Potassium-competitive acid blockers, a new therapeutic class, and their role in acid-related diseases: a narrative review.

Introduction: A new therapeutic class, potassium-competitive acid blockers (P-CABs), has emerged in Brazil to promote a superior antisecretory effect addressing the unmet needs related to acid-related disease management. Vonoprazan fumarate showed a good safety profile and was approved by the Brazilian regulatory agency - ANVISA. Aim: This narrative review was conducted to review the general concepts regarding P-CABs, focussing on vonoprazan fumarate. Material and methods: A literature search was conducted through April-May 2021 using official databases with a combination of MeSH controlled vocabulary and text words. The authors selected articles that described pivotal and novel insights about P-CABs and vonoprazan fumarate. Results: Vonoprazan is a drug of the P-CABs class newly approved for the management of acid-related diseases in Brazil. P-CABs achieve rapid, potent, and prolonged acid suppression (including night-time) and promise to address some unmet clinical needs in GERD. Furthermore, considering the difficulties encountered in attaining effective symptomatic control - particularly at night - using currently available PPIs, this new drug class is promising. Conclusions: This review brings important information about vonoprazan, a new therapeutic option in Brazil, which may be considered as a valuable tool for managing acid-related diseases.

SAFETY OF LONG-TERM PROTON PUMP INHIBITORS: FACTS AND MYTHS.

BACKGROUND: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are one of the most prescribed drugs in the world. Frequent use and long-term maintenance of these drugs drew the attention of researchers for sporadic adverse effects reports. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this narrative review is to discuss appropriate data and causality related to these adverse events and PPIs. METHODS: A narrative review was conducted by systematizing information about safety and adverse events on PPIs from 2015 to 2020. A structured search on Pubmed was performed to identify systematic reviews and meta-analysis investigating the following situations: a) gastric cancer; b) micronutrients deficiency; c) acid rebound; d) infections; e) fractures; f) dementia; g) kidney disease; and h) sudden death and cardiovascular changes. RESULTS: Recent studies have potentially associated PPIs with some adverse events as osteoporosis-related fractures. There are also reports of intestinal infections, including Clostridium difficile, besides poor vitamins absorption and minerals such as vitamin B12, magnesium, and iron. Furthermore, there are some dementia, pneumonia, kidney disease, myocardial infarction, and stroke reports. For kidney diseases, studies consistently suggest that the use of PPI may be associated with an increased risk of adverse kidney events, especially in the elderly, with long-term PPI use and pre-existing kidney disease. Another additional question is whether chronic PPI use would also lead to the onset of gastric cancer. The abrupt discontinuation of PPIs is also related to increased gastric acid production above pre-PPI treatment levels; this phenomenon is called acid rebound. CONCLUSION: The key to mitigate adverse effects is the rational use of PPIs at the lowest effective dose and in the shortest possible duration. Although these adverse effects have a potential clinical impact, their causal association is still subject to validation.

Segurança dos inibidores de bomba de prótons utilizados a longo prazo: fatos e fantasias / Safety of long-term proton pump inhibitors: facts and myths

ABSTRACT Background: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are one of the most prescribed drugs in the world. Frequent use and long-term maintenance of these drugs drew the attention of researchers for sporadic adverse effects reports. Objective: The purpose of this narrative review is to discuss appropriate data and causality related to these adverse events and PPIs. Methods: A narrative review was conducted by systematizing information about safety and adverse events on PPIs from 2015 to 2020. A structured search on Pubmed was performed to identify systematic reviews and meta-analysis investigating the following situations: a) gastric cancer; b) micronutrients deficiency; c) acid rebound; d) infections; e) fractures; f) dementia; g) kidney disease; and h) sudden death and cardiovascular changes. Results: Recent studies have potentially associated PPIs with some adverse events as osteoporosis-related fractures. There are also reports of intestinal infections, including Clostridium difficile, besides poor vitamins absorption and minerals such as vitamin B12, magnesium, and iron. Furthermore, there are some dementia, pneumonia, kidney disease, myocardial infarction, and stroke reports. For kidney diseases, studies consistently suggest that the use of PPI may be associated with an increased risk of adverse kidney events, especially in the elderly, with long-term PPI use and pre-existing kidney disease. Another additional question is whether chronic PPI use would also lead to the onset of gastric cancer. The abrupt discontinuation of PPIs is also related to increased gastric acid production above pre-PPI treatment levels; this phenomenon is called acid rebound. Conclusion: The key to mitigate adverse effects is the rational use of PPIs at the lowest effective dose and in the shortest possible duration. Although these adverse effects have a potential clinical impact, their causal association is still subject to validation.

RESUMO: Contexto: Os inibidores da bomba de prótons (IBPs) são um dos medicamentos mais prescritos no mundo. O uso frequente e a manutenção a longo prazo dessas drogas chamaram a atenção dos pesquisadores devido aos relatos esporádicos de efeitos adversos. Objetivo: Esta revisão narrativa tem o objetivo de discutir os dados e a causalidade relacionada a esses eventos adversos e o uso de IBPs. Métodos: Uma revisão narrativa foi conduzida através da sistematização das informações sobre segurança e eventos adversos de IBPs de 2015 a 2020. Uma busca estruturada na base de dados PubMed foi realizada visando identificar revisões sistemáticas e meta-análises investigando as situações a seguir: a) câncer gástrico; b) deficiência de microelementos; c) acidez de rebote; d) infecções; e) fraturas; f) demência; g) doença renal; e h) morte súbita e alterações cardiovasculares. Resultados: Estudos recentes têm potencialmente associado IBPs a alguns eventos adversos, como fraturas relacionadas à osteoporose. Também há relatos de infecções intestinais, incluindo Clostridium difficile, além de má absorção de vitaminas e minerais como vitamina B12, magnésio e ferro. Além disso, há alguns relatos de demência, pneumonia, doença renal, infarto do miocárdio e acidente vascular cerebral. Na doença renal, os estudos sugerem consistentemente que o uso de IBPs pode estar associado a um risco aumentado de eventos renais adversos, especialmente em idosos, com o uso de IBPs a longo prazo e doença renal preexistente. Outra questão adicional é se o uso crônico de IBPs também levaria ao aparecimento de câncer gástrico. A descontinuação abrupta de IBPs também está relacionada ao aumento da produção de ácido gástrico acima dos níveis de tratamento pré-IBPs; este fenômeno é conhecido como rebote ácido. Conclusão: A chave para mitigar esses efeitos adversos é o uso racional de IBPs na menor dose efetiva e com a menor duração possível. Embora esses efeitos adversos tenham um impacto clínico potencial, sua associação causal ainda está pendente de uma validação.

DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF CHRONIC IDIOPATHIC CONSTIPATION: A NARRATIVE REVIEW FROM A BRAZILIAN EXPERT TASK FORCE.

BACKGROUND: Chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) is a condition that widely affects the global population, represents relevant healthcare resource utilization and costs, and impacts the individual's well-being. OBJECTIVE: To review the consensus of expert societies and published guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of CIC in adults, seeking to assist reasoning and decision-making for medical management of patients with CIC and provide a practical reference material. METHODS: A Brazilian medical task force searched the scientific literature in the following electronic databases: MEDLINE/PubMed, SciELO, EMBASE and Cochrane, using the following descriptors: chronic constipation, diagnosis, management of chronic constipation. In addition, a review of articles on the mechanism of action, safety, and efficacy of therapeutic options available in Brazil was carried out. RESULTS: The diagnostic approach and the understanding of the pathophysiology present in CIC are essential items to indicate the appropriate therapy and to understand the ecosystem of the patient's needs. CONCLUSION: CIC is a common condition in adults, occurring more frequently in the elderly and in women. Proper management is defined by detailed medical history and physical examination, together with appropriate therapeutics, regardless pharmacological or not, and depending on the best moment of indication. This way, the impact on quality of life is also optimized.

Diagnóstico e abordagem terapêutica da constipação idiopática crônica: uma revisão de especialistas brasileiros / Diagnosis and management of chronic idiopathic constipation: a narrative review from a brazilian expert task force

ABSTRACT Background Chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) is a condition that widely affects the global population, represents relevant healthcare resource utilization and costs, and impacts the individual's well-being. Objective To review the consensus of expert societies and published guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of CIC in adults, seeking to assist reasoning and decision-making for medical management of patients with CIC and provide a practical reference material. Methods A Brazilian medical task force searched the scientific literature in the following electronic databases: MEDLINE/PubMed, SciELO, EMBASE and Cochrane, using the following descriptors: chronic constipation, diagnosis, management of chronic constipation. In addition, a review of articles on the mechanism of action, safety, and efficacy of therapeutic options available in Brazil was carried out. Results The diagnostic approach and the understanding of the pathophysiology present in CIC are essential items to indicate the appropriate therapy and to understand the ecosystem of the patient's needs. Conclusion CIC is a common condition in adults, occurring more frequently in the elderly and in women. Proper management is defined by detailed medical history and physical examination, together with appropriate therapeutics, regardless pharmacological or not, and depending on the best moment of indication. This way, the impact on quality of life is also optimized.

RESUMO Contexto A constipação idiopática crônica (CIC) é uma condição que afeta amplamente a população global, representa um grande custo econômico, causa substancial utilização de recursos em saúde e impacta o bem-estar do indivíduo. Objetivo Revisar os consensos de Sociedades de especialistas e diretrizes publicados sobre o diagnóstico e tratamento da CIC em adultos, buscando auxiliar o raciocínio e a tomada de decisão para a conduta médica frente ao paciente e oferecer um material prático de referência. Métodos Uma força tarefa médica brasileira realizou uma busca na literatura científica nas bases de dados eletrônicos Medline/PubMed, SciELO, Embase e Cochrane, tendo sido utilizados os seguintes descritores: chronic constipation, diagnosis, management of chronic constipation. Adicionalmente, foi realizada uma revisão de artigos sobre o mecanismo de ação, segurança e eficácia das opções terapêuticas disponíveis no Brasil. Resultados A abordagem diagnóstica e o entendimento da fisiopatologia presente na CIC são itens fundamentais para que seja indicada a terapêutica apropriada e seja compreendido o ecossistema de necessidades do paciente. Conclusão A CIC é uma condição comum em adultos, ocorrendo com maior frequência em idosos e mulheres. O manejo correto é definido pela anamnese e exame físico detalhados, juntamente com a terapêutica apropriada, independentemente de ser farmacológica ou não, conforme o melhor momento de indicação. Desta forma, o impacto na qualidade de vida também é otimizado.

HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE OF GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE CLINICAL TREATMENT.

BACKGROUND: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most prevalent gastrointestinal diseases. GERD generates significant impairment in patients' quality of life and it is associated to relevant medical resources utilization. A better understanding of GERD pathophysiology in the past five decades has favored the evolution of therapeutic strategies from non-drug interventions and antacids to more efficacious and safer alternatives. OBJECTIVE: To summarize data about the historical evolution of GERD management in Brazil, focusing on medical therapy and addressing evidence on efficacy and safety of drug classes currently recommended. METHODS: A narrative review was conducted by systematizing information about discoveries on GERD pathophysiology. We also addressed efficacy and safety of medications currently used to reduce symptoms and improve endoscopic healing of esophageal lesions. A structured search on Pubmed was performed to identify systematic reviews and meta-analysis investigating GERD outcomes positively impacted by proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), the first choice of pharmacotherapy for the disease. RESULTS: The chronological development of therapeutic measures for GERD in Brazil evolved from lifestyle interventions with relative poor effect on symptoms related to esophageal acid exposure, particularly heartburn, to effective and safe pharmacological interventions such as histamine H2-receptor antagonists and PPIs. In the present days, some drug classes play a minor role in disease management, namely prokinetics and antacids, due to their reduced efficacy and relevant safety concerns (particularly with prokinetics). The main challenge for prescribers and researchers seems to be finding long-acting acid suppressants strategies able to ameliorate patients' symptoms and quality of life, thereafter, reducing medical resource consumption. The dual delayed-release PPI dexlansoprazole seems to respond for some of the limitations other PPIs have. CONCLUSION: Recognizing the historical evolution of GERD management can help care providers to better understand therapeutic options for their patients, as well as focus on unmet needs that deserve further attention. PPIs are still the first choice therapy, with good evidence in favor of their efficacy, despite some safety concerns. However, as with any medical intervention, it is recommended to prescribe PPIs for patients with clear indication, using adequate dosing and monitoring for adverse events.

Perspectiva histórica do tratamento clínico da doença do refluxo gastroesofágico / Historical perspective of gastroesophageal reflux disease clinical treatment

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most prevalent gastrointestinal diseases. GERD generates significant impairment in patients' quality of life and it is associated to relevant medical resources utilization. A better understanding of GERD pathophysiology in the past five decades has favored the evolution of therapeutic strategies from non-drug interventions and antacids to more efficacious and safer alternatives. OBJECTIVE: To summarize data about the historical evolution of GERD management in Brazil, focusing on medical therapy and addressing evidence on efficacy and safety of drug classes currently recommended. METHODS: A narrative review was conducted by systematizing information about discoveries on GERD pathophysiology. We also addressed efficacy and safety of medications currently used to reduce symptoms and improve endoscopic healing of esophageal lesions. A structured search on Pubmed was performed to identify systematic reviews and meta-analysis investigating GERD outcomes positively impacted by proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), the first choice of pharmacotherapy for the disease. RESULTS: The chronological development of therapeutic measures for GERD in Brazil evolved from lifestyle interventions with relative poor effect on symptoms related to esophageal acid exposure, particularly heartburn, to effective and safe pharmacological interventions such as histamine H2-receptor antagonists and PPIs. In the present days, some drug classes play a minor role in disease management, namely prokinetics and antacids, due to their reduced efficacy and relevant safety concerns (particularly with prokinetics). The main challenge for prescribers and researchers seems to be finding long-acting acid suppressants strategies able to ameliorate patients' symptoms and quality of life, thereafter, reducing medical resource consumption. The dual delayed-release PPI dexlansoprazole seems to respond for some of the limitations other PPIs have. CONCLUSION: Recognizing the historical evolution of GERD management can help care providers to better understand therapeutic options for their patients, as well as focus on unmet needs that deserve further attention. PPIs are still the first choice therapy, with good evidence in favor of their efficacy, despite some safety concerns. However, as with any medical intervention, it is recommended to prescribe PPIs for patients with clear indication, using adequate dosing and monitoring for adverse events.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: A doença do refluxo gastroesofágico (DRGE) é uma das doenças gastrointestinais mais prevalentes, resultando em limitações significativas na qualidade de vida dos pacientes e, também, relevante utilização de recursos médicos. Um melhor entendimento da fisiopatologia da doença nas últimas cinco décadas tem favorecido a evolução das estratégias de tratamento, desde intervenções não farmacológicas e antiácidos, a alternativas mais eficazes e seguras. OBJETIVO: Resumir os dados sobre a evolução histórica do manejo da DRGE no Brasil, focando na terapia medicamentosa e abordando evidências sobre a eficácia e segurança de classes medicamentosas atualmente recomendadas. MÉTODOS: Uma revisão narrativa foi conduzida para sistematizar informações sobre descobertas na fisiopatologia da DRGE e, também, sobre a eficácia e segurança de medicamentos utilizados atualmente para reduzir os sintomas e melhorar a cicatrização endoscópica de lesões esofágicas. Uma busca estruturada na base de dados Pubmed foi realizada para identificar revisões sistemáticas e metanálises que investigassem desfechos da doença impactados positivamente pelos inibidores da bomba de prótons (IBPs), a primeira escolha farmacológica para a doença. RESULTADOS: O desenvolvimento cronológico das medidas terapêuticas para a DRGE no Brasil evoluiu de modificações no estilo de vida que demonstraram relativamente pouco efeito sobre os sintomas relacionados à exposição esofágico ao ácido, particularmente a azia, a intervenções farmacológicas eficazes e seguras como os anti-histamínicos H2 e os IBPs. Atualmente, algumas classes de medicamentos exercem um papel menor no manejo da doença, procinéticos e antiácidos por exemplo, devido à sua eficácia reduzida e a preocupações relevantes quanto a segurança (particularmente com os procinéticos). O principal desafio para os prescritores e pesquisadores parece ser encontrar estratégias supressoras de ácidos de longa duração capazes de melhorar os sintomas e a qualidade de vida dos pacientes, reduzindo assim o consumo de recursos médicos. O dexlansoprazol, um IBP de liberação retardada dupla, parece responder a algumas limitações que outros IBPs têm. CONCLUSÃO: O reconhecimento da evolução histórica do manejo da DRGE pode auxiliar aos profissionais assistentes a melhor entender as opções terapêuticas para seus pacientes, assim como focar em necessidades não atendidas que necessitem de maior atenção. IBPs ainda são a terapia de escolha inicial, com boas evidências a favor de sua eficácia, apesar algumas questões acerca da segurança de seu uso. No entanto, assim como para qualquer intervenção medicamentosa, é recomendada a prescrição dos IBPs para pacientes com indicação clara, utilizando doses adequadas e monitorando a ocorrência de eventos adversos.

A prospective study of the forearm bone density of users of etonorgestrel- and levonorgestrel-releasing contraceptive implants.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to compare bone mineral density (BMD) before insertion and at 18 months of use of etonorgestrel- and levonorgestrel-releasing contraceptive implants. METHODS: One hundred and eleven women, 19-43 years of age, were randomly allocated to two groups: 56 to etonorgestrel and 55 to levonorgestrel. BMD was evaluated at the midshaft of the ulna and at the distal radius of the non-dominant forearm using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry before insertion and at 18 months of use. RESULTS: There was no difference in baseline demographic or anthropometric characteristics, or in BMD of users of either model of implant. BMD was significantly lower at 18 months of use at the midshaft of the ulna in both groups of users. However, no difference was found at the distal radius. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the variables associated with BMD at 18 months of use in both implant groups were baseline BMD, body mass index (BMI) and difference in BMI (0 versus 18 months of use). CONCLUSIONS: Women of 19-43 years of age using either one of the implants showed lower BMD at 18 months of use at the midshaft of the ulna, however, without a difference at the distal radius.

Follow-up of users of intrauterine device with and without bacterial vaginosis and other cervicovaginal infections.

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis (BV) and other cervicovaginal infections, as well as the incidence of complications among new users of IUD, 1 and 6 months after its insertion, in the City of Campinas, Brazil. A total of 223 women who had a TCu-380A IUD inserted from May through November 2001, were included in the study. After the IUD insertion all women were scheduled to two additional visits: after 1 month and after 6 months, when they were interviewed and a pelvic examination was performed, along with a collection of specimens from the vagina and the endocervix for laboratory testing. The Nugent's criterion was used for the BV diagnosis. They were also evaluated with regard to presence of complications possibly related to IUD insertion and use, i.e., abnormal bleeding, dysmenorrhea, expulsion and pelvic inflammatory disease. The prevalence of cervicovaginal infections was 29.1%, BV being the most frequent (19.7%). Dysmenorrhea was more frequent among women with BV than among women without BV (p = 0.03). A trend of abnormal bleeding being more frequent among women with BV was also found. In conclusion, BV after 1 month of IUD insertion was not associated with IUD complications, with the exception of dysmenorrhea.

Weight variation in a cohort of women using copper IUD for contraception.

The objective of this study was to assess weight changes over time in reproductive-age women using nonhormonal contraception [copper intrauterine device (IUD) users]. Baseline variables recorded included age, parity, decade when the IUD was inserted and the presence of hypertension. A total of 1697 IUD users were followed for 7 years of use. The mean age (+/- SD) of the women at the beginning of follow-up was 27.6 +/- 5.8 years and the mean height (+/- SD) was 150 +/- 10 cm. The mean weight (+/- SD) at the time of IUD insertion was 58.5 +/- 0.30 kg. After 5 and 7 years of follow-up, the mean weight (+/- SD) was 61.2 +/- 0.33 kg and 62.4 +/- 0.51 kg, respectively. At insertion, the body mass index mean (+/- SD) was 24.5 +/- 0.12 and after 3 years it was 25 +/- 0.14, remaining above 25 up to the 7th year of observation. During the 7 years of follow-up, older women gained more weight than younger women. Parity, decade of IUD insertion and hypertension were not noted to be significant determinants of weight variation. In conclusion, this cohort of lower and middle class Brazilian copper IUD users tended to gain weight during their reproductive life, independent of other factors. These observations may improve counseling of women regarding the prevention of age-related obesity.

Aceitabilidade, desempenho clínico e padrão de sangramento em usuárias do sistema intrauterino liberador de Levonorgestrel (Mirena) durante três anos / Acceptability, clinical performance end bleeding patterns of the Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (Mirena) up to three years

Avaliar a aceitabilidade, desempenho clínico e padrão de sangramento durante três anos de uso do Sistema Intrauterino Liberador de 20µg diários de Levonorgestrel (SIU-LNG, Mirena), seja em novas usuárias de contraceptivos ou em usuárias de DIU com cobre e que desejavam removê-lo por sangramento aumentado. Realizou-se um estudo prospectivo em 256 mulheres que escolheram o SIU-LNG (Mirena) como MAC, de um total de 1101 novas aceitantes de métodos contraceptivos, em uma clínica de Planejamento Familiar. O desempenho clínico do sistema intra-uterino foi avaliado através do método de tabela de vida. A amostra do estudo representou 23,3 por cento de novas aceitantes de MACs, que se consultaram no ambulatório neste período. Ocorreu uma única gravidez aos 15 meses de uso, por expulsão inadvertida. As principais causas de descontinuação foram razões pessoais e transtornos no padrão de sangramento. A taxa de expulsão foi significativamente maior nas mulheres que apresentavam sangramento menstrual aumentado previamente à inserção. Aos três anos de uso quase a metade das mulheres estava em amenorréia e um terço delas em espaniomenorréia. Este método contraceptivo tem boa aceitabilidade, um excelente desempenho clínico e o padrão de sangramento predominante é a amenorréia. Além disso, este método contraceptivo pode ser uma opção para mulheres que desejam usar um DIU com cobre e que têm um fluxo menstrual excessivo, lembrando-se que estas mulheres têm que ser seguidas mais de perto.

Therapeutic use of levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system in women with menorrhagia: a pilot study(1).

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and performance, for up to 1 year, of an intrauterine system releasing 20 microg/day of levonorgestrel (LNG-IUS, Mirena) in the treatment of women with menorrhagia. It was a descriptive, prospective, non-comparative study. A 20 microg/day LNG-releasing-IUS was inserted on any day during bleeding to 44 women (between 24 and 49 years of age) who presented with menorrhagia after medical therapies had failed. Menstrual patterns were assessed, and hemoglobin concentrations were measured before LNG-IUS was inserted and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months of use. The most common bleeding pattern at 3 months after insertion was spotting, and after 6, 9, and 12 months the majority of women presented with amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea. Three women requested removal of the LNG-IUS because of spotting, and six women expelled it spontaneously. Hemoglobin levels were improved from 102 g/L to 123 and 128 g/L at 3 and 12 months, respectively, after insertion of the LNG-IUS (p < 0.01). At 12 months 79.5% of participants continued the use of LNG-IUS. In conclusion, LNG-IUS was an effective treatment for three out of four women with menorrhagia and could be an alternative treatment for women with menorrhagia who are either contraindicated for or refuse hysterectomy or endometrial ablation.

Bleeding patterns and clinical performance of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (Mirena) up to two years.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the bleeding patterns and clinical performance during the first 2 years of use of an intrauterine system releasing 20 microg/day of levonorgestrel (LNG-IUS, Mirena). Two-hundred-fifty-six women accepted use of Mirena from April 1998 through September 1998. The gross cumulative discontinuation rate due to pregnancy and expulsion were significantly higher in women who used the device because of heavy bleeding. There was one pregnancy at the 15th month of use after an inadvertent expulsion of the device. The continuation rate was 66.2 at the end of the second year. Forty-four percent of women reported amenorrhea at the 6th month of use. This rate maintained stability at 50% after 12 and 24 months of use. Spotting was present in 25% of the users at 6 months, decreasing to 8% and 11% at 18 and 24 months, respectively. Oligomenorrhea was described by one-quarter of women and was similar at each observation period. Removals due to menstrual bleeding problems were concentrated in the first 6 months of use and mostly due to amenorrhea or menorrhagia. In conclusion, LNG-IUS showed a high contraceptive efficacy and a good continuation rate up to 2 years. In addition, a reduction of blood loss was observed a few months after insertion.

Densidade mineral óssea em usuárias de métodos anticoncepcionais hormonais / Bone mineral density in users of hormonal contraceptive methods

A massa óssea sofre modificações contínuas desde o nascimento até o envelhecimento e é influenciada por um grande número de fatores. Já se sabe que a terapia de reposição hormonal na menopausa impede a progressão da perda de massa óssea. Entretanto, o papel dos hormônios esteroidais, presentes nos anticoncepcionais hormonais, sobre a massa óssea ainda é controverso. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar se o uso prolongado de anticoncepcionais combinados orais e de acetato de medroxiprogesterona tem alguma influência sobre a densidade mineral óssea (DMO) em mulheres que estão consolidando seu pico de massa óssea, quando comparadas com não usuárias de métodos anticoncepcionais hormonais. O estudo, tipo corte transversal, avaliou 202 mulheres com idade entre 30 e 34 anos, atendidas no Ambulatório de Planejamento Familiar do CAISM/UNICAMP. Destas mulheres, 70 eram usuárias de anticoncepcionais combinados orais (ACO), 63 eram usuárias de acetato de medroxiprogesterona de depósito (AMPD), no mínimo, e 69 não haviam usado nenhum tipo de anticoncepcional hormonal. A análise estatística, através do teste t de Student, mostrou que não há diferenças estatisticamente significativas de DMO quando se compara usuárias de ACO e de AMPD com não usuárias de métodos anticoncepcionais hormonais, independentemente do tempo de uso do método. Quando se comparou a DMO entre usuárias de AMPD e de ACO também não se observou diferenças estatisticamente significativas. A análise de regressão linear múltipla mostrou que os fatores que se associaram positivamente com a DMO foram o peso, número de gestações superiores a 1 e número de partos superiores a 2, assim como a ocupação das mulheres. Estes resultados sugerem que o uso de anticoncepcionais combinados orais e acetato de medroxiprogesterona de depósito, por períodos prolongados, não interfere na DMO de mulheres que estão consolidando seu pico de massa óssea, ou seja, com idade compreendida entre 30 e 34 anos.

Correlaçäo entre grau de hirsutismo, níveis de testosterona e índice de massa corpórea / Correlation between hirsutism, testosterone levels and body mass index

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a correlaçao entre os níveis séricos de testosterona, índice de massa corpórea (IMC) e o grau de hirsutismo observado no exame clínico da mulher hirsuta. SUJEITOS E MÉTODO: realizou-se um estudo descritivo e retrospectivo em 63 pacientes hirsutas atendidas no Ambulatório de Ginecologia Endócrina do CAISM-UNICAMP, no período de janeiro de 1990 a janeiro de 1994. Todas as pacientes apresentavam aumento dos níveis de testosterona. Foram excluídas as mulheres com diagnóstico de hirsutismo idiopático e os casos de tumor ovariano ou adrenal. Foram consideradas como variáveis independentes os níveis de testosterona livre (TL) e total (TT), e o IMC. A variável dependente foi o grau de hirsutismo determinado pela escala de Ferriman & Gallwey. A análise estatística dos dados foi realizada usando-se o teste Qui-Quadrado ou Teste Exato de Fisher, sendo considerados significativos os valores de p abaixo de 0,05. RESULTADOS: nao se observou correlaçao entre os níveis de TL e TT e o grau de hirsutismo. Por outro lado, observou-se uma relaçao estatística significativa entre o IMC e o grau de hirsutismo. CONCLUSAO: o grau de hirsutismo neste estudo correlacionou-se com o IMC e nao com os níveis séricos de testosterona.

Causas básicas de morte em mulheres com 40 anos ou mais / Basic causes of death among women over 40 years old

As estatísticas de mortalidade sao freqüentemente utilizadas como estimativas de morbidade. O objetivo deste estudo foi conhecer as causas de morte em mulheres de 40 anos ou mais em hospital terciário de referência. Realizou-se a revisao dos atestados de óbito, ocorridos nos anos de 1991 e 1992, e as causas de morte foram discriminadas como básica, conseqüencial e terminal, segundo normatizaçao do Centro da Organizaçao Mundial da Saúde para classificaçao de doenças em português. Consideramos apenas as causas básicas, distribuídas por faixa etária e de acordo com o código internacional de doenças, nona ediçao. As neoplasias malignas foram as causas mais freqüentes, seguidas por doenças do aparelho circulatório, doenças infecciosas e parasitárias, doenças endócrinas nutricionais e do sistema imunitário e doenças do aparelho respiratório. Todas as outras causas representaram 10,3 por cento do total de óbitos. Dentre as neoplasias ginecológicas, as mamárias foram as mais freqüentes, e entre as doenças do aparelho vascular, os fenômenos cérebro-vasculares. Os autores consideram importante a proposiçao de estratégias para o atendimento das mulheres com mais de 40 anos também em países como o Brasil.

Estudo radiológico ósseo de mulheres climatéricas e menopausadas / Bone radiology study on climacteric and menopausal women

Quinhentas e três mulheres admitidas no Ambulatório de Menopausa do Centro de Atençåo Integral à Saúde da Mulher da Universidade de Campinas em 1992 e 1993 foram submetidas a raios-X simples de tórax, fêmur, måos e punhos e coluna vertebral. Os dados para estudo foram obtidos através de revisåo retrospectiva dos laudos do exame radiológico fornecidos pelo Setor de Radiologia desta instituiçåo. A idade média das pacientes foi de 51,8 +-8,4 anos. O local mais freqüentemente acometido foi a coluna vertebral. Sinais sugestivos de osteoartrose e osteoporose foram mais prevalentes em coluna lombar. Também observou-se desvios acentuados da coluna vertebral em 53,3 por cento dos casos, a presença de ateromas aórticos calcificados em 26 por cento e lesöes radiodensas pulmonares em 9,6 por cento das pacientes. Concluiu-se que a avaliaçåo radiológica de pacientes menopausadas e climatéricas é de grande valor, sobretudo quando nåo existe a disponibilidade de procedimentos mais sofisticados para a avaliaçåo de massa óssea

Avaliaçåo endometrial da mulher climatérica: correlaçåo entre histeroscopia e biópsia / Evaluation of climacterial woman: correlaction between hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy

A moderna tecnologia tornou possível a avaliaçåo endoscópica da cavidade uterina através da histeroscopia com biópsia dirigida de modo simples e ambulatorial. O Setor de Endoscopia Ginecológica do DTG-CAISM/UNICAMP realizou 434 histeroscopias em mulheres atendidas no Ambulatório de Menopausa no período de agosto de 1984 a agosto de 1991. Todos os exames efetuados foram acompanhados pela biópsia endometrial. A idade média das mulheres foi de 50,7 anos (ñ7,2). O diagnóstico histeroscópico mais frequente foi o de endométrico atrófico. Diagnosticaram-se, pela histeroscopia, hiperplasia endometrial em 4,6 por cento nos casos e adenocarcinoma de endométrico em 0,7 por cento. A sensibilidade do exame, quando comparada à biopsia endometrial, foi de 41,6 por cento, e a especificidade, de 95,7 por cento. A acurácia diagnóstica do exame está diretamente relacionada à severidade das lesöes e há a necessidade de uma biópsia para uma avaliaçåo endometrial adequada