Hormonal Intake Research Articles

Circulating microRNAs as Non-Invasive Biomarkers in Endometriosis Diagnosis-A Systematic Review.

The aim of this systematic review is to assess the power of circulating miRNAs as biomarkers as a diagnostic tool in endometriosis. In endometriosis-suspected women with uncertain imaging, the only way to confirm or exclude endometriosis with certainty is currently laparoscopy. This creates a need for non-invasive diagnostics. We searched the literature through the PubMed database using the Mesh terms 'endometriosis' and 'miRNAs'. Some, but limited, overlap was found between the 32 articles included, with a total of 20 miRNAs reported as dysregulated in endometriosis in two or more studies. MiR-17-5p was reported as dysregulated in six studies, followed by miR-451a and let-7b-5p in four studies and miR-20a-5p, miR-143-3p, miR-199a-5p and miR-3613-5p in three studies. Furthermore, a possible impact of the menstrual phase on miRNA expression was noted in five studies, while no influence of hormonal intake was observed in any included study. The modest reproducibility between studies may be attributable to biological variability as well as to the lack of universal protocols, resulting in pre- and analytical variability. Despite the identification of several suitable candidate biomarkers among the miRNAs, the need for high-quality studies with larger and well-defined population cohorts and the use of standardized protocols lingers.

Perceived the Utilization and Frequency of Hormonal Contraceptives among Women (15-45) Years in Abia State, Nigeria

Hormonal contraceptives are synthetic oestrogen and/or progesterone administered orally, parenterally or by implants. they suppresses ovulation, thickening cervical mucus thereby preventing sperm penetration, reducing sperm transport along the genital tract and making the endometrium unsuitable for implantation and are highly effective (0.1-0.8 pregnancies/100 women during the first year of use) within 12 hours of administration. The researcher worked on Perceive the Utilization and Frequency Hormonal Contraceptives Among Women (15-45) Years in Abia State. Objectives: To access holistic frequency and usage of hormonal contraceptives among women (15-45) years in Abia State. Methodology: The researcher adopted a cross sectional descriptive study for this research. Six Local Government Area out of 17 LGAs of the state were chosen using simple random sampling and also adopted balloting method to select the women who participated in the chosen communities of the selected six LGAs. Result: 225(42.9%) used oral contraceptives, injectable, 155(29.5%), implant while 58(11%), other types of hormonal contraceptives. 134(25.5%) have used hormonal contraceptives for 2 months to 1 year. 140(26.7%) for 2 years to 5 years, 65(12.4%) for 6 years to 10 years, 79(15%) indicated ‘Others” while 107(20.4%) did not supply the information. Conclusion: Hormonal contraceptives intake by women and young girls is on increase. Some ladies started taking hormonal contraceptives as early as thirteen years till the middle age or the go into menopause. All the hormonal methods are consumed but in oral method is more acceptable by the women.

A study on the relationship between stress-associated lifestyles disorders and essential preventive therapy among women entrepreneurs

Stress is one of the critical factors nowadays affecting almost all people globally. Our study aims to find the association between stress among women entrepreneurs and their metabolic health issues caused by various hormonal imbalances. The study correlated with major female health issues such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, obesity, hyperprolactinemia, infertility, bone health, and trending lifestyle-changing interventions: diet, homeopathic, hormonal treatments, etc. A total of 60 women participants within the age group from 30 to 45 years were included in the study at Kolkata and surrounding areas considering participants’ hectic lifestyles, food and exercise habits, medicines, etc. The semi-structured online survey was done through email using the particular questionnaire based on biochemical test reports, seven-day diet and activities records, and medicine consumption cum hormonal intake irrespective of the participant. Pearson Chi-square test, Likelihood Ratio, Symmetric Measures applied for statistical analysis using SPSS-22. The results showed that the two types of stress were found in 30 participants in each category with asymptotic significance (2-sided) .392 and .403, respectively, while Chi-square significance is approximately .05. So, there is no statistical significance between the relationship of participants’ age, all types of concerning diseases, and practicing therapies. The study found that many participants were not following diet despite knowledge of health benefits. The study concluded that stress can be directly or indirectly related to metabolic syndrome but not always cause hormonal imbalances. However, the participants should go with a proper diet and exercise rather than practicing a fad diet or so-called crash diets.

Etiopathological Factors Associated with Gynecomastia Patients Seeking Surgical Correction in the South Indian Population.

Background Although several medical conditions are associated with gynecomastia, around 60% of cases are idiopathic. The role of endocrine testing in idiopathic gynecomastia is controversial. This study was done to determine the etiological and lifestyle factors associated with different grades of gynecomastia. Patients and Methods This was a descriptive study conducted at the department of plastic surgery in a tertiary care hospital in South India between January 2014 and December 2016, among the patients seeking corrective surgery for gynecomastia. Results A total of 73 patients were included in the study with a mean age of 22.56 years. The majority of the patients displayed Simon's Grade IIa gynecomastia (56.2%). The etiological factors identified in this study were hormonal abnormalities (47.95%), hypogonadism (2.7%), and drug intake (1.4%). The most common hormonal abnormality discovered was high estradiol values (15.1%) followed by decreased testosterone levels (13.7%). The chi-squared test revealed no statistically significant relationship between the hormonal values, type of food, body mass index (BMI), or physical activity and the grades of gynecomastia. Conclusion Most of the patients (50.68%) in our study had idiopathic gynecomastia. The most common hormonal abnormality detected was high estradiol values. No correlation was found between the hormonal values, type of food, BMI, or physical activity and the grades of gynecomastia.

“Better late than never but never late is better”, especially in young women. A multicenter Italian study on diagnostic delay for symptomatic endometriosis

Purpose The aim of the study was to assess the length of diagnostic delay of symptomatic endometriosis in Italy and analyse the presence of correlations between the socio-demographic status of patients and the clinical characteristics/type of diagnosis. Materials and methods This multicenter cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted in 10 tertiary Italian referral centres for diagnosis and treatment endometriosis. A total of 689 respondents with histologically proven endometriosis and onset of the disease with pain symptoms completed an on-line self-reported questionnaire written in their own language (World Endometriosis Research Foundation-Endometriosis Phenome and Biobanking Harmonisation Project-Endometriosis Patient Questionnaire–Minimum) evaluating endometriosis related symptoms, family history of endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain, demographic data, as well as medical, reproductive, and obstetric history. Results The mean diagnostic delay found was of 11.4 years. The mean time (14.8 years) from symptoms onset to diagnosis was significantly longer among patients aged 9–19 vs patients aged 20–30 (mean 6.9 years, p < 0.001) and patients aged 31–45 (mean 2.9, p < 0.001). No significant association were found between a delayed diagnosis and any of the clinically relevant factors such as the number or severity of the reported symptoms, familiarity, hormonal therapy intake or methodology of diagnosis. Conclusions The mean diagnostic delay of endometriosis in Italy is about 11 years. The delay can be up to 4 years longer in patients with pain symptoms onset under 20 years. Educating clinicians and patients on pathologic nature of endometriosis related pelvic pain is advisable to reduce waiting time to diagnosis, especially for young women.

Challenges of Managing Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Women with Tamoxifen Use.

Objective:Tamoxifen complicates management of conditions such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), urinary incontinence (UI), and/or pelvic organ prolapse (POP) that traditionally benefit from hormonal intake; thus, we reviewed our experience in managing these hormonally deprived women.Materials and Methods:After IRB approval, electronic medical records from women with current use or history of tamoxifen use and referred to a tertiary care center with female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery expertise for UTI, UI, and/or POP were reviewed.Results:From 2015 to 2020, 32 women treated with tamoxifen 10–40 mg for a median of 4 years were referred for UTIs (9), UI (10), symptomatic POP (8), or for a combination of these (5). Participants with UTI treated with antibiotics, prophylactic supplements, and/or electrofulguration had satisfactory response at median follow-up of 1 year (interquartile range [IQR]: 0.5–1). Ten of 15 women with UI chose intervention, with no self-reported UI recurrence at median follow-up of 2.5 years (IQR: 1–3). All but one participant with POP underwent vaginal or open/robotic mesh repairs, with satisfactory outcomes at median follow-up of 3 years (IQR: 2–7).Conclusions:The management of UTIs, UI, and POP in women on tamoxifen or unable to benefit from hormonal intake is challenging, but traditional interventions can be considered with satisfactory results.

Effects of mindset on hormonal responding, neural representations, subjective experience and intake

A person can alternate between food-related mindsets, which in turn may depend on one's emotional state or situation. Being in a certain mindset can influence food-related thoughts, but interestingly it might also affect eating-related physiological responses. The current study investigates the influence of an induced ‘loss of control’ mindset as compared to an ‘in control’ mindset on hormonal, neural and behavioural responses to chocolate stimuli. Mindsets were induced by having female chocolate lovers view a short movie during two sessions in a within-subjects design. Neural responses to visual chocolate stimuli were measured using an ultra-high field (7T) scanner. Momentary ghrelin and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) levels were determined on five moments and were simultaneously assessed with self-reports on perceptions of chocolate craving, hunger and feelings of control. Furthermore, chocolate intake was measured using a bogus chocolate taste test. It was hypothesized that the loss of control mindset would lead to hormonal, neural and behavioural responses that prepare for ongoing food intake, even after eating, while the control mindset would lead to responses reflecting satiety. Results show that neural activity in the mesocorticolimbic system was stronger for chocolate stimuli than for neutral stimuli and that ghrelin and GLP-1 levels responded to food intake, irrespective of mindset. Self-reported craving and actual chocolate intake were affected by mindset, in that cravings and intake were higher with a loss of control mindset than with a control mindset. Interestingly, these findings suggest that physiology on the one hand (hormonal and neural responses) and behavior and subjective experience (food intake and craving) on the other hand are not in sync, are not equally affected by mindset.

Perimenopausal Bone Loss Is Associated with Ovulatory Activity-Results of the PeKnO Study (Perimenopausal Bone Density and Ovulation).

Background: During the menopausal transition, around 25% of women experience a particularly accelerated loss of bone mineral density. These so-called “fast bone losers” represent a group of patients with an increased risk of osteoporosis. The precise mechanisms underlying this extraordinary level of bone mass reduction have not yet been conclusively elucidated. The PeKnO study (Perimenopausale Knochendichte und Ovulation; Perimenopausal Bone Density and Ovulation) was a 2-year prospective study investigating menstrual cycle changes, hormonal levels, markers of bone metabolism, and changes in bone mineral density (BMD) in perimenopausal women. The PeKnO study specifically focused on the questions of when the maximum of bone loss occurs, whether the decreasing number of ovulatory cycles correlates with increased bone density loss, and which hormones play a role during these processes. Methods: Healthy women aged ≥45 years with menstrual cycles of ≤42 days and without any exogenous hormonal intake continually self-assessed the lengths of their menstrual cycles and the occurrence of LH peaks with the help of a commercially available electronic fertility monitoring device. At baseline and at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months, hormones (LH, FSH, 17β-estradiol, progesterone, cortisol) and markers of bone metabolism (bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP), osteocalcin (OC), and CTX (C-terminal telopeptide) were assessed during the luteal phase. Trabecular bone density was measured in the lumbar spine (vertebrae L1 through L3) by means of quantitative computed tomography (QCT) at the beginning and at the end of the 2-year study period. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to the changes in bone mineral density (BMD) that occurred within the period of 2 years: group I with an increase in BMD, group II with a decrease in BMD of ≤7%, and group III with a decline in BMD of >7%. Women in the latter group were defined as fast bone losers. Results: From a total of 72 recruited patients with an average age of 48.1 (±2.4) at baseline, complete 2-year data were available from 49 participants. Over the course of 24 months, mean bone mineral density decreased by −4.26 (±4.65). In the same time period, the proportion of ovulatory cycles declined from 67% to 33%. The decrease in the ovulatory rate significantly correlated with an enhanced BMD loss (r = 0.68; p < 0.05). Twelve of the forty-nine participants (24.3%) showed a BMD loss of >7% and were identified as fast bone losers. Levels of the luteal phase hormones LH, FSH, 17β-estradiol, and progesterone were significantly different between the three groups. Conclusion: The PeKnO study confirms a marked decline of the ovulatory rate during perimenopause, which is associated with an increased bone density loss while estrogen levels are still adequate.

Les méningiomes : mise au point sur les connaissances actuelles

Meningiomas are the most frequent among intracranial tumors, and represent more than 30% of primitive central nervous system neoplasms. Arising from the meninges, they are generally benign lesions and can be treated by either radio-clinical follow-up or surgical resection with excellent outcome. However, more than 20% of meningiomas harbor atypical or malignant features and represent challenges for both prognostic evaluation and therapeutic strategy. The discovery of the genetic and epigenetic landscapes of meningiomas enabled the identification of new prognostic markers and potential therapeutic targets for refractory meningiomas. This review summarizes current epidemiology, histological and molecular characteristics, diagnosis and treatments for meningiomas, and highlights the close relationship between the development of meningiomas and hormonal intake, as illustrated by recent recommendations of the “Agence Nationale de Securité du Medicament”, the French national drug safety agency.

Laboratory interference in the thyroid function test.

Thyroid hormones and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) laboratory tests are commonly used worldwide, and their results have an important influence on decisions about treatment and further diagnostic processes. Any discrepancies between symptoms and laboratory results or between results of different tests should be closely investigated to avoid misdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment. Inconsistencies in hormone tests might be a result of physiological changes in hormonal balance, a disease, drug intake, or laboratory interference. Major factors that interfere with thyroid function tests are: heterophilic antibodies, macro TSH, biotin, thyroid hormones autoantibodies, anti-streptavidin, and anti-ruthenium antibodies. In this paper we discuss the influence of different factors on the procedures of hormonal immunoassays, as well as methods to minimise the risk of false results and misdiagnoses.

Dynamics of histological changes in histaminergic neurons of the rat hypothalamus in postnatal ontogenesis

Histaminergic neurons in adult vertebrate brain are confined to the posterior hypothalamic area, where they are comprised of scattered groups of neurons referred to as the tuberomammillary nucleus. Histamine regulates hormonal functions, sleep, food intake, thermoregulation and locomotor activity. Histaminergic neurons in adult animals under normal conditions and in some pathological conditions are described. However, a study of these neurons development in the postnatal ontogenesis dynamics has not been conducted. The morphofunctional state of histaminergic neurons of the hypothalamic E2 nucleus in the postnatal ontogenesis dynamics was assessed. The study was performed on the offspring of outbred white rats (45 animals). The decapitation of animals was carried out on the 5, 10, 20, 45 and 90th days after birth. We used histological, histochemical, morphometric and statistical research methods. The data obtained were processed by nonparametric statistics methods. From the 5th to the 90th day of rat postnatal ontogenesis, there is a significant increase in the size of the histaminergic neurons pericarions of the hypothalamic E2 nucleus (especially from the 5th to the 10th day). It is accompanied by a decrease in the bodies location density of the studied cells and an increase in the distance between them (especially from the 5th to the 20th day), which indicates a neuropil intensive growth. Over the indicated period of postnatal development, a significant decrease in the hyperchromic neurons number is observed, which correspond to a decrease in the ribonucleoproteins amount in the cytoplasm of the described neurocytes. Development of brain histaminergic neurons from the 5th to the 90th day of rat postnatal ontogenesis is characterized by an intensive growth of their pericaryons, a decrease in their location density and stabilization of the morphofunctional state of the studied neurocytes.

Female gender and exogenous progesterone exposition as risk factors for spheno-orbital meningiomas.

The great heterogeneity of meningiomas is challenging and we need to distinguish relevant subgroups. Spheno-orbital osteomeningiomas (SOOM) constitute a clinically specific entity, with slow-growing benign osteo-meningiomatous tumors, which recur after surgery in one fourth of cases. Neurosurgical daily practice, supported by the literature, shows that the vast majority of patients with SOOM are women, and we explored whether their epidemiological and hormonal profiles suggest a progesterone influence. We retrospectively documented all radiologically and histologically confirmed cases of SOOM operated in 2005-2019 in our institution. We completed the clinical and hormone history by systematic telephone interviews. In the literature, SOOM occur significantly more often in women than other meningiomas (749/847, 86.4% versus 73.8%, p = 0.002). Among 175 cases, we included 124 patients, 93.5% were women, younger than men (51 ± 5 versus63 ± 8, p = 0.02). Women' meningiomas showed more progesterone receptors (96.4% versus 50%, p < 0.001). Exogenous hormonal intake, reliable in 82 cases, concerned 83.3% (64/78) of women, with frequent progesterone intake: 13 oestroprogestogenic treatment only, with old-generation progesterone analogs, 41 progesterone analogs (cyproterone acetate, nomegestrol acetate, chlormadinone, promegestone, etonogestrel, levonogestrel), 7 substitutive hormonal therapy for menopause, 3 others. Duration of treatment was 2-40years, median 10years. SOOM develop preferentially in women in their fifties, who often received progesterone analogs, and show progesterone receptors. Progesterone analogs are incriminated in skull base meningiomas, and this is the first report on the prevalence of exogenous hormone therapy specifically in SOOM. Whether SOOM reduce after treatment discontinuation, in particular the osteoma part, needs to be explored. Anti-progesterone treatments may represent an avenue for future research in soom.

Treatment Options and Follow-Up among Iraqi Patients with Breast Carcinoma

Breast cancer ranks the first among the Iraqi population and the leading cause of cancer related female mortality. In addition to the barriers that impede early detection of that cancer other major challenges include the capacity for effective multimodality treatment. Aim: To review and follow up a sample of Iraqi female patients diagnosed with breast cancer in a main referral center; recording their clinico-pathological characteristics, the offered treatment options and the rate of recurrence. Material and Methods: This retrospective study analyzed the clinical and pathological characteristics of 230 Iraqi female patients histologically diagnosed with breast carcinoma who had reliable valid data related to their demographic, clinical and tumor pathological status. The studied parameters included the age of the patient, marital status, parity, age at first delivery, occupation, history of lactation and hormonal intake, family history of breast and any other cancer, histological type, tumor grade and clinical stage. Hormone receptors (Estrogen and Progesterone) and HER2 over expression contents of the primary tumors were evaluated immunohistochemically. The offered treatment options included surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormonal and biological targeted therapy. The rate of recurrence was evaluated after a follow-up period of three years. Results: Only 3.5% of the patients were under the age of 30 years while 39.1% were aged 50 years and over. About 84% were married, 11.3% were nulliparous, 24.9% had their first delivery before the age of 20 years and 56.9% were housewives. History of lactation was reported in 60.4%, whereas history of breast cancer was registered in 17.4%. The most common histological type of breast carcinoma was the infiltrative ductal (86.5%), well differentiated carcinomas were diagnosed in only 5.2%. The rates of positive ER, PR and HER2 tumor contents were 68.3%, 65.7% and 29.6% respectively. Overall 8.3%, 4.3%, 39.6% and 7.8% of the patients were diagnosed at stages I, II, III and IV respectively. Surgery was the primary treatment modality prescribed to the vast majority (96.1%) of the patients; 88.2% of those underwent modified radical mastectomy and only 3.6% had breast conservative surgery. Whereas 91.7% received chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormonal and biological therapy were applied on 65.7%, 63.5% and 27.4% respectively. Recurrence of breast carcinoma three years following treatment was displayed among 9.7%; displaying significant direct association with the clinical stages of the disease (p&lt;.05). Conclusions: Breast cancer is still diagnosed at relatively advanced stages at the time of first presentation in Iraq; requesting radical mastectomy. Early detection represents the principal approach to control breast cancer in the near future. Regular long-term follow up through multidisciplinary tumor boards is mandatory to monitor response to therapy and recurrence.

Role of parathyroid hormone in anorexia on maintenance hemodialysis patients

Anorexia, which is a common condition in patients on hemodialysis (HD), is characterized by impaired appetite, a subjective condition that hinders anorexia diagnosis. Anorexia is frequently associated with protein energy wasting and inflammation, increasing morbidity and mortality risk. The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between appetite and nutritional, inflammatory, hormonal, and dietary intake parameters in patients on maintenance HD. Cross-sectional study with clinical, laboratory, and anthropometric parameters, body composition, muscle function, and dietary intake assessment. To evaluate appetite, a three simple questions questionnaire previously validated was used. After appetite classification, the sample was dichotomized in "normal appetite" and "impaired appetite" and compared. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify association between variables and outcome. 125 patients on HD were included, aged 60.6±14.12 years old, median HD vintage 35.5 months. In dichotomized sample, 78.4% patients showed "normal appetite", and 21.6% "impaired appetite". "Impaired appetite" was independently associated with increased serum PTH (OR 1.001; 95% CI 1.000-1.002; p=0.03), low zinc intake (OR 0.860; 95% CI 0.746-0.991; p=0.03) and lower urea serum (OR 0.982; 95% CI 0.965-0.999; p=0.04). Both groups showed insufficient dietary intake. Appetite was independently associated with increased serum of PTH, low serum concentration of urea, and low zinc intake which may infer association of appetite with mineral bone disease, protein intake and zinc deficiency.

Metabolic syndrome and endocrine status in HIV-infected transwomen.

HIV-infected transwomen face multiple specific issues. Economic and social marginalization, sex work, substance abuse, hormonal consumption and silicone injection may affect the course of HIV infection and lead to metabolic and endocrine complications. A matched case-control study was performed between 2013 and 2015 in a University Hospital and compared metabolic syndrome (MetS), thyroid and adrenal functions in HIV-infected transwomen (i.e. cases) and cisgender HIV-infected men (i.e. controls) matched for age and antiretroviral therapy. The interaction between hormonal consumption, the course of HIV infection and antiretroviral therapy was also studied. Clinical and biological data (CD4 cell count, HIV RNA load, antiretroviral plasma drug concentration, HDL, triglycerides, glucose, cortisol, thyroid stimulating hormone, free thyroxine, prolactine) were measured. A total of 292 HIV-infected patients (100 cases and 192 controls) were prospectively included. There was no difference between the two populations in terms of frequency of MetS, but subclinical hypothyroidism and adrenal insufficiency were more frequent in cases than in controls with, respectively, 12 vs. 3% (P < 0.002) for hypothyroidism and 20 vs. 8% (P < 0.001) for adrenal insufficiency. Prolactinemia, only performed in transwomen, was often elevated (21%) but rarely confirmed as true active hyperprolactinemia (monomeric form) (3%). Although hormonal intake was frequent among transwomen (31%), no impact on antiretroviral bioavailability and efficacy was detected. In this study, no increase in the prevalence of MetS was detected in HIV-infected transwomen patients. In contrast, adrenal and thyroid functions abnormalities were frequent and should be systematically assessed in this population. No impact of hormonal intake on antiretroviral bioavailability and efficacy was detected.

Hormonal oral contraceptive influence on isolation, Characterization and cryopreservation of mesenchymal stem cells from menstrual fluid

The purpose of the study was to evaluate whether the intake of hormonal oral contraceptive influences the viability of mesenchymal stem cell. Sixteen healthy female volunteers with regular menstrual cycles were invited to participate. Menstrual fluid was collected on the day of maximum flux, and collected cells were analyzed by a ‘minimal standard’ for MSC characterization: plastic adherence, trilineage (adipogenic, osteogenic, chondrogenic) in vitro differentiation and a minimalistic panel of markers assessed by flow cytometry (CD731, CD901, CD1051, CD34–, CD45–) using monoclonal antibodies. The participants were divided into two groups: Group 1 – no hormonal contraceptive use; Group 2 – hormonal oral contraceptive use. The median of the menstrual fluid volume was 5.0 and the median number of cells was 5.2 × 106. Median of cell viability was 89.3%. After culture, mesenchymal stem cells increased from 0.031% of the total cells to 96.9%. The cells formed clusters and reached confluence after 15–21 days of culture in the first passage. In the second passage, clusters and the confluence were observed after 3 days of culture. No difference was observed between the groups. Our data suggest that oral hormonal contraceptive intake maintains the viability of mesenchymal stem cells from menstrual fluid.

Frequency of Polycystic Ovaries Syndrome in Reproductive Age Women

Objective: To determine the frequency of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOs) amongst the reproductive age women by ultrasound. Method: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Dow Institute of Radiology, Dow University of Health Sciences, Ojha campus, Karachi. The study period spanned from May - October, 2017. All women of reproductive age group (18 - 39 years) having complaints of infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods or excess male hormone (androgen) levels resulting in excess facial and body hair (hirsutism), severe acne or male-pattern baldness were included. A detailed history of past gynecological events along with demographic characteristics was also obtained. Results: Of total 1500 women, mean age was 28.01 ±5.71 years. PCOs was found positive in 216 (14.4%) women. Multivariable analysis revealed that age (OR 2.88, 95% CI 1.97-4.19), nulliparity (AOR 5.03, 95% CI 2.84-8.91), primiparity (AOR 3.14, 95% CI 1.50-6.57), history of hormonal intake (AOR 1.18, 95% CI 0.72-1.92), and hirsutism (AOR 4.55, 95% CI 2.45-8.46) were significantly more likely while weight gain (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.25-0.63) was significantly less likely to have PCOs. Conclusion: The findings of our study have showed higher frequency of PCOs. Furthermore, increased age, nulliparity, primiparity, history of hormonal intake, and hirsutism were found to be significant associated factors.

Cerebral venous thrombosis requiring invasive treatment for elevated intracranial pressure in women with combined hormonal contraceptive intake: risk factors, anatomical distribution, and clinical presentation.

OBJECTIVE Women taking combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs) are generally considered to be at low risk for cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT). When it does occur, however, intensive care and neurosurgical management may, in rare cases, be needed for the control of elevated intracranial pressure (ICP). The use of nonsurgical strategies such as barbiturate coma and induced hypothermia has never been reported in this context. The objective of this study is to determine predictive factors for invasive or surgical ICP treatment and the potential complications of nonsurgical strategies in this population. METHODS The authors conducted a 2-center, retrospective chart review of 168 cases of CVT in women between 2000 and 2012. Eligible patients were classified as having had a mild or a severe clinical course, the latter category including all patients who underwent invasive or surgical ICP treatment and all who had an unfavorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale score ≥ 3 or Glasgow Outcome Scale score ≤ 3). The Mann-Whitney U-test was used for continuous parameters and Fisher's exact test for categorical parameters, and odds ratios were calculated with statistical significance set at p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS Of the 168 patients, 57 (age range 16-49 years) were determined to be eligible for the study. Six patients (10.5%) required invasive or surgical ICP treatment. Three patients (5.3%) developed refractory ICP > 30 mm Hg despite early surgical decompression; 2 of them (3.5%) were treated with barbiturate coma and induced hypothermia, with documented infectious, thromboembolic, and hemorrhagic complications. Coma on admission, thrombosis of the deep venous system with consecutive hydrocephalus, intraventricular hemorrhage, and hemorrhagic venous infarction were associated with a higher frequency of surgical intervention. Coma, quadriparesis on admission, and hydrocephalus were more commonly seen among women with unfavorable outcomes. Thrombosis of the transverse sinus was less common in patients with an unfavorable outcome, with similar distribution in patients needing invasive or surgical ICP treatment. CONCLUSIONS The need for invasive or surgical ICP treatment in women taking CHCs who have CVT is partly predictable on the basis of the clinical and radiological findings on admission. The use of nonsurgical treatments for refractory ICP, such as barbiturate coma and induced hypothermia, is associated with systemic infectious and hematological complications and may worsen morbidity in this patient population. The significance of these factors should be studied in larger multicenter cohorts.

Abstract P6-12-04: Quality of life of Chinese breast cancer survivors in association with lifestyle changes before and after cancer diagnosis

Abstract Background: Epidemiologic studies in the West have found that lifestyle factors, including maintaining normal body weight, being physically active and eating a healthy diet are individually associated with better quality of life (QOL) among breast cancer survivors. Limited data is available on lifestyle modifications in association with quality of life of breast cancer survivors in Asian region. The objectives of this study were to [1] determine the lifestyle changes among Chinese breast cancer survivors at diagnosis and 18-month post diagnosis; and [2] to assess the association of lifestyle changes with QOL. Methods: In this prospective cohort study, 1300 Chinese breast cancer patients were assessed at breast cancer diagnosis (baseline; reflecting pre-diagnosis) and at 18-month post-diagnosis. During each assessment, individual patient's lifestyle within the previous 12 months were recorded and included exercise, diet, and body mass index (BMI) data; each patient also underwent self-administered QOL assessment. Assessment of lifestyle modifications were based on World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research (WCRF/AICR) recommendation adherence scores (range: 0-6).QOL was evaluated by European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer-Quality of Life Questionnaire C-30 (EORTC-QLQ-C30). Paired t-test was performed to compare the overall recommendation adherence score before and after diagnosis.To investigate the association between recommendation adherence score and HRQoL, generalized linear models were used to compare the least-square means by tertiles of adherence score (T1, T2, and T3) and continuous adherence score. In the multivariate models, adjustment were made for age, stage of cancer, education level, marital status, comorbidities, smoking status, current hormonal therapy and energy intake. Results: The mean recommendation adherence score significantly increased from baseline of 3.2 (SD=1.1) to 3.9 (SD=1.1, p&amp;lt;0.001) at 18-month follow-up. Overall, increasing adherence to WCRF/AICR guideline was associated with higher scores of global health status (P=0.01), physical functioning (P&amp;lt;0.001) and role functioning (P=0.03), and lower scores of fatigue (P=0.001), nausea and vomiting (P=0.003), pain (P&amp;lt;0.001), dyspnea (P=0.006), loss of appetite (P=0.001) and diarrhea (P&amp;lt;0.001). Conclusions: Positive lifestyle changes were made among Chinese breast cancer survivors after cancer diagnosis. Increased adherence to WCRF/AICR recommendations after cancer diagnosis improves QOL, suggesting that Chinese breast cancer survivors should follow the WCRF/AICR guideline for cancer prevention. Acknowledgments: This study is funded by the World Cancer Research Fund International (Grant Number WCRF 2010/249and WCRF 2014/1197) and Madam Diana Hon Fun Kong Donation for Cancer Research. Citation Format: Lei Y-Y, Lee IC-K, Cheung KL, Lee R, He Y, Yeo W. Quality of life of Chinese breast cancer survivors in association with lifestyle changes before and after cancer diagnosis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-12-04.

The Stage of Breast Cancer at the Time of Diagnosis: Correlation with the Clinicopathological Findings among Iraqi Patients

Background: Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy and the second leading cause of mortality among women in Iraq forming 23% of cancer related deaths. The low survival from the disease is a direct consequence to the advanced stages at diagnoses. Aim: To document the composite stage of breast cancer among Iraqi patients at the time of diagnosis; correlating the observed findings with other clinical and pathological parameters at presentation. Patients and Methods: A retrospective study enrolling the clinical and pathological characteristics of 603 Iraqi female patients diagnosed with breast cancer. The composite stage of breast cancer was determined according to UICC TNM Classification System of Breast Cancer and the American Joint Committee on Cancer Staging. The studied parameters comprised age of the patient, stage of the disease, marital and educational status, history of lactation and hormonal intake (for a minimum period of 6 months), family history of breast or any other cancer, the effected breast side, hormone (Estrogen and Progesterone) receptor (ER, PR) and Her2 contents of the primary cancer. Statistical analysis was performed to correlate the recorded composite stages at diagnosis with the corresponding clinical and pathological data utilizing SPSS version 16.0 statistical program. Results: Out of 603 patients, seven (1.2%) had ductal carcinoma in situ (Stage 0). Stages I, II and III and IV were documented in 9.5%, 47.1%, 33.2% and 9.1% of the patients at the time of diagnoses. Overall 70.8% of patients presented in the age group (40-59 years), 79.3% were married and 32.2% were highly educated. History of lactation, hormonal intake, family breast cancer and contralateral breast involvement was observed in 73.4%, 26.5%, 20.2% and 6.5% respectively. No correlation was elicited between the stage of breast cancer and the age of the patients, history of lactation or contralateral breast involvement. On the other hand, significant associations were demonstrated with respect to the marital and educational status, history of hormonal intake and breast cancer in the family. Immuno-histochemical evaluation revealed ER+PR+Her2+ (Triple Positive/Luminal B), ER-PR-Her2- (Triple Negative), ER+PR+Her2- (Luminal A) and ER-PR-Her2+ (Her2) subtypes in 13.4%, 11.8%, 48.2% and 9.8% of the examined breast samples respectively. When correlating the composite stage at diagnosing breast cancer with the corresponding subtypes the relationship was highly significant at p<0.01. Conclusions and Recommendations: The study reports a regression in Stage IV breast cancer at the time of initial presentation among Iraqi patients specifically in those with family history of the disease; pointing out to the fruitful outputs of initiating the National Program for Early Detection of Breast Cancer in the country. Further professional efforts, endorsed by practical policy decisions, are recommended to down stage breast cancer through promoting evidence based protocol guidelines and adopting comprehensive well designed diagnostic, screening and cancer control strategies.