Complete uterine septum, double cervix, and longitudinal vaginal septum: an integrated approach for one-stop diagnosis and ultrasound-guided endoscopic treatment.

Background: A complete uterine septum, double cervix and vaginal septum is a complex and rare congenital genital tract anomaly. The diagnosis is often challenging and based on the combination of different diagnostic techniques and multiple treatment steps. Objective: To propose a combined one-stop diagnosis and an ultrasound-guided endoscopic treatment of complete uterine septum, double cervix, and longitudinal vaginal septum anomaly. Materials and Methods: Stepwise demonstration with narrated video footage of an integrated approach management of a complete uterine septum, double cervix and vaginal longitudinal septum treated by expert operators combining minimally invasive hysteroscopy and ultrasound. The patient was 30 years old and was referred to our clinic because of dyspareunia, infertility and the suspicion of a genital malformation. Results: A one-stop complete evaluation of uterine cavity, external profile, cervix, and vagina was made through 2D, and 3D ultrasound combined with hysteroscopic assessment and a U2bC2V1 malformation (according to ESHRE/ESGE classification) was diagnosed. The procedure consisted in a totally endoscopic removal of the vaginal longitudinal septum and the complete uterine septum, starting the uterine septum incision from the isthmic level, and sparing the two cervices, under transabdominal ultrasound guidance. The ambulatory procedure was performed in the Digital Hysteroscopic Clinic (DHC) CLASS Hysteroscopy in Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS of Rome - Italy, under general anaesthesia (laryngeal mask). Main outcomes: Surgical time of procedure was 37 minutes; no complications occurred; patient was discharged three hours after the procedure; the hysteroscopic office control after 40 days showed a normal vagina and a normal uterine cavity with two normal cervices. Conclusion: An integrated ultrasound and hysteroscopic approach allows an accurate one-stop diagnosis and a totally endoscopic treatment option for complex congenital malformations using an ambulatory model of care with optimal surgical results.

A new surgical approach for fertility-sparing management of diffuse endometrial G2 endometrioid adenocarcinoma: a step-by-step technique.

Background: 4% of endometrial cancers are diagnosed in young women and 70% are nulliparous. Preserve fertility in these patients is of major interest. It is demonstrated that hysteroscopic resection of focal well-differentiated endometrioid adenocarcinoma, followed by progestins achieve a complete response rate of 95.3%. Recently, fertility-sparing treatment was proposed also in case of moderately differentiated endometrioid tumors, with a relatively high remission rate. Objective: To show a new hysteroscopic approach, in case of fertility-sparing treatment of diffuse endometrial G2 endometrioid adenocarcinoma. Materials and Methods: Stepwise demonstration of the technique with narrated video footage for the fertility-sparing management of diffuse endometrial G2 endometrioid adenocarcinoma, combining the use of a 15 Fr bipolar miniresectoscope and 'three-steps' resection technique (Karl Storz, Tuttlingen, Germany) with a Tissue Removal Device (TRD) (Truclear Elite Mini, Medtronic). Main outcome measures: negative hysteroscopic assessment and endometrial biopsies at three and six months. Results: Normal endometrial cavity and negative biopsies. Conclusion: Combined hysteroscopic technique, in case of diffuse endometrial G2 endometrioid adenocarcinoma, followed by double progestin therapy (Levonorgestrel releasing Intrauterine Device + Megestrole Acetate 160 mg/daily), may be associated with higher complete response rate; the use of TRD to complete the resection near tubal ostia may reduce risk of post-operative intrauterine adhesions and improve reproductive outcomes. What is new?: A novel, fertility-sparing surgical approach for diffuse endometrial G2 endometroid adenocarcinoma.

Factors related to condomless anal intercourse between men who have sex with men: results from a European bio-behavioural survey.

BACKGROUND: Relationship status is an important factor associated with condomless anal intercourse (CAI) amongst men who have sex with men (MSM). METHODS: A multi-centre bio-behavioural survey with MSM was conducted in 13 European cities (n = 4901) exploring factors associated with CAI via bivariate and multivariate multilevel logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: Likelihood of CAI with casual partners was associated with being 'out' to a majority (AOR = 1.19;95% CI 1,1.42); knowing their HIV status (AOR = 1.86; 95% CI 1.25,2.76); using substances (1-2 AOR = 1.39; 95% CI 1.16,1.63, 2+ AOR = 1.81; 95% CI 1.35,2.42); being older (AOR = 0.98; 95% CI 0.97,0.99); successful sero-communication (AOR = 0.79; 95% CI 0.67,0.94); and, not having a recent HIV test (AOR = 0.78; 95% CI 0.66,0.92). CAI with steady partners was associated with successful sero-communication (AOR = 2.72; 95% CI 2.72,3.66); not having a recent HIV test (AOR = 1.26; 95% CI 1.09,1.46), and; being older (AOR = 0.99; 95% CI 0.98,0.99). CONCLUSIONS: Understandings of partner type and/or relationship status in relation to CAI amongst MSM can potentially play an important role in the development of culturally appropriate HIV/STI prevention and risk-reduction efforts targeting at-risk MSM. Our results speak to the need to consider segmented and tailored public health and health promotion initiatives for MSM with differing CAI behaviours and relationship profiles.

Validation study of a conventional enzyme immunoassay to detect HIV antibodies in oral fluid.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to validate the Genscreen HIV ½ version 2 (BIO-RAD) for detecting HIV antibodies in oral fluid specimens (OF). BACKGROUND: The advantage of assays to detect HIV infection in OF lies in the on-site easy access and noninvasive sample collection. METHODS: Paired serum and OF were collected from 496 subjects (263 HIV-positive and 233 HIV-negative) using the Oracol test kit (Oracle Diagnostics, Inc). The quality of OF was verified by measuring total IgGs using the Human IgG ELISA Quantitation Kit (Bethyl Lab.inc). All reactive OF samples were retested by Western blot HIV1/2 BLOT 2.2 (MP Biomedical, Singapore, China). RESULTS: Of 263 OF samples from participants with blood-based HIV-positive results, 259 were positive by Genscreen HIV ½ version 2 (98.48% sensitivity, 95% CI; 96.2-99.6). The 233 individuals who had a non-reactive HIV blood test were found negative on testing their OF by Genscreen HIV ½ version 2 (100% specificity, 95% CI; 98.4-100). NPV and PPV of the assay were 98.31% (95% CI; 95.74-99.34) and 100%, (95% CI; 98.53-100.00), respectively. CONCLUSION: Genscreen HIV ½ version 2 (Bio-Rad) is a prospective method for HIV surveillance studies in hard-to-reach populations with high risk behavior using non-invasive OF collection (Tab. 1, Fig. 1, Ref. 16).

HIV bio-behavioural survey among men who have sex with men in Barcelona, Bratislava, Bucharest, Ljubljana, Prague and Verona, 2008-2009.

Data from 23 European countries show that the annual number of HIV diagnoses in men who have sex with men (MSM) increased by 86% between 2000 and 2006. This paper reports the main preliminary results of a bio-behavioural survey in MSM with a specific focus on HIV prevalence and use of United Nations General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) indicators in six cities in Southern and Eastern Europe. Time-location sampling (TLS) was used. A total number of 2,356 questionnaires and 2,241 oral fluid samples were collected (invalid samples 4.1%). The data show different socio-demographic patterns across countries regarding age, level of education, living conditions, living area and self-identity. Southern European cities had the highest percentage of people who had tested for HIV and collected the result. More than 50% of respondents in the sample from Barcelona reported having used a condom last time they had anal sex (57.2%), whilst in all other cities this proportion was below 50%. The cities with the highest HIV prevalence in MSM were Barcelona (17.0%) and Verona (11.8%) whilst lower percentages were reported in Bratislava (6.1%), Bucharest (4.6%), Ljubljana (5.1%) and Prague (2.6%). The low prevalence in Eastern European cities is encouraging. However, with the level of high-risk sexual behaviour documented and the lower frequency of HIV test seeking behaviour, there is a clear risk of an increase in HIV transmission.

[Approach to juxtarenal inflammatory aneurysms]. / L'approccio agli aneurismi infiammatori iuxtarenali.

The incidence of inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysm (IAAA) in a late review of the literature is estimated about 2-15% overall aortic aneurysms. In our data this type of aneurysm is 3.6 overall aortic aneurysms treated. In the majority of the cases, IAAA is juxtarenal or infrarenal. Ethiopathogenesis of IAAA till today is not certain. Recent hypothesis on IAAA attribute the same ethiopathogenesis in both atherosclerotic and inflammatory aneurysm. The interaction of genetic, environmental and infective factors should be able to determine an autoimmune inflammatory reaction of variable severity. 80% of the patients suffering from IAAA present abdominal or lumbar pain, loss of weight and increase of the RC sedimentation velocity. The IAAA's natural history goes to rupture. Entrapment of nearstanding organs totally involved in the fibrotic process is the most frequent complication. Usually there is a compression of the ureter and the duodenum with consequenced hydroureteronephrosis and bowel obstruction. Preoperative diagnosis is possible; CT scan and MRI guarantee and accuracy about 90%. Intraoperatively the external wall of IAAA appears whitish and translucent and always there are tenacious adhesion given by the avventital wounds inflammation. Confirm is given by the histological examination of the aneurysmatic wall and peravventitial tissues. Our experience and a late review of the literature concorde that surgical indication for the treatment of IAAA is the same for the atherosclerotic one. This conviction is supported by the fact that the diagnostic methodical evolution and the improvement in mininvasive surgical technique lowered perioperating morbility and mortaliy. We prefer, according with many authors, retroperitoneal approach to juxtarenal IAAA, instead of standardized transperitoneal access with xifo-pubical or transversal under costal incision. This approach offers some advantages as easier exposition of aorta, whose postero-lateral wall is hardly ever involved in inflammatory process, little duodenum's and left renal veins manipulation and low incidence of paralytic ileum and respiratory disease. Endovascular surgery hasn't in this moment any role in juxtarenal IAAA treatment because this type of aneurysm has inadequate proximal neck. In the future, probably, endovascular repair will be possible using a new type of endograft with renal legs. Often surgical treatment is inadequate to control retroperitorenal fibrosis and so surgeon has to use perioperating pharmacolocical therapy.

The effect of previous psychiatric history on the cost of care: a comparison of various regression models.

OBJECTIVE: Many studies conducted in Europe have reported high variance of costs estimated at the individual level. The objectives of the present study were to estimate costs of patients and to evaluate the performance of various regression models. METHOD: All patients who in the period 1992-1995 had at least one contact with the psychiatric services in South Verona were included in the study and were followed for 1 year after the index contact (n = 1725). Four different groups, classified on the basis of their previous services utilization, were analysed. RESULTS: First-ever patients and patients with a new episode of care after 3 years were less costly than patients with an ongoing episode of care and patients having a new episode, after an interval between 3 months and 3 years. CONCLUSION: The regression models allow us to predict cost for a patient with a given set of characteristics. Great care in the interpretation of the values of the individual coefficients should be taken in order to have a broader understanding of the expenditure dynamic.

[Prevalence of nosocomial infections in Intensive Care Units in Triveneto area, Italy]. / La prevalenza delle infezioni nosocomiali nelle Unità di Terapia Intensiva del Triveneto in Italia.

BACKGROUND: Nosocomial infection is one of the most common complications affecting patients admitted in intensive care units (ICU). The aim of this study is to evaluate rates of ICU-acquired infections, potential risk factors for these infections, causative microorganisms and antibiotic resistance patterns. METHODS: A 1-day point-prevalence study was conducted in 39 ICUs in Triveneto area (Italy) in November 1998. The overall study population included 188 patients with mean age of 61.4+/-19.3 years; the mean SAPS II score at entry into the ICU was 44.4+/-16.8 and the median duration of hospitalization was 9 days (range 2-636). RESULTS: A total of 59 patients (31.4%) had 79 episodes of ICU-acquired infections; pneumonia (45.5%), bloodstream infection (30.4%), and urinary tract infection (11.4%) were the most frequent types of infection. The leading causative microorganisms were S. aureus (24.4%, 77% of them were resistant to methicillin), Enterobacteriaceae (24.4%), P. aeruginosa (23.2%), fungi (12.2%), coagulase-negative staphylococci (7.3%) and Enterococcus spp (4.9%). Independent risk factors for nosocomial infections were duration of hospitalization >7 days (OR 4.29, 95% CI 1.82-10.1), SAPS II score >30 (OR 3.34, 95% CI 1.0-11.18), total parenteral nutrition (OR 2.69, 95% CI 1.19-6.07) and tracheostomy (OR 1.88, 95% CI 0.84-4.20). CONCLUSIONS: Nosocomial infections are relatively frequent in Triveneto area ICUs. The predominance of pneumonia and bloodstream infection, and the high frequency of antibiotic-resistant pathogens indicate that resources had to be assigned towards the implementation of control programs of those infections, monitoring of antibiotic resistance and prescription, and antibiotic therapy guidelines.

Using health production functions to evaluate treatment effectiveness: an application to a community mental health service.

The randomized controlled trial (RCT) is the recommended means of evaluating health care effectiveness and cost-effectiveness. Whilst representing a 'gold-standard' in health services research, RCT evidence on the clinical and economic desirability of services and treatments is often absent. Where RCT evidence is lacking, or where it is infeasible to implement randomized controlled comparisons, longitudinal observational and naturalistic data sources when analysed appropriately can yield useful insights regarding the clinical effectiveness and economic efficiency of treatments. In this paper we demonstrate the utility of applying panel estimation methods to data from an Italian psychiatric case register as a means of modelling the mental health outcomes of patients referred to a community-based mental health service. Emphasis is placed on quantifying the clinical effectiveness of consultations with different mental health professionals (including in-patient days) and whether service outcomes are affected by psychiatric diagnosis. The impact of service consultations and their interaction with different types of psychiatric diagnosis on a measure of patient mental health are found to be statistically significant, although the size of these effects are not substantial from a clinical perspective.

Collecting psychiatric resources utilisation data to calculate costs of care: a comparison between a service receipt interview and a case register.

BACKGROUND: Economic assessment of interventions and policies is becoming increasingly common, in large measure because of the growing emphasis on cost containment within health care. Comprehensive and reliable outcome and cost data are required to advise policy makers and clinicians as to the best use of their limited resources. The process of costing can be broken down into three connected tasks: the collection of service receipt or utilisation data relative to individual clients or patients over a defined period; the costing of each of the services used; and the combination of these two sets of information in order to calculate individual costs. The aim of this study was to compare two methodologies of collecting data on individual service use - a customized interview schedule, ICAP, and the psychiatric case register (PCR) - and to calculate costs, testing the extent of agreement between them. METHOD: The agreement between the ICAP and the PCR costs measurement was evaluated using the concordance correlation coefficient rho(c). From all patients (n = 543) who had at least one contact with a psychiatrist or a psychologist during the period October-December 1996, 339 patients were interviewed using the ICAP. The overall number of patients in contact with the South-Verona CPS in the same period was 630. RESULTS: The agreement between the two sources was very different for each diagnostic group and each professional category. However, the overall agreement on total costs was satisfactory (rho(c) < 0.95). This result is probably due to the effect of the good agreement observed on more costly services: inpatient care and sheltered accommodation. CONCLUSION: The results suggested practical implications for the use of the service receipt interview: interviewers should be trained in order to avoid misinterpretation of the definitions given in the form; the sources of information should be clearly defined to tease out all the items of services provided for the users; the professionals (i.e. psychiatrists) could influence the reliability of data collection by underestimating services provided by different professionals (nurses, social workers, etc.). The findings confirm that it is possible to use this approach when the aim is to estimate the whole cost of the services; however, the importance of adopting adequate procedures for analysing the complexity of cost components should be pointed out. Only a trained interviewer who thoroughly knows each component of the health and social services provided could guarantee an accurate data collection.

Twice-weekly dapsone for primary prophylaxis against Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in HIV-1 infection: efficacy, safety and pharmacokinetic data.

OBJECTIVES: In this study we evaluated the pharmacokinetics, efficacy and safety of dapsone given 100 mg twice weekly as primary prophylaxis against Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) in patients with HIV-1 infection. METHODS: This was a prospective open trial, evaluating a total of 55 HIV-1-infected patients with CD4 cell counts below 200/mm3 and without previous episodes of PCP. Plasma concentrations of dapsone were determined with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). After a mean follow-up of 471 days, the PCP rates per year of observation were 6.79%. Discontinuation of treatment as a result of severe side effects was required in four patients (7.5%). At steady state, mean plasma concentrations 24, 72, 96 and 144 h following the administration of dapsone were 1.46plus minus0.8, 0.28plus minus0.20, 0.30plus minus0.21 and 0.37plus minus0.27 mg/L, respectively. Dapsone plasma levels showed a high interpatient variability. The values for the pharmacokinetic parameters were comparable to those described for healthy volunteers. CONCLUSIONS: The administration of 100 mg twice weekly of dapsone seems appropriate to maintain effective plasma concentrations of the drug and to prevent PCP with good safety in patients with HIV-1-related immunodeficiency.

[Health education and the prevention of HIV infection in schools]. / L'educazione alla salute e la prevenzione delle infezioni da HIV nella scuola.

This review describes the HIV prevention strategies adopted since 1990 by the Italian Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education, coordinated by the National Health Institute, for use in Italian schools. It sets out reasons for believing that action in schools is essential in containing the spread of the HIV epidemic and presents teaching materials prepared for school use. An analysis is made of the IV national HIV information campaign, in which the Ministry of Health trained 4,000 middle and senior schools principals. The prospects for continuing the work with these 4,000 principals in the V information campaign, are also reported.