Needle-free connectors catheter-related bloodstream infections: a prospective randomized controlled trial.

Background: In the critically ill, catheter-related bloodstream infection can result from bacterial contamination of infusion hubs of intravascular catheters. Needle-free connectors (NFC) have been suggested to reduce the rate of bacterial contamination and subsequent catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI), but data remains ambiguous. Thus, we tested if a novel NFC would reduce bacterial contamination and subsequent CRBSI.

Decreased Overall and Bladder Cancer-Specific Mortality with Adjuvant Chemotherapy After Radical Cystectomy: Multivariable Competing Risk Analysis.

Unlabelled: Adding chemotherapy to radical cystectomy (RC) may improve outcome. Neoadjuvant treatment is advocated by guidelines based on meta-analysis data but is severely underused in clinical practice. Adjuvant treatment of patients at risk could be an alternative.

Survival analysis in men undergoing radical prostatectomy at an age of 70 years or older.

Objectives: To compare comorbidity measures and to analyze survival rates in men undergoing radical prostatectomy at age 70 years or older.

Materials And Methods: A total of 329 consecutive patients aged 70 or more years who underwent radical prostatectomy between 1992 and 2004 were studied. The patients were stratified by 5 comorbidity classifications, tumor stage, Gleason score, and PSA value.

Detailed analysis of Charlson comorbidity score as predictor of mortality after radical prostatectomy.

Objectives: To investigate the prognostic significance of the individual conditions contributing to the Charlson comorbidity score in patients selected for radical prostatectomy.

Methods: A total of 1910 consecutive patients who underwent radical prostatectomy from 1992 to 2004 were studied. The Charlson score and its contributing single conditions were analyzed, and the patients were stratified into 3 age groups.

Retroperitoneal Leiomyosarcoma Associated with an Elevated beta-HCG Serum Level Mimicking Extragonadal Germ Cell Tumor.

Patient. A 65-year-old man was admitted with a large primary retroperitoneal tumor and an increased beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-HCG) serum level. A germ cell tumor was suspected; however, a computed tomography-guided biopsy failed to enable tumor classification.