[Network medicine and health services research in urology]. / Urologische Netzwerkmedizin und Versorgungsforschung.

It is the aim of the Medical Informatics Funding Scheme and other national and local projects for digital networking in healthcare to facilitate the exchange and use of patient data between institutions in compliance with data protection regulations. This requires the integration of data from various sources-such as digital workplace systems, laboratory systems, picture archiving and communication (PAC) systems or tumor boards-into a data warehouse or research databases. Digital networking of service providers and research institutions will open access to high-performance and precision medicine (e.g., virtual molecular tumor boards) for even more patients, thereby providing data for basic and care research. Network medicine will establish the translational link between basic research (e.g., genome research) and patient care. Digitally integrated "real world" patient data will also facilitate a detailed analysis of health care and the quality of treatments.

[Update of the 2Sk guidelines on the diagnostics, treatment and metaphylaxis of urolithiasis (AWMF register number 043-025) : What is new?] / Aktualisierung der S2k-Leitlinie zur Diagnostik, Therapie und Metaphylaxe der Urolithiasis (AWMF Registernummer 043-025) : Was ist neu?

The increase of medical knowledge and technical innovations together with the demographic change represent a challenge for the new conception of guidelines and clinical studies. The present S2k guidelines, which are exclusively concerned with kidney and ureteral stones, should support the treatment of urolithiasis in hospitals and private practices and provide information on urolithiasis for patients. Increasing interdisciplinary collaboration in stone treatment is also demonstrated in the number of professional and working groups participating in the update of the new guidelines. The present S2k guidelines emerged from a consensus process and demonstrate the current recommendations in step with actual practice. They provide decision-making guidance for diagnostics, treatment and metaphylactic measures based on expert opinions and available published fundamental evidence from the literature.

[Urolithiasis research-big data and artificial intelligence : How we can use the new structures of the medical informatics initiative of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research]. / Urolithiasisforschung ­ Big Data und künstliche Intelligenz : Wie wir neue Strukturen aus der Medizininformatikinitiative des Bundesministeriums für Bildung und Forschung nutzen können.

BACKGROUND: The digital transformation of society has a tremendous impact on both medicine and healthcare. The generation and processing of continuously growing amounts of digital data can be used to facilitate new approaches in research, particularly for healthcare research of common diseases such as urolithiasis. OBJECTIVE: Presentation of the design of the German medical informatics initiative (MI-I) and the resulting possibilities for healthcare research in the field of urolithiasis. RESULTS: For a meaningful utilization patient data must be readily available for research purposes and suitable methods for the analysis, interpretation and utilization must be developed. The aim of the German MI­I is to make patient data collected during hospitalization available for research. The formation of so-called data integration centers will create a digital network that will facilitate the utilization and exchange of data between institutions. Advanced artificial intelligence algorithms will be used for analysis of the immense amounts of data. In May 2019 the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research boosted funding for the set-up of a digital nationwide registry on urolithiasis where the data foundation is to be generated based on the digital infrastructure of the MI­I. The registry is intended to answer questions from the three relevant areas: "impact of the disease on individuals and society" (e.g. limitations in the quality of life and ability to work, treatment costs), "identification of further risk factors" (e.g. personalized medicine, especially taking account of lifestyle and nutrition, development of a risk score) and "evaluation of various treatment approaches" (which is the best treatment for an individual patient?).

[Modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for urolithiasis]. / Modifizierbare und nichtmodifizierbare Risikofaktoren für Urolithiasis.

Knowledge of the risk factors for urolithiasis is the key for sufficient metaphylaxis and reduction of recurrence events. Modifiable risk factors include diet, drink quantity, occupation, environmental factors, number of pregnancies and the intestinal microbiome. The treatment of associated diseases, such as the various manifestations of metabolic syndrome can reduce the risk for urolithiasis and recurrences. Knowledge of non-modifiable risk factors, such as gender, ethnicity, positive family history as well as specific genetic defects and polymorphisms of the calcium and phosphate balance enables personalized counselling and follow-up of affected patients.

[Interrater reliability and clinical impact of the Post-Ureteroscopic Lesion Scale (PULS) grading system for ureteral lesions after ureteroscopy : Results of the German prospective multicenter BUSTER project]. / Interrater-Übereinstimmung und klinischer Nutzen der "Post-Ureteroscopic Lesion Scale" (PULS) zur Graduierung von intraoperativen Harnleiterverletzungen einer Ureterorenoskopie : Ergebnisse der deutschen prospektiv-multizentrischen BUSTER-Studie.

BACKGROUND: The Post-ureteroscopic Lesion Scale (PULS) was designed as a standardized classification system for ureteral lesions after uretero(reno)scopy (URS). This study evaluates its routine use and a possible clinical impact based on a representative patient cohort. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data of 307 patients in 14 German centers within the BUSTER project were used to test 3 hypotheses (H): PULS score shows a high interrater reliability (IRR) after independent assessment by urologic surgeon and assistance personnel (H1); PULS score is correlated with the frequency of postoperative complications during hospital stay (H2); post-URS stenting of the ureter is associated with higher PULS scores (H3). RESULTS: Median age of patients was 54.4 years (interquartile range [IQR] 44.4-65.8; 65.5% male). Median diameter of index stones was 6 mm (IQR 4-8) with 117 (38.4%) pyelo-caliceal and 188 (61.6%) ureteral stones. Overall, 70 and 82.4% of patients had pre-stenting and post-URS stenting, respectively. Stone-free status was achieved in 68.7% after one URS procedure with a complication rate of 10.8% (mostly grade 1-2 according to Clavien-Dindo). PULS scores 0, 1, 2 and 3 were assessed in 40%, 52.1%, 6.9% and 1% of patients, respectively, when estimated by urologic surgeons. PULS score showed a high IRR between the urologic surgeon and assistance personnel (κ = 0.883, p < 0.001), but was not significantly correlated with complications (ρ = 0.09, p = 0.881). In contrast, a significant positive correlation was found between PULS score and post-URS stenting (ρ = 0.287, p < 0.001). A PULS score of 1 multiplied the likelihood of post-URS stenting by 3.24 (95% confidence interval 1.43-7.34; p = 0.005) as opposed to PULS score 0. CONCLUSIONS: Removal of upper urinary tract stones using URS is safe and efficacious. Real-world data provided by this study confirm a high IRR of the PULS score and its clinical impact on the indication for post-URS stenting. A future prospective randomized trial should evaluate a possible standardization of post-URS stenting based on PULS score assessment.

[S2k guidelines on diagnostics, therapy and metaphylaxis of urolithiasis (AWMF 043/025) : Compendium]. / S2k-Leitlinie zur Diagnostik, Therapie und Metaphylaxe der Urolithiasis (AWMF 043/025) : Kurzfassung.

Every tenth German citizen will suffer from at least one urinary calculus during the lifetime. The diagnostics, treatment and follow-up treatment of urolithiasis are, therefore, part of the daily routine practice for all urologists in hospitals and private practices as well as in many other disciplines, such as general practitioners, internists, nephrologists and pediatricians. Although the diagnostics and therapy have experienced substantial alterations over the last 10 years, the possibilities of metabolic diagnostics and secondary prevention for patients at risk are, unfortunately and unjustly, in many places very poorly represented. The present S2k guidelines, which for the first time were established in an interdisciplinary consensus process, represent the current practical recommendations and, whenever possible, use tables and algorithms in order to facilitate easy reference in the routine daily work. Last but not least, this greatly simplifies the measures for metaphylaxis.

[New treatment strategies for male lower urinary tract symptoms]. / Neue Behandlungskonzepte von Symptomen des unteren Harntraktes beim Mann.

For patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), α1-adrenoreceptor inhibitors and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors as well as their combination are considered the gold standard. In addition, anticholinergic agents are being introduced as monotherapy or in combination with α1-adrenocepetor inhibitors for patients with predominant storage disorders. Phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors are often the best option for patients with LUTS who also suffer from erectile dysfunction. Recently, novel treatment options have been presented and intraprostatic injection of various agents, such as botulinum toxin A, NX-1207 and PRX302 has shown promising initial results. In addition, innovative minimally invasive treatment options, such as UroLift® appear to be efficacious and safe in this patient cohort. Particular emphasis should be laid on patients with LUTS and concomitant sexual disorders.

[Proteus syndrome: a case report]. / Proteus-Syndrom: Ein Fallbericht.

The Proteus-syndrome is a recently described congenital hamartomatosis consisting of numerous clinical features of great variety. Mainly affected are the musculo-skeletal system, primarily by hemihypertrophy, macrodactyly and exostoses, and the skin and the subcutaneous tissue, primarily by pigmented naevi and subcutaneous tumors. The differential diagnosis includes other malformation syndromes, e. g. Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber syndrome and other hamartomatosis. Surgical intervention and treatment is difficult because of a frequency of complications and recurrences. This article describes clinical manifestations of Proteus syndrome, differential diagnosis and therapeutic strategies.

Eligibility for and benefit of thrombolytic therapy in inferior myocardial infarction: focus on the prognostic importance of right ventricular infarction.

OBJECTIVES: This study was undertaken to determine eligibility for and benefit of thrombolytic therapy in patients with acute inferior myocardial infarction with or without right ventricular involvement. BACKGROUND: Right ventricular involvement commonly complicates acute inferior myocardial infarction and is considered to have prognostic relevance. We hypothesized that the presence of right ventricular infarction, diagnosed early by ST segment elevation in the right precordial lead (V4R), may be of clinical importance in identifying patients who will benefit most from thrombolytic therapy. METHODS: We studied 200 consecutive patients with acute inferior myocardial infarction to assess the prognostic impact of right ventricular infarction in those considered eligible or ineligible for reperfusion therapy. Prognostic analyses were based on the in-hospital period and a 1- to 6-year follow-up (mean [+/- SD] 37 +/- 12 months). RESULTS: ST segment elevation in lead V4R was a reliable marker of right ventricular infarction (sensitivity 88%, specificity 78%, diagnostic efficiency 83%) in 107 patients (54%) with inferior myocardial infarction. Seventy-one eligible patients (36%) received thrombolytic therapy and had a lower mortality (8% [6 of 71]) and complication (31% [22 of 71]) rate than ineligible patients (mortality rate 25% [32 of 129], p < 0.01; complication rate 56% [72 of 129], p < 0.01). However, the overall benefit of thrombolysis was restricted to patients with right ventricular infarction complicating acute inferior myocardial infarction (with vs. without thrombolysis, respectively: mortality rate 10% vs. 42%, p < 0.005; complication rate 34% vs. 54%, p < 0.05). In the absence of right ventricular infarction, no difference was observed in the mortality (7% vs. 6%, p = NS) and major in-hospital complication (27% vs. 29%, p = NS) rates, whether or not the patient underwent thrombolytic therapy. Posthospital course over 37 +/- 12 months was not different in patients with and without right ventricular infarction but was best in all patients considered for reperfusion therapy. CONCLUSIONS: During acute inferior myocardial infarction, the right precordial electrocardiogram is a simple but promising variable to identify a subgroup of patients with an unfavorable course who will benefit most from thrombolytic therapy.

Comparison of diagnostic accuracy, time dependency, and prognostic impact of abnormal Q waves, combined electrocardiographic criteria, and ST segment abnormalities in right ventricular infarction.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the diagnostic and prognostic impact of abnormal Q waves in comparison to or in combination with ST segment abnormalities in the right precordial and inferior leads as indicators of right ventricular infarction during the acute phase of inferior myocardial infarction. DESIGN: Prospective study of a consecutive series of 200 patients with acute inferior myocardial infarction with and without right ventricular infarction. SETTING: Department of internal medicine, university clinic. RESULTS: Right ventricular infarction was diagnosed in 106 (57%) out of 187 patients from the results of coronary angiography, technetium pyrophosphate scanning, and measurement of haemodynamic variables or at necropsy, or both. In the acute phase of inferior infarction ST segment elevation > or = 0.1 mV in any of the right precordial leads V4-6R was the most reliable criterion for right ventricular infarction (sensitivity, 89%; specificity, 83%). Abnormal Q waves in the right precordial leads, the most specific criterion (91%) for right ventricular infarction, were superior to ST segment elevation in patients admitted > 12 hours after the onset of symptoms. Both ST segment elevation in leads V4-6R (increase in in hospital mortality, 6.2-times; P < 0.001; major complications, 2.3-times; P < 0.01) and abnormal Q waves (2.3-times, P < 0.05; 1.8-times, P < 0.05) on admission were highly predictive of a worse outcome during the in hospital period. In the presence of inferior myocardial infarction previously proposed combined electrocardiographic criteria were not better diagnostically or prognostically than ST segment abnormalities and abnormal Q waves alone. CONCLUSIONS: During the first 24 hours of inferior myocardial infarction ST segment elevation and abnormal Q waves derived from the right precordial leads are complementary rather than competitive criteria for reliably diagnosing right ventricular infarction, both indicating a worse in hospital course for the patient. In this they are better than any other previously proposed combined electrocardiographic criteria in diagnosing right ventricular infarction. Right precordial leads should be routinely monitored in acute inferior myocardial infarction.

[Acute right ventricular myocardial infarct. New diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in a prognostically unfavorable disease picture]. / Der akute rechtsventrikuläre Myokardinfarkt. Neue diagnostische und therapeutische Ansätze bei einem prognostisch ungünstigen Krankheitsbild.

BACKGROUND: Acute inferior myocardial infarction frequently involves the right ventricle (RV). However, very little is known on the prognostic impact of RV involvement in the in-hospital and longterm course, as well as on reliable diagnostic strategies to identify RV infarction early after admission. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In 200 consecutive patients with acute inferior myocardial infarction, we assessed on admission the prevalence and diagnostic accuracy of ST elevation in lead V4R to determine RV involvement, as well as its prognostic implications for in-hospital complications, early and late mortality and the benefit of thrombolytic therapy. Follow-up period was one to six years (mean +/- SD, 37 +/- 12 months). RESULTS: In-hospital mortality after inferior myocardial infarction was 19%, major complications occurred in 47% of patients. Presence of ST-segment elevation in V4R in 107 patients (54%) was highly predictive of RV infarction (sensitivity: 88%, specificity: 78%, diagnostic efficiency: 83%) and increased the in-hospital mortality rate from 6% to 31% (p < 0.0001) and major in-hospital complications from 28% to 64% (p < 0.0001). Cox regression analysis showed ST elevation in V4R to be independent of and superior to all other clinical variables available at the time of admission (additional risk for in-hospital mortality: 7.7; for major complications: 4.7). Thrombolysis was associated with a reduced mortality (3.7 times, p < 0.0005) and complication rate (2.4 times, p < 0.0001) only in patients with RV infarction. Post-hospital course was similar in patients with and without RV infarction. CONCLUSIONS: RV involvement during acute inferior myocardial infarction, accurately diagnosed by ST-segment elevation in V4R, is a strong, independent parameter for mortality and major in-hospital complications and may help to identify patients who will benefit most from thrombolytic therapy. Electrocardiographic assessment of RV infarction should be routinely performed in all patients admitted with acute inferior myocardial infarction.

Right ventricular infarction as an independent predictor of prognosis after acute inferior myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Acute inferior myocardial infarction frequently involves the right ventricle. We hypothesized that right ventricular involvement, as diagnosed by ST-segment elevation in the right precordial lead V4R, may affect the prognosis of patients with inferior myocardial infarctions. METHODS: In 200 consecutive patients admitted to the hospital with acute inferior myocardial infarctions, we assessed the prevalence and diagnostic accuracy of ST-segment elevation in lead V4R (as compared with four other diagnostic procedures) to identify right ventricular involvement and its prognostic implications for in-hospital and long-term outcomes. RESULTS: The in-hospital mortality after inferior myocardial infarction was 19 percent, and major complications occurred in 47 percent of the patients. The presence of ST-segment elevation in lead V4R in 107 patients (54 percent) was highly predictive of right ventricular infarction (sensitivity, 88 percent; specificity, 78 percent; diagnostic accuracy, 83 percent), as compared with the other diagnostic procedures. The patients with ST-segment elevation in lead V4R had a higher in-hospital mortality rate (31 percent vs. 6 percent, P < 0.001) and a higher incidence of major in-hospital complications (64 percent vs. 28 percent, P < 0.001) than did those without ST-elevation in V4R. Multiple logistic-regression analysis showed ST elevation in V4R to be independent of and superior to all other clinical variables available on admission for the prediction of in-hospital mortality (relative risk, 7.7; 95 percent confidence interval, 2.6 to 23) and major complications (relative risk, 4.7; 95 percent confidence interval, 2.4 to 9). The post-hospital course (follow-up, at least 1 year; mean follow-up, 37 months) was similar in patients with and in those without electrocardiographic evidence of right ventricular infarction. CONCLUSIONS: Right ventricular involvement during acute inferior myocardial infarction can be accurately diagnosed by the presence of ST-segment elevation in lead V4R, a finding that is a strong, independent predictor of major complications and in-hospital mortality. Electrocardiographic assessment of right ventricular infarction should be routinely performed in all patients with acute inferior myocardial infarctions.