The relevance of reducing Veress needle overshooting

Safe insertion of the Veress needle during laparoscopy relies on the surgeons' technical skills in order to stop needle insertion just in time to prevent overshooting in the underlying organs. To reduce this risk, a wide variety of Veress needle systems were developed with safety mechanisms that limit the insertion speed, insertion depth or decouple the driving force generated by the surgeon's hand on the needle. The aim of this study is to evaluate current surgeons' perceptions related to the use of Veress needles and to investigate the relevance of preventing overshooting of Veress needles among members of the European Association of Endoscopic Surgery (EAES). An online survey was distributed by the EAES Executive Office to all active members. The survey consisted of demographic data and 14 questions regarding the use of the Veress needle, the training conducted prior to usage, and the need for any improvement. A total of 365 members residing in 58 different countries responded the survey. Of the responding surgeons, 36% prefer the open method for patients with normal body mass index (BMI), and 22% for patients with high BMI. Of the surgeons using Veress needle, 68% indicated that the reduction of overshoot is beneficial in normal BMI patients, whereas 78% indicated that this is beneficial in high BMI patients. On average, the members using the Veress needle had used it for 1448 (SD 3031) times and felt comfortable on using it after 22,9 (SD 78,9) times. The average years of experience was 17,6 (SD 11,1) and the surgeons think that a maximum overshoot of 9.4 (SD 5.5) mm is acceptable before they can safely use the Veress needle. This survey indicates that despite the risks, Veress needles are still being used by the majority of the laparoscopic surgeons who responded. In addition, the surgeons responded that they were interested in using a Veress needle with an extra safety mechanism if it limits the risk of overshooting into the underlying structures.

Chemoprevention of breast cancer among women at elevated risk as defined by Gail Score

The risk of an individual woman to develop breast cancer over a 5-year period can be estimated using the Gail Model. The risk factors included in this model effectively classify patients into two different subgroups. One subgroup comprises patients at increased risk because of increased exposure to estrogen. These women are more likely to benefit from endocrine chemopreventive therapies, namely selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) and aromatase inhibitors (AIs). The second subgroup comprises women who have inherited genetic mutations that predispose them to breast cancer. Chemoprevention in these patients is more likely to be achieved by novel agents, such as lapatinib, gefitinib, fenretinide, rexinoids and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP)-inhibitors.

The role of cytokines in postmenopausal osteoporosis

Postmenopausal osteoporosis is a silent systemic progressive disease characterised by a decrease in bone mass per unit volume. This condition compromises the physical strength of the skeleton and increases the susceptibility to fractures on minor trauma. The imbalance between bone formation and bone resorption is known to be responsible for postmenopausal bone loss. Estrogen deficiency contributes to bone loss by increasing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines by bone marrow and bone cells. Clinical and molecular evidence indicates that estrogen-regulated cytokines exert regulatory effects on bone turnover implicating their role as being the primary mediators of the accelerated bone loss at menopause. The current perspective on the role and interaction of cytokines such as IL-1, IL-4, IL-6, IL-17, TNF, IFN-γ and TGF-β in bone loss linked with estrogen deficiency is reviewed. Current treatment options and emerging drug therapies in the management of postmenopausal osteoporosis are also evaluated.

Screening for thyroid disease in pregnancy: a review

Screening for thyroid disease in pregnancy remains a contentious issue. This review presents these diverging views and discusses their reasons as well as the relevant facts. The final aim is to establish the information gaps and limitations - technological or otherwise - which still need to be eliminated in order to settle the debate conclusively. The prevalence of the more common thyroid dysfunctions that occur in and after pregnancy is discussed. The subsequent impact of these disorders on mother and offspring is also described. Special focus is placed on the benefits and setbacks of currently available and newly proposed investigations, which assay serum hormone levels, serum autoantibody levels, and/or use clinical data. It is pointed out that the relevance of screening varies from one region of the world to the other, based on the content of iodine and selenium in food and water. The review then discusses the current major arguments for and against screening, as well as recommendations and proposed alternatives.

Prediction of preterm birth

Preterm delivery is birth occurring before 37 completed weeks of gestation. Preterm birth is the primary cause of morbidity and mortality in children especially if this occurs before 34 weeks of gestation. If preterm birth could be predicted and treated accordingly, this would greatly reduce mortality, morbidity and associated costs. There have been many attempts to develop an accurate and efficient method to predict preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) and preterm labor that leads to spontaneous preterm birth (SPB). However, the initial signs and symptoms are most often mild and may even occur in normal pregnancies, making early detection rather difficult. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the current methods employed in predicting preterm birth occurring due to preterm labor and PPROM. Among these methods are risk scoring systems, cervical/vaginal screening for fetal fibronectin, cervical assessment by ultrasonography, uterine activity monitoring, biomarkers such as endocrine factors, cytokines and enzymes, fetal DNA and genetic polymorphism. SPB is multifactorial, and so it is highly unlikely that a single test can accurately predict SPB. A combination of biological markers is also reviewed in the estimation of the risk of preterm delivery.

The role of cytokines in skin aging

Cutaneous aging is one of the major noticeable menopausal complications that most women want to fight in their quest for an eternally youthful skin appearance. It may contribute to some maladies that occur in aging which, despite not being life-threatening, affect the well-being, psychological state and quality of life of aged women. Skin aging is mainly affected by three factors: chronological aging, decreased levels of estrogen after menopause, and environmental factors. Aged skin is characterized by a decrease in collagen content and skin thickness which result in dry, wrinkled skin that is easily bruised and takes a longer time to heal. Cytokines play a crucial role in the manifestation of these features of old skin. The pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibits collagen synthesis and enhances collagen degradation by increasing the production of MMP-9. It also lowers the skin immunity and thus increases the risk of cutaneous infections in old age. Deranged levels of several interleukins and interferons also affect the aging process. The high level of CCN1 protein in aged skin gives dermal fibroblasts an 'age-associated secretory phenotype' that causes abnormal homeostasis of skin collagen and leads to the loss of the function and integrity of skin. Further research is required especially to establish the role of cytokines in the treatment of cutaneous aging.

Attitudes towards preconception care in Maltese women with type 1 diabetes mellitus

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to assess the level of knowledge and awareness related to preconception care among Maltese women of reproductive age with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).

METHODS

Thirty-seven T1DM women, aged 12-30 years, were self-administered a questionnaire related to diabetes self-management and preconception care. The participants then underwent an educational intervention and re-took the same questionnaire.

RESULTS

Before the intervention, 26 participants (70%) claimed they did not have any knowledge about the preconception care of diabetes. Of the remaining 11 participants, the main reported source of information about diabetes care was the diabetologist (n = 8; 6.7%). The response rate was 70% (26 out of 37 participants completed the questionnaire after the educational intervention). Six of the participants who initially reported no preconception care knowledge claimed an increased awareness after the event. There was a statistically significant increase in the knowledge scores after the intervention.

CONCLUSION

It is evident that there is a lack of awareness of the importance of pre-pregnancy planning to avoid pregnancy-related complications with diabetes. This emphasizes the need for more education and it is imperative for healthcare professionals to address these issues with adolescent female patients.

The role of cytokines in cardiovascular disease in menopause

Various studies suggest that increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines play a key role in the declining ovarian function and the resulting complications associated with menopause. In this review article, the authors outline the role of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in cardiovascular disease during menopause.

The effect of menopause on the skin and other connective tissues

Cutaneous ageing manifests itself as a progressive reduction in function and reserve capacity of skin tissue. Collagen atrophy is a major factor in skin ageing. There is a strong correlation between skin collagen loss and oestrogen deficiency due to the menopause. Skin ageing is associated with a progressive increase in extensibility and a reduction in elasticity. With increasing age, the skin also becomes more fragile and susceptible to trauma, leading to more lacerations and bruising. Furthermore, wound healing is impaired in older women. Oestrogen use after the menopause increases collagen content, dermal thickness and elasticity, and it decreases the likelihood of senile dry skin. Large-scale clinical trials are necessary to help make informed recommendations regarding postmenopausal oestrogen use and its role in the prevention of skin ageing. Oestrogen has profound effects on connective tissue turnover, no matter the site. It has been shown that menopause has similar effects on the connective tissue of the carotid artery media, intervertebral discs and bones.

Endometrial seedlings. A survival instinct? Immunomodulation and its role in the pathophysiology of endometriosis

Endometriosis occurs when ectopic cells from the endometrium implant within the peritoneum. It is considered as a disease of multifactorial aetiology and affects 7-10% of women of reproductive age worldwide. In endometriosis, the immune system is thought to be dysfunctional and various studies have shown cytokine imbalance. Commonly upregulated cytokines include Tumour necrosis factor-alpha, interferon gamma and interleukin-10. Through analysis of the molecular makeup of the peritoneal fluid, a change is shown to occur, conferring resistance from macrophages and lymphocytes to endometrial cells. This is possibly due to a reduced Inter-cellular adhesion molecule-1 synthesis. Survival of ectopic endometrial cells also arises through the expression of human leukocyte antigens. Apart from the survival of ectopic/eutopic cells in endometriosis, there is marked cellular proliferation, which has also been attributed to a change in the expression of proteins such as Bcl-2-Associated X protein, B-cell lymphoma-2 protein, transforming growth factor-beta and the enzyme aromatase. Danazol and aromatase inhibitors modulate the immune system, thus allowing partial restoration of cytokine levels. Pharmacogenomics may be the way forward in developing novel treatment modalities for endometriosis.

Investigation of systemic inflammatory response in first trimester pregnancy failure

BACKGROUND

The contribution of local and systemic inflammation to the pathophysiology of sporadic first trimester miscarriages remains unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the inflammatory response in the circulation of women presenting with first trimester miscarriage.

METHODS

Levels of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), TNF receptors 1 and 2, interferon gamma (IFNγ), interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10 were assayed using cytometric bead arrays in plasma samples from 29 euploid and 21 aneuploid missed miscarriages, 35 normal pregnant controls and 31 non-pregnant women (NPW). Whole blood flow cytometry was carried out with samples from 17 euploid and 16 aneuploid miscarriages, 18 pregnant controls and 13 NPW.

RESULTS

The plasma of women with euploid miscarriage contained significantly higher circulating levels of TNFα (P < 0.005), IFNγ (P < 0.005), IL-6 (P < 0.005) and IL-10 (P < 0.01) than that of pregnant controls, irrespective of gestational age. Significantly (P < 0.05) higher TNF-R1 levels at 6-9 weeks, and significantly higher TNFα/IL-6 (P < 0.001) and significantly lower TNFα/IL-10 (P < 0.001) and IFNγ/IL-10 (P < 0.001) ratios at 10-14 weeks, were also found in euploid miscarriage cases compared with pregnant controls. TNFα/IL-10 ratio in plasma was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in miscarriages with an abnormal karyotype than those with normal karyotype. Normal pregnant women had a significantly higher plasma level of IFNγ (P < 0.01) and IFNγ/IL-10 ratio (P < 0.005), a significantly (P < 0.005) lower TNF-R1 level, and a significant (P < 0.05) increase in stimulated TNFα in monocytes, compared with NPW.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data confirm that there is an inflammatory reaction in normal pregnancy compared with the non-pregnant state, which may be disrupted during miscarriage.

Estrogens and the intervertebral disc

Intervertebral discs are an integral part of the vertebral column. It has been shown that menopause has a negative effect on bone and on intervertebral discs. Estrogen has a beneficial effect of preserving the health of collagen-containing tissues, including the intervertebral disc. The intervertebral disc allows for mobility of the spine, and maintains a uniform stress distribution of the area of the vertebral endplates. Also, the disc influences spinal height. The disc tissue is adapted for this biomechanical function. The function of the spine is impaired if there is a loss of disc tissue. Narrowing of the disc space due to degeneration of intervertebral discs is associated with a significantly increased risk of vertebral fractures. Estrogen should be seen as the first-choice therapy for bones and other collagen-rich tissues, such as intervertebral discs, because it maintains homeostasis of the bone-remodelling unit. Unlike bisphosphonates, estrogen is unique in its ability to regenerate bone collagen after its disintegration, apart from suppressing osteoclastic activity. Besides, there is insufficient data on deterioration in bone qualities and micro-cracks in patients on long-term bisphosphonates.

The skin, carotid and intervertebral disc: making the connection!

A fairly consistent finding in work on the menopause and hormone replacement therapy is the positive effect of estrogen on connective tissue and its turnover. The menopause has been shown repeatedly to have a negative effect on the connective tissue in the dermis of the skin. Such an effect is prevented and in some cases reversed with estrogen therapy. This is similar to what happens in bone matrix. Similarly, the media in the carotid has been shown to undergo the same change with the menopause and with estrogen therapy as the dermis. The carotid artery media is increased in menopausal women on estrogen therapy and is thinner in untreated women. Recently, new information has revealed that the menopause, i.e. estrogen deprivation, has similar effects on the connective tissue of intervertebral discs. In aged intervertebral discs, the predominant collagen is type III, not type I, which is the predominant collagen in skin and bone, although skin has additional type III. These negative changes are once again prevented or reversed with estrogen therapy. This effect probably also extends to the extracellular non-collagenous matrix in all these systems, i.e. skin, carotid and intervertebral discs. The common thread is that estrogen has profound effects on connective tissue turnover, no matter the site. This has far-reaching implications not only in maintaining the structure and aesthetic appearance of tissue, but also the strength and stiffness of various tissues and the functioning of neighboring and surrounding organs.

Intervertebral disc height correlates with vertebral body T-scores in premenopausal and postmenopausal women

Objective

To assess the correlation between vertebral body T-score and intervertebral disc height in premenopausal and postmenopausal women.

Methods

A total of 203 women were recruited from a large bone densitometer directory. The disc heights measured were those between the 12th thoracic and third lumbar vertebra. The discs were assigned the symbols D, whereby D1 applies for the disc between the 12th thoracic and first lumbar vertebra. The disc height of the group of women ( n = 38) with osteoporotic vertebral fractures was compared with the disc heights of hormone-treated women ( n = 47), untreated postmenopausal women ( n = 77) and another group of premenopausal women ( n = 41). Bone density measurements were taken by a Norland Bone Densitometer (DEXA 586).

Results

The lowest disc heights were found in the fracture group. The total disc height in the fracture group was 1.42 ± 0.25 cm, significantly lower ( P < 0.0001) than the untreated group (1.82 ± 0.3 cm), which in turn was significantly ( P < 0.0001) lower than the hormone-treated group (2.2 ± 0.26 cm) and the premenopausal group (2.11 ± 0.21 cm). The lowest T-scores were also noted in the vertebral fracture group ( T-score = −3.1 ± 0.3) ( P < 0.0001). The highest T-score recorded for the premenopausal group was −0.38 ± 45, higher than that of the untreated menopausal −1.4 ± 0.32 and hormone treated women −0.65 ± 0.3, all three significantly higher than the fracture group ( P < 0.0001). The lowest T-scores were also noted in the vertebral fracture group ( T-score = −3.1 ± 0.3) ( P < 0.0001). The highest T-score recorded for the premenopausal group was −0.38 ± 45, higher than that of the untreated menopausal −1.4 ± 0.32 and hormone treated women −0.65 ± 0.3, all three significantly higher than the fracture group ( P < 0.0001). Bone density across all groups revealed a correlation with disc height ( R = 0.29) ( P < 0.05). The group with vertebral osteoporotic fractures was the only group to show a negative correlation (−0.21) between disc height and vertebral bone density. Conversely, a significant correlation ( R = 0.47) ( P < 0.001) between the T-score and the total lumbar intervertebral disc height was noted in the premenopausal group of women. The menopausal group of untreated women also showed a significant correlation between the T-score and disc height ( R = 0.25 P < 0.05); however, an insignificant positive correlation was found in the hormone-treated group.

Conclusion

The fracture group was noted to have the lowest intervertebral disc height and lowest T-scores compared with the other three groups. The hormone-treated and the premenopausal women had the highest disc heights and T-scores recorded. Positive correlations between T-score and disc height were noted for all the groups except for the fracture group. These results suggest a coupling between the vertebral body and intervertebral disc, which if disrupted may lead to increased risk for fracture. The combination of both T-score and disc height may improve the screening sensitivity for vertebral body fracture risk.

Skin ageing

Cutaneous ageing manifests itself as a progressive reduction in maximum function and reserve capacity of skin tissue. It is not a unique and uniform biological event. Skin comprises three layers: epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissue. Collagen atrophy is a major factor in skin ageing. There is a strong correlation between skin collagen loss and estrogen deficiency due to the menopause. Skin ageing, especially in the face, is associated with a progressive increase in extensibility and a reduction in elasticity. With increasing age, the skin also becomes more fragile and susceptible to trauma, leading to more lacerations and bruising. Furthermore, wound healing is impaired in older women. Estrogen use after the menopause increases collagen content, dermal thickness and elasticity, and it decreases the likelihood of senile dry skin. Large-scale clinical trials are necessary to help make informed recommendations regarding postmenopausal estrogen use and its role in the prevention of skin ageing.