Analysis of the Correlation/Agreement of Maternal-fetal Doppler Parameters in Normal and Growth-Restricted Fetuses.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the degree of correlation/agreement of maternal-fetal Doppler parameters between normal and growth-restricted fetuses (fetal growth restriction [FGR]). METHODS: The present observational and retrospective study included 274 singleton pregnancies. The following maternal-fetal Doppler parameters were assessed: uterine artery (UAt), umbilical artery (UA), middle cerebral artery (MCA), cerebroplacental ratio (CPR), and umbilical-cerebral ratio (U/C). The assessment of FGR was based on the Figueiras and Gratacós9 criteria. Spearman correlation coefficients were estimated to assess the correlation between resistance (RI) and pulsatility (PI) indices of Doppler parameters. The agreement between two Doppler parameters was assessed by the Kappa coefficient. RESULTS: In total, 502 Doppler examinations were included, and FGR was observed in 19 out of 274 fetuses. A strong correlation was observed between RI and PI of UAt, UA, and MCA in all of the samples (p < 0.001). Of the 502 Doppler examinations, there was agreement between U/C and CPR percentiles for 480 (95.6%) and disagreement for 22 (4.4%), with Kappa coefficient of 0.26, thereby corresponding to weak agreement. Of the 68 cases with estimated fetal weight ≤ 9th percentile (small for gestational age [SGA]), there was agreement between U/C > 1.0 and CPR < 5th percentile in 61 (88.4%) and disagreement in 7 (5.8%) with Kappa coefficient of 0.49, thereby corresponding to moderate agreement. CONCLUSION: Strong correlation was observed among RI and PI UAt, UA, and MCA Doppler examinations in the present study; however, weak agreement was observed between U/C and CPR in the normal and FGR fetuses. In SGA, U/C and CPR demonstrated moderate agreement.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o grau de correlação/concordância dos parâmetros Doppler materno-fetal entre fetos normais e com restrição do crescimento (restrição de crescimento fetal [RCF]). MéTODOS: O presente estudo observacional e retrospectivo incluiu 274 gestações únicas. Os seguintes parâmetros Doppler materno-fetal foram avaliados: artéria uterina (AUt), artéria umbilical (AU), artéria cerebral média (ACM), razão cérebro-placentária (RCP) e razão umbilical-cerebral (U/C). A avaliação da RCF baseou-se nos critérios de Figueiras e Gratacós.9 Os coeficientes de correlação de Spearman foram estimados para avaliar a correlação entre os índices de resistência (IR) e pulsatilidade (IP) dos parâmetros Doppler. A concordância entre dois parâmetros do Doppler foi avaliada pelo coeficiente Kappa. RESULTADOS: No total, 502 exames Doppler foram incluídos e RCF foi observado em 19 de 274 fetos. Observou-se forte correlação entre IR e IP da AUt, AU e ACM em todas as amostras (p < 0,001). Dos 502 exames Doppler, houve concordância entre os percentis U/C e RCP para 480 (95,6%) e discordância para 22 (4,4%), com coeficiente Kappa de 0,26, correspondendo a concordância fraca. Dos 68 casos com peso fetal estimado ≤ 9° (pequeno para a idade gestacional [PIG]), houve concordância entre U/C > 1,0 e RCp < 5o percentil em 61 (88,4%) e discordância em 7 (5,8%) com coeficiente Kappa de 0,49, correspondendo a concordância moderada. CONCLUSãO: Forte correlação foi observada entre o IR e IP dos exames Doppler AUt, AU e ACM no presente estudo; entretanto, fraca concordância foi observada entre U/C e RCP em fetos normais e com RCF. Nos PIG, U/C e RCP demonstraram concordância moderada.

Estrogen and progesterone receptors in endometriosis.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to identify the presence of estrogen and progesterone hormone receptors in endometriosis implants and to determine whether hormone treatment influences the receptors in these implants. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with historical data collection. The analysis was conducted on 156 endometriosis implants from 67 patients undergoing endometriosis laparoscopy. The patients were divided into two groups: one group underwent hormone treatment (N.=20) and another group did not receive hormone treatment (N.=47) prior to surgery. Women of reproductive age with clinical pain and/or infertility who were diagnosed with endometriosis and underwent surgery were included. The specimens were analyzed after the estrogen and progesterone hormone receptors underwent immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: All analyzed topographies presented estrogen and progesterone hormone receptors. Progesterone hormone receptor expression was considerably superior to estrogen receptor expression (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Hormone receptors are present in endometriosis implants on the ovarian fossae, uterosacral ligaments, sac fundus, and ovaries. Progesterone receptors predominate in implants, regardless of hormonal treatment.

Association between decreased ovarian reserve and poor oocyte quality.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the association between oocyte quality and decreased ovarian reserve (DOR) markers in young women undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation (COS). METHODS: This retrospective study included 49 patients classified as having DOR based on anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, or antral follicle counts (AFCs; <10). Images of all obtained oocytes were analyzed, and oocyte quality was classified according to maturity and morphology. The COS protocol utilized gonadotropin (FSH and/or human menopausal gonadotropin [hMG]) doses ranging from 150 to 300 IU/day. The Student's t test or Mann-Whitney test was used to compare the groups. Spearman's coefficients were estimated to verify the correlation between the administered dose of FSH/hMG and the number of mature oocytes. To evaluate the association between patient- and oocyte-related variables, logistic regression models were adjusted. RESULTS: Women with DOR classified according to FSH level had more immature oocytes (P<0.001). Women with DOR according to AMH had fewer mature oocytes and increased basal FSH levels (P<0.001). Women with DOR according to AFC had an increased risk of abnormally shaped oocytes (P=0.035). CONCLUSION: This study showed that DOR based on AMH levels, FSH levels, and AFC was associated with poorer quality oocytes in young women who underwent COS.

Evaluation of the seroprevalence of infectious diseases in 2, 445 in vitro fertilization cycles / Avaliação da soroprevalência de doenças infecciosas em 2. 445 ciclos de fertilização in vitro

Abstract Objective To evaluate the seroprevalence of positive markers for syphilis, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) I and II, human T cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV) I and II, and hepatitis B and C among women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis among patients who underwent IVF, between January 2013 and February 2016, and who had complete screening records. Results We analyzed 1,008 patients who underwent IVF, amounting to 2,445 cycles. Two patients (0.2%) tested positive for HIV I and II and none for HTLV I and II. Three patients (0.3%) had positive screening for syphilis, and two (0.2%) had positive hepatitis C antibody test (anti-HCV). A positive hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HbsAg) test was observed in 4 patients (0.4%), while 47 (4.7%) patients were positive for IgG antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HbC IgG), and only 1 (0.1%) was positive for IgM antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HbC IgM). The anti-HbS test was negative in 659 patients (65.3%). Only 34.7% of the patients had immunity against the Hepatitis B virus. Patients with an anti-HbS negative result were older than those with a hepatitis B test (anti-HbS) positive result (36.3 versus 34.9; p<0.001). Conclusion The present study showed lower infection rates than the Brazilian ones for the diseases studied in patients undergoing IVF. Only a few patients were immunized against hepatitis B.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a soroprevalência de marcadores positivos para sífilis, vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV) I e II, vírus linfotrópicos de células T humanas (HTLV) I e II e hepatite B e C em mulheres submetidas a fertilização in vitro (FIV). Métodos Realizamos uma análise retrospectiva entre as pacientes submetidas a FIV, entre janeiro de 2013 e fevereiro de 2016, e que possuíam prontuários completos. Resultados Foram analisadas 1.008 pacientes submetidas a FIV, totalizando 2,445 ciclos. Duas pacientes (0,2%) apresentaram resultado positivo para HIV I e II, e nenhuma para HTLV I e II. Três pacientes (0,3%) apresentaram triagem positiva para sífilis, e duas (0,2%) apresentaram teste de pesquisa de anticorpos anti-HCV (anti-HCV) positivo. Um teste de antígeno de superfície do vírus da hepatite B (HbsAg) positivo foi observado em 4 pacientes (0,4%), enquanto 47 (4,7%) pacientes foram positivas para anticorpos IgG contra o antígeno de superfície da hepatite B (IgG anti-HbC), e apenas 1 (0,1%) foi positiva para anticorpos IgM contra o antígeno central da hepatite B (IgM anti-HbC). O teste de anticorpos contra hepatite B (anti-HbS) foi negativo em 659 pacientes (65,3%). Apenas 34,7% das pacientes tinham imunidade contra o vírus da hepatite B. Pacientes comresultado negativo anti-HbS erammais velhas do que aquelas com resultado positivo anti-HbS (36,3 versus 34,9; p<0,001). Conclusão Este estudo mostrou taxas de infecção inferiores às taxas brasileiras para as doenças estudadas em pacientes submetidas à FIV. Apenas alguns pacientes foram imunizados contra a hepatite B.

Fibromyalgia, sleep disturbance and menopause: Is there a relationship? A literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Fibromyalgia (FM) symptoms worsen in a significant portion of patients with the onset of menopause. Some patients report that their symptoms begin after menopause, suggesting a relationship between these entities. Sleep disturbance is a common condition in FM and menopause, and it is associated with chronic pain. METHODS/OBJECTIVES: Several electronic databases were searched, from the first available year to April 2018 to evaluate the publications that assessed the effects of menopause and sleep disturbance on the appearance or worsening of FM and the role of hormone therapy for these patients. RESULTS: The results are summarized in three tables. The objective sleep patterns of FM patients included high sleep latency, frequent arousals and intrusion of alpha wave sleep and NREM (non-rapid eye movement) sleep in delta sleep. Poor sleep during menopause is more frequent in late perimenopause and surgical menopause, and may be related to vasomotor symptoms or not. Hormone therapy exerted a positive effect on subjective sleep quality of symptomatic menopausal women. Studies have shown a high association between FM and early and surgical menopause. Raloxifene exerted a positive effect on pain and sleep in FM patients; however one study that analyzed the effects of transdermal estrogen therapy found no improvement in subjective and objective parameters of pain. CONCLUSION: Further studies are needed to elucidate the nature of the association between menopause, sleep and persistent pain syndromes, such as FM, showing the role of hormone therapy in prospective placebo-controlled trials.

[Ovarian function in systemic lupus erythematosus patients undergoing the use of cyclophosphamide in two major rheumatologic care centers in Curitiba, Paraná State]. / Função ovariana em mulheres lúpicas submetidas ao uso de ciclofosfamida em dois grandes centros de atendimento reumatológico de Curitiba, Estado do Paraná.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the ovarian response after cyclophosphamide use (CPM) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to correlate the age and cumulative dose findings with changes in menstrual cycle and/or progression to ovarian failure (OF). METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, retrospective study of 50 patients with a diagnosis of SLE who used CFM with a clinical follow-up of at least 1 year. Included were patients aged 12-40 years, who had undergone chemotherapy for SLE control and who had regular menstrual cycles before the beginning of CPM treatment. Patients who discontinued follow-up, who were followed up for less than one year or who had irregular/absent menses before the beginning of CPM treatment were excluded. All women studied were submitted to an interview and a questionnaire containing questions about the pattern of the menstrual cycle before and after therapy, and about the gestational periods and contraception. We asked if the patients had been instructed about the side effects and consequences of CFM. Statistical analysis was performed using the Student t-test and the Mann Whitney, χ2 and nonparametric Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients included in the study was 30.8 years and the mean age at the time of use of CPM was 25.3 years. After CFM, 24% of patients stopped menstruating, 28% returned to regular cycles and 48% continued to have irregular cycles. It was found that the patients who developed OF had longer disease duration (12.3 years) than those who did not develop it (8.9 years). Thirteen patients became spontaneously pregnant after CFM; however, 66% progressed to abortion. The mean age of the patients who used CFM and developed OF was 28.1 years. Amenorrhea occurred in 50% of those aged 31-40 years, in 22.2% of those aged 21-30 years and in 7.7% of those aged 12-20 years. Our study showed no statistical correlation between cumulative dose and OF, although cumulative doses greater than 11 grams tended to promote some type of menstrual irregularity. CONCLUSION: SLE disease duration, age at the time of treatment and the highest cumulative doses are important predictors of OF after therapy with CFM. Pregnancy in lupus patients is more likely to evolve with abortion after the use of chemotherapy. It was seen that a small proportion of patients were aware of all the implications of the drug. Therefore, additional studies should be conducted for further knowledge and awareness of the importance of contraception and the preservation of ovarian tissue on the part of the medical community.

Função ovariana em mulheres lúpicas submetidas ao uso de ciclofosfamida em dois grandes centros de atendimento reumatológico de Curitiba, Estado do Paraná / Ovarian function in systemic lupus erythematosus patients undergoing the use of cyclophosphamide in two major rheumatologic care centers in Curitiba, Paraná State

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a resposta ovariana após uso de ciclofosfamida (CFM) em pacientes com lúpus eritematoso sistêmico (LES) e correlacionar os achados de tempo de doença e idade no período de utilização de CFM e dose cumulativa com alterações no ciclo menstrual e/ou evolução para insuficiência ovariana (IO). MÉTODOS: Foi um estudo transversal, retrospectivo, com 50 pacientes com diagnóstico de LES e que fizeram tratamento com CFM com seguimento clínico de, pelo menos, 1 ano. Foram incluídas pacientes com idade entre 12 e 40 anos e que apresentavam ciclos menstruais regulares prévios ao tratamento. Foram excluídas pacientes que descontinuaram o seguimento, ou este foi menor do que um ano, além daquelas que apresentaram irregularidade/ausência menstrual antes do uso do fármaco. Todas as mulheres estudadas foram submetidas à entrevista e à aplicação de questionário. Neste foram abordadas questões relevantes de padrão de ciclo menstrual antes e posterior à terapia, assim como períodos gestacionais e método contraceptivo. Foi questionado se as pacientes foram orientadas sobre os efeitos colaterais e as consequências da CFM. Para análise estatística, foram utilizados os testes t de Student, Mann-Whitney, do χ2 e o não paramétrico de Kolmogorov-Smirnov. RESULTADOS: A média de idade das pacientes incluídas no do estudo foi de 30,8 anos, e a média de idade no momento do uso de CFM, de 25,3 anos. Após a CFM, 24% das pacientes não menstruaram mais, 28% voltaram a ter ciclos regulares e 48% delas permaneceram com ciclos irregulares. Verificou-se que as pacientes que evoluíram com falência ovariana tinham maior tempo de doença (12,3 anos) do que aquelas que não evoluíram (8,9 anos). Treze pacientes tiveram gestação após a CFM, em todas ocorreu de forma espontânea; no entanto, 66% evoluíram com abortamento. A média de idade das pacientes que fizeram uso de CFM e evoluíram com falência ovariana foi de 28,1 anos. A amenorreia ocorreu em 50% das pacientes ...

PURPOSE: To evaluate the ovarian response after cyclophosphamide use (CPM) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to correlate the age and cumulative dose findings with changes in menstrual cycle and/or progression to ovarian failure (OF). METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, retrospective study of 50 patients with a diagnosis of SLE who used CFM with a clinical follow-up of at least 1 year. Included were patients aged 12-40 years, who had undergone chemotherapy for SLE control and who had regular menstrual cycles before the beginning of CPM treatment. Patients who discontinued follow-up, who were followed up for less than one year or who had irregular/absent menses before the beginning of CPM treatment were excluded. All women studied were submitted to an interview and a questionnaire containing questions about the pattern of the menstrual cycle before and after therapy, and about the gestational periods and contraception. We asked if the patients had been instructed about the side effects and consequences of CFM. Statistical analysis was performed using the Student t-test and the Mann Whitney, χ2 and nonparametric Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients included in the study was 30.8 years and the mean age at the time of use of CPM was 25.3 years. After CFM, 24% of patients stopped menstruating, 28% returned to regular cycles and 48% continued to have irregular cycles. It was found that the patients who developed OF had longer disease duration (12.3 years) than those who did not develop it (8.9 years). Thirteen patients became spontaneously pregnant after CFM; however, 66% progressed to abortion. The mean age of the patients who used CFM and developed OF was 28.1 years. Amenorrhea occurred in 50% of those aged 31-40 years, in 22.2% of those aged 21-30 years and in 7.7% of those aged 12-20 years. Our study showed no statistical correlation between cumulative dose and OF, although cumulative ...

Bone disease after transplantation: osteoporosis and fractures risk.

Organ transplantation is the gold standard therapy for several end-stage diseases. Bone loss is a common complication that occurs in transplant recipients. Osteoporosis and fragility fractures are serious complication, mainly in the first year post transplantation. Many factors contribute to the pathogenesis of bone disease following organ transplantation. This review address the mechanisms of bone loss including the contribution of the immunosuppressive agents as well as the specific features to bone loss after kidney, lung, liver, cardiac and bone marrow transplantation. Prevention and management of bone loss in the transplant recipient should be included in their post transplant follow-up in order to prevent fractures.

Bone disease after transplantation: osteoporosis and fractures risk / Doença óssea pós-transplante: risco de osteoporose e fraturas

Organ transplantation is the gold standard therapy for several end-stage diseases. Bone loss is a common complication that occurs in transplant recipients. Osteoporosis and fragility fractures are serious complication, mainly in the first year post transplantation. Many factors contribute to the pathogenesis of bone disease following organ transplantation. This review address the mechanisms of bone loss including the contribution of the immunosuppressive agents as well as the specific features to bone loss after kidney, lung, liver, cardiac and bone marrow transplantation. Prevention and management of bone loss in the transplant recipient should be included in their post transplant follow-up in order to prevent fractures.

Transplantes de órgão é terapia padrão-ouro para várias doenças em estágio terminal. Perda óssea é uma complicação comum que ocorre em pacientes transplantados. Osteoporose e fraturas por fragilidade são complicações sérias, principalmente no primeiro ano pós-transplante. Muitos fatores podem contribuir para patogênese da doença óssea nesses pacientes. Esta revisão aborda os mecanismos de perda óssea incluindo o papel dos agentes imunossupressores, bem como os fatores específicos da perda óssea após rim, pulmão, fígado, coração e transplante de medula óssea. A prevenção e o tratamento da perda óssea nos pacientes transplantados devem ser realizados para evitar fraturas.

Osteoporose / Osteoporosis

A osteoporose é uma doença muito prevalente, principalmente nas mulheres na pós-menopausa e em idosos. A abordagem diagnóstica inclui a identificação dos fatores de risco e causas secundárias de osteoporose. A medida da densidade óssea através do exame de densitometria é o padrão-ouro para o diagnóstico. O tratamento ideal inclui medidas não farmacológicas e farmacológicas que serão aqui abordadas, visando principalmente a redução de fraturas osteoporóticas.

Post-transplantation osteoporosis.

Transplantation is an established therapy for many hematologic disorders as well as for end-stage diseases of the kidney, lung, liver, heart among others. Osteoporosis and a high incidence of fragility fractures have emerged as a complication of organ transplantation. Many factors contribute to the pathogenesis of osteoporosis following organ transplantation. In addition, most patients have some form of bone disease prior to transplantation, which is usually related to adverse effects of end-stage organ failure on the skeleton. This chapter reviews the mechanisms of bone loss that occur both in the early and late post-transplant periods including the contribution of immunosuppressive agents as well as the specific features of bone loss after kidney, lung, liver, cardiac and bone marrow transplantation. Prevention and treatment for osteoporosis in the transplant recipient will also be addressed.

SERMs in the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis: an update.

Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) have the ability to bind the estrogen receptor (ER) and are known to confer ER agonist or antagonist effects depending on the target tissue. A number of newer SERMs, including bazedoxifene, lasofoxifene and ospemifene, are currently under clinical development for the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis and for other indications. Although the possibility of developing a single agent that has all of the desired characteristics of an ideal SERM seems to be unlikely, progress in the clinical development of SERMs targeted to the ER suggests that these newer compounds may have attributes that represent an improvement relative to existing SERMs. A new approach to menopausal therapy is the tissue selective estrogen complex or the pairing of a selective estrogen receptor modulator with estrogens. Further investigation will help to clarify relative benefits/risks of novel SERMs in development within specific indications.

Post-transplantation osteoporosis / Osteoporose pós-transplante

Transplantation is an established therapy for many hematologic disorders as well as for end-stage diseases of the kidney, lung, liver, heart among others. Osteoporosis and a high incidence of fragility fractures have emerged as a complication of organ transplantation. Many factors contribute to the pathogenesis of osteoporosis following organ transplantation. In addition, most patients have some form of bone disease prior to transplantation, which is usually related to adverse effects of end-stage organ failure on the skeleton. This chapter reviews the mechanisms of bone loss that occur both in the early and late post-transplant periods including the contribution of immunosuppressive agents as well as the specific features of bone loss after kidney, lung, liver, cardiac and bone marrow transplantation. Prevention and treatment for osteoporosis in the transplant recipient will also be addressed.

Transplante de órgãos ou medula óssea é uma terapia conhecida para muitas doenças hematológicas e para estágios finais de doenças renais, pulmonares, hepáticas, cardíacas, entre outras. A osteoporose e o aumento da prevalência de fraturas por fragilidade óssea têm se mostrado como uma complicação do transplante. Muitos fatores contribuem para a patogênese da osteoporose relacionada ao transplante. Além disso, a maioria dos pacientes apresenta doença óssea antes do transplante, a qual é secundária à doença grave de base. Este artigo revisa os mecanismos da perda óssea que ocorrem tanto na fase precoce quanto na fase tardia após o transplante, incluindo o uso das drogas imunossupressoras, como também os fatores específicos envolvidos na perda óssea relacionados ao transplante renal, pulmonar, hepático, cardíaco e de medula óssea. A prevenção e o tratamento da osteoporose após transplante também são abordados nesta revisão.

SERMs in the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis: an update / SERMs na prevenção e no tratamento da osteoporose pós-menopausa: uma atualização

Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) have the ability to bind the estrogen receptor (ER) and are known to confer ER agonist or antagonist effects depending on the target tissue. A number of newer SERMs, including bazedoxifene, lasofoxifene and ospemifene, are currently under clinical development for the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis and for other indications. Although the possibility of developing a single agent that has all of the desired characteristics of an ideal SERM seems to be unlikely, progress in the clinical development of SERMs targeted to the ER suggests that these newer compounds may have attributes that represent an improvement relative to existing SERMs. A new approach to menopausal therapy is the tissue selective estrogen complex or the pairing of a selective estrogen receptor modulator with estrogens. Further investigation will help to clarify relative benefits/risks of novel SERMs in development within specific indications.

Moduladores seletivos do receptor do estrogênio (SERMs) têm a habilidade de se ligar ao receptor de estrogênio (ER) e são conhecidos por conferir um efeito agonista ou antagonista sobre o tecido-alvo. Um número de novos SERMs, incluindo bazedoxifeno, lasofoxifeno e ospemifeno, está atualmente em desenvolvimento clínico para prevenção e tratamento da osteoporose pós-menopausa e para outras indicações. Embora a possibilidade de desenvolver um simples agente que tenha todas as características desejadas de um SERM ideal parece ser pouco provável, esses novos SERMs apresentam propriedades que indicam uma melhora em relação aos SERMs existentes. Uma nova opção terapêutica é o uso do complexo estrogênico do tecido seletivo ou a associação do SERM com estrogênios. Novos estudos ajudarão a rastrear os riscos e benefícios dos novos SERMs em desenvolvimento dentro das suas indicações específicas.