Estimating the risk of irreversible post-SSRI sexual dysfunction (PSSD) due to serotonergic antidepressants.

BACKGROUND: Sexual dysfunction is a common side effect of Serotonergic antidepressants (SA) treatment, and persists in some patients despite drug discontinuation, a condition termed post-SSRI sexual dysfunction (PSSD). The risk for PSSD is unknown but is thought to be rare and difficult to assess. This study aims to estimate the risk of erectile dysfunction (ED) and PSSD in males treated with SAs. METHODS: A 19-year retrospective cohort analysis was conducted using a computerized database of the largest HMO in Israel. ED was defined by phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors prescriptions. 12,302 males aged 21-49 met the following criteria: non-smokers, no medical or psychiatric comorbidities or medications associated with ED, no alcohol or substance use. Logistic regression was used for estimation of ED risk in SA-treated subjects compared to non-SA-treated controls, assessed with and without the effects of age, body mass index (BMI), socioeconomic status (SES), depression and anxiety, yielding crude and adjusted odds ratios (cOR and aOR, respectively). RESULTS: SAs were associated with an increased risk for ED (cOR = 3.6, p < 0.000001, 95% CI 2.8-4.8), which remained significant after adjusting for age, SES, BMI, depression and anxiety (aOR = 3.2, p < 0.000001, 95% CI 2.3-4.4). The risk for PSSD was 1 in 216 patients (0.46%) treated with SAs. The prevalence of PSSD was 4.3 per 100,000. CONCLUSIONS: This work offers a first assessment of the small but significant risk of irreversible ED associated with the most commonly prescribed class of antidepressants which should enhance the process of receiving adequate informed consent for therapy.

Effect of Previous Nitroimidazole Treatment on Helicobacter pylori Eradication Success.

GOALS: The goal of this study was to examine the impact of prior treatment with a nitroimidazole antibiotic on the success of Helicobacter pylori treatment. BACKGROUND: Prior nitroimidazole exposure may increase the likelihood of nitroimidazole-resistant H. pylori. Current H. pylori treatment guidelines recommend that, in the absence of susceptibility testing, patients with prior nitroimidazole exposure should not be treated with a nitroimidazole antibiotic. Data to support this recommendation are lacking. STUDY: We searched the Clalit Health Services database to identify subjects 25 to 60 years old who underwent a first-ever C-urea breath test between 2010 and 2015. Patients who underwent a previous H. pylori stool antigen test or gastroscopy were excluded. Pharmacy dispensation data were retrieved. RESULTS: A total of 1386 subjects (34.8% male individuals, age 40.7±10.7 y) received a nitroimidazole-containing regimen including 282 (20.4%) with prior nitroimidazole exposure. Successful eradication was achieved in 58.9% and 73.8% of subjects with and without prior nitroimidazole exposure, respectively (odds ratio, 0.51; 95% confidence interval, 0.39-0.67; P<0.0001). Nitroimidazole exposure adversely impacted the success of triple therapy with nitroimidazole, proton pump inhibitor, and amoxicillin or clarithromycin (39.4% vs. 63.4% and 54.4% vs. 73.6%, P<0.01, respectively), but not quadruple therapy. Following multivariate analysis, nitroimidazole exposure was significantly associated with eradication failure (odds ratio, 1.89; 95% confidence interval, 1.43-2.50; P<0.0001). A greater time elapsed from nitroimidazole exposure, and a lower cumulative nitroimidazole dose were observed in subjects with successful eradication (P<0.0001 for both). CONCLUSION: Nitroimidazole exposure may adversely impact the success of nitroimidazole-based triple therapy, but not quadruple therapy. Clinicians should conduct a thorough patient drug history before administering empiric treatment for H. pylori infection.

Characteristics Associated with Upper-Range Doses of Beta-Blockers and Angiotensin-Renin Inhibitors in Reduced Ejection Fraction.

BACKGROUND: Heart failure (HF) patients with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) are frequently treated with sub-optimal doses of angiotensin converting enzyme-inhibitors (ACE-Is), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), and beta blockers (BBs). OBJECTIVES: To determine factors associated with attaining upper-range doses in patients with HFrEF. METHODS: We examined treatment in patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 40% in a community-based, dedicated heart-failure clinic. Upper-range doses were defined as ≥ 75% of target recommended doses by heart failure society guidelines. RESULTS: The majority of the 215 patients were men (82%); median age at presentation 73 years (interquartile range [IQR] 65-78) and LVEF of 30% (IQR 25-35%). Following the up-titration program, 41% and 35% of patients achieved upper-range doses of ACE-Is/ARBs and BBs, respectively. Higher body mass index (BMI) was the only parameter found to be associated with achieving upper-range doses of ACE-I/ARBs (odds ratio [OR] 1.13, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 1.05-1.22, P = 0.001). More patients achieved this target as BMI increased, with a sharp decline in the highest obesity category (BMI ≥ 40 m2/kg). Attaining upper-range doses of BBs was associated with pre-existing diabetes mellitus (DM) (OR 2.6, 95%CI 1.34-5.19, P = 0.005); women were associated with attaining lower BBs doses (OR 0.34, 95%CI 0.13-0.90, P = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS: Achieving upper-range doses of ACE-Is/ARBs and BBs in HFrEF outpatients in a treatment up-titration program were associated with greater BMI and DM, respectively. These findings may serve as benchmarks for up-titration programs.

Impact of Previous Exposure to Macrolide Antibiotics on Helicobacter pylori Infection Treatment Outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) guidelines, including the recent ACG clinical guideline, recommend avoiding clarithromycin-based triple therapy (TT-C) among patients with past macrolide exposure. Data to support this recommendation are scarce, and the impact of macrolide exposure on quadruple therapies is unclear. We aimed to determine the impact of macrolide exposure on the efficacy of H. pylori treatment in our region. METHODS: We searched the Clalit Health Services database to identify subjects aged 25-60 years who underwent the first-ever C-urea breath test between 2010 and 2015. Patients who underwent a previous H. pylori stool antigen test or gastroscopy were excluded. Pharmacy dispensation data were retrieved. RESULTS: We identified 7,842 subjects (36.1% male individuals, age: 40.3 ± 10.5 years), including 3,062 (39.0%) with previous macrolide exposure. The efficacy of TT-C was 74.3% and 82.4% among subjects with and without macrolide exposure, respectively (odds ratio (OR), 0.62; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.55-0.70; P < 0.0001). TT success was adversely affected by exposure to clarithromycin (55.5%; OR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.24-0.39; P < 0.0001), roxythromycin (74.4%; OR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.58-0.74; P < 0.0001), and erythromycin (73.9%; OR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.57-0.89; P < 0.01) but not by exposure to azithromycin. A greater time elapsed because exposure to clarithromycin and roxythromycin was associated with higher eradication (OR, 1.007; 95% CI, 1.002-1.012; P < 0.01 and OR, 1.004; 95% CI, 1.002-1.006; P < 0.0001). A higher dose of clarithromycin and roxythromycin was associated with a lower likelihood of successful eradication (OR, 0.99988; 95% CI, 0.99982-0.99996; P < 0.01 and OR, 0.99981; 95% CI, 0.99971-0.99992; P < 0.001). The efficacies of sequential and concomitant therapies were 82.7% and 81.3%, respectively, and were not significantly affected by macrolide exposure. CONCLUSIONS: TT-C is adversely affected by previous exposure to macrolide antibiotics. Sequential, concomitant, and bismuth-based treatment may be preferred in this setting.

The Incidence and Prevalence of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in the Jewish and Arab Populations of Israel.

BACKGROUND: Temporal trends in the incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in the Arab and Jewish populations in Israel have been poorly described. OBJECTIVES: To compare the annual incidence and prevalence rates of Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) in the Arab and Jewish populations in Israel between the years 2003 and 2008. METHODS: We applied a common case identification algorithm to the Clalit Health Services database to both determine trends in age-adjusted incidence and prevalence rates for IBD in both populations during this period and estimate the burden of IBD in Israel. RESULTS: The incidence of CD in the Arab population increased from 3.1/100,000 in 2003 to 10.6/100,000 person-years in 2008, compared with a decrease in the Jewish population from 14.3/100,000 to 11.7/100,000 person-years for the same period. The incidence of UC in the Arab population increased from 4.1/100,000 in 2003 to 5.0/100,000 person-years in 2008, a low but stable rate, compared with a decrease from 16.4/100,000 to 9.5/100,000 person-years for the same time period in the Jewish population. The prevalence of both diseases increased due to the accumulation of incident cases but remained much lower among Arabs. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding the factors underlying the differences in incidence and prevalence of IBD in the Jewish and Arab populations may shed light on the genetic and environmental factors associated with these diseases.

Extraesophageal malignancies among patients with Barrett esophagus.

GOALS: To evaluate the incidence of extraesophageal malignancies among patients with Barrett esophagus (BE). BACKGROUND: Gastroesophageal reflux disease has been reported to be associated with upper aerodigestive malignancies. BE is considered a consequence of long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease; however, the association of BE with extraesophageal malignancies is controversial. STUDY: The database of the largest health service provider in Israel was queried for all patients diagnosed with BE between 2000 and 2010. Data regarding medical background and diagnosis of malignancy were recorded. Malignancy rates were compared with subjects without BE or malignancy and matched for age, sex, and smoking status (1:4 ratio). Patients in whom a malignancy was diagnosed within 1 year of BE diagnosis were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 3669 patients with BE and 14,676 controls were included. Several nonesophageal malignancies were significantly more prevalent among BE patients: colorectal cancer (relative risk 1.98, P<0.001) and prostate cancer (relative risk 1.99, P<0.001), but not cancer of the upper aerodigestive tract. Multivariate analysis revealed that Jewish origin and the presence of BE were associated with higher malignancy risk [hazard ratio (HR) 1.83, HR 1.41, respectively; P<0.001]; body mass index was inversely associated with malignancy risk (HR 0.98; P<0.005). CONCLUSIONS: BE seems to be associated with colorectal and prostate cancer. Further research is necessary to determine whether this is a causative relationship and, consequently, whether a change in the screening policy for colorectal cancer in patients with BE is warranted.

A higher detection rate for colorectal cancer and advanced adenomatous polyp for screening with immunochemical fecal occult blood test than guaiac fecal occult blood test, despite lower compliance rate. A prospective, controlled, feasibility study.

Immunochemical fecal occult blood test (FIT) is a new colorectal cancer (CRC) screening method already recommended by the American screening guidelines. We aimed to test the feasibility of FIT as compared to guaiac fecal occult blood test (G-FOBT) in a large urban population of Tel Aviv. Average-risk persons, aged 50-75 years, were offered FIT or G-FOBT after randomization according to the socioeconomic status of their clinics. Participants with positive tests underwent colonoscopy. Participants were followed through the Cancer Registry 2 years after the study. Hemoccult SENSA™ and OC-MICRO™ (three samples, 70 ng/ml threshold) were used. FIT was offered to 4,657 persons (Group A) and G-FOBT to 7,880 persons (Group B). Participation rate was 25.9% and 28.8% in Group A and B, respectively (p < 0.001). Positivity rate in Group A and B was 12.7% and 3.9%, respectively (p < 0.001). Cancer found in six (0.49%) and eight (0.35%) patients of Group A and B, respectively (NS). Cancer registry follow-up found missed cancer in five (0.22%) cases of Group B and none in Group A (NS). The sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive value for cancer in Group A and B were 100%, 85.9%, 100%, 3.9% and 61.5%, 96.4%, 99.8%, 9.1%, respectively. There was increased detection of advanced adenomatous polyp (AAP) by FIT, irrespective of age, gender, and socioeconomic status (Per Protocol: odds ratio 2.69, 95% confidence interval 1.6-4.5; Intention to Screen: odds ratio 3.16, 95% confidence interval 1.8-5.4). FIT is feasible in urban, average-risk population, which significantly improved performance for detection of AAP and CRC, despite reduced participation.

Rapid progression of aortic stenosis after initiation of teriparatide treatment: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Teriparatide, a recombinant formulation of endogenous PTH, is indicated for the treatment of osteoporosis in patients at high risk for fracture including postmenopausal women, men with primary or hypogonadal osteoporosis and patients with glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. CASE REPORT: A 64-year-old Jewish osteoporotic woman initiated use of Teriparatide (FORTEOTM, 250 µg per 1 ml subcutaneously per day) in April 2018. Prior to therapy initiation, the patient has undergone eight echocardiograms with an aortic valve pressure gradient ranging between 29 and 39 mmHg, defined as mild aortic stenosis (AS), with no clear trend of progression. In two subsequent echo tests conducted 4 and 7 months after treatment initiation, there was a rapid progression of AS with gradient pressures of 55 and 58 mmHg, respectively. CONCLUSION: Intermittent exposure to PTH analogues may be one of the causes of rapid progression of AS. Studies with sizeable populations are required to assess causal relationship between PTH analogues use and progression of AS.

Psoriasis associated with hepatitis C but not with hepatitis B.

PURPOSE: To investigate the association between psoriasis and viral hepatitis. METHODS: Psoriasis patients were compared to controls regarding the prevalence of viral hepatitis in a case-control study using logistic multivariate models. The study was performed utilizing the medical database of Clalit Health Services. RESULTS: The study included 12,502 psoriasis patients >20 years old and 24,287 age- and sex-matched controls. The prevalence of hepatitis C in patients with psoriasis was increased compared to the prevalence in controls (1.03 vs. 0.56%; p < 0.001). In a multivariate analysis, psoriasis was associated with hepatitis C. An interaction with smoking was noted (smokers: odds ratio, OR = 1.93, 95% confidence interval, CI = 1.30-2.67; nonsmokers: OR = 2.22, 95% CI = 1.63-3.04). The prevalence of hepatitis B in patients with psoriasis was higher than in the controls (0.74 vs. 0.56%; p = 0.043). However, in a multivariate analysis psoriasis was not associated with hepatitis B (OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 0.93-1.60, p = 0.15). CONCLUSION: Our observation supports previous reports of an association between psoriasis and hepatitis C but not with hepatitis B. Physicians who care for patients with psoriasis should be aware of this possible association and consider screening patients with psoriasis for hepatitis C.

Sensitivity, but not specificity, of a quantitative immunochemical fecal occult blood test for neoplasia is slightly increased by the use of low-dose aspirin, NSAIDs, and anticoagulants.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the effect of the use of aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), and anticoagulants on the performance of immunochemical fecal occult blood test (I-FOBT). METHODS: A prospective, cross-sectional study of 1,221 ambulatory patients having total colonoscopy after preparing three I-FOBTs. Information regarding the use of medications was collected from the health medical organization (HMO) database. I-FOBT was analyzed with the OC-MICRO instrument using both >or=75 and 100 ngHb/ml of buffer thresholds to determine positivity. RESULTS: Colorectal cancer (CRC) was found in 17 and advanced adenomatous polyp (AAP) in 97 patients. A total of 212 patients were using aspirin/NSAIDS at the time of I-FOBT testing. Qualitative analysis for the detection of AAP/CRC reveals a trend for an increased sensitivity with aspirin/NSAIDS use. At the threshold 75 ng/ml for positivity, the sensitivity for the detection of AAP/CRC was 66.7% for aspirin/NSAIDS use vs. 51.2% for nondrug takers (P=0.20), and at the threshold of 100 ng/ml, the sensitivity was 66.7 vs. 46.5% (P=0.09). The specificity, however, was not affected by the use of aspirin/NSAIDS. At the threshold of 75 ng/ml for positivity, the specificity for the detection of AAP/CRC was 89.5% for aspirin/NSAIDS use vs. 91.2% for nondrug takers (P=0.47), and at the threshold of 100 ng/ml, the specificity was 92.17 vs. 93.0% (P=0.69). A total of 33 patients were using antithrombotics/coagulants at the time of I-FOBT testing. This group was small; however, it appears that their use was also associated with a trend for increased sensitivity and no change in specificity. CONCLUSIONS: The use of aspirin/NSAIDS and anticoagulants was associated with a trend for increased sensitivity with no change in specificity for the detection of AAP/CRC. This study suggests that there is no need to stop these agents before I-FOBT testing.

The prevalence of ulcerative colitis in Israel: a twenty-year survey.

OBJECTIVES: This is the third survey we perform in the kibbutz population of Israel. The previous 2 surveys were 10 years apart, in 1987 and 1997, demonstrating an increase in ulcerative colitis (UC) prevalence. The aim of the present study was to confirm the trend for increasing UC prevalence in Israel. METHODS: There are 269 kibbutz settlements in Israel, with a total of 117,700 people, accounting for 2.4% of the Jewish Israeli population. The local physician for each kibbutz was contacted by mail, e-mail, telephone, and fax to obtain information on UC patients. Data were retrieved and updated to December 31, 2007, the point prevalence date. Details of sex, age, origin, clinical spectrum of the disease, therapy, and complications were recorded. RESULTS: There are 255 confirmed cases of UC, 138 women and 117 men (female: male ratio, 1.2:1). The prevalence rate rose from 121.08/100,000 in 1987 to 167.20/100,000 in 1997 and then to 216.65/100,000 in 2007 (P<0.0001). The rise in the second period was less than in the first period: 29% and 38%, respectively. The prevalence rate was higher in women than men, and in European/American-born>Asian/African-born>Israeli-born individuals. CONCLUSIONS: We observed an increase in the prevalence and mean annual incidence of UC in Israel, in men and women, with a decreasing gap between different ethnic groups. We believe that strong environmental influence is responsible for our observation.

The prevalence of Crohn's disease in Israel: a 20-year survey.

OBJECTIVES: This is the third survey that we have performed in the kibbutz population in Israel. The previous two surveys were 10 years apart, in 1987 and 1997, demonstrating an increase in Crohn's disease prevalence. The aim of the present study was to confirm the trend for increasing Crohn's disease prevalence in Israel. METHODS: There are 269 kibbutz settlements in Israel, with a total of 117,700 people, accounting for 2.4% of the Jewish Israeli population. The local physician for each kibbutz was contacted by mail, e-mail, telephone, and fax in order to obtain information on Crohn's disease patients. Data was retrieved and updated to 31st December 2007, the point prevalence date. Details of gender, age, origin, clinical spectrum of the disease, therapy, and complications were recorded. RESULTS: There were 133 confirmed cases of Crohn's disease. The prevalence rate rose from 25.53/100,000 in 1987 to 65.11/100,000 in 1997, and then to 112.99 in 2007 (P < 0.0001). The prevalence rate was higher in women than men, and Israeli- or European/American-born than Asian/African-born individuals. The rise in prevalence was steady from 1987 to 1997 and then to 2007 in all subgroups, except for Asian/African-born kibbutz members. In the last group, a decrease in prevalence was demonstrated between 1987 and 1997, and then a sharp increase between 1997 and 2007. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the incidence and prevalence of Crohn's disease increased in the three ethnic groups of Israeli Jews. Differences still exist but become smaller, maybe due to the strong environmental influence that overcame genetic preponderance.

Improvement in the implementation of Helicobacter pylori management guidelines among primary care physicians following a targeted educational intervention.

BACKGROUND: Consensus guidelines recommend that in regions with a high rate of clarithromycin resistance, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection be treated with 4 drugs. Compliance with this recommendation among primary care physicians (PCPs) is low. We aimed to examine whether PCP compliance with H. pylori treatment recommendations increased following a targeted educational intervention. METHODS: A questionnaire assessing H. pylori treatment was sent to >2000 PCPs in June 2015 and June 2018. In the interim, 3 interventions were performed: distribution of printed materials, educational outreach visits, and education over a social media platform. RESULTS: A total of 635 PCPs returned questionnaires, including 314 in 2015 and 321 in 2018 (148 [46.3%] male, age 44.7±10.9 years). The number of PCPs who recommended a 4-drug treatment protocol increased from 12 (3.8%) in 2015 to 119 (37.1%) in 2018 (P<0.001). The number of PCPs who recommended bismuth- or levofloxacin-based therapy for second-line treatment increased from 95 (30.3%) in 2015 to 247 (77.1%) in 2018 (P<0.001). Independent predictors for a 4-drug treatment protocol included central clinic location (odds ratio [OR] 2.78, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.38-5.60; P<0.003), exposure to printed educational materials (OR 1.64, 95%CI 0.99-2.72; P=0.04) and exposure to the social media platform (OR 6.60, 95%CI 3.08-14.13; P<0.001. There were no independent predictors of compliance with second-line treatment. CONCLUSIONS: PCP compliance with H. pylori guidelines remains suboptimal. Educational initiatives may be effective in increasing PCPs' knowledge and compliance with guidelines. Direct web-based interaction between PCPs and gastroenterologists may be particularly effective.

Comparison of 18-Month Outcomes of Ambulatory Patients With Reduced (≤40%) Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction Treated in a Community-Based, Dedicated Heart Failure Clinic Versus Treated Elsewhere.

We sought to examine the management and outcomes of ambulatory patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction in a community-based, dedicated clinic. Patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤40% were actively solicited to attend a community-based, dedicated clinic. Eligible patients who chose to decline constituted our control group. Of 552 patients with LVEF ≤40% (median age 73 years and median LVEF 35%), 304 (55%) agreed to attend the clinic. Patients with worse New York Heart Association class were more likely to attend the clinic (odds ratio 2.07 [1.45, 2.95], p <0.001), whereas women were more likely to decline (odds ratio 0.63 [0.42, 0.93], p <0.022). During 18 months of follow-up, patients in the dedicated clinic significantly improved their functional capacity (56% New York Heart Association 3 to 4 at baseline vs 27% at follow-up, p <0.001) and LVEF (35% [interquartile range 25, 35] at baseline vs 35% (interquartile range 30, 40) at follow-up, p <0.001). In comparison with patients managed routinely, patients treated in a dedicated clinic achieved better guideline-recommended pharmacological treatment (65% vs 85% receiving ß blockers, p <0.001, 65% vs 82% receiving renin-angiotensin inhibitors, p = 0.0006, 31% vs 45% receiving mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, p <0.001). During follow-up, electrical device implantation was similar (6% vs 7% of dedicated-HF-clinic patients, p = 0.700). Furthermore, overall survival was better in patients treated in the clinic (log rank p = 0.0006), even after censoring the first 4 months to account for potential bias (log rank p = 0.0232). In conclusion, management in a community-based, dedicated clinic compared with routine management was associated with augmented guideline-recommended treatment and improved survival.

Malignant transformation of normal enterocytes following downregulation of Bak expression.

Bak is a pro-apoptotic gene, which plays an important role in the multi-step process of gastrointestinal tumorigenesis. We hypothesized that downregulation of Bak expression in normal enterocytes will result in a transformed phenotype. The nontumorigenic intestinal epithelial cell line (IEC18) was transfected with the vector pMV12-AS-bak (encoding anti-sense bak). Three clones, with Bak protein levels similar to those seen in colon cancer cell lines and significantly lower than those found in the parental cells, were further evaluated. The three clones proliferated faster, demonstrated anchorage-independent growth in soft agar and a higher saturation density and plating efficiency. Furthermore, when injected into nude mice, these cells generated tumors after approximately 2-3 weeks. The cells were more resistant to the induction of apoptosis by sulindac sulfide and sulindac sulfone but more sensitive to COX 2 inhibitors (celecoxib and nimesulide). The levels of p16, cyclin D1 and COX 2 were higher in the three transformed clones. In summary,downregulation of Bak expression in normal enterocytes contributes to abnormal growth and tumorigenesis. COX 2 inhibitors may serve as important agents in the prevention and treatment of CRC as they only inhibit the growth of malignant cells.

A quantitative immunochemical fecal occult blood test for colorectal neoplasia.

BACKGROUND: Guaiac-based fecal occult blood tests (FOBTs) for colorectal cancer screening are not specific for human hemoglobin and have low sensitivity. Automated-development, immunochemical FOBT is quality-controlled, is specific for human hemoglobin, and does not require diet restriction. OBJECTIVES: To measure the sensitivity and specificity of quantitative immunochemical fecal hemoglobin measurements for detection of cancer and advanced adenoma in patients undergoing colonoscopy, to determine fecal hemoglobin thresholds that give the highest posttest probability for neoplasia, and to determine the number of immunochemical FOBTs needed. DESIGN: Prospective, cross-sectional study. SETTING: Ambulatory endoscopy services of the main health medical organization in Tel Aviv, Israel. PARTICIPANTS: 1000 consecutive ambulatory patients--some asymptomatic but at increased risk for colorectal neoplasia and some symptomatic--who were undergoing elective colonoscopy and volunteered to prepare immunochemical FOBTs. INTERVENTION: The hemoglobin content of 3 bowel movements was measured, and the highest value was compared with colonoscopy findings. MEASUREMENTS: Sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, likelihood ratios, and 95% CIs of fecal hemoglobin measurements for clinically significant neoplasia, their relationship to the amount of fecal hemoglobin measured, and the number of immunochemical FOBTs performed. RESULTS: Colonoscopy identified clinically significant neoplasia in 91 patients (cancer in 17 patients and advanced adenomas in 74 patients). Using 3 immunochemical FOBTs and a hemoglobin threshold of 75 ng/mL of buffer, sensitivity and specificity were 94.1% (95% CI, 82.9% to 100.0%) and 87.5% (CI, 85.4% to 89.6%), respectively, for cancer and 67% (CI, 57.4% to 76.7%) and 91.4% (CI, 89.6% to 93.2%), respectively, for any clinically significant neoplasia. LIMITATIONS: The fecal sampling method is standardized, but the sample size depends on fecal consistency. Some patients were tested while discontinuing aspirin and anticoagulant therapies. Study patients were at increased risk, and results might not apply to average-risk populations. CONCLUSIONS: Quantitative immunochemical FOBT has good sensitivity and specificity for detection of clinically significant neoplasia. Test performance in screening average-risk populations is not known.

[Criteria for a medical specialty in crisis: a case study of general surgery and internal medicine].

BACKGROUND: Several clinical specialties in Israel appear to be experiencing an ongoing crisis. Recently, a Public Committee addressed this problem and recommended its further study. In this paper, the authors report a pilot case study of general surgery and internal medicine, which have been identified as "clinical specialties in crisis" in the medical literature, in the testimonies presented to the Public Committee, and during our preliminary interviews. OBJECTIVES: to identify (a) the criteria for a "medical specialty in crisis" and (b) measures for the assessment of the extent of the crisis. METHODS: (a) Qualitative analysis of interviews and written testimonies of hospital directors, departmental heads of general surgery and internal medicine, and key personnel in the health care system; (b) Analysis of data derived from national administrative data databases and (c) Secondary analysis of data from a nationwide survey of board certified Israeli specialists. RESULTS: We identified five criteria of "medical specialties in crisis": shortage of "good" applicants for residency training; difficulties in filling vacant positions; excessive workload due to the limited number of staff physician and residents; a perceived low remuneration and limited opportunities for additional income; poor quality of professional working life. Some of these criteria can be used as a proxy for measuring the extent of the crisis. CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to identify criteria defining clinical specialties in crisis, as well as its extent, as a first step toward identification of possible ways of coping with it. The findings of this pilot study justify a broader survey of additional medical specialties and a larger number of physicians.

[Medical specialties in crisis: causes of the crisis and possible solutions].

BACKGROUND: Several clinical specialties in Israel appear to be experiencing an ongoing crisis. In this paper the authors report a pilot case study of general surgery and internal medicine, which have been identified as "clinical specialties in crisis" in the medical literature, during preliminary interviews and in the testimonies presented to a Public Committee appointed by the Prime Minister (the Amorai Committee) that addressed this problem in 2002. OBJECTIVES: To identify the causes of the crisis and possible solutions. METHODS: Qualitative analysis of interviews and written testimonies of hospital directors, departmental heads of general surgery and internal medicine, key personnel in the Israeli health care system and heads of scientific associations abroad. RESULTS: The causes of the crisis in general surgery and internal medicine appear to be at three different levels: those related to the health system and its environment; causes related to the organizational structure of the hospitals; and causes inherent to the characteristics of the relevant medical specialty. The solutions proposed by the respondents in Israel, Europe and the United States should be considered at each of these levels: at the system-wide level (such as increase in tenured positions, and improvements in the residency programs); at the hospital level (such as the addition of auxiliary paramedical employees with a view to reduce the administrative burden of the physicians); and at the level of the specific medical specialty (such as the development of new subspecialties, e.g., acute care surgeons). CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to identify the perceived causes of the crisis and possible ways of coping with their consequences. The findings of this pilot study justify a broader survey of additional medical specialties and a larger number of physicians.

Efficacy of the I-SOCIAL intervention for loneliness in old age: Lessons from a randomized controlled trial.

Loneliness is common among older persons and is associated with adverse health and wellbeing outcomes. We investigated a theory-based intervention that addresses barriers to social contacts and aims at increasing social self-efficacy. Individuals that met pre-assessment criteria of cognitive function, physical health, and loneliness levels were randomly assigned either to the I-SOCIAL intervention that combined both individual and group sessions to address individuals' unique social challenges, or to the control group. Assessment was administered at baseline, after the completion of the intervention, and after a 3-month follow-up period. The intervention group showed significant decline in loneliness level compared to the control group, both after the intervention and after the follow-up period. This innovative combination of analysis of personal barriers, support provided by the counselors, group activities, and individualized suggestions for social activities in the participant's neighborhood, may account for the success of the intervention in decreasing participants' loneliness levels.

Colonosopy screening and surveillance of colorectal cancer and polyps: physicians' knowledge.

BACKGROUND: Colonoscopy is the gold standard procedure for screening for colorectal cancer and surveillance after polypectomy or colorectal cancer surgery, for diagnosis in symptomatic patients and patients with fecal occult blood, and for screening in the high risk population. The adherence of referring physicians to the accepted recommendations can prevent long waiting lists for colonoscopy and save lives, costs and resources. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the knowledge of primary care physicians and gastroenterologists in Israel about current guidelines for colonoscopy screening and surveillance. METHODS: A 10-item questionnaire on proper follow-up colonoscopy for surveillance after polypectomy and screening for colorectal cancer in various clinical and epidemiological situations was administered to 100 expert gastroenterologists and 100 primary care physicians at a professional meeting. Answers were evaluated for each group of physicians and compared using the chi-square test. RESULTS: The compliance rate was 45% for the gastroenterologists and 80% for the primary care physicians. The rate of correct answers to the specific items ranged from 18.7% to 93.75% for the gastroenterologists and from 6.2% to 58.5% for the primary care physicians (P< 0.001 for almost every item). CONCLUSIONS: The knowledge of physicians regarding the screening and surveillance of colorectal cancer needs to be improved.