Empiric Medical Therapy Research Articles

Use of empirical medical therapies for idiopathic male infertility in Australia and New Zealand.

Idiopathic male infertility is common, yet there is no approved treatment. This study aimed to understand practice patterns towards empirical medical therapy (EMT) for idiopathic male infertility in Australia and New Zealand (NZ). Clinical members of the Endocrine Society of Australia, Fertility Society of Australia & NZ, and Urological Society of Australia & NZ were invited to complete a survey. Questions included demographics, EMT practice habits, and thoughts regarding infertility case scenarios. Unadjusted group differences between specialists, those with and without additional training in male infertility, and frequency of managing it were evaluated. Overall, 147 of 2340 members participated (6.3%); majority were endocrinologists and gynaecologists. Participants were experienced; 35% had completed additional training in male infertility and 36.2% reported they frequently manage male infertility. Gynaecologists were more likely to manage male infertility and attend education courses than endocrinologists and urologists. Beliefs about the effect of EMT on sperm concentration and pregnancy did not differ between speciality types. Many respondents considered all patient scenarios suitable for EMT. Of medications, hCG and clomiphene were selected most. Two respondents indicated they would use testosterone to treat male infertility. This study demonstrates common use of EMT in Australia and NZ for idiopathic male infertility. The breadth of responses reflects a lack of consensus within the current literature, highlighting the need for further research to clarify their role in the management of idiopathic male infertility.

Combination clomiphene citrate and anastrozole duotherapy improves semen parameters in a multi-institutional, retrospective cohort of infertile men.

In men with impaired semen parameters, empiric medical therapies such as clomiphene citrate, a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), and anastrozole, a selective aromatase inhibitor, are often employed. The effects of jointly administering these agents on semen parameters are not well understood. Here, we describe the findings of our multi-center, retrospective cohort study of men with idiopathic primary or secondary infertility. Twenty-one men were treated with combination therapy (anastrozole and clomiphene) and 69 men were treated with monotherapy (anastrozole). Patients with pre-treatment normozoospermia and recent or current exogenous testosterone therapy were excluded. Baseline and post-treatment semen and sex hormone parameters were compared among groups. The median follow-up duration was 91 days [interquartile range (IQR), 64-117 days]. Following treatment, 43% of men in the combination therapy group demonstrated normozoospermia, compared to 25% in the monotherapy group. Furthermore, men in the combined group demonstrated marked improvements in total motile sperm count (TMSC) [11.3 vs. 2.1 million (M), P=0.03]. There were no significant differences in hormone levels among the two groups following treatment. Combination therapy with clomiphene citrate and anastrozole was associated with modest benefits in post-treatment semen parameters, when compared to anastrozole monotherapy. These benefits may contribute to improvements in pregnancy outcomes with less invasive assisted reproductive technologies, such as intrauterine insemination (IUI). Future investigations with larger sample sizes and prospective study designs are necessary.

Medical Management to Treat Chronic Non-healing Ulcers: A Case Series.

Chronic non-healing leg ulcers are skin defects below the knee that resist healing for more than six weeks. They cause physical, emotional, and economic burdens to patients and society. To introduce an innovative medical strategy that targets the chronic inflammation component in non-healing ulcers (NHUs) with rheumatic features and to evaluate its potential effectiveness in achieving complete healing. We employed an empirical medical therapy regimen, which combined medications like deflazacort, colchicine, dapsone, hydroxychloroquine, and azathioprine. We retrospectively selected 25 patients with chronic pedal ulcerswho underwent our therapy. The mean duration of ulcers was 7.84 years, and the time to heal was 5.97 months. Among 25 patients, 19 had atypical ulcers, four had venous ulcers, and two had diabetic neuropathy ulcers. Four patients with venous ulcers additionally underwent endovenous laser ablation. Our medical strategy showed promising results in healing chronic NHUs with rheumatic features without significant steroid-induced adverse effects.

(181) Combination Clomiphene Citrate and Anastrozole Therapy Iimproves Semen Parameters in a Multi-institutional Cohort of Men with Idiopathic Infertility

Abstract Introduction Clomiphene citrate (CC), a selective estrogen receptor modulator, and anastrozole, a selective aromatase inhibitor, are common empiric medical therapies for men with idiopathic infertility. The effects of jointly administering these agents are not well understood. Objective The objective of this study is to compare semen parameters in men treated with clomiphene citrate and anastrozole (CC-A) combination therapy to those in men taking anastrozole alone. Methods We performed a multi-center, retrospective cohort study of men with idiopathic infertility prescribed anastrozole at two tertiary referral institutions. Demographic, laboratory, and prescription data were captured. The subset of patients taking CC at the time of anastrozole initiation were identified. Patients with pre-treatment normozoospermia, recent or current exogenous testosterone or human chorionic gonadotropin use, previous orchiectomy, and scrotal surgery during the treatment period were excluded. Outcome measures included changes in World Health Organization sperm concentration category (WHO-SCC) following initiation of anastrozole therapy. Linear and logistic regression models were constructed to evaluate the association of combination therapy with these outcomes. Results 72 men were included in the analysis cohort, including 54 men taking anastrozole alone and 18 men on CC therapy who subsequently started taking anastrozole (CC-A). Men on CC-A relative to anastrozole monotherapy were older (40 vs. 35 years, p=0.03) and had a lower BMI (30 vs. 34 kg/m^2, p=0.05), respectively. Pre-treatment LH levels (5.6 vs. 7.6 IU/L, p=0.25) and testosterone (336 vs 263 ng/dL, p=0.32) were similar. Baseline semen parameters including sperm concentration (3.7 vs. 2.3 M/mL, p=0.26) and motility (41 vs. 36%, p= 0.17) were also comparable. However, post-treatment median sperm concentration (6.9 vs. 3.4M/mL, p=0.02) and the change in mean sperm concentration (17.5 vs. 6.2 M/mL, p=0.03) were significantly higher in the CC-A combination group. Univariate linear regression also revealed an association between the use of CCA combination therapy and increase in sperm concentration (p=0.05). Despite these differences, WHO-SCC upgrade rates between groups were comparable (56 vs. 39%, p=0.22) in the setting of similar post-treatment levels of LH (7.4 vs. 8.6 IU/L, p=0.5), FSH (8.6 vs. 9.4 IU/mL, p=0.19), and testosterone (537 vs. 415 ng/dL, p=0.09). Conclusions Combination therapy with clomiphene citrate and anastrozole was associated with modest benefits in post-treatment sperm concentration when compared to anastrozole monotherapy. Combination empiric medical therapy using clomiphene citrate and anastrozole offers a small, but significant, clinical benefit over anastrozole alone for infertile men Disclosure No

Primary central nervous system lymphoma presenting as an isolated intramedullary spinal cord lesion: a case report

Intramedullary spinal cord lesions prove to be a diagnostic challenge due to their non-specific clinical and radiological presentation. There is a preference for empiric medical therapy, given the inherent risks of surgical intervention to the spine. These factors can lead to delay in diagnosis. Primary central nervous system lymphoma is a rare cause and presents with atypical features in the immunosuppressed patient, including a lack of response to steroid therapy. We present a 64-year-old male patient with underlying sarcoidosis who reported progressive neuropathy with imaging showing a spinal cord lesion. Based on the above, multiple courses of empiric therapy were employed, including systemic steroids, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Despite this, there was further clinical deterioration and interim imaging showed disease progression. The decision was made to perform open biopsy of the spinal cord lesion to aid diagnosis. Histological analysis diagnosed Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-positive high grade large B-cell lymphoma. The patient received rituximab and methotrexate with radiological response but no clinical benefit. He continued to suffer treatment-related complications including encephalopathy and recurrent infections which eventually lead to death. Primary central nervous system lymphoma is an aggressive disease and failure to respond to empiric treatment should prompt clinician's to consider biopsy for definitive diagnosis. A lack of response to steroids does not exclude lymphoma.

PSUN53 Using Renin Activity to Guide Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonist Therapy in Patients with Low-Renin Hypertension

Abstract Emerging studies show that beyond a phenotype of overt primary aldosteronism, there exists a prevalent phenotype of renin-independent aldosterone production among patients with low-renin hypertension (LRH). Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) therapy to induce an increase in renin is associated with favorable outcomes in primary aldosteronism. Whether a similar approach is beneficial for all patients with low-renin hypertension is not known. We evaluated whether treatment of patients with LRH with MRAs to increase renin is associated with a decrease in blood pressure and/or proteinuria. We have conducted a prospective observational cohort study of consecutive patients from the practice of co-author A.T. between 2005 and 2021. Patients were included if they had hypertension with suppressed (< 1.0 ng/ml/h) plasma renin activity (PRA) and detectable aldosterone levels but favored empiric medical therapy over further diagnostic testing. All patients were subsequently treated with an MRA. MRA was started at 25-50 mg daily of spironolactone (women) or eplerenone (men) and the dose was gradually increased in 25-50 mg increments to target a PRA ≥ 1.0 ng/ml/h or the maximal tolerated dose. Blood pressure, albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR), and other patient characteristics at baseline vs. after unsuppressed renin was achieved were compared using a paired-samples t-test. The mean age of 31 study patients who achieved unsuppressed PRA was 67.9 (SD 11.9) and 14 (45.2%) were women. The mean baseline aldosterone was 14.9 ng/dL (SD 9.4); 13 (41.9%) patients had baseline aldosterone < 10.0 ng/dL. Most (21/31; 67.7%) patients had baseline PRA below the assay detection limit. The mean baseline potassium was 4.2 (SD 0.46); one (3.2%) patient had baseline hypokalemia (K < 3.5 mEql/dL). The mean final PRA was 4.78 (SD 5.64) ng/ml/h. The median (IQR) MRA dose required to achieve unsuppressed PRA was 75 (50 to 200) mg. The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased from 144.9 (SD 14.9) and 79.2 mm Hg (SD 15.0) at baseline to 124.7 (SD 11.1) and 71.5 mm Hg (SD 10.8), respectively, after achievement of unsuppressed PRA (P < 0.001 for both). The mean number of anti-hypertensive medications decreased from 3.4 (SD 1.3) at baseline to 2.5 (SD 1.5) after achievement of unsuppressed PRA (P < 0.001). Among the six (19.4%) patients who had proteinuria, the mean ACR decreased from 179.0 (SD 102.1) at baseline to 36.1 (SD 49.2) mg/g after achievement of unsuppressed PRA (P = 0.007). Three (9.7%) and seven (22.6%) patients had to have their MRA dose decreased due to symptomatic hypotension and hyperkalemia, respectively. These findings suggest that suppressed renin may be sufficient to identify patients who could benefit from MR blockade. Treatment of patients with suppressed renin with sufficient MRA dose to achieve its unsuppression could lower both elevated blood pressure and proteinuria. Presentation: Sunday, June 12, 2022 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Erkek İnfertilitesinin Cerrahi Dışı Tedavisi: Spesifik Olmayan Tedavi

In male infertility, all possible known causes should be carefully evaluated and if detected, targeted treatment options for the cause should be implemented. The known causes of male infertility such as hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, hyperprolactinemia, genital tract infections, disorders of ejaculation, thyroid hormone disorders and varicocele can be treated efficiently by targeted therapies or surgical corrections. Unfortunately, these known causes cover about 20% of male infertility and the rest remains idiopathic. On the other hand, management of idiopathic, unexplained male infertility, in which no etiological factors can be found, is a challenge for both the clinician and couples seeking solutions. In the era of assisted reproductive technology, few medical options in this regard are still available with limited benefits and low scientific foundation based on theoretical concepts but empirical medical therapy continues as a mostly off-label option for obtaining a natural pregnancy. Comprehending the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and the regulation of hormones is crucial in this regard. Empirical therapies have the potential to overcome overtreatment with assisted reproductive technology yet clinicians and couples must be aware of the limitations of empirical therapies and should be counseled in this direction. In this review, non-specific medical treatment options for idiopathic male infertility were covered.

PREDICTORS OF A CLINICALLY SIGNIFICANT RESPONSE TO ANASTROZOLE THERAPY IN A MULTI-INSTITUTIONAL COHORT OF MEN WITH IDIOPATHIC INFERTILITY

Anastrozole is a selective aromatase inhibitor commonly prescribed as empiric medical therapy for men with idiopathic infertility and elevated estradiol levels. The goal of this study is to identify patient factors associated with a clinically significant improvement in semen parameters on anastrozole.

Male infertility: what on earth is going on? Pilot international questionnaire study regarding clinical evaluation and fertility treatment for men.

Infertility is a time-consuming and exhaustive process, which disproportionally affects women. Although concerns have been raised about deficiencies in the clinical evaluation of infertile men, there are currently little published data documenting this. A SurveyMonkey questionnaire was therefore created to capture the current clinical practice of fertility specialists working in in vitro fertilisation clinics. Responses were collected from May to July 2021. A total of 112 clinicians completed the pilot survey with respondents from Europe (n = 49; 43.8%), Africa (n = 39, 34.8%), North America (n = 6; 5.4%), Asia (n = 16; 14.3%), South America (n = 1; 0.9%) and Australasia (n = 1; 0.9%). Forty-one percent of fertility specialists (45/110) reported taking only a brief medical history and 24% reported that they never routinely examined infertile male patients. Fifty-four percent of fertility specialists also reported issues getting men to undertake diagnostic semen analysis. Treatment for male infertility spanned assisted reproductive technology (ART), with themes of individualised medicine influencing treatment recommendations. Of the clinicians, 48.2% clinicians reported using empirical medical therapy for unexplained male infertility. Notably, 3.6% respondents recommended testosterone treatment, despite the likely negative impact on spermatogenesis. However, high levels of opportunistic general health advice were reported, including discussion of life exposures thought to be important for male reproductive health. This study adds novel evidence and highlights current deficiencies in clinical practice relating to male infertility. Evaluation of the infertile male using simple medical tools (detailed history taking and clinical examination) has the potential to identify treatable or reversible conditions and should be an immediate focus for education and improvement in reproductive medicine. Investment in research and development is much needed in the field of andrology to develop effective non-ART treatment options for male infertility.Lay summaryPoor sperm quality (male infertility) significantly reduces the chance of natural conception and accounts for half of all cases of infertility, yet affected men are frequently overlooked when couples seek fertility investigations and treatment. Despite a growing awareness of men’s issues and a need to improve patient experience, there is very little documented about how fertility specialists (clinicians) routinely assess and treat male infertility. This study used a SurveyMonkey® questionnaire to capture current clinical practice, with 112 respondents from around the world. Forty-one percent of clinicians did not routinely consider male medical history in detail and 24% never routinely examined infertile men. This should be a focus for improvement in clinical care. As expected, fertility treatment recommended for male infertility was mostly in vitro fertilisation and intracytoplasmic sperm injection, where a single sperm is injected into each mature egg. However, 48.2% of clinicians also reported prescribing unproven medical therapy for unexplained male infertility. Of concern, a few clinicians routinely recommended testosterone treatment, which is likely to harm sperm production. However, advice regarding general health was universally delivered.

MP34-11 EFFECT OF ANASTROZOLE ON SPERM CONCENTRATION IN MALE PATIENTS WITH IDIOPATHIC INFERTILITY

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 May 2022MP34-11 EFFECT OF ANASTROZOLE ON SPERM CONCENTRATION IN MALE PATIENTS WITH IDIOPATHIC INFERTILITY Bryan Naelitz, Carlos Munoz-Lopez, Neel Parekh, Scott Lundy, and Sarah Vij Bryan NaelitzBryan Naelitz More articles by this author , Carlos Munoz-LopezCarlos Munoz-Lopez More articles by this author , Neel ParekhNeel Parekh More articles by this author , Scott LundyScott Lundy More articles by this author , and Sarah VijSarah Vij More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000002588.11AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Anastrozole, a selective aromatase inhibitor, may be prescribed as empiric medical therapy in men with idiopathic infertility. The goal of this study is to identify patient factors associated with an improvement in semen parameters in patients treated with anastrozole. METHODS: We performed a single-center, retrospective cohort study of men prescribed anastrozole for idiopathic infertility. History and physical examination data were captured from the medical record, along with hormone and semen parameters. Exclusion criteria included history of prior exogenous testosterone use, grade II or III varicocele, recent scrotal surgery, and pre-treatment normozoospermia. The primary outcome was an upgrade in World Health Organization semen concentration category (WHO-SCC). Univariate logistic regression was used to identify predictors of WHO-SCC upgrade, while linear regression was used to model the association between predictor variables and change in semen concentration. RESULTS: 40 men were included for analysis. The median age was 35 (IQR: 31-38) and median BMI was elevated at 42 m/kg2 (IQR: 33-53). 40% (16/40) of men exhibited an upgrade in WHO-SCC after starting anastrozole and were labeled as responders. Non-responders included the 43% (17/40) of patients with no WHO-SCC change and the 18% (7/40) of men who experienced a downgrade (Figure). Median sperm concentration increased from 2.4 to 3.9 M/mL following initiation of therapy (p=0.002). Across the cohort, levels of testosterone (409 vs 210 ng/dL, p <0.0001), LH (8.1 vs 6.2 IU/L, p=0.0003), and FSH (9.3 vs. 5.3 IU/mL, p <0.0001) increased following treatment with anastrozole. Logistic regression showed that patients with greater baseline semen concentration were more likely to experience a WHO-SCC upgrade following initiation of anastrozole (OR: 1.25, 95% CI: 1.04-1.55, p=0.03). Linear regression revealed that lower baseline levels of FSH were generally associated with improvement in semen concentration (β: −0.28 M/IU, 95% CI: −0.65 to 0.03 M/IU, p=0.08). CONCLUSIONS: A subset of men with idiopathic infertility experience clinical improvement in semen parameters after initiating anastrozole therapy. Men with higher pre-treatment sperm concentrations and lower baseline FSH levels may be more likely to respond to treatment. Source of Funding: None © 2022 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 207Issue Supplement 5May 2022Page: e582 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2022 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Bryan Naelitz More articles by this author Carlos Munoz-Lopez More articles by this author Neel Parekh More articles by this author Scott Lundy More articles by this author Sarah Vij More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF DownloadLoading ...

Linking Genetic Diagnosis to Therapeutic Approach in Very Early Onset Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Pharmacologic Considerations.

Very early onset inflammatory bowel disease (VEO-IBD) is diagnosed in children <6 years of age, and in rare cases may be due to an identifiable monogenic cause. Recent advances in genetic testing have allowed for more accurate diagnosis, with as many as 100 genes now known to be associated with monogenic inflammatory bowel disease. These genes are involved in many immune pathways and thus may represent potential avenues for targeted precision medicine with pharmacologic treatments aimed at these. This review describes the broad classifications of monogenic disorders known to cause VEO-IBD, as well as empiric and disease-specific medical therapies. These include immune-modulating or immunosuppressant medications, nutritional therapy, surgery, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. We aim to provide an overview of the current state of targeted therapy for VEO-IBD.

The future of diagnostic laparoscopy - Cons.

Endometriosis has a large impact on the lives of patients, affecting nearly 90% of women with chronic pelvic pain and infertility. Unfortunately, diagnosis for this condition is often delayed by an average of 7 years, with adolescent patients experiencing disproportionate delays. This is in part due to the use of an invasive procedure for primary diagnosis and limited access to subspecialty care. While laparoscopy serves an important purpose in the diagnosis and management of endometriosis, it has been found to be less cost-effective than empiric medical therapy and puts an emphasis on the lesion as opposed to the patient and the disease process as a whole. As studies emerge, we gain a deeper understanding of the complex nature of this disease. Laparoscopy has been shown to have variable results, with high recurrence rates and varying improvement in symptoms over time. Additionally, studies have shown a poor correlation between patients’ pain and the stage and location of lesions, with laparoscopy showing greater benefit for later-stage disease and deep infiltrating endometriosis. This article seeks to evaluate the current standards for the management of endometriosis, discuss the place for diagnostic laparoscopy, and review future directions and alternatives.Lay summaryEndometriosis is an inflammatory disorder that occurs when uterine tissue is found outside the uterus. This condition affects women of reproductive age and can have serious impacts on their lives, causing pain and difficulty getting pregnant. The primary method of diagnosis is surgical, which has associated risks and can delay care to patients. As further studies emerge, our understanding of this condition improves, and it is important to evaluate current practices. This article focuses on the pros and cons of using surgical methods to diagnose endometriosis and alternative options that may be safer and provide more timely care to patients.

Follicle-stimulating hormone modestly predicts improvement in semen parameters in men with infertility treated with clomiphene citrate.

Clomiphene citrate is a commonly prescribed empiric medical therapy for male infertility, but outcomes data and response rates remain incompletely understood. We retrospectively reviewed our single-institutional experience of infertile men prescribed clomiphene. Clomiphene treatment in the final cohort of 140 men was associated with a modest increase in median sperm concentration from 2.2 to 2.5million/ml (p<0.001). A total of 46/140 (33%) of men upgraded according to World Health Organization concentration categories. Clomiphene treatment in 26/113 (23%) of previously ineligible men became eligible for intrauterine insemination. Using both univariate and multivariable regression, pre-treatment follicle-stimulating hormone was inversely associated with change in semen concentration with clomiphene treatment. On binary logistic regression, follicle-stimulating hormone level was inversely related to World Health Organization concentration category upgrade (p=0.01). Unfortunately, 17/140 (12%) of men paradoxically worsened on clomiphene, but no predictors for this could be identified. In summary, clomiphene citrate confers a clinically relevant but modest benefit in a subset (1/3rd ) of infertile men, particularly those with lower pre-treatment follicle-stimulating hormone levels. Men with elevated follicle-stimulating hormone over 15IU/ml are less likely to benefit from treatment and should be counselled on other relevant treatment alternatives.

The adverse association between stimulant use for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and semen parameters.

This study examined the relationship between stimulant medications used for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and semen parameters. We performed a retrospective cohort study at a large, academic institution between 2002 and 2020. We included men with a semen analysis without prior spermatotoxic medication use, empiric medical therapy exposure or confounding medical diagnoses (varicocele, Klinefelter's syndrome, cryptorchidism, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, cancer or cancer-related treatment, and azoospermia). Men were stratified by stimulant exposure (methylphenidate or amphetamines). A multivariable linear regression was fit to assess the association between individual semen parameters, age, stimulant exposure and non-stimulant medication use. Of 8,861men identified, 106men had active prescriptions for stimulants within 90days prior to semen testing. After controlling for age and exposure to non-stimulant medications, stimulant use was associated with decreased total motile sperm count (β: -18.00mil/ejaculate and standard error: 8.44, p=0.033) in the setting of decreased semen volume (β: -0.35ml, and standard error: 0.16, p=0.035), but not sperm concentration, motility and morphology. These findings suggest a role for reproductive physicians and mental health providers to consider counselling men on the potential negative impact of stimulants prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder on semen volume during fertility planning.

Enhanced Drainage Protocol in Large Amoebic Liver Abscess.

Background Amebic liver abscess (ALA) contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality in patients of the developing world. Even though medical management is the primary modality of treatment, 15% of the cases are refractory and require intervention for drainage. Pigtail catheterization is inefficient and results in a long duration of hospital stay. So, we conducted a prospective observational study to determine the efficacy and safety of drainage of large ALA using a wide bore 24 French (Fr) drain compared with a conventionally used 10 Fr pigtail catheter. Materials and Methods A single center prospective observational study was conducted over a period of 5 years and data of 122 patients was collected. After starting empirical medical therapy, patients underwent drainage of ALA with either a 10 French pigtail or a 24 Fr drain. The primary outcome variables were resolution of clinical symptoms such as fever and pain in abdomen, length of hospital stay, and resolution of abscess on imaging at day 3. Secondary outcome was complications related to the procedures. Results Data of 122 patients was collected. Males constituted a vast majority (96%) of the study population and the fifth decade was the most common age group involved. Alcoholics had a higher chance of developing a large ALA. Sixty-eight patients underwent drainage of the ALA using a 24 Fr drain which resulted in faster resolution of symptoms (2.4 vs. 5.1 days, p -value 0.033), a shorter duration of catheter in situ (6.4 vs. 13.2, p -value 0.011), and a faster drainage of ALA (residual volume at day 3; 177 vs. 212 mL, p -value 0.021). Twenty-eight patients had a biliary communication of which 26 required therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Conclusion In patients with a large ALA, placement of a wide bore 24 Fr catheter hastens recovery of the patients when compared with drainage with a standard 10 Fr pigtail catheter. Placement of a biliary stent serves as a useful adjunct for their management and it may obliviate the need for a major biliary diversion surgery.

Efficacy of anastrozole in the treatment of hypogonadal, subfertile men with body mass index ≥25 kg/m2.

BackgroundAnastrozole is a non-steroidal fourth generation aromatase inhibitor that stops the conversion of testosterone to estradiol and has been used as empiric medical therapy for the treatment of male infertility in men with an abnormal testosterone-to-estradiol ratio <10 in order to increase endogenous testosterone levels. This study sought to evaluate the efficacy of anastrozole in the treatment of hypogonadal, subfertile men with body mass index greater than 25 mg/kg2 with respect to hormonal profile, semen parameters and overall fertility status.MethodsRetrospective chart review was performed of hypogonadal, subfertile men with body mass index ≥25 kg/m2 who were treated with anastrozole (1 mg daily). Hormonal measurements and semen analysis prior to and after treatment was analyzed in 30 men. Total motile count was calculated from semen analysis. Clinical pregnancy rates were recorded.ResultsMen treated with anastrozole had increases in follicle stimulating hormone (4.8 versus 7.6 IU/L, P<0.0001), luteinizing hormone (3.4 versus 5.4 IU/L, P<0.0001), testosterone (270.6 versus 412 ng/dL, P<0.0001) and testosterone-to-estradiol ratio (9 versus 26.5, P<0.0001) and decrease in estradiol level (32 versus 15.9 pg/mL, P<0.01) after 5 months of therapy. Increases in sperm concentration (7.8 versus 14.2 million/mL, P<0.001), total motile count (12.6 versus 17.7 million, P<0.01) and strict morphology (3.0% versus 3.5%, P<0.05) was appreciated. Clinical pregnancy rate for our cohort was 46.6% (14 of 30), with 71.4% (10 of 14) conceiving through in vitro fertilization, 14.2% (2 of 14) through intrauterine insemination and 14.2% (2 of 14) through natural intercourse.ConclusionsAnastrozole improves hormonal profiles and semen parameters in hypogonadal, subfertile men with body mass index over 25 kg/m2 and may aid in achieving pregnancy especially in conjunction with assisted reproductive techniques.

Empirical medical therapy for idiopathic male infertility

ObjectiveTo determine if there has been a change in empirical medical therapy (EMT) practices since a 2010 American Urological Association survey reported that 25% of urologists treated infertile men who were pursuing a pregnancy with testosterone (T).DesignSurvey-based cohort study of AUA members.SettingPractice patterns were evaluated of urologists in academic and nonacademic hospital centers.Patient(s)Practice patterns were evaluated in the treatment of men with idiopathic infertility.Interventions(s)None.Main Outcome Measure(s)Subgroup analysis by means of univariate analysis between means (Fisher exact test) and descriptive proportions was used to compare male infertility fellowship–trained urologists (RUs) to general urologists (non-RUs).Result(s)A total of 191 urologists responded (4.7%). Excluding trainees, 164 responses (85.9%) were analyzed: 134 (82.3%) were from non-RUs and 29 from (17.7%) RUs. Over all, 65.9% treated male infertility with a combination of EMT and surgery (93.1% of RU vs. 60.4% of non-RUs). The most common medications used by RUs were clomiphene (100%), anastrozole (85.7%), and hCG/LH (82.1%). Non-RUs used these less frequently. Overall, 24.4% of the urologists reported that they would use T to treat male infertility: 14.4% (n = 4) of RUs and 24.4% (n = 30) of non-RUs.Conclusion(s)A total of 65.9% of urologists would treat male infertility with the use of EMT and surgery. The most common EMTs were clomiphene, anastrozole, and hCG/LH. Of concern, 24.4% of urologists considered T to treat male infertility, a medication with known contraceptive potential. This is unchanged from the 2010 survey, and confirms the need for reproductive medicine guidelines that include the topic of EMT use in infertile men.

Risk Factors and Outcomes in Dogs With Respiratory Disease Undergoing Diagnostic Airway Lavage.

Advanced diagnostic testing is becoming increasingly important to accurately assess pulmonary parenchymal, airway, and pulmonary vascular diseases in dogs. Due to respiratory system compromise, diagnostic procedures performed under general anesthesia, including thoracic computed tomography (CT) and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), are thought to carry significant risk to dogs with respiratory disease. In lieu of performing these diagnostics, empirical medical therapy is often administered, potentially delaying appropriate therapy or providing unnecessary treatment. This study prospectively evaluated risk factors and outcomes for dogs with respiratory disease undergoing general anesthesia for thoracic CT and BAL. Arterial blood gas samples were taken pre- and post-BAL to evaluate pulmonary gas exchange. Pre-BAL arterial partial pressure of oxygen-to-fractional inspired oxygen ratio was used to stratify dogs into groups of mild or moderate to severe disease severity. A novel thoracic CT disease severity scoring system was used to independently stratify dogs into mild or moderate to severe groups. Statistical comparisons between groups were made for signalment, body weight, temperature, pulse, respiratory rate, WBC count, ventilator-acquired pulmonary mechanics (specific compliance and resistance), change in arterial partial pressure of oxygen post-BAL, and outcomes. Seventeen dogs were prospectively enrolled. A comparatively lower heart rate at presentation was the only potential marker of increased disease severity identified when stratified by CT severity score. Arterial partial pressure of oxygen did not significantly decrease post-BAL regardless of disease severity or stratification method. The CT scoring system significantly correlated with the pre-BAL arterial partial pressure of oxygen-to-fractional inspired oxygen ratio. Incidence of post-procedural complications was 18%, with all complications being transient. Mortality as a direct complication of diagnostics was 0%. When considering euthanasia secondary to severity of the underlying disease and poor prognosis or death due to unrelated disease, mortality was 18%. In dogs with respiratory disease undergoing advanced diagnostic procedures, the overall incidence of post-procedural morbidity was low with no mortality directly attributed to the procedures. A novel CT disease severity scoring system was utilized and shows promise as a tool for evaluation of disease severity in this patient population when compared to arterial blood gas analysis.

PD58-04 FOLLICLE STIMULATING HORMONE PREDICTS IMPROVEMENT IN SEMEN PARAMETERS WITH CLOMIPHENE CITRATE IN MEN WITH INFERTILITY

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE:Clomiphene citrate (clomid) is a selective estrogen receptor modulator commonly utilized for empiric medical therapy in the setting of idiopathic male infertility. Althou...

Management of Upper GI bleeding

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding remains a major problem associated with high morbidity and mortality. Many decades ago, the mortality of upper GI bleed was extremely high .However, with better understanding of physiology of resuscitation and blood transfusion, mortality in upper G I bleed did drop substantially. Advent of diagnostic oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy did raise expectation of reducing the mortality but it failed to do so. However, it did help in the diagnosis. When therapeutic endoscopy came to the fore in its management, mortality did reduce little further but it has not become still zero and is hovering around 2–15%. The management of UGI bleed can be divided into pre-endoscopic management which comprises of resuscitation and assessment, empirical medical therapy, endoscopy both for diagnosis and therapy ,interventional radiology, surgery and follow-up. The UGI bleed can broadly be divided into variceal and Non-variceal bleed and both conditions have different management strategies after initial similar treatment of resuscitation and assessment. There are scoring systems for severity stratification of upper G I bleed. Many new methods are now available for endo haemostasis.