General Gynecology
AAN updated practice guidelines for epilepsy and pregnancy – Neurology
27 May, 2024 | 20:23h | UTCIntroduction:
The American Academy of Neurology (AAN), the American Epilepsy Society (AES), and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) have published a comprehensive guideline focusing on the management of epilepsy in individuals of childbearing potential. This guideline addresses the use of antiseizure medications (ASMs) and the impact of folic acid supplementation on major congenital malformations (MCMs), perinatal outcomes, and neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Key Points:
- Optimizing ASM Therapy Preconceptionally: Clinicians should recommend ASMs and doses that optimize both seizure control and fetal outcomes should pregnancy occur, ideally starting this process preconceptionally.
- Minimizing Convulsive Seizures During Pregnancy: It is crucial to minimize convulsive seizures in pregnant individuals to reduce risks to both the parent and the fetus.
- Monitoring and Adjusting ASM Levels: ASM levels should be monitored throughout pregnancy, and doses should be adjusted based on serum levels and seizure control.
- Preferred ASMs for Pregnancy: Lamotrigine, levetiracetam, and oxcarbazepine are recommended when appropriate, as they are associated with lower risks of MCMs compared to other ASMs.
- Avoiding Certain ASMs: Valproic acid should be avoided to minimize risks of MCMs, neural tube defects, and poor neurodevelopmental outcomes. Topiramate should also be avoided due to risks of offspring being born small for gestational age.
- Folic Acid Supplementation: At least 0.4 mg of folic acid should be prescribed daily preconceptionally and during pregnancy to decrease the risk of neural tube defects and possibly improve neurodevelopmental outcomes.
- Counseling on Risks and Monitoring: Clinicians must counsel patients on the potential risks associated with different ASMs and ensure regular fetal screenings to detect congenital malformations early.
Conclusion:
These guidelines provide essential, evidence-based recommendations for managing epilepsy in individuals of childbearing potential, emphasizing the importance of preconception planning, careful medication selection, and ongoing monitoring to optimize both maternal and fetal health outcomes.
Guideline Reference (link to free full-text):
Randomized Clinical Trial: Dequalinium chloride demonstrates noninferiority to metronidazole in treating bacterial vaginosis – JAMA Netw Open
25 May, 2024 | 19:55h | UTCThis randomized clinical trial investigated the efficacy of dequalinium chloride compared to metronidazole for treating bacterial vaginosis in premenopausal women. Conducted across multiple centers from July 2021 to August 2022, the study involved 147 participants who were randomly assigned to receive either dequalinium chloride vaginal tablets or oral metronidazole. The primary outcome measured was the clinical cure rate shortly after treatment completion. Results showed that dequalinium chloride achieved a 92.8% cure rate, which was statistically noninferior to metronidazole’s 93.2% rate. Additionally, dequalinium chloride was better tolerated, with fewer adverse events reported compared to metronidazole. These findings suggest that dequalinium chloride is as effective as traditional antibiotic treatments for bacterial vaginosis and could be considered a viable non-antibiotic alternative due to its similar efficacy and enhanced tolerability.
Reference (link to free full-text):
Review: Key findings from the Women’s Health Initiative studies on postmenopausal interventions – JAMA
3 May, 2024 | 13:34h | UTCThe Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) studied the impact of various interventions on postmenopausal women aged 50-79, using data from 161,808 participants between 1993 and 2018. The findings suggest that hormone therapy, specifically with conjugated equine estrogens and medroxyprogesterone acetate, does not reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, dementia, or other chronic conditions in postmenopausal women. It is, however, effective for managing severe menopausal symptoms when initiated before age 60 in women without contraindications. The trials also concluded that universal supplementation of calcium and vitamin D does not effectively prevent fractures and should be limited to those not meeting dietary intake recommendations. Furthermore, a low-fat diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and grains did not reduce the incidence of breast or colorectal cancer, though it may decrease breast cancer mortality rates, indicating the need for further investigation.
Reference (link to free full-text for a limited period):
USPSTF Guideline: Biennial screening mammography recommended for women aged 40-74 to reduce breast cancer morbidity and mortality
1 May, 2024 | 21:45h | UTCStudy Design and Population:
The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) performed a systematic review and collaborated on modeling studies to evaluate the effectiveness of various mammography-based breast cancer screening strategies. This assessment included factors such as age of initiation and cessation of screening, screening intervals, modalities, and the use of supplemental imaging. The population studied consisted of cisgender women and all other persons assigned female at birth who are 40 years or older and at average risk of breast cancer.
Main Findings:
The USPSTF concludes with moderate certainty that biennial screening mammography for women aged 40 to 74 years provides a moderate net benefit in reducing the incidence of and progression to advanced breast cancer, as well as in decreasing breast cancer morbidity and mortality. However, the evidence is insufficient to assess the benefits and harms of mammography screening in women aged 75 and older, as well as the use of supplemental screening with ultrasound or MRI in women with dense breasts.
Implications for Practice:
Based on these findings, the USPSTF recommends biennial screening mammography for women aged 40 to 74 years. This recommendation aims to optimize breast cancer outcomes while considering the balance of benefits and harms of screening. There is a need for further research to clarify the benefits and risks associated with mammography in women older than 75 and for those with dense breasts considering supplemental screening.
Commentary on X (thread – click for more)
???? Just published: USPSTF recommends all women undergo routine #breastcancer screening every other year beginning at age 40, an update from the 2016 recommendation to start at age 50.
https://t.co/xDPK4qu7JH pic.twitter.com/3zVBMWeuKb— JAMA (@JAMA_current) April 30, 2024
Reference (link to free full-text):
RCT: Radiation therapy alone superior to chemoradiation in low-grade localized endometrial cancer recurrences
1 May, 2024 | 21:41h | UTCThis randomized clinical trial assessed the effectiveness of radiation therapy alone versus concurrent chemoradiation in treating localized recurrences of endometrial cancer. Conducted from February 2008 to August 2020, the study involved 165 patients who were randomized to receive either radiation therapy alone or chemoradiation with weekly cisplatin. Findings indicate that radiation therapy alone resulted in longer progression-free survival (PFS) compared to chemoradiation, with a median PFS not reached for radiation alone versus 73 months for chemoradiation. Additionally, radiation therapy demonstrated lower rates of acute toxicity. The study concluded that for patients with low-grade and primarily vaginal recurrences, radiation therapy alone is the preferable treatment option, offering excellent outcomes without the added toxicity of chemotherapy.
Reference (link to abstract – $ for full-text):
RCT: Aspirin fails to improve invasive disease-free survival in breast cancer patients
1 May, 2024 | 21:37h | UTCThis randomized clinical trial assessed the efficacy of daily aspirin (300 mg) as adjuvant therapy in reducing breast cancer recurrence among 3020 participants with high-risk nonmetastatic breast cancer across the United States and Canada. The study, which followed participants for a median of 33.8 months, found no significant benefit of aspirin on invasive disease-free survival or overall survival, with the hazard ratio for disease-free survival being 1.27 (95% CI, 0.99-1.63; P = .06) and for overall survival 1.19 (95% CI, 0.82-1.72). Given these findings, aspirin is not recommended as an adjuvant treatment for breast cancer, challenging earlier observational data that suggested a potential survival benefit in breast cancer survivors. The trial was concluded early due to the lack of observed benefits, with adverse event rates being similar in both the aspirin and placebo groups.
Commentary on X:
Among participants with high-risk nonmetastatic breast cancer, daily aspirin therapy did not improve risk of breast cancer recurrence or survival in early follow-up. https://t.co/uPWTeaqXdJ pic.twitter.com/x6Qb4bRlqF
— JAMA (@JAMA_current) April 29, 2024
Reference (link to abstract – $ for full-text):
Observational Study: Synergistic effects of early menopause and vascular risk on cognitive decline in postmenopausal women
27 Apr, 2024 | 18:20h | UTCStudy Design and Population:
This study analyzed data from 8,360 postmenopausal women and an equal number of age-matched male participants from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging. Researchers assessed the independent and combined effects of age at menopause, vascular risk factors, and history of hormone therapy on cognitive outcomes. Participants’ cognitive function was measured using a global cognitive composite at baseline and again at a 3-year follow-up.
Main Findings:
The study found a synergistic interaction between early menopause (ages 35-48) and high vascular risk, significantly associated with lower cognitive scores at follow-up. Specifically, earlier menopause combined with higher vascular risk resulted in greater cognitive decline, compared to their individual effects. Notably, hormone therapy did not modify this association. This pattern was not observed in female participants with average or later menopause ages, nor in the age-matched male cohort.
Implications for Practice:
The findings underscore the importance of considering both endocrine and vascular health as predictive markers in dementia prevention strategies, particularly for women. These results suggest that women with early menopause and vascular risk factors should be closely monitored to mitigate their higher risk of cognitive impairment.
Reference (link to abstract – $ for full-text):
RCT | Mammography screening with AI reduces workload by 44.3% without loss in detection efficacy
4 Aug, 2023 | 12:13h | UTCArtificial intelligence-supported screen reading versus standard double reading in the Mammography Screening with Artificial Intelligence trial (MASAI): a clinical safety analysis of a randomised, controlled, non-inferiority, single-blinded, screening accuracy study – The Lancet Oncology (link to abstract – $ for full-text)
News Release: First randomized trial finds AI-supported mammography screening is safe and almost halves radiologist workload – Lancet
Commentaries:
Large Mammography Study Shows Significant Benefits with AI-Aided Screening – Diagnostic Imaging
Systematic Review | Moderate evidence supports interactive mobile phone interventions for contraception use enhancement
25 Jul, 2023 | 13:25h | UTCMobile phone‐based interventions for improving contraception use – Cochrane Library
FDA approves first nonprescription daily oral contraceptive
19 Jul, 2023 | 14:25h | UTCFDA Approves First Nonprescription Daily Oral Contraceptive – U.S. Food & Drug Administration
Cohort Study | Long-term use of menopausal hormone therapy linked to heightened dementia risk
11 Jul, 2023 | 14:04h | UTCMenopausal hormone therapy and dementia: nationwide, nested case-control study – The BMJ
Editorial: Menopausal hormone therapy and dementia – The BMJ
News Release: Menopausal hormone therapy linked to increased rate of dementia – BMJ Newsroom
Commentaries: Expert reaction to observational study on HRT and dementia – Science Media Centre
RCT | Effect of mifepristone vs. placebo for treatment of adenomyosis with pain symptoms
5 Jul, 2023 | 01:06h | UTCSee also: Visual Abstract
SR | Gonadotropin‐releasing hormone analogues for endometriosis
3 Jul, 2023 | 14:14h | UTCGonadotropin‐releasing hormone analogues for endometriosis – Cochrane Library
Summary: Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone analogues for pain associated with endometriosis – Cochrane Library
SR | Oral contraceptives containing drospirenone for premenstrual syndrome
3 Jul, 2023 | 14:13h | UTCOral contraceptives containing drospirenone for premenstrual syndrome – Cochrane Library
Summary: Birth control pills with drospirenone for treating premenstrual syndrome – Cochrane Library
RCT | Noninferior results with quick resumption of activity after pelvic organ prolapse surgery
30 Jun, 2023 | 14:38h | UTCStandard Restrictions vs Expedited Activity After Pelvic Organ Prolapse Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial – JAMA Surgery (link to abstract – $ for full-text)
See also: Visual Abstract
Commentary: No Need to Avoid Exercise After Prolapse Surgery, Study Finds – HealthDay
M-A | The effectiveness and safety of laparoscopic uterosacral ligament suspension
30 Jun, 2023 | 14:37h | UTC
FIGO staging of endometrial cancer: 2023
29 Jun, 2023 | 13:53h | UTCFIGO staging of endometrial cancer: 2023 – Gynecology & Obstetrics
Cohort Study | Increased depression risk observed in first two years of oral contraceptive use
23 Jun, 2023 | 13:19h | UTCNews Release: New study links contraceptive pills and depression – Uppsala University
Commentary: Depression Risk May Rise During First Two Years of Oral Contraceptive Use – Psychiatric News Alert
Commentary on Twitter
Population-based cohort study of oral #contraceptive use and risk of #depression suggests that the use of OCs, particularly during the first 2 years, increases the risk of depression.https://t.co/spWuqCMKfW@therese_johans #mentalhealth #epidemiology pic.twitter.com/xMO0yiqPvt
— Epidemiology & Psychiatric Sciences (@EpiPsychSci) June 19, 2023
SR | Effectiveness of anticholinergic drugs for treating people with overactive bladder syndrome
12 Jun, 2023 | 13:41h | UTC
Podcast | Ascend your understanding of pelvic inflammatory disease
6 Jun, 2023 | 14:23h | UTC#83: Ascend Your Understanding of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) – The Cribsiders
#ASCO23 – RCT | Simple hysterectomy shown non-inferior to radical hysterectomy in low-risk early-stage cervical cancer
5 Jun, 2023 | 13:43h | UTCCommentaries:
Cohort Study | Associations of menstrual cycle regularity and length with cardiovascular diseases
1 Jun, 2023 | 12:07h | UTCNews Release: Long or short menstrual cycles linked to higher risk of CVD including atrial fibrillation – American Heart Association
Review | Managing menopausal symptoms, fertility, and bone health in breast cancer women on endocrine therapy
30 May, 2023 | 11:40h | UTC
A pragmatic approach to the management of menopause
25 May, 2023 | 11:30h | UTCA pragmatic approach to the management of menopause – Canadian Medical Association Journal
News Release: Managing menopause: Hormone therapy is back – Canadian Medical Association Journal
RCT | Spironolactone enhances acne outcomes and offers a viable alternative to oral antibiotics
24 May, 2023 | 13:27h | UTCSummary: The SAFA (Spironolactone for Adult Female Acne) trial was a multicenter, phase 3, double-blind, randomized controlled trial in England and Wales and evaluated the efficacy of spironolactone for treating adult women with acne vulgaris. A total of 410 women, aged ≥18 years and suffering from facial acne for a minimum of six months, were randomly assigned to receive either 50 mg/day of spironolactone or a placebo, increasing to 100 mg/day until week 24.
The primary outcome was measured by the Acne-Specific Quality of Life (Acne-QoL) symptom subscale score at week 12 and 24. The trial demonstrated that spironolactone improved Acne-QoL scores more effectively than the placebo, particularly at week 24. Additionally, more participants in the spironolactone group reported acne improvement, and treatment success was significantly higher in this group at week 12. Mild side effects, notably headaches, were more common in the spironolactone group.
The findings from the SAFA trial highlight spironolactone’s effectiveness, safety, and tolerability in treating adult women with acne vulgaris, suggesting it is a viable alternative to long-term antibiotic treatments. Future research is proposed on higher initial dosages of spironolactone, and its effects on different subgroups like patients with different ages, body mass index, and ethnicity.
Editorial: What do we know about prescribing spironolactone for acne? – The BMJ
News Release: Non-antibiotic treatment for women with persistent acne shown to be effective – University of Southhampton