First Presentation Of Symptoms Research Articles

Towards reducing diagnostic delay in endometriosis in primary care: a qualitative study.

Due to a heterogeneity of symptoms, a lack of an adequate diagnostic test and a lack of awareness, diagnostic delay in endometriosis in primary care on average amounts to 35 months. To determine which interventions are most feasible to reduce time to diagnosis in primary care, focusing on GPs' preferences, the intervention's content, design and implementation. We conducted a qualitative study by performing focus groups with GPs and GP trainees between July and October 2021. Data collection was continued until saturation was obtained. Focus groups were transcribed and openly encoded. Themes were formulated by three independent researchers. Divided over five focus groups 22 GPs and 13 GP trainees participated. Three themes were formulated: increasing awareness, combined intervention and reaching unaware GPs.Suggestions for a combined intervention strategy were adaptation of guidelines, a diagnostic support tool and compulsory education. To reach unaware GPs, participants felt that education should be offered in regional networks and education for GP trainees should be mandatory. A guideline on menstrual symptoms should be considered, and the term endometriosis should be added to the differential diagnosis paragraphs of existing guidelines. A diagnostic support tool should be linked to a guideline and consist of a flowchart with steps starting with the first presentation of symptoms leading to the diagnosis of endometriosis. According to GPs, a combined intervention strategy consisting of an adapted guideline, a diagnostic support tool and education might be successful interventions in reduction of diagnostic delay in endometriosis.

Patient experiences of endometriosis diagnosis: A mixed methods approach.

To examine patient-described experiences of endometriosis diagnosis. Mixed-methods study. Online patient-led endometriosis support groups. People with endometriosis aged over 18. A survey with qualitative and quantitative questions was distributed through online patient-led endometriosis support groups. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse quantitative data, and thematic analysis was used for qualitative responses. Quantitative and qualitative data were triangulated to examine patient experiences of endometriosis diagnosis across age groups. Experiences of endometriosis diagnosis among people with endometriosis. A total of 2017 people with endometriosis from 63 countries responded to the questionnaire. Patients experienced an average delay of 3.7 years between symptom onset and first presentation of symptoms to a physician (the care-seeking delay) and an average delay of 5.8 years between first presentation of symptoms to a physician and diagnosis of endometriosis (the healthcare-related delay). Patients experienced an average total diagnostic delay of 9.6 years. Participants aged over 35 at the time of the study reported significantly longer times to receive an endometriosis diagnosis (mean 10.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 10.2-11.2) compared with participants age 18-24 (6.8, 95% CI 6.1-7.5 years). The qualitative analysis identified the following themes: physicians normalised endometriosis symptoms, patients felt their symptoms were ignored by physicians because they were considered unreliable, and participant character attributes (e.g. age, appearance, weight or physical ability) led to clinician dismissal. People with endometriosis of all age groups reported pervasive negative healthcare experiences during their adolescence. Patients experience delays in seeking care and in receiving a diagnosis once presenting for care.

Age and Referral Route Impact the Access to Diagnosis for Women with Advanced Ovarian Cancer.

The majority of women with ovarian cancer are diagnosed in late stages. Most women do have symptoms prior to diagnosis, sometimes several months before the diagnosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the timeline from the first presentation of symptoms to a physician until there is a reasonable suspicion of cancer, among women diagnosed with advanced stage ovarian cancer. We wanted to investigate which symptoms were the most common and whether there are other factors affecting the time interval before the suspicion of cancer was confirmed. This was a retrospective population-based cohort study of women diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2019 who were referred to Skane University Hospital Lund, Sweden. Data were collected from electronic medical records at Skane University Hospital. The time interval was recorded as the time from first physician consultation with predefined symptoms to the date when there was a reasonable suspicion of ovarian cancer. Data processing and statistical analysis were performed with the statistical software R. Among the 249 patients included in this study, the median time interval from the first consultation to the reasonable suspicion of cancer was 24 days. The first consultation in specialized care had a 70% decrease in delay compared to primary care. Emergency consultations had a 52.2% decrease in time delay compared to planned consultations. Older age was associated with an increase in the geometric mean by 54.7%, comparing the first to the third quartile. The most common symptom was abdominal pain. The length of time interval from first presentation with symptoms relating to ovarian cancer to reasonable suspicion of cancer was associated with whether the consultation was in primary or specialized care, emergency or planned visit and the patient's age.

Favipiravir and/or nitazoxanide: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of early therapy in COVID-19 in health workers, their household members, and patients treated at IMSS (FANTAZE)

BackgroundThe 2020 pandemic of SARS-CoV-2 causing COVID-19 disease is an unprecedented global emergency. COVID-19 appears to be a disease with an early phase where the virus replicates, coinciding with the first presentation of symptoms, followed by a later ‘inflammatory’ phase which results in severe disease in some individuals. It is known from other rapidly progressive infections such as sepsis and influenza that early treatment with antimicrobials is associated with a better outcome. The hypothesis is that this holds for COVID-19 and that early antiviral treatment may prevent progression to the later phase of the disease.MethodsTrial design: Phase IIA randomised, double-blind, 2 × 2 design, placebo-controlled, interventional trial.Randomisation: Participants will be randomised 1:1 by stratification, with the following factors: gender, obesity, symptomatic or asymptomatic, current smoking status presence or absence of comorbidity, and if the participant has or has not been vaccinated. Blinding: Participants and investigators will both be blinded to treatment allocation (double-blind).DiscussionWe propose to conduct a proof-of-principle placebo-controlled clinical trial of favipiravir plus or minus nitazoxanide in health workers, their household members and patients treated at the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) facilities. Participants with or without symptomatic COVID-19 or who tested positive will be assigned to receive favipiravir plus nitazoxanide or favipiravir plus nitazoxanide placebo. The primary outcome will be the difference in the amount of virus (‘viral load’) in the upper respiratory tract after 5 days of therapy. Secondary outcomes will include hospitalization, major morbidity and mortality, pharmacokinetics, and impact of antiviral therapy on viral genetic mutation rate. If favipiravir with nitazoxanide demonstrates important antiviral effects without significant toxicity, there will be a strong case for a larger trial in people at high risk of hospitalization or intensive care admission, for example older patients and/or those with comorbidities and with early disease.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.govNCT04918927. Registered on June 9, 2021.

Feasibility and Safety of Percutaneous Lead Revision for Subacute and Delayed Cardiac Device Lead Perforation.

This study assessed the management approach and outcome of subacute (1 to 30days post-implantation) and delayed (>30days) cardiac perforation by pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) leads. Implantation of pacemaker and ICD leads is associated with a small but serious risk of cardiac perforation. Appropriate management remains uncertain. The study population included all patients referred to a single institution for subacute or delayed lead perforation after pacemaker or ICD implantation (identified after hospital discharge) during the period from 2007 to 2020. The approach and outcome of lead management were retrospectively assessed. Fifty-four cases of cardiac perforation were identified (35 females; mean age: 75.5 ± 9.7 years). Cardiac perforation was related to a pacemaker lead in 36 patients, and the perforating leads were originally placed in the right ventricular apex in 41 patients. The average time from lead implantation to first presentation of symptoms of perforation was 60.8 ± 89.1days (range 2 to 412days). Symptoms suggestive of cardiac perforation were reported by 31 patients (57.4%). Twenty three patients were asymptomatic, in whom lead perforation was discovered incidentally on radiographic imaging, suggesting lead migration or anomalous electrical data on device interrogation. In all patients, the leads were removed or repositioned by the percutaneous approach, with no major periprocedural complications and without surgical intervention. In this largest series to date of subacute or delayed cardiac device lead perforation, percutaneous repositioning or replacement of the perforating lead was found to be a safe and effective management approach.

Evidence of advanced stage colorectal cancer with longer diagnostic intervals: a pooled analysis of seven primary care cohorts comprising 11\u2009720 patients in five countries

Background:The benefits from expedited diagnosis of symptomatic cancer are uncertain. We aimed to analyse the relationship between stage of colorectal cancer (CRC) and the primary and specialist care components of the diagnostic interval.Methods:We identified seven independent data sets from population-based studies in Scotland, England, Canada, Denmark and Spain during 1997–2010 with a total of 11 720 newly diagnosed CRC patients, who had initially presented with symptoms to a primary care physician. Data were extracted from patient records, registries, audits and questionnaires, respectively. Data sets were required to hold information on dates in the diagnostic interval (defined as the time from the first presentation of symptoms in primary care until the date of diagnosis), symptoms at first presentation in primary care, route of referral, gender, age and histologically confirmed stage. We carried out reanalysis of all individual data sets and, using the same method, analysed a pooled individual patient data set.Results:The association between intervals and stage was similar in the individual and combined data set. There was a statistically significant convex (∩-shaped) association between primary care interval and diagnosis of advanced (i.e., distant or regional) rather than localised CRC (P=0.004), with odds beginning to increase from the first day on and peaking at 90 days. For specialist care, we saw an opposite and statistically significant concave (∪-shaped) association, with a trough at 60 days, between the interval and diagnosis of advanced CRC (P<0.001).Conclusions:This study provides evidence that longer diagnostic intervals are associated with more advanced CRC. Furthermore, the study cannot define a specific ‘safe’ waiting time as the length of the primary care interval appears to have negative impact from day one.

Misdiagnosis is an important factor for diagnostic delay in McArdle disease

Diagnosis of McArdle disease is frequently delayed by many years following the first presentation of symptoms to a health professional. The aim of this study was to investigate the importance of misdiagnosis in delaying diagnosis of McArdle disease. The frequency of misdiagnosis, duration of diagnostic delay, categories of misdiagnoses and inappropriate medical interventions were assessed in 50 genetically confirmed patients. The results demonstrated a high frequency of misdiagnosis (90%, n = 45/50) most commonly during childhood years (67%; n = 30/45) compared with teenage years and adulthood (teenage: n = 7/45; adult n = 5/45; not known n = 3/45). The correct diagnosis of McArdle disease was rarely made before adulthood (median age of diagnosis 33 years). Thirty-one patients (62%) reported having received more than one misdiagnosis; the most common were “growing pains” (40%, n = 20) and “laziness/being unfit” (46%, n = 23). A psychiatric/psychological misdiagnosis was significantly more common in females than males (females 6/20; males 1/30; p < 0.01). Of the 45 patients who were misdiagnosed, 21 (47%) received incorrect management. This study shows that most patients with McArdle disease received an incorrect explanation of their symptoms providing evidence that misdiagnosis plays an important part in delaying implementation of appropriate medical advice and management to this group of patients.

Pyoderma gangrenosum with pathergy: A potentially significant complication following breast reconstruction

The failure of postoperative surgical site infection to resolve after appropriate antibiotic therapy should alert the clinician to other diagnoses. Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is an inflammatory neutrophilic dermatosis that is typically characterized by necrotizing ulceration. PG can be exacerbated by minor trauma leading to exaggerated skin injury, a condition known as pathergy. We present a case series of PG arising after immediate reconstruction for breast oncological surgery from 1st January 2006 to 1st September 2014. 395 immediate breast reconstructions were performed in 335 patients. Three cases of post-surgical PG were identified (0.9%), all in the setting of mastectomy for breast cancer. Two cases underwent immediate reconstruction with pedicled transverse rectus abdominus myocutaneous flaps, and one underwent submuscular expander insertion. A mean delay of 6.3 days was observed from first presentation of symptoms to diagnosis of PG. Immunosuppressants commonly used included methylprednisolone, prednisone, and ciclosporin, with good success at halting disease progress. Significant scarring affected all three women. Once the disease was deemed quiescent, intravenous immunoglobulin used in the perioperative period for further surgical procedures provided favorable results. A diagnostic algorithm is suggested to guide surgeons in investigations and management when post-surgical PG is suspected.

Hyperglycemia is associated with increased risk of patient delay in pulmonary tuberculosis in rural areas.

Excessive time between the first presentation of symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and diagnosis contributes to ongoing transmission and increased risk of infection in the community, as well as to increased disease severity and higher mortality. People with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have a higher risk of developing PTB. However, the effect of T2DM on delayed diagnosis of PTB is not fully understood. This study investigated the effects of hyperglycemia (diabetes and prediabetes) and other factors on PTB patient delay in a rural area of China. In the present community-based investigation, PTB patients aged ≥16 years newly diagnosed at county tuberculosis dispensaries were recruited consecutively between September 2011 and December 2013. Fasting blood glucose was determined in all subjects, and a structured questionnaire was used to collect basic information. Of the 2280 patients, 605 (26.5%) had hyperglycemia. The median (interquartile range) time to seeking health care was 44 (59) days. Health care seeking was delayed in 1754 subjects, and hyperglycemia was independently associated with an increased probability (odds ratio 2.10; 95% confidence interval 1.49-2.97) of patient delay in subjects aged ≥30 years. Other factors associated with patient delay were cough, night sweats, and lack of knowledge regarding typical tuberculosis symptoms. The onset of hemoptysis was negatively correlated with patient delay. Patient delay appears to be a serious problem in this rural area with a high prevalence of tuberculosis. Hyperglycemia is independently associated with an increased probability of patient delay, which, in turn, may result in more serious clinical manifestations.

Closing evidence-practice gaps in lung cancer: Results from multi-methods priority setting in the clinical context.

To establish priorities for implementation research to reduce evidence-practice gaps in lung cancer care. A modified Nominal Group Technique was used to prioritize evidence-practice gaps in lung cancer care with oncology professionals at three clinical study sites: one rural and two metropolitan. A multimethods design was used to gather quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were thematically analyzed. Forty-two health professionals participated, representing a multidisciplinary spread across the care trajectory. A standout priority was identified: reducing the time from first presentation of symptoms to diagnosis and referral for treatment (gap 1), as well as significant focus on a number of presented priorities, including: utilization of active treatments; timely referral to palliative care services; screening as a potential diagnostic tool; and focusing on the care needs of our vulnerable population groups. We describe emerging themes from the qualitative analysis, including: patient help-seeking behavior, provider knowledge about lung cancer, service factors, patient and provider factors in not receiving treatment, the "flow on" effect of variations from optimal care, vulnerable populations of patients, psychosocial needs and early referral to palliative care services. This study is an example of a priority setting partnership between clinicians and health researchers. The priorities highlighted by this study guide future decision making for collaborative implementation of research in lung cancer care.

Cancer suspicion in general practice, urgent referral and time to diagnosis: a population-based GP survey and registry study.

BackgroundMany countries have implemented standardised cancer patient pathways (CPPs) to ensure fast diagnosis of patients suspected of having cancer. Yet, studies are sparse on the impact of such CPPs, and few have distinguished between referral routes. For incident cancer patients, we aimed to determine how often GPs suspected cancer at the time of first presentation of symptoms in general practice and to describe the routes of referral for further investigation. In addition, we aimed to analyse if the GP’s suspicion of cancer could predict the choice of referral to a CPP. Finally, we aimed to analyse associations between not only cancer suspicion and time to cancer diagnosis, but also between choice of referral route and time to cancer diagnosis.MethodsWe conducted a population-based, cross-sectional study of incident cancer patients in Denmark who had attended general practice prior to their diagnosis of cancer. Data were collected from GP questionnaires and national registers. We estimated the patients’ chance of being referred to a CPP (prevalence ratio (PR)) using Poisson regression. Associations between the GP’s symptom interpretation, use of CPP and time to diagnosis were estimated using quantile regression.Results5,581 questionnaires were returned (response rate: 73.8%). A GP was involved in diagnosing the cancer in 4,101 (73.5%) cases (3,823 cases analysed). In 48.2% of these cases, the GP interpreted the patient’s symptoms as ‘alarm’ symptoms suggestive of cancer. The GP used CPPs in 1,426 (37.3%) cases. Patients, who had symptoms interpreted as ‘vague’ had a lower chance of being referred to a CPP than when interpreted as ‘alarm’ symptoms (PR = 0.53 (95%CI: 0.48;0.60)). Patients with ‘vague’ symptoms had a 34 (95% CI: 28;41) days longer median time to diagnosis than patients with ‘alarm’ symptoms.ConclusionsGPs suspect cancer more often than they initiate a CPP, and patients were less likely to be referred to a CPP when their symptoms were not interpreted as alarm symptoms of cancer. The GP’s choice of referral route was a strong predictor of the duration of the diagnostic interval, but the GP’s symptom interpretation was approximately twice as strong an indicator of a longer diagnostic interval.

Cancer incidence, morbidity, and survival in Canadian first nation children: A Manitoba population‐based study from the cancer in young people in Canada (CYP‐C) registry

Health disparities between Canadian First Nation (FN) people and the rest of the national population exist. No studies have specifically documented cancer-related health outcomes in Canadian FN children. The purpose of this study was to describe the incidence of pediatric malignancies in Manitoba FN children, and to compare morbidity patterns and survival between FN and non-FN children with cancer in the Canadian province of Manitoba. A retrospective, population-based review of all children (0-14.99 years) diagnosed with malignancy (2001-2008) in Manitoba, Canada was undertaken using the Cancer in Young People in Canada registry. FN children were compared to the non-FN population for markers of morbidity and survival. The average annual age-standardized incidence rate for all childhood cancers in FN children was 132 per 1,000,000 per year. 240 children were included in the morbidity and survival analyses (38 FN; 202 non-FN). No differences were found between FN and non-FN children in time from first presentation of symptoms to consultation with an oncology specialist or diagnosis, or number of hospital admissions / total days of admission for treatment complications. Overall survival was inferior for FN children in univariable analysis (P = 0.048) but not when risk group was included in a multivariable analysis (P = 0.15). No difference in event free survival or cumulative incidence of relapse was identified. The estimated incidence of childhood cancers in the Manitoba FN population is similar to provincial incidence rates. No differences in morbidity patterns or survival were found between Manitoba FN and non-FN children with cancer.

Agreement between patient-reported and doctor-reported patient intervals and date of first symptom presentation in cancer diagnosis – A population-based questionnaire study

Background: The concept of delay in cancer diagnosis has been a scientific issue for decades, and there is still no standardised and validated way to measure the time intervals. One of the intervals that are difficult to measure is the patient interval (i.e. the period from the patient's first symptom until the first presentation to the health care system) because dates of symptom onset and first presentation are difficult to establish precisely. Further, since patients may have another experience of the diagnostic pathway than e.g. the general practitioner (GP), a reasonable question remains whether patients and GPs agree on these important milestones. The objective of this study was to analyse the agreement between patient-reported and GP-reported patient intervals and date of first presentation of cancer-related symptom(s) to the GP. Methods: On the basis of a cohort study, we included incident cancer patients from the former Aarhus County from 1 September, 2004 to 31 August, 2005. Both patients and GPs reported the length of the patient interval and the date of the first presentation to the GP with a cancer-related symptom measured by self-administered questionnaires. Agreement was measured using agreement-survival plots and Lin's concordance correlation coefficient (CCC). Results: There was full agreement between GP- and patient-reported patient intervals in 21.0% of all the cancer cases. In 50.1% of cases, patients and GPs agreed about the patient interval within a margin of one month. There was full agreement between GP- and patient-reported date of first presentation in 37.5% of the cancer cases and within one week in 52.0% of all the cancer cases. Overall, the agreement on the length of the patient interval was poor (CCC=0.513), but better for patients presenting with alarm symptoms. The agreement was moderate between GP- and patient-reported dates of first presentation (CCC=0.924). Conclusion: We found that GPs systematically reported a longer patient interval than patients did. We found moderate agreement on reported date of first presentation of symptoms to the GP, meaning that the disagreement in reported patient interval is related to date of first symptom rather than date of first presentation to the GP.

Evidence of increasing mortality with longer diagnostic intervals for five common cancers: A cohort study in primary care

BackgroundEarly diagnosis is considered a key factor in improving the outcomes in cancer therapy; it remains unclear, however, whether long pre-diagnostic patient pathways influence clinical outcomes negatively. The aim of this study was to assess the association between the length of the diagnostic interval and the five-year mortality for the five most common cancers in Denmark while addressing known biases. MethodsA total of 1128 patients with colorectal, lung, melanoma skin, breast or prostate cancer were included in a prospective, population-based study in a Danish county. The diagnostic interval was defined as the time from the first presentation of symptoms in primary care till the date of diagnosis. Each type of cancer was analysed separately and combined, and all analyses were stratified according to the general practitioner’s (GP’s) interpretation of the presenting symptoms. We used conditional logistic regression to estimate five-year mortality odds ratios as a function of the diagnostic interval using restricted cubic splines and adjusting for comorbidity, age, sex and type of cancer. ResultsWe found increasing mortality with longer diagnostic intervals among the approximately 40% of the patients who presented in primary care with symptoms suggestive of cancer or any other serious illness. In the same group, very short diagnostic intervals were also associated with increased mortality. Patients presenting with vague symptoms not directly related to cancer or any other serious illness had longer diagnostic intervals and the same survival probability as those who presented with cancer suspicious/serious symptoms. For the former, we found no statistically significant association between the length of the diagnostic interval and mortality. ConclusionIn full coherence with clinical logic, the healthcare system instigates prompt investigation of seriously ill patients. This likely explains the counter-intuitive findings of high mortality with short diagnostic intervals; but it does not explain the increasing mortality with longer diagnostic intervals. Thus, the study provides further evidence for the hypothesis that the length of the diagnostic interval affects mortality negatively.

Epileptic seizures in early-onset multiple sclerosis.

Early-onset multiple sclerosis (EOMS) is defined as the first presentation of symptoms in childhood (before the age of 16 years). EOMS occurs in about 0.4% to 10.5% of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. In this retrospective population-based study we aimed to describe the clinical/paraclinical details and frequency of epileptic seizures in Iranian EOMS patients registered with the Isfahan Multiple Sclerosis Society (IMSS) from April 2003 to July 2010. EOMS cases were extracted from the Isfahan total MS cohort and included 3522 patients. A total of 117 EOMS patients (19 males and 98 females) with a mean age at onset of 14.2 ± 2.0 years (range: 7-16 years) were extracted from our database (3.3% of the total cohort). Of cases, ten (one male and nine females) had experienced at least two epileptic seizures, providing a crude prevalence of 8.5%. The frequency of epilepsy in EOMS patients (8.5%, 10/117) was significantly greater (P < 0.001) than that of non-EOMS cohort (2.0%, 71/3405). Epileptic seizures occurred before MS onset in two patients, after MS onset in seven, and at MS onset in one as the presenting symptom of the disease. Our findings mostly indicate an excessive prevalence of epileptic seizures in Iranian EOMS patients (8.5%), which is higher than any other report concerning seizures or epileptic seizures in a large MS series.

Diagnostic interval and mortality in colorectal cancer: U-shaped association demonstrated for three different datasets

ObjectiveTo test the theory of a U-shaped association between time from the first presentation of symptoms in primary care to the diagnosis (the diagnostic interval) and mortality after diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC). Study Design and SettingThree population-based studies in Denmark and the United Kingdom using data from general practitioner’s questionnaires, interviewer-administered patient questionnaires, and primary care records, respectively. ResultsDespite variations in the potential selection and information bias when using different methods of identifying the date of first presentation, the association between the length of the diagnostic interval and 5-year mortality rate after the diagnosis of CRC was the same for all three types of data: displaying a U-shaped association with decreasing and subsequently increasing mortality with longer diagnostic intervals. ConclusionUnknown confounding and in particular confounding by indication is likely to explain the counterintuitive findings of higher mortality among patients with very short diagnostic intervals, but cannot explain the increasing mortality with longer diagnostic intervals. The results support the theory that longer diagnostic intervals cause higher mortality in patients with CRC.

P-184 - The cambridge mood disorder survey

The diagnosis of Bipolar Affective Disorder is often difficult, resulting in frequent misdiagnosis and an extensive delay between the first presentation of symptoms and the patient receiving the correct diagnosis (∼ 8–10 years on average). This delay is costly for patients, loved ones and society as a whole. Misdiagnosis is particularly frequent among Bipolar 2 patients. To tackle these issues, we have developed the Cambridge Mood Disorder Survey - a multi-section, patient-completed questionnaire which examines every aspect of Bipolar symptomolgy and all episode types. The information is integrated in an innovative Interpretation of Results section. The CMDS is designed to be easily administered in Primary (“family doctors”) and Secondary care (Psychiatrists working in outpatients), to patients with diagnoses of “unipolar” depressive conditions like Major Depressive Disorder, Recurrent Depression, treatment resistant depression - i.e. conditions that Bipolar patients are commonly misdiagnosed with. We are currently preparing for a preliminary trial of the CMDS in 3 UK counties in Primary and Secondary Care, utilizing a multi-disciplinary team. This will be followed by a UK-wide multi-center trial, with the potential for collaboration with other European countries.

Time to diagnosis and mortality in colorectal cancer: a cohort study in primary care

Background:The relationship between the diagnostic interval and mortality from colorectal cancer (CRC) is unclear. This association was examined by taking account of important confounding factors at the time of first presentation of symptoms in primary care.Methods:A total of 268 patients with CRC were included in a prospective, population-based study in a Danish county. The diagnostic interval was defined as the time from first presentation of symptoms until diagnosis. We analysed patients separately according to the general practitioner's interpretation of symptoms. Logistic regression was used to estimate 3-year mortality odds ratios as a function of the diagnostic interval using restricted cubic splines and adjusting for tumour site, comorbidity, age, and sex.Results:In patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of cancer or any other serious illness, the risk of dying within 3 years decreased with diagnostic intervals up to 5 weeks and then increased (P=0.002). In patients presenting with vague symptoms, the association was reverse, although not statistically significant.Conclusion:Detecting cancer in primary care is two sided: aimed at expediting ill patients while preventing healthy people from going to hospital. This likely explains the counterintuitive findings; but it does not explain the increasing mortality with longer diagnostic intervals. Thus, this study provides evidence for the hypothesis that the length of the diagnostic interval affects mortality in CRC patients.

A case series of 46 appendectomies during pregnancy

Among appendicitis patients pregnant ones occupy only a small proportion. Still there are difficulties in the diagnosis and management of the acute appendicitis in pregnant population. We tried to find answers to these difficulties with our acute appendicitis cases in pregnant patients. This study involved 46 pregnant patients who received an operation following diagnosis of acute appendicitis in our clinic from 2006 to 2009. Data were collected retrospectively from medical records. Age, time delay to diagnosis, leukocyte count (WBC), gestational age, gestational history, morbidity-mortality and pathology results were evaluated. The mean age of patients, gestational age and number of prior pregnancies were 26, 21 and 2.6, respectively. The amount of time spent in the hospital, from presentation of first symptom to admission, was approximately 40 hours (range 6-120). The mean time from admission to operation was 5.89 (range 1-32) hours. The perforation rate among our cases was 21%. The negative appendectomy rate was 13%. The perforation rate was associated with advanced gestational age and delayed admission to the hospital (p ≤ 0.001 and p = 0.027, respectively). The diagnosis of appendicitis in pregnancy is difficult, and the perforation rate is high. Particularly in term pregnancies, we recommend performing appendectomy immediately after cesarean section.

Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection

ObjectiveTo provide an update of the definition, epidemiology, clinical presentation, investigation, treatment, and prevention of recurrent urinary tract infections in women. OptionsContinuous antibiotic prophylaxis, post-coital antibiotic prophylaxis, and acute self-treatment are all efficient alternatives to prevent recurrent urinary tract infection. Vaginal estrogen and cranberry juice can also be effective prophylaxis alternatives. EvidenceA search of PubMed and The Cochrane Library for articles published in English identified the most relevant literature. Results were restricted to systematic reviews, randomized control trials/controlled clinical trials, and observational studies. There were no date restrictions. ValuesThis update is the consensus of the Sub-Committee on Urogynaecology of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada. Recommendations were made according to the guidelines developed by the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care (Table 1). OptionsRecurrent urinary tract infections need careful investigation and can be efficiently treated and prevented. Different prophylaxis options can be selected according to each patient’s characteristics. Recommandations1.Urinalysis and midstream urine culture and sensitivity should be performed with the first presentation of symptoms in order to establish a correct diagnosis of recurrent urinary tract infection. (III-L)2.Patients with persistent hematuria or persistent growth of bacteria aside from Escherichia coli should undergo cystoscopy and imaging of the upper urinary tract. (III-L)3.Sexually active women suffering from recurrent urinary tract infections and using spermicide should be encouraged to consider an alternative form of contraception. (II-2B)4.Prophylaxis for recurrent urinary tract infection should not be undertaken until a negative culture 1 to 2 weeks after treatment has confirmed eradication of the urinary tract infection. (III-L)5.Continuous daily antibiotic prophylaxis using cotrimoxazole, nitrofurantoin, cephalexin, trimethoprim, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, or a quinolone during a 6-to 12-month period should be offered to women with ≥ 2 urinary tract infections in 6 months or ≥ 3 urinary tract infections in 12 months. (I-A)6.Women with recurrent urinary tract infection associated with sexual intercourse should be offered post-coital prophylaxis as an alternative to continuous therapy in order to minimize cost and side effects. (I-A)7.Acute self-treatment should be restricted to compliant and motivated patients in whom recurrent urinary tract infections have been clearly documented. (I-B)8.Vaginal estrogen should be offered to postmenopausal women who experience recurrent urinary tract infections. (I-A)9.Patients should be informed that cranberry products are effective in reducing recurrent urinary tract infections. (I-A)10.Acupuncture may be considered as an alternative in the prevention of recurrent urinary tract infections in women who are unresponsive to or intolerant of antibiotic prophylaxis. (I-B)11.Probiotics and vaccines cannot be offered as proven therapy for recurrent urinary tract infection. (II-2C)12.Pregnant women at risk of recurrent urinary tract infection should be offered continuous or post-coital prophylaxis with nitrofurantoin or cephalexin, except during the last 4 weeks of pregnancy. (II-1B)