Project description:Background and objectivePrevious studies indicated that the treatment of male hypogonadism can be beneficial for intraoperative and postsurgical outcomes. In this study, we aimed to determine the impact of male hypogonadism on urologic surgeries. We provided an overview of the key studies in the field with the focus on the outcomes of urologic surgeries in hypogonadal men with/without testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).MethodsWe performed a literature review in PubMed and Google Scholar databases for the most relevant articles pertaining to the outlined topics without placing any limitations on publication years or study designs. We included full-text English articles published in peer reviewed journals between January 1970 and March 2022.Key content and findingsAndrogen deficiency is a common finding after major urologic surgeries. Although guidelines recommend against TRT in men with prostate carcinoma, recent investigations showed no association between TRT and disease progression and recurrence. Indeed, recent evidence suggested that low androgen levels could be related to high grade prostate carcinoma and increased risk of upgrading from low to high grade disease. Investigations on the application of TRT in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients also revealed contrasting results. While some studies suggested higher rates of prostate-related events in men who received TRT, others showed that TRT could alleviate urinary symptoms in hypogonadal men with BPH. Decreased testosterone level is commonly seen in bladder cancer patients. The treatment of perioperative androgen deficiency can reduce postoperative morbidities and lower the risk of recurrence in these patients. Low testosterone levels are observed in approximately half of the men who undergo artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) placement and can increase the risk of complications.ConclusionsThe role of testosterone treatment in patients with urologic diseases such as prostate carcinoma and BPH is controversial. Further investigations are needed to determine the impact of hypogonadism and TRT on the outcomes of urologic surgeries in patients with androgen deficiency.
Project description:Carotid atherosclerosis has a relevant impact on cerebral blood flow regulation. There is accruing evidence that hemodynamic impairment related to the presence of a significant carotid lumen narrowing may predispose to the development of cerebral dysfunctions, including a reduction in cognitive abilities. In the last years an increasing number of findings showed that carotid stenosis did contribute to cognitive impairment not only in relation to the occurrence of cerebral ischemic lesions, but also as an independent risk factor. The principal mechanisms involved are chronic hypoperfusion, microembolization and cerebrovascular reactivity impairment. Moreover, more recent studies showed alterations of regional functional connectivity. In this narrative review, we analyzed the relationships between carotid stenosis, cerebral hemodynamic derangement and cognitive impairment onset and progression, and underlined that cognitive impairment is the final result of the complex interaction between different elements, including also collateral circulation, cerebral hemodynamic status, brain connectivity and pro-inflammatory state. Further, therapeutic approaches, with a specific focus on vascular risk factors correction and on the effectiveness of surgical or endovascular interventions were discussed. We particularly focused our attention on the concept of "asymptomatic carotid stenosis", and how could a cognitive impairment improve after an intervention, and how this could change the indications to surgical approach. Larger studies and randomized controlled trials are urgently required to better define time, characteristics and effectiveness of both medical and surgical/endovascular approaches.
Project description:Clinical outcomes after surgery for intracranial meningiomas might be overvalued as cognitive dimensions and quality of life are probably underreported. This review aims to summarize the current state of cognitive screening and treatment-related outcomes after meningioma surgery. We present a systematic review (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA-P) 2015-based) of cognitive outcomes after intracranial meningioma surgery. A total of 1572 patients (range 9-261) with a mean age of 58.4 years (range 23-87), and predominantly female (n = 1084, 68.9%) were identified. Mean follow-up time after treatment was 0.86 ± 0.3 years. Neuropsychological assessment was very heterogeneous, but five dimensions of cognition were described: memory (19/22); attention (18/22); executive functions (17/22); language (11/22); flexibility (11/22 studies). Cognitive abilities were impaired in 18 studies (81.8%), but only 1 showed deterioration in all dimensions simultaneously. Memory was the most affected. with significant post-therapy impairment in 9 studies (40.9%). Postoperatively, only 4 studies (18.2%) showed improvement in at least one dimension. Meningioma patients had significantly lower cognitive scores when compared to healthy subjects. Surgery and radiotherapy for meningiomas were associated with cognitive impairment, probably followed by a partial recovery. Cognition is poorly defined, and the assessment tools employed lack standardization. Cognitive impairment is probably underreported in meningioma patients.
Project description:Heart failure (HF) is a chronic condition affecting millions of people worldwide. While the cardinal manifestations of HF are related to the cardiovascular system, it has become progressively evident that mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is also a significant complication of the disease. In fact, a significant number of patients with HF may experience MCI, which can manifest as deficits in attention, memory, executive function, and processing speed. The mechanisms responsible for cognitive dysfunction in HF are intricate and multifactorial. Possible factors contributing to this condition include decreased cerebral blood flow, thrombogenicity associated with HF, systemic inflammatory conditions, and proteotoxicity. MCI in HF has significant clinical implications, as it is linked to poorer quality of life, increased morbidity and mortality, and higher healthcare costs. Additionally, MCI can disrupt self-care behaviors, adherence to medication, and decision-making abilities, all of which are crucial for effectively managing HF. However, there is currently no gold standard diagnostic tool and follow-up strategy for MCI in HF patients. There is limited knowledge on the prevention and treatment of MCI. In conclusion, MCI is a common and clinically important complication of HF. Considering the substantial influence of MCI on patient outcomes, it is imperative for healthcare providers to be cognizant of this issue and integrate cognitive screening and management strategies into the care of HF patients.
Project description:Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) refers to a series of cognitive impairment symptoms associated with alternations in brain structure and function, caused by a non-central nervous system malignant tumor and its related treatment. CRCI may present as memory loss, impaired concentration, difficulty in multitasking and word retrieval, and reduced comprehension speed. CRCI has become one of the prevalent factors that compromise the quality of life for cancer survivors. Different treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, endocrine therapy, and targeted drugs, may contribute to CRCI. Meanwhile, patients' factors, including emotional challenges and genetic makeup, also contribute to the development of CRCI. The condition can be treated with using stimulants methylphenidate and modafinil, metabolites of nicotine: cotinine, antidepressants of fluoxetine and fluvoxamine, dementia drug of donepezil, and antioxidants ZnSO4, n-acetyl cysteine, propofol, and Chinese herbal of silver leaf medicine. Psychotherapies, including meditation and relaxation, cognitive rehabilitation training, along with physical therapies, including aerobic exercise, resistance training, balance training, yoga, qigong, tai chi electroencephalogram biofeedback, and acupuncture, are also beneficial in alleviating cancer-related cognitive impairment symptoms. In recent years, researchers have focused on factors related to the condition and on the available interventions. However, most research was conducted independently, and no review has yet summarized the latest findings. This review details and discusses the status of related factors and potential treatments for CRCI. We also supply specific recommendations to facilitate future research and integration in this field.
Project description:BackgroundThe aging of the worlds population leads to an increase in the prevalence of age-related diseases, including cognitive impairment. At the stage of dementia, therapeutic interventions become usually ineffective. Therefore, researchers and clinical practitioners today are looking for methods that allow for early diagnosis of cognitive impairment, including techniques that are based on the use of biological markers.AimThe aim of this literature review is to delve into scientific papers that are centered on modern laboratory tests for Alzheimers disease, including tests for biological markers at the early stages of cognitive impairment.MethodsThe authors have carried out a descriptive review of scientific papers published from 2015 to 2023. Studies that are included in the PubMed and Web of Science electronic databases were analyzed. A descriptive analysis was used to summarized the gleaned information.ResultsBlood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of their use, are reviewed. The most promising neurotrophic, neuroinflammatory, and genetic markers, including polygenic risk models, are also discussed.ConclusionThe use of biomarkers in clinical practice will contribute to the early diagnosis of cognitive impairment associated with Alzheimers disease. Genetic screening tests can improve the detection threshold of preclinical abnormalities in the absence of obvious symptoms of cognitive decline. The active use of biomarkers in clinical practice, in combination with genetic screening for the early diagnosis of cognitive impairment in Alzheimers disease, can improve the timeliness and effectiveness of medical interventions.
Project description:In the early 2000s, cytoreductive nephrectomy in addition to systemic cytokines became standard of care for treating metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Since that time, the development of novel systemic targeted therapies and immuno-oncologic agents have challenged the utility of cytoreductive nephrectomy in clinical practice. In 2019, the controversial CARMENA study was published, providing the first level one evidence suggesting that cytoreductive nephrectomy combined with targeted therapy yielded no survival advantage over targeted therapy alone in intermediate and poor risk metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients. Later that year, the SURTIME trial demonstrated that patients undergoing targeted therapy with delayed nephrectomy maintained a survival advantage over those that underwent upfront cytoreductive nephrectomy followed by targeted therapy. Both of these studies underscored the importance of patient selection and timing of cytoreductive nephrectomy and systemic therapy. As new immuno-oncologic agents are trialed, particularly in combination, the role of cytoreductive nephrectomy will continue to be questioned. In this narrative review, we discuss the evolution of the role of cytoreductive nephrectomy in treating metastatic renal cell carcinoma through the context of the ever-changing landscape of targeted therapies and immuno-oncologic agents. We assess the evidence for cytoreductive nephrectomy with respect to patient factors, timing of surgery, and combination with other therapies.
Project description:Older adults are predisposed to developing cognitive deficits. This increases their vulnerability for adverse health outcomes when hospitalized.To determine the prevalence and impact of cognitive impairment (CI) among hospitalized elders based on recognition by lCD-coding versus screening done on admission.Observational cohort study.Urban public hospital in Indianapolis.997 patients age 65 and older admitted to medical services between July 2006 and March 2008.Impact of CI in terms of length of stay, survival, quality of care and prescribing practices. Cognition was assessed by the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire (SPMSQ).424 patients (43%) were cognitively impaired. Of those 424 patients with CI, 61% had not been recognized by ICD-9 coding. Those unrecognized were younger (mean age 76.1 vs. 79.1, P <0.001); had more comorbidity (mean Charlson index of 2.3 vs.1.9, P = 0.03), had less cognitive deficit (mean SPMSQ 6.3 vs. 3.4, P < 0.001). Among elders with CI, 163 (38%) had at least one day of delirium during their hospital course. Patients with delirium stayed longer in the hospital (9.2 days vs. 5.9, P < 0.001); were more likely to be discharged into institutional settings (75% vs. 31%, P < 0.001) and more likely to receive tethers during their care (89% vs. 69%, P < 0.001), and had higher mortality (9% vs. 4%, P = 0.09).Cognitive impairment, while common in hospitalized elders, is under-recognized, impacts care, and increases risk for adverse health outcomes.
Project description:Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is associated with an increased risk of developing dementia. This is clinically relevant overt dementia can be prevented if treatment strategies are devised for MCI. Neuropsychological deficits in this condition are very common and are important clinically for treatment and outcomes. We aimed to review various neuropsychological deficits in MCI. Further, we have presented the current evidence for nosological status, neuroanatomical basis, and clinical outcome of this heterogeneous construct. All published papers on the topic of neuropsychological deficits in MCI on Medline and other databases were reviewed. A wide range of memory and executive function deficits are common in MCI patients. However, several studies are limited by either improper designs or inadequate sample sizes. Several neuropsychological impairments like memory function and executive functions can be diagnosed in MCI. The evidence base for the exact neuroanatomical basis of MCI is not robust yet. However, given the wide range of outcomes, controversies and debates exist regarding the nosological significance of the deficits. Hence, more studies are needed to specifically locate the impairments and further delineate the construct of MCI.
Project description:The association between migraine and cognitive function has been studied during the last decade, however, this relationship is not well established. As migraine prevalence is highest between the ages of 30-40, aligning with some of our most productive years, we must understand cognitive changes within this disorder. Cognitive impairment potentially limits social and professional interactions, thus negatively impacting quality of life. Therefore, we will review the relationship between prevalent migraine and cognition. Cognitive dysfunction has been reported to be the second largest cause of disability, after pain, in migraine patients. While subjective patient reports on cognition consistently describe impairment, findings for objective neuropsychological assessments vary. Many studies report worse cognitive performance in the ictal phase compared to controls, which can persist into the postictal period, although whether this continues in the interictal period has been understudied. There is limited consensus as to whether cognition differs in migraine with aura versus migraine without aura, and while many studies do support cognitive impairment in chronic migraine, it remains uncertain as to whether this is more debilitating than the cognitive difficulties experienced by those with episodic migraine. To date, objective assessment of neurological abnormalities that may underlie cognitive impairment through neuroimaging has been underutilized. There is limited consensus as to whether cognitive impairment is a characteristic specific to migraine, whether it is driven by a combination of factors including co-morbidities such as anxiety, depression, or vascular dysfunction, treatment, or whether it is a more general characteristic of pain disorders. Overall, increasing numbers of studies support cognitive impairment in migraine patients. Future studies should consider longitudinal study designs to assess cognition across different migraine phases and subtypes of the disorder, including migraine with aura and chronic migraine, as well as controlling for important confounders such as treatment use.