Routine Systematic Prostate Biopsies not Replaced by Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Targeted Biopsy

ABSTRACT Background: Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging improves the performance of prostate cancer (PCa) diagnostics through a better selection of patients. Objectives: The aim of the study was to study the detection rate (DR) of systematic and targeted cognitive biopsies in a cohort with the previous negative systematic biopsies. A secondary objective was to describe the value of prostate-specific antigen density (PSAd) in the detection of clinically significant PCa (CSPCa). Methods: We designed a prospective, single-center, and comparative study to determine the DR of systematic and targeted cognitive biopsies. The clinical and pathological characteristics of each patient were described. Results: A total of 111 patients with Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System lesions > 3 were included in the study. PCa was detected in 41.4% (46 of 111 patients); 42 (91.3%) were detected by systematic biopsy and 30 (65.2%) by targeted biopsy. CSPCa was detected in 26 (23.4%), 23 (88.5%) by systematic biopsy, and 21 (76.9%) by targeted biopsy. PSAd > 0.15 was directly associated with CSPCa. Conclusion: The detection of PCa by systematic biopsy in this series was higher than 80%; hence, its routine use should not be replaced by targeted biopsy, since it continues to be the cornerstone of the diagnosis in patients with prior negative biopsies.

Characteristics and Surgical Outcomes in Very Elderly Patients (≥75 years) with Renal Cell Carcinoma: Data from the Latin American Renal Cancer Group

Background: The incidence of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is increasing globally due to an aging population and widespread use of imaging studies. Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics and perioperative outcomes of RCC surgery in very elderly patients (VEP), ≥75 years of age. Methods: This is a retrospective comparative study of 3656 patients who underwent the treatment for RCC from 1990 to 2015 in 28 centers from eight Latin American countries. We compared baseline characteristics as well as clinical and perioperative outcomes according to age groups (<75 vs.≥ 75 years). Surgical complications were classified with the Clavien-Dindo score. We performed logistic regression analysis to identify factors associated with perioperative complications. Results: There were 410 VEP patients (11.2%). On bivariate analysis, VEP had a lower body mass index (p < 0.01) and higher ASA score (ASA >2 in 26.3% vs. 12.4%, p < 0.01). There was no difference in performance status and clinical stage between the study groups. There were no differences in surgical margins, estimated blood loss (EBL), complication, and mortality rates (1.3% vs. 0.4%, p = 0.17). On multivariate regression analysis, age ≥75 years (odds ratio [OR] 2.33, p < 0.01), EBL ≥ 500 cc (OR 3.34, p < 0.01), and > pT2 stage (OR 1.63, p = 0.04) were independently associated with perioperative complications. Conclusions: Surgical resection of RCC was safe and successful in VEP. Age ≥75 years was independently associated with 30-day perioperative complications. However, the vast majority were low-grade complications. Age alone should not guide decision-making in these patients, and treatment must be tailored according to performance status and severity of comorbidities. (REV INVEST CLIN. 2020;72(5):308-15)

Exploring Urological Experience in the COVID-19 Outbreak: American Confederation of Urology (CAU) Survey

ABSTRACT Purpose: To explore the current situation faced by Latin American urology departments during the COVID-19 Outbreak in terms of knowledge, actions, prioritization of urology practices, and implementation of internal clinical management protocols for inpatients and outpatients. Material and Methods: A non-validated, structured, self-administered, electronic survey with 35 closed multiple choice questions was conducted in Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, and English and Deutsch versions from April 1st to April 30th, 2020. The survey was distributed through social networks and the official American Confederation of Urology (CAU) website. It was anonymous, mainly addressed to Latin American urologists and urology residents. It included 35 questions exploring different aspects: 1) Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and internal management protocols for healthcare providers; 2) Priority surgeries and urological urgencies and 3) Inpatient and outpatient care. Results: Of 864 surveys received, 846 had at least 70% valid responses and were included in the statistical analyses. Surveys corresponded to South America in 62% of the cases, Central America and North America in 29.7%. 12.7% were residents. Regarding to PPE and internal management protocols, 88% confirmed the implementation of specific protocols and 45.4% have not received training to perform a safe clinical practice; only 2.3% reported being infected with COVID-19. 60.9% attended urgent surgeries. The following major uro-oncologic surgeries were reported as high priority: Radical Nephrectomy (RN) 58.4%, and Radical Cystectomy (RC) 57.3%. When we associate the capacity of hospitalization (urologic beds available) and percentage of high-priority surgery performed, we observed that centers with fewer urological beds (10-20) compared to centers with more urological beds (31-40) performed more frequently major urologic cancer surgeries: RN 54.5% vs 60.8% (p=0.0003), RC 53.1% vs 64.9% (p=0.005) respectively. Conclusions: At the time of writing (May 13th 2020) our data represents a snapshot of COVID-19 outbreak in Latin American urological practices. Our findings have practical implications and should be contextualized considering many factors related to patients and urological care: The variability of health care scenarios, institutional capacity, heterogeneity and burden of urologic disease, impact of surgical indications and decision making when prioritizing and scheduling surgeries in times of COVID-19 pandemic.

Summary and considerations in genitourinary cancer patient care during the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT Purpose: To provide a summary and recommendations for the set-up of strategies for cancer patients care in genitourinary oncology clinics during the pandemic and in the recovery period. Material and Methods: A non-systematic review of available literature on the management of urological malignancies during the COVID-19 pandemic was performed to summarize recommendations to improve the diagnosis and treatment of urological cancers during and after the contingence, including clinical and research aspects. Results: Urological cancer diagnosis and management should be tailored according to the severity of the COVID-19 crisis in each region and the aggressiveness of each tumor. Clinicians should adhere to strict protocols in order to prioritize the attention of patients with high-risk malignancies while optimizing resources to avoid the saturation of critical care services. Conclusions: During the COVID-19 pandemic urological cancer care has been severely impaired. For proper patient management, multidisciplinary approach is encouraged tailoring therapy according to COVID-19 regional behavior and local institutional resources. Patients with high-risk malignancies should be prioritized.

Incidence and treatment of malignant tumors of the genitourinary tract in renal transplant recipients

ABSTRACT Purpose: To provide data of the incidence and management of common urological malignancies in renal transplant recipients. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of a prospective database from August 1967 to August 2015. A descriptive analysis of the sample was performed. Results: Among 1256 consecutive RTR a total of 88 patients developed malignancies (7%). There were 18 genitourinary tumors in the 16 patients (20.45 % of all malignant neoplasms), incidence of 1.27%. The most common neoplasm encounter was renal cancer (38.8%), followed by urothelial carcinoma (33.3%). Median follow-up of transplantation was 197 months (R, 36-336). Mean time from RT to cancer diagnosis 89±70 months (R, 12-276). CsA and AZA was the most common immunosuppression regimen in 68.75%. Mean follow-up after diagnosis was 103±72 months (R 10-215). Recurrence free survival rate of 100%. Overall survival of 89.5% of the sample; there were two non-related cancer deaths during follow-up. Conclusions: The incidence of neoplasms in RTR was lower than in other series, with favorable functional and oncologic results after treatment. This suggests that actions to reduce the risk of these malignancies as well as a strict follow-up are mandatory for an early detection and treatment.

Prostate cancer / Cáncer de próstata

Abstract Prostate cancer is the most frequent tumor found in men worldwide and in Mexico in particular. Age and family history are the main risk factors. The diagnosis is made by prostate biopsy in patients with abnormalities detected in their prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels or digital rectal exam (DRE). This article reviews screening and diagnostic methods as well as treatment options for patients diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Resumen El cáncer de próstata es el tumor más frecuente en hombres a nivel mundial, y de manera específica en México. Los principales factores de riesgo son la edad y la historia familiar. El diagnóstico se obtiene por medio de biopsia prostática en pacientes detectados por anormalidades en el antígeno prostático o tacto rectal. En este artículo se hace una discusión de los métodos de tamizaje, diagnóstico y opciones de tratamiento en pacientes con diagnóstico de cáncer de próstata.

Updated distribution of Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) in Spain: new findings in the mainland Spanish Levante, 2013

In 2004, Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus (Skuse, 1894) was observed for the first time in Catalonia, northeastern Spain. A decade later, it has spread throughout the eastern Mediterranean region of the country and the Balearic Islands. Framed within a national surveillance project, we present the results of monitoring in 2013 in the autonomous communities of the mainland Levante. The current study reveals a remarkable increase in the spread of the invasive mosquito in relation to results from 2012; the species was present and well-established in 48 municipalities, most of which were along the Mediterranean coastline from the Valencian Community to the Region of Murcia.

Giant multicystic cystadenoma of Cowper's gland: a case report

Main findings We report what to our knowledge is the first case of a giant multicystic cystadenoma of the Cowper's glands. An otherwise healthy 41-year-old man presented with acute urinary retention. Physical examination showed a perineal mass. Different imaging techniques demonstrated a multicystic tumor and en bloc excision was performed. Histological evaluation showed that the tumor arised from the bulbourethral glands; immunohistochemistry proved positive staining for high molecular weight cytokeratin. Case hypothesis Cystic tumors in the pelvis can arise from different structures. Malignancy should be ruled out. Surgical excision can be diagnostic and curative. Future implications When evaluating a pelvic cystic tumor, Cowper's glands cystadenoma may be a differential diagnosis and must be considered. Similar to prostate cystadenomas, en bloc excision is the optimal treatment. .

How to increase the population of a Phlebotomus perniciosus (Diptera: Psychodidae) colony: a new method

The sandfly Phlebotomus perniciosus is the most widespread vector of Leishmania infantum in Spain. Laboratory colonisation represents the most feasible source of information on the biology of these insects, but in conducting any study, the density of individuals in the colony may drop to such an extent that it is sometimes difficult to recover the initial population levels. A new technique was tested for the recovery of sandfly eggs in three different colonies; the recovery rate was studied by comparing the standard method of mass rearing with this new method of colony management. The results demonstrate a mean increase of 18.4 percent in adult production, a growth in colony productivity that justifies the inclusion of this process in the routine maintenance of any colony of sandflies.

Estenosis ureteropiélica, tratamiento quirúrgico / Surgical treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction

Introducción: En la actualidad existen múltiples opciones de tratamiento para la estenosis ureteropiélica (EUP). La pieloplastia abierta es el estándar de oro, con una tasa de éxito mayor a 90%. El objetivo de este estudio es describir nuestra experiencia en el manejo quirúrgico de la EUP. Material y Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo y descriptivo de los casos de EUP manejados quirúrgicamente en el periodo comprendido entre 1970 y 2002. Resultados: Se diagnosticaron 126 EUP en 114 pacientes. Los principales síntomas fueron: dolor en 105 pacientes (92.1%), infección de vías urinarias en 37 (32.4%) y hematuria en 24 (21%). Las patologías asociadas con mayor frecuencia fueron: urolitiasis en 34 casos, cruce vascular en 10, y riñón en herradura en 5. Se realizaron 123 procedimientos: 92 (74.8%) pieloplastias desmembradas, 13 (10.7%) pieloplastias tipo Foley Y-V, en 8 (6.5%) sólo liberación de vasos anómalos o bridas, 5 (4%) endopielotomías, 2 pieloplastias tipo Scardino-Prince (1.6%), 2 pacientes transplantados (1.6%), con anastomosis de la pelvis del injerto al uréter nativo y una anastomosis ureteroileal (0.8%) en un paciente con fibrosis retroperitoneal. El tiempo promedio de seguimiento fue de 33.2 meses. En 114 pacientes (92.7%) el procedimiento fue exitoso. Se documentó 17.9% de complicaciones globales, 2.4% correspondió a reestenosis asociadas a cruce vascular. Conclusión: La pieloplastia desmembrada es el procedimiento más utilizado en pacientes con EUP con adecuados resultados, preservación de la función renal, mejoría de los síntomas y baja morbilidad.

INTRODUCTION: Currently there are many therapeutic options for ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO). Open pyeloplasty is the gold standard with a success rate of approximately 90%. We describe our experience in the treatment of UPJO. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective and descriptive study among our patients with UPJO surgically treated at the Department of Urology of our institution from 1970 to 2002. RESULTS: 126 UPJO were diagnosed in 114 patients. The most common symptoms at diagnosis were: pain in 105 patients (92.1), urinary tract infection (UTI) in 37 (32.4%) and hematuria in 24 (21%). The most common associated diseases were urolithiasis in 34 cases, crossing vessels in 10 and horseshoe kidney in 5. 123 procedures were undertaken: 92 (74.8%) dismembered pyeloplasties, 13 (10.7%) Foley Y-V pyeloplasties, in 8 (6.5%) release of crossing vessel, 5 (4%) endopyelotomies, 2 (1.6%) pyeloplasties Scardino-Prince, 2 patients with renal allograft in whom an anastomosis of renal pelvis to native ureter was performed and 1 (0.8%) ureter-ileal anastomosis in a patient with retroperitoneal fibrosis. The mean follow-up time was of 33.2 months. In 114 (92.7%) patients the procedure was successful. The overall complication rate was of 17.9% of which 2.4% were stricture recurrence associated with crossing vessels. CONCLUSION: Open dismembered pyeloplasty is the most common treatment procedure for UPJO at our institution. We report successful results, low morbidity, preservation of renal function and improving symptoms.

Contribución relativa de micromoléculas al poder antioxidante total del plasma humano / Relative contributions of micromolecules to the total antioxidant status of human blood plasma

Se determinó en cuarenta y cinco muestras de plasma huamno el poder antioxidante total y la contribución al mismo del ácido úrico, glutatión reducido, alfa-tocoferol y ácido ascórbico, repitiendo la experiencia con las mismas muestras congeladas a -70§C después de 30 días. La interacción y mecanismos de acción de los antioxidantes son motivo de discusión al observar el comportamiento frente a la temperatura, estableciendo valores de referencia en éste medio

Tratamiento actual de las heridas penetrantes del cuello / Present treatment of the penetrating wounds neck

Cuarenta y un paciente fueron tratados en el Hospital Central Universitario "Antonio María Pineda" por presentar heridas penetrantes en el cuello en el lapso: 01-07-93 al 30-06-95. Diez y siete (42 por ciento) ameritaron exploración quirúrgica inmediata. Los 24 restantes (58 por ciento) fueron manejados selectivamente y sólo uno (4 por ciento) fue explorado quirurgicamente de forma planificada. Un paciente presentó complicaciones serias y 2 murieron, dando lugar a una morbilidad del 2,4 por ciento y a una mortalidad del 4,8 por ciento respectivamente

La percepción de un grupo de niños y niñas de segundo grado sobre el SIDA / Perception of a group of second grade boys and girls about SIDA

En este estudio se exploran las percepciones en torno al SIDA de un grupo de niños y niñas matriculados en el segundo grado de una escuela pública del area metropolitana de San Juan. Este estudio demostró que la mayoría de los alumnos establece un vínculo directo entre el uso de las droagas y el SIDA. Un grupo considereble de estudiantes posee una visión estereotipada en torno a las personas con el HIV (Virus de la inmunodefiencia Humana), o con el SIDA, lo que puede reflejar la fuerte influencia de ciertos factores psicosociales sobre la percepción. Además, los participantes relacionan esta condición con sentimientos de tristeza, arrepentimiento y rechazo, entre otros. Estos resultados demuestran que aún necesitan elaborarse esfuerzos educativos que amplíen la discusión en torno a los medios de transmisión y prevensión para el VIH/SIDA. Además, necesitan diseñarse programas educativos para el nivel primario, que ayuden a erradicar el discrimen, a través del desarrollo y fortalecimiento de valores humanos tales com la solidariedad, el respeto y la comprensión.

Aspectos electrocardiograficos de la repolarización ventricular derecha en la comunicación interauricular / Apeuliar right ventricular repolarization pattern in atrial septal defect

Para conocer el valor de una característica, según nuestras observaciones, forma de repolarización ventricular derecha para el diagnóstico de la comunicación interauricular, se estudiaron 100 pacientes con bloqueo troncular de la rama derecha del haz de His de grado intermedio, en los que mediante estudio hemodinámico se demostró el defecto septal auricular. Dicha repolarización ventricular drecha característica estudiada, consiste en un segmento S-T recto y largo ( de más de 60 milisegundos) que forma, en su prolongación en el espacio con la rama ascendente de la onda T, un ángulo de 60 grados a aun mayor. El dato fue positivo en 82 casos (sensibilidad del 82%). No hubo diferencias entre los grupos de edades ni el grado hipertensión arterial pulmonar, en cuanto a la frecuencia de aparición del signo. Se formó un grupo control de 65 enfermos con bloqueo proximal de la rama derecha de grado intermedio, en los que se descartó la comunicación interauricular. En 14 casos se encontró el signo electrocardiográfico descrito (especificidad del 78.4%). El valor predictivo positivo fue del 85.4% y el valor predictivo negativo del 73.9%, con eficiencia diagnóstica del 80.6% En 67 pacientes en los que se practicó el cierre quirúrgico del defecto, el dato desapareció en el 87.7% de los casos. Se concluye que la mencionada forma de repolarización ventricular derecha, en presencia de bloqueo troncular de la rama derecha de haz de His, apoya el diagnóstico de comunicación interauricular

El diagnóstico clínico de mixoma auricular izquierdo en base a su comprobación ecocardiográfica y quirúrgica / The clinical diagnosis of left atrial mixoma based on its echocardiographic and surgcial confirmation

Se estudiaron 6 pacientes con mixoma auricular, 5 izquierdos y uno derecho como control, todos comprobados por ecocardiografía y tratados quirúrgicamente. Se analizaron las características clínicas, electrocardiográficas y radiológicas encontradas tanto en esta serie como en los informes previos de la literatura para compararlas con las ya conocidas de la estenosis mitral y poder establecer su diferenciación. Se observó que en el mixoma auricular estuvo ausente el antecedente de fiebre reumática. La disnea de esfuerzo fué de más corta evolución, no presentaron disnea paroxística nocturna, y sí, en cambio, mareo, lipotimia, hemiparesia y/o angor como síntomas frecuentes. El chasquido de apertura mitral fué muy frecuente y un menor número el retumbo cambiente, pero en ninguno se encontró soplo presistólico. La aurícula izquierda generalmente no estaba dilatada, la orejuela izquierda ni la arteria pulmonar fueron prominentes en la teleradiografía de tórax. La onda P en DII no fué mayor de 0.11 seg y el complejo ventricular en VI no mostró onda R grande. Con los elementos anteriores se puede sospechar el diagnóstico de mixoma auricular izquierdo para confirmalo con el ecocardiograma e indicar la resección quirúrgica