Diagnostic value of carotid intima-media thickness in the investigation of atherosclerosis

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between intima-media thickness [IMT] and coronary artery disease [CAD], peripheral artery disease [PAD], carotid artery stenosis [CAS] and risk of cerebrovascular disease [CVD] and to evaluate the effectiveness of the measurement of the common carotid artery IMT through ultrasonography [US] screening of asymptomatic CAD, PAD, CAS

Patients and Methods: A total of 482 patients [215 females, 267 males] with ages ranging between 65 and 94 years old [mean age: 71.4 years] were examined with ultrasound [US]

Results: Among the 482 patients, 226 [46.8%] [151 males, 75 females] had increased IMT values. A signifi cant relationship was observed between the increase in the IMT, gender and age. The association between increased IMT and CAS [P =0.0001], CAD [P = 0.007], PAD [P = 0.0001] and CVD [P = 0.011] was found statistically signifi cant [P < 0.05]

Conclusions: The increase in the IMT may be used as an independent predictor to foresee the presence and diagnosis of CAD, PAD, CAS and CVD. The results of this study suggest screening for atherosclerosis [CAD, PAD, CAS] patients over 65 years of age using measurement of carotid IMT with US

Does the Time From Biopsy to Radical Prostatectomy Affect Gleason Score Upgrading in Patients With Clinical T1c Prostate Cancer?

PURPOSE: It is debated whether treatment delay worsens oncologic results in localized prostate cancer (PCa). Few studies have focused on the role of a delay between the time of biopsy and the time of surgery. Thus, we aimed to investigate the effect of the time period between biopsy and surgery on Gleason score upgrading (GSU). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 290 patients who underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy in Ankara Training and Research Hospital were included in the study. The biopsy Gleason score, age, total prostate-specific antigen (PSA) value, prostate volumes, and PSA density (PSAD) were analyzed in all patients. The patients were divided into two groups: patients with GSU (group 1) and patients without GSU (group 2). Variables having a p-value of < or =0.05 in the univariate analysis were selected and then evaluated by use of multivariate logistic regression models. Results were considered significant at p<0.05. RESULTS: GSU occurred in 121 of 290 patients (41.7%). The mean age of the patients was 66.0+/-7.2 years in group 1 and 65.05+/-5.60 years in group 2 (p=0.18). The mean PSA values of groups 1 and 2 were 8.6+/-4.1 and 8.8+/-4.3 ng/dL, respectively. The mean prostate volumes of groups 1 and 2 were 43.8+/-14.1 and 59.5+/-29.8 mL, respectively. The PSAD of group 1 was significantly higher than that of group 2 (0.20 vs. 0.17, p=0.003). The mean time to surgery was shorter in group 2 (group 1, 52.2+/-22.6 days; group 2, 45.3+/-15.5 days; p=0.004). According to the logistic regression, time from biopsy to surgery is important in the prediction of GSU. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that the time period between biopsy and surgery is a significant factor that affects GSU in patients with clinically localized PCa.

A Population-Based Study of Factors Associated With Nocturia in Reproductive-Aged Turkish Women

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of nocturia according to the International Continence Society (ICS) definition in Turkish women and to determine the associated risk factors and the correlation of other voiding symptoms with nocturia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective epidemiological study was carried out by use of self-reported questionnaires in 4,250 reproductive-aged women from January 2013 to May 2013. The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form and a questionnaire developed by the researchers according to the ICS were administered to define nocturia and other lower urinary tract symptoms. Other physical, reproductive, and health characteristics were also recorded concurrently. RESULTS: Overall, 1,636 women were included in the final analyses. The women had an average age of 34.4+/-5.26 years. The overall prevalence of nocturia was 34.7% (567 of 1,636 women). Women with nocturia were older (p40 years were significant risk factors for nocturia. We also found that other lower urinary tract symptoms correlated significantly (p<0.001) with nocturia. CONCLUSIONS: Although the prevalence of nocturia is higher with increasing age, younger adults are also affected. Nocturia may cause sleep disorders, mood disturbances, reduced quality of life, and distractibility. Thus, even if one void nightly causes a patient to experience bother, nocturia should be queried about and should be treated if necessary according to the cause of the disease.