Development of an international glossary for clinical guidelines collaboration.

OBJECTIVES: Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) are often created through collaboration among organizations. The use of inconsistent terminology may cause poor communication and delays. This study aimed to develop a glossary of terms related to collaboration in guideline development. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: A literature review of collaborative guidelines was performed to develop an initial list of terms related to guideline collaboration. The list of terms was presented to the members of the Guideline International Network Guidelines Collaboration Working Group, who provided presumptive definitions for each term and proposed additional terms to be included. The revised list was subsequently reviewed by an international, multidisciplinary panel of expert stakeholders. Recommendations received during this pre-Delphi review were implemented to augment an initial draft glossary. The glossary was then critically evaluated and refined through two rounds of Delphi surveys and a virtual consensus meeting with all panel members as Delphi participants. RESULTS: Forty-nine experts participated in the pre-Delphi survey, and 44 participated in the two-round Delphi process. Consensus was reached for 37 terms and definitions. CONCLUSION: Uptake and utilization of this guideline collaboration glossary by key organizations and stakeholder groups may facilitate collaboration among guideline-producing organizations by improving communication, minimizing conflicts, and increasing guideline development efficiency.

Depo-medroxyprogesterone acetate, weight gain and amenorrhea among obese adolescent and adult women.

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the correlation between obesity and the use of depot medroxyprogesterone (DMPA) with regard to weight gain and changes in bleeding pattern.Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted of women receiving 150 mg DMPA via intramuscular injection at inpatient and outpatient clinics at the University of Mississippi Medical Centre between 1 June 2012 and 31 December 2016. Body mass indices (BMI) were assessed at baseline and at the time of final injection. Data on race, medical history, age at first DMPA injection, number and timing of injections, reported side effects, indication for DMPA use and reason for discontinuation, if applicable, were collected.Results: Of the 240 women included in the study, 3.3% were underweight, 30.8% were normal weight, 23.3% were overweight, 15% were class I obese, 9.6% were class II obese and 17.9% were class III obese; 87.9% of the population were African American. Women gained 2.40 kg (95% confidence interval 1.34-3.45) while they were on DMPA (p < .01), which after adjusting for confounding variables was inversely associated with age at initial injection (ß coefficient -0.13; p = .02). Amenorrhoea was the most commonly reported change in bleeding pattern.Conclusion: Women who started DMPA at an earlier age gained the most weight over time, independently of initial BMI. Similar rates of amenorrhoea were found among all BMI categories.

Normal Pelvic Anatomy.

This article reviews normal pelvic anatomic findings during ultrasound and discusses how to obtain and measure these images. Representative images of normal pelvic anatomy, with select videos, are included to assist in understanding the presented concepts and normal anatomic images.

Coding and Legal Issues in Obstetric and Gynecologic Ultrasound.

This article addresses coding and liability related to obstetric and gynecologic ultrasound examinations. The coding section includes an overview of general concepts, highlighting the differences between coding in hospital-owned facilities and provider-owned clinics. It also addresses the importance of correct International Classification of Diseases, 10th edition, coding, emphasizing the use of the most specific applicable codes. This section discusses proper coding and applicable parameters for early pregnancy and gynecologic ultrasound examination. The liability section addresses common errors leading to litigation in obstetric and gynecologic ultrasound practice. Examples are given demonstrating how such errors lead to liability actions.

Proximal Tubal Patency Demonstrated Through Air Infusion During Flexible Office Hysteroscopy Is Predictive of Whole Tubal Patency.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine whether air bubbles infused into saline during flexible office hysteroscopy can accurately predict tubal patency. DESIGN: Diagnostic accuracy study (Canadian Task Force classification II-1). SETTING: An academic hospital. PATIENTS: Women undergoing office hysteroscopy and ultrasound. INTERVENTIONS: Air infusion into saline during office hysteroscopy. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The primary outcome measures were whether air bubbles traverse the ostia at hysteroscopy, whether there is patency at abdominal surgery, and the rate of cul-de-sac (CDS) fluid accumulation from office hysteroscopy. Four hundred thirty-five patients underwent office hysteroscopy with air infusion, 89 of whom also had abdominal surgery. Depending on interpretation, sensitivity to tubal occlusion was 98.3% to 100%, and specificity was 83.7% with standard chromopertubation pressures; 95.3% to 100% of the time proximal patency was observed, whole tubal patency was observed through chromopertubation for patients with surgical data. Changes in CDS fluid volume from before to after office hysteroscopy were also used as an indirect proxy for tubal patency. Patients with risk factors for occlusion such as known or suspected tubal disease, known or suspected adhesions, and sonographic identification of adhesions through the sliding sign were all less likely to demonstrate a change in CDS fluid volume after hysteroscopy than women without these risk factors (p < .0001). Bilateral dispersion of air bubbles during hysteroscopy better predicted shifts in CDS volume than these risk factors and demonstrated shifts comparable with bilateral patency at laparoscopy (p < .001). CONCLUSION: Air-infused saline at office hysteroscopy can accurately assess tubal patency. Additionally, bilateral patency identified through office hysteroscopy may predict bilateral patency at surgery better than several commonly used historic and sonographic variables.

What Is New in Medical-Legal Issues in Obstetrics and Gynecology?: Best Articles From the Past 2 Years.

This month we focus on current research in medical-legal issues in obstetrics and gynecology. Dr. Shwayder discusses four recent publications, which are concluded with a "bottom line" that is the take-home message. The complete reference for each can be found in Box 1 on this page, along with direct links to the abstracts.

Cystic adenomatoid tumor of the uterus.

We present a case of a cystic adenomatoid tumor in a 40-year-old woman. The tumor was an intramural multicystic mass, histologically similar to a multicystic mesothelioma. Cystic adenomatoid tumors of the uterus are extremely rare. They present with a wide differential diagnosis in radiology. The tumors are known to be benign and awareness of this rare entity is the key to its diagnosis for a pathologist.

Efficacy and safety of intrauterine insemination and assisted reproductive technology in populations serodiscordant for human immunodeficiency virus: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess procreative outcomes for HIV-positive men and women with seronegative partners. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. SETTING: Not applicable. PATIENT(S): Twenty-four studies with extractable data for HIV-serodiscordant couples undergoing intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF). INTERVENTION(S): None. PRIMARY OUTCOMES: HIV transmission to a seronegative partner and per cycle fecundability; secondary outcomes: analysis of multiple gestation rates, miscarriage rates, and cancellation rates. RESULT(S): For serodiscordant couples, HIV-positive men or women undergoing IUI and IVF treatment had a 17%, 30%, 14%, and 16% per cycle fecundability, respectively. Multiple gestation rates were 10%, 33%, 14%, and 29%, respectively. Miscarriage rates were 19%, 25%, 13%, and 20%, respectively. No HIV transmission was observed in 8,212 IUI and 1,254 IVF cycles, resulting in 95% confidence that the true rate is 4.5 transmissions per 10,000 IUI cycles or less. CONCLUSION(S): In serodiscordant couples, IUI and IVF seem effective and safe based on the literature. Evidence-based practice and social justice suggest that our field should increase access to care for HIV-serodiscordant couples.

Imaging for uterine myomas and adenomyosis.

Uterine myomas and adenomyosis are common findings, in particular in patients with symptoms of abdominal enlargement, pelvic pressure, abnormal uterine bleeding, dysmenorrhea, and dyspareunia. Diagnosis and differentiation between the 2 entities are critical in establishing treatment options and the operative approach for surgical management. Herein are reviewed diagnostic options, their relative accuracy, and the effect of accurate diagnosis on treatment. A review was performed using PubMed, MdConsult, OVID, and reviews including cross-referenced articles and prospective and retrospective studies published from 1980 to 2013. Also reviewed are use of ultrasound with its various methods, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and positron emission tomography in the diagnosis, pretreatment evaluation, and differentiation of myomas and adenomyosis.

Current methods of tubal patency assessment.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the scientific literature on current methods of uterine cavity and tubal patency assessment. DESIGN: Review of literature and appraisal of relevant articles using MEDLINE, OVID, EMBASE, and Cochrane on-line databases. RESULT(S): Current pelvic imaging subfertility investigations are compared with the gold standard laparoscopy. The technical aspects, associated risks, potential advantages, and weighted utility of each screening study are discussed. A comprehensive analysis of the clinical evidence regarding the safety, tolerance, and accuracy of hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography compared with alternative screening studies and/or laparoscopy is reviewed. CONCLUSION(S): Increasing evidence supports the more recently described hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography procedure as an acceptable screening study for the subfertile patient with the potential advantage that it is a comprehensive evaluation, methodologically simple, cost effective, and time efficient.

Laparoscopic management of endometriosis: comprehensive review of best evidence.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To provide a comprehensive review of the best evidence available in the laparoscopic management of endometriosis for pain and/or fertility and to provide practical recommendations based on this information. DESIGN: Review article of randomized controlled trials. PATIENTS: Women with endometriosis. METHODS: A systematic search was performed of the Cochrane Library and MEDLINE database for randomized controlled trials relating only to laparoscopic management of endometriosis. The information from 7 Cochrane review articles and 35 original randomized trials is presented in a clinically relevant question-and-answer format. CONCLUSIONS: Awareness of endometriosis as a disease with substantial morbidity is vitally important. Laparoscopic treatment of endometriosis is beneficial for reducing pain and improving fertility. Laparoscopic presacral neurectomy, but not laparoscopic uterosacral nerve ablation, is a useful adjunct to conservative surgery for endometriosis in patients with a midline component of pain. Preoperative hormonal suppression with gonadotropin-receptor hormone analogue may be helpful in decreasing endometriosis disease scores. Postoperative hormonal suppression with either a gonadotropin-receptor hormone analogue or progestin (including the levonorgestrel intrauterine system) may be helpful in reducing pain and increasing time to recurrence of symptoms. Excisional cystectomy is the preferred method to treat endometrial cysts for both pain and fertility and may be aided by the use of mesna and initial circular excision. An absorbable adhesion barrier (Interceed), 4% icodextrin solution (Adept), and a viscoelastic gel (Oxiplex/AP, FzioMed, Inc., San Luis Obispd, CA; not available in the United States) are safe and effective products to help prevent adhesions in laparoscopic surgery to treat endometriosis.

Pelvic pain, adnexal masses, and ultrasound.

Pelvic pain, acute or chronic, accounts for more than 10% of referrals to gynecologists. Pain accounts for more than 40% of gynecologic diagnostic laparoscopies. Predicting operative findings is critical in planning surgical interventions, as well as preoperative and postoperative medical therapy. Ultrasound is useful in preoperative evaluation and in predicting surgical findings. This section reviews the use of various ultrasound modalities in evaluating adnexal masses and associated pelvic pain. Morphologic assessment with two-dimensional (2-D) ultrasound is the foundation for adnexal evaluation. The ultrasound morphology of common ovarian and adnexal masses is reviewed. The application and reliability of Doppler assessment is also reviewed. New advances, such as three-dimensional (3-D) sonography, 3-D vascular assessment, and contrast imaging, augment diagnostic accuracy. These advances may find future application in the clinical evaluation of patients. This section reviews the application of 2-D morphology, Doppler analysis, 3-D morphology, rendering and vascular assessment, and the use of contrast agents in the ultrasound evaluation of patients with adnexal masses and pelvic pain.

Liability in high-risk obstetrics.

This article outlines the major causes of malpractice suits, focusing on those in obstetrical practice and reviewing the prime areas in antepartum and intrapartum care. Understanding the basic elements of medical malpractice allows a provider to better understand the nature of a suit for medical negligence. While the threat of a medical malpractice is ever present in obstetrics, practicing contemporary, evidence-based medicine with compassion and excellent communication is the best way to avoid alleged negligence.

A "see and treat" management for high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion pap smears.

OBJECTIVE.: This study evaluates a "see and treat" intervention for high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) on Pap smears. This is a case control study comparing cost-effectiveness, patient compliance, and pathology obtained from immediate colposcopy and large loop excision of the transformation zone of the uterine cervix. (LLETZ) MATERIALS AND METHODS.: At our institution before the onset of the study, a chart review of 100 patients with HSIL Pap smears was performed. This was the control group. Ninety percent of the patients' in the control group who had HSIL on Pap eventually had LLETZ. The next consecutive 100 women presenting to the clinic who met the same inclusion criteria underwent colposcopy and LLETZ at the same visit and were compared with the control group. Demographics, pathology, compliance, and cost were analyzed. RESULTS.: One hundred patients were treated with one visit colposcopy/LLETZ intervention. Histologic diagnosis of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2,3 was confirmed in 94% of patients. Two percent of the patients had CIN 1, 1% had no histologic evidence of CIN, and 3% had microinvasive cancer to a depth of 0.5-1.5mm. Cost analysis revealed savings of $35,000 for the institution. Patient compliance was improved with a kept appointment rate of 82%. CONCLUSIONS.: "See and treat" intervention for HSIL Paps was an effective tool. Treating HSIL Paps without a separate visit for colposcopy is a cost-effective management. This method was more convenient for patients with only one disruption of daily schedules.