Assessment of novel biomarkers: sTREM-1, pentraxin-3 and pro-adrenomedullin in the early diagnosis of neonatal early onset sepsis.

BACKGROUND: Early onset bacterial sepsis in neonates (EOS) is recognized as an important health condition. Early diagnosis is crucial. However, blood culture results are released in 48-72 hours. Many biomarkers have been investigated but none have been accepted as the gold standard. This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of the molecules: soluble form of triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (sTREM-1), pentraxin-3 (PTX-3) and pro adrenomedullin (pro-ADM) in EOS and compare with currently used biomarkers. METHODS: In this multicenter prospective study, patients were enrolled from different NICUs around the Turkey. Patient data were collected via web-based registry system from attending centers. Neonates, hospitalized with a suspicion of EOS were enrolled. Blood culture and routine blood tests were collected and a serum sample was obtained and kept in - 80°C for studying the molecules. According to laboratory results, patients were divided into three groups as; proven sepsis, clinical sepsis and control group. Groups were compared in terms of demographic, clinical and laboratory findings. The primary outcome of the study was to assess any difference between groups in terms of the diagnostic value of the markers aforementioned. RESULTS: A total of 130 patients were enrolled; proven sepsis (n = 36), clinical sepsis (n = 53) and control (n = 41) groups. Groups were similar in terms of demographic findings; mean WBC (P = 0.445), procalcitonin (PCT) (P = 0.083) and IL-6 (P = 0.814) levels. Mean C-reactive protein (CRP) level was significantly higher in clinical sepsis and proven sepsis groups compared to control group (P < 0.001). Mean PTX-3 (P = 0.547), pro-ADM (P = 0.766) and sTREM-1 (P = 0.838) levels were similar between groups. CONCLUSION: These promising molecules failed to help in early diagnosis of EOS. Their relation to correlation with disease progression may make more sense as they seem to be expressed in higher amounts with the progression of the disease in previous studies. CRP was the most frequently used biomarker for detecting the sepsis in our study population.

A comparative study of laser ablation and transurethral electroresection for benign prostatic hyperplasia: results of a 6-month follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of standard transurethral electroresection of the prostate (TURP) and visual laser ablation in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a randomized prospective study, the prostate glands of 60 patients with symptomatic bladder outlet obstruction caused by BPH were treated with TURP or visual ablation with the Ultraline side-firing Nd:YAG laser; the patients were assessed using standard symptom scores, the measurement of residual urine and uroflowmetry both before and at 3 and 6 months after treatment. RESULTS: All patients in both treatment groups had a significant improvement in symptoms and objective measures of voiding. The laser treatment gave significantly better improvements in symptom score than did TURP (P = 0.034), but TURP produced significantly better peak urinary flow rates (P = 0.025). CONCLUSION: These early results indicate that laser ablation of BPH may be a good alternative in the surgical treatment of this disease.

Echinococcal cyst of the kidney: a review of the management of 11 cases.

Echinococcal cyst of the kidney is uncommon, accounting for only 2 to 3% of all hydatid diseases. This study is a review of 11 cases of echinococcal cysts all of which were located in the kidney. All patients presented non-specific clinical symptoms. Serologic tests were carried out and excretory urography and sonography were taken. Computed tomography was performed in five patients. Out of 11 cases, four underwent total nephrectomy, and seven enucleation. Albeit rare, hydatid disease should be considered in the differential diagnosis of space-occupying lesions of the urinary tract.