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BioMed Research International 2018. Brucellosis has a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations and it may last several days or even several years; however, it is often misdiagnosed and therefore may... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
. Brucellosis has a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations and it may last several days or even several years; however, it is often misdiagnosed and therefore may cause inadequate therapy and prolonged illness. Previous studies about meta-analysis of manifestations of brucellosis reported in English lacked the data published in Chinese, which did not provide details about the contact history, laboratory tests, and misdiagnosis. We undertake a meta-analysis of clinical manifestations of human brucellosis in China to identify those gaps in the literature. We have searched published articles in electronic databases up to December 2016 identified as relating to clinical features of human brucellosis in China. 68 studies were included in the analysis. The main clinical manifestations were fever, fatigue, arthralgia, and muscle pain (87%, 63%, 62%, and 56%, resp.). There are significant differences between adults and children. Rash, respiratory and cardiac complications, and orchitis/epididymitis were more prevalent in children patients. The common complications of brucellosis were hepatitis, followed by osteoarthritis, respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, central nervous system dysfunction, hemophagocytic syndrome, and orchitis/epididymitis in male. In the nonpastoral areas, brucellosis has a high ratio of misdiagnosis. Our analysis provides further evidence for the accurate diagnosis, particularly in assessing severe, debilitating sequelae of this infection.
Topics: Adult; Brucellosis; Child, Preschool; China; Diagnostic Errors; Geography; Humans; Incidence
PubMed: 29850535
DOI: 10.1155/2018/5712920 -
Indian Journal of Urology : IJU :... 2023Xanthogranulomatous inflammation is a rare nonneoplastic and chronic inflammatory process, characterized by proliferation of foamy macrophages resulting in damage and...
INTRODUCTION
Xanthogranulomatous inflammation is a rare nonneoplastic and chronic inflammatory process, characterized by proliferation of foamy macrophages resulting in damage and necrosis of the affected tissue. Involvement of the testis/epididymis by the disease is a rare event.
METHODS
A case series of four male patients diagnosed with xanthogranulomatous epididymitis/orchitis (XGEO) at our institute was reviewed. In addition, a systematic review of XGEO was carried out using PRISMA Guidelines 2020. Twenty-nine articles describing 38 patients of XGEO were included in the study.
RESULTS
XGEO usually has a subacute or chronic presentation and affects male individuals in the 5 or 6 decades of life. The disease is also known to occur in the pediatric age group. The patients present with swelling, tenderness, or pain in the scrotal region. Bilateral involvement has also been documented. Thirty patients were known to have one or more causal risk factors including diabetes mellitus (23.7%), spinal cord injury/neuropathic bladder (7.9%), prostatectomy (7.9%), trauma (4.1%), and transurethral resection of prostate procedure (4.1%). Complications observed were scrotal fistula, adhesions, and abscess formation. Radiological features reported are nonspecific and include heterogeneous echotexture, hypoechoic areas, and/or scrotal wall collections. Bacterial microorganisms isolated from the affected tissue demonstrated the presence of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. Histological subtypes of XGEO are diffuse and focal. In the diffuse subtype, which is more common, there is extensive parenchymal destruction by inflammatory process accompanied by widespread ischemic necrosis.
CONCLUSION
The mainstay of treatment in XGEO cases is surgical excision preferably orchidectomy. Conservative management has been attempted in young individuals and in patients with focal XGEO, but there is limited supporting evidence. We present data of four cases along with detailed systematic review of the disease examining its clinicopathological behavior and associated risk factors followed by operative approach.
PubMed: 36824114
DOI: 10.4103/iju.iju_270_22 -
Fertility and Sterility May 2000To recommend further research on vasectomy based on a systematic review of the effectiveness and safety of vasectomy. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To recommend further research on vasectomy based on a systematic review of the effectiveness and safety of vasectomy.
DESIGN
A systematic MEDLINE review of the literature on the safety and effectiveness of vasectomy between 1964 and 1998.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)
Early failure rates are <1%; however, effectiveness and complications vary with experience of surgeons and surgical technique. Early complications, including hematoma, infection, sperm granulomas, epididymitis-orchitis, and congestive epididymitis, occur in 1%-6% of men undergoing vasectomy. Incidence of epididymal pain is poorly documented. Animal and human data indicate that vasectomy does not increase atherosclerosis and that increases in circulating immune complexes after vasectomy are transient in men with vasectomies. The weight of the evidence regarding prostate and testicular cancer suggests that men with vasectomy are not at increased risk of these cancers.
CONCLUSION(S)
Publications to date continue to support the conclusion that vasectomy is a highly effective form of contraception. Future studies should include evaluations of the long-term effectiveness of vasectomy, evaluating criteria for postvasectomy discontinuation of alternative contraception for use in settings where semen analysis is not practical, and characterizing complications including chronic epididymal pain syndrome.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Contraindications; Counseling; Humans; MEDLINE; Male; Prostatic Neoplasms; Testicular Neoplasms; United States; Vasectomy; Vasovasostomy
PubMed: 10785217
DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(00)00482-9 -
Cureus Apr 2023Emphysematous epididymo-orchitis (EEO) is a rare but serious condition that involves the presence of gas within the tissues of the testicle and/or the epididymis. It is... (Review)
Review
Emphysematous epididymo-orchitis (EEO) is a rare but serious condition that involves the presence of gas within the tissues of the testicle and/or the epididymis. It is a medical emergency that can be life-threatening if left untreated. Management of this condition may involve a combination of antibiotics, surgical drainage, and supportive care. In March 2023, A systematic review of case reports was conducted to identify and examine cases of EEO. We used PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar for a methodical search. Only seven out of 136 studies met our criteria for this review of case reports. However, this review discusses symptom presentation, imaging findings, complications, and possible management of EEO.
PubMed: 37261165
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.38326 -
Deutsches Arzteblatt International May 2017Infections of the genital tract are considered common causes of male fertility disorders, with a prevalence of 6-10%. Most of the affected men are asymptomatic. The... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Infections of the genital tract are considered common causes of male fertility disorders, with a prevalence of 6-10%. Most of the affected men are asymptomatic. The diagnostic evaluation is based mainly on laboratory testing. Inconsistent diagnostic criteria have been applied to date, and this may explain the controversial debate about the role of infection and inflammation in the genital tract as a cause of infertility. The risk of an irreversible fertility disorder should not be underestimated.
METHODS
This review is based on pertinent publications retrieved by a selective literature search in PubMed, including guidelines from Germany and abroad and systematic review articles.
RESULTS
The main causes of inflammatory disease of the male genital tract are ascending sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and uropathogens. Chronic prostatitis has no more than a limited influence on ejaculate variables. By contrast, approximately 10% of men who have had acute epididymitis develop persistent azoospermia thereafter, and 30% have oligozoospermia. Obstruction of the excurrent ducts can ensue, as can post-infectious disturbances of spermatogenesis. The differential diagnostic evaluation includes the determination of testicular volumes, hormone concentrations, and ejaculate variables. Epidemiological data are lacking with regard to infertility after primary orchitis of infectious origin; however, up to 25% of testicular biopsies obtained from infertile men reveal focal inflammatory reactions. Multiple studies have suggested a deleterious effect of leukocytes and inflammatory mediators on sperm para - meters. On the other hand, the clinical significance of bacteriospermia remains unclear.
CONCLUSION
Any suspicion of an infectious or inflammatory disease in the male genital tract should prompt a systematic diagnostic evaluation and appropriate treatment. For patients with obstructive azoospermia, the etiology and site of the obstruction determine the surgical approach to be taken. In the near future, the elucidation of underlying pathophysiological mechanisms and the identification of suitable biomarkers may enable new strategies for conservative treatment.
Topics: Germany; Humans; Infertility, Male; Inflammation; Male; Risk Factors; Urinary Tract Infections
PubMed: 28597829
DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.2017.0339 -
Arab Journal of Urology 2021The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), remains an ongoing public health challenge. Although males are affected... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), remains an ongoing public health challenge. Although males are affected slightly more than females, the impact of SARS-COV-2 on male reproductive system remains unclear. This systematic review aims to provide a concise update on the effects of COVID-19 on male reproductive health, including the presence of viral RNA in semen, and the impact on semen quality, testicular histology, testicular pain and male reproductive hormones. The global health is fronting an immediate as well as impending threat from the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) causing coronavirus disease (COVID-19), that inflicts more males than females. Evidence suggest that male reproductive system is susceptible to this viral infection. However, there are still several pertinent queries that remain to be fully explained regarding the mechanism in testicular SARS-CoV-2 dynamics and the exact mode of its actions. Thus, the present systematic review aims to provide a concise update on the effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on male reproduction..
METHODS
A systematic review was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines searching the PubMed database. Eligibility for inclusion were original human studies evaluating the impact of COVID-19 on male reproductive health. Specific outcomes required for inclusion were at least one of the following: i) seminal detection of mRNA virus, or evaluation of ii) semen analysis, iii) testicular histology or ultrasonography, iv) testicular clinical symptoms and/or v) male reproductive hormones in COVID-19-positive patients.
RESULTS
Of 553 retrieved articles, 25 met the inclusion criteria. This included studies primarily investigating the presence of viral RNA in semen ( = 12), semen quality ( = 2), testicular histology ( = 5), testicular pain ( = 2) and male reproductive hormones (= 4). Results show little evidence for the presence of viral RNA in semen, although COVID-19 seems to affect seminal parameters, induce orchitis, and cause hypogonadism. Mortality cases suggest severe histological disruption of testicular architecture, probably due to a systemic and local reproductive tract inflammatory response and oxidative stress-induced damage.
CONCLUSIONS
Clinical evaluation of the male reproductive tract, seminal parameters and reproductive hormones is recommended in patients with current or a history of COVID-19, particularly in males undergoing fertility treatment. Any long-term negative impact on male reproduction remains unexplored and an important future consideration.
PubMed: 34552795
DOI: 10.1080/2090598X.2021.1955554 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases 2012The objectives of this systematic review, commissioned by WHO, were to assess the frequency and severity of clinical manifestations of human brucellosis, in view of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
The objectives of this systematic review, commissioned by WHO, were to assess the frequency and severity of clinical manifestations of human brucellosis, in view of specifying a disability weight for a DALY calculation.
METHODS/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS
Thirty three databases were searched, with 2,385 articles published between January 1990-June 2010 identified as relating to human brucellosis. Fifty-seven studies were of sufficient quality for data extraction. Pooled proportions of cases with specific clinical manifestations were stratified by age category and sex and analysed using generalized linear mixed models. Data relating to duration of illness and risk factors were also extracted. Severe complications of brucellosis infection were not rare, with 1 case of endocarditis and 4 neurological cases per 100 patients. One in 10 men suffered from epididymo-orchitis. Debilitating conditions such as arthralgia, myalgia and back pain affected around half of the patients (65%, 47% and 45%, respectively). Given that 78% patients had fever, brucellosis poses a diagnostic challenge in malaria-endemic areas. Significant delays in appropriate diagnosis and treatment were the result of health service inadequacies and socioeconomic factors. Based on disability weights from the 2004 Global Burden of Disease Study, a disability weight of 0.150 is proposed as the first informed estimate for chronic, localised brucellosis and 0.190 for acute brucellosis.
CONCLUSIONS
This systematic review adds to the understanding of the global burden of brucellosis, one of the most common zoonoses worldwide. The severe, debilitating, and chronic impact of brucellosis is highlighted. Well designed epidemiological studies from regions lacking in data would allow a more complete understanding of the clinical manifestations of disease and exposure risks, and provide further evidence for policy-makers. As this is the first informed estimate of a disability weight for brucellosis, there is a need for further debate amongst brucellosis experts and a consensus to be reached.
Topics: Brucellosis; Endocarditis, Bacterial; Epididymitis; Female; Humans; Male; Nervous System Diseases; Orchitis
PubMed: 23236528
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001929 -
The World Journal of Men's Health Jul 2023There is a growing concern regarding the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the male reproductive tract due to ACE2 receptor expression, however, its impact remains...
PURPOSE
There is a growing concern regarding the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the male reproductive tract due to ACE2 receptor expression, however, its impact remains unclear. We performed this review to evaluate whether SARS-CoV-2 infection affects the male reproductive system.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We conducted a search in the Embase, Scopus, and MEDLINE databases, adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guideline. Eligible studies comprised articles reporting viral RNA presence in semen, sperm parameters, and orchitis or orchiepididymitis occurrence in SARS-CoV-2 patients. Observational studies' quality was determined using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Case reports were assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI)'s checklist.
RESULTS
A total of 32 relevant articles were included. Viral RNA was found in 7% of infected patients' semen (95% CI, -0.01 to 0.15) from 3 studies. There were also only 7% of patients with orchitis or orchiepididymitis clinical manifestations (95% CI, 0.05-0.10). The semen volume and concentration were 2.34 mL (95% CI, 1.87-2.81) and 51.73 million/mL (95% CI, 31.60-71.85). The progressive and total motility percentages were 36.11% (95% CI, 28.87-43.35) and 43.07% (95% CI, 28.57-57.57), respectively. The morphology was 6.03% (95% CI, -1.05 to 13.10). There is a difference in semen volume between moderate and severe infections (MD, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.27-0.76; p<0.0001) and concentration between mild and moderate (MD, 18.74; 95% CI, 1.02-36.46; p=0.04), mild and severe (MD, 43.50; 95% CI, 13.86-73.14; p=0.004), as well as moderate and severe (MD, 22.25; 95% CI, 9.33-35.17; p=0.0007).
CONCLUSIONS
SARS-CoV-2 infection may result in decreased sperm concentration in severe cases and the mechanism relates to potential reproductive tract inflammation. The absence of large viral RNA detection in the semen indicates a systemic effect, although this is largely unproven.
PubMed: 36102101
DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.220019 -
Current Urology Mar 2020It is estimated that between 50 and 89% of non-gonococcal urethritis is not caused by . Associations between non-chlamydial non-gonococcal urethritis (NCNGU) with... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
It is estimated that between 50 and 89% of non-gonococcal urethritis is not caused by . Associations between non-chlamydial non-gonococcal urethritis (NCNGU) with balanoposthitis, epididymo-orchitis and reactive arthritis have been suggested, but evidence to support these often-theoretical relationships is sparse and further investigation is called for. Concerns over increasing antimicrobial resistance has rendered the need for clarity over this question ever more pressing in recent years. A review of the current evidence on the complications of NCNGU in men is therefore urgently warranted.
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review summarizes and evaluates the available evidence that NCNGU, whether symptomatic or asymptomatic, causes the significant complications that are already well-recognized to be associated with non-gonococcal urethritis. These significant complications are epididymo-orchitis, balanoposthitis, and sexually-acquired reactive arthritis (Reiter's syndrome) including arthritis or conjunctivitis.
SUMMARY
We conducted a systematic review and qualitative synthesis using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis framework. Five databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PsycINFO, and British Nursing Index) were searched. We included studies that measured clinical outcome after diagnosis of NCNGU in men. Bias was assessed using variations of the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Data were extracted and entered into a pre-written data abstraction proforma. Seven peer-review studies were included. This included 2 retrospective cohort studies, 1 case series, 2 case reports and 2 cross-sectional studies. The studies described and analyzed 3 types of complication: balanitis, posthitis and/or meatitis; reactive arthritis and/or conjunctivitis; and epididymitis. All studies reported one or more complications.
KEY MESSAGES
This review identifies an important avenue for future research: while the available evidence suggests that NCNGU has the potential to cause significant complications in men, with the strongest evidence existing for balanitis, posthitis and/or meatitis, the nature and significance of these relationships is far from clear. The findings of this review suggest that prospective, adequately powered research into whether there is a causal link between NCNGU and significant clinical complications in men would be highly worthwhile. The findings of this review raise important questions about the utility of the term NCNGU in research and clinical practice.
PubMed: 32398991
DOI: 10.1159/000499266 -
Impact of Sexual Activity on the Risk of Male Genital Tumors: A Systematic Review of the Literature.International Journal of Environmental... Aug 2021Most cancers are related to lifestyle and environmental risk factors, including smoking, alcohol consumption, dietary habits, and environment (occupational exposures). A... (Review)
Review
Most cancers are related to lifestyle and environmental risk factors, including smoking, alcohol consumption, dietary habits, and environment (occupational exposures). A growing interest in the association between sexual activity (SA) and the development of different types of tumors in both men and women has been recorded in recent years. The aim of the present systematic review is to describe and critically discuss the current evidence regarding the association between SA and male genital cancers (prostatic, penile, and testicular), and to analyze the different theories and biological mechanisms reported in the literature. A comprehensive bibliographic search in the MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases was performed in July 2021. Papers in the English language without chronological restrictions were selected. Retrospective and prospective primary clinical studies, in addition to previous systematic reviews and meta-analyses, were included. A total of 19 studies, including 953,704 patients were selected. Case reports, conference abstracts, and editorial comments were excluded. Men with more than 20 sexual partners in their lifetime, and those reporting more than 21 ejaculations per month, reported a decreased risk of overall and less aggressive prostate cancer (PCa). About 40% of penile cancers (PCs) were HPV-associated, with HPV 16 being the dominant genotype. Data regarding the risk of HPV in circumcised patients are conflicting, although circumcision appears to have a protective role against PC. Viral infections and epididymo-orchitis are among the main sex-related risk factors studied for testicular cancer (TC); however, data in the literature are limited. Testicular trauma can allow the identification of pre-existing TC. SA is closely associated with the development of PC through high-risk HPV transmission; in this context, phimosis appears to be a favoring factor. Sexual behaviors appear to play a significant role in PCa pathogenesis, probably through inflammatory mechanisms; however, protective sexual habits have also been described. A direct correlation between SA and TC has not yet been proven, although infections remain the most studied sex-related factor.
Topics: Female; Humans; Male; Prospective Studies; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Sexual Behavior; Sexual Partners; Testicular Neoplasms
PubMed: 34444249
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18168500