Low genitourinary tract risks in women living with the human immunodeficiency virus.

This review analyzes the clinical associations between specific low genitourinary tract clinical circumstances in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women living with human immunodeficiency virus (WLHIV). Modern antiretroviral therapy (ART) improves survival and reduces opportunistic infections and HIV transmission. Despite appropriate ART, WLHIV may display menstrual dysfunction, risk of early menopause, vaginal microbiome alterations, vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, vasomotor symptoms and low sexual function as compared to women without the infection. They have increased risks of intraepithelial and invasive cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancers. The reduced immunity capacity may also increase the risk of urinary tract infections, side-effects or toxicity of ARTs, and opportunistic infections. Menstrual dysfunction and early menopause may contribute to the early onset of vascular atherosclerosis and plaque formation, and increased osteoporosis risks requiring specific early interventions. On the other hand, the association between being postmenopausal and having a low sexual function is significant and related to low adherence to ART. WLHIV deserve a specific approach to manage different low genitourinary risks and complications related to hormone dysfunction and early menopause.

Vitamin D, sunlight and longevity.

Humans acquire vitamin D through skin photosynthesis and digestive intake. Two hydroxylations are needed to obtain the bioactive compound, the first produces 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], and the second 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D]. There is no consensus regarding the appropriate cut-off level to define the normal serum 25(OH)D range. Experimental, epidemiological and clinical studies have related low vitamin D status with longevity. Although some results are controversial, low serum 25(OH)D levels have been linked to all-cause, cardiovascular, cancer and infectious related mortality. Throughout life span a significant proportion of human beings display insufficient (20-30 ng/mL) or deficient (<20 ng/mL) serum 25(OH)D levels. Appropriate lifestyle changes, such as regular short exposures to sunlight (15 min a day), and an adequate diet that includes vitamin D rich components, are not always easily accomplished. Studies relating to vitamin D supplementation have methodological limitations or are based on relatively low doses. Therefore, dosages used for vitamin D supplementation should be higher than those traditionally suggested. In this sense, there is an urgent need for prospective controlled studies using high daily vitamin D doses (2,000 IU or higher) including cardiovascular, cancer, infectious and other endpoints. Relationship between vitamin D and health outcomes is not linear, and there are probably various optimal vitamin D levels influencing different endpoints.

Hemorragia durante la cesárea: factores de riesgo / Blooder in caesarean section: risk factors

Objetivos Definir los factores que influyen en la producción de anemia poscesárea. Material y métodos Seiscientas veintiocho pacientes asistidas en el Servicio de Obstetricia del Hospital Universitario San Cecilio de Granada (España) sometidas a una cesárea durante 1 año, analizando las características sociodemográficas y los diferentes factores que pueden influir en la producción de anemia. Se calcula la incidencia de anemia y la necesidad de transfusión postintervención. Resultados El 80% de las pacientes tiene anemia poscesárea, y la pérdida es inferior a 2g/dl. La multiparidad, cesárea previa, edad gestacional menor a 30 semanas y cesárea urgente se asocia con mayores tasas de anemia, sin diferencias significativas en cuanto a antecedentes como preeclampsia previa o tipo de anestesia empleada. La técnica de Misgav-Ladach disminuye dicha pérdida. Conclusiones En nuestro estudio, la multiparidad y la cesárea de urgencia se asocian con mayores tasas de anemia (AU)

Objectives To identify the factors influencing blood loss after cesarean section. Material and methods A total of 628 patients who underwent a cesarean section during a 1-year period at the Obstetrics Service of the University Hospital of San Cecilio in Granada (Spain) were studied. The patients’ socio-demographic characteristics and the distinct factors that could be related to blood loss were analyzed. The incidence of anemia and the need for postsurgical transfusion were calculated. Results Postcesarean anemia was found in 80% of the patients, but with a loss below 2g/dl. The factors associated with a higher rate of blood loss were multiparity, previous cesarean section, gestational age <30 weeks and urgent cesarean section. No significant differences were found with regard to a history of preeclampsia or the type of anesthesia used. The Misgav-Ladach technique for cesarean section reduced blood loss. ConclusionsIn our study, multiparity and urgent cesarean section were associated with a higher rate of anemia( AU)