Publications by authors named "Ana K Goncalves"

Article Synopsis
  • - This meta-analysis reviewed randomized controlled trials to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of laser therapy (specifically CO2 and Er:YAG lasers) for treating genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) in women.
  • - A total of 12 studies with over 5,000 participants were included, showing that CO2-laser therapy significantly improved vaginal health and reduced symptoms like pain during intercourse, dryness, and burning.
  • - Despite the positive outcomes, the evidence's reliability is considered low, which means laser therapy for GSM cannot be strongly recommended at this time.
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Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the clinical and uterine cervix characteristics of patients displaying vaginal discharge with positive results for Mycoplasma sp. and/or Ureaplasma spp.

Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study involving women aged 18-45 years was conducted.

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Objectives: We set out to identify the psychosocial factors associated with vulvodynia and the effects on sexuality, mental health, and quality of life.

Materials And Methods: PubMed, LILACS, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, and PsycINFO were searched in August 2023. Two authors selected and extracted the data independently.

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Introduction: The paediatric population represents a quarter of the world's population, and like adult patients, they have also suffered immeasurably from the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Immunisation is an effective strategy for reducing the number of COVID-19 cases. With the advancements in vaccination for younger age groups, parents or guardians have raised doubts and questions about adverse effects and the number of doses required.

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Objective: Summarize the evidence on drug therapies for obstructive sleep apnea.

Methods: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO, LILACS, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.

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Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a common disorder that can affect the quality of life and increase the risk for psychiatric, neurological and cardiometabolic diseases. Despite the significant burden, it poses on health and well-being, there is a lack of evidence regarding the use of drug therapies in these patients. This work aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmacological treatment alternatives for patients with OSA.

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Objective:  To assess the efficacy, safety, and acceptability of misoprostol in the treatment of incomplete miscarriage.

Data Sources: The PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Clinical Trials databases (clinicaltrials.gov) were searched for the relevant articles, and search strategies were developed using a combination of thematic Medical Subject Headings terms and text words.

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Article Synopsis
  • Energy-based treatments, like lasers and radiofrequency, are examined for their effectiveness and safety in alleviating symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) among postmenopausal women.
  • A review of nine studies, including four randomized controlled trials, revealed that certain treatments (e.g., Premarin, conjugated estrogens, carbon dioxide laser) significantly improved sexual function compared to placebo, though some studies had a high risk of bias.
  • The overall confidence in the findings was low due to methodological concerns, highlighting the need for more rigorous and blinded clinical trials to strengthen the evidence for these treatments.
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Introduction: Breast cancer survivors (BCSs) experience more severe symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) than healthy postmenopausal women. As hormonal therapy with oestrogen should be avoided in BCSs, finding an effective and safe therapy to address vaginal symptoms and sexual dysfunction is urgently needed. Physical methods may be promising alternatives for the specificities of this group of women.

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Objectives: We set out to assess the efficacy of physiotherapy for vulvodynia.

Materials And Methods: PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO, PEDro, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched in February 2023.

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Objectives: To evaluate Microablative Fractional Radiofrequency (MAFRF) as a possible option in treating vaginal atrophy.

Methods: This was a randomized, controlled clinical trial with postmenopausal women diagnosed with vaginal atrophy. The treatment consisted of three sessions of MAFRF, compared to vaginal estrogen administration and an untreated control group.

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Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare Maternal Near Miss prevalence and outcomes before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

Methods: This retrospective study was carried out in a university maternity hospital of high complexity. The population was divided into two groups: G1, 1 year before the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic period (August 2018-July 2019) and G2, 1 year during the pandemic period (August 2020-July 2021).

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Different studies show that small non-coding RNAs, such as microRNAs (miRNAs) obtained from exosomes, are considered potential biomarkers in several types of cancer, including cervical cancer (CC). Therefore, the present study seeks to present an overview of the role of circulating exosomal miRNAs with the potential to act as biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of CC and to analyze the presence of these miRNAs according to the stage of CC. For this purpose, a review was developed, with articles consulted from the electronic databases MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science published between 2015 and 2021.

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Objective: The objective of this study was to determine adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes in pregnant women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on women admitted with hypertensive disorders of pregnancies to a university maternity hospital from August 2020 to August 2022. Data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire.

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Background: Mechanical factors are primary complications that justify early removal of a peripherally inserted central catheter, and thrombotic catheter occlusion is the most critical mechanical complication associated with loss of device functionality. Studies have investigated these factors in adult patients, but findings are not directly applicable to newborns. Therefore, systematic reviews focusing on this population are necessary for consolidated evidence to aid clinical practice.

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Objective:  To evaluate the efficacy of the hormonal and nonhormonal approaches to symptoms of sexual dysfunction and vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women.

Data Sources:  We conducted a search on the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) databases, as well as on clinical trial databases. We analyzed studies published between 1996 and May 30, 2020.

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Laser therapy has been proposed to improve the symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), especially in women who do not accept hormonal therapy or are at a high risk of complications if they undergo hormonal therapy. However, studies evaluating the effectiveness and safety of laser treatment for GSM have shown controversial results. Thus, we aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of laser therapy in post-menopausal women with GSM.

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Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is a term used to define a compilation of signs and symptoms arising from decreased estrogenic stimulation of the vulvovaginal and lower urinary tract. Among 27-84% of women in postmenopausal are affected for symptoms of GSM, and these can unquestionably impair health, sexual function, consequently the quality of life of these women. The main signs and symptoms of GSM include, among others, burning, irritation, vulvovaginal dryness, dyspareunia, urinary symptoms of urgency, dysuria, or recurrent urinary tract infection.

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The genitourinary syndrome in menopause can occur at different stages of life, with different causes or triggering factors, such as prolonged use of antiestrogens, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and extensive vaginal surgeries, which can alter vascularization, hydration, collagen quality, and tissue elasticity. Despite hormonal therapy being considered the best evidenced treatment for genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), there are limitations concerning the latter. Thus, alternative, complementary, or even substitutive treatments have emerged, such as energy use, promoting thermal tissue stimulation to improve tropism.

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The estrogen decrease in postmenopausal women results in functional and anatomical changes in the genitourinary tract. The most prevalent and bothersome symptoms are vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, and reduced lubrication, which can significantly affect the quality of life of these women, principally those who are sexually active. Hormonal therapy with local estrogens is generally considered the "gold standard.

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Menopause is a physiological and progressive phenomenon secondary to decreased ovarian follicular reserve that significantly affects the genital tract. Although postmenopausal vulvovaginal atrophy primarily affects postmenopausal women, it is also seen in premenopausal women. The hypoestrogenic condition results in hormonal and anatomical changes, with the main symptoms, are dryness, burning and genital irritation, decreased lubrication, urinary urgency, dysuria, and recurrent urinary tract infections.

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