Assessment of sexual function in postmenopausal breast cancer survivors.

Background: Breast cancer (BC) is considered a risk factor for sexual dysfunction, which may be associated with the diagnosis itself or with oncological treatments. However, sexual dysfunction often remains underdiagnosed and unaddressed among BC survivors. Aim: The study sought to evaluate the sexual function of postmenopausal BC survivors compared with postmenopausal women without BC. Methods: This case-control study included 178 postmenopausal BC survivors (stages I-III), 45 to 70 years of age, with amenorrhea for ≥12 months and sexually active. They were compared with 178 women without BC, matched (±2 years) for age and time since menopause in a 1:1 ratio. Sexual function was evaluated using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), which consists of 6 domains (desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain), with a total score ≤26.5 indicating risk of sexual dysfunction. Statistical analysis included Student's t test, chi-square test, and logistic regression (odds ratio [OR]). Outcomes: Evaluation of sexual function in postmenopausal women treated for BC. Results: Postmenopausal BC survivors showed poorer sexual function in the desire domain (P = .002). No significant differences were observed between groups in the other FSFI domains and total score (P > .05). Postmenopausal BC survivors had a higher prevalence of risk of sexual dysfunction (64.6% with a total score ≤26.5) compared with the control group (51.6%) (P = .010). Adjusted risk analysis for age and time since menopause revealed a higher risk of sexual dysfunction in BC survivors compared with women without cancer (OR, 1.98; 95% confidence interval, 1.29-2.96; P = .007). Among BC survivors, the use of hormone therapy was associated with a higher risk of sexual dysfunction (OR, 3.46; 95% confidence interval, 1.59-7.51; P = .002). Clinical Implications: Postmenopausal BC survivors should be regularly assessed before and throughout treatment to enable the early detection and diagnosis of sexual dysfunction. Strength and Limitations: The main strength is that this study might contribute to a better understanding of sexual function in postmenopausal BC survivors compared with women without BC. The main limitation is that while the FSFI is a valid and reliable tool for the evaluation of female sexual function, it does not allow a comprehensive diagnosis of sexual dysfunction, as it is not applicable to partners. Conclusion: Compared with postmenopausal women without BC, postmenopausal BC survivors face a higher risk of sexual dysfunction, especially when treated with adjuvant hormone therapy.

The role of glycated hemoglobin in the diagnosis of prediabetes and diabetes mellitus in young women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To compare glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) for the diagnosis of prediabetes and diabetes in young women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PATIENTS AND DESIGN: This cross-sectional study included 154 women aged 20-40 years with a diagnosis of PCOS, who were screened for prediabetes and diabetes by the OGTT and HbA1c. Women with diabetes, hyperprolactinemia, thyroid or adrenal diseases, and anemia and users of hormonal contraception or corticosteroids were excluded. MEASUREMENTS: Clinical, biochemical and ultrasound data were collected from the electronic medical records. The women were classified as having normal glucose metabolism, prediabetes, or diabetes based on the diagnostic tests. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated and the Kappa method was used to assess agreement between the two methods. RESULTS: According to the OGTT and HbA1c values, 79.2% and 76% of the women were within the normal range, respectively, 16.8% and 19.5% had prediabetes, and 4% and 4.5% had diabetes (p > .05). The Kappa coefficient of 0.41 (95% confidence interval: 0.24-0.58) indicated medium agreement between methods. Considering the OGTT as the gold standard, the specificity of HbA1c was 89.5% and sensitivity was 85.7% in the diagnosis of prediabetes and 100% and 66.7%, respectively, in the diagnosis of diabetes. CONCLUSION: The HbA1c, when compared to the OGTT, showed high sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of prediabetes in young women with PCOS.

[Prevalence of low bone mineral density in postmenopausal breast cancer survivors]. / Prevalência da baixa densidade mineral óssea em mulheres na pós-menopausa tratadas de câncer de mama.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the prevalence of low bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal breast cancer survivors. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 115 breast cancer survivors, seeking healthcare at a University Hospital in Brazil, were evaluated. Eligibility criteria included women with amenorrhea ≥ 12 months and age ≥ 45 years, treated for breast cancer and metastasis-free for at least five years. BMD was measured by DEXA at the lumbar spine (L1-L4) and femoral neck. Low BMD was considered when total-spine and/or femoral-neck T-score values were <-1.0 Delphi Score (DP) (osteopenia and osteoporosis). The risk factors for low BMD were assessed by interview. Data were analyzed statistically by the χ(2) test and Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: The mean age of breast cancer survivors was 61.6 ± 10.1 years and time since menopause was 14.2 ± 5.6 years, with a mean follow-up of 10.1 ± 3.9 years. Considering spine and femoral neck, 60% of breast cancer survivors had low BMD. By evaluating the risk factors for low BMD, a significant difference was found in the percent distribution for age (higher % of women >50 years with low BMD), personal history of previous fracture (11.6% with low BMD versus 0% with normal BMD) and BMI. A higher frequency of obesity was observed among women with normal BMD (63%) compared to those with low BMD (26.1%) (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Postmenopausal breast cancer survivors had a high prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis.

Prevalência da baixa densidade mineral óssea em mulheres na pós-menopausa tratadas de câncer de mama / Prevalence of low bone mineral density in postmenopausal breast cancer survivors

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a prevalência da baixa densidade mineral óssea (DMO) em mulheres na pós-menopausa tratadas de câncer de mama. MÉTODOS: Estudo de corte transversal que incluiu 115 mulheres tratadas de câncer de mama atendidas em Hospital Universitário do Sudeste do Brasil. Foram incluídas mulheres com amenorreia há 12 meses ou mais e 45 anos ou mais de idade, tratadas de câncer de mama e livres de doença há pelo menos 5 anos. A DMO foi mensurada pelos raios-X de dupla energia em coluna lombar (L1 a L4) e colo de fêmur. Considerou-se baixa DMO quando valores de T-score de coluna total e/ou colo de fêmur <-1,0 Score de Delphi (DP) (osteopenia e osteoporose). Por meio de entrevista, foram avaliados fatores de risco para baixa DMO. Na análise estatística, empregaram-se os testes do χ2 ou Exato de Fisher. RESULTADOS: A média de idade das pacientes foi 61,6±10,1 anos e o tempo de menopausa, 14,2±5,6 anos, com tempo médio de seguimento de 10,1±3,9 anos. Considerando coluna e colo de fêmur, 60% das mulheres tratadas de câncer de mama apresentavam baixa DMO. Avaliando os fatores de risco para baixa DMO, foi encontrada diferença significativa na distribuição percentual quanto à idade (maior porcentagem de mulheres com mais de 50 anos e baixa DMO), história pessoal de fratura prévia (11,6% com baixa DMO e nenhuma com DMO normal) e índice de massa corpórea. Maior frequência de obesidade foi observada entre mulheres com DMO normal (63%) quando comparadas àquelas com baixa DMO (26,1%; p<0,05). CONCLUSÃO: Mulheres na pós-menopausa tratadas de câncer de mama apresentaram elevada prevalência de baixa DMO (osteopenia e/ou osteoporose). .

PURPOSE: To evaluate the prevalence of low bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal breast cancer survivors. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 115 breast cancer survivors, seeking healthcare at a University Hospital in Brazil, were evaluated. Eligibility criteria included women with amenorrhea ≥12 months and age ≥45 years, treated for breast cancer and metastasis-free for at least five years. BMD was measured by DEXA at the lumbar spine (L1-L4) and femoral neck. Low BMD was considered when total-spine and/or femoral-neck T-score values were <-1.0 Delphi Score (DP) (osteopenia and osteoporosis). The risk factors for low BMD were assessed by interview. Data were analyzed statistically by the χ2 test and Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: The mean age of breast cancer survivors was 61.6±10.1 years and time since menopause was 14.2±5.6 years, with a mean follow-up of 10.1±3.9 years. Considering spine and femoral neck, 60% of breast cancer survivors had low BMD. By evaluating the risk factors for low BMD, a significant difference was found in the percent distribution for age (higher % of women >50 years with low BMD), personal history of previous fracture (11.6% with low BMD versus 0% with normal BMD) and BMI. A higher frequency of obesity was observed among women with normal BMD (63%) compared to those with low BMD (26.1%) (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Postmenopausal breast cancer survivors had a high prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis. .

Risk of metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal breast cancer survivors.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in postmenopausal breast cancer survivors as compared with postmenopausal women without breast cancer. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 104 postmenopausal breast cancer survivors were compared with 208 postmenopausal women (controls) attending a university hospital. Eligibility criteria included the following: amenorrhea longer than 12 months and aged 45 years or older, treated for breast cancer, and metastasis-free for at least 5 years. The control group consisted of women with amenorrhea longer than 12 months and aged 45 years or older and without breast cancer, matched by age and menopause status (in a proportion of 1:2 as sample calculation). Clinical and anthropometric data were collected. Biochemical parameters, including total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, and C-reactive protein, were measured. Women showing three or more diagnostic criteria were diagnosed as having MetS: waist circumference of 88 cm or larger, blood pressure of 130/85 mm Hg or higher, triglycerides level of 150 mg/dL or higher, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level lower than 50 mg/dL, and glucose level of 100 mg/dL or higher. For statistical analysis, Student's t test, χ2 test, and logistic regression (odds ratio [OR]) were used. RESULTS: The mean (SD) age of breast cancer survivors was 60.6 (8.6) years, with a mean (SD) follow-up of 9.4 (4.4) years. A higher percentage of breast cancer survivors (46.2%) were obese as compared with controls (32.7%; P < 0.05), and a smaller percentage showed optimal values for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, glucose, and C-reactive protein versus controls (P < 0.05). MetS was diagnosed in 50% of breast cancer survivors and in 37.5% of control group women (P < 0.05). Among the MetS diagnostic criteria, the most prevalent was abdominal obesity (waist circumference >88 cm), affecting 62.5% and 67.8% of the participants, respectively. In the control group, breast cancer survivors had a higher risk for MetS (OR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.04-2.68), dysglycemia (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.09-3.03), and hypertension (OR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.02-2.89). CONCLUSIONS: Postmenopausal breast cancer survivors present a higher risk of developing MetS as compared with women without breast cancer.

Síndrome metabólica em mulheres na pós-menopausa tratadas de câncer de mama / Metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal breast cancer survivors

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a ocorrência de síndrome metabólica (SM) em mulheres na pós-menopausa tratadas de câncer de mama. MÉTODOS: Estudo clínico, transversal, com 158 mulheres na pós-menopausa (amenorreia >12 meses e idade ≥45 anos) tratadas de câncer de mama e livres de doença há pelo menos cinco anos. Por meio de entrevista foram coletados dados clínicos e avaliados o índice de massa corpórea (IMC) e a circunferência da cintura (CC). Na análise bioquímica foram solicitadas dosagens de colesterol total (CT), HDL, LDL, triglicerídeos (TG), glicemia, insulina e proteína C-reativa (PCR). Foram consideradas com SM as mulheres que apresentaram três ou mais critérios diagnósticos: CC>88 cm; TG≥150 mg/dL; HDL colesterol <50 mg/dL; pressão arterial≥130/85 mmHg; glicemia de jejum≥100 mg/dL. Para análise estatística foram empregados o teste t de Student e o teste do χ2. RESULTADOS: A média de idade das pacientes foi de 63,1±8,6 anos, com tempo médio de seguimento de 9,1±4,0 anos. A SM foi diagnosticada em 48,1% (76/158) e entre os critérios diagnósticos, o mais prevalente foi obesidade abdominal (CC>88 cm) afetando 54,4% (86/158) das mulheres. As pacientes sem SM tiveram maior tempo de seguimento quando comparadas àquelas com SM (p<0,05). Em relação ao IMC atual, aquelas sem SM eram em média sobrepeso e aquelas com SM eram obesas (p<0,05). Entre estas, na comparação entre o IMC no momento do diagnóstico do câncer e o atual foi observado ganho significativo de peso (27,8±5,4 versus 33,4±5,4 kg/m²) (p<0,05). O valor médio de PCR foi superior nas mulheres com SM (p<0.05). Na comparação das características tumorais e tratamentos oncológicos não houve diferença significativa entre as mulheres com e sem SM. CONCLUSÃO: Mulheres na pós-menopausa tratadas de câncer de mama têm elevado risco de desenvolver síndrome metabólica e obesidade central.

PURPOSE: To assess the occurrence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in postmenopausal breast cancer survivors. METHODS: A total of 158 breast cancer survivors were included in this cross-sectional study. Eligibility criteria were: women with amenorrhea >12 months and age ≥45 years, treated for breast cancer and no metastasis for at least five years. Clinical history and anthropometric indicator data (body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference, (WC) were collected. Biochemical parameters, including total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides (TG), glucose and C-reactive protein (CRP), were measured. MetS was diagnosed as the presence of at least three of the following diagnostic criteria: WC>88 cm, blood pressure≥130/85 mmHg, triglycerides≥150 mg/dl, HDL <50 mg/dL,and glucose≥100 mg/dL. The Student's t-test and χ2 test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The mean age of breast cancer survivors was 63.1±8.6 years, with a mean follow-up of 9.1±4.0 years. MetS was diagnosed in 48.1% (76/158) and the most prevalent diagnostic criterion was abdominal obesity (WC>88 cm), affecting 54.4% (86/158) of the women. The patients without MetS had a longer follow-up compared those with MetS (p<0.05). Regarding the current BMI, PN average, those without MetS were overweight, and those with MetS were obese (p<0.05). Among the latter, comparison of BMI at the time of cancer diagnosis and current BMI (27.8±5.4 versus 33.4±5.4 kg/m²) showed a significant weight gain (p<0.05). Mean CRP values were higher in women with MetS (p<0.05). In the comparison of tumor characteristics and cancer treatments there was no difference between groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Postmenopausal breast cancer survivors had a higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome and central obesity.

[Metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal breast cancer survivors]. / Síndrome metabólica em mulheres na pós-menopausa tratadas de câncer de mama.

PURPOSE: To assess the occurrence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in postmenopausal breast cancer survivors. METHODS: A total of 158 breast cancer survivors were included in this cross-sectional study. Eligibility criteria were: women with amenorrhea >12 months and age ≥45 years, treated for breast cancer and no metastasis for at least five years. Clinical history and anthropometric indicator data (body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference, (WC) were collected. Biochemical parameters, including total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides (TG), glucose and C-reactive protein (CRP), were measured. MetS was diagnosed as the presence of at least three of the following diagnostic criteria: WC>88 cm, blood pressure≥130/85 mmHg, triglycerides≥150 mg/dl, HDL <50 mg/dL,and glucose≥100 mg/dL. The Student's t-test and χ2 test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The mean age of breast cancer survivors was 63.1±8.6 years, with a mean follow-up of 9.1±4.0 years. MetS was diagnosed in 48.1% (76/158) and the most prevalent diagnostic criterion was abdominal obesity (WC>88 cm), affecting 54.4% (86/158) of the women. The patients without MetS had a longer follow-up compared those with MetS (p<0.05). Regarding the current BMI, PN average, those without MetS were overweight, and those with MetS were obese (p<0.05). Among the latter, comparison of BMI at the time of cancer diagnosis and current BMI (27.8±5.4 versus 33.4±5.4 kg/m²) showed a significant weight gain (p<0.05). Mean CRP values were higher in women with MetS (p<0.05). In the comparison of tumor characteristics and cancer treatments there was no difference between groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Postmenopausal breast cancer survivors had a higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome and central obesity.

Association between anthropometric indicators of body fat and metabolic risk markers in post-menopausal women.

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate anthropometric indicators of body fat and their association with metabolic risk markers in postmenopausal women. METHODS: A cross-sectional study with 80 Brazilian women (40-70 years) was carried out. Body mass index (BMI = weight/height(2)), waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were obtained for anthropometric evaluation. Trunk fat mass (TFM) was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The following metabolic variables were evaluated: total cholesterol (TC), HDL, LDL, triglycerides (TG), as well as glycemia and insulin to determine insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). RESULTS: Overweight and obesity were observed in 81% of the women. Values of WC >88 cm were observed in 68.5% of the women. On average, TC, LDL and TG levels were above normal levels in 60, 50 and 42.5% of the women, respectively; and HDL was normal in 82.5%. IR was observed in 37.5% of the women. Positive correlations were found between anthropometric indicators and TFM (P < 0.05). WC was most correlated with TFM (r = 0.92), followed by BMI (r = 0.88) and by WHR (r = 0.48; P < 0.05). All anthropometric indicators and TFM showed significant negative correlations with HDL and significant positive correlations with HOMA-IR (P < 0.05). Only WHR was significantly associated with dysglycemia (R(2) = 12%), hypertriglyceridemia (R(2) = 17%) and decreased HDL (R(2) = 27%). WC was significantly associated with HOMA-IR (R(2) = 34%). CONCLUSION: WC and WHR are anthropometric measures that showed strong correlation with TFM and with metabolic risk markers in postmenopausal women.

Proliferação lobular lactogênica com formação de fístula e hiperprodução de leite fora do ciclo gravídico-puerperal / Lactogenic lobular proliferation with formation of fistula and milk overproduction in a non-pregnant and non-puerperal patient

As proliferações lobulares lactogênicas são alterações da mama específicas do ciclo gravídico-puerpural e que regridem, espontaneamente, com o término da amamentação. Neste relato, apresentamos o caso de uma pacientes que manifestou abundante saída de secreção leitosa sem pertuito periareolar da mama esquerda sem estar grávida ou no puerpério. O diagnóstico anatomopatológico foi adenoma da lactação, descartanto-se qualquer tipo de malignidade. Os autores traçam paralelo entre as características da doença no ciclo gravídico-puerpural e no caso relatado. Não foi encontrado caso semelhante na literatura, sendo esse possivelmente o único publicado. Esse resumo de caso foi aprovado pela Comissão de Ética do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu (Unesp), com expresso consentimento da paciente.

Proliferations lactogenic lobular breast changes are specific to pregnancy and puerpural and regress spontaneously, with the end of breastfeeding. Here we present a case of a patient who expressed abundant output without milky secretion periareolar orifice of the left breast without being pregnant or postpartum. The pathological diagnosis was adenoma of lactation, descartanto to any type of malignancy. The authors draw parallels between the characteristics of the disease in pregnancy and puerpural and in our case. No similar case was found in the literature, this being possibly the only published. This case summary was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Hospital of the Medical School of Botucatu (UNESP), with the express consent of the patient.

Influência da terapêutica hormonal prévia sobre os indicadores de prognóstico do câncer de mama em mulheres na pós-menopausa / Influence of previous hormonal therapy on breast cancer prognostic markers in postmenopausal women

OBJETIVO: avaliar a influência da terapêutica hormonal (TH) prévia sobre alguns indicadores de prognóstico do câncer de mama, em pacientes na pós-menopausa. MÉTODOS: estudo transversal por meio da aplicação de questionários e levantamento de prontuários. Foram entrevistadas 157 pacientes com diagnóstico de câncer de mama na pós-menopausa, registrando-se dados clínicos, antecedentes pessoais e familiares, uso de TH e mamografias. Nos prontuários foram obtidas informações sobre o câncer de mama quanto ao diâmetro do tumor, tipo de cirurgia e estudo imuno-histoquímico. Para a estatística empregou-se ANOVA e teste do chi2. RESULTADOS: 38,2 por cento das pacientes eram ex-usuárias de TH e 61,8 por cento não usuárias. O tempo médio de uso da TH foi de 3,7±3,6 anos. As ex-usuárias eram de menor faixa etária e com menor tempo de menopausa quando comparadas às não usuárias (p<0,05). Constatou-se que 26,8 por cento das pacientes apresentavam antecedentes familiares de câncer de mama, em ambos os grupos. Entre as ex-usuárias de TH, 43,3 por cento foram submetidas a mamografias prévias, ao passo que entre as não usuárias, apenas 11,3 por cento (p<0,001). O diâmetro médio do tumor foi menor entre as ex-usuárias de TH (2,3±1,1 cm), com predomínio de quadrantectomias (60 por cento), quando comparadas as não usuárias (3,3±1,5 cm e 32 por cento, respectivamente) (p<0,001). No estudo imuno-histoquímico, observou-se correlação positiva entre a presença de receptores de estrogênio e progesterona positivos e o uso de TH (p<0,001). Não houve correlação entre TH e c-erbB-2 e p53. CONCLUSAO: nesta casuística, as mulheres na pós-menopausa que usaram TH prévia ao diagnóstico de câncer de mama apresentaram indicadores de prognóstico mais favoráveis quando comparadas às não usuárias.