18 research outputs found
The Impact of the Microbiological Vaginal Swab on the Reproductive Outcome in Infertile Women
Background: The thesis on which this paper is based intended to investigate whether the
result of the microbiological vaginal swab has an influence on the outcome of the fertility treatment.
Methods: The microbiological vaginal swabs of patients who received fertility treatment at Saarland
University Hospital were evaluated. Depending on the microorganisms detected, the swab result was
classified as inconspicuous, intermediate, or conspicuous. The SPSS software was used to determine
the correlation between the swab result and the outcome of the fertility treatment. Results: Dysbiosis
was associated with a worse outcome of fertility treatment. The pregnancy rate with a conspicuous
swab was 8.6%, whereas it was 13.4% with an inconspicuous swab. However, this association was
not statistically significant. Furthermore, an association of endometriosis with dysbiosis was found.
Endometriosis was more frequent with a conspicuous swab result than with an inconspicuous result
(21.1% vs. 17.7%), yet the correlation was not statistically significant. However, the absence of
lactobacilli was significantly associated with endometriosis (p = 0.021). The association between
endometriosis and a lower pregnancy rate was also statistically significant (p = 0.006). Conclusion:
The microbiological vaginal and cervical swabs can be used as predictors for the success of fertility
treatments. Further studies are needed to assess the impact of transforming a dysbiotic flora into a
eubiotic environment on the success of fertility treatments
Postpartum Assessment of the Correlation between Serum Hormone Levels of Estradiol, Progesterone, Prolactin and Ă-HCG and Blood Pressure Measurements in Pre-Eclampsia Patients
Background: Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related hypertensive disease. Aberrant hormone
levels have been implicated in blood pressure disorders. This study investigated the association
of postpartum maternal serum hormone levels of estradiol, progesterone, prolactin, and Ă-HCG
with poorer PE-related complications including arterial hypertension. Methods: Thirty patient
women with preeclampsia, and twenty women with uncomplicated pregnancy were included in this
study. Serum levels of estradiol, progesterone, prolactin, and Ă-HCG were determined immediately
after delivery, and on the first and third postpartum days by means of ECLIA. Results: Compared
with normal pregnancy cases, preeclampsia cases had higher serum levels of Ă-HCG levels on Day 0 (319%), of progesterone on Day-0 (207%) and Day-1 (178%), and of estradiol on Day-1 (187%) and
Day-3 (185%). Increased prolactin levels were positively associated with disease severity and estradiol
and progesterone levels were decreased in poorer preeclampsia features including disease onset and
IUGR diagnosis. No significant correlation between different hormone levels and blood pressure
measurements was reported. Conclusions: This study is the first that detected postpartum maternal
serum hormone levels and their correlation with blood pressure measurements in preeclampsia. We
believe that the persistent arterial hypertension in the puerperium in preeclampsia as well as poorer
disease specifications are most likely not of hormonal origin. Larger, well-defined prospective studies
are recommended
The Therapy of Vulvar Carcinoma : Evaluation of Surgical Options in a Retrospective Monocentric Study
(1) Background: Surgical-oncological treatment methods are continuously put to the
test in times of evidence-based medicineânotably, a constant reevaluation remains key, especially
for tumor entities with increasing incidence such as vulvar carcinoma. (2) Methods: In order to
determine the postoperative clinical course of different methods of vulvar excision (vulvectomy,
hemivulvectomy) as well as inguinal lymph node removal (lymphadenectomy, sentinel lymph
node biopsy) with regard to postoperative wound-healingprocess, perioperative hemorrhage, and reresection rates, we retrospectively analyzed surgical, morphological and laboratory data of 76 patients
with a pathological diagnosed vulvar cancer. (3) Results: Analysis of our data from a single center
revealed a comparable perioperative clinical course regardless of the chosen method of vulvar
excision and inguinal lymph node removal. (4) Conclusions: Thus, our results emphasize the current
multimodality in surgical therapy of vulvar carcinoma, in which consideration of known prognostic
factors together with the individual patientâs clinical situation allow guideline-based therapy aimed
at maximizing surgical safety
Teaching breast ultrasound skills including core-needle biopsies on a phantom enhances undergraduate student's knowledge and learning satisfaction
Purpose
To investigate whether a training program on breast ultrasound skills including core-needle biopsies to undergraduate students can improve medical knowledge and learning satisfaction.
Methods
Medical students attending mandatory classes at the Medical School of the University of Saarland received a supplemental theoretical and hands-on training program on ultrasound (US) breast screening and on US-guided core-needle biopsy using an agarâagar phantom. Experienced breast specialists and ultrasound examiners served as trainers applying Peytonâs 4-step training approach. The studentsâ theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills were tested before and after the training program, using a multiple-choice questionnaire (MCQ), the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) and a student curriculum evaluation.
Results
The MCQ results showed a significant increase of the studentâs theoretical knowledge (50.2â75.2%, pâ<â0.001). After the course, the OSCE showed a mean total of 17.3/20 points (86.5%), confirming the practical implementation of the new skills. The student curriculum evaluation in general was very positive. A total of 16/20 questions were rated between 1.2 and 1.7 (very good) and 3 questions were rated as 2.1 (good).
Conclusion
Undergraduate studentâs medical education can be enhanced by teaching breast US skills
Students' attitudes toward digital learning during the COVID-19 pandemic: a survey conducted following an online course in gynecology and obstetrics
Purpose
The purpose of this survey was to assess medical studentsâ opinions about online learning programs and their preferences for specific teaching formats during COVID 19 pandemic.
Methods
Between May and July 2020, medical students who took an online gynecology and obstetrics course were asked to fill in a questionnaire anonymously. The questionnaire solicited their opinions about the course, the teaching formats used (online lectures, video tutorials featuring real patient scenarios, and online practical skills training), and digital learning in general.
Results
Of 103 students, 98 (95%) submitted questionnaires that were included in the analysis. 84 (86%) students had no problem with the online course and 70 (72%) desired more online teaching in the future. 37 (38%) respondents preferred online to traditional lectures. 72 (74%) students missed learning with real patients. All digital teaching formats received good and excellent ratings fromâ>â80% of the students.
Conclusion
The survey results show medical studentsâ broad acceptance of the online course during COVID 19 pandemic and indicates that digital learning options can partially replace conventional face-to-face teaching. For content taught by lecture, online teaching might be an alternative or complement to traditional education. However, bedside-teaching remains a key pillar of medical education
The Prevalence, Management and Impact of Dysmenorrhea on Medical Studentsâ LivesâA Multicenter Study
Introduction: Dysmenorrhea is defined as the presence of painful menstruation, and it
affects daily activities in different ways. The aims of this study were to assess the prevalence and
management of dysmenorrhea and to determine the impact of dysmenorrhea on the quality of life
of medical students. Material and methods: The study conducted was prospective, analytical and
observational and was performed between 7 November 2019 and 30 January 2020 in five university
centers from Romania. The data was collected using an original questionnaire regarding menstrual
cycles and dysmenorrhea. The information about relationships with family or friends, couplesâ
relationships and university activity helped to assess the effects of dysmenorrhea on quality of life.
The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The study comprised 1720 students in total. The
prevalence of dysmenorrhea was 78.4%. During their menstrual period, most female students felt
more agitated or nervous (72.7%), more tired (66.9%), as if they had less energy for daily activities
(75.9%) and highly stressed (57.9%), with a normal diet being difficult to achieve (30.0%). University
courses (49.4%), social life (34.5%), couplesâ relationships (29.6%), as well as relationships with family
(21.4%) and friends (15.4%) were also affected, depending on the duration and intensity of the pain.
Conclusion: Dysmenorrhea has a high prevalence among medical students and could affect the
quality of life of students in several ways. During their menstrual period, most female students feel
as if they have less energy for daily activities and exhibit a higher level of stress. The intensity of
the symptoms varies considerably and, with it, the degree of discomfort it creates. Most student
use both pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods to reduce pain (75.7%). University
courses, social life, couplesâ relationships, as well as relationships with family and friends are affected,
depending on the duration and intensity of the pain
Incidence of and risk factors for vaginal cuff dehiscence following total laparoscopic hysterectomy: a monocentric hospital analysis
Purpose
Vaginal cuff dehiscence (VCD) is one of the major surgical complications following hysterectomy with data on incidence rates varying largely and studies assessing risk factors being sparse with contradictive results. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence rate of and risk factors for VCD in a homogenous cohort of women treated for benign uterine pathologies via total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) with standardized follow-up.
Methods
All patients undergoing TLH at the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Saarland University Hospital between November 2010 and February 2019 were retrospectively identified from a prospectively maintained service database.
Results
VCD occurred in 18 (2.9%) of 617 patients included. In univariate and multivariate analyses, a lower level of surgeon laparoscopic expertise (odds ratio 3.19, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0â9.38; pâ=â0.03) and lower weight of removed uterus (odds ratio 0.99, 95% CI 0.98â0.99; pâ=â0.02) were associated positively with the risk of VCD.
Conclusion
In this homogenous cohort undergoing TLH, laparoscopic expertise and uterine weight influenced the risk of postoperative VCD. These findings might help to further reduce the rate of this complication
Ovarian stimulation for fertility treatment
Dieser Reviewartikel gibt einen Ăberblick ĂŒber die verschiedenen in der Reproduktionsmedizin zum Einsatz kommenden Arten der hormonellen Stimulation der Eierstöcke. Der Artikel ist in 3 Teile gegliedert: ZunĂ€chst werden prognostische und prĂ€diktive Parameter fĂŒr den Erfolg einer hormonellen Stimulationstherapie aufgelistet, die es erlauben sollen, ein zu geringes (âlow responseâ) oder ein zu starkes Ansprechen der Ovarien (âhigh responseâ) zu antizipieren. AnschlieĂend werden die Formen der ovariellen Stimulation mit den verfĂŒgbaren Stimulationsmedikamenten und -protokollen dargestellt. Den Abschluss bildet ein Fazit fĂŒr die reproduktionsmedizinische Praxis. Der Beitrag soll einen kompakten Ăberblick ĂŒber die Thematik geben und praktisch tĂ€tigen Reproduktionsmediziner(inne)n eine schnelle Orientierung im klinischen Alltag ermöglichen.This article provides an overview of the various types of ovarian hormonal stimulation available for fertility treatments in reproductive medicine. The article is divided into three parts: First, prognostic and predictive parameters for successful hormonal stimulation therapy are presented. These should make it possible to anticipate whether ovarian response towards hormonal treatment will be too low (so-called low response) or too high (so-called high response). Subsequently, several forms of ovarian stimulation with the available stimulation drugs and protocols are described. The paper concludes with a brief summary for practical reproductive medicine. This work intends to summarize the topic and provide a quick orientation for reproductive medicine practitioners in daily clinical practice
Cetrorelix in reproductive medicine
This book chapter presents the most important clinical aspects concerning the gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist cetrorelix and its importance in reproductive medicine. After an overview of the historical milestones in the development and establishment of cetrorelix in the context of ovarian stimulation treatment, its dosage, effects, and side effects are evaluated. The chapter terminates with a conclusion emphasizing the ease of use and the increase in patient safety because of a significantly reduced risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome with cetrorelix compared with the agonist protoco
Longâterm effectiveness of an online decision aid for female cancer patients regarding fertility preservation: Knowledge, attitude, and decisional regret
Introduction: The decision, whether to undergo fertility preservation or not is highly demanding for cancer patients. Decision aids may act as an additional source of support. So far, only a limited number of decision aids regarding fertility preservation for female cancer patients exist and have been evaluated systematically. This paper presents the results of secondary analyses of the first randomized controlled trial evaluating an online decision aid for female cancer patients affected by different types of cancer. It focuses on fertility-related knowledge, attitude toward fertility preservation, and long-term effectiveness regarding decisional regret.
Material and methods: Young female cancer patients between 18 and 40 years of age were recruited after fertility counseling with a reproductive specialist. They were assigned to either the control group (counseling only) or the intervention group (counseling followed by the additional use of the decision aid). Both groups had to complete a questionnaire after counseling as well as 1 and 12 months later, covering topics such as fertility-related knowledge, attitude towards fertility preservation, decisional conflict and regret. Recruitment was ongoing during 18 months in eight fertility centers located in Switzerland and Germany.
Results: Mean age of participating women was 29.31 years (SD 4.57). Of the entire sample (n = 51) 53% were affected with breast cancer, 27.4% with lymphoma, and 19.6% with various other types of cancer. Knowledge regarding the most common fertility preservation methods was high and comparable in both groups. Positive attitude significantly exceeded negative attitude among all participants (p = 0.001). Although the altogether low scores for decisional regret were on a higher level in the control group (T2: mean = 19.00, SD = 13.24; T3: mean = 22.0, SD = 20.67) than in the intervention group (T2: mean = 14.12, SD = 11.07; T3: mean = 12.94, SD = 13.24), there were no statistically significant differences between and within both groups. There was a positive association between decisional conflict and decisional regret at T3 (p = 0.001, r = 0.510).
Conclusions: This decision aid was suitable as an additional source of knowledge and may positively impact decisional regret in the long term. Results suggest that the provision of an online decision aid as a complement to fertility counseling may facilitate decision-making.
Keywords: attitude; decision aid; decision-making; decisional regret; oncofertility; young female cancer patients