Low back pain, pelvic pain, and associated factors in type 1 diabetic pregnant women

Abstract Introduction Pregnancy and diabetes mellitus promote several musculoskeletal changes predisposing this population to complaints of Lower Back (LB) and Pelvic Pain (PP). Objective To assess the frequency of LB and PP and associated factors in type 1 Diabetic (DM1) pregnant women. Method: An observational analytical cross-sectional study. Thirty-six pregnant women with DM1 were evaluated through a postural assessment with a focus on pelvic positioning and what patients reported. The associated factors were assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICIQ-SF), and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Results The frequency of LB and PP was 55.6 % and 30.6 %, respectively. The presence of anxiety was not associated with a higher prevalence of pain. The incidence of sexual dysfunctions was higher in the GD. DM1 duration had a mean of 14.9 years (± 8.2 SD) in the GD and 9.0 years (± 6.9 SD) in the GSD, which was statistically significant (p ≤ 0.050). In the multiple binary regression analysis for the occurrence of pain, the independent factor was DM1 duration ≥ 17 years (OR = 11.2; 95 % CI = 1.02‒124.75). The association between DM1 duration ≥ 17 years and being overweight showed a probability of 95 % for the studied population in the analysis of the probabilities of occurrence of the pain event. Conclusion There was a high frequency of LB and PP related to pregnancy in DM1 pregnant women in the second trimester of pregnancy. The incidence of sexual dysfunction and DM1 duration ≥ 17 years increases the chance that DM1 pregnant women will experience pain. There was no association between anxiety. urinary incontinence and pain in DM1 pregnant women.

Incontinência urinária e disfunção sexual em gestantes diabéticas tipo 1: resultados preliminares / Urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction in type 1 diabetic pregnant women: preliminary results

Introdução: A gestação e o diabetes mellitus promovem diversas alterações musculoesqueléticas, predispondo disfunções miccionais e sexuais. Objetivo: Avaliar a frequência de incontinência urinária e disfunção sexual em gestantes diabéticas tipo 1. Métodos: Estudo analítico, observacional do tipo transversal. Foram avaliadas 13 gestantes com diabetes do tipo 1 no período de abril 2017 a fevereiro 2018, por meio dos Questionários International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Short Form (ICIQ-SF) e o Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Foi utilizado o programa estatístico SPSS versão 20.1 para análise de dados, avaliando a média e desvio padrão (DP), tendência central e dispersão, frequência absoluta (n) e relativa (%). Para correlação entre o ICIQ e o FSFI o teste de correlação linear de Pearson. Resultados: Frequência de incontinência urinária foi 38,5%, o que demonstrou impacto leve na qualidade de vida das gestantes. O escore geral do FSFI foi de 20,49, identificando a presença de disfunção sexual (FSFI ≤ 26). No grupo de gestantes, 92,3% (n = 12) apresentaram disfunção sexual, os domínios satisfação e excitação com maiores prevalências. Correlacionando o ICIQ-SF com FSFI, houve correlação moderada, mas não significativa (r = 0,534; p = 0,60). As amostras apresentaram distribuição normal de acordo com o teste de Levene. Conclusão: A frequência de incontinência urinária em gestantes diabéticas do tipo 1 foi baixa, mas houve presença de disfunção sexual, os domínios satisfação e excitação foram os mais frequentes.

Serum vascular endothelial growth factor as a marker for tubal pregnancy

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate whether a single measurement of vascular endothelial growth factor could distinguish between intrauterine pregnancy and ectopic pregnancy and to correlate the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor with serum levels of progesterone andβ-human chorionic gonadotropin in each subgroup. METHODS: Ninety patients with a positive human chorionic gonadotropin test and either abdominal pain or vaginal bleeding were selected; pregnancies were singletons, spontaneously conceived, 42-56 days of gestational age. All patients had a transvaginal ultrasound examination and were divided into three subgroups: abnormal intrauterine pregnancy, tubal pregnancy, and normal intrauterine pregnancy. Tubal pregnancies were surgically treated and histologically confirmed. Blood samples were collected for the determination of β-human chorionic gonadotropin, progesterone, and vascular endothelial growth factor and their concentrations were compared in each subgroup. Receiver operating characteristic curve was calculated by comparing the subgroup of tubal pregnancy to the other groups. A Fisher discriminant function analysis was performed. The level of significance was 5%. RESULTS: One-way analysis of variance revealed a significant correlation between the different subgroups and β-human chorionic gonadotropin, progesterone, and vascular endothelial growth factor serum levels (p<0.001). Vascular endothelial growth factor concentration was significantly higher for patients with tubal pregnancy than for other subgroups (p<0.05). β-Human chorionic gonadotropin and progesterone levels were higher in the subgroup with normal intrauterine pregnancies compared with the subgroups with tubal and abnormal intrauterine pregnancies (p<0.05). Serum vascular endothelial growth factor level >188.7 ng/mL predicted tubal pregnancy with 96.7% sensitivity, 95.0% specificity, 90.6% positive predictive value, and 98.3% negative predictive value. CONCLUSIONS: Serum vascular endothelial growth factor could be a marker in discriminating intrauterine pregnancy from tubal pregnancy; its levels are increased in women with ectopic pregnancy compared with women with normal and abnormal intrauterine pregnancies.

Ethical and bioethical aspects concerning the disclosure of medical information for a fair reason

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to emphasize the importance of legal and bioethical knowledge in maintaining medical confidentiality, especially in situations when there is a diagnosis of HIV infection. METHODS: A literature review of studies published in the Scientific Electronic Library Online and National Library of Medicine databases was performed. Sixteen studies available in full, online, and free, published between 2010 and 2020, were selected. RESULTS: The studies highlighted that, despite the ethical duty to breach confidentiality for the protection of third parties, many doctors are reluctant to reveal this secret due to the power of stigmatization and social discrimination related to the diagnosis of HIV infection, which affects integrity, counseling, and capability to treat patients. CONCLUSION: HIV diagnosis implies bioethical and legal questions. Respect for medical confidentiality is a matter to be discussed, as there is a need to protect the privacy of the patient, at the same time the responsibility to preserve the health of others.

Maternal autonomy and the rights of the unborn child: a necessary discussion

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the opinion of freshmen and fifth-year students of the University of Sao Paulo School of Law in relation to the respect for maternal autonomy and knowledge of the existence and the need to protect the unborn child. METHODS: Information was obtained from a questionnaire; responses were compared with appropriate statistical methods. RESULTS: In total, 403 students answered the questionnaire, 75.2% being first-year students; 58.6% of the students were against State intervention in maternal autonomy, with no difference between groups. However, 55.1% of students were in favor of the defense of the welfare of the unborn, with the statistical difference between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Among the first-year students, there is a contradiction about respect for maternal autonomy. Among the fifth-year students, most of them were unreservedly in favor of respect for maternal autonomy.

The teaching of Medical Law in Brasil

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: To provide a brief overview of the teaching of medical law in Brazilian law schools, proposing a syllabus if needed. METHODS: Survey the curricula of the best-ranked Law Schools in the country and reference Law Schools in the USA and Europe. Analyze the disciplines offered and their relation to the actual demands of the industry. RESULTS: The offer of medical law disciplines in Brasil is very scarce and concentrated in one city (São Paulo). Most of the few existing disciplines focus on bioethical issues rather than law and lawsuits. CONCLUSION: There is a need to reformulate the teaching of medical law in Brasil by including new disciplines and broadening the subjects approached.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Apresentar um breve panorama da situação do ensino do direito médico nas faculdades de direito brasileiras, com a proposta de uma matriz curricular, se necessário. MÉTODO: Levantamento dos currículos das Faculdades de Direito mais bem classificadas do país e das Faculdades de Direito de referência nos EUA e Europa. Análise das disciplinas oferecidas e sua relação com as reais demandas da área. RESULTADOS: A oferta de disciplinas de direito médico no Brasil é muito escassa e concentrada em uma cidade (São Paulo). A maioria das poucas disciplinas existentes enfoca questões bioéticas, em vez de leis e ações judiciais. CONCLUSÃO: há necessidade de reformulação do ensino do direito médico no Brasil, com inclusão de novas disciplinas e ampliação das disciplinas abordadas.

The need to standardize use of the newly deceased in medical trainings

OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to identify the characteristics of use of the deceased in invasive training and the bioethical principles that govern this practice. In this context, it has become imperative to deduce which professional skills are critical to develop. METHODS: A prospective study investigated a cadaver's use in medical (and related) schools through a questionnaire, which was made available for 48 hours on social networks (Facebook and LinkedIn) to groups of doctors and medical students using a communication app (WhatsApp). The inclusion criteria were being a medical student or a doctor. Cases in which the answers to the questionnaire were inadequate, or when the student had reason to withdraw, were excluded. Each participant could only answer the questionnaire once, and could not modify the responses after submitting it. RESULTS: A disproportionate relationship was found regarding the replacement of the newly deceased by other means (such as dummies and simulators). This outcome suggests that there is no substitution, concomitant with the importance of a prior request for consent from the patient and/or subsequent consent from family members. CONCLUSION: According to the findings, the significance of—and need for—training is undeniable. Hence, it is urgent to normalize the practice and definition of the ethical limitations of medical conduct.

Pregnancy of unknown location

Pregnancy of unknown location is a situation in which a positive pregnancy test occurs, but a transvaginal ultrasound does not show intrauterine or ectopic gestation. One great concern of pregnancy of unknown location is that they are cases of ectopic pregnancy whose diagnosis might be postponed. Transvaginal ultrasound is able to identify an ectopic pregnancy with a sensitivity ranging from 87% to 94% and a specificity ranging from 94% to 99%. A patient with pregnancy of unknown location should be followed up until an outcome is obtained. The only valid biomarkers with clinical application and validation are serum levels of the beta fraction of hCG and progesterone. A single serum dosage of hCG is used only to determine whether the value obtained is above or below the discriminatory zone, that means the value of serum hCG above which an intrauterine gestational sac should be visible on ultrasound. Serum progesterone levels are a satisfactory marker of pregnancy viability, but they are unable to predict the location of a pregnancy of unknown location: levels below 5 ng/mL are associated with nonviable gestations, whereas levels above 20 ng/mL are correlated with viable intrauterine pregnancies. Most cases are low risk and can be monitored by expectant management with transvaginal ultrasound and serial serum hCG levels, in addition to the serum progesterone levels. To minimize diagnostic error and intervene during progressive intrauterine gestation, protocol indicates active treatment only in situations when progressive intrauterine pregnancy is excluded and a high possibility of ectopic pregnancy exists.

Live fetus inside the urinary bladder: a case report / Feto vivo dentro da bexiga urinária: relato de caso

ABSTRACT Vesicouterine fistula is a rare condition. Its incidence, however, has been increasing due to the higher incidence of cesarean sections. The presence of a live fetus inside the bladder who passed through a vesicouterine fistula is an extremely rare situation. We report a case of woman who underwent two previous cesarean sections, was referred to a hospital due to mild pelvic pain and genital bleeding. At the moment, physical examination was normal. Ultrasound scan revealed a gestational sac inserted into the anterior wall of the uterus, with a living fetus of approximately 13 weeks, with active body movement and normal heart rate inside it. The fetal abdomen, around the waist, was stuck at the opening of a vesicouterine fistula, so that the fetal head and trunk were entirely into the bladder cavity, while lower limbs remained at the uterine cavity. Laparotomy was performed, the fistulous tract was excised, the fetus (without heart beating) was removed on opening the bladder, and the uterine cavity was emptied. The defects in the bladder and uterus were repaired. The postoperative period was uneventful. A live fetus inside the urinary bladder is a rare condition the continuation of pregnancy is unlikely and the vesicouterine correction can be made by the time of surgical intervention.

RESUMO A fístula vesicouterina é uma condição rara. Sua incidência, no entanto, vem aumentando, devido à maior incidência de cesáreas. A presença de feto vivo dentro da bexiga por meio de uma fístula vesicouterina constutui situação extremamente rara. Relatamos o caso de uma mulher com duas cesarianas anteriores encaminhada para o hospital devido à dor pélvica leve e sangramento genital. Na hospitalização, o exame físico estava normal. A ultrassonografia revelou saco gestacional inserido na parede anterior do útero com feto vivo de aproximadamente 13 semanas, com movimento corporal ativo e frequência cardíaca normal. O abdômen fetal, ao redor da cintura, estava preso na abertura de uma fístula vesicouterina de modo que a cabeça e o tronco fetais estavam totalmente dentro da cavidade da bexiga, enquanto os membros inferiores permaneciam na cavidade uterina. A laparotomia foi realizada, o trajeto fistuloso foi excisado, o feto (que estava sem batimento cardíaco) foi removido ao abrir a bexiga, sendo a cavidade uterina esvaziada. Além disso, foram reparados os defeitos na bexiga e no útero. O pós-operatório transcorreu sem intercorrências. Feto vivo dentro da bexiga é uma condição rara, e a continuidade da gravidez é improvável, sendo que a correção vesicouterina pode ser feita no momento da intervenção cirúrgica.

Serum concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor and depth of trophoblastic invasion in ampullary ectopic pregnancy

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between the depth of trophoblastic infiltration and serum vascular endothelial growth factorconcentration in patients with an ampullary pregnancy. METHODS: This prospective cross-sectionalstudy involved 34 patients with an ampullary ectopic pregnancy who underwent salpingectomy between 2012 and 2013. Maternal serum vascular endothelial growth factor concentrations were measured using Luminex technology. Trophoblastic invasion was classified histologically as follows: stage I, limited to the tubal mucosa; stage II, reaching the muscle layer; and stage III,involving the full thickness. The qualitative data were compared using Fisher's exact test. The nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests were used to evaluate differences in serum vascular endothelial growth factor among the degrees of trophoblastic invasion. ROC curves were constructed to determine vascular endothelial growth factor cut-off values that predict the degree of tubal invasion based on the best sensitivity and specificity. RESULTS: Eight patients had stage I trophoblastic invasion, seven had stage II, and 19 had stage III. The median serum vascular endothelial growth factorconcentration was 69.88 pg/mL for stage I, 14.53 pg/mL for stage II and 9.08 pg/mL for stage III, with a significant difference between stages I and III. Based on the ROC curve, a serum vascular endothelial growth factor concentration of 25.9 pg/mL best differentiated stage I from stages II and III with asensitivity of 75.0%, specificity of 76.9%, and area under the curve of 0.798. CONCLUSIONS: The depth of trophoblastic penetration into the tubal wall isassociated with serum vascular endothelial growth factor concentration in ampullary pregnancies.

Mother's freedom of choice and the rights of an unborn child: a comparison between the views of freshmen and senior medical school students

OBJECTIVES: To compare the views of freshman students with senior students of the Faculty of Medicine- University of São Paulo concerning the respect for the mother’s freedom of choice, the need to protect the unborn child, the proportionality between the mother’s freedom of choice and the protection of the unborn child, and issues related to legal abortion. To determine whether the medical knowledge acquired throughout the academic years can influence the views of medical students on these issues. METHODS: First- and sixth-year students of the Faculty of Medicine - University of São Paulo answered a questionnaire; the inclusion criteria were as follows: a first- or sixth-year student of the medical school and a signature on the free informed consent form. To compare the proportions, a chi-square or Fisher’s exact test was used. The significance level was set to 5%. RESULTS: Regarding the mother’s freedom of choice, in the case when a pregnant woman undergoes a cesarean section by means of a court order despite her intention to not have a cesarean, 55.7% of the first-year students have answered that the mother’s choice should be respected. Among the sixth-year students, only 28.9% believe that the mother’s intention should be considered (p<0.0001). With reference to the mother’s choice in connection with antiretroviral medication, 38.1% of the first-year students agreed that the mother’s intention should be respected, whereas 33% of sixth-year students believed that the mother’s intention should be respected (p=0.453). CONCLUSION: There was a tendency to consider the unborn child’s rights over the mother’s choice as students spent more time in medical school.

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in a spontaneous singleton pregnancy / Síndrome da hiperestimulação ovariana em gestação única e espontânea

ABSTRACT The ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is the combination of increased ovarian volume, due to the presence of multiple cysts and vascular hyperpermeability, with subsequent hypovolemia and hemoconcentration. We report a case of spontaneous syndrome in a singleton pregnancy. This was a spontaneous pregnancy with 12 weeks of gestational age. The pregnancy was uneventful until 11 weeks of gestational age. After that, the pregnant woman complained of progressive abdominal distention associated with abdominal discomfort. She did not report other symptoms. In the first trimester, a routine ultrasonography showed enlarged ovaries, multiples cysts and ascites. Upon admission, the patient was hemodynamically stable, her serum β-hCG was 24,487mIU/mL, thyroid-stimulating hormone was 2.2µUI/mL and free T4 was 1.8ng/dL. All results were within normal parameters. However, levels of estradiol were high (10,562pg/mL). During hospitalization, she received albumin, furosemide and prophylactic dose of enoxaparin. The patient was discharged on the sixth hospital day.

RESUMO A síndrome de hiperestimulação ovariana é a combinação do aumento dos ovários, devido à presença de múltiplos cistos e de hiperpermeabilidade vascular, com subsequente hipovolemia e hemoconcentração. Relata-se um caso de síndrome espontânea em uma gestação única. Trata-se de gravidez espontânea com 12 semanas de idade gestacional. A gravidez ocorreu sem intercorrências até 11 semanas de idade gestacional. Após, a gestante passou a se queixar de distensão abdominal progressiva, associada com desconforto abdominal. A paciente não relatava outros sintomas. A ultrassonografia de rotina no primeiro trimestre mostrou ovários aumentados com múltiplos cistos e ascite. No momento da internação, a paciente apresentava-se hemodinamicamente estável, com β-hCG sérico de 24.487mUI/mL, hormônio estimulante da tireoide de 2,2µUI/m e T4 livre de 1,8ng/dL, ou seja, valores dentro dos parâmetros normais. Porém, os níveis de estradiol estavam elevados (10.562pg/mL). Durante a internação, a paciente recebeu albumina, furosemida e enoxaparina profilática. A alta hospitalar ocorreu no sexto dia de internação.

Depression, stress and guilt are linked to the risk of suicide associated to ectopic pregnancy / Depressão, estresse e culpa ligam-se ao risco de suicídio associado à gestação ectópica

OBJECTIVE: To identify the risk for suicidal behavior in women who had a fetal loss resulting from ectopic pregnancy and verify the association of suicide risk with depression and psychosocial aspects. METHODS: Thirty-one women diagnosed with an ectopic pregnancy were interviewed. Major depression was identified using the Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders questionnaire. The Prenatal Psychosocial Profile questionnaire was used to measure stress, social support and self-esteem. RESULTS: We found that 16% (n = 5) reported suicide risk behavior. The correlation between suicide risk and symptoms of major depression, stress and guilt was statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Depression and stress have been linked to the presence of suicide risk, further increasing the vulnerability of women with ectopic prgnancy, which generates intense emotional reactions as guilt.

OBJETIVO: identificar o risco de comportamento suicida em mulheres que apresentaram perda fetal resultante de gestação ectópica e verificar a associação entre risco suicida com depressão e aspectos psicológicos. MÉTODO: Trinta e uma mulheres diagnosticadas com gestação ectópica foram entrevistadas. Diagnóstico de Depressão maior foi identificado através do questionário Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders. O questionário Prenatal Psychosocial Profile foi utilizado para avaliação de estresse, suporte social e auto-estima. RESULTADOS: Foi encontrado índice de 16% (n = 5) de mulheres que reportaram risco de comportamento suicida. A correlação entre risco suicida e sintomas de depressão maior, estresse e culpa foi estatisticamente significante. CONCLUSÃO: Depressão e estresse estiveram relacionados com a presença de risco suicida, aumentando a vulnerabilidade das mulheres com gestação ectópica, o que gera reações emocionais intensas como a culpa.