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Andrology Jul 2021The testes are suspected target organs of SARS-CoV-2. However, the results of studies on the effect of COVID-19 on male reproduction are controversial. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The testes are suspected target organs of SARS-CoV-2. However, the results of studies on the effect of COVID-19 on male reproduction are controversial.
OBJECTIVE
To summarize current research on the effects of COVID-19 on male reproduction.
METHODS
A systematic review of English literature was performed using PubMed and Ovid Embase up to 18 August 2020. Research articles on the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in semen, the effects of the virus on semen parameters and any pathological changes in the testes were evaluated.
RESULTS
Fourteen studies were included in this review. Six of 176 survivors (3.4%) and 1 of 13 decedents (7.7%) in 2 of 12 studies were positive for viral RNA in semen and testicular tissue, respectively. After stratification of patient groups, we found that the virus was detected in the relatively early stage of infection, 6-16 days after disease onset, in semen from survivors. Two of 3 studies reported that some participants had substandard semen quality after COVID-19, and 1 study found that COVID-19 may impair semen quality in a severity-related manner. Pathological analyses showed that injuries to the seminiferous tubule occurred in all decedents (N = 11). Another study found that orchitic and testis fibrin microthrombi occurred in patients with fatal disease (100%, N = 2). Scrotal discomfort of orchiepididymitis or spermatic cord inflammation has also been reported in COVID-19 patients.
CONCLUSION
Current studies suggest that semen is rarely considered a carrier of SARS-CoV-2 genetic material during the infection period but not in the semen of recovered patients. Fatal COVID-19 may cause testicular structure damage without the presence of virus.
Topics: COVID-19; Humans; Male; Reproduction; Semen; Semen Analysis; Seminiferous Tubules; Testis
PubMed: 33427404
DOI: 10.1111/andr.12970 -
Progres En Urologie : Journal de... Oct 2017Temocillin is an alternative to treat urinary tract infections with bacteria producing extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL). The objective is to evaluate the use of... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Temocillin is an alternative to treat urinary tract infections with bacteria producing extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL). The objective is to evaluate the use of temocillin in urinary tract infections.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A systematic review of literature was carried out according to PRISMA criteria. All national and international recommendations have been reviewed regarding the indication of the use of temocillin in urology. Data collection on the use of temocillin in urinary tract infection has been performed from the Cochrane, LILACS and the Medline database. The following keywords were used: temocillin, extended spectrum beta-lactamase, urinary tract infections, urine, prostate, epididymis, testis, diffusion, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics. The selection was based on the methodology, language of publication (English/French), relevance to the topic and date of publication of the articles collected. The endpoint was to provide exhaustive scientific information allowing urologists to use this antibiotic in febrile urinary infections.
RESULTS
Bacteria producing ESBL has a relatively high susceptible to temocillin, ranging from 61 % to 90 %. These rates would allow its use in probabilistic. The dosage recommended is currently, in the normo-renal patient, 4g per day by intermittent infusion or continuously after a loading dose of 2g. Some studies argue, particularly in case of difficult clinical situations or obese patients, for administration of high doses (6g/24h) rather continuous infusion. There is no evident relationship between high doses and side effects. With an excellent urinary and prostatic diffusion, temocilllin might be recommend for the treatment of ESBL prostatitis.
CONCLUSION
Temocillin is known to have good urinary and prostatic diffusion. According to our results, this antibiotics is now a reliable alternative for the treatment of documented ESBL urinary tract infections.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
4.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Humans; Penicillins; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Urinary Tract Infections
PubMed: 28869169
DOI: 10.1016/j.purol.2017.07.242 -
Human Reproduction (Oxford, England) May 2017Are boys who are born to mothers who use analgesics during pregnancy at increased risk of cryptorchidism compared to those born to mothers who do not take analgesia? (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
STUDY QUESTION
Are boys who are born to mothers who use analgesics during pregnancy at increased risk of cryptorchidism compared to those born to mothers who do not take analgesia?
SUMMARY ANSWER
In this systematic review and meta-analysis of 10 published studies, we observed only weak evidence of an association between analgesia use during pregnancy and risk of cryptorchidism in the son.
WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY
Concentrations of analgesia relevant to human exposure have been implicated as causing endocrine disturbances in the developing foetal testis. However, when viewed collectively there appears to be conflicting evidence regarding an association between maternal use of analgesics and development of cryptorchidism.
STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION
A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies on analgesia use during pregnancy and risk of cryptorchidism was performed. The search terms used were (analges* OR paracetamol OR acetaminophen) AND (cryptorchidism OR cryptorchism OR undescended test* OR non-descended test* OR non descended test*) for the databases Ovid Medline, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science. The search included all published articles up until 23 May 2016 and no limits were set in terms of language.
PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS
Abstracts were screened by one reviewer to remove irrelevant studies, with a 10% random sample of these verified by a second reviewer. The full text of all remaining papers was assessed by two reviewers. Abstracts included in the final analysis were studies which reported associations between the exposure (analgesia) and the outcome (cryptorchidism). Studies were only included if data were provided from which summary associations (odds ratios (ORs) or relative risks) and their 95% CIs could be calculated, or if summary associations were provided by the authors themselves. For each included study, two reviewers independently extracted study meta-data in line with PRISMA recommendations. We assessed study quality and potential for bias using the criteria outlined in the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale, but did not determine a quality score. Two reviewers independently assessed study quality against these criteria.
MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE
After screening 350 manuscripts, 10 were included in our review (5 case-control studies, 5 cohort studies). We observed weak evidence of an association between ever use of analgesia and risk of cryptorchidism (pooled crude OR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.00-1.23), with case-control studies revealing a marginally stronger association (1.23, 95% CI: 0.85-1.78) than cohort studies (1.09, 95% CI: 0.97-1.22). We observed weak evidence of a dose-response relationship between increasing weeks of analgesia exposure and risk of cryptorchidism, as well as weak evidence of an effect of timing on analgesia exposure and risk of cryptorchidism. Assessment of study quality via the Newcastle-Ottawa criteria revealed little (if any) evidence of substantial bias that may have meaningfully affected a given study's results.
LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION
While confounding does not appear to be important, misclassification of the exposure is possibly an important source of measurement error in this context. The systematic review is open to reporting bias. Owing to scant data, no meta-analyses for two key questions (relating to dose-response and timing of exposure) could be performed. Medications were grouped based on their common effect and this offers little insight into the relation between specific types of analgesia and cryptorchidism. Finally, there are limitations in assuming that analgesia use reported by mothers is synonymous with actual intrauterine exposure.
WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS
The ubiquity of analgesia use during pregnancy makes this exposure particularly important from a population health perspective. About 9 of the 10 studies were conducted in Europe or USA, limiting generalizability of our observations. While the observations from our systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that analgesia use during pregnancy is not strongly associated with cryptorchidism development in the son, they also highlight the need for further detailed assessments of this relationship.
STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)
This study was funded by the Health Research Council of New Zealand (reference #: 14/052). The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.
REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42016041414.
Topics: Analgesia; Analgesics; Cryptorchidism; Female; Humans; Male; Pain Management; Pregnancy; Risk
PubMed: 28333256
DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dex047 -
Gaceta Sanitaria 2021To assess the association between exposure to radon and genitourinary cancer in a mining population through a systematic review of the scientific literature. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To assess the association between exposure to radon and genitourinary cancer in a mining population through a systematic review of the scientific literature.
METHOD
A systematic review of the scientific literature was carried out in MEDLINE (PubMed), combining MeSH (Medical Subject Heading) terms and free terms. We applied a specific scale to assess the quality of the included studies.
RESULTS
We included 17 studies; all were cohort studies with the exception of one which was a pooling of data. All studies included analysed the relationship between exposure to radon and genitourinary cancer. While some studies point towards an association between radon exposure and genitourinary cancer, especially kidney cancer, others do not find such association.
CONCLUSIONS
The included studies showed great heterogeneity. It cannot be concluded that there is an association between exposure to radon and genitourinary cancer. More research is needed on this topic, designing studies with higher statistical power, better control of confounders, and preferably prospective.
Topics: Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced; Occupational Diseases; Occupational Exposure; Prospective Studies; Radon; Urogenital Neoplasms
PubMed: 31676139
DOI: 10.1016/j.gaceta.2019.06.006 -
Journal of Pediatric Urology Oct 2020To determine whether excising a testicular remnant or nubbin is necessary and perform a systematic review of the incidental ectopic adrenal cortical rest associated with... (Review)
Review
AIM
To determine whether excising a testicular remnant or nubbin is necessary and perform a systematic review of the incidental ectopic adrenal cortical rest associated with undescended testis.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A retrospective analysis of impalpable undescended testis was carried out between May 2016 and June 2019. The demographic data, intra-operative findings and histopathological diagnosis were analyzed. In conjunction with this, systematic search of PUBMED and EMBASE database was performed by using the search terms "undescended testis" AND "ectopic adrenal tissue". Data was collected for demographic characteristics, size and appearance of ectopic adrenal cortical rest and histopathology. Quantitative data has been presented as medians. Categorical variables have been presented as percentages.
RESULT
We encountered 43 cases of impalpable undescended testis, out of which, nubbins were identified in 9 cases. Incidence of EACT in nubbin and impalpable UDT was 2/9 (22.22%) and 2/43 (4.7%) respectively. None of the excised nubbin had germ cells. On Systematic review, EACT associated with UDT was seen in 90/2501 (3.6%), while its association with testicular nubbin has been reported only once before in a case report.
CONCLUSION
A testicular nubbin is a condition wherein no viable testicular tissue can be grossly identified in a case of impalpable testis. Even when germ cells are not found in the excised nubbin, the presence of ectopic adrenal cortical rest make them prone to later malignant transformation. Association of EACT with UDT has been consistently reported but there is scarcity of such documentation in association with testicular nubbin.
Topics: Cryptorchidism; Gonadal Dysgenesis, 46,XY; Humans; Male; Rest; Retrospective Studies; Testis
PubMed: 32741641
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2020.07.011 -
Asian Journal of Surgery Dec 2021Testis-sparing surgery (TSS) has been increasingly used for treating a variety of testicular tumors (TTs) in children. However, the indications and feasibility... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Testis-sparing surgery (TSS) has been increasingly used for treating a variety of testicular tumors (TTs) in children. However, the indications and feasibility associated with TSS remain uncertain. This study aimed to present the clinical outcomes of TSS in children with TTs. The PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases were reviewed for relevant articles on the clinical outcomes of TSS in children. Recurrence rate, benign rate, rate of TSS and its 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. A total of nine relevant studies with 320 patients were included in this study. The recurrence rate was 5.8% (95% CI: 2.3%-14.1%), benign rate was 70.9% (95% CI: 56.3%-82.1%), the rate of TSS (RTSS) was 36.2% (95% CI: 26.1%-47.8%), RTSS in benign tumor was 48.4% (95% CI: 34.3%-62.9%) and rate of elevated AFP was 29.3% (95% CI: 19.7%-41.3%) in children with TTs. Regarding the distribution of TTs, 159 (49.6%) were teratomas, 74 (23.1%) were yolk sac tumors, 36 (11.3%) were epidermoid cysts, 3 (0.9%) were rhabdomyosarcomas, 7 (2.2%) were leydig cell tumor, 6 (1.8%) were sex-cord stromal tumor, 8(2.5%) were mixed malignant germ cell tumors, 3(0.9%) were hemangioma, and 4(1.3%) were adrenal rest tumors. The findings of this meta-analysis suggested that most of the TTs in children were benign, and the most common histologic subtype was teratoma. TSS should be provided to children with benign lesions. This study confirmed that very low rates of tumor recurrence were observed in children with TTs.
Topics: Epidermal Cyst; Humans; Male; Testicular Neoplasms
PubMed: 33893031
DOI: 10.1016/j.asjsur.2021.03.016 -
Urologia Nov 2023Most genitourinary tract cancers have a negative impact on male fertility. Although testicular cancers have the worst impact, other tumors such as prostate, bladder, and... (Review)
Review
Most genitourinary tract cancers have a negative impact on male fertility. Although testicular cancers have the worst impact, other tumors such as prostate, bladder, and penis are diagnosed early and treated in relatively younger patients in which couple fertility can be an important concern. The purpose of this review is to highlight both the pathogenetic mechanisms of damage to male fertility in the context of the main urological cancers and the methods of preserving male fertility in an oncological setting, in light of the most recent scientific evidence. A systematic review of available literature was carried out on the main scientific search engines, such as PubMed, Clinicaltrials.Gov, and Google scholar. Three hundred twenty-five relevant articles on this subject were identified, 98 of which were selected being the most relevant to the purpose of this review. There is a strong evidence in literature that all of the genitourinary oncological therapies have a deep negative impact on male fertility: orchiectomy, partial orchiectomy, retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy (RPLND), radical cystectomy, prostatectomy, penectomy, as well as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and hormonal androgen suppression. Preservation of fertility is possible and includes cryopreservation, hormonal manipulation with GnRH analogs before chemotherapy, androgen replacement. Germ cell auto transplantation is an intriguing strategy with future perspectives. Careful evaluation of male fertility must be a key point before treating genitourinary tumors, taking into account patients' age and couples' perspectives. Informed consent should provide adequate information to the patient about the current state of his fertility and about the balance between risks and benefits in oncological terms. Standard approaches to genitourinary tumors should include a multidisciplinary team with urologists, oncologists, radiotherapists, psycho-sexologists, andrologists, gynecologists, and reproductive endocrinologists.
Topics: Humans; Male; Fertility Preservation; Androgens; Infertility, Male; Testicular Neoplasms; Urologic Neoplasms
PubMed: 37491831
DOI: 10.1177/03915603221146147 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Sep 2022Management of incidentally diagnosed small testicular masses (STM) is controversial. Although there is the risk of malignancy, it might be realistic to safely seek... (Review)
Review
Management of incidentally diagnosed small testicular masses (STM) is controversial. Although there is the risk of malignancy, it might be realistic to safely seek preservation of testicles bearing benign masses. This study aims to systematically evaluate the evidence regarding prevalence of STMs, their benign or malignant histology and their management. We conducted a systematic literature search for studies reporting small or incidental testicular masses and their management by radical orchiectomy, testis sparing surgery (TSS) or ultrasound (US) surveillance. We initially screened 2126 abstracts and from these, 57 studies met the inclusion criteria. Testicular masses were detected in 1.74% of patients undergoing US examination. Regarding STMs removed by surgery, 41.12% were benign. Intraoperative frozen section examination (FSE) is a reliable tool to discriminate between benign and malignant testicular masses (average 93.05% accuracy), supporting TSS. Benign lesions were associated with smaller diameter (<1 cm 68.78% benign), were often hypoechoic and exhibited regular margins on US. Conclusions: Small testicular masses are often benign. Clinical and US patterns are not accurate enough for including patients in surveillance protocols and TSS paired with FSE is pivotal for precluding the removal of testicles bearing benign lesions. Future research might unveil new imaging tools or biomarkers to support clinical management.
PubMed: 36233639
DOI: 10.3390/jcm11195770 -
European Urology Mar 2018Patients with clinical stage I (CS I) seminoma testis with large primary tumours and/or rete testis invasion (RTI) might have an increased risk of relapse. In recent... (Review)
Review
Testicular Tumour Size and Rete Testis Invasion as Prognostic Factors for the Risk of Relapse of Clinical Stage I Seminoma Testis Patients Under Surveillance: a Systematic Review by the Testicular Cancer Guidelines Panel.
CONTEXT
Patients with clinical stage I (CS I) seminoma testis with large primary tumours and/or rete testis invasion (RTI) might have an increased risk of relapse. In recent years, these risk factors have frequently been employed to decide on adjuvant treatment.
OBJECTIVE
To systematically review the literature on tumour size and RTI as risk factors for relapse in CS I seminoma testis patients under surveillance.
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION
Relevant databases including Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched up to November 2016. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs, prospective observational studies with controls, retrospective matched-pair studies, and comparative studies from well-defined registries/databases were included. The primary outcome was the rate of relapse and relapse-free survival (RFS). The risk of bias was assessed by the Quality in Prognosis Studies tool.
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
After assessing 3068 abstracts and 80 full-text articles, 20 studies met the inclusion criteria. Although evidence to justify a cut-off of 4cm for size was lacking, it was the most frequently studied. The reported hazard ratio (HR) for the RFS for tumours >4cm was 1.59-2.8. Accordingly, the reported 5-yr RFS ranged from 86.6% to 95.5% and from 73.0% to 82.6% for patients having tumours ≤4 and >4cm, respectively. For tumours with RTI present, the reported HR was 1.4-1.7. The 5-yr RFS ranged from 86.0% to 92.0% and 74.9% to 79.5% for patients without versus those with RTI present, respectively. A meta-analysis was considered inappropriate due to data heterogeneity.
CONCLUSIONS
Primary tumour size and RTI are associated with the risk of relapse in CS I seminoma testis patients during surveillance. However, in the presence of either risk factor, the vast majority of patients are cured by orchiectomy alone and will not relapse. Furthermore, the evidence on the prognostic value of size and RTI has significant limitations, so prudency is warranted on their routine use in clinical practice.
PATIENT SUMMARY
Primary testicular tumour size and rete testis invasion are considered to be important prognostic factors for the risk of relapse in patients with clinical stage I seminoma testis. We systematically reviewed all the literature on the prognostic value of these two postulated risk factors. The outcome is that the prognostic power of these factors in the published literature is too low to advocate their routine use in clinical practice and to drive the choice on adjuvant treatment in clinical stage I seminoma testis patients.
PubMed: 29100813
DOI: 10.1016/j.eururo.2017.09.025 -
International Journal of Impotence... Sep 2022Subfertility is a risk factor for testicular cancers (TT), and conversely, TT may induce subfertility due to local and regional toxic effects. We aimed to identify the... (Review)
Review
Subfertility is a risk factor for testicular cancers (TT), and conversely, TT may induce subfertility due to local and regional toxic effects. We aimed to identify the association between TT characteristics and pre-orchidectomy azoospermia. A systematic review of the literature was performed according to the PRISMA checklist. Overall, eight non-randomised studies involving 469 men with TT (azoospermia, n = 57; no azoospermia n = 412) were included in the qualitative analysis. Bilateral TT (12.3% vs 2.9% in non-azoospermia), non-seminoma germ cell tumours (6.4% vs 1.9%), germ cell neoplasia in-situ (GCNIS) (11.1% vs 1.2%), stage 2-3 disease (22.2% vs 0%), Sertoli Cell only (SCO) on biopsy (60% vs 37.5%) and a history of undescended testis (UDT) (66.7% vs 50%) were more common in azoospermic men. FSH levels are higher (18.7-23.2 mIU/L vs <0.1-8 mIU/L in non-azoospermia), testosterone is lower, and testis size are smaller (lower range 1 mL vs 10 mL) in men with azoospermia. Leydig cell tumours and hyperplasia were only detected in men with azoospermia. In summary, bilateral TT, GCNIS, higher tumour stage, smaller testes, SCO and history of UDT may have direct effects on spermatogenesis. Small testis, raised FSH and low testosterone may reflect reduced testicular function in azoospermic men. Performing a pre-orchidectomy semen analysis is important to identify those with azoospermia or severe oligospermia in order to plan for cryopreservation or onco-TESE in young men who wish to conceive.
Topics: Azoospermia; Follicle Stimulating Hormone; Humans; Male; Testicular Neoplasms; Testosterone
PubMed: 34743192
DOI: 10.1038/s41443-021-00492-x