Developing a Diagnostic Multivariable Prediction Model for Urinary Tract Cancer in Patients Referred with Haematuria: Results from the IDENTIFY Collaborative Study.

BACKGROUND: Patient factors associated with urinary tract cancer can be used to risk stratify patients referred with haematuria, prioritising those with a higher risk of cancer for prompt investigation. OBJECTIVE: To develop a prediction model for urinary tract cancer in patients referred with haematuria. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A prospective observational study was conducted in 10 282 patients from 110 hospitals across 26 countries, aged ≥16 yr and referred to secondary care with haematuria. Patients with a known or previous urological malignancy were excluded. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The primary outcomes were the presence or absence of urinary tract cancer (bladder cancer, upper tract urothelial cancer [UTUC], and renal cancer). Mixed-effect multivariable logistic regression was performed with site and country as random effects and clinically important patient-level candidate predictors, chosen a priori, as fixed effects. Predictors were selected primarily using clinical reasoning, in addition to backward stepwise selection. Calibration and discrimination were calculated, and bootstrap validation was performed to calculate optimism. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: The unadjusted prevalence was 17.2% (n = 1763) for bladder cancer, 1.20% (n = 123) for UTUC, and 1.00% (n = 103) for renal cancer. The final model included predictors of increased risk (visible haematuria, age, smoking history, male sex, and family history) and reduced risk (previous haematuria investigations, urinary tract infection, dysuria/suprapubic pain, anticoagulation, catheter use, and previous pelvic radiotherapy). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the final model was 0.86 (95% confidence interval 0.85-0.87). The model is limited to patients without previous urological malignancy. CONCLUSIONS: This cancer prediction model is the first to consider established and novel urinary tract cancer diagnostic markers. It can be used in secondary care for risk stratifying patients and aid the clinician's decision-making process in prioritising patients for investigation. PATIENT SUMMARY: We have developed a tool that uses a person's characteristics to determine the risk of cancer if that person develops blood in the urine (haematuria). This can be used to help prioritise patients for further investigation.

Written in the stars: did your specialty choose you?

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Established over 2000 years ago, horoscopes remain a regular feature in contemporary society. We aimed to assess whether there could be a link between zodiac sign and medical occupation, asking the question-did your specialty choose you? STUDY DESIGN: A questionnaire-based study was distributed using an online survey tool. Questions explored the zodiac sign, specialty preferences and personality features of physicians. RESULTS: 1923 physicians responded between February and March 2020. Variations in personality types between different medical specialties were observed, introverts being highly represented in oncology (71.4%) and rheumatology (65.4%), and extroverts in sexual health (55%), gastroenterology (44.4%) and obstetrics and gynaecology (44.2%) (p<0.01). Proportions of zodiac signs in each specialty also varied; for example, cardiologists were more likely to be Leo compared with Aries (14.4% vs 3.9%, p=0.047), medical physicians more likely Capricorn than Aquarius (10.4% vs 6.7%, p=0.02) and obstetricians and gynaecologists more likely Pisces than Sagittarius (17.5% vs 0%, p=0.036). Intensive care was the most commonly reported second choice career, but this also varied between zodiac signs and specialties. Fountain pen use was associated with extroversion (p=0.049) and gastroenterology (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Personality types vary in different specialties. There may be links to zodiac signs which warrant further investigation.

The IDENTIFY study: the investigation and detection of urological neoplasia in patients referred with suspected urinary tract cancer - a multicentre observational study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the contemporary prevalence of urinary tract cancer (bladder cancer, upper tract urothelial cancer [UTUC] and renal cancer) in patients referred to secondary care with haematuria, adjusted for established patient risk markers and geographical variation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was an international multicentre prospective observational study. We included patients aged ≥16 years, referred to secondary care with suspected urinary tract cancer. Patients with a known or previous urological malignancy were excluded. We estimated the prevalence of bladder cancer, UTUC, renal cancer and prostate cancer; stratified by age, type of haematuria, sex, and smoking. We used a multivariable mixed-effects logistic regression to adjust cancer prevalence for age, type of haematuria, sex, smoking, hospitals, and countries. RESULTS: Of the 11 059 patients assessed for eligibility, 10 896 were included from 110 hospitals across 26 countries. The overall adjusted cancer prevalence (n = 2257) was 28.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 22.3-34.1), bladder cancer (n = 1951) 24.7% (95% CI 19.1-30.2), UTUC (n = 128) 1.14% (95% CI 0.77-1.52), renal cancer (n = 107) 1.05% (95% CI 0.80-1.29), and prostate cancer (n = 124) 1.75% (95% CI 1.32-2.18). The odds ratios for patient risk markers in the model for all cancers were: age 1.04 (95% CI 1.03-1.05; P < 0.001), visible haematuria 3.47 (95% CI 2.90-4.15; P < 0.001), male sex 1.30 (95% CI 1.14-1.50; P < 0.001), and smoking 2.70 (95% CI 2.30-3.18; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A better understanding of cancer prevalence across an international population is required to inform clinical guidelines. We are the first to report urinary tract cancer prevalence across an international population in patients referred to secondary care, adjusted for patient risk markers and geographical variation. Bladder cancer was the most prevalent disease. Visible haematuria was the strongest predictor for urinary tract cancer.

Antiplatelet therapy in pregnancy: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review contemporary data on the safety of clopidogrel and newer antiplatelet agents in pregnant women, with particular attention to maternal and neonatal complications. METHODS: The review protocol was published via PROSPERO (ID 42020165235) and conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA). Databases were searched using MeSH and free text terms encompassing the included antiplatelets, relevant indications, and pregnancy. Included studies reported the drug dose, the stage of pregnancy at which it was administered, and at least one primary or secondary outcome relating to pregnancy. The primary outcome was reporting of complications associated with antiplatelet use in pregnancy. RESULTS: The search yielded 5271 results. 39 publications were included, incorporating 42 live births. The mean age of women was 34.6 years. Seven different antiplatelet agents were described, clopidogrel being most frequent (n = 37). 14 women received antiplatelet therapy in the first trimester. 14 women had regional anaesthesia (12 while taking clopidogrel), all without complication. Two women developed bleeding post caesarean section. There were no recorded neonatal delivery complications. Two neonates had congenital anomalies not felt to be related to maternal antiplatelet use. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review describes outcomes for both mothers and neonates when exposed to clopidogrel at varying durations throughout gestation, and does not suggest higher than acceptable risk, with a congenital anomaly rate comparable to background risk. Evidence for other antiplatelet agents remains limited. Regional anaesthesia should be offered, with recommendation to stop prior to delivery in line with national guidance and in the context of individualised decision making.

Orchidopexy for Testicular Torsion: A Systematic Review of Surgical Technique.

CONTEXT: Acute testicular torsion is a common urological emergency. Accepted practice is surgical exploration, detorsion, and orchidopexy for a salvageable testis. OBJECTIVE: To critically evaluate the methods of orchidopexy and their outcomes with a view to determining the optimal surgical technique. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: This review protocol was published via PROSPERO [CRD42016043165] and conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA). EMBASE, MEDLINE, and CENTRAL databases were searched using the following terms: "orchidopexy", "fixation", "exploration", "torsion", "scrotum", and variants. Article screening was performed by two reviewers independently. The primary outcome was retorsion rate of the ipsilateral testis following orchidopexy. Secondary outcomes included testicular atrophy and fertility. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: To our knowledge, this is the first systematic review on this topic. The search yielded 2257 abstracts. Five studies (n = 138 patients) were included. All five techniques differed in incision and/or type of suture and/or point(s) of fixation. Postoperative complications were reported in one study, and included scrotal abscess in 9.1% and stitch abscess in 4.5%. The contralateral testis was fixed in 57.6% of cases. Three studies reported follow-up duration (range 6-31 wk). No study reported any episodes of ipsilateral retorsion. In the studies reporting ipsilateral atrophy rate, this ranged from 9.1% to 47.5%. Fertility outcomes and patient-reported outcome measures were not reported in any studies. CONCLUSIONS: There is limited evidence in favour of any one surgical technique for acute testicular torsion. During the consent process for scrotal exploration, uncertainties in long-term harms should be discussed. This review highlights the need for an interim consensus on surgical approach until robust studies examining the effects of an operative approach on clinical and fertility outcomes are available. PATIENT SUMMARY: Twisting of blood supply to the testis, termed testicular torsion, is a urological emergency. Testicular torsion is treated using an operation to untwist the cord that contains the blood vessels. If the testis is still salvageable, surgery can be performed to prevent further torsion. The method that is used to prevent further torsion varies. We reviewed the literature to assess the outcomes of using various surgical techniques to fix the twisting of the testis. Our review shows that there is limited evidence in favour of any one technique.

IDENTIFY: The investigation and detection of urological neoplasia in patients referred with suspected urinary tract cancer: A multicentre cohort study.

•IDENTIFY study: The largest prospective cohort study of haematuria in secondary care.•Contemporary urinary cancer detection rates and diagnostic strategies.•The effectiveness of diagnostic tests, e.g. ultrasound, in detecting urinary cancer.•Novel patient risk factors associated with bladder and upper tract urinary cancers.

Flash glucose monitoring (FGM): A clinical review on glycaemic outcomes and impact on quality of life.

Flash glucose monitoring (FGM) is widely accepted as an alternative means to conventional finger prick test for measuring glucose level in individuals with diabetes mellitus. In this clinical review, we endeavour to draw all available clinical evidence on the usage and efficacy of FGM from research trials and observational studies in real-world settings. We aim to explore its clinical efficacy and impact on quality of life (QoL) in the diabetic population. In terms of clinical outcomes, use of FGM is associated with a significant reduction in glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level, notably in patients with suboptimal glycaemic control prior to commencement of FGM and reduction in time spent in hypoglycaemia. FGM demonstrated non-inferiority in device accuracy when compared to other well-established CGMs available in the market. Patients have reported improved QoL and treatment satisfaction measured by validated objective scores after consistent use of FGM. This results in a positive impact on patient psychosocial wellbeing and ultimately enhances patient compliance and optimisation of glycaemic control. Evaluation of QoL and patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) will require a standardised approach to allow comparability of the results and evidence.

Safety and efficacy of Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) in patients with previous transperineal biopsy (TPB): outcomes from a dual-centre case-control study.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the surgical feasibility, safety and effectiveness of 50 W (low power) Holmium Laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) in patients who have undergone previous template biopsy of the prostate (TPB). METHODS: Data encompassing pre-operative baseline characteristics, intra-operative measures and post-operative outcomes was collected for 109 patients undergoing HoLEP across two UK centres. Patients were stratified into two groups; group 1 (n = 24) had undergone previous TPB were compared with 'controls' (no previous TPB) in group 2 (n = 85). The primary outcome was successful HoLEP. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in either key baseline characteristics or mass of prostate enucleated between groups 1 and 2. There was no statistically significant difference in enucleation or morcellation times parameters between the two groups other than enucleation efficiency in favour of group 1 (p = 0.024). Functional outcomes improved, without any statistically significant difference, in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with a previous TPB, HoLEP is surgically feasible, safe and effective. TPB should not be considered a contraindication to HoLEP. Our work provides a strong foundation for further research in this area.

Outcomes and Long-term Follow-up of Patients with Cystine Stones: a Systematic Review.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Cystine stone patients can be difficult to manage with frequent recurrences. We performed a systematic review with a view to assessing interventions, compliance and their long-term outcomes. RECENT FINDINGS: Ten retrospective observational studies (253 patients) assessed the outcomes and long-term follow-up of cystine stone patients. The mean length of follow-up was 9.6 years (range 3.5-21.8 years). The overall mean number of surgical procedures/patient was 5.7 (range 2-9.8/patient) with the overall mean number of surgical procedures/patient/year at 0.59 (range 0.22-1.32/patient/year). While open surgery has decreased over the last decade and PCNL has been stable, there seems to be a rise of RIRS during this period. Patients with cystine stones need periodic interventions for stone recurrences despite medical management, with limited data showing the impact on renal function. While the management is individualised, wide variability exists with often poor and incomplete patient data.

Journey of a cystinuric patient with a long-term follow-up from a medical stone clinic: necessity to be SaFER (stone and fragments entirely removed).

There is a lack of studies looking at the longitudinal follow-up of patients with cystine stones. We wanted to assess the journey of cystinuric patients through our specialist metabolic stone clinic to improve the understanding of episodes, interventions and current outcomes in this patient cohort. After ethical approval, all patients who attended our metabolic stone clinic from 1994 to 2014 with at least one cystine stone episode were included in our study. Data were retrospectively analysed for patient demographics, stone episodes or intervention, clinical parameters and patient compliance. Over a period of 21 years, 16 patients with a median age of 15.5 years underwent a mean follow-up of 8.6 years (1-21 years). The mean number of surgical interventions was 3.1 (1-8/patient), but patients who were stone free after their first treatment had lower recurrences (p = 0.91) and lower number of interventions during their follow-up (2.7/patient, compared to those who were not stone free at 4/patient). During their follow-up period, patients with < 3 interventions had a significantly better renal function than those with ≥ 3 surgical interventions (p = 0.04). Additionally, linear regression analysis showed that eGFR was demonstrated to decline with increasing numbers of stone episodes (r2 = 0.169). It was also noted that patients who began early medical management remained stone free during follow-up compared to those who had medical management after ≥ 2 stone episodes, of whom all had a recurrent episode. Our long-term longitudinal study of cystine stone formers highlights that patients who are stone free and receive early metabolic stone screening and medical management after their initial presentation have the lowest recurrence rates and tend to preserve their renal function. Hence, prompt referral for metabolic assessment, and the stone and fragments entirely removed (SaFER) principles are key to preventing stone episodes and improving long-term function.

Corneal collagen crosslinking and pigment dispersion syndrome.

We describe the case of a keratoconus patient with pigment dispersion syndrome (PDS) who was treated for progressive corneal ectasia with corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL). Pigment dispersion syndrome has been shown to have associated morphologic changes of the corneal endothelium. Corneal CXL has the potential to cause toxicity to the corneal endothelium, and adjacent pigment might increase the likelihood of damage. In this case, the presence of PDS had no detrimental effect on the outcome of treatment, and no complications were observed at 12 months follow-up, indicating that it may be safe to perform corneal CXL in the setting of PDS. This is an important observation as the number of indications for corneal CXL grows.

Successful ureteroscopy for kidney stone disease leads to resolution of urinary tract infections: Prospective outcomes with a 12-month follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: To investigate the resolution of urinary tract infection (UTI) with the successful treatment of kidney stone disease (KSD).We reviewed the outcomes of ureteroscopy (URS) and stone treatment for patients with positive urine culture or recurrent UTIs and evaluated whether the infection resolved with the clearance of their urinary stones. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between March 2012 and July 2016, consecutive patients who underwent URS for stone disease with a history of recurrent UTIs or culture proven UTIs were identified from a prospective database. Data was recorded on stone free rate (SFR) and infection free rate (IFR) during the follow-up period at 3, 6 and 12-months. RESULTS: During the study period, 103 consecutive patients with stone disease and associated UTI underwent URS over a 52-month period (mean age: 60 years, Female: Male ratio of 2:1). The mean cumulative stone size was 16 mm (range: 3-107 mm) and a positive pre-operative urine culture was found in 81 (79%) patients. While the overall SFR was 96%, the total complication rate was 12.6% (n = 13) and these were all Clavien I/II complications.At follow-up, the SFR and IFR was 96% and 88% at 3-months, and 82% and 71% at 12-months, respectively (p <0.001). While almost three-quarters of patients were stone and infection free at 12-months, the majority of those with stones recurrence also had recurrence of their UTI. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of patients will remain infection free at the 12-month follow-up if they are stone free after their initial treatment. Stone recurrence, which is more likely in high-risk patients, is also linked to the recurrence of their UTI.

Optimal management of lower pole stones: the direction of future travel.

INTRODUCTION: Kidney stone disease is increasing worldwide with its most common location being in the lower pole. A clear strategy for effective management of these stones is essential in the light of ever increasing choice, effectiveness, and complications of different treatment options. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This review identifies the latest and clinically relevant publications focused on optimal management of lower pole stones. RESULTS: We present an up-to-date European Association of Urology and American Urological Association algorithm for lower pole stones, risks and benefits of different treatments, and changing landscape with the miniaturization of percutaneous stone treatments. CONCLUSIONS: Available literature seems to be deficient on quality of life, patient centered decision making, and cost analysis of optimal management with no defined standard of 'stone free rate', all of which are critical in any surgical consultation and outcome analysis.

Effectiveness of cataract phacoemulsification with toric intraocular lenses in addressing astigmatism after keratoplasty.

PURPOSE: To assess the effectiveness of toric intraocular lenses (IOLs) in the management of post-keratoplasty astigmatism. SETTING: Public university hospital, Auckland, New Zealand. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. METHODS: The study analyzed post-keratoplasty eyes after cataract surgery and toric IOL (Acrysof SN60AT or T-flex 623T/573T) implantation. RESULTS: Twenty-six eyes were included. The mean age at cataract surgery was 57.1 years ± 11.2 (SD). Previous keratoplasty was penetrating (84.6%) or deep anterior lamellar (15.4%). Keratoconus (73.1%) was the major indication for keratoplasty. The mean IOL cylinder power was 6.85 ± 3.02 diopters (D). No IOL required postoperative realignment. The mean follow-up was 14 ± 11 months. The mean refractive spherical equivalent decreased significantly, from -3.67 ± 5.76 D to -0.58 ± 1.71 D (P=.01). The mean refractive astigmatism also decreased significantly, from -5.49 ± 3.72 D to -2.61 ± 2.10 D (P<.01). There was a significant improvement in the mean uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) (from 1.12 ± 0.67 logMAR to 0.45 ± 0.39 logMAR) and in the mean corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) (from 0.70 ± 0.66 logMAR to 0.15 ± 0.16 logMAR) from preoperatively to the last follow-up (both P<.01). Postoperatively, the UDVA and CDVA were 20/40 or better in 61.5% of eyes and 92.3% of eyes, respectively. CONCLUSION: Cataract surgery with toric IOL implantation was safe and effective in significantly reducing corneal astigmatism and improving visual acuity in a large cohort of post-keratoplasty eyes.