Increasing HPV Vaccination Rates in the Primary Care Setting.

Background: Globally, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in females, with more than 70% caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) genotype 16/18. The high mortality rate could be reduced with early intervention through the administration of the HPV vaccine. Objective: The purpose of this project was to increase the HPV vaccination rates in the primary care setting by bundling the HPV vaccine with routine vaccines (Tdap), meningococcal, and influenza. Method:The electronic medical record was used to identify patients due for the HPV vaccine series. Each patient received a vaccine reminder letter detailing each vaccine recommended during the visit and their rights to accept or decline the vaccines. Results: Findings revealed bundling the vaccine increased the HPV vaccination rates up to 400% when compared with the previous year. Conclusion: This implementation process has the potential to improve the health of the population by increasing the HPV vaccination rates and decreasing the high mortality rates and costs associated with cervical cancers or precancers. Implications for Nursing: The evidence-based practice of bundling the HPV vaccine, educating the staff, and providing written information to the patients is recommended for advanced practical registered nurses to improve the health of the population.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome.

PURPOSE: This guideline provides direction to clinicians and patients regarding how to recognize interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS), conduct a valid diagnostic process, and approach treatment with the goals of maximizing symptom control and patient quality of life while minimizing adverse events and patient burden. METHODS: An initial systematic review of the literature using the MEDLINE® database (search dates 1/1/83-7/22/09) was conducted to identify peer-reviewed publications relevant to the diagnosis and treatment of IC/BPS. The review yielded an evidence base of 86 treatment articles after application of inclusion/exclusion criteria. In July 2013, the Guideline underwent an Update Literature Review, a process in which an additional literature search is conducted and a systematic review is produced in order to maintain guideline currency with newly published literature. The 2013 review identified an additional 31 articles relevant to treatment. An Update Literature Review in 2022 (search dates: 06/2013-01/2021) identified 63 studies, 53 of which were added to the evidence base. RESULTS: In contrast to the prior versions, the 2022 updated Guideline no longer divides treatments into first-line through sixth-line tiers. Instead, treatment is categorized into behavioral/non-pharmacologic, oral medicines, bladder instillations, procedures, and major surgery. This approach reinforces that the clinical approach for IC/BPS needs to be individualized and based on the unique characteristics of each patient. In addition, new statements were written to provide guidance on cystoscopy for patients with Hunner lesions, shared decision-making, and potential adverse events from pentosan polysulfate. The supporting text on major surgery also has been completely revised. CONCLUSION: IC/BPS is a heterogeneous clinical syndrome. Even though patients present with similar symptoms of bladder/pelvic pain and pressure/discomfort associated with urinary frequency and strong urge to urinate, there are subgroups or phenotypes within IC/BPS. Except for patients with Hunner lesions, initial treatment should typically be nonsurgical. Concurrent, multi-modal therapies may be offered.

Methenamine Prophylaxis for Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections in a Tertiary Referral Center.

INTRODUCTION: Methenamine hippurate (MH) is a urinary antiseptic, indicated for prophylaxis of recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) but with only few and limited studies regarding its efficacy. To help address this knowledge gap we reviewed our experience with MH for UTI prophylaxis, focusing on women with recurrent uncomplicated UTIs. METHODS: The University of Kentucky electronic health record was queried to identify adults who were prescribed MH from the urology clinic between January 2013 and January 2019. Charts were reviewed to assess patient-reported UTI frequency, demographics and relevant health factors. Treatment success was defined as 0-1 UTI in 6 months or 0-2 UTIs in 1 year. RESULTS: Of 670 patients prescribed MH, 508 did not meet inclusion criteria. The most common reasons for exclusion were complicated UTI, no return visit, treatment nonadherence and insufficient followup time. The primary study population was 162 women with recurrent uncomplicated UTIs: 41 premenopausal and 121 postmenopausal. Success rates with MH were 83% and 77%, respectively. Success rates were not significantly associated with age, diabetes, immune suppression, high-tone pelvic floor dysfunction or (if postmenopausal) vaginal estrogen use. Exploratory study of patients using intermittent catheterization showed success in 20 of 30 patients (67%). CONCLUSIONS: MH had high success rates for premenopausal and postmenopausal women with recurrent uncomplicated UTIs. Patients using catheters had lower success rates. Prospective trials would strengthen the evidence to guide decisions for treatment and insurance coverage.

Debriefing in the OR: A Quality Improvement Project.

Ineffective communication can contribute to perioperative adverse events even when a safety checklist is used. The purpose of this project was to improve the overall debriefing process of the surgical safety checklist. We included coaches and used the International Classification for Patient Safety for categorizing any opportunities for improvement that were identified during the debriefing process. The results of our project showed an increase in both the total number of debriefings completed and the number of items discussed when completing the debriefing checklist in comparison with the preintervention compliance audits. We concluded that by using a coaching strategy and method to categorize perioperative opportunities for improvement during the debriefing process, there was improved compliance with completing the debriefing process in our facility.

Elevated Urine Levels of Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor in Inflammatory Bladder Conditions: A Potential Biomarker for a Subgroup of Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome Patients.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether urinary levels of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) are elevated in interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) patients with Hunner lesions and also whether urine MIF is elevated in other forms of inflammatory cystitis. METHODS: Urine samples were assayed for MIF by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Urine samples from 3 female groups were examined: IC/BPS patients without (N = 55) and with Hunner lesions (N = 43), and non-IC/BPS patients (N = 100; control group; no history of IC/BPS; cancer or recent bacterial cystitis). Urine samples from 3 male groups were examined: patients with bacterial cystitis (N = 50), radiation cystitis (N = 18) and noncystitis patients (N = 119; control group; negative for bacterial cystitis). RESULTS: Urine MIF (mean MIF pg/mL ± standard error of the mean) was increased in female IC/BPS patients with Hunner lesions (2159 ± 435.3) compared with IC/BPS patients without Hunner lesions (460 ± 114.5) or non-IC/BPS patients (414 ± 47.6). Receiver operating curve analyses showed that urine MIF levels discriminated between the 2 IC groups (area under the curve = 72%; confidence interval 61%-82%). Male patients with bacterial and radiation cystitis had elevated urine MIF levels (2839 ± 757.1 and 4404 ± 1548.1, respectively) compared with noncystitis patients (681 ± 75.2). CONCLUSION: Urine MIF is elevated in IC/BPS patients with Hunner lesions and also in patients with other bladder inflammatory and painful conditions. MIF may also serve as a noninvasive biomarker to select IC/BPS patients more accurately for endoscopic evaluation and possible anti-inflammatory treatment.

The Challenges of Interstitial Cystitis: Current Status and Future Prospects.

Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is a syndrome of unpleasant bladder sensations and lower urinary tract symptoms. The three main proposed etiologies are bladder urothelial dysfunction, bladder inflammation (possible neurogenic), and neuropathic pain. Despite decades of basic and clinical research, IC/BPS remains difficult to treat. A variety of treatments are used, each aimed towards one etiology. For example, glycosaminoglycans are thought to improve the urothelial permeability barrier, anti-inflammatory agents are used to decrease general inflammation, and mast cell stabilizers and/or antagonists of mast cell products are used in the treatment of neurogenic inflammation. In the (unfortunately frequent) event that a treatment fails, possible reasons are that (1) the clinician is aiming towards the wrong etiology for that patient (i.e., the treatment is off target) or (2) the correct etiology is being targeted, but the treatment is not ameliorating it (i.e., the treatment is sub-therapeutic). This is a crucial distinction, because an off-target treatment should be abandoned, but a sub-therapeutic treatment should be escalated. Currently, our inability to make this crucial distinction is the greatest obstacle to effective treatment. An important future advance would be to identify urine or serum biomarkers specific to each etiologic target. Then, each biomarker could be used to select appropriate patients for each treatment and monitor the treatment's effect on its intended target.

Diagnosis and treatment of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome: AUA guideline amendment.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this amendment is to provide an updated clinical framework for the diagnosis and treatment of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome based upon data received since the publication of original guideline in 2011. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic literature review using the MEDLINE(®) database (search dates 1/1/83-7/22/09) was conducted to identify peer-reviewed publications relevant to the diagnosis and treatment of IC/BPS. This initial review yielded an evidence base of 86 treatment articles after application of inclusion/exclusion criteria. The AUA update literature review process, in which an additional systematic review is conducted periodically to maintain guideline currency with newly published relevant literature, was conducted in July 2013. This review identified an additional 31 articles, which were added to the evidence base of this Guideline. RESULTS: Newly incorporated literature describing the treatment of IC/BPS was integrated into the Guideline with additional treatment information provided as Clinical Principles and Expert Opinions when insufficient evidence existed. The diagnostic portion of the Guideline remains unchanged from the original publication and is still based on Expert Opinions and Clinical Principles. CONCLUSIONS: The management of IC/BPS continues to evolve as can be seen by an expanding literature on the topic. This document constitutes a clinical strategy and is not intended to be interpreted rigidly. The most effective approach for a particular patient is best determined by the individual clinician and patient. As the science relevant to IC/BPS evolves and improves, the strategies presented will require amendment to remain consistent with the highest standards of care.

Diagnosis and treatment of arterial-ureteric fistula.

A 45-year-old woman presented with gross hematuria. She had previously undergone an aortobifemoral bypass that subsequently became infected. The infected graft was removed and replaced with homograft. An arterioureteric fistula was identified with angiography and the patient was treated with an iCast stent graft. Diagnosis of arterioureteric fistula should be suspected in patients with gross hematuria and associated risk factors. We would recommend angiography for diagnosis and simultaneous treatment with a stent graft, although the long-term durability and outcome is unknown.

Barriers to physical activity in people with type 2 diabetes enrolled in a worksite diabetes disease management program.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore the level of physical activity, barriers to physical activity, and strategies used to meet physical activity goals in people with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). METHODS: A descriptive, cross-sectional design was used in a sample of 75 adults with T2DM enrolled in a worksite diabetes disease management program (WDDMP). Participants self-reported the length of time they engaged in moderate-intensity physical activity, the frequency of general and specific physical activity, and barriers to participating in physical activity. RESULTS: Participants who chose to work on physical activity as part of their diabetes self-management had a higher stage of change for physical activity and participated in more general and specific physical activity than did those participants who did not choose to work on physical activity. Participants who were active reported fewer barriers to physical activity and chose to work on more self-care areas to control their diabetes than did those participants who were inactive. CONCLUSIONS: Participants who chose to work on physical activity participated in more general and specific physical activity and had a higher stage of change for physical activity. Stage of change affects physical activity. While results provide support for the stages of change construct of the transtheoretical model of change, the results do not support that the WDDMP assisted participants in achieving their physical activity goals.

Management of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome: a urology perspective.

Management of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is individualized for each patient. All patients benefit from education and self-care advice. Patients with Hunner lesions usually respond well to fulguration or triamcinolone injection, which can be repeated when the symptoms and lesions recur. For patients without Hunner lesions, numerous treatment options are available. The tiers of the American Urological Association Guidelines present these options in an orderly progression, balancing the benefits, risks, and burdens. Along with specific IC/BPS treatments, it is also important to have resources for stress reduction, pain management, and treatment of comorbid conditions.

Cyclosporine A for refractory interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome: experience of 3 tertiary centers.

PURPOSE: Cyclosporine A is a fifth-tier treatment option in the American Urological Association guidelines for interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome. It was more effective than pentosanpolysulfate in a Finnish trial, but experience elsewhere is limited. Some centers use cyclosporine A off label for carefully selected patients but the number of patients in each center is small. We performed a retrospective review combining data from 3 tertiary centers that focus on interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Charts were reviewed for patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome who received cyclosporine A. Response was defined as markedly improved on the 7-point global response assessment (2 centers) or as at least a 50% decrease in Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index score (1 center). RESULTS: The study included 14 men and 30 women. Mean patient age was 55.5 years (range 27 to 75) and mean followup was 20.8 months (range 3 to 81). A total of 34 patients had Hunner lesions. Of these patients 29 (85%) responded but 6 eventually stopped cyclosporine A for adverse events, resulting in a success rate of 68% (23 of 34) for patients with Hunner lesions. In contrast, only 3 of 10 patients without Hunner lesions responded (30%). For all responders, the response occurred within 4 months. CONCLUSIONS: Cyclosporine A had a high success rate for patients with Hunner lesions in whom more conservative options, including endoscopic treatment, had failed. The success rate was low for patients without Hunner lesions. A 3 to 4-month trial is sufficient time to assess response. Adverse events were common and led to discontinuation of cyclosporine A for some patients. Close monitoring is needed, especially for blood pressure and renal function.

Practical use of the new American Urological Association interstitial cystitis guidelines.

The American Urological Association recently developed guidelines to assist clinicians who evaluate and treat interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome. Knowledge in this area continues to advance, and some of the guideline statements differ from what clinicians may have been previously taught. This review includes the 27 guideline statements, which address both evaluation and treatment. This review lists the guideline statements and, when applicable, comments on their practical implementation and the most recent research. Practical information includes the following: key questions that help in the differential diagnosis, when to perform cystoscopy and urodynamics, how to recognize and treat Hunner lesions, useful practical resources for patients and clinicians, information on elimination diet and stress management, initial selection of oral and intravesical medications, and description of advanced treatment options (limited to dedicated, experienced clinicians).