Family history and pelvic organ prolapse: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Progress in the genetics and epigenetics of pelvic floor disorder

Pelvic floor disorder (PFD) is a common gynecological disorder, and with the ageing of the population, PFD has a serious impact on the physical and mental health of patients and their quality of life. The most prominent of these are pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and urinary incontinence (UI), about which the etiology is still unclear, and it is urgent to explore their pathogenesis. Advances in genetics and epigenetics have provided new insights into the pathophysiology of PFD. Candidate genes and genome-wide association studies have identified susceptibility genes for POP and UI. These susceptibility genes typically promote POP by affecting pelvic floor connective tissue. The role of susceptibility genes in UI is multifactorial and includes promoting inflammation, damaging pelvic floor connective tissue, and modulating neurogenic effects. The association of epigenetic changes with POP and UI has also been investigated. DNA methylation studies have identified several important pathways associated with POP. miRNAs play an important role in the development of POP and UI, and this may be an important therapeutic direction for the future. The studies conducted so far have shown that genetic and epigenetic techniques are of great importance in exploring the etiology of PFD and that more in-depth studies are needed in the future.

Family history and acquired risk factors for pelvic organ prolapse: a case-control study in Japan

This case-control study aimed to investigate the association between family history of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and its development, combined with known clinical risk factors, in Japanese women. Participants included patients aged ≥ 40 years with and without POP. Self-reported questionnaires assessed delivery methods, disease history, and family history until third-degree relatives. Overall, 305 patients with POP and 338 healthy controls were included. After age-matching, a good balance was achieved between the groups (n = 129 each), with a mean age of 67.7 ± 8.3 years in the POP group and 67.4 ± 8.3 years in the control group. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that the POP group had a significantly higher odds ratio for family history of POP (3.06 [1.09-8.56]; p = 0.03), body mass index (BMI) (1.12 [1.03-1.22]; p = 0.01), and parity (1.51 [1.20-1.89]; p = 0.001). An area under the curve of 0.693 was achieved with a family history of POP, BMI ≥ 23.1 kg/m2, and parity ≥ 3 for differentiation between the POP and control groups. This suggests that family history of POP combined with BMI and parity may be useful predictors for POP development in Japanese women.

Unveiling the depths of pelvic organ prolapse: From risk factors to therapeutic methods (Review)

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a condition where one or more pelvic organs (such as the uterus, bladder and rectum) descend from their normal anatomical positions into the vagina, primarily due to the weakening of the pelvic floor support structures. While not life-threatening, POP can substantially diminish the patient's quality of life and lead to serious social and psychological complications. Researchers have explored novel directions regarding the etiology, mechanism and treatment of POP. However, existing literature on the subject often lacks comprehensive and systematic overviews. To address this gap and enhance researchers' understanding of POP, the present study reviewed the risk factors and molecular mechanisms of POP [including matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of MMPs, transforming growth factor β, advanced glycation end products (AGEs)/receptor for AGE, phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B, fibulin, lysyl oxidase-like 1, homeobox A11, collagen α-1 (XVIII) chain, Wnt signaling pathways and estrogen receptor α], as well as therapeutic approaches, such as lifestyle interventions, physical methods, pharmacotherapy, stem cell transplantation and surgical techniques. The present review aims to provide new insights for future research and contribute to the advancement of diagnosis and treatment strategies for POP.

Genetic Etiology in Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Role of Connective Tissue Homeostasis, Hormone Metabolism, and Oxidative Stress

Background: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) has become a common health problem among the aging population and affects an increasing number of elderly women worldwide. Studies within family and twin pairs provided strong evidence for the contribution of genetic factors to POP. Given the incomplete penetrance, polygenic traits, and small effect sizes of each variant in complex diseases, it is not always easy to evaluate the genetic susceptibility and molecular mechanisms involved in POP. Objectives: This review intends to comprehensively summarize the current studies on genetic variants associated with POP. Methods: We performed a comprehensive review to summarize the genetic findings from genome-linkage studies, genome-wide association studies, candidate association studies, and gene expression analyses. Results: We summarized genetic variants associated with connective tissue homeostasis, hormone metabolism, and oxidative stress, which were potentially related to the pathophysiology of POP. We also reviewed the limited polygenic risk score (PRS) studies generated for each individual's genetic risk stratification and its integration into clinical risk factors for disease prediction. Conclusions: This pooled analysis provides moderate epidemiological credibility for associations of these genetic variants with POP to bridge the gap between genetic research and clinical medicine towards understanding the genetic etiology of POP. It also highlights the potential of PRS as a risk prediction model.

Pelvic floor imaging in women with hemorrhoidal disease: An anatomical feasibility study

OBJECTIVE

To compare pelvic floor muscle and organ structures in women with and without hemorrhoidal disease (HD) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Pelvic MRI measurements and computer-based medical records of women diagnosed with HD between January 2018 and March 2021 were analyzed. Parameters including pubococcygeal distance, puborectal distance, posterior anorectal angle, obturator internus muscle area, presence of levator ani muscle defect, genital hiatus length, vaginal length, uterocervical angle, cervix-upper vagina angle, and cervix-middle vagina angle were evaluated. The control group consisted of women without HD, matched for age and body mass index.

RESULTS

Puborectal hiatus distance was higher in the HD group (59.2 ​± ​8.7 ​mm vs. 55.5 ​± ​7.1 ​mm, p ​= ​0.03). Similarly, the distance to the M line was greater in the HD group (18.3 ​± ​4.8 ​mm vs. 16 ​± ​4.6 ​mm, p ​= ​0.04). Obturator internus muscle area was found to be lower in the HD group compared to the non-HD group (1721 ​± ​291.4 ​mm2 vs. 1897.5 ​± ​352.5 ​mm2, p ​= ​0.02). Additionally, the presence of unilateral levator ani muscle defect was higher in HD patients (p ​= ​0.03). There was a negative correlation between birthweight and obturator internus muscle area (r ​= ​-0.388, p ​= ​0.02), and a positive correlation with M line distance (r ​= ​0.344, p ​= ​0.04).

CONCLUSION

Levator ani muscle defects and obturator internus muscle area, indicators of pelvic floor dysfunction, are more common in patients with hemorrhoidal disease.

Genetics of Female Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Up to Date

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a benign disease characterized by the descent of pelvic organs due to weakened pelvic floor muscles and fascial tissues. Primarily affecting elderly women, POP can lead to various urinary and gastrointestinal tract symptoms, significantly impacting their quality of life. The pathogenesis of POP predominantly involves nerve-muscle damage and disorders in the extracellular matrix metabolism within the pelvic floor. Recent studies have indicated that genetic factors may play a crucial role in this condition. Focusing on linkage analyses, single-nucleotide polymorphisms, genome-wide association studies, and whole exome sequencing studies, this review consolidates current research on the genetic predisposition to POP. Advances in epigenetics are also summarized and highlighted, aiming to provide theoretical recommendations for risk assessments, diagnoses, and the personalized treatment for patients with POP.

Impact on Sexual Function and Wish for Subsequent Pregnancy after Uterus-Preserving Prolapse Surgery in Premenopausal Women

(1) Background: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) affects millions of women globally, impacting their quality of life and potentially influencing family planning decisions. This study aimed to assess the impact of uterus-preserving prolapse surgery on the sexual function, desire for children, and pregnancy outcomes in premenopausal women with symptomatic POP. (2) Methods: A survey study was conducted among patients who underwent sacrospinous hysteropexy at a tertiary hospital between 2001 and 2021. Telephone interviews were performed to gather data on sexual function, desire for children, and satisfaction with surgical outcomes. (3) Results: The study included 33 premenopausal women, revealing diverse factors influencing sexual activity and desire for children following surgery. While most of the participants expressed a desire for children after surgery, sexually inactive individuals were more likely to report an unfulfilled desire for children. Fear of incontinence during sexual activity emerged as a significant concern for the sexually inactive participants. (4) Conclusions: The study highlights the need for comprehensive counselling and tailored interventions to address the multifaceted needs of women with POP. Further research is warranted to highlight the long-term implications of uterus-preserving surgeries on women's health and well-being.

The rs2018736 fibulin-5 polymorphism as a determinant for pelvic organ prolapse: a case-control study

OBJECTIVE

Fibulin-5 is a connective tissue component and may play a role in pelvic organ prolapse (POP) pathogenesis. This study aimed to verify the association of the rs2018736 polymorphism of the fibulin-5 gene with POP in postmenopausal Brazilian women, and to determine the risk factors for POP.

METHOD

This observational, cross-sectional, case-control study assessed postmenopausal women with advanced POP (stages III and IV) and control women (stages 0 and I) by examination and peripheral blood sample collection. DNA sequences were analyzed by real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. A logistic regression model was used with p < 0.05 for significance.

RESULTS

A total of 565 participants were evaluated (325 POP and 240 control). The homozygous C allele of rs2018736 (CC) was protective against POP (odds ratio [OR] 0.49, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.26-0.91). Age (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.05-1.13), number of pregnancies (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.01-1.28), vaginal delivery (OR 5.32, 95% CI 2.58-11.01), forceps delivery (OR 3.34, 95% CI 1.72-6.47), weight of newborn (OR 1.0007, 95% CI 1.0002-1.0011), family history of POP (OR 2.35, 95% CI 1.24-4.44), hypertension (OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.01-3.00) and diabetes (OR 2.19, 95% CI 1.07-4.48)] were independent predictors for POP; cesarean (OR 0.02, 95% CI 0.005-0.09) was protective.

CONCLUSION

The rs2018736-CC genotype of the fibulin-5 gene has a protective role against POP.

Prevalence and severity of sexual disorders in the third trimester of pregnancy

BACKGROUND

Female sexual function in pregnancy is an under-investigated topic by care providers. This study aimed to investigate the sexual function and the impact of traditional risk factors for pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) during the third trimester of pregnancy.

METHODS

This is a secondary analysis of a multicenter cross-sectional study conducted in eight hospitals in Italy and Italian-speaking Switzerland. Women at the third trimester of pregnancy aged 18 years and over completed the Italian-PFQPP questionnaire anonymously.

RESULTS

Overall, 927 patients in the third trimester of pregnancy answered the questionnaire. About 29.5% of women reported reduced or absent sexual activity. The less reported symptom was coital incontinence (1.3%), while painful intercourses was the most frequent one (50.3%). Nicotine abuse was associated with traumatic sexual intercourses, impaired vaginal sensibility, and negative impact on sexual life and well-being. Familiarity for pelvic floor disorder resulted as a risk factor for coital incontinence (OR=3.61).

CONCLUSIONS

Sexual symptoms, with pain during intercourses being the most widely reported, are extremely common in the third trimester of pregnancy and can greatly affect quality of life. Familiarity for pelvic floor disorders and nicotine abuse resulted as significant risk factors for at least one sexual symptom.

Psychometric evaluation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Australian Pelvic Floor Questionnaire (APFQ-IR) in Iranian reproductive age women

Pelvic floor disorders (PFDs), as a silent alert, is one of the pervasive debilitating health concerns among women all over the world, such that in developed countries, one in four women, suffers from PFDs. Validity and reliability of the Australian Pelvic Floor Questionnaire (APFQ) has not been determined in Iran, so to determine APFQ's psychometric characteristics, we decided to conduct this study on women of reproductive age in Tabriz city, Iran. This methodological cross-sectional study was intended to determine the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the APFQ-IR in 5 steps including "translation process, content validity, face validity, construct validity (exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and examination of ceiling and floor effects) and reliability" on 400 reproductive age women referring to health centers in Tabriz city, Iran, with cluster random sampling method in the period between May 2022 to September 2022. The translation process was done based on two approaches, Dual panel, and Beaton et al.'s five steps. Then, in order to evaluate content validity, face validity, and construct validity, 10 instrument and PFDs experts, 10 women from the target group investigated the instrument's items, and 400 eligible women completed the instrument. Finally, to determine the reliability, two internal consistency methods, (Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega) and test-retest method (ICC) were used. In the present study, content validity assessment of APFQ-IR, showed a good level of validity (CVR = 0.96, CVI = 0.94). To assess construct validity, exploratory factor analysis results on 36 items, led to the identification of 4 factors including bladder function, bowel function, prolapse symptom and sexual function, which explained 45.53% of the cumulative variance and indicated the sufficiency of the sample size (Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin = 0.750). Implementing confirmatory factor analysis, (RMSEA = 0.08, SRMR = 0.08, TLI = 0.90, CFI = 0.93, χ2/df = 3.52) confirmed the model fit indices. Finally the internal consistency and reliability was high for the entire instrument (Cronbach's alpha = 0.85; McDonald's omega (95% CI) = 0.85 (0.83-0.87) and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (95% CI) = 0.88 (0.74-0.94)). The Persian version of the APFQ-IR, has a good validity and reliability and has acceptable psychometric properties, thus can be used both for research purposes and for clinical evaluation of pelvic floor disorders symptoms in health centers.

Association between the rs1036819 polymorphism of the ZFAT gene and pelvic organ prolapse: a case-control study

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

The identification of risk factors for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) would contribute to planning prevention strategies. This study tests the hypothesis that the rs1036819 polymorphism in the ZFAT gene is associated with POP and investigates other risk factors for prolapse development.

METHODS

A case-control study was carried out including 826 postmenopausal women divided into POP cases (stages III and IV) and controls (stages 0 and I), assessed by anamnesis, examination, and peripheral blood samples. DNA was extracted from blood and genotyped by real-time RT-PCR. We used logistic regression models for the association analyses of variables, with p < 0.05 for significance.

RESULTS

Five hundred and sixty-eight women were evaluated (315 POP and 253 controls). The minor allele C was found in 19.3% of our sample and the genotype frequencies of AA, AC, and CC were similar in both groups. Age (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.06-1.13), number of pregnancies (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.08-1.41), history of one vaginal delivery (OR 3.39, 95% CI 1.38-8.33) or two or more (OR 2.51, 95% CI 1.04-6.07), weight of the largest newborn (OR 1.0001, 95% CI 1-1.001), and family history of POP (OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.24-4.13) were independent risk factors for POP, whereas one cesarean section (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.27-0.88) or two or more (OR 0.14, 95% CI 0.05-0.38) were protective.

CONCLUSIONS

No association was detected between the rs1036819 polymorphism of the ZFAT gene and advanced POP. Age, number of pregnancies, at least one vaginal delivery, weight of the newborn, and POP family history were independent risk factors for POP.

Identification of potential molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets for recurrent pelvic organ prolapse

Background

The pathogenesis of recurrent pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is currently unclear. Therefore, developing targeted preventive measures is difficult. This study identified potential key pathways, crucial genes, comorbidities, and therapeutic targets associated with the occurrence and development of recurrent POP.

Methods

The original microarray data GSE28660, GSE53868, and GSE12852 were downloaded from the GEO database. Identification and validation of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and hub genes associated with recurrent POP were performed using R software and cytoHubba of Cytoscape. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed using the STRING tool and visualized using Cytoscape. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genome (KEGG) enrichment analyses were effectively performed using DAVID platforms. In addition, the NetworkAnalyst platform was used to explore and visualize the miRNA-hub gene network, TF-hub gene network, hub gene-disease network, and hub gene-drug/chemical network.

Results

A total of 110 DEGs and 6 hub genes (ADIPOQ, IL6, PPARG, CEBPA, LPL, and LIPE) were identified in this study. These genes were primarily enriched in the PPAR, AMPK, and adipocytokine, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and signaling pathways related to glycerol metabolism. Moreover, 96 miRNAs and 97 TFs were identified to as being associated with recurrent POP. These genes were closely linked to adipocyte metabolism and distribution, energy metabolism, and the longevity regulatory pathway. In addition, 192 diseases or chronic complications were potentially related to the recurrence of POP, including diabetes, hypertension, obesity, inflammatory diseases, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Furthermore, 954 drugs or compounds were shown to have therapeutic potential for recurrent POP, and the most critical target drugs were dexamethasone, bisphenol A, efavirenz, 1-methyl-3-isobutylxanthine, and estradiol.

Conclusions

The results of this study revealed that ADIPOQ, IL6, PPARG, CEBPA, LPL, and LIPE as potential hub genes associated with recurrent POP, and these hub genes may aid in the understanding of the mechanism underlying POP recurrence and the development of potential molecular drugs.

How do reproductive history and anthropometry in midlife relate to later risk of pelvic organ prolapse? A prospective cohort study

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

The objective was to examine the association between reproductive and anthropometric factors and later risk of pelvic organ prolapse (POP).

METHODS

We carried out a prospective cohort study including 11,114 female nurses > 44 years from the Danish Nurse Cohort. In 1993, the study population was recruited through the Danish Nurse Organization and self-reported data on age, height, weight, age at menarche, age at first birth and number of childbirths were obtained. POP diagnosis was obtained from the National Patient Registry. Risk of POP was estimated using COX regression and presented as hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

Overall, 10% of the women received a diagnosis of POP within a median follow-up of 22 years. A 4% increase in risk of POP was seen for each increasing BMI (kg/m²) unit at baseline. Compared to women of normal weight, higher risks of POP were seen in overweight (HR 1.18: 1.02-1.36) and obese women (HR 1.33: 1.02-1.74), while underweight had a lower risk (HR 0.51: 0.27-0.95). Compared to women with one childbirth, women with no childbirths had a reduced risk of 57% while increased risks of 46%, 78% and 137% were observed in women with two, three and four childbirths. Women with menarche before the age of 12 tended to have a higher risk of POP as did women who were 30-33 years at their first childbirth.

CONCLUSIONS

POP is a common health problem in women, and BMI and number of childbirths are strong predictors.

Risk factors for primary pelvic organ prolapse and prolapse recurrence: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To update a previously published systematic review and perform a meta-analysis on the risk factors for primary pelvic organ prolapse and prolapse recurrence.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed and Embase were systematically searched. We searched from July 1, 2014 until July 5, 2021. The previous search was from inception until August 4, 2014.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Randomized controlled trials and cross-sectional and cohort studies conducted in the Western developed countries that reported on multivariable analysis of risk factors for primary prolapse or prolapse recurrence were included. The definition of prolapse was based on anatomic references, and prolapse recurrence was defined as anatomic recurrence after native tissue repair. Studies on prolapse recurrence with a median follow-up of ≥1 year after surgery were included.

METHODS

Quality assessment was performed with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Data from the previous review and this review were combined into forest plots, and meta-analyses were performed where possible. If the data could not be pooled, "confirmed risk factors" were identified if ≥2 studies reported a significant association in multivariable analysis.

RESULTS

After screening, 14 additional studies were selected-8 on the risk factors for primary prolapse and 6 on prolapse recurrence. Combined with the results from the previous review, 27 studies met the inclusion criteria, representing the data of 47,429 women. Not all studies could be pooled because of heterogeneity. Meta-analyses showed that birthweight (n=3, odds ratio, 1.04; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-1.06), age (n=3, odds ratio, 1.34; 95% confidence interval, 1.23-1.47), body mass index (n=2, odds ratio, 1.75; 95% confidence interval, 1.17-2.62), and levator defect (n=2, odds ratio, 3.99; 95% confidence interval, 2.57-6.18) are statistically significant risk factors, and cesarean delivery (n=2, pooled odds ratio, 0.08; 95% confidence interval, 0.03-0.20) and smoking (n=3, odds ratio, 0.59; 95% confidence interval, 0.46-0.75) are protective factors for primary prolapse. Parity, vaginal delivery, and levator hiatal area are identified as "confirmed risk factors." For prolapse recurrence, preoperative prolapse stage (n=5, odds ratio, 2.68; 95% confidence interval, 1.93-3.73) and age (n=2, odds ratio, 3.48; 95% confidence interval, 1.99-6.08) are statistically significant risk factors.

CONCLUSION

Vaginal delivery, parity, birthweight, age, body mass index, levator defect, and levator hiatal area are risk factors, and cesarean delivery and smoking are protective factors for primary prolapse. Preoperative prolapse stage and younger age are risk factors for prolapse recurrence after native tissue surgery.

The rs2165241 polymorphism of the Loxl1 gene in postmenopausal women with pelvic organ prolapse

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to verify the presence of polymorphism rs2165241 of the lysyl oxidase-like 1 (Loxl1) gene and its association with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) in Brazilian women and determine risk factors for POP development.

METHODS

The study was previously approved by the local research and ethics board. Postmenopausal women were included and divided into POP (stages III and IV) and control (stages 0 and I) groups. Peripheral blood samples were collected, and the DNA sequence of interest was analyzed by real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. We used logistic regression and considered a recessive model of inheritance for the analysis, with p < 0.05 for significance.

RESULTS

A total of 836 women were assessed: 426 POP cases and 410 controls. The frequencies of CC, CT and TT genotypes were similar in both groups. Age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.07; 1.14), number of vaginal births (OR = 17.06, 95% CI = 5.94; 48.97), family history (OR = 2.87, 95% CI = 1.57; 5.22) and weight of largest newborn (OR = 1.001, 95% CI = 1.0003; 1.001) were independent risk factors for POP, while multiple cesarean sections (two or more) was protective (OR = 0.17, 95% CI = 0.07; 0.42).

CONCLUSION

No association was detected between rs2165241 of the Loxl1 gene and POP.

Risk factors for pelvic organ prolapse recurrence after sacrospinous hysteropexy or vaginal hysterectomy with uterosacral ligament suspension

BACKGROUND

Given that the number of surgeries for pelvic organ prolapse is expected to increase worldwide, knowledge on risk factors for prolapse recurrence is of importance for developing preventive strategies and shared decision-making.

OBJECTIVE

To identify risk factors for subjective and objective failure after either sacrospinous hysteropexy or vaginal hysterectomy with uterosacral ligament suspension over a period of 5 years after surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a secondary analysis of the 5-year follow-up of the SAVE-U trial. The SAVE-U trial was conducted in 4 Dutch hospitals. A total of 208 women with uterine prolapse stage ≥2 were randomized to sacrospinous hysteropexy or vaginal hysterectomy with uterosacral ligament suspension. For the current analysis, available annual 5-year follow-up data of 207 women were analyzed. Without missing values this analysis would have included 1035 measurements in total over the 5-year follow-up. Recurrences were analyzed as "events" using generalized linear mixed models because recurrences of anatomic failure and bothersome vaginal bulge symptoms fluctuated over time. The primary outcome was the composite outcome of failure defined as prolapse beyond the hymen, bothersome bulge symptoms, repeated surgery, or pessary use for recurrent prolapse. Secondary outcome measures were bothersome vaginal bulge symptoms, overall anatomic failure (Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification stage ≥2 in any compartment), apical compartment recurrence (Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification stage ≥2), anterior compartment recurrence (Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification stage ≥2), and posterior compartment recurrence (Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification stage ≥2).

RESULTS

For the composite outcome of failure (164 events in 66 different women), statistically significant risk factors were: body mass index (odds ratio, 1.10 [per 1 kg/m²]; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-1.19; P=.02), smoking (odds ratio, 2.88; 95% confidence interval, 1.12-7.40; P=.03), and preoperative Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification point Ba (odds ratio, 1.23 [per 1 cm]; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.50; P=.04). When analyzing each surgical outcome measure separately, body mass index and Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification point Ba were risk factors for overall anatomic failure (462 events in 147 women; odds ratio, 1.15; 95% confidence interval, 1.07-1.25; P<.01 and odds ratio, 1.14; 95% confidence interval, 1.00-1.30; P=.05, respectively) and anterior compartment recurrence (385 events in 128 women; odds ratio, 1.11; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-1.22; P=.02 and odds ratio, 1.17; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-1.34; P=.02, respectively). Vaginal hysterectomy was a risk factor for posterior compartment recurrence when compared with sacrospinous hysteropexy (93 events in 40 women; odds ratio, 5.21; 95% confidence interval, 2.05-13.27; P<.01). Smoking was a risk factor for bothersome vaginal bulge symptoms (70 events in 41 women; odds ratio, 3.80; 95% confidence interval, 1.48-9.75; P=.01), and preoperative Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification stage 3 or 4 was significantly protective against bothersome bulge symptoms (odds ratio, 0.32; 95% confidence interval, 0.11-0.89; P=.03).

CONCLUSION

Body mass index, smoking, and Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification point Ba were statistically significant risk factors for the composite outcome of failure (prolapse beyond the hymen, bothersome bulge symptoms, repeated surgery, or pessary use for recurrent prolapse) in the period of 5 years after surgery.

International Urogynecological Consultation (IUC): pathophysiology of pelvic organ prolapse (POP)

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

This manuscript is the International Urogynecology Consultation (IUC) on pelvic organ prolapse (POP) chapter one, committee three, on the Pathophysiology of Pelvic Organ Prolapse assessing genetics, pregnancy, labor and delivery, age and menopause and animal models.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An international group of urogynecologists and basic scientists performed comprehensive literature searches using pre-specified terms in selected biomedical databases to summarize the current knowledge on the pathophysiology of the development of POP, exploring specifically factors including (1) genetics, (2) pregnancy, labor and delivery, (3) age and menopause and (4) non-genetic animal models. This manuscript represents the summary of three systematic reviews with meta-analyses and one narrative review, to which a basic scientific comment on the current understanding of pathophysiologic mechanisms was added.

RESULTS

The original searches revealed over 15,000 manuscripts and abstracts which were screened, resulting in 202 manuscripts that were ultimately used. In the area of genetics the DNA polymorphisms rs2228480 at the ESR1 gene, rs12589592 at the FBLN5 gene, rs1036819 at the PGR gene and rs1800215 at the COL1A1 gene are significantly associated to POP. In the area of pregnancy, labor and delivery, the analysis confirmed a strong etiologic link between vaginal birth and symptoms of POP, with the first vaginal delivery (OR: 2.65; 95% CI: 1.81-3.88) and forceps delivery (OR: 2.51; 95% CI: 1.24-3.83) being the main determinants. Regarding age and menopause, only age was identified as a risk factor (OR : 1.102; 95% CI: 1.02-1.19) but current data do not identify postmenopausal status as being statistically associated with POP. In several animal models, there are measurable effects of pregnancy, delivery and iatrogenic menopause on the structure/function of vaginal support components, though not on the development of POP.

CONCLUSIONS

Genetics, vaginal birth and age all have a strong etiologic link to the development of POP, to which other factors may add or protect against the risk.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is defined as the descent of one or more of the anterior and posterior vaginal walls, uterus (cervix), or apex of the vagina (vaginal vault or cuff scar after hysterectomy). Although POP can be asymptomatic, if the bulge extends beyond the opening of the vagina, it can have a significant impact on a woman's quality of life. Findings include vaginal bulging toward or through the vaginal introitus that the patient may feel, palpate, or see with a mirror. If a woman is bothered by her prolapse, she should be offered both nonsurgical and surgical treatments.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of genetic association studies of pelvic organ prolapse

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Family and twin studies demonstrate that pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is heritable, but the genetic etiology is poorly understood. This review aimed to identify genetic loci and specific polymorphisms associated with POP, while assessing the strength, consistency, and risk of bias among reported associations.

METHODS

Updating an earlier systematic review, PubMed and HuGE Navigator as well as relevant conference abstracts were searched using genetic and phenotype keywords from 2015 to 2020. Screening and data extraction were performed in duplicate. Fixed and random effects meta-analyses were conducted using co-dominant models of inheritance. We assessed credibility of pooled associations using interim Venice criteria.

RESULTS

We screened 504 new abstracts and included 46 published and 7 unpublished studies. In pooled analyses we found significant associations for four polymorphisms: rs2228480 at the ESR1 gene (OR 0.67 95% CI 0.46-0.98, I² = 0.0%, Venice rating BAB), rs12589592 at the FBLN5 gene (OR 1.46 95% CI 1.11-1.82, I² = 36.3%, Venice rating BBB), rs484389 in the PGR gene (OR 0.61 95% CI 0.39-0.96, I² = 32.4%, Venice rating CBB), and rs1800012 at the COL1A1 gene (OR 0.80 95% CI 0.66-0.96, I² = 0.0%, Venice rating BAB). Further credible novel variants have also been recently identified in genome-wide association studies.

CONCLUSION

The genetic contributions to POP remain poorly understood. Several biologically plausible variants have been identified, but much work is required to establish the role of these genes in the pathogenesis of POP or to establish a role for genetic testing in clinical practice.