Impact on sexual function of surgical treatment in rectal cancer

ABSTRACT Introduction The development of new surgical techniques and medical devices, like therapeutical multimodal approaches has allowed for better outcomes on patients with rectal cancer (RCa). Owing to that, an increased awareness and investment towards better outcomes regarding patients' sexual and urinary function has been recently observed. Aim Evaluate and characterize the sexual dysfunction of patients submitted to surgical treatment for RCa. Materials and Methods An observational retrospective study including all male patients who underwent a surgical treatment for RCa between January 2011 December 2014 (n=43) was performed, complemented with an inquiry questionnaire to every patient about its sexual habits and level of function before and after surgery. Discussion All patients were male, with an average of 64yo. (range 42-83yo.). The surgical procedure was a rectum anterior resection (RAR) in 22 patients (56%) and an abdominoperineal resection (APR) in 19(44%). Sixty three percent described their sexual life as important/very important. Sexual function worsening was observed in 76% (65% with complains on erectile function, and 27% on ejaculation). Fourteen patients (38%) didn't resume sexual activity after surgery. Increased age (p=0.007), surgery performed (APR) (p=0.03) and the presence of a stoma (p=0.03) were predictors of ED after surgery. A secondary analysis found that the type of surgery (APR) (p=0.04), lower third tumor's location (p=0.03) and presence of comorbidities (p=0.013) (namely, smokers and diabetic patients) were predictors of de novo ED after surgery. Conclusions This study demonstrated the clear negative impact in sexual function of patients submitted to a surgical treatment for RCa. Since it is a valued feature for patients, it becomes essential to correctly evaluate/identify these cases in order to offer an adequate therapeutical option.

Validación de un método para predecir etiología en niños con neumonía / Validation of a method to predict the etiology of pneumonia in children

Introducción. Determinar el agente etiológico en niños con neumonía no es simple; requiere técnicasy tiempo que muchas veces no están disponibles. Por lo tanto, la decisión terapéutica inicial suele basarse en elementos clínicos, radiológicos y de laboratorio. El empleo de reglas de predicción clínica que combinan varios de estos elementos puedei ncrementar la capacidad diagnóstica. Objetivo. Evaluar la capacidad diagnóstica de una escala de puntaje para predecir etiología en niños con neumonía (Bacterial Pneumonia Score, BPS).Población, material y método. Estudio observacional ,retrospectivo, de evaluación de una prueba diagnóstica, llevado a cabo entre enero de 2004 ydiciembre de 2006. Se incluyeron pacientes de 1 mesa 15 años de edad hospitalizados por neumonía, condiagnóstico etiológico confirmado (viral o bacteriano).Se excluyeron aquellos con enfermedad pulmonar crónica, cardiopatía congénita, inmunodeficiencia,requerimiento de cuidados intensivos, infeccionesmixtas o falta de diagnóstico etiológico. Se registraron datos del ingreso (edad, temperatura,hemograma y evaluación de radiografía de tórax).Con los datos mencionados se calculó el BPS (intervalo de -3 a 15 puntos), donde un v alor ≥ 4sugiere etiología bacteriana.Resultados. Se incluyeron 82 pacientes con edades entre 1 y 96 meses (79 por ciento etiología viral y 21 por ciento bacteriana). Un valor de BPS ≥ 4 mostró sensibilidad: 94 por ciento, especificidad: 34 por ciento, valor predictivo positivo: 27 por ciento y valor predictivo negativo: 95 por ciento.Conclusión. El BPS presentó una buena capacidad para identificar a la gran mayoría de los niños con infección bacteriana, que requieren antibióticos.

Introduction. Identifying etiology in children with pneumonia requires time and technical resources, not always available. Therefore, the initial management of pneumonia is often based on clinical, laboratory, and/or radiographic data. Clinical prediction rules based on a combination of factors could increase diagnostic accuracy. Objective. To validate the diagnostic accuracy of a clinical prediction rule (Bacterial Pneumonia Score, BPS) to distinguish bacterial from viral pneumonia in children. Population and methods. This observational, diagnostic test evaluation study was performed among January 2004 and December 2006. Children aged 1 month to 15 years old, hospitalized for pneumonia in whom a bacterial or viral etiology was identified were included. Children with chronic pulmonary disease, congenital heart disease, admission to the intensive care unit, underlying immunologic disease, mixed viral and bacterial infection, or inability to identify viral or bacterial pathogens were excluded. Admission data were recorded (age, temperature, WBC count and chest radiograph evaluation). BPS was then calculated (range -3 to 15 points), taking into account that a BPS ≥4 suggests bacterial pneumonia. Results. We included 82 patients aged 1 to 96 months with pneumonia (79% viral and 21% bacterial). A BPS ≥ 4 predicted bacterial pneumonia with sensibility:94%, specificity: 34%, positive predictive value: 27%, and negative predictive value: 95%. Conclusion. The BPS was accurate on identifying most children with bacterial pneumonia, who required antibiotic therapy.