetrics and gynecology, IDSA guideline-concordant treatment was more likely in internal medicine (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.87; 95% CI, 2.73-3.03), family medicine (aOR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.76-1.87), surgery (aOR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.36-1.67), and emergency medicine (aOR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.32-1.39) and less likely in urology (aOR, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.38-0.43). Compared with direct military care, private sector care had lower concordance rates (aOR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.62-0.64). Conclusions and Relevance: In this cross-sectional study of antibiotic treatments for uncomplicated UTIs in a universally insured population, the IDSA guideline-concordance rate was high at 91.0% with higher rates in direct military care compared with private sector care. There were higher rates in general medical specialties, surgery, and emergency medicine and lower rates in urology and obstetrics and gynecology. These results further enhance the literature on current antibiotic prescribing practices for uncomplicated UTIs in adult women.

Creation and Implementation of Virtual Urogynecology Patient Cases for Medical Student Education.

Introduction: Urogynecologic disorders are highly prevalent, and many physicians across various specialties will encounter and care for patients with pelvic floor disorders. Yet most medical students have had limited to no experience in diagnosing and managing pelvic floor disorders, resulting in a gap in clinical education. Methods: Three virtual and interactive urogynecologic patient cases were developed on an e-learning platform with an overall goal of increasing clinical exposure to various pelvic floor disorders. The cases were integrated into the medical student obstetrics and gynecology clerkship during the 2020-2021 academic year (n = 40). Participants provided feedback regarding usability, acceptability, and educational value of the cases. Results: Twenty-one students (52%) completed the survey. Ninety percent (n = 19) agreed or strongly agreed that they were satisfied with the cases, and 71% (n = 15) agreed or strongly agreed that they would recommend the virtual patient cases to other students. All students (n = 21) felt that the format was easy to use and reported that the cases were appropriate for their level of learning. Most students felt that the cases increased or significantly increased their confidence regarding nonsurgical and surgical management options for pelvic floor disorders. Discussion: Our findings suggest that these interactive virtual patient cases are an acceptable, valuable, and effective tool for learners. Utilizing the cases can help mitigate existing disparities in exposure to pelvic floor disorders both highlighted by and preceding the COVID-19 pandemic.

Obstructed defecation syndrome in the first week after pelvic reconstructive surgery.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Research shows that patients are concerned about postoperative bowel function after pelvic reconstructive surgery. The objectives of this study were to estimate the proportion of patients with obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS), a subtype of constipation, in the week after surgery, to identify associated patient-level and perioperative characteristics and the associated bother. METHODS: Women completed a preoperative and postoperative ODS questionnaire and postoperative bowel diary. Characteristics of women with and without postoperative ODS were compared. Chi-squared or Fisher's exact tests compared categorical variables. Student's t test or Wilcoxon rank-sum tests compared continuous variables. Multivariate logistic regression was assessed for independent effects. Wilcoxon rank-sum tests compared the groups with regard to bother. Spearman correlation coefficients described the relationship among bother, postoperative ODS score, and bowel diary variables. RESULTS: Of the 186 participants enrolled, 165 completed the postoperative ODS questionnaire. Of these, 39 women (23.6%, 95% CI 17.2-30.1) had postoperative ODS. Postoperative ODS was significantly associated with preoperative ODS (p < 0.001), posterior colporrhaphy (p = 0.03), surgery type (p = 0.01), and longer duration of surgery (p = 0.03). Using multivariate logistic regression controlling for age, only preoperative ODS was significantly associated with postoperative ODS (OR 2.68, 95% CI 1.73-4.17). Women with postoperative ODS reported more bother with their defecatory symptoms (p < 0.001). The degree of bother was significantly associated with postoperative ODS score (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Using a validated disease-specific questionnaire to identify ODS, this complication was identified in 23.6% of patients in the week after pelvic reconstructive surgery. Preoperative ODS was a significant and important risk factor for this complication.

Impact of frailty in benign gynecologic surgery: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Frailty has been associated with increased risks of perioperative complications. This systematic review explores the associations between preoperative frailty and perioperative complications in benign gynecologic surgery. METHODS: A comprehensive, systematic literature search was conducted using the PubMed interface for Medline, Embase, and Scopus databases through August 12, 2020. Articles were included if they described the utilization of frailty assessment tools in benign gynecologic patients in the pre- or perioperative setting. Study quality and evidence were evaluated by the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool in Non-Randomized Studies and Grading of Recommendations, Assessments, Development, and Evaluations criteria. RESULTS: One thousand one hundred twenty unique citations were identified, and five studies assessing frailty and perioperative outcomes were included. Three retrospective cohort studies utilized the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database to assess the impact of frailty on perioperative outcomes in hysterectomies and pelvic organ prolapse repair procedures. One retrospective cohort study utilized a California database to assess frailty in prolapse repair surgeries. One cross-sectional study assessed frailty in new urogynecology patient visits. Four of these studies found that preoperative frailty is associated with an increased risk of perioperative complications. Overall, the evidence from the included studies is of low quality and at moderate to critical risk of bias. CONCLUSIONS: There are few studies assessing the impact of frailty on perioperative complications in benign gynecologic surgery. This review demonstrates that preoperative frailty is significantly associated with adverse perioperative outcomes, but additional studies are needed to further explore this association.

Validation of a Spanish Version of the Prolapse and Incontinence Knowledge Questionnaire.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to validate a Spanish version of the Prolapse and Incontinence Knowledge Questionnaire (PIKQ). METHODS: Validation and reliability testing of the Spanish version of the PIKQ was conducted in 2 phases. In the first phase, a translation-back-translation method by 6 bilingual researchers was utilized to generate a final Spanish translation. In the second phase, bilingual women were randomized to complete the Spanish or English version first, followed by the alternate language. Agreement between individual items from English and Spanish versions was assessed by percent agreement and κ statistics. Intraclass correlation coefficients compared overall PIKQ scores and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and urinary incontinence (UI) subscores. To establish test-retest reliability, we calculated Pearson correlation coefficients. In order to have a precision of 10% for 90% agreement, so that the lower 95% confidence interval would not be less than 80% agreement, 50 bilingual participants were required. RESULTS: Fifty-seven bilingual women were randomized and completed both versions of the PIKQ. Individual items showed 74%-97% agreement, good to excellent agreement (κ = 0.6-0.89) for 9 items and moderate agreement (κ = 0.4-0.59) for 14 items between English and Spanish PIKQ versions. Intraclass correlation coefficients of the overall score and POP and UI subscores showed excellent agreement (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.81-0.91). Pearson correlation coefficients between initial and repeat Spanish scores were high: overall (r = 0.87) and for POP (r = 0.81) and UI subscores (r = 0.77). CONCLUSIONS: A valid and reliable Spanish version of the PIKQ has been developed to assess patient knowledge about UI and POP.

Surgical Repair of the Genital Hiatus: A Narrative Review.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: An enlarged genital hiatus (GH) is associated with the development of prolapse and may be associated with prolapse recurrence following surgery; however, there is insufficient evidence to support surgical reduction of the GH as prophylaxis against future prolapse. The objective of this review is (1) to review the association between GH size and pelvic organ prolapse and (2) to discuss the existing literature on surgical procedures that narrow the GH. METHODS: A literature search was performed in the PubMed search engine, using the keyword "genital hiatus." Articles were included if they addressed any of the following topics: (1) normative GH values; (2) associations between the GH and prolapse development or recurrence; (3) surgical alteration of the GH; (4) indications, risks or benefits of surgical alteration of the GH. RESULTS: An enlarging GH has been observed prior to the development of prolapse. Multiple studies show that an enlarged pre- and/or postoperative GH is associated with an increased risk of recurrent prolapse following prolapse repair surgery. There are limited data on the specific risks of GH alteration related to bowel and sexual function. CONCLUSIONS: GH size and prolapse appear to be strongly associated. Because GH size appears to be a risk factor for pelvic organ prolapse, the GH size should be carefully considered at the time of surgery. Surgeons should discuss with their patients the risks and potential benefits of additional procedures designed to reduce GH size.

Early Childhood Outcomes Among Infants Born by Vaginal Birth After Cesarean and Repeat Cesarean Delivery in the Military Health System.

OBJECTIVE: This study examines whether children delivered by repeat cesarean section experience higher incidences of otitis media, respiratory infections, and allergic diseases than children delivered by vaginal birth after cesarean section (VBAC) in the Military Health System. STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective cohort study from the Military Health System Data Repository of women who underwent repeat cesarean section or VBAC between 2006 and 2012 and their offspring through 2014. RESULTS: About 11,659 infants with 2 years of follow-up were identified. Infants delivered by VBAC had lower odds of developing respiratory illness (P < .000), otitis media (P < .001), and allergies (P = .022) compared with infants born by repeat cesarean section. There were no differences in the development of food allergies. CONCLUSION: Emerging data regarding early childhood health are additional factors that can influence the mother's decision on mode of birth after a primary cesarean section.

Cardiac arrest in pregnancy.

Cardiac arrest in pregnancy is a rare and frightening event. Although not every obstetrician will encounter cardiac arrest in pregnancy during their career, it is imperative to be prepared to manage this acute emergency. The management is particularly complex due to maternal physiologic changes from pregnancy and the simultaneous management of two patients, the mother and fetus. In 2010, the American Heart Association released their first scientific statement on guidelines for management of cardiac arrest in pregnancy that has since been updated in 2015. All providers who care for pregnant patients should be aware of these guidelines and ready to manage cardiac arrest in pregnancy because correct and timely interventions can affect real world outcomes.