scholarly journals Psychosexual morbidity in women with ovarian cancer

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (12) ◽  
pp. 1983-1989
Author(s):  
Chloe Alice Logue ◽  
Julia Pugh ◽  
Gordon Jayson

Increasing numbers of women are surviving for longer with epithelial ovarian cancer. Consequently, there is increased focus on long-term quality of life in national guidance. Psychosexual morbidity including vaginal dryness, pain during intercourse (dyspareunia), reduced libido, and negative perceived body image exacerbate stress and anxiety and impact intimate relationships. Although a priority for women with epithelial ovarian cancer, clinicians seldom discuss sexual problems. Therefore, psychosexual morbidity and the associated distress remain unaddressed. We synthesize evidence from primary qualitative and quantitative research studies exploring psychosexual morbidity in women with epithelial ovarian cancer to identify potential risk factors and common symptoms, to facilitate the identification and management of sexual problems in clinic. Literature (2008–19) from 10 databases identified 29 suitable publications (4116 patients). The papers were assessed to answer the question: “What are the key potential risk factors and presentations of psychosexual morbidity in women with epithelial ovarian cancer?” Current literature lacks consensus in defining clinically significant psychosexual morbidity in women with epithelial ovarian cancer. Discrepancies in measurement tools, questionnaires, and primary outcome measures confound result interpretation, limiting wider application. Key potential risk factors identified included: younger age (<53 years); pre-menopausal status at diagnosis; aim of treatment; extent of surgery; more courses of chemotherapy; cardiovascular co-morbidities; and anxiety and depression. Up to 75% of women with epithelial ovarian cancer reported adverse changes in their sex lives following diagnosis and, of the sexually active, vaginal dryness affected 81–87% and pain 77%. Other prevalent symptoms included: reduced sexual desire and activity, impaired orgasm, diminished perceived body image, and reduced partner intimacy. Psychosexual morbidity represents a significant unmet need for women with epithelial ovarian cancer. Effective treatment necessitates a multimodal approach encompassing medical, psychoeducational, and physiotherapy-based strategies. Future studies need agreement in their questionnaires, definitions, thresholds, and primary outcome measures for meaningful interstudy comparisons to be drawn.

2013 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-72 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiangxiang Wu ◽  
Xiang Xue ◽  
Jie Tang ◽  
Xi Cheng ◽  
Wenjuan Tian ◽  
...  

ObjectiveVenous thromboembolism (VTE) is a life-threatening complication that often occurs in ovarian tumors. However, the risk factors for VTE are still undetermined.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed VTE occurrence and its potential risk factors in 254 Chinese patients with ovarian tumor at Fudan University Cancer Hospital from July 2007 to June 2011.ResultsThe VTE incidence was 7.1% (13/183) in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), and no VTE was found in ovarian borderline or benign tumor. D-dimer levels were significantly higher in EOC than in ovarian benign and borderline tumors. Furthermore, D-dimer levels increased with the advancement of EOC stages. Correlation analysis suggested that D-dimer levels were well correlated with platelet counting (PLT), prothrombin time (PT), white blood cell counting (WBC), cancer antigen (CA) 125, and CA153. Univariate logistic regression analysis found that D-dimer levels greater than 788 μg/L, PLT levels greater than 261 × 109/L, PT greater than 11.7 seconds, CA125 greater than 760 U/mL, and ascites greater than 1500 mL are risk factors for VTE in EOC. Moreover, multivariate analysis grouped primary EOC, low differentiated grade, D-dimer greater than 788 μg/L, PT greater than 11.7 seconds, and CA125 greater than 760 U/mL as prediction factors for VTE.ConclusionsIn addition to D-dimer and ascites, high levels of PLT, PT, and CA125, which are highly correlated with D-dimer, are independent risk factors for VTE


1990 ◽  
Vol 63 (01) ◽  
pp. 013-015 ◽  
Author(s):  
E J Johnson ◽  
C R M Prentice ◽  
L A Parapia

SummaryAntithrombin III (ATIII) deficiency is one of the few known abnormalities of the coagulation system known to predispose to venous thromboembolism but its relation to arterial disease is not established. We describe two related patients with this disorder, both of whom suffered arterial thrombotic events, at an early age. Both patients had other potential risk factors, though these would normally be considered unlikely to lead to such catastrophic events at such an age. Thrombosis due to ATIII deficiency is potentially preventable, and this diagnosis should be sought more frequently in patients with arterial thromboembolism, particularly if occurring at a young age. In addition, in patients with known ATIII deficiency, other risk factors for arterial disease should be eliminated, if possible. In particular, these patients should be counselled against smoking.


Author(s):  
Syahrun Neizam Mohd Dzulkifli ◽  
◽  
Abd Halid Abdullah ◽  
Yee Yong Lee ◽  
Mohd Mahathir Suhaimi Shamsuri ◽  
...  

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