Refined Nomogram Incorporating Standing Cough Test Improves Prediction of Adjustable Trans-Obturator Male System (ATOMS) Success to Treat Post-Prostatectomy Male Stress Incontinence

(1) Background: The adjustable transobturator male system (ATOMS) device serves to treat post-prostatectomy incontinence, as it enhances residual urinary sphincteric function by dorsal compression of the bulbar urethra. We investigated the clinical parameters affecting continence recovery using this device and developed a decision aid to predict success. (2) Methods: We reviewed consecutive men treated with first-time ATOMS for post-prostatectomy incontinence from 2014 to 2021 at our institution. Patient demographics, reported pads per day (PPD), 24-h pad-test and Standing Cough Test (SCT), results’ grades 1–4, according to Male Stress Incontinence Grading Scale (MSIGS), and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF) questionnaire were assessed. Treatment success was defined as no pads or a single PPD with ≤20-mL 24-h pad-test. Logistic regression was performed using a stepwise model (entry 0.15 and stay criterium 0.1) to evaluate independent variables’ determinant of dryness. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves for predictive variables were evaluated and their area under curve (AUC) was compared. A nomogram was generated and internally validated to predict probability of treatment success. (3) Results: Overall, 149 men (median age 70 years, IQR 7) were evaluated with a median follow-up of 45 months (IQR 26). Twelve patients (8%) had previous devices for incontinence, and 21 (14.1%) had pelvic radiation. Thirty-five men (23.5%) did not achieve continence after ATOMS adjustment (use of no or one security PPD with ≤20-mL 24-h pad-test). In univariate analysis, Charlson comorbidity index (p = 0.0412), previous urethroplasty (p = 0.0187), baseline PPD (p < 0.0001), 24-h pad-test (p < 0.0001), MSIGS (p < 0.0001), and ICIQ-SF questionnaire score (p < 0.0001) predicted ATOMS failure. In a multivariable model, 24-h pad-test (p = 0.0031), MSIGS (p = 0.0244), and radiotherapy (p = 0.0216) were independent variables, with AUC 0.8221. The association of MSIGS and 24-h pad-test was the superior combination (AUC 0.8236). A nomogram to predict the probability of ATOMS failure using the independent variables identified was proposed. (4) Conclusions: Several variables were identified as predictive of success for ATOMS using clinical history, physical examination (MSIGS), and factors that evaluate urine loss severity (PPD, 24-h pad-test, and ICIQ-SF questionnaire). MSIGS adds prognostic value to 24-h pad-test in assessing success of ATOMS device to treat post-prostatectomy incontinence. A nomogram was proposed to calculate the risk of ATOMS failure, which could be of interest to personalize the decision to use this device or not in the individual patient.

Acupuncture for prostatectomy incontinence: study protocol for a multicenter single-blind randomized parallel controlled trial

Background Urinary incontinence is a common complication post radical prostatectomy. Acupuncture is considered an effective treatment for post-prostatectomy incontinence (PPI), but the evidence is still limited. We propose to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture in a rigorously conducted trial. Methods Twenty hospitals will recruit 340 participants with urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy in China from April 2021 to April 2022. Participants will be randomly allocated to acupuncture or sham acupuncture with a 1:1 ratio using computerized simple random sampling. The study plan consists of 1-week baseline, 6-week treatment, and 18-week follow-up. Eighteen 30-min sessions of acupuncture or sham acupuncture treatment will be provided between weeks 1 and 6. The primary outcome is the change in the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI-SF) score at the week 6 from the baseline. Secondary outcomes include the change in volume of urine leakage at weeks 4 and 6 from a baseline measured using the 1-h pad test; 72-h incontinence episode frequency based on a 72-h voiding diary; change in the Expanded prostate cancer Index Composite scale (EPIC-26); change in the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale; weekly consumption of pads; and the severity of urinary incontinence based on a 72-h bladder diary and self-assessment of the therapeutic effect. The safety of acupuncture will also be assessed. Discussion This trial will help to identify whether acupuncture is effective for PPI, and, if so, whether it exerts a therapeutic rather than a placebo effect. Trial Registration www.Chictr.org.cnChiCTR2100042500. Retrospectively registered on 22 January 2021.

Frequency of Stress Urinary Incontinence during Third Trimester in pregnant female with Referral for the Physiotherapy

Introduction .Objectives of the study are:- 1) To determine the frequency of stress incontinence in pregnant females, 2) To determine the frequency of urinary incontinence is increased in primigravida (pregnant for first time), or multigravida. 3) To determine how many of the females are referred for physiotherapy. Methodology: A Cross-sectional survey was conducted among 600 pregnant females from January to June 2018 selected via the convenience sampling technique. Data was collected from different major cities of Pakistan using validated questionnaires including “The Questionnaire for Urinary Incontinence Diagnosis” (QUID) and “International consultation on incontinence questionnaire” (ICIQ-SF) and self-structured questions assessing the reference of pregnant women to physiotherapy, for urinary incontinence. Subjects were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria with the consent and approval of the participants. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS v.20. Results Out of 600 females, 84.3% (506/600) had experienced stress urinary incontinence in pregnancy and a 64.5% urinary incontinence was found in multigravida females. According to the results, the complaints of urinary incontinence were increased during the 9th month to 35.5%. 6.2% of the participants were referred to a physiotherapist for exercise, out of which, 3.7% were prescribed daily exercise and 1% followed the exercise regime regularly. Conclusion This Study concludes that the frequency of stress urinary incontinence in third-trimester pregnant women especially during 9th-month multigravida is severed. Referral to physiotherapy for urinary incontinence in pregnancy is extremely low.

Compression or obstruction: Prospective analysis of the function of the adjustable transobturator male system (ATOMS) based on pre- and postoperative urodynamic data

Introduction: This analysis, based on pre- and postoperative urodynamic data, is the first to elucidate the influence of the adjustable transobturator male system (ATOMS, A.M.I. GmbH, Feldkirch, Austria) on the lower urinary tract and disclose possible obstructive properties. Methods: A prospective study was performed in patients who had stress urinary incontinence and were scheduled for ATOMS implantation after radical prostatectomy. Apart from continence assessment (24-hour pad test, International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form [ICIQ-SF]), urodynamic testing was done with International Continence Society (ICS)-standardized pressure-flow analysis before and after ATOMS implantation/adjustment. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for statistical analysis. Results: The analysis included 12 consecutive patients from two centers (mean 69 years) with a mean followup of 246 days. Median urine leakage dropped from 240 (72–1250) to 70 (0–700) g/24 hours postoperatively, with a pad reduction of 4 to 0.9 pads/day. Pressure-flow analysis revealed a significant change only in the bladder outlet obstruction index (BOOI). The bladder contractility index, intravesical pressure conditions, and uroflowmetry were not significantly affected. None of the patients showed de novo obstruction postoperatively in the ICS analysis. Conclusions: The ATOMS significantly increases the BOOI in conjunction with good continence results. However, no case reached pathological level according to the BOOI and thus there is no potential danger to the lower urinary tract or urethral integrity.

In women with incontinence, the need for pressure-flow study before surgery and abnormalities in the voiding phase. An up-to-date comment on the available problem accompanied by literature

Objective: To investigate the differences between urodynamic findings and history in women with urinary incontinence before surgery and clarify the need for preoperative pressure-flow studies. Materials and methods: The medical records of 1018 women who underwent urodynamic examination for urinary incontinence between 2010 and 2015 were evaluated retrospectively. Stress (n = 442), urge (n = 334) and mixed (n = 242) were classified as type urinary incontinence according to urodynamics. The voiding phase findings of the patients were examined. Results: The mean age of the patients was 47.85 ± 0.27 years. 18.4% of patients (n = 187) had voiding phase problems. Furthermore, this condition was seen in the most urge incontinence type urinary incontinence (35%). There was a statistically significant difference between the groups' voiding phase findings (p < 0.0001). The relationship between the patient's history and international consultation on incontinence questionnaire form scoring (ICIQ) and the urodynamics results showed no excellent correlation. Conclusions: Voiding phase abnormalities are not uncommon in patients with urinary incontinence. They should be considered in the evaluation of patients. Voiding phase findings may show significant differences between urodynamic data and history. Besides, the data obtained with the questionnaire forms were significantly different from the findings obtained by urodynamics. Consequently, urodynamics may change pre-operative clinical decision.

Ejercicio y educación mejoran equilibrio y la calidad de vida en mujeres con incontinencia urinaria de esfuerzo

Introducción: La incontinencia urinaria por esfuerzo (IUE) tiene una alta prevalencia en mujeres adultas, afectando variables psicológicas, sociales y funcionales como la disminución de capacidad de equilibrio, debido a una escasa contribución en los movimientos del tronco hacia una corrección postural. Objetivo: Determinar los efectos de un programa basado en ejercicio muscular de piso pélvico y educación sobre el equilibrio estático y la calidad de vida en mujeres con IUE. Materiales y métodos: Participaron 18 mujeres con IUE durante 12 semanas en 10 sesiones de ejercicio muscular de piso pélvico y educación (hábitos de higiene, micción, ingesta de líquidos). Pre y post-intervención se evaluó equilibrio estático mediante oscilografía postural y calidad de vida mediante el International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short-Form (ICQ-SF). Los datos fueron analizados con la prueba no paramétrica de Wilcoxon. Resultados: Se encontró una disminución significativa en el área de desplazamiento del centro de presión en el subtest ojos abiertos (p=0,027) y en el subtest ojos cerrados (p=0,006). Disminuyó la sintomatología asociada a IUE (p=0,0001). Conclusiones: Pos-intervención mejora equilibrio estático y calidad de vida, confirmando los efectos positivos de este programa que pueden servir de orientación a profesionales de la salud que trabajan con mujeres con IUE.

Strengthening radiation protection education and training of health professionals: conclusions from an IAEA meeting

In March 2021 the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) organised an online Technical Meeting on Developing Effective Methods for Radiation Protection Education and Training of Health Professionals with attendance of 230 participants representing 66 Member States and 24 international organizations, professional bodies and safety alliances. By means of a pre-meeting survey, presentations by experts, topical panel discussions and post-meeting feedback to the meeting summary, the meeting identified strengths, common weaknesses and possible solutions and actions for improving radiation protection education and training of health professionals. Available guidelines and resources for radiation protection training were also reviewed. The meeting discussion resulted in a strong consensus for the need of: (a) international guidance on education and training in radiation protection and safety for health professionals, (b) an international description of minimum standards of initial and ongoing competence and qualification in radiation protection for relevant professional groups, considering the available recommendations at international and regional levels. The proposed actions include provisions for train-the-trainer credentialing and facility training accreditation, balance between the online and face-to-face training, improved on-the job training, as well as improved inclusion in training programmes of aspects related to application of new technologies, ethical aspects, development of communication skills, and use of software tools for improving justification and optimisation. The need for making the ongoing training practical, applicable, and useful to the trainee was highlighted. The international consultation initiated by the IAEA was appreciated as a good approach to understand and promote coordination and collaboration at all levels, for best results in education and training in radiation protection of health professionals. Implementing such a holistic approach to education and training in radiation protection would contribute towards qualification and competence of health professionals needed to ensure application of high standards for quality and safety in medical uses of ionizing radiation.

Determinants of Urinary Incontinence and Subtypes Among the Elderly in Nursing Homes

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common problem among older adults. This study investigated the prevalence of UI in nursing home residents aged ≥75 years in China and examined potential risk factors associated with UI and its subtypes. Data were collected during face-to-face interviews using a general questionnaire, the International Consultation Incontinence Questionnaire Short-Form, and the Barthel Index. A total of 551 participants aged ≥75 years residing in Changsha city were enrolled from June to December 2018. The UI prevalence rate among nursing home residents aged ≥75 years was 24.3%. The most frequent subtype was mixed (M) UI (38.1%), followed by urge (U) UI (35.1%), stress (S) UI (11.9%), and other types (14.9%). In terms of severity, 57.5% had moderate UI, while 35.1% had mild and 7.5% had severe UI. Constipation, immobility, wheelchair use, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and pelvic or spinal surgery were significant risk factors for UI. Participants with a history of surgery had higher risks of SUI (odds ratio [OR] = 4.87, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.55–15.30) and UUI (OR = 1.97, 95% CI: 1.05–3.71), those who were immobile or used a wheelchair had higher rates of MUI (OR = 11.07, 95% CI: 4.19–29.28; OR = 3.36, 95% CI: 1.16–9.78) and other UI types (OR = 7.89, 95% CI: 1.99–31.30; OR = 14.90, 95% CI: 4.88–45.50), those with CVD had a higher rate of UUI (OR = 2.25, 95% CI: 1.17–4.34), and those with diabetes had a higher risk of UUI (OR = 2.250, 95% CI: 1.14–4.44). Use of oral antithrombotic agents increased UUI risk (OR = 4.98, 95% CI: 2.10–11.85) whereas sedative hypnotic drug use was associated with a higher risk of MUI (OR = 3.62, 95% CI: 1.25–10.45). Each UI subtype has distinct risk factors, and elderly residents of nursing homes with a history of CVD and pelvic or spinal surgery who experience constipation should be closely monitored. Reducing time spent in bed and engaging in active rehabilitation including walking and muscle strengthening may aid in UI prevention and treatment.