[Vascular ultrasonography in the preparation and surveillance of arteriovenous fistula: a monocentric experience].

Creating an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is complicated by the gradual increase in the average age of patients initiating chronic haemodialysis treatment and by the greater prevalence of pathologies that impact the cardiovascular system. In the past, the choice of which vessels to use for the creation of the AVF was essentially based on the physical examination of the upper limbs. Current international guidelines suggest that a colour doppler ultrasound (DUS) should be performed to complete the physical examination. Similarly, vascular ultrasound is fundamental in the post-operative phase for appropriately monitoring the access. We have conducted a retrospective analysis on the use of DUS in clinical practice in our centre, in order to determine the repercussions on vascular access survival. To this end, we identified three phases, according to the methods that were used for pre-operative vascular evaluation and monitoring of the AVF, that saw the progressive integration of clinical and ultrasound parameters. The analysis of the data highlighted a statistically significant higher rate of survival for all vascular accesses, evaluated as a whole, and for distal AVFs, in the third phase, despite a greater percentage of patients over 75 (48% vs 28%). In conclusion, we believe that an approach integrating clinical and ultrasound evaluation is indispensable to identify the most suitable AVF site and guarantee its efficiency over time.

Cannabinoid control of hippocampal functions: the where matters.

In the brain, hippocampal circuits are crucial for cognitive performance (e.g., memory) and deeply affected in pathological conditions (e.g., epilepsy, Alzheimer). Specialized molecular mechanisms regulate different cell types underlying hippocampal circuitries functions. Among them, cannabinoid receptors exhibit various roles depending on the cell type (e.g., neuron, glial cell) or subcellular organelle (e.g., mitochondria). Determining the site of action and precise mechanisms triggered by cannabinoid receptor activation at a local cellular and subcellular level helps us understand hippocampal pathophysiological states. In doing so, past and current research have advanced our knowledge of cannabinoid functions and proposed novel routes for potential therapeutics. By outlining these data in this work, we aim to showcase current findings and highlight the pathophysiological impact of the cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) localization/activation in hippocampal circuits.

The Effects of Physical Exercise on Mental Health: From Cognitive Improvements to Risk of Addiction.

(1) Background: we aimed to investigate the effects of physical activity on cognitive functions and deficits of healthy population and other needy groups. Secondly, we investigated the relation between healthy habits and psychopathological risks. Finally, we investigated the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on exercise addiction and possible associated disorders. (2) Methods: From April 2021 to October 2021, we conducted a review aimed at identifying the effects of physical exercise on mental health, from cognitive improvements to risk of addiction; we searched for relevant studies on PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, PsycINFO and CINHAL. (3) Results: For the first purpose, results indicated multiple effects such as better precision and response speed in information processing tasks on healthy populations; improvement of executive functions, cognitive flexibility and school performance in children; improvement of attention and executive functions and less hyperactivity and impulsiveness on children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); improvement of executive and global functions on adults; improvement of overall cognitive functioning on patients with schizophrenic spectrum disorder or bipolar disorder. Data also demonstrated that exercise addiction seems to be related to low levels of education, low self-esteem, eating disorders and body dysmorphisms. Eventually, it was found that people with lower traits and intolerance of uncertainty show a strong association between COVID-19 anxiety and compulsive exercise and eating disorder. (4) Conclusions: these findings underline on one side the beneficial effects of physical activity on cognitive function in healthy individuals in a preventive and curative key, while on the other side the importance of an adequate evaluation of psychological distress and personality characteristics associated with exercise addiction.

Candida thrombophlebitis in children: a systematic review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of thrombophlebitis associated with Candida infection and to analyze other published reports to define clinical characteristics, prognostic data, diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. STUDY DESIGN: A computerized search was performed without language restriction using PubMed and Scopus databases. An article was considered eligible for inclusion if it reported cases with Candida thrombophlebitis. Our case was also included in the analysis. RESULTS: A total of 16 articles reporting 27 cases of Candida thrombophlebitis were included in our review. The median age of patients was 4 years. In 10 cases there was a thrombophlebitis of peripheral veins; in the remaining cases the deep venous circle was interested. Candida albicans was the most frequently involved fungal species. The most recurrent risk factors were central venous catheter (19/28), broad spectrum antibiotics (17/28), intensive care unit (8/28), surgery (3/28), mechanical assisted ventilation (5/28), total parenteral nutrition (8/28), cancer (2/28), premature birth (6/28), cystic fibrosis (2/28). Fever was the most frequent clinical feature. All children with peripheral and deep thrombophlebitis were given antifungal therapy: amphotericin B was the most used, alone or in combination with other antifungal drugs. Heparin was most frequently used as anticoagulant therapy. Illness was fatal in two cases. CONCLUSION: Candida thrombophlebitis is a rare but likely underdiagnosed infectious complication in pediatric critically ill patients. It is closely connected to risk factors such as central venous catheter, hospitalization in intensive care unit, prematurity, assisted ventilation, chronic inflammatory diseases. Antifungal therapy and anticoagulant drugs should be optimized for each patient and surgical resection is considered in the persistence of illness.

Factors Affecting Penetration of Ciprofloxacin in Lower Extremity Ischemic Tissues.

The aims of this study were to evaluate factors influencing the distribution of ciprofloxacin in tissue of patients suffering from varying degrees of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Blood and tissue samples were collected from patients undergoing debridement or amputation procedures and the amount of ciprofloxacin in them was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. All patients were administered a 200-mg dose of intravenous ciprofloxacin prior to the debridement or amputation procedure. Data, including patient gender, age, type of diabetes, presence of neuropathy, medications taken, and severity of PAD were collected. These data were then analyzed to determine factors influencing the concentrations of ciprofloxacin in tissue of the lower limbs. The Kruskal-Wallis test, Spearman correlation, and chi-square test were used to relate covariates and fixed factors with the concentration of ciprofloxacin in tissue. Following bivariate analysis, a 3-predictor regression model was fitted to predict tissue concentrations of ciprofloxacin given information about these predictors. Blood and tissue samples were collected from 50 patients having an average age of 68 years. Thirty-three patients were males and 35 patients suffered from type 2 diabetes. The average number of medications that these patients were taking was 10. The majority of patients (n = 35) were suffering from severe PAD. Tissue concentrations of ciprofloxacin were mainly related to plasma concentrations of ciprofloxacin, number of medications that the patients were taking and severity of PAD.

[Acute pielonephritis and renal abscesses in Piedmont and Aosta Valley]. / Indagine sulla pielonefrite acuta e sugli ascessi renali in Piemonte e Valle d'Aosta.

The Piedmont Group of Clinical Nephrology compared the activity of 18 nephrology centers in Piedmont and Aosta Valley as regards acute pielonephritis (APN). Data from more than 500 cases per year of APN were examined. The microbial spectrum of APN consists mainly of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Diagnosis was based on both clinical and radiological criteria in most of the centers (computed tomography-CT o Magnetic Resonance Imaging-MRI). In four centers diagnosis was made with the radiological criteria and in one center only with the clinical features. CT and MRI were performed in about 47% and 44% of cases respectively. Urine culture was positive in 22 up to 100% of cases. The most commonly used antibiotics were fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin) and ceftriaxone (50% of centers) or amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (25% of centers). In 75% of the centers, patients received a combination of two antibiotics (aminoglycoside in 22% of them ). In 72% of the centers, almost 50% of the patients were re-examined, while 38.8% of centers re-examined all the patients. Renal ultrasound was inappropriate to identify abscesses. The mean of patients in whom renal abscesses were detected by CT or MRI was 18.2%. The analysis shows a high variability in the way of diagnosing and treating APN in Piedmont and Aosta Valley regions. This suggests that even if APN is a frequent pathological condition, practical recommendations are required.

A reappraisal of storage and voiding dysfunction.

Lower urinary tract symptoms are common in women. They may be more broadly classified into storage and voiding disorders. Recent literature has focussed on the management of voiding dysfunction and the spectrum of symptoms presented by women with such disorders. Symptoms of voiding dysfunction and storage symptoms may coexist, making diagnosis and management even more challenging. The purpose of this paper is to review the literature regarding the definition and management of voiding dysfunction with and without associated storage symptoms.

Use of near infrared spectroscopy as an alternative to videourodynamics to detect detrusor overactivity in women with the overactive bladder syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate near infrared spectroscopy as a noninvasive alternative to cystometry for detecting detrusor overactivity in women with overactive bladder (OAB). Although cystometry is considered the "gold standard" investigation for the lower urinary tract, it is invasive. Recently, a noninvasive form of assessment of the lower urinary tract has been introduced using near infrared spectroscopy. METHODS: This was a prospective pilot study. Women with symptoms of OAB, referred to a tertiary referral one-stop urodynamics clinic were studied. A urodynamic diagnosis was made according to the International Continence Society guidelines. The near infrared spectroscopy monitoring results were analyzed by an independent near infrared spectroscopy Clinical Research Assessor. Both the urodynamics and near infrared spectroscopy assessors reported whether detrusor overactivity was present. Primary outcome measurement was the performance of near infrared spectroscopy as a new diagnostic test. We evaluated the performance of this by calculating the sensitivity and specificity. The clinical usefulness of near infrared spectroscopy was evaluated using positive and negative predictive values. RESULTS: One hundred patients were recruited of whom 95 had traces that could be interpreted. Thirty-one patients were found to have detrusor overactivity on cystometry. Twenty-five of these patients (26%) had detrusor overactivity on near infrared spectroscopy analysis. In 6% of these cases, no near infrared spectroscopy changes identified as suggestive of detrusor overactivity were seen. No detrusor overactivity was detected by cystometry in 64 patients, and in 19% of cases by near infrared spectroscopy. Forty-six patients (48%) had near infrared spectroscopy monitoring events identified as detrusor overactivity but no cystometry changes diagnostic of detrusor overactivity. CONCLUSION: The results of our study suggest that near infrared spectroscopy is an unreliable method for detecting detrusor overactivity in women with OAB symptoms.

Review of fesoterodine.

INTRODUCTION: Overactive bladder syndrome is a common condition that adversely affects the quality of life. It is mainly treated with a combination of bladder retraining and antimuscarinics. In a quest to reduce the side effect profile of these drugs, whilst improving their efficacy, more bladder-selective antimuscarinics were developed. One of the more recent of these antimuscarinics which has come to the market is fesoterodine. This review examines the evidence of the safety and efficacy of this drug. AREAS COVERED: A literature search performed identified two main multi-center trials which highlight the safety, efficacy and tolerability of fesoterodine. These together with the pharmacologic properties of the drug are discussed at length throughout the review. An expert opinion is then formulated based on the current evidence available and on comparison with other antimuscarinics. EXPERT OPINION: It is concluded that fesoterodine has the added advantage of flexible dosing over some other antimuscarinics. It does, however, have a similar tolerability and side effect profile to other antimuscarinics and is, therefore, unlikely to revolutionize the treatment of the overactive bladder.

The predictive value of pre-treatment cystometry in the outcome of women with mixed incontinence treated with duloxetine.

OBJECTIVES: Whilst auditing the results of women treated with duloxetine, it was noted that some women with mixed urodynamic stress incontinence (USI) and detrusor overactivity (DO) reported worsening of their incontinence. Duloxetine works by increasing urethral resistance and may alter voiding function. Worsening voiding may result in worsening irritative symptoms. The aim of our study was to assess whether pre-treatment pressure flow studies predicted which women with mixed USI and DO became worse after treatment with duloxetine. STUDY DESIGN: Women were recruited from our one-stop urogynaecology clinic. All women complained of troublesome mixed urinary symptoms with moderate or severe stress incontinence. Their initial assessment included a detailed history, a physical examination, a 3-day urinary diary, King's Quality of Life questionnaire and filling cystometry. RESULTS: Fifty seven women were recruited. Thirty (52%) women recorded an improvement in their patient global impression of improvement (PGI-I) score; 18 (32%) recorded no change and nine (16%) women reported worsening bladder symptoms. Pressure flow studies of women who recorded a worsening of their incontinence were compared to those women who recorded no change or an improvement of their incontinence. The maximum flow rate (p=0.78), average flow rate (p=0.61), bladder capacity (p=0.14), detrusor pressure at maximum flow (p=0.68) and volume voided (0.66) showed no statistical difference when the two groups were compared. The pre-treatment voiding time (p=0.04) was statistically longer in women who got worse following treatment with duloxetine. CONCLUSION: Pre-treatment pressure flow studies may be useful in predicting the outcome of treatment with duloxetine. Women who report worsening of their incontinence are more likely to have a longer voiding time compared to women who do not report worsening. Hence a prolonged voiding time may predict a poorer outcome for women treated with duloxetine.

Predicting detrusor overactivity using a physician-based scoring system.

Women with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) commonly present to primary care. Management is often based on a symptomatic diagnosis alone although LUTS correlate with urodynamic diagnosis in 65% of cases. The aim of this study was to develop a scoring system to discriminate between the symptoms of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and overactive bladder (OAB). Physicians completed a specially developed questionnaire for all women complaining of LUTS. Women then underwent videocystourethrography. A scoring system based on the likelihood of each symptom for DO was developed using odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI). This scoring system was subsequently used to discriminate those women with OAB from those with SUI. One hundred seventy one women were recruited to the study. This scoring system had a sensitivity of 79%, a specificity of 78% and a positive predictive value of 73% to identify detrusor overactivity (DO) This new OAB scoring system may be used in primary care to help discriminate between USI and DO.

Duloxetine 1 year on: the long-term outcome of a cohort of women prescribed duloxetine.

This aim of this study was to determine the long-term persistence with duloxetine in a cohort of women treated for stress incontinence and any alternative treatments undertaken. Two hundred twenty-eight women prescribed duloxetine were initially reviewed after 4 weeks of treatment. Women continuing therapy were reassessed at 4 and 6 months and 1 year with a review of all treatments after 1 year. At each visit, they were asked about persistence with duloxetine, reasons for discontinuation and any alternative treatments. Seventy-one (31%) women continued beyond 4 weeks of treatment, and twenty-six (12%) were taking duloxetine 4 months later, 23 (10%) at 6 months and 21 (9%) at 1 year. One year later, 187 (82%) women had a tension-free vaginal tape operation (TVT). The majority of women discontinued because of side effects (56%) or lack of efficacy (33%). Few women persevere with duloxetine beyond 4 months. One year later, the majority of women had a TVT.

Management of overactive bladder syndrome.

Overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome is the term used to describe the symptom complex of urinary urgency with or without urge incontinence, usually with frequency and nocturia. Drug treatment continues to have an important role in the management of women with OAB. Other treatment options include conservative management with lifestyle interventions, modification of fluid intake, and physiotherapy including bladder retraining. Surgery remains the last resort in the treatment and is usually reserved for intractable detrusor overactivity, as it is associated with significant morbidity. This article reviews the management of the overactive bladder with specific focus on newer developments in the medical treatment of OAB in women.

Bladder diary patterns in detrusor overactivity and urodynamic stress incontinence.

AIMS: Our aims were: (1) to describe and compare frequency-volume and incontinence episode patterns in patients with urodynamic stress incontinence (USI) and detrusor overactivity (DO) as measured by a hand-written and computer-analyzed bladder diary and (2) to compare degree of separation between these clinical groups produced by raw diary measurements and after age- and total-volume-adjustment against a reference population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 58 patients with USI, 29 with DO, and 22 with both USI and DO. From 3-day hand-written and computer-analyzed bladder diaries, we calculated average and maximum volume voided (Vol/Void), voiding frequency and volume voided over 24 hr, and number, size and type (whether accompanied by activity or urge) of incontinence episodes. RESULTS: Compared to the USI patients, the DO patients tended to have (1) higher voiding frequency, (2) lower Vol/Void, (3) more urge-related, than activity-related leaks, (4) smaller volume, and equally frequent leaks and (5) more severe incontinence symptoms. The age- and volume-adjusted percentiles better separated the USI and DO groups' frequency and volume measurements than did the raw measurements. Unexpectedly high percentages of our USI patients had low Vol/Void measurements, high voiding frequency, and predominantly urge-related leaks. A subgroup of 29 USI patients with "low" (average volume <30th reference population percentile) Vol/Void measurements had high incidences of urgency and urge-related leaks. CONCLUSIONS: Reference population percentiles better separate the frequency/volume patterns of USI and DO than do the raw measurements. We found a subgroup of USI patients that had an OAB-like clinical picture.

Pregnancy and delivery following tension-free vaginal tape.

The tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) has become an increasingly popular, minimally invasive surgical treatment for urodynamic stress incontinence. As a consequence of its popularity, more women of childbearing age are undergoing surgery, and thus the incidence of pregnancy following surgery is likely to increase. We report two cases of unplanned pregnancy following TVT, both of which remained continent following delivery.

Bladder diary volume per void measurements in detrusor overactivity.

PURPOSE: We investigated the clinical usefulness of adjusting reference volume per void values for a recently reported strong tendency for volume per void to increase with increasing 24-hour volume in asymptomatic individuals. Our approach was to 1) test whether the adjustment increases the separation between volume per void measurements in patients with detrusor overactivity and an asymptomatic reference population, and 2) compare by regression analysis volume per void vs 24-hour volume relationships in patients with detrusor overactivity and asymptomatic volunteers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 3-day bladder diaries in 29 patients with detrusor overactivity and without genuine stress incontinence, an age matched control group of 29 asymptomatic women and a reference population of 161 asymptomatic women. Minimum, maximum and average volume per void measurements were calculated. The incidence of volume per void measurements below the 10th reference percentile was used as the measure of separation between the detrusor overactivity and asymptomatic populations. RESULTS: In patients with detrusor overactivity volume per void showed a highly significant positive relationship to 24-hour volume (p <0.0005). However, patient data points tended to lie below and parallel to control data points. Adjusting for the 24-hour volume relationship significantly increased the incidence of volume per void measurements below the 10th reference percentile in patients with detrusor overactivity (p <0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Adjusting for the 24-hour volume relationship increased the separation of patients with detrusor overactivity volume per void measurements from the reference population. Adjusting volume per void percentiles for the 24-hour volume relationship decreased the incidence of false-negative volume per void percentiles above the 10th percentile in patients with detrusor overactivity and false-positive volume per void percentiles below the 10th percentile in asymptomatic volunteers.