Drug utilization and prescribing pattern in the treatment of urolithiasis: a perspective on World Health Organization recommendations

Background: Drug utilization research (DUR) is essential in promoting rational use of medicine, aimed at understanding the patterns of prescription, administration, and utilization of medications. It provides valuable insights into the actual drug usage patterns for specific disease conditions. To evaluate the current utilization pattern of drugs in patients of urolithiasis in the Department of General Medicine and Surgery at Integral Institute of Medical Science and Research Hospital, Lucknow. Methods: Following the approval of the institutional ethics committee, a prospective observational study was conducted at Integral Institute of Medical Science and Research Department of general medicine and surgery over a six-month period. Urolithiasis patients’ prescriptions were analyzed to study the prescribing patterns. Information about patient demographics, co-morbidities, and the number and types of medications prescribed were collected and analyzed. Results: Out of 102 patients studied, a female preponderance over male patients was observed. The co-morbidities that are encountered most commonly were hydronephrosis, cystitis, and renal cyst. There is averaged 7 medicines per prescription, 15.25% of medicines written by the generic name, 83.33% of patients receiving antibiotics, 54.70% of patients receiving injections, and 83% of drugs prescribed are mentioned in the essential medicine list. Analgesics, antibiotics, nutritional supplements, antiemetic, alkalizing agents, and antispasmodics were among the class of medicines given. Conclusions: This study highlights the current use of medicines and drug utilization in urolithiasis management. The findings show important insights for healthcare professionals to enhance medication therapy, encourage cost-effective healthcare delivery and improve quality of patient in urolithiasis management.

Tamsulosin Off-Label Use in Kidney Stones: Review and Survey

This study investigates the effectiveness and healthcare perceptions of Tamsulosin, an off-label medication for kidney stone management. Despite the documented benefits, the quest for alternative treatments like Tamsulosin persists, driven by its advantages and patient satisfaction levels. This research includes a literature review and a survey of pharmacy students’ opinions on Tamsulosin, aiming to bridge the knowledge gap. This study, which involved 38 first-year professional pharmacy students, achieved a 92% response rate. The research used questionnaire that collected demographic information and assessed participants' knowledge and opinions using a Likert scale, which was integrated into a drug informatics course. We analyzed the responses using SPSS software, utilizing descriptive and chi-square statistical methods. The survey, completed by 38 participants, revealed discrepancies between current treatment practices and the students' understandings. Despite Tamsulosin's documented efficacy in facilitating stone passage, significant skepticism exists about its use without FDA approval. The research showed varied levels of understanding and skepticism towards off-label use among the students. Moreover, 70.3% of respondents recognized Tamsulosin's potential for managing kidney stones, despite its lack of FDA approval, indicating a cautious yet acknowledging attitude towards non-approved drug use for organ rejection. There's a noted need for improved education and the dissemination of evidence-based guidelines in clinical practice. The study uncovers varied knowledge and perceptions among healthcare professionals and pharmacy students regarding Tamsulosin's use in kidney stone management. The gap between clinical evidence and survey participants' awareness underscores the importance of further research and education to align clinical practices with evidence-based guidelines.

Metabolic syndrome: a comprehensive review

Metabolic syndrome (syndrome X) includes several components like diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia etc. Every patient should undergo detailed assessment for the silent presence of the components of metabolic syndrome. Genetic predisposition, increased nutrient- dense food, decreased physical activity and chronic stress are common in metabolic syndrome. Insulin resistance, obesity and hyperglycaemia are commonly seen which can later lead to serious consequences like cardiovascular complications, thrombotic events etc. Clinical features depend on the components of the metabolic syndrome in a patient. Some may present with complications and advanced disease. For non-diabetic individuals, oral glucose tolerance test is indicated. It is better to study serum uric acid level and to screen for silent kidney stones. Specific drugs are prescribed as indicated. Drugs for stress and insomnia are also prescribed. Thrombotic status of the patient should be considered, and antiplatelet drugs are prescribed if risk factors are present. Non-pharmacological measures like diet modification and increased physical activity should be given on a priority basis. Patient compliance of these two measures should be monitored regularly. Future deployment of “artificial intelligence – powered” predictive diagnostic tests will help in detecting and controlling metabolic syndrome. “At risk” individuals and patients showing some components of metabolic syndrome should undergo full investigations to detect other components of metabolic syndrome. Full range of therapeutic drugs, diet modification and increased physical activity should be prescribed.

Molecular mechanisms of Ca2+-induced pyroptosis and adhesion changes of HK-2 cells in the formation of calcium-containing kidney stones / 天津医药

Objective To investigate the possible role and mechanism of activation of pyroptosis classical pathway and alterations in cell adhesion in calcium-containing kidney stones after the action of high concentration of Ca2+ on HK-2 cells.Methods HK-2 cells were cultured in the presence of different concentrations of CaCl2(0,0.1,0.5,1.0,2.0,4.0 and 8.0 g/L)for 24 hours,and cell counting Kit-8(CCK-8)and flow cytometry were used to determine the optimal treatment concentration.Subsequently,the ultrastructure of renal tubular epithelial cells under high Ca2+ condition was observed by transmission electron microscopy after Ca2+ treatment.DCFH-DA staining was used to detect intracellular reactive oxygen species production,and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR)and Western blot analysis were performed to examine the expression of pyroptosis-related proteins NLRP3,Caspase-1,gasdermin D(GSDMD),adhesive molecules osteopontin(OPN)and CD44 at mRNA and protein levels after high concentration Ca2+ treatment.The expression levels of pyroptosis-related inflammatory factors interleukin(IL)-1β,IL-18 and adhesive molecule monocyte chemotactic protein-1(MCP-1)were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)after high Ca2+ stimulation.Results Ca2+ showed cytotoxicity for HK-2 cell growth and can promote apoptosis.The higher the Ca2+ concentration,the more toxicity and apoptosis rate for HK-2 cell growth.High concentration of Ca2+ can promote pyroptosis-like morphological changes in HK-2 cells,including loss of cell membrane integrity,release of contents and numerous intracellular vacuoles.Compared with the control group,the expression levels of ROS were sequentially increased in the 1.0 g/L CaCl2 group and the 2.0 g/L CaCl2 group,and the expression levels of pyroptosis-related genes NLRP3,Caspase-1,GSDMD,and the pyroptosis-associated inflammatory factors IL-1β and IL-18,as well as the adhesion molecules OPN,CD44 and MCP-1 were significantly increased(P＜0.05).Conclusion High Ca2+ treatment can cause oxidative stress damage in HK-2 cells to produce ROS,which activates NLRP3 inflammasome,leads to the activation of the classical pathway of pyroptosis and increase the adhesion of cells,and ultimately leads to the formation of kidney stones.

A single-center study of the clinical characteristics of stone cultures and preoperative urine cultures of patients with kidney stones / 现代泌尿外科杂志

【Objective】 To analyze the clinical characteristics of stone culture and preoperative urine culture of patients with renal calculi in Songjiang area of Shanghai and the relationship with postoperative infection. 【Methods】 The clinical data of 213 patients with kidney stones treated at our hospital during Jan.2020 and Jun.2022 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent preoperative clean midcourse urine culture, drug sensitivity test and stone culture. The gender difference between male and female patients and the difference in postoperative infection between stone/bacterial culture positive and negative patients were analyzed. 【Results】 Among the 213 patients, 47(22.1%) had positive urine culture, and the most common bacterium was Escherichia coli (20 strains, 42.6%). The proportion of Escherichia coli was significantly higher in female patients than in male patients [12 strains (48.0%) vs.8 strains (36.4%), P<0.05], while the proportion of Klebsiella pneumoniae was significantly higher in male patients than in female patients [5 strains (22.7%) vs. 3 strains (12.0%), P<0.05]. Drug sensitivity results showed the main Gram-negative bacteria were highly resistant to ampicillin/sulbactam, cefazolin and cefuroxime, but sensitive to imipenem, kanamycin and piperacillin/tazobactam. The main Gram-positive bacteria were highly resistant to clindamycin, erythromycin and levofloxacin, but sensitive to vancomycin, teicoplanin and linezolid. Stone culture was positive in 31 cases (14.6%), and the most common bacterium was Proteus mirabilis (9 strains, 29.0%). However, there was no significant difference in the main bacterial spectrum between male and female patients. The positive rate of urine culture/stone culture in patients with postoperative fever/urosepsis was significantly higher than that in patients with negative urine culture/stone culture (P<0.05). 【Conclusion】 Escherichia coli is the main urinary spectrum of patients with kidney stones in Songjiang area, which is greatly different from the stone culture results. In clinical practice, etiological detection and antibiotics are necessary to reduce the occurrence of postoperative infection.

Causes and Countermeasures of Complications After Bariatric Surgery / 中国医学科学院学报

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy characterized by simple operation and few postoperative complications have gradually become the two most commonly used surgical methods in clinical practice.A series of complications often occur after bariatric surgery,including gallstone disease,anemia,malnutrition,gastroesophageal reflux disease,kidney stones,and birth defects in offspring of women of childbearing age.There are controversies regarding the causes and countermeasures of these complications.This article mainly reviews the risk factors and countermeasures for the complications after bariatric surgery.

Associations of Oxalate Consumption and Some Individual Habits with the Risk of Kidney Stones / 中国医学科学杂志(英文版)

Kidney stone is a highly recurrent disease in the urinary tract system. Most kidney stones are calcium stones, usually consisting of either calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate. Supersaturation of soluble calcium, oxalate, phosphate, and citrate in the urine is the basis for calcium stone formation. Genetics, diet, low physical activity, and individual habits contribute to the formation of kidney stones. In this review, the associations of the risk of kidney stones with oxalate consumption and some individual habits, such as smoking, alcohol drinking, and opium consumption, are summarized.

Factors associated with complications after percutaneous nephrolithotomy: an analysis of 1,066 cases

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify predictive factors for complications after percutaneous nephrolithotomy. METHODS: We prospectively analyzed patients who underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy from June 2011 to October 2018. The association of preoperative and intraoperative factors with the presence of complications was assessed using univariate and multivariate analyses. The significance level was set at p<0.05. RESULTS: A total of 1,066 surgeries were evaluated, and the overall complication rate was 14.9%. In all, 105 (9.8%) surgeries were performed in the prone position, and 961 (90.2%) were performed in the supine position. Univariate analysis demonstrated that surgical position, upper pole puncture, surgical time, number of tracts, and Guys Stone Score were associated with complications. In multivariate analyses, prone position (odds ratio [OR] 2.10; p=0.003), surgical time ≥90 min (OR 1.76; p=0.014), upper pole puncture (OR 2.48; p<0.001), and Guys Stone Score 3 or 4 (OR 1.90; p=0.033) were independent predictive factors for complications after percutaneous nephrolithotomy. CONCLUSION: Performing percutaneous nephrolithotomy in the supine position, in under 90 min, and avoiding upper pole punctures may reduce complications during the treatment of large kidney stones.

Descripción de las características sociodemográficas y clínicas de pacientes con litiasis renal

Contexto: los cálculos renales son cúmulos o depósitos de minerales que se forman en los cálices, la pelvis renal o el tracto urinario. Objetivo: describir las características sociodemográficas y clínicas de una muestra de pacientes con litiasis renal, mayores de 18 años. Metodología: estudio observacional descriptivo de pacientes atendidos en una consulta ambulatoria de Nefrología en Manizales en el periodo 2010-2020, donde se contaba con estudios en sangre, orina de 24 horas y estudio fisicoquímico del cálculo, además de datos sociodemográficos y clínicos relacionados. Se fragmentaron en grupos, de acuerdo con los hallazgos encontrados en los cálculos disponibles, dividiéndose en oxalato de calcio en su totalidad, calcio mixto con otro compuesto y el último grupo de cálculo no calcio. Resultados: se identificaron 54 pacientes con nefrolitiasis, de los cuales 14 de ellos fueron excluidos. Finalmente, 40 pacientes cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión. La mediana de edad fue 52,5 años, predominio del sexo masculino (55 %), donde se encontró en 20,5 % hiperuricemia, hipercalcemia en 17,6 %, hiperfosfatemia en 5 % e hipercaliemia en 7,5 %. En orina se encontró: hipocitraturia en el 71,1 %, seguido de hipercalciuria (12,5 %), hiperuricosuria (10 %) e hiperoxaluria (5 %). En 17 de los pacientes (42,5 %) se logró el estudio de la composición fisicoquímica del cálculo, en ellos la variedad de calcio mixto fue la más frecuente (55,5 %). Conclusiones: este estudio describe las características de pacientes con cálculos renales, mostrando que la mayoría tiene alteraciones metabólicas asociadas a nefrolitiasis, siendo la hipocitraturia el hallazgo más frecuente y que la mayoría de los cálculos tiene calcio en su composición.

Background: Kidney stones are accumulations or mineral deposits that form in the calyces, renal pelvis, or urinary tract. Purpose: To describe the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of a sample of patients with kidney stones over 18 years of age. Methodology: Descriptive observational study. Patients treated in an outpatient nephrology and urology consultation in Manizales during the years 2010 to 2020, in which there were studies in blood, 24-hour urine, and a physicochemical study of the stone, as well as related sociodemographic and clinical data. They were divided into groups, according to the findings found in the available stones, dividing into calcium oxalate in its entirety, calcium mixed with another compound and the last group of non-calcium stone. Results: 54 patients with nephrolithiasis were identified, 14 of them were excluded. Finally, 40 patients met the inclusion criteria. Median age was 52.5 years, male predominance (55%), hyperuricemia was found in 20.5%, hypercalcemia in 17.6%, hyperphosphatemia in 5% and hyperkalemia in 7.5%. In urine, hypocitraturia was found in 71.1%, followed by hypercalciuria (12.5%), hyperuricosuria (10%), and hyperoxaluria (5%). In 17 patients (42.5%) there was a result of the physicochemical composition of the stone, in them the mixed calcium variety was the most frequent (55.5%). Conclusions: This study describes the characteristics of patients with kidney stones, showing that the majority have metabolic alterations associated with nephrolithiasis, hypocitraturia being the most frequent finding, and that most stones have calcium in their composition.

Thiazide and thiazide-like diuretics in nephrolithiasis / Diuréticos tiazídicos e tiazídicos-like na nefrolitíase

Abstract Thiazide and thiazide-like diuretics are widely used for the management of hypercalciuria among stone-forming patients. Although the effects of different thiazides should be relatively similar in terms of prevention of stone recurrence, their potency and side effects may differ. However, there is scarce data concerning the metabolic and bone effects of these agents among recurrent nephrolithiasis patients with hypercalciuria. The aim of this update article was to compare our experience in the use of thiazide and thiazide- like diuretics with that of the current literature, concerning their anticalciuric properties and consequent reduction of recurrent stone formation. Their impact on bone mass and potential side effects were also discussed.

Resumo Diuréticos tiazídicos e tiazídicos-like são amplamente usados para o tratamento da hipercalciúria em pacientes com formação de cálculos. Embora os efeitos dos diferentes tiazídicos devam ser relativamente semelhantes em termos de prevenção da recorrência do cálculo, sua potência e efeitos colaterais podem ser diferentes. No entanto, há poucos dados sobre os efeitos metabólicos e ósseos desses agentes em pacientes com nefrolitíase recorrente com hipercalciúria. O objetivo deste artigo de atualização foi comparar nossa experiência quanto ao uso de tiazídicos e tiazídicos-like com a publicada na literatura atual, no que diz respeito às suas propriedades anticalciúricas e consequente redução da formação de cálculos recorrentes. Discutimos também seu impacto na massa óssea e potenciais efeitos colaterais.

The Influence of Hydronephrosis with Different Degrees on Urodynamics of Renal Pelvis: A Model Study / 医用生物力学

Objective To study urodynamic changes of urine at different degrees of hydronephrosis based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method, so as evaluate the influence of hydronephrosis degree on kidneys’ ability to discharge stones. Methods Twelve models, including the branched pelvis Model A (normal hydronephrosis A1, mild hydronephrosis A2, medium hydronephrosis A3, severe hydronephrosis A4 models), mature ampullary pelvis Model B (normal hydronephrosis B1, mild hydronephrosis B2, medium hydronephrosis B3, severe hydronephrosis B4 models), and embryo pot abdominal pelvis Model C (normal hydronephrosis C1, mild hydronephrosis C2, medium hydronephrosis C3, severe hydronephrosis C4 models) were established. The urine flow velocity and velocity vector at the neck of the kidney, the outlet of the renal pelvis were calculated by CFD method. Results As the degree of hydronephrosis increased, the flow velocity of urine at the neck of the kidney and the outlet of the renal pelvis decreased. The urinary shearing force of the stones and the kidney’s ability to discharge stones gradually decreased, whereas the circulatory stagnation zone and the velocity boundary layer in kidney aggregate system gradually increased. Conclusions Hydronephrosis can cause changes in urodynamics of the urine. Therefore, the effect of hydronephrosis with different degrees on the patient’s ability to discharge stones after surgery should be fully considered， so as to choose an appropriate treatment method for kidney stones in clinic.

Comparison of the effect between virtual simulation operation and conventional operation for the treatment of kidney stones / 解剖学报

Objective To provide method for clinical teaching and research, for young doctors to quickly shorten the surgical learning time, a three-dimensional model of the kidney was reconstructed to simulate the effect of percutaneous nephrolithotripsy in virtual and conventional surgery. Methods A total of 30 patients with kidney stones treated in Liangxiang Hospital in Fangshan District of Beijing from December 2017 to February 2019 were randomly selected as the experimental group, while the control group was 30 normal subjects who underwent physical examination in same hospital during the same period. After collecting CT scan data of the two groups of patients, Mimics 16.0 was used. The software was used for image segmentation and fusion to reconstruct the three-dimensional model of the kidney. Observation indexes such as calix puncture, puncture point, puncture depth and channel selection were recorded in the virtual simulation operation. Total hospital stay, average operation time, average amount of blood loss, average postoperative hospital stay and incidence of postoperative complications were recorded. Results Virtual surgery simulation and the actual operation of the puncture point conformity degree was 100%. There was no significant difference of the average length of hospital stay between the two groups (P> 0.05). The average blood loss, the average length of hospital stay and postoperative complications between the two groups were statistically significant (P<0.05). The virtual simulation surgery average blood loss reduced, the average postoperative hospital stay shortened, and the incidence of symptoms decreased. Conclusion Virtual simulation surgery can realize individualized preoperative evaluation and surgical design of kidney stone patients, and provide accurate diagnosis and treatment basis for clinicians.

Litiasis renal en Costa Rica: bioquímica y epidemiología / Nephrolithiasis in Costa Rica: Biochemistry and Epidemiology

Resumen Objetivo: La litiasis renal es la tercera enfermedad urológica más común, siendo una causa considerable de morbilidad por la sintomatología que presenta. Aunque es conocida en otros países, incluyendo Latinoamérica, en el nuestro no disponemos de informes sobre la situación, razón por la cual este estudio pretende establecer la composición bioquímica diferencial de los cálculos renales más frecuentes, para así distinguir epidemiológicamente si existen variables entre las edades y sexo. Métodos: Se encontraron 291 casos de pacientes cuyas muestras fueron referidas al centro en el periodo de 1 octubre de 2015 al 30 de septiembre de 2017. Se realizaron descripciones de las variables clínico-biológicas, y comparaciones estadísticas entre la composición bioquímica de los cálculos renales y edades descritas, para encontrar diferencias entre sexos. Resultados: Hay una mayor prevalencia de litiasis renal en hombres (62 %), en comparación con las mujeres (38 %). La mediana de presentación de la litiasis renal fue de 45 años. Se presentó en la quinta década de edad en hombres y en la cuarta década de edad en mujeres. Los compuestos oxalato de calcio, carbonato de apatita, ácido úrico y estruvita fueron los más prevalentes en litiasis renal. Conclusión: La situación de la litiasis renal en Costa Rica fue similar a la descrita en otros países. Se observa un mayor rango etario en la distribución de la enfermedad en ambos sexos. La enfermedad en el país representa un problema multifactorial en el cual las comorbilidades y los factores dietarios propician la litiasis renal.

Summary Aim: Kidney stones are the third most common urological disease, after urinary infection and prostatic disease. It is a considerable cause of morbility due to the symptoms it presents, causing many consults to the health system. This disease is well known in other countries, including Latinoamerica, but in our country there is no information available about our statistics. This study pretends to stablish the frequency of differential and biochemical composition of kidney stones in our population and distinguish differences between age and gender. Methods: 291 cases whose kidney stones samples were referred to our center in the period from October first, 2015 to September 30th, 2017. Description of the clinical and biological variables was made, and statistical comparisons were made in terms of biochemical composition, gender and age to find differences. Results: There was a higher prevalence of kidney stones in men (62%) compared to women (38%). The median age of presentation of the disease was 45 years. It occurs in the fifth decade of life in 80 Acta méd costarric Vol 62 (2), abril-junio 2020men and the forth decade in women. The compounds calcium oxalate, apatite carbonate, uric acidand struvite were the most prevalent among the patients. Conclusion: The situation of renal lithiasis in Costa Rica is similar to that described in other countries. A greater age range was observed in the distribution of the disease in both sexes. The disease in the country represents a multifactorial problem in which comorbidities and dietary factors favor renal lithiasis.

Tubeless PCNL in Macrotract for Multiple and Staghorn Calculus with More Than One Tract- A Single Centre Experience and Literature Review..

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) has gradually become a preferred method of treatment modality for kidney stones in adults as well as in paediatric patients. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the outcomes and complications in patients having multiple and staghorn calculi and of different sizes, who underwent tubeless PCNL at a single, tertiary care hospital.METHODSA retrospective study was conducted at IGIMS, Patna from January 2017 to February 2018. Patients who underwent conventional PCNL with one or two access for single, multiple or staghorn calculus without nephrostomy tube were included in the study. Patients having solitary kidney with stones are excluded from this study. The primary outcomes of the study were haemoglobin, pain score, and duration of hospital stay.RESULTSA total of 96 patients underwent conventional PCNL with a mean age of 34 years and male:female ratio of 1.3:1. Majority of the patients had a single stone (n=54) followed by 28 patients with multiple stones. Medical comorbidities including hypertension, diabetes mellitus and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were observed in patients of single (n=8), multiple (n=3) and staghorn (n=2) groups, respectively. Postoperative complications such as haematuria and pleural effusion were developed by the patients. Seventy-six patients were treated with single-tract and 20 by double tract PCNL.CONCLUSIONSPCNL is safe and efficient with limited post-operative complications. The number of residual stones were nil in single stone group while in multiple and staghorn groups insignificant number of renal stones was seen.

Balloon dilatation combined with pneumatic and ultrasound lithotripsy in the treatment of unilateral renal stones by percutaneous nephrolithotomy / 上海交通大学学报（医学版）

Objective: To investigate the application effect of balloon dilatation and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) combined with pneumatic and ultrasound lithotripsy on the clinical treatment of unilateral kidney stones. Methods: Ninety-four patients with unilateral kidney stones who accepted PCNL in the Department of Urology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from June 2017 to July 2019, were retrospectively analyzed and divided into group A and group B. Among them, 68 patients (group A) were subjected to balloon dilatation combined with pneumatic and ultrasound lithotripsy, while 26 patients (group B) underwent fascia dilatation combined with holmium laser lithotripsy. The clinical effects of two kinds of lithotripsy on the treatment of unilateral kidney stones were compared. Results: The operation time was shorter in group A than that in group B [(107.82±10.87) min vs (115.41±10.68) min, P=0.003]. The increase rate of postoperative white blood cell (WBC) was lower in group A than that in group B (4.41% vs 23.08%, P=0.018). The fever ( ≥ 38.5 ℃ ) rate was lower in group A than that in group B (4.41% vs 23.08%, P=0.018). There were no significant differences in hemoglobin reduction, WBC count, hospital stay, stone-free rate, blood transfusion rate and perforation rate of collection system between the two groups (all P>0.05). Conclusion: Balloon dilatation combined with pneumatic and ultrasound lithotripsy in treatment of unilateral renal stones by PCNL can shorten the operation time, and reduce the increase rate of postoperative WBC and fever rate, which is worthy of being promoted in the clinical treatment of patients with unilateral kidney stones.

Anatomical etiology and clinical significance of three-dimensional digital measurement of kidney stones / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: There are many causes of kidney stones, but there is no clear answer to whether kidney anatomy and morphology studies affect the generation of stones. OBJECTIVE: To reconstruct a three-dimensional model of the kidney and to measure and analyze anatomical data related to the etiology of kidney stones. METHODS: Thirty patients with kidney stones treated at Liangxiang Hospital in Fangshan District, Beijing from December 2017 to February 2019 were randomly selected as the study group, and the control group was 30 normal people who underwent physical examination during the same period. After collecting renal CT scan data from two groups of patients, the three-dimensional model of the kidney was reconstructed by image segmentation and fusion using Mimics 16.0. The length and width of the kidney, the length and width of the renal sinus, diameter of the junction between the renal pelvis and ureter, the distance from the upper edge of the kidney to the longitudinal line of the spinous process, the distance from the lower edge of the kidney to the longitudinal line of the spinous process, and the distance from the hilum to the longitudinal line of the spinous process. Multi-parameter Logistic regression analysis was performed on kidney anatomy parameters of patients with kidney stones. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: There were no significant differences in the three-dimensional digital measurement results between patients with kidney stones and healthy people in the following aspects: the length and width of the kidney, length and width of the renal sinus, diameter of the junction between the renal pelvis and ureter, distance from the upper edge of the kidney to the longitudinal line of the spinous process, distance from the lower edge of the kidney to the longitudinal line of the spinous process, and distance from the hilum to the longitudinal line of the spinous process (P > 0.05). Multi-parameter Logistic regression analysis results of the kidney of patients with kidney stones indicated that there was no significant correlation among the length and width of the kidney, length and width of the renal sinus, diameter of the junction between the renal pelvis and ureter, distance from the upper edge of the kidney to the longitudinal line of the spinous process, distance from the lower edge of the kidney to the longitudinal line of the spinous process, and distance from the hilum to the longitudinal line of the spinous process (P > 0.05). These findings reveal that the difference in kidney morphology has nothing to do with the formation of stones.

Long-term analysis of safety and efficacy of standard percutaneous nephrolithotomy in patients with solitary kidneys / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in the treatment of patients with solitary kidney stones.@*METHODS@#The clinical data of 22 patients with solitary kidney stones treated with PCNL in Peking University People's Hospital from September 2008 to June 2014, with the follow-up data of more than 5 years were analyzed retrospectively. Perioperative indicators, postoperative stone free rate (SFR) and incidence of complications were recorded. Ultrasonography was used to evaluate the long-term stones recurrence rate. Serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were used to assess the long-term renal function.@*RESULTS@#In this group of 22 patients, the average age was (50.3±11.8) years, with 10 cases of anatomic solitary kidneys, 12 functional solitary kidneys, and the median stone diameter was 1.65 (1.1-3.9) cm. All the patients had multiple stones, including 7 cases of staghorn stones. The median pre-operative serum creatinine was 104.5 (60.0-460.0) μmol/L, and the mean eGFR was (60.3±29.4) mL/min, showing no statistically significant difference compared with that before surgery. The mean operative time was (88.2±42.0) min, and there were 11 cases of single-channel and double-channel PCNL. The median serum creatinine on the first day after surgery was 102.0 (63.0-364.0) μmol/L, and the mean eGFR was (58.0±25.1) mL/min. The mean postoperative hospital stay was (8.7±5.2) days. In this group, 5 patients (22.7%) presented short-term complications, among which 4 patients presented postoperative infection and massive hemorrhage at the same time, which improved after conservative treatment, and 1 patient presented pleural injury and improved after closed thoracic drainage. Two patients (9.1%) developed long-term complications, and ureteral stricture occurred 3 months after operation, which improved after balloon dilatation. The median follow-up time was 6.2 (4.7-11.1) years. The median serum creatinine at the last follow-up was 104.0 (72.4-377.0) μmol/L, and the mean eGFR was (60.1±23.7) mL/min, showing no statistically significant difference compared with that before surgery. Renal function decreased in 6 patients (27.3%). Initial and final SFR were 72.7% and 100%, respectively. During the 6.2-year follow-up, 9 patients (40.9%) experienced recurrence of kidney stone. After stone recurrence, 13 lithotomy surgeries were performed, and the SFR by the latest follow-up was 63.6%.@*CONCLUSION@#This study had the longest follow-up time for patients with solitary kidney stones after PCNL reported at home and abroad. Ultrasound-guided standard PCNL was safe and effective in the treatment of solitary kidney stones. Long-term follow-up results showed that the recurrence rate of kidney stones was still high, but the long-term renal function was stable after operation, and some patients showed mild renal function decline.

Research advance in Randall plaque of kindey stone / 中南大学学报(医学版)

Urinary calculi are characterized by high incidence and recurrence rate, which is a challenge in urology. The theory of Randall plaque is widely recognized by scholars. The mechanism of Randall plaque formation includes vascular calcification, osteogenic transformation and so on. However, it still lacks a unified theory for the Randall plaque formation. As an important type of non-coding RNA, long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) is closely related to the occurrence and progress of many diseases. The difference in lncRNA expression between the renal papillary tissues of non-calculous patients and the renal papillary tissues of Randall plaque in renal calculous patients suggests that lncRNA may be involved in the formation of Randall plaque. Pseudoxanthoma elasticum is a rare autosomal recessive hereditary disease, caused by a mutation in the ABCC6 gene. Patients with pseudoxanthoma elasticum have a high prevalence of calculi, and plaque formation is observed in the patient's kidney, which may suggest that mutation in the ABCC6 gene might be involved in the formation of Randall plaque.

Effective Treatment for Kidney Stone with Local Plants from Aadilabad Telangana State, India

Aim: We aim to treat the poor and downtrodden tribal people of Adilabad district of Telangana State, South India, who are suffering from kidney stones, with locally available plants and with any side effects also without financial burden on them. Design of the study: Identifying the infected people with kidney stones based on the lab reports, explaining about our treatment, educating them, counseling them, treatment and precautionary measures. Place and Duration of Study: Adilabad district, Telangana State, South India. Duration of study is for two years that is 2018 to 2019. Methodology: We have identified around 24 patients (male and female) suffering from kidney stone ailment, but we have presented only six patients details in table form. Treatment is with locally available plants for two days, the results were very much success. Results: After our treatment the kidney stones, though they are large in size they dissolved and were passed through the urinary tract. Conclusions: Our treatment is pure with plants without any side effects and free of cost. The patients were very much satisfied with our treatment.

Factores predictores del estado libre de cálculos en la primera ureteroscopia flexible con litotricia láser / Predictors of stone-free status in the first flexible ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy

Resumen Introducción: La ureteroscopia flexible con litotricia láser (URSLL) es una modalidad mínimamente invasiva de tratamiento quirúrgico de cálculos renales. La selección inadecuada de pacientes para este procedimiento genera un desbalance de costo-efectividad. Objetivo: Conocer los factores predictores de estado libre de litos en un solo tiempo quirúrgico en pacientes sometidos a URSLL. Método: Cohorte retrospectiva de pacientes sometidos a URSLL. Se realizó un análisis univariado y multivariado (regresión logística) de los predictores de estado libre de cálculos en la primera URSLL, global y categorizado por sexo. Resultados: EL estado libre de cálculos en la primera URSLL fue de 73.62 %. Los predictores de estado libre de cálculos en hombres fueron edad y tamaño, densidad y multiplicidad del cálculo; en las mujeres, el índice de masa corporal y la multiplicidad del cálculo. Conclusiones: Los factores pronósticos de estado libre de cálculos en la primera URSLL son distintos en hombres y mujeres. Las mujeres con obesidad y sobrepeso probablemente tengan cálculos de fácil fragmentación y extracción asociados con ácido úrico.

Abstract Introduction: Flexible ureteroscopy and laser fragmentation (FURSL) is a minimally invasive modality for surgical treatment of renal stones. Inadequate selection of patients for this treatment generates a cost-effectiveness unbalance. Objective: To know the stone-free rate predictors in a single surgical time in patients undergoing FURSL. Method: Retrospective cohort of patients undergoing FURSL. Global and gender-categorized univariate and multivariate (logistic regression) analyses were performed to identify stone-free predictors at first FURSL. Results: Stone-free rate at first FURSL was 73.62%. Predictors in males were patient age and stone size, density and multiplicity; in females, body mass index and multiplicity of stones. Conclusions: Stone-free rate predictors at first FURSL are different in males and females. Women with overweight and obesity probably have easy-to-fragment and easy-to-extract stones associated with uric acid.