We present four cases of transitional cell carcinoma of the transplant ureter (TCCtu). In three cases, localized tumor resection and a variety of reconstructive techniques were possible. Transplant nephrectomy with cystectomy was performed as a secondary treatment in one locally excised case. Transplant nephroureterectomy was performed as primary treatment in one case. The role of oncogenic viruses and genetic fingerprinting to determine the origin of TCCtu are described. Our cases and a systematic literature review illustrate the surgical, nephrological, and oncological challenges of this uncommon but important condition.
ObjectivesDevelopment of evidence-based good practice recommendations for clinicians considering the use of antibiotics in patients towards the end of life.DesignA multiprofessional group of experts in end-of-life care and antimicrobial stewardship was convened. Findings from a scoping review of the literature and a consultation of clinicians were triangulated. Expert discussion was used to generate consensus on how to approach decision-making.SettingRepresentatives from hospital and a range of community health and care settings.ParticipantsMedical, pharmacy and nursing professionals.Main outcome measuresGood practice recommendations based on published evidence and the experience of prescribers in Scotland.ResultsThe findings of 88 uncontrolled, observational studies of variable quality were considered alongside a survey of over 200 prescribers. No national or international guidelines were identified. Antibiotic use towards the end of life was common but practice was highly variable. The potential harms associated with giving antibiotics tended to be less well considered than the potential benefits. Antibiotics often extended the length of time to death but this was sometimes at the cost of higher symptom burden. There was strong consensus around the importance of effective communication with patients and their families and making treatment decisions aligned to a patient’s goals and priorities.ConclusionsGood practice recommendations were agreed with focus on three areas: making shared decisions about future care; agreeing clear goals and limits of therapy; reviewing all antibiotic prescribing decisions regularly. These will be disseminated widely to support optimal care for patients towards the end of life. A patient version of the recommendations has also been produced to support implementation.
ObjectiveTo examine antibiotic use in patients approaching end of life, in terms of frequency of prescription, aim of treatment, beneficial and adverse effects and contribution to the development of antimicrobial resistance.DesignScoping reviewData sourcesAn information scientist searched Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, The Cochrane library, PubMed Clinical Queries, NHS Evidence, Epistemonikos, SIGN, NICE, Google Scholar from inception to February 2019 for any study design including, but not limited to, randomised clinical trials, prospective interventional or observational studies, retrospective studies and qualitative studies. The search of Ovid MEDLINE was updated on the 10 June 2020.Study selectionStudies reporting antibiotic use in patients approaching end of life in any setting and clinicians’ attitudes and behaviour in relation to antibiotic prescribing in this populationData extractionTwo reviewers screened studies for eligibility; two reviewers extracted data from included studies. Data were analysed to describe antibiotic prescribing patterns across different patient populations, the benefits and adverse effects (for individual patients and wider society), the rationale for decision making and clinicians behaviours and attitudes to treatment with antibiotics in this patient group.ResultsEighty-eight studies were included. Definition of the end of life is highly variable as is use of antibiotics in patients approaching end of life. Prescribing decisions are influenced by patient age, primary diagnosis, care setting and therapy goals, although patients’ preferences are not always documented or adhered to. Urinary and lower respiratory tract infections are the most commonly reported indications with outcomes in terms of symptom control and survival variably reported. Small numbers of studies reported on adverse events and antimicrobial resistance. Clinicians sometimes feel uncomfortable discussing antibiotic treatment at end of life and would benefit from guidelines to direct care.ConclusionsUse of antibiotics in patients approaching the end of life is common although there is significant variation in practice. There are a myriad of intertwined biological, ethical, social, medicolegal and clinical issues associated with the topic.
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