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Fallon L, Lau AY, Ciccia D, Duckworth TJ, Pereira C, Kopp E, Perica V, Sherman KA. Perceived challenges in treatment decision-making for endometriosis: healthcare professional perspectives. Health Psychol Behav Med 2024; 12:2383469. [PMID: 39100426 PMCID: PMC11295683 DOI: 10.1080/21642850.2024.2383469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Endometriosis, a systemic chronic inflammatory condition which has no cure, has a high symptom burden that can negatively impact every facet of life. Given the absence of a gold-standard treatment, the best symptom management regimen in endometriosis is heavily reliant on a patient's values and preferences, making shared decision-making (SDM) vital. However, a comprehensive patient decision aid (PtDA) intervention that could facilitate patient decision-making and promote SDM is lacking in endometriosis, and there is little research on the decisional support needs of individuals with this condition. This qualitative study aimed to explore healthcare professional (HP) perspectives of their clients' decisional support needs when choosing treatments to manage endometriosis symptoms, with a view to evaluating the need for a PtDA. Methods Australian HPs identified as specialising in endometriosis care (N = 13) were invited to participate in a short interview over the Internet by phone. Questions focussed on perceived facilitators and challenges of decision-making when choosing treatments for endometriosis. Transcribed qualitative data were thematically analysed and verified by multiple coders, using the template approach. Results Four themes were identified: (1) Identifying and setting priorities; (2) HPs' lack of time and perceived lack of knowledge; (3) Patient-centred care and SDM, including patient capacity; and (4) Decision-making blinded by hope. This is the first known study to explore HPs' perspectives on patient decision-making challenges in endometriosis. Discussion Findings draw attention to the difficulties people with endometriosis experience when assessing and choosing treatments, highlighting the need for a comprehensive PtDA intervention to support this decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynda Fallon
- School of Psychological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
- Lifespan Health and Wellbeing Research Centre, Sydney, Australia
| | - Annie Y.S. Lau
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Donna Ciccia
- National Institute of Complementary Medicine (NICM), Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
- Endometriosis Australia, Sydney, Australia
| | - Tanya Jane Duckworth
- Endometriosis Australia, Sydney, Australia
- School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Chantelle Pereira
- School of Psychological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Emily Kopp
- School of Psychological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Valentina Perica
- School of Psychological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kerry A. Sherman
- School of Psychological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
- Lifespan Health and Wellbeing Research Centre, Sydney, Australia
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Mazur-Bialy A, Tim S, Pępek A, Skotniczna K, Naprawa G. Holistic Approaches in Endometriosis - as an Effective Method of Supporting Traditional Treatment: A Systematic Search and Narrative Review. Reprod Sci 2024:10.1007/s43032-024-01660-2. [PMID: 39043999 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-024-01660-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
Endometriosis is one of the gynecological diseases where women suffer from pain, quality of life decreased. The aim of this review was to describe the most common non-medical methods used in the treatment of symptoms associated with endometriosis and to determine their effectiveness. The review was performed in PubMed, Embase and Web of Science databases. Randomized controlled trials, case studies, observational studies, retrospective studies, prospective studies, pilot studies, trails, publications in English or Polish were searched based on the Participant-Intervention-Comparator-Outcomes-Study design (PICOS) format. The criteria used to select studies were: women with endometriosis, no cancer, included any physiotherapeutic or non-medical intervention. 3706 articles were found, however only 26 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Quality of the studies was assessed by Risk of Bias 2 tool and ROBINS-1 tool. The most holistic approach used in the treatment of symptoms of endometriosis include physical therapy, manual therapy, electrophysical agents acupuncture, diet and psychological interventions. Most research has focused on relieving pain and increasing quality of life. Non-medical methods showed reduction of symptoms of endometriosis. Physical activity, manual therapy, electrophysical agents, acupuncture, diet and cognitive behavioral therapy showed no negative side effects and reduced pain, what improved the quality of life and reduced the perceived stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Mazur-Bialy
- Department of Biomechanics and Kinesiology, Faculty of Health Science, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Skawińska 8, Krakow, 31-066, Poland.
| | - Sabina Tim
- Department of Biomechanics and Kinesiology, Faculty of Health Science, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Skawińska 8, Krakow, 31-066, Poland
| | - Anna Pępek
- Student Scientific Group, Faculty of Health Science, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Kamila Skotniczna
- Student Scientific Group, Faculty of Health Science, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Gabriela Naprawa
- Student Scientific Group, Faculty of Health Science, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
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Parambath S, Selvraj NR, Venugopal P, Aradhya R. Notch Signaling: An Emerging Paradigm in the Pathogenesis of Reproductive Disorders and Diverse Pathological Conditions. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5423. [PMID: 38791461 PMCID: PMC11121885 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The highly conserved Notch pathway, a pillar of juxtacrine signaling, orchestrates intricate intercellular communication, governing diverse developmental and homeostatic processes through a tightly regulated cascade of proteolytic cleavages. This pathway, culminating in the migration of the Notch intracellular domain (NICD) to the nucleus and the subsequent activation of downstream target genes, exerts a profound influence on a plethora of molecular processes, including cell cycle progression, lineage specification, cell-cell adhesion, and fate determination. Accumulating evidence underscores the pivotal role of Notch dysregulation, encompassing both gain and loss-of-function mutations, in the pathogenesis of numerous human diseases. This review delves deep into the multifaceted roles of Notch signaling in cellular dynamics, encompassing proliferation, differentiation, polarity maintenance, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), tissue regeneration/remodeling, and its intricate interplay with other signaling pathways. We then focus on the emerging landscape of Notch aberrations in gynecological pathologies predisposing individuals to infertility. By highlighting the exquisite conservation of Notch signaling in Drosophila and its power as a model organism, we pave the way for further dissection of disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic interventions through targeted modulation of this master regulatory pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Rajaguru Aradhya
- School of Biotechnology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kollam 690525, Kerala, India; (S.P.); (N.R.S.); (P.V.)
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Tourny C, Zouita A, El Kababi S, Feuillet L, Saeidi A, Laher I, Weiss K, Knechtle B, Zouhal H. Endometriosis and physical activity: A narrative review. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2023; 163:747-756. [PMID: 37345574 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.14898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Endometriosis is a painful gynecological disorder that affects many women. Constant treatments and contraception changes affect women looking for solutions to treat and limit the problems caused by endometriosis. The current narrative review discusses the effects of physical activity on the management, pain, and quality of life in patients with endometriosis. Findings suggest that body awareness practices such as Hatha yoga, the Jacobson method, and progressive muscle relaxation reduce pain and stress and improve the quality of life associated with endometriosis. It also highlights the current knowledge gap on available evidence and future research. Moreover, care must be taken when considering patients' physical abilities and goals and avoiding intense physical activities. The forms of endometriosis and its symptoms vary from one woman to another, so it is important to perform studies with various nonmedicinal or surgical techniques. It is important to continue randomized controlled trials to obtain more data on the benefits of physical activity in women with endometriosis and also to identify what types of activities could be beneficial to combat pain symptoms and improve the daily lives of women with endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Tourny
- Univ Rouen Normandie, CETAPS - UR 3832, Mont Saint Aignan, France
| | - Amira Zouita
- Higher Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Ksar-Said, Research Unit "Sports Performance, Health & Society" (UR17JS01), University of Manouba, Manouba, Tunisia
| | - Samira El Kababi
- High Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Léa Feuillet
- Univ Rouen Normandie, CETAPS - UR 3832, Mont Saint Aignan, France
| | - Ayoub Saeidi
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Kurdistan, Iran
| | - Ismail Laher
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Katja Weiss
- Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Beat Knechtle
- Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Medbase St. Gallen Am Vadianplatz, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Hassane Zouhal
- Univ Rennes, M2S (Laboratoire Mouvement, Sport, Santé), Rennes, France
- Institut International des Sciences du Sport (2I2S), Irodouer, France
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Muallem J, Velho RV, Netzl J, Sehouli J, Mechsner S. Pelvic floor hypertension: possible factors for pelvic floor tenderness in endometriosis patients-a pilot study. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2023; 308:1803-1809. [PMID: 37672087 PMCID: PMC10579168 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-023-07192-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is one of the main problems of endometriosis, leading to a significant impairment of quality of life. Understanding the pain mechanisms and the pelvic floor muscles (PFM) changes in these patients is essential to integrate additional therapeutic strategies. We hypothesize that endometriosis patients have changes in PFM and that targeted vaginal electrostimulation can be a treatment option for CPP in this disease. METHODS Fifteen patients with endometriosis and chronic acyclical pelvic pain were included. PFM electromyography with the Multiple Array Probe Leiden (MAPLe) was performed. Mapping of PFM was utilized and targeted electrostimulation of the hypertensive muscles was conducted. Control electromyography was performed afterward to evaluate the electrostimulation therapeutic effect. RESULTS In 12/15 (80%) patients, the myofascial trigger point could be localized by digital examination. The most frequently affected muscle was the puborectalis (10/15-66.7%). Most of the patients showed serious changes in the average resting tone (aRT) of PFM. aRT was significantly increased in all patients and decreased after stimulation, whereby the difference prior to and after stimulation was not significant (p = 0.064). The detailed separated analysis of the hypertensive muscles showed a significant (p = 0.026) reduction in their resting tone (hRT), after targeted stimulation. CONCLUSION Vaginal electrostimulation is a promising and feasible complementary treatment option for CPP in endometriosis patients. Targeted treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction should be included in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jumana Muallem
- Department of Gynecology Charité with Center of Oncological Surgery, Endometriosis Research Center Charité, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Renata Voltolini Velho
- Department of Gynecology Charité with Center of Oncological Surgery, Endometriosis Research Center Charité, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Johanna Netzl
- Department of Gynecology Charité with Center of Oncological Surgery, Endometriosis Research Center Charité, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jalid Sehouli
- Department of Gynecology Charité with Center of Oncological Surgery, Endometriosis Research Center Charité, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sylvia Mechsner
- Department of Gynecology Charité with Center of Oncological Surgery, Endometriosis Research Center Charité, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany.
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Rubal C, Pereira A, Sastre LC, Pérez-Cejuela BA, Gámiz SH, Chaves P, Medina TP. Managing Vulvodynia with Central Sensitization: Challenges and Strategies. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12113851. [PMID: 37298046 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12113851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Vulvodynia is defined as a chronic idiopathic vulvar pain condition. This study aimed to investigate the effect of central sensitization on the prognosis of neuromodulator treatment for vulvodynia. Method: A total of 105 patients with vulvodynia who underwent pelvic mapping pain exploration were included and scored according to the Convergence PP Criteria for pelvic pain and central sensitization. The patients were treated according to chronic pelvic pain guidelines, and their response to treatment was evaluated. Results: A total of 35 out 105 patients (33%) with vulvodynia had central sensitization, which was associated with comorbidities, dyspareunia, pain with micturition, and pain with defecation. Dyspareunia and pain with defecation were independent prognostic factors for central sensitization. Patients with central sensitization experienced more pain during intercourse, urination, or defecation, had more comorbidities, and responded worse to treatment. They required more treatment, with a longer response time (over 2 months). Patients with localized vulvodynia were treated with physiotherapy and lidocaine, while patients with generalized vulvodynia were treated with neuromodulators. Amitriptyline was effective in treating patients with generalized spontaneous vulvodynia and dyspareunia. Conclusions: Overall, this study highlights the importance of considering central sensitization in the diagnosis and treatment of vulvodynia and the need for individualized treatment based on the patient's symptoms and underlying mechanisms. Vulvodynia patients with central sensitization had more pain during intercourse, urination, or defecation, and responded worse to treatment, requiring more time and medication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Rubal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Autonoma University of Madrid, 28222 Madrid, Spain
| | - Augusto Pereira
- Department of Gynecologic Surgery, Puerta de Hierro University Hospital, 28222 Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Calles Sastre
- Department of Gynecologic Surgery, Puerta de Hierro University Hospital, 28222 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Sofía Herrero Gámiz
- Department of Gynecologic Surgery, Puerta de Hierro University Hospital, 28222 Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Chaves
- Department of Gynecologic Surgery, Puerta de Hierro University Hospital, 28222 Madrid, Spain
| | - Tirso Pérez Medina
- Department of Gynecologic Surgery, Puerta de Hierro University Hospital, 28222 Madrid, Spain
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Muñoz-Gómez E, Alcaraz-Martínez AM, Mollà-Casanova S, Sempere-Rubio N, Aguilar-Rodríguez M, Serra-Añó P, Inglés M. Effectiveness of a Manual Therapy Protocol in Women with Pelvic Pain Due to Endometriosis: A Randomized Clinical Trial. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12093310. [PMID: 37176750 PMCID: PMC10179466 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12093310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
A randomized controlled trial was carried out to assess the effectiveness of a manual therapy protocol in terms of the clinical characteristics, quality of life, and emotional condition of the women with endometriosis-related pelvic pain. Forty-one women (mean age of 36.10 (6.97) years) with pelvic pain due to endometriosis were randomly divided into (i) a manual therapy group (MTG) (n = 21) and (ii) a placebo group (PG) (n = 20). Both groups received an 8-week intervention. Pain, lumbar mobility, endometriosis health profile, quality of life, depression and anxiety levels, and the patient's perception of change were assessed before (T0) and after (T1) the intervention, as well as at a one-month follow-up (T2) and a six-month follow-up (T3). The MTG significantly improved pain intensity, powerlessness, lumbar mobility, and physical quality of life at T1 (p < 0.05). The results were maintained for pain intensity at T2 and T3. In addition, both the MTG and PG improved emotional wellbeing at T1 (p < 0.05). Neither group improved in terms of social support, self-image, and depression and anxiety levels after the intervention (p > 0.05). In conclusion, manual therapy may be an excellent complement to the gynecological treatment of endometriosis-related pelvic pain by alleviating pain and improving women's endometriosis health profile and physical quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Muñoz-Gómez
- Research Unit in Clinical Biomechanics (UBIC), Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Physiotherapy, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Sara Mollà-Casanova
- Research Unit in Clinical Biomechanics (UBIC), Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Physiotherapy, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Núria Sempere-Rubio
- Research Unit in Clinical Biomechanics (UBIC), Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Physiotherapy, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Marta Aguilar-Rodríguez
- Research Unit in Clinical Biomechanics (UBIC), Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Physiotherapy, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Pilar Serra-Añó
- Research Unit in Clinical Biomechanics (UBIC), Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Physiotherapy, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Marta Inglés
- Research Unit in Clinical Biomechanics (UBIC), Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Physiotherapy, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
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Wójcik M, Goździewicz T, Hudáková Z, Siatkowski I. Endometriosis and the Temporomandibular Joint-Preliminary Observations. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12082862. [PMID: 37109199 PMCID: PMC10144081 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12082862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: The complete picture of the disease is not fully recognized and extends far beyond the pelvis. The disease's impacts lead to systemic inflammation, in turn resulting in sensitization to pain. The aim of this study was to check whether statistical correlations exist in women with endometriosis with regard to their experience of pain: headache, pelvic pain, temporomandibular joint pain, along with teeth clenching and the treatment of the disease. We constructed contingency tables, followed by Pearson's chi-square test and Cramer's V coefficient values. (2) Methods: A survey was conducted among 128 women aged 33.43 ± 5.79 with a diagnosis of endometriosis (disease duration 6.40 ± 5.88 years). (3) Results: There was a correlation between the occurrence of pain on the right and left sides of the pelvis and pain on the right and left sides of the temporomandibular joint, p-value = 0.0397, V = 0.2350, and between the presence of pelvic pain and the treatment of endometriosis, p-value = 0.0104, V = 0.3709, and between the presence of pain outside the pelvis and the treatment of endometriosis, p-value = 0.0311, V = 0.4549. There was a highly significant correlation between teeth clenching and temporomandibular joint pain, p-value = 0.0005, V = 0.3695. (4) Conclusions: The study revealed a correlation between pelvic endometriosis symptoms and symptoms in the temporomandibular joint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Wójcik
- Department of Physiotherapy, Poznan University of Physical Education, Faculty of Sport Sciences in Gorzow Wlkp., 61-871 Poznan, Poland
| | - Tomasz Goździewicz
- Department of Perinatology and Gynecology, Division of Gynecology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-758 Poznan, Poland
| | - Zuzana Hudáková
- Faculty of Health, Catholic University, 034 01 Ružomberok, Slovakia
- College of Polytechnics, 586 01 Jihlava, Czech Republic
- SNP Central Military Hospital, Faculty Hospital, 034 01 Ružomberok, Slovakia
| | - Idzi Siatkowski
- Department of Mathematical and Statistical Methods, Poznan University of Life Sciences, 60-637 Poznan, Poland
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