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International Journal of Urology :... Jun 2024We retrospectively evaluated the efficacy of combining the SpaceOAR (SOAR) hydrogel with prostate brachytherapy, using colonoscopy findings to assess for radiation...
OBJECTIVE
We retrospectively evaluated the efficacy of combining the SpaceOAR (SOAR) hydrogel with prostate brachytherapy, using colonoscopy findings to assess for radiation proctitis.
METHODS
Among 731 patients undergoing iodine-125 low-dose-rate prostate brachytherapy (LDR-BT), SOAR was utilized in 394 patients (53.9%). Colonoscopy was performed for 97 patients (13.3%) to assess the presence, location, condition, and treatment of radiation proctitis. We also investigated treatment factors associated with the occurrence of radiation proctitis.
RESULTS
Radiation proctitis was observed in 57 patients (7.8%) and 17 (2.3%) were treated with argon plasma coagulation (APC). The incidence of radiation proctitis was 12.2% in the non-SOAR and 4.1% in the SOAR group (p < 0.001). In the non-SOAR group, the incidence of radiation proctitis was 6.6% for LDR-BT monotherapy and increased to 22.0% when combined with external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) (p = 0.001). However, in the SOAR group, these rates significantly decreased to 3.3% and 5.7% for monotherapy and combination therapy, respectively (p = 0.035, p < 0.001). With SOAR, inflammation was observed directly above the DL in most patients (87.5%), and only one patient (6.3%) required APC. The absence of SOAR (p < 0.001, HR = 0.29) and the concurrent use of EBRT (p = 0.018, HR = 2.87) were identified as significant risk factors for the occurrence of radiation proctitis.
CONCLUSION
The use of SOAR significantly reduced the incidence of radiation proctitis in patients undergoing LDR-BT monotherapy and combined EBRT. Inflammation primarily occurred directly above the DL; further examination is necessary to clarify its cause.
PubMed: 38822580
DOI: 10.1111/iju.15504 -
Colorectal Disease : the Official... May 2024
PubMed: 38812079
DOI: 10.1111/codi.17043 -
Cureus Apr 2024Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that impacts multiple organ systems and can mimic various diseases and is an extremely rare cause of proctitis in men who...
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that impacts multiple organ systems and can mimic various diseases and is an extremely rare cause of proctitis in men who have sex with men and transgender females. We present a case of a 49-year-old transgender female with a medical history significant for diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidemia who presented to the emergency department with dull abdominal pain in the left upper and lower quadrants for two days. She had non-bloody, nonbilious emesis, 10-pound weight loss over 1 month, and constipation for 2 weeks. Laboratory results showed a cholestatic pattern. Computed tomography of the abdomen showed rectal wall thickening, multiple enlarged perirectal adenopathy, and mild inflammatory infiltration around the rectum suggesting superimposed proctitis. On colonoscopy, a possible rectal mass or severe proctitis with near complete obstruction was seen with initial pathology concerning for lymphoma or a rare type of colitis. The patient was empirically started on ceftriaxone and doxycycline leading to improvement in inflammation. Special stains requested were positive for Treponema pallidum confirming the diagnosis of syphilitic proctitis and highly suggestive syphilitic hepatitis. Few cases of syphilitic proctitis imitating rectal malignancy and syphilitic hepatitis have been reported. Syphilis requires exclusion as well as confirmation of spirochetes for high-risk populations with special staining. It is important to diagnose syphilis in special populations that are at high risk of contraction.
PubMed: 38807842
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.59222 -
Journal of Clinical Nursing May 2024To describe and interpret the sexual health experiences of men with IBD.
AIM
To describe and interpret the sexual health experiences of men with IBD.
DESIGN
Interpretive qualitative study.
METHODS
In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 men with a diagnosis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Interviews were digitally audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using constant comparative, thematic analysis.
RESULTS
Three themes were identified from interview data: (1) the disease shapes intimate connections, (2) the disease thwarts sexual experiences and (3) the disease disrupts male gender norms. Men reported that active disease lowered libido and could change pre-, inter- and post-coital sexual practices. All participants noted that health professionals did not initiate the discussion of sexual health and well-being needs in the outpatient hospital setting. Men who engaged in receptive anal sex reported a lack of disease-specific guidance and understanding from professionals.
CONCLUSION
Inflammatory bowel disease can negatively impact the sexual well-being, gender identity and activities of men. Further research is required to identify the care preferences of men with IBD and clarify the barriers and facilitators to sexual health assessment so that nurses may better support the health needs of this population.
IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND PATIENT CARE
This study highlights the need for sexual health and well-being support that is specific to disease and gender in IBD. There is a paucity of information and guidance for men with peri-anal disease and proctitis who engage in receptive anal sex, which requires urgent attention.
REPORTING METHOD
Reporting follows the COREQ checklist.
PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION
A patient and public involvement group informed the development of the study design. The group reviewed public facing documents and interview guides. One member of the group provided comments on the identified themes.
PubMed: 38797921
DOI: 10.1111/jocn.17292 -
BMC Public Health May 2024Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) consists of two main types: Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). The epidemiology of IBD patients has not been... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) consists of two main types: Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). The epidemiology of IBD patients has not been comprehensively studied in EMRO countries; therefore, we conducted this meta-analysis to study the epidemiology of this disease in these countries.
METHODS
We searched four international databases, namely Scopus, Web of Knowledge (ISI), Medline/PubMed, and ProQuest, from inception up to the end of May 2023. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guideline was used to carry out this systematic review and meta-analysis investigation. Using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist, the quality of the selected papers was assessed.
RESULTS
Based on the results of this study, the incidence of UC in EMRO countries was 2.65 per 100,000 (95% CI: 1.39-3.90), and the incidence of CD was 1.16 per 100,000 (95% CI: 0.73-1.59). The most commonly involved intestinal segment in CD was the terminal ileum (44.7%, 95% CI: 34.7-55.2), followed by the ileum (29.8%, 95% CI: 22.2-38.6), and colon (18.7%, 95% CI: 10.8-30.4). However, in UC patients, extensive colitis was the most common finding (32.3%, 95% CI: 26.4-38.8), followed by proctosigmoiditis (27.9%, 95% CI: 21.1-35.8), left-sided colitis (27.4%, 95% CI: 22.7-32.7), and proctitis (22.6%, 95% CI: 17.5-28.5).
CONCLUSION
As a result, we were able to establish the traits of IBD patients in EMRO nations. UC patients had a higher incidence than CD patients. The most common regions of involvement in CD and UC patients, respectively, were the colon and pancolitis. Compared to UC patients, CD patients had a higher history of appendectomy.
Topics: Humans; Incidence; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases; Colitis, Ulcerative; Mediterranean Region; Crohn Disease; Middle East
PubMed: 38789987
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18816-z -
BMJ Open Gastroenterology May 2024It is unclear whether widespread use of biologics is reducing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) surgical resection rates. We designed a population-based study evaluating...
OBJECTIVE
It is unclear whether widespread use of biologics is reducing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) surgical resection rates. We designed a population-based study evaluating the impact of early antitumour necrosis factor (TNF) on surgical resection rates up to 5 years from diagnosis.
DESIGN
We evaluated all patients with IBD diagnosed in Cardiff, Wales 2005-2016. The primary measure was the impact of early (within 1 year of diagnosis) sustained (at least 3 months) anti-TNF compared with no therapy on surgical resection rates. Baseline factors were used to balance groups by propensity scores, with inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) methodology and removing immortal time bias. Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) with IBD unclassified (IBD-U) (excluding those with proctitis) were analysed.
RESULTS
1250 patients were studied. For CD, early sustained anti-TNF therapy was associated with a reduced likelihood of resection compared with no treatment (IPTW HR 0.29 (95% CI 0.13 to 0.65), p=0.003). In UC including IBD-U (excluding proctitis), there was an increase in the risk of colectomy for the early sustained anti-TNF group compared with no treatment (IPTW HR 4.6 (95% CI 1.9 to 10), p=0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
Early sustained use of anti-TNF therapy is associated with reduced surgical resection rates in CD, but not in UC where there was a paradoxical increased surgery rate. This was because baseline clinical factors were less predictive of colectomy than anti-TNF usage. These data support the use of early introduction of anti-TNF therapy in CD whereas benefit in UC cannot be assessed by this methodology.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Adult; Colectomy; Middle Aged; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Crohn Disease; Colitis, Ulcerative; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases; Infliximab; Young Adult; Treatment Outcome; Retrospective Studies; Aged; Propensity Score; Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors
PubMed: 38777566
DOI: 10.1136/bmjgast-2024-001373 -
Balkan Medical Journal May 2024
PubMed: 38769742
DOI: 10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2024.2024-1-94 -
HIV Medicine May 2024The 2022 global mpox outbreak disproportionately impacted people living with HIV. This review explores recent evidence on mpox in this group, focusing on clinical... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
The 2022 global mpox outbreak disproportionately impacted people living with HIV. This review explores recent evidence on mpox in this group, focusing on clinical presentation, complications, treatment modalities and vaccine strategies.
RECENT FINDINGS
Recent studies have suggested that people with HIV diagnosed with mpox have a greater risk of proctitis and hospitalization compared with people without HIV. In addition, those with advanced immunosuppression face an elevated risk of severe mpox infection, which can lead to mortality. Comprehensive and prompt supportive care using antiretrovirals and mpox antivirals is crucial in this group. Although results from randomized clinical trials are still forthcoming, recent studies suggest that early initiation of tecovirimat can prevent disease progression in people with HIV. The non-replicative attenuated smallpox vaccine is well tolerated and effective in preventing monkeypox virus infections in people with HIV. Further studies are needed regarding long-term vaccine effectiveness for this population.
CONCLUSION
Evaluating the risk of severe mpox in people living with HIV requires assessing the level of immune suppression and viral control. Universal access to vaccination is imperative to prevent the resurgence of future outbreaks.
PubMed: 38745559
DOI: 10.1111/hiv.13661 -
Sexually Transmitted Infections May 2024The use of non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP) emerges as a strategic intervention to reduce HIV infection risk following sexual encounters in our setting.... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES
The use of non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP) emerges as a strategic intervention to reduce HIV infection risk following sexual encounters in our setting. Notwithstanding, there is a scarcity of contemporary data regarding adherence to this treatment, its effectiveness and tolerance. Our study aims to delve into these factors among individuals who have resorted to nPEP after high-risk sexual encounters.
METHODS
We conducted a retrospective observational study of cases administered nPEP for HIV from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2021 at a tertiary hospital in Madrid. The study included all adults over 18 years who sought care at the emergency department of the Fundación Jiménez Díaz Hospital following a risky sexual encounter and were subsequently recommended HIV nPEP treatment.
RESULTS
878 individuals received nPEP for HIV and underwent initial serological tests. Of these, 621 had comprehensive follow-ups. The prescribed regimen for all was raltegravir (RAL) 1200 mg combined with tenofovir/emtricitabine (TDF/FTC) 245/200 mg daily for 28 days. The study revealed a 1.1% rate (n=10) of previously undetected infection and a 0.16% (n=1) failure rate of nPEP. Regarding regimen tolerability, 5.6% (n=35) experienced symptoms linked to the treatment, yet none necessitated discontinuation of the regimen. On the contrary, six per cent (n=53) reported symptoms consistent with an STI during one of the medical visits; specifically, 4.4% had urethritis, and 1.6% had proctitis.
CONCLUSION
nPEP with RAL/TDF/FTC demonstrates high efficacy and safety, contingent on proper adherence. There is an observed increase in STI prevalence in this cohort, with nearly half of the participants not engaging in appropriate follow-up after initiating nPEP.
Topics: Humans; HIV Infections; Male; Post-Exposure Prophylaxis; Retrospective Studies; Adult; Female; Anti-HIV Agents; Middle Aged; Spain; Medication Adherence; Young Adult
PubMed: 38744451
DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2024-056109 -
Frontiers in Oncology 2024Prostate cancer (PCa) is a prevalent malignancy in European men, often treated with radiotherapy (RT) for localized disease. While modern RT achieves high success rates,...
INTRODUCTION
Prostate cancer (PCa) is a prevalent malignancy in European men, often treated with radiotherapy (RT) for localized disease. While modern RT achieves high success rates, concerns about late gastrointestinal (GI) toxicities persist. This retrospective study aims to identify predictors for late GI toxicities following definitive conventionally fractionated external beam RT (EBRT) for PCa, specifically exploring the dose to the rectal wall.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A cohort of 96 intermediate- to high-risk PCa patients underwent EBRT between 2008 and 2016. Rectum and rectum wall contours were delineated, and 3D dose matrices were extracted. Volumetric and dosimetric indices were computed, and statistical analyses were performed to identify predictors using the Mann-Whitney U-rank test, logistic regression, and recursive feature elimination.
RESULTS
In our cohort, 15 out of 96 patients experienced grade II late proctitis. Our analysis reveals distinct optimal predictors for rectum and rectum wall (RW) structures varying with values (3.0 and 2.3 Gy) across prescribed doses of 68 to 76 Gy. Despite variability, RW predictors demonstrate greater consistency, notably V68Gy[%] to V74Gy[%] for 3.0 Gy, and V68Gy[%] to V70Gy[%] for 2.3 Gy. The model with 2.3 Gy, featuring RW volume receiving 70 Gy (V70Gy[%]), stands out with a BIC value of 62.92, indicating its superior predictive effectiveness. Finally, focusing solely on the rectum structure, the V74Gy[%] emerges the best predictor for 3.0 Gy, with a BIC value of 66.73.
CONCLUSION
This investigation highlights the critical role of V70Gy[%] in the rectum wall as a robust predictor for grade II late gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity following external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) for prostate cancer (PCa). Furthermore, our findings suggest that focusing on the rectum wall specifically, rather than the entire rectum, may offer improved accuracy in assessing proctitis development. A 2.3 Gy of ≤5% and if possible ≤1% for the rectal wall should be achieved to minimize the risk of late grade II proctitis.
PubMed: 38737910
DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1371384