Randomized,sham-controlled trial of acupuncture for post-cataract surgery dry eye disease

PurposeTo determine the efficacy of acupuncture in patients with post-cataract surgery dry eye disease (DED).MethodsNinety participants with post-cataract surgery DED were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive true acupuncture (n = 44) or non-penetrating sham acupuncture (n = 46) twice weekly for 8 weeks. The primary outcome was the change from baseline to week 8 in the noninvasive tear film break-up time (TFBUT). Participants were followed until week 12. Secondary outcomes included Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score, tear meniscus height (TMH), corneal fluorescein staining (CFS) score, meiboscore and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA).ResultsThe estimated mean change from baseline in the noninvasive TFBUT was 1.52 for true acupuncture versus 0.77 for sham acupuncture (adjusted difference −0.75 [95% CI -1.39 to −0.12]; P = 0.02) at week 8 and 1.49 for true acupuncture versus 0.81 for sham acupuncture (adjusted difference −0.68 [95% CI, −1.29 to −0.07]; P = 0.029) at week 12. The mean change in the OSDI score was −20.13 for true acupuncture versus −13.44 for sham acupuncture (adjusted difference 6.69 [95% CI, 0.64 to 12.74]; P = 0.031) at week 8, but revealed no statistically between-group differences at week 12. Mean changes in TMH, CFS score, meiboscore and CDVA did not differ significantly between the two groups.ConclusionsAmong patients with post-cataract surgery DED, acupuncture compared with sham acupuncture resulted in statistically significant benefit on tear film stability.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR1800020132)     

Association between acupuncture and grade 1 hypertension: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundAcupuncture is a traditional therapy that can be potentially effective for treating high blood pressure. Grade 1 hypertension is a relatively mild form of hypertension. This meta-analysis aims to assess the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in patients with grade 1 hypertension.MethodsWe systematically searched the EMBASE, PubMed, Cochrane, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wan Fang databases for randomised controlled trials investigating acupuncture therapy for grade 1 hypertension through March 2021. The primary outcomes were changes in blood pressure after acupuncture and efficacy of acupuncture. The secondary result was an adverse reaction to the treatment. Data were pooled and analysed using Review Manager 5.3 and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software version 19.0.ResultsTen randomised controlled trials involving 1196 patients were included. Our meta-analysis demonstrated that in terms of changes in systolic blood pressure (MD 3.62 mmHg; 95% CI, 1.34 to 5.90; I² = 56%), diastolic blood pressure (MD 3.12 mmHg; 95% CI, 1.03 to 5.20; I² = 77%), and treatment efficacy (RR 2.12; 95% CI, 1.38 to 3.26; I² = 93%), acupuncture is more effective in treating grade 1 hypertension than a placebo, no treatment at all, or interventions that improve lifestyle alone, with a low incidence of adverse effects. However, we did not find a suitable subgroup to reduce heterogeneity. Interventions, acupuncture methods, and treatment courses were not the only sources of heterogeneity among the studies.ConclusionExisting evidence shows that acupuncture could be used for treating hypertension; however, higher-quality randomised controlled trials are needed to better evaluate the safety and efficacy of acupuncture.     

Effectiveness of acupuncture on pregnancy success rates for women undergoing in vitro fertilization: A randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of acupuncture on pregnancy success rates applied before and after embryo transfer (ET) among women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF).Materials and methodsIn this randomized controlled trial, 72 infertile women undergoing IVF were randomized to acupuncture (AG; n = 36) and control group (CG; n = 36). Three sessions of acupuncture were applied to AG, the first was one week before ET, the second was 30 min before ET, and the third was 30 min after ET. CG received no acupuncture. The primary outcome was pregnancy success rate (Beta-HCG level, clinical pregnancy, ongoing pregnancy, live birth). Secondary outcome was anxiety level (STAI-1 state anxiety scale). Beta-HCG levels were assessed for conception 12 days after ET. Additionally, STAI-1 state anxiety scale was administered 30 min before and after ET to measure anxiety levels in both groups.ResultsThe mean age was 30.9 ± 3.7 years. Positive Beta HCG was detected in 63.9% (n = 23) of the AG and 33.3% (n = 12) of CG (p = 0.009). Clinical pregnancy, ongoing pregnancy, and live birth rates were higher in AG (p < 0.05). There was no difference between the groups concerning anxiety scores before ET (p > 0.05). The mean STAI-1 score was decreasing from 57.3 ± 9.8 to 28.8 ± 3.3 in AG, while it was decreasing from 57.0 ± 8.0 to 41,1 ± 6,8 in CG after ET (p < 0.000).ConclusionsIt was observed that three sessions of acupuncture before and after ET significantly increased the pregnancy rates in women with unexplained infertility. It was also found that acupuncture significantly reduced anxiety levels that occurred before ET.     

Receiving or not receiving acupuncture in a trial: The experience of participants recovering from breast cancer treatment

ObjectiveTo explore the experience of breast cancer patients who either received acupuncture or were allocated to the control group.MethodsFocus group/interviews nested within our multi-site randomised controlled trial. Participants were recruited from the standard care and experimental arm. The interviews/focus groups were transcribed and analysed thematically.ResultsOf the 302 eligible participants 13% (n = 40) contributed to the focus groups/interviews, across three study sites in the UK. Five common themes were identified, including: drivers to take part, the experience of receiving acupuncture, being allocated standard care (control) and reflections on taking part in the trial. The subgroup of control group participants (n = 9) reported disappointment on hearing their allocation, but recognised the value of their role to the study.ConclusionsRecipients of acupuncture reported beneficial effects in managing fatigue and related symptoms. The finding that control participants were disappointed warrants further investigation and consideration when designing interventional studies.     

The association between maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index and pregnancy outcomes of preeclampsia

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of pre-pregnancy maternal body mass index (BMI) to pregnancy outcomes in patients diagnosed as preeclampsia.Materials and methodsThis was a retrospectively study on women who had been diagnosed as preeclampsia and delivered at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital between June 2017 and March 2020. Multifetal gestation, major fetal anomaly, and fetal death in utero were excluded. A total of 150 singleton pregnancies were included and divided into four groups according to the pre-pregnancy BMI classification: underweight (<18.5 kg/m², n = 6), normal (18.5–22.9 kg/m², n = 66), overweight (23.0–24.9 kg/m², n = 26), and obese (≥25.0 kg/m², n = 52). Pregnancy outcomes including gestational age at delivery, birthweight, and delivery modes were reviewed.ResultsThe rates of preterm birth before 34 weeks of gestation were 67%, 49%, 35%, and 27% for underweight group, normal BMI group, overweight group, and obese group, respectively (p-trend = 0.006). The birthweight of newborn increased significantly as pre-pregnancy BMI increased (p-trend<0.001). The proportions of small for gestational age (SGA) were highest in underweight group and decreased as pre-pregnancy BMI increased (67%, 41%, 42%, and 10% for each group, respectively, p-trend<0.001).ConclusionThe rates of preterm birth before 34 weeks and SGA increased as pre-pregnancy BMI decreased in patients with preeclampsia.Implications for practiceWomen with underweight before pregnancy are at the highest risk for preterm birth and SGA, therefore they need to be monitored more intensively when diagnosed as preeclampsia.     

Patients triaged to neoadjuvant chemotherapy have higher rates of sarcopenia: An opportunity for prehabilitation

ObjectiveTo compare baseline body composition measures (BCM), including sarcopenia, between patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) undergoing primary cytoreductive surgery (PCS) versus neoadjuvant chemotherapy/interval cytoreductive surgery (NACT/ICS) and evaluate changes in BCM pre-NACT versus pre-ICS.MethodsPatients with stage IIIC/IV EOC who underwent PCS or NACT with curative intent between 1/1/2012 and 7/31/2016 were included. Computed tomography scans were evaluated via a semi-automated program to determine BCM. Measures evaluated include skeletal muscle area (SMA), skeletal muscle density (SMD), skeletal muscle index (SMI), and skeletal muscle gauge (SMG). Sarcopenia was defined as SMI <39.0 cm²/m².ResultsThe study included 200 PCS patients and 85 NACT/ICS patients, of which 76 had both pre-NACT and pre-ICS scans. NACT patients were significantly more likely to be sarcopenic compared to PCS patients (40.0% vs 27.5%, p = 0.04). Mean SMA (107.3 vs 113.4 cm², p = 0.004) and mean SMG (1344.6 vs. 1456.9 (cm² x HU)/m², p = 0.06) were lower in NACT patients.Among NACT/ICS patients, mean SMI significantly decreased ?1.4 cm²/m² (p = 0.005) at the time of surgery, resulting in a non-statistically significant increase in the percentage of sarcopenic patients from baseline (40.8% vs. 50.0%, p = 0.09).ConclusionsSarcopenia is more common in patients with advanced EOC undergoing NACT compared to PCS when using an evidence-based triage system for triage decisions. Body composition changes significantly over the course of NACT. Sarcopenia may be an indicator of debility and another factor for consideration in treatment planning. Further research into body composition's effects on prognosis and altering sarcopenia is necessary.     

Cupping therapy for treating knee osteoarthritis: The evidence from systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveCupping therapy is widely used in East Asia, the Middle East, or Central and North Europe to manage the symptom of knee osteoarthritis (KOA). The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the available evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of cupping therapy for treating patients with KOA.MethodsThe following databases were searched from their inception until January 2017: PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and four Chinese databases [WanFang Med Database, Chinese BioMedical Database, Chinese WeiPu Database, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI)]. Only the RCTs related to the effects of cupping therapy on KOA were included in this systematic review. A quantitative synthesis of RCTs will be conducted using RevMan 5.3 software. Study selection, data extraction, and validation was performed independently by two reviewers. Cochrane criteria for risk-of-bias were used to assess the methodological quality of the trials.ResultsSeven RCTs met the inclusion criteria, and most were of low methodological quality. Study participants in the dry cupping therapy plus the Western medicine therapy group showed significantly greater improvements in the pain [MD = −1.01, 95%CI (−1.61, −0.41), p < 0.01], stiffness [MD = −0.81, 95%CI (−1.14, −0.48), p < 0.01] and physical function [MD = −5.53, 95%CI (−8.58, −2.47), p < 0.01] domains of Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) compared to participants in the Western medicine therapy group, with low heterogeneity (Chi² = 0.00 p = 1.00, I² = 0% in pain; Chi² = 0.45 p = 0.50, I² = 0% in stiffness; Chi² = 1.09 p = 0.30, I² = 9% in physical function). However, it failed to do so on a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) [MD = −0.32, 95%CI (−0.70, 0.05), p = 0.09]. In addition, when compared with Western medicine therapy alone, meta-analysis of four RCTs suggested favorable statistically significant effects of wet cupping therapy plus western medicine on response rate [MD = 1.06, 95%CI (1.01, 1.12), p = 0.03; heterogeneity: Chi² = 1.13, p = 0.77, I² = 0%] and Lequesne Algofunctional Index (LAI) [MD = −2.74, 95%CI (−3.41, −2.07), p < 0.01; heterogeneity: Chi² = 2.03, p = 0.57, I² = 0% ].ConclusionOnly weak evidence can support the hypothesis that cupping therapy can effectively improve the treatment efficacy and physical function in patients with KOA.     

CO2-Laser therapy and Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BackgroundGenitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is a widespread condition with a great impact on quality of life and self-image.AimWe aimed to systematically review the current literature on CO2-Laser therapy efficacy for the treatment of GSM.MethodsMEDLINE and Embase databases were systematically queried in December 2020 Studies included women with a diagnosis of Vulvo-Vaginal Atrophy (VVA) or GSM without an history of gynaecological and/or breast cancer, pelvic organ prolapse staged higher than 2, pelvic radiotherapy or Sjogren's Syndrome. The quality of the evidence was assessed with the Cochrane risk of bias tool. This study is registered on PROSPERO, number CRD42021238121.OutcomesEffects of CO2-Laser therapy on GSM symptoms assessed through subjective or objective efficacy measurement methods.ResultsA total of 803 articles were identified. Of these, 25 studies were included in this review for a total of 1,152 patients. All studies showed a significant reduction in VVA and/or GSM symptoms (dryness, dyspareunia, itching, burning, dysuria). The pooled mean differences for the symptoms were: dryness -5.15 (95% CI:-5.72,-4.58; P < .001; I²:62%; n = 296), dyspareunia -5.27 (95% CI:-5.93,-4.62; P < .001; I²:68%; n = 296), itching -2.75 (95% CI:-4.0,-1.51; P < .001; I²:93%; n = 281), burning -2.66 (95% CI:-3.75, -1.57; P < .001; I²:86%; n = 296) and dysuria -2.14 (95% CI:-3.41,-0.87; P < .001; I²:95%; n = 281). FSFI, WHIS and VMV scores also improved significantly. The pooled mean differences for these scores were: FSFI 10.8 (95% CI:8.41,13.37; P < .001; I²:84%; n = 273), WHIS 8.29 (95% CI:6.16,10.42; P < .001; I²:95%; n = 262) and VMV 30.4 (95% CI:22.38,38.55; P < .001; I²:24%; n = 68). CO2-Laser application showed a beneficial safety profile and no major adverse events were reported.Clinical ImplicationsVaginal laser treatment resulted in both a statistically and clinically significant improvement in GSM symptoms. FSFI improved significantly in all 8 included studies but it reached a clinically relevant level only in 2 of them.Strengths & LimitationsThe strength of the current meta-analysis is the comprehensive literature search. We reported data from a high number of patients (1,152) and high number of laser applications (more than 3,800). The main limitations are related to the high heterogeneity of the included studies investigating laser effects. Moreover, most of them are single center and nonrandomized studies.ConclusionThe data suggest that CO2-Laser is a safe energy-based therapeutic option for the management of VVA and/or GSM symptoms in postmenopausal women; however, the quality of the body of evidence is “very low” or “low”.Filippini M, Porcari I, Ruffolo AF, et al., CO2-Laser therapy and Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Sex Med 2022;19:452–470.     

Does Obesity Influence Body Mass Index Changes in Nulliparous Adolescent Users of Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives?

ObjectivesTo compare body mass index (BMI) changes in adolescents using long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), specifically, the etonogestrel subdermal implant (ENG-implant), levonorgestrel intrauterine device (LNG-IUD), and copper IUD (Cu-IUD), by initial BMI category from the time of LARC insertion to within 6-18 months after insertion.DesignThis was a single-center retrospective cohort study.Setting and ParticipantsWe reviewed electronic health records from our large health system to identify and follow a cohort of 196 adolescents aged 14-19 years with LARCs inserted from 2010 to 2016. We excluded adolescents with conditions or medications affecting weight, including childbirth.Main Outcome MeasureBMI change from LARC insertion to first BMI documented after 6-18 monthsResultsMean age was 17.2 ± 0.2 years; 59% of the cohort was Hispanic and 29% Black. Mean BMI was 26.4 ± 7.1 kg/m². Of the total cohort of adolescents, 51% were underweight/normal, 24% overweight, and 25% obese. Mean time to first BMI documented after LARC insertion was 10.1 ± 3.2 months. Mean BMI change for the total cohort was +0.73 ± 1.8 kg/m², indicating weight gain. Mean BMI change for the ENG-implant + LNG-IUD users (n = 127) was larger than for Cu-IUD users (n = 69) (+0.92 ± 1.9 kg/m² vs +0.37 ± 1.6 kg/m², respectively, P < .05). Two-way analysis of variance showed that both initial BMI category (P = .001) and type of LARC (P = .011) had an independent significant main effect on BMI change. A significant interaction effect (P = .017) showed that obese adolescents had a larger increase in BMI when they were using a progestin-releasing LARC, either ENG-implant or LNG-IUD, as compared to a Cu-IUD (P < .05).ConclusionAdolescents using progestin-releasing LARCs had a larger increase in BMI within 6-18 months after device insertion than those using Cu-IUDs. The disproportionate increase in BMI with progestin-releasing LARCs was primarily contributed by obese users.     

Electroacupuncture and acupuncture in the treatment of anxiety - A double blinded randomized parallel clinical trial

BackgroundThe estimated number of people living with anxiety disorders worldwide is around 264 million and is estimated to have worsened with the recent pandemic of COVID-19. Acupuncture has shown to have excellent therapeutic effects in reducing anxiety.DesignDouble-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial with 56 participants (21–82 years) with anxiety diagnosed by 3 different anxiety scales (BAI, GAD-7 and OASIS). A 30-min acupuncture session was applied once a week for 10 weeks.AimsEvaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture and electroacupuncture in the treatment of anxiety to verify if: (1) People with high anxiety report reduced scores after 5 and 10 sessions; (2) Salivary cortisol levels accompanied the reduced scores; (3) Electroacupuncture treatment is more effective than acupuncture; (4) the treatments is independent of anxiolytic medication.MethodsVolunteers were randomized into 3 groups (control, acupuncture, and electroacupuncture). The results were analyzed by anxiety scales and salivary cortisol tests.ResultsThe findings show an improvement in anxiety, assessed by BAI, GAD-7 and OASIS, after the 5th session of acupuncture (p < 0.05) and electroacupuncture (p < 0.05) and the 10th session for both techniques (p < 0.001). The salivary cortisol values measured in the morning followed this pattern (p < 0.05), although the reduction of the night cortisol values was not statistically significant. Electroacupuncture and acupuncture show similar efficacy. The positive effect after the treatments is independent of anxiolytic medication (p < 0.001).ConclusionAcupuncture and electroacupuncture are effective in treating anxiety on their own or as adjuncts to pharmacological therapy.Trial registration numberNºP445-08/2017 (Unidade de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde);     

Efficacy and Safety of Ayurveda interventions in the management of conjunctivitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundConjunctivitis is the inflammation of the conjunctiva. Although data on clinical efficacy and safety of various ayurvedic treatments in conjunctivitis is published, systematic review is not done. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ayurvedic treatments in conjunctivitis.MethodsA literature search of the Cochrane Library (Cochrane central register of controlled trials: issue 6 of 12, June 2018), Pub Med, AYUSH research portal (Govt. of India), DHARA portal, Google scholar and online clinical trials registers was done. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-randomized controlled trials (QRCTs), controlled clinical trials (CCTs) and multiple arms clinical trials were identified in which Ayurveda treatments with any dose, type, schedule, drug, dosage form, and advised Pathayapathya (lifestyle changes) were selected.ResultsWe identified 13 eligible RCTs, five CCTs and two multiple arms clinical trials which includes a total of 816 participants. Meta analysis of data from five trials showed that ayurvedic treatments benefitted more compared with non-ayurveda interventions in symptoms like itching (SMD = −0.98, 95% CI (−1.30,-0.65) p < 0.00001, I² = 38%), pain (SMD = −0.57, 95% CI (−0.87, −0.29, P = 0.0001, I² = 0%), ropy discharge (SMD = −1.02, 95% CI(−1.45, −0.59), P < 0.00001, I² = 0%), conjunctival congestion (SMD = −0.67, 95% CI (−0.91, −0.43), p < 0.00001, I² = 0%), foreign body sensation (SMD = −0.68, 95% CI(−1.06, −0.29), p = 0.0006, I² = 46%, Fig. 8) and lid heaviness (SMD = −0.66, 95% CI(- 0.98, −0.33), p < 0.0001, I² = 0%).ConclusionsAlthough some findings confirm the benefit of ayurveda as opposed to non ayurveda for the treatment of conjunctivitis, since the studies have high risk of bias and are of lower quality, the findings could not be generalized. There is a need for high quality studies in ayurveda in this regard.Prospero registrationCRD42019129436.     

A pilot randomized controlled clinical trial of dance practice for functionality in autistic children and adolescent with all levels of need support

ObjectiveThis study addressed dance practice intertwining communication, functional independence and social behavior in autistic children and adolescents with all levels of need support.DesignA pilot randomized clinical trial with seventy-two participants between 8 and 15 years old were assessed for eligibility.SettingTheater rehearsal room and mental health clinic.InterventionsDance group (n = 17) or control group (n = 19), 24 sessions, once a week, lasting 40 min.Main outcome measuresThe Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC), Autistic Screening Questionnaire (ASQ), Childhood Autism Rate Scale (CARS), Functional Independence Measure (FIM), and World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS, version 2.0, to assess mothers’ functioning) were applied at two time points: baseline and end-point.ResultsDifferences between dance and control groups were significant at post-intervention for communication (mean difference: 1.31; 99.8%CI: 0.29, 2.32, p < 0.001, d = 0.93); social cognition (mean difference: 1.01; 99.8%CI: 0.13, 1.89, p < 0.001, d = 0.82); autistic behavior (mean difference: 11.82; 99.8%CI: 17.33, −6.31, p < 0.001, d = 1.45).ConclusionsIn this preliminary study, the findings provide ways of communication and social interaction through dance practice by autistic children and adolescents with all levels of support needs. Research on neurodiversity is needed to understand its feasibility and the lifestyle appropriation.     

Manipulative and body-based methods in chronic kidney disease patients: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials

Backgroundand purpose: Among chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, manipulative and body-based methods (MBM) have demonstrated efficacy in improving symptoms such as fatigue. This review aims to summarize the efficacy and safety of MBM among CKD patients.MethodsA systematic review was performed in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, CENTRAL and PsycInfo. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) which evaluated the use of MBM among adult CKD patients were included. The grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to determine the risk of bias and certainty of evidence. The efficacy of each MBM was determined by reduction in symptom severity scores. All adverse reactions were documented.ResultsOf 8529 articles screened, 55 RCTs were included. Acupressure (n = 23), massage therapy (n = 17), reflexology (n = 6) and acupuncture (n = 5) were the most studied MBMs. Acupressure and reflexology were shown to reduce sleep disturbance and fatigue by 6.2–50.0% and 9.1–37.7% respectively. For uremic pruritus, acupressure and acupuncture reduced symptoms by 34.5–77.7% and 56.5–60.2% respectively. Common adverse reactions associated with acupressure included intradialytic hypotension (20.4%) and dizziness (11.1%) while that of acupuncture included elbow soreness (7.5%) and bleeding (7.5%). No adverse effects were reported for massage therapy, moxibustion, reflexology and yoga therapy.ConclusionAcupressure, reflexology and massage therapies were the most well-studied MBMs which have demonstrated efficacy in alleviating sleep disturbance, fatigue and uremic pruritus symptoms in CKD patients.     

Association between Endometriosis and Risk of Preeclampsia in Women Who Conceived Spontaneously: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

ObjectiveTo evaluate the association between endometriosis and the risk of preeclampsia and other maternal outcomes in spontaneously conceived women.Data SourcesPubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were systemically searched for studies published from inception to November 2021 (CRD42020198741). Observational studies published in English or French that investigated the risk of preeclampsia in women with endometriosis who conceived spontaneously were included.Methods of Study SelectionA total of 610 articles were reviewed once duplicates were removed. Inclusion criteria included spontaneous conception and surgical and/or imaging ascertainment of an endometriosis diagnosis. Exclusion criteria included conception using assisted reproductive technologies, multiple pregnancies, chronic hypertension, and unclear diagnoses of endometriosis.Tabulation, Integration, and ResultsData of selected studies were extracted, and analysis was performed on Review Manager, version 5.4. Quality assessment of included studies for potential risk of bias was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for cohort studies. Three cohort studies of spontaneous pregnancies were included. Endometriosis was associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia (risk ratio [RR] = 1.47, 95% CI 1.13 -1.89, p = .003; I² = 0%; n = 3 studies). A sensitivity analysis excluding a study with adenomyosis cases yielded similar risk (RR = 1.44; 95% CI, 1.11–1.87; p = .006; I² = 0%; n = 2 studies). Having endometriosis did not significantly increase risk of cesarean delivery (RR = 1.38; 95% CI, 0.99–1.92; p = .06; I² = 80%; n = 2 studies) or postpartum hemorrhage (RR = 1.16; 95% CI, 0.46–2.91; p = .76; I² = 50%; n = 2 studies).ConclusionWe detected an increased risk of preeclampsia in women with endometriosis who conceived spontaneously. Endometriosis did not seem to increase the risk of cesarean delivery and postpartum hemorrhage, but the number of studies was limited, and the heterogeneity was high.     

Sexual Dysfunction in Women With End-Stage Renal Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BackgroundIn women with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), female sexual dysfunction (SD) remains underestimated.AimTo explore the prevalence, correlates, diagnostic approach and treatment modalities of sexual symptoms in females with ESRD.MethodsWe performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate both the prevalence of SD and the pooled Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) scores in ESRD females. Similarly, for studies reporting the FSFI score before and after renal transplantation (RT), we estimated the effect of RT on sexual function. Further assessment of heterogeneity was conducted via subgroup and sensitivity analyses, cumulative meta-analysis and univariate meta-regression of important correlates. Records were identified through searching PubMed, Cochrane Library and Scopus databases as well as sources of grey literature until November 2020 (PROSPERO ID: CRD42020215178).OutcomesWe included 47 studies with 61 patient group entries and 3490 ESRD female individuals (median age: 45.2 years, ΙQR: 40.4-50.6).ResultsThe SD prevalence in all females with ESRD was 74% (95%CI: 67%-80%, I² = 92%) and the FSFI total score 16.1 points (95%CI: 14.3-17.8, I² = 98%). The female SD prevalence was 63% (95%CI: 43%-81%, I² = 92%) in renal transplant recipients, 80% (95%CI: 72%-87%, I² = 91%) in hemodialysis patients and 67% (95%CI: 46%-84%, I² = 90%) in peritoneal dialysis patients. The total FSFI score improved by 7.5 points (95%CI: 3.9-11.1, I² = 92%) after RT. Older age and menopause were associated with higher SD prevalence.Clinical TranslationFemale SD is highly prevalent in all ESRD women, but renal transplant recipients reported improved sexual function.Strengths & LimitationsWe provide the first study about SD in females and assessed the role of RT on sexual function. Contrary, none of the included studies evaluated the concomitant presence of distress with SD. The levels of heterogeneity were substantially high for all outcomes and we could not adjust for further correlates, which might have affected our measures.ConclusionsSexual symptoms negatively affect the quality of life and warrants appropriate clinical attention, as they are an underdetermined and undertreated clinical entity in females with ESRD. Studies on treatment modalities of female SD in patients with ESRD are mandatory, as currently no relevant studies or clinical recommendations exist.Pyrgidis N, Mykoniatis I, Tishukov M, et al. Sexual Dysfunction in Women With End-Stage Renal Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Sex Med Rev 2021;18:936–945.     

Acupuncture for type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BackgroundAcupuncture has been used to treat type 2 diabetes (T2DM) for 2000 years and there are emerging clinical evidence and animal studies for its efficacy. However, we are unable to conclude the effectiveness and safety on this issue yet.ObjectivesTo assess the effects and safety of acupuncture for T2DM.MethodsWe systematically searched 5 databases and 2 clinical registry platforms from inception to 2018-6-4. RCTs for acupuncture or its variants compared with sham acupuncture or no acupuncture controls for T2DM were included. The primary outcomes were glycemic control and adverse events.ResultsA total of 21 studies, which comprised a total of 1943 participants, were included in the final meta-analysis. Compared with sham acupuncture or no acupuncture plus baseline treatments, acupuncture plus baseline treatments yield reduction in FBG(MD 1.21 mmol/l, 95%CI 1.56 to 0.87), 2 h BG(MD 2.13 mmol/l, 95%CI 2.79 to 1.46), HA1c (MD 1.12%, 95%CI 1.62 to 0.62). Our results also show acupuncture can improve blood lipids and blood pressure control, and reduce weight.ConclusionsAs one type of multifactorial intervention, acupuncture could be recommended as a supplementary treatment in the management of T2DM, especially in those with obesity or metabolic disorders. However, due to the small sample size, poor methodological quality of trials reviewed, the amount of evidence is not fully convincing. There is a need for well-planned, long-term studies.RegistrationInternational Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (Number CRD42018094573).     

Surgical Treatments of Chronic Vulvar Pain After Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting

BackgroundVulvar and in particular clitoral pain can affect women with Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C). To date, there is no comprehensive study on the different available treatments for vulvar pain after FGM/C.AimTo study the outcome of surgical treatments of vulvar and/or clitoral pain among women living with FGM/C.MethodsRetrospective review of the consecutive medical files of all 506 women who consulted at a specialized outpatient clinic for women with FGM/C between April 1, 2010 and December 31, 2017.OutcomeSubjective change in chronic vulvar pain after surgical treatment.ResultsIn total, 36.1% of women (n = 183) experienced chronic pain, all types included, among which 2.8% (n = 14) experienced provoked or unprovoked chronic vulvar pain. Among the 14 women with provoked or unprovoked chronic vulvar pain, ten (71.4%) underwent surgical treatment: 7 underwent resection of vulvar scar complications (cysts, bridles, adhesions) with (n = 4) or without (n = 3) concomitant defibulation, 3 had clitoral reconstruction and one had labium reconstruction with removal of peri-clitoral adhesion. Nine out of ten (90%) experienced resolution of pain after surgery and the remaining woman (10%) was lost to follow-up.Clinical ImplicationsSafe and effective surgical treatments exist and patients with chronic vulvar pain post-FGM/C should be referred to specialists who would consider appropriate indications for surgery and support informed decision-making and treatment.Strengths & LimitationsThe strengths of this research are the big sample size of women from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds, as well as the availability of pre- and postsurgery iconographic material and histology. Limitations include a subjective reporting of pain without validated questionnaires.ConclusionEffective surgical treatments for provoked or unprovoked chronic vulvar pain post-FGM/C are clitoral reconstruction, defibulation, cystectomy, and bridle removal. Surgical treatments should be combined with a culturally sensitive multidisciplinary care and follow-up. Bazzoun Y., Aerts L., Abdulcadir J. Surgical Treatments of Chronic Vulvar Pain After Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting. J Sex Med 2022;19:290–301.     

Progressive resistance exercise as complementary therapy improves quality of life and body composition in anorexia nervosa: A randomized controlled trial

Backgroundand purpose: Exercise has not typically been used as an adjunct in treatment of anorexia nervosa (AN). This study aimed to examine the effects of progressive resistance exercise (PREx) on perceived quality of life (QoL) and body composition in adolescents with AN.Materials and methodsForty-four adolescents diagnosed with AN were randomly allocated to either PREx or control groups after hospitalization. The PREx group completed twenty-four PREx sessions over two months including three sets of 8–10 repetitions of eight whole-body exercises at a moderate intensity. QoL and body composition were evaluated at baseline and after two months using Health Questionnaire Short-Form 36 (SF-36) and anthropometric measurements.ResultsAt completion, forty-one participants (n = 19 PREx, and n = 22 controls) with mean age of 12.78 ± 0.88 years and mean body mass index of 18 ± 2.2 kg/m² were analyzed. Significant group x time effects were found on SF-36 role physical (RP) scores. Significant improvements with large effect sizes (d > 0.72) were found in RP, and arm circumferences in the PREx group. Spearman association analyses between percent change in anthropometric variables and change in QoL scores showed positive associations with moderate-to-large effect sizes in the PREx group among the following variables: mid-thigh-circumference, physical functioning (PF) and general health (GH); calf-circumference relaxed and body pain; biceps skinfold and GH scores; triceps-skinfold, and role physical (RP) and vitality (VT); supraspinale-skinfold and RP and VT; mid-thigh-skinfold and calf-skinfold and VT.ConclusionPREx after hospitalization enables modest positive changes in QoL associated to anthropometric changes in adolescents with AN without adverse effects on weight recovery.