The impact of anesthesia and mode of delivery on the urinary bladder in the postdelivery period

Objective

To evaluate the effect of regional anesthesia and mode of delivery on the function of the urinary bladder. The primary outcome was the time taken for urinary bladder sensation to return following various modes of delivery and analgesia/anesthesia. The secondary outcome was the volume of urine present in the bladder when sensation returned.

Methods

The study was conducted at the Birmingham Women's Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK. A total of 120 postnatal patients were studied between January 2007 and March 2008. The volume of urine in the bladder when sensation first returned was measured by release of a clamp for women fitted with an indwelling catheter, and/or estimated using ultrasound.

Results

The median times for sensation to return to the bladder in patients who had a vaginal delivery without epidural analgesia, vaginal delivery with epidural analgesia, and after elective cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia were 122 minutes (IQR, 112-136 minutes), 234 minutes (IQR, 202-291 minutes), and 374 minutes (IQR, 311-425 minutes), respectively. The median urine volumes were 144 mL (IQR, 112-192 mL), 200 mL (IQR, 136-336 mL), and 152.5 mL (IQR, 125-270 mL), respectively.

Conclusion

These results should be taken into consideration when formulating a postdelivery bladder care protocol.     

A noninvasive evaluation of autonomic nervous system dysfunction in women with an overactive bladder

Objective

To verify the hypothesis that a connection exists between overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome and a bladder-specific dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system (ANS).

Method

An electrocardiogram recorded heartbeat cycles from the onset of urinary urgency to 5 minutes after voiding in 33 women with an overactive bladder and 176 controls. Power spectral density (PSD) analysis allowed to quantify heart rate variability (HRV), which is in relation to ANS function. Three-dimensional spectrograms and multiscale entropy graphs were used to display HRV values.

Results

The differences between patients and controls were all significant in the time and frequency domains of HRV (P < 0.05), which suggests disturbances in bladder-specific ANS activity in women with OAB.

Conclusion

By quantifying HRV data, PSD analysis provides a simple, noninvasive method of assessing disturbances in ANS activity and monitoring treatment in women with OAB. It can also be used to evaluate other neuronal conditions.     

Determinants of fertility and reproductive success after hysteroscopic septoplasty for women with unexplained primary infertility: a prospective analysis of 88 cases

Objective

To evaluate prospectively the effect of hysteroscopic septoplasty as therapy for unexplained primary infertility in women with uterine septum as a sole cause for reproductive failure and to define the factors influencing reproductive success.

Study design

In a prospective comparative study, we enrolled 103 infertile women with uterine septum as a sole cause for reproductive failure. They had had unexplained primary infertility >2 years and a follow-up >12 months. Uterine anomalies were diagnosed by means of hysterosalpingography (HSG) and 2D-transvaginal sonography (TVS) with intrauterine saline infusion. Hysteroscopic septoplasty was performed in the early follicular phase. Pregnancy rates (PR) according to patient and septum characteristics (septum size) were the main outcome measures.

Results

Follow-up was complete for 88 patients. The mean (±SD) age of the patients was 36.1 ± 2.1 years. Forty-two patients became pregnant (40.7%). The mean (±SD) delay in conception was 7.5 ± 2.6 months. Nearly 80% of the pregnant women conceived spontaneously. Of 44 pregnancies in 42 women, 36 live newborns were delivered. The PR was significantly higher in women <35 years of age or with <3 years of unexplained primary infertility. Moreover, in women with a septum size larger than one-half of their uterine length the PR was significantly higher than those with septum size <1/2 of their uterus (P = .12).

Conclusion

Fertility and pregnancy after hysteroscopic septoplasty in women with unexplained primary infertility and uterine septum as a sole cause for reproductive failure seems to depend on patient age, duration of infertility before septoplasty, and septum size. Women with a septum size larger than one-half of their uterine length have a higher chance of successful pregnancy after hysteroscopic septoplasty.     

Increased matrix metalloproteinases-1,-9 in the uterosacral ligaments and vaginal tissue from women with pelvic organ prolapse

Objectives

To investigate the possible association of increased matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)-1,-9 with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and to evaluate whether inflammatory processes contribute to its development.

Study design

Forty women who underwent hysterectomy, 20 with POP grade 2 and above, and 20 without POP, participated in the study. Biopsies from the uterosacral ligaments and vaginal mucosa were obtained from each woman. Each biopsy was sectioned and stained for MMP-1 and MMP-9 by immunohistochemical methods and with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E). MMP-1,-9 expressions were evaluated on the immunostained slides. H&E stained sections were examined for possible inflammatory changes.

Results

A higher stromal (extra-cellular) expression of MMPs-1,-9 was found in POP cases compared with controls in vaginal biopsies (MMP-1: p = 0.004; MMP-9: p = 0.042) as well as in uterosacral ligament biopsies (MMP-1: p = 0.011; MMP-9: p = 0.015). Increased intracellular expression of both MMPs was also demonstrated in fibroblasts in biopsies of women with POP (p < 0.001 for all). Most of these differences persisted after controlling for age. The degree of inflammatory changes reflected by the number of lymphocytes, plasma cells and capillary-sized blood vessels per 10 high power fields, was similar in specimens obtained from women with and without POP.

Conclusions

The expression of MMPs-1,-9 appears to be increased in tissues from women with POP. This supports an association, although not a causal relation, between increased MMPs-1,-9 and POP. Inflammation does not seem to play an important role in the pathogenesis of POP.     

Sexual dysfunction among women of low-income status in an urban setting

Objective

To determine demographic and clinical conditions associated with sexual dysfunction among women of low-income status living in an urban setting.

Methods

Cross-sectional study of 102 consecutive women attending an urban gynecology clinic. Women were given validated questionnaires to measure sexual function, depression, urinary incontinence, and erectile dysfunction in the partner. The association of sexual dysfunction with demographic variables, depression, urinary incontinence, and sexual function in the partner was assessed by the respondent.

Results

The prevalence of sexual dysfunction was 37.3% (n = 38). Women with sexual dysfunction reported significantly lower scores on all subscales of sexual function compared with women without sexual dysfunction. Women with sexual dysfunction were more likely to be older (33 ± 11.2 vs 28.7 ± 8.6; P < 0.04), unemployed (68% vs 47%; P < 0.03), and report depression (OR 4.4; 95% CI, 1.7-11.3), urinary urge incontinence (OR 2.7; 95% CI, 1.2-7.3), and intake of multiple medications (OR 5.4; 95% CI, 1.6-20.1). On multivariate analysis, depression and urge urinary incontinence were independently associated with sexual dysfunction.

Conclusion

Female sexual dysfunction is associated with the presence of depression and urge urinary incontinence in women of low-income status living in an urban setting.     

Endometrial cancer survivors' assessment of the benefits of exercise

Objective

The majority of women who have had endometrial cancer remain at risk for obesity related diseases. The social cognitive theory was used to explore their beliefs about exercise to aid in the development of effective interventions.

Methods

Women who had been treated for Stage I endometrial cancer were asked about their level of exercise to determine if they had been exercising regularly for more than 6 months (exercisers vs non-exercisers). They were asked to rate the likelihood that exercise would result in various health outcomes (expectations) and to rate the importance of these outcomes (expectancies). Scores for how likely exercise would result in an outcome of importance were calculated. Height and weight were obtained from nurses for calculation of BMI. Statistics were conducted using SPSS v 15.

Results

There were 106 valid questionnaires (86% participation rate); 41% were exercisers. Mean BMI was significantly lower in exercisers (31.6 ± 1.2 vs. 37.3 ± 1.2, p = 0.001); a significantly greater proportion reported not having diabetes, heart disease or hypertension (69.8% vs. 49.2%, p = 0.035). Exercisers were significantly more likely to report that feeling better physically and emotionally versus reducing the risk of diseases were likely and important outcomes of exercise (18.2 ± 0.8 vs 15.0 ± 1.0, p = 0.002).

Conclusions

Exercisers identified outcomes of exercise that are more immediate and subjective as being important and likely outcomes of exercise. Focusing on these aspects of exercise (feeling better physically and emotionally) may aid in the development of effective interventions for non-exercisers.     

The predictive value of pre-treatment cystometry in the outcome of women with mixed incontinence treated with duloxetine

Objectives

Whilst auditing the results of women treated with duloxetine, it was noted that some women with mixed urodynamic stress incontinence (USI) and detrusor overactivity (DO) reported worsening of their incontinence. Duloxetine works by increasing urethral resistance and may alter voiding function. Worsening voiding may result in worsening irritative symptoms. The aim of our study was to assess whether pre-treatment pressure flow studies predicted which women with mixed USI and DO became worse after treatment with duloxetine.

Study design

Women were recruited from our one-stop urogynaecology clinic. All women complained of troublesome mixed urinary symptoms with moderate or severe stress incontinence. Their initial assessment included a detailed history, a physical examination, a 3-day urinary diary, King's Quality of Life questionnaire and filling cystometry.

Results

Fifty seven women were recruited. Thirty (52%) women recorded an improvement in their patient global impression of improvement (PGI-I) score; 18 (32%) recorded no change and nine (16%) women reported worsening bladder symptoms. Pressure flow studies of women who recorded a worsening of their incontinence were compared to those women who recorded no change or an improvement of their incontinence. The maximum flow rate (p = 0.78), average flow rate (p = 0.61), bladder capacity (p = 0.14), detrusor pressure at maximum flow (p = 0.68) and volume voided (0.66) showed no statistical difference when the two groups were compared. The pre-treatment voiding time (p = 0.04) was statistically longer in women who got worse following treatment with duloxetine.

Conclusion

Pre-treatment pressure flow studies may be useful in predicting the outcome of treatment with duloxetine. Women who report worsening of their incontinence are more likely to have a longer voiding time compared to women who do not report worsening. Hence a prolonged voiding time may predict a poorer outcome for women treated with duloxetine.     

Monoamniotic-versus diamniotic-monochorionic twin placentas: anastomoses and twin-twin transfusion syndrome

Objective

The purpose of this study was to compare monoamniotic-monochorionic and diamniotic-monochorionic twin placentas and to estimate the incidence of twin-twin transfusion syndrome in monoamniotic-monochorionic twin pregnancies.

Study design

We analyzed the angioarchitecture and cord insertion distance in 24 monoamniotic-monochorionic and 200 diamniotic-monochorionic placentas.

Results

Compared with diamniotic-monochorionic placentas, monoamniotic-monochorionic placentas had significantly more arterioarterial anastomoses (20/20 vs 159/200, respectively; P = .013), significantly less opposite arteriovenous anastomoses (10/20 vs 165/200, respectively; P = .002), similar venovenous anastomoses (6/20 vs 46/200, respectively; P = .323), and arteriovenous anastomoses (20/20 vs 187/200 respectively; P = .279) and significantly shorter umbilical cord distances (median [±SD], 5.0±6.9 cm vs 17.5±6.8 cm; P<.001).

Conclusion

Monoamniotic-monochorionic and diamniotic-monochorionic placentas have different anastomotic patterns. The (virtually) 100% incidence of arterioarterial anastomoses in monoamniotic-monochorionic placentas explains the reason that twin-twin transfusion syndrome rarely occurs in monoamniotic-monochorionic twin pregnancies and predicts that twin-twin transfusion syndrome manifestations are approximately 5 times less often recognized in monoamniotic-monochorionic pregnancies than in diamniotic-monochorionic pregnancies.     

Apnea-hypopnea index in nonobese women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Objective

To assess the influence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) on respiratory events during sleep in nonobese Taiwanese women.

Method

Overnight polysomnography was recorded in 18 nonobese women with PCOS who had not received treatment (body mass index [BMI] 21.7 ± 0.57, age 29.1 ± 1.43 years) and in 10 age- and BMI-matched women without PCOS (BMI 20.9 ± 0.58, age 31.6 ± 3.87 years).

Results

The nonobese women with PCOS had a higher total apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) especially during the non-rapid eye movement stage (AHI_NREM) than the women who did not have PCOS. The women with PCOS had higher serum levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and this was positively correlated with AHI_REM. Total testosterone level was positively correlated with AHI_NREM, and androstenedione was negatively correlated with AHI_NREM.

Conclusion

PCOS was directly linked to increased obstructive respiratory events during sleep in nonobese women in Taiwan.     

Change in the ovarian environment after hysterectomy as assessed by ovarian arterial blood flow indices and serum anti-Müllerian hormone levels

Objective

The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the changes in the ovarian environment after hysterectomy based on ovarian arterial blood flow indices and serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels.

Study design

Ovarian arterial blood flow indices (pulsatile and resistance indices) by Doppler ultrasonography and serum AMH levels were measured at baseline and 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after hysterectomy in 32 women ranging in age from 38 to 49 years, or at the time of screening in 21 age-matched controls. The study subjects underwent hysterectomy with conservation of both ovaries for benign diseases of the uterus (laparoscopy-assisted vaginal hysterectomy [LAVH], n = 26; and total abdominal hysterectomy [TAH], n = 6). The study subjects and controls were analyzed using a t-test or one-way analysis of variance.

Results

No differences existed in demographic profiles, ovarian arterial blood flow indices, and serum AMH levels at baseline between the hysterectomy and control groups. Ovarian arterial blood flow indices did not change before and after surgery, and there were no serial changes in the mean levels of serum AMH at each time point (1.80 ± 1.81 ng/mL [pre-operatively], 1.69 ± 1.62 ng/mL [1 week post-hysterectomy], 1.42 ± 1.34 ng/mL [1 month post-hysterectomy], and 1.52 ± 1.72 ng/mL [3 months post-hysterectomy]; p = 0.805). In addition, no significant differences in ovarian arterial blood flow indices and serum AMH levels existed between the LAVH and TAH groups.

Conclusion

This preliminary study suggests that hysterectomy does not affect the ovarian environment for up to 3 months post-operatively, as assessed by ovarian arterial blood flow indices and serum AMH levels.     

Effect of estradiol on oocyte development

Objective

To determine whether elevated serum estradiol (E₂) concentrations in oocyte donors affect assisted reproduction outcome.

Method

In a retrospective cohort study of 58 consecutive oocyte donation cycles, donors were stratified into 2 groups according to E₂ concentration, group 1 (n = 32; E₂ ≤ 2000 pg/mL [range 456-2000 pg/mL]) and group 2 (n = 27; E₂ > 2000 pg/mL [range, 2062-6957 pg/mL]). Data were analyzed using the t test and χ² test.

Results

Donors in group 1 produced significantly less oocytes than donors in group 2 (19.3 ± 1.7 vs 12.0 ± 1.4; P < 0.001), and recipients of oocytes from group 1 had significantly fewer numbers of embryos available for transfer (10.4 ± 1.1 vs 6.4 ± 0.8; P = 0.003). However, the mean number (3.3) of embryos transferred and the pregnancy rate were the same in both groups.

Conclusion

Elevated estradiol concentration in oocyte donors did not affect pregnancy outcome, suggesting that estradiol levels in donors do not affect oocyte development.     

Maternal serum protein S forms in pregnancies complicated by intrauterine growth restriction

Objectives

The clinical relevance of protein S deficiency in pregnant women remains controversial. Major debate exists regarding which parameter (total protein S antigen, free protein S antigen or functional protein S) should be evaluated in order to define protein S deficiency. The present study aimed to identify which of these parameters correlate with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).

Study design

A retrospective case-control study of women with IUGR (n = 27) and healthy controls (n = 123) in the third trimester of pregnancy.

Results

The maternal serum of women in the IUGR group had significantly lower levels of functional and free protein S compared with the control group: 54.07 ± 24.72% vs 65.20 ± 17.95% (p < 0.005) and 42.88 ± 11.01% vs 56.64 ± 13.30% (p < 0.0001), respectively. No significant correlation was found between total protein S and IUGR.

Conclusions

Levels of functional and free protein S are correlated with IUGR.     

Efficacy of transient abdominal ovariopexy in patients with severe endometriosis

Objective

To assess adhesion formation and fertility outcome after transient abdominal ovariopexy performed in patients with severe endometriosis.

Study design

Retrospective study including 218 patients who underwent surgery for severe endometriosis from 1997 to 2009. One hundred and thirty-nine (64%) patients were infertile. The initial ASRM stage was IV in 139 cases, III in 43 cases and II in 36 cases. Adnexal adhesions were scored by using the Operative Laparoscopy Study Group (OLSG) and modified AFS scoring systems. Unilateral or bilateral transient abdominal ovariopexy of 336 ovaries was performed to prevent adhesion formation or reformation for extensive surgery. In patients who underwent a second operation, adnexal adhesion scores were reported. Fertility outcome was evaluated by a questionnaire.

Results

Second-look surgery was performed after 11.7 ± 2.4 months in 24 patients (11%) who had undergone 38 ovariopexies. Transient abdominal ovariopexy significantly decreased adnexal adhesion scores (p < 0.05). Regarding fertility outcome, the median follow up was 19.6 ± 1.5 months. Fifty-eight patients, out of 105 infertile women who actively tried to conceive after surgery, conceived, 21 (36%) spontaneously and 37 (64%) after ART. The median time interval for conception was 8.6 ± 1 months.

Conclusion

In patients with severe endometriosis, transient abdominal ovariopexy is an effective technique in preventing postoperative adhesion formation and in improving fertility outcome.

Condensation

In 218 patients with severe endometriosis, transient abdominal ovariopexy was an effective technique in preventing adhesion formation and improving fertility outcome.     

A comparative study of the non-pneumatic anti-shock garment for the treatment of obstetric hemorrhage in Nigeria

Objective

To determine whether the non-pneumatic anti-shock garment (NASG) can improve maternal outcome.

Methods

Women were enrolled in a pre-intervention phase (n = 83) and an intervention phase (n = 86) at a referral facility in Katsina, Nigeria, from November 2006 to November 2007. Entry criteria were obstetric hemorrhage (≥ 750 mL) and a clinical sign of shock (systolic blood pressure < 100 mm Hg or pulse > 100 beats per minute). To determine differences in demographics, condition on study entry, treatment, and outcome, t tests and χ² tests were used. Relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated for the primary outcome, mortality.

Results

Mean measured blood loss in the intervention phase was 73.5 ±93.9 mL, compared with 340.4 ± 248.2 mL pre-intervention (P < 0.001). Maternal mortality was lower in the intervention phase than in the pre-intervention phase (7 [8.1%]) vs 21 [25.3%]) (RR 0.32; 95% CI, 0.14-0.72).

Conclusion

The NASG showed potential for reducing blood loss and maternal mortality caused by obstetric hemorrhage-related shock.     

Plasma and placental nitric oxide levels in women with and without pre-eclampsia living at different altitudes

Objective

To investigate the nitric oxide (NO) levels in the plasma and the placentas of pregnant women with pre-eclampsia and women without pre-eclampsia, and to determine the effect of high or low altitude of residence.

Methods

NO was determined by chemoluminescence and group comparisons were performed.

Results

Women with pre-eclampsia (n = 63) had higher plasma NO levels (38.6 ± 17.44 vs 30.6 ± 12.44 µmol/L, P = 0.004) and higher placental NO levels (38.5 ± 17.0 vs 24.3 ± 7.16 ng/mg protein, P < 0.05) compared with women without pre-eclampsia. A similar trend was found when comparisons were made according to altitude of residence. NO levels were significantly higher in the plasma of pre-eclamptic women living at sea level (41.11 ±18.78 vs 28.96 ± 9.57 µmol/L, P = 0.003), and in the placentas of women living at high altitude (39.51 ± 16.98 vs 21.91 ± 6.64 ng/mg protein, P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Women with pre-eclampsia had higher plasma and placental NO levels and the differences were associated with altitude of residence.     

Laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy of endometriomas: surgeons' experience may affect ovarian reserve and live-born rate in infertile patients with in vitro fertilization-intracytoplasmic sperm injection

Objective

To assess whether the laparoscopist's experience can affect ovarian reserve and pregnancy outcome in vitro fertilization-intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF-ICSI) patients who previously underwent laparoscopic conservative treatment for ovarian endometriomas.

Study design

One hundred and forty-nine IVF-ICSI cycles with infertile patients who previously underwent laparoscopic conservative treatment for ovarian endometriomas were enrolled. There were 76 cycles with an inexperienced surgeon and 73 cycles with an experienced surgeon.

Results

The number of antral follicle count (7.5 ± 3.8 vs. 9.6 ± 6.6; p = 0.011), and live-born rate per cycle (9.3% vs. 32.9%; p < 0.001) were significantly lower in the inexperienced group comparing with the experienced group. However, the mean number of oocytes, fertilization rate, mean number of embryos transferred, rate of good-quality embryos transferred, implantation rate and clinical pregnancy were similar between both groups.

Conclusions

The experience of the laparoscopist may affect ovarian reserve and live-born rate after treating ovarian endometrioma in infertile women with IVF-ICSI.     

Bilateral uterine artery ligation plus B-Lynch procedure for atonic postpartum hemorrhage with placenta accreta

Objective

To assess the effectiveness of bilateral uterine artery ligation followed by B-Lynch compression suturing in women with atonic postpartum hemorrhage and placental site bleeding due to adherent placenta accreta.

Method

This protocol was followed in 26 women undergoing cesarean delivery for placenta accreta.

Results

Two women died from disseminated intravascular coagulopathy. In the remaining 24 women, placental remnants completely disappeared within 8 months and ovulation resumed after a mean ± SD of 51.6 ± 3.2 days. Moreover, 18 women (75%) became pregnant within 12 months.

Conclusion

Atonic postpartum hemorrhage and placental site bleeding due to adherent placenta accreta can be safely controlled by bilateral uterine artery ligation followed by B-Lynch compression suturing in women who desire to remain fertile.     

Abdominal surgical incisions and perioperative morbidity among morbidly obese women undergoing cesarean delivery

Objective

To test the hypothesis that there is no difference in perioperative morbidity and the type of uterine incisions between vertical skin incisions (VSI) and low transverse skin incisions (LTSI) at the time of cesarean delivery in morbidly obese women.

Study design

Retrospective cohort study of morbidly obese women (BMI > 35 kg/m²) who underwent cesarean delivery between June 2004 and December 2006.

Results

During the study, 424 morbidly obese women underwent cesarean section. Patients with VSI were older (31.0 ± 6.2 years vs. 26.7 ± 5.8 years), heavier (48.2 ± 9.1 kg/m² vs. 41.7 ± 6.7 kg/m²), and more likely to have a classical than a low transverse uterine incision (65.9% vs. 7.3%), p < 0.001. After controlling for confounders, women with VSI did not have an increase in perioperative morbidity, but underwent more vertical uterine incisions (adjusted odds ratio = 18.49, 95% CI: 6.44, 53.07).

Conclusion

VSI and LTSI are safe in morbidly obese patients undergoing cesarean section, but there is a tendency for increased vertical uterine incisions in those who underwent VSI.     

Uterosacral-cardinal ligament stretching prior to vaginal hysterectomy increases uterine descent: a novel technique

Objective

To examine the effect of uterosacral-cardinal ligament complex stretching prior to vaginal hysterectomy on uterine descent.

Study design

A prospective trial of 25 consecutive women undergoing vaginal hysterectomy. Pre-operative, apical, anterior and posterior wall POP-Q measurements were recorded for each patient before and after uterosacral-cardinal ligament complex stretching during general anesthesia.

Results

Uterosacral-cardinal ligament complex stretching yielded a significant increase in mean stage of uterine and anterior wall descent (2.6 ± 0.6 vs. 3.2 ± 0.6 cm, p < 0.001, and 2.5 ± 0.8 vs. 2.9 ± 0.8 cm, respectively, p < 0.004). There was no significant change in posterior wall prolapse measurements (1.3 ± 0.7 vs. 1.4 ± 0.8 cm, p = 0.05).

Conclusion

Uterosacral-cardinal ligament complex stretching prior to vaginal hysterectomy increase uterine descent.     

Human papillomavirus typing and soluble interleukin-2 receptor levels in female sex workers with a negative cervical smear result

Objective

To investigate the association between high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) types and soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) levels in female sex workers with a negative cervical smear result, and to determine the effectiveness of using sIL-2R levels to screen for high-risk strains of HPV.

Method

A negative cervical smear result and a blood sample were obtained from 68 women: 43 female sex workers and 25 women acting as controls. HPV DNA genotyping was performed and sIL-2R levels were assessed.

Results

Female sex workers had significantly higher sIL-2R levels than women in the control group (318.37 ± 239.7 vs 114.4 ± 56.5 U/mL, respectively P < 0.001). In addition, female sex workers with high-risk strains of HPV had significantly higher sIL-2R levels than those who did not have high-risk strains of HPV (736.7 ± 251.5 vs 250.5 ± 156.1 U/mL, respectively; P = 0.001).

Conclusion

High sIL-2R levels may be useful in screening for high-risk strains of HPV in female sex workers who have a negative cervical smear result.