Can Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio in Complete Blood Count Help in the Differential Diagnosis Between Acute Appendicitis and Right Ureteral Stones in Pediatric Age Groups?

Background and objective Abdominal pain is one of the most common problems in children presenting to the pediatric emergency departments and is often a diagnostic challenge for the physician. Clinical studies have been carried out on adult patients to differentiate between ureteral stones and acute appendicitis (AA) in which neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were analyzed in the complete blood count, and it was found that NLR and PLR could help in the differential diagnosis. In this study, we investigated whether complete blood count parameters in pediatric patients could be helpful in the differential diagnosis between AA and right ureteral stones. Methods The files of pediatric patients who were followed up and treated for AA and right ureteral stones between January 2019 and March 2021 were reviewed retrospectively. The demographic characteristics of the patients and their WBC, NLR, PLR, and red cell distribution width (RDW) values were evaluated to determine whether there was a difference between the two groups. Results In this study, 77 patients with AA and 48 patients with right ureteral stones were included. Univariate regression analysis revealed that age, gender, WBC, PLR, and NLR were factors likely responsible for AA. As per multivariate linear regression analysis, NLR level (odds ratio: 0.407; 95% CI: 0.293-0.566; p<0.001) was an independent predictor of AA. Conclusion Based on our findings, NLR can help in establishing the diagnosis in pediatric patients who present to the emergency department with right lower quadrant pain, and in whom physical examination, routine laboratory tests, and imaging methods cannot help distinguish between AA and ureteral stones.

Malignant Glomus Tumor of the Ureter.

Although glomus tumour is usually seen in the subungual region of the extremities, it may rarely occur in visceral organs. Approximately 1% of all glomus tumours are malignant. Malignant glomus tumours of the urinary system are extremely rare. This paper presents a case of malignant glomus tumour of the left ureter in a 41-year male patient who had undergone a simple left nephrectomy 4 years ago and presented with recurrent macroscopic haematuria. Uretectomy and mass excision were performed. No progression was observed during the 6-month post-operative follow-up. The tumour can be differentiated from other tumours by pathological and immunohistochemical examination following surgical excision. Because there are very few cases, the treatment protocol is not entirely clear. However, complete removal of the tumour is an effective treatment and can prevent local recurrence. Key Words: Malignant glomus tumour, Ureter, Treatment, Urogenital system.

Do we have a limit for retrograde intrarenal surgery for solitary kidney stone?

OBJECTIVE: The management of urolithiasis in patients with a solitary kidney is challenging for urologists. This study aimed to evaluate the safety of retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) in the treatment of stones in patients with solitary kidney and to reply to the question if there is any limit for this surgery. METHODS: Between January 2016 and December 2019, we enrolled 52 patients who had a solitary kidney and underwent RIRS. We collected data on preoperative patient characteristics, stone dimensions, and postoperative outcomes. Stone size, duration of operation, duration of fluoroscopy, type of anesthesia, and degree of surgical complication were evaluated retrospectively. Surgeries performed in less and more than 60 minutes and with and without complications were compared. RESULTS: A total of 52 patients with a kidney stone and a solitary kidney were evaluated. The mean stone size was 14 ± 0.4 cm and surgical success rate was 87.3%. In our study, 13 patients (24.5%) had grade 1 minor complications, and none required a blood transfusion. The mean operation time was 51.9 ± 17.3 minutes. The postoperative creatinine value increased in 6 patients. The duration of operation in the group with complications was significantly higher than that in the group without complications. In patients who underwent an operation lasting ≥ 60 minutes, stone size, fluoroscopy time, and complication rate were significantly higher than in patients who underwent an operation lasting ≤ 60 minutes. CONCLUSION: Our opinion is to be careful in patients with a solitary kidney with a big stone and we recommend assigning these procedure to experienced hands for not exceeding 60 minutes in one session.

Comparison of Conservative and Surgical Treatments in Symptomatic Pregnancy Hydronephrosis.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the factors affecting the treatment choice in pregnant women with symptomatic hydronephrosis. METHODS: Hospital records of pregnant women who visited our clinic due to symptomatic hydronephrosis between December 2010 and December 2020 were analysed retrospectively. Patients were divided into 2 groups: conservative and surgical (JJ stent) treatment groups. Age, gestational week, primipara, trimester, visual analogue scale (VAS), and preterm birth rates as well as clinical, laboratory, and ultrasonography findings were compared between the groups. RESULTS: The study included 227 pregnant women (conservative treatment group, 133; JJ stent group, 94). Age, gestational week, primipara, trimester, hydronephrosis side, fever, pyelonephritis, pyuria, preterm labour and abortion, as well as blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, C-reactive protein, and white blood cell levels did not differ significantly between the groups (p > 0.05). In the JJ stent group, VAS, creatinine value, culture positivity rate, degree of hydronephrosis, and renal pelvis anterior-posterior (AP) diameter were significantly higher than those in the conservative treatment group (p < 0.05). The cut-off value for renal pelvis AP diameter was 16.5 mm in the first 2 trimesters and 27.5 mm in the third trimester. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical treatment should not be delayed in pregnant women who do not respond to conservative treatment and have impaired renal function and grade 3-4 hydronephrosis. Early surgical intervention is necessary in patients with a renal pelvis AP diameter of >16.5 mm in the first 2 trimesters and >27.5 in the third trimester.