Combined oral contraceptives: update recommendations of the Latin American contraceptive association.

Background: In recent years, new combined oral contraceptives (COCs) have become available, representing an advance in terms of individualization and compliance by users.Objective: To provide recommendations regarding COCs: formulations, use, efficacy, benefits and safety.Method: For these recommendations, we have used the modified Delphi methodology and carried out a systematic review of studies found in the literature and reviews performed in humans, published in English and Spanish in Pubmed, Medline and advanced medicine and computer networks until the year 2021, using the combination of terms: 'oral contraceptives', 'estroprogestins' and 'combined oral contraceptives'.Results: Regarding the estrogen component, initially switching from mestranol (the pro-drug of ethinylestradiol) to ethinylestradiol (EE) and then reducing the EE dose helped reduce side effects and associated adverse events. Natural estradiol and estradiol valerate are already available and represent a valid alternative to EE. The use of more potent 19-nortestosterone-derived progestins, in order to lower the dose and then the appearance of non-androgenic progestins with different endocrine and metabolic characteristics, has made it possible to individualize the prescription of COC according to the profile of each woman.Conclusion: Advances in the provision of new COCs have improved the risk/benefit ratio by increasing benefits and reducing risks. Currently, the challenge is to tailor contraceptives to individual needs in terms of safety, efficacy, and protection of female reproductive health.

Bebidas de soja y salud femenina. Revisión de la evidencia y opinión de expertos / Soy beverages and women’s health: evidence review and experts opinion

Las bebidas vegetales de soja constituyen una alternativa dentro de la dieta habitual. Sin embargo, existe la preocupación de potenciales efectosen la salud reproductiva de la mujer por mecanismos de disrupción endócrina.En esta revisión se evalúan documentos científicos en el área de la Ginecología y la Obstetricia bajo el tamiz de la medicina basada en la evidencia,respondiendo preguntas estructuradas. La metodología se apegó a las guías establecidas por la declaración PRISMA 2020.Los estudios evaluados descartan un riesgo incrementado de pubertad precoz o cáncer de mama; incluso se aprecia un efecto protector frentea dicha neoplasia. Se ha reportado el paso transplacentario de isoflavonas de soja y su presencia en la leche materna, sin que ello implique unarelación con complicaciones materno-fetales o malformaciones congénitas. La exposición a productos de soja no parece influir sobre el pesocorporal y la salud ósea de la mujer.Los estudios en adultos indican que la soja favorece un mínimo incremento de tirotropina (TSH) en personas con antecedente de hipotiroidismosubclínico.El impacto de los alimentos basados en soja sobre la microbiota intestinal parece ser favorable para su diversidad, particularmente al consumirproductos fermentados.Muchos de los estudios en humanos han sido realizados con suplementos de isoflavonas o con productos que contienen proteínas aisladas otexturizadas de soja. Por tanto, los resultados y las conclusiones deben interpretarse con cautela ya que no son totalmente extrapolables a lasbebidas comerciales de soja. (AU)

Soy drinks are an increasingly consumed option within the Western diet. However, there are concerns about potential endocrine disruptor effectsand possible impact on women’s reproductive health.This review evaluates scientific documents in gynecology and obstetrics under an evidence-based medicine approach. All methods adhered toPRISMA 2020 declaration guidelines.The evaluated studies do not support a positive association between soy intake and early puberty or breast cancer; instead, a protective effectagainst such neoplasm was observed. Transplacental passage of soy isoflavones and their presence in breast milk has been reported withoutany maternal-fetal complications nor congenital malformations.Exposure to soy-derived products appears to have a neutral effect on body weight and bone health. Studies performed in adults indicate that soymay promote a minimal increase in thyrotropin (TSH) in subjects with subclinical hypothyroidism. The impact of soy-based foods on gut microbiotaappears favorable, especially when consuming fermented products.Many of the human studies have been conducted with isoflavones supplements, isolated or textured soy proteins. Therefore, the results andconclusions should be interpreted cautiously, as these are not entirely applicable to commercial soy beverages. (AU)

[Soy beverages and women's health: evidence review and experts opinion]. / Bebidas de soja y salud femenina. Revisión de la evidencia y opinión de expertos.

Introduction: Soy drinks are an increasingly consumed option within the Western diet. However, there are concerns about potential endocrine disruptor effects and possible impact on women's reproductive health. This review evaluates scientific documents in gynecology and obstetrics under an evidence-based medicine approach. All methods adhered to PRISMA 2020 declaration guidelines. The evaluated studies do not support a positive association between soy intake and early puberty or breast cancer; instead, a protective effect against such neoplasm was observed. Transplacental passage of soy isoflavones and their presence in breast milk has been reported without any maternal-fetal complications nor congenital malformations. Exposure to soy-derived products appears to have a neutral effect on body weight and bone health. Studies performed in adults indicate that soy may promote a minimal increase in thyrotropin (TSH) in subjects with subclinical hypothyroidism. The impact of soy-based foods on gut microbiota appears favorable, especially when consuming fermented products. Many of the human studies have been conducted with isoflavones supplements, isolated or textured soy proteins. Therefore, the results and conclusions should be interpreted cautiously, as these are not entirely applicable to commercial soy beverages.

Introducción: Las bebidas vegetales de soja constituyen una alternativa dentro de la dieta habitual. Sin embargo, existe la preocupación de potenciales efectos en la salud reproductiva de la mujer por mecanismos de disrupción endócrina. En esta revisión se evalúan documentos científicos en el área de la Ginecología y la Obstetricia bajo el tamiz de la medicina basada en la evidencia, respondiendo preguntas estructuradas. La metodología se apegó a las guías establecidas por la declaración PRISMA 2020. Los estudios evaluados descartan un riesgo incrementado de pubertad precoz o cáncer de mama; incluso se aprecia un efecto protector frente a dicha neoplasia. Se ha reportado el paso transplacentario de isoflavonas de soja y su presencia en la leche materna, sin que ello implique una relación con complicaciones materno-fetales o malformaciones congénitas. La exposición a productos de soja no parece influir sobre el peso corporal y la salud ósea de la mujer. Los estudios en adultos indican que la soja favorece un mínimo incremento de tirotropina (TSH) en personas con antecedente de hipotiroidismo subclínico. El impacto de los alimentos basados en soja sobre la microbiota intestinal parece ser favorable para su diversidad, particularmente al consumir productos fermentados. Muchos de los estudios en humanos han sido realizados con suplementos de isoflavonas o con productos que contienen proteínas aisladas o texturizadas de soja. Por tanto, los resultados y las conclusiones deben interpretarse con cautela ya que no son totalmente extrapolables a las bebidas comerciales de soja.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on depression and stress levels in pregnant women: a national survey during the COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 outbreak has been associated with a wide variety of psychiatric manifestations such as panic, anxiety, and depression. We aim to assess the impact of the COVID - 19 pandemic on the levels of stress and depression of pregnant women in Mexico. METHODS: A cross-sectional web survey was carried out in pregnant women in 10 states of the Mexican Republic during the COVID-19 pandemic among public and private hospitals. The perception of stress was assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale, while depressive symptoms were evaluated using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. RESULTS: A total of 549 surveys were applied, of which 96.1% (n = 503) were included in the data analysis. The mean participant's age was 28.1 years old. The mean perceived stress scale score was 24. 33.2% (n = 167) of participants had a score equal to 27 points or more and were considered highly stressed. The mean depression score was 9. A total of 17.5% (n = 88) participants had more than 14 points on the Edinburgh's depression scale, and were considered depressed. Stress levels were higher at later gestational ages (p = .008). CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 pandemic has caused mental health issues in pregnant women reflected by high perceived stress levels and depression.

Joint position statement on management of patient with osteoporosis during COVID-19 contingency from the AMMOM, CONAMEGER, FELAEN, FEMECOG, FEMECOT, and ICAAFYD.

Infection by SARS-Cov-2 (COVID-19) has affected practically all the world. This joint position statement of Latin American Medical Societies provides an updated guide for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporotic patients in the face of possible clinical scenarios posed by the COVID-19 health crisis. BACKGROUND: Infection by SARS-Cov-2 (COVID-19) has affected practically all the world. Characterized by high contagiousness, significative morbidity, and mortality in a segment of those infected, it has overwhelmed health services and forced to redirect resources to the emergency while impacting the attention of acute non-COVID-19 and many chronic conditions. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to provide an updated guide for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporotic patients in the face of possible clinical scenarios posed by the COVID-19 health crisis. METHODS: A task force, of bone specialists with a wide range of disciplines in the field of osteoporosis and fragility fracture, was convened with the representation of several professional associations, namely, the Mexican Association of Bone and Mineral Metabolism (AMMOM), the National College of Geriatric Medicine (CONAMEGER), the Latin American Federation of Endocrinology (FELAEN), the Mexican Federation of Colleges of Obstetrics and Gynecology (FEMECOG), the Mexican Federation of Colleges of Orthopedics and Traumatology (FEMECOT), and the Institute of Applied Sciences for Physical Activity and Sports of the University of Guadalajara (ICAAFYD). Clinical evidence was collated, and an evidence report was rapidly generated and disseminated. After finding the gaps in the available evidence, a consensus opinion of experts was made. The resulting draft was reviewed and modified accordingly, in 4 rounds, by the participants. RESULTS: The task force approved the initial guidance statements, with moderate and high consensus. These were combined, resulting in the final guidance statements on the (1) evaluation of fracture risk; (2) stratification of risk priorities; (3) indications of bone density scans and lab tests; (4) initiation and continuation of pharmacologic therapy; (5) interruptions of therapy; (6) treatment of patients with incident fracture; (7) physical therapy and fall prevention; and (8) nutritional interventions. CONCLUSION: These guidance statements are provided to promote optimal care to patients at risk for osteoporosis and fracture, during the current COVID-19 pandemic. However, given the low level of available evidence and the rapidly evolving literature, this guidance is presented as a "living document" and future updates are anticipated.

Edulcorantes no calóricos en la mujer en edad reproductiva: documento de consenso / Non-caloric sweeteners in women of reproductive age: a consensus document

Los edulcorantes no calóricos (ENC) son aditivos de alimentos que se utilizan para sustituir azúcares y potencialmente para reducir la ingesta energética. Existe un debate científico en torno a los beneficios reales de su uso. Los ENC son sustancias ampliamente evaluadas en la literatura científica. Su seguridad es revisada por las agencias regulatorias internacionales del campo de la salud. Los profesionales de la salud y los consumidores con frecuencia carecen de educación e información rigurosa, objetiva y sustentada en la evidencia científica y el juicio clínico sobre el uso de aditivos en los alimentos. Los ENC se han empleado como sustitutos de la sacarosa, en especial por las personas con diabetes mellitus y obesidad. Sin embargo, se han planteado inquietudes relacionadas con su posible asociación con el parto pretérmino y con su uso durante el embarazo y la lactancia, ante la posibilidad de consecuencias metabólicas o de otra índole en la madre o en el neonato. Este análisis de la evidencia en ginecología y obstetricia presenta una revisión que intenta responder a preguntas que habitualmente se hacen al respecto los profesionales de la salud y sus pacientes. En este documento se evalúan diversas publicaciones científicas bajo el tamiz de la medicina basada en la evidencia y del marco regulatorio para aditivos de alimentos con el fin dilucidar si el uso de ENC en las mujeres durante las etapas críticas del embarazo y la lactancia supone o no un posible riesgo

Non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) are food additives that have been used as a possible tool to reduce energy and sugar intake. There is a scientific debate around the real benefits of their use. NNS are substances widely evaluated in the scientific literature. Their safety is reviewed by international regulatory health agencies. Health professionals and consumers often lack education and objective information about food additives based on the best scientific evidence. NNS have been used as a substitute for sucrose, especially by people with diabetes mellitus and obesity. However, concerns related to their possible association with preterm birth have been raised, and also with their use during pregnancy and lactation because of the possibility of metabolic or other consequences in both the mother and offspring. This analysis of the evidence in gynecology and obstetrics presents a review of the most commonly asked questions regarding this matter by health professionals and their patients. This document evaluates a diversity of scientific publications under the sieve of evidence-based medicine and the regulatory framework for food additives to elucidate whether the use of NNS in women in these critical stages of pregnancy and breastfeeding represents a potential risk

[Non-caloric sweeteners in women of reproductive age - A consensus document]. / Edulcorantes no calóricos en la mujer en edad reproductiva: documento de consenso.

INTRODUCTION: Non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) are food additives that have been used as a possible tool to reduce energy and sugar intake. There is a scientific debate around the real benefits of their use. NNS are substances widely evaluated in the scientific literature. Their safety is reviewed by international regulatory health agencies. Health professionals and consumers often lack education and objective information about food additives based on the best scientific evidence. NNS have been used as a substitute for sucrose, especially by people with diabetes mellitus and obesity. However, concerns related to their possible association with preterm birth have been raised, and also with their use during pregnancy and lactation because of the possibility of metabolic or other consequences in both the mother and offspring. This analysis of the evidence in gynecology and obstetrics presents a review of the most commonly asked questions regarding this matter by health professionals and their patients. This document evaluates a diversity of scientific publications under the sieve of evidence-based medicine and the regulatory framework for food additives to elucidate whether the use of NNS in women in these critical stages of pregnancy and breastfeeding represents a potential risk.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Los edulcorantes no calóricos (ENC) son aditivos de alimentos que se utilizan para sustituir azúcares y potencialmente para reducir la ingesta energética. Existe un debate científico en torno a los beneficios reales de su uso. Los ENC son sustancias ampliamente evaluadas en la literatura científica. Su seguridad es revisada por las agencias regulatorias internacionales del campo de la salud. Los profesionales de la salud y los consumidores con frecuencia carecen de educación e información rigurosa, objetiva y sustentada en la evidencia científica y el juicio clínico sobre el uso de aditivos en los alimentos. Los ENC se han empleado como sustitutos de la sacarosa, en especial por las personas con diabetes mellitus y obesidad. Sin embargo, se han planteado inquietudes relacionadas con su posible asociación con el parto pretérmino y con su uso durante el embarazo y la lactancia, ante la posibilidad de consecuencias metabólicas o de otra índole en la madre o en el neonato. Este análisis de la evidencia en ginecología y obstetricia presenta una revisión que intenta responder a preguntas que habitualmente se hacen al respecto los profesionales de la salud y sus pacientes. En este documento se evalúan diversas publicaciones científicas bajo el tamiz de la medicina basada en la evidencia y del marco regulatorio para aditivos de alimentos con el fin dilucidar si el uso de ENC en las mujeres durante las etapas críticas del embarazo y la lactancia supone o no un posible riesgo.

An individualized approach to the management of vaginal atrophy in Latin America.

OBJECTIVE: In the absence of guidelines specific for Latin America, a region where the impact of menopause is becoming increasingly important, an evidence-based specialist opinion on management of vaginal atrophy will help improve outcomes. METHODS: An advisory board meeting was convened in São Paulo, Brazil, to discuss practical recommendations for managing vaginal atrophy in women in Latin America. Before the meeting, physicians considered various aspects of the condition, summarizing information accordingly. This information was discussed during the meeting. The expert consensus is now summarized. RESULTS: In Latin America, given the relatively early age of menopause, it will be beneficial to raise awareness of vaginal atrophy among women before they enter menopause, considering cultural attitudes and involving partners as appropriate. Women should be advised about lifestyle modifications, including attention to genital hygiene, clothing, and sexual activity, and encouraged to seek help as soon as they experience vaginal discomfort. Although treatment can be started at any time, prompt treatment is preferable. A range of treatments is available. By addressing the underlying pathology, local estrogen therapy can provide effective symptom relief, with choice of preparation guided by patient preference. An individualized treatment approach should be considered, giving attention to patients' specific situations. CONCLUSIONS: It is critical that women are empowered to understand vaginal atrophy. Educating women and healthcare providers to engage in open dialogue will facilitate appreciation of the benefits and means of maintaining urogenital health, helping to improve outcomes in middle age and beyond. Women should receive this education before menopause.

Descripción de la curva de trabajo de parto en un hospital de tercer nivel de atención / Description of the labor curve in a third-level care hospital

Resumen OBJETIVO Describir la curva de trabajo de parto en una muestra de pacientes atendidas en el Hospital de Ginecoobstetricia Luis Castelazo Ayala y sentar las bases para redefinir el trabajo de parto normal en la paciente primigesta y, por ende, sus alteraciones. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS Estudio retrospectivo y descriptivo efectuado en pacientes primigestas sanas con embarazo entre 37 y 41 semanas atendidas para parto eutócico en el Hospital de Ginecoobstetricia Luis Castelazo Ayala del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social. Descripción del patrón de progresión del primer estadio de trabajo de parto y de la relación entre el tiempo y la dilatación cervical. RESULTADOS Se incluyeron 370 pacientes primigestas sanas. El trabajo de parto duró, en promedio, 862 minutos (14 horas y 12 minutos). La curva de trabajo de parto graficada fue una pendiente con curva ascendente, con una fase de aceleración desde el inicio de los 4 centímetros de dilatación; a partir de ese momento la duración promedio del trabajo de parto fue de 234 minutos (3 horas y 54 minutos), con un patrón de dilatación de 0.4-0.7 cm por h. CONCLUSIÓN La curva del primer estadio del trabajo de parto de las pacientes estudiadas tuvo un patrón de pendiente ascendente, con una aceleración mayor a partir de los 4 cm de dilatación. Nuestra curva difiere en su morfología de la clásica curva sigmoide de atención de parto de Friedman; a pesar de ello ambas curvas coinciden en que el trabajo de parto entra en su fase activa a los 4 centímetros de dilatación.

Abstract OBJECTIVE To describe the labor curve and the dilation-time ratio of the first stage of labor in a group of patients of the Hospital de Ginecoobstetricia Luis Castelazo Ayala. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective and descriptive study with 370 healthy pregnancy primiparous patients between 37 and 41 gestation weeks admitted in the Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital "Luis Castelazo Ayala" of the Mexican Social Security Institute. All patients were attended of eutocic delivery without any complication. We reviewed the partogram and the progression of cervical dilation on the first stage of labor. By observing the relationship between time and cervical dilation we described we elaborate a labor curve. RESULTS Labor in its entirety lasted on average 862 minutes (14 hours and 12 minutes). The delivery labor curve graphed was a slope upward curve, with an acceleration phase from 4 centimeters dilated, from that moment the duration of labor average was 234 minutes (3 hours and 54 minutes), with a dilating pattern of 0.4-0.7 cm / h. CONCLUSION The curve of the first stage of labor we studied has an upslope pattern, with an increased acceleration from 4 centimeters of dilation. Our curve differs from the classical sigmoid curve care delivery Dr. Friedman in their basic morphology, however both curves agree that labor enters its active phase in the 4 centimeters of dilation.

Sutura compresiva de Hayman: experiencia de cuatro años / Hayman uterine compression stitch: four years' experience

Resumen OBJETIVO: Reportar la experiencia institucional de cuatro años en la aplicación de la sutura compresiva de Hayman para tratamiento conservador de la hemorragia obstétrica posparto. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio prospectivo y observacional efectuado en pacien-tes atendidas entre el 1 de enero de 2014 y el 1 de enero de 2018 en un hospital de tercer nivel de atención a quienes se aplicó la sutura compresiva de Hayman luego del diagnóstico de hemorragia obstétrica posparto resistente al tratamiento farmacológico uterotónico. Variables de estudio: obstétricas generales, indicación, efectividad, com-plicaciones y tiempo de realización de la sutura compresiva, sangrado transoperatorio y requerimiento de un procedimiento adicional. RESULTADOS: La sutura compresiva de Hayman se aplicó a 87 pacientes con hemo-rragia obstétrica posparto resistente al tratamiento uterotónico: 73 de 87 poscesárea y 14 de 87 en el posparto. El tiempo medio de realización de la sutura fue de 5.1 minutos y la media del sangrado de 1310.4 ± 730.3 mL. En 78 de 87 casos se logró el control del sangrado con la sutura Hayman, en 5 pacientes se requirieron procedi-mientos complementarios, como la técnica Posadas o ligadura de hipogástricas. En 2 pacientes fue necesaria la histerectomía obstétrica debido a persistencia del sangrado e inestabilidad hemodinámica. No se registraron complicaciones trans o posoperatorias. CONCLUSIONES: La sutura compresiva de Hayman puede controlar la hemorragia obstétrica posparto, secundaria a atonía o a hemorragia del lecho placentario, sin necesidad de procedimientos o técnicas adicionales.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To report a 4-year institutional experience in the use of Hayman uterine compression stitch as a conservative method for the management of the postpartum hemorrhage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We designed a prospective and observational study from January 1 2014 to January 1 2018 in a tertiary care hospital. Hayman suture was applied to all cases with postpartum hemorrhage and poor response to uterotonic drug therapy. We recorded information about general obstetric information, indications, effectiveness, complications and time about the uterine compression stich, bleeding and need of practicing another technique. RESULTS: Hayman suture was performed on 87 patients to control intractable postpar-tum hemorrhage that did not respond to uterotonic agents. The postpartum hemorrhage presented at cesarean section in 73/87 of the cases and in 16% after vaginal birth. The average time for Hayman suture was 5.1 minutes and the mean bleeding was 1310.4730.3 mL. Hayman suture was successful in 78/87 of the cases, in 5 uterine vessels and ovarian vessels were also ligated and 2 required hysterectomy because of persistent bleeding. The postoperative course was uncomplicated. CONCLUSION: Hayman's compressive suture can control postpartum obstetric hemorrhage, secondary to atony or placental bed hemorrhage, without the need for additional procedures or techniques.

Treatment of menopausal symptoms with three low-dose continuous sequential 17ß-estradiol/progesterone parenteral monthly formulations using novel non-polymeric microsphere technology.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the short-term efficacy and safety over menopausal symptoms of three low-dose continuous sequential 17ß-estradiol (E)/progesterone (P) parental monthly formulations using novel non-polymeric microspheres. METHODS: This was a multicenter, randomized, single blinded study in which peri- and postmenopausal women were assigned to receive a monthly intramuscular injection of 0.5 mg E + 15 mg P (Group A, n = 34), 1 mg E + 20 mg P (Group B, n = 24) or 1 mg E + 30 mg P (Group C, n = 26) for 6 months. Primary efficacy endpoints included mean change in the frequency and severity of hot flushes and the effect over urogenital atrophy symptoms at 3 and 6 months. Safety variables included changes in the rate of amenorrhea, endometrial thickness and histopathology, and local and systemic adverse events. RESULTS: Compared to baseline at month 6, the three treatment schemes significantly decreased the rate of urogenital atrophy symptoms and the frequency (mean number per day) and severity (mean number graded as moderate and severe per month) of hot flushes. No differences in studied efficacy parameters were observed between studied groups at baseline or at the end of the study. For all groups the most frequent adverse event was pain at the injection site; however they were all rated as mild. At the end of the study peri- and postmenopausal women displayed no significant changes in endometrial thickness or histopathology in all treated groups. The rate of amenorrhea at the end of the study decreased for all studied groups yet was less evident among postmenopausal women as compared to perimenopausal ones. CONCLUSIONS: The three low-dose continuous sequential intramuscular monthly treatments of E/P using novel microsphere technology were effective at reducing menopausal symptoms at short-term with a low rate of adverse events. More long-term and comparative research is warranted to support our positive findings.

[Myths and realities of the long-term reversible contraceptives]. / Mitos y realidades de los anticonceptivos reversibles de larga duración.

BACKGROUND: For a woman uses contraception acceptance not only required but also the possibility of minimal or no side effects, comfort and tranquility of their safety. There are women who find it inconvenient not taking the pill daily, but for many other yes, what follows that notwithstanding their safety, do not suit the need of women. IUDs have reached high fees clinical efficacy and safety for use in any group of women, including gilts. METHODOLOGY: A search for original articles and systematic reviews published in the last ten years in the PubMed database, specifically study reversible long-term hormonal contraception was made. They were included in the various search engines, the words: Long-Acting Reversible Contraception, intrauterine contraceptive method, contraceptive implants and intrauterine, myths About IUDs, and others. We selected the highest level of evidence and documents were analyzed and 76 of these myths and realities were located around the long-term contraception. CONCLUSIONS: There are too many myths accepted as paradigms and perceptions about IUDs, especially about its indication to nulliparous women, who do not stand by the scientific evidence. The clinical efficacy of intrauterine contraception in nulliparous women is equal in multiparous; though probably more painful insertion in the former, but not harder.

[Consensus conference of the Mexican Association for the Study of Climateric on veralipride prescription for patients with vasomotor symptoms]. / Consenso de la Asociación Mexicana para el Estudio del Climaterio para la indicación de veraliprida a pacientes con síntomas vasomotores.

Vasomotor symptoms are one of the main reasons for climateric women to consult a physician. Hormone therapy is the first treatment choice, but it is not indicated to all patients. Veralipride is an option for those who cannot or will not try hormone treatment. The Mexican Association for the Study of Climateric (AMEC) assembled an interdisciplinary group of medical experts so that they revised the medical literature on the subject and reached a consensus on veralipride indication, doses, counterindications and safety. The recommendations of the consensus conference on veralipride are: (1) Physicians must be familiar with its indication, side effects, pharmacokinetics and dosage. (2) Patients must be informed on other therapeutical options. (3) Patients' mental and neurological state must be evaluated, in particular to identify movement disorders, extrapyramidal symptoms (tremor or dystonia), anxiety and depression that can be mistaken for climateric symptoms. (4) Any adverse effect associated with the drug must be reported. (5) A random multicenter trial must be carried out in order to identify the frequency and severity of side effects, and (6) Written information on possible health risks when using the drug must be provided.

The impact of a monophasic continuous estro-progestogenic treatment on Latin American menopausal women.

OBJECTIVE: The present study was undertaken to assess the impact, effectiveness and safety of a monophasic hormone replacement treatment (HRT) for continuous use with regards to the clinical effects, bleeding patterns and lipid profile of menopausal women in four Latin American countries. DESIGN: Three hundred and six postmenopausal women with natural menopause and uterus present were recruited. This was a multicentre prospective, clinical trial; the participating countries were Brazil (BR), Colombia (CO), Mexico (MX) and Argentina (AR). The study period was 12 months. The HRT regime was formulated in tablets containing 2 mg estradiol E2 and 1mg norethisterone acetate (NETA); one visit every 3 months was solicited. METHODS: HRT was given as one tablet every day without interruption for 1 year. Climacteric complaints, side-effects, reason for discontinuation, bleeding patterns, lipid profile at baseline and 12 months of treatment were documented. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the four populations on clinical measurements. Thirty-four women discontinued, 13 for bleeding problems. The five most common side-effects were mastalgia, bleeding problems, headache, pelvic pain and nausea. 44.8% of women experienced scanty vaginal bleeding during the first 3 months of therapy. Ninety seven percent of women had amenorrhea at the end of the study in MX, BR and AR, and 100% in CO. Body weight was constant during the study, and no correlation was found between body weight and total days with bleeding. The Kupperman index score was used to evaluate the climacteric complaints, and the score decreased from a mean of 25.4 to 5.1 at 12-months visit. Total cholesterol levels were significantly reduced in BR and CO (P < 0.05) between baseline and the final sample; serum triglycerides remained unchanged, HDL-cholesterol was significantly increased in MX (P < 0.05), and LDL-cholesterol was significantly reduced in CO (P < 0.05). The results of this 1-year study emphasize that a continuous combined HRT regimen with 2 mg E2/1 mg NETA is an attractive alternative for postmenopausal women who are at least 1 year after their menopause and optimally 2 years after their menopause. Although the combination of 2 mg E2 with 1 mg NETA in a continuous combined therapy scheme has been in use in the Nordic countries for over a decade and in Latin America for the last 6 years, there have been no previous published reports on its effectivity in Latin American women. This publication reports the experience in a group of 306 Latin American women, and it is the first Latin American publication with this formulation.

A 13-month multicenter clinical experience of a low-dose monophasic oral contraceptive containing 20 microg ethinylestradiol and 75 microg gestodene in Latin American women.

This prospective, multicenter study was conducted to evaluate the contraceptive reliability, cycle control and tolerability of a 21-day oral contraceptive regimen containing 20 microg ethinylestradiol and 75 microg gestodene in four Latin American countries (Mexico, Argentina, Brazil and Colombia). Participants took trial medication daily for 21 days. Contraceptive efficacy, cycle control and tolerability were evaluated over a period of 13 cycles. Efficacy data gathered from 5,109 treatment cycles were obtained from 393 participants. The trial medication proved to be an effective contraceptive and provided good cycle control. One pregnancy because of poor compliance was recorded. This resulted in a study Pearl index of 0.25. Forty-six percent of Latin American women reported one intracyclic spotting bleeding episode and 37.6% reported one intracyclic breakthrough bleeding (medium/excessive bleeding) episode during cycles 2-4 (primary target). Overall, intracyclic bleeding was reported in 41%. Overall, there was a trend towards a lower incidence of spotting in all the countries and this difference had statistical significance between Argentina and the others three countries (p < 0.05) during cycles 2-4. This trend was also apparent with respect to breakthrough bleeding, but again the difference did not achieve statistical significance. The discontinuation rate because of adverse events was low (3%); no serious adverse events were reported. More than 78% of the women in the four countries maintained constant body weight or lost weight (2 kg) during the study. The treatment effect on blood pressure was negligible. There were no appreciable changes in mean laboratory values over the course of the study.

Utilidad del índice del líquido amniótico en la ruptura prematura de membranas: pronóstico de infección / Usefulnes of amniotic fluid volume rate in premature membrane rupture: infection prognosis

La presencia de oligohidramnios, evaluado por la técnica del acúmulo o pool mayor, en la RPM pretérmino se correlaciona fuertemente con infección materna y perinatal. El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar la utilidad del índice de volumen del líquido amniótico (ILA) en la predicción de infección materna y fetal-neonatal en pacientes con RPM antes de las 37 semanas. 30 pacientes con RPM fueron estudiadas prospectivamante. A todas se les realizó ILA a su ingreso y se les manejó conservadoramente. Ninguna recibió uteroinhibidores y solo se emplearon antibióticos después de pinzar el cordón. En ausencia de infección intrauterina se permitió corticoterapia. Los resultados del ILA se correlacionaron con infección materna (corioamniotis) y perinatal (posible sepsis neonatal o sepsis neonatal). 23 de las 30 (76.6 por ciento) pacientes tuvieron un ILA menor o igual a 5.0 cm. (oligohidramnios) y (30.4 por ciento) un índice mayor de 5.0 cm. El embarazo mástempranamente incluido fue de 26.5 semanas y el mayor de 34.4 semanas. Del total de pacientes, 14 (43.3 por ciento) tuvieron corioamnioitis y todas corresponden al grupo de ILA menor o igual a 5.0 cm. En el grupo con oligohidramniosis hubo 15 neonatos (65.2 por ciento) con infección neonatal (seis posible sepsis y nueve sepsis neonatal). Todos los neonatos con cultivos positivos también correspondieron al grupo con ILA disminuido la comparación entre los casos con oligohidramnios con infección y los que tuvieron ILA normal sin infección tuvo significancia estadística (p=0.01). El ILA por 4 cuadrantes tiene adecuado valor predictivo de infección en la RPM pretérmino (sensibilidad del 93 por ciento) y podría ser parte de la evaluación inicial en estos casos para la identificación de pacientes con riesgo de infección