Do vaginal pessaries used to treat pelvic organ prolapse impact on sexual function? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction And Hypothesis: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is common and associated with sexual dysfunction. Vaginal pessaries are an effective treatment for POP, but their impact on sexual function is not well established. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to establish the impact of vaginal pessaries used for POP on female sexual function.

Systematic review of sexual function in older women.

Objective: As life expectancy increases and women are remaining healthy in to older age, sexual function in later life is an increasingly important and relevant topic for both women and clinicians. As a foundation to a wider project examining sexual function in later life, we undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate sexual frequency and sexual function in women over the age of 60.

Methods: A literature search of the AMED (Allied and Complementary Medicine), EMBASE and MEDLINE databases was performed, using search terms including 'sexual function', 'elderly', 'female', 'woman', 'sexuality'.

Stage of ovarian cancer at diagnosis. Does presentation as an emergency make a difference?

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether presentation of ovarian cancer as an emergency compared to presentation via referral to diagnostic clinic has an impact on stage of disease at diagnosis. Secondary outcomes include the relationship between stage of diagnosis and age as well as socioeconomic status and type of presentation (emergency or clinic referral).

Study Design: Data were obtained from the central database for all new diagnoses of ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal malignancy at a tertiary teaching hospital for 2016-2018 (n = 147).

Anti-Ri-associated paraneoplastic cerebellar and brainstem degenerative syndrome.

We present the case of a female patient with a subacute paraneoplastic brainstem neurological syndrome associated with breast cancer and the development of anti-Ri antineuronal antibodies (ANNAs). It is an important syndrome to identify because of the need for urgent investigation and management to reduce progressive and irreversible neurological deterioration and to recognise the associated risks of bulbar and central respiratory failure. Diagnosis can be confounded if the anticipated normality of imaging and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) studies is not appreciated.

Demonstration of cognitive decline in Parkinson's disease using the Cambridge Cognitive Assessment (Revised) (CAMCOG-R).

Background: Cognitive impairment is well recognised in Parkinson's Disease (PD) but few studies have examined cognitive decline over time in such subjects. Standard clinical assessments of cognitive function, such as the MMSE, do not measure all cognitive domains and often have a ceiling effect. CAMCOG-R provides a more comprehensive cognitive assessment allowing several different domains of cognition to be compared.

Spontaneous splenic rupture in a patient with pneumonia and sepsis.

We present the case of a patient who presented with evidence of pneumonia, sepsis and anaemia but no significant abdominal signs. A routine abdominal ultrasound scan revealed evidence of spontaneous splenic rupture. He underwent splenectomy but passed away subsequently from respiratory complications.

Cognitive assessment of a representative community population with Parkinson's disease (PD) using the Cambridge Cognitive Assessment-Revised (CAMCOG-R).

Background: cognitive decline is well recognised in Parkinson's disease (PD) but the best cognitive assessment tool for use in such patients remains unclear. The 30-point Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), while quick and straightforward to use, fails to cover a full range of cognitive domains and is recognised to have a ceiling effect. The Cambridge Cognitive Assessment-Revised (CAMCOG-R) is a cognitive screening tool allowing the assessment of a number of different domains of cognition.

Community control of scabies: a model based on use of permethrin cream.

For 18 years treatment with lindane or crotamiton products has failed to stem the epidemic of scabies among the Kuna Indians in the San Blas islands of the Republic of Panama. Permethrin 5% cream was introduced as the only treatment in a programme to control scabies on an island of 756 inhabitants and involving workers recruited locally. Prevalence fell from 33% to less than 1% after every person was treated.