Cytogenetic study of tuberculous patients before and after chemotherapy

Increased chromosomal aberrations [CA] is regarded as a biomarker of personal exposure to dangerous chemical agents. Cytogenetic analysis was performed on 40 tuberculous [TB] patients [before] and after receiving anti-TB drugs], to evaluate the possible genetic damage induced by Mycobacterium tuberculosis as well as by short term combined anti-TB drugs [pyrazinamide, rifampicin, INH and ethambutol]. For comparison, 40 controls were selected. The frequency of CA in both TB patients groups [before and after treatment] showed a significant increase as compared to controls. The mitotic index was significantly decreased in both TB patients groups. TB infection by itself as well as the short term combined anti-TB drugs had a chromosome damaging effect on human lymphocytes in vivo. These drugs should be used with caution. Alternative drug combinations that are equally efficient but less harmful to the genome have to be selected. Cytogenetic analysis for detection of cases with CA [i.e. susceptible for progression or victims of mycobacterial or drug effects] should be advised to all patients especially in the child bearing age

Fibrin degradation products [FDP] in urinary bladder transitional cell carcinoma [TCC] as a marker of its invasiveness

Urinary FDPs were estimated in 15 patients with superficial TCC, 15 patients with deep TCC and in 10 healthy controls. Significantly higher FDPs levels were detected in the tumor group. FDPs in deep tumors were significantly higher than in superficial ones. The FDPs level showed a positive correlation with tumor grade and stage. Comparison between FDPs and urine cytology displayed better sensitivity for FDPs in tumor diagnosis. FDPs may be used as a marker of tumor invasiveness

HLA pattern in Squamous Cell Carcinoma [SCC] of the schistosomal urinary bladder

Histocompatibility antigens [HLA-A and B] were studied in 38 patients with squamous cell carcinoma [SCC] of the sch. urinary bladder and 300 control healthy individuals. No significant increase in HLA antigens frequencies were detected. The relative risk in the studied patients with SCC was not significantly different from the control. However, the genetic role in bladder carcinoma should be pursued by studying the HLA D and Dr loci antigens

Acid-base status and electrolyte shifts during transuretheral resection of the prostate

Metabolic changes underlying TURP have not yet been fully investigated. This attracted attention to investigate both the electrolyte and acid-base shifts after TURP in 39 patients. They were divided into two groups according to the use of either distilled water or glycine 1.5% for irrigation during the procedure. Nalbuphine was given for premedication and carbocaine 4% for spinal analgesia. During surgery, ECG, HR and BP were monitored; while serum electrolytes and acid-base data were determined pre- and postoperatively. Significant degrees of hyponatremia have characterized the use of either irrigating solution. Nonsignificant rise of serum potassium followed distilled water irrigation. More metabolic acidosis took place with glycine irrigation. TUR syndrome was diagnosed in one patient with glycine irrigation and was properly treated. It was concluded that the search for an irrigation solution with closer properties to ideality is m and atory. Important practical points for anaesthesia and surgery during TURP were recommended for consideration

Second generation extracorporeal shoch wave lithotripsy [ESWL] of renal and ureteral stones I. ESWL as monotherapy procedure

ESWL was used to treat 126 patients with urolithiasis and to evaluate its use as monotherapeutic procedure. ESWL overall success rate was 85.71%. Renal stones had a better success rate compared to ureteral calculi [86.84% versus 83.33%]. Multiple ESWL sessions were used more frequently in order to minimize the use of auxiliary procedure such as PCNL and URS. Auxiliary measures were needed in 3.9% of cases. Although ESWL can be used as a monotherapeutic procedure, urologists should be acquainted with these auxiliary measures which may be indicated in few cases

Second generation extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy [ESWL] renal and ureteral calculi II. Possible factors influencing success

Second generation ESWL lithotriptor was used to treat 126 patients with renal and ureteral calculi. Possible factors influencing success of ESWL were studied. The ESWL success rate was less in ureteral stones compared to renal calculi, large stones compared to small and in multiple stones compared to single calculi. Failed and successful cases were studied as regards session numbers, shock wave numbers and energy power. Failed cases were not due to underexposure to fragmentary power of the lithotriptor. Stone fragments embedded in ureteral wall and interlocking fragments may be responsible for ESWL failure in few cases

role of visual urethrotomy in the primary treatment of obliterated posterior urethral structures

Ten cases of obliterated posterior urethral stricture were managed with visual urethrotomy. A half circle C shaped sound was introduced through the supra public cystostomy into the posterior urethra and was used as a guide for urethrotomy. When the sound was impossible to pass into the posterior urethra, methylene blue dye was installed in the bladder and used instead of the sound. Nine patients out of 10 had acceptable urine flow rate after visual urethrotomy. Visual urethrotomy is a simple, repeatable, safe and useful procedure for the management of stricture urethra. The long-term results were not guaranteed and the follow up for long periods was recommended