Physical Health of Autistic Girls and Women: A Scoping Review

Background: There is a growing recognition of sex and gender influences in autism. Increasingly, studies include comparisons between sexes or genders, but few have focused on clarifying the characteristics of autistic girls' and women's physical health. Methods: A scoping review was conducted to determine what is currently known about the physical health of autistic girls and women. We screened 1,112 unique articles, with 40 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. We used a convergent iterative process to synthesize this content into broad thematic areas. Results: Overall, autistic girls and women experience more physical health challenges compared to non-autistic girls and women, and to autistic boys and men. Preliminary evidence suggests increased neurological conditions (e.g., epilepsy) in autistic girls and women compared to autistic boys and men. As well, the literature suggests increased endocrine/reproductive conditions in autistic girls and women compared to non-autistic girls and women. Limitations: The literature has substantial heterogeneity in how physical health conditions were assessed and reported. Further, our explicit focus on physical health may have constrained the ability to examine potential interactions between mental and physical health. In addition, the widely differing research aims and methodologies make it difficult to reach definitive conclusions. Nevertheless, in keeping with the goals of a scoping review, we were able to identify key themes to guide future research. Conclusions: Emerging themes in the literature suggest that autistic girls and women have heightened rates of physical health challenges compared to autistic boys and men, and non-autistic girls and women. Clinicians should seek to provide holistic care for this population that includes a focus on physical health and recognizes that autistic girls and women have co-occurring conditions that differ from those of autistic boys and men.

Epidemiological monitoring of cancer risk in cancer center workers

Based on the results of cancer monitoring in the staff of a large Cancer Center cancer risk research was performed using the method of nested “case–control” study within a cohort. The cohort comprised 7269 persons who were followed up through the cancer-register of the Cancer Center. Four hundred eighty-four (139 male and 345 female) cancer cases were revealed. For every case a control individual of the same sex and age was randomly selected from the staff who had no cancer as of January 1, 2019. A statistically insignificant increase in the overall cancer risk was observed in male operational staff (odds ratio (OR) being 1.14, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.64–2.05) and other doctorsclinicians (OR 1.36; 95 % CI 0.68–2.73). In a combined group of male clinicians and experimenters 4 cases of thyroid cancer were revealed and no members of this group were present in controls. An insignificantly increased risk of hemoblastoses, skin and brain cancer were also observed in this group. In the female stuff an insignificantly increased risk of all cancer sites combined was recorded in operational group (OR 1.28; 95 % CI 0.58–2.87) and nurses (OR 1.21; 95 % CI 0.85–1.72), as well as in the female stuff of experimental scientific units (OR 1.31; 95 % CI 0.90–1.92). An insignificant increase in breast cancer risk was observed in women clinicians and experimenters, exposed to the occupational factors. Female employees of experimental scientific units demonstrated a statistically significant increased risk of digestive organs cancer (OR 2.95; 95 % CI 1.14–7.67) and hemoblastoses (OR 5.71; 95 % CI 1.05–31.07). The results of the study demonstrate the need for epidemiological monitoring and data accumulation on cancer risk in different groups of medical workers.

Genital anomalies

Genital anomalies considers both congenital and acquired differences in genital anatomy in both men and women. Clinicians performing genital examinations will frequently encounter many of these in their practice, and within this chapter each anomaly is succinctly described and for many the appropriate management is subsequently outlined. In men, the following differences are included: epispadias, hypospadias, lymphocele, paraphimosis, Peyronie’s disease, priapism, phimosis, spermatoceles and epididymal cysts, urethral channels, and varicocele. In women: Bartholin gland pathology (cysts and abscesses), cervical polyps, Mullerian duct anomalies (vaginal agenesis, vaginal and uterine septae, unicornuate uterus and uterus didelphys), and urethral caruncles are outlined.

The Association of Partner Abuse Types and Suicidal Ideation Among Men and Women College Students

Despite the well-documented relations between intimate partner violence and suicidal ideation, gender differences regarding the relationships between intimate partner violence types and suicidal ideation are less understood. In addition, few studies have examined the risk that harassment may confer for suicidal ideation in the context of intimate partner violence. This study examined gender differences in the associations of harassment, emotional, and physical intimate partner violence with suicidal ideation in 502 college students, while controlling for the influence of depressive symptoms. Results indicated that physical abuse, but not harassment or emotional abuse, was associated with increased suicidal ideation in men. In contrast, emotional abuse, but not physical abuse or harassment, was associated with increased suicidal ideation in women. Clinicians should consider potential gender differences in the impact of intimate partner violence on suicidal ideation when assessing suicide risk.

Year-round vitamin D deficiency among Saudi female out-patients

ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to investigate vitamin D status among female out-patients in Saudi Arabia during the summer and winter seasons.DesignData were retrospectively collected using medical record abstraction.SettingA multidisciplinary hospital in Riyadh between January and December 2009.SubjectsSaudi females (age ≥19 years;n1556) attending out-patient clinics for various complaints comprised the studied population. The population was subdivided into two groups depending on the date of their visit where blood samples were collected: summer (n659) and winter groups (n897). The summer group was further subdivided into premenopausal (age 19–49 years;n425) and postmenopausal subgroups (age ≥50 years;n234). Similarly, the winter group was subdivided into premenopausal (n543) and postmenopausal subgroups (n354). Serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) were measured using HPLC.ResultsThe prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (25(OH)D <50 nmol/l) was high in both premenopausal and postmenopausal groups (80 % and 68 %, respectively) during the summer, as well as during the winter (85 % and 76 %, respectively).ConclusionsA high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among Saudi female out-patients was observed throughout the year despite the routine supplementation with 10–20 μg vitamin D3for postmenopausal women. Clinicians should seriously consider determining the vitamin D status of Saudi females routinely and prescribing them proper supplementation.