The role of area level social deprivation on childhood and adolescent consultation rate in primary care: a population based, cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Studies show that children and adolescents in the most socially deprived areas (SDA) consult their general practitioner (GP) more often than those in the least socially deprived areas (Non-SDA). Given that GPs see a wide range of diseases, it is important to know which clinical diagnoses are shaped by socioeconomic factors. The primary objective was to determine the association between area level social deprivation and consultation rates in a pediatric population. The secondary objective was to explore this association across a wide range of clinical diagnoses. METHODS: A cohort study using the Rijnmond Primary Care Database (RPCD) was conducted. Between 2013 and 2020, a total of 69,861 patients aged 0 to 17 years registered with a GP were analysed. A consultation was defined as patient contact and entry of a diagnosis using the International Classification of Primary Care (ICPC-1) code. Associations between consultation rates, ICPC-1 codes and area level social deprivation were explored using a Poisson regression model. The incidence risk ratio (IRR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were reported. RESULTS: Over the 7-year study period the consultation rate of the study population was 3.8 per person-years. The top 5 reasons for children and adolescents to consult their GP was related to skin, respiratory, general unspecified, musculoskeletal and digestive symptoms or diagnoses. Consultation rate was higher in SDA group compared to Non-SDA group (IRR 1.20, 95% CI 1.19-1.20). Consultation rate for ICPC-1 code related to pregnancy and family planning was significantly lower in SDA group compared to Non-SDA group. Upon further exploration of this code, SDA group were less likely to consult for oral contraception and more likely to contact a GP for induced termination of pregnancy compared to Non-SDA group (IRR 0.36; 95% CI 0.33-0.44 and IRR 2.94; 95% CI 1.58-5.46 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, SDA group had higher GP consultation rates for the majority of clinical diagnoses except for pregnancy and family planning. In this latter category, adolescent females in SDA consulted less frequently for oral contraception. This study illustrates the need to understand the underlying health seeking behaviors of children and adolescents at different development phases of their lives.

Reducing unnecessary vitamin testing in general practice: barriers and facilitators according to general practitioners and patients.

OBJECTIVE: There has been an increase in testing of vitamins in patients in general practice, often based on irrational indications or for non-specific symptoms, causing increasing healthcare expenditures and medicalisation of patients. So far, there is little evidence of effective strategies to reduce this overtesting in general practice. Therefore, the aim of this qualitative study was to explore the barriers and facilitators for reducing the number of (unnecessary) vitamin D and B12 laboratory tests ordered. DESIGN AND SETTING: This qualitative study, based on a grounded theory design, used semistructured interviews among general practitioners (GPs) and patients from two primary care networks (147 GPs, 195 000 patients). These networks participated in the Reducing Vitamin Testing in Primary Care Practice (REVERT) study, a clustered randomized trial comparing two de-implementation strategies to reduce test ordering in primary care in the Netherlands. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-one GPs, with a maximum of 1 GP per practice who took part in the REVERT study, and 22 patients (who were invited by their GP during vitamin-related consultations) were recruited, from which 20 GPs and 19 patients agreed to participate in this study. RESULTS: The most important factor hampering vitamin-test reduction programmes is the mismatch between patients and medical professionals regarding the presumed appropriate indications for testing for vitamin D and B12. In contrast, the most important facilitator for vitamin-test reduction may be updating GPs' knowledge about test indications and their awareness of their own testing behaviour. CONCLUSION: To achieve a sustainable reduction in vitamin testing, guidelines with clear and uniform recommendations on evidence-based indications for vitamin testing, combined with regular (individual) feedback on test-ordering behaviour, are needed. Moreover, the general public needs access to clear and reliable information on vitamin testing. Further research is required to measure the effect of these strategies on the number of vitamin test requests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: WAG/mb/16/039555.

Symptomatic treatment of pollen-related allergic rhinoconjunctivitis in children: randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: About 12% of children are affected by allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (AR). Although the main symptomatic treatments are intranasal corticosteroids (INCS) (daily or on demand) and oral antihistamines, it remains unclear which treatment provides the best relief of symptoms. Therefore, this study examines whether daily use of INCS is superior to on-demand use or to oral antihistamines on demand. METHODS: A single-blinded randomized controlled trial in children (aged 6-18 years) with pollen-related AR. Patients received either INCS daily (fluticasone propionate), INCS on demand (fluticasone propionate) or oral antihistamine on demand (levocetirizine) for 3 months during the grass pollen season. A daily online symptom diary on both nose and eye symptoms was completed. The primary outcome was the percentage of symptom-free days. RESULTS: A total of 150 children were randomized. The percentage symptom-free days was in favour of INCS on demand (30%) compared with INCS daily (22%), that is 8% difference (95% CI -5 to +21%; not significant). The antihistamine on-demand group had 15% symptom-free days, that is 7% difference compared to INCS daily (95% CI -6 to +19%;, not significant). Patients in the INCS on-demand group used on average 61% less fluticasone than patients in the INCS daily group during the study period (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: This trial with three parallel treatment groups shows that INCS daily was not superior to INCS on demand or to antihistamine on demand regarding the number of symptom-free days. An on-demand INCS strategy has the advantage of a lower overall corticosteroid exposure and less costs.

Atopic dermatitis, asthma and allergic rhinitis in general practice and the open population: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether significant differences exist between the self-reported prevalence of atopic disorders in the open population compared with physician diagnosed prevalence of atopic disorders in general practice. METHODS: Medline (OvidSP), PubMed Publisher, EMBASE, Google Scholar and the Cochrane Controlled Clinical Trials Register databases were systematically reviewed for articles providing data on the prevalence of asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema in a GP setting. Studies were only included when they had a cross-sectional or cohort design and included more than 100 children (aged 0-18 years) in a general practice setting. All ISAAC studies (i.e. the open population) that geographically matched a study selected from the first search, were also included. A quality assessment was conducted. The primary outcome measures were prevalence of eczema, asthma and allergic rhinitis in children aged 0-18 years. RESULTS: The overall quality of the included studies was good. The annual and lifetime prevalences of the atopic disorders varied greatly in both general practice and the open population. On average, the prevalence of atopic disorders was higher in the open population. CONCLUSION: There are significant differences between the self-reported prevalence of atopic disorders in the open population compared with physician diagnosed prevalence of atopic disorders in general practice. Data obtained in the open population cannot simply be extrapolated to the general practice setting. This should be taken into account when considering a research topic or requirements for policy development. GPs should be aware of the possible misclassification of allergic disorders in their practice. Key Points Epidemiological data on atopic disorders in children can be obtained from various sources, each having its own advantages and limitations. On average, the prevalence of atopic disorders is higher in the open population. GPs should take into account the possible misclassification of atopic disorders in their practice population. Policymakers should be aware that data obtained in the open population cannot simply be extrapolated to the general practice setting.

Cost-utility of exercise therapy in patients with hip osteoarthritis in primary care.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the cost-effectiveness (CE) of exercise therapy (intervention group) compared to 'general practitioner (GP) care' (control group) in patients with hip osteoarthritis (OA) in primary care. METHOD: This cost-utility analysis was conducted with 120 GPs in the Netherlands from the societal and healthcare perspective. Data on direct medical costs, productivity costs and quality of life (QoL) was collected using standardised questionnaires which were sent to the patients at baseline and at 6, 13, 26, 39 and 52 weeks follow-up. All costs were based on Euro 2011 cost data. RESULTS: A total of 203 patients were included. The annual direct medical costs per patient were significantly lower for the intervention group (€ 1233) compared to the control group (€ 1331). The average annual societal costs per patient were lower in the intervention group (€ 2634 vs € 3241). Productivity costs were higher than direct medical costs. There was a very small adjusted difference in QoL of 0.006 in favour of the control group (95% CI: -0.04 to +0.02). CONCLUSION: Our study revealed that exercise therapy is probably cost saving, without the risk of noteworthy negative health effects. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NTR1462.

Effectiveness of exercise therapy added to general practitioner care in patients with hip osteoarthritis: a pragmatic randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of exercise therapy added to general practitioner (GP) care compared with GP care alone, in patients with hip osteoarthritis (OA) during 12 months follow-up. METHODS: We performed a multi-center parallel pragmatic randomized controlled trial in 120 general practices in the Netherlands. 203 patients, aged ≥45 years, with a new episode of hip complaints, complying with the ACR criteria for hip OA were randomized to the intervention group (n = 101; GP care with additional exercise therapy) or the control group (n = 102; GP care only). GP care was given by patient's own GP. The intervention group received, in addition, a maximum of 12 exercise therapy sessions in the first 3 months and hereafter three booster sessions. Blinding was not possible. Primary outcomes were hip pain and hip-related function measured with the HOOS questionnaire (score 0-100). RESULTS: The overall estimates on hip pain and function during the 12-month follow-up showed no between-group difference (intention-to-treat). At 3-months follow-up there was a statistically significant between-group difference for HOOS pain -3.7 (95% CI: -7.3; -0.2), effect size -0.23 and HOOS function -5.3 (95% CI: -8.9; -1.6), effect size -0.31. No adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS: No differences were found during 12-months follow-up on pain and function. At 3-months follow-up, pain and function scores differed in favor of patients allocated to the additional exercise therapy compared with GP care alone. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The Netherlands Trial Registry NTR1462.

Characteristics of older patients with back pain in general practice: BACE cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Although back pain is common among older people, limited information is available about the characteristics of these patients in primary care. Earlier research suggests that the severity of back symptoms increases with older age. METHODS: Patients aged >55 years visiting a general practitioner with a new episode of back pain were included in the BACE study. Information on patients' characteristics, characteristics of the complaint and physical examination were derived from the baseline measurement. Cross-sectional differences between patients aged >55-74 and ≥75 years were analysed using an unpaired t-test, Mann-Whitney U-test or a chi-square test. RESULTS: A total of 675 back pain patients were included in the BACE study, with a median age of 65 (interquartile range 60-71) years. Patients aged >55-74 years had a mean disability score (measured with the Roland Disability Questionnaire) of 9.4 [standard deviation (SD) 5.8] compared with 12.1 (SD 5.5) in patients aged ≥75 years (p ≤ 0.01). The older group reported more additional musculoskeletal disorders and more often had low bone quality (based on ultrasound measurement of the heel) than patients aged >55-74 years. Average back pain severity over the previous week showed no difference (p = 0.11) between the age groups, but severity of back pain at the moment of filling in the questionnaire was higher (p = 0.03) in the older age group. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, older back pain patients reported more disabilities and co-morbidity. However, the clinical relevance of these differences for the course of the back pain episode in older patients remains a subject for further research.

NSAIDs vs acetaminophen in knee and hip osteoarthritis: a systematic review regarding heterogeneity influencing the outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To identify sources of heterogeneity (statistical, methodological, and clinical) in studies evaluating non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) vs acetaminophen in patients with knee and hip osteoarthritis (OA) to elucidate variations in outcomes. METHOD: A database search (1966 to January 2010) was made for (randomized) controlled trials ((R)CTs) comparing NSAIDs vs acetaminophen in knee and hip OA. Extracted data included baseline demographic/clinical characteristics, outcomes at follow-up, and characteristics of study design. Heterogeneity was examined with subgroup analyses by exploring changes in effect size and with I(2) of Higgins. Pain measures were expressed as standardized mean differences. RESULTS: 15 RCTs, including 21 comparisons of NSAIDs and acetaminophen were included. Statistical heterogeneity was absent (Cochran's Q-test=14.11; I(2)=0; P=0.78). Moderate clinical heterogeneity was found for comparisons which included both hip and knee OA vs knee OA only (I(2)=51; P=0.09). NSAIDs seemed slightly more effective than acetaminophen if more patients with hip OA were included. However, the pooled effect sizes of comparisons with knee OA vs both knee and hip OA are equal. Low clinical heterogeneity was found for comparisons with low dosage of acetaminophen, normal dosage of NSAIDs, and moderate pain intensity at baseline. Low methodological heterogeneity was found for comparisons with a short duration. CONCLUSION: Future trials should present the results of hip and knee OA separately, as moderate clinical heterogeneity was found. There might be differences in effectiveness of NSAIDs vs acetaminophen in patients with hip vs knee OA. No significant methodological and statistical heterogeneity was found in studies evaluating NSAIDs vs acetaminophen.

Cervical length measured by transvaginal ultrasonography versus Bishop score to predict successful labour induction in term pregnancies.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the value of transvaginal ultrasonographic measurement of the cervical length versus the Bishop score, prior to induction of labour, in predicting the mode of delivery within four days. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This longitudinal study included 110 women (at term, singleton, vertex presentation) in whom induction of labour was performed at 37-42 weeks of gestation. Cervical length on transvaginal ultrasound and the Bishop score were assessed prior to induction according to standard protocol. Medical records were reviewed for relevant-- demographic and clinical data. Primary outcome criterion was successful vaginal delivery within 96 h. Univariate analyses and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to examine differences between variables possibly predicting outcome. RESULTS: Of the 110 women 66 were nulliparous and 44 multiparous. Vaginal delivery within 96 h was successful in 48 (73%) nulliparous and in 40 (91%) multiparous women ( i.e. in 80% of the total population). The overall rate of caesarean delivery was 17%. THERE WAS A SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NULLIPAROUS AND MULTIPAROUS WOMEN IN AGE, CERVICAL LENGTH (MEAN IN MM IN NULLIPAROUS WOMEN: 29.31, range: 5.00-56.00; in multiparous women: 37.04, range: 12.00-56.00), Bishop score and successful induction, but no significant difference between these subgroups in neonatal outcomes. Only the Bishop score in nulliparous women showed a significant relationship between this variable and predicting successful labour induction (area under the ROC curve 0.679; standard error 0.73; p < 0.05; 95% CI: 0.536-0.823). The best cut-off value for the Bishop score was 3, with a sensitivity of 56.3% and a specificity of 72.2%. CONCLUSION: In this study group significant independent prediction of vaginal delivery within 96 h is provided by the Bishop score but only in nulliparous women. Transvaginal ultrasonographic measurement of cervical length is not a significant independent predictor of vaginal delivery within 96 h.

Erectile dysfunction prospectively associated with cardiovascular disease in the Dutch general population: results from the Krimpen Study.

The possible relationship between erectile dysfunction and the later occurrence of cardiovascular disease while biologically plausible has been evaluated in only a few studies. Our objective is to determine the relation between ED as defined by a single question on erectile rigidity and the later occurrence of myocardial infarction, stroke and sudden death in a population-based cohort study. In Krimpen aan den IJssel, a municipality near Rotterdam, all men aged 50-75 years, without cancer of the prostate or the bladder, without a history of radical prostectomy, neurogenic bladder disease, were invited to participate for a response rate of 50%. The answer to a single question on erectile rigidity included in the International Continence Society male sex questionnaire was used to define the severity of erectile dysfunction at baseline. Data on cardiovascular risk factors at baseline (age smoking, blood pressure, total- and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, diabetes) were used to calculate Framingham risk scores. During an average of 6.3 years of follow-up, cardiovascular end points including acute myocardial infarction, stroke and sudden death were determined. Of the 1248 men free of CVD at baseline, 258 (22.8%) had reduced erectile rigidity and 108 (8.7%) had severely reduced erectile rigidity. In 7945 person-years of follow-up, 58 cardiovascular events occurred. In multiple variable Cox proportional hazards model adjusting for age and CVD risk score, hazard ratio was 1.6 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.2-2.3) for reduced erectile rigidity and 2.6 (95% CI: 1.3-5.2) for severely reduced erectile rigidity. The population attributable risk fraction for reduced and severely reduced erectile rigidity was 11.7%. In this population-based study, a single question on erectile rigidity proved to be a predictor for the combined outcome of acute myocardial infarction, stroke and sudden death, independent of the risk factors used in the Framingham risk profile.

Establishing normal reference ranges for prostate volume change with age in the population-based Krimpen-study: prediction of future prostate volume in individual men.

BACKGROUND: We aim to establish the normal pattern of prostate volume change with age to provide a baseline from which accelerated prostate growth might be identified in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms/benign prostatic hyperplasia (LUTS/BPH). METHODS: In a community-based study, prostate volume was determined at baseline and after 2.1 and 4.2 years in men without prostate cancer. A bivariate multilevel growth curve model was used to estimate the pattern of change of prostate volume with age. RESULTS: The average percentage increase of total prostate volume and transition zone volume per year of follow-up was 2.2% and 3.5%, respectively. The final model showed that prostate volume was related to age only. The future prostate volume of an individual can be predicted based on his age and known history of prostate volume. The model was also used to calculate time needed for the prostate volume to increase with a certain percentage, for men with different baseline prostate volume values at different ages. CONCLUSIONS: This method establishes normal prostate volume values by age using prostate volume history in men without prostate cancer. The model provides baseline data from which disease progression might be detected.

Epidemiological aspects of recruitment of male volunteers for non-invasive urodynamics.

INTRODUCTION: We studied epidemiological aspects of recruitment of volunteers for a non-invasive urodynamic study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 9,236 volunteers were invited by 20 general practitioners (GPs), using two different recruitment methods, i.e. by mail only, or during a subsequent visit to the GP's office. Factors influencing the response rates were analyzed. We also tested how much the recruited population of volunteers differed from the general population, by comparing it to another, proven representative study carried out earlier in 1,662 subjects. RESULTS: In the recruited population the prostate volumes were not significantly different from the proven representative study, but the symptom score was statistically significantly higher, although the difference was so small it may be called clinically irrelevant. Recruitment of volunteers in two steps, i.e. asking them first to visit the GP's office, and inviting them there to visit the outpatient clinic, rather than directly inviting them (in writing) to the clinic seemed to lead to a higher response, although this effect could not be statistically discriminated from the difference in response rates between GPs. CONCLUSION: The population recruited was not urologically different from the general population. The response depended on age, being highest around the age of 60, and increased with social economic status. It also depended on the GP who recruited the subjects, and/or on the recruitment method.

Establishing normal reference ranges for PSA change with age in a population-based study: The Krimpen study.

BACKGROUND: We aim to establish the normal pattern of prostate specific antigen (PSA) change with age to provide a baseline from which disease progression might be identified in prostate cancer patients included in active surveillance programs. METHODS: In a community-based study, PSA values were determined at baseline and after 2.1 and 4.2 years in men without prostate cancer. A bivariate multilevel growth curve model was used to estimate the pattern of change of PSA with age. RESULTS: The final model showed that PSA was related to age only. The future PSA of an individual can be predicted based on his age and known history of PSA. The model was also used to calculate PSA doubling time for men with different PSA values at different ages. CONCLUSIONS: This method establishes normal PSA levels by age using PSA history in men without prostate cancer. The model provides baseline data from which disease progression might be detected.

Efficacy of fluticasone on cough: a randomised controlled trial.

Cough may be the consequence of bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) and inflammation. This study was designed to investigate the short-term effects of an inhaled steroid (fluticasone propionate (FP)) on cough, and to determine the effects of smoking, BHR, allergy and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) on the efficacy of FP. In a community-based primary healthcare centre, 135 previously healthy adults suffering from cough for > or =2 weeks were enrolled in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of inhaled FP 500 microg b.i.d. for 2 weeks. Participants completed daily diary cards of lower respiratory tract symptoms. The primary outcome measure was the decrease in mean total daily cough score (0-6) during the second week of treatment. In the FP group, the cough score decreased from 3.8 at baseline to mean+/-SEM 1.4+/-0.2 during the second week. In the placebo group, this decrease was from 3.8 to 1.9+/-0.1 and was statistically significantly less. A favourable effect of FP was only detectable in nonsmokers, in whom the score was 0.9 points lower compared with placebo. The clinical relevance of this finding has to be established further. Allergy, FEV1 and BHR at baseline did not affect the efficacy of FP. In conclusion, anti-inflammatory treatment with the inhaled steroid fluticasone propionate reduces cough in otherwise healthy adults who do not smoke.

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

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

Validity of three calliper-based transrectal ultrasound methods and digital rectal examination in the estimation of prostate volume and its changes with age: the Krimpen study.

BACKGROUND: Prostate volume and its changes are important parameters in studies of the natural history of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), for prediction of treatment effect and the risk of adverse outcomes. The validity of three calliper-based transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) methods and digital rectal examination (DRE) is compared to transrectal planimetric prostate ultrasonometry. METHODS: Data were collected from 1,688 population-based men aged 50-78 years. Measurements included DRE, TRUS using the planimetric method, and three different calliper-based TRUS methods for the estimation of prostate volume. After 2.1 and 4.2 years these measurements were repeated. The agreement between these methods and the ability to discriminate between prostates with volumes above or below a certain cut-off was analyzed. The performance of the different methods to measure changes in prostate volume with age was also studied. RESULTS: All three ultrasound-based methods showed good discrimination compared to the planimetric method. However, the agreement between planimetric volumetry and the other ultrasound methods and DRE is poor. In this study, 22.6% of the men had a real increase in prostate volume after 4.2 years, using the planimetric technique of transrectal ultrasonometry. Only a small percentage of the men (<1.5%) has a real decrease in prostate volume. The alternative measurement methods had a low predictive value for changes in prostate volume with age as measured with the planimetric method. CONCLUSIONS: Calliper-based ultrasonometry and DRE show poor agreement with planimetric volume measurement of the prostate. Changes in prostate volume as determined by the planimetric method are poorly detected by the alternative methods. (c) 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

[Summary of the practice guideline 'Stable angina pectoris' (second revision) from the Dutch College of General Practitioners]. / Samenvatting van de standaard 'Stabiele angina pectoris' (tweede herziening) van het Nederlands Huisartsen Genootschap.

Typical angina pectoris is characterised by retrosternal complaints that are provoked by exertion, cold, emotional stress or heavy meals and are relieved by rest within 15 minutes or within a few minutes of using sublingual nitroglycerin. If 2 or 3 of these symptoms are present then the term 'atypical angina pectoris' is used. The general practitioner can estimate the risk of significant coronary artery disease on the basis of the anamnesis. Additional diagnostics in the form of an exercise ECG is only worthwhile if the pretest probability of coronary artery disease lies between 30% and 70% (atypical angina pectoris) and not if the diagnosis is extremely likely or extremely unlikely. Patients with angina pectoris should be informed about the alarm symptoms which can be indicative of unstable angina pectoris or acute myocardial infarction. Sublingual nitrate therapy is used for the short-term control of angina. If more than 2 attacks per week occur, a maintenance treatment consisting of beta-blockers, nitrates, or calcium channel blockers should be started in this order of preference. For secondary prevention, acetylsalicylic acid and statins should be prescribed and lifestyle advice should be given, such as smoking cessation, sufficient physical exercise and a healthy diet.

Validity of digital rectal examination and serum prostate specific antigen in the estimation of prostate volume in community-based men aged 50 to 78 years: the Krimpen Study.

BACKGROUND: In men with symptoms suggestive of BPH, an accurate estimation of the degree of prostate volume enlargement is important for the choice of treatment, and for prediction of treatment effect, the risk of acute urinary retention and the need for surgery. In a community-based population of men, the performance of digital rectal examination (DRE) and serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) is compared to planimetric transrectal ultrasonometry (planimetric TRUS) of the prostate. In this way we search for a practical, reliable, and reproducible alternative to TRUS that can be applied in a primary care setting and in the initial evaluation of men with lower urinary tract symptoms. METHODS: Data were collected from 1688 men aged 50 to 78 years recruited in a population-based study. Measurements included serum PSA, DRE, and planimetric TRUS for the estimation of prostate volume. RESULTS: The AUC values of the receiver-operating curves (ROC) curves for serum PSA as a method for the discrimination of prostate volumes above or below 30, 40 and 50 cc are 0.79, 0.86 and 0.92, respectively. DRE has limited value in the estimation of prostate volume and is only good in identifying very large prostates (>50 cc). CONCLUSIONS: In the general male population serum PSA performs reasonably well compared with planimetric TRUS, and better than DRE, in estimating whether prostate volume is greater or smaller than 30, 40 or 50 cc. Serum PSA is an acceptable alternative method to estimate the degree of prostatic enlargement in clinical settings where TRUS is not available and when prostate cancer has been excluded.