Stress urinary incontinence and endogenous sex steroids in postmenopausal women.

AIMS: Urinary incontinence in general is a major cause of quality of life impairment, morbidity and hospitalization. Its onset is strongly linked to the menopause. Our study aimed to elucidate the possible relationship between endogenous circulating estrogens and the onset and development of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). METHODS: One hundred and thirty eight peri- and postmenopausal women with SUI were matched 1:1 with continent women based on age and BMI. Morning fasting blood samples were drawn from all subjects for assessment of estradiol (E2), FSH, LH, Testosterone, Δ4-Androstendione (Δ4Α), DHEAS, prolactin, SBHG as well as a biochemical profile (glucose, insulin, triglycerides, cholesterol, HDL, LDL, ApoA1, ApoB). Hormone and biochemical parameters were compared between continent and incontinent women. RESULTS: Incontinent women had significantly lower serum estradiol levels compared to those in the control group (17.30 ± 8.16 vs. 24.22 ± 8.99, P < 0.001). Furthermore, the same association was observed for serum Δ4Α (146.07 ± 52.63 vs. 159.99 ± 42.62, P = 0.017). These associations remained significant after controlling for age, menopausal age, BMI, and number of deliveries. CONCLUSIONS: These results may indicate that within the postmenopausal range, endogenous sex hormones may be associated with the presence of SUI in women not on menopausal hormone therapy. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:121-125, 2017. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Effect of a low dose combined oral contraceptive pill on the hormonal profile and cycle outcome following COS with a GnRH antagonist protocol in women over 35 years old.

This prospective study examines if pre-treatment with two different doses of an oral contraceptive pill (OCP) modifies significantly the hormonal profile and/or the IVF/ICSI outcome following COS with a GnRH antagonist protocol. Infertile patients were allocated to receive either OCP containing 0.03 mg of ethinylestradiol and 3 mg of drospirenone, or OCP containing 0.02 mg of ethinylestradiol and 3 mg of drospirenone prior to initiation of controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) with recombinant gonadotropins on a variable multi-dose antagonist protocol (Ganirelix), while the control group underwent COS without OCP pretreatment. Lower dose OCP was associated with recovery of FSH on day 3 instead of day 5, but the synchronization of the follicular cohort, the number of retrieved oocytes and the clinical pregnancy rate were similar to higher dose OCP.

Role of hysteroscopy prior to assisted reproduction techniques.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine whether diagnostic hysteroscopy before assisted reproduction techniques (ΑRT) in women without known disease of the uterine cavity is necessary. DESIGN: Prospective cohort clinical study. SETTING: Reproductive medicine clinic. PATIENTS: The study group consisted of 217 infertile women attending the Reproductive Clinic for examination before undergoing ART, either in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection. INTERVENTIONS: Patients underwent transvaginal sonography (TVS) and hysterosalpingography (HSG) for initial evaluation. If there were no abnormal intrauterine findings, diagnostic hysteroscopy was additionally performed. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The safety and diagnostic value of hysteroscopy before ART was examined. Diagnostic hysteroscopy was performed successfully, without complications, in all 217 women. Ninety-five (43.7%) had a history of ART failures (group 1), and 122 (56.3%) had undergone no previous ART attempts (group 2). In 148 women (68.2%), findings at hysteroscopy were normal, whereas in 69 (31.8%), hysteroscopy revealed intrauterine lesions (polyps, septa, submucosal leiomyomas, or synechiae) that led to operative hysteroscopy. The most common intrauterine abnormality was the presence of endometrial polyps in 26 patients (12%). The total percentage of abnormal intrauterine findings was higher in women with a history of repeated ART failures in comparison with those with no history of ART attempts. No statistically significant difference in the outcome of in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection was observed between women with normal hysteroscopic findings and patients with hysteroscopically corrected endometrial disease. CONCLUSION: Sensitivity of diagnostic hysteroscopy is significantly higher than TVS and HSG in the diagnosis of intrauterine lesions. Diagnostic hysteroscopy should be performed before ART in all patients, including women with normal TVS and/or HSG findings, because a significant percentage of them have undiagnosed uterine disease that may impair the success of fertility treatment.

Hysteroscopic resection of uterine septum and reproductive outcome in women with unexplained infertility.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To investigate the reproductive outcome after hysteroscopic resection of uterine septum in women with septate uterus and otherwise idiopathic primary infertility. METHODS: Sixty-eight patients with septate uterus and idiopathic primary infertility were included in this prospective observational study. All patients underwent hysteroscopic metroplasty with scissors under general anesthesia. Main outcome measures were clinical pregnancy rate, live birth and abortion rate at 12 months' follow-up and at mean follow-up time. RESULTS: At 12 months' follow-up, the clinical pregnancy rate, the live birth rate and the abortion rate were 44% (30/68), 36.8% (25/68) and 16.6% (5/30), respectively. At total follow-up time, the overall pregnancy rate, the live birth rate and the abortion rate were 53.8% (35/65), 41.5% and 14.2% (7/35), respectively, while the stillbirth rate was 2.8% (1/35). CONCLUSION: Hysteroscopic metroplasty in women with septate uterus and unexplained infertility could improve clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate in patients with otherwise unexplained infertility. If such a patient is looking for a spontaneous pregnancy, this is more likely to occur during the first 15 months following the procedure.

Sp1 collagen I A1 polymorphism in women with stress urinary incontinence.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is in part attributed to qualitative and quantitative changes in connective tissue of the urogenital tract. We examined the association of collagen type I a1 (COLIA 1) Sp1 polymorphism with the risk of SUI. METHODS: Forty-five postmenopausal women suffering from urodynamically verified SUI (study group) were compared to 45 healthy volunteers (control). DNA was extracted from peripheral blood. The genotyping concerning the type 1 a1 collagen gene Sp1 polymorphism was performed with polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The polymorphic T allele was overrepresented in the SUI patients (63.2% versus 36.8%, p = 0.016). Odds ratio for SUI in women harboring the T allele was 2.19 (95% CI 1.149-4.176) compared to women with the wild-type genotype. CONCLUSIONS: The COLIA1 Sp1 polymorphism is associated with increased prevalence of stress urinary incontinence in postmenopausal women.

Metastatic neoplasms of the ovaries: a clinicopathological study of 97 cases.

OBJECTIVE: To present the clinicopathological features of metastatic ovarian neoplasms with emphasis in the diagnostic challenge. METHODS: This is a retrospective study including 97 patients with pathological diagnosis of metastatic ovarian neoplasms, examined during the decade 2000-2009. The gross, microscopical and immunohistochemical characteristics as well as the clinical data (age of the patients, origin of the neoplasm, symptoms, treatment options) and 5-year survival rates were examined. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients is 55 years (range 26-78 years). 62.89% of the tumors were metastatic from extragenital organs (from stomach 21.65%, breast 15.46%, colon 15.46%, appendix 3.09%, pancreas 2.06%, lung 1.03% and kidney 1.03%, sarcoma 1.03% melanoma 1.03%) and 37.11% tumors originated from the genital tract. The 3-year survival rates ranged from 25.39% for metastatic ovarian neoplasms originating outside the genital tract up to 29.41% for those originating from the genital tract. Tumor immunohistochemistry is a helpful aid in the differential diagnosis mainly between primary mucinous ovarian tumors and metastatic colon cancers and in the recognition of metastatic breast cancers and other neoplasms of the GI tract. CONCLUSION: The management of metastatic ovarian neoplasms should include specific immunohistochemical methods in order to identify the primary neoplasm site. The differential diagnosis of a pelvic mass should always include metastatic neoplasms of the ovaries.

Epidemiology of female urinary incontinence in the Greek population: EURIG study.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: We estimated the current prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI) in the female Greek population, estimated the prevalence of the subtypes of UI, and assessed its impact on patients' quality of life. METHODS: The study was performed by personal interview based on structured questionnaires, and 2,000 Greek women (from the whole of Greece) aged between 20 and 80 years old participated in the study. RESULTS: The prevalence of UI in a female Greek population comprising women aged between 20 and 80 years was 27%. The impact was proportional to the frequency and severity of the UI. UI had no effect or only a mild effect on patients' quality of life. CONCLUSION: Significant improvement is required in patient information about the nature of UI and its effects on life, and about available treatments (conservative and surgical), and their efficacy and complications.

Long-term efficacy follow-up of tension-free vaginal tape obturator in patients with stress urinary incontinence with or without cystocele.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the long-term outcomes of tension-free vaginal tape obturator (inside-out) (TVTO) with or without anterior colporrhaphy. METHODS: The present prospective follow-up observational study included patients attending the 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aretaieio Hospital, University of Athens, Greece, between April 3 and December 20, 2017, for follow-up care after treatment for urodynamic stress urinary incontinence (USUI) with or without cystocele. Patients without cystocele had been treated with TVTO only; those with cystocele underwent TVTO with anterior colporrhaphy. The primary outcome was the objective cure rate assessed by the cough stress test during filling cystometry. RESULTS: Follow-up data were available for 70 patients who underwent TVTO only and 38 who underwent TVTO and anterior colporrhaphy. The mean follow-up period was 13 years. Objective cure was achieved for 57 (81%) patients in the TVTO-only group and 32 (84%) patients in the TVTO and anterior colporrhaphy group. Regarding cystocele management, objective cure was recorded for 35 (92%) patients. CONCLUSION: At 13-year follow-up, anterior colporrhaphy demonstrated a cure rate of 92% in the management of cystocele, and 84% in the management of cystocele and USUI when combined with TVTO. TVTO alone for the management of USUI had an objective cure rate of 81%.

Effect of gonadal steroid receptors alterations on the pathophysiology of pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the contribution of the gonadal steroid receptors expression to the pathophysiological pathways of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and urodynamic stress urinary incontinence (USUI) after menopause. METHODS: This was a prospective closely-matched controlled clinicopathological study. Immunohistochemistry for estrogen receptor isoform α (ER-α) and ß (ER-ß), as well as for progesterone receptor (PR), was performed on formaline-fixed and paraffin-embedded sections of specimens coming from the pubocervical fascia of postmenopausal women who were allocated into three groups: patients with synchronous POP and USUI (Group A), patients diagnosed with only POP (Group B), and patients without POP or USUI who underwent gynecological surgery for another benign indication (control group, Group C). RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference among the three groups for age, parity, body mass index, or smoking. The expression of ER-α receptors was found significantly reduced among samples of Group B when compared with control group. Statistically significant reduction not only for ER-α, but for ER-ß, as well, was noticed among samples of Group A, compared to the other two groups. No remarkable differences concerning the density of PR receptors were observed among the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: Alterations of ER-α in the pubocervical fascia and around the urethra in postmenopausal women may play an important role in the pathophysiology of POP. In addition, the risk for developing USUI among POP patients seems to be strongly associated with the reduction of both estrogen receptors (ER-α and ER-ß) expression.

Tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) in women with low urethral closure pressure.

OBJECTIVE(S): Aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness and the complications associated with the use of tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) in women with stress urinary incontinence and low urethral closure pressure (LUCP). STUDY DESIGN: Thirty-seven patients with stress urinary incontinence and LUCP who were treated with the TVT procedure have been included in the study. Physical examination and urodynamic investigations were carried out to all women preoperatively and at 6, 12 and 26 months (average, range: 22-30 months), postoperatively. The mean age of the patients was 69 years (+/-13), while mean parity was 2.2 (range 0-3). RESULTS: TVT procedure was carried out in all patients with epidural anesthesia. Postoperative evaluation showed 27 patients (73%) to have been completely cured, four (9.25%) to have a considerable improvement, whereas six patients (16.2%) were classified as failures. Only a few complications occurred. CONCLUSION(S): Our study indicates that the TVT procedure is an effective and well-accepted minimal invasive surgery for treatment of urinary stress incontinence in women with LUCP. The cure rate of 73% could be considered satisfactory. Women with LUCP and 'fixed' urethra, are at significantly increased risk of failure of the procedure.

Alpha-methyldopa-induced autoimmune hemolytic anemia in the third trimester of pregnancy.

Alpha-methyldopa has been demonstrated to be safe for use during pregnancy and is now used to treat gestational hypertension. In pregnancy, alpha-methyldopa-induced autoimmune hemolytic anemia does not have typical features and the severity of symptoms ranges from mild fatigue to dyspnea, respiratory failure, and death if left untreated. A case of alpha-methyldopa-induced autoimmune hemolytic anemia in a 36-year-old gravida 2, para 1 woman at 37(+6) weeks of gestation is reported herein along with the differential diagnostic procedure and the potential risks to the mother and the fetus.

Hofbauer cells morphology and density in placentas from normal and pathological gestations.

PURPOSE: In placentas from uncomplicated pregnancies, Hofbauer cells either disappear or become scanty after the fourth to fifth month of gestation. Immunohistochemistry though, reveals that a high percentage of stromal cells belong to Hofbauer cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in morphology and density of Hofbauer cells in placentas from normal and pathological pregnancies. METHODS: Seventy placentas were examined: 16 specimens from normal term pregnancies, 10 from first trimester's miscarriages, 26 from cases diagnosed with chromosomal abnormality of the fetus, and placental tissue specimens complicated with intrauterine growth restriction (eight) or gestational diabetes mellitus (10). A histological study of hematoxylin-eosin (HE) sections was performed and immunohistochemical study was performed using the markers: CD 68, Lysozyme, A1 Antichymotrypsine, CK-7, vimentin, and Ki-67. RESULTS: In normal term pregnancies, HE study revealed Hofbauer cells in 37.5% of cases while immunohistochemistry revealed in 87.5% of cases. In first trimester's miscarriages and in cases with prenatal diagnosis of fetal chromosomal abnormalities, both basic and immunohistochemical study were positive for Hofbauer cells. In pregnancies complicated with intrauterine growth restriction or gestational diabetes mellitus, a positive immunoreaction was observed in 100 and 70% of cases, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Hofbauer cells are present in placental villi during pregnancy, but with progressively reducing density. The most specific marker for their detection seems to be A1 Antichymotrypsine. It is remarkable that no mitotic activity of Hofbauer cells was noticed in our study, as the marker of cellular multiplication Ki-67 was negative in all examined specimens.

Role of gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist in the management of subfertile couples with intrauterine insemination and controlled ovarian stimulation.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether the clinical pregnancy rate of patients treated with recombinant FSH and IUI can be improved by the addition of a GnRH antagonist. DESIGN: Prospective, controlled study. SETTING: Reproductive medicine clinic. PATIENT(S): Ninety-three patients with primary or secondary infertility. INTERVENTION(S): Patients were allocated to controlled ovarian stimulation with recombinant FSH (50-150 IU/d) only (control group, n=45) or to recombinant FSH (50-150 IU/d) plus ganirelix (0.25 mg/d, starting when the leading follicle was ≥16 mm; n=48). A single insemination was performed 36 hours after hCG was given (10,000 IU, IM) in both groups. Both groups were allowed at least three cycles. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Clinical pregnancy rate, premature luteinization rate, and follicular development. RESULT(S): Clinical pregnancy rate (22% vs. 11%), cumulative pregnancy rate (52% vs. 31%), and number of mature follicles (2.1±1.08 vs. 1.4±0.95) were statistically significantly higher in the ganirelix group compared with the control group. The premature luteinization rate was significantly lower in the ganirelix group (1.7% vs. 17.5%). CONCLUSION(S): The use of a GnRH antagonist in conjunction with controlled ovarian stimulation and IUI significantly increases pregnancy rates and reduces the incidence of premature luteinization.

Comparison of the TVT SECUR System "hammock" and "U" tape positions for management of stress urinary incontinence.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and complications associated with use of the TVT SECUR System device with placement of the tape in either a "hammock" or "U" position for management of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). METHODS: A prospective study of patients with SUI allocated into one of two groups: "hammock" or "U" tape placement. Preoperative urodynamic results were compared with results at the 6-month and 1-year follow up. Outcome measures were objective cough test assessment and subjective patient responses to a questionnaire at follow up. RESULTS: Of 82 patients included in the study, 43 comprised the "hammock" group and 39 comprised the "U" group. The objective cure rate at 1-year follow up was 62.8% (n=27) in the "hammock" group and 71.8% (n=28) in the "U" group. At 1-year follow up, the subjective cure, improvement, and failure rates for the "hammock" group were 60.5%, 13.9%, and 25.7% respectively, and 69.2%, 12.8%, and 17.9% respectively, for the "U" group. CONCLUSION: The efficacy of the TVT SECUR System was lower (<72%) than the cure rates reported for other TVT procedures; further studies are required.

Tension-free vaginal tape in the management of recurrent urodynamic stress incontinence after previous failed midurethral tape.

BACKGROUND: Data about the use of tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) in the management of recurrent urodynamic stress incontinence (RUSI) after previous failed midurethral sling procedure (MUSP) are limited. OBJECTIVE: Assessment of the efficacy and the indications of the TVT procedure in the management of patients with RUSI after failed previous MUSP. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-one patients with RUSI after previous failed MUSP were prospectively enrolled at a single tertiary academic center. MEASUREMENTS: Preoperatively and postoperatively, patients were assessed with physical examination, urinalysis, urine culture, bladder diary for 2-3 d, Q-tip test, uroflow, filling and voiding cystometry, urethral profilometry, and 1-h pad test. Mean follow-up was at 18.6 mo (range: 12-28 mo). RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Overall, the objective cure rate based on the pad test findings was 74%, the improvement rate was 6.5%, and the failure rate was 19.5%. The objective cure rate based on cough stress test during filling cystometry was 77.4%, and the subjective cure rate based on patients' answers was 71%. The study could have some limitations. The relatively small number of patients enrolled could affect the findings of study to some degree. Additionally, because urethral pressure profiles show a significant degree of directional dependence when side-hole microtip transducers are used, as in the present study, the orientation of the transducer could affect the values measured. CONCLUSIONS: The TVT procedure as a second operation could provide an overall cure rate of 74% with a low complication rate in female patients with RUSI after previous failed midurethral tape procedures.

Prevalence of Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis in women with chronic urinary symptoms.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis in women experiencing chronic urinary symptoms. METHODS: Urine, vaginal, and urethral samples obtained from 153 women presenting with chronic voiding symptoms were tested for the presence of pathogens including U. urealyticum and M. hominis. Patients with positive cultures for Mycoplasma were treated with a single dose of 1 g azithromycin and followed up 1 month after therapy. Patients with persistent infection received 100 mg doxycycline orally, twice daily for 7 days, according to the results of the susceptibility test. The patients were asked to rate the severity of their symptoms at their initial visit and after treatment. RESULTS: U. urealyticum was detected from > or =1 site in 81 women (52.9%), and M. hominis was detected in 5 patients (3.3%), always in association with U. urealyticum. At follow-up, 77 patients (95.1%) initially positive for Mycoplasma had negative cultures; the cultures of 4 (4.9%) remained positive for U. urealyticum and became negative after the second therapeutic regimen. A significant improvement in all symptoms was observed in women with positive cultures for Mycoplasma after therapy. CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of U. urealyticum was observed in women with unexplained chronic voiding symptoms. Testing for the presence of U. urealyticum and M. hominis in the urogenital tract could prove valuable for the management of a significant percentage of chronic urinary symptoms in women through appropriate treatment.

Hofbauer cells morphology and density in placentas from normal and pathological gestations / Morfologia e densidade das células de Hofbauer em placentas de gestações normais e patológicas

PURPOSE: In placentas from uncomplicated pregnancies, Hofbauer cells either disappear or become scanty after the fourth to fifth month of gestation. Immunohistochemistry though, reveals that a high percentage of stromal cells belong to Hofbauer cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in morphology and density of Hofbauer cells in placentas from normal and pathological pregnancies. METHODS: Seventy placentas were examined: 16 specimens from normal term pregnancies, 10 from first trimester's miscarriages, 26 from cases diagnosed with chromosomal abnormality of the fetus, and placental tissue specimens complicated with intrauterine growth restriction (eight) or gestational diabetes mellitus (10). A histological study of hematoxylin-eosin (HE) sections was performed and immunohistochemical study was performed using the markers: CD 68, Lysozyme, A1 Antichymotrypsine, CK-7, vimentin, and Ki-67. RESULTS: In normal term pregnancies, HE study revealed Hofbauer cells in 37.5% of cases while immunohistochemistry revealed in 87.5% of cases. In first trimester's miscarriages and in cases with prenatal diagnosis of fetal chromosomal abnormalities, both basic and immunohistochemical study were positive for Hofbauer cells. In pregnancies complicated with intrauterine growth restriction or gestational diabetes mellitus, a positive immunoreaction was observed in 100 and 70% of cases, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Hofbauer cells are present in placental villi during pregnancy, but with progressively reducing density. The most specific marker for their detection seems to be A1 Antichymotrypsine. It is remarkable that no mitotic activity of Hofbauer cells was noticed in our study, as the marker of cellular multiplication Ki-67 was negative in all examined specimens.

OBJETIVO: Em placentas de gestações sem complicações, as células de Hofbauer desaparecem ou se tornam raras após o quarto ou quinto mês de gestação. Entretanto, a imunohistoquímica revela que uma alta porcentagem de células estromais pertencem às células de Hofbauer. O objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar as alterações da morfologia e densidade das células de Hofbauer em placentas de gestações normais e patológicas. MÉTODOS: Foram examinadas 70 placentas: 16 provenientes de gestações normais a termo, 10 de abortos espontâneos no primeiro trimestre, 26 de casos diagnosticados como anormalidade cromossômica do feto, e amostras de tecido placentário com complicações causadas pela restrição de crescimento intrauterino (8) ou pelo diabetes mellitus gestacional (10). Cortes corados com hematoxilina-eosina (HE) foram submetidos a estudo histológico e imunohistoquímico utilizando-se os seguintes marcadores: CD 68, lisozima, antiquimotripsina A1, CK-7, vimentina, e Ki-67. RESULTADOS: Em gestações normais a termo, o estudo HE revelou células de Hofbauer em 37,5% dos casos, enquanto a imunohistoquímica as revelou em 87,5% dos casos. Em abortos do primeiro trimestre e em casos de diagnóstico prenatal de anormalidades cromossômicas fetais, tanto o estudo básico como o estudo imunohistoquímico foram positivos para células de Hofbauer. Em gestações complicadas pela restrição de crescimento intrauterino ou pelo diabetes mellitus gestacional, imunoreação positiva foi observada respectivamente em 100 e 70% dos casos. CONCLUSÕES: As células de Hofbauer estão presentes nos vilos placentários durante a gestação, embora com densidade progressivamente reduzida. O marcador mais específico para sua detecção parece ser a antiquimotripsina A1. Vale salientar que atividade mitótica de células de Hofbauer não foi detectada em nosso estudo, uma vez que o marcador de multiplicação celular Ki-67 foi negativo em todas as amostras examinadas.

Estrogen receptor alpha and beta in uterine fibroids: a basis for altered estrogen responsiveness.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relative expression and the DNA-binding status of estrogen receptors alpha and beta in fibroids and normal myometrial tissue to explore the molecular basis of altered estrogen responsiveness of leiomyomas. DESIGN: Biopsy samples from uterine fibroids and adjacent normal myometrial tissue at the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. SETTING: Aretaieio University Hospital and the National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, Greece. PATIENT(S): Thirty-five patients who underwent hysterectomy or myomectomy because of myoma symptoms. INTERVENTION(S): None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Deoxyribonucleic acid-binding status of estrogen receptors alpha and beta. RESULT(S): The level of messenger RNA expression of estrogen receptor alpha and beta and the level of estrogen receptor as a whole are increased on average to a similar extent in leiomyomas compared with normal myometrium. Occasionally, however, estrogen receptor alpha is disproportionately increased in leiomyomas, and this appears to increase the amount of estrogen receptor alpha that binds to the estrogen-responsive element of estrogen target genes as homodimer rather than as heterodimer with estrogen receptor beta. CONCLUSION(S): The estrogen receptor alpha-to-estrogen receptor beta expression ratio rather than the individual expression levels determines the fraction of DNA-binding homodimers of estrogen receptor alpha and possibly the growth potential of myomas.

Quality of life in relation to TVT procedure for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedure as anti-incontinence surgery on patients' urinary symptoms and quality of life. METHODS: Ninety-eight patients participated in the study. All patients were operated for urodynamic stress incontinence with the TVT procedure. Patients with prolapse more than first degree according to International Continence Society classification, previous anti-incontinence surgery, detrusor overactivity, or intrinsic sphincter deficiency were excluded from the study. Patients' quality of life assessment was performed with the use of the short form of Incontinence Impact Questionnaire and short form of Urinary Distress Inventory (UDI-6). RESULTS: Mean follow-up time was 12.4 +/- 4.2 months (range: 6-18 months). The cure rate for TVT procedure was 87.6%. There was a statistically significant improvement of quality of life postoperatively. In addition, the domains of UDI-6 concerning irritative symptoms and stress urinary incontinence symptoms showed statistically significant improvement postoperatively, while the domain concerning obstructive symptoms did not show statistically significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: Tension-free vaginal tape procedure as anti-incontinence surgery significantly improves the quality of life in female patients with urodynamic stress incontinence.