Maternal steroid levels and the autistic traits of the mother and infant.

BACKGROUND: Prenatal sex steroids have been associated with autism in several clinical and epidemiological studies. It is unclear how this relates to the autistic traits of the mother and how early this can be detected during pregnancy and postnatal development. METHODS: Maternal serum was collected from pregnant women (n = 122) before or during their first ultrasound appointment [mean = 12.7 (SD = 0.7) weeks]. Concentrations of the following were measured via immunoassays: testosterone, estradiol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, progesterone; and sex hormone-binding globulin which was used to compute the free fractions of estradiol (FEI) and testosterone (FTI). Standardised human choriogonadotropin (hCG) and pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) values were obtained from clinical records corresponding to the same serum samples. Mothers completed the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) and for their infants, the Quantitative Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (Q-CHAT) when the infants were between 18 and 20 months old. RESULTS: FEI was positively associated with maternal autistic traits in univariate (n = 108, Pearson's r = 0.22, p = 0.019) and multiple regression models (semipartial r = 0.19, p = 0.048) controlling for maternal age and a diagnosis of PCOS. Maternal estradiol levels significantly interacted with fetal sex in predicting infant Q-CHAT scores, with a positive relationship in males but not females (n = 100, interaction term: semipartial r = 0.23, p = 0.036) after controlling for maternal AQ and other covariates. The opposite was found for standardised hCG values and Q-CHAT scores, with a positive association in females but not in males (n = 151, interaction term: r = -0.25, p = 0.005). LIMITATIONS: Sample size of this cohort was small, with potential ascertainment bias given elective recruitment. Clinical covariates were controlled in multiple regression models, but additional research is needed to confirm the statistically significant findings in larger cohorts. CONCLUSION: Maternal steroid factors during pregnancy are associated with autistic traits in mothers and their infants.

The association of sex hormone-binding globulin with mortality is mediated by age and testosterone in men with type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Serum sex hormone-binding globulin levels have been associated with mortality in adult men with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). OBJECTIVES: To confirm the association of serum sex hormone-binding globulin with mortality and then determine whether this association is mediated by age and total testosterone concentration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 364 men (median age: 66 years) with T2DM over a median follow-up of 4.3 years using the Cox regression to study associations between sex hormone-binding globulin, age, total testosterone, and mortality. RESULTS: Mortality was significantly and independently associated with sex hormone-binding globulin, age, and total testosterone. In pairwise combinations of age and sex hormone-binding globulin dichotomized by median values, the association of sex hormone-binding globulin with mortality was age-dependent. Relative to the combination of age >66 years/SHBG >35 nmol/L (mortality 22.5%), the other combinations were associated with significantly less mortality (mortality in men ≤66 years/SHBG ≤ 35 nmol/L was 3.23%). In men >66 years, SHBG ≤ 35 nmol/L was associated with decreased mortality (HR: 0.41, p = 0.037) compared with SHBG > 35 nmol/L. In men ≤66 years, there was no significant difference between those with sex hormone-binding globulin above or below the median (HR: 1.73, p = 0.56, reference: SHBG ≤ 35 nmol/L). TT < 12 nmol/L was associated with increased mortality in both age categories. Men >66 years with the reference combination of SHBG > 35 nmol/L and TT < 12 nmol/L (36.84%) nmol/L had significantly higher mortality than those with SHBG > 35 nmol/L and TT ≥ 12 (18.06%) and those with SHBG ≤ 35 nmol/L and TT < 12 nmol/L (13.79%). DISCUSSION: Our data suggest sex hormone-binding globulin and total testosterone have particular impact on mortality in men aged over 66 years. Further, in older men, the combination of high sex hormone-binding globulin levels and low total testosterone is associated with greater risk than either high sex hormone-binding globulin or low total testosterone individually. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings are compatible with data suggesting the importance of sex hormone-binding globulin lies in mediating free testosterone levels.

Testosterone replacement therapy: improved sexual desire and erectile function in men with type 2 diabetes following a 30-week randomized placebo-controlled study.

Although testosterone replacement treatment (TRT) can improve sexual function in many hypogonadal (HG) men with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), some show either no improvement or only in a limited number of domains. Indeed, it is often difficult for the clinician to offer an indication of the likely efficacy of TRT as little data exist on the proportion of TRT-treated men who will demonstrate improvement in domains such as sexual desire (SxD) and erectile function (EF). We describe in men with T2DM: firstly, the likelihood of improved sexual desire (SxD) and erectile function (EF) following TRT at various time points, and secondly, if probability of SxD change predicted likelihood of subsequent EF change. During a 30-week randomized controlled study of testosterone undecanoate (TU), 199 T2DM men with HG (189 men completing) identified from primary care registers (placebo (P): 107, TU: 92) were stratified using baseline total testosterone (TT)/free testosterone (FT) into Mild (TT 8.1-12 nmol/L or FT 0.18-0.25 nmol/L) and Severe HG groups (TT ≤8 nmol/L and FT ≤0.18 nmol/L) and placebo (P)- and TU-treated groups. Associations between TU, SxD and EF were investigated using chi-square and logistic regression analysis. The proportion of men with improved SxD after 6 weeks and EF improvement after 30 weeks was significantly higher following TU treatment compared to P, this particularly evident in Severe HG men. Changes in SxD and EF were significantly associated in all groups. Logistic regression showed that SxD change at 6 weeks predicted of EF change after 30 weeks. Our study confirms TRT leads to changes in SxD and EF at different time points and suggests SxD and EF changes are related. SxD change after 6 weeks predicting EF change at 30 weeks is possibly a useful clinical finding.

Premenopausal abnormal uterine bleeding and risk of endometrial cancer.

BACKGROUND: Endometrial biopsies are undertaken in premenopausal women with abnormal uterine bleeding but the risk of endometrial cancer or atypical hyperplasia is unclear. OBJECTIVES: To conduct a systematic literature review to establish the risk of endometrial cancer and atypical hyperplasia in premenopausal women with abnormal uterine bleeding. SEARCH STRATEGY: Search of PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library from database inception to August 2015. SELECTION CRITERIA: Studies reporting rates of endometrial cancer and/or atypical hyperplasia in women with premenopausal abnormal uterine bleeding. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Data were independently extracted by two reviewers and cross-checked. For each outcome, the risk and a 95% CI were estimated using logistic regression with robust standard errors to account for clustering by study. MAIN RESULTS: Sixty-five articles contributed to the analysis. Risk of endometrial cancer was 0.33% (95% CI 0.23-0.48%, n = 29 059; 97 cases) and risk of endometrial cancer or atypical hyperplasia was 1.31% (95% CI 0.96-1.80, n = 15 772; 207 cases). Risk of endometrial cancer was lower in women with heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) (0.11%, 95% CI 0.04-0.32%, n = 8352; 9 cases) compared with inter-menstrual bleeding (IMB) (0.52%, 95% CI 0.23-1.16%, n = 3109; 14 cases). Of five studies reporting the rate of atypical hyperplasia in women with HMB, none identified any cases. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of endometrial cancer or atypical hyperplasia in premenopausal women with abnormal uterine bleeding is low. Premenopausal women with abnormal uterine bleeding should first undergo conventional medical management. Where this fails, the presence of IMB and older age may be indicators for further investigation. Further research into the risks associated with age and the cumulative risk of co-morbidities is needed. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Contrary to practice, premenopausal women with heavy periods or inter-menstrual bleeding rarely require biopsy.

Serum testosterone, testosterone replacement therapy and all-cause mortality in men with type 2 diabetes: retrospective consideration of the impact of PDE5 inhibitors and statins.

BACKGROUND: Low testosterone levels occur in over 40% of men with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and have been associated with increased mortality. Testosterone replacement together with statins and phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (PDE5I) are widely used in men with T2DM. PURPOSE: To determine the impact of testosterone and testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) on mortality and assess the independence of this effect by adjusting statistical models for statin and PDE5I use. METHODS: We studied 857 men with T2DM screened from five primary care practices during April 2007-April 2009. Of the 857 men, 175/637 men with serum total testosterone ≤ 12 nmol/l or free testosterone (FT) ≤ 0.25 nmol/l received TU for a mean of 3.8 ± 1.2 (SD) years. PDE5I and statins were prescribed to 175/857 and 662/857 men respectively. All-cause mortality was the primary end-point. Cox regression models were used to compare survival in the three testosterone level/treatment groups, the analysis adjusted for age, statin and PDE5I use, BMI, blood pressure and lipids. RESULTS: Compared with the Low T/untreated group, mortality in the Normal T/untreated (HR: 0.62, CI: 0.41-0.94) or Low T/treated (HR: 0.38, CI: 0.16-0.90) groups was significantly reduced. PDE5I use was significantly associated with reduced mortality (HR: 0.21, CI: 0.066-0.68). After repeating the Cox regression in the 682 men not given a PDE5I, mortality in the Normal T/untreated and Low T/treated groups was significantly lower than that in the reference Low T/untreated group. Mortality in the PDE5I/treated was significantly reduced compared with the PDE5I/untreated group (OR: 0.06, CI: 0.009-0.47). CONCLUSIONS: Testosterone replacement therapy is independently associated with reduced mortality in men with T2DM. PDE5I use, included as a confounding factor, was associated with decreased mortality in all patients and, those not on TRT, suggesting independence of effect. The impact of PDE5I treatment on mortality (both HR and OR < 0.25) needs confirmation by independent studies.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy and Mortality in Older Men.

While US testosterone prescriptions have tripled in the last decade with lower trends in Europe, debate continues over the risks, benefits and appropriate use of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Several authors blame advertising and the availability of more convenient formulations, whilst others have pointed out that the routine testing of men with erectile dysfunction (ED) (a significant marker of cardiovascular risk) and those with diabetes would inevitably increase the diagnosis of hypogonadism and lead to an increase in totally appropriate prescribing. They commented that this was merely an appropriate correction of previous under-diagnosis and under-treatment in line with evidence based guidelines. It is unlikely that persuasive advertising or convenient formulations could grow a market over such a sustained period if the treatment was not effective. Urologists and primary care physicians are the most frequent initiators of TRT usually for ED. Benefits are clearly established for sexual function, increase in lean muscle mass and strength, mood and cognitive function, with a possible reduction in frailty and osteoporosis. There remains no evidence that TRT is associated with increased risk of prostate cancer or symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia, yet the decision to initiate and continue therapy is often decided by urologists. The cardiovascular issues associated with TRT have been clarified by recent studies showing that therapy associated with clear increases in serum testosterone levels to the normal range is associated with reduced all-cause mortality. Studies reporting to show increased risk have been subject to flawed designs with inadequate baseline diagnosis and follow-up testing. Effectively, they have compared non-treated patients with under-treated or non-compliant subjects involving a range of different therapy regimes. Recent evidence suggests long-acting injections may be associated with decreased cardiovascular risk, but the transdermal route may be associated with potentially relatively greater risk because of conversion to dihydrotestosterone by the effect of 5-alpha reductase in skin. The multiple effects of TRT may add up to a considerable benefit to the patient that might be underestimated by the physician primarily concerned with his own specialty. In a response to concerns about the possible risks associated with inappropriate prescribing expressed by Public Citizen, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published a complete refutation of all the concerns, only to issue a subsequent bulletin of concern over inappropriate use, whilst confirming the benefits in treating men with established testosterone deficiency. No additional evidence was provided for this apparent change of opinion, but longer term safety data on testosterone products were strongly suggested. In contrast, the European Medicines Agency (EMA), in November 2014, concluded that "there is no consistent evidence of increased cardiovascular risk with testosterone products". This paper explores the most recent evidence surrounding the benefits and risks associated with TRT.

Testosterone deficiency, cardiac health, and older men.

Low levels of testosterone are manifested by erectile dysfunction, reduced sexual desire, and loss of morning erections with increasing numbers of men are being diagnosed and require treatment. The prevalence rates of testosterone deficiency vary according to different studies but may be as high as 40% in populations of patients with type 2 diabetes. There is increasing evidence that testosterone deficiency is associated with increased cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. Screening for low testosterone is recommended in a number of high risk groups including those with type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. There are recent data to suggest that testosterone replacement therapy may reduce cardiovascular mortality as well as improving multiple surrogate markers for cardiovascular events. Specific clinical trials of testosterone replacement therapy are needed in selected populations but in the meantime we must treat patients based on the best current evidence.

The response to testosterone undecanoate in men with type 2 diabetes is dependent on achieving threshold serum levels (the BLAST study).

BACKGROUND: The association between testosterone deficiency and insulin resistance in men with type 2 diabetes is well established. Current Endocrine Society and European Association of Urology guidelines recommend the measurement of testosterone levels in all men with type 2 diabetes and in men suffering from erectile dysfunction. It is recognised that a range of physical symptoms appear as the testosterone level falls but few studies have addressed the threshold at which symptoms improve with physiological replacement. We report the first double-blind placebo-controlled study conducted exclusively in a male type 2 diabetes population to assess the metabolic changes with testosterone replacement. METHODS: The type 2 diabetes registers of seven general practices were screened to establish the prevalence of low testosterone and the associations with diabetes control. Of 550 eligible patients approached, 488 men (mean age 62.6) consented to take part in screening with a morning testosterone level, assessed between 8 and 11 am. This identified 211 patients for a double-blind placebo-controlled study of long acting testosterone undecanoate (TU) 1000 mg lasting 30 weeks followed by 52 weeks of open label use. The population was divided into a SEVERE group with either total testosterone (TT) of 8 nmol/l or less or free testosterone (FT) 180 pmol/l or less or a MILD group with TT 8.1-12 nmol/l or FT 181-250 pmol/l. RESULTS: Men in the SEVERE group increased mean through TT from 7.73 nmol/l at baseline to 9.93 at 30 weeks and the MILD group from 10.47 to 11.94. The SEVERE group showed marked improvement in sexual function, but no significant improvement in metabolic parameters. The MILD group showed no improvement in sexual function, but significant improvement in weight, body mass index, waist circumference and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Improvement was seen in all parameters during 52 weeks open label treatment where trough TT levels approached 15 nmol/l. Baseline prostate-specific antigen (PSA) was lower in the SEVERE group and increased with TU for 30 weeks and then stabilised. There was no increase in PSA with treatment in the MILD group. CONCLUSIONS: Testosterone undecanoate significantly improves sexual parameters and Ageing Male Symptom Score, but not metabolic factors at 30 weeks in men with SEVERE testosterone deficiency syndrome (TDS). In men with MILD TDS, significant improvements in metabolic but not sexual parameters were seen, suggesting that there are threshold levels for response to testosterone replacement therapy and that trials of therapy need to achieve sustained therapeutic levels to be effective. PSA showed minor rises, but only for 30 weeks in the SEVERE group.

The assessment of vascular risk in men with erectile dysfunction: the role of the cardiologist and general physician.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) share risk factors and frequently coexist, with endothelial dysfunction believed to be the pathophysiologic link. ED is common, affecting more than 70% of men with known CVD. In addition, clinical studies have demonstrated that ED in men with no known CVD often precedes a CVD event by 2-5 years. ED severity has been correlated with increasing plaque burden in patients with coronary artery disease. ED is an independent marker of increased CVD risk including all-cause and especially CVD mortality, particularly in men aged 30-60 years. Thus, ED identifies a window of opportunity for CVD risk mitigation. We recommend that a thorough history, physical exam (including visceral adiposity), assessment of ED severity and duration and evaluation including fasting plasma glucose, lipids, resting electrocardiogram, family history, lifestyle factors, serum creatinine (estimated glomerular filtration rate) and albumin:creatinine ratio, and determination of the presence or absence of the metabolic syndrome be performed to characterise cardiovascular risk in all men with ED. Assessment of testosterone levels should also be considered and biomarkers may help to further quantify risk, even though their roles in development of CVD have not been firmly established. Finally, we recommend that a question about ED be included in assessment of CVD risk in all men and be added to CVD risk assessment guidelines.

Erectile dysfunction and lower urinary tract symptoms: a consensus on the importance of co-diagnosis.

Despite differences in design, many large epidemiological studies using well-powered multivariate analyses consistently provide overwhelming evidence of a link between erectile dysfunction (ED) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Preclinical evidence suggests that several common pathophysiological mechanisms are involved in the development of both ED and LUTS. We recommend that patients seeking consultation for one condition should always be screened for the other condition. We propose that co-diagnosis would ensure that patient management accounts for all possible co-morbid and associated conditions. Medical, socio-demographic and lifestyle risk factors can help to inform diagnoses and should be taken into consideration during the initial consultation. Awareness of risk factors may alert physicians to patients at risk of ED or LUTS and so allow them to manage patients accordingly; early diagnosis of ED in patients with LUTS, for example, could help reduce the risk of subsequent cardiovascular disease. Prescribing physicians should be aware of the sexual adverse effects of many treatments currently recommended for LUTS; sexual function should be evaluated prior to commencement of treatment, and monitored throughout treatment to ensure that the choice of drug is appropriate.

Testosterone and the heart.

Several large scale studies in recent years have demonstrated increased cardiovascular mortality in men with low testosterone, especially those with existing cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. In some patients the baseline measurement was a single total testosterone level, in others the association was seen only with free or bioavailable testosterone. These differences are most likely related to different characteristics of the cohorts studied in terms of age, obesity and presence of metabolic syndrome. Other smaller studies show consistent benefit from testosterone replacement in terms of reduced insulin resistance, HbA1c, total, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides and inflammatory markers for CHD. There is clear evidence for a reduction in visceral and lean fat mass, improvement in sexual function, mood and symptom scores. Whilst most of these benefits are modest, the combined effect on these surrogate markers for cardiovascular risk is considerable and the improvement in well-being is likely to be welcomed by patients. There is early evidence from non-randomised studies that physiological testosterone replacement is extremely safe and may reduce cardiovascular mortality. The fact that few patients in potentially risk groups are being screened and treated is probably because of the wide range of specialities involved and the reluctance of one discipline to embrace and manage testosterone deficiency.

Cardiovascular risk, drugs and erectile function--a systematic analysis.

AIMS: Erectile dysfunction is a major problem with an increasing prevalence in cardiovascular high-risk patients due to its association with cardiovascular risk factors. Drugs used for evidence-based treatment of cardiovascular diseases have been reported to decrease erectile function, but possible mechanisms are poorly characterised. METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Registry search were performed including manuscripts until January 2010. Searching terms are: 'erectile dysfunction or impotence' in combination with 'ACE-inhibitors', 'angiotensin', 'beta-blockers', 'calcium antagonist' and 'diuretics'. Animal studies, letters, reviews, case-reports and manuscripts other than English language and trials dealing with combination treatment are excluded. RESULTS: Analysis of literature revealed five epidemiological trials evaluating the effect of different cardiovascular drugs on erectile function. There were eight trials evaluating the effect of beta-blockers, five trials evaluating the effect of ace-inhibitors or angiotensin-receptor-blockers and one trial evaluating the effect of diuretics on erectile function. Results of these trials demonstrate that only thiazide diuretics and beta-blockers except nebivolol may adversely influence erectile function. ACE-inhibitors, angiotensin-receptor-blockers and calcium-channel-blockers are reported to have no relevant or even a positive effect on erectile function. CONCLUSION: Inappropriate patients' concerns about adverse effects of cardiovascular drugs on erectile function might limit the use of important medications in cardiovascular high-risk patients. Knowledge about the effects of drug-treatments on erectile function and about the major role of the endothelium in penile function might improve patients' adherence to evidence based treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Minimally-invasive fetal autopsy using magnetic resonance imaging and percutaneous organ biopsies: clinical value and comparison to conventional autopsy.

OBJECTIVES: Autopsy is an important investigation following fetal death or termination for fetal abnormality. Postmortem magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provide macroscopic information of comparable quality to that of conventional autopsy in the event of perinatal death. It does not provide tissue for histological examination, which may limit the quality of counseling for recurrence risks and elucidation of the cause of death. We sought to examine the comparability and clinical value of a combination of postmortem MRI and percutaneous fetal organ biopsies (minimally invasive autopsy (MIA)) with conventional fetal autopsy. METHODS: Forty-four fetuses underwent postmortem MRI and attempted percutaneous biopsy (using surface landmarks) of major fetal organs (liver, lung, heart, spleen, kidney, adrenal and thymus) following fetal death or termination for abnormality, prior to conventional autopsy, which was considered the 'gold standard'. We compared significant findings of the two examinations for both diagnostic information and clinical significance. Ancillary investigations (such as radiographs and placental histology) were regarded as common to the two forms of autopsy. RESULTS: In 21 cases conventional autopsy provided superior diagnostic information to that of MIA. In two cases the MIA provided superior diagnostic information to that of conventional autopsy, when autolysis prevented detailed examination of the fetal brain. In the remaining 21 cases, conventional autopsy and MIA provided equivalent diagnostic information. With regard to clinical significance, however, in 32 (72.7%) cases, the MIA provided information of at least equivalent clinical significance to that of conventional autopsy. In no case did the addition of percutaneous biopsies reveal information of additional clinical significance. CONCLUSIONS: Although in some cases MRI may provide additional information, conventional perinatal autopsy remains the gold standard for the investigation of fetal death. The utility of adding percutaneous organ biopsies, without imaging guidance, to an MRI-based fetal autopsy remains unproven. Postmortem MRI, combined with ancillary investigations such as placental histology, external examination by a pathologist, cytogenetics and plain radiography provided information of equivalent clinical significance in the majority of cases.

Cord coiling, umbilical cord insertion and placental shape in an unselected cohort delivering at term: relationship with common obstetric outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The position of the placental cord insertion, its shape and cord coiling are thought to be associated with perinatal outcome. This study derives indices describing the relationship of cord insertion to the placental centre, the shape of the placenta and cord coiling in placentas from unselected term pregnancies. Further, we investigate these indices in pregnancies affected by pre-eclampsia (PET), pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and delivery of a small for gestational age (SGA) baby. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY: Eight hundred and sixty one unselected women with singleton pregnancy delivering at 37-42 weeks were prospectively recruited to this study. Placental axes and their relationship with the cord insertion were measured using digital photography and proprietary software. From these, the cord centrality (distance of umbilical cord insertion from the centre) and placental eccentricity (deviation of the placental shape from circular) were derived. The cord coiling index (number of coils in the cord divided by the length of cord in cm) was also calculated from manual measurements. RESULTS: The mean value of cord centrality index was 0.36 (SD = 0.21) and of placental eccentricity 0.49 (SD = 0.17). Left direction of umbilical cord coiling was more common than right (79% vs 16.4%) The mean cord coiling index was 0.20 (SD = 0.09) coils/cm. The indices were constant between 37 and 42 weeks and were no different in the non-affected population compared to women with pre-eclampsia (n = 17), PIH, (n = 27), GDM (n = 38) or delivery of an SGA baby (n = 54). CONCLUSION: The cord centrality index that we derive suggests that the cord insertion is most commonly 'off centre', and eccentricity index that the placental shape is elliptical. Therefore, contrary to widely held belief, the cord does not normally insert centrally nor is the placenta normally round in shape. There is a preponderance of left sided coiling. There was no difference for any of the indices between the non-affected pregnancies and pregnancies affected by pre-eclampsia, PIH, GDM and SGA.

The relationship between first trimester fetal growth, pregnancy-associated plasma protein A levels and birthweight.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to define the relationship between first trimester fetal growth, pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) levels and birthweight. METHODS: Two-hundred and one women with repeat first trimester crown-rump length (CRL) measurements were included. In 194, the first trimester PAPP-A value was known and in 169 there was complete data including birthweight. Fetal growth curves were derived using functional linear discriminant analysis (FLDA) and growth compared between those with < 10th percentile, 10th to 90th and > 90th percentile PAPP-A multiple of median (MoM) levels and birthweight percentiles. RESULTS: Median maternal age was 35 years, gestation at PAPP-A sampling and of first scan was 11 weeks. Median delivery gestation was 40 weeks and birthweight 3425 g. There was no association between first trimester fetal CRL growth and either PAPP-A MoM percentile or birthweight percentile. There was a significant positive correlation between PAPP-A MoM and birthweight percentile (p = 0.0004). CONCLUSIONS: First trimester fetal growth rate is not related to birthweight percentile or first trimester PAPP-A levels. Irrespective of gestation, a low PAPP-A is associated with delivery of a smaller baby, and a high PAPP-A with a larger baby.

Erectile dysfunction and coronary artery disease prediction: evidence-based guidance and consensus.

* A significant proportion of men with erectile dysfunction (ED) exhibit early signs of coronary artery disease (CAD), and this group may develop more severe CAD than men without ED (Level 1, Grade A). * The time interval among the onset of ED symptoms and the occurrence of CAD symptoms and cardiovascular events is estimated at 2-3 years and 3-5 years respectively; this interval allows for risk factor reduction (Level 2, Grade B). * ED is associated with increased all-cause mortality primarily due to increased cardiovascular mortality (Level 1, Grade A). * All men with ED should undergo a thorough medical assessment, including testosterone, fasting lipids, fasting glucose and blood pressure measurement. Following assessment, patients should be stratified according to the risk of future cardiovascular events. Those at high risk of cardiovascular disease should be evaluated by stress testing with selective use of computed tomography (CT) or coronary angiography (Level 1, Grade A). * Improvement in cardiovascular risk factors such as weight loss and increased physical activity has been reported to improve erectile function (Level 1, Grade A). * In men with ED, hypertension, diabetes and hyperlipidaemia should be treated aggressively, bearing in mind the potential side effects (Level 1, Grade A). * Management of ED is secondary to stabilising cardiovascular function, and controlling cardiovascular symptoms and exercise tolerance should be established prior to initiation of ED therapy (Level 1, Grade A). * Clinical evidence supports the use of phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors as first-line therapy in men with CAD and comorbid ED and those with diabetes and ED (Level 1, Grade A). * Total testosterone and selectively free testosterone levels should be measured in all men with ED in accordance with contemporary guidelines and particularly in those who fail to respond to PDE5 inhibitors or have a chronic illness associated with low testosterone (Level 1, Grade A). * Testosterone replacement therapy may lead to symptomatic improvement (improved wellbeing) and enhance the effectiveness of PDE5 inhibitors (Level 1, Grade A). * Review of cardiovascular status and response to ED therapy should be performed at regular intervals (Level 1, Grade A).

Services for erectile dysfunction in the UK - a 12-month review of referrals to a west Midlands NHS clinic.

INTRODUCTION: Few studies have addressed the health economics of the provision of services for sexual dysfunction within the National Health Service. AIM: To evaluate the referral patterns, workload and prescribing costs in secondary care resulting from government guidance on erectile dysfunction (ED). METHOD: A review of 324 consecutive referral letters to the Good Hope Hospital Erectile Dysfunction Clinic was conducted to assess the purpose of referral. Prescribing data and costs were assessed over the same 2-year period. RESULTS: Severe distress was the main reason for referral in 54% of referrals. Long term prescribing according to government guidance doubled the cost of care and created an unsustainable increase in clinic and pharmacy workload. CONCLUSIONS: Existing regulations designed to control costs of ED therapy have created health inequalities, waste of resources and have increased the overall cost of care.

The burden and extent of comorbid conditions in patients with erectile dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common sexual problem in men. Under-reporting of ED is widespread, largely because of the embarrassing nature of the condition. AIM: This paper reviews the comorbid conditions that are commonly found in patients with ED patients and discusses the implications. DISCUSSION: Erectile dysfunction is often associated with other disorders such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, obesity, depression, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lower urinary tract symptoms. Although the aetiology of ED is multifactorial, some of the associated comorbid conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease and hypertension, can be a primary cause of ED. Similarly, ED could be a useful marker for comorbid conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Effective treatments for ED are available, including the three phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors sildenafil citrate, tadalafil and vardenafil HCl. CONCLUSIONS: Thorough medical screening of patients with ED is advisable, as this could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment of comorbid conditions. Conversely, men with conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity and depression may have undiagnosed ED and should be questioned appropriately to ascertain any erectile problems and initiate appropriate treatment.