Assessing the change of anisometropia in unilateral myopic children receiving monocular orthokeratology treatment

BackgroundThis study aimed at comparing the inter-eye axial elongation difference in order to evaluate the change of anisometropia in unilateral myopic children wearing monocular orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lens.MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study, we recruited monocular myopic subjects treated with monocular Ortho-K lens from May 2012 to January 2017. The axial length (AL) of both eyes was recorded, and we calculated the AL difference as our primary outcome, to evaluate myopia progression. High anisometropia was defined as anisometropia more than 2.50D. The generalized estimating equations (GEE) model was used to assess the related risk factors.ResultsA total number of 31 unilateral myopic patients were identified. The initial wearing age of the subjects was 12.32+/−3.07 years. In myopic eyes, the initial spherical equivalent was −2.73+/−0.95 diopter (D). The mean follow-up duration was 2.01+/−1.48 years. A significant reduction in the AL difference was found, from 0.83+/−0.45 millimeters at the baseline to 0.59+/−0.49 millimeters at 24 months (P = 0.039). Besides, after wearing Ortho-K lens for a long term, high anisometropic wearers showed more AL difference reduction than low anisometropic wearers in unilateral myopic children (P=0.002).ConclusionThis study demonstrated that the myopic eyes in unilateral myopic children had less AL growth than the companion emmetropic eyes when treated with monocular Ortho-K lenses. Wearing Ortho-K lens for a long time would present a more significant AL difference reduction in high anisometropic children.     

过氧化物酶增殖体激活受体α、氧固醇7α羟化酶及雌激素受体间调控关系及其与孕鼠肝内胆汁淤积发生的相关性

目的 探讨过氧化物酶增殖体激活受体α(PPARα)、氧固醇7α羟化酶(CYP7B1)、雌激素受体(ER)α及ERβ之间的调控关系与孕鼠肝内胆汁淤积发生的相关性.方法 选择清洁级SD孕鼠80只,随机分为4组,每组20只,自孕第13天起:对照组孕鼠皮下注射精制植物油2.0ml·kg-1·d-1;低剂量组孕鼠皮下注射17-α-乙炔雌二醇(1.0 mg·kg-1·d-1);中剂量组孕鼠皮下注射17-α-乙炔雌二醇(1.25 mg·lg-1·d-1);高剂量组孕鼠皮下注射17-α-乙炔雌二醇(1.5 mg·kg-1·d-1).4组孕鼠于妊娠第21天处死后提取肝脏组织.应用酶联免疫吸附试验检测各组孕鼠血清中丙氨酸转氨酶(ALT)、门冬氨酸转氨酶(AST)、总胆酸(TBA)及胆红素(BIL)水平;应用实时定量PCR技术检测各组孕鼠肝脏组织中PPARα mRNA、CYP7B1 mRNA、ERα mRNA及ERβ mRNA的表达水平.结果 (1)生化指标:对照组孕鼠ALT、AST、TBA及BIL水平分别为(41.1±2.8)U/L、(44.4±3.6)U/L、(26.4±5.6)μmol/L、(2.8±0.2)U/L,低剂量组孕鼠分别为(48.2±3.4)U/L、(47.9±3.7)U/L、(36.4±4.2)μmol/L、(4.2±0.2)U/L,中剂量组孕鼠分别为(70.4±5.3)U/L、(68.4±5.6)U/L、(64.3±3.8)μmol/L、(6.2±1.2)U/L,高剂量组孕鼠分别为(72.4±7.6)U/L、(70.2±3.8)U/L、(72.4±7.8)μmol/L、(8.2±2.2)U/L.低剂量组、中剂量组、高剂量组孕鼠ALT、AST、TBA、BIL水平明显高于对照组(P<0.05);中剂量组、高剂量组孕鼠各生化指标水平明显高于低剂量组(P<0.05).(2)ERαmRNA及ERβmRNA表达水平:ERαmRNA的表达水平在低剂量组(0.76±0.02)、中剂量组(0.99±0.04)和高剂量组(1.21±0.01)孕鼠肝脏组织中呈逐渐升高趋势(P<0.05),并明显高于对照组(0.65±0.01),分别与对照组比较,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);ERβ表达水平在4组孕鼠间分别比较,差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05).(3)CYP7B1 mRNA及PPARα mRNA表达水平:CYP7B1 mRNA的表达水平在低剂量组(0.93±0.01)、中剂量组(0.99±0.06)和高剂量组(1.22±0.04)孕鼠肝脏组织中呈逐渐升高趋势(P<0.05),并明显高于对照组(0.75±0.02),分别与对照组比较,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);PPARα mRNA表达水平在低剂量组(0.83±0.05)、中剂量组(0.71±0.02)和高剂量组(0.64±0.03)孕鼠肝脏组织中呈逐渐降低趋势(P<0.05),并明显低于对照组(1.35±0.05),分别与对照组比较,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05).结论 随着雌激素剂量的增加,PPARα表达水平降低,对CYP7B1表达的抑制作用解除,而导致CYP7B1表达水平升高;而CYP7B1有促进ERα高表达的作用,最终由ERα介导了雌激素诱导的肝内胆汁淤积的发生.提示PPARα、CYP7B1及ER的异常表达,是调控雌激素诱导孕鼠肝内胆汁淤积的发生机制之一.     

A phase 2, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of clinical activity and safety of subcutaneous A6 in women with asymptomatic CA125 progression after first-line chemotherapy of epithelial ovarian cancer

ObjectivesÅ6 is a novel peptide that interferes with single-chain urokinase plasminogen activator activity and has shown anti-angiogenic, anti-migratory, and anti-invasive properties. We evaluated clinical efficacy and safety of subcutaneously administered Å6 in women with epithelial ovarian cancer.MethodsWomen with epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer in clinical remission after first-line chemotherapy with 2 consecutive increases of CA125 values above normal but with no disease on physical examination or imaging studies were randomly assigned to receive daily subcutaneous injections of placebo, low-dose Å6 (150 mg), or high-dose Å6 (300 mg) until disease progression or end of study participation. Primary endpoints were time to clinical progression of disease and safety of Å6. Secondary endpoints were changes in serum CA125 and biomarkers of the urokinase system.ResultsData are available for 24 women (placebo, n = 12; low-dose, n = 8; high-dose n = 4). Å6 therapy was associated with a statistically significant delay in time to clinical progression (log-rank p-value 0.01) with a median of 100 days (95% CI: 64,168) for women who received Å6 compared with 49 days (95% CI: 29,67) for women who received placebo. The treatments appeared to be well tolerated. Treatment was not associated with CA125 response (p = 0.44). On-treatment values for plasma urokinase plasminogen activator receptor were statistically significantly lower in the Å6 groups compared with placebo (p = 0.02).ConclusionsÅ6 therapy increases time to clinical disease progression and appears to be well tolerated in this patient population.     

High-dose compared with low-dose oxytocin for induction of labour of nulliparous women at term

Background: The optimal oxytocin infusion regimen to induce labour with the lowest caesarean section rate, instrumental delivery rate and length of active labour is unclear. We compared the effect of a low-dose to high-dose oxytocin regimen to induce labour.

Materials and methods: We conducted a retrospective study of nulliparous women induced at term in a single tertiary centre from 2009 to 2015. The oxytocin induction protocol changed from a high to low-dose regimen in November 2012, affording us the opportunity to compare outcomes 3 years prior to, and following the change in protocol. Main outcome measures were caesarean section rate, instrumental delivery rate and length of active labour.

Results: Four thousand eight hundred and eighty-five participants were included, 2211 were induced via the low-dose regimen, and 2674 using the high-dose regimen. There was no difference in caesarean section rate (adjusted OR 0.99; 95% CI 0.87–1.13) or instrumental delivery rates once adjusted for regional anaesthesia (adjusted OR 1.16; 95% CI 0.99–1.36) between the different regimens. Surprisingly, the length of labour was longer in the high-dose oxytocin group (adjusted mean difference 0.60?h; 95%CI 0.81–0.12). There were significantly more postpartum haemorrhage ≥1000?ml (10.5% versus 7.8%, p?p?=?.03) in the low-dose cohort. There were no differences in neonatal outcomes.

Conclusion: Outcomes between high- and low-dose oxytocin induction regimens are relatively comparable with similar caesarean section and instrumental delivery rates. Therefore, either regimen is acceptable for use for induction of labour.     

The Effect of Adjuvant Treatment to Prevent and Treat Intrauterine Adhesions: A Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Intrauterine adhesions (IUAs) can lead to partial or complete closure of the uterine cavity, which may result in symptoms including abnormal menstruation, infertility, and pelvic pain. A network meta-analysis was performed to assess the effect of adjuvant therapy on the prevention and treatment of IUAs. We searched electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library, up to May 5, 2017, without language restrictions. The primary outcomes in the present analysis were the rate of IUAs for prevention and the rate of IUA recurrence for treatment. The secondary outcomes included the IUA score and the rate of severity of IUAs. The treatments were then ranked by the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA). We included 20 articles that involved a total of 1891 patients in our analysis. In the outcomes of prevention-related studies, an alginate hyaluronate–carboxymethylcellulose membrane (ACH) (n?=?10, SUCRA score?=?93.3%) was the adjuvant treatment that most effectively reduced IUA incidence. It was followed by intercoat (n?=?10, SUCRA score?=?74.7%) and misoprostol (n?=?10, SUCRA score?=?68.6%). In addition, auto–cross-linked hyaluronic acid (ACP) (n?=?3, SUCRA score?=?83.2%) and intercoat (n?=?3, SUCRA score?=?66.4%) each corresponded to a relatively high preventive effect against severe IUAs. In the treatment-related studies, ACP plus a balloon (n?=?4, SUCRA score?=?96.3%) and a freeze-dried amnion graft plus a balloon (n?=?4, SUCRA score?=?62.7%) most effectively reduced IUA recurrence and had a high probability of most effectively reducing IUA scores. Therefore, according to the prophylactic analysis, ACH and intercoat were most likely to prevent IUA development. In our analysis of agents used to prevent severe IUAs, we found that ACP and intercoat provided significant advantages and had high reliability. In our analysis of treatments, ACP plus a balloon and freeze-dried amniotic agents plus a balloon were most likely to reduce IUA recurrence and IUA scores after adhesiolysis.     

Long-term refractive status of preterm infants from singleton and multiple pregnancies*

Objective: To study the effect of plurality on refractive status in former preterm infants at age 8–12 years.

Methods: Refraction was compared in singletons and multiples, in very low birth weight infants (VLBW, <1500?g) at age 6 months and 8–12 years. Preterm infants were compared with a group of term infants.

Results: Thirty-seven of 104 (36%) VLBW infants were multiples. Comparison of refraction between singletons and multiples revealed no difference at age 6 months, while at age 8–12 years, multiples had significantly more refractive errors (singletons 28% versus multiples 54% p?=?0.01), particularly myopia. In preterms, refractive status at age 6 months and multiple birth were significant predictors of refraction at 8–12 years, while birth weight (BW) and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) were not predictive. Refractive errors were significantly more common in preterms (37%) than in term-born children (14%) (p?=?0.0002). Overall, refraction moved from predominantly hyperopic at 6 months to normal or myopic at age 8–12 years in preterm.

Conclusions: Multiple gestation in preterms is associated with increased risk for refractive errors, particularly myopia in childhood. Refraction in preterms during childhood progresses from hyperopia to myopia. Former preterms have more refractive errors than children born at term-born children.     

Low-Dose Cyproterone Acetate Treatment for Transgender Women

BackgroundTransgender women with intact gonads receive lifelong hormonal treatment to suppress physiologic androgen production, the optimal efficacious and safe cyproterone acetate (CPA) dose has not been established.AimTo assess the effectiveness and safety of low-dose (10–20 mg/day) compared with high-dose (50–100 mg/day) CPA treatment.MethodsWe conducted a historical cohort study of transgender women treated at a tertiary center for transgender health.Outcome MeasuresSerum levels of testosterone, estradiol, prolactin, gonadotrophins, liver enzymes, and lipids.ResultsThere were 38 transgender women in the low-dose group and 26 in the high-dose group. Age (median 24.9 years, interquartile range [IQR] 21–30 vs 25 years, IQR 19–35) and follow-up time (median 12 months, IQR 6–23 vs 15 months, IQR 12–36) were similar in the low- and high-dose groups, respectively. Serum gonadotropins and testosterone were suppressed to a similar level at all time points in both groups. Prolactin levels increased significantly in both groups, however, with a more substantial increase in the high- vs the low-dose group (804 ± 121 vs 398 ± 69 mIU/ml at 12 months, respectively, P = .004). Total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and triglyceride levels were not significantly affected by the dose.Clinical ImplicationsWe suggest an adjustment of current clinical practice guidelines to recommend lower doses of CPA for the treatment of transgender women.Strengths & LimitationsThis is the first demonstration that low-dose CPA treatment of transgender women is effective. Limitations include a relatively small sample and retrospective study design.ConclusionLow-dose CPA treatment of transgender women is as effective as high-dose treatment and possibly safer.Zohar NE, Sofer Y, Yaish I, et al. Low-Dose Cyproterone Acetate Treatment for Transgender Women. J Sex Med 2021;18:1292–1298.     

Vulvar vestibulitis syndrome and estrogen dose of oral contraceptive pills

IntroductionVulvar vestibulitis syndrome (VVS) is a diverse, multifactorial phenomenon. Its precise etiology is unknown.AimTo define the association between oral contraceptive (OC) estrogen dosage and VVS.MethodsWomen diagnosed as having VVS participated in the study.Main Outcome MeasuresData on type and usage of oral contraceptive pills (OC) were obtained by a questionnaire, and they were compared for the data on OC usage in the general population.ResultsAvailable commercial data on Israeli women taking OC showed that 51% of them use low-dose estrogen (≤20 µg) OC and 49% use higher-dose estrogen (30–35 µg) OC. Of the 132 women in the study, 86 (65%) used OC: 68 (79%) used low-dose estrogen OC (P < 0.002 compared to the general population), while only 18 (21%) used high-dose estrogen OC (P < 0.002 compared to the general population).ConclusionSignificantly more patients who are treated in our clinic for VVS use low-dose estrogen than those who use high-dose estrogen OC. Greenstein A, Ben-Aroya Z, Fass O, Militscher I, Roslik Y, Chen J, and Abramov L. Vulvar vestibulitis syndrome and estrogen dose of oral contraceptive pills.     

Epidemiologic study of the prevalence and severity of myopia among schoolchildren in Taiwan in 2000.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: A nationwide survey was performed in 2000 to determine the prevalence and severity of myopia among schoolchildren in Taiwan and to compare these findings with the results of the last survey performed in 1995. METHODS: We first divided the whole island into regions according to developmental grade scores and then sampled with the probability proportional to the size of the population within each stratum. A total of 10,889 students were enrolled, including 5,664 boys and 5,225 girls, with ages ranging from 7 to 18 years. The refractive status and corneal radius of each student were measured with an autorefractometer under cycloplegia and checked with retinoscopy. Axial length was measured using biometric ultrasound. RESULTS: The myopia rate increased from 20% at 7 years, to 61% at 12 years, and 81% at 15 years. A myopic rate of 84% was found for schoolchildren aged 16 years through 18 years. The mean refractive index reached myopic status at the age of 8, and increased to -4.12 D in girls and -3.15 D in boys at the age of 18 years. The prevalence of high myopia (> -6.0 D) at the age of 18 years was 24% in girls and 18% in boys. The increase in axial length corresponded with the progression of myopia. The anterior chamber depth was slightly deeper from 7 years to 13 years and then remained stable. The lens thickness decreased from 7 years to 11 years. After age 15, further thickening of the lens was correlated with both age and severity of myopia. However, the corneal curvature was not related to age or severity of myopia. Girls had a higher prevalence and more severe degree of myopia than boys. Children in urban areas had a higher prevalence and more severe degree of myopia than children in rural areas. CONCLUSION: The prevalence and severity of myopia in schoolchildren in Taiwan in 2000 increased compared to 1995, with the most severe increases occurring in younger age groups. Thus, preventing schoolchildren developing myopia at a young age may slow down the increase in severity of myopia in Taiwan.     

儿童急性白血病细胞周期蛋白D3、E的表达

目的 探讨细胞周期蛋白D3、E的表达与儿童急性白血病(AL)的关系。方法 采用免疫组织化学法，对广西医科大学第一附属医院儿科2002年1月至2004年5月收治的50例初发或复发儿童AL，其中急性淋巴细胞白血病(ALL)30例(高危ALL 12例，标危ALL 18例)，急性非淋巴细胞白血病(ANLL)20例，和26例完全缓解AL(AL CR)患儿，以及23例同期住院的非恶性疾病患儿(对照组)，检测其骨髓细胞中细胞周期蛋白D3、E的表达情况。结果 AL组中细胞周期蛋白D3、E阳性率分别为54%和46%，高于AL-CR组和对照组(P<0.01)；在ALL和ANLL间差异无显著性(P>0.05)。高危ALL细胞周期蛋白D3阳性率明显高于标危ALL(P<0.01)。化疗前细胞周期蛋白D3、E表达阳性率明显高于化疗缓解后(P<0.01)。细胞周期蛋白D3、E在AL组中的表达呈正相关(r=0.298，P<0.01)。结论 细胞周期蛋白D3、E与儿童AL发病有关，它们的表达存在相关性，可作为疗效观察的指标；细胞周期蛋白D3可能与患儿不良预后有关。 Abstract Objective To investigate the relationship between the expression of cyclin D3，cyclin E and childhood acute leukemia(AL).Methods The expression of cyclin D3 and cyclin E was detected in bone marrow cells from 50 cases of newly diagnosed or relapsing AL，in whom there were 30 cases of acute lymphoblastic leukemia(ALL，including 12 cases of high risk ALL and 18 cases of standard risk ALL ) and 20 cases of acute non lymphocytic leukemia(ANLL)，26 cases of complete remission AL(AL CR) patients and 23 cases of control group(no malignant disease) using immunohistochemical assay.Results 54% AL cases were positive for cyclin D3，and 46% for cyclin E，both being remarkably higher than that of AL CR group and control group(P<0.01).There was no difference between ALL and ANLL in the expression of cyclin D3 and cyclin E(P>0.05).The positive expression of cyclin D3 was higher in high risk ALL than that in standard risk ALL(P<0.01).The expressions of cyclin D3 and cyclin E before chemotherapy were significantly higher than that after remission using chemotherapy(P<0.01).There was significantly positive correlation between the expression of cyclin D3 and cyclin E in AL (r=0.5298，P<0.01).Conclusion In childhood AL，the expression of cyclin D3 and cyclin E is quite high，which is related to the development of AL and might be index of treatment effect.There is positive relation between cyclin D3 and cyclin E.Cyclin D3 might be related to poor prognosis. Key words Acute leukemia;Cyclin;Immunohistochemistry     

Safety,Efficacy, and Pharmacokinetic Overview of Low-Dose Daily Administration of Tadalafil

IntroductionSeveral phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors are commercially available for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). Development of the first once-daily alternative dosing regimen with a PDE5 inhibitor was motivated by the behavioral complexities associated with sexual intimacy.AimTo provide an alternative dosing option for certain men who may benefit from the removal of the temporal linkage between administration of an ED therapy and sexual intimacy or for men and their partners who anticipate at least twice-weekly sexual activity.MethodsPharmacokinetic predictions of tadalafil plasma concentrations were generated based upon empirical data following 20-mg, single-dose administration coupled with tadalafil usage patterns from as-needed clinical trials. To support the pharmacokinetic simulations and pharmacodynamic assumptions, clinical trials were conducted to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of once-daily, low-dose tadalafil 2.5 and 5 mg.Main Outcome MeasuresSimulated tadalafil plasma concentrations and comparison with safety and efficacy measures from clinical trials.ResultsBased upon pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic data, once-daily doses of tadalafil 5 mg were predicted to provide therapeutic concentrations that would be maintained throughout the 24-hour dosing interval. Additionally, for a subgroup of men who anticipate at least twice-weekly sexual activity and are currently taking tadalafil 20 mg, a reduction in daily tadalafil exposure was predicted. To support the hypothesis that low-dose, once-daily tadalafil may be a safe and effective treatment alternative, clinical trials were conducted to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of once-daily tadalafil 2.5 and 5 mg. These results were similar to those of historical as-needed studies evaluating tadalafil 10 and 20 mg.ConclusionsConsistent with pharmacokinetic predictions, data from clinical trials indicate that once-daily use of low-dose tadalafil is a safe and effective treatment for men with ED. Wrishko R, Sorsaburu S, Wong D, Strawbridge A, and McGill J. Safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetic overview of low-dose daily administration of tadalafil. J Sex Med 2009;6:2039–2048.     

儿童急性白血病SODD和P65蛋白的表达及临床意义

目的 探讨儿童急性白血病SODD和P65蛋白的表达及其临床意义。 方法 2004年3~11月采用免疫组化SABC法，检测华中科技大学同济医学院附属同济医院儿科住院急性白血病(AL)患儿骨髓涂片中SODD、P65蛋白表达。 结果 33例AL中，SODD和P65表达阳性率分别为54.5%(18/33)和45.5%(15/33)，与正常对照组相比差异有显著性(P<0.05)；25例急性淋巴细胞白血病(ALL)中，SODD和P65表达的阳性率分别为56.0%(14/25)和48.0%(12/25)，与正常对照组相比差异有显著性(P<0.05)。ALL高危病例组中SODD阳性表达率为75.0%(12/16)，较标危病例组阳性率高，差异有显著性(P<0.05)。33例AL患儿中SODD和P65均为阳性12例，均阴性16例，表达一致符合率为84.8%(28/33)，两者的表达呈正相关(P<0.01,r=0.69)。 结论 SODD和P65均参与了AL的发生发展；SODD过表达与儿童ALL的发生、临床分型以及预后均有密切关系。     

Phase III double-blind randomized trial of radiation therapy for stage IIIb cervical cancer in combination with low- or high-dose Z-100: treatment with immunomodulator, more is not better

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the efficacy of low or high-dose immunomodulator, Z-100, in combination with radiotherapy for cervical cancer. METHODS: Between 1995 and 1999, 221 patients with stage IIIb squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix were randomly assigned to treatment with Z-100 either at 0.2 microg or 40 microg in a double-blind manner in combination with radiotherapy. RESULTS: The 5-year survival of patients with high-dose and low-dose Z-100 was 41.5% (95% CI: 31.7-51.3%) and 58.2% (95% CI: 48.7-67.7%), respectively, showing a 30% reduction in the death rate (hazard ratio: 0.670 [95% CI: 0.458-0.980], P = 0.039). Survival of high-dose group was equivalent to the 4-year survival of the radiotherapy plus hydroxyurea arm (49.7%) of GOG120 study, and that of low-dose group was similar to the survival of the cisplatin-based chemoradiation arm. The progression-free survival was also significantly improved in favor of low-dose group (hazard ratio: 0.667 [95% CI: 0.447-0.997], P = 0.048). The survival of low-dose group was similar to the survival of the cisplatin-based chemoradiation arms of the GOG120 study. CONCLUSIONS: Unexpectedly, the survival of patients with advanced cervical cancer treated by lower dose of Z-100 in combination with radiotherapy was significantly better than those treated with higher dose Z-100, which was equivalent to the survival with radiotherapy alone. The hypothesis that lower dose of Z-100 enhances the efficacy of radiation therapy is now being tested by placebo-controlled randomized trial.     

Advantage of low-dose oral contraception

The efficacy, clinical tolerance, and safety of combined oral contraceptives of .5-2 mg and of continuous progestagens of 30-300 mcg are summarized. The low-dose combined pills still inhibit the preovulatory LH peak, suppress the endometrium, and modify cervical mucus. They rarely cause trivial side effects like weight gain, headaches, gastrointestinal symptoms, but are accompanied by more irregular bleeding than are conventional combined pills. Rish of thromboembolism is unknown but probably less than that associated with high-dose pills. Continuous 300 mcg norethindrone or 30 mcg norgestrel is less effective (2% failures) and permits more menstrual side effects than do combined pills.     

The association between calcium supplement and preeclampsia and gestational hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to investigate whether calcium supplement with or without other drugs could reduce the risk of preeclampsia and gestational hypertension based on existed evidence, and to clarify whether there is discrepant effect among different population and using different dose.

Methods: PubMed, Cochrane library, and EMBASE database were searched. Two authors independently screened all records and extracted data. The meta-analysis was performed to calculate risk ratios and 95% CIs using random-effects models.

Results: 27 studies, with 28 492 pregnant women were included. The results showed calcium supplement was associated with lower incidence of preeclampsia (RR 0.51, 95% CI: 0.40 to 0.64) and gestational hypertension (RR 0.70, 95% CI: 0.60 to 0.82). Sub-analyses revealed high-dose (1.2–2 g/day), moderate-dose (0.6–1.2 g/day), and low-dose (<0.6 g/day) of calcium supplement could reduce the risk of preeclampsia. For gestational hypertension, only high dose and moderate dose groups were associated with reducing the risk of gestational hypertension. However, we could draw a conclusion which does group was the most protective, as we were unable to directly compare the effects of different doses.

Conclusions: This study indicated calcium supplementation might decrease the risk of preeclampsia and gestational hypertension. And results of subgroups analyses enhanced our confidence to the protective effect of calcium supplementation. However, further studies with direct comparison of different dose of calcium supplementation are needed to explore the ideal dose of calcium supplementation to prevent preeclampsia and gestational hypertension.     

Randomized, double-masked comparison of oxytocin dosage in induction and augmentation of labor.

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that high-dose oxytocin, when used in a masked fashion, would result in shorter labors and less need for cesarean delivery. METHODS: We conducted randomized, double-masked trials of high-dose compared with low-dose oxytocin for augmentation and induction of labor. Patients were randomly assigned to receive oxytocin by either a low-dose protocol (1.5 mU/minute initially, increased by 1.5 mU/minute every 30 minutes) or a high-dose protocol (4.5 mU/minute initially, increased by 4.5 mU/minute every 30 minutes). Oxytocin solutions were prepared by a central pharmacy and infusion volumes (mL/hour) were identical, thus ensuring double masking. RESULTS: A total of 1307 patients were randomized (induction, 816; augmentation, 491). In the group receiving oxytocin for induction, high-dose oxytocin was associated with a significant shortening of labor (oxytocin to complete dilatation: 9.7+/-0.3 compared with 7.8+/-0.2 hours, P<.001; oxytocin to delivery: 10.5+/-0.3 compared with 8.5+/-0.3 hours, P<.001). The cesarean delivery rate with low-dose oxytocin was 15.0%, compared with 11.3% with high-dose oxytocin (P = .17). For nulliparous women undergoing induction, cesarean delivery rates were as follows: Total 17.3% (low dose) compared with 11.7% (high dose), P = .15; cephalopelvic disproportion 11.9% (low dose) compared with 5.9% (high dose), P = .06. When used for augmentation, high-dose oxytocin again was associated with a significant shortening of labor without a significant difference in cesarean birth rates. No differences in neonatal outcomes were noted between the groups for either augmentation or induction. CONCLUSION: When used in a double-masked fashion, high-dose oxytocin is associated with significantly shorter labors without any demonstrable adverse fetal or neonatal effects.     

Low-dose versus high-dose oxytocin augmentation of labor — A randomized trial

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to compare the efficacy and safety of low-dose versus high-dose oxytocin regimens in the augmentation of labor.STUDY DESIGN: Three hundred ten term pregnancies requiring augmentation of labor underwent randomization to receive either a low-dose or high-dose oxytocin augmentation regimen. Maternal demographics, labor-delivery data, and neonatal outcome were compared.RESULTS: The hgih-dose oxytocin group had a significant lower cesarean section rate, regarless of parity (10.4% vs 25.7%. p < 0.001), with no differences in maternal complications and neonatal outcomes. The time needed to correct the labor abnormality as also significantly decreased (1.24 ± 1.4 hours vs 3.12 ± 1.6 hours, p < 0.001) in the high-dose group.CONCLUSIONS: The use of a high-dose oxytocin regimen benefits both nulliparous and multiparous women requiring labor augmentation by significantly lowering both the time necessary to correct the labor normality and the need for cesarean section.     

Effectiveness of dydrogesterone, 17-OH progesterone and micronized progesterone in prevention of preterm birth in women with a short cervix

Objective: To compare the efficacy of dydrogesterone, 17-OH progesterone (17OHP) and oral or vaginal micronized progesterone with cerclage for the prevention of preterm birth in women with a short cervix.

Methods: The study included 95 women with singleton gestation and cervical length (CL) ≤?25?mm. Among these, 35 women were asymptomatic at 15–24?weeks and 60 had symptoms of threatened late miscarriage (LM) or preterm delivery (PD) at 15–32 weeks. Patients were randomized to receive dydrogesterone, 17OHP or oral/vaginal micronized progesterone; after one week of therapy 15 women underwent cerclage.

Results: Efficacy of vaginal progesterone (VP) for the prevention of preterm birth reached 94.1%. In asymptomatic women pregnancy outcomes were comparable to cerclage. In women with threatened LM/PD, combination therapy with VP, indomethacin and treatment of bacterial vaginosis (BV) with the subsequent use VP until 36?weeks together with CL monitoring significantly decreased the rate of preterm birth (RR 0.01; 0.0001–0.24) and low birth weight (LBW) (RR 0.04; 0.01–0.96). CL increase during the first week of treatment with a subsequent plateau phase indicated treatment efficacy. Dydrogesterone, 17OHP, and micronized oral progesterone (OP) were associated with PD in 91.7% of women.

Conclusions: Combination management strategy including VP significantly benefits pregnancy outcomes in women with a short cervix compared with cerclage. Dydrogesterone, 17OHP, and OP were not found to be efficacious.     

Primary dysmenorrhea in adolescent girls and treatment with oral contraceptives

This review examines the prevalence, associated morbidity, and treatment of primary dysmenorrhea in adolescent girls. Relevant literature was examined by systematic, evidence-based review using MEDLINE and Cochrane Collaboration databases. Dysmenorrhea is highly prevalent during adolescence. Despite differences in measurement methods, 20%-90% of adolescent girls report dysmenorrhea and about 15% of adolescents describe their dysmenorrhea as severe. During adolescence, dysmenorrhea leads to high rates of school absence and activity nonparticipation. Most adolescents with dysmenorrhea self-medicate with over-the-counter preparations; few consult healthcare providers. Combined oral contraceptives (COC) are an accepted treatment for dysmenorrhea in nonadolescent women. However, data supporting the efficacy of COC is limited. Very small studies show decreased prostaglandin in menstrual fluid associated with high-dose COC use. Larger studies are limited to cross-sectional comparisons showing lower prevalence of dysmenorrhea in low-dose COC users compared to non-COC users. One small, randomized controlled trial including some adolescents demonstrated an improvement in dysmenorrhea with high-dose COC treatment compared to placebo. The efficacy of low-dose COC in the treatment of adolescent dysmenorrhea has yet to be determined. If effective, well-established safety and noncontraceptive health benefits may make COC an ideal treatment for dysmenorrhea in adolescent girls.