Seasonal Variation in Serum Testosterone Levels: Evidence from 2 Large Institutional Databases.

OBJECTIVE: Seasonal variations in testosterone levels have been reported in some studies, but the results are inconsistent. In this study, we aimed to determine if clinically relevant seasonal variability in testosterone levels exists using a large cohort of men from 2 different institutions, 1 located in an area with seasons (Pittsburgh, Pa) and 1 without seasons (Miami, Fla). METHODS: Using 2 institutional databases, testosterone levels were obtained for men ages 18-99 from 2010 to 2021 who had at least 2 morning testosterone levels drawn within a 2-year period. All samples were analyzed with liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. To avoid potential confounding by testosterone altering medications patients who were currently or previously on exogenous testosterone, endogenous testosterone-stimulating medications, testosterone-suppressing medications, and aromatase inhibitors were excluded from the study. RESULTS: There were 9495 and 16171 total testosterone levels measured from Miami and Pittsburgh, respectively, with all men having 2 or more levels. There was no statistically significant variation in testosterone levels for the overall cohort in Pittsburgh or Miami, respectively. Additionally, when stratified by age group, no individual groups were found to have significant seasonal variability. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that although there is differing total testosterone levels between men who reside in 2 different climates, there is no significant variability in testosterone levels between seasons. Therefore, testosterone levels can be checked and interpreted without the need to account for the season during which they were drawn.

In vitro efficacy of intralesional Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum for the treatment of calcified Peyronie's disease plaques.

Peyronie's disease (PD) is defined by penile plaque formation and curvature causing sexual dysfunction. The only FDA-approved intralesional treatment is Collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCh). CCh contains two collagenases, AUX1 and AUXII, that break down the type I and type III collagen contained in plaques, leading to plaque dissolution and reduction in penile curvature. Peyronie's plaques, however, also contain fibrin and calcium, which CCh cannot digest. It is unclear if plaque calcification prevents CCh from breaking down plaques. We collected ten tissue samples: five calcified penile plaques and five control samples of corpus cavernosum. They were incubated in CCh or PBS. Soluble collagen measurements and collagen staining assays were completed to measure tissue breakdown. Calcified plaques incubated in CCh showed significantly higher levels of soluble collagen (301.07 ug ± 21.28 vs. PBS: 32.82 ug ± 3.68, p = 0.02), and significantly lower levels of collagen (type I and III) compared to tissues incubated in PBS (0.12 ± 0.08, vs. 0.44 ± 0.17, p = 0.002). When comparing different tissues (calcified vs. control) incubated in CCh and PBS solutions, there were no significant differences in collagen staining or breakdown. Although higher collagen staining was seen in the calcified group, soluble collagen showed no significant differences between control and calcified tissues in the CCh group (control: 0.08 ± 0.02 vs. calcified: 0.17 ± 0.09, p = 0.08) or the PBS group (control: 0.50 ± 0.23 vs. calcified: 0.39 ± 0.39, p = 0.23). CCh exposure led to significantly more tissue breakdown in both tissue groups when compared to PBS however, there was no significant difference in plaque digestion found between calcified and control tissue exposed to CCh or PBS. This suggests that plaque calcification does not affect the action of CCh. Further research into CCh for calcified plaques is necessary to inform clinicians as to the optimal management of this population.

Transcriptional Differences in Identical Twins With Different Reproductive Capacities: A Case Report.

Disorders of sperm production can be classified quantitatively as oligospermia (low sperm count) or azoospermia (no sperm during ejaculation). Numerous genes have been implicated in spermatogenesis. We describe a case of two identical twins who presented with different reproductive capabilities. One brother was infertile due to azoospermia, and the other, although oligospermic, previously naturally fathered a child. They were found to have differential gene expression based on RNA sequencing analysis. In the man with azoospermia, we found elevated E2F1 and HOXB9 gene expressions when compared with his brother, suggesting that the increased RNA expression of these genes could influence sperm production.

Prevalence of secondary erythrocytosis in men receiving testosterone therapy A matched-cohort analysis of intranasal gel, injections, and pellets.

INTRODUCTION: Increased hematocrit (HCT) is a common adverse effect in men on testosterone therapy (TTh). We aimed to uncover differences in HCT changes among men receiving different forms of TTh. METHODS: We conducted a single-center, retrospective, matched-cohort study of patients treated for testosterone deficiency (TD) to investigate the effect of three TTh regimens on HCT. We included men who received intranasal testosterone (NT), intramuscular testosterone (TC), or subcutaneous testosterone pellet (TP) regimens between January 2011 and December 2020. We matched treatment cohorts 1:1:1 for age, body mass index (BMI), and history of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Those taking TTh for <16 weeks were excluded. Comparison between groups was performed with Mann-Whitney U test, Student's t-test, ANOVA, or Kruskal-Wallis test as appropriate. RESULTS: Seventy-eight matched-cohort individuals with TD received either NT, TC, or TP. The most common TD symptoms prior to initiation of TTh were erectile dysfunction (38%), low libido (22%), and lack of energy (17%). Baseline serum testosterone and HCT were higher in NT recipients (p<0.05). As expected, all men receiving TTh were found to have increased serum testosterone levels at followup (p<0.001). Relative to their respective baselines, men receiving TC experienced the greatest increase in serum testosterone (240.8 ng/dL to 585.5 ng/dL), followed by NT (230.3 ng/dL to 493.5 ng/dL) and TP (210.8 ng/dL to 360.5 ng/dL) (all p<0.001). TC and TP were associated with significant increases in HCT (4.4% and 1.7%) while NT was associated with a decrease in HCT (-0.8%) at 16-week followup. CONCLUSIONS: When controlled for age, BMI, and OSA, men receiving NT experienced decreased HCT compared to TC or TP at 16-week followup. Intranasal testosterone, while able to increase serum testosterone levels to reference range, does not appear to have a significant impact on HCT compared to the longer-acting forms of TTh.

Whole Exome Sequencing Identifies a Rare CFTR Mutation in Brothers With Anomalies of the Vas Deferens: A Case Study.

Congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD) occurs in almost all men with cystic fibrosis. Prevailing theories on this pathophysiology relate to pathogenic mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator gene leading to agenesis or obliteration of vas deferens in utero. In this study, we present a case of two brothers with congenital anomalies of the vas deferens who were found to have carried a rare, heterozygous cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator variant p.r347h without pulmonary or gastrointestinal signs or symptoms of cystic fibrosis .

Long vs Short Acting Testosterone Treatments: A Look at the Risks.

Prescriptions for testosterone therapy (TT) to treat testosterone deficiency have increased in recent years. The purpose of this review was to evaluate the risks of several treatment modalities to better counsel patients. Both short-acting and long-acting TT has been shown to restore normal serum testosterone levels and improve symptoms of testosterone deficiency. Short-acting pharmacology mimics normal physiology more closely than long-acting TT but requires multiple doses per day. Long-acting TT has a higher rate of patient adherence but is more likely to create supraphysiologic serum testosterone and pathologic sequelae.

Comparison of Intratesticular Testosterone between Men Receiving Nasal, Intramuscular, and Subcutaneous Pellet Testosterone Therapy: Evaluation of Data from Two Single-Center Randomized Clinical Trials.

PURPOSE: Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can potentially cause decreased spermatogenesis and subsequent infertility. Recent studies have suggested that 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) is a reliable surrogate for intratesticular testosterone (ITT) that is essential for spermatogenesis. We evaluated data from two ongoing open-label, randomized, two-arm clinical trials amongst different treatment preparations (Trial I) subcutaneous testosterone pellets (TP) and (Trial II) intranasal testosterone (NT) or intramuscular testosterone cypionate (TC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-five symptomatic hypogonadal men (2 serum testosterone <300 ng/dL) were randomized into open label randomized clinical trials. Eligible subjects received 800 mg TP, 11 mg TID NT or 200 mg ×2 weeks TC. 17-OHP and Serum testosterone were evaluated at baseline and follow-up. The primary outcome was changes in 17-OHP. Secondary outcome was changes in serum testosterone. Data was analyzed by two-sample and single-sample t-tests, and determination of equal or unequal variances was computed using F-tests. RESULTS: Median participant age was 45 years old, with overall baseline 17-OHP of 46 and serum testosterone of 223.5 ng/dL. 17-OHP significantly decreased in subjects prescribed long-acting TP or TC. The 4-month change in 17-OHP in the NT group (-33.3% from baseline) was less than the change seen in TC (-65.3% from baseline) or TP (-44% from baseline) (p=0.005). All testosterone formulations increased serum testosterone levels at follow-up, with the largest increase seen in TC (+157.6%), followed by NT (+114.3%) and TP (+79.6%) (p=0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Short-acting nasal testosterone appear to have no impact on serum 17-OHP especially in comparison to long-acting testosterone formulations. All modalities saw significant increases in serum testosterone levels at follow-up. NT and other short acting testosterone formulations may better preserve ITT and be beneficial for hypogonadal men seeking to maintain fertility potential while on TRT.

Effect of Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Radiation Emitted by Modern Cellphones on Sperm Motility and Viability: An In Vitro Study.

BACKGROUND: Cellphones emit radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) for transmission of data for social media communication, web browsing, and music/podcast streaming. Use of Bluetooth ear buds has probably prolonged the time during which cellphones reside in the trouser pockets of men. It has been postulated that RF-EMR increases oxidative stress and induces free radical formation. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of wireless-spectrum (4G, 5G, and WiFi) RF-EMR emitted by modern smartphones on sperm motility and viability and explore whether these effects can be mitigated using a physical barrier or distance. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Semen samples were obtained from fertile normozoospermic men aged 25-35 yr. A current-generation smartphone in talk mode was used as the RF-EMR source. A WhatsApp voice call was made using either 4G, 5G, or WiFi wireless connectivity. We determined if exposure effects were mitigated by either a cellphone case or greater distance from the semen sample. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The semen samples were analyzed according to 2010 World Health Organization laboratory guidelines. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v.28. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: We observed decreases in sperm motility and viability with WiFi exposure but not with exposure to 4G or 5G RF-EMR. With large variability among smartphones, continued research on exposure effects is needed. CONCLUSIONS: Our exploratory study revealed that sperm motility and viability are negatively impacted by smartphones that use the WiFi spectrum for data transmission. PATIENT SUMMARY: We looked at the effect of cellphone use on sperm motility and viability. We found that cellphones using WiFi connectivity for data usage have harmful effects on semen quality in men.

Androgen Receptor Signaling is Similar in Human Corpus Cavernosum in Men with Different Serum Testosterone Levels.

BACKGROUND: Testosterone (T) plays an important role in male reproductive function and tissue development. Normal serum T levels vary between 300 and 1000 ng/dl. It is not known, however, if varying serum T levels alter androgen receptor (AR) signaling in tissue. OBJECTIVE: To measure AR signaling levels in human corpus cavernosal tissue in males with different serum T levels. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Participants were selected from a group of males undergoing surgical management for erectile dysfunction (ED; penile prosthesis placement). T levels were measured 1 week before surgery and a sample of corpus cavernosal tissue was procured during surgery. The tissue was homogenized, measured for protein concentration, and used for western blot analysis. VEGF was selected as an AR marker and actin was used for protein normalization. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: VEGF and actin expression levels were analyzed using western blot analysis and ImageJ was used for quantification of antibody expression. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: AR signaling was measured in terms of VEGF expression. Above a T level of 200 ng/dl, there was no significant difference found in VEGF expression. Only one patient had a T level less than 200 ng/dl, limiting the generalizability of these results. In addition, all patients had a history of ED, and controls (patients without ED) were not included in the study. CONCLUSIONS: Above a serum T level of 200 ng/dl, there was no significant difference in AR signaling. This finding suggests that there could be a saturation level present in corpus cavernosal tissue that is approximately 200 ng/dl. PATIENT SUMMARY: Serum testosterone levels above a certain threshold may not be necessary for biological functions. Instead, it is most likely that there is an approximate serum testosterone level that fully saturates tissue androgen receptors and results in peak function in men.

Association Between MitoScore, BMI, and Body Fat Percentage as a Predictive Marker for the Outcome of In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF).

Background Infertility is defined as the inability to establish a pregnancy within 12 months of regular and unprotected sexual intercourse. In response to these problems, assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs) have made profound impacts on the therapeutic management of infertility. However, in-vitro fertilization (IVF) success rates are confounded by several internal and external factors. A relatively new approach to embryo assessment is known as MitoScore (Igenomix, Miami, USA). As a result, we sough to evaluate whether MitoScore can help in predicting in IVF outcomes, and to assess the relationship between MitoScore, BMI, and body fat percentage in determining the success of ARTs. Methods Using retrospective cohort, a study population consisting of 166 women aged 26-43 who were undergoing ART with pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) was assessed to determine if MitoScore, BMI, and body fat percentage impacted IVF outcomes. Results MitoScore, BMI, and body fat percentage were significantly lower in pregnant women as compared to non-pregnant women. Furthermore, MitoScore was correlated with subclasses of IVF outcomes (delivery, biochemical pregnancy, and spontaneous abortion) and was found to be positively correlated with BMI in patients with biochemical pregnancies. Conclusion Our findings suggest that MitoScore, BMI, and body fat percentage could act as critical parameters in determining the success of ART. However, the association between MitoScore, BMI, and body fat percentage does not appear to be a significant confounding factor to determine pregnancy outcome at this stage. Still, many factors need to be considered to establish the correlation reliably.

SARS-CoV-2 Effects on the Male Genitourinary System.

SARS-CoV-2 infection arose in 2019 and has changed life as we know it. With our ever-advancing knowledge, therapies, and vaccines, more functions of the SARS-CoV-2 virus are being investigated outside of its pulmonary invasion. Here, we set out to review the current and pertinent literature on the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the male genitourinary system including the bladder, lower urinary tract, prostate, testis, and penis. The biggest newsworthy stake was if SARS-CoV-2 could be transmitted through semen. Although initially thought to occur, more recent studies have opposed this hypothesis. Outside of the reproductive spread of SARS-CoV-2, multiple studies in this review highlight where the virus resides and what effect it may be having on this genitourinary system including increased voiding problems, viral persistence months after systemic clearance, and rare penile complications post-infection. Long-term outcomes are still needed to fully understand how SARS-CoV-2 infection can alter the genitourinary system.

COVID-19 vaccination not associated with increased risk of erectile dysfunction.

Although mRNA COVID-19 vaccines have proven to be safe and effective against SARS-CoV-2, vaccination rates have slowed, with some individuals citing impotence as a concern. Therefore, we conducted a survey of the US males to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 vaccination on erectile function. We hypothesized that vaccinated men would not have a higher risk of ED compared to unvaccinated men. Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) was utilized to survey the US adult male population between August 26 and September 2, 2021. Survey participation was open to 1000 males over the age of 18 and currently living in the United States regardless of vaccination status or the past medical history of COVID-19. Selection criteria included respondents ≥45 years old, no history of physician-diagnosed ED, biologically born, and identify as male. Participants completed an anonymous 16-question survey that included a multidimensional scale used to evaluate ED, the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5). Among vaccinated men, the median IIEF-5 score was 20 [16-24] compared to 22 [17.5-25] in the unvaccinated group (p = 0.195). The multivariable-adjusted analysis demonstrated that vaccination against COVID-19 was not associated with increased risk of ED. Overall, this cross-sectional survey showed that COVID-19 vaccination was not associated with an increased risk of erectile dysfunction in males 45 years and older.

Long-term evaluation of sperm parameters after coronavirus disease 2019 messenger ribonucleic acid vaccination.

Objective: To determine whether the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines can negatively impact the semen parameters of young healthy men in the long-term. Design: We conducted semen analyses on 12 men before, 3 and 9 months after achieving fully vaccinated status. Individuals who admitted a history of infertility or previous azoospermia were excluded from study participation. Subjects: Healthy male volunteers between the ages of 18-50 years old were recruited between September 2021 - March 2022. Main Outcome Measures: Semen analyses were performed and evaluated volume, sperm concentration, total motility, and total motile sperm count (TMSC). The primary outcome was median change in the TMSC at baseline, 3 months, and at least 9 months following vaccination. Results: A total of 12 men volunteered in our study (median age 26 [25 - 30] years). Subjects provided follow-up semen samples at a median of 10 months following the second vaccine dose. There were no significant changes in any semen parameters between baseline, 3 months, and 10 months following vaccination. Baseline samples demonstrated median sperm concentrations and TMSC of 29.5 million/cc [9.3 - 49] and 31 million [4-51.3], respectively. At 9-month follow-up, sperm concentration and TMSC were 43 [20.5 - 63.5] (P=.351) and 37.5 [8.5 - 117.8] (P=.519), respectively. Of note, there were no significant changes in semen volume nor total motility (%) for participants at follow-up. Conclusion: COVID-19 mRNA vaccines and the booster dose does not appear to negatively impact the semen parameters of healthy males up to 10 months following vaccination.

Future of Male Infertility Evaluation and Treatment: Brief Review of Emerging Technology.

Over the past few decades, there have been significant advances in male infertility, particularly in the development of novel diagnostic tools. Unfortunately, there remains a substantial number of patients that remain infertile despite these improvements. In this review, we take heed of the emerging technologies that will shape the future of male infertility diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment. Improvement in computer-assisted semen analyses and portability allow males to obtain basic semen parameters from the comfort of their home. Additionally, breakthrough ultrasound technology allows for preoperative prediction of potential areas of spermatogenesis within the testes, high-resolution optics permits better visualization during microdissection testicular sperm extraction (mTESE), and artificial intelligence improves sperm selection and identification.

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Growth Factor Concentration Varies in Men With Erectile Dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is a novel therapy rich in growth factors and cytokines used to target the underlying causes of erectile dysfunction (ED). It is not known, however, if the composition of growth factors in PRP varies between men. AIM: To evaluate PRP growth factor variability among men with ED. METHODS: Whole blood was collected from 8 participants with at least a 6-month history of ED. Seven men with Peyronie's disease and 1 healthy male (without sexual dysfunction) were used as the control group. PRP was extracted from whole blood using the Arthrex Angel system. A Human Growth Factor Antibody Array for 41 proteins was performed using 3 participants and the healthy control. Using all 16 samples, quantitative detection of factors from the array that were decreased by 1.5-fold were validated with western blot. OUTCOMES: From the growth factor array, 2 growth factors-granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor and transforming growth factor-ß were identified as having a 1.5-fold decrease between the participants and the control. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was selected because androgens can upregulate VEGF production. Other than a weak negative correlation between VEGF expression and age, we found no correlation between growth factor expression for granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor or transforming growth factor-ß and age, body mass index, or comorbidities. CLINICAL TRANSLATION: PRP growth factor concentration appears to vary among men with ED. PRP treatment for ED may need to be personalized for patients, depending on individual growth factor concentration. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: This study demonstrates the variability in PRP growth factors among men with ED. This is an important finding in the investigation of PRP as a restorative treatment option for men with ED. Our study, however, was limited by a small sample size. CONCLUSION: PRP growth factors vary among men with ED. Khodamoradi K, Dullea A, Golan R, et al. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Growth Factor Concentration Varies in Men With Erectile Dysfunction. J Sex Med 2022;19:1488-1493.

Do Women Have a Seat at the Table: Trends in Female Representation Among the Board of Directors in American Urological Association Subspecialty Societies.

Introduction Although women remain vastly underrepresented in urology, the proportion of female urology residents and practicing urologists has steadily increased over the last four decades. However, it remains critical to evaluate the representation of females in the pipeline when examining trainees and practicing urologists. As it pertains to leadership positions, the gender distribution among the board of directors (BOD) and committee chairs in the American Urological Association (AUA) subspecialties has not been studied to date. Therefore, we plan to analyze the proportion of females among the BOD and committee chairs in different subspecialty societies recognized by the AUA over time. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional observational study, quantitatively comparing the composition of gender in BOD and Committee Chair members belonging to different AUA-recognized subspecialty societies from 2014 to 2020. The websites for each subspecialty society were searched and contacted. Results We evaluated BODs from 10 AUA subspecialty societies and committee chair members from 6 AUA subspecialty societies. From 2014 to 2020, the total proportion of female BOD amongst all AUA sub-specialty societies did not change significantly, with a small increase from 10.6% (n = 29) to 13.5% (n = 36). However, female representation among committee chair members significantly increased from 9.8% (n = 20) to 19.2% (n = 44; p = 0.006), along with the total number of women in urology, from 897 (8.9%) to 1,375 (10.3%). Increases in female representation were seen in the Society for the Study of Male Reproduction (SSMR) from 0% to 9% and in the Indian American Urological Association (IAUA) from 4% to 13%. Of note, there were no elected female board members in the Society of Urologic Oncology (SUO) or the Urologic Society for Transplantation and Renal Surgery (USTRS) from 2014 to 2020. Conclusion Females remain a minority in leadership positions at AUA sub-specialty societies despite increased female representation in recent years. Future efforts should promote the advancement of women to positions of leadership to reflect the changing landscape of the urology workforce and surgical specialties.

Whole-Genome Sequencing Identifies Novel Heterozygous Mutation in ALMS1 in Three Men With Both Peyronie's and Dupuytren's Disease.

Peyronie's Disease (PD) is estimated to occur in up to 13% of males and has been associated with Dupuytren's Disease (DD). We identified 3 men with PD/DD and hypothesized that there may be a genetic association between the 2 diseases. Blood samples were collected from the participants and sent for whole genome sequencing. A rare non-synonymous mutation in the ALMS1 gene was identified in 3 men. Interestingly, ALMS1 is associated with TGF-b, and aberrant fibrosis. This pilot study generates the hypothesis that mutations in ALMS1 may predispose patients to development of PD/DD.

Exosomes as Potential Biomarkers for Erectile Dysfunction, Varicocele, and Testicular Injury.

INTRODUCTION: Optimal male reproductive health is dependent upon critical mediators of cell-cell communication: exosomes or extracellular vesicles. These vesicles are nano-sized particles released into a variety of bodily fluids, such as blood and semen. Exosomes are highly stable and can carry genetic and other molecules, including DNA, RNA, and proteins, which provide information about their origin cells. OBJECTIVE: To identify exosomes as potential biomarkers or therapeutic mediators in male sexual and reproductive disorders like erectile dysfunction (ED), varicocele, and testicular injury. METHODS: A PubMed search was performed to highlight all articles available relating to exosomes and extracellular vesicles in the pathogenesis of different male sexual and reproductive disorders, and their importance in clinical use as both diagnostic markers and potential therapeutic mediators. RESULTS: Various male reproductive system disorders, such as ED, varicocele, and testicular injury, are linked to increased or decreased levels of exosomes. Exosomes have a higher number of molecules such as DNA, RNA, and proteins, which can give a more precise and comprehensive result when compared to other biomarkers. Exosomes can be considered as plausible diagnostic biomarkers for male sexual and reproductive diseases, with considerable advantages over other diagnostic procedures such as invasive tissue biopsy. Exosomes can carry cargo such certain drugs and therapeutic molecules making them a promising therapeutic approach. Several studies have begun to test treating various male sexual reproductive disorders with exosomes. CONCLUSION: Exosomes deliver many components that can regulate gene expression and target signaling pathways. Understanding how extracellular vesicles can be utilized as biomarkers in diagnosing men, particularly those with idiopathic erectile dysfunction, will not only aid in diagnosis but also help with making therapeutic targets. Khodamoradi K, Golan R, Dullea A, et al. Exosomes as Potential Biomarkers for Erectile Dysfunction, Varicocele, and Testicular Injury. Sex Med Rev 2022;10:311-322.

Exploring the Expanded Role of Pharmacists in Advance Care Planning.

PURPOSE: Advance care planning (ACP) is a clinical skill that can be taught. An opportunity exists to teach how to conduct ACP to clinicians not typically engaged in these conversations to increase the likelihood that patients and caregivers engage in ACP. We conducted a prospective study exploring the feasibility of a pharmacist-led ACP intervention. METHODS: We completed a prospective, single-center study from July 2015 to July 2017. We included patients of age ≥ 18 years with incurable cancer referred to the palliative care clinic. A trained pharmacist led an ACP discussion with the patient and selected proxy. We defined feasibility as completion of ≥ 30 pharmacist-led ACP discussions over the study period. Additionally, we defined an informed healthcare proxy as someone who understood three key end-of-life (EOL) treatment preferences: the patient's personal definition of quality of life, desired resuscitation status, and preferred location of death (in or out of the hospital). Patients were followed until the end of the study or death. For those patients who died, the pharmacist contacted the proxy for follow-up and explored satisfaction with the ACP intervention. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients completed the study. All selected proxies completed the intervention and were able to understand the three EOL preferences. At the time of the patient's death (n = 20), proxies reported that 66.6% received their preferred resuscitation status and 72.2% died in their preferred location. Proxy satisfaction with the ACP process was 7.6 ± 2.5 (mean ± SD) on a 11-point Likert scale. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate the potential for pharmacists to lead and engage in ACP in the outpatient setting.