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Mohammad A, Laboulaye MA, Shenhar C, Dobberfuhl AD. Mechanisms of oxidative stress in interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome. Nat Rev Urol 2024; 21:433-449. [PMID: 38326514 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-023-00850-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is characterized by bladder and/or pelvic pain, increased urinary urgency and frequency and nocturia. The pathophysiology of IC/BPS is poorly understood, and theories include chronic inflammation, autoimmune dysregulation, bacterial cystitis, urothelial dysfunction, deficiency of the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) barrier and urine cytotoxicity. Multiple treatment options exist, including behavioural interventions, oral medications, intravesical instillations and procedures such as hydrodistension; however, many clinical trials fail, and patients experience an unsatisfactory treatment response, likely owing to IC/BPS phenotype heterogeneity and the use of non-targeted interventions. Oxidative stress is implicated in the pathogenesis of IC/BPS as reactive oxygen species impair bladder function via their involvement in multiple molecular mechanisms. Kinase signalling pathways, nociceptive receptors, mast-cell activation, urothelial dysregulation and circadian rhythm disturbance have all been linked to reactive oxygen species and IC/BPS. However, further research is necessary to fully uncover the role of oxidative stress in the pathways driving IC/BPS pathogenesis. The development of new models in which these pathways can be manipulated will aid this research and enable further investigation of promising therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashu Mohammad
- Department of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Mallory A Laboulaye
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Chen Shenhar
- Department of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Amy D Dobberfuhl
- Department of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA.
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Crisp CD, Baldi R, Fuller M, Abreu E, Nackley AG. Complementary Approaches for Military Women with Chronic Pelvic Pain: A Randomized Trial. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE 2023; 29:22-30. [PMID: 36251868 DOI: 10.1089/jicm.2022.0616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Active duty (AD) women suffer with chronic pelvic pain (CPP) while providers tackle diagnoses and treatments to keep them functional without contributing to the opioid epidemic. The purpose of this randomized trial was to determine the effectiveness of noninvasive, self-explanatory mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) or self-paced healthy lifestyle (HL) interventions on CPP in AD women. Methods: A 6-week, interventional prospective study with AD women aged 21-55 years at Mountain Home (MTHM), Idaho, was conducted. Women were randomly assigned to MBSR (N = 21) or HL (N = 20) interventions. The primary outcome was pain perception. The secondary outcomes were depression and circulating cytokine levels. Results: Women in the MBSR group exhibited reduced pain interference (p < 0.01) and depression (p < 0.05) alongside decreased interleukin (IL)-4 (p < 0.05), IL-6 (p < 0.05), eotaxin (p < 0.05), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (p = 0.06), and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) (p < 0.01) and increased vascular endothelial growth factor (p < 0.05). Women in the HL group did not have changes in pain; however, they did exhibit reduced depression (p < 0.05) alongside decreased granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (p < 0.05) and increased tumor necrosis factor alpha (p < 0.05), stromal cell-derived factor-1 (p < 0.01), and IL-1ra (p < 0.01). Conclusions: AD women receiving MBSR or HL had reduced depression scores and altered circulating cytokine levels; however, only those receiving MBSR had reduced pain perception. Findings support MBSR as an effective and viable behavioral treatment for AD women suffering from CPP and provide premise for larger randomized controlled studies. Clinical Trial Registration: MOCHI-An RCT of mindfulness as a treatment for CPP in AD Women NCT04104542 (September 26, 2019).
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol D Crisp
- Nursing and Health Science, School of Nursing and Health Studies, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Robert Baldi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Matthew Fuller
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Eduardo Abreu
- Nursing and Health Science, School of Nursing and Health Studies, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Andrea G Nackley
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.,Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
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Brooks T, Sharp R, Evans S, Baranoff J, Esterman A. Psychological Interventions for Women with Persistent Pelvic Pain: A Survey of Mental Health Clinicians. J Multidiscip Healthc 2021; 14:1725-1740. [PMID: 34262286 PMCID: PMC8275108 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s313109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To establish which psychological therapies mental health professionals use with reference to the treatment of women with persistent pelvic pain conditions. This research investigates overall therapies and specific techniques that clinicians believe are the most effective with this patient group, and the challenges mental health clinicians face in administering interventions. The study aims to suggest improvements to clinical practice and establish directions for targeted future research. Design Cross-sectional survey design. Methods An online survey was developed to ask mental health clinicians questions regarding the therapies and techniques they use with women experiencing persistent pelvic pain, their perspective on their practice in this area. The survey was advertised on relevant social media and professional websites. Survey results were tabled, and chi-square statistical analyses were undertaken to examine differences in therapy use according to country and profession. Results Mental health clinicians predominantly utilized cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy and associated techniques for women with persistent pelvic pain conditions. The results of the chi-square analyses showed that psychologists were more likely to use cognitive behavioral therapy or acceptance and commitment therapy, than counsellors who preferred counselling interventions. Chi-square analyses showed that Australian clinicians used acceptance and commitment therapy with a higher frequency than mental health clinicians in other countries. Clinicians provided multiple insights into their experiences working with women affected by persistent pelvic pain and their opinions as to valuable future research directions. Conclusion Cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and mindfulness therapies were most commonly used by mental health clinicians working with women with persistent pelvic pain conditions, despite severely limited evidence for the use of these psychological interventions in this client group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany Brooks
- The University of South Australia, Clinical and Health Sciences, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Rebecca Sharp
- The University of South Australia, Clinical and Health Sciences, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Susan Evans
- Welland Health, North Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - John Baranoff
- Centre for Treatment of Anxiety and Depression, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Adrian Esterman
- The University of South Australia, Clinical and Health Sciences, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Ahuja RS, Garg T, Sudheendra D. Management of Patients when Superficial Venous Disease Arises from Pelvic Escape Points. Semin Intervent Radiol 2021; 38:226-232. [PMID: 34108810 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1729744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a common condition in women that carries with it significant morbidity. It is commonly seen in patients presenting to obstetrics and gynecology outpatient clinic visits. CPP is a presenting symptom of various pathologies including pelvic varicocele, pelvic adhesions, spastic colon syndrome, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and psychosomatic disorders. Pelvic congestion syndrome has more recently been termed "pelvic venous insufficiency (PVI)" due to the underlying retrograde flow through incompetent ovarian and pelvic veins that are thought to cause the symptoms of CPP. Pelvic varices can commonly present alongside vulvar, perineal, and lower extremity varices. There are some predictable "escape pathways" for these varices that may present for interventional treatment. This article introduces the reader to current terminology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of patients with pelvic varices due to PVI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakesh S Ahuja
- Division of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Tushar Garg
- Division of Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Deepak Sudheendra
- Department of Clinical Radiology and Surgery, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania - Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Bridger C, Prabhala T, Dawson R, Khazen O, MacDonell J, DiMarzio M, Staudt MD, De EJB, Argoff C, Pilitsis JG. Neuromodulation for Chronic Pelvic Pain: A Single-Institution Experience With a Collaborative Team. Neurosurgery 2021; 88:819-827. [PMID: 33372201 PMCID: PMC7956019 DOI: 10.1093/neuros/nyaa537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Secondary to the complex care, involved specialty providers, and various etiologies, chronic pelvic pain patients do not receive holistic care. OBJECTIVE To compare our general and neuromodulation cohorts based on referrals, diagnosis, and therapy and describe our neuromodulation patients. METHODS A multidisciplinary team was established at our center. The intake coordinator assessed demographics and facilitated care of enrolled patients. Outcomes were compared using minimal clinical important difference of current Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) between patients with neuropathic pain who received neuromodulation and those who did not. The neuromodulation cohort completed outcome metrics at baseline and recent follow-up, including NRS score (best, worst, and current), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Beck Depression Inventory, and Pain Catastrophizing Scale. RESULTS Over 7 yr, 233 patients were referred to our consortium and 153 were enrolled. A total of 55 patients had neuropathic pain and 44 of those were managed medically. Eleven underwent neuromodulation. A total of 45.5% patients of the neuromodulation cohort were classified as responders by minimal clinically important difference compared to 26.6% responders in the control cohort at most recent follow-up (median 25 and 33 mo, respectively). Outcome measures revealed improvement in NRS at worst (P = .007) and best (P = .025), ODI (P = .014), and Pain Catastrophizing Scale Rumination (P = .043). CONCLUSION Eleven percent of patients were offered neuromodulation. There were more responders in the neuromodulation cohort than the conservatively managed neuropathic pain cohort. Neuromodulation patients showed significant improvement at 29 mo in NRS best and worst pain, disability, and rumination. We share our algorithm for patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheyanne Bridger
- Department of Neurosurgery, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York
| | - Tarun Prabhala
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York
| | - Rachael Dawson
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York
| | - Olga Khazen
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York
| | - Jacquelyn MacDonell
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York
| | - Marisa DiMarzio
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York
| | - Michael D Staudt
- Department of Neurosurgery, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York
| | - Elise J B De
- Department of Urology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Charles Argoff
- Department of Neurology, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York
| | - Julie G Pilitsis
- Department of Neurosurgery, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York
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Urits I, Schwartz R, Herman J, Berger AA, Lee D, Lee C, Zamarripa AM, Slovek A, Habib K, Manchikanti L, Kaye AD, Viswanath O. A Comprehensive Update of the Superior Hypogastric Block for the Management of Chronic Pelvic Pain. Curr Pain Headache Rep 2021; 25:13. [PMID: 33630172 DOI: 10.1007/s11916-020-00933-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This is a comprehensive review of the superior hypogastric block for the management of chronic pelvic pain. It reviews the background, including etiology, epidemiology, and current treatment available for chronic pelvic pain. It then presents the superior hypogastric block and reviews the seminal and most recent evidence about its use in chronic pelvic pain. RECENT FINDINGS Several definitions exist for chronic pelvic pain (CPP), making the diagnosis more challenging for the clinician; however, they commonly describe continuous pain lasting 6 months in the pelvis, with an overwhelming majority of patients being reproductive-aged women. This pain is often one of mechanical, inflammatory, or neuropathic. It is generally underdiagnosed and affects anywhere between 5 and 26% of women. The diagnosis of chronic pelvic pain is clinical, consisting of mainly of a thorough history and physical and ruling out other causes. The pathophysiology is often endometriosis (70%) and also includes PID, adhesions, adenomyosis, uterine fibroids, chronic processes of the GI and urinary tracts, as well as pelvic-intrinsic musculoskeletal causes. Treatment includes physical therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and oral and parenteral opioids. Interventional techniques provide an added tier of treatment and may help to reduce the requirement for chronic opioid use. Superior hypogastric plexus block is one of the available interventional techniques; first described in 1990, it has been shown to provide long-lasting relief in 50-70% of patients who underwent the procedure. Two approaches described so far, both under fluoroscopy, have seen similar results. More recently, ultrasound and CT-guided procedures have also been described with similar success. The injectate includes local anesthetic, steroids, and neurolytic agents such as phenol or ethanol. CPP is a common debilitating condition. It is diagnosed clinically and is underdiagnosed globally. Current treatments can be helpful at times but may fall short of satisfactory pain relief. Interventional techniques provide an added layer of treatment as well as reduce the requirement for opioids. Superior hypogastric plexus block provides long-lasting relief in many patients, regardless of approach. Evidence level is limited, and further RCTs could help provide better tools for evaluation and patient selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Urits
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology, Louisiana State University Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Ruben Schwartz
- Department of Anesthesiology, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL, USA.
| | - Jared Herman
- Department of Anesthesiology, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL, USA
| | - Amnon A Berger
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David Lee
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Christopher Lee
- Creighton University School of Medicine - Phoenix Regional Campus, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Alec M Zamarripa
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Annabel Slovek
- Valley Pain Consultants - Envision Physician Services, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Kelly Habib
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | | | - Alan D Kaye
- Department of Anesthesiology, Louisiana State University Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Omar Viswanath
- Department of Anesthesiology, Louisiana State University Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology, University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA.,Valley Pain Consultants - Envision Physician Services, Phoenix, AZ, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, USA
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Hughes C, May S. A directional preference approach for chronic pelvic pain, bladder dysfunction and concurrent musculoskeletal symptoms: a case series. J Man Manip Ther 2020; 28:170-180. [PMID: 31702976 PMCID: PMC7480605 DOI: 10.1080/10669817.2019.1668994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) with concurrent musculoskeletal and bladder symptoms is a complex and challenging problem. However, clinically the co-existence of these symptoms is not routinely questioned, and their musculoskeletal source is not investigated thoroughly. The purpose of this case series is to present the use of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT) principles in seven patients with concurrent chronic pelvic pain, bladder dysfunction and musculoskeletal symptoms. CASE DESCRIPTIONS Seven patients with coexisting pelvic health and musculoskeletal signs and symptoms were retrospectively reviewed. Most common symptoms were urinary frequency, incontinence, pelvic pain, nocturia, dyspareunia, bladder dyssynergia, and lumbar, pelvic or hip pain. All patients failed to recognize the possible interconnectedness of the two sets of symptoms. Each exhibited a directional preference (DP) and subsequent MDT provisional classification of derangement was established; the use of DP forces abolished or dramatically improved both symptoms and mobility impairments. In all cases DP was for sustained sagittal forces initially, but ultimately lateral forces and mobilization were indicated. OUTCOMES Changes in Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire, Care Connections Pelvic Floor and Lumbar spine were all clinically significant and exceeded minimally Clinical Important Differences several times. Average of 5.8 sessions per patient was noted. Follow-up at an average of 3.3 years revealed ongoing satisfaction and confidence in independent self-management. DISCUSSION These case studies highlight the importance of ensuring expansion of intake questions for possible co-existence of symptoms in both pelvic and musculoskeletal patients, possibly suggesting a mechanical intervention is indicated. Provisional subclassification into 'Mechanical Pelvic Syndrome' is proposed. Level of Evidence: 4.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephen May
- Department of Allied Health Professions, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK
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Polushkin AA, Isagulyan ED, Tomskiy AA, Dorokhov EV, Salyukov RV. [The use of surgical neuromodulation to treat chronic pelvic pain]. ZHURNAL VOPROSY NEĬROKHIRURGII IMENI N. N. BURDENKO 2019; 83:49-58. [PMID: 31166317 DOI: 10.17116/neiro20198302149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a pain syndrome that is very difficult to treat. The effectiveness of CPP treatment remains low despite the use of integrated approaches. That is why it is necessary to search for new treatment approaches and methods. Surgical neuromodulation has recently been used increasingly often to treat CPP. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effectiveness of different types of neurostimulation in patients with chronic pelvic pain. MATERIAL AND METHODS Thirty-two patients were treated at the N.N. Burdenko National Scientific and Practical Center for Neurosurgery. All the patients were diagnosed with CPP and transferred to the Center because of unsatisfactory results of earlier treatment. The mean duration of pain was 8.6 years (range: 1-31 years). Pain intensity and the neuropathic component of the pain syndrome were assessed using the conventional scales and questionnaires (VAS, LANSS, Pain Detect, and DN4). The levels of anxiety, depression, and catastrophic pain were also assessed. The effect of pain on quality of life was evaluated using the modified Brief Pain Inventory (BPI). All the selected patients underwent trial lead implantation at the first stage. Sacral root stimulation was used in 15 patients (unilateral one in 8 patients and bilateral one in 7 patients); three patients underwent spinal cord stimulation; 14 patients were treated with combined neurostimulation. RESULTS In 27 (84.37%) patients, the trial period was regarded as positive and the systems were implanted for chronic neurostimulation. After one year of stimulation, the mean VAS score for pain intensity was 3.53 (compared to 8.61 before the surgery). Regarding quality of life, the most significant effects of treatment were as follows: the number of pain paroxysms was reduced; physical self-maintenance, social life, sleep, and sexual activity were improved; and daily physical activity was increased. CONCLUSION . Neurostimulation ensures a stable pain relief and improves quality of life in patients with chronic pelvic pain refractory to conservative treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - A A Tomskiy
- Burdenko Neurosurgical Institute, Moscow, Russia
| | - E V Dorokhov
- Burdenko Neurosurgical Institute, Moscow, Russia
| | - R V Salyukov
- People's Friendship University of Russia, Moscow, Russia
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Giua Marassi C, Pistone A, Parazzini F, Vannuccini S, Petraglia F. Women’s attitude toward gynecological pain in fertile age: Results from a cross-sectional study among Italian community pharmacies. JOURNAL OF ENDOMETRIOSIS AND PELVIC PAIN DISORDERS 2018. [DOI: 10.1177/2284026518776148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Several epidemiological data on women afferent to clinics for medical treatment of pelvic pain are available, while few studies explored the general population. Thus, this study aimed to investigate women presenting with gynecological pain at the community pharmacy and to evaluate the relevance of pharmacist advice regarding medical treatment. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a sample of 10 Italian community pharmacies, by administering a structured questionnaire to fertile age women reporting pelvic pain during the last 3 months. Questions were concerning demographic information, pain characteristics, women’s behavior toward gynecological pain, and diagnosis possibly received from a physician. Results: A group of 290 women were interviewed. Severe pain was reported in 58.3%, with a mean ± SD of 4.4 ± 6.8 days of suffering, causing absenteeism from work in 45.3% of cases. Almost half of women reported that the onset of gynecological pain was before 15 years and 72.2% had consulted a physician in the past, with a mean delay of 2.5 ± 4.3 years between the onset of pain and medical consultation. However, only 28% of the overall population received a diagnosis. 51.0% received one treatment, while 39% received two or more. The first therapy was prescribed in 40.2% cases by the physician, while in the remaining it was recommended either by the pharmacist or it was a self-medication. Conclusion: Gynecological pelvic pain is a disabling problem, regardless of the underlying cause, with significant impact on social and working life and requiring a better medical management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fabio Parazzini
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche e di Comunità, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Vannuccini
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Italy
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Felice Petraglia
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
- Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Italy
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