Association of ß-hCG surveillance with emotional, reproductive, and sexual health in women treated for gestational trophoblastic neoplasia Journal Article
| Authors: | Jewell, E. L.; Aghajanian, C.; Montovano, M.; Lewin, S. N.; Baser, R. E.; Carter, J. |
| Article Title: | Association of ß-hCG surveillance with emotional, reproductive, and sexual health in women treated for gestational trophoblastic neoplasia |
| Abstract: | Background: To assess the emotional, reproductive, sexual health, and relationship concerns of women treated for gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) and examine associations with ß-hCG surveillance. Methods: This institutional review board approved study surveyed GTN survivors (n = 51) who received treatment from 1996 to 2008. Fifty-one women, including those actively followed or formerly treated, were surveyed. The survey consisted of background/medical information, the Reproductive Concerns Scale, the Female Sexual Function Index, an item from the Abbreviated Dyadic Adjustment Scale, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression scale, the Menopausal Symptom Checklist, the Impact of Life Events Scale, and exploratory items. Results: Mean age at diagnosis was 37.1 years; 41.6 years at study enrollment. Twenty-seven patients (56%) expressed worry about treatment harm and 30 (60%) about recurrence. Twenty percent reported significant depressive symptomatology. Mild cancer-related distress, reproductive concerns, sexual dysfunction, and bothersome menopausal symptoms were noted. Nineteen patients (40%) rated their ß-hCG surveillance worry as "high." Among patients who attempted conception after treatment, 3 of 12 (25%) succeeded in the ß-hCG high-worry group versus 13 of 19 (68%) in the ß-hCG low-worry group. Survivors with high ß-hCG worry had greater reproductive concerns than those with low worry (p = 0.002) and reported less sexual desire (p = 0.025). There was no difference in the number of low-worry versus high-worry participants in active surveillance (p = 0.09). Conclusion: Our study suggests that cancer-specific distress, sexual health, and reproductive concerns continue to impact women years after treatment. High worry about ß-hCG surveillance is negatively associated with the emotional well-being of GTN survivors and possibly influences reproductive attempts and success. © Copyright 2018, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. 2018. |
| Keywords: | sexuality; reproductive concerns; β-hcg; emotional function; gestation trophoblastic neoplasia |
| Journal Title: | Journal of Women's Health |
| Volume: | 27 |
| Issue: | 3 |
| ISSN: | 1540-9996 |
| Publisher: | Mary Ann Liebert, Inc |
| Date Published: | 2018-03-01 |
| Start Page: | 387 |
| End Page: | 393 |
| Language: | English |
| DOI: | 10.1089/jwh.2016.6208 |
| PROVIDER: | scopus |
| PMCID: | PMC5865249 |
| PUBMED: | 29267150 |
| DOI/URL: | |
| Notes: | Article -- Export Date: 1 May 2018 -- Source: Scopus |
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160Carter -
610Aghajanian
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