Resumen Objetivo: Identificar los factores sociodemográficos, clínicos y farmacológicos asociados a la no adherencia al tratamiento antirretroviral en pacientes con infección por virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana/sidas atendidos entre 2017 y 2020 en diferentes ciudades de Colombia. Método: Se realizó un estudio observacional, de corte transversal y retrospectivo, con una población de pacientes con infección por virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana/sida atendidos entre 2017 a 2020. Se aplicaron las escalas Morisky-Green, el cuestionario simplificado de adherencia a la Médicación y la escala simplificada para detectar problemas de adherencia al tratamiento antirretroviral, para determinar la adherencia de los pacientes. Se realizó una regresión logística múltiple para evaluar los factores que mejor explican la no adherencia. Resultados: Se evaluaron 9.835 pacientes, de los cuales el 74,4% eran hombres, el 71,1% tenían una edad entre 18 a 44 años, el 76,0% curso como máximo hasta secundaria, el 78,1% eran solteros y el 97,6% residían en zona urbana. Se encontró una proporción de no adherencia al tratamiento del 10% después de aplicar tres escalas diferentes a cada paciente. Las personas que presentaron algún problema relacionado con los Médicamentos tuvieron un riesgo significativamente mayor de no ser adherentes, al igual que aquellos que tuvieron alguna reacción adversa a los Médicamentos antirretrovirales. Conclusiones: Los problemas relacionados con el uso de Médicamentos, las reacciones adversas a Médicamentos, los antecedentes de no adherencia al tratamiento y el consumo de sustancias psicoactivas fueron las variables que más se asociaron con la no adherencia al tratamiento antirretroviral.

Abstract Objective: To identify sociodemographic, clinical, and pharmacological factors associated with nonadherence to antiretroviral treatment in patients with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome treated between 2017 and 2020 in four cities in Colombia. Method: An observational, cross-sectional, retrospective study was conducted of a population of patients with human immunodeficiency virus/ acquired immunodeficiency syndrome treated between 2017 and 2020. The Morisky-Green scale, the simplified Médication adherence questionnaire, and the simplified scale to detect adherence problems to antiretroviral treatment were applied to determine patient adherence. A binomial multiple logistic regression was performed to evaluate the factors that best explain nonadherence. Results: A total of 9,835 patients were evaluated, of whom 74.4% were men, 71.1% were aged between 18 and 44 years, 76.0% had attended at most secondary school, 78.1% were single, and 97.6% resided in an urban area. After applying three different scales to each patient, 10% of the study population were identified as nonadherent to treatment. The risk of nonadherence was significantly higher in patients who presented any drug-related problem or had an adverse reaction to antiretroviral drugs. Conclusions: The variables most strongly associated with nonadherence to antiretroviral treatment were drug-related problems, adverse drug reactions, a history of nonadherence to treatment, and psychoactive substance use.

Resumen Objetivo: Determinar los factores asociados al fracaso virológico en pacientes con el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana con tratamiento antirretroviral atendidos en una institución de salud colombiana. Método: Estudio transversal, observacional, retrospectivo y analítico en pacientes con el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana con tratamiento antirretroviral entre 2007-2020. Se recogieron variables sociodemográficas, farmacológicas y clínicas, incluyendo la carga viral, el grado de adherencia y la tasa de reclamación de medicamentos. Para el análisis estadístico se obtuvieron las odds ratio crudas y ajustadas y los intervalos de confianza. Resultados: De una población de 5.406 pacientes, la proporción de fracaso virológico fue de 16,7% y en el modelo ajustado se encontró asociación entre el fracaso virológico con el tiempo en el tratamiento mayor a un año, la tasa de posesión de la reclamación inferior al 80%, la no reclamación oportuna por omisión o suspensión, la adherencia inferior al 85%, el recuento de CD4 inferior a 500, niveles de colesterol total mayores de 201 mg/dl, lipoproteína de alta densidad menor de 39 mg/dl y presencia de micosis. Conclusiones: En nuestra cohorte de pacientes con el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana, un menor tiempo en tratamiento, un recuento de CD4 menor de 200, una baja tasa de reclamación de los medicamentos, así como la no reclamación oportuna por omisión y suspensión y un menor grado de adherencia son factores que se relacionan con el fracaso virológico.

Abstract Objective: To determine the factors associated with virologic failure in HIV patients on antiretroviral treatment treated in a Colombian health institution. Method: This was a cross-sectional observational retrospective analytical study of HIV patients receiving antiretroviral treatment between 2007‑2020. Sociodemographic, pharmacological and clinical variables were collected, including viral load, adherence, and the medication possession ratio. For statistical analysis, crude and adjusted odds ratios and confidence intervals were obtained. Results: In a population of 5,406 patients, the proportion of virologic failure was 16.7%. Moreover, in the adjusted model, an association was found between virologic failure and time on treatment greater than one year, medication possession ratio under 80%, failure to claim medications from the pharmacy due to dose omission or discontinuation, adherence under 85%, CD4 count under 500, total cholesterol levels above 201 mg/dL, high density lipoproteins under 39 mg/dL and presence of mycosis. Conclusions: In our cohort of HIV patients, short treatment periods, CD4 counts under 200, a low medication possession ratio, failure to timely claim medications from the pharmacy due to omission or discontinuation, and a lower degree of adherence were factors related to virologic failure.

Abstract Introduction: psoriasis is a systemic, inflammatory, and chronic disease with a global prevalence between 0.6-6.5 %. It is related to multiple comorbidities and generates a significant decrease in quality of life. Objective: to characterize sociodemographic, clinical, pharmacological, and quality of life variables in a population of patients with moderate-severe psoriasis. Methods: descriptive observational study the patients with a diagnosis of severe-moderate psoriasis treated in the Clínica Integral de Psoriasis-CLIPSO between May 2018 - June 2020. A collection format was designed for defined variables and a univariate analysis was performed. Results: 948 patients were identified with a median age of 50 years (IQR: 38-60) of which 51.0 % were women. 23.6 % were incidents with a median treatment time of 114 days (IQR: 98-127) and 73.9 % were prevalent with a median treatment time of 228 days (IQR: 160-371). The type of therapy used was mainly non-biological systemic and 90.9 % of the patients were adherent to the treatment. The clinical variables were similar for both groups and the most common phenotype was psoriasis vulgaris (57.1 %). The health-related quality of life in both groups was greater than 60 points and the affected dimensions were physical and psychological health. 27.3 % of the patients had comorbidities associated with cardiovascular risk and 44.7 % were overweight. Conclusion: knowing the sociodemographic, clinical, pharmacological, and quality of life characteristics of patients with moderate-severe psoriasis allows the identification of risk factors and comprehensive management of the disease.

Resumen Introducción: la psoriasis es una enfermedad sistémica, inflamatoria y crónica con una prevalencia global entre 0,6-6,5 %. Está relacionada con múltiples comorbilidades y genera una disminución significativa en la calidad de vida. Objetivo: caracterización sociodemográfica, clínica, farmacológica y calidad de vida de un grupo de pacientes con psoriasis moderada-severa. Métodos: estudio observacional descriptivo en pacientes con diagnóstico de psoriasis moderada-severa atendidos en la Clínica Integral de Psoriasis (CLIPSO) entre mayo 2018 y junio 2020. Se diseñó un formato para la recolección de las variables definidas y se realizó un análisis univariado. Resultados: se identificaron 948 pacientes con una mediana de edad de 50 años (RIC:38-60) de los cuales el 51 % eran mujeres. El 23,6 % eran incidentes, con una mediana en tiempo de tratamiento de 114 días (RIC:98-127) y 73,9 % eran prevalentes, con una mediana de tiempo de tratamiento de 228 días (RIC:160-371). El tipo de terapia utilizada fue principalmente sistémica no biológica y el 90,9 % de los pacientes eran adherentes al tratamiento. Las variables clínicas fueron similares en los incidentes y los prevalentes y el fenotipo más común fue psoriasis vulgar (57,1 %). La calidad de vida en ambos grupos fue mayor a 60 puntos y las dimensiones más afectadas en la calidad de vida fueron la salud física y la psicológica. El 27,3 % presentaban comorbilidades asociadas a riesgo cardiovascular y 44,7 % presentaban sobrepeso. Conclusión: conocer las características sociodemográficas, clínicas, farmacológicas y calidad de vida de los pacientes con psoriasis moderada-severa permite la identificación de factores de riesgo y un manejo integral de la enfermedad.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a higiene genital de mulheres com e sem vaginose bacteriana (VB) e/ou candidíase vulvovaginal (CVV). Métodos Estudo transversal com mulheres em idade reprodutiva submetidas a exames ginecológicos e laboratoriais e preenchimento de questionário de higiene genital. Resultados Este estudo avaliou 166 controles saudáveis e 141 mulheres com diagnóstico de VB (n=72), VVC (n=61) ou ambas (n=8). O uso de sabonete íntimo e lenços umedecidos após a micção foram hábitos mais frequentes entre mulheres saudáveis (p=0,042 e 0,032, respectivamente). Em comparação com os controles, o sabonete bactericida foi mais usado por mulheres com VB (p=0,05). Conclusão Alguns hábitos de higiene foram associados à VB e/ou VVC. Os ensaios clínicos devem abordar esta questão importante na saúde da mulher.

Abstract Objective To evaluate genital hygiene among women with and without bacterial vaginosis (BV) and/or vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). Methods A cross-sectional study of reproductive-aged women who underwent gynecological and laboratory tests and fulfilled a genital hygiene questionnaire. Results This study evaluated 166 healthy controls and 141 women diagnosed with either BV (n=72), VVC (n=61), or both (n=8). The use of intimate soap and moist wipes after urination was more frequent among healthy women (p=0.042 and 0.032, respectively). Compared to controls, bactericidal soap was more used by women with BV (p=0.05). Conclusion Some hygiene habits were associated to BV and/or VVC. Clinical trials should address this important issue in women’s health.

Resumo O tema doença inflamatória pélvica está contemplado no Protocolo Clínico e Diretrizes Terapêuticas para Atenção Integral às Pessoas com Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis, publicado pelo Ministério da Saúde do Brasil em 2020. A doença inflamatória pélvica é a infecção aguda do trato genital superior feminino decorrente da ascensão canalicular de microrganismos cervicovaginais endógenos e, principalmente, os de transmissão sexual. Entre os agentes etiológicos envolvidos, destacam-se Chlamydia trachomatis e Neisseria gonorrhoeae. As sequelas mais importantes são dor pélvica crônica, infertilidade e gravidez ectópica. O diagnóstico clínico apresenta-se como a abordagem prática mais importante. O tratamento com antibióticos deve ser iniciado imediatamente diante da suspeição clínica. Descrevem-se orientações para gestores e profissionais de saúde sobre testes diagnósticos, tratamento preconizado, seguimento, aconselhamento, notificação, manejo de parcerias sexuais e de populações especiais. Com a maior disponibilidade da técnica de biologia molecular no Brasil, recomenda-se o rastreio de C. trachomatis e N. gonorrhoeae como estratégia preventiva da doença.

Abstract Pelvic Inflammatory Disease is a topic included in the Clinical Protocol and Therapeutic Guidelines for Comprehensive Care for People with Sexually Transmitted Infections, published by the Brazilian Ministry of Health in 2020. Pelvic inflammatory disease is an acute infection of the upper female genital tract due to canalicular spread of endogenous cervicovaginal microorganisms, in particular sexually transmitted organisms. Standing out among the etiological agents involved are Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The most important sequels are chronic pelvic pain, infertility and ectopic pregnancy. Clinical diagnosis is the most important practical approach. Antibiotic treatment should start immediately upon clinical suspicion. The article contains guidance for health service managers and health professionals on diagnostic tests, treatment, follow-up, counseling, notification, handling of sexual partnerships and special populations. In view of increased availability of the molecular biology technique in Brazil, C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae screening is recommended as a disease prevention strategy.

Resumen El tema de la enfermedad inflamatoria pélvica está incluido en el Protocolo Clínico y Directrices Terapéuticas para la Atención Integral para Personas con Infecciones de Transmisión Sexual, publicado por el Ministerio de Salud de Brasil en 2020. La enfermedad inflamatoria pélvica es una infección aguda del tracto genital superior femenino resultante del ascenso canalicular de microorganismos cervicovaginales endógenos y, principalmente, los de transmisión sexual. Entre los agentes etiológicos involucrados, se destacan Chlamydia trachomatis y Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Las secuelas más importantes son: dolor pélvico crónico, infertilidad y embarazo ectópico. El diagnóstico clínico es el enfoque práctico más importante. El tratamiento con antibiótico debe iniciarse inmediatamente ante la sospecha clínica. Se describen pautas para gestores y profesionales de la salud sobre pruebas de diagnóstico, tratamiento, seguimiento, asesoramiento, notificación, manejo de parejas sexuales y poblaciones especiales. Con la mayor disponibilidad de la técnica de biología molecular, se recomienda el cribado de C. trachomatis y N. gonorrhoeae como estrategia preventiva para la enfermedad.

Resumo O tema doença inflamatória pélvica está contemplado no Protocolo Clínico e Diretrizes Terapêuticas para Atenção Integral às Pessoas com Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis, publicado pelo Ministério da Saúde do Brasil em 2020. A doença inflamatória pélvica é a infecção aguda do trato genital superior feminino decorrente da ascensão canalicular de microrganismos cervicovaginais endógenos e, principalmente, os de transmissão sexual. Entre os agentes etiológicos envolvidos, destacam-se Chlamydia trachomatis e Neisseria gonorrhoeae. As sequelas mais importantes são dor pélvica crônica, infertilidade e gravidez ectópica. O diagnóstico clínico apresenta-se como a abordagem prática mais importante. O tratamento com antibióticos deve ser iniciado imediatamente diante da suspeição clínica. Descrevem-se orientações para gestores e profissionais de saúde sobre testes diagnósticos, tratamento preconizado, seguimento, aconselhamento, notificação, manejo de parcerias sexuais e de populações especiais. Com a maior disponibilidade da técnica de biologia molecular no Brasil, recomenda-se o rastreio de C. trachomatis e N. gonorrhoeae como estratégia preventiva da doença.

Resumen El tema de la enfermedad inflamatoria pélvica está incluido en el Protocolo Clínico y Directrices Terapéuticas para la Atención Integral para Personas con Infecciones de Transmisión Sexual, publicado por el Ministerio de Salud de Brasil en 2020. La enfermedad inflamatoria pélvica es una infección aguda del tracto genital superior femenino resultante del ascenso canalicular de microorganismos cervicovaginales endógenos y, principalmente, los de transmisión sexual. Entre los agentes etiológicos involucrados, se destacan Chlamydia trachomatis y Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Las secuelas más importantes son: dolor pélvico crónico, infertilidad y embarazo ectópico. El diagnóstico clínico es el enfoque práctico más importante. El tratamiento con antibiótico debe iniciarse inmediatamente ante la sospecha clínica. Se describen pautas para gestores y profesionales de la salud sobre pruebas de diagnóstico, tratamiento, seguimiento, asesoramiento, notificación, manejo de parejas sexuales y poblaciones especiales. Con la mayor disponibilidad de la técnica de biología molecular, se recomienda el cribado de C. trachomatis y N. gonorrhoeae como estrategia preventiva para la enfermedad.

Abstract Pelvic Inflammatory Disease is a topic included in the Clinical Protocol and Therapeutic Guidelines for Comprehensive Care for People with Sexually Transmitted Infections, published by the Brazilian Ministry of Health in 2020. Pelvic inflammatory disease is an acute infection of the upper female genital tract due to canalicular spread of endogenous cervicovaginal microorganisms, in particular sexually transmitted organisms. Standing out among the etiological agents involved are Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The most important sequels are chronic pelvic pain, infertility and ectopic pregnancy. Clinical diagnosis is the most important practical approach. Antibiotic treatment should start immediately upon clinical suspicion. The article contains guidance for health service managers and health professionals on diagnostic tests, treatment, follow-up, counseling, notification, handling of sexual partnerships and special populations. In view of increased availability of the molecular biology technique in Brazil, C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae screening is recommended as a disease prevention strategy.

Abstract Pelvic Inflammatory Disease is a topic included in the Clinical Protocol and Therapeutic Guidelines for Comprehensive Care for People with Sexually Transmitted Infections, published by the Brazilian Ministry of Health in 2020. Pelvic inflammatory disease is an upper female genital tract acute infection due to canalicular spread of endogenous cervicovaginal microorganisms and especially the sexually transmitted microorganisms. Standing out among the etiological agents involved are Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The main sequelae are chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy. Clinical diagnosis is the most important practical approach. Antibiotic treatment must start immediately after the clinical suspicion. Guidelines for health service managers and health professionals on diagnostic tests, treatment, follow-up, counseling, notification, handling sexual partners and special populations are described. Given the increased availability of the molecular biology techniques in Brazil, C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae screening are recommended as a disease prevention strategy.

Resumo Objetivo Identificar características clínicas, microscópicas e bioquímicas que diferenciam a vaginose citolítica (VC) da candidíase vulvovaginal (CVV). Métodos O presente estudo de corte transversal analisou o conteúdo vaginal de 24 mulheres não grávidas, com idades entre 18 e 42 anos, atendidas no ambulatório de Infecções Genitais do Centro de Atenção Integral à Saúde da Mulher da Universidade Estadual de Campinas (CAISM-UNICAMP). Elas foram diagnosticadas com (CV = 8, CVV = 8) ou sem vulvovaginite ou disbiose vaginal (controles = 8). Os dados sociodemográficos, clínicos e ginecológicos foram obtidos em uma entrevista detalhada do paciente. Amostras do conteúdo vaginal foram coletadas para análise do pH vaginal, coloração de Gram e cultura específica de fungos. Os testes exatos de Kruskal-Wallis e Fisher foram utilizados para comparar as diferenças entre os grupos. A razão de chances foi utilizada para comparar as variáveis categóricas. O nível de significância considerado foi de p < 0,05. Resultados As mulheres com VC e CVV apresentaram corrimento vaginal irregular (p = 0,002) e hiperemia vaginal (p = 0,001), em comparação aos controles. O processo inflamatório foi mais intenso no grupo CVV (p = 0,001). No grupo VC, houve significância estatística para a quantidade de lactobacilos (p = 0,006), lise do epitélio vaginal (p = 0,001) e pH vaginal (p = 0,0002). Conclusão Os diagnósticos de VC e CVV raramente diferem nas características clínicas, mas apresentam achados laboratoriais diferentes. O presente estudo destaca a importância de conduzir uma investigação precisa por meio de testes laboratoriais, em vez de critérios apenas clínicos, a fim de evitar erros de diagnóstico.

Abstract Objective To identify clinical, microscopic, and biochemical characteristics that differentiate cytolytic vaginosis (CV) from vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). Methods The present cross-sectional study analyzed the vaginal contents of 24 non-pregnant women aged 18 to 42 years who were attended at the Genital Infections Clinic at Centro de Atenção Integral à Saúde da Mulher da Universidade Estadual de Campinas (CAISM-UNICAMP). They were diagnosed either with (CV = 8, VVC = 8) or without vulvovaginitis or vaginal dysbiosis (controls). The socio-demographic, clinical, and gynecological data were obtained from a detailed patient interview. Samples of the vaginal contents were collected for analysis of vaginal pH, gram stain, and specific fungal culture. The Kruskal-Wallis and Fisher exact tests were used to compare the differences between the groups. Odds ratios were used to compare the categorical variables. The significance level was considered at p < 0.05. Results Both women with CV and VVC had a lumpy vaginal discharge (p = 0,002) and vaginal hyperemia (p = 0.001), compared with controls. The inflammatory process was more intense in the VVC group (p = 0.001). In the CV group, there was statistical significance for the lactobacillus amount (p = 0.006), vaginal epithelium lysis (p = 0.001), and vaginal pH (p = 0.0002). Conclusion Cytolytic vaginosis and VVC diagnoses rarely differ on clinical characteristics but have different laboratorial findings. The present study highlights the importance of conducting an accurate investigation through laboratory tests rather than clinical criteria to avoid misdiagnosis.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of microablative fractional radiofrequency (MAFRF) in the non-hormonal treatment of genitourinary syndrome of menopause. METHODS: We examined the cases of 55 postmenopausal women before and after treatment with regard to their vaginal health index (VHI), vaginal microbiota, vaginal pH, and cell maturation. Three applications of MAFRF were performed in the vagina/vaginal introitus. During the treatment, six vaginal smears were obtained and stained with the Papanicolaou stain for determining the degree of cell maturation and with Gram stain for classification of vaginal flora, as per the criteria of Spiegel and Amsel. For vaginal pH determination, pH indicator strips were applied against the vaginal wall. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS for Windows (version 17.0). Data were reported as mean±standard deviation. The differences were analyzed using the statistical method of generalized estimation equations with autoregressive correlation structure “1” and robust standard errors. RESULTS: The mean age was 59.8±4.2 years, and the mean time of menopause was 15.4±4.5 years. After treatment, there was an increase in the percentage of Lactobacillus spp. (p<0.001). Consequently, there was a progressive decrease in vaginal pH during the treatment (p<0.001). Regarding cell maturation, there was a decrease in the percentage of parabasal cells (p=0.001) and an increase in the rate of superficial cells (p<0.001). Additionally, there was an improvement in the VHI index. The mean VHI values before and after treatment were 13.2±5.6 and 22.5±3.7, respectively (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: MAFRF treatment is well tolerated and leads to improvement in the vaginal microenvironment.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Avaliar as alterações do ambiente endocervical e vaginal em mulheres usuárias de sistema intrauterino liberador de levonorgestrel (SIU-LNG). MÉTODOS: Um estudo quase-experimental incluiu 60 mulheres que inseriram o SIU-LNG na Clínica de Planejamento Familiar da UNICAMP entre abril e novembro de 2016. Mulheres em idade reprodutiva, não gestantes, sem uso de antibióticos e contraceptivos, em busca pela inserção do SIU-LNG, foram selecionadas para este estudo. Todas as mulheres foram avaliadas quanto ao pH vaginal e endocervical, bacterioscopia vaginal e endocervical por coloração de Gram, exame de Papanicolau antes e dois meses após a inserção de SIU-LNG. Aspectos clínicos como muco cervical, corrimento vaginal e ectopia cervical também foram observados. RESULTADOS: Após a inserção do SIU-LNG houve aumento nos seguintes parâmetros: pH endocervical >4,5 (p=0,02), quantidade de neutrófilos endocervicais (p<0,0001), citolise vaginal (p=0,04). Houve diminuição do conteúdo vaginal (p=0,01). Não foram encontradas alterações estatisticamente significativas no pH vaginal, na quantidade de neutrófilos na mucosa vaginal, apecto do corrimento vaginal, candidíase vaginal, vaginose bacteriana, microbiota cocobacilar vaginal, aparência de muco cervical ou tamanho da ectopia cervical. CONCLUSÃO: O uso do SIU-LNG em curto prazo não aumentou a candidíase vulvovaginal ou a vaginose bacteriana, levou à diminuição do conteúdo vaginal. No entanto, este dispositivo promoveu mudanças reacionais no ambiente vaginal e endocervical, sem modificação no tamanho da ectopia cervical.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate endocervical and vaginal environment changes in women using a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS). METHODS: A quasi-experimental study included sixty women who had an LNG-IUS inserted in the Family Planning Clinic of UNICAMP between April and November of 2016. Women in reproductive age, non-pregnant, without the use of antibiotics and contraceptives seeking for LNG-IUS insertion were selected for this study. All women were evaluated with regard to vaginal and endocervical pH, vaginal and endocervical Gram-stained bacterioscopy, and Pap-smear before and two months after LNG-IUS insertion. Clinical aspects such as cervical mucus, vaginal discharge, and cervical ectopy were also observed. RESULTS: After LNG-IUS insertion, there was an increase in the following parameters: endocervical pH>4.5 (p=0.02), endocervical neutrophil amount (p<0.0001), vaginal cytolysis (p=0.04). There was a decrease in vaginal discharge (p=0.01). No statistically significant changes were found in vaginal pH, neutrophils amount in the vaginal mucosa, vaginal discharge appearance, vaginal candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis, vaginal coccobacillary microbiota, cervical mucus appearance, or cervical ectopy size. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term LNG-IUS use did not increase vulvovaginal candidiasis or bacterial vaginosis, and led to diminished vaginal discharge. Notwithstanding, this device promoted reactional changes in the vaginal and endocervical environment, without modification on cervical ectopy size.

RESUMO INTRODUÇÃO: A higiene genital pode desempenhar um papel importante na prevenção de desconfortos vulvovaginais e infecções. Evidências científicas sobre as melhores práticas em higiene genital são escassas, e o ginecologista, sem dúvida, é a melhor pessoa para discutir e orientar o assunto. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a higiene genital feminina usual de médicas ginecologistas. MÉTODOS: Estudo analítico descritivo que identificou higiene genital e práticas sexuais de 220 ginecologistas por meio de um questionário com 60 perguntas autorrespondidas. Os dados foram analisados e apresentados por frequência, porcentagem, média e desvio padrão. Resultados: A população estudada consistiu de médicas ginecologistas femininas brancas (71,3%) com idade média de 37,3 anos. Mais da metade (53,6%) relatou ficar fora de suas casas por períodos superiores a 10 horas por dia e queixaram-se de descarga vaginal em 48,1% dos casos. Higiene vulvovaginal regular: 17,8% relataram lavar os genitais uma vez por dia e 52%, duas vezes por dia. O uso apenas de papel (seco) foi relatado em 66,4% dos casos após micção e em 78,5% após a evacuação. A higiene ideal com água corrente e sabão foi praticada apenas em 25,9% e 21,5%, respectivamente. Higiene vulvovaginal relacionada ao sexo: mais da metade delas relatou relações sexuais 1-3 vezes por semana, sexo oral frequente e anal eventual em 37,4% e 24,1%, respectivamente. A higiene genital pré-sexo foi relatada por 52,7% das pessoas e em 78,5% após o coito. Conclusão: Os hábitos de higiene genital dos ginecologistas femininos estão sujeitos a melhorias, mesmo considerando o alto grau de conhecimento científico que possuem.

SUMMARY INTRODUCTION: Genital hygiene can play an essential role in avoiding vulvovaginal discomfort and preventing infections. The scientific evidence on best practices on genital hygiene is scarce, and without doubt, gynecologists should be the best person to discuss and guide the subject. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the general genital female gynecologist hygiene. METHODS: This descriptive analytic study identified genital hygiene and sexual practices of 220 female gynecologists, through a questionnaire with 60 self-answered questions. The data were analyzed and presented using frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation. RESULTS: The studied population was constituted by middle age (37.3 years) and white (71.3%) female gynecologists. More than a half (53.6%) declared spending over 10 hours a day away from home and complained of vaginal discharge in 48.1% of the cases. Regular vulvovaginal hygiene: 17.8% reported washing genitals once a day and 52% twice a day. The use of dry paper alone was reported in 66.4% post urination and 78.5% post-evacuation. Using running water and soap was practiced by 25.9% and 21.5% respectively. Vulvovaginal hygiene related to sex: More than half of them had intercourse 1-3 times a week, and 37.4% and 24.1% had frequent oral sex and eventually anal sexof the participants, respectively. Genital hygiene before sex was positive in 52.7% of the subjects and, post-sex hygiene in 78.5% of them. Conclusion: Genital hygiene habits of female gynecologists can be improved, despite the high grade of scientific knowledge they hold.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the factors associated with the prescription of vaginal pessaries (VPs) as a conservative treatment for pelvic organ prolapse (POP). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed during two annual urogynecology and general obstetrics and gynecology meetings in 2017 (São Paulo, SP, Brazil). A 19-item deidentified questionnaire regarding experiences and practices in prescribing VPs for POP patients was distributed among gynecologists. Our primary outcome was the frequency of prescribing VPs as a conservative treatment for POP. The reasons for prescribing or not prescribing VPs were also investigated. Univariate and multivariate analyses with crude and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were performed for variables associated with the prescription of pessaries. RESULTS: Three hundred forty completed surveys were analyzed. Half of the respondents (53.53%) were between 30-49 years old; most of them were female (73.53%), were from the Southeast Region (64.12%), were trained in obstetrics and gynecology (80.24%) or urogynecology (61.18%) and worked in private offices (63.42%). More than one-third (36.48%) attended four or more POP cases/week, and 97.65% (n=332) had heard or knew about VPs for POP; however, only 47.06% (n=160) prescribed or offered this treatment to patients. According to the multivariate analysis, physicians aged 18-35 years (OR=1.97[1.00-3.91]; p=0.04), those who participated in a previous urogynecology fellowship (OR=2.34[1.34-4.09]; p<0.01), those with relatively high volumes of POP cases (4 or +) (OR=2.23[1.21-4.47]; p=0.01) and those with PhD degrees (OR=2.75[1.01-7.54]; p=0.05) prescribed more pessaries. CONCLUSIONS: Most gynecologists did not prescribe VPs. Younger physician age, participation in a previous urogynecology fellowship, a PhD degree, and a relatively high volume of POP cases were associated with increased VP prescription rates.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar a influência da capacidade funcional (CF) sobre a qualidade de vida (QV) de mulheres sobreviventes de câncer de mama. Método: 400 mulheres sobreviventes de câncer de mama foram avaliadas -118 sem metástases, 160 com metástases locorregionais e 122 com metástases a distância. Para avaliar a capacidade funcional e a qualidade de vida, os seguintes instrumentos foram utilizados: European Organization for Research and Treatment for Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30), Breast Cancer-Specific (EORTC QLQ-BR23) e Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS). Resultados: Mulheres com metástases a distância apresentaram menor KPS 75,3 (DP=12,5) (p<0,001). Quanto ao QLQ-C30, a média da escala funcional para pacientes com metástases a distância foi de 57 (DP=19) (p<0,001). A média da escala de sintomas das pacientes com metástase a distância foi de 37 (DP=20) (p<0,001). A escala de dor e fadiga apresentou a maior média nos grupos. Em relação à Escala Global de Saúde, as pacientes sem metástase tinham uma média de 62 (DP=24); com metástase locorregional, 63 (DP=21,4); e com metástase a distância, 51,3 (DP=24). Para o grupo com metástase a distância, 105 (87%) tiveram dor, e a média do KPS foi de 74 (DP=2,0) (p=0,001). Conclusão: O câncer de mama foi associado com diminuição da capacidade funcional, comprometendo a qualidade de vida das mulheres sobreviventes do câncer de mama com metástases locorregional ou a distância, quando comparadas àquelas sem metástases.

Summary Objective: To evaluate the influence of functional capacity (FC) and how it affects quality of life (QoL) in breast cancer survivors. Method: A total of 400 breast cancer survivors were studied - 118 without metastasis, 160 with locoregional metastasis and 122 with distant metastasis. The European Organization for Research and Treatment for Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire--Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30), Breast Cancer-Specific (EORTC QLQ-BR23), and the Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) were used to evaluate FC and QoL. Results: Women with distant metastases presented lower KPS 75.3 (SD=12.5) (p<0.001). For QLQ-C30, the mean of the Functional Scale for patients with distant metastasis was 57 (SD=19) (p<0.001), and the mean of the Symptom Scale for patients with distant metastasis was 37 (SD=20) (p<0.001). Both the scales for pain and fatigue showed the highest mean in the groups. For the Global Health Scale, patients without metastasis scored a mean of 62 (SD=24) points, while those with locoregional metastases scored a mean of 63 (SD=21.4), and distant metastasis scored 51.3 (SD=24) points. In the group with distant metastases, 105 (87%) had pain, and the average KPS was 74 (SD=12.0) (p=0.001). Conclusion: Breast cancer was associated with decreased FC, compromised QoL in women with locoregional and distant metastases compared to those without metastasis.