Biomedical subjects

Peter F Schnatz

Publications and source records attributed to Peter F Schnatz.

14 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Qualities and attributes desired in menopause clinicians.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the qualities and attributes desired in menopause clinicians. DESIGN: Women > or =45 years of age (n=72) were surveyed about the qualities and attributes desired in their physician. Surveys were performed in physician waiting rooms in Connecticut. RESULTS: Although fewer men are entering the practice of ObGyn, more than 88% of peri- and post-menopausal women believe that gender does not affect the quality of their women's health provider. Among the 68 women from whom valid data were obtained, experience (95.6%), knowledge (95.6%), and ability (92.6%) were the most important qualities. Only 4.2% listed gender in the top three most important qualities. If the patient's visit was for wellness- and screening-related issues, 6.6% (n=4) preferred a male, 13.1% (n=8) preferred a female, and 80.3% (n=49) had no preference for gender. The percentage of patients preferring to see a female was slightly higher (29.2%) if the visit was for a pelvic exam, while the percentage preferring to see a male (14.5%) was greater if care involved gynecological surgery. CONCLUSIONS: As medical practices meet the increasing demand of menopausal women, it is helpful to know the qualities and attributes that patients desire. Menopause clinicians should seek to convey experience, knowledge, and competence to their patients. A menopause practice should strive for a well-diversified team that will bring these qualities to menopausal patients. Given the shifting balance of male and female ObGyn providers, when hiring providers or establishing a menopause clinic, it is helpful to know that gender diversification is of minor importance.

Aged↗

PubMed2006

Clinical significance of atypical glandular cells on cervical cytology.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence and histologic outcomes of patients with atypical glandular cells of undetermined significance (AGUS), diagnosed by Pap test, and concurrent risk factors. DATA SOURCES: A PubMed/MEDLINE/Ovid HealthStar search of the English literature was conducted from January 1988 through March 2004. METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION: The search criteria included the terms "atypical glandular cells of undetermined significance," "AGUS," or "AGC." All studies investigating the clinical significance of patients with an AGUS Pap test were included, except for those where consecutive Pap tests were not studied. Diagnostic outcomes were then determined. TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS: Of the 916 studies identified, 24 met our inclusion criteria. Of the 2,389,206 Pap tests included in these studies, 6,829 (0.29%) had AGUS. Follow-up was available for 3,890 tests. These data showed the following rates of pathology: 8.5% low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL), 11.1% high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL), 2.9% adenocarcinoma in situ, 1.4% endometrial hyperplasia, and 5.2% malignancy. The most common malignancies were endometrial adenocarcinoma (57.6%), cervical adenocarcinoma (23.6%), ovarian and fallopian tube carcinoma (6.4%), squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix (5.4%), and other (6.9%). Of the AGUS Pap tests, the remaining 71.0% corresponded to benign findings, including reactive changes, polyps, and normal histology. Patients with AGUS, which favors a neoplastic process, or with a concurrent ASCUS have a greater likelihood of disease. CONCLUSION: Histologic diagnosis showed that 29.0% of these Pap tests had findings requiring follow-up or therapeutic intervention, including a 5.2% rate of malignancy. Based on these findings, 99.6% of the diagnoses are within the region of surveillance when AGUS Pap tests are evaluated with colposcopy and directed biopsy, endocervical curettage, an endometrial biopsy in patients with risk factors for endometrial cancer, and pelvic examination.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMed2006

Menopausal symptoms in Hispanic women and the role of socioeconomic factors.

The objective of this study was to assess differences in menopausal symptoms between postmenopausal (PM) Hispanic (H) and PM Caucasian (C) women. This was a prospective survey. Data from a convenience sample of 404 PM women (50% H, 50% C) were evaluated. Comparing H with C women, statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) in symptoms were noted with mood changes (76% H, 54% C), a decrease in energy (56% H, 36% C), palpitations (54% H, 26% C), breast tenderness (39% H, 28% C), memory loss (34% H, 22% C), and vaginal dryness (34% H, 44% C). When controlling for education and income, there were differences in mood changes, a decrease in energy and palpitations between the groups. Consistent with previous data, hot flashes (80% H, 75% C) and night sweats (67% H, 64% C) were the most common symptoms in the PM C women, and there were no significant differences compared with PM H women. Symptoms reported by PM C women in this sample are consistent with rates in the literature, but PM H women reported several symptoms at a higher rate. These differences remain when socioeconomic factors are considered, suggesting ethnicity may be an independent variable in menopausal symptomatology.

Education, Medical, Continuing↗

PubMed2006

Dyslipidemia in menopause: mechanisms and management.

UNLABELLED: Data concerning cardiovascular disease in women is rapidly expanding. It is now known that women are more likely to die from cardiovascular disease each year than men and that the incidence of cardiovascular disease in women increases dramatically in the postmenopausal years. Physicians who care for menopausal women should be able to counsel, diagnose, and treat or refer women who have modifiable risk factors for coronary artery disease. Dyslipidemia is one risk factor that can be diagnosed easily. Data from the National Cholesterol Education Program, Adult Treatment Panel III give clear guidelines for interpreting lipid abnormalities and following these women. This article provides an overview of dyslipidemia, screening recommendations, interpretation of results, and management or referral of these patients. TARGET AUDIENCE: Obstetricians & Gynecologists, Family Physicians. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: After completion of this article, the reader should be able to state that women are more likely to die from cardiovascular disease each year than men, recall that the incidence increases in the postmenopausal years, and explain that dyslipidemia screening and treatment is a method of prevention of adverse outcomes.

Cardiovascular Diseases↗

PubMed2006

Hormonal therapy: does it increase or decrease cardiovascular risk?

UNLABELLED: The use of hormonal therapy (HT) has become one of the most controversial topics in the area of women's health. A particular area of confusion has been the issue of cardiovascular benefit versus cardiovascular risk for women using HT. Although years of observational data have suggested that women receiving HT have a lower incidence of coronary artery disease (CAD) and longer survival, several prospective, randomized controlled trials have brought this tenet into debate. This article provides a historical perspective on the role of HT and CAD. The Heart and Estrogen/Progestin Replacement Study (HERS) and the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) data are analyzed in conjunction with newer data. Finally, an explanation will be provided as to how early initiation of HT could afford cardiovascular protection and not contradict the HERS and WHI. TARGET AUDIENCE: Obstetricians & Gynecologists, Family Physicians. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: After completion of this article, the reader should be able to state that controversy still remains in the use of hormonal therapy (HT) for menopause, explain that there are conflicting data from both prospective and observational studies, and recall that a new look at prospective data may indicate that HT has beneficial cardiovascular effects.

Cardiovascular Diseases↗

PubMed2005

Pilot study of menopause symptoms in a clinic population.

OBJECTIVE: Studies analyzing menopause symptoms have primarily focused on white women of higher socioeconomic status. With an aging population and a longer life expectancy, we can anticipate a significant rise in women presenting with menopause symptoms and issues related to quality of life. It is important to know whether current data regarding menopause symptoms are applicable to all women seeking care. DESIGN: Data from the first 80 consecutive women, predominantly Hispanic and of lower socioeconomic status, presenting to the Women's Life Center at Hartford Hospital were analyzed for demographic and socioeconomic variables, depression, factors related to quality of life, and menopause symptoms. RESULTS: Although hot flashes (63.8%) and night sweats (55.1%) occurred at a frequency similar to that reported in the literature, mood swings (77.9%), decrease in energy (75.9%), sleeping problems (73.4%), and memory problems (67.1%) were the four most common symptoms. Although there were many symptoms that could impact negatively on their quality of life, 82.3% felt that it was wonderful to be alive during menopause, 73% were satisfied with their life, and the cumulative depression score did not fall into the depressed category. CONCLUSIONS: This sample of predominantly Hispanic women of lower socioeconomic status experienced negative quality-of-life-related symptoms at a much higher frequency than has been previously reported. The menopause years, although feared by many, can be a wonderful time in a woman's life. Whether the differences identified are due to ethnicity, socioeconomic factors, or a combination of the two has yet to be determined.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Dysplasia associated with atypical glandular cells on cervical cytology.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the rates of and identify risk factors for disease in women with atypical glandular cells of undetermined significance (AGUS). METHODS: From 1998-2001, 477 Pap tests at Hartford Hospital were classified as AGUS and met the inclusion criteria of this study. Findings were evaluated for 2 years from the initial test. Disease was defined as histology results with a finding of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion or greater. RESULTS: Disease was diagnosed in 9% of the women, including malignancy in 3%. Women with malignant-appearing AGUS Pap tests had a higher rate of disease (29%) than women with benign-appearing (5%, P < .01) and unspecified AGUS Pap tests (13%, P < .03). Malignancies were associated with all subclassifications of AGUS Pap tests. Women aged less than 35 years were more likely to have disease than women aged 35 years or older (P < .02). Most women aged younger than 35 years had a squamous abnormality, whereas women aged 35 years or older had a greater diversity of squamous and glandular lesions and accounted for all cases of endometrial cancer, adenocarcinoma in situ, and cervical adenocarcinoma. Women with persistent AGUS Pap tests had a 31% rate of disease. The rate of disease among women with AGUS Pap tests collected by liquid-based cytology was 11%, compared with 6% among samples collected by the conventional method. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that women with atypical glandular cells are at substantial risk for dysplasia and malignancy. The rate of disease varies with the method of Pap test collection, age, presence of persistent AGUS Pap tests, and AGUS subclassification.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMed2005

Lack of adherence to practice guidelines for women with atypical glandular cells on cervical cytology.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to estimate the rates and types of evaluation in women with atypical glandular cells of undetermined significance (AGC-US) on cervical cytology and to assess these findings on the basis of published management guidelines. METHODS: The rates of histologic sampling, comprehensive initial evaluations, and secondary evaluations were assessed in 477 women with an AGC-US Pap test from 1998 to 2001. A comprehensive evaluation was defined as a colposcopy and an endocervical curettage with or without a cervical biopsy. For women aged 35 or older, a comprehensive evaluation also included an endometrial biopsy. A secondary evaluation consisted of a diagnostic cone biopsy. RESULTS: Sixty-four percent of women with an AGC-US Pap test had histologic sampling; 36% were followed by repeat Pap test only. Thirty-six percent of women with an AGC-US Pap test had a comprehensive evaluation. Women with an AGC-US Pap test that was subclassified as malignant-appearing had higher rates of histologic and comprehensive evaluations than women with a benign-appearing or unspecified AGC-US Pap test (P < .01). Twenty-eight percent of women aged 35 or older had comprehensive evaluations compared with 57% of women younger than the age of 35 (P < .01). Secondary evaluations were performed in 8% of women with persistent AGC-US Pap tests and 2% of women with malignant-appearing AGC-US Pap tests after negative initial histologic evaluations. Twelve of the 42 cases of disease (29%) were diagnosed more than 1 year from the initial AGC-US Pap test. CONCLUSION: On the basis of accepted management guidelines, these data suggest that women with AGC-US Pap tests are undermanaged in both their initial and secondary evaluations.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Parathyroidectomy in the third trimester of pregnancy.

UNLABELLED: The objective of this study was to estimate the incidence of complications when primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is treated by parathyroidectomy in the third trimester of pregnancy. After searching the literature published through/including January 2005, we identified and analyzed 16 cases of PHPT treated surgically after 27 weeks of gestation. Parathyroid adenomas were detected in 81.2% of cases, hyperplasia in 6.3%, and carcinoma in 12.5%. Only one case failed surgical therapy. The postoperative incidence of clinically significant complications from the surgery was as low as 5.9% in fetuses and 0% in mothers. The incidence of clinically significant complications resulting from delayed diagnosis or postponed surgery ranged from 17.6% to 23.5% in fetuses and 18.8% to 25.0% in mothers. Postoperative hypocalcemia was detected in 62.5% of mothers and 17.6% of their newborns. All cases were easily treated with calcium replacement. Preeclampsia was diagnosed in 25% of cases. No clinically significant complications have been reported between 1993 and January 2005. This review suggests that parathyroidectomy performed in the third trimester of pregnancy is effective and has less risk than previously reported. Postponing surgery may be hazardous. Postoperative hypocalcemia is common but easily treated. Hyperparathyroidism should be considered a risk factor for preeclampsia. TARGET AUDIENCE: Obstetricians & Gynecologists, Family Physicians. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: After completion of this article, the reader should be able to summarize the maternal and fetal complications of a delayed diagnosis and/or postponed surgery, recall that surgery of a parathyroid tumor can be safely performed in the third trimester, and describe pregnancy complications of hyperparathyroidism.

Adenoma↗

PubMed2005

Do women prefer care from female or male obstetrician-gynecologists? A study of patient gender preference.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether men should be encouraged to enter the medical specialty of obstetrics and gynecology. METHODS: A self-administered survey was designed for and distributed to patients (N=264) in 13 obstetrics and gynecology waiting rooms in Connecticut. The survey was used to determine whether there were any patient preferences with regard to the gender of physicians providing obstetric and gynecologic care within this population. In addition, the rationale for any preferences was analyzed. RESULTS: The majority of patients (66.6%) had no gender bias when selecting an obstetrician-gynecologist, and an even larger majority (198, 80.8%) felt that physician gender does not influence quality of care. There was no statistical difference in patient satisfaction based on physician sex. Respondents self-reporting gender bias rarely selected obstetrician-gynecologists based solely on this factor and frequently choose physicians of the sex that was not their indicated preference, suggesting that several factors other than gender preference are more important in physician selection. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of women surveyed did not select their obstetrician-gynecologists based solely on physician gender. Although a small percentage of survey respondents did indicate a gender preference, it rarely influenced physician selection and was only a minor consideration when compared with other desirable physician attributes.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Lung cancer metastatic to a cervical polyp.

BACKGROUND: We describe an unusual finding of a lung cancer metastatic to a cervical polyp. CASE: A 69-year-old female with metastatic lung cancer was referred for evaluation of an asymptomatic cervical polyp. The polyp was removed and pathologic examination revealed a focus of invasive adenocarcinoma with signet ring features within a polypoid fragment of squamous mucosa. All studies suggest a primary pulmonary origin. CONCLUSION: Cervical polyps occur in up to 5% of women and 1.7% contain carcinomatous changes. Most malignant polyps result from the progression of localized dysplasia, but distant metastases have been reported. We were unable to find any prior report of a primary lung cancer metastatic to a cervical polyp. Although removal or biopsy of asymptomatic polyps is reasonable, further studies need to be done.

Aged↗

PubMed2004

Transitional cell carcinoma presenting as clitoral priapism.

BACKGROUND: Clitoral priapism is an uncommon cause of clitoromegaly. It should be suspected in the absence of hirsuitism and the presence of clitoral engorgement, pain, and local irritation. CASE: A 48-year-old female had a straight catheterization of her bladder for a history of frequent urinary tract infections. She was noted to have a clitoral size of 5 x 2.5 cm along with the classic findings of priapism. She had an 8 x 10 cm pelvic mass that was biopsied and revealed transitional cell carcinoma with papillary squamous component. CONCLUSION: Clitoral priapism presents with clitoral engorgement in the absence of sexual stimulation. The most common etiologies include medications, pelvic tumors, blood dyscrasias, or retroperitoneal fibrosis. A thorough investigation is warranted to identify potential pelvic venous or lymphatic obstruction.

Carcinoma, Transitional Cell↗

PubMed2002

Surgical treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism during the third trimester.

BACKGROUND: Primary hyperparathyroidism is a rare diagnosis in the third trimester of pregnancy. A 58% fetal complication rate, including perinatal death and preterm labor, following late gestation parathyroidectomy has been reported. These statistics, however, are based on small sample sizes and were reported when our current technology was unavailable. CASE: A 30-year-old woman presented in the early third trimester with primary hyperparathyroidism. Despite conservative management, her ionized calcium level increased to 1.88 mmol/L (normal 1.17-1.33 mmol/L). At 3447 weeks, she had an uncomplicated parathyroidectomy. At 3837 weeks she delivered a 3182-g female infant. Neither the mother nor baby had complications. CONCLUSION: This supports the contention that pregnant women with hyperparathyroidism not controlled by conservative measures can be treated successfully with parathyroidectomy, regardless of gestational age.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Primary hyperparathyroidism in pregnancy: evidence-based management.

UNLABELLED: Primary hyperparathyroidism during pregnancy poses significant risks to the mother and the fetus. Fortunately, prompt diagnosis and effective management can improve outcomes for both. There is controversy regarding appropriate management of these patients, especially late in gestation. The objective of this article, therefore, is to review the literature and to propose an evidence-based approach to managing these patients. The prevalence of primary hyperparathyroidism in the general population is 0.15%. This condition is more common in women and 25% of cases appear in women during the childbearing years. The true incidence during pregnancy, however, is not known. Because up to 80% of gravid patients with primary hyperparathyroidism are asymptomatic, diagnosing this condition is more difficult. Complications associated with primary hyperparathyroidism in pregnancy have been reported to occur in up to 67% of mothers and 80% of fetuses. In addition to many constitutional symptoms, maternal complications include nephrolithiasis, bone disease, pancreatitis, hyperemesis, muscle weakness, mental status changes, and hypercalcemic crisis. Reported fetal complications include intrauterine growth retardation, low birth weight, preterm delivery, intrauterine fetal demise, postpartum neonatal tetany, and permanent hypoparathyroidism. A four-fold decrease in perinatal complications may be achieved with appropriate therapy. Conservative intervention may be appropriate under certain circumstances, but excision of a parathyroid adenoma remains the only definitive treatment. Debate continues regarding the safety of surgery in the third trimester. However, several cases of successful surgery have been reported. TARGET AUDIENCE: Obstetricians & Gynecologists, Family Physicians. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: After completion of this article, the reader will be able to describe the typical presentation of a patient with hyperparathyroidism, summarize the work up and management of a patient with hyperparathyroidism, and list the treatment options for a pregnant patient with hyperparathyroidism.

Adenoma↗