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Urologia Apr 2024Varicocele is a condition in which the veins in the spermatic cord become enlarged and twisted. Varicocele is widely recognized as the leading cause of male infertility...
INTRODUCTION
Varicocele is a condition in which the veins in the spermatic cord become enlarged and twisted. Varicocele is widely recognized as the leading cause of male infertility due to its significant impact on reproductive health in men. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the diameter of the varicose vein and the recovery rate of the spermogram after varicocelectomy. Also, the effect of body mass index (BMI) on sperm parameters after varicocelectomy.
METHODS
This descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in Valiasr Hospital's urology clinic in Qaemshahr, Iran from August 2018 to August 2019 and involved 27 men with unilateral left varicocele who met the inclusion criteria for surgical repair. Before the operation, we recorded demographic information, the maximum diameter of varicose veins in the pampiniform plexus, and spermogram results. We repeated semen analysis 3 months after the operation and analyzed the data using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 21 software.
RESULTS
Our findings showed that the diameter of the varicose vein before varicocelectomy was not significantly associated with the improvement of main semen parameters after the operation. Furthermore, our study suggested that a lower body mass index might contribute to a greater improvement in sperm motility, as individuals with lower BMI showed more significant improvement.
DISCUSSION
There is a significant inverse relationship between BMI and sperm motility improvement after surgery. Patients with a lower BMI showed greater improvement in sperm motility.
PubMed: 38634553
DOI: 10.1177/03915603241247290 -
Annals of Vascular Diseases Mar 2024Cyanoacrylate closure (CAC) is a minimally invasive technique for the treatment of varicose veins. A recent paper reported serious adverse events (AEs) associated with...
Cyanoacrylate closure (CAC) is a minimally invasive technique for the treatment of varicose veins. A recent paper reported serious adverse events (AEs) associated with this use. This triggered an urgent survey to determine the incidence of AEs in Japan. The CAC-AE survey was sent to all 1,030 institutions authorized for CAC treatments. Cases performed between January 2020 and October 2023 were surveyed. Data on serious AEs and mortality were collected. There were 623 surveys returned. There were 16 cases of proximal deep vein thrombosis, 3 cases of pulmonary embolism (PE), and 0 cases of stroke. Deep vein occlusion due to cyanoacrylate extension was observed in 1 case. Vein resection due to infection was observed in 4 cases. There were 299 cases of localized phlebitis and/or allergic reactions requiring steroid administration. Systemic allergic reactions requiring steroid administration were observed in 66 cases. There was no anaphylaxis associated with cyanoacrylate. There was one postoperative death from PE. This report's intent is to provide real world data on serious AEs following CAC from Japan given current concern over these events. An extensive report investigation of individual complications with analysis including causality will be provided following a full investigation separately.
PubMed: 38628936
DOI: 10.3400/avd.oa.23-00106 -
BMJ Open Apr 2024A subset of patients with superficial venous thrombosis (SVT) experiences clot propagation towards deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and/or pulmonary embolism (PE). The aim... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Predictive factors of clot propagation in patients with superficial venous thrombosis towards deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVE
A subset of patients with superficial venous thrombosis (SVT) experiences clot propagation towards deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and/or pulmonary embolism (PE). The aim of this systematic review is to identify all clinically relevant cross-sectional and prognostic factors for predicting thrombotic complications in patients with SVT.
DESIGN
Systematic review.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed/MEDLINE and Embase were systematically searched until 3 March 2023.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Original research studies with patients with SVT, DVT and/or PE as the outcome and presenting cross-sectional or prognostic predictive factors.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS OF RESULTS
The CHecklist for critical Appraisal and data extraction for systematic Reviews of prediction Modelling (CHARMS) checklist for prognostic factor studies was used for systematic extraction of study characteristics. Per identified predictive factor, relevant estimates of univariable and multivariable predictor-outcome associations were extracted, such as ORs and HRs. Estimates of association for the most frequently reported predictors were summarised in forest plots, and meta-analyses with heterogeneity were presented. The Quality in Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) tool was used for risk of bias assessment and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) for assessing the certainty of evidence.
RESULTS
Twenty-two studies were included (n=10 111 patients). The most reported predictive factors were high age, male sex, history of venous thromboembolism (VTE), absence of varicose veins and cancer. Pooled effect estimates were heterogenous and ranged from OR 3.12 (95% CI 1.75 to 5.59) for the cross-sectional predictor cancer to OR 0.92 (95% CI 0.56 to 1.53) for the prognostic predictor high age. The level of evidence was rated very low to low. Most studies were scored high or moderate risk of bias.
CONCLUSIONS
Although the pooled estimates of the predictors high age, male sex, history of VTE, cancer and absence of varicose veins showed predictive potential in isolation, variability in study designs, lack of multivariable adjustment and high risk of bias prevent firm conclusions. High-quality, multivariable studies are necessary to be able to identify individual SVT risk profiles.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42021262819.
Topics: Humans; Male; Venous Thromboembolism; Cross-Sectional Studies; Risk Factors; Venous Thrombosis; Pulmonary Embolism; Neoplasms; Varicose Veins; Anticoagulants
PubMed: 38626964
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-074818 -
Asian Journal of Endoscopic Surgery Jul 2024We present a rare case involving a 54-year-old man with a history of pancreatitis who developed a retroperitoneal lumbar vein aneurysm that was initially misidentified...
We present a rare case involving a 54-year-old man with a history of pancreatitis who developed a retroperitoneal lumbar vein aneurysm that was initially misidentified as a pancreatic pseudocyst. Subsequent imaging revealed an enlarged mass and retroperitoneal perforation. Despite initial hesitation, the patient eventually underwent radical surgery that enabled the successful removal of the mass, which was near the inferior vena cava. Pathological examination confirmed varicose veins, and the final diagnosis was lumbar vein aneurysm in the retroperitoneum. The patient's postoperative recovery was uneventful, with no symptoms or recurrence observed on 6-month follow-up imaging. We investigated a potential link between pancreatitis and recurrent bleeding due to weakened venous walls. The findings from this case underscore the rarity of venous aneurysms and the diagnostic and treatment challenges due to the limited number of cases; furthermore, they emphasize that surgery should be carefully considered based on the lesion location and associated risks.
Topics: Male; Humans; Middle Aged; Vena Cava, Inferior; Lumbar Vertebrae; Aneurysm; Veins; Pancreatitis
PubMed: 38622753
DOI: 10.1111/ases.13311 -
International Angiology : a Journal of... Apr 2024Varicose veins affect approximately 25% of people in industrialized countries.
BACKGROUND
Varicose veins affect approximately 25% of people in industrialized countries.
METHODS
The study aimed at detecting apoptotic cells and histopathological changes in varicose vein walls. Patients (N.=41) with varicose veins and 30 control group patients were divided into two groups according to their age (younger and older than 50 years). Apoptosis was determined by the TUNEL assay, elastin and collagen IV expression by immunohistochemistry and ultrastructural changes by transmission electron microscopy.
RESULTS
The results show that the number of apoptotic cells in the layers of varicose veins increased, in particular in a group of patients aged over 50 years. In the varicose veins as compared to control veins the elastic fibers were found to be thinner, more fragmented and disorderly arranged. Elastin and collagen IV expression was found to decline in the intima and the media of varicose veins in both age groups. Electron microscopy demonstrated hypertrophy and degeneration of smooth muscle cells. Furthermore, cells with ultrastructural feature of apoptosis were noted. In the disorganized and expanded extracellular matrix membrane-bound vesicles, ghost bodies with different size and electron density were observed. Ghost bodies seem to bud off from smooth muscle cells and are likely to be involved in extracellular matrix remodeling as they are seen in close contact with collagen fibers.
CONCLUSIONS
The study demonstrates increase of apoptotic cells in the wall of varicose veins along with vein wall structural abnormalities including alterations of smooth muscle cells and decline of elastin and collagen IV expression.
Topics: Humans; Saphenous Vein; Apoptosis; Middle Aged; Elastin; Varicose Veins; Female; Adult; Male; Myocytes, Smooth Muscle; Aged; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; Case-Control Studies; Collagen Type IV; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular; Immunohistochemistry; Venous Insufficiency; Young Adult; Age Factors; Elastic Tissue
PubMed: 38619205
DOI: 10.23736/S0392-9590.24.05107-1 -
Zeitschrift Fur Evidenz, Fortbildung... May 2024Facing increasing economization in the health care sector, clinicians have to adapt not only to the ever-growing economic challenges, but also to a patient-oriented...
Facing increasing economization in the health care sector, clinicians have to adapt not only to the ever-growing economic challenges, but also to a patient-oriented health care. Treatment costs are the most important variable for optimizing success when facing scarce human resources, increasing material- and infrastructure costs in general, as well as low revenue flexibility due to flat rates per case in Germany, the so-called Diagnosis-Related Groups (DRG). University hospitals treat many patients with particularly serious illnesses. Therefore, their share of complex and expensive treatments, such as liver cirrhosis, is significantly higher. The resulting costs are not adequately reflected in the DRG flat rate per case, which is based on an average calculation across all hospitals, which increases this economic pressure. Thus, the aim of this manuscript is to review cost and revenue structures of the management of varices in patients with cirrhosis at a university center with a focus on hepatology. For this monocentric study, the data of 851 patients, treated at the Gastroenterology Department of a University Hospital between 2016 and 2020, were evaluated retrospectively and anonymously. Medical services (e.g., endoscopy, radiology, laboratory diagnostics) were analyzed within the framework of activity-based-costing. As part of the cost unit accounting, the individual steps of the treatment pathways of the 851 patients were monetarily evaluated with corresponding applicable service catalogs and compared with the revenue shares of the cost center and cost element matrix of the German (G-) DRG system. This study examines whether university-based high-performance medicine is efficient and cost-covering within the framework of the G-DRG system. We demonstrate a dramatic underfunding of the management of varicose veins in cirrhosis in our university center. It is therefore generally questionable whether and to what extent an adequate care for this patient collective is reflected in the G-DRG system.
Topics: Humans; Germany; Liver Cirrhosis; Hospitals, University; Esophageal and Gastric Varices; Male; Female; National Health Programs; Diagnosis-Related Groups; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Aged; Gastroenterology; Adult
PubMed: 38616470
DOI: 10.1016/j.zefq.2024.03.003 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Apr 2024: The surgical treatment of chronic limb-threatening ischemia and optimal conduit choice are extensively debated. The presence of suboptimal autologous material, such as...
: The surgical treatment of chronic limb-threatening ischemia and optimal conduit choice are extensively debated. The presence of suboptimal autologous material, such as varicosities or venous aneurysms, might impair long-term outcomes. Therefore, kink-resistant external supports have been advocated in the recent literature to improve the conduit quality and outcomes. This study analyzes the FRAME external support in venous ectasic grafts in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia. : From September 2017 to September 2023, a total of sixteen patients underwent CLTI surgery with FRAME external support for venous grafts. The inclusion criteria for FRAME applications were varicose or ectasic autologous material with a diameter ≥ 4.5 and ≤ 8 mm in an isolated segment or in the entire vein and a higher risk of bypass extrinsic compression (e.g., extra-anatomical venous bypass course). : Technical success and intraoperative patency were achieved in all cases. At 30 days, the limb salvage and survival rates were 100%. The primary bypass patency was 93.7% due to an early graft occlusion. No graft infection was registered. In one case, dehiscence of the surgical wound was treated by surgical debridement and antibiotic therapy. Minor amputation was required in four patients. Over a median follow-up of 32 months, two occlusions were observed; one was treated with reoperation and the other with major amputation. The primary patency was 68.7% and the assisted primary patency was 75%. Limb salvage rates observed during the entire follow-up period were 87.5%. No graft infections or dilatation of the reinforced veins were registered. : For patients with CLTI undergoing infrainguinal bypass, satisfactory results in terms of patency and limb salvage rates were achieved using the autologous venous material, even if ectasic or varicose, with the vascular external support FRAME.
PubMed: 38610860
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13072095 -
Vascular and Endovascular Surgery Aug 2024Endovenous ablation has revolutionized treatment of varicose vein surgery but is associated with a risk of venous thromboembolism. There is no consensus regarding... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
Endovenous ablation has revolutionized treatment of varicose vein surgery but is associated with a risk of venous thromboembolism. There is no consensus regarding anticoagulation protocols for these patients. This network meta-analysis (NMA) aims to identify which anticoagulant is optimal in this cohort for clot prevention with minimal risk of adverse bleeding events.
METHODS
Library databases were searched for studies where patients were treated with one or more anticoagulants following endovenous ablation for varicose veins. The methodological quality of included studies was quantified using the Risk of Bias (ROB) assessment tools. Findings were reported using the meta-analysis of observational studies in epidemiology (MOOSE) checklist. Statistical analysis was carried out using metainsight (rpackage).
RESULTS
Observational data on just under 1500 patients prescribed post ablation anticoagulation (Rivaroxaban, Enoxaparin, Fondaparinux) were analyzed. Patient characteristics were comparable across the cohorts. 81 thrombotic and 40 minor bleeding events occurred in total. Overall rivaroxaban is found to be superior to the other agents.
CONCLUSIONS
This NMA indicates that prophylactic rivaroxaban is the highest ranked anticoagulant for thromboprophylaxis in patients post endovenous ablation for varicose veins, with a low risk of adverse bleeding. The choice whether to anticoagulate these patients is likely to remain at the discretion of the treating clinician.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Ablation Techniques; Anticoagulants; Endovascular Procedures; Factor Xa Inhibitors; Hemorrhage; Network Meta-Analysis; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Rivaroxaban; Treatment Outcome; Varicose Veins; Venous Thromboembolism
PubMed: 38610070
DOI: 10.1177/15385744241245079 -
European Journal of Medical Research Apr 2024Varicose vein is a chronic condition that affects the lower extremities of the human body. Several factors have been implicated in the development of this disease, viz...
BACKGROUND
Varicose vein is a chronic condition that affects the lower extremities of the human body. Several factors have been implicated in the development of this disease, viz age, gender, weight, height and prolonged standing. Recently, genome-wide studies have identified genetic biomarkers that are associated with varicose veins in different ethnic groups. Such genetic studies are lacking in South Asians specifically in Indians where the prevalence of varicose veins is high, and it is important to replicate these variants in the stated population. The study aimed to replicate the association of genetic variants associated with varicose veins in this target population, which were found to be associated with the other ethnic groups.
METHODOLOGY
The studied cohort is of the Indian population comprising unrelated 104 varicose veins cases and 448 non-varicose vein controls. The samples were genotyped using the Illumina Global Screening Array. Using the genomic data from UK BioBank and 23andMe studied cohorts; eight genetic variants were selected to replicate in our dataset. The allelic association was performed to identify the effective allele and risk was estimated using odds ratio and p-value as level of significance. Multifactor Dimensionality Reduction was used to estimate the cumulative effect of variants in Indians.
RESULT
Variant rs3791679 of EFEMP1 was found to be associated with varicose veins in Indians. After observing the association of the EFEMP1 with varicose veins, we further ensued to identify all genetic variants within EFEMP1 to uncover the additional variants associated with this trait. Interestingly, we identified six new variants of EFEMP1 gene that have shown association. Moreover, the cumulative effect of all associated variations was estimated and the risk was 2.7 times higher in cases than controls whereas independently their effect ranges from 0.37-1.58.
CONCLUSION
This study identifies EFEMP1 as a potential gene related to the risk of varicose veins in Indians. It also highlights that evaluating the maximum number of variants of a gene rather than focusing solely on replicating single variations offers a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the genetic factors contributing to a complex trait like varicose veins.
Topics: Humans; Alleles; Asian People; Ethnicity; Extracellular Matrix Proteins; Genotype; Phenotype
PubMed: 38609985
DOI: 10.1186/s40001-024-01786-8 -
Annals of Vascular Surgery Aug 2024Venous ulcers are a late and severe form of chronic venous insufficiency and account for 70% of all etiologies that cause leg ulcers in the lower limb, and they account...
BACKGROUND
Venous ulcers are a late and severe form of chronic venous insufficiency and account for 70% of all etiologies that cause leg ulcers in the lower limb, and they account for 20% of the 2.5 million cases complaining of chronic venous disease. Our study aims to investigate the effect of venous stenting of the deep veins on the healing of the venous ulcer.
METHODS
This is a single-center, retrospective study conducted on prospectively recorded medical records of 78 patients with chronic deep venous diseases-C6 (either nonocclusive iliac venous lesion or post-thrombotic syndrome). Our lesion involved May-Thurner lesions, occlusions, insufficiencies, or stenoses owing to an affection of the venous outflow segment. All our patients underwent endovascular management, and those who did not respond successfully were transitioned to compression therapy. We then compared the outcomes of both groups in terms of ulcer healing and quality of life.
RESULTS
A total of 78 patients (78 limbs), with a mean age of 39.6 ± 8.06 (range: 22-60) years, were treated. Fifty-four patients (67.9%) were males, and 24 (32.1%) were female. The etiology was primary nonocclusive iliac venous lesion in 12 limbs (16.2%) and secondary post-thrombotic obstructions in 66 (83.7%). Follow-up of the ulcer with compliance to compression therapy and standard care of the ulcer, sustained ulcer healing (reduction in ulcer area) was achieved in 60% of limbs, and most of the nonocclusive healing occurred within the first 3 months (P < 0.01).
CONCLUSIONS
Our results show that deep venous stenting is associated with high wound healing rates. This rate reaches a statistically significant difference in 3 months, but this difference doesn't reach statistical significance at 6 months, with less recurrence and improved quality of life with a high cumulative patency rate, and compression therapy is the mainstay of the conservative management of venous ulceration.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Middle Aged; Varicose Ulcer; Retrospective Studies; Stents; Adult; Treatment Outcome; Wound Healing; Time Factors; Young Adult; Endovascular Procedures; Quality of Life; Postthrombotic Syndrome; Chronic Disease; Iliac Vein; Vascular Patency
PubMed: 38599493
DOI: 10.1016/j.avsg.2024.02.021