Development and feasibility of a telemedicine tool for patients with recurrent urinary tract infection: myRUTIcoach.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Patients with recurrent urinary tract infection (rUTI) have limited knowledge of preventive strategies to lower the risk of UTI. We aimed to develop and test the feasibility of an eHealth system for women with rUTI, named myRUTIcoach, and explored the facilitators and barriers related to its adoption. METHODS: We developed myRUTIcoach in a structured iterative process and tested its feasibility among 25 women with rUTI over 2 months. Subsequent questionnaires covered satisfaction, accessibility, and experiences with myRUTIcoach. A random selection of participants and relevant stakeholders took part in semi-structured interviews to explore adoption. Data were analyzed and elaborated using inductive and deductive approaches using the Non-adoption, Abandonment, Spread, Scale-up, and Sustainability (NASSS) framework. RESULTS: MyRUTIcoach was not only widely accepted but also facilitated communication with health care professionals (HCPs) and contributed to greater knowledge of rUTI. Women graded the system a mean of 8.0 (±0.6) out of 10, with 89% stating that they would recommend it to others. Patients indicated that self-management skills were the major facilitators and barriers related to adoption, whereas HCPs stated that the disconnect between myRUTIcoach and electronic health care records (EHRs) was the major barrier. CONCLUSIONS: This research describes the development and testing of myRUTIcoach for women with rUTI. Patients and HCPs reported high satisfaction and compliance with myRUTIcoach. However, adoption by the intended users is complex and influenced by all examined domains of the NASSS framework. We have already improved linkage to EHRs, but further optimization to meet patient needs may improve the effectiveness of this self-management tool for rUTI.

Assessment and treatment of recurrent urinary tract infections in women: development of a questionnaire based on a qualitative study of patient expectations in secondary care.

BACKGROUND: To develop a questionnaire to facilitate the inventorying of women's expectations for the assessment and treatment of recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) in secondary care. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted among women with recurrent UTI referred to our urology department. The interviews were conducted by one interviewer, recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically by two researchers. We first developed 35 questions to identify potential themes, and we then tested them among women with and without recurrent UTI. Changes were made according to the feedback received. RESULTS: Six interviews were conducted before saturation was reached. Thematic analysis identified three themes: patient pathway, personal knowledge, and social implications. All respondents had received multiple antibiotic courses but no prophylactic antibiotic therapy, and although all were aware of some preventive measures, they wanted more information about their disease. However, some women were afraid to access information for fear of what they might learn. Recurrent UTI also significantly affected the daily lives all respondents. Some women expressed fears over frequent antibiotic use, and others felt that there must be something wrong with their body to have so many UTIs. Women expected the urologist to provide an explanation and to start adequate therapy for their recurrent UTI. We created a 32-item questionnaire based on these themes CONCLUSION: This study not only developed a questionnaire for use when assessing patient expectations of recurrent UTI management in secondary care but also provided novel insights into the thoughts, opinions, and expectations of women who are referred.

A systematic review of the psychological impact of false-positive colorectal cancer screening: What is the role of the general practitioner?

Screening for colorectal cancer (CRC) has both advantages (e.g. reduction in morbidity and mortality) and disadvantages (e.g. false positives and distress). A systematic review was therefore performed to improve our understanding of how false-positive CRC screening results affect patients psychologically (and to make recommendations for primary care). The PubMed, Embase, PsychINFO, CINAHL and Cochrane databases were searched in October 2014 and supplemented in December 2016 to identify studies on the psychological impact of false-positive CRC screening. Original studies were eligible when they assessed psychological impact in a screening setting, provided they also included false-positive CRC screening results. Two authors independently assessed 2,367 available manuscripts and included seven. Heterogeneity in their outcome measures meant that data could not be pooled. Two studies showed that a false-positive CRC screening result caused some moderate psychological distress shortly before and after colonoscopy. The remaining five studies illustrated that the psychological distress of patients with true-positive and false-positive CRC screening results was comparable. We conclude that a false-positive CRC screening result may cause some moderate psychological distress, especially just before or after colonoscopy. We recommend that general practitioners mention this when discussing CRC screening with patients and monitor those with a false-positive outcome for psychological distress.

Recurrence of non-muscle invasive bladder carcinoma after transurethral resection with hexaminolevulinate photodynamic diagnosis or regular cystoscopy.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the recurrence of non-muscle invasive bladder carcinoma (NMIBC) after transurethral resection employing cystoscopy with hexaminolevulinate-based photodynamic diagnosis (PDD) or with standard white light. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We included patients with newly suspected NMIBC in this retrospective cohort study and compared those undergoing transurethral resection by white light cystoscopy (WLC) (2008-2010) and PDD (2010-2012). All patients were treated following established criteria for good quality resection. The primary outcome was the difference in the recurrence rate after 60 months' follow-up, but we also stratified recurrence by risk groups, as set by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer. The mean recurrence-free survival was compared between the cohorts. Odds ratios or hazard ratios are reported with their 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: The WLC and PDD cohorts comprised 124 and 91 subjects, respectively. There were no significant differences in recurrence rates between the cohorts at 6 months (recurrence rate 9/123; 7.3%), 12 months (17/118; 14.4%) or 60 months (39/102; 38.2%), with odds ratios of 1.23 (CI 0.48-3.25), 1.32 (CI 0.67-2.62) and 1.12 (CI 0.70-1.79), in favour of WLC, respectively. Further analysis showed no significant effect of PDD on either recurrence by risk group or on mean recurrence-free survival (hazard ratio, 1.12 [CI 0.70-1.79]). CONCLUSION: We found no relevant differences in the recurrence of NMIBC after the introduction of PDD with hexaminolevulinate compared to standard WLC when used for transurethral resection in our single institution.

[Intensive covid-19 care in general practice; nationwide registration study, initiated by General Practice Research Consortium Netherlands]. / Intensieve en palliatieve covid-19-zorg door huisarts.

METHOD: Registration system initiated by General Practice Research Consortium Netherlands (GPRC-NL). AIM: To obtain national estimates on clinically suspected Covid-19 mortality in general practice and on intensive and palliative covid-19 care provided by general practitioners (GPs) outside hospital, including palliative medication, availability of personal protective equipment, and reasons for not referring to hospital of vulnerable patients during the first three months of the Covid-19 pandemic in The Netherlands. DESIGN: Nationwide registration study, in which 2.331 GP practices in The Netherlands participated from March-June 2020. METHOD: Registration system initiated by General Practice Research Consortium Netherlands (GPRC-NL) through existing digital referral platform ZorgDomein, in which GPs could report PCR-proven and clinically suspected Covid-19 deceased patients to estimate the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic in primary care. RESULTS: GPs reported 1,566 Covid-19 deceased patients, of which 61% (949/1,566) were clinically suspected but not PCR-tested, with large regional differences, and most deaths being reported in the provinces of Brabant and Limburg. Patients had a median duration from onset of symptoms to death of 8 days and a median age of 87 years. GPs reported 1,030 patients for which they delivered intensive or palliative care, of which 56% had a Clinical Frailty Score higher or equal to six. Most mentioned reason for GPs and patients in the decision not going to hospital were the explicit wish of the patient (59%) and somatic vulnerability (52%). CONCLUSION: GPs provided palliative care to a large number of clinically suspected Covid-19 vulnerable patients with large regional differences across The Netherlands. Reported GPs' and patients' considerations to refrain from hospital care can be used to guide future primary care for vulnerable Covid-19 patients.

[Nocdurna: old medication is looking for a new ailment]. / Nocdurna: oud medicament zoekt nieuwe kwaal.

Desmopressin has been launched in a new jacket: Nocdurna. Desmopressin has so far been used mainly for treatment of bedwetting in children and adolescents. The indication for desmopressin has now been expanded to 'nocturia as a consequence of idiopathic night-time polyuria in adults'. We strongly doubt the added value of this medication for this indication.

Incidence rates of erectile dysfunction in the Dutch general population. Effects of definition, clinical relevance and duration of follow-up in the Krimpen Study.

This study aims to describe the incidence rate of erectile dysfunction (ED) in older men in the Netherlands according to three definitions. The influence of the duration of follow-up on the incidence rate is also explored. In a large community-based follow-up study, 1661 men aged 50-75 y completed the International Continence Society sex questionnaire and a question on sexual activity, at baseline and at a mean of 2.1 and 4.2 y of follow-up. We defined 'ED' as a report of erections with 'reduced rigidity' or worse; 'Significant_ED' as 'severely reduced rigidity' or 'no erections'; and 'Clinically_Relevant_ED' as either 'ED' reported as 'quite a problem' or 'a serious problem', or 'Significant_ED' reported as at least 'a bit of a problem'. Incidence rates of ED status were calculated in those men who completed at least one period of follow-up and were not diagnosed with prostate cancer (n = 1604). For 'ED' the incidence rate (cases per 1000 person-years) is 99 and ranges over the 10-y age groups from 77 (50-59 y) to 205 (70-78 y); for 'Significant_ED' these rates were 33, 21, and 97, respectively and for 'Clinically_Relevant_ED' 28, 25, and 39, respectively. In general, incidence rates should not vary with the duration of follow-up. However, for 'ED' the 4.2 y incidence rate is about 69% of the 2.1 y incidence rate. This study presents incidence rates, for the general population, as well as based on a definition of ED that takes concern/bother into account. 'Clinically_Relevant_ED' has a lower increase in incidence with increasing age than other definitions that do not take concern/bother into account. The phenomenon of lower incidence rates with longer duration of follow-up may account for the differences in reported incidence rates between different studies. The effects of differences related to the duration of follow-up should be taken into consideration in future incidence reports.

Correlates for erectile and ejaculatory dysfunction in older Dutch men: a community-based study.

OBJECTIVES: We estimated correlates for erectile dysfunction (ED) (defined as a report of erections of severely reduced rigidity or no erections) and ejaculatory dysfunction (EjD) (defined as a report of ejaculations with significantly reduced volume or no ejaculations) in a large community sample of older men. DESIGN: A community-based study. SETTING: Krimpen aan den IJssel, a municipality near Rotterdam, The Netherlands. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 1,688 (50% of the eligible) men age 50 to 78. MEASUREMENTS: Presence of ED and EjD (International Continence Society sex questionnaire), urinary tract symptoms (international prostate symptom score), prostate enlargement (transrectal ultrasonography), urinary flow obstruction (uroflowmetry), obesity (body mass index), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular problems. Determined marital status, educational level, and smoking and drinking habits. Population attributable risk (PAR) was estimated for correlates that yielded from multiple logistic regression models on ED and EjD. RESULTS: Multiple logistic regression analyses yielded the following correlates for significant ED: age, smoking, obesity, urinary tract symptoms, and treatment for cardiovascular problems and COPD. Age, erectile function, urinary symptoms, and previous prostate operations proved to be correlates for significant EjD. Urinary symptoms and obesity have the highest PAR for ED, whereas decreased erectile function has the highest PAR for EjD. CONCLUSIONS: Age, obesity, and urinary tract symptoms are the most-important correlates of significant ED in the population. Cardiac problems, COPD, and smoking are other independent correlates. Significant EjD is largely related to age, decreased erectile function, and previous prostate surgery.

Prevalence of erectile dysfunction: a systematic review of population-based studies.

A systematic review was conducted on the prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) in the general population. Studies were retrieved which reported prevalence rates of ED in the general population. Using a specially developed criteria list, the methodological quality of these studies was assessed and data on prevalence rates were extracted. We identified 23 studies from Europe (15), USA (5), Asia (2) and Australia (1). On our 12-item criteria list, the methodological quality ranged from 5 to 12. The prevalence of ED ranged from 2% in men younger than 40 y to 86% in men 80 y and older. Comparison between prevalence data is hampered by major methodological differences between studies, particularly in the use of various questionnaires and different definitions of ED. We stress the importance of providing all necessary information when reporting on the prevalence of ED. Moreover, international studies should be conducted to establish the true prevalence of ED across countries.

Strong effects of definition and nonresponse bias on prevalence rates of clinical benign prostatic hyperplasia: the Krimpen study of male urogenital tract problems and general health status.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in the community, and study the influence of BPH definition, age and response bias on prevalence rates. Subjects and methods A community-based longitudinal study of 3924 men aged 50-75 years was conducted in a Dutch municipality (Krimpen) near Rotterdam. Data from those responding were collected using self-administered questionnaires, and during visits to the health centre and outpatient clinic of the urology department. The questionnaires included symptom scores on general well being (Inventory of Subjective Health, ISH) and lower urinary tract symptoms (International Prostate Symptom Score, IPSS). A short version of the questionnaire (including the IPSS and ISH) was sent to a random sample of those not responding. All subjects participating fully underwent a physical examination, uroflowmetry, transrectal ultrasonometry of the prostate and had their prostate specific antigen level measured. Age-specific prevalence rates of BPH were estimated using different definitions, based on one or more of symptom severity, prostate volume and maximum flow rate. The influence of response bias was estimated using the questionnaires. RESULTS: The response rate was 50% (full participants). Of those not responding, 55% completed a short version of the questionnaire (partial participants). Compared with full participants, partial participants had a lower IPSS and slightly lower ISH. The prevalence rates of clinical BPH in the study population was 9-20% (95% confidence interval, 8-11% to 22-27%) depending on the definition used. After adjusting for nonresponse bias, the age-group specific prevalences for 5-year age strata were 1.1-1.8 times lower for all BPH definitions used. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence rates of clinical BPH depend largely on the definition used and increase strongly with age. The effect of age is stronger when more variables are included in the definition. Adjustment for response bias results in substantially lower prevalence rates.

Normal voiding patterns and determinants of increased diurnal and nocturnal voiding frequency in elderly men.

PURPOSE: We determined the normal value of diurnal and nocturnal voiding frequency, and its determinants in a population based sample of elderly men. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We collected data on 1,688 men 50 to 78 years old recruited from the population of Krimpen, The Netherlands. Measurements consisted of self-administered questionnaires, including the International Prostate Symptom Score (I-PSS), a 3-day frequency-volume chart, transrectal prostatic ultrasound, uroflowmetry and post-void residual urine volume measurement. RESULTS: Diurnal voiding frequency is independent of age and more frequent in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Nocturia 2 or more times is present in 30% of men 50 to 54 and in 60% of those 70 to 78 years old, while nocturia 3 or more times is present in 4% and 20%, respectively. In addition, nocturia is strongly associated with BPH and nocturnal polyuria but apparently not with cardiovascular symptoms, hypertension or diabetes mellitus. We noted poor agreement of the responses on the frequency-volume charts and the I-PSS question on nocturia. Using the I-PSS leads to a higher prevalence of nocturia. CONCLUSIONS: Diurnal frequency is independent of age (median 5 voids, interquartile range 4 to 6) but higher in men with BPH. Nocturia increases with advancing age and is more frequent in men with nocturnal polyuria. BPH is an independent risk factor for nocturia and increased diurnal voiding frequency. In those with nocturia there is a great difference in subjective symptoms and objective data, indicating that the weight of the I-PSS question on nocturia for making treatment decisions should be reconsidered.

Erectile and ejaculatory dysfunction in a community-based sample of men 50 to 78 years old: prevalence, concern, and relation to sexual activity.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence rates of erectile and ejaculatory dysfunction, associated bother, and their relation to sexual activity in a population-based sample of elderly men.Methods. Data were collected from 1688 men by way of self-administered questionnaires (including the International Continence Society male sex questionnaire) and measurements at a health center and urology outpatient department. RESULTS: The prevalence of significant erectile dysfunction (ie, erections of severely reduced rigidity or no erections) increased from 3% in men 50 to 54 years old to 26% in men 70 to 78 years old. In the same age strata, the prevalence of significant ejaculatory dysfunction (ie, ejaculations with significantly reduced volume or no ejaculations) increased from 3% to 35%. Pain or discomfort during ejaculation was rare (1%) and independent of age. In general, men were more concerned about erectile dysfunction than about ejaculatory dysfunction. However, most men had no or only little concern about their dysfunction. The percentage of men who reported being sexually active declined with increasing age and was lower in men with erectile and ejaculatory dysfunction and in men without a partner. In sexually active men, 17% to 28% had no normal erections, indicating that with advancing age normal erections are not an absolute prerequisite for a sexually active life. CONCLUSIONS: Erectile and ejaculatory dysfunction are common in elderly men. The results of this study indicate that these conditions are much less of a problem for older men than previously suggested.

Voided volumes: normal values and relation to lower urinary tract symptoms in elderly men, a community-based study.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the normal values of voided volumes and explore the relation between bladder capacity and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in elderly men. METHODS: Data were collected from 1688 men 50 to 78 years old recruited from the population of Krimpen aan den IJssel, The Netherlands. Measurements included self-administered questionnaires (including the International Prostate Symptom Score), a 3-day frequency volume chart, transrectal ultrasonography of the prostate, uroflowmetry, and postvoid residual volume determination. RESULTS: The 24-hour voided volumes were independent of age (median 1506 mL; 25th to 75th percentiles 1160 to 1950). The average volume per void and functional bladder capacity (FBC, defined as the largest single voided volume) declined with advancing age. Moreover, FBC was lower in men with a reduced maximum flow rate (less than 15 mL/s) and independent of the postvoid residual volume. Multivariate analyses showed no significant effect of prostate enlargement on the FBC. FBC was strongly related to LUTS: a low FBC coincided with higher International Prostate Symptom Scores. Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that the presence of moderate to severe symptoms (International Prostate Symptom Score greater than 7) was independent of prostate volume, but dependent on age, a reduced flow rate, postvoid residual volume, and FBC. CONCLUSIONS: Prospective studies are needed to establish the causal relation between FBC and LUTS. Frequency volume charts are a valid, easy-to-use, noninvasive method to determine FBC as an aspect of urinary tract (dys)function in the evaluation of men with LUTS and to determine treatment options for LUTS.