Establishing initial resting abdominal pressure in children undergoing urodynamics.

INTRODUCTION: The International Continence Society recommends zeroing of transducers to the atmospheric pressure for invasive urodynamics. The range of abdominal pressure relative to atmospheric pressure is well-known in adults but has not been described in children. This prospective observational study was carried out to establish baseline abdominal in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective, multicenter, observational study of 100 children aged 0-18 years undergoing invasive urodynamics using water-filled systems. Initial resting abdominal pressure, intravesical pressure and detrusor pressure were recorded in supine, sitting, and standing position (as age- and diagnosis-appropriate). This data was analyzed using SPSS 20.0.0 with regard to age, gender, height, weight, body mass index, and underlying diagnosis (classified as neurogenic or non-neurogenic). Nonparametric tests were used (2-sided p < 0.05, significant). RESULTS: Initial resting abdominal pressure (inter-quartile range) in children was between 5 and 15 cmH2 O in the supine, 13-20 cmH2 O in the sitting, and 15-21 cmH2 O in the standing position. These pressures were not consistently influenced by age, gender, height, weight or underlying diagnosis. The initial resting detrusor pressure was noted to be 0-4 cmH2 O without any difference based on posture. Limitations include use of two-tube technique, relatively small number of subjects across each age group, wide range of underlying diagnoses and need for manual smoothing of some traces. CONCLUSION: This study defines initial resting abdominal pressure at urodynamics in children and notes that, as with adults, it is possible to define widely applicable ranges regardless of individual characteristics. These pressures appear lower than those noted historically in adults.

Can urodynamic diagnosis of dysfunctional voiding/external sphincter nonrelaxation be made on two-channel pressure-flow study without video-urodynamics, electromyography, or urethral pressure profilometry? Plateau detrusor pattern in perspective.

AIMS: urodynamic diagnosis of dysfunctional voiding/external-sphincter nonrelaxation (DV/EUSD) needs assistance of specialized testing namely urethral pressure profilometry (UPP), electromyography (EMG), and/or videofluoroscopy (VUDS). We aimed to find a predictive model based on standard pressure-flow study without need for specialized testing. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this retrospective study (2017-2021), clinical and urodynamic data of adult men and women presenting with voiding dysfunction was collected. Mandatory inclusion criteria were availability of all-(1) findings of clinical examination and neurological status, (2) a valid filling cystometry and pressure-flow study (with active detrusor contraction), (3) a final clinic-urodynamic diagnosis. Voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) was performed to confirm the location of obstruction. RESULTS: Data of 218 participants (178♂, 40♀) was eligible. Plateau detrusor contraction pattern was observed in 89.0% of men and 86% of women with DV/EUSD; whereas only 7.5% men and no women with other obstructions demonstrated this pattern. Forward likelihood Logistic regression analysis revealed presence of plateau pattern, lower bladder outlet obstruction index (BOOI), and smaller difference between Pdetmax and PdetQmax highly predictive of presence of DV/EUSD in men as per the following equation-Y = -9.900 + (0.085 × BOOI) + (0.123 × pdetmax - pdetQmax) + (4.061 × detrusor pattern). A kattan-type nomogram was constructed based on the above equation. In women, presence of plateau pattern alone was highly predictive of DV/EUSD. CONCLUSION: Diagnosis of DV/EUSD can be accurately predicted using parameters of three-channel urodynamics (plateau pattern, BOOI, Pdetmax-pdetQmax) minimizing need for specialized testing.

Phosphodiesterase inhibitors for lower urinary tract symptoms consistent with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of phosphodiesterase inhibitors (PDEI) compared to placebo and other standard of care drugs i.e alpha blockers (AB) and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5-ARI) in men with LUTS consistent with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). METHODS: We conducted a systematic search of the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and clinical trials registries of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) (updated 2 August 2018). Citation tracking and hand-searching of abstracts and conference proceedings was done. We also attempted to contact the study authors in case additional information was needed. Randomised controlled trials (RCT) comparing PDEI versus placebo, AB, or 5-ARI used for at least four weeks in men with BPH-LUTS were included. Three review authors independently screened the literature and extracted data. Primary outcomes were effects on urinary symptoms as assessed by the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS-total; score ranging from 0 to 35, with higher values reflecting more symptoms), urinary bother as assessed by the Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Impact Index (BPHII; score ranging from 0 to 13, with higher values reflecting more bother), and adverse events (AE). We used GRADE to rate the quality of evidence. We considered short-term (up to 12 weeks) and long-term (12 weeks or longer) results separately. RESULTS: We included a total of 16 randomised trials in this review. Primary outcomes: PDEI versus placebo: PDEI may result in a small improvement in IPSS-total score (mean difference (MD) 1.89 lower, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.27 lower to 1.50 lower; n = 4293; low-quality evidence) compared to placebo, and may reduce the BPHII score slightly (MD 0.52 lower, 95% CI 0.71 lower to 0.33 lower; n = 3646; low-quality evidence). Rates of AEs may be increased (risk ratio (RR) 1.42, 95% CI 1.21 to 1.67; n = 4386; low-quality evidence). This corresponds to 95 more AEs per 1000 participants (95% CI 47 more to 151 more per 1000). Study results were limited to a treatment duration of six to 12 weeks. PDEI versus AB: PDEI and AB probably provide similar improvement in IPSS-total score (MD 0.22 higher, 95% CI 0.49 lower to 0.93 higher; n = 933; moderate-quality evidence) and may have a similar effect on BPHII score (MD 0.03 higher, 95% CI 1.10 lower to 1.16 higher; n = 550; low-quality evidence) and AE (RR 1.35, 95% CI 0.80 to 2.30; n = 936; low-quality evidence). This corresponds to 71 more AEs per 1000 participants (95% CI 41 fewer to 264 more per 1000). Study results were limited to a treatment duration of six to 12 weeks. PDEI and AB versus AB : The combination of PDEI and AB may provide a small improvement in IPSS-total score (MD 2.56 lower, 95% CI 3.92 lower to 1.19 lower; n = 193; low-quality evidence) compared to AB alone. We found no evidence for BPHII scores. AE may be increased (RR 2.81, 95% CI 1.53 to 5.17; n = 194; moderate-quality evidence). This corresponds to 235 more AE per 1000 participants (95% CI 69 more to 542 more per 1000). Study results were limited to treatment duration of four to 12 weeks. PDEI and AB versus PDEI alone: The combination of PDEI and AB may provide a small improvement in IPSS-total (MD 2.4 lower, 95% CI 6.47 lower to 1.67 higher; n = 40; low-quality evidence) compared to PDEI alone. We found no data on BPHII or AE. Study results were limited to a treatment duration of four weeks. PDEI and 5-ARI versus 5-ARI alone: in the short term (up to 12 weeks), the combination of PDEI and 5-ARI probably results in a small improvement in IPSS-total score (MD 1.40 lower, 95% CI 2.24 lower to 0.56 lower; n = 695; moderate-quality evidence) compared to 5-ARI alone. We found no evidence on BPHII scores or AE. In the long term (13 to 26 weeks), the combination of PDEI and 5-ARI likely results in a small reduction in IPSS-total score (MD 1.00 less, 95% CI 1.83 lower to 0.17 lower; n = 695; moderate-quality evidence). We found no evidence about effects on BPHII scores. There may be no difference in rates of AE (RR 1.07, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.36; n = 695; low-quality evidence). This corresponds to 19 more AE per 1000 participants (95% CI 43 fewer to 98 more per 1000). We found no trials comparing other combinations of treatments or comparing different PDEI for BPH-LUTS. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to placebo, PDEI likely leads to a small reduction in IPSS-total and BPHII sores, with a possible increase in AE. There may be no differences between PDEI and AB with regards to improvement in IPSS-total, BPHII, and incidence of AE. There appears to be no added benefit of PDEI combined with AB compared to PDEI or AB or PDEI combined with 5-ARI compared to ARI with regards to urinary symptoms. Most evidence was limited to short-term treatment up to 12 weeks and of moderate or low certainty.

Phosphodiesterase inhibitors for lower urinary tract symptoms consistent with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

BACKGROUND: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) refers to non-malignant enlargement of the prostate gland that may cause bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Alpha-blockers (ABs) and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs) are the mainstay of medical treatment. Recently, phosphodiesterase inhibitors (PDEIs) that so far have been used mainly to treat erectile dysfunction were introduced to treat male LUTS. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of PDEIs compared to placebo and other standard of care drugs (ABs and 5-ARIs) in men with LUTS consistent with BPH. SEARCH METHODS: We conducted a systematic search of the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and clinical trials registries of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) (updated 2 August 2018). We performed citation tracking and handsearching of abstracts and conference proceedings. We also contacted study authors to ask for additional information. SELECTION CRITERIA: We considered for inclusion in this systematic review randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing PDEIs versus placebo, ABs, or 5-ARIs for at least four weeks in men with BPH-LUTS. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Three review authors independently screened the literature and extracted data. Primary outcomes were effects on urinary symptoms as assessed by the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS-total; score ranging from 0 to 35, with higher values reflecting more symptoms), urinary bother as assessed by the Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Impact Index (BPHII; score ranging from 0 to 13, with higher values reflecting more bother), and adverse events (AEs). We used GRADE to rate the quality of evidence. We considered short-term (up to 12 weeks) and long-term (12 weeks or longer) results separately. MAIN RESULTS: We included a total of 16 randomised trials in this review. The results for primary outcomes are as follows.PDEI versus placebo: PDEIs may result in a small improvement in IPSS-total score (mean difference (MD) 1.89 lower, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.27 lower to 1.50 lower; n = 4293; low-quality evidence) compared to placebo, and may reduce the BPHII score slightly (MD 0.52 lower, 95% CI 0.71 lower to 0.33 lower; n = 3646; low-quality evidence). Rates of AEs may be increased (risk ratio (RR) 1.42, 95% CI 1.21 to 1.67; n = 4386; low-quality evidence). This corresponds to 95 more AEs per 1000 participants (95% CI 47 more to 151 more per 1000). Study results were limited to a treatment duration of six to 12 weeks.PDEI versus AB: PDEIs and ABs probably provide similar improvement in IPSS-total score (MD 0.22 higher, 95% CI 0.49 lower to 0.93 higher; n = 933; moderate-quality evidence) and may have a similar effect on BPHII score (MD 0.03 higher, 95% CI 1.10 lower to 1.16 higher; n = 550; low-quality evidence) and AEs (RR 1.35, 95% CI 0.80 to 2.30; n = 936; low-quality evidence). This corresponds to 71 more AEs per 1000 participants (95% CI 41 fewer to 264 more per 1000). Study results were limited to a treatment duration of six to 12 weeks.PDEI and AB versus AB alone: the combination of PDEI and AB may provide a small improvement in IPSS-total score (MD 2.56 lower, 95% CI 3.92 lower to 1.19 lower; n = 193; low-quality evidence) compared to AB alone. We found no evidence for BPHII scores. AEs may be increased (RR 2.81, 95% CI 1.53 to 5.17; n = 194; moderate-quality evidence). This corresponds to 235 more AEs per 1000 participants (95% CI 69 more to 542 more per 1000). Study results were limited to treatment duration of four to 12 weeks.PDEI and AB versus PDEI alone: the combination of PDEI and AB may provide a small improvement in IPSS-total (MD 2.4 lower, 95% CI 6.47 lower to 1.67 higher; n = 40; low-quality evidence) compared to PDEI alone. We found no data on BPHII or AEs. Study results were limited to a treatment duration of four weeks.PDEI and 5-ARI versus 5-ARI alone: in the short term (up to 12 weeks), the combination of PDEI and 5-ARI probably results in a small improvement in IPSS-total score (MD 1.40 lower, 95% CI 2.24 lower to 0.56 lower; n = 695; moderate-quality evidence) compared to 5-ARI alone. We found no evidence on BPHII scores or AEs. In the long term (13 to 26 weeks), the combination of PDEI and 5-ARI likely results in a small reduction in IPSS-total score (MD 1.00 less, 95% CI 1.83 lower to 0.17 lower; n = 695; moderate-quality evidence). We found no evidence about effects on BPHII scores. There may be no difference in rates of AEs (RR 1.07, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.36; n = 695; low-quality evidence). This corresponds to 19 more AEs per 1000 participants (95% CI 43 fewer to 98 more per 1000).We found no trials comparing other combinations of treatments or comparing different PDEI agents. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Compared to placebo, PDEI likely leads to a small reduction in IPSS-total and BPHII sores, with a possible increase in AEs. There may be no differences between PDEI and AB with regards to improvement in IPSS-total, BPHII, and incidence of AEs. There appears to be no added benefit of PDEI combined with AB compared to PDEI or AB alone or PDEI combined with 5-ARI compared to ARI alone with regards to urinary symptoms. Most evidence was limited to short-term treatment up to 12 weeks and of moderate or low certainty.

Dynamic computed tomography and Doppler findings in different subtypes of renal cell carcinoma with their histopathological correlation.

BACKGROUND: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is by far the most common soft-tissue mass and accounts for 85% of all malignant masses of the kidney. Histopathological subtype has clinical implications in the form of prognosis and response to various newer and adjuvant treatment strategies. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the morphology and enhancement patterns of different subtypes of RCC and correlate them with their histopathological subtypes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group comprised of 20 consecutive patients of RCC. The patients were evaluated with multi-detector-row computed tomography (MDCT) and Doppler ultrasound prior to surgery and findings compared with histopathological subtypes of tumor. RESULTS: RCC was confirmed on histopathology. Out of 20 patients with RCC, 14 were finally diagnosed as clear cell, 4 chromophobe and 2 as papillary subtypes of RCC. None of clear-cell type showed homogenous enhancement. The mean attenuation in corticomedullary phase (CMP) and nephrographic phase (NP) for clear cell and chromophobe subtype was higher than papillary subtype, i.e. 116.1 ± 27 HU and 91.9 ± 21 HU for clear cell, 103 ± 22.4 HU and 96.2 ± 9.2 HU for chromophobe subtype and 78.5 ± 12.4 HU and 73.3 ± 12.2 HU for papillary subtype respectively. On Doppler US evaluation, non-clear-cell subtypes, which showed heterogenous enhancement on MDCT showed less color flow and peak systolic velocity (PSV). The difference in PSV and Doppler shift frequency values between clear-cell carcinoma and chromophobe subtypes were statistically significant (P = 0.003).

Short-Term Functional and Urodynamic Outcome of W-ileal Orthotopic Neobladder with Serosa-Lined Tunneled Uretero-Ileal Anastomosis.

OBJECTIVES: Functional and urodynamic (UDS) outcomes of W-configured ileal orthotopic neobladder (ONB) with extramural serosa-lined tunnel uretero-ileal anastomosis are presented METHODS: Consecutive 17 patients undergoing ONB during December 2009 to March 2011 were enrolled. Of these 15 men (bladder cancer 14, tuberculosis 1) with mean age 52.7 ± 11.3 years completed the follow-up. Pouch-related quality of life (PQOL) was assessed using a published questionnaire. Uroflowmetry, cystometry/cystography and urethral-pressure profilometry were done at two follow-up visits at least 3 months apart. Mean follow up 10 ± 5 months. Mean length of harvested ileum 48 ± 6 cm. RESULTS: Overall PQOL were similar at both evaluations (55 ± 11 and 54 ± 15, respectively). During first and second follow-up, maximum flow-rate, voided-volume and post-void residual urine were 11 ± 4 mL/sec, 246 ± 99 mL and 68 ± 74.9 mL and 10.4 ± 4.6 mL/sec, 234 ± 138 mL and 86 ± 146 mL, respectively. Mean neobladder capacity, compliance, maximum urethral closure-pressure (MUCP) and functional urethral length were 484 ± 244 mL, 50.5 ± 49.1 mL/cmH2 O, 42 ±20 cmH2 O and 22 ± 12 mm, and 468 ± 250 mL, 46.4 ± 47.5 mL/cmH2 O, 52 ± 27cmH2 O and 23 ± 12 mm, respectively. Patients with smaller pouch (r = 0.828; P = 0.0001), longer urethral length (r = -0.392; P = 0.023) and lesser incontinence (r = 0.429; P = 0.011) had significantly better PQOL. With continued supervised pelvic-floor rehabilitation, a trend in improvement in hesitancy (P = 0.058), MUCP (P = 0.05) and bothersome incontinence (P = NS) was observed. None of the patients had any obstruction or reflux of the upper tracts. CONCLUSION: The index ONB has reasonable storage and voiding characteristics but with a rider of nocturnal urinary incontinence.

Unexplained occurrence of multiple de novo pseudoaneurysms in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing angioembolization for bleeding following percutaneous renal intervention: Are we dealing with infection or vasculitis?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are more prone for bleeding following percutaneous renal intervention, as compared to those with normal renal function. Causes are multi-factorial. Finding multiple aneurysms away from the site of renal intervention following initial angioembolization for hemorrhage is very unusual in these patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical and radiological findings of all the patients who underwent renal angiography for post-intervention bleed for a period of 5 years were reviewed and analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 29 patients required angiography for post-intervention hemorrhage. Six patients had recurrence of hemorrhage for which they underwent repeat angiography. Four of these patients had appearance of multiple new aneurysms away from the site of percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN)/percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) puncture and the site of previous bleeding. All the patients had CKD (creatinine >2.5 mg/dl). They were on prolonged preoperative urinary diversion and had polymicrobial urinary infection. Three patients had candiduria. None of these patients had re-bleeding after repeat embolization and treatment with antibacterial and antifungal agents. CONCLUSIONS: Development of multiple aneurysms away from the sites of punctures in patients with CKD following percutaneous intervention is very unusual. Its causation including infection with bacteria and fungus, reaction of embolizing material, and angiopathy needs to be explored.

Status of oxidative stress in patients with renal cell carcinoma.

PURPOSE: Although oxidative stress is implicated in renal cell carcinoma pathogenesis, to our knowledge changes in oxidative stress parameters in patients who undergo surgery for renal cell carcinoma have not been studied previously. We investigated the status of oxidative stress in patients with renal cell carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide and glutathione were measured in the blood of 68 patients with renal tumor and in 30 age matched normal controls. Levels were measured again 1 week, and 1 and 2 months postoperatively in patients who underwent surgery for renal cell carcinoma. Levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase and lipid peroxidation were measured in tumor tissue and in normal renal parenchyma in 51 patients with renal tumor. RESULTS: Significantly increased reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide, and decreased glutathione were observed in patients with renal cell carcinoma compared to normal subjects and in patients with benign tumors. Superoxide dismutase and lipid peroxidation were increased and catalase was decreased in tumor tissue compared to normal renal tissue. Oxidative stress correlated with renal cell carcinoma grade and stage but decreased after curative resection. Patients with metastatic disease had persistently increased oxidative stress parameters. Antioxidant enzyme levels in benign tumor tissue were significantly higher than in renal cell carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with renal cell carcinoma have increased oxidative stress, which is effectively alleviated by curative resection. In patients with benign tumors antioxidant defense mechanisms maintain normal redox status.

Unusual cause of failure of end-to-end anastomotic urethroplasty for traumatic obliterative bulbar urethral stricture.

End-to-end anastomotic urethroplasty (EEA) for traumatic bulbar urethral stricture has excellent long-term success rate. We encountered a patient with obliterative bulbar stricture and persistent phlegmon in perineum resulting from straddle injury. Phlegmon-excision and EEA was performed, which ended up in recurrence. Thorough excision of recurrent nodules & scar with stage-I urethroplasty was performed using 'scrotal shutter flap'. Histopathology of phlegmon of first surgery and nodules & urethral margins of second revealed amyloidosis. Stage-II urethroplasty was performed 3-months later after which he is well at 24 months follow-up. This is the first case of perineal-urethral amyloid associated with trauma. Etiology is elusive.

Are urine flow-volume nomograms developed on Caucasian men optimally applicable for Indian men? Need for appraisal of flow-volume relations in local population.

INTRODUCTION: Flow-volume nomograms and volume-corrected flow-rates (cQ) are tools to correct uroflow rates (Q) with varied voided volumes (VV) of urine. We investigated the applicability of the available nomograms in our local population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Raw data of our previous study on variation in Q with voiding position (standing, sitting, and squatting) in healthy adult men was reanalyzed. Additionally, the departmental urodynamic database of the last four years was searched for uroflow data of men with voiding symptoms (International Prostatic Symptom Score (IPSS) > 7 and global quality of life score >2). These results were projected on the Liverpool and Siroky nomograms for men. The Q-VV relations were statistically analyzed using curve-estimation regression method to examine the current definition of corrected maximum flow rate (Qmax). RESULTS: We found a cubic relation between Q and VV; based on this we developed novel equation for cQ [cQ=Q/(VV)(1/3)] and novel confidence-limit flow-volume nomograms. The imaginary 16(th) percentile line of Liverpool nomogram, -1 standard-deviation line of Siroky nomogram and lower 68% confidence-limit line of our nomogram had sensitivity of 96.2%, 100% and 89.3%, and specificity of 75.3% 69.3% and 86.0%, respectively for Qmax-VV relations. Corresponding values for average flow rate (Qave)-volume relations were 96.2%, 100% and 94.6%, and 75.2%, 50.4% and 86.0%, respectively. The area under curve of the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve for cQmax and cQave was 0.954 and 0.965, respectively, suggesting significantly higher discriminatory power than chance (P = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Flow-volume nomograms developed on Caucasian population may not be optimally applicable to the Indian population. We introduce flow-volume nomograms and cQ, which have high sensitivity and specificity.

Surgicel granuloma: unusual cause of "recurrent" mass lesion after laparoscopic nephron-sparing surgery for renal cell carcinoma.

We present the first clinical report of Surgicel granuloma after laparoscopic nephron-sparing surgery and present the characteristics of this radiological image mimicking local recurrence. A 47-year-old man underwent laparoscopic nephron-sparing surgery for left renal interpolar incidentaloma; Surgicel bolsters were used for hemostasis. Histological examination revealed conventional clear-cell renal cell carcinoma with negative surgical margins. Magnetic resonance imaging at 3 months revealed a 2.5-cm enhancing mass in the region of nephron-sparing surgery. Computed tomography-guided core biopsy revealed foreign-body granuloma. Serial magnetic resonance imaging showed a decrease in the size/enhancement of the lesion during 12 months. To conclude, Surgicel may invoke foreign-body reaction leading to formation of pseudotumor, which leads to diagnostic dilemma.

Plasma chromogranin A: clinical implications in patients with castrate resistant prostate cancer receiving docetaxel chemotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: Development of castrate resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) indicates progressive disease with poor survival. Docetaxel has variable response with a good proportion of nonresponders. Neuroendocrine differentiation, hypothesised as one of the mechanisms behind development of CRPC, can be assessed by plasma Chromogranin A (CgA). We evaluated the clinical importance of circulating CgA in CRPC patients receiving Docetaxel. METHODS: Plasma CgA was assessed by ELISA in 14 patients with CRPC receiving 3-weekly docetaxel. Baseline PSA, baseline CgA, PSA response, CgA response and clinical response to chemotherapy were evaluated and analysed. RESULTS: Increased plasma CgA was observed in 64.3% of patients. There was no correlation between baseline CgA and PSA. Two patients with PSA < 10 ng/ml had elevated CgA. Baseline CgA was not influenced by variables such as site of metastasis and time to develop CRPC status. Seven patients (50%) had PSA-response and 5 (36%) CgA-response. In 4 patients PSA response and CgA response were discordant. Compared to men with normal baseline CgA, a higher proportion of those with elevated baseline CgA had PSA response (55% vs 40%), symptomatic response (66% vs 40%) and radiological response (55% vs 20%). Two patients with symptomatic response had only CgA response. Three patients having disease progression despite PSA response had increasing CgA. CONCLUSIONS: CgA and PSA are complementary tumour markers in CRPC. CgA may help in predicting the response of docetaxel therapy. Rising CgA during therapy may be associated with bad prognosis whereas CgA response is likely to be associated with clinical response.

A novel technique of intracorporeal excisional tailoring of megaureter before laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation.

OBJECTIVES: To present our initial results of a novel technique of intracorporeal laparoscopic tailoring of megaureter (MGU) and nonrefluxing reimplantation. METHODS: Three young male patients presented with flank pain (3) and recurrent urinary tract infection (2). Investigations revealed refluxing MGU in 2 and obstructing MGU in 1. Laparoscopic tailoring and reimplantation was planned. Ureteral mobilization was carried out using a standard 3-port access. An additional 5 mm port was inserted under vision for "dynamic" traction on ureter using a vessel loop without disconnecting the ureter from hiatus. This maneuver led to a fixed anatomic orientation and a firm platform of ureter greatly facilitating excisional tailoring and resuturing. After this, a ureteral stent was inserted through one of the laparoscopic ports and reimplantation of ureter was carried out in nonrefluxing fashion using extravesical, suprahiatal technique. RESULTS: No immediate postoperative complications were observed. Stents were removed 6 weeks after surgery. Pain resolved in 2 and greatly improved in 1. None of the patients developed urinary tract infection during follow up. Follow up studies revealed complete resolution of reflux in 1 patient with grade V reflux and residual minimally symptomatic high-pressure (voiding) grade II reflux in another. Patient with obstructive MGU has grade I asymptomatic reflux. CONCLUSIONS: Our technique of intracorporeal laparoscopic excisional tailoring of MGU is feasible and reproducible.

Acute pyelonephritis with renal vein and inferior vena cava thrombosis in a case of hyperhomocysteinemia.

Acute pyelonephritis is not considered a common cause of renal vein (RVT) and inferior vena caval thrombosis (IVCT). Apart from malignancy, RVT is not an uncommon condition amongst patients with nephrotic syndrome, most commonly seen in patients with membranous glomerulonephritis. However, RVT occurring in association to acute pyelonephritis is rare. Clinically, it is difficult to distinguish between acute pyelonephritis and RVT because both present with fever, flank pain, and hematuria. We report a case of acute pyelonephritis with RVT and IVCT with underlying hyperhomocysteinemia. The patient was treated with systemic anticoagulation, antibiotics, and B complex therapy. At 3 months follow-up, there was complete resolution of thrombus but the left kidney was nonfunctioning.

Factors affecting bone mineral density in patients with prostate carcinoma before and after orchidectomy.

BACKGROUND: Orchidectomy is an accepted form of androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate carcinoma. Osteoporosis is common in elderly individuals and is accelerated by ADT. The authors studied changes in bone mineral density (BMD) after ADT and factors that affected those changes. METHODS: Fifty patients with prostatic adenocarcinoma who opted to undergo orchidectomy were studied prospectively. All patients completed 6 months of follow-up, and 20 of those patients completed 12 months of follow-up. Patients' age, weight, height, body mass index (BMI), physical activity, addiction (smoking, alcohol), dietary calcium intake, and lactose tolerance status were noted. Lumbar spinal (L1-L3) trabecular BMD was measured with quantitative computed tomography (QCT) at baseline and every 6 months for 1 year and was compared with preoperative values. The effects of various patient characteristics on preoperative BMD and changes in BMD also were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean +/- standard deviation (SD) age of the patients was 69.5 +/- 8.1 years, BMI was 23.5 +/- 3.9 kg/m2, dietary calcium intake was 1066.1 +/- 443.3 mg per day. Thirty-eight percent of patients were lactose intolerant. Sixty-two percent of patients were in the light weight-bearing activity group. The mean +/- SD preoperative BMD was 119.2 +/- 34.9 mg/cc, with T-scores of - 1.77 +/- 1.22 and Z-scores of 0.43 +/- 1.27. A decrease in BMD during the first 6 months ( approximately 13%) was statistically significant (P = 0.0001) and continued further during next 6 months (BMD loss of approximately 18% at 12 months). Patients with osteoporosis, as defined by T-scores < or = - 2.5, increased from 24% at baseline to 48% at 6 months. Nonsmokers, nonalcoholics, patients with higher physical activity, and patients with a BMI > 25 kg/m2 had statistically significant higher BMD compared with their counterparts (P < 0.05). Body weight < 60 kg and BMI < 25 kg/m2 were significant risk factors for loss of BMD (P < 0.05). Dietary calcium had a discernible but statistically insignificant effect on BMD (P = 0.16). Lactose intolerance had no significant effect on BMD or bone loss. CONCLUSIONS: Osteoporosis was common in the population affected by prostate carcinoma. Orchidectomy led to accelerated bone loss. Periodic measurement of BMD after ADT would help in the early detection of osteoporosis. Maintenance of high BMI, weight-bearing physical activity, avoidance of alcohol and smoking, and possibly high dietary calcium intake help in maintaining bone mass.