Administration Of Oral Contraceptives Research Articles

Premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder-Overview on pathophysiology, diagnostics and treatment

Premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder become episodically manifest during the second half of the female menstrual cycle and are characterized by psychological and physical symptoms causing relevant functional and social impairments. Mood swings, depression and dysphoria are associated depressive symptoms. Therefore, affective disorders should be considered as adifferential diagnosis. Of women in reproductive age 3-8% suffer from premenstrual syndrome and 2% of women are affected by premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Genetic and sociobiographical risk factors are discussed. Furthermore, genetic polymorphisms of specific hormone receptors are considered to be genetic risk factors. From apathophysiological perspective premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder are caused by acomplex interaction between cyclic changes of ovarian steroids and central neurotransmitters. An imbalance of estrogen and progesterone in the luteal phase is believed to cause the symptoms. Therefore, the first treatment approach consists of regulation of the menstrual cycle or luteal support with progesterone or synthetic progestins even if their effectiveness has not yet been proven in randomized controlled studies and meta-analyses. The administration of combined oral contraceptives is also an option. Especially treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) represent an evidence-based approach. In severe cases the administration of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists with add back treatment can also be considered. In the field of affective disorders premenstrual syndromes represent clinically relevant differential diagnoses and comorbidities, which confront the treating physician with particular clinical challenges. Therefore, this literature review gives the readership a clinical orientation for dealing with these disorders.

Plasma 6β-hydroxycortisol to cortisol ratio as a less invasive cytochrome P450 3A phenotyping method.

A less invasive evaluation method of cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) activity provides an important tool for personalized medicine. We aimed to clarify the usefulness of the plasma 6β-hydroxycortisol to cortisol concentration (6β-OHF/F) ratio as a minimally invasive CYP3A phenotyping method. Plasma 6β-OHF and cortisol concentrations were measured via liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. The plasma 6β-OHF/F ratio was compared with 6β-hydroxylation clearance of endogenous cortisol (CLm(6β); which we previously developed as an index of CYP3A activity) before, during and after oral contraceptive administration in 3 healthy women. The plasma 6β-OHF/F ratio was observed during oral clarithromycin administration. The plasma 6β-OHF/F ratio was also measured in 39 healthy participants. The plasma 6β-OHF/F ratio in 3 healthy women on Day 21 of starting oral contraceptive administration decreased by 39, 49 and 61% compared with Day 0. These values were similar to CLm(6β) values (43, 54 and 59%, respectively). Plasma 6β-OHF/F ratio and CLm(6β) exhibited a good correlation (r = .9053). The 6β-OHF/F ratio decreased from 0.00921 to 0.00577 only 3h following clarithromycin administration. The plasma 6β-OHF/F ratio ranged 0.00565-0.01556 in 39 healthy participants. Based on its close relationship with CLm(6β) and its decrease upon inhibition by clarithromycin, the plasma 6β-OHF/F ratio serves as an index of CYP3A activity. Using this minimally invasive index, we can identify patients with extremely low CYP3A activity before treatment initiation and optimize the initial drug dose, thereby mitigating the risk of severe adverse reactions.

Combined effects of the contraceptive hormones, ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel, on the use of place and response memory in gonadally-intact female rats

During maze navigation rats can rely on hippocampus-mediated place memory or striatum-mediated response memory. Ovarian hormones bias whether females use place or response memory to reach a reward. Here, we investigated the impact of the contraceptive hormones, ethinyl estradiol (EE) and levonorgestrel (LNG), on memory bias. A total of 63 gonadally-intact female rats were treated with either 10 μg/kg of EE alone, 20 μg/kg of LNG alone, both 10 μg/kg of EE and 20 μg/kg of LNG together, or a sesame oil injection with 5% ethanol as a vehicle control. Rats in the control condition were tested during the diestrus phase of the estrous cycle in order to control for the low circulating levels of gonadotropin and ovarian hormones that occur with oral contraceptive administration. Rats treated with LNG alone had a bias towards the use of place memory compared to diestrus phase control rats. This bias was not observed if LNG was administered in combination with EE. Rats treated with EE or EE+LNG did not have a statistically significant difference in memory bias compared to rats in the control group. These data show that synthetic hormones contained in oral contraceptives administered to females influence which cognitive strategy is predominantly used during navigation.

Screening target genes for the treatment of PCOS via analysis of single-cell sequencing data

Background Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition of the female reproductive system and it remains imperative to identify target genes responsible for its pathogenesis and develop therapeutic drugs capable of effectively treating it. Methods We performed primary screening, staging, functional analysis as well as screening of target genes and therapeutic drugs based on single cell sequencing data of 34 oocytes from the GEO database. Results Oxidative phosphorylation played a pivotal role in the development of oocytes, insulin resistance and ovulation disorders. At the cellular level, GV and MI phases were particularly critical for the biology of pregnancy. We screened PGR, SIRT1 and ADAMTS1 as hub differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and found relevant drugs using the Drug-Gene Interaction Database. In clinical study, oral contraceptives and insulin sensitisers were found to be effective in the treatment of PCOS. Conclusion PGR, SIRT1 and ADAMTS1 were found to be down-regulated in oocytes, ovulation and female pregnancy. These 3 genes are likely biomarkers important in the treatment of PCOS. Insulin sensitiser in combination with oral contraceptive administration were found to significantly improve PCOS. Key messages Our study used a new bioinformatics approach to find target genes for the treatment of PCOS. Our study sought to identify target genes that affect human oocyte quality by analysing single-cell sequencing data from oocytes. We testified to our data by analysing a subset of clinical data.

Clinical Pharmacology of Ampicillin

Ampicillin is a semi-synthetic derivative of penicillin that functions as an orally active broad-spectrum antibiotic. Ampicillin prevents bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin binding proteins (PBPs), which are the enzymes accountable for the formation of the cell wall structure. Ampicillin is a penicillin derivative used for treatment of a variety of infections caused by gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria as well as certain anaerobes. The half-life of ampicillin is nearly three hrs during continuous venovenous hemofiltration. Most ubiquitous adverse effects of ampicillin are rash and diarrhea. Coincident administration of ampicillin and oral contraceptives increased the risk of breakthrough bleeding and decreased the efficacy of the contraceptive by interruption of the enterohepatic cycling of ethinylestradiol by means of decreasing the bacterial population of the small intestine, which is responsible for the hydrolysis of the conjugated hormone.

Ultrasound-guided microwave ablation for symptomatic abdominal wall endometriosis and treatment response evaluation with contrast-enhanced imaging: The first experience.

Abdominal wall endometriosis (AWE) is a relatively uncommon condition associated with diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties among all the extra pelvic endometriosis. The main therapies include surgery and oral contraceptive administration. Percutaneous cryoablation and high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) are also proven to be valid alternatives. Microwave ablation (MWA) as one of the thermal ablation methods has not been applied in the treatment of AWE yet. Herein the feasibility of ultrasound (US) -guided MWA for AWE was explored and treatment response evaluation was carried out using contrast-enhanced imaging. Three consecutive patients who underwent US-guided MWA for AWE with typical symptoms were included in this retrospective study. US, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), laboratory tests, and US-guided core-needle biopsy were conducted for pre-treatment assessment and ruling out malignancy. The interventional procedure was carried out under local anesthesia with MWA and the output power was 60w. Post-treatment contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) was performed to evaluate the instant treatment response. The follow-up intervals were 1 month, 6 months, and 12 months after treatment. The clinical symptoms and condition of AWE lesions were recorded in each follow-up. The MWA procedure was completed in all the patients with no blood perfusion inside each lesion by instant CEUS after treatment. The mean ablation time was 687 seconds (s) for a single patient (ranged from 660s to 742s). Clinical symptoms were relieved evidently at the end of the follow-up. The pain according to the visual analogue scale (VAS) decreased from 4-6 before treatment to 0-2 after treatment. Mild to moderate complications included slightly abdominal pain and fat liquefaction occurred. In terms of technical outcomes, the volume of all six lesions reduced in different degrees at the end of follow-up (ranged: 16.6% to 100%). US-guided MWA may be a feasible and promising approach for symptomatic AWE.

Long-term conservative management of symptomatic bladder endometriosis: A case series of 17 patients

ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the course of long-term conservative management of bladder endometriosis (BE). Materials and methodsWe retrospectively reviewed 17 cases of BE conservatively managed without surgery in our facility. The following factors were analyzed: age, medical history, lesion size, symptoms, hormonal treatment, and follow-up outcomes. ResultsIn this study, 15 patients received hormonal therapy and 2 did not. Oral contraceptive (OC), dienogest (DNG), and gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) were administered as the first regimen in 7, 5, and 3 patients, respectively. Of the 7 patients, OC administration was effective in alleviating urinary symptoms in all but 2 patients. Of 3 patients who received GnRHa, 2 switched to OC and then DNG, and 1 patient discontinued the treatment because of adverse effects. Of 5 patients who received DNG, all experienced symptom relief. DNG, OC, and GnRHa administration were effective and tolerable in 9 of 10 patients (90.0%), in 5 of 9 patients (55.6%), and in 2 of 3 patients (66.7%), respectively. In particular, 3 patients completed DNG treatment until menopause. The size of the BE lesion significantly decreased after 3 months of DNG administration, and the reduction effect was maintained until 48 months thereafter. ConclusionThis study proposed that hormonal therapy for BE is an effective option for those who are not planning to conceive or to undergo surgery. Specifically, DNG may be suitable for patients refusing surgery, considering the effectiveness and tolerance for long-term use.

Assessment on the effect of selected oral contraceptives on the liver functionality and integrity

Oral contraceptives have been useful in birth control and other gynecological disorders; it is sometimes abused due to ignorance and other underlying factors. The liver is saddled with the responsibility of drug metabolism. This study assessed the effect of oral contraceptives on the liver functionality and integrity. A total of 25 female albino rats were obtained and allowed to acclimatize in the animal house of the department of Pharmacology, Rivers State University for 7 days. The rats were divided into five groups of five animals in each group. Group 1 served as control, Group 2 and 3 were administered with low and high doses of Exluton, while group 4 and 5 were administered low and high doses of Combination-3 respectively. The albino rats in all groups were allowed feed and water ad libitum. The experimental process lasted for 21 days, after which the animals were sacrificed, blood samples collected into sterile bottles for biochemical assay using standard laboratory procedures, while the liver was harvest for histological examination. The results obtained from analysis revealed a slight insignificant increase in the concentration of serum AST when administered Exluton and Combination-3 at both doses. ALP serum concentration reduced at all doses of the drugs administered, while ALT had an inconsistent variation. Total protein and ALB decreased in concentration while Bilirubin had an increased serum concentration. This study suggests impairment on the functionality and the integrity of the liver on administration of Oral contraceptives over a long period, dose dependent and a possible distortion in platelet function. The biliary system of the liver however may not be altered.

Post-abortion contraception: how to make the right choice?

More than 600 thousands abortions are performed annually in Russia. Women presenting for abortion care are often motivated by the pregnancy to use effective contraception; they are also at high risk for repeat unintended pregnancy. Contraceptive counseling and the supply of contraceptive methods are part of post-abortion care and positively influence the subsequent use of contraceptive methods. Oral contraceptives (OCs) following induced abortion offer a reliable method to avoid repeated abortion. Immediate administration of combined OCs after abortion may reduce vaginal bleeding time and amount, shorten the menstruation recovery period, and reduce the risk of complications and unintended pregnancies. Сombination of ethinylestradiol 30 g + drospirenone 3 mg demonstrates the advantages of a low estrogen dose with the antimineralocorticoid activity of drospirenone that is responsible for the drugs significant antiandrogenic and antimineralocorticoid effects, reflected clinically in lower rates of adverse events including less fluid retention. Сombination of ethinylestradiol 30 g + drospirenone 3 mg and Metafolin has similar contraceptive efficacy, side effect, safety and benefits profile to other drospirenone-containing contraceptives. The article presents the results of the latest studies about using of combined OCs (ethinylestradiol 30 g + drosperinone 3 mg and Metafolin) after abortion.

Retrospective Analysis of the Effectiveness and Reversibility of Long-Acting Contraception Etonogestrel (Implanon®) inCommon Marmosets (Callithrix jacchus).

Simple SummaryDue to the breeding success of common marmosets in captivity, colony managers need to achieve a balance between maintaining sustainable population numbers while preventing the breeding of surplus animals. Population control can be achieved by various methods, reversible and nonreversible. Long-acting reversible contraceptives are preferred, as they are not permanent and eliminate the logistical problems associated with the daily or weekly administration of oral or injectable contraceptives. Implanon® (etonogestrel) is a widely used progestin-based contraceptive in marmosets with the theoretical advantages of being reversible and long-acting. However, no dose and efficacy data are available yet. In this study, we examined, by using electronic health records, the relationship between the use of one-fourth or one-third of an etonogestrel implant in female marmosets and the number of parturitions, interbirth interval, litter size, body weight, stillbirths and unintended pregnancies. We have concluded that etonogestrel implants are efficacious and safe to use in marmosets. Our data result in recommendations about the use of etonogestrel implants in marmosets. Our data can probably be extrapolated to other callitrichids.Contraception is an important population control method for the colony management of primates housed in captivity. Etonogestrel (ENG) implants (i.e., Implanon®) are a widely used progestin-based contraceptive in common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) with the theoretical advantages of being reversible and long-acting. However, no dose and efficacy data are available yet. Therefore, data from 52 adult female marmosets contracepted with ENG (one-fourth or one-third of an implant) housed at the Biomedical Primate Research Centre (BPRC, Rijswijk, The Netherlands) over the past 18 years were analyzed. Using an electronic database, a retrospective longitudinal cohort study was conducted to calculate the reproductive data before, during and after ENG use. The data show an effectiveness in preventing pregnancy of 99%. The implant was effective within one week after insertion. Unintended pregnancies did occur, but in 60% of these cases, the animals were already pregnant at the time of implant insertion. In these cases, healthy offspring were born despite the use of the implant. No stillbirths, neonatal deaths or maternal deaths could be linked to ENG use. After implant removal, 83% of the animals delivered healthy offspring. No difference in contraception efficacy was observed between the use of one-fourth or one-third of an implant. ENG achieved a contraceptive protection exceeding 99% and was shown to be reversible concerning fertility. To our knowledge, this is the first detailed analysis on the use of ENG in marmosets.

Estrogen cholestasis induces gut and liver injury in rats involving in activating PI3K/Akt and MAPK signaling pathways

BackgroundsEstrogen and its metabolites often lead to intrahepatic cholestasis in susceptible women with pregnancy, administration of oral contraceptives and postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy. Recently, dysfunction of the gut-liver axis has been suggested to play a pivotal role in the progression of cholestasis, but details about estrogen cholestasis (EC)-induced gut and liver injury are still largely unknown. This study aims to gain insight into EC-induced gut and liver injury and cell signaling implicated. MethodsMale rats were exposed to 5 and 10 mg/kg of 17α-ethinylestradiol via subcutaneous injection for 5 successive days to simulate human EC. ResultsBy detection of these estrogen cholestatic rats, we found that EC induced inflammation in the liver but not in the intestine through activating NF-κB signaling pathway. EC strongly induced oxidative stress in both the liver and intestine, and activated the hepatic Nrf2/Gclm/Gclc pathway and the intestinal Nrf2/Ho-1 pathway, respectively, for adaptively regulating oxidative stress. EC increased cell apoptosis in both the liver and intestine. Additionally, EC elevated phosphorylation of Akt, ERK1/2, and p38 in the liver and increased phosphorylation of p38 in the intestine. ConclusionsEC induces liver inflammation, both gut and liver oxidative stress and apoptosis, involving in activating PI3K/Akt and MAPK signaling pathways. Investigation of EC-induced gut and liver injury contributes to the development of new potential therapeutic strategies.

Effect of administration of monophasic oral contraceptive on the body composition and aerobic and anaerobic capacities of female athletes.

To examine the effects of administration of monophasic oral contraceptive (OC) on the body composition and aerobic and anaerobic capacities of female athletes. Ten female athletes (23.0 ± 4.1 years old) participated in this study. All the subjects were examined during the menstrual cycle (early follicular [EF], middle luteal [ML]) and OC cycle (inactive OC, and active OC phases). After the menstrual cycle measurements, all the subjects began taking OC. The athletes tested using a body composition, circumferences, the lactate curve test, the maximal oxygen consumption test, and the Wingate test during all phases. Waist circumference was lower during the OC cycle than menstrual cycle (P < 0.05), and the other circumferences of parts were not different during the menstrual or OC cycles. However, there were no differences in body composition before and after taking OC. The phase of the menstrual or OC cycle did not affect maximal oxygen consumption, heart rate max or power output at a blood lactate concentration of 2 and 4 mmol/L between the menstrual and OC cycle phases. Although, the peak blood lactate level after the Wingate test was higher during the OC cycle (inactive OC phase, 13.0 ± 2.4 mmol/L; active OC phase, 12.4 ± 3.0 mmol/L) than during the menstrual cycle (EF phase, 11.9 ± 2.1 mmol/L; ML phase, 11.4 ± 2.1 mmol/L; P < 0.05), the peak and average power in the Wingate test did not change during the menstrual and OC cycle phases. Administration of monophasic OC did not affect the body composition or aerobic and anaerobic capacities of female athletes.

Protective impact of lycopene on ethinylestradiol-induced cholestasis in rats.

Protection against cholestasis and its consequences are considered an essential issue to improve the quality of a patient's life and reduce the number of death every year from liver diseases. Lycopene, a natural carotenoid, has antioxidant scavenger capacity and inhibits inflammation in many experimental models. The present study aimed to elucidate the potential protective effects of lycopene, in comparison to silymarin, in a rat model of cholestatic liver. Animals were daily injected with 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE; 5mg/kg) for 18 successive days. Silymarin (100mg/kg) and lycopene (10mg/kg) were orally administered once per day through the experimental period. Lycopene significantly decreased the EE-induced rise in the serum levels of total bile acid and total bilirubin as well as the activities of alanine aminotransaminase, aspartate aminotransaminase, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma-glutamyl transaminase. Moreover, lycopene reduced the hepatic levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and tumor necrosis factor-α as well as the hepatic activity of myeloperoxidase that were markedly elevated by EE. Lycopene increased the hepatic levels of total protein and albumin and reduced glutathione. In addition, lycopene improved the hepatic histopathological changes induced by EE. These protective effects of lycopene were comparable to that of silymarin. In conclusion, lycopene was effective in protecting against estrogen-induced cholestatic liver injury through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Therefore, lycopene might be a potentially effective drug for protection against cholestasis in susceptible women during pregnancy, administration of oral contraceptives, or postmenopausal replacement therapy.

Long Term Oral Contraceptive Administration is Associated with Low Serum Levels of Nitric Oxide, Vitamin C and Vitamin E

Long Term Oral Contraceptive Administration is Associated with Low Serum Levels of Nitric Oxide, Vitamin C and Vitamin E

Atherosclerosis-related biomarkers in women with endometriosis: The effects of dienogest and oral contraceptive therapy.

ObjectiveChronic inflammation in endometriosis is associated with increased risk of future cardiovascular disease; however, no studies have investigated the cardiovascular risk of women who have undergone hormonal therapy for endometriosis. We investigated atherosclerosis-related biomarkers in women with and without endometriosis and the effects of dienogest (DNG) and oral contraceptive (OC) therapies.Study designIn this cross-sectional study, 109 women with endometriosis and 42 control women without endometriosis were enrolled. The endometriosis group was divided into the untreated (n = 34), DNG therapy (n = 33), and OC therapy (n = 42) groups. Lipid profile serum levels, inflammatory marker such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, oxidative stress markers such as oxidized low-density lipoprotein and diacron-reactive oxygen metabolites, and atherosclerosis indicators (cardio-ankle vascular index [CAVI] and ankle-brachial pressure index [ABI]) were measured.ResultsThe median treatment duration was 28 months in the DNG group and 32.5 months in the OC group. Triglyceride levels were higher in the OC group than in the other three groups (P < 0.05). Regarding markers of inflammation and oxidative stress, log high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and diacron-reactive oxygen metabolites levels were higher in the untreated group than in the control group (P < 0.05), and these markers were further increased in the OC group (log high-sensitivity C-reactive protein: P < 0.05; diacron-reactive oxygen metabolites: P < 0.01), but not in the DNG group. There was no difference in the CAVI and ABI among all groups. Spearman correlation revealed a positive correlation between duration of OC therapy and CAVI (ρ = +0.49; P = 0.002), but no correlation between the duration of DNG therapy and CAVI (ρ = –0.04; P = 0.81).ConclusionsInflammation and oxidative stress markers are increased in women with untreated endometriosis. Treatment with OC, but not with DNG, further increases these levels. There was a positive association between the duration of OC administration and atherosclerosis risk for women with endometriosis. Our results suggest that DNG could be administered to endometriosis without the increased atherosclerosis risk and short-term OC administration for endometriosis is not harmful, however, atherosclerosis risk should be strictly observed.

Gene expression association study in feline mammary carcinomas.

Works on cancer-related genes expression using feline mammary carcinomas (FMCs) are scarce but crucial, not only to validate these tumours as models for human breast cancer studies but also to improve small animal practice. Here, the expression of the cancer-related genes TP53, CCND1, FUS, YBX1, PTBP1, c-MYC and PKM2 was evaluated by real-time RT-qPCR, in a population of FMCs clinically characterized and compared with the disease-free tissue of the same individual. In most of the FMCs analysed, RNA quantification revealed normal expression levels for TP53, c-MYC, YBX1 and FUS, but overexpression in the genes CCND1, PTBP1 and PKM2. The expression levels of these cancer-related genes are strongly correlated with each other, with exception of c-MYC and PKM2 genes. The integration of clinicopathological data with the transcriptional levels revealed several associations. The oral contraceptive administration showed to be positively related with the TP53, YBX1, CCND1, FUS and PTBP1 RNA levels. Positive associations were found between tumour size and YBX1 RNA, and lymph node metastasis with c-MYC RNA levels. This work allowed to verify that many of these cancer-related genes are associated but may also, indirectly, influence other genes, creating a complex molecular cancer network that in the future can provide new cancer biomarkers.

Дифференцированный подход к выбору комбинированных оральных контрацептивов при синдроме поликистозных яичников

Дифференцированный подход к выбору комбинированных оральных контрацептивов при синдроме поликистозных яичников

Administration of Oral Contraceptives Could Alleviate Age-Related Fertility Decline Possibly by Preventing Ovarian Damage in a Mouse Model.

Age-related fertility decline is hypothesized to occur mainly by the spontaneous exhaustion and deterioration of the ovarian follicle, and the accumulation of ovarian tissue damage resulting from the ovulation cycle may play roles in the process. In this study, we hypothesized that suppressing ovulation would exert protective effects against age-related fertility decline. To test this hypothesis, we established a mouse model in which oral contraceptives (OCs) were administered daily. Female C57BL/6N mice were administered OCs daily from the age of 2 months to 12 months as an ovulation suppression mouse model. Mouse fecundity was investigated by counting oocyte number after ovarian stimulation and by examining live fetuses after mating. We found that compared with control mice administered vehicle alone, 12-month-old mice administered 2-fold dose OCs used for treating humans exhibited a significantly greater average oocyte number after ovarian stimulation (8.5 ± 0.6 vs 5.9 ± 0.6, P < .01). In addition, spontaneous conception with living fetuses after mating was strikingly increased in 12-month-old mice administered OCs relative to controls (6.0 ± 1.2 vs 0.4 ± 0.3, P < .01). In the histological examination of mouse ovarian tissues, we did not detect a significant difference in ovarian follicle number, but reduced amount of brownish foamy fibrous tissues, which might reflect ovarian tissue damage, was detected in aged mice administered OCs. These results suggest the possibility that long-term OC administration might alleviate age-related fertility decline, and the improvement mechanism could be attributed to the prevention of ovarian tissue damage by suppressing ovulation.

The Association between Female Reproductive Factors and Open-Angle Glaucoma in Korean Women: The Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey V.

Purpose We investigated associations between female reproductive factors and open-angle glaucoma (OAG) in Korean females using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). Methods A nationwide, population-based, cross-sectional study was conducted. We enrolled 23,376 participants from the KNHANES who had undergone ophthalmologic exams from 2010 through 2012. Associations between undiagnosed OAG and female reproductive factors such as age at menarche and menopause, parity, history of lactation, and administration of oral contraceptives (OC) or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) were determined using stepwise logistic regression analyses. Results Of the enrolled participants, 6,860 participants (397 with OAG and 6,463 without OAG) met our study criteria and were included in the analyses. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis after adjusting for all potential confounding factors, only early menopause (younger than 45 years) was significantly associated with OAG in participants with natural menopause (OR 2.28, 95% CI 1.17–4.46). Age at menarche, parity, history of lactation, and administration of OC or HRT were not significantly associated with OAG. Conclusions Only early menopause was associated with an increased risk of OAG in our study, in contrast to previous Western studies reporting both early menopause and late menarche as associated factors.

Combined Treatment Method Comparison Of Medical And Surgical Treatment In Idiopathic Granulomatous Mastitis

Aim: Our aim in conducting this study was to ascertain the clinical, pathological, and radiological characteristics of patients diagnosed with idiopathic granulomatous mastitis in our clinic and to contribute to related literature by creating a therapy algorithm for granulomatous mastitis.&#x0D; Method: A total of 62 patients diagnosed with granulomatous mastitis in our clinic were classified into three groups as per the mode of treatment they received. Among these, 20 patients who had only been administered corticosteroids were allocated to Group I, while 18 patients who had received surgical treatment in addition to corticosteroid treatment were allocated to Group II, and 24 patients who had only received surgery were allocated to Group III.&#x0D; Results: All the cases were female patients. The mean age of the patients was 33.67 ± 6.35 (21-48). No statistically significant difference was found among the groups as per the mean age figures, pregnancy, breastfeeding, oral contraceptive administration, smoking and alcohol use, and family history (p&gt;0.05). 49 (77.4%) patients were diagnosed with granulomatous mastitis by thick-needle biopsy, 7 (11.2%) by incisional biopsy, 4 (6.4%) by excisional biopsy, and 3 (4.8%) by fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) before the onset of treatment. The median value for the follow-up of the patients was 40 (6-81) months and there was no statistically significant difference among follow-up periods (p: 0.51). 15 (24.1%) patients among all the cases had recurrence. There was a statistically significant difference among the groups with regards to recurrence (p: 0.015).&#x0D; Conclusion: Granulomatous mastitis may simulate breast cancer both clinically and radiologically. Recurrence is observed in patients who only received corticosteroid or surgical treatment. The combination of corticosteroid and surgical treatment significantly reduces the rate of recurrence. Therefore, this combination can be recommended as selective treatment.