Effect of the implementation of an enhanced recovery after surgery protocol (ERAS) in patients undergoing an elective cesarean section.

OBJECTIVES: To demonstrate that the application of an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol in elective cesarean sections is associated with reduced hospital stay without increasing maternal complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective, comparative study included patients who underwent an elective cesarean section. The patients were divided into groups: group 1, women who received elements of standardized care according to ERAS guidelines, and group 2, women who did not receive this care. RESULTS: The study included 295 patients, 139 in group 1 (ERAS) and 156 in group 2. The demographic characteristics were similar. Hospital stay and postoperative pain at 24 and 48 hours were lower in patients in group 1; these differences were statistically significant (p < 0.001). The overall complication rate, head pain, surgical wound infection, urinary retention, and readmission were similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The application of an ERAS protocol can reduce hospital stay and postoperative pain without increasing the postoperative complication rate in patients who undergo an elective cesarean section. In developing countries, the application of this protocol could help in optimizing available health system resources.

Evaluation of the Ovarian Reserve in Women With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Objective: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic multisystem autoimmune disorder where the disease activity itself and the medications used for its treatment, may have adverse effects on ovarian function. This study aimed to assess the ovarian reserve (OR) in SLE patients. Materials and methods: The anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) and the antral follicle count (AFC), two markers to evaluate the OR was assessed in 64 SLE patients and compared to normal individuals. Additionally, we assessed whether the disease per se or the pharmacological treatments affect the OR. Results: Patients with SLE displayed alterations in the OR regardless of the presence of alterations of the menstrual cycle. The AFC and AMH were significantly lower in SLE patients with and without menstrual alterations when compared to control individuals (p<0.0001). However, the AFC and AMH levels were significantly correlated (p=0.006) in the SLE patients with menstrual alterations. Except for hydroxychloroquine that was statistically higher in SLE patients with menstrual alterations (p=0.04), the cumulative dose for cyclophosphamide, corticosteroid, and methotrexate was similar in SLE patients regardless of the occurrence of menstrual alterations. Conclusion: The monitoring of AMH and AFC in SLE patients should be used to detect the rapid and irreversible decline of the OR to provide a possibility of pregnancy to the SLE patients.

Evaluation of Ovarian Reserve in Women With Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Objective: Subfertility is commonly observed in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Although the causes are not well established, the alteration of the ovarian reserve is thought to contribute to the lower chances of pregnancy. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the ovarian reserve in patients with RA. Materials and methods: Two parameters associated with ovarian reserves such as the antral follicle count (AFC) and the anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) were assessed in 38 patients with RA. We also analyzed the correlation of these parameters with the medication used to treat this pathology and with the illness severity. Results: The AMH levels in women with RA were comparable to those found on healthy individuals although the RA patients were more likely to have a low AFC. Ovarian reserve and RA were neither influenced by parameters of disease activity nor by the use of medication. Conclusion: The ovarian reserve in women with RA was similar to that found in healthy individuals.

Effectiveness of misoprostol for office hysteroscopy without anesthesia in infertile patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare the effectiveness of oral and vaginal misoprostol versus placebo to facilitate office hysteroscopy without anesthesia during infertile diagnostic evaluation. DESIGN: Randomized, prospective trial. SETTING: Patients scheduled for diagnostic office hysteroscopy at a university hospital. PATIENT(S): Seventy-five infertile patients scheduled for diagnostic office hysteroscopy. INTERVENTION(S): Patients were divided into three groups: group A received oral misoprostol 600 µg; group B, vaginal misoprostol 400 µg; and group C, oral placebo. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Pain, evaluated by visual analogue scale, and surgical time were recorded and compared. Statistical analysis was done using Student's t-test. RESULT(S): Pain was low in the vaginal misoprostol group. Mean visual analogue scale in the oral misoprostol group was 6.04 ± 1.5; in the vaginal misoprostol group 2.85 ± 1.2; and in the placebo group 7.50 ± 1.5. Procedural time for office hysteroscopy was shorter in the vaginal misoprostol group (2.7 ± 1.0 minutes) compared with group A (5.5 ± 1.1 minutes) and group C (6.3 ± 3.8 minutes). CONCLUSION(S): Vaginal misoprostol, 400 µg, administered the day before office hysteroscopy considerably reduces pain and the time needed for hysteroscopy. This simple strategy may facilitate office hysteroscopy during an infertility work-up.