[Cost-effectiveness comparative study of ceftriaxone verus cefotaxime in the treatment of complicated urinary infections]. / Estudio comparativo coste eficacia ceftriaxona versus cefotaxima en el tratamiento de las infecciones urinarias complicadas.

Prospective, randomized, multicenter study in 267 patients with complicated urinary infection from 9 hospitals nationwide. Drug treatment was either Ceftriaxone 1 g once daily parenterally or Cefotaxime parenteral 1 g 8 hourly for a minimum of 7 days. Patients were clinically, analytically and microbiologically evaluated before and after treatment to assess the efficacy and tolerance of both drug products. To evaluate treatment cost, we used the price of both drugs and the material required for their administration (syringe and disposable needle). 119 patients were excluded from the cost-efficacy evaluation and 148 remained in the study (75 assigned to treatment with Ceftriaxone and 73 to Cefotaxime). Clinical efficacy of treatment was 93% and 87.6% for Ceftriaxone and Cefotaxime respectively (p > 0.05). Cost per patient was 27,347 pesetas for Ceftriaxone and 34,490 for Cefotaxime (p < 0.05).

[Prognosis significance of prostatic markers in patients with prostatic adenocarcinoma undergoing total hormonal blockade]. / Significado pronóstico de los marcadores prostáticos en pacientes portadores de adenocarcinoma prostático bajo bloqueo hormonal completo.

Evaluation of the prognostic value of prostatic markers with regard to disease progression after endocrine therapy in patients with prostate carcinoma. A total of 51 patients (21 stage C, 5 stage D1 and 25 stage D2). Endocrine therapy consisted in complete hormonal blockade with flutamide and an LH-RH analog depot (leuprolide). PSA-PAP levels were determined both pre-treatment and during follow-up of patients using radioimmunometric techniques. Follow-up extended for 13 to 62 months (mean 30 months). Death due to progression happened in 24 of 51 patients. Previous PSA levels did not correlate to progression. Changes in PSA levels during treatment and time scope when they occurred were associated to subsequent evolution. Patients with PAP higher than 10 ng/ml at the beginning of therapy experienced higher progression rates (p < 0.05). Decrease of PSA levels by a percentage greater than 80% during the first quarter of treatment relative to initial figures was related to lower progression rates (p < 0.01). Maintenance of high levels in the first six months of treatment predicted a higher progression rate (p < 0.001). The study suggests a better prognosis for patients wit decreased serum PSA rates by a percentage of around 80% after one to three months treatment.

[Air cystometry]. / Cistometría por aire.

A better study and more correct diagnosis of neurogenous bladder is to be achieved with cystomanometric studies. The authors analyse the use of air as a medium, explain the method and stress the simplicity, quickness and absence of complications with air. Finally, they mention the recent use of carbon dioxide, particularly in urethral profilometries.

[Iatrogenic urethral pathology in paraplegic patients]. / Patología uretral yatrógena en pacientes parapléjicos.

A review is made of the urethral pathology of iatrogenic origin in 127 paraplegic patients in which the etiopathogenic mechanisms and the treatment applied are annalysed as well as the results obtained and the most suitable prophylaxis of the said pathology.