Effect of vitamin D supplementation on 24-hour urine calcium in patients with calcium Urolithiasis and vitamin D deficiency

ABSTRACT Purpose: Hypercalciuria is one of the risk factors for calcium kidney stone formation (the most common type of urinary stones). Although vitamin D deficiency is prevalent among urolithiasis patients, the effect of vitamin D supplementation on urine calcium in these patients is still unclear. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, medical and laboratory tests records of 26 patients with recurrent calcium kidney stones and vitamin D deficiency treated with 50000IU vitamin D per week for 8-12 weeks were analyzed. The changes in 24-hour urine calcium (24-h Ca), serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25 (OH) D), serum parathormone (PTH), other 24-hour urine metabolites and calculated relative supersaturations of calcium oxalate (CaOxSS), calcium phosphate (CaPSS) and uric acid (UASS) were assessed. Moreover, correlations between changes in 24-h Ca and other aforementioned variables were assessed. Results: Serum 25 (OH) D and 24-h Ca increased after vitamin D supplementation, while serum PTH decreased (p < 0.001, for all analyses). The levels of 24-hour urine sodium and urea increased significantly (p = 0.005 and p = 0.031, respectively). The levels of CaOxSS and CaPSS increased, but the changes were not significant (p = 0.177, and p = 0.218, respectively). There were no correlations between the changes in 24-h Ca and serum 25 (OH) D or PTH. Conclusions: The result of current study suggests that although urine Ca increased in vitamin D supplemented patients, this increase was not associated with the increase in serum vitamin D and may be due to other factors such as dietary factors. Further randomized clinical trials considering other factors associated with urine Ca are warranted.

Removal of intramural trapped intrauterine device by cystoscopic incision of bladder wall

ABSTRACT A healthy 37 - year - old woman referred to our clinic with one - year history of recurrent urinary tract infection, dysuria and frequency. Her past medical history informed us that an IUD (Copper TCu380A) had been inserted 11 years ago. Eleven months after the IUD insertion she had become pregnant, unexpectedly. At that time, she had undergone gynecological examination and abdominal ultrasound study. However, the IUD had not been found, and the gynecologist had made the diagnosis of spontaneous fall out of the IUD. She had experienced normal pregnancy and caesarian section with no complications. On physical examination, pelvic examination was normal and no other abnormalities were noted. Urinalysis revealed microhematuria and pyuria. Urine culture was positive for Escherichia coli. Ultrasound study revealed a calculus of about 10 mm in the bladder with a hyperdense lesion. A plain abdominal radiograph was requested which showed a metallic foreign body in the pelvis. We failed to remove the IUD by cystoscopic forceps because it had strongly invaded into the uterine and bladder wall. Despite previous papers suggesting open or laparoscopic surgeries in this situation (1, 2), we performed a modified cystoscopic extraction technique. We made a superficial cut in the bladder mucosa and muscle with J - hook monopolar electrocautery and extracted it completely with gentle traction. This technique can decrease the indication of open or laparoscopic surgery for extraction of intravesical IUDs. In the other side of the coin, this technique may increase the risk of uterovesical fistula. Therefore, the depth of incision is important and the surgeon should cut the bladder wall superficially with caution. Although present study is a case report which is normally classified as with low level of evidence, it seems that our modified cystoscopic extraction technique is a safe and useful method for extraction of partially intravesical IUDs.

Ultrasound - guided access during percutaneous nephrolithotomy: entering desired calyx with appropriate entry site and angle

ABSTRACT Objectives: To evaluate the success of ultrasonography directed renal access in entering the target calyx from proper entry site and in the direction of renal pelvis during percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Materials and Methods: PCNL cases who were operated on by one fellow from May-June 2014 were included in this study. A vertically placed ultrasound probe on the patient flank in prone position was used to identify the preselected target calyx. Needle was advanced through needle holder and fluoroscopy was used to document the entered calyx, site and angle of entry. Results: Successful entering to the target calyx was achieved in 43 cases (91%). Successful entry with appropriate entry site and angle was observed in 34 cases (72%). Reasons for failure were minimal hydronephrosis, upper pole access and high lying kidneys. Conclusions: Although it is feasible to access a preselected calyx by ultrasonography guidance during PCNL, but entry to the calyx from the appropriate site and direction is another problem and needs more experience. In cases of minimal hydronephrosis, superior pole access or high lying kidneys, ultrasonography is less successful and should be used with care.