Clinical Features and Outcomes of 105 Hospitalized Patients With COVID-19 in Seattle, Washington.

BACKGROUND: Washington State served as the initial epicenter of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic in the United States. An understanding of the risk factors and clinical outcomes of hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may provide guidance for management. METHODS: All laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases in adults admitted to an academic medical center in Seattle, Washington, between 2 March and 26 March 2020 were included. We evaluated individuals with and without severe disease, defined as admission to the intensive care unit or death. RESULTS: One hundred five COVID-19 patients were hospitalized. Thirty-five percent were admitted from a senior home or skilled nursing facility. The median age was 69 years, and half were women. Three or more comorbidities were present in 55% of patients, with hypertension (59%), obesity (47%), cardiovascular disease (38%), and diabetes (33%) being the most prevalent. Most (63%) had symptoms for ≥5 days prior to admission. Only 39% had fever in the first 24 hours, whereas 41% had hypoxia at admission. Seventy-three percent of patients had lymphopenia. Of 50 samples available for additional testing, no viral coinfections were identified. Severe disease occurred in 49%. Eighteen percent of patients were placed on mechanical ventilation, and the overall mortality rate was 33%. CONCLUSIONS: During the early days of the COVID-19 epidemic in Washington State, the disease had its greatest impact on elderly patients with medical comorbidities. We observed high rates of severe disease and mortality in our hospitalized patients.

Prevalence of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Infection and Outcomes Among Symptomatic Healthcare Workers in Seattle, Washington.

BACKGROUND: Healthcare workers (HCWs) who serve on the front lines of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have been at increased risk for infection due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in some settings. Healthcare-acquired infection has been reported in similar epidemics, but there are limited data on the prevalence of COVID-19 among HCWs and their associated clinical outcomes in the United States. METHODS: We established 2 high-throughput employee testing centers in Seattle, Washington, with drive-through and walk-through options for symptomatic employees in the University of Washington Medicine system and its affiliated organizations. Using data from these testing centers, we report the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among symptomatic employees and describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes among employees with COVID-19. RESULTS: Between 12 March 2020 and 23 April 2020, 3477 symptomatic employees were tested for COVID-19 at 2 employee testing centers; 185 (5.3%) employees tested positive for COVID-19. The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 was similar when comparing frontline HCWs (5.2%) with nonfrontline staff (5.5%). Among 174 positive employees reached for follow-up at least 14 days after diagnosis, 6 reported COVID-related hospitalization; all recovered. CONCLUSIONS: During the study period, we observed that the prevalence of positive SARS-CoV-2 tests among symptomatic HCWs was comparable to that of symptomatic nonfrontline staff. Reliable and rapid access to testing for employees is essential to preserve the health, safety, and availability of the healthcare workforce during this pandemic and to facilitate the rapid return of SARS-CoV-2-negative employees to work.

Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Among Residents and Staff Members of an Independent and Assisted Living Community for Older Adults - Seattle, Washington, 2020.

In the Seattle, Washington metropolitan area, where the first case of novel coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19) in the United States was reported (1), a community-level outbreak is ongoing with evidence of rapid spread and high morbidity and mortality among older adults in long-term care skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) (2,3). However, COVID-19 morbidity among residents of senior independent and assisted living communities, in which residents do not live as closely together as do residents in SNFs and do not require skilled nursing services, has not been described. During March 5-9, 2020, two residents of a senior independent and assisted living community in Seattle (facility 1) were hospitalized with confirmed COVID-19 infection; on March 6, social distancing and other preventive measures were implemented in the community. UW Medicine (the health system linked to the University of Washington), Public Health - Seattle & King County, and CDC conducted an investigation at the facility. On March 10, all residents and staff members at facility 1 were tested for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and asked to complete a questionnaire about their symptoms; all residents were tested again 7 days later. Among 142 residents and staff members tested during the initial phase, three of 80 residents (3.8%) and two of 62 staff members (3.2%) had positive test results. The three residents had no symptoms at the time of testing, although one reported an earlier cough that had resolved. A fourth resident, who had negative test results in the initial phase, had positive test results 7 days later. This resident was asymptomatic on both days. Possible explanations for so few cases of COVID-19 in this residential community compared with those in several Seattle SNFs with high morbidity and mortality include more social distancing among residents and less contact with health care providers. In addition, early implementation of stringent isolation and protective measures after identification of two COVID-19 cases might have been effective in minimizing spread of the virus in this type of setting. When investigating a potential outbreak of COVID-19 in senior independent and assisted living communities, symptom screening is unlikely to be sufficient to identify all persons infected with SARS-CoV-2. Adherence to CDC guidance to prevent COVID-19 transmission in senior independent and assisted living communities (4) could be instrumental in preventing a facility outbreak.

The AUA Curriculum for Medical Students: Current Resources and Developments.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To summarize the advancements and offerings of the American Urological Association's (AUA) Medical Student Education Committee (MSEC). RECENT FINDINGS: The AUA MSEC is focused on advocating for urologic education in medical schools by promoting core principles and practices in urology. The origins of the MSEC go back to 2008. With comprehensive support from the AUA Office of Education, the MSEC continues to refine and expand the resources available for medical students through the AUA Medical Student Curriculum website. The AUA Medical Student Curriculum website offers a repository of resources for medical students. This information is meant to serve as a foundational curriculum for undergraduate medical student education in urology.

Translabial US: Preoperative Detection of Midurethral Sling Erosion in Stress Urinary Incontinence.

Purpose To evaluate the performance of translabial (TL) US in preoperative detection of sling erosion into pelvic organs with cystourethroscopic and surgical correlation. Materials and Methods The study cohort included women who underwent surgery at a subspecialty center (from 2008 to 2016) for suspected mesh complications in the setting of previous midurethral sling placement for stress urinary incontinence (from 1999 to 2012) with available preoperative TL US imaging. Clinical information, the finding of sling erosion identified intraoperatively and at cystourethroscopy, and blinded dual-reader radiologic analysis of the TL US studies for mesh location (intraluminal, mural, or extramural) relative to pelvic organs (bladder, urethra, vagina, or rectum) were evaluated. The diagnostic performance of TL US was correlated with the reference standard of surgical findings. The consensus of two radiologists was recorded, and interobserver agreement was evaluated with the κ statistic. Results Of the 124 women who were suspected of having sling erosion (mean age, 57.5 years ± 11.1 [standard deviation]), 15 women (12.1%) had sling erosion into the urethra or bladder at surgery. Sensitivity and specificity for erosion at TL US were 53% (95% confidence interval: 45%, 62%) and 100% (95% confidence interval: 97%, 100%), respectively, when erosion was defined as only intraluminal mesh products. Sensitivity and specificity for erosion at TL US were 93% (95% confidence interval: 89%, 98%) and 72% (95% confidence interval: 65%, 80%), respectively, when erosion was defined as visualizing either intraluminal or intramural mesh products. Interobserver agreement (κ value) was 0.95. Cystourethroscopy had 67% sensitivity and 100% specificity for sling erosion. Conclusion Preoperative translabial US can be used to detect sling erosion into the lower urinary tract, with sensitivity up to 93% and specificity up to 100%. © RSNA, 2018 Online supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Benson and Phillips in this issue.

Comparison of Times to Ureteral Efflux after Administration of Sodium Fluorescein and Phenazopyridine.

PURPOSE: There is currently a national shortage of indigo carmine. In efforts to identify the most efficient aid for visualizing ureteral efflux intraoperatively we investigated the time to excretion of phenazopyridine vs a newly identified alternative, sodium fluorescein. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed prospectively collected data on a cohort of women who underwent pelvic reconstructive surgery in 2015. Per provider preference patterns a number of patients were administered 200 mg phenazopyridine orally with a sip of water 1 hour prior to the start of operative time. Other patients were given 0.5 ml 10% sodium fluorescein intravenously in the operating room. In all cases time was measured between the administration of the agent and the visualization of color changes consistent with agent efflux in an indwelling catheter, which was placed at the start of the operation. Differences in excretion times between the groups were compared with the Wilcoxon rank sum test. RESULTS: Seven women received phenazopyridine and 5 received sodium fluorescein. Mean excretion time was significantly longer in the phenazopyridine group compared to the sodium fluorescein group (81.9 vs 5.1 minutes, p = 0.0057). Median excretion time for phenazopyridine was 70 minutes (range 59 to 127) and for sodium fluorescein it was 5 minutes (range 3 to 9). CONCLUSIONS: Sodium fluorescein is excreted significantly faster in the operating room compared to phenazopyridine. Depending on the cost of these agents at an institution, in addition to the desire to decrease operative time, this may impact practice patterns and agent selection.

Mesh Perforation into a Viscus in the Setting of Pelvic Floor Surgery-Presentation and Management.

Perforation of a viscus with a mesh product either during or subsequent to pelvic floor reconstruction can be associated with devastating outcomes. If surgeons are going to place mesh, they also need to be familiar with symptoms concerning for perforation. The index of suspicion should always be present, as these patients can present years after initial mesh placement. The best opportunity for intervention in these serious complications is the first intervention. As bits of mesh are chipped away during attempted interventions, residual mesh fragments become disjointed, frayed, and scarred further, making their removal even more challenging, in addition to traumatizing likely already weakened tissues. This review presents strategies for patient evaluation in the setting of possible mesh perforation, in addition to treatment strategies for urethral, bladder, ureteral, and colonic/rectal injury. Ultimately, the decision as to how much mesh is removed should be based on each patient's unique presentation.

Association of rise in C-reactive protein with decline in renal function following partial nephrectomy.

INTRODUCTION: To investigate association of C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of systemic inflammation, with renal functional decline patients undergoing partial nephrectomy (PN) for renal mass. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective study of patients who underwent PN between February 2006-March 2011, with ≥ 6 months follow up. Data was analyzed between two groups: CRP increase ≥ 0.5 mg/L from 6 months postoperative ('CRP rise,' CRPR), versus no CRP increase = 0.5 ('CRP stable,' CRPS). Primary outcome was change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (ΔeGFR, mL/min/1.73 m²), with de novo postoperative stage III chronic kidney disease (stage III-CKD, eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m²) being secondary. Multivariable analysis (MVA) was conducted to identify risk factors for development of de novo stage III-CKD. RESULTS: A total of 243 patients (206 CRPS/37 CRPR) were analyzed. Demographics and R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry scores were similar. CRPR had significantly higher median ΔeGFR (-13.7 versus -32.0 mL/min/1.73 m², p < 0.001) and de novo stage III-CKD at last follow up (43.2% vs. 3.7%, p < 0.001). Median time to CRP rise was 10 (IQR 6.5-12) months. Median time from CRP rise to de novo stage III-CKD was 9 (IQR 7.5-11) months. MVA found RENAL score (OR 1.89, p = 0.001), hypertension (OR 4.75, p = 0.016), and CRP rise (OR 55.76, p < 0.001) were associated with de novo stage III-CKD. Sensitivity of CRP increase ≥ 0.5 for predicting CKD was 69.6%, specificity 93.3%, positive predictive value 55.2%, and negative predictive value 96.3%. CONCLUSION: Rise in CRP postoperatively is independently associated with renal functional decline after PN and may be useful in identifying patients to evaluate for renoprotective strategies. Further studies are requisite to clarify etiology of this association.

Determinants of renal functional decline after open partial nephrectomy: a comparison of warm, cold, and non-ischemic modalities.

INTRODUCTION: Renal functional decline after partial nephrectomy (PN) may be related to a variety of nonmodifiable and modifiable factors, including ischemia time (IT) and modality. We sought to determine the impact of these factors on renal functional degeneration after PN. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Multicenter retrospective analysis (n = 347) was performed, identifying patients who underwent open PN using warm, cold, and non-ischemic techniques. Primary outcome was development of de novo chronic kidney disease (CKD), (estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2), at 1 year follow up. Univariate and multivariable analysis (MVA) were performed examining factors associated with ischemia technique and the development of de novo CKD. RESULTS: Median follow up 34.7 months. Two hundred and forty-one patients underwent warm ischemic, 31 cold ischemic, and 75 clampless PN. Patient characteristics were similar between groups. Clampless group had lower mean RENAL scores (6.4) than cold (7.9, p = 0.005) and warm (7, p = 0.037) ischemia groups. Cold ischemia cohort had longer median IT than the warm cohort (50min versus 25 min, p = 0.001). There were no significant differences in proportion of patients developing de novo CKD (warm 14.9%, cold 15%, clampless 8.7%, p = 0.422). MVA demonstrated that neither ischemic modality nor IT ≥ 30 minutes was associated with development of de novo CKD, while RENAL scores of increasing complexity (RENAL score 7-9 OR 4.32, p = 0.003; RENAL score ≥ 10 OR 15.42, p < 0.001) were independently associated with de novo CKD. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing tumor complexity, as indicated by the RENAL score, was an overriding determinant of post PN renal functional outcome. Prospective investigation is requisite to elucidate risk and protective factors for renal functional degeneration after PN.

Impact of tumour morphology on renal function decline after partial nephrectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association of renal morphology with renal function after partial nephrectomy (PN). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a multi-institutional retrospective analysis of 322 PNs performed between 2003 and 2011. The RENAL nephrometry score for each lesion was determined and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated preoperatively and at last follow-up. We divided patients into two RENAL nephrometry score groups, low (<8) and high (≥8), and analysed and compared the outcomes of each group. The primary outcome was median change in eGFR between preoperative and last follow-up (ΔeGFR). The secondary outcome was eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) at last follow-up. Multivariable analysis was conducted to evaluate the risk factors for eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) at last follow-up. RESULTS: The median (interquartile range) follow-up was 25.2 (13.5-39.3) months. Low (n = 165) and high (n = 157) RENAL score groups were well-matched for baseline eGFR. The median tumour size (4.2 vs 2.4 cm, P < 0.001) was greater for the high group. In all, 64% of the low and 88.2% of the high RENAL score group (P < 0.001) had decreased eGFR at last follow-up. Median eGFR was -7 for the low vs -13.8 mL/min/1.73 m(2) for the high group (P = 0.001); eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) at last follow-up was 27.3% for the low vs 37.6% for the high group (P = 0.057). Linear regression analysis showed that for each 1-point increase in RENAL score, there was 2.5% decrease in eGFR (P = 0.002); for each 1-cm increase in tumour size, there was 1.8% decrease in eGFR (P = 0.013). Area under curve analyses showed no significant difference between RENAL score and tumour size for prediction of de novo eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) (P = 0.920) and ΔeGFR ≥50% (P = 0.85). Multivariable analysis showed that increasing RENAL score (odds ratio [OR] 1.24, P = 0.046) and decreasing preoperative eGFR (OR 1.10, P < 0.001) were risk factors for eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) at last follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing RENAL nephrometry score is an independent risk factor for eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) after PN. RENAL nephrometry score may serve as an additional measure for risk stratification before PN, but further investigation is required.

Occupational hazard: radiation exposure for the urologist--developing a reference standard.

INTRODUCTION: To date, there is a paucity of literature offering practicing urologists a reference for the amount of radiation exposure received while surgically managing urolithiasis. This study examines the cumulative radiation exposure of an urologist over 9 months. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We present a case series of fluoroscopic exposures of an experienced stone surgeon operating at an academic comprehensive stone center between April and December 2011. Radiation exposure measurements were determined by a thermoluminescent dosimeter worn on the outside of the surgeon's thyroid shield. Estimations of radiation exposure (mrem) per month were charted with fluoroscopy times, using scatter plots to estimate Spearman's rank correlation coefficients. RESULTS: The total 9-month radiation exposure was 87 mrems for deep dose equivalent (DDE), 293 mrem for lens dose equivalent (LDE), and 282 mrem for shallow dose equivalent (SDE). Total fluoroscopy time was 252.44 minutes for 64 ureteroscopies (URSs), 29 percutaneous nephrolithtomies (PNLs), 20 cystoscopies with ureteral stent placements, 9 shock wave lithotripsies (SWLs), 9 retrograde pyelograms (RPGs), 2 endoureterotomies, and 1 ureteral balloon dilation. Spearman's rank correlation coefficients examining the association between fluoroscopy time and radiation exposure were not significant for DDE (p = 0.6, Spearman's rho = 0.2), LDE (p = 0.6, Spearman's rho = 0.2), or SDE (p = 0.6, Spearman's rho = 0.2). CONCLUSIONS: Over a 9-month period, total radiation exposures were well below annual accepted limits (DDE 5000 mrem, LDE 15,000 mrem and SDE 50,000 mrem). Although fluoroscopy time did not correlate with radiation exposure, future prospective studies can account for co-variates such as patient obesity and urologist distance from radiation source.

Case Report: A Parotid Abscess With Otorrhea, Drainage via the Fissure of Santorini.

We report a case of a healthy 62-year-old male with no identifiable risk factors who presented with a 2-week history of progressive unilateral parotid gland enlargement and tenderness followed by subsequent otorrhea. A computed tomography scan and ultrasound confirmed a markedly enlarged posterior aspect of the parotid gland with the evidence of necrosis. The culture of aspirated fluid grew Staphylococcus aureus. Purulent fluid was then noted draining from the external auditory canal, via the fissure of Santorini. The patient was treated with antibiotics, pain management, and daily parotid massage with complete resolution of the parotitis. Acute bacterial parotitis with subsequent drainage and otorrhea through the fissures of Santorini is rare, with only a few reported cases in the literature.

Prolonged persistence of PCR-detectable virus during an outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 in an inpatient geriatric psychiatry unit in King County, Washington.

BACKGROUND: We describe key characteristics, interventions, and outcomes of a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak within an inpatient geriatric psychiatry unit at the University of Washington Medical Center - Northwest. METHODS: After identifying 2 patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection on March 11, 2020, we conducted an outbreak investigation and employed targeted interventions including: screening of patients and staff; isolation and cohorting of confirmed cases; serial testing; and enhanced infection prevention measures. RESULTS: We identified 10 patients and 7 staff members with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Thirty percent of patients (n = 3) remained asymptomatic over the course of infection. Among SARS-CoV-2 positive patients, fever (n = 5, 50%) and cough (n = 4, 40%) were the most common symptoms. Median duration of reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) positivity was 25.5 days (interquartile range [IQR] 22.8-41.8) among symptomatic patients and 22.0 days (IQR 19.5-25.5) among asymptomatic patients. Median initial (19.0, IQR 18.7-25.7 vs 21.7, IQR 20.7-25.6) and nadir (18.9, IQR 18.2-20.3 vs 19.8, IQR 17.0-20.7) cycle threshold values were similar across symptomatic and asymptomatic patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Asymptomatic infection was common in this cohort of hospitalized, elderly individuals despite similar duration of SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR positivity and cycle threshold values among symptomatic and asymptomatic patients.

Outbreak Investigation of COVID-19 Among Residents and Staff of an Independent and Assisted Living Community for Older Adults in Seattle, Washington.

IMPORTANCE: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused epidemic spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the Seattle, Washington, metropolitan area, with morbidity and mortality concentrated among residents of skilled nursing facilities. The prevalence of COVID-19 among older adults in independent/assisted living is not understood. OBJECTIVES: To conduct surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 and describe symptoms of COVID-19 among residents and staff of an independent/assisted living community. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: In March 2020, public health surveillance of staff and residents was conducted on site at an assisted and independent living residence for older adults in Seattle, Washington, after exposure to 2 residents who were hospitalized with COVID-19. EXPOSURES: Surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 infection in a congregate setting implementing social isolation and infection prevention protocols. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: SARS-CoV-2 real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed on nasopharyngeal swabs from residents and staff; a symptom questionnaire was completed assessing fever, cough, and other symptoms for the preceding 14 days. Residents were retested for SARS-CoV-2 7 days after initial screening. RESULTS: Testing was performed on 80 residents; 62 were women (77%), with mean age of 86 (range, 69-102) years. SARS-CoV-2 was detected in 3 of 80 residents (3.8%); none felt ill, 1 male resident reported resolved cough and 1 loose stool during the preceding 14 days. Virus was also detected in 2 of 62 staff (3.2%); both were symptomatic. One week later, resident SARS-CoV-2 testing was repeated and 1 new infection detected (asymptomatic). All residents remained in isolation and were clinically stable 14 days after the second test. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in asymptomatic residents highlights challenges in protecting older adults living in congregate settings. In this study, symptom screening failed to identify residents with infections and all 4 residents with SARS-CoV-2 remained asymptomatic after 14 days. Although 1 asymptomatic infection was found on retesting, a widespread facility outbreak was avoided. Compared with skilled nursing settings, in assisted/independent living communities, early surveillance to identify asymptomatic persons among residents and staff, in combination with adherence to recommended preventive strategies, may reduce viral spread.

American Urogynecologic Society Consensus Statement: Cystoscopy at the Time of Prolapse Repair.

Injury to the urinary tract is a known risk of surgical repair of anterior and apical pelvic organ prolapse. Cystoscopy at the time of surgical prolapse repair is a low-risk procedure that can identify genitourinary tract injury by inspecting the bladder and urethra as well as by visualizing the ureters and ureteral efflux. There are several techniques to assist with visualization of ureteral efflux. Identifying injury intraoperatively may allow for mitigation of the morbidity of the injury. Universal cystoscopy should be performed at the time of all pelvic reconstructive surgeries, with the exception of operations solely for posterior compartment defects.

Translabial Ultrasound in Midurethral Sling (Mesh) Visualization and Erosion Detection in Women With Stress Urinary Incontinence: A Retrospective Pilot Study.

Sling erosion is a significant complication of midurethral sling (mesh) placement for stress urinary incontinence, a common pelvic floor disorder. The goal of this retrospective case-control pilot study was to evaluate the performance of translabial ultrasound (TLUS) and magnetic resonance imaging in diagnosing mesh erosion. Therefore, women who underwent surgery in the setting of prior failed midurethral sling for stress urinary incontinence were identified from the hospital database. The case subcohort comprised all women with intraoperatively documented erosion, and the control subcohort comprised an equal number of randomly selected patients without erosion. The data consisted of selected clinical parameters, the presence of erosion at surgery (reference standard) and at cystourethroscopy, and dual-reader preoperative TLUS consensus interpretation for mesh location (intraluminal, mural, and extramural) and erosion (defined as intraluminal or mural mesh location). Odds ratios were calculated for the selected clinical parameters. Of the 198 women identified, 15 (8%) had mesh erosion at surgery into the lower urinary tract. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of TLUS and cystourethroscopy in detecting erosion in the combined group of cases and controls (30 women) were 93%, 88%, and 90%, as well as 67%, 100%, and 83%, respectively (TLUS Cohen κ = 0.85). Thus, TLUS may be a good diagnostic tool in diagnosing mesh erosion. Only 7 of 30 women had pelvic magnetic resonance examination, and mesh fragments were not visualized. Case-control comparison of the selected clinical parameters was not statistically significant.

The Risk of Recurrent Urinary Incontinence Requiring Surgery After Suburethral Sling Removal for Mesh Complications.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to examine the risk of recurrent stress urinary incontinence (SUI) after suburethral sling mesh removal or excision. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients who were continent before removal or excision of synthetic midurethral slings; this cohort of 278 subjects was much larger than seen in previous such studies. Patients with preoperative incontinence, additional vaginal mesh placements, prior mesh revision/excision, existing SUI, and prior pelvic radiation or fistula were excluded. Only patients with follow-up detailing continence status within 1 year of mesh removal were examined. RESULTS: Of 278 patients, 117 (70 retropubic and 47 transobturator) midurethral sling removals met inclusion criteria. Demographic data were comparable between groups. Presenting symptoms were also similar, with similar extrusion rates. Chronic pain was the reason for mesh removal in 80% of cases. In 1 year of follow-up, 38.6% (27/70) retropubic and 34.0% (16/47) transobturator sling removals had SUI requiring an anti-incontinence procedure. Total sling mesh removal was performed in 51.4% of retropubic vaginal mesh and 51.1% of transobturator mesh cases. CONCLUSION: In this continent population with sling complications, approximately 1/3 developed significant SUI within 1 year of mesh removal requiring anti-incontinence surgery, regardless of the amount or type of mesh removed. Total mesh removal did not increase SUI risk.

A Family History of Lethal Prostate Cancer and Risk of Aggressive Prostate Cancer in Patients Undergoing Radical Prostatectomy.

We investigated whether a family history of lethal prostate cancer (PCa) was associated with high-risk disease or biochemical recurrence in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy. A cohort of radical prostatectomy patients was stratified into men with no family history of PCa (NFH); a first-degree relative with PCa (FH); and those with a first-degree relative who had died of PCa (FHD). Demographic, operative and pathologic outcomes were analyzed. Freedom from biochemical recurrence was examined using Kaplan-Meier log rank. A multivariate Cox logistic regression analysis was also performed. We analyzed 471 men who underwent radical prostatectomy at our institution with known family history. The three groups had: 355 patients (75%) in NFH; 97 patients (21%) in FH; and 19 patients (4%) in FHD. The prevalence of a Gleason score ≥8, higher pathologic T stage, and biochemical recurrence (BCR) rates did not significantly differ between groups. On Kaplan-Meier analysis there were no differences in short-term BCR rates (p = 0.212). In this cohort of patients undergoing radical prostatectomy, those with first-degree relatives who died of PCa did not have an increased likelihood of high-risk or aggressive PCa or shorter-term risk of BCR than those who did not.

The effect of a switch to ziprasidone in an adult population with autistic disorder: chart review of naturalistic, open-label treatment.

BACKGROUND: The present investigation retrospectively assessed the effect of an open-label switch to ziprasidone from other atypical antipsychotics on behavior, weight, and lipid levels in an adult population with autistic disorder. METHOD: We conducted a chart review of 10 adults (mean +/- SD age = 43.8 +/- 6.0 years) with DSM-IV autistic disorder who were switched from other atypical antipsychotics to ziprasidone, primarily due to weight gain, but other reasons included hypercholesterolemia, maladaptive behaviors, drowsiness, and depression. They had been treated with ziprasidone for at least 6 months. Our review focused on frequency of maladaptive behaviors, weight, and lipid levels. RESULTS: The mean +/- SD daily dose of ziprasidone was 128 +/- 41 mg, and all 10 patients continued with this same treatment after completion of the 6-month trial. Seven patients were found to have an improvement or no change in their maladaptive behavior. Eight patients (80%) lost weight (mean change = -13.1 +/- 7.0 lb [-5.9 +/- 3.2 kg]), 4 (80%) of 5 patients had a decrease in total cholesterol level, and 3 (60%) of 5 had a decrease in triglyceride levels. Data on lipid levels were available for 5 of the 10 patients. Behavioral activation was not noted in this population. There were no significant adverse effects associated with ziprasidone. CONCLUSION: In adults with autism, a switch to ziprasidone from other atypical antipsychotics appears to have the potential for maintaining beneficial effect on behavior while improving major health indices including weight and lipid levels.