Continuous enzalutamide after progression of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer treated with docetaxel (PRESIDE): an international, randomised, phase 3b study.

BACKGROUND: Although androgen deprivation therapy is typically given long-term for men with metastatic prostate cancer, second-generation hormone therapies are generally discontinued before the subsequent line of treatment. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of continuing enzalutamide after progression in controlling metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) treated with docetaxel and prednisolone. METHODS: PRESIDE was a two-period, multinational, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 3b study done at 123 sites in Europe (in Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, and the UK). Patients were eligible for period 1 (P1) of the study if they had histologically confirmed prostate adenocarcinoma without neuroendocrine differentiation or small-cell features, serum testosterone concentrations of 1·73 nmol/L or less, and had progressed during androgen deprivation therapy with a luteinising hormone-releasing hormone agonist or antagonist or after bilateral orchiectomy. In P1, patients received open-label enzalutamide 160 mg per day orally. At week 13, patients were assessed for either radiographic or prostate-specific antigen (PSA) progression (25% or more increase and 2 ng/mL or more above nadir). Patients who showed any decline in PSA at week 13 and subsequently progressed (radiographic progression, PSA progression, or both) were screened and enrolled in period 2 (P2), during which eligible patients were treated with up to ten cycles of intravenous docetaxel 75 mg/m2 every 3 weeks and oral prednisolone 10 mg/day, and randomly assigned (1:1) to oral enzalutamide 160 mg/day or oral placebo. Patients were stratified by type of disease progression. The block size was four and the overall number of blocks was 400. Patients, investigators, and study organisers were masked to treatment assignment. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival analysed in all patients in P2. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02288247, and is no longer recruiting. FINDINGS: Between Dec 1, 2014, and Feb 15, 2016, 816 patients were screened for P1 of the study. 688 patients were enrolled in P1 and 687 received open-label enzalutamide. In P2, 271 patients were randomly assigned at 73 sites to receive enzalutamide (n=136) or placebo (n=135). The data cutoff for analysis was April 30, 2020. Median progression-free survival with enzalutamide was 9·5 months (95% CI 8·3-10·9) versus 8·3 months (6·3-8·7) with placebo (hazard ratio 0·72 [95% CI 0·53-0·96]; p=0·027). The most common grade 3 treatment-emergent adverse events were neutropenia (17 [13%] of 136 patients in the enzalutamide group vs 12 [9%] of 135 patients in the placebo group) and asthenia (ten [7%] vs six [4%]). The most common grade 4 treatment-emergent adverse event in P2 was neutropenia (23 [17%] of 136 patients in the enzalutamide group vs 28 [21%] of 135 patients in the placebo group). Serious treatment-emergent adverse events were reported in 67 (49%) of 136 patients in the enzalutamide group and 52 (39%) of 135 patients in the placebo group. Two (15%) of 13 deaths in the enzalutamide group (caused by septic shock and haematuria) and one (14%) of seven deaths in the placebo group (caused by actue kidney injury) were associated with docetaxel. INTERPRETATION: PRESIDE met its primary endpoint and showed that continuing enzalutamide with docetaxel plus androgen deprivation therapy delayed time to progression compared with docetaxel plus androgen deprivation therapy alone, supporting the hypothesis that enzalutamide maintenance could control persistent androgen-dependent clones in men with mCRPC who progress after treatment with enzalutamide alone. FUNDING: Astellas Pharma and Pfizer.

Subtrigonal Inlay Patch Technique with Buccal Mucosa Graft for Recurrent Bladder Neck Contractures.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to present a novel subtrigonal inlay patch (SIP) technique with buccal mucosa graft (BMG) for recurrent bladder neck contracture (BNC) via open approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Surgical approach for SIP technique is described in detail and outcomes of patients who have been operated with this technique for recurrent BNC were given. Briefly, bladder neck incision is performed after vertical cystotomy, fibrotic scar tissue is excised completely, and a BMG is patched at the end. RESULTS: All 3 patients were able to void in their first attempt after catheter removal. Follow-up durations were 14, 11, and 5 months for the patients and all 3 patients reported satisfactory voiding. No de novo urinary incontinence was reported by patients after catheter removal, and all were continent with no pad need on their last follow-up visit. None of the operated patients needed any intervention such as catheterization, dilatation, or internal urethrotomy for BNC on follow-up. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrates the feasibility and promising results of SIP technique with open surgical approach. Further experience is mandatory with larger patient cohorts and longer follow-up.

How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect audience's attitudes in webinars?

INTRODUCTION: Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the face-to-face meetings are delayed to a future date, which is still not clear. However, seminars, meetings and conferences are necessary for updating our knowledge and skills. Web-based seminars (webinars) are the solutions to this issue. This study aimed to show the participant behaviour when webinars present at the COVID-19 pandemic era. METHODS: From December 2017 to July 2020, 58 webinars were broadcasted via the Uropedia, electronic library of SUST. Data of all webinars were collected with the YouTube analytics and application of the Uropedia. Data of streaming webinars included participant behaviours such as content views, engagement time, total unique attendees, average engagement time and the number of audience to leads. Data were split into two groups; group-1 is webinars before COVID-19 (before March 2020) and group-2 is the webinars during COVID-19. RESULTS: Total broadcast time and total page view number were found to be 112.6 hours (6761 minutes) and 15 919, respectively. The median participant age was 40.1 y. Median content view and median engagement time were found to be 261.0 and 12.2 minutes, respectively. Comparison of two groups revealed a significant increment in the content views (group-1; 134.0 range = 86.0-87.0 and group-2; 414.0 range = 296.0-602.0, P < .001) and the number of the unique attendees (group 1; 18.0 range = 10.0-26.0 and group-2; 57.0 range = 27.0-100.0, P < .001) following COVID-19. However, the median engagement time of the audience did not seem to change with the COVID-19 pandemic (group-1; 11.5 range = 10.0-13.3 minutes and group-2; 13.2 range = 9.4-18.1 minutes, P = .12). CONCLUSION: The webinars are effective ways to share information and have many advantages, including low cost, reaching a high number of audiences. Audience number and page visits seemed to increase following the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this era did not seem to affect the critical attitude of the audience, which is engagement time.

Cardiovascular safety in refractory incontinent patients with overactive bladder receiving add-on mirabegron therapy to solifenacin (BESIDE).

AIMS/OBJECTIVES: In the BESIDE study, combination therapy (antimuscarinic [solifenacin] and ß3 -adrenoceptor agonist [mirabegron]) improved efficacy over solifenacin monotherapy without exacerbating anticholinergic side effects in overactive bladder (OAB) patients; however, a potential synergistic effect on the cardiovascular (CV) system requires investigation. METHODS: OAB patients remaining incontinent despite daily solifenacin 5 mg during 4-week single-blind run-in, were randomised 1:1:1 to double-blind daily combination (solifenacin 5 mg/mirabegron 25 mg, increasing to 50 mg after week 4), solifenacin 5 or 10 mg for 12 weeks. CV safety assessments included frequency of CV-related treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), change from baseline in vital signs (systolic blood pressure [SBP], diastolic blood pressure [DBP], pulse rate) and electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters. RESULTS: The frequency of hypertension, tachycardia and ECG QT prolongation, respectively, was low and comparable across combination (1.1%, 0.3%, 0.1%), solifenacin 5 mg (0.7%, 0.1%, 0.1%), and solifenacin 10 mg groups (0.8%, 0%, 0.1%). Adjusted mean (SE) change from baseline to end of treatment (EoT) in SBP, DBP, and pulse rate with combination (0.07 mm Hg [0.38], -0.35 mm Hg [0.26], 0.47 bpm [0.28]), solifenacin 5 mg (-0.93 mm Hg [0.38], -0.45 mm Hg [0.26], 0.43 bpm [0.28]) and solifenacin 10 mg (-1.28 mm Hg [0.38], -0.48 mm Hg [0.26], 0.27 bpm [0.28]) was generally comparable, with the exception of a mean treatment difference of ~1 mm Hg in SBP between combination and solifenacin monotherapy; SBP was unchanged with combination and decreased with solifenacin monotherapy. Mean changes from baseline to EoT in ECG parameters were generally similar across treatment groups, except for QT interval corrected using Fridericia's formula, which was higher with solifenacin 10 mg (3.30 mseconds) vs. combination (0.49 mseconds) and solifenacin 5 mg (0.77 mseconds). CONCLUSION: The comparable frequency of CV-related TEAEs, changes in vital signs and ECG parameters indicates no synergistic effect on CV safety outcomes when mirabegron and solifenacin are combined.

Prevalence and Possible Risk Factors for Urinary Incontinence: A Cohort Study in the City of Izmir.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and possible risk factors of urinary incontinence (UI) among women aged 18 or older living in the city of Izmir, located in the Aegean coast of Turkey. METHODS: A questionnaire and the validated International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF) were filled by urologists (O.D., V.S., A.E., O.B., and B.I.) with face-to-face interview. The participants with urge UI (UUI) and stress UI (SUI) were compared in terms of risk factors, quality of life (QoL) scores, severity of incontinence, status of doctor consultation, and total ICIQ-SF scores. RESULTS: A total of 719 women were included and the prevalence of UI was 50.3% in our study. The key risk factors for UUI were hypertension and diabetes mellitus; the key risk factors for SUI were hypertension, multiparity, body mass index, and lower education level. Average QoL (ICIQ-SF 5) score for UUI was worse than SUI (3.8 ± 2.5 vs. 3.3 ± 2.4; p = 0.042) and seeking treatment for UI was significantly higher in participants with UUI when compared to those with SUI (45.1 vs. 24%; p ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Physicians should be aware that risk factors may differ according to specific UI subtypes when evaluating patients with UI.

Sexual function in men with lower urinary tract symptoms and prostatic enlargement secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia: results of a 6-month, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of tadalafil coadministered with finasteride.

INTRODUCTION: Tadalafil (TAD) 5 mg coadministered with finasteride (FIN) 5 mg significantly improves lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostatic enlargement. However, its effects on erectile/sexual function have yet to be fully described. AIM: Assess the effects of TAD/FIN coadministration (compared with placebo [PBO]/FIN) on erectile and sexual function in sexually active men with LUTS and prostatic enlargement secondary to BPH with or without baseline comorbid erectile dysfunction (ED). METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, PBO-controlled study of 695 men (610 sexually active; 450 with baseline ED; 404 sexually active with baseline ED) conducted at 70 sites in 13 countries. TAD 5 mg or PBO once daily coadministered with FIN 5 mg once daily for 26 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) domain and single-item scores; proportions of patients who demonstrated minimal clinically important differences (MCIDs) in IIEF-Erectile Function domain scores (IIEF-EF; MCID defined as ≥4-point improvement); and sexual dysfunction adverse events (AEs). RESULTS: Compared with PBO/FIN, TAD/FIN resulted in improvements for all IIEF domain and single-item scores assessed among patients with baseline ED (P ≤ 0.002 for all measures) and among patients without baseline ED (P ≤ 0.041 for all measures). Compared with PBO/FIN, significantly larger percentages of sexually active men with baseline ED treated with TAD/FIN achieved an IIEF-EF MCID after 4, 12, and 26 weeks of therapy (P < 0.001 for odds ratio comparisons between TAD/FIN and PBO/FIN at all 3 three postbaseline timepoints). The incidence of sexual AEs was low: five TAD/FIN patients and seven PBO/FIN patients reported sexual AEs, including ED, decreased/lost libido, and ejaculation disorders. CONCLUSIONS: TAD/FIN coadministration for the treatment of men with LUTS and prostatic enlargement secondary to BPH concurrently leads to statistically significant improvements in erectile/sexual function and is well-tolerated, regardless of the presence/absence of ED at treatment initiation.

Testicular calculus: A rare case.

BACKGROUND: Testicular calculus is an extremely rare case with unknown etiology and pathogenesis. To our knowledge, here we report the third case of testicular calculus. A 31-year-old man was admitted to our clinic with painful solid mass in left testis. After diagnostic work-up for a possible testicular tumour, he underwent inguinal orchiectomy and histopathologic examination showed a testicular calculus. Case hypothesis: Solid testicular lesions in young adults generally correspond to testicular cancer. Differential diagnosis should be done carefully. Future implications: In young adults with painful and solid testicular mass with hyperechogenic appearance on scrotal ultrasonography, testicular calculus must be kept in mind in differential diagnosis. Further reports on this topic may let us do more clear recommendations about the etiology and treatment of this rare disease.

The giant calculus within the prostatic urethra.

The giant calculus within the prostatic urethra is a rare clinical entity in the young population. Most of the calculi within the urethra migrate from the urinary bladder and obliterate the urethra. These stones are often composed of calcium phosphate or calcium oxalate. The decision of treatment strategy is affected by the size, shape and position of the calculus and by the status of the urethra. If the stone is large and immovable, it may be extracted via the perineal or the suprapubic approach. In most cases, the giant calculi were extracted via the transvesical approach and external urethrotomy. Our case is the biggest prostatic calculus, known in the literature so far, which was treated endoscopically by the combination of laser and the pneumatic lithotriptor.

The relationship between premature ejaculation and hyperthyroidism.

PURPOSE: We determine the prevalence of premature ejaculation in patients with hyperthyroidism and observed intravaginal ejaculation latency time alterations before and after hyperthyroidism treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2004 and June 2007, 49 patients with hyperthyroidism and no history of hyperthyroidism treatment were enrolled in the study. After obtaining a detailed sexual anamnesis an erectile function questionnaire was completed and a patient self-reported outcome measure of difficult control over ejaculation was examined. We assessed stopwatch measurements of intravaginal ejaculation latency time performed by the patient or partner. Patient anxiety status was also evaluated. Changes in the mentioned measurements induced by hyperthyroidism treatment were examined 8 weeks after the achievement of euthyroidism. RESULTS: In the 43 eligible patients mean +/- SD age was 48.0 +/- 8.8 years. Premature ejaculation was observed in 31 of the 43 patients (72.1%). Mean intravaginal ejaculation latency time in patients with hyperthyroidism was 72.8 +/- 83.3 seconds. Of the 43 patients 30 (69.8%) were considered to have definite premature ejaculation according to stopwatch measurements. In patients with hyperthyroidism who had definite premature ejaculation anxiety scores were determined to be higher. A positive correlation was noted between serum thyroid stimulating hormone and intravaginal ejaculation latency time in the patients. In 24 patients who completed the followup visits we noted statistically significant improvement in intravaginal ejaculation latency time after the achievement of euthyroidism. CONCLUSIONS: Excess thyroid hormone and premature ejaculation are clinically interrelated conditions. Hyperthyroidism should be considered a novel and reversible etiological risk factor for premature ejaculation.

Contractility of diabetic human corpus cavernosum smooth muscle in response to serotonin mediated via Rho-kinase.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT)-induced contraction and the involvement of RhoA/Rho-kinase pathway in the 5-HT-induced contraction was investigated isometrically in vitro in both diabetic and nondiabetic human corpus cavernosum (HCC) tissues. METHODS: HCC tissues were obtained from 12 patients. The response to 5-HT (10(-9) to 10(-5) mol/l) was studied in isolated HCC tissues in the absence and in the presence of a Rho-kinase inhibitor (Y-27632). RESULTS: Preincubation with Y-27632 attenuated maximum contractions induced by 5-HT in tissues of both nondiabetics and diabetics. When diabetic and nondiabetic groups were compared, no significant difference was seen in 5-HT-induced contraction alone, but in the presence of Y-27632, 5-HT-induced contraction was significantly higher in the diabetic group. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the Rho-kinase-mediated pathway plays an important role for 5-HT-induced contraction in diabetic corpus cavernosum tissues.

Restraint stress impairs erectile responses in rats.

It has been established that various forms of physical and psychological stress reduce sexual functions. However, there is no study yet evaluating the functional changes over cavernosal pressure in rats exposed to restraint stress. In this study, we aimed to investigate the convenience of the restraint stress model that may be used to determine the disruptive effects of stress on erectile function. Sprague Dawley rats were randomized into two groups as control (n = 7) and stress (n = 7) groups. In the stress group, rats were placed for 60 minutes in a cylindrical plastic tube with holes for fresh air supply (restraint stress). Following the stress application, several parameters for erectile responses were evaluated immediately. The control animals were maintained at room temperature without any procedure until the measurement. During the electrical stimulation of cavernous nerve, we measured the intracavernous pressure (ICP), the ratio of ICP to the mean arterial pressure (MAP), and detumescence time. There were significant decreases in ICP (24.4 +/- 4.1 vs 53.4 +/- 4.5 mmHg, p < 0.01), ICP/MAP (34.4 +/- 7.8% vs 55.7 +/- 3.9%, p < 0.05), and detumescence time (31.7 +/- 6.1 vs 78.6 +/- 12.8 sec, p < 0.01) in stress group when compared to control group. Thus, restraint stress declined detumescence time and decreased intracavernosal pressure in male rats. In conclusion, restraint stress model in rats may be useful for determining the effects of stress on erectile response. Even a short-term restraint stress may cause erectile dysfunction.

The effect of various alpha1-adrenergic receptor antagonists on pupillary dilation.

We prospectively evaluated the effect of various systemic alpha1 adrenergic receptor antagonists on pupillary dilation in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Patients who are at risk for intraoperative floppy iris syndrome cannot be elucidated simply by judging preoperative dilation.

Partial nephrectomy vs. radical nephrectomy for stage I renal cell carcinoma in the presence of predisposing systemic diseases for chronic kidney disease.

Aim of this study is to compare the effects of partial nephrectomy (PN) and radical nephrectomy (RN) for stage I renal cell carcinoma (RCC) on renal functions in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and/or hypertension (HT). Charts of patients who underwent surgery for stage I RCC in our department were retrospectively reviewed and patients with DM and/or HT were enrolled. Preoperative and postoperative estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) were calculated according to the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) formulation for both RN and PN groups. Groups were compared for patient demographics, preoperative eGFR, postoperative eGFR and ΔeGFR [(preoperative eGFR) - (postoperative eGFR)] which reflects the renal functional loss. There were 85 patients in the RN and 33 patients in the PN groups. Demographic data were similar but the patients in the PN group had smaller tumor size compared to RN group (32.2 ± 11.8 mm vs 47.1 ± 15.2 mm, p < 0.001). Preoperative eGFR did not differ between groups (75 ± 28.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 vs 75.5 ± 23.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 in RN and PN groups, p = 0.929). However, there were significant differences between groups in terms of postoperative eGFR (57.5 ± 21.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 vs 74 ± 27.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 in RN and PN groups, p < 0.001) and ΔeGFR (17.5 ± 4.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 vs 1.5 ± 0.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 in RN and PN groups, p < 0.001). Our findings favor the use of PN over RN for stage I RCC whenever feasible in patients with predisposing systemic diseases for chronic kidney disease for better preservation of renal functions.

Hyperhomocysteinemia: a novel risk factor for erectile dysfunction.

Nitric oxide (NO), the key mediator synthesized by different NO synthase isoenzymes, plays an important role in endothelial function. It was recently shown that hyperhomocysteinemia is an important regulator of NO synthase. We investigated the role of homocysteine (Hcys) in erectile dysfunction (ED), which is associated with the defect in NO generation. Thirty-one nondiabetic patients and 33 control cases were evaluated. Patients with diabetes, coronary artery disease, vitamin B(12), or folate deficiency were excluded in the study. The International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire was used to gauge identified erectile quality. Fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, vitamin B(12), folic acid, and Hcys levels of patients were measured. Penile color Dupplex ultrasound was used to detect vascular abnormalities in nondiabetic patients with ED. Patients with ED were older than the control subjects (55.6 +/- 8.4 vs 44.5 +/- 4.7 years, respectively; P < .001). Patients with ED had higher fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and Hcys levels. There was a significant negative correlation between mean Hcys level and mean International Index of Erectile Function domain score (P < .001). The penile color Doppler ultrasound findings showed that there was a negative significant correlation between mean Hcys level and the 1st, 5th, and 10th minute's peak-systolic velocity. Logistic regression analysis revealed that age and Hcys levels were the main determinants in ED. Hyperhomocysteinemia, known to be an important risk factor in endothelial dysfunction, seems to be an important determinant in ED. These data suggest that slightly elevated Hcys levels are significantly related with arterial and probably endothelial dysfunction in patients with ED.

The value of PSA, free-to-total PSA ratio and PSA density in the prediction of pathologic stage for clinically localized prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVE: The ability of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), free/total PSA and PSA density to predict the pathologic stage in prostate cancer has not been clear yet. In this study, we evaluated the value of PSA subgroups in the prediction of pathologic stage after radical prostatectomy. METHODS: A total of 42 subjects 55-78-years-old who underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy were included in the study. Preoperative PSA, free/total PSA and PSA density (PSAD) values were compared according to the pathologic stages of radical prostatectomy specimens. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves were measured for each parameter. RESULTS: The clinical stage that was estimated for all patients was between T1N0M0 and T2bN0M0. Pathologic examination revealed organ-confined disease in 18 patients. The area under curve (AUC) for organ confinement was 0.553 for PSA, 0.446 for free/total PSA ratio and 0.706 for PSAD. Cut-off values providing the best sensitivity and specificity in ROC analysis for PSA, free/total PSA and PSAD were 7.1, 0.15, and 0.17, respectively (likelihood ratio: 0.9, 1 and 2). The positive predictive values at these cut-off values were 0.54, 0.56, and 0.70, respectively. Only PSAD cut-off values was found statistically borderline significant for predicting organ-confined disease. CONCLUSION: While PSAD is more helpful than PSA and free/total PSA ratio for prediction of organ-confined disease, none of these parameters are significant predictor of pathologic stage for clinically localized prostate cancer.

A rare case of acute renal infarction due to atrial fibrillation mimicking renal colic.

A 70-year-old patient with acute renal infarction due to chronic atrial fibrillation is presented. The clinical presentation of the patient was suggestive of renal colic. Computerized tomography was consistent with acute renal infarction and confirmed the diagnosis. After giving anticoagulation and antiarrhythmic treatment, she was discharged with clinical improvement. High clinical suspicion is necessary on an old patient who has thromboembolic risk factors with the complaint of abrupt-onset flank pain.

Evaluation of the utility of different scoring systems (FGSI, LRINEC and NLR) in the management of Fournier's gangrene.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the mortality and morbidity prediction capability of three different scoring systems: Fournier's gangrene severity index (FGSI), Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis (LRINEC) and neutrophile-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) with this retrospective cohort study. METHODS: Medical records of all patients treated for FG with the final histopathological diagnosis between October 2008 and January 2013 were retrospectively evaluated. Data were collected from medical history, physical examination findings, biochemical and microbiological tests and tissue cultures. FGSI and LRINEC scores and NLR were determined for all patients. Then, it was explored whether higher FGSI (<4 vs. ≥4), LRINEC (<6 vs. ≥6) or NLR (<10 vs. ≥10) were associated with worse prognosis. RESULTS: A total of 33 patients were evaluated; 3 died (9.1 %) and 30 (90.9 %) survived. Mean age was 57.6 ± 13.2 years. Survivors were younger than nonsurvivors (56 ± 12.8 vs. 72.9 ± 7.3, p < 0.05). Diabetes mellitus was the most encountered predisposing factor with 66.7 % prevalence. All patients with localized disease (100 %) and 8/11 patients (72.7 %) with extended disease survived (p < 0.05). Patients with higher FGSI scores, LRINEC scores and NLR were more likely to require mechanical ventilation in intensive care unit and longer hospitalization times and were more likely to die compared to patients with lower scores. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, all evaluated scoring systems, FGSI, LRINEC and NLR, are capable of pointing out worse prognosis including mechanical ventilation requirement and mortality. NLR has the advantage of its rapid, simple and low-cost characteristics.

Silodosin causes impaired ejaculation and enlargement of seminal vesicles in sexually active men treated for lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the sexual side effects including ejaculation after silodosin treatment in potent men with regular sexual activity, as well as possible alterations in seminal vesicle volume. METHODS: Sexually active patients aged ≥ 40 years with moderate to severe lower urinary tract symptoms were enrolled prospectively. International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and Quality of Life (QoL), International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire, ejaculation frequency, and seminal vesicle volumes measured by transrectal ultrasonography were determined at study entry, and silodosin 8 mg/d was prescribed for 4 weeks. Alterations in IPSS-QoL, all domains of IIEF, ejaculation frequency, seminal vesicle volumes, and patient-reported side effects were evaluated after silodosin treatment. RESULTS: Thirty patients were included, and mean age was 56.7 ± 6.9 years (44-70 years). IPSS-total, IPSS-storage, and IPSS-voiding subscores and QoL were significantly improved after treatment. Despite a slight decrease in erectile function domain of IIEF (26.7 ± 1.9 vs 22.9 ± 7.5; P <.05), no significant change was determined for orgasmic functions, sexual desire, intercourse satisfaction, and overall satisfaction. Ninety percent of patients (27 of 30) had impaired ejaculation, and seminal vesicles were significantly enlarged at the end of treatment (8.1 ± 6.4 vs 16.4 ± 8.2 cc; P <.001). CONCLUSION: Impaired ejaculation is a common problem for sexually active men treated with silodosin, and this may result in the slight decrease in erectile functions. Enlargement of seminal vesicles may represent for the loss of seminal emission and accumulation of seminal vesicle secretion. Further studies are required for better clarifying the effects of silodosin on sexual functions including ejaculatory functions.

Erectile function and late-onset hypogonadism symptoms related to lower urinary tract symptom severity in elderly men.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTSs), erectile dysfunction (ED) and symptomatic late-onset hypogonadism (SLOH) in ageing men in the Aegean region of Turkey. Five hundred consecutive patients >40 years old who had been in a steady sexual relationship for the past 6 months and were admitted to one of six urology clinics were included in the study. Serum prostate-specific antigen and testosterone levels and urinary flow rates were measured. All patients filled out the International Prostate Symptom Score and Quality of Life (IPSS-QoL), International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and Aging Males' Symptoms (AMS) scale forms. Of the patients, 23.9% had mild LUTSs, 53.3% had moderate LUTSs and 22.8% had severe LUTSs. The total testosterone level did not differ between groups. Additionally, 69.6% had ED. The presence of impotence increased with increasing LUTS severity. Symptomatic late-onset hypogonadism (AMS >27) was observed in 71.2% of the patients. The prevalence of severe hypogonadism symptoms increased with the IPSS scores. A correlation analysis revealed that all three questionnaire scores were significantly correlated. In conclusion, LUTS severity is an age-independent risk factor for ED and SLOH. LUTS severity and SLOH symptoms appear to have a strong link that requires etiological and biological clarification in future studies.

Persistent mullerian duct syndrome in adult men diagnosed using laparoscopy.

Persistent mullerian duct syndrome is a rare disease that occurs in men with a completely normal phenotype and is characterized by the presence of mullerian duct structures. Diagnostic laparoscopy can reveal an appearance consistent with a uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovotestes.