Serum prostate specific antigen is a strong predictor of future prostate growth in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia. PROSCAR long-term efficacy and safety study.

PURPOSE: We analyze patterns of prostate growth in men diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and treated with placebo during 4 years, and determine which baseline parameters were the strongest predictors of growth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 3,040 men were enrolled in the 4-year randomized, placebo controlled Proscar Long-Term Efficacy and Safety study. Of these men a subgroup of 10% underwent pelvic magnetic resonance imaging prostate volume measurement at baseline and yearly thereafter. Absolute and percent volume changes during 4 years were calculated in the 164 placebo treated men in the subgroup. The ability of age, baseline prostate volume and prostate specific antigen (PSA) to predict prostate growth in placebo treated patients was assessed by multiple linear regression analyses, receiver operator characteristics curves, and evaluations of growth stratified by tertiles of baseline serum PSA and decades of life. RESULTS: In placebo treated patients a steady increase in mean plus or minus standard deviation prostate volume from year to year was noted (2.5+/-6.1, 4.9+/-6.8, 6.4+/-8.5 and 7.2+/-8.8 ml. at years 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively). Mean volume changes at 4 years ranged from -9 to +30 ml. Mean percent change from baseline ranged from 12.5% to 16.6% for men 50 to 59 years old to those 70 to 79 years old. Baseline serum PSA was a strong predictor of growth with 7.4% to 22.0% change at 4 years from the lowest to highest PSA tertiles. Annualized growth rates from baseline were 0.7 ml. per year for PSA 0.2 to 1.3, 2.1 for PSA 1.4 to 3.2 and 3.3 for PSA 3.3 to 9.9 ng./ml. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that serum PSA was a stronger predictor of prostate growth than age or baseline prostate volume. All but 1 man with baseline serum PSA greater than 2.0 ng./ml. had prostate growth during 4 years, and 32.6% of men with serum PSA less than 2.0 exhibited a decrease in volume. CONCLUSIONS: Serum PSA is a stronger predictor of growth of the prostate in placebo treated patients than age or baseline prostate volume. Since prostate volume is a risk factor for acute urinary retention and the need for BPH related surgery, the ability of PSA to predict prostate growth may be an important factor when considering individual treatment options for BPH. Such use of PSA represents a shift in paradigm away from focusing solely on symptoms of BPH toward a more comprehensive approach with consideration of predicting and preventing risk factors of BPH related outcomes.

Calcium Oxalate Stone Agglomeration Inhibition [tm] Reflects Renal Stone-Forming Activity.

Louisiana and other Gulf South states comprise a "Stone Belt" where calcium oxalate stone formers (CaOx SFs) are found at a high rate of approximately 5%. In these patients, the agglomeration of small stone crystals, which are visible in nearly all morning urine collections, forms stones that can become trapped in the renal parenchyma and the renal pelvis. Without therapy, about half of CaOx SFs repeatedly form kidney stones, which can cause excruciating pain that can be relieved by passage, fragmentation (lithotripsy), or surgical removal. The absence of stones in "normal" patients suggests that there are stone inhibitors in "normal" urines.At the Ochsner Renal Stone Clinic, 24-hour urine samples are collected by the patient and sent to the Ochsner Renal Stone Research Program where calcium oxalate stone agglomeration inhibition [tm] measurements are performed. Urine from healthy subjects and inactive stone formers has demonstrated strongly inhibited stone growth [tm] in contrast to urine from recurrent CaOx SFs. [tm] data from 1500 visits of 700 kidney stone patients have been used to evaluate the risk of recurrence in Ochsner's CaOx SF patients. These data have also been used to demonstrate the interactive roles of certain identified urinary stone-growth inhibitors, citrate and Tamm-Horsfall protein (THP), which can be manipulated with medication to diminish recurrent stone formation. Our goal is to offer patients both financial and pain relief by reducing their stones with optimized medication, using medical management to avoid costly treatments.

Comparison of mobile lithotripters at one institution: healthtronics lithotron, Dornier MFL-5000, and Dornier Doli.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) has replaced most surgical and endourologic procedures for upper urinary tract stone disease. Our institution contracted with mobile lithotripter companies to provide SWL. We reviewed the outcomes of 50 patients treated on each machine with regard to efficacy, complications, and retreatment rates. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred fifty patients over 21 years of age were treated at Ochsner Foundation Hospital from April 1995 through June 1998. All stones were in either the kidney or the upper ureter, and all were <20 mm. Three mobile lithotripters-the Dornier MFL-5000 (4/95-9/96), the Dornier Doli (9/96-11/97), and the HealthTronics Lithotron (12/97-4/98)-were each used to treat 50 patients. Conscious monitored intravenous sedation was used in all patients. Post-treatment evaluations were made at 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months. RESULTS: A successful outcome (stone free or fragments <4 mm) was achieved in 72% (MLF-5000), 68% (Doli), and 80% (Lithotron) of patients (P = 0.39). Treatments that were followed by retreatments or other further procedures (ureteroscopy or percutaneous nephrolithotomy) were counted as failures. The retreatment rate was 10%, 22%, and 10%, respectively. There were three significant complications with the Doli unit: two large perirenal hematomas (4%) and one delayed splenic rupture in a patient with a history of pelvic surgery that necessitated transfusions and urgent splenectomy. The minor complication rates with all three lithotripters were similar to those reported in the literature. The three-month efficiency quotients were 0.55 for the Lithotron and MFL-5000 and 0.41 for the Doli. CONCLUSIONS: Statistically equivalent success rates were achieved with all three machines. The electromagnetic unit (Doli) had higher rates of retreatment and significant complications than the electrohydraulic lithotripters (MFL-5000, Lithotron).

Agglomeration inhibition reflected stone-forming activity during long-term potassium citrate therapy in calcium stone formers.

OBJECTIVES: The agglomeration of preformed crystals of calcium oxalate has been hypothesized to be the rate-limiting step in renal stone-forming activity (SFA). The effect of urine on the in vitro inhibition of agglomeration of seed crystals of calcium oxalate monohydrate, designated [tm], has been used to monitor SFA in calcium oxalate stone formers (CaOxSF). The objective of the present study was to determine whether [tm] could be used to help monitor the long-term effectiveness of oral potassium citrate therapy (K-Cit-Rx) in CaOxSF. METHODS: Clinic and radiographic (or ultrasound) reports were evaluated for 80 patients, aged 20 to 72 years, 55 men and 25 women, who were treated with oral K-Cit for recurrent calcium oxalate urolithiasis at the Ochsner Stone Clinic between January 1992 and July 1996. Seventy-five of these patients had at least one 24-hour citrate excretion rate of less than 3.0 mm/day before or after K-Cit-Rx. SFA graded on a scale of -2 to +2 by radiographic criteria was combined with information on stone passage to evaluate clinical stone status, and 24-hour urine collections were evaluated for volume, pH, calcium, citrate, uric acid, oxalate, creatinine, and [tm] on free diet before and after 6 to 53 months of K-Cit-Rx. Historical information on procedures performed for urolithiasis before and on K-Cit-Rx was also reviewed. RESULTS: K-Cit-Rx resulted in increased urine pH (P <0.0001) and decreased calcium (P=0.0475), [tm] (P=0.0045), number of stones passed per year (P=0.0016), and remedial procedures per year (P <0.0001). Patients taking allopurinol in addition to K-Cit required higher doses (P <0.0001) of K-Cit to control their disease, had lower pretreatment urine pH (P=0.0493), and showed greater increase in urine citrate (P=0.0092) than those on K-Cit alone. Those taking high-dose K-Cit were younger (P=0.0363) and showed greater decrease in SFA (P=0.0005) than those taking lower doses. A small group of 10 medication refractory patients, who retained (n=9) or increased (n=1) their stone burden during K-Cit-Rx, was identified. Compared with the medication-responsive group, the refractory patients were older (P=0.0124), and had greatly increased SFA (P <0.0001) and higher (P=0.0347) urine pH before and during (P=0.0173) treatment (data not shown). CONCLUSIONS: The data confirm that [tm] can be used not only to verify previously documented stone formation rate but also to help evaluate the long-term effectiveness of therapy. In this report, changes in [tm] after K-Cit-Rx reflected decreased stone formation rate and decreased remedial procedures.

Urologic experience in 48 heart transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: Urologic experience in heart transplant recipients as a population group has not been reported. METHODS: We reviewed the charts of 48 consecutive heart transplant recipients who were evaluated and treated in our outpatient urologic clinic. Patients were treated for various urologic conditions by both medical and surgical means. RESULTS: No major complications were encountered. CONCLUSIONS: Heart transplant recipients may be treated with minimal morbidity; thus, their urologic complaints should be addressed and treated with confidence.

Liquid sterilization versus high level disinfection in the urologic office.

OBJECTIVES: Systems are available for liquid sterilization (LS) and high level disinfection (HLD) of flexible cystoscopes. Guidelines from the Association of Operating Room Nurses and the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology recommend HLD for urologic endoscopic equipment. We examine these methods emphasizing costs, performance of procedure, and maintenance. METHODS: The process of LS using the Steris System 1 Processor (SSP1) was studied from June 1993 to June 1994. The Voluntary Hospital Association (VHA) Plus Glutaraldehyde HLD system was evaluated from July 1994 to July 1995. Costs are those incurred by the Ochsner Department of Urology over these same periods. RESULTS: Purchase of the SSP1 system proved costly: $16,200 for purchase; $8645 for accessories, service contract, and training seminars; and $5800 for unit installation. Two gallons of glutaraldehyde including the disinfection container cost $15.60. Since government regulation requires less than 0.2 ppm airborne glutaraldehyde concentration, some facilities may need to install ventilation systems. There were no clinical differences between the two systems. Yearly operating expenses in our department for SSP1 was $6037 compared to $445 for HLD. Mean length of time to process was 35 minutes per use for SSP1 and 20 minutes for HLD. Repair of seven cystoscopes during the SSP1 period cost $11,500. No repairs were required for the cystoscopes used during the HLD period. CONCLUSIONS: Outpatient flexible cystoscopy was performed an average of 988 times per year during the study period. Major cost savings were incurred with institution of the HLD system and no endoscope repairs were necessary. There were no clinical differences between the two systems.

Large transitional cell carcinoma of the proximal third of the ureter in a young man.

We report an unusual case of a 37-year-old black man found to have a large transitional cell carcinoma of the proximal third of the ureter. This case is of interest because of the relatively young age of the patient, the upper third ureteral origin of the tumor, and the volume of the tumor burden.

Urinary Tamm-Horsfall protein increased after potassium citrate therapy in calcium stone formers.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of oral potassium citrate therapy on urinary excretion rates of citrate. Tamm-Horsfall protein (THP), and on calcium oxalate monohydrate crystal agglomeration inhibition [tm], in patients with recurrent calcium stone formation. METHODS: To evaluate the effect of oral therapy with potassium citrate on urinary citrate, THP, and [tm], 24-hour urine samples were collected before and at least 2 months after initiation of oral potassium citrate therapy in 33 calcium stone-forming patients who had no dietary restrictions. The citrate concentration was measured by an adaptation of a citrate lyase method. Urinary disaggregated THP concentration was determined with a quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The [tm] was determined by observing the effects of patients' urine, before and after oral potassium citrate therapy, on the uptake of 45Ca2+ onto the surfaces of added preformed calcium oxalate crystals in a supersaturated solution of calcium oxalate, using the in vitro kinetic method described by other investigators. RESULTS: We observed an increased urinary excretion rate of citrate from a mean of 1.9 mmol/24 h prealkali to 2.6 mmol/24 h postalkali (P < 0.0004) and of THP from a mean of 94.0 mg/24 h prealkali to 199.3 mg/24 h postalkali (P < 0.0016). A corresponding increase in [tm] from a mean of 177.1 minutes prealkali to 221.0 minutes postalkali (P < 0.024) was also observed. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge this is the first report correlating increased urinary citrate with THP excretion rate following oral alkalinization with potassium citrate in calcium stone formers. Of clinical importance is the corresponding increase in [tm], which was previously shown to be inversely related to stone-forming activity. Moreover, urinary citrate and THP are known to have a synergistic effect on [tm]. Our data suggest that the effectiveness of potassium citrate therapy in calcium stone-forming patients may, at least in part, be due to increased levels of THP.

Calcium oxalate stone agglomeration reflects stone-forming activity: citrate inhibition depends on macromolecules larger than 30 kilodalton.

To evaluate the clinical utility of in vitro calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) crystallization kinetics measurements and to determine the effect of quantitative removal of urinary Tamm-Horsfall glycoprotein on such measurements, we examined 24-hour, room temperature urine collections of patients from our Stone Clinic and of normal subjects from our research laboratories at Ochsner Medical Institutions in New Orleans, LA, and compared their COM kinetic parameters in vitro before and after urine ultrafiltration (30 kd). Data from 53 calcium oxalate stone-forming patients (26% women; mean age, 47 years) who demonstrated radiographic or other evidence of forming at least one stone were compared with data from 22 healthy volunteers (25% women; mean age, 40 years). Hypercalciuria (> 7.5 mm/24 hr), hyperoxaluria (> 0.5 mm/24 hr), and hypocitraturia (< 2.0 mm/24 hr) were present in 38%, 26%, and 26% of the patient population, respectively. Urinary creatinine, urate, calcium, citrate, phosphate, oxalate, pH, volume, total immunoreactive-disaggregated Tamm-Horsfall glycoprotein, and the urine's effects on COM solubility, percent crystal growth inhibition, and crystal agglomeration inhibition [tm] were determined. Calcium oxalate monohydrate agglomeration inhibition, [tm], was reduced in stone-forming patients. It decreased with increasing stone frequency, making [tm] a useful tool for measuring the risk of stone recurrence. Urinary Tamm-Horsfall glycoprotein and citrate concentrations were linearly related to COM agglomeration inhibition. Their effects were synergistic. Tamm-Horsfall glycoprotein removal from urine reduced COM agglomeration inhibition dramatically. Alkali therapy increased urinary citrate concentration and increased [tm].(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Incidence and simple management of priapism following dynamic infusion cavernosometry-cavernosography.

Of 239 patients with erectile dysfunction (aged 36 to 70 years) who were evaluated with dynamic infusion cavernosometry-cavernosography, 32 (13.4%) developed priapism after the procedure and were successfully managed with immediate intracorporal injection of phenylephrine. No single risk factor for the development of priapism was identified in this group. Early pharmacologic intervention for priapism induced by dynamic infusion cavernosometry-cavernosography is a simple, safe, and time-saving measure to achieve detumescence and prevent potential sequelae such as corporal ischemia or fibrosis.

Transurethral ultrasound-guided laser-induced prostatectomy: National Human Cooperative Study results.

Between November 1990 and March 1992, 150 patients at 10 United States institutions were treated with transurethral ultrasound-guided laser-induced prostatectomy (TULIP) for the relief of bladder outlet obstruction secondary to benign prostatic hypertrophy. The TULIP system incorporates ultrasound visualization with a 90-degree angle, side-firing laser to effect coagulation necrosis of prostate tissue. The overall preoperative prostate volume in this TULIP study was 40 cc and all types of prostatic enlargement, including median lobe obstruction, were treated. There were no intraoperative complications, with no hemorrhage or post-transurethral resection syndrome, and no blood transfusions were required. Hospital stay averaged 1.7 days and 83% of the patients went home after a 1-night stay. We evaluated 63 patients at 6 months after the TULIP procedure. Mean symptom scores decreased from 18.8 to 6.1, for a 68% improvement. The mean peak flow increased from 6.7 ml. per second preoperatively to 11.9 ml. per second, for a 78% improvement. Overall, 87% of the patients exhibited at least 50% improvement in either the symptom score or peak flow parameter, while 49% of the patients demonstrated at least a 50% improvement in both parameters.

The titanium intraprostatic stent: the United States experience.

This multicenter, cooperative study represents the initial United States experience using an expandable, titanium intraprostatic stent in 68 patients (60 to 93 years old). The stents were inserted under direct vision and expanded to 33F using a balloon catheter. All patients had a symptom score analysis, and underwent measurement of peak urine flow and rate and post-void residual urine volume as part of the initial evaluation. Patients were seen at approximately 1, 3, 6 and 18 months after stent insertion (mean followup 16 months). Of the 68 patients 38 presented in urinary retention. The type of anesthesia used included general anesthesia in 6 patients, spinal or epidural anesthesia in 24, intravenous sedation in 20 and intraurethral lidocaine only in 18. All patients were able to void spontaneously within 36 hours after stent insertion. Symptom scores decreased from 16.8 to 3.9, 6.3, 5.0, 5.7 and 3.2 at approximately 1, 3, 6, 12 and 18 months, respectively. Peak urine flow rate increased from 3.9 to 13.8, 11.5, 11.2, 12.4 and 14.4 ml. per second at approximately 1, 3, 6, 12 and 18 months, respectively. Post-void residual urine volume decreased from 74.4 to 30.1, 29.2, 19.8 and 40.2 ml. at approximately 1, 3, 6 and 12 months, respectively. Of the initial 68 patients 5 died of the underlying disorder (all voiding satisfactorily with the stent in place) and 17 underwent uneventful stent removal (10 for technical failure and 7 for treatment failure). Technical failures were secondary to either inaccurate positioning or improper stent sizing. Of the 58 patients with proper placement of the stent and no technical failures 46 (79%) had improvement in symptom scores and urine flow rate. Transient hematuria was noted in 43 patients (63%) and usually resolved within 48 hours. None of the 6 urinary tract infections (9%) was recurrent. In conclusion, the titanium intraprostatic stent, when properly placed, is a promising therapeutic alternative to prostatectomy or long-term catheterization in high risk obstructed patients or those in urinary retention. Studies are currently in progress to determine the long-term efficacy of this therapeutic modality.

Invasive bladder cancer following 125iodine implants.

We present 2 cases of invasive transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder following implantation of 125iodine seeds for the treatment of localized adenocarcinoma of the prostate. These tumors, which occurred approximately 6 years after radiotherapy, were located in the trigone and prostatic urethra within the previous radiation treatment field. The development of high grade transitional cell carcinoma in these patients may be due to the tumorigenic effects of 125iodine radiation.

Metastatic renal cell carcinoma presenting as an intrasellar mass on computerized tomography.

We report a case of renal cell carcinoma metastatic to the pituitary gland. A review of the literature indicated breast carcinoma to be the most frequent primary tumor metastatic to this site, while renal cell carcinoma metastasis has not been reported previously. This case emphasizes the capricious nature of renal cell carcinoma, particularly in a patient presenting with no evidence of disseminated disease.

Renal cell carcinoma: the Ochsner Medical Institution experience (1945-1978).

We reviewed 161 patients operated upon for renal cell carcinoma between 1945 and 1978. Life table and survival analyses were computed to compare the effects of stage, tumor differentiation, cell type, surgical technique, renal vein involvement and sex on the years of survival. Patients with stage I and well differentiated tumors had the best prognosis. All patients surviving 10 years or more had well differentiated tumors. The type of nephrectomy did not affect survival and lymphadenectomy was only of value in staging the disease. The stage and differentiation of the tumor were more important to outcome than choice of therapy.

Azoospermia: diagnosis and management.

By using a detailed history and physical examination, endocrinologic studies, and, in some cases, testicular biopsy, we assign azoospermic men to three pathogenic groups: pretesticular, testicular, and posttesticular. This and further subclassification allow physicians to provide prognostic information. A few patients will have lesions amenable to surgical correction, or endocrinologic abnormalities that can be treated by replacement therapy or, as in the case of prolactin elevation, by surgery, irradiation, or bromocriptine therapy. Patients afflicted with irreversible sterility should be advised to accept the diagnosis and consider other pathways to parenthood, such as adoption or artificial insemination.

Critical evaluation of 1-stage cystectomy--reducing morbidity and mortality.

Although it is a major surgical effort removal of the bladder can be done with reasonable safety. In our opinion cystectomy and urinary diversion by an ileal conduit can be performed as a conjoined procedure without need for staging to reduce risks. Mortality up to 3 months postoperatively was 3.9 per cent and the major complication rate for surviving patients was 18.6 per cent. Minor complications occurred in 28.7 per cent of all patients but were treated easily. We did not note increased morbidity after radical cystectomy compared to other types of cystectomy. A higher complication rate was noted in patients who had undergone preoperative radiation treatment, and wound infection rate was higher in patients with neurogenic bladder dysfunction and chronic cystitis. The advantages of 1-stage compared to 2-stage cystectomy would include the fact that it eliminates the need for a second operation, saves considerable expense by virtue of shortened hospitalization and an earlier resumption of the patient's productivity, achieves early removal of the malignancy, decreases the chances of infection by avoiding a second laparotomy in the presence of a stoma and allows better exposure in the absence of previous ureteroileal anastomoses.