Validation of the international consultation on incontinence modular questionnaire - female lower urinary tract symptoms (ICIQ-FLUTS) into brazilian portuguese

ABSTRACT Purpose: To translate, adapt and validate the International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire on Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms ICIQ-FLUTS for the Brazilian female population. Materials and Methods: A translation of the questionnaire into Brazilian Portuguese was made followed by an adaptation for better understanding by native speakers. After that, the ICIQ-FLUTS was answered by eighty volunteers (n=80) twice (for interviewers 1 and 2) with an interval of 30 minutes between them. Furthermore, after 15 days from the evaluation, the participants answered the ICIQ-FLUTS again in order to verify the questionnaire stability over time. The questionnaires Utian Quality Of Life (UQOL) and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Short Form (ICIQ-SF), which are validated in Brazil were also applied to perform the validation. Results: The result of the Cronbach α coefficient of the instrument presented a value of 0.832. The values for test-retest were 0.907 (inter-observer) and 0.901 (intra-observer). The correlation between ICIQ-FLUTS (score I - domain of urinary incontinence) with the ICIQ-SF (final score) was strong and positive (r=0.836, p=0.000). In addition, the ICIQ-FLUTS showed moderate and negative correlation with the total score of UQOL (r=-0.691, p=0.017). Conclusion: The Portuguese version of the ICIQ-FLUTS questionnaire showed strong correlation to ICIQ-SF questionnaire and satisfactory values to test-retest and internal consistency.

Association between stress and lower urinary tract symptoms in children and adolescents

ABSTRACT Introduction: Lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) is a common clinical condition. Emotional and behavioral issues are increasing among children and adolescents, with stress indicating difficulties in personal and social functioning. This study evaluated whether urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) is associated with stress. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, analytical study with 6-14-year-old patients with LUTS and no anatomical/neurogenic urinary tract abnormalities was conducted using the Dysfunctional Voiding Scoring System, a psychological assessment and the Child Stress Scale. The overall stress score was analyzed in relation to the psychological assessment data. Answers to the seven specific DVSS urinary questions were compared with those for the four Child Stress Scale domains. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. The chi-square test and Pearson's correlation were used to determine associations. Significance was defined as p <0.05. Results: Most children were male (56%). Mean age was 9.0±2.25 years. Stress was detected in 20 out of 98 patients (20.4%; 95% CI: 13-30%). Of these, 90% were born from unplanned pregnancies and 67% were upset about their disorder. All the Child Stress Scale domains were significantly associated with urinary dysfunction, with dysuria being significantly associated with all four domains. In the multivariate analysis, dysuria was the only symptom that remained associated with stress. Associations with stress strengthened as the frequency of dysuria increased: physical reactions (p <0.01), emotional reactions (p <0.05), psychological reactions with a depressive component (p <0.01) and psychophysiological reactions (p <0.05). Conclusion: Stress levels are higher in children and adolescents with LUTS who have more severe symptoms. Dysuria was the symptom most associated with stress, both in the physical reactions domain, in the psychological reactions domains with or without a depressive component and in the psychophysiological reactions domain.

Association between benign prostate enlargement-related storage and voiding symptoms and systolic blood pressure: a single-center cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Lower urinary tract symptoms significantly worsen quality of life. The hypothesis that they might lead to serious systolic blood pressure alterations through inducing sympathetic nervous activity has not been studied so far. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between benign prostate enlargement-related storage and voiding symptoms and systolic blood pressure. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional single-center study on data from a hospital patient record system. METHODS: We evaluated the medical records of all consecutive patients with benign prostate enlargement-related lower urinary tract symptoms admitted between January 2012 and December 2017. Storage and voiding symptoms were assessed separately. International Prostate Symptom Score, uroflowmetry, postvoiding residual urine volume and systolic blood pressure were recorded. Pearson correlation and linear regression analysis were used. RESULTS: Positive correlations were found between systolic blood pressure and all of the storage symptoms. Among these, urgency had the most significant effect. There were 166 patients (41.4%) with urgency for urination, which increased mean systolic blood pressure from 124.88 mmHg (average value in elevated blood pressure group) to 132.28 mmHg (average value in stage-1 hypertension group). Hesitancy in urinating and feeling of incomplete bladder emptying had weak positive correlations with systolic blood pressure. There was a negative correlation between systolic blood pressure and intermittency of urination. CONCLUSIONS: With increasing numbers of urine storage symptoms, systolic blood pressure also increases, while the opposite occurs for voiding symptoms in patients with benign prostate enlargement. We conjecture that storage symptoms may lead to this increase through inducing sympathetic hyperactivity. Further prospective studies with larger groups are needed to confirm these findings.

Correlation of tools for objective evaluation of infravesical obstruction of men with lower urinary tract symptoms

ABSTRACT Purpose To identify how the most frequently used parameters in daily clinical practice diagnosing bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) due to benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) correlate to each other. Materials and methods The study included 452 patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) of the UNICAMP urology outpatient clinic of LUTS. Inclusion criteria: patients with BOO due to BPH who agreed to participate in the study. Exclusion criteria: patients with urinary tract infection, neurological diseases that compromised the lower urinary tract, prior prostatic surgery, radiotherapy or urethral stenosis. Patient assessment: history, international prostate symptoms score (IPSS), nocturnal quality of life score (NQoL) questionnaires, physical and digital rectal examination (DRE), PSA, transabdominal ultrasound with intravesical prostate protrusion (IPP), post-mictional residue and free uroflowmetry. Results There was no strong Spearman correlation among the studied variables. The only moderate correlations occurred between IPSS and NQoL (p <0001; c=0.56) and between IPP and prostate volume (p <0001; c=0.57). Weak correlations between IPP and post-mictional residue (p <0001; c=0.31) and free uroflowmetry (p <0001; c=-0.26); and between IPSS and free uroflowmetry (p <0001, c=-0.21) were observed. Conclusion In this study, we found moderate, weak, very weak and absent correlation among the various parameters used in the diagnosis and management of BOO due to BPH. As the value of these tools is variable, the creation of a logical and objective algorithm was not possible and the treatment is based on the interpretation of clinical symptoms.

Oxidative stress in the bladder of men with LUTS undergoing open prostatectomy: a pilot study

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the link between preoperative parameters and oxidative stress (OS) markers in the bladder wall of men undergoing open prostatectomy. Materials and Methods: From July 2014 to August 2016, men aged ≥ 50 years and presenting with LUTS were prospectively enrolled. Preoperative assessment included validated questionnaires (IPSS and OAB - V8), lower urinary tract ultrasound and urodynamics. Bladder biopsies were taken during open prostatectomy for determination of OS markers. Increased OS was defined by increased concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) and / or decreased concentration of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and / or catalase). P<0.05 was regarded as statistically significant. Results: Thirty - eight consecutive patients were included. Mean age was 66.36 ± 6.44 years, mean prostate volume was 77.7 ± 20.63 cm3, and mean IPSS was 11.05 ± 8.72 points. MDA concentration was increased in men with severe bladder outlet obstruction (BOO grade V - VI according to the Schaefer's nomogram) in comparison with BOO grade III - IV (p = 0.022). Patients with severe LUTS also had higher MDA concentration when compared to those with mild LUTS (p = 0.031). There was a statistically significant association between increased post - void residual urine (cut off ≥ 50 mL) and not only higher levels of MDA, but also reduced activity of SOD and catalase (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This pilot study showed that severity of LUTS and BOO were associated with increased MDA concentration in the bladder wall of men undergoing open prostatectomy. Further studies are still needed to assess the role of non - invasive biomarkers of OS in predicting bladder dysfunction in men with LUTS.

Pelvic floor electromyography and urine flow patterns in children with vesicoureteral reflux and lower urinary tract symptoms

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the different urine flow patterns and active pelvic floor electromyography (EMG) during voiding in children with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) as well as presenting the prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms in these patients. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of children diagnosed with VUR after toilet training from Sep 2013 to Jan 2016. 225 anatomically and neurologically normal children were included. The reflux was diagnosed with voiding cystourethrography. The study was comprised an interview by means of a symptom questionnaire, a voiding diary, uroflowmetry with EMG and kidney and bladder ultrasounds. Urine flow patterns were classified as bell shape, staccato, interrupted, tower and plateau based on the current International Children's Continence Society guidelines. Results: Of 225 children with VUR (175 girls, 50 boys), underwent uroflowmetry + EMG, 151 (67.1%) had an abnormal urine flow pattern. An active pelvic floor EMG during voiding was confirmed in 113 (50.2%) children. The flow patterns were staccato in 76 (33.7 %), interrupted in 41 (18.2%), Plateau in 26 (11.5%), tower in 12 (5.3%) and a bell shape or normal pattern in 70 (31.5%). Urinary tract infection, enuresis and constipation respectively, were more frequent symptoms in these patients. Conclusions: Bladder/bowel dysfunction is common in patients with VUR that increases the risk of breakthrough urinary tract infections in children receiving antibiotic prophylaxis and reduces the success rate for endoscopic injection therapy. Therefore investigation of voiding dysfunction with primary assessment tools can be used prior to treating VUR.

Effect of tadalafil 5mg daily treatment on the ejaculatory times, lower urinary tract symptoms and erectile function in patients with erectile dysfunction

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate the effect of a 5mg daily tadalafil treatment on the ejaculation time, erectile function and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in patients with erectile dysfunction. Materials and Methods A total of 60 patients diagnosed with erectile dysfunction were retrospectively evaluated using the international index of erectile function questionnaire-5 (IIEF-5), intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT) and international prostate symptoms scores (IPSS). After the patients were treated with 5mg tadalafil once a day for three months, their erection, ejaculation and LUTS were assessed again. The fasting levels of blood glucose, total testosterone, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and total cholesterol were measured. The independent-samples t-test was used to compare the pre- and post-treatment scores of the patients. Results The mean age of the 60 participants was 50.4±7.9 and the mean baseline serum total testosterone, total cholesterol, and fasting blood sugar were 444.6±178.6ng dL-1, 188.7±29.6mg/dL-1,104 (80-360) mg dL-1, respectively. The mean baseline scores were 2.2±1.4 min for IELT, 9.5±3.7 for IIEF-5 and 14.1±4.5 for IPSS. Following the three-month daily 5mg tadalafil treatment, the scores were found to be 3.4±1.9 min, 16.1±4.7, and 10.4±3.8 for IELT, IIEF and IPSS, respectively. When the baseline and post-treatment scores were compared, a statistically significant increase was observed in the IELTs and IIEF-5 values whereas there was a significant decrease in IPSS (p<0.01). Conclusion A daily dose of 5mg tadalafil can be safely used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction and LUTS, that prolongs the ejaculatory latency time.

Optimal bladder diary duration for patients with suprapontine neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction

ABSTRACT Purpose: To identify the minimum bladder diary's length required to furnish reliable documentation of LUTS in a specific cohort of patients suffering from neurogenic urinary dysfunction secondary to suprapontine pathology. Materials and Methods: From January 2008 to January 2014, patients suffering from suprapontine pathology and LUTS were requested to prospectively complete a bladder diary form for 7 consecutive days. Micturitions per day, excreta per micturition, urgency and incontinence episodes and voided volume per day were evaluated from the completed diaries. We compared the averaged records of consecutive days (2-6 days) to the total 7 days records for each patient's diary, seeking the minimum diary's length that could provide records comparable to the 7 days average, the reference point in terms of reliability. Results: From 285 subjects, 94 male and 69 female patients enrolled in the study. The records of day 1 were significantly different from the average of the 7 days records in every parameter, showing relatively small correlation and providing insufficient documentation. Correlations gradually increased along the increase in diary's duration. According to our results a 3-day duration bladder diary is efficient and can provide results comparable to a 7 day length for four of our evaluated parameters. Regarding incontinence episodes, 3 days seems inadequate to furnish comparable results, showing a borderline difference. Conclusions: A 3-day diary can be used, as its reliability is efficient regarding number of micturition per day, excreta per micturition, episodes of urgency and voided volume per day.

Association between ambient temperature and lower urinary tract symptoms: a community-based survey

ABSTRACT Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the individual change of International prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS) in each patient by temperature conditions. Materials and Methods The severity of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) was explored using the IPSS and OABSS questionnaires that were completed by 2.486 subjects (923 males and 1.563 females) aged 60 years and older. Korea Meteorological Administration data was used to determine daily average temperature and daily temperature difference on the interview dates at each site. Results The mean IPSS and mean age for males was 13.45±8.24 and 75.03±6.20 years, respectively. The mean OABSS and mean age for females was 4.41±3.10 and 73.74±6.03years, respectively. Daily average temperature and daily temperature difference ranged from-3.4-28.3oC and 2.2-16.9oC, respectively. Age was a significantly risk factor for IPSS, OABSS, and QoL (P<0.001, <0.001, and 0.005, respectively). After multiple regression analysis, daily average temperatures did not show a statistically significant change in IPSS and OABSS. Only daily temperature differences were associated with male LUTS. Conclusions While LUTS could be worsened in low temperatures generally, IPSS and OABSS were not affected by daily average temperature conditions. Daily temperature differences may be more influential than daily average temperatures.

The relationship between histological prostatitis and lower urinary tract symptoms and sexual function

ABSTRACT This prospective analysis assessed the effect of histological prostatitis on lower urinary tract functions and sexual function. The patients were separated into two groups as histologically observed prostatitis (Group A) and no prostatitis (Group B) according to the biopsy outcomes. International prostate symptom score, international index of erectile function-5 scores, maximal and average flow rate, and residual urine volumes were compared statistically between groups. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in baseline age (t=0.64), body mass index value (t=0.51), prostate volume (t=0.87), prostate-specific antigen levels (t=0.43), maximal (t=0.84) and average flow rate (t=0.59), and post-void residual urine volume (t=0.71). Mean international prostate symptom score in patients with prostatitis was numerically but not significantly higher than that in those without prostatitis (t=0.794, P=0.066). Mean international index of erectile function-5 score in the prostatitis group was significantly lower than that in those without prostatitis (t=1.854, P=0.013). Histological prostatitis notably affected sexual function of patients and may serve as a major risk factor for sexual dysfunction while having little effect on lower urinary tract symptoms.

Initial experience with sacral neuromodulation for the treatment of lower urinary tract dysfunction in Brazil

ABSTRACT Objectives: We report on the short-term outcomes of sacral neuromodulation (SNM) for treatment of idiopathic lower urinary tract dysfunction in Brazil (procedures performed before 2014). Materials and Methods: Clinical data and surgical outcomes of patients who underwent SNM staged procedures were retrospective evaluated. Urological assessment included a focused medical history and physical examination, measurement of postvoid residual volumes, urodynamics, and bladder diaries. A successful test phase has been defined by improvement of at least 50% of the symptoms, based on bladder diaries. Results: From January 2011 to December 2013, eighteen consecutive patients underwent test phase for SNM due to refractory overactive bladder (15 patients), non-obstructive chronic urinary retention (2 patients), and bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (1 patient). All patients underwent staged procedures at four outpatient surgical centers. Mean age was 48.3±21.2 (range 10-84 years). There were 16 women and 2 men. Median follow-up was 3 months. Fifteen patients (83.3%) had a successful test phase and underwent implantation of the pulse generator (IPG). Median duration of the test phase was 7 days (range 5–24 days). Mean age was 45.6±18.19 years in responders versus 61.66±34.44 years in non-responders (p=0.242). Mean operative time (test phase) was 99±33.12 min in responders versus 95±35 min for non-responders (p=0.852). No severe complications were reported. Conclusion: SNM is a minimally invasive treatment option for patients with refractory idiopathic lower urinary tract dysfunction. Our initial experience with staged technique showed that tined-lead electrodes yielded a high rate of responders and favorable clinical results in the short-term follow-up.

Relationship between visual prostate score (VPSS) and maximum flow rate (Qmax) in men with urinary tract symptoms

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate correlation between visual prostate score (VPSS) and maximum flow rate (Qmax) in men with lower urinary tract symptoms. Material and Methods: This is a cross sectional study conducted at a university Hospital. Sixty-seven adult male patients>50 years of age were enrolled in the study after signing an informed consent. Qmax and voided volume recorded at uroflowmetry graph and at the same time VPSS were assessed. The education level was assessed in various defined groups. Pearson correlation coefficient was computed for VPSS and Qmax. Results: Mean age was 66.1±10.1 years (median 68). The mean voided volume on uroflowmetry was 268±160mL (median 208) and the mean Qmax was 9.6±4.96mLs/sec (median 9.0). The mean VPSS score was 11.4±2.72 (11.0). In the univariate linear regression analysis there was strong negative (Pearson's) correlation between VPSS and Qmax (r=848, p<0.001). In the multiple linear regression analyses there was a significant correlation between VPSS and Qmax (β-http://www.blogapaixonadosporviagens.com.br/p/caribe.html after adjusting the effect of age, voided volume (V.V) and level of education. Multiple linear regression analysis done for independent variables and results showed that there was no significant correlation between the VPSS and independent factors including age (p=0.27), LOE (p=0.941) and V.V (p=0.082). Conclusion: There is a significant negative correlation between VPSS and Qmax. The VPSS can be used in lieu of IPSS score. Men even with limited educational background can complete VPSS without assistance.

Evaluación clínica del paciente con síntomas del tracto urinario inferior / Clinical evaluation of the patient with lower urinary tract symptoms

Lower urinary tract symptoms are divided into three groups, storage, voiding and post micturition symptoms. Their level of agreement with urodynamic investigation is poor. Clinicalhistory should be complemented by the application of validated symptom questionnaires and the recording of urinary events. Here we refer to: a) the International Consultation onIncontinence Questionnaire, Short Form (ICIQ-SF), b) the Urogenital Distress Inventory - Short Form (UDI-6) and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire – Short Form (IIQ-7), c) the urinary incontinence Severity Index and d) the American Urological Association Symptom Index. The recordings of urinary events can be done in three main forms: a) micturition time chart, b)frequency volume chart, and c) bladder diary. The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire bladder diary (ICIQ bladder diary) is the only one validated. Physical exam should include abdominal and genital examination, covering pelvic organ prolapse quantification in women, prostate evaluation in men, pelvic floor muscle function evaluation in both genders, and a neurologic examination focused on evaluation of the sacral nerves. It is useful to supplementthe physical examination with the evaluation of the mobility of the bladder neck and proximal urethra through the Q-tip test, and with the quantification of urine leakage through the pad test.

Flowmetry/pelvic floor electromyographic findings in patients with detrusor overactivity

To evaluate different flowmetry/EMG patterns in patients with proven detrusor overactivity (DO) and compare them with that of a group of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) but without DO.

Does sildenafil enhance the effect of tamsulosin in relieving acute urinary retention?

Objective To compare the safety and efficacy of combined therapy using sildenafil and tamsulosin for management of acute urinary retention (AUR) with tamsulosin alone in patients with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). Materials and Methods 101 patients were enrolled in a randomized placebo-controlled study from June 2009 to April 2012. Patients presenting with an initial episode of spontaneous AUR underwent urethral catheterization and then prospectively randomized to receive tamsulosin 0.4mg plus sildenafil 50mg in group A and tamsulosin 0.4mg plus placebo in group B for three days. Urethral catheter was removed three days after medical treatment and patient’s ability to void assessed at the day after catheter removal and seven days later. Patients who voided successfully were followed at least for three months. Results Mean age of patients was 59.64 ± 3.84 years in group A and 60.56 ± 4.12 years in group B (p value = 0.92). Mean prostate volume and mean residual urine were comparable between both groups (p value = 0.74 and 0.42, respectively). Fifteen patients in group A (success rate: 70%) and nineteen patients in group B (success rate: 62.7%) had failed trial without catheter (TWOC) at 7th day following AUR (p value = 0.3). No significant difference was noted between both groups regarding the rate of repeated AUR at one month and three month follow-up period (p = 0.07 and p = 0.45, respectively). Conclusion It seems that combination therapy by using 5-phosphodiesterase inhibitor and tamsulosin has no significant advantages to improve urinary retention versus tamsulosin alone. .

Obesity may influence the relationship between sex hormones and lower urinary tract symptoms

PurposeThe effects of serum testosterone in the lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are not well established. The objective of the study is to evaluate the association of sex hormones with LUTS and control the results by patient weight.Materials and MethodsThe study comprised a cross-sectional analysis of 725 men included in a prostate cancer screening program at University of Sao Paulo Medical School. The serum concentrations of total testosterone (TT), free testosterone (FT) and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) were measured. Variables analyzed were age, American Urological Association (AUA) symptom score, storage symptoms, voiding symptoms, quality of life score, prostate specific antigen levels and prostate volume. Obesity was measured through the calculation of body mass index (BMI). A regression analysis model was performed.ResultsMedian patient age was 65 years (48 to 94). A higher TT level was significantly associated with a severe AUA symptom score only among patients with a BMI ≥ 25. Median TT was 371, 370 and 427ng/dL (p = 0.017) in patients with mild, moderate and severe LUTS respectively. The multivariate regression analysis in patients with BMI ≥ 25 showed that only age, TT and sex score were related to LUTS.ConclusionsA higher TT is associated with a severe AUA score symptom index only in obese patients. Further analysis are necessary to evaluate the mechanisms through which testosterone may influence LUTS in these patients.

Neurological status predicts response to alpha-blockers in men with voiding dysfunction and Parkinson's disease

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate predictors of the response to doxazosin, a selective alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist, when used for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms in men with Parkinson's disease. METHODS: In a prospective study, 33 consecutive men (mean age 59.2±7.0 years) with Parkinson's disease and lower urinary tract symptoms were evaluated. Neurological dysfunction was assessed with the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale. Urological assessment was performed at baseline and after 12 weeks of treatment with 4 mg/day of extended-release doxazosin, including symptom evaluation with the International Continence Society male short-form questionnaire, an assessment of the impact of lower urinary tract symptoms on quality of life and urodynamics. Clinical and urodynamic predictors of response were specifically evaluated. RESULTS: Compared with the score at baseline, the total International Continence Society male short-form score was reduced after doxazosin administration, from 17.4±7.5 to 11.1±6.9 (p<0.001). The impact of lower urinary tract symptoms on quality of life was also significantly reduced, from 1.8±1.1 to 1.0±1.0 (p<0.001) and the maximum urinary flow varied from 9.3±4.4 to 11.2±4.6 ml/s (p = 0.025). The severity of neurological impairment ...

Association between urinary symptoms and quality of life in HTLV-1 infected subjects without myelopathy

Objective To investigate the relationship between urinary symptoms and quality of life of patients infected with HTLV-1. Materials and Methods This is a cross-sectional study that enrolled individuals with HTLV-1 positive serology from February 2010 to March 2011. Participants were HTLV-1 infected subjects followed in the HTLV-1 clinic of the University Hospital in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. Patients with HTLV-1 associated myelopathy / tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP), who had evidence of other neurological diseases, diabetes mellitus or were pregnant were excluded from the study. The questionnaire SF-36 was used to evaluate quality of life and the questionnaire OAB-V8 was used to evaluate urinary symptoms. Results From the 118 individuals evaluated, 50 (42.4%) complained of urinary symptoms and 68 (57.6%) did not. Most participants were females. There was no difference between the groups regarding demographic variables. The group with symptoms showed significantly lower scores in all domains of the SF-36 questionnaire. The domains with greatest differences were vitality and general health state. Conclusions Urinary symptoms negatively influence the quality of life of individuals infected with HTLV-1. .

Urinary Symptoms and Urodynamics Findings in Patients with Friedreich's Ataxia

Purpose To assess the prevalence of LUTS, urinary tract and urodynamics changes in patients with Friedreich's Ataxia (FA), the most common form of hereditary ataxia. Materials and Methods This study evaluated 258 patients with genetically confirmed diagnoses of FA. Of the patients, 158 responded to a questionnaire which assessed their urinary symptoms. Patients with clinical changes underwent renal function examinations, ultrasound, and urodynamic studies (UDS). Results The sample analyzed showed that 82% of the patients complained of LUTS, although only 22% related the symptoms with quality of life impairment. Twenty eight (18%) of them agreed to undergo urodynamic evaluation. Urgency was the most common symptom. The exam was normal in 4 (14%) and detrusor underactivity was the most common finding. 14% (4 patients) presented with dilatation of the upper urinary tract at ultrasound scans. None of them had creatinine alterations. Conclusions LUTS was found in a large percentage of patients with FA, but only a few related it to their quality of life impairment. Although creatinine levels was normal in this sample, some patients may show upper urinary tract abnormalities, with deserves close observation and proper care. .

Decline of seminal parameters in middle-aged males is associated with lower urinary tract symptoms, prostate enlargement and bladder outlet obstruction

Purpose We aimed to compare the associations between semen quality, associated reproductive indicators and the main prostate-related parameters in middle-aged men. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective study on 422 middle-aged men who underwent the screening for prostate health. Their reproductive function, semen quality and prostate-related pathologies were investigated. Results Significant associations between semen quality and prostate-related parameters could be seen. Total sperm count and sperm density decreased along with the increase of the I-PSS score and total prostate volume. Also, the related lower urinary tract characteristics showed a negative correlation with main semen parameters for all investigated subjects. No significant differences in age, testicular size, and hormonal parameters were found between the subjects with or without lower urinary tract symptoms and prostate enlargement. Conclusions Our study suggests that altered seminal parameters in middle-aged men are associated with LUTS, prostate enlargement and/or bladder outlet obstruction. Although the assessments of prostate and lower urinary tract symptoms may not replace the semen parameters evaluating the male reproductive status, there is a need for further and more detailed investigations about the pathways behind these associations as well as possible related conditions. .