Pharmacological treatment for obstructive sleep apnea: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Objective Summarize the evidence on drug therapies for obstructive sleep apnea. Methods The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO, LILACS, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched on February 17th, 2023. A search strategy retrieved randomized clinical trials comparing the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) in pharmacotherapies. Studies were selected and data was extracted by two authors independently. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. RevMan 5.4. was used for data synthesis. Results 4930 articles were obtained, 68 met inclusion criteria, and 29 studies (involving 11 drugs) were combined in a meta-analysis. Atomoxetine plus oxybutynin vs placebo in AHI mean difference of -7.71 (-10.59, -4.83) [Fixed, 95 % CI, I2 = 50 %, overall effect: Z = 5.25, p < 0.001]. Donepezil vs placebo in AHI mean difference of -8.56 (-15.78, -1.33) [Fixed, 95 % CI, I2 = 21 %, overall effect: Z = 2.32, p = 0.02]. Sodium oxybate vs placebo in AHI mean difference of -5.50 (-9.28, -1.73) [Fixed, 95 % CI, I2 = 32 %, overall effect: Z = 2.86, p = 0.004]. Trazodone vs placebo in AHI mean difference of -12.75 (-21.30, -4.19) [Fixed, 95 % CI, I2 = 0 %, overall effect: Z = 2.92, p = 0.003]. Conclusion The combination of noradrenergic and antimuscarinic drugs shows promising results. Identifying endotypes may be the key to future drug therapies for obstructive sleep apnea. Moreover, studies with longer follow-up assessing the safety and sustained effects of these treatments are needed. PROSPERO registration number CRD42022362639.

Efficacy, Safety, and Acceptability of Misoprostol in the Treatment of Incomplete Miscarriage: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis / Eficácia, segurança e aceitabilidade do misoprostol no tratamento do aborto incompleto: Uma revisão sistemática e metanálise

Abstract Objective To assess the efficacy, safety, and acceptability of misoprostol in the treatment of incomplete miscarriage. Data sources The PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Clinical Trials databases (clinicaltrials.gov) were searched for the relevant articles, and search strategies were developed using a combination of thematic Medical Subject Headings terms and text words. The last search was conducted on July 4, 2022. No language restrictions were applied. Selection of studies Randomized clinical trials with patients of gestational age up to 6/7 weeks with a diagnosis of incomplete abortion and who were managed with at least 1 of the 3 types of treatment studied were included. A total of 8,087 studies were screened. Data collection Data were synthesized using the statistical package Review Manager V.5.1 (The Cochrane Collaboration, Oxford, United Kingdom). For dichotomous outcomes, the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were derived for each study. Heterogeneity between the trial results was evaluated using the standard test, I2 statistic. Data synthesis When comparing misoprostol with medical vacuum aspiration (MVA), the rate of complete abortion was higher in the MVA group (OR = 0.16; 95%CI = 0.07-0.36). Hemorrhage or heavy bleeding was more common in the misoprostol group (OR = 3.00; 95%CI = 1.96-4.59), but pain after treatment was more common in patients treated with MVA (OR = 0.65; 95%CI = 0.52-0.80). No statistically significant differences were observed in the general acceptability of the treatments. Conclusion Misoprostol has been determined as a safe option with good acceptance by patients.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a eficácia, segurança e aceitabilidade do misoprostol no tratamento do aborto incompleto. Fontes de dados Os bancos de dados PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library e bancos de dados de Ensaios Clínicos (clinicaltrials.gov) foram pesquisados para os artigos relevantes, e estratégias de busca foram desenvolvidas usando uma combinação de termos temáticos de Medical Subject Headings e palavras de texto. A última pesquisa foi realizada em 4 de julho de 2022. Nenhuma restrição de idioma foi aplicada. Seleção dos estudos Foram incluídos ensaios clínicos randomizados com pacientes com idade gestacional até 6/7 semanas com diagnóstico de aborto incompleto e que foram manejadas com pelo menos um dos três tipos de tratamento estudados. Um total de 8.087 estudos foram selecionados. Coleta de dados Os dados foram sintetizados usando o pacote estatístico Review Manager V.5.1 (The Cochrane Collaboration, Oxford, United Kingdom). Para resultados dicotômicos, o odds ratio (OR, na sigla em inglês) e o intervalo de confiança (IC) de 95% foram derivados para cada estudo. A heterogeneidade entre os resultados do ensaio foi avaliada usando o teste padrão, estatística I2. Síntese dos dados Ao comparar misoprostol com aspiração a vácuo médico (MVA, na sigla em inglês), a taxa de aborto completo foi maior no grupo MVA (OR = 0,16; IC95% = 0,07-0,36). Hemorragia ou sangramento intenso foi mais comum no grupo do misoprostol (OR = 3,00; 95%CI = 1,96-4,59), mas a dor após o tratamento foi mais comum em pacientes tratados com MVA (OR = 0,65; 95%CI = 0,52-0,80). Não foram observadas diferenças estatisticamente significativas na aceitabilidade geral dos tratamentos. Conclusão O misoprostol tem se mostrado uma opção segura e com boa aceitação pelos pacientes.

Maternal-fetal outcomes of women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes in pregnant women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. METHODS: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on women admitted with hypertensive disorders of pregnancies to a university maternity hospital from August 2020 to August 2022. Data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire. Variables associated with adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes were compared using multivariable binomial regression. RESULTS: Of 501 women with pregnancies, 2, 35, 14, and 49% had eclampsia, preeclampsia, chronic hypertension, and gestational hypertension, respectively. Women with preeclampsia/eclampsia had significantly higher risks of cesarean section (79.4 vs. 65%; adjusted RR, 2,139; 95%CI, 1,386-3,302; p=0.001) and preterm delivery at <34 weeks' gestation (20.5 vs. 6%; adjusted RR, 2.5; 95%CI, 1.19-5.25; p=0.01) than those of women with chronic/gestational hypertension. Risks of prolonged maternal hospitalization (43.9 vs. 27.1%), neonatal intensive care unit admission (30.7 vs. 19.8%), and perinatal mortality (23.5 vs. 11.2%) were higher among women with preeclampsia/eclampsia. CONCLUSIONS: Women with preeclampsia/eclampsia had a higher risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes than those with chronic or gestational hypertension. This major maternity care center requires strategies for preventing and managing preeclampsia/eclampsia to improve pregnancy outcomes.

Microablative fractional radiofrequency for sexual dysfunction and vaginal Trophism: A randomized clinical trial

Abstract Objectives: To evaluate Microablative Fractional Radiofrequency (MAFRF) as a possible option in treating vaginal atrophy. Methods: This was a randomized, controlled clinical trial with postmenopausal women diagnosed with vaginal atrophy. The treatment consisted of three sessions of MAFRF, compared to vaginal estrogen administration and an untreated control group. Assessments occurred at baseline and 90 days. The primary endpoints were sexual function, evaluated by the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and vaginal health, assessed by the Vaginal Health Index (VHI). Secondary outcomes included vaginal microbiota composition (Nugent score) and epithelial cell maturation (Maturation Value ‒ MV). Results: One hundred and twenty women (40 in each group) were included. Concerning the FSFI, both groups, MAFRF (median 4.8 [3.6‒6.0]) and vaginal estrogen (mean 4.7 ± 1.1), experienced improved sexual desire when compared to the control group (median 3.6 [2.4‒4.8]). Regarding the total score of VHI, the authors observed an improvement in the mean of the MAFRF (23.7 ± 2.0) and vaginal estrogen groups (23.5 ± 1.9) when compared to the control (14.8 ± 2.9). The Nugent score was reduced in the MAFRF and estrogen groups (p < 0.01) compared to the control group. Lastly, the MV was modified after treatment with MAFRF (p < 0.01) and vaginal estrogen (p < 0.001). No differences existed between the MAFRF and vaginal estrogen groups in the studied variables. No adverse effects were reported following the MAFRF protocol. Conclusions: Radiofrequency was comparable in efficacy to estrogen administration for treating vulvovaginal atrophy. It deserves consideration as a viable option in managing this condition.

Maternal near miss: before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare Maternal Near Miss prevalence and outcomes before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. METHODS: This retrospective study was carried out in a university maternity hospital of high complexity. The population was divided into two groups: G1, 1 year before the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic period (August 2018-July 2019) and G2, 1 year during the pandemic period (August 2020-July 2021). All pregnant/postpartum women hospitalized up to 42 days after the end of pregnancy/childbirth were included, and pregnant women who were admitted with coronavirus disease 2019/flu symptoms were excluded. The association of variables with "Maternal Near Miss" was estimated using logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 568 women from G1 and 349 women from G2 fulfilled the Maternal Near Miss criteria. The prevalence of Maternal Near Miss in pre-pandemic was 144.1/1,000 live births and during the pandemic was 78.5/1,000 live births. In the analysis adjusted for G1, the factors of days of hospitalization (PR: 1.02, CI: 1.0-1.0, p<0.05), pre-eclampsia (PR: 0.41, CI: 1.4-2.2, p<0.05), and sepsis/severe systemic infection (PR: 1.79, CI: 0.3-0.4, p<0.05) were crucial for women with the Maternal Near Miss condition to have a greater chance of being admitted to the intensive care unit. In G2, low education (PR: 0.45, CI: 0.2-0.9, p<0.05), eclampsia (PR: 5.28, CI: 3.6-7.6, p<0.05), and use of blood products (PR: 6.48, CI: 4.7-8.8, p<0.05) increased the risk of admission to the intensive care unit. CONCLUSION: During the pandemic, there was a lower prevalence of Maternal Near Miss in high-risk pregnancies, fewer hospitalizations, and more deaths compared to the non-pandemic period.

Efficacy of Hormonal and Nonhormonal Approaches to Vaginal Atrophy and Sexual Dysfunctions in Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review / Eficácia das abordagens hormonais e não hormonais para atrofia vaginal e disfunções sexuais em mulheres na pós-menopausa: Uma revisão sistemática

Abstract Objective To evaluate the efficacy of the hormonal and nonhormonal approaches to symptoms of sexual dysfunction and vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women. Data Sources We conducted a search on the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) databases, as well as on clinical trial databases. We analyzed studies published between 1996 and May 30, 2020. No language restrictions were applied. Selection of Studies We selected randomized clinical trials that evaluated the treatment of sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women. Data Collection Three authors (ACAS, APFC, and JL) reviewed each article based on its title and abstract. Relevant data were subsequently taken from the full-text article. Any discrepancies during the review were resolved by consensus between all the listed authors. Data Synthesis A total of 55 studies were included in the systematic review. The approaches tested to treat sexual dysfunction were as follows: lubricants and moisturizers (18 studies); phytoestrogens (14 studies); dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA; 8 studies); ospemifene (5 studies); vaginal testosterone (4 studies); pelvic floor muscle exercises (2 studies); oxytocin (2 studies); vaginal CO2 laser (2 studies); lidocaine (1 study); and vitamin E vaginal suppository (1 study). Conclusion We identified literature that lacks coherence in terms of the proposed treatments and selected outcome measures. Despite the great diversity in treatment modalities and outcome measures, the present systematic review can shed light on potential targets for the treatment, which is deemed necessary for sexual dysfunction, assuming that most randomized trials were evaluated with a low risk of bias according to the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool. The present review is registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; CRD42018100488).

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a eficácia das abordagens hormonais e não hormonais para os sintomas de disfunção sexual e atrofia vaginal em mulheres na pós-menopausa. Fontes de Dados Pesquisamos as bases de dados PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), e Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), assim como bancos de dados de ensaios clínicos. Foram analisados estudos publicados entre 1996 e 30 de maio de 2020. Nenhuma restrição de idioma foi aplicada. Seleção dos Estudos Foram selecionados ensaios clínicos randomizados que avaliavam o tratamento das disfunções sexuais em mulheres na pós-menopausa. Coleta de Dados Três autores (ACAS, APFC e JL), revisaram cada artigo com base em seu título e resumo. Os dados relevantes foram posteriormente retirados do texto completo do artigo. Quaisquer discrepâncias durante a revisão foram resolvidas por consenso entre todos os autores listados. Síntese dos Dados Ao todo, 55 estudos foram incluídos na revisão sistemática. As abordagens testadas para tratar a disfunção sexual foram: lubrificantes e hidratantes (18 estudos); fitoestrogênios (14 estudos); deidroepiandrosterona (DHEA; 8 estudos); ospemifeno (5 estudos); testosterona vaginal (4 estudos); exercícios para os músculos do assoalho pélvico (2 estudos); oxitocina (2 estudos);laser de CO2 vaginal (2 estudos); lidocaína (1 estudo), e vitamina E vaginal (1 estudo). Conclusão Identificou-se falta de coerência na literatura quanto aos tratamentos propostos e medidas de resultados selecionadas. Apesar da grande diversidade de modalidades de tratamento e medidas de resultados, esta revisão sistemática pode lançar luz sobre alvos potenciais para o tratamento, que é considerado necessário para a disfunção sexual, assumindo que a maioria dos estudos randomizados foi avaliada com baixo risco de viés de acordo com a ferramenta de avaliação de risco de viés de Cochrane Collaboration. Esta revisão tem cadastro no International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; CRD42018100488).

Comparative effects of fractional radiofrequency and microneedling on the genitalia of postmenopausal women: Histological and clinical changes

Abstract Objectives: The authors aimed to evaluate clinical and histological changes induced by Fractional Radiofrequency (FRF) and microneedling in vulvar tissue. Methods: Thirty postmenopausal women were randomly divided into G1 (FRF) and G2 (microneedling) groups. Sub-ablative FRF was executed using disposable fractionated electrodes with an intensity of 8 mJ. Microneedling was performed using a derma roller system. The authors evaluated before and after treatment using the Vaginal Laxity Questionnaire (VLQ), EuroQol Five-Dimensional (EQ-5D) questionnaire, and the Blatt and Kupperman Menopausal Index (BKMI). Additionally, the authors performed biopsies of the labia majora for histological analysis pre- and post-treatment. Data were expressed as mean (± standard deviation). A paired t-test was used for intra-group comparison (pre- and post-treatment), with an independent t-test used to compare intergroup data (both pre- and post-treatment). Results: In the G1 group, the VLQ values showed differences compared to the pre-treatment values with the data obtained 60 days after the beginning of the sessions (p = 0.01). Similarly, the data changes of the G2 group proved to be significant (p = 0.001) across the same time interval. In comparing the groups, VLQ values were not different (p > 0.05). Regarding histological analysis, FRF demonstrated improvement concerning the number of fibroblasts, blood vessels, and fatty degeneration (p < 0.05) compared to the control. Additionally, FRF and microneedling samples showed higher type III collagen and vimentin expression in the immunohistochemical analysis (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The therapies were found to be effective in treating the flaccidity of the female external genitalia. Additionally, histological changes were observed after interventions suggesting collagen remodeling.

Pelvic floor muscle training program for women in the puerperal period: clinical progress after intervention

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the sexual function of women in the puerperal period after a postpartum pelvic floor musculature training program. We also sought to evaluate correlations between sexual dysfunction in the women and their delivery type and compare the frequency of sexual dysfunction and the quality of resumed sexual function following vaginal and cesarean deliveries. METHODS: This clinical study included an intervention, carried out between July and December 2019, in which data were collected about 28 rooming-in women at a Maternity School. Data were divided into vaginal delivery and cesarean delivery. Sexual function was evaluated by the Female Sexual Function Index and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form to assess the Incontinence Urinary and qualifies urinary loss. The intervention consisted of a muscle training exercise program. ANOVA tests were used to establish differences between groups. RESULTS: There was an improvement in all outcomes, but there was no time versus group interaction. Improvement in sexual function was observed (p<0.001), the impact of urinary incontinence on quality of life (p<0.001), and pressure of the muscles of pelvic floor muscles (p<0.001) over time. There was no time versus group interaction for sexual function (p=0.87), the impact of urinary incontinence on quality of life (p=0.88), and pressure of the pelvic floor muscles (p=0.66). CONCLUSIONS: Pelvic floor muscle exercise programs seem to be a very promising strategy concerning improving sexual activity among puerperal patients.

Guillain-Barré syndrome associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection: a scoping review

SUMMARY BACKGROUND: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections can affect the nervous system, triggering problems such as the Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), an association that can bring complications to the patient. OBJECTIVE: This scoping review aimed to clarify the clinical features and analyze patients with GBS associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection, looking at morbidity, mortality, and neurological outcomes. SEARCH STRATEGY: The search was conducted through Medline, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHAL, Latin-American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS), clinicaltrials.gov, SCOPUS, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. SELECTION CRITERIA: Observational studies, published after 2019, describe patients with GBS associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. There were no language restrictions while selecting the studies. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Three authors, Kleyton Santos de Medeiros, Luíza Thomé de Araújo Macêdo, and Wederson Farias de Souza, independently screened the search results using titles and abstracts. Duplicate studies were excluded. The same authors then went through the entire text to determine whether the studies met the inclusion criteria. Discrepancies were resolved by other reviewers, Ana Paula Ferreira Costa, Ayane Cristine Sarmento, and Ana Katherine Gonçalves. Finally, the selection of the studies was summarized in a PRISMA flow diagram. MAIN RESULTS: Main manifestations were fever, coughing, dyspnea, sore throat, ageusia, anosmia, and respiratory failure, in addition to paresthesia of the upper and lower limbs, tetraparesis, facial diplegia, areflexia, asthenia, mastoid pain, acute ataxia, fatigue, numbness, swallowing disorder, and moderate low back pain. CONCLUSION: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can trigger the GBS, despite the few studies on this topic. Patients had clinical manifestations of COVID-19 infection and neurological manifestations characterizing GBS.

Potential impact of the COVID-19 in HIV-infected individuals: a systematic review Impact of the COVID-19 in HIV-Infected Individuals

SUMMARY BACKGROUND: Although much has been studied about the SARS-Cov-2 virus, its effects, and the effectiveness of possible treatments, little is known about its interaction with other infectious diseases. OBJECTIVE: The aim is to study its clinical features and morbidity, and mortality outcomes of COVID-19 patients with HIV/AIDS coinfection. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, LILACS, Scopus, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Cochrane. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Atudies in any language, published after 2019, were describing COVID-19 patients with HIV/AIDS. STUDY APPRAISAL: JBI Levels of Evidence, Joanna Briggs Institute. SYNTHESIS METHODS: As shown in the PRISMA flow diagram, two authors separately screened the search results from the obtained titles and abstracts. RESULTS: Chest CT was observed in patients with pneumonia by SARS-CoV-2 with findings of multiple ground-glass opacities (GGO) in the lungs, there is a need for supplemental oxygenation. One patient developed encephalopathy and complicated tonic-clonic seizures; four patients were transplanted (two, liver; two, kidneys), one patient developed severe SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia and 30 patients died (mortality rate, 11%). CONCLUSION: HIV did not show any relevance directly with the occurrence of COVID-19. Some studies suggest that HIV-1 infection through induction levels of IFN-I, may to some extent, stop the apparent SARS-CoV-2 infection, thus leading to undetectable RNA. Moreover, some authors suggest retroviral therapy routinely used to control HIV infection could be used to prevent COVID-19 infection.

Impact of microablative fractional radiofrequency on the vaginal health, microbiota, and cellularity of postmenopausal women

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of microablative fractional radiofrequency (MAFRF) in the non-hormonal treatment of genitourinary syndrome of menopause. METHODS: We examined the cases of 55 postmenopausal women before and after treatment with regard to their vaginal health index (VHI), vaginal microbiota, vaginal pH, and cell maturation. Three applications of MAFRF were performed in the vagina/vaginal introitus. During the treatment, six vaginal smears were obtained and stained with the Papanicolaou stain for determining the degree of cell maturation and with Gram stain for classification of vaginal flora, as per the criteria of Spiegel and Amsel. For vaginal pH determination, pH indicator strips were applied against the vaginal wall. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS for Windows (version 17.0). Data were reported as mean±standard deviation. The differences were analyzed using the statistical method of generalized estimation equations with autoregressive correlation structure "1" and robust standard errors. RESULTS: The mean age was 59.8±4.2 years, and the mean time of menopause was 15.4±4.5 years. After treatment, there was an increase in the percentage of Lactobacillus spp. (p<0.001). Consequently, there was a progressive decrease in vaginal pH during the treatment (p<0.001). Regarding cell maturation, there was a decrease in the percentage of parabasal cells (p=0.001) and an increase in the rate of superficial cells (p<0.001). Additionally, there was an improvement in the VHI index. The mean VHI values before and after treatment were 13.2±5.6 and 22.5±3.7, respectively (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: MAFRF treatment is well tolerated and leads to improvement in the vaginal microenvironment.