Dynamic and static ultrasound features predictive of vesicoureteral reflux and renal damage in children and adolescents with neurogenic bladder

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the diagnostic accuracy of dynamic and static ultrasound (DSUS) in detecting vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and renal scarring in a cohort of children with neurogenic bladder (NB). Materials and Methods: A retrospective, longitudinal, observational study was conducted using the Reporting Diagnostic Accuracy Studies guideline. The DSUS (index test) data were compared with voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) and renal scintigraphy 99mTc-dimercaptosuccinic (reference tests). Overall performance for predicting VUR and renal scarring was assessed using renal pelvic diameter (RPD)/distal ureteral diameter and renal parenchymal thinning on DSUS, respectively. Results: A total of 107 patients (66 girls, median age 9.6 years) participated. Seventeen patients (15.9%) presented VUR, eight bilateral. For overall reflux grade, the AUC was 0.624 for RPD and 0.630 for distal ureteral diameter. The diagnostic performance for detecting high-grade VUR was slightly better for DSUS parameters. The AUC was 0.666 for RPD and 0.691 for distal ureteral diameter. The cut-offs of 5 mm for RPD and 6.5 mm for distal ureteral diameter presented the best diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) to identify high-grade VUR. The increase of RPD during detrusor contractions showed an accuracy of 89.2%. The thinness of renal parenchyma presented an accuracy of 88% for renal scarring. Conclusion: DSUS predicts VUR and renal scarring in children with NB with fair to good accuracy, and all measurements exhibited a high negative predictive value (NPV). The increase in RPD during voiding or detrusor contractions proved to be the most accurate parameter for indicating the presence of VUR in this study.

Validation of the Vancouver Symptom Score Questionnaire for bladder and bowel dysfunction for Brazilian children and adolescents

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aimed to translate, and perform a cross-cultural adaptation, and validation of the Vancouver Symptom Score (VSS) for bladder and bowel dysfunction (BBD) for Brazilian children and adolescents Materials and Methods: Six steps were performed for the translation and cross-cultural adaptation: (1) translation, (2) synthesis of translations, (3) back-translation, (4) pre-final version of the translated instrument, (5) pilot test and degree of comprehensibility and (6) elaboration of the Brazilian version of the VSS. For validation, the Brazilian Dysfunctional Voiding Score (DVSS) questionnaire was used. Results: Validation was performed on a sample of 107 children and adolescents with a mean age of 9.2 ± 2.84 years, presenting BBD and 107 without BBD (control group-CG). There was a positive correlation (r = 0.91, 95% CI 0.88 to 0.93, p < 0.0001) between total VSS score and total DVSS score. VSS was higher in patients with BBD (p < 0.0001). The internal consistency estimated by Cronbach's alpha was 0.87 for patients with BBD. The VSS showed excellent diagnostic accuracy in detecting cases, with an area under the ROC curve of 98% (95% CI 0.96 to 0.99, p < 0.001). A cut-off value of >11 points produced a sensitivity of 100% (95% CI 96.4% to 100%) and a specificity of 91.8% (95% CI 85.1% to 95.6%). Conclusion: The translated, cross-culturally adapted, and validated VSS for the Brazilian population is a reliable and valid tool to identify symptoms of BBD in children and adolescents aged five to 16 years, whose first language is Brazilian Portuguese.

Relationship between primary monosymptomatic enuresis and process toilet training: a case-control

ABSTRACT Objective: Primary monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (PMNE) is a prevalent condition in childhood, and the pathophysiology is multifactorial. This study investigated the relationship between the toilet training process (TT) and PMNE in children and adolescents. Patients and Methods: A case-control study was carried out from 2015 to 2020. The presence of PMNE was identified according to International Children's Continence Society criteria. A semi-structured questionnaire was applied to assess TT. Results: The study included 103 children and adolescents with PMNE and 269 participants with normal psychomotor development without PMNE (control group [CG]). Readiness signals were more remembered and less frequent in participants with PMNE (p=0.001) when compared to control group. No differences were found between the groups regarding the onset age of the daytime TT (p= 0.10), the nocturnal TT (p=0.08), the acquisition of daytime continence (p=0.06), and the type of equipment used for the TT (p=0.99). The use of Child-Oriented approach in group of children with enuresis was lower than in controls [87.4% (90/103) versus 94% (250/266)], respectively (OR= 0.44, 95% CI 0.21-0.94, p = 0.039). Conclusions: The age of onset of TT, acquisition of daytime continence, and the type of equipment were not associated with higher occurrence of PMNE. On the other hand, the Child-Oriented approach was a protective factor for the occurrence of PMNE.

Enuresis and upper airway obstruction: BNP and ADH hormones behavior before and after airway surgery

ABSTRACT Introduction: Upper airway obstruction (UAO) is a common condition in all pediatric population, with a 27% prevalence. Primary monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (PMNE) is a condition related to UAO in 8% to 47% of these children. The specific pathophysiological mechanism of this bond is not well understood. Some authors suggest a connection between brain natrituretic peptide (BNP) and anti-diuretic hormone (ADH) during sleep. The aim of this study was to evaluate hormone profile (ADH and BNP) and improvement in dry nights in a sample of children before and after surgical treatment of the UAO. Methods: This is a longitudinal prospective interventionist study in children, 5 to 14 years of age, with UAO and PMNE recruited in a specialty outpatient clinic. Children presenting UAO and PMNE were evaluated with a 30-day dry night diary and blood samples were collected to evaluate ADH and BNP before and after upper airway surgery. Data were analyzed prior to surgery and 90-120 days after surgery. Results: Twenty-one children with a mean age of 9.7 years were included. Mean BNP before surgery was 116.5 ± 126.5 pg/mL and 156.2 ± 112.3 pg/mL after surgery (p<0.01). Mean ADH was 5.8 ± 3.2 pg/mL and 14.6 ± 35.4 before and after surgery, respectively (p=0.26). The percentage of dry nights went from 32.3 ± 24.7 before surgery to 75.4 ± 33.4 after surgery (p<0.01). Conclusion: Surgery for airway obstruction contributed to an increase in BNP without increasing ADH. A total of 85.8% of the children presented partial or complete improvement of their enuresis.

Association between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and lower urinary tract symptoms in children and adolescents in a community setting

ABSTRACT Introduction: The present study aims to investigate the prevalence of lower tract urinary symptoms (LUTS) and symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents and their association in a community setting using validated scoring instruments. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out from February 2015 to December 2019, during which the parents or guardians of 431 children and adolescents from 5 to 13 years of age, attending a general pediatric outpatient clinic were interviewed. Results: The prevalence of ADHD symptoms and LUTS were 19.9% and 17.9%, respectively. Of the 82 children and adolescents with ADHD, 28% (23) had LUTS (OR 2.31, 95% CI 1.28 to 3.75, p=0.008). Mean total DVSS score in children in the group of children presenting ADHD symptom was significantly higher than those without ADHD symptom (10.2±4.85 vs. 4.9±2.95, p=0.002). Urgency prevailed among LUTS as the most frequent symptom reported by patients with ADHD symptoms (p=0.004). Analyzing all subscales of the DVSS, the items "When your child wants to pee, can't he wait? "Your child holds the pee by crossing his legs, crouching or dancing?" were higher in those with ADHD symptoms (p=0.01 and 0.02, respectively). Functional constipation was present in 36.4% of children with LUTS and 20.7% without LUTS (OR 4.3 95% CI 1-5.3 p=0.001). Conclusion: Children and adolescents with ADHD symptoms are 2.3 times more likely to have LUTS. The combined type of ADHD was the most prevalent among them.

Prolonged toilet training in children with Down syndrome: a case-control study / Treinamento esfincteriano em crianças com síndrome de Down: estudo caso-controle

Abstract Objectives Children with Down syndrome have delayed psychomotor development, which is a factor that influences the level of difficulty in toilet training. The current study aims to estimate the age toilet training starts and completes in children with DS compared to children with normal psychomotor development and to evaluate the method and type of toilet training most frequently used, as well as its association with lower urinary tract symptoms and functional constipation. Methods A case-control study was carried out from 2010 to 2015. All parents completed a questionnaire designed to assess the toilet training process. Lower urinary tract symptoms were assessed through the application of the Dysfunctional Voiding Symptom Score. The presence of functional constipation was assessed according to the Rome III criteria. Results The study included 93 children with Down syndrome and 204 children with normal psychomotor development (control group [CG]). The mean age of toilet training onset was 22.8 months in those with DS and 17.5 months in the CG (p = 0.001). In children with DS, the mean age when completing toilet training was 56.2 months and 27.1 months in the CG (p = 0.001). Among children with DS, females completed toilet training earlier (p = 0.02). The toilet training method used most often was child-oriented approach in both groups. No association was observed with the presence of lower urinary tract symptoms or functional constipation and the age of beginning and completing toilet training in both groups. Conclusion Children with Down syndrome experienced prolonged toilet training time. Prospective longitudinal studies are essential to gain insight into the toilet training of these children.

Resumo Objetivos Crianças com síndrome de Down apresentam desenvolvimento psicomotor atrasado, fator que influencia o nível de dificuldade do treinamento esfincteriano. O presente estudo tem como objetivo estimar a idade em que o treinamento esfincteriano é iniciado e concluído em crianças com SD em comparação com crianças com desenvolvimento psicomotor normal, avaliar o método e o tipo de treinamento esfincteriano utilizado com maior frequência, bem como sua associação com sintomas do trato urinário inferior e constipação funcional. Métodos Um estudo caso-controle foi realizado de 2010 a 2015. Todos os pais preencheram um questionário destinado a avaliar o processo de treinamento esfincteriano. O sintomas do trato urinário inferior foram avaliados por meio da aplicação do Dysfunctional Voiding Symptom Score. A presença de constipação funcional foi avaliada de acordo com os critérios Roma III. Resultados O estudo incluiu 93 crianças com síndrome de Down e 204 crianças com desenvolvimento psicomotor normal (Grupo de Controle [GC]). A idade média em que as crianças iniciaram o treinamento esfincteriano foi de 22,8 meses naquelas com SD e 17,5 meses no GC (p = 0,001). Em crianças com SD, a idade média ao concluir o treinamento esfincteriano foi de 56,2 meses e 27,1 meses no GC (p = 0,001). Entre as crianças com SD, as do sexo feminino concluíram o treinamento esfincteriano mais cedo (p = 0,02). O método de treinamento esfincteriano mais utilizado foi a abordagem voltada para a criança em ambos os grupos. Não houve associação com a presença de sintomas do trato urinário inferior ou constipação funcional e a idade no início e na conclusão do treinamento esfincteriano em ambos os grupos. Conclusão Crianças com síndrome de Down apresentaram tempo de treinamento esfincteriano prolongado. Estudos longitudinais prospectivos são essenciais para obter uma visão do treinamento esfincteriano dessas crianças.

Smoking and its association with cryptorchidism in Down syndrome / Associação entre tabagismo e criptorquidia na síndrome de Down

Summary Introduction: Cryptorchidism is a common and prevalent condition in patients with Down syndrome. Environmental factors, such as smoking, can be associated with malformations during fetal development. The study of the prevalence of cryptorchidism and its association with parental tobacco use in Down syndrome can contribute to alert health care professionals, patients and family members regarding the prevention of the harms caused by cryptorchidism and its possible predisposing factors. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of cryptorchidism in Down syndrome and its association with maternal and paternal smoking. Method: Forty (40) patients of a public clinic specialized in Down syndrome were evaluated, using a semi-structured questionnaire for evaluation of antecedents and sociodemographic characteristics, as well as physical and complementary examinations. Results: Cryptorchidism was observed in 27.5% of the patients (95CI 15.98-42.96). Of these, 55% (5/9) were the children of mothers who smoked during pregnancy, and 19.35% (6/31) were the children of mothers who did not smoke during pregnancy (OR = 5.26 [95CI 1.06-25.41]; p=0.032). Similarly, paternal smoking was also observed in greater frequency among the parents of cryptorchid patients compared with subjects with descended testis, 63.36% (7/11) and 31.03% (9/29), respectively (OR = 3.89 [95CI 0.91-16.73]; p=0.060). Conclusion: The prevalence of cryptorchidism is high in patients with Down syndrome. We can show a strong association between smoking parents and the occurrence of cryptorchidism, especially when it comes to maternal smoking.

Resumo Introdução: A criptorquidia é uma condição comum e prevalente em pacientes com síndrome de Down. Fatores ambientais, como o tabagismo, estão associados a malformações fetais. A avaliação da prevalência do criptorquidismo e a associação com tabagismo dos pais na síndrome de Down podem contribuir para alertar os profissionais de saúde e familiares sobre a prevenção dos danos causados pelo criptorquidismo e os possíveis fatores predisponentes. Objetivo: Avaliar a prevalência de criptorquidismo na síndrome de Down e a associação com tabagismo materno e paterno. Método: Quarenta (40) pacientes acompanhados em um centro de referência para atendimento da síndrome de Down foram avaliados por meio de questionário semiestruturado para avaliação de antecedentes parentais e características sociodemográficas, bem como de exames físico e laboratoriais complementares. Resultados: Criptorquidia foi observada em 27,5% dos pacientes (IC95% 15,98-42,96). Nesses pacientes, o criptorquidismo foi encontrado em 55% (5/9) das crianças cujas mães fumavam e em 19,35% (6/31) daquelas cujas mães não fumavam (OR = 5,26 [IC95% 1,06-25,41]; p=0,032). Do mesmo modo, o tabagismo paterno foi observado com maior frequência entre crianças com criptorquidia, 63,36% (7/11) e 31,03% (9/29), respectivamente (OR = 3,89 [IC95% 0,91-16,73]; p=0,060). Conclusão: A prevalência de criptorquidismo é alta em pacientes com síndrome de Down. Podemos mostrar uma forte associação entre hábito tabágico dos pais e ocorrência de criptorquidismo, especialmente no caso de tabagismo materno.

Association between renal cysts and abdominal aortic aneurysm: A case-control study / Associação entre cistos renais e aneurismas da aorta abdominal: Um estudo de caso-controle

Summary Objective: To investigate the positive association between the presence of simple renal cysts (SRCs) and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Method: In a retrospective case-control study including subjects aged > 50 years, we evaluated the incidence of SRCs on computed tomography (CT) scan. We compared 91 consecutive patients with AAA referred from the Division of Vascular Surgery and 396 patients without AAA, randomly selected after being matched by age and gender from 3,186 consecutive patients who underwent abdominal CT. SRC was defined as a round or oval low-attenuation lesion with a thin wall and size > 4 mm on CT without obvious evidence of radiographic enhancement or septations. Patients were considered as having AAA if the size of aorta was greater than 3.0 cm. Results: Patients with AAA and without AAA were similar in terms of age (67.9± 8.41 vs. 68.5±9.13 years) (p=0.889) and gender (71.4 vs. 71.2% of male subjects, respectively) (p=0.999). There was no difference in the prevalence of SRC between case and controls. Among individuals with AAA, 38 (41.8%; [95CI 32.5-52.6]) had renal cysts compared to 148 (37.4%; [95CI 32.7-42.2]) in the control group (p=0.473), with a prevalence ratio (PR) of 1.16 (95CI 0.80-1.68). Conclusion: We found no significant differences in the prevalence of SRCs among patients with AAA and controls. Our findings suggest that the presence of SRCs is not a risk factor or a marker for AAA.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar uma possível associação entre presença de cistos renais simples (CRS) e aneurisma aórtico abdominal (AAA). Método: Em um estudo de caso versus controle com sujeitos com idade > 50 anos, avaliamos a prevalência de CRS detectados por tomografia computadorizada (TC). Comparamos os achados de 91 pacientes consecutivos com AAA oriundos da Divisão de Cirurgia Vascular com 396 pacientes sem AAA, randomicamente selecionados e ajustados por idade e gênero dentre 3.186 pacientes consecutivos que se submeteram a TC abdominal. Cisto simples foi definido como lesão hipodensa oval ou arredondada com paredes finas, maiores do que 4 mm em TC sem realce contrastual ou septação. Pacientes foram considerados com AAA quando o diâmetro da aorta era maior que 3,0 cm. Resultados: Pacientes com AAA e sem AAA eram semelhantes quanto a idade (67,9±8,41 vs. 68,5±9,13 anos) (p=0,889) e gênero (71,4 vs. 71,2% dos indivíduos masculinos, respectivamente) (p=0,999). Não havia diferença de prevalência de CRS entre casos e controles. Dentre indivíduos com AAA, 38 (41,8%; [IC95% 32,5-52,6]) tinham cistos renais, comparados com 148 (37,4%; [IC95% 32,7-42,2]) no grupo controle (p=0,473), com uma razão de prevalência (RP) de 1,16 (IC95% 0,80-1,68). Conclusão: Não observamos diferenças significativas na prevalência de CRS entre pacientes com AAA e controles. Nossos resultados sugerem que presença de CRS não é fator de risco ou preditor para AAA.

Abdome agudo: ruptura espontânea de bexiga como um importante diagnóstico diferencial / Acute abdomen: spontaneous bladder rupture as an important differential diagnosis

A case of spontaneous perforation of the bladder in a diabetic female patient is reported. It is a rare clinical condition, that should be suspected in patients with a past history of radiotherapy to the pelvis, enterocystoplasty and those suspected of having a tumor in the bladder. A general surgeon should be aware of this possibility in the differential diagnosis of an acute abdomen.

O passado e o presente das hipospádias com sugestão de rotina de conduta a ser adotada / Hypospadias: past, present and approach suggestion

Revisando as recentes publicações de técnicas reconstrutivas de cirurgia de hipospádia e analisando seus devidos resultados foi possível correlacioná-los às diversas apresentações clínicas existentes. Foi feito um levantamento bibliográfico, utilizando os sistemas LILACS, MEDLINE e PUBMED, buscando, preferencialmente, os recentes avanços nos tratamentos para hipospádias. Nas publicações avaliadas foram demonstradas variantes como: topografia do meato; presença do "chordee"; idade à cirurgia; presença de cirurgia prévia; uso pré-operatório de testosterona; e presença de derivações urinária. Fatores que influenciaram a escolha da técnica a ser empregada bem como seus devidos resultados. O tratamento cirúrgico das hipospádias deve ser individualizado, considerando os seguintes achados: presença de "chordee", topografia do meato uretral, presença de placa uretral e tecidos adjacentes adequados para a reconstrução, primo-cirurgia ou reintervenção, apresentação clínica com transposição peno-escrotal. Os recentes avanços em cirurgias de hipospádia permitem reforçar a indicação da técnica cirúrgica de Snodgrass, para formas distais e virgens de tratamento; a mucosa bucal ventral "onlay", para formas complexas multioperadas; e a mucosa bucal dorsal no procedimento 3x1, para reconstrução da placa uretral em formas escrotais e perineais primárias associadas à intensa curvatura ventral.

We reviewed the recent publications about hypospadia surgical reconstructive techniques, and made a correlation of the results with the several clinical presentations. We searched LILACS, MEDLINE and PUBMED, especially for recent advances in hypospadia treatment. The following factors were identified to influence the choice of technique to be used and the results obtained: meatus topography; presence of the penile chordee; age at surgery; previous surgery; preoperative testosterone use; and the presence of urinary diversion. Surgical treatment of hypospadia should be individualized according to the following findings: presence of penile chordee; urethral meatus topography; urethral plate and surrounding tissues adequacy for reconstruction; primary or secondary intervention; and clinical presentation with penoscrotal transposition. Recent advances in hypospadia surgery point to the indication of the following techniques: Snodgrass tubularized incised plateurethroplasty for the untreated distal forms; ventral buccal mucosa onlay procedure for complex forms with multiple interventions; and the dorsal buccal mucosa in the 3X1 procedure for urethral plate reconstruction inprimary scrotal and penile forms associated with intense ventral curvature.

The publication rate of abstracts presented at the 2003 urological brazilian meeting

OBJECTIVE: To determine the publication rate of orally-presented abstracts from the 2003 Urological Brazilian Meeting, as well as the factors determining this publication rate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The publication rate of the 313 orally-presented abstracts at the 2003 Urological Brazilian Meeting was evaluated by scanning the Lilacs, Scielo and Medline databases. The time between presentation and publication, the state and country of the abstract, the research methodology (cross-sectional, case-control, retrospective case series, prospective case series or clinical trial), whether drugs were utilized and the topic of the study were all characterized. RESULTS: Thirty-nine percent of the abstracts were published after a median time of 14 months (range: 1 to 51 months). There were high publication rates for cross-sectional abstracts (75 percent), drug utilization studies (51.3 percent), clinical trials (50 percent) and prospective case series' (48.1 percent). However, there was only a moderate statistical trend towards a higher publication rate in the prospective case series (p=0.07), while the retrospective case series' showed statistically lower publication rates than the other groups (33.7 percent, p=0.04). Abstracts on laparoscopic surgery had the highest publication rate (61.9 percent, p=0.03) compared to others topics. In 57 percent of the unpublished abstracts, there was no interest in or attempt to publish, and rejection was responsible for the lack of publication of only 4 percent of the abstracts. CONCLUSION: The publication rate of the orally-presented abstracts from the 2003 Urological Brazilian Meeting was comparable to that of international congresses. The subsequent publication of presented abstracts and the selection of prospective studies with stronger evidence should be encouraged and may improve the scientific quality of the meeting.