Graded evidence based summaries on UpToDate

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UpToDate has adopted the GRADE approach to classify both the strength of recommendation and the quality of the underlying information. Currently UpToDate includes more than 9,000 graded recommendations, and the process is ongoing. To view a topic's graded recommendations, simply click on the "Summary and Recommendations" button at the top of the outline.

Learn more about evidence-based medicine, as well as more in-depth instruction about the GRADE system, with the UpToDate interactive tutorial on grading available at www.uptodate.com/home/grading-tutorial.

WUTH publication: Transperineal template-guided saturation biopsy using a modified technique: outcome of 270 cases requiring repeat prostate biopsy.

Citation: BJU International, 2013 Jun,111(8), E365-73
Author: Ekwueme K, Simpson H, Zakhour H, Parr NJ
Abstract:  OBJECTIVES: To determine the incidence of prostate cancer (PCa), and pathological grade and location of PCa, using a modified transperineal template-guided saturation biopsy (TTSB). To compare the acute urinary retention (AUR) rate found using modified TTSB with that of published reports.
PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 270 consecutive patients with persistent clinical suspicion of PCa, despite a median (range) of 2 (1-6) sets of negative transrectal ultrasonography-guided biopsies, were enrolled and prospectively studied. All underwent modified TTSB avoiding the peri-urethral area at the base of the prostate under general anaesthesia. Statistical analysis was performed using binary logistic regression to determine the prebiopsy predictors of PCa and AUR.
RESULTS: The median (range) patient age was 64 (43-85) years, with a median (range) prostate-specific antigen (PSA) of 10 (1-114) ng/mL and median (range) prostate volume of 45 (17-106) mL. A mean (range) of 28 (16-43) cores were taken at modified TTSB. Prostate cancer was diagnosed in 54.8% (Gleason scores 6 in 27.7%, 7 in 43.2%, 8-10 in 29.1% of patients). The anterior third only was involved in 21%, the middle third in 6.8% and the posterior third in 8.7% of positive cases, although in 75% of positive cases there was some anterior involvement. Comparing uniquely anterior tumours with the 15.5% found uniquely in either the middle or posterior thirds, there was no significant difference between number of positive cores (2 vs 1, P = 0.091), maximum percentage core involvement (30 vs 17.5%, P = 0.315) and maximum tumour length (3.5 vs 2 mm, P = 0.092). Fourteen patients (5.2%) developed AUR. On multivariate analysis, PSA density (PSAD) and pre-TTSB PSA predicted PCa diagnosis, whilst prostate volume, prebiopsy PSA and PSAD predicted AUR.
CONCLUSIONS: Modified TTSB has a high cancer yield, especially in the anterior region, in patients with previously negative histology but onward suspicion of PCa. The modified TTSB technique provides a low risk of AUR without compromising cancer yield.

Link to Pubmed record

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WUTH publication: The effect of bolus administration of tranexamic acid in revision hip arthroplasty.

Citation: Hip international, 2012 Nov-Dec; 22(6), 615-20
Author: Kazi HA, Fountain JR, Thomas TG, Carroll FA
Abstract: We assessed the efficacy of tranexamic acid in reducing transfusion requirements in patients undergoing revision hip arthroplasty. A prospective cohort study was designed comparing Tranexamic acid administration in 30 patients compared to 30 patients in a control group. Blood loss was measured in theatre, pre- and postoperative haemoglobin measurements were recorded and postoperative haemodynamic parameters were evaluated. The mean postoperative haemoglobin was 9.5 g/dl in the tranexamic acid group and 8.2 g/dl in the control group (p<0.01). The mean haemoglobin reduction was 2.7 g/dl in the tranexamic acid group and 3.4 g/dl in the control group (p = 0.47). Mean transfusion requirements were 2.76 units in the study group and 4.0 units in the control group (p = 0.49) and the frequency of transfusion was reduced (p = 0.032). Infected revisions showed no reduction in transfusion requirements with tranexamic acid administration (p = 0.25). There was a reduced frequency of transfusion in patients when revision was performed for aseptic loosening (p = 0.027). This group of patients may benefit from tranexamic acid administration.

Link to Pubmed record