Risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in rural vs urban settings among patients with erectile dysfunction: a propensity-weighted retrospective cohort study of 430 621 men.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between erectile dysfunction (ED) and cardiovascular (CV) events has been postulated, with ED being characterized as a potential harbinger of CV disease. Location of residence is another important consideration, as the impact of rural residence has been associated with worse health outcomes. AIM: To investigate whether men from rural settings with ED are associated with a higher risk of major adverse CV events (MACEs). METHODS: A propensity-weighted retrospective cohort study was conducted with provincial health administrative databases. ED was defined as having at least 2 ED prescriptions filled within 1 year. MACE was defined as the first hospitalization for an episode of acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, or stroke that resulted in a hospital visit >24 hours. We classified study groups into ED urban, ED rural, no ED urban, and no ED rural. A multiple logistic regression model was used to determine the propensity score. Stabilized inverse propensity treatment weighting was then applied to the propensity score. OUTCOMES: A Cox proportional hazard model was used to examine our primary outcome of time to a MACE. RESULTS: The median time to a MACE was 2731, 2635, 2441, and 2508 days for ED urban (n = 32 341), ED rural (n = 18 025), no ED rural (n = 146 358), and no ED urban (n = 233 897), respectively. The cohort with ED had a higher proportion of a MACE at 8.94% (n = 4503), as opposed to 4.58% (n = 17 416) for the group without ED. As compared with no ED urban, no ED rural was associated with higher risks of a MACE in stabilized time-varying comodels based on inverse probability treatment weighting (hazard ratio, 1.06-1.08). ED rural was associated with significantly higher risks of a MACE vs no ED rural, with the strength of the effect estimates increasing over time (hazard ratio, 1.10-1.74). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Findings highlight the need for physicians treating patients with ED to address CV risk factors for primary and secondary prevention of CV diseases. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: This is the most extensive retrospective study demonstrating that ED is an independent risk factor for MACE. Due to limitations in data, we were unable to assess certain comorbidities, including obesity and smoking. CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirms that ED is an independent risk factor for MACE. Rural men had a higher risk of MACE, with an even higher risk among those who reside rurally and are diagnosed with ED.

A prospective evaluation of patient perspectives and financial considerations during prostate cancer treatment decision-making.

INTRODUCTION: In universal healthcare systems, patients may still encounter financial obstacles from cancer treatments, potentially influencing treatment decision-making. We investigated the relationship between socioeconomic status and treatment decision-making as it pertains to patient values, preferences, and perceived barriers to care for localized prostate cancer. METHODS: We conducted a prospective study of patients undergoing a prostate biopsy for the initial detection of prostate cancer. Sociodemographic variables were collected, with validated instruments used to determine health literacy levels. Patients were divided into two groups using self-reported income; those with a positive identification of prostate cancer underwent additional surveys to ascertain their knowledge of their diagnosis, treatment-related preferences, and socioeconomic barriers to care. Descriptive statistics were used. RESULTS: Of 160 patients, approximately one-third were classified as having low health literacy. Within the low-income group, education levels were lower (34.6% had less than high school education vs. 10.2% in the high-income group) and unemployment rates higher (75.0% unemployed vs. 38.9% in the high-income group). Low-income patients with prostate cancer placed greater importance on indirect out-of-pocket expenses related to treatment (78.3% vs. 33.3%, p=0.001), higher emphasis on treatment-related travel time (50% vs. 15.1%, p=0.004), and more often had difficulty paying for healthcare services in the past (30.9% vs. 9.1%, p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with lower household incomes have unique treatment values and decision-making preferences. They may experience additional challenges and barriers to obtaining cancer care, at least partly related to indirect costs. These findings should be considered when framing prostate cancer treatment discussions and designing patient-facing health information.

An update on male infertility and intratesticular testosterone-insight into novel serum biomarkers.

Intratesticular testosterone is vital for spermatogenesis, male fertility, and virility. Currently the only method to assess levels of intratesticular testosterone is to perform testicular biopsy which is invasive and can lead to several complications. Approaches to assess intratesticular testosterone have been understudied but hold promise as future male contraceptive agents and may grant the ability to monitor patients undergoing hormonal changes from therapeutic and diagnostic perspectives. Previous studies have sought to assess the utility of 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) and insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3) as accurate surrogate biomarkers of intratesticular testosterone. The aim of this review is thus to highlight the importance of intratesticular testosterone and the consequent advances that have been made to elucidate the potential of biomarkers for intratesticular testosterone in the context of male infertility.

Canadian provider perspectives on Collagenase Clostridium histolyticum for the treatment of Peyronie's disease and the impact of its discontinuation.

Intralesional Collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCh) was the first non-surgical therapy approved for Peyronie's disease (PD). However, CCh's cost and poor market uptake has led to its discontinuation in Europe and Canada. In Canada, Xiaflex® is the trade name for CCh and it is produced by Paladin Labs Inc, an operating company of Endo International. The paper aims to better understand Canadian CCh providers' perspectives regarding its treatment efficacy and the potential impact of its discontinuation. All Xiaflex®-approved Canadian providers were asked to complete an anonymous 21-question survey using an online platform. Analysis consisted of descriptive statistics. Outcomes of interest included previous experience with CCh, protocols utilized, experience with insurance coverage, clinical and patient-reported outcomes, and provider perspectives on the discontinuation of CCh. Overall response rate was 48.3% (29/60). A total of 89% of respondents were male, 61% were in practice more than 10 years, 32% were in an academic practice, and 46% had completed an Andrology/Sexual Medicine fellowship. A total of 93% of respondents felt that CCh was superior to other intralesional therapies for PD. In all, 86% reported a patient satisfaction rate of at least 50%, and the majority (75%) saw a clinically meaningful response. Only 7% expressed difficulty obtaining insurance coverage, with many providers (71%) achieving an insurance approval rate between 75 and 100%. Only 54% of respondents reported that they would continue treating PD in light of CCh's discontinuation, and 96% felt that CCh's discontinuation represents a loss to Canadian patients. In light of CCh's discontinuation, most (79%) are now more likely to offer surgical treatment. In conclusion, most CCh providers found CCh to be effective and were dismayed by its discontinuation. The survey demonstrated that due to the withdrawal of CCh from Canada, physicians' abilities to offer effective medical therapy may become limited, with more providers offering surgical options for PD.

Predictors of mortality for patients admitted to the intensive care unit with obstructing septic stones.

INTRODUCTION: Patients diagnosed with septic stone are at significant risk of morbidity and mortality should source control through drainage be delayed, and they are often admitted to intensive care units (ICU) for hemodynamic support. The purpose of this study was to determine patient factors that may predict mortality in patients admitted to ICU with septic stone, particularly whether rural patients at a greater distance from a tertiary care center were at greater risk of mortality given the inherent delay in intervention. METHODS: The Manitoba Intensive Care Unit prospective registry began in 1999 and includes all patients admitted to ICU across Manitoba. Baseline characteristics, such as age, gender, vital signs, creatinine, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), mortality outcomes, and location of residency were obtained for those admitted to ICU for septic stone. Association between death and clinical/demographic variables was performed with adjusted multivariable logistical regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 342 patients admitted to the ICU were analyzed, with a mean age of 63.5±15.5 years. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups (p>0.05). On multivariable adjusted logistical regression, the presence of acute kidney injury (AKI) (p<0.001) and intubation (p<0.001) were associated with mortality. There was no difference in mortality attributable to location of residency, vital signs, or CCI. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients admitted to the ICU for septic stones in Manitoba, we demonstrate an association between AKI and intubation with mortality. Other factors, such as whether patients were from a rural region and baseline patient characteristics, were not predictive of mortality.

Heterogeneity in urology teaching curricula among Canadian urology residency programs.

INTRODUCTION: Postgraduate education is transitioning to a competency-based curriculum in an effort to standardize the quality of graduating trainees. The learning experiences and opportunities in each institution are likely variable, as no standard exists regarding the teaching curriculum offered through residency. The objective of this study is to examine the various teaching curricula among different Canadian urology residency programs and to identify which teaching modalities are prioritized by program directors. METHODS: A 10-question anonymous survey was sent electronically to program directors at all 12 urology residency programs across Canada. Questions were designed to quantify the time allotted for teaching and to assess the various teaching session types prioritized by programs to ensure the successful training of their graduates. We assessed each program's perceived value of written exams, oral exams, didactic teaching session, and simulation sessions. Responses were assessed using a Likert-scale and a ranking format. Descriptive statistics were performed. RESULTS: Overall survey response rate from residency program directors was 75% (9/12). Sixty-seven percent of programs designated one day of teaching per week, whereas 33% split resident teaching over two days. Review of chapters directly from Campbell-Walsh Urology textbook were deemed the most valuable teaching session. Practice oral exams were also prioritized, whereas most programs felt that simulation labs contributed the least to residency education. All programs included review of the core urology textbook in their weekly teaching, while only 67% of programs included faculty-led didactic sessions and case presentations. Forty-four percent of programs included resident-led didactic sessions. Practice oral exams and simulation labs were the least commonly included teaching modalities. CONCLUSIONS: Although most program directors prioritize the review of chapters in the core urology textbook, we found significant heterogeneity in the teaching sessions prioritized and offered in current urology residency curricula. As we move to standardize the quality of graduating trainees, understanding the impact of variable educational opportunities on residency training may become increasingly important.

Location of residence and mortality for patients diagnosed with Fournier's gangrene.

INTRODUCTION: Fournier's gangrene (FG) is a necrotizing infection of the genitalia. Time from to surgical intervention is a critical determinant of prognosis. We sought to investigate whether patients from rural locations have worse clinical outcomes given distance from a tertiary center. METHODS: The Manitoba Intensive Care Unit (ICU) registry includes patients who have been admitted into ICUs across Manitoba. We identified patients admitted with FG from February 1999 to October 2019. Age, gender, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), presence of colostomy and scrotal debridement, length of stay (LOS), and mortality outcomes were obtained. Patients were categorized as being rural or urban. RESULTS: From 1999-2019, a total of 79 patients were admitted with FG. The median age was 60 years [interquartile range [IQR] 48-67). The mortality rate during hospitalization was 16.5%. There was no statistically significant difference in the number of deaths for patients from urban vs. rural dwellings (9/47 [19.1%] vs. 4/32 [12.5%], p=0.434]. A comparison of the 66 (83.5%) patients that survived and the 13 (16.5%) that died during ICU hospitalization demonstrated no difference in age, gender, CCI, presence of colostomy, and rates of scrotal re-debridement (p>0.05). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that living in a rural area was not associated with increased mortality (odds ratio 0.64, 95% confidence interval 00.16-2.57, p=0.527). CONCLUSIONS: Location of residence was not predictive of death from FG. In addition, baseline characteristics such as age, gender, CCI, surgical interventions, or LOS were not found to be associated with mortality.

The Efficacy of Penile Duplex Ultrasound in Erectile Dysfunction Management Decision-Making: A Systematic Review.

INTRODUCTION: The diagnosis of erectile dysfunction (ED) often involves a combination of patient history, questionnaire responses, and laboratory results. Penile duplex ultrasound (PDU) with intracavernous injection of papaverine was introduced as a noninvasive tool to aid in the evaluation of penile circulation. Although PDU is widely used in the initial workup of ED, the true value and effect of PDU on management is still unclear. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this systematic review was to determine if PDU affects ED management. METHODS: A systematic literature review was conducted using PUBMED-Medline databases in June 2020, which included literature from 1991 through 2019. The search strategy used MeSH terms "penile", "duplex ultrasound", or "duplex ultrasonography". The database process yielded a total of 389 terms. Systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses guidelines. RESULTS: 6 studies were included in the final analysis and included a total of 386 patients. These articles each discussed the clinical utility of PDU using venous and arterial parameters and correlated treatment response to sexual functioning questionnaires. The majority of the studies demonstrated PDU was unnecessary for diagnosis and ultimately did not affect treatment decision-making. CONCLUSION: PDU generally does not change management in men with established organic ED but may prove useful in special populations such as in younger patients or patients with anatomical abnormalities. Limitations include the small number of focused studies on the topic and paucity of randomized trials investigating PDU and clinician decision-making. Further investigations and studies are needed to determine if PDU modifies ED provider's management decision-making. Nashed A, Lokeshwar SD, Frech F, et al. The Efficacy of Penile Duplex Ultrasound in Erectile Dysfunction Management Decision-Making: A Systematic Review. Sex Med Rev 2021;9:472-477.

Reasons for worldwide decline in male fertility.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review the evidence regarding a decrease in worldwide sperm parameters and discuss potential causative factors. RECENT FINDINGS: The topic of worldwide decline in sperm parameters is contentious; however, recent high-quality studies have demonstrated that there is indeed a decline in sperm parameters. Several retrospective and basic science studies have shown possible links for this decline in sperm parameters such as obesity, diet, and environmental toxins. SUMMARY: There exist substantial data to suggest a decline in sperm counts over time. Although causative factors have yet to be fully elucidated, potential causes include, increased rates of obesity, poor diet, and exposure to environmental toxins. How this decline in sperm counts reflects fertility has yet to be determined. As such, further studies are necessary to evaluate whether this decline in sperm count correlates with decreased fecundity and how to identify and mitigate potential causative factors.

Contemporary management of renal trauma in Canada: A 10-year experience at a level 1 trauma centre.

INTRODUCTION: Contemporary Canadian renal trauma data is lacking. Our objective is to describe 10-year outcomes of renal trauma at a Canadian level 1 trauma centre using a conservative approach. METHODS: The Alberta Trauma Registry at the University of Alberta was used to identify renal trauma patients from October 2004 to December 2014. Hospital records and imaging were reviewed to identify clinic-radiographical factors, including patient age, gender, Injury Severity Score (ISS), American Association of the Surgery for Trauma (AAST) grade, computerized tomography (CT) findings, urological interventions, length of stay, transfusion and death rates. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square, and t-tests were used when appropriate. RESULTS: A total of 368 renal trauma patients were identified. Mechanism of injury was blunt trauma in 89.1% of cases, mean age was 36.2 years, and mean ISS was 30.8 (±13.6). AAST grade distribution was 16.6% (Grade 1), 22.8% (Grade 2), 36.4% (Grade 3), 20.9% (Grade 4), and 3.3% (Grade 5). Overall, 9.5% (35) of patients required urological intervention for a total of 40 treatments, including ureteral stenting (3.0%), angioembolization (3.3%), percutaneous drainage (0.3%), or open intervention including nephrectomy (2.4%) and renorrhaphy (0.5%). No Grade 1 or 2 injuries required intervention, while 1.5%, 31.2%, and 75.0% of Grade 3, 4, and 5 injuries did, respectively. The overall renal salvage rate was 97.6%, which did not differ by mechanism of injury (p=0.25). Patients with penetrating trauma were more likely to require urological intervention (20.0% vs. 8.2%; p=0.04). Of the high-grade (III-V) renal injuries identified, 15.7% (35/223) required urological intervention, 4.9% (11) required open surgical intervention, and only 4.0% (9) of patients with high-grade renal injury required nephrectomy. CONCLUSIONS: The trend towards conservative treatment of renal trauma in Canada appears well-supported even in a severely injured patient population, as over 90% of patients avoid urological intervention and only 3% require operative intervention resulting in renal salvage rates of 97.6%.

Perinephric Hematoma Size is Independently Associated with the Need for Urological Intervention in Multisystem Blunt Renal Trauma.

PURPOSE: We examined radiographic predictors of intervention for blunt renal trauma independent of AAST-OIS (American Association for the Surgery of Trauma-Organ Injury Scale). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 328 patients with blunt renal trauma from October 2004 to December 2014 were identified for analysis. Hospital records and diagnostic imaging were reviewed to identify the need for urological intervention, including angiographic embolization, nephrectomy, renorrhaphy, ureteral stenting or percutaneous drainage. Factors examined included patient age, gender, length of stay, ISS (Injury Severity Score), AAST-OIS, laceration location, length and number, perinephric hematoma characteristics, intravascular contrast extravasation and devitalized segment status. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were performed as appropriate. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 37.0 years and mean ISS was 31.7. A total of 31 urological interventions were required in 27 patients (8.2%), including ureteral stenting in 38.7%, angiographic embolization in 32.3%, nephrectomy in 22.6%, renorrhaphy in 3.2% and percutaneous drainage in 3.2%. On univariate analysis AAST-OIS, hematoma diameter, hematoma area, intravascular contrast extravasation, laceration length, laceration number, degree of devitalization and devitalized fragment presence were associated with the need for intervention (each p <0.001). On multivariate analysis only AAST-OIS grade (OR 69.4, 95% CI 6.4-748.3, p <0.001) and hematoma diameter (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.1-1.9, p = 0.004) or area (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01-1.06, p = 0.012) remained associated with urological intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Although AAST-OIS is strongly associated with the need for urological intervention, perinephric hematoma size is also independently associated with this occurrence. Perinephric hematoma diameter should be considered during clinical decision making and incorporated into a revised injury grading system.