Epidemiologic Profile of Erectile Dysfunction in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: The Latin American Landscape.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED), as well as associated demographic and clinical features, in men with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), by means of a systematic, standardized evaluation. METHODS: We performed a transversal study in 8 tertiary care centers in Latin America. We included male patients ≥ 16 years who fulfilled ≥ 4 American College of Rheumatology criteria for SLE and had regular sexual activity, and evaluated them with the International Index of Erectile Function-5 questionnaire. Relevant demographic, clinical, and serological characteristics were recorded. We included 2 control groups: the first was made up of healthy men and the second of men with autoimmune diseases other than SLE (non-SLE group). RESULTS: We included 590 subjects (174 SLE, 55 non-SLE, and 361 healthy controls). The prevalence of ED in the SLE group was 69%. Mean age in that group was 36.3 ± 1.03 years. Among SLE patients with and without ED, these factors were significantly different: the presence of persistent lymphopenia (p = 0.006), prednisone dose (9.3 ± 1.2 vs 5.3 ± 1.3 mg, p = 0.026), and the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics damage score (1.25 ± 0.14 vs 0.8 ± 0.16 points, p = 0.042). Independent risk factors for ED in patients with SLE were persistent lymphopenia (OR 2.79, 95% CI 1.37-5.70, p = 0.001) and corticosteroid use in the previous year (OR 2.15, 95% CI 1.37-3.37, p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Regardless of comorbidities, treatment (excluding steroids), and type of disease activity, patients with SLE have a high prevalence of ED, especially considering that most patients are young. Recent corticosteroid use and persistent lymphopenia, which could be related to endothelial dysfunction, are risk factors for this complication in men with SLE.

Using Genetic and Epigenetic Markers to Improve Differential Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia by Noninvasive Methods in Mexican Patients.

BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common malignancy in Mexican men. Serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is the usual noninvasive biomarker used for its detection. Its low specificity can increase the number of unnecessary prostate biopsies and the incidence of unpleasant complications for patients. The androgen-receptor gene (AR-CAG) repeat length and the percentage of promoter methylation (PPM) of genes glutathione-S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) and Ras association domain family 1 isoform A (RASSF1A) improve PCa detection. As an option for noninvasive assessment, we evaluated a combined analysis of all these biomarkers. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 186 patients scheduled for biopsy were included in the present study. PSA and AR-CAG repeats were analyzed in blood samples. The PPM of GSTP1 and RASSF1A genes was estimated in prostate tissue and urinary sediment cells (USCs) and plasma DNA using quantitative methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction. The predictive values for PCa and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), logistic regression analysis, receiver operating characteristic curve, and decision curve analysis were used to assess the differential diagnosis. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences between PCa and BPH patients were observed for all biomarkers, with higher positive and negative predictive values when all biomarkers were included in the analysis, attaining USC values of 89.2% and 78.0%, respectively. The differential diagnosis accuracy of PSA (area under the curve, 0.59) increased to 0.70 and 0.68, respectively, when the combined analysis of PPM of RASSF1Aplasma or GSTP1AUSC and AR-CAG repeats was performed. Decision curve analysis showed the utility of the combined analysis to decrease the number of unnecessary biopsies. CONCLUSION: The results showed that combined analysis of the proposed biomarkers in plasma and USCs significantly increased the confidence for the differential diagnosis for PCa and BPH. This noninvasive practice might help in the early detection of PCa and patient follow-up, avoiding to some extent unnecessary prostate biopsies.

Estado actual de la formación urológica en América Latina / Current status of urological training in Latin America

Objetivo: Conseguir una formación médica de calidad para los residentes es una preocupación constante en la Confederación Americana de Urología (CAU), tercera sociedad urológica mundial. Se pretende analizar la diversidad de los programas estatales de formación, con intención de identificar oportunidades de mejora global en los mismos y analizar también la realidad profesional en los diferentes países. Métodos: Se revisan datos obtenidos en el II y III Foro Educativo CAU relacionados con la formación de postgrado e implicaciones laborales. Esta información se complementa con la opinión de representantes implicados con la formación académica en la Confederación Americana de Urología, que han analizado la realidad y estado actual de la formación urológica a través de una encuesta de 10 preguntas que describe diferentes aspectos de los programas de residencia en los países confederados en CAU. Resultados: Un total de 3.000 graduados médicos se forman como residentes en Urología en el entorno CAU. Cada año 670 residentes inician su programa de formación en America Latina, España y Portugal, un territorio que atiende casi 650 millones de habitantes, con una fuerza profesional activa de en torno a 16.800 profesionales. Se presentan datos detallados sobre la realidad formativa, laboral y acreditativa en los países que componen la CAU. También se analiza la proporción de residentes que llevan a cabo actividades de investigación y programa de doctorado durante la residencia. Finalmente se analiza la proporción de profesionales que reciben formación específica al finalizar la residencia, la importancia relativa de la misma y cuáles son los entornos más demandados para llevarla a cabo. Conclusiones: La formación postgrado actual en el entorno de la CAU es heterogénea en sus programas, así como en los modos de acreditación y de re-certificación. Las actividades académicas no parecen correctamente valoradas. Sin embargo, la formación específica sí ofrece mejores expectativas de desarrollo profesional (AU)

Objective: Achieving residents' medical training of quality is a constant concern in the Confederación Americana de Urología (CAU), the third Urological Society worldwide. We aim to analyze the diversity of state training programs, with the intention to identify opportunities for global improvement within them and also to analyse the professional reality in different countries.Methods: Data from 2nd and 3rd Foro Educativo CAU regarding postgraduate training and labour implications are reviewed. This information is complemented by the opinion of representatives involved with the academic training in Confederación Americana de Urología, who have analyzed the reality and current status of the urological training through a 10-question survey that describes different aspects of residency program in the countries confederated in CAU.Results: A total of 3,000 graduate doctors train as residents in Urology at the CAU environment. Each year 670 residents begin their training program in Latin America, Spain and Portugal, a territory that serves nearly 650 million people, with an active professional force of around 16.800 professionals. Detailed data on training, employment and supporting reality in the countries that comprise the CAU are presented. We also discuss the proportion of residents who carry out research and doctorate during the residency program. Finally, we examine the proportion of professionals who receive specific training at the end of their residence, the relative importance of this training and what are the most popular environments to carry it out. Conclusions: Current postgraduate training in CAU environment is heterogeneous in their programs, as well as in the modes of accreditation and recertification. Academic activities do not seem to be properly valued. However, specific training offers better expectations of professional development (AU)

[Current status of urological training in Latin America.] / Estado actual de la formación urológica en América Latina.

OBJECTIVE: Achieving residents' medical training of quality is a constant concern in the Confederación Americana de Urología (CAU), the third Urological Society worldwide. We aim to analyze the diversity of state training programs, with the intention to identify opportunities for global improvement within them and also to analyse the professional reality in different countries. METHODS: Data from 2nd and 3rd Foro Educativo CAU regarding postgraduate training and labour implications are reviewed. This information is complemented by the opinion of representatives involved with the academic training in Confederación Americana de Urología, who have analyzed the reality and current status of the urological training through a 10-question survey that describes different aspects of residency program in the countries confederated in CAU. RESULTS: A total of 3,000 graduate doctors train as residents in Urology at the CAU environment. Each year 670 residents begin their training program in Latin America, Spain and Portugal, a territory that serves nearly 650 million people, with an active professional force of around 16.800 professionals. Detailed data on training, employment and supporting reality in the countries that comprise the CAU are presented. We also discuss the proportion of residents who carry out research and doctorate during the residency program. Finally, we examine the proportion of professionals who receive specific training at the end of their residence, the relative importance of this training and what are the most popular environments to carry it out. CONCLUSIONS: Current postgraduate training in CAU environment is heterogeneous in their programs, as well as in the modes of accreditation and recertification. Academic activities do not seem to be properly valued. However, specific training offers better expectations of professional development.

[Overdiagnosis in prostate cancer]. / Sobrediagnostico en cancer de prostata.

Prostate cancer screening is an absolutely controversial topic and under debate. The points of view from which the problem is analyzed also influence this issue; patient, physician and Health Care authorities have different interests that most of the times are not comprehensively analyzed. Currently, no clinical guideline supports the performance of a population screening with active recruitment, but they do support the credible information to the man who desires its performance of potential benefits and risks (opportunistic screening), as well as its performance in certain risk groups. Nevertheless, what is inherent to any screening program is the overdiagnosis of clinically irrelevant disease, which in prostate cancer has been calculated around 50%, and that, from our point of view, gives cause to the correct implementation of active surveillance programs to tamponade the potential deleterious effects of active therapies of prostate cancer.

Sobrediagnóstico en cáncer de próstata / Overdiagnosis in prostate cancer

El tamizaje, screening o cribado en cáncer de próstata es un tema actualmente en debate y absolutamente controvertido. En esta problemática también influyen los puntos de vista desde donde se analice el problema; paciente, profesional y autoridades sanitarias tienen intereses diferentes que la mayoría de veces no se analizan integralmente. Actualmente ninguna Guía Clínica avala la realización de un screening poblacional con reclutamiento activo, pero sí la información fehaciente de sus posibles beneficios y riesgos al hombre que desea su realización (screenig oportunista), así como su realización en determinados grupos de riesgo. Pero lo que es inherente a cualquier programa de screening es el sobrediagnóstico que se realiza de enfermedad clínicamente irrelevante, que en cáncer de próstata se ha llegado a cifrar en torno al 50%, y que desde nuestro punto de vista da pie a la correcta implementación de los programas de vigilancia activa para tamponar los potenciales efectos deletéreos que los tratamientos activos del cáncer de próstata pudieran ocasionar

Prostate cancer screening is an absolutely controversial topic and under debate. The points of view from which the problem is analyzed also influence this issue; patient, physician and Health Care authorities have different interests that most of the times are not comprehensively analyzed. Currently, no clinical guideline supports the performance of a population screening with active recruitment, but they do support the credible information to the man who desires its performance of potential benefits and risks (opportunistic screening), as well as its performance in certain risk groups. Nevertheless, what is inherent to any screening program is the overdiagnosis of clinically irrelevant disease, which in prostate cancer has been calculated around 50%, and that, from our point of view, gives cause to the correct implementation of active surveillance programs to tamponade the potential deleterious effects of active therapies of prostate cancer

Emphysematous pyelonephritis: multicenter clinical and therapeutic experience in Mexico.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the outcomes of emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN), the impact of different treatment modalities, and to determine risk factors associated with mortality. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed cases of EPN from 3 tertiary care institutions in Mexico. The diagnosis was confirmed with computed tomographic scan. Treatment was classified as follows: medical management (MM), minimally invasive, and surgical. Demographic, clinical, biochemical, and radiological characteristics were assessed and compared between survivors and nonsurvivors. Comparison was assessed using 1-way analysis of variance and chi-square. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine prognostic factors. Main end point was mortality. RESULTS: A total of 62 patients were included (49 women and 13 men), with a mean age of 53.9 years. The most common comorbidities were diabetes (69.3%) and hypertension (40.3%). Escherichia coli was the most common isolated microorganism (62.7%). MM was provided to 24.2%, minimally invasive treatment to 51.6%, open drainage to 19.3%, and emergency nephrectomy to 4.8%. Overall mortality was 14.5% and was similar among different treatment modalities (P=.06). Survivors were younger (P=.004), had lower creatinine (P=.002), and better estimated glomerular filtration rate (P=.007). In univariate analysis, age (P=.009), creatinine (P=.009), and need for nephrectomy (P=.03) were associated with mortality. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, creatinine (odds ratio 1.56, 95% confidence interval 1.03-2.35, P=.03) and nephrectomy (odds ratio 9.7, 95% confidence interval 1.007-93.51, P=.049) remained significant predictors of mortality. CONCLUSION: EPN needs an aggressive MM and stepwise approach; nephrectomy should be the last resort of treatment. Creatinine level and need for nephrectomy are the strongest predictors of mortality according our analysis.

Orgasmic dysfunction: prevalence and risk factors from a cohort of young females in Mexico.

INTRODUCTION: Orgasmic dysfunction (OD) is defined as the inability to achieve an orgasm, markedly diminished intensity of orgasmic sensations, or marked delay of orgasm during any kind of sexual stimulation. OD definition and method of diagnosis vary widely across studies. AIM: The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence and risk factors that predispose Mexican women to OD. METHODS: A representative sample of women from Mexico City was surveyed using an online website. Women between 18 to 40 years old were selected, and the orgasm domain from the Female Sexual Function Index was used to identify OD. A cutoff point was calculated using a construct with a histogram and calculated median. A univariate and multivariate analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between potential risk factors and sexual function. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: OD prevalence; significant risk factors on multivariate analysis. RESULTS: OD prevalence was 18.3%. Univariate analysis showed younger age (P = 0.01), lower degree of education (P = 0.02), single marital status (P = 0.038), and dissatisfaction with the thickness and/or size of partner's penis (P = 0.01) as significant variables related to OD. In multivariate analysis, younger age (P = 0.01) and dissatisfaction with the thickness/size of partner's penis (hazard ratio 3.04, P = 0.01) remained significant. CONCLUSION: OD is a prevalent alteration in young women. Marital status, education, and dissatisfaction with thickness/size of partner's penis are definitely related variables.

Pathological implications of areas of lower enhancement on contrast-enhanced computed tomography in renal-cell carcinoma: additional information for selecting candidates for surveillance protocols.

PURPOSE: Areas of lower enhancement on computed tomography are frequently seen in renal-cell carcinoma. We investigated whether tumor enhancement on the most prominent hypodense areas correlates with the nuclear grade and other pathologic variables. METHODS: From 2004 to 2009, all consecutive patients with a preoperative tomography who underwent radical or partial nephrectomy for renal-cell carcinoma at our tertiary referral center were retrospectively analyzed. Enhancement of the entire tumor on the slice with most prominent areas of lower enhancement was determined. RESULTS: Forty-eight patients were included. Clear-cell carcinoma comprised 91.6 %. Mean areas of lower enhancement for nuclear grade tumors 1-4 were 67.4, 38.7, 27.9, and 15.1 HU, respectively. Areas of lower enhancement negatively correlated with size, nuclear grade, T stage, and pathological stage. Tumors with extension beyond Gerota's fascia (10.5 vs. 35.9 HU, p < 0.001) and positive surgical margins (21.2 vs. 34.8 HU, p = 0.04) had more prominent areas of lower enhancement than organ-confined tumors. When comparing nuclear grade 1-3 to nuclear grade 4 tumors, these areas were significantly lower in the later (36.5 vs. 15.1 HU, p < 0.001). Receiver-operating characteristics curves for detecting nuclear grade 4 showed an area under the curve of 0.808 (95 % CI 0.659-0.957). CONCLUSIONS: Lower enhancement of the entire tumor at the point where hypodense tumor areas are more predominant on tomography is associated with higher nuclear grade and more advanced stage.

Impact of metabolic syndrome on biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is linked to hormone-dependent cancers. Its prognostic implication in prostate cancer (PCa) is unclear. We analyzed the impact of MS in the survival of men with PCa treated surgically. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We studied patients with PCa, treated surgically between 1990 and 2007, and compared the survival of men with MS (group 1) and without MS (group 2). A subgroup analysis of those in stage pT2 was also performed. We calculated biochemical progression-free survival (bPFS) and cancer-specific survival, and the relation of clinical and pathological variables with these end-points. RESULTS: 65 men had MS. The 5- and 10-year bPFS in group 1 was 36 and 32% vs. 72 and 68% in group 2 (p < 0.0001). In multivariate analysis, prostate-specific antigen (p = 0.001) and MS (p < 0.0001) predicted biochemical progression/recurrence (BP/R). There was no difference in cancer-specific survival between groups (p = 0.40). Of 146 men in stage pT2, 38 had MS; group 1 men had worse 5- and 10-year bPFS (55 and 48%) than group 2 (80 and 73%; p = 0.001). In multivariate analysis, MS was the strongest predictor of BP/R (p = 0.0007). CONCLUSIONS: MS is related to adverse characteristics in PCa and confers poor bPFS after radical prostatectomy. MS is independently associated to the risk of BP/R.

[Prognostic factors in renal-cell carcinoma treated surgically: analysis of a cohort of 345 cases]. / Factores pronósticos en carcinoma de células renales tratado quirúrgicamente: análisis de una cohorte de 345 casos.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prognostic role of clinical and pathological variables in patients with renal-cell carcinoma (RCC) treated surgically. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed our database of 394 consecutive patients with renal tumors. We excluded those with hereditary conditions, benign tumors or histological diagnosis other than RCC. The variables evaluated were weight loss, performance status, thrombocytosis, tumor diameter, nuclear grade, lymph node invasion and metastases. The main endpoint was cancer-specific survival (CSS). We performed univariate and multivariate analysis to determine prognostic factors. RESULTS: We identified 345 patients with RCC treated surgically between 1980 and 2009. After a median follow-up of 32 months, 23% died from cancer; they had larger tumors (p<0.0001), higher nuclear grade (p<0.0001) and lymphovascular invasion (p<0.0001). The 5- and 10-year CSS was 97.6 and 97.6% for stage I, 75.3 and 63.8% for stage II; 62.3 and 55.5% for stage III; 16.5 and 11.0% for stage IV (p<0.0001). All variables were associated with CSS on univariate analysis. On multivariate analysis tumor size, thrombocytosis, nuclear grade, lymph node invasion and metastases were independently associated with cancer-related mortality. CONCLUSION: Our findings confirm the potential role of tumor size, nuclear grade, lymph node invasion and metastases. Thrombocytosis also has a prognostic role in patients with renal-cell carcinoma.

Extended sampling at first biopsy improves cancer detection rate: results of a prospective, randomized trial comparing 12 versus 18-core prostate biopsy.

PURPOSE: We determined whether increasing the number of cores at first prostate biopsy would improve the cancer detection rate without increasing the detection of clinically insignificant tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2009 to January 2010 patients scheduled for prostate biopsy were randomized to 12 or 18-core sampling. Study inclusion criteria were 1) age 45 to 75 years, 2) abnormal digital rectal examination and/or prostate specific antigen 4 to 20 ng/ml, and 3) no previous biopsy. The primary end point was the cancer detection rate. Secondary end points were clinically insignificant cancer detection and morbidity. RESULTS: A total of 150 patients were enrolled in the study. Preoperative variables were similar in the 2 groups of 75 patients each. Cancer was detected in 23 patients (30.7%) in group 1 and in 36 (48%) in group 2 (p = 0.02). More cases of insignificant cancer were detected in group 2 (p not significant). In men with prostate volume 65 cc or less the detection rate was 30.9% in group 1 and 52.8% in group 2 (p = 0.02). In men with prostate specific antigen 10 ng/ml or less the detection rate was 19.6% in group 1 and 38.4% in group 2 (p = 0.03). Two group 2 patients (5.5%) were diagnosed based on additional samples but the diagnosis corresponded to insignificant cancer. There was no statistically significant difference in morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: The 18-core protocol improves prostate cancer detection without increasing morbidity. Results suggest that the 12-core biopsy protocol is adequate for prostate cancer detection at first biopsy.

Time to recurrence after nephrectomy as a predictor of cancer-specific survival in localized clear-cell renal cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prognostic impact of early recurrence (within 12 months) after surgery on cancer-specific survival (CSS) of patients with localized clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). METHODS: Patients with surgically treated localized ccRCC were studied. Using the Kaplan-Meier method, we calculated CSS; by univariate and multivariate models we analyzed the association of early recurrence with cancer-related mortality. RESULTS: We identified 259 patients with pT1-4/NX/0M0 ccRCC treated between February 1981 and September 2009; of 66 (25.5%) with disease recurrence, 29 (43.9%) had early relapse. Overall, 43 patients (16.6%) died from ccRCC. The 5- and 10-year CSS for those without, late and early recurrence was 98.5 and 96.5%, 53 and 39.8%, and 23 and 23%, respectively (p < 0.0001). In the multivariate Cox model, pT stage (p = 0.01) and early recurrence (p < 0.0001) independently predicted CSS. CONCLUSIONS: Recurrent disease after localized ccRCC confers a poor prognosis, especially if detected within 12 months after surgery. Thus, this criterion should be included as an independent risk factor for cancer-related mortality.

Impact of lymph node invasion and sarcomatoid differentiation on the survival of patients with locally advanced renal cell carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: The application of current prognosticators in locally advanced nonmetastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is controversial. We analyzed the impact of clinical and pathological variables on the survival of this subset of patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We studied patients with RCC in stages III and IV without metastases, treated surgically between 1980 and 2009. We calculated disease-free (DFS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS), and the relation of clinical and pathological variables with these end-points. RESULTS: We identified 126 patients with locally advanced RCC; 8.7% had sarcomatoid differentiation. Tumor stage was pT3a in 48% and pT3b in 42%; 11.9% had lymph node invasion (N+). Patients with N- and N+ had a 10-year DFS of 49.0 and 23.4%, respectively (p = 0.0001). In multivariate analysis N+ (p = 0.0002) was the strongest predictor of DFS. The 10-year CSS of patients without sarcomatoid differentiation was 53.1% while those with sarcomatoid differentiation did not reach the median time to death (p < 0.0001). In multivariate analysis, sarcomatoid differentiation (p = 0.01) was the strongest predictor of CSS. CONCLUSIONS: Locally advanced RCC portends poor prognosis. Preoperatively, weight loss and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status are predictors of recurrence and mortality, respectively. However, the most powerful predictors of DFS and CSS in our cohort were lymph node status and sarcomatoid differentiation.

Timing of dose relative to sexual intercourse attempt in previous sildenafil citrate users treated with tadalafil: a geographical comparison from a single arm, open-label study.

INTRODUCTION: Previous research has demonstrated that sildenafil citrate users alter dosing-sexual attempt behavior when switched to tadalafil. The impact of geography and culture on sexual behavior with phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor treatment has not been fully investigated. AIM: To describe and compare the changes in dosing-sexual attempt behavior with sildenafil citrate vs. tadalafil treatment across four distinct geographies: Asia, Australia/New Zealand (ANZ), Central Eastern Europe/Middle East (CEE/ME), and Latin America (LA). METHODS: Data from a single-arm, open-label clinical trial conducted in 21 countries from November 2002 to May 2004 were used in this analysis. Men with erectile dysfunction and a history of > or =6-week prior sildenafil citrate use continued sildenafil citrate treatment for 4 weeks then switched to tadalafil for 8 weeks. Dosing instructions were provided. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES: Timing of dose and sexual intercourse was assessed through patient diaries for the final 4 weeks of each treatment period. RESULTS: A total of 2,760 men were enrolled: Asia 15.8%; ANZ 29.4%; CEE/ME 19.7%; LA 35.1%. The median time from dosing to intercourse was significantly increased during tadalafil treatment across all geographical regions; however, the magnitude of increase differed significantly by geography (P < 0.0001). The Asian cohort demonstrated the shortest duration between dosing and sexual intercourse attempts (irrespective of drug), and altered sexual behavior the least upon switching to tadalafil. The ANZ cohort demonstrated the longest duration between dosing and sexual intercourse attempts (irrespective of drug), and altered sexual behavior the most upon switching to tadalafil. CONCLUSION: Men with a history of established sildenafil citrate use alter their dose-attempt behavior when treated with tadalafil irrespective of geography. However, the extent to which sexual behavior alters is not uniform across geographical regions, suggesting that dosing instructions and duration of drug effectiveness, in combination with personal and cultural preferences, may determine sexual behavior with PDE5 inhibitor use.

Aspects of sexual satisfaction in men with erectile dysfunction: a factor analytic and logistic regression approach.

INTRODUCTION: The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), Sexual Encounter Profile (SEP), and Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction (EDITS) assess efficacy of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). AIMS: To determine the degree that multiplicity of satisfaction questions in ED treatment evaluation instruments are congruent, to better understand the concept of sexual "satisfaction," and to identify factors that correlate with improvement. METHODS: Questionnaire data from 4,174 placebo- or tadalafil-treated patients with ED were analyzed. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed on IIEF and SEP satisfaction questions. Spearman correlation coefficients were determined. Data from 431 of the 4,174 patients who completed EDITS questionnaires were analyzed. Logistic regression was used to investigate improvement of each IIEF satisfaction question. RESULTS: PCA rotated on three factors explained 91% of total variance and separated IIEF Q6 (intercourse frequency) from a SEP and a remaining IIEF factor. All correlations between and among questions were close (rho = 0.62-0.98; P < 0.0001), except for those with IIEF Q6 (rho = 0.28-0.34; P < 0.0001). In a sub-sample, PCA of five IIEF, two SEP, and three EDITS questions identified four factors that explained 90% of all variance: EDITS questions, IIEF questions except Q6, SEP questions, and IIEF Q6. Greater improvement in IIEF-EF domain score was consistently and positively associated with satisfaction measures (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Factor analysis detected close relationships among satisfaction questions in IIEF, SEP, and EDITS instruments, each of which, apart from IIEF Q6 (intercourse frequency), appeared to be an independent measure of satisfaction. Cultural differences may explain different satisfaction correlations with baseline ED severity in different regions. Clinicians may make use of the correlation between intercourse frequency (Q6) and satisfaction when prescribing a PDE5 inhibitor for ED, by explaining that the inhibitor should enable more frequent intercourse.

The role of radical prostatectomy in the management of patients with high-grade prostate cancer and/or locally advanced disease.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the outcome of patients with clinically localized prostate cancer (PCa) treated with radical prostatectomy (RP) in whom high-grade (HGPCa) and/or locally advanced disease (LAPCa) was found at RP specimen and to evaluate the prognostic value of well-known factors in this subset of patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Biochemical progression-free (bPFS) was determined with the Kaplan-Meier method. The effect of PSA, biopsy Gleason, clinical stage and number of adverse pathological factors was assessed with univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: After RP, 87 men had HGPCa (20.7%) or LAPCa (56.3%), with 20 (23%) having both criteria. Mean PSA was 15.5 +/- 14.0 ng/mL and mean follow-up 50.5 +/- 42.6 months. The 5-year bPFS for men with PSA < 10 ng/mL and > or = 10 ng/mL was 54.7% and 35.7%, respectively (p = 0.03). Regarding biopsy Gleason, the 5-year bPFS was 49% and 26% for patients with a score < or = 7 and > 7, respectively (p = 0.002). In the multivariate model, the biopsy Gleason score remained independently associated with biochemical progression. CONCLUSIONS: HGPCa and/or LAPCa confer poor prognosis; however, RP appears to offer acceptable control, particularly when initial PSA is < 10 ng/mL and biopsy Gleason is 7 or less.

Timing of dose relative to sexual intercourse attempt in previous sildenafil citrate users treated with tadalafil.

OBJECTIVES: Tadalafil, a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor, has an extended period of effectiveness, up to 36 hours, for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). Changes in behavior of long-term sildenafil users were evaluated by assessing time of dose relative to sexual intercourse attempts during treatment with sildenafil and tadalafil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This open-label study was conducted in men with ED and a history of >or=6-week prior sildenafil use in Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America. Patients continued sildenafil treatment for 4 weeks, then switched to tadalafil for 8 weeks. Timing of sexual intercourse attempt relative to dose was assessed through patient diaries for the final 4 weeks of each treatment period. Patients continued their treatment of choice in an extension period. RESULTS: A total of 2,760 men (mean age 54.4 years) with a median duration of prior sildenafil use of 474 days were enrolled. Significant increases in median time from dose to intercourse attempt were observed when changing treatment from sildenafil citrate (1.21 hours) to tadalafil (3.25 hours; P < 0.001). Fifty-nine percent of intercourse attempts were within 4 hours of dosing when patients were treated with tadalafil (88% with sildenafil). The proportion of intercourse attempts per patient made >4 hours after dose was considerably higher during the tadalafil than during the sildenafil assessment period. Similar daily cycles of frequency of dosing and intercourse attempts were observed in all study periods and were characterized by a small peak in the morning and a large peak in the evening. When changing treatment to tadalafil, patients administered the drug earlier in the day and over a broader period of time. CONCLUSION: Following the dosing instructions reflecting tadalafil's extended period of effectiveness, men with a history of established sildenafil use changed their dose-attempt behavior when treated with tadalafil.

Oral and local anesthesia in the nonsurgical radiofrequency-energy treatment of stress urinary incontinence.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the feasibility, safety, and patient comfort associated with nonsurgical radiofrequency-energy (RF) tissue micro-remodeling in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) given oral and local anesthesia. DESIGN: Prospective, open-label pilot clinical trial (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: Department of urology in a major academic teaching hospital in Mexico City, Mexico. PATIENTS: Sixteen women with SUI and hypermobility (based on history and physical examination) with no history of previous definitive incontinence therapy. INTERVENTIONS: Nonsurgical, transurethral, outpatient RF tissue micro-remodeling with women given oral plus local anesthesia. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The women had a mean age of 49.7 years (range 30-76 years) and a mean duration of incontinence of 7.6 years (range 1-30 years). The nonsurgical RF micro-remodeling treatment, which was previously demonstrated to be of significant benefit when administered under intravenous (IV) sedation in an outpatient surgicenter setting, was successfully completed in all 16 women. Either the treating physician or the patient had the option to convert to IV sedation during the procedure if there was too much discomfort; however, this did not occur in any of the 16 patients. Thus neither the treating physician nor any patient determined that conversion to IV conscious sedation was required for treatment completion. The first six patients received an oral sedative and oral analgesic as well as a local periurethral anesthetic block with 10 mL of 2% lidocaine. The final 10 patients (63%) received only one oral sedative or analgesic and a total of 10mL lidocaine local anesthetic. Two women who received the maximum oral regimen (both oral sedation and analgesics) experienced nausea and emesis when drinking immediately after treatment, and one of these women also experienced urinary retention, which resolved after 24 hours of catheterization. Immediately before discharge, subjects classified their pain on a scale from zero ("no pain") to 10 ("terrible pain"). Mean score was 1.8, and 38% of subjects selected "zero." CONCLUSION: This pilot trial demonstrated the feasibility, safety, and patient comfort associated with performing a novel new successful technique of nonsurgical RF of the urethra for treatment of SUI, which was previously studied under IV sedation in an outpatient surgery center, on women in an office-based setting using oral plus local anesthesia.

Twelve-month results of nonsurgical radiofrequency energy micro-remodeling for stress incontinence.

This pilot clinical trial was performed to evaluate the safety and impact on quality of life and incontinence episode frequency of nonsurgical radiofrequency energy (RF) tissue micro-remodeling in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). The palpation-guided treatment produces focal denaturation of submucosal collagen, resulting in reduced luminal wall compliance without luminal narrowing. Forty-one women suffering from SUI associated with urethral hypermobility were enrolled into four treatment groups which differed in total number and lower urinary tract location of micro-remodeling sites. No serious and only limited minor adverse events were associated with the treatment. Incidence of quality of life score improvement at 12 months ranged from 75 to 78%, and statistically significant incontinence episode frequency reduction was demonstrated by three of four treatment groups. RF micro-remodeling demonstrated 12-month safety, quality of life improvement, and incontinence episode frequency reduction. No one treatment group demonstrated clear superiority in efficacy outcomes.