Initial Impact of Perinatal Loss on Mothers and Their Partners.

(1) Background: Perinatal Loss affects one in ten women worldwide. It is known to have a deep impact on the physical and psychological wellbeing of the mother. Moreover, there is a lack of information in regard to gender differences. The role of culture, environment, personal characteristics, and gender is yet to be determined in most reports; (2) Objective and Methods: Our aim is to study the initial impact of perinatal losses in an unselected sample of couples, focusing on gender differences. We conducted a longitudinal prospective study with 29 mothers and 17 fathers. Upon discharge from the hospital, they filled out the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), among others. After one-month post-loss, they performed the EPDS and the Short Version of the Perinatal Grief Scale. We used descriptive statistics for the sample and non-parametric tests for the comparison of gender; (3) Results: We found no gender differences in initial depressive symptoms, nor in depressive symptoms, perinatal grief symptoms, or grief level (total scores or complicated grief) one month after the loss; (4) Conclusions: we need to better understand the psychological evolution of couples in cases of perinatal loss without falling into preconceived ideas about the influence of gender.

Ultrasound examination at term for predicting the outcome of delivery in women with a previous cesarean section.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if ultrasound variables at term are associated with the mode of delivery in women with previous cesarean section (PCS). METHODS: This was a prospective study of singleton pregnant women who planned a trial of vaginal birth after cesarean delivery. Cervical length, posterior cervical angle, head-perineum distance, and estimated fetal weight were measured at 37-39 weeks of gestation. RESULTS: One hundred forty-four pregnancies were examined and vaginal delivery was achieved in 98 women (73%). Logistic regression analysis identified cervical length, head-perineum distance, age, previous vaginal delivery, previous cesarean for dystocia, and Bishop score as predictors of vaginal delivery. Combining ultrasound and clinical parameters, two models for risk scoring that differ in the variable Bishop score or cervical length were constructed. The AUC of these models was 0.867 and 0.855, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In women with a PCS, measurement of cervical length and head-perineum distance at term is associated with the mode of delivery. A combination of clinical and sonographic parameters at term can predict the likelihood of vaginal delivery.

El cribado del cáncer de cuello de útero en el Sistema Público de Salud de Cataluña. Evaluación y seguimiento durante el período 2006-2012 / Cervical cancer screening in the public health system of Catalonia (Spain). Evaluation and follow-up between 2006 and 2012

La evaluación del cribado de cáncer de cuello uterino en el sistema público de salud de Cataluña ha identificado, en mujeres de 25-65 años, una cobertura citológica a 3 años del 40,8%; un intervalo entre citologías de 2,4 años y una pérdida de seguimiento del 50% a 3 años. La introducción de la prueba de detección del virus del papiloma humano en el seguimiento de mujeres con resultados citológicos de atipias intraepiteliales de significado indeterminado y como adyuvante a la citología en mujeres con una historia de cribado inadecuada facilita el manejo y detección de las mujeres en riesgo de desarrollar una neoplasia intraepitelial cervical de grado 2 o peor (CIN2 + ). La prueba de detección del virus del papiloma humano ha demostrado tener una buena sensibilidad y especificidad a tres años para la detección de CIN2+ resultando ser sensiblemente superior a la citología. Por otro lado, ha demostrado tener unos niveles de reproducibilidad altos entre laboratorios y un fácil manejo en situaciones de rutina. El uso de protocolos homogéneos y la existencia de herramientas informáticas de amplio uso han permitido una evaluación equitativa y fiable entre centros. El protocolo ha sido complementado con actividades de formación a profesionales y una monitorización periódica de todas las actividades. En conclusión, la implantación de un programa de cribado poblacional y la introducción de la prueba de detección del virus del papiloma humano en mujeres mayores de 30 años puede mejorar considerablemente los esfuerzos para la prevención secundaria del cáncer de cuello uterino en Cataluña (AU)

Analysis of the cervical cancer screening activity in the National Health System of Catalonia has identified a cytological coverage at 3 years of 40.8%, an interval of 2.4 years between Pap smears and a loss to follow-up of 50% at 3 years in women aged 25-65 years old. The introduction of human papillomavirus testing in the management of women with cytological results of atypical squamous cell of undetermined significance and as an adjunct to cytology in women with a history of inadequate screening has facilitated the management and detection of women at risk of developing cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse (CIN2 + ). Human papillomavirus testing has demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity at 3 years in the detection of CIN2 + and was substantially superior to cytology. Furthermore, it had good inter-laboratory reproducibility and was easy to perform in routine situations. The use of uniform protocols and the extensive availability of software tools have allowed comprehensive and reliable assessment across Catalonia. The protocol has been complemented with educational interventions for healthcare professionals and regular monitoring of all activities. We conclude that the introduction of organized screening programs and human papillomavirus testing among women older than 30 years can greatly enhance efforts for the secondary prevention of CC in Catalonia (AU)

Screening of cervical cancer in Catalonia 2006-2012.

The early detection of intraepithelial lesions of the cervix, through the periodic examination of cervical cells, has been fundamental for the prevention of invasive cervical cancer and its related mortality. In this report, we summarise the cervical cancer screening activities carried out in Catalonia, Spain, within the National Health System during 2008-2011. The study population covers over two million women resident in the area. The evaluation includes 758,690 cervical cytologies performed on a total of 595,868 women. The three-year coverage of cervical cytology among women aged between 25 and 65 years was 40.8%. About 50% of first screened women with negative results had not returned to the second screening round. The introduction of high-risk human papillomavirus DNA (HPV) detection, as a primary screening cotest with cytology among women over age 40 with a poor screening history, significantly improved the detection of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse (CIN2+), being far superior to cytology alone. Cotesting did not improve the detection of CIN2+. The use of the HPV test for the triage of atypical squamous cell undetermined significance (ASC-US) improved the selection of women at high risk of CIN2+. Sampling (both cytology and HPV test) was largely performed by midwives (66.7%), followed by obstetricians (23.8%) and nurses (7%). Over half of the centres (54.8%) had full use of online medical records. During the study period, educational activities for professionals and for women were carried out periodically. The organisation of screening as a population activity in which women are actively called to the screening visit and the introduction of HPV testing as a primary screening tool are strongly recommended to ensure the maximum population impact in the reduction of the cervical cancer burden.

Human papillomavirus infection in HIV-1 infected women in Catalonia (Spain): implications for prevention of cervical cancer.

BACKGROUND: High-risk human Papillomavirus infection is a necessary factor for cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions and invasive cervical cancer. In HIV-1-infected women, HPV infection is more prevalent and a higher risk of cervical cancer has been identified. We aimed to calculate the prevalence of infection by HR-HPV, determine the factors associated with this infection and abnormal cytology findings and to describe the history of cervical cancer screening in HIV-1-infected women. METHODS: We enrolled 479 HIV-1-infected women from the PISCIS cohort. Each patient underwent a gynecological check-up, PAP smear, HPV AND Hybrid capture, HPV genotyping, and colposcopy and biopsy, if necessary. We applied questionnaires to obtain information on sociodemographic, behavioral, clinical, and cervical screening variables. We present a cross-sectional analysis. RESULTS: Median age was 42 years. The prevalence of HR-HPV infection was 33.2% and that of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) was 3.8%. The most common genotypes were 16(23%), 53(20.3%), and 52(16.2%). The factor associated with HR-HPV infection was age <30 years (odds ratio[OR],2.5; 95%confidence interval[CI],1.1-5.6). The factors associated with the presence of HSIL or low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL) were CD4T-lymphocyte count <200 cells/mm(3) versus >500 cells/mm(3) (OR,8.4; 95%CI,3.7-19.2), HIV-1 viral load >10,000 copies/mL versus <400 copies/mL (OR,2.1; 95%CI,1.0-4.4), and use of oral contraceptives (OR,2.0; 95%CI,1.0-3.9). Sixty percent of HIV-1-infected women had had one Pap smear within the last 2 years. CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of HPV infection and cervical lesions in the HIV-1-infected population in Catalonia, as well as the low coverage and frequency of screening in this group, means that better preventive efforts are necessary and should include vaccination against HPV, better accessibility to screening programs, training of health care professionals, and specific health education for HIV-1-infected women.

Tratamiento conservador del acretismo placentario / Conservative management of placenta accreta

Introducción. El acretismo placentario ha aumentado debido al incremento de la cirugía uterina previa (en particular las cesáreas). La conducta ha evolucionado de un abordaje quirúrgico radical a un tratamiento conservador. Caso clínico. Gestante de 26,1 semanas que ingresó por rotura prematura de membranas. A los 3 días se realizó una cesárea por riesgo de pérdida de bienestar fetal apreciando acretismo placentario, dejando un fragmento en el lecho cornual. Dada la ausencia de sangrado se decidió adoptar una conducta expectante. El control clínico posterior fue correcto. Los seguimientos ecográfico e histeroscópico observaron una reducción progresiva del tamaño placentario desapareciendo a los 5 meses posparto. Discusión. El manejo óptimo de la placenta acreta sigue siendo discutido en la literatura médica. En casos seleccionados, deberíamos ofrecer la posibilidad de realizar un tratamiento conservador, reduciendo la morbilidad y preservando la fertilidad de la paciente (AU)

Introduction. Placental accreta has increased because of the greater use of prior uterine surgery, especially cesarean section. Treatment has evolved from a radical surgical approach to conservative management. Case report. A woman at 26.1 weeks of pregnancy was admitted to hospital because of premature rupture of membranes. Three days after a cesarian section was performed for suspected fetal distress, we observed placenta accreta. A fragment of placenta was left in the cornual bed. Given the absence of bleeding, an expectant attitude was adopted. Subsequent follow-up showed no abnormalities. Ultrasound and hysteroscopic monitoring showed a progressive reduction of placental size until its disappearance at 5 months postpartum. Discussion. The optimal management of placenta accreta remains controversial in the literature. In selected cases, we should offer the possibility of conservative treatment, reducing morbidity and preserving the fertility of the patient (AU)

Síndrome de insensibilidad a los andrógenos como causa de amenorrea primaria / Androgen insensitivity syndrome as a cause of primary amenorrhea

El síndrome de insensibilidad a los andrógenos se caracteriza por la presencia de cariotipo 46,XY, fenotipo femenino y presencia de gónadas masculinas. Es la tercera causa más frecuente de amenorrea primaria, tras la disgenesia gonadal y la ausencia congénita de vagina (síndrome de Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser). Se trata de una entidad de interés por su relevancia en la identificación sexual y por su posible asociación con tumores malignos de las gónadas masculinas, que hace necesario un correcto diagnóstico y tratamiento quirúrgico. En este artículo se describen dos casos de síndrome de insensibilidad a los andrógenos, con su estudio clínico-genético y tratamiento, así como su seguimiento (AU)

Androgen insensitivity syndrome is characterized by the presence of external female phenotype, 46,XY karyotype and intraabdominal testes. This syndrome is the third most frequent cause of primary amenorrhea, after gonadal dysgenesis and congenital absence of the vagina (Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome). Androgen insensitivity syndrome is of interest due to its role in sexual identification and its possible association with malignant tumors of the male gonads, which require an accurate diagnosis and surgical treatment. We present two cases of androgen insensitivity syndrome. The results of the clinical and genetic examinations, as well as the treatment and follow-up of these two patients, are discussed (AU)

Embolización de las arteriasuterinas en el tratamiento delmioma uterino sintomático. Resultados en 90 pacientesa los 2 años / Uterine artery embolization in the treatment of symptomatic uterine myoma: 2-year outcomes in 90 patients

Objetivo: Evaluar los resultados a medio plazo yla satisfacción de las pacientes después de laembolización de las arterias uterinas en mujerescon miomas uterinos sintomáticos, así como laseguridad del tratamiento.Material y métodos: Estudio prospectivo queincluye 90 casos tratados en el Hospital deSabadell, entre diciembre del 2002 y octubre del2006.La recogida de datos se realizó mediante uncuestionario introducido posteriormente en unabase de datos específica; el análisis estadístico serealizó con el programa SPSS 15.0.Todas las pacientes tuvieron un seguimientode 2 años después del procedimiento a nivelclínico, analítico y mediante técnicas deimagen.Los síntomas fueron valorados como desaparición omejoría, sin cambios o empeoramiento. Los efectosadversos se anotaron según la clasificación de laSociedad de Radiología Intervencionista. Tambiénse recogió la satisfacción de las mujeresembolizadas.Se consideró un fracaso de la técnica la necesidadde histerectomía o la persistencia de clínica.Resultados: La mejoría de los síntomas a los 2años fue del 90,7%. En 4 casos se practicó unasegunda embolización y en 6 casos se realizó unahisterectomía.A los 6 meses, el 92,8 % de los miomas mostrabanuna vascularización nula o escasa. A los 2 años, ladisminución media en el volumen del miomadominante fue del 76,3%.El porcentaje de complicaciones mayores fue del12,7%.La satisfacción por el procedimiento fue del 90,2%.Conclusiones: La embolización de las arteriasuterinas en mujeres con miomas uterinossintomáticos es un tratamiento efectivo con unabuena aceptación de las pacientes después de unseguimiento a medio plazo (AU)

To evaluate the mid-term outcomes andpatient satisfaction following UAE in women withsymptomatic leiomyomata, as well as to assesssafety treatment.Material and methods: Prospective study of 90patients from Sabadell Hospital between December2002 and October 2006.Data were collected using a questionnaireand was later introduced in a specific database.Statistical analysis of data was carried out usingSPSS 15.0All patients went on a 2-year follow-up after UAE,including clinical, laboratory and diagnosticimaging examinations.Symptoms were scored as successful, improvement,unchanged or worsened. Adverse events werenoted following the Society of InterventionalRadiology’s classification. Patients were also askedabout their satisfaction.The need of an eventual hysterectomy or thepersistence of symptoms was considered to be atreatment failure.Results: The improvement of symptoms occurredin 90,7% of all the embolized women. We had toperform a second embolization in 4 cases, and ahysterectomy in 6 cases.6 months later, null vascularisation orhypovascularisation of the myoma was observed in92.8% of women. Over two years, the averagevolume reduction of the dominant myoma was76.3%.The rate of major complications was 12.7%.Patient satisfaction for the procedurewas 90.2%.Conclusions: Uterine artery embolization is aneffective treatment for women with symptomaticuterine leiomyomata, being well accepted by thepatients in the mid-term follow-up (AU)