Post-traumatic stress disorder and stroke in the elderly

Introduction

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common in survivors of acute life-threatening illness, but little is known about the burden of PTSD in survivors of stroke attack.

Objectives

This study estimated the prevalence of PTSD in post-stroke in the elderly and to look for the factors which are correlated with it.

Methods

Participants were outpatients of Psychiatry B department in Hedi chaker University Hospital Center in Tunisia, over the age of 65, hospitalized in psychiatry for a major depressive episode, recruted between 2000 and 2015. The data was collected using a pre-established sheet containing socio-demographic information, the clinical and evolutionary characteristics of the depressive episode and the therapeutic data concerning the depressive episode.

Results

30 patients were included in this study with an average age (69 Y) and sex ratio (0.66). More than half (53.3%, 16 patients) had a history of chronic somatic disease. The average length of hospitalization was 26 days. The most frequent reason for hospitalization is sadness of mood (43.3%) with cognitive impairment as the predominant clinical symptomatology (40%). 93.3% of the population received as treatment an antidepressant mainly Fluoxetine (50%).

Conclusions

clinicians should be mindful that PTSD can be a devastating mental health condition and should consider screening for PTSD in stroke survivors.

[Metabolic syndrome among people with HIV in central Tunisia: Prevalence and associated factors]

INTRODUCTION

Metabolic abnormalities are frequently reported in HIV infection. They were mainly related to the chronic infection and the use of antiretroviral therapy.

OBJECTIVE

Describe the epidemiological, clinical, laboratory and treatment features of people living with HIV (PLHIV) on antiretroviral therapy and determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its associated factors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study in the service of Infectious Diseases of the University Hospital of Monastir. We included all PLHIV on antiretroviral therapy for at least 3 months. Biological explorations based on metabolic parameters were performed systematically for all patients after informed consent. Metabolic syndrome was assessed according to the definitions of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) in 2005. We divided the patients into two groups: Group A: PLHIV with metabolic syndrome (n=19) and Group B: PLHIV without metabolic syndrome (n=51).

RESULTS

We included in this study 70 PLVIH. The metabolic syndrome was noted in 19 cases (27.1%). The average age was 43.7 years in group A and 36.7 years in group B. Gender distribution were uniform in the two groups (P=0.4). HIV infection has been evolving for 9.7 and 5.8 years respectively in group A and B, P=0.017. Body mass index (BMI) was significantly higher in group A (26.4 vs 23.5kg/m², P=0.008). Two patients in group A (10.5%) and 14 patients in group B (27.4%) had a low CD4 count (<200/mm³). Protease inhibitor regimens were prescribed in five cases (26.3%) in group A and 26 cases (50.9%) in group B. In multivariate models, Age over 40 (OR=9.9, 95% CI 2.4-40.6, P=0.001) and BMI ≥25 Kg/m² (OR=8.47, 95% CI 1.94-36.8, p=0.004) were both independently associated with the presence of the metabolic syndrome.

CONCLUSION

Metabolic syndrome is common among PLHIV on antiretroviral therapy. The identification of factors associated is a main parameter for early detection of metabolic risk and personalized management.

Urological activity at the time of COVID-19 pandemic: is there any difference between public and private field?

Introduction

as COVID-19 pandemic is rapidly evolving, there is a whole reorganization in hospitals to concentrate more resources to face the crisis. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 disease on urological activity in Tunisia. To assess the differences in the management of urological conditions between the private and the public field.

Methods

a survey was addressed to all certified urologists working in Tunisia in both the public and private sectors (n=194) using the national database of active urologists available and updated. We either called them or looked them up through email or social media. The form was open from March the 28^th to April the 3^rd. Results were obtained via spreadsheet and analysed using SPSS 23.0.

Results

one hundred and twenty urologists have filled in the form. Consultations at the outpatient office were restricted to urgent cases in 66% (n=79). Telemedicine was more used by urologists in private than in public fields p=0.03. Urologists in private sector followed more the sterilization protocol of the hospital/clinic and used more disposable materials whenever possible p=0.011. Elective surgical activity has completely stopped in 85% of the responders (n=102). Elective surgery requiring transfusion or intensive care unit was performed in 38% (n=46) and 26% (n=31) if there was a risk of disease progression. Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH) surgery was more performed as usual in private sector than in public sector p=0.012. It was the only condition managed differently between both sectors.

Conclusion

the drop of the urological activity is essential in order to give relevant stakeholders room to act efficiently against the spread of the virus. The context of the pandemic and the hospital´s condition must be taken into consideration without compromising the patient´s outcome.

State of the art: Open prostatectomy for benign prostate hyperplasia: Should we avoid it in all cases?

Surgical procedures for benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) had considerably evolved during last decades. New techniques can nowadays treat prostate big in size, which are classically treated by open prostatectomy (OP). Therefore, the place of this procedure that has been used for over 150 years is nowadays questioned. Is it outdated? Is there emerging techniques that are more efficient, safer and cost effective? This state of the art based on literature review will assess the place of OP in BPH surgery from efficacy on functional outcomes, security, competitiveness with modern and minimally invasive techniques and socio-economic perspectives. Currently, OP has excellent functional outcomes, with low rate of retreatment after surgery, low morbidity and affordable cost in our country. It remains competitive with new surgery techniques for BPH, even if the latter offer the advantages of a minimally invasive surgery, especially in hospitalization length. Taking in consideration the social and economic context in Tunisia, it remains the most accessible and affordable surgical technique. Besides, OP is a procedure that has to be handled by every urologist given the theoretical risk of conversion during endoscopic surgery of BPH, and its use under certain circumstances (In case of bladder lithiasis ou diverticle or impossibility of lithotomy position).

Comparison of the prognosis of primary vs. progressive muscle invasive bladder cancer after radical cystectomy: Results from a large multicenter study

PURPOSE

To assess whether progressive and primary muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) have different prognosis after radical cystectomy or not. To date only a few data are available on this topic with conflicting results. Further studies on large cohort are needed to clarify these outcomes that may influence bladder cancer management for these patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A multicentre retrospective study was conducted on patient treated for MIBC at 5 centres between 2005 and 2015 by radical cystectomy. Patients' outcomes were compared between patients with primary MIBC vs. progressive MIBC subsequent to a history of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).

RESULTS

A total of 1197 patients were included. Median (IQ) age was 65 (58-72) years and median follow-up was 65 months. Baseline characteristics were similar between the groups as well as the Tumour pT stage, N status and positive surgical margins. Patients with progressive MIBC had worse overall survival (OS) (hazard ratio [HR] 1.36, [95%CI 1.10-1.76]; P = 0.004), cancer specific survival (CSS) (HR 1.41 [1.13-1.78]; P = 0.002), and recurrence-free survival (RFS) (HR 1.21 [1.01-1.49]; P = 0.05). Pathological stage ≥pT3, positive surgical margins, and positive lymph nodes status (pN+) were also found as predictors of OS, CSS, and RFS.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that patient having a progressive BC have a worse prognosis in terms of OS, PFS, and CSS than patient with primary disease. These 2 groups may require different management and patients with high risk NMIBC should be assessed properly to avoid progression and be offered early cystectomy.

[Off label uses of tigecycline]

INTRODUCTION

Tigecycline is a relatively new antibiotic that have very limited valid indications. When no other alternative is available, this drug is widely used off label with promising results. The objective of this study is to summarize the different off label uses of tigecycline so that we can decide when and how to prescribe it in the absence of guidelines.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This study a revue of the literature collecting all the articles concerning the off label uses of tigecycline.

RESULTS

Tigecycline was widely prescribed, off label, to treat infections with controversial results. Randomised clinical trials were conducted to evaluate its use to treat pneumonia. The results for this indication have a respectable level of evidence. For the other indications, the data collected was insufficient to support tigecycline prescription. In fact, different protocols were used which makes it hard to evaluate the efficacy and to conclude to the best treatment regimen. A tendency to prescribe high doses of the molecule was noted in different studies. When prescribed off label, tigecycline prescriptions were associated with a higher mortality and incidence of side effects.

CONCLUSION

The tigecycline remains a valid option for the treatment of infections dues to multi-resistant bacteria especially when other alternatives are scarce or in cases of renal failure.

A cadaveric anatomical study of the adrenals: Relationship with the posterior abdominal wall muscles revisited

AIM OF THE STUDY

The main difficulties during retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomies are due to its location. Our objective was to define the relationship of the adrenals with the diaphragm and the psoas muscle.

METHODS

Our work is an anatomical dissection of 80 fresh cadavers' adrenals. To study the right adrenal, we performed a right nephrectomy and adrenal remained attached to the Inferior vena cava by its main vein. On the left, the edges of the adrenal have been identified by needles and the adrenal was reclined to study its projection on the posterior muscular wall.

RESULTS

The right adrenal is located higher, 13mm [4-20mm] above the medial arcuate ligament (MAL) in 16 cases (40%). Its lower border was at the same level as the MAL in 18 cases (45%) and 11mm [10-17mm] below the MAL in 6 cases (15%). The posterior support of the right adrenal was the right crus of the diaphragm (Right-CD) in 34 cases (85%) and straddling the Right-CD and the psoas in 6 cases (15%). The study of the relationships of the left adrenal with the MAL showed that the lower edge of the gland was at its same level in 16 cases (40%) and below in 24 cases (60%) by 14mm [8-24mm]. The posterior support of the left adrenal was the left crus of the diaphragm (Left-CD) in 16 cases (40%) and straddling the Left-CD and the psoas in 24 cases (60%).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results showed that the right adrenal is higher. The MAL is an important posterior element to the adrenal gland that could serve as an anatomical landmark to identify the adrenal during laparoscopic adrenalectomy.

Endoscopic meatotomy in the treatment of ureterocele: results in adult patients

To evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic meatotomy in the treatment of ureterocele in adults. A retrospective study of adult patients with ureterocele, treated between January 1987 and December 2014. In 47 patients, 55 intravesical ureteroceles were diagnosed and classified as 18 right, 21 left and eight bilateral (38%, 44% and 17% respectively). According to the Bruézière classification, 41 (75%) ureteroceles were type A and 14 (25%) others were type C. These ureteroceles were complicated by calculus formation in 22 cases, moderately dilated excretory pathways in 16 cases and both complications in a total of 9 cases. Four patients had a complicated ureterocele with pyelonephritis, one of which was emphysematous. The endoscopic treatment was performed in cases of complicated and/or symptomatic ureteroceles. Fifty one cases were treated by a “smiling mouth” meatotomy consisting in a transverse horizontal incision, with the treatment of any associated complication. The mean operative time was 35 minutes (10-90). The operative follow-up was uneventful in 42 patients and complications occurred in 5 patients (2 urinary retentions, 2 infectious complications and one hematuria). The mean duration of postoperative stay was 1-2 days. The mean follow-up was 15 months. Four patients developed vesicoureteral reflux and no stenosis was noted. The endoscopic incision of the ureteroceles seems today, after reviewing the results, to be a good treatment of adult ureterocele. It is a simple, minimally invasive and has a low morbidity rate.

Evolution of prostate cancer diagnosis: retrospective analysis of magnetic resonance imaging/ultrasound fusion guided biopsies protocol in routine practice and patients management

Background

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is today strongly recommended in prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis. Therefore, MRI/ultrasound (MRI/US) fusion-guided biopsy is becoming the new standard patients management.

Methods

We report our experience during the last 4 years using this technique, with a protocol of 6 random cores (instead of the most used 12 cores protocol) associated to the target cores (2 to 3 per lesion). Our study involved 236 patients including real life routine practice: biopsy naïve patients (n=107), patients with previous negative standard prostate biopsies (n=67) and patients in PCa active surveillance (n=62). Finally, 76 patients have a robotic radical prostatectomy.

Results

Mean age of the population was 66 years. Median PSA was 8.5 ng/mL. Overall and significant cancer detection were respectively 66.6% and 38.5%, with a large difference considering biopsy history: 63.5% in biopsy naïve patient, 53.7% in patient with previous negative biopsies and 82.3% in patients under active surveillance. Targeted biopsies missed 28 cancers among 8 were significant and standard biopsies missed 33 cancers among 14 were significant. Moreover, concordance between biopsy samples and radical prostatectomy specimens was evaluated at 80%.

Conclusions

Comparing to literature data, similar results were observed in our retrospective study, even with reduced random cores, suggesting a real change in patients management in particular in active surveillance group with a reclassification rate of 56.4% using the Epstein criteria.

Is imagery distinctive in papillary renal cell carcinoma subtypes?

INTRODUCTION

The subdivision into two entities of papillary renal cell carcinoma (PRCC) was established on histological criteria. It's in fact possible to distinguish the two subtypes by the means of radiological and progressive data. The subtype 1 is associated with the favorable profile. The ultrasound and especially CT urography ensure an accurate diagnostic approach with substantial therapeutic and prognostic involvement. The aim of the study is to define the radiological features that distinguish the two subtypes of renal papillary carcinoma, and to study the radiological predictive factors of locoregional recurrence, metastases free survival and specific survival.

METHODS

It's about a monocentric, retrospective study led between January 2005 and June 2017, gathering 49 cases of operated PRCC. The study concerned patients over the age of 18, who were diagnosed after anatomopathological examination of the operative specimen (enlarged nephrectomy or conservative surgery). Cases in which diagnosis was made by renal biopsy were excluded. The comparative study concerned ultrasound and CT scan data. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to determine factors having a prognostic value in terms of locoregional recurrence, metastases-free and specific survival.

RESULTS

On the ultrasound, the subtype 1 tumors were significantly homogenous with regular contours. Tumors were globally spontaneously hypodense and hypo vascular in 97,8% of cases. Enhancement was significantly more heterogonous for subtype 2 (p=0,01). Intratumoral necrosis and adenomegalies were associated with subtype 2 (p=0,0001 and 0,005). The predictive factors of locoregional recurrence, metastases-free survival and specific survival in univariate analysis were the contours' aspect, moderate enhancement and the presence of adenomegalies. On multivariate analysis, only the irregular contours were retained for locoregional recurrence-free survival and specific survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant differences between the PRCC subtypes were observed when studying the radiological data. Irregular contours, adenomegalies and enhancement degree seemed to predict the progression of PRCC after curative surgery.

Severe penile injury due to condom catheter fixed by a rubber band: A case report

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Condom catheter is frequently used to manage male urinary incontinence but should not be used carelessly or overlooked.

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Even if they are rare, penile strangulation and gangrene may occur and are severe complications.

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Treatment is based on debridement, broad-spectrum antibiotics and skin grafting. It may result in partial or total penectomy.

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Proper care and routine maintenance of condom catheters are mandatory in order to prevent devastating complications.

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Appropriate care is necessary, especially in debilitated and psychiatric populations.

Introduction

Condom catheters are considered as a safe tool in the management of male urinary incontinence, yet complications may occur, especially in debilitated patients, with psychiatric disorders.

Presentation of case

A 58-year-old paraplegic man, suffering from schizophrenia, who had been using condom urinary catheters, was referred to our department for “penile injury”. Interrogation revealed that he was placing a rubber band tightly around his penis to maintain the condom. Examination showed a 4 cm defect interesting the proximal portion of the penis including the corpus spongiosum and the urethra. A surgical repair was performed, consisting in covering the defect using the surrounding tissue. Unfortunately, the patient developed penile gangrene four weeks after surgery. A partial penectomy was performed.

Discussion

Condom catheters are known as a safe tool to manage urinary incontinence in male patients, providing an adequate care. Long-term use may result in complications including urinary tract infection (40%) and skin injuries ranging from inflammation to gangrene. Gangrene, secondary to strangulation of the penis, is however uncommon. These complications are more common in debilitated patients with poor medical care or psychiatric disorders. In case of necrosis, debridement should be performed, which may result in a partial or a total penectomy if necessary.

Conclusion

Condom catheter is frequently used to manage male urinary incontinence but it should not be used carelessly or overlooked as it can cause severe complications such as penile strangulation and penile gangrene.

Adrenal solitary fibrous tumor: A case report

Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is a rare spindle cell neoplasm, originally described in the pleural cavity. It may also occur in extrapleural organs like adrenal gland. We present a case of a fifty two-year old Arab man who has been admitted in urology department for right lumbar pain. A suspect malignant adrenal mass has been detected. He underwent right adrenalectomy and histologically it was SFT. The follow-up three years after surgery is unremarkable. The prognosis of SFT after surgery is unpredictable. A long term follow-up is mandatory to detect local recurrence or distant metastasis.

Renal tuberculosis mimicking renal cell carcinoma: a case report

Background

Urogenital tuberculosis is still a frequent presentation, and it constitutes a current public health problem in endemic areas. The clinical presentation of this form of the disease may be misleading. The pseudotumoral type of renal tuberculosis is extremely uncommon.

Case presentation

We present a case of a 52-year-old African woman who presented with urogenital tuberculosis in its pseudotumoral form. This case was initially diagnosed and managed as renal cancer. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of pseudotumoral renal tuberculosis.

Conclusions

The pseudotumoral form of urinary tuberculosis can be difficult to diagnose. Only bacteriological or histological confirmation allows diagnosis for adequate treatment.

Bilateral duplex collecting system with bilateral vesicoureteral reflux: a case report

Background

A bilateral duplex collecting system is an unusual renal tract abnormality. Vesicoureteral reflux may be associated. We describe a rare case of bilateral duplex collecting system with bilateral vesicoureteral reflux in which the refluxing ureter on the left side drains the upper pole moiety contrary to what is often found.

Case presentation

A 24-year-old married Arab woman presented with ascending left-sided flank pain during micturition. She complained of recurrent urinary tract infections. A physical examination and laboratory tests were normal. Voiding cystourethrography and computed tomography scan detected bilateral duplex collecting system, grade IV vesicoureteral reflux on the left side, and grade I vesicoureteral reflux on the right. She underwent left heminephrectomy and dextranomer/hyaluronic acid injections on the right side. After a year of follow-up, a clinical examination and imaging findings were unremarkable.

Conclusions

A bilateral duplex collecting system with refluxing upper pole moiety ureter is a very rare entity. The diagnosis should be suspected when exploring any flank pain with recurrent urinary tract infections to avoid subsequent renal impairment. Furthermore, this case shows how some common symptoms may lead to finding an unexpected urinary tract abnormality.

[Diagnosis and treatment of eosinophilic cystitis]

La cystite à éosinophiles est une pathologie inflammatoire de la paroi vésicale. Elle est rare, il n'existe pas des recommandations établies concernant sa prise en charge. Il s'agit d'une étude rétrospective ayant concerné dix observations de cystites à éosinophiles diagnostiquées et prises en charge dans notre service entre 2006 et 2017. L'âge moyen des patients était de 46 ans. On a noté une prédominance masculine. Un terrain atopique était noté dans 3 cas. Le mode de présentation le plus fréquent était des signes urinaires irritatifs dans 9 cas, une hématurie macroscopique dans 8 cas et des algies pelviennes dans 6 cas. Une hyper-éosinophilie sanguine était présente dans 4 cas. La cystoscopie avait montré des pétéchies dans 5 cas, un aspect pseudo-tumoral dans 4 cas et était normal dans un cas. Pour les formes pseudo-tumorales une résection endoscopique a été pratiquée. Quatre patients ont été traités par les anti-inflammatoires non stéroïdien, avec amélioration des symptômes. Six malades ont été surveillés. Après un recul moyen de 50 mois, aucune récidive n'a été rapportée. La cystite à éosinophiles est une pathologie rare. La présentation clinique est non spécifique. La prise en charge repose sur des moyens médicaux non invasifs dans les formes peu symptomatiques.

Mediterranean spotted fever as a cause of septic shock

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Mediterranean spotted fever presents with various non‐specific symptoms.

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There is no reliable test to diagnose the infection in its early stages.

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Doxycycline should be used upon suspicion of MSF, without awaiting laboratory confirmation.

Mediterranean spotted fever is a generally benign disease but with the potential of serious manifestations.

We report a case of Mediterranean spotted fever in a 56-year–old woman, with pet dog exposure, who presented with a septic shock pattern. Based on clinical symptoms, history, and laboratory results, the diagnosis of Mediterranean spotted fever was suspected and the outcome was favorable with doxycycline treatment.

Although rickettsiae remain an uncommon cause of the sepsis syndrome, it is important to consider it, especially as people are now traveling to endemic areas more frequently.

HIV epidemic in the Maghreb. Magnitude, trend and management

Over the last two decades, many progress has transformed the profile of HIV infection and improved the survival and quality of life of people living with HIV (PLHIV). In addition to individual benefits, antiretrovirals allow through viral suppression to prevent HIV transmission. The dual benefit, curative and preventive, of antiretrovirals has propel HIV testing at the forefront of the global Fast Track strategy as principle access to care and prevention. In the Maghreb countries, these achievements are impeded by a number of barriers that limit access for PLHIV, especially key populations and vulnerable populations, to appropriate care and prevention services. In order to achieve the global goals of Fast Track strategy, policy makers need to implement high-impact interventions to facilitate access to HIV testing, improve referral to care, strengthen adherence and retention to care. This can be achieved through mobile and community-based testing to target key populations, and innovative approaches such as partner notification and HIV self-testing. The establishment of robust links to care centers ensures rapid initiation of antiretrovirals in order to achieve viral suppression. Morever, these goals can be achieved by removing barriers to access to HIV testing and care. This is include specific interventions based on the respect of human rights, the fight against stigma and discrimination, the review of legislation limiting the legal age for access to voluntary testing and the removal of punitive laws against key populations.