Modelling and optimization of factors influencing adsorptive performance of agrowaste-derived Nanocellulose Iron Oxide Nanobiocomposites during remediation of Arsenic contaminated groundwater

Nanocellulose Iron Oxide Nanobiocomposites (NIONs) were synthesized from rice husk and sugarcane bagasse derived nanocelluloses for adsorptive removal of arsenic and associated contaminants present in groundwater samples. These NIONSs were superparamagnetic, hence magnetically recoverable and demonstrated promising recyclability. Synthesis of NIONs was confirmed by Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS). FTIR and XPS data together with adsorption kinetics provide insights into probable adsorption mechanism of Arsenic by NIONs. The experimental conditions for 10 different variants were modelled using response surface methodology (RSM) based on central composite design (CCD), considering the parameters; adsorbate dosage, adsorbent dosage, pH and contact time. The results identified the best performing variants and the optimal conditions for maximal absorption (~99%). These results were validated using a three-layer feed-forward Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) based Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model. Both RSM and ANN chemometric models were in close conformity for optimized conditions of highest adsorption by specific variants. The standardized conditions were used to expand the study to field-based arsenic contaminated groundwater samples and their performance to commercial adsorbents. NIONs show promising commercial potential for water remediation applications due to their high adsorptive performance, magnetic recoverability and recyclability.

Risk of obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) and anal incontinence: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) are the commonest cause of anal incontinence in women of reproductive age. We determined the risk of anal sphincter defects diagnosed by ultrasound, and the risk of anal incontinence in (i) all women who deliver vaginally, (ii) in women without clinical suspicion of OASIS, and (iii) after primary repair of sphincter injury, by systematic review.

METHODS

We searched major databases until June 2018, without language restrictions. Random effects meta-analysis was used to obtain pooled estimates of ultrasound diagnosed OASIS and risk of anal incontinence symptoms at various time points after delivery, and of persistent sphincter defects after primary repair. We reported the association between ultrasound diagnosed OASIS and anal incontinence symptoms using relative risk (RR) with 95 % CI.

RESULTS

We included 103 studies involving 16,110 women. Of all women who delivered vaginally, OASIS were diagnosed on ultrasound in 26 % (95 %CI, 21-30, I² = 91 %), and 19 % experienced anal incontinence (95 %CI, 14-25, I² = 92 %). In women without clinical suspicion of OASIS (n = 3688), sphincter defects were observed in 13 % (10-17, I² = 89 %) and anal incontinence experienced by 14 % (95 % CI: 6-24, I² = 95 %). Following primary repair of OASIS, 55 % (46-63, I² = 98 %) of 7549 women had persistent sphincter defect with 38 % experiencing anal incontinence (33-43, I² = 92 %). There was a significant association between ultrasound diagnosed OASIS and anal incontinence (RR 3.74, 2.17-6.45, I² = 98 %).

INTERPRETATION

Women and clinicians should be aware of the high risk for sphincter defects following vaginal delivery even when clinically unsuspected. This underlines the need of careful and systematic perineal assessment after birth to mitigate the risk of missing OASIS. We also noted a high rate of persistent defects and symptoms following primary repair of OASIS. This dictates the need for provision of robust training for clinicians to achieve proficiency and sustain competency in repairing OASIS.

Iron oxide Permeated Mesoporous rice-husk nanobiochar (IPMN) mediated removal of dissolved arsenic (As): Chemometric modelling and adsorption dynamics

Adsorption based technologies are most widely used to mitigate the global predominance of heavy-metal groundwater contaminants like Arsenic (As), owing to their high efficiency and economic operation. The current study involves the optimization of Iron oxide Permeated Mesoporous rice-husk nanobiochars (IPMN) for As removal, which were synthesized through a chemically amended pyrolytic approach. The IPMN variants were screened based on preliminary OVAT (one-variable-at-a-time) studies for As removal. Chemometric investigations employing a central composite design matrix of Response surface methodology was further used to understand the influence of the process parameters on the adsorption of As on the most efficient IPMN variant. A Multi-Layered-Perceptron based artificial neural network was further used to confirm the veracity of the experimental and predictive conditions, to derive the optimal condition for the best adsorption efficiency. In addition, the dynamics of As adsorption by the optimal IPMN variant was modelled using pseudo-first-order (Lagergren) and pseudo-second-order (Ho) rate kinetic equations followed by isotherm studies using non-linear regression of Langmuir, Freundlich and Sips adsorption isotherms. The IPMNs have an appreciably higher uptake capacity (>90%) for dissolved As, as compared to the native milled rice husk (∼20%), alongside a substantial recyclability, thereby establishing their potential as a highly efficient, economical and sustainable nanobiochar for As removal.

Normal ranges for anorectal manometry and sensation in women of reproductive age

OBJECTIVE

To derive a range of normal values for anal sphincter resting and squeeze pressure, and anorectal sensation in healthy women without anorectal disease before and after their first childbirth.

METHOD

Nulliparous women undergoing anal physiology testing in the third trimester of pregnancy and 12 weeks after delivery. All were asked to undergo anal manometry and anorectal electrosensation testing. Maximum resting pressure, maximum squeeze pressure and anal thresholds to electrical current were assessed at 1 cm intervals down the anal canal. Rectal electrosensitivity thresholds were assessed 10 cm from the anal verge.

RESULTS

A total of 286 women attended for antenatal investigations and 161 (56%) returned postpartum. The anal canal length was 3.9 +/- 0.6 cm antenatally and 3.9 +/- 0.6 cm postnatally. During pregnancy the 95% normal range for anal resting and squeeze pressures, anal and rectal sensation were 29-90 mmHg, 50-163 mmHg, 2-31 mA and 3-33 mA respectively. Post delivery the 95% normal ranges were 27-98 mmHg, 43-156, 2-12 mA and 0.1-34 mA respectively. Both antenatally and postnatally the manometry and sensitivity values were similar in women with and without bowel symptoms.

CONCLUSION

This study is the largest series of normative data for anal manometry, and anorectal sensation in women before and after their first delivery. The antenatal values can serve to represent ranges for nulliparous women and the postnatal values ranges in primiparous women.

Sacral neurostimulation for urinary retention: 10-year experience from one UK centre

OBJECTIVES

To report our 10-year experience of sacral neurostimulation (SNS) for women in urinary retention, comparing the original one-stage with the newer two-stage technique, as SNS therapy is a well-established treatment for urinary retention secondary to urethral sphincter overactivity (Fowler's syndrome).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between 1996 and 2006, 60 patients with urinary retention had a SNS device inserted; their case records were reviewed and data on efficacy, follow-up, need for continued clean intermittent self-catheterization (CISC), complications and operative revision rate were assessed.

RESULTS

Overall, 43 of 60 (72%) women were voiding spontaneously, with a mean postvoid residual volume of 100 mL; 30 (50%) no longer needed to use CISC. During a total of 2878 months of SNS experience, adverse event episodes included lead migration in 20, 'box-site' pain in 19, leg pain/numbness in 18 and loss of response/failure in 18 patients; 53% of the women required a surgical revision related to their implanted stimulator. The efficacy of the two-stage was similar to that of the one-stage procedure (73% vs 70%). Women with a normal urethral sphincter electromyogram had worse outcomes than women with an abnormal test (43% vs 76%). Although the efficacy was no different in those taking analgesia/antidepressant medication, this group of women had a higher surgical revision rate. Failure and complications for the one-stage procedure were not restricted to the early follow-up period. The mean battery life of the implant was 7.31 years.

CONCLUSIONS

SNS has sustained long-term efficacy but the procedure has a significant complication rate. At present, the two-stage technique has comparable efficacy to the one-stage technique but a longer-term follow-up is required. The National Institute of Clinical Excellence recommended the use of SNS in women with urinary incontinence who fail to respond adequately to anticholinergic therapy, but patients choosing this treatment should be made aware of the high complication rate associated with the procedure.

Direct imaging of the pelvic floor muscles using two-dimensional ultrasound: a comparison of women with urogenital prolapse versus controls

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the anatomy of the levator ani muscle in women with urogenital prolapse versus matched controls without prolapse using real-time two-dimensional (2-D) ultrasound.

DESIGN

Prospective observational study.

SETTING

Tertiary referral urogynaecology unit.

POPULATION

Forty-three women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and 24 women (controls) attending a gynaecology clinic without prolapse.

METHODS

All participants completed a standardised symptom questionnaire.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The morphology of the vagina and paravaginal tissue was recorded at different levels. The thickness of the levator ani and the hiatal area were measured at rest. Reproducibility of the method was assessed by repeated measurements to assess intra-observer variability and inter-observer variability.

RESULTS

This method showed good intra-observer and inter-observer reproducibility and reliability. In controls, the pubococcygeus muscle showed more regular echogenicity with no evidence of trauma, whereas in women with prolapse the muscle had mixed echogenicity. (P = 0.002). The mean thickness of the pubococcygeus did not differ between groups. The levator hiatal area was significantly larger in women with pelvic floor prolapse versus controls (17.8 cm2 versus 13.5 cm2, P < 0.001). This increase in hiatal area positively and significantly correlated with prolapse severity (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Morphology and hiatal area can be reliably imaged using 2-D ultrasound. Prolapse was related to changes in pelvic floor morphology and increased levator hiatal area. The use of 2-D ultrasound provides an important insight into the pathophysiology of prolapse.

Do overactive bladder symptoms improve after repair of anterior vaginal wall prolapse?

This study aims to evaluate the changes of overactive bladder symptoms to anterior vaginal wall prolapse repair. Ninety-three consecutive women with symptomatic anterior vaginal wall prolapse >or= stage II and coexistent overactive bladder symptoms were prospectively studied using a urinalysis, urodynamics, King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ), Prolapse Quality of Life (P-QOL) questionnaire and pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q) system before and 1 year after surgery. All women underwent a standard fascial anterior repair. Postoperatively, urinary frequency, urgency and urge incontinence disappeared in 60, 70 and 82% of women respectively (p value < 0.001). The vaginal examination findings as well as the quality of life of the women assessed using KHQ and P-QOL significantly improved after surgery (p value < 0.001). This study has demonstrated that anterior vaginal repair does produce significant improvement in overactive bladder symptoms. A larger longer-term study is required to assess if these changes persist over time.

The effects of duloxetine on urethral function and sphincter morphology

The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of duloxetine on urethral function and sphincter ultrasound morphology in 54 women, who were referred to a urogynecology unit, with urodynamic stress incontinence. All completed a King's Health Questionnaire and a patient global assessment of improvement (PGI-I) question and underwent urethral pressure profilometry, measurement of urethral retro-resistance pressure (URP), and ultrasound of the striated urethral sphincter. The investigations were repeated after 8 weeks of duloxetine 40 mg twice daily in 36 women who continued the medication. After 8 weeks of duloxetine, the mean URP increased significantly compared to baseline (53.8 to 60.8 cm H2O; p=0.001), and sphincter thickness was significantly higher (1.8 to 2.0 mm; p<0.001). There was a significant increase in the maximum urethral closure pressure (MUCP) (52.7 to 59.2 cm H2O; p=0.006) but not of functional urethral length. Subanalysis of responders (improved on duloxetine) showed a significant increase in URP (50.3 to 59.1 cm H2O; p=0.001), sphincter thickness (1.7 to 2.1 mm; p<0.001), and MUCP (50.2 to 58.1 cm H2O; p=0.03). These changes were not seen in nonresponders. This study has demonstrated objective changes in urethral ultrasound morphology and function after duloxetine therapy, which relate to improved continence. A larger longer term study is required to assess if these changes persist over time. In summary, duloxetine therapy for urodynamic stress incontinence results in an increase in urethral closure pressure, URP measurement, and urethral striated sphincter thickness.

The relationship of urethral resistance pressure and pressure flow parameters in women with lower urinary tract symptoms

This prospective study aims to evaluate the relationship between urethral resistance pressure (URP) and pressure flow parameters in women with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Consecutive women with LUTS attending three tertiary referral urodynamic clinics were asked to undergo urodynamic evaluation, pressure flow studies and URP measurement. The pressure flow parameters such as detrusor pressures at the start of flow (ODP), detrusor pressure at peak flow rate (PdetQmax), peak flow rate (Qmax) and detrusor pressure at the end of flow (CDP) were measured. The relationship between URP and pressure flow parameters was evaluated as well as differences between each urodynamic group. Two hundred seventy-nine women attended for urodynamic investigations. Two hundred twenty-three (79.9%) women had good quality pressure flow measurements and were included in the study. The mean age was 58 years (range 21-83). Women with urodynamic stress incontinence had significantly lower URP and ODP than those with detrusor over-activity [54.8 (+/-17.9) and 12.4 (+/-4.1) cmH(2)O, respectively, vs 85.6 (+/-21.4) and 33.7 (+/-13.3) cmH(2)O, respectively) (p<0.05, Bonferroni test). Furthermore, women with urodynamic stress incontinence have significantly lower PdetQmax values as well as higher Qmax than women with competent urethral sphincters (p<0.05, Bonferroni test). There was a significant correlation between ODP, PdetQmax, Qmax and URP measurements. In urodynamic stress incontinence, both URP and pressure flow parameters are reduced. Although the trend for values of both tests were similar and there was a significant correlation between these tests, we should consider that urethral function at rest differ from that during voiding due to activation of additional mechanisms. Therefore, further study is needed to confirm our results.

SIS graft for anterior vaginal wall prolapse repair--a case-controlled study

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect on quality of life and prolapse severity of traditional anterior repair compared to anterior repair with a small intestine submucosa (SIS) graft. This report was designed as a case-control study. The sample of this study consisted of 14 women who underwent traditional anterior repair and 14 women who underwent anterior repair with SIS graft (SG) at a London teaching hospital. All women were assessed preoperatively and at 6 and 24 months postoperatively using a validated prolapse quality of life questionnaire and pelvic organ quantification system (POP-Q). Quality-of-life outcomes included the following: (1) General health perception, (2) Prolapse impact, (3) Role limitations, (4) Physical limitations, (5) Social limitations, (6) Personal relationships, (7) Emotions, (8) Sleep/Energy, and (9) Severity measures. The pelvic organ quantification measurement measured nine specific points relating to the anterior and posterior wall of the vagina, vaginal apex, genital hiatus (GH) and perineal body (PB). At 6-month follow-up, the SG repair group showed significant improvement in all quality-of-life parameters measured. In comparison to traditional repair, it was significantly better in improving role limitations, physical limitations and emotions. Both operations significantly improved prolapse quality-of-life severity measures. SG repair improved all POP-Q measurements significantly, except total vaginal length (TVL), whereas traditional repair improved some measurements (AA, midline point of anterior vaginal wall 3 cm proximal to the external urethral meatus; BA, most distal dependant position of the anterior vaginal wall from the vaginal vault or anterior fornix to AA; C, most distal/dependant edge of cervix or vault; AP, point on midline posterior vaginal wall 3 cm proximal to hymenal ring; BP, most distal/dependant point on the posterior vaginal wall from vault or posterior fornix to AP) but not others (location of posterior fornix (D), TVL, GH and PB). At 2-year follow-up, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of quality-of-life outcomes or prolapse severity measurements. Surgery for vaginal prolapse results in marked improvement in quality of life and prolapse severity. The greater improvement seen initially in the SG anterior group was not seen at 2-year follow-up.

Management of vaginal prolapse

Vaginal prolapse is a common health problem, and although severe morbidity is rare, it can have marked effects on quality of life. The treatment of vaginal vault prolapse can be a difficult and challenging problem. A detailed history and clinical evaluation is required in order to plan the appropriate choice of procedure. There are numerous surgical procedures that have been described using either abdominal or vaginal approaches. The choice of procedure is often dependent on the individual surgeon's choice and experience, and should be tailored to the individual patient. The ideal procedure should have a low risk of morbidity and mortality, but should also have long-term durability. There is a need for large, randomized trials to evaluate surgical techniques to correct vaginal prolapse and related urinary, bowel and sexual dysfunction.

Surgical repair of vaginal prolapse: A gynaecological hernia

Female pelvic organ prolapse refers to the descent of the pelvic organs towards or through the vagina. The similarities between vaginal prolapse and herniae in their aetiology and treatment make this an interesting area for all those operating in the pelvis. It is a common condition with prevalence estimates varying from 2% for symptomatic prolapse to 50% for asymptomatic prolapse [Samuelsson EC, Arne Victor FT, Tibblin G, Svardsudd KF. Signs of genital prolapse in a Swedish population 20 to 59 years of age and possible related factors. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1999;180:299-305]. Approximately 50% of parous women will have some degree and only 10-20% of these seek medical help [Beck RP. Pelvic relaxation prolapse. In: Kase NG, Weingold AB, editors. Principles and practice of clinical gynecology. New York: John Wiley; 1983. p. 677-85]. The lifetime risk for surgery for prolapse has been estimated to be around 11.1%, and 30% will undergo re-operation for recurrent prolapse [Olsen AL, Smith VJ, Bergstrom JO, Colling JC, Clark AL. Epidemiology of surgically managed pelvic organ prolapsed and urinary incontinence. Obstet Gynecol 1997;89:501-6]. The aetiology of prolapse is multifactorial. Advancing age, parity and collagen weakness are all quoted as significant predisposing factors [Olsen AL, Smith VJ, Bergstrom JO, Colling JC, Clark AL. Epidemiology of surgically managed pelvic organ prolapsed and urinary incontinence. Obstet Gynecol 1997;89:501-6; Maclennan AH, Taylor AW, Wilson, Wilson D. The prevalence of pelvic floor disorders and their relationship to gender, age, parity and mode of delivery. Br J Obstet Gynaecol 2000;107:1460-70]. Pathophysiological mechanisms that have been proposed include pelvic floor denervation, direct trauma to the pelvic floor musculature, abnormal synthesis and degradation of collagen and defects in endopelvic fascia [Al-Rawi ZS, Al-Rawi ZT. Joint hypermobility in women with genital prolapse. Lancet 1982;I:439-41; Gilpin SA, Gosling JA. Smith ARB, Warrell DW. The pathogenesis of genitourinary prolapse and stress incontinence in women. A histological and histochemical study. Br J Obstet Gynaecol 1989;96:15-23; Smith ARB, Hosker GL, Warrell DW. The role of partial denervation of the pelvic floor in the aetiology of genitourinary prolapse and stress incontinence of urine. A neurophysiological study. Br J Obstet Gynaecol 1989;96:24-8; Allen RE, Hosker GL, Smith ARB, Warrell DW. Pelvic floor damage and childbirth: a neurophysiological study. Br J Obstet Gynaecol 1990;97:770-9]. The procedure of choice for reconstructive surgery to the vagina should be tailored to the individual patient and be of low morbidity and mortality, but at the same time with long-term durability.

Urogynaecology: Urethral retro-resistance pressure and urodynamic diagnoses in women with lower urinary tract symptoms

OBJECTIVE

This study determines whether the retrograde urethral retro-resistance pressure (URP) measurement discriminates between urodynamic diagnoses in a group of women.

DESIGN

A prospective observational study.

SETTING

Urogynaecology units of three tertiary referral teaching hospitals.

POPULATION

Women with lower urinary tract symptoms.

METHODS

Consecutive women attending the urodynamic clinics of three tertiary referral teaching hospitals were studied using a validated urinary symptom questionnaire, URP measurement and urodynamic evaluation between February and July 2004. The URP mean values were compared with urinary symptoms and urodynamic diagnoses, using the independent t test correction for multiple measurements.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Retrograde URP, urodynamic diagnoses and urinary symptoms.

RESULTS

One hundred and eighty-five women were recruited. Women with urodynamic stress incontinence (USI) have significantly lower URP than women with competent urethral sphincters (P < 0.05, independent t test). Women with mixed urodynamic incontinence had values of URP intermediate between women with detrusor overactivity (DOA) and those with USI. In the mixed group, URP mean values were not significantly different from those with DOA and competent sphincters or USI (P > 0.05, independent t test). There was no significant difference between mean URP values and different urinary symptoms (P > 0.05, independent t test).

CONCLUSIONS

There are significantly different URP measurements between women with DOA and those with USI. However, the URP is not a diagnostic tool.

The relationship of vaginal prolapse severity to symptoms and quality of life

OBJECTIVE

To assess the relationship and location of vaginal prolapse severity to symptoms and quality of life.

DESIGN

A prospective observational study.

SETTING

Urogynaecology Unit, Imperial College, St Mary's Hospital, London.

POPULATION

Women with and without symptoms of vaginal prolapse.

METHODS

All women completed a validated Prolapse Quality of Life (P-QOL) questionnaire. This included a urinary, bowel and sexual symptom questionnaire. All women were examined using the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification system (POP-Q). POP-Q scores in those with and without prolapse symptoms were compared. Urinary and bowel symptoms and sexual function were compared and related to prolapse severity and location.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

POP-Q scores, P-QOL scores, urinary and bowel symptoms and sexual function.

RESULTS

Three hundred and fifty-five women were recruited-233 symptomatic and 122 asymptomatic of prolapse. The median P-QOL domain scores ranged between 42-100 in symptomatic women and 0-25 in those who were asymptomatic. The stage of prolapse was significantly higher in those symptomatic of prolapse (P < 0.001) except for perineal body (PB) measurement. Urinary symptoms were not correlated with uterovaginal prolapse severity whereas bowel symptoms were strongly associated with posterior vaginal wall prolapse. Cervical descent was found to have a relationship with sexual dysfunction symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Women who present with symptoms specific to pelvic organ prolapse demonstrate greater degrees of pelvic relaxation than women who present without symptoms. Prolapse severity and quality of life scores are significantly different in those women symptomatic of prolapse. There was a stronger relationship between posterior prolapse and bowel symptoms than anterior prolapse and urinary symptoms. Sexual dysfunction was related to cervical descent.

Changes in urethral resistance in the presence of detrusor activity

This was a prospective study performed at two tertiary referral teaching hospitals. The aim of our study was to investigate changes in urethral resistance with the bladder full compared to empty in women with different urodynamic diagnoses. Consecutive women attending the urodynamic clinics were asked to undergo urethral retro-resistance pressure (URP) measurement with the bladder empty and then full. 106 women were recruited - 25 had normal urodynamic studies, 17 had detrusor overactivity, 57 had urodynamic stress incontinence and 7 had mixed incontinence. Women with urodynamic stress incontinence have lower URP values than women with normal urodynamic studies or those with detrusor overactivity with the bladder empty (p = 0.01). Women with normal urodynamic studies and urodynamic stress incontinence showed a statistically significant rise in URP with the bladder full (p = 0.013 and p = 0.003, respectively). In women with detrusor overactivity, the converse was seen - URP was significantly lower with the bladder full compared to empty (p = 0.004). Our study has shown that bladder filling alters URP measurement and bladder volume should be standardised for reporting URP.

A randomized crossover trial to examine administration techniques related to the Bristol female lower urinary tract symptom (BFLUTS) questionnaire

AIMS

To investigate whether two methods of assessing lower urinary tract symptoms, interview-assisted standardized questionnaires, and self-completed standardized questionnaires, were comparable.

METHODS

Women referred to a tertiary urogynecology urodynamic clinic with lower urinary tract symptoms were recruited. The psychometrically robust Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (BFLUTS) questionnaire was used to assess urinary symptoms. A randomized crossover design for questionnaire completion was used: Group A-an initial interview-assisted questionnaire at the urodynamic clinic with a follow-up postal questionnaire; or Group B-an initial pre-out-patient postal questionnaire followed up by a second interview-assisted questionnaire whilst attending a scheduled urodynamic clinic.

RESULTS

A total of 114 women were randomized for initial questionnaire administration method to achieve 72 completed sets (63%). Total scores were higher on self-completion compared to interview, this difference was not significant [t = -1.951, P > 0.05]. No item had perfect agreement between postal and interview methods and generally, interview-assisted questions had lower scores, indicating better health status. The items with the worst agreement (slight or moderate) were those concerned with sexual health, with women giving lower scores, exaggerating health on interview. For example bother of vaginal discomfort (kappa(w) = 0.09), compared to question assessing frequency (kappa(w) = 0.65).

CONCLUSIONS

This data suggests women respond differently to the BFLUTS questionnaire when data is collected by self-completion in the woman's home compared to interviews. No individual question item had perfect agreement between the two methods of administration. Overall, individual question items were scored higher on self-completion than interview.

Changes in urethral function with bladder filling in the presence of urodynamic stress incontinence and detrusor overactivity

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of detrusor overactivity and bladder filling on urethral function with the use of urethral profilometry.

STUDY DESIGN

Women with symptoms of urinary incontinence were recruited from our urodynamic clinic. All of the women underwent videocystourethrography and urethral pressure profilometry with the bladder empty and then full. The maximum urethral closure pressure, mean urethral pressure, functional urethral length, and pressure transmission ratios for each quartile were analyzed.

RESULTS

Thirty-five women were recruited: 17 women had urodynamic stress incontinence, and 18 women had detrusor overactivity. In women with urodynamic stress incontinence, there was a significant increase in maximum urethral closure pressure and pressure transmission ratios over all quartiles when the bladder was full compared with empty. In women with detrusor overactivity, there was a significant decrease in functional urethral length and pressure transmission ratios in the second and third quartile of the urethral pressure profiles when the bladder was full compared with empty.

CONCLUSION

Decreases in functional urethral length and pressure transmission ratios with bladder filling in those women with detrusor overactivity are at variance with the normal physiologic response to bladder filling, which suggests that urethral function is affected by the presence of abnormal detrusor activity and that the valid assessment of urethral function may not be possible if the detrusor overactivity is not treated.

Caesarean section is protective against stress urinary incontinence: an analysis of women with multiple deliveries

All women who had three elective caesarean sections were selected from a database of 40,000 women delivering between 1977 and 1998, and age-matched with women having three vaginal births. They all completed a (validated) urinary and bowel symptom questionnaire. Women who had vaginal births had a significantly higher prevalence of stress incontinence but not other urinary or faecal symptoms compared with those delivered by caesarean section. The prevalence of faecal incontinence was lower than the prevalence of urinary incontinence. Although the prevalence of faecal incontinence was lower after caesarean delivery, this was not statistically different. These data have shown that caesarean section was associated with a lower risk of urinary incontinence, although a protective effect on development of faecal symptoms was not seen.

The relationship between urinary symptom questionnaires and urodynamic diagnoses: an analysis of two methods of questionnaire administration

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether method of administration of a standard urinary symptom questionnaire alters the relationship of symptoms with urodynamic diagnoses.

DESIGN

Randomised crossover study.

SETTING

Tertiary Urogynaecology Unit, London, UK.

PARTICIPANTS

One hundred and fourteen women attending a tertiary urogynaecology clinic.

METHODS

Women were randomised to either an initial interview-assisted questionnaire in the clinic with a follow up postal questionnaire or an initial pre-outpatient questionnaire followed by an interview-assisted questionnaire at the clinic visit. Video cystourethrography or saline cystometry was performed at the clinic visit.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Question responses were compared with urodynamic diagnoses.

RESULTS

With an interview method, only severity of incontinence was significantly associated with detrusor overactivity (U= 593.5, P= 0.012). With self-completion, severity of nocturia (U= 477, P < 0.05), urgency (U= 395, P= 0.003), urge urinary incontinence (U= 392, P= 0.003), leakage without warning (U= 443, P= 0.035) and incomplete voiding (U= 413, P= 0.01) were significantly associated with detrusor activity. On interview the symptom of stress urinary incontinence (U= 523, P= 0.002) and use of pads (U= 564.5, P= 0.011) were significantly associated with a diagnosis of urodynamic stress incontinence. Severity of stress urinary incontinence (U= 276, P < 0.001), frequency of leakage (U= 348.5, P= 0.004), use of protection (U= 432.5, P < 0.018), nocturnal incontinence (U= 393.5, P= 0.002) and quantity of leakage (U= 441.5, P < 0.05) on self-completion were strongly associated with diagnosed urodynamic stress incontinence. There was no association between the symptoms of urgency or urge incontinence and the urodynamic stress incontinence.

CONCLUSIONS

Postal questionnaire responses have a better relationship with urodynamics, both for urodynamic stress incontinence and detrusor over activity, than interview-assisted questionnaire responses. However, no symptom has a high enough specificity and sensitivity to replace urodynamic testing.

Mixed incontinence

The epidemiology and treatment of mixed incontinence has received relatively little attention. However, mixed incontinence--defined as the combination of stress and urge incontinence--accounts for approximately 33% of all cases of incontinence in women. The condition often responds poorly to treatment, either pharmacologic or surgical. Potential pharmacologic approaches for mixed incontinence include antimuscarinic agents, estrogen replacement therapy (for postmenopausal women), and dopamine, serotonin, or norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. In a large-scale, multinational, placebo-controlled, clinical trial, the antimuscarinic agent tolterodine significantly reduced incontinence episodes in women with mixed symptoms. The benefits of tolterodine continued to increase during the 8 weeks of the trial and extended to additional end points, including frequency, urgency, and urge incontinence. A limited number of studies have examined the use of estrogen for mixed incontinence and have produced conflicting results. Duloxetine oxalate, a combined serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, has shown great promise in animal studies, as well as in phase 2 and 3 clinical trials. This agent is the first to demonstrate efficacy as a sole therapy for stress incontinence and has exhibited favorable effects on bladder capacity, suggesting possible benefits in mixed incontinence. Only 5 studies (2 of which were conducted during the 1980s) have specifically examined the use of surgery for the treatment of mixed incontinence; the cure rates reported have varied. The current body of information supports use of an antimuscarinic agent as initial therapy for mixed incontinence, although long-term trials are needed to shed more light on the duration of benefit.

Urinary symptoms in pregnancy: are they useful for diagnosis?

This is the second part of a study assessing 161 women 12 weeks after their first delivery. The urodynamic data have previously been published [Br J Obstet Gynaecol 2000;107:1354]. The symptoms have been assessed using a (non-validated) urinary symptom questionnaire. There was no correlation between symptoms and urodynamic findings and most importantly between the symptom of stress incontinence, a diagnosis of urodynamic stress incontinence (USI) and vaginal delivery. Symptoms of incontinence and abnormal urodynamic findings were also found in women who underwent caesarean section. These data explain why caesarean section does not appear to be wholly protective in preventing postpartum incontinence. This suggests that the aetiology of postpartum incontinence is multifactorial and urinary symptoms are misleading in determining the underlying causes.

Urological problems in pregnancy

During pregnancy the urinary tract undergoes extensive anatomical and physiological changes. These changes can result in many symptoms and pathological conditions that may affect the mother and fetus. It is well documented that childbirth may result in urinary tract damage which may predispose to postpartum symptoms. This review describes the physiological and pathological consequences of pregnancy and delivery on the urinary tract, and how these may be minimized.

Anal function: effect of pregnancy and delivery

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of pregnancy and delivery on anal continence, sensation, manometry, and sphincter integrity.

STUDY DESIGN

Two hundred eighty-six nulliparous women in the third trimester completed a symptom questionnaire and underwent anorectal sensation and manometric evaluations. Three months postpartum, 161 women returned and the questionnaires and investigations were repeated together with anal endosonographic examinations.

RESULTS

The prevalence of fecal urgency before, during, and after pregnancy was 1%, 9.4%, and 10.5%, respectively; the prevalence of anal incontinence before, during, and after pregnancy was 1.4%, 7.0%, and 8.7%, respectively. Vaginal delivery, particularly instrumental, resulted in a decrease in anal squeeze pressures (P =.015) and resting pressures (P =.002) but had no effect on anal sensation. Postpartum anal endosonographic examination revealed sphincter disruption in 38% of women. There was no relationship between symptoms and anal manometry, sensation, or sphincter integrity. Vaginal delivery (P <.0001) and perineal trauma (P <.001) were significantly associated with sphincter defects.

CONCLUSION

Vaginal delivery is associated with a decrease in anal pressures and increased anal sphincter trauma but has no effect on anal sensation. These changes were not related to anal symptoms.

Pregnancy and delivery: a urodynamic viewpoint

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this study were to establish prospectively the prevalence of objective bladder dysfunction before and after delivery by means of urodynamic investigations and to assess the effect of obstetric variables on bladder function.

DESIGN

Prospective longitudinal study. Twin channel subtracted cystometry was performed in the standing and sitting position, with a cough stress test at the end of filling. The investigations were repeated three months postpartum.

PARTICIPANTS

Two hundred and eighty-six nulliparae with singleton pregnancies who were delivered between April 1996 and November 1997 attended for antenatal assessment after 34 weeks of gestation and 161 who returned postpartum.

SETTING

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in a London teaching hospital.

RESULTS

The mean urodynamic values both in pregnancy and postpartum lower than values defined in a non-pregnant population. The prevalence of genuine stress incontinence and detrusor instability were antenatally 9% and 8%, respectively, and postpartum 5% and 7%, respectively. Obstetric and neonatal factors were not related to urodynamic variables.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the reported high prevalence of urinary incontinence related to pregnancy and childbirth, neither pregnancy nor delivery resulted in any consistent effects on objective bladder function. Postpartum urodynamic measurements were not related to either obstetric or neonatal variables, but were dependent on antenatal values.

Antenatal prediction of postpartum urinary and fecal incontinence

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of pregnancy and delivery on continence and to assess whether physical markers of collagen weakness can predict postpartum urinary and fecal incontinence (including incontinence of flatus).

METHODS

In a prospective, longitudinal study in a London teaching hospital, 549 nulliparas were interviewed after 34 weeks' gestation and again 3 months postpartum regarding urinary and fecal symptoms before and during pregnancy and after delivery. Family histories of incontinence, prolapse, and collagen abnormalities were recorded also. Physical examination was done to assess markers of collagen weakness such as striae, hernia, varicose veins, and joint mobility.

RESULTS

The prevalence of urinary incontinence before, during, and after pregnancy was 3.6%, 43.7%, and 14.6%, and rates of fecal incontinence were 0.7%, 6.0%, and 5.5%, respectively. Fecal urgency was more common in women who had spontaneous and instrument-assisted vaginal deliveries (n = 413) compared with cesareans (n = 131) (7.3% versus 3.1%; P = .046). Postnatal urinary or fecal dysfunction was not related to antenatal body mass index, smoking, race, striae, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, or family history of incontinence. Higher joint-mobility scores were associated with incontinence of flatus (P = .021) but not with other urinary or fecal symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Although collagen weakness was previously implicated in the pathogenesis of incontinence, physical markers in this study could not predict postpartum urinary and fecal incontinence. Either those markers were not representative of collagen weakness, or a larger study with longer follow-up is necessary.

The ethnic cultural and social aspects of incontinence--a pilot study

This cross-sectional study aimed to study the religious and cultural practices of ethnic minorities that might affect the experience and ideas that sufferers of incontinence have. Subjects were multiparous women from the local community who suffered from incontinence. Structured and unstructured interviews were conducted to assess the effect of incontinence and menstruation on home life, sexual life, personal and communal prayer, rules and customs associated with menstruation, and the ability to discuss problems with their doctor and partners. Individual women differed in how they rated their daily activities, and this was not related to religious or ethnicity. Higher restrictions on activity were perceived for fecal than for urinary incontinence. Sexual relationships were restricted for Jewish and Muslim women during menses. Incontinence led to religious restriction, which was most marked for Jewish and Muslim women, and this was related to the need for cleanliness for prayer. Less then 50% of patients sought help, and this was not related to duration and severity of symptoms. Only Muslim women had a strong preference for female doctors, and this was for cultural reasons.

Trisomy 2 in an acardiac twin in a triplet in-vitro fertilization pregnancy

A case is reported of twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence in a triamniotic dichorionic triplet pregnancy conceived by in-vitro fertilization which was diagnosed at 25 weeks of gestation by colour Doppler sonography. It highlights the risk of monochorionicity-associated morbidity in multiple pregnancies obtained by assisted conception and stresses the importance of chorionicity determination by early ultrasound examination. Cytogenetic analysis of skin from the acardius showed trisomy 2 in all cells, whereas the karyotype in the monochorionic triplet was normal. This is an example of heterokaryotypic monozygotism where the chromosomal abnormality must have occurred during the early cleavage divisions. Aneuploidy as a possible aetiological factor of TRAP sequence is discussed.

Nine year survey of 138 ectopic pregnancies

During the nine years (1986-1994), 138 women underwent surgery for ectopic pregnancies (One for every 213 deliveries). The commonest presenting symptom was abdominal pain (96%) followed by vaginal bleeding (83%). Four patients were asymptomatic and were diagnosed at a routine antenatal ultrasound scan. The most frequent physical findings were abdominal tenderness (87%) and followed by adnexal tenderness (57%). Histories of infertility in 17%, use of intrauterine contraceptive device (13%), and previous ectopic pregnancy in 11% were elicited. Eleven patients (8%) had a false negative urinary pregnancy test and subsequently required surgery. The ectopic pregnancies were tubal in 97% of the cases. There were 3 ovarian ectopics and one cervical ectopic.

Female urethral diverticula

Most urethral diverticula should be diagnosed on clinical grounds alone, but investigations may be used to confirm the diagnosis in difficult cases, delineate the extent of the disease and investigate other entities such as stress incontinence. A high index of suspicion is required when assessing women with lower urinary tract symptoms to ensure that cases of urethral diverticulum are not missed. The cases presented demonstrate that greater awareness of the signs and symptoms of this not uncommon disease may facilitate early diagnosis. Our cases also show that surgical treatment is effective and worthwhile.