Permanent cutaneous vesicostomy: a pragmatic approach to safely manage lower urinary tract dysfunction in pediatric patients with chronic and life-limiting conditions and neuropathic bladders.

Introduction: Lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) in cerebral palsy (CP) and other neuromuscular diseases can present with chronic retention that leads to hydronephrosis, recurrent urinary tract infections (UTI), and stone formation. Whenever the conservative treatment of LUTD fails for any reason, it is considered to be complicated LUTD, in which a surgical approach is warranted. Cutaneous vesicostomy (CV) is a simple, well-tolerated, and potentially reversible procedure that protects the upper tracts. We describe our experience using CV for this complex population. Materials and methods: Children with CP and other neuromuscular diseases admitted to pediatric long-term care units for palliative care between 2015 and 2019 were included in the study. They present multi-system involvement, polypharmacy, and Gross Motor Function Classification System levels of 4 or 5. We retrospectively studied this population's indications and results of CV. Results: Of the 52 admitted patients, 18 presented LUTD with UTI (n:18; 100%), stones (n:5; 28%), progressive hydroureteronephrosis (n:3; 17%), or stones (n:2; 11%). Conservative initial management (catheterizations, prophylaxis antibiotics) was effective in half the cases. The remaining nine were defined as complicated LUTD and underwent CV. After a mean follow-up of 11.3 months, the follow-up showed improved hydronephrosis in all nine (100%) patients. Recurrent UTIs were no longer seen in eight of nine patients, although three patients required bladder irrigations; bladder stones did not recur after CV; the kidney stones needed further intervention. Revision of the CV was required in two (11%) cases at 12 and 24 months postoperatively due to stoma stenosis. Conclusion: CV is a relatively simple and effective procedure representing a pragmatic solution for managing complicated LUTD in complex long-term institutionalized pediatric palliative care patients with neuropathic bladders.

Outcomes of detrusorectomy in neurogenic bladders: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to assess the outcomes of detrusorectomy in children with neurogenic bladder (NB). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A search was performed in PUBMED, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library database in August 2023. The following search terms were used: "detrusorectomy", "detrusorotomy", "auto-augmentation". The two main primary outcomes were improvement in bladder capacity and bladder compliance after intervention. Outcomes were dichotomized into favorable and unfavorable. The secondary outcomes were the effect of postoperative bladder cycling on bladder compliance and bladder capacity and complications. RESULTS: 258 references were screened for inclusion, of these 242 were excluded. 8 of the remaining 16 studies were included for the qualitative and quantitative analysis. All studies were retrospective case series studies (165 patients). Median follow-up time varied between studies (1.75-11.1 years), while two studies reported a mean follow-up time of 8.1 years. Using a random effects meta-analysis, the overall rate for unchanged or improved bladder capacity was 95% (Proportion[CI]: 0.95 [0.61; 1.00]). The overall rate for improved bladder compliance after detrusorectomy was 67% (Proportion[CI]: 0.67 [0.26; 0.92)) (Summary Fig). In the bladder cycling group improved compliance was found in 89% of patients (Proportion[CI]: 0.89 [0.41; 0.99]), whereas it was 21% in the non-cycling group (Proportion[CI]: 0.21 [0.04; 0.61]) (p = 0.0552). Bladder cycling did not affect bladder capacity as the overall rate for unchanged or improved bladder capacity was 98% (Proportion[CI]: 0.98 [0.35; 0.92]) in the cycling and 73% (Proportion[CI]: 0.73 [0.46; 0.90]) in the non-cycling group (p > 0.05). Overall complications were encountered in 16 (9.7%) patients, with major complications (stones, bladder perforations) detected only in 5(3%) patients. DISCUSSION: Detrusorectomy leads to an improved bladder compliance in 67% of children. As such, detrusorectomy proves to be a viable procedure to enhance bladder compliance or to cure overactivity. Importantly, the beneficial effect of detrusorectomy on bladder compliance seems to be long-lasting. Bladder capacity remained unchanged or improved in almost all patients undergoing detrusorectomy. Postoperative bladder cycling was effective in improving bladder compliance outcome compared to the non-cycling group. Proper patient selection is the key to good postoperative outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Detrusorectomy enhances bladder compliance in pediatric neurogenic bladders. Postoperative bladder cycling improves bladder compliance and the overall complication rate of the procedure is low. Therefore, detrusorectomy should be considered a valuable therapeutic option in the comprehensive management of neurogenic bladders in children.

Urinary Microbiome in Bladder Diseases-Review.

The microbiome is the totality of microorganisms found in a specific biological niche. It has been proven that in the human body, the microbiome is responsible for its proper functioning. Dysbiosis, i.e., a disturbance in the composition of the microbiome, may be associated with the pathogenesis of many human diseases. Until recently, studies did not focus on the microbiome of the urinary tract, because, since the 19th century, there had been a dogma that urine in healthy people is sterile. Yet, advances in molecular biology techniques have allowed this dogma to be overthrown. The use of DNA sequencing has shown that the urinary tract has its own endogenous microbiome. This discovery enabled further research on the characteristics of the urine microbiomes of healthy people, as well as on the role of the urine microbiome in the pathogenesis of many urological diseases, including bladder diseases. The aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on the urinary microbiome in bladder diseases and to identify potential directions for further research.

Neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction.

Neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) remains a formidable challenge to pediatric urologists to achieve the goals of renal preservation and the reduction of urinary tract infections as well as the attainment of continence and independence as children grow toward adulthood. Tremendous progress has occurred over the past 50 years which have witnessed an evolution in focus from mere survival to optimal quality of life. This review presents four separate guidelines for the medical and surgical care of pediatric NLUTD, most commonly related to spina bifida, to highlight the change in approach from expectant to more proactive management.

Sexual activity and function of adult men with spina bifida.

OBJECTIVE: Data on sexual function of men with spina bifida (SB) is limited. We aimed to assess sexual activity and erectile dysfunction (ED) in a large international sample of men with SB. METHODS: Men with SB (≥18yo) were recruited in an international online survey via clinics and social media. We collected data on demographics, ambulation (Hoffer classification), penile rigidity (Erection Hardness Score), sexual activity and ED (International Index of Erectile Function). Non-parametric tests were used. RESULTS: A total of 162 men (median age 35, 62% shunted, 38% community ambulators) reported sexual desire similar to the general population (p = 0.82), but 55% were dissatisfied with their sex life (Summary Table). Overall, 36% reported full penile rigidity with erections, more commonly with better ambulation (p = 0.01), 69% had ever experienced orgasm and 84% ejaculated. In 44 men (27%) attempting sexual intercourse in the last 4 weeks, 59% had ED (11% severe, 7% moderate, 14% mild-moderate, 27% mild). In this group, 91% of men reporting less than full penile rigidity had ED, compared to 30% with full penile rigidity (p = 0.001). Overall, partnered non-genital contact in the last 3 months was reported by 56%, solo masturbation: 62%, partnered intercourse: 48% (31% vaginal). Of 54 men who used phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5I), 80% reported improved erections, 56% improved intercourse. Overall, 40% reported non-genital erogenous zones as most pleasurable, especially with poorer ambulation (p = 0.002, chest/nipples: 73%). COMMENT: Strengths of this study include anonymous, voluntary, online participation maximizing participation of a heterogenous, international population. Whenever available, we compared findings to published values for the general population. Since romantic and sexual activity is a complex intersection of interest, opportunity and ability, a more comprehensive assessment was beyond the study's scope. Future work will focus on the interplay with issues like incontinence. CONCLUSIONS: ED was frequent among men with SB, especially in men with poorer ambulation. PDE5 inhibitors may be beneficial. Partnered sexual activity was reported by half of the men, although it may not involve penetrative intercourse.

Risk determination for upper urinary tract damage in children with neuropathic bladder.

AIM: Neuropathic bladder dysfunction (NBD) or neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction occurs as a result of a lesion at any level of central nervous system. The most common aetiology of NBD in children is abnormal development of spinal column. These defects cause neurogenic detrusor overactivity which contributes to detrusor-sphincter dysfunction and results in lower urinary tract symptoms such as incontinence. One of the more progressive and insidious, at the same time preventable result of neuropathic bladder is upper urinary tract deterioration. It is vital to aim reduction in bladder pressures and the minimisation of urine stasis in order to prevent or at least attenuate renal disease. Despite world-wide strategies for prevention of neural tube defects currently, we will still be involved in the care of spina bifida patients born every year with a neuropathic bladder and at risk of long-term renal damage. This study was planned for evaluation of results and detection of possible risk factors for upper urinary tract deterioration during routine visits of neuropathic bladder population. METHODS: The electronic medical records of the patients who were followed up for at least 1 year with the diagnosis of neuropathic bladder in Pediatric Urology and Nephrology units of Adana City Training and Research Hospital were reviewed retrospectively. A total of 117 patients, whose blood, urine, imaging and urodynamic study required for the evaluation of nephrological and urological status were completed and included in the study. Patients under the age of one were excluded from the study. Demographic characteristics, medical history, laboratory and imaging results were recorded. All statistical analyses were analysed by SPSS version 21 software package and analysed by descriptive statistical. RESULTS: Of the 117 patients who participated in the study, 73 (62.4%) were female and 44 (37.6%) were male. Mean age of the patients was 6.7 ± 4.9 years. The leading cause of neuropathic bladder was neuro-spinal dysraphism with 103 (88.1%) patients. Urinary tract ultrasound imaging revealed hydronephrosis in 44 patients (35.9%), parenchymal thinning in 20 patients (17.1%), increased parenchymal echo in 20 patients (17.1%) and trabeculation or increase in wall thickness of the bladder in 51 patients (43.6%). Voiding cystogram revealed the presence of vesicoureteral reflux in a total of 37 patients (31.6%), with 28 patients being unilateral and 9 patients bilateral. More than half of the patients had abnormal bladder findings (52.1%). In the Tc 99 m DMSA scan of the patients, 24 patients (20.5%) had unilateral renal scars and 15 (12.8%) had bilateral. Loss of renal function was detected in 27 (23.1%) of the patients. Urodynamic study revealed decreased bladder capacity in 65 patients (55.6%) and increased detrusor leakage pressure was found in 60 patients (51.3%). The mean leak point pressure of the patients was 36 ± 26 cm H2 O, and the mean leakage volume was determined as 157 ± 118 mL. CONCLUSION: Findings obtained from imaging and urodynamic studies during routine investigation of neuropathic bladder patients can be a guide for the upper urinary tract. According to our results, age, bladder changes in ultrasound and voiding cystogram, high leak point pressure obtained during urodynamic studies are thought to have strong correlation with upper urinary tract damage. The prevalence of progressive chronic kidney disease in children and adults with spina bifida is remarkable and completely preventable. The strategies for prevention of renal disease in this patient population should be planned by coordinated work of urologist with nephrologist and requires family cooperation.

Simultaneous bladder augmentation and artificial urinary sphincter placement in children with neuropathic urinary incontinence. Is it safe to perform? Long-term results.

INTRODUCTION: Simultaneous performance of artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) placement and bladder augmentation (BA) in patients with neuropathic bladder is currently controversial. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to describe our very long-term results after a median follow-up of 17 years. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective single-center case-control study was performed in patients with neuropathic bladder treated in our institution between 1994 and 2020, in whom AUS placement and BA were performed simultaneously (SIM group) or sequentially at different times (SEQ group). Demographic variables, hospital length of stay (LOS), long-term outcomes and postoperative complications were compared between both groups. RESULTS: A total of 39 patients (21 males, 18 females) were included, with a median age of 14.3 years. BA and AUS were performed simultaneously at the same intervention in 27 patients, and sequentially in different interventions in 12 cases, with a median of 18 months between both surgeries. No demographics differences were observed. SIM group had a shorter median LOS when compared to SEQ group, considering the two sequential procedures (10 vs. 15 days; p = 0.032). Median follow-up was 17.2 years (interquartile range 10.3-23.9). Four postoperative complications were reported, 3 patients in SIM group and 1 case in SEQ group, with no statistically significant differences between them (p = 0.758). Adequate urinary continence was achieved in more than 90% of patients in both groups. DISCUSSION: There are scarce recent studies comparing the combined performance of simultaneous or sequential AUS and BA in children with neuropathic bladder. The results of our study show a much lower postoperative infection rate than previously reported in the literature. It is a single-center analysis with a relatively small sample of patients although it is among the largest series published so far, and presents the longest long-term follow-up with more than 17 years of median follow-up time. CONCLUSION: Simultaneous BA and AUS placement appears safe and efficacious in children with neuropathic bladder, with shorter LOS and no differences in postoperative complications or long-term outcomes when compared to performing the two procedures sequentially at different times.

Relation between blood levels of heavy metals and some markers of oxidative stress among boys with neuropathic bladder and posterior urethral valve.

BACKGROUND: The status of heavy metals in children with lower urinary tract pathology that may harm the upper tract, e.g., neuropathic bladder and posterior urethral valve and its relationship with oxidative stress has not been adequately investigated. Therefore, the object of the current work was to evaluate the concentrations of copper, zinc, cadmium and lead and their relations with levels of catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) in boys with neuropathic bladder and posterior urethral valve. METHODS: Thirty-six children with neuropathic bladder, 35 children with posterior urethral valve and 33 health controls were included in the study. In addition to routine laboratory tests, blood samples were collected from patients and controls to assess levels of Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb in addition to plasma concentrations of CAT, MDA and GSH. RESULTS: Significantly elevated levels of Cu, Pb, CAT, MDA and GSH and significantly lower concentration of blood Zn were found in the studied groups compared to the controls. In the posterior urethral valve group, blood level of Cu was positively correlated with GSH while a significantly negative relation was observed between blood Zn and CAT activity among the neuropathic bladder patients. CONCLUSION: Neuropathic bladder and posterior urethral valve may lead to abnormalities in the blood levels of heavy metals (i.e. Cu, Pb and Zn) and markers of oxidative stress (CAT, MDA and GSH). Therefore, the levels of theses metal ions should be monitored during the treatment course of neuropathic bladder and posterior urethral valve patients to prevent or minimize long-term oxidative injury.

Effectiveness of game-based core exercise in children with non-neuropathic bladder dysfunction and comparison to biofeedback therapy.

OBJECTIVES: This study was planned to evaluate the effectiveness of game-based core exercises in children diagnosed with non-neuropathic bladder dysfunction and compare this effectiveness to that of the biofeedback treatment method. METHODS: The study included 48 children, aged 6-13 years, who were diagnosed with non-neuropathic bladder dysfunction. The children satisfying the inclusion criteria were selected by drawing lots from the population with the method of nonprobability random sampling. The patients were divided into three groups: group I, "game-based core stabilization exercise training"; group II, "biofeedback program"; and group III, "game-based core stabilization exercise training in addition to the biofeedback program." The Dysfunctional Voiding and Incontinence Symptom Scale (DVISS) scores and uroflowmetry values of the patients were evaluated before and after the treatment. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 8.81 ± 2.08 years. There was a statistically significant difference between the pretreatment and post-treatment DVISS scores in all three groups (p < .05). However, no significant difference was found among the groups. There was no statistically significant difference in the uroflowmetry results of the patients in group I and II before and after the treatment. In group III, the time to maximum flow rate after treatment was significantly reduced, and the average flow rate was significantly increased. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of this study, the use of game-based exercises along with biofeedback treatment may reduce DVISS scores in children with non-neuropathic bladder dysfunction. A combination of the two methods may have positively affected the uroflowmetry results of the patients. We think that game-based exercises will contribute to the literature as a new treatment option in the treatment of non-neuropathic bladder dysfunction.

Long-term functional outcomes of sacrococcygeal teratoma - A systematic review of published studies exploring 'real world' outcomes.

Sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT) is a rare neoplasm affecting 1:35,000 newborns. Long-term follow-up from small observational studies report impaired bladder/bowel function. This current study comprehensively analyses all published studies to better define true long-term functional sequelae. Medline/Embase databases were searched with PRISMA guidelines. Final analysis yielded 37 studies involving 1116 patients (854 female; 77%). Individual datasets were available in 14 studies (222 patients). According to Altman classification - 298/845 (35%) were Type I, 252/845 (30%) Type II, 133/845 (16%) Type III, and 128/845 (15%) Type IV tumours. Most neoplasms were benign (640/858; 75%), 77/858 (9%) immature and 141/858 (16%) malignant. Abnormal bladder function was reported in 7/39 (18%) Altman Type I, 23/61 (37.7%) Type II, 11/34 (32.4%) Type III, and 15/25 (60%) Type IV cases (p = 0.007). Adverse urological outcomes were notably common in immature/malignant neoplasms vs benign tumours and in patients requiring reoperation(s); p = 0.002 and p = 0.01. Bowel dysfunction was evident in 19% index cases and constipation in 26% with no significant association(s) with tumour characteristics. Higher Altman stage, unfavourable tumour biology and reoperation are associated with poor functional outcome(s). Multidisciplinary management from primary diagnosis of SCT is crucially important for all patients to best optimise functional outcomes across surgical specialities.

[EFFECTS OF COMBINATION THERAPY WITH VIBEGRON FOR ANTICHOLINERGIC-RESISTANT PEDIATRIC NEUROGENIC BLADDER].

(Objective) We report the effectiveness of combination therapy with vibegron in pediatric patients with neurogenic bladder inadequately responding to anticholinergic agents. (Subjects and methods) This retrospective study involved 13 pediatric patients with neurogenic bladder treated with anticholinergics at our department from November 2019 to January 2021 who had an inadequate response and received combination therapy with vibegron. Changes in the volume of urinary incontinence before and after the use of vibegron reported during interviews from the 13 patients were compared. In addition, bladder capacity at the end of examination, bladder capacity at the end of examination/expected bladder capacity (EBC), and bladder compliance were compared using the Wilcoxon signed rank test in 9 patients for whom urodynamics (UDS) or video urodynamics (VUDS) was performed before and after introduction of vibegron. (Results) The 13 patients comprised 8 boys and 5 girls. The median age was 13 years (range, 5-18 years). Underlying diseases included 9 cases of spina bifida, 1 case of Hinman syndrome, 1 case of cervical vertebra injury, 1 case of idiopathic cervical epidural hematoma combined with spina bifida, and 1 case of spinal cord infarction. Eight of the 13 patients experienced decrease in urinary incontinence after the introduction of vibegron. All 9 patients who underwent UDS or VUDS before and after introduction of vibegron displayed significant differences in bladder capacity at the end of the examination, bladder capacity at the end of the examination/EBC, and bladder compliance, indicating improvement. (Conclusion) Combination therapy with vibegron is effective for pediatric patients with neurogenic bladder who have inadequately responded to anticholinergic agents.

Management of neuropathic bladder secondary to spina bifida: Twenty years' experience with a conservative approach.

Introduction: Treatment of neuropathic bladder secondary to spina bifida is an ongoing challenge. Although different management strategies and protocols are available in the literature, reliance on expert opinion remains fundamental. A conservative approach can be utilized, but patients must be closely monitored throughout the management process. The objective of this study was to review the management and outcomes of neuropathic bladder in spina bifida by appraising long-term bladder and renal function in patients treated at a medical center utilizing a conservative management style. Methods: This is a single-center retrospective review of urology care for all spina bifida patients 5-19 years of age with a neuropathic bladder who attended follow-ups between April 2000 and April 2020. Only patients with more than 5 years of follow-up were included. Renal functions, continence and results of invasive video urodynamics (IUD) and any surgical interventions were recorded. Results: Seventy-one patients (mean age = 10.5 years) were identified after exclusions. Bladder compliance between first and last IUDs increased significantly (p = 0.0056). Anticholinergic treatment was started at the first outpatient appointment. Intravesical botulinum toxin injection was the second line treatment in ten patients. 94% of patients had an end fill pressure below 40 cm H2O in their last IUD. 82% were socially continent (dry or occasional damp patches) with or without catheterisations at the age of 11.5 years. One patient in the cohort had bladder augmentation. Conclusion: The optimal management of neuropathic bladder secondary to spina bifida remains controversial. Bladder and renal functional outcomes can be improved with close monitoring and less invasive management.

Value of serial ultrasound imaging in conservative management of epididymo-cutaneous fistula in a person with cervical spinal cord injury.

Epididymo-cutaneous fistula was seen in a person with cervical spinal cord injury and neuropathic bladder. This patient developed left epididymitis; then he formed an abscess superficial to the tail of the epididymis, which burst open to the skin discharging pus; subsequently, this progressed to epididymo-cutaneous fistula. A few drops of urine would leak through the fistula. The carers kept a dressing over the fistula to collect the small amount of urine leak and changed the dressing daily. This patient's carers squeezed any subcutaneous collection and drained the pus through the fistula. Serial ultrasound imaging of the scrotum was performed to guide the clinical management: (1) any subcutaneous abscess detected by the ultrasound scan was drained promptly; (2) ultrasound scans confirmed absence of any pathology in the testis; (3) the course of the disease was monitored as chronic epididymitis with echogenic debris in epididymal tail progressed to development of epididymo-cutaneous fistula and later to a chronic fistula with a matured tract. The serial scans revealed thickened tail of the left epididymis with heterogenous echo texture with no abscess formation, which encouraged the continuation of conservative management over a 5-year period while maintaining good quality of life. At the last follow-up in June 2022, leakage of urine from the epididymo-cutaneous fistula was observed very infrequently (once a month).

Large amounts of debris in the neuropathic bladder in persons with spinal cord injury; value of ultrasound scan in detection and management of vesical debris.

Persons with spinal cord injury are at risk for developing debris in the neuropathic bladder. Ultrasound scan of the urinary bladder helps to (1) detect debris, (2) differentiate debris from other bladder lesions, (3) alert the spinal cord physician to review bladder management, and (4) monitor the effect of various treatment regime to clear the debris. We present 4 cases to illustrate the sonographic appearances of debris in the neuropathic bladder and how treatment plans tailored to the needs of the individual patient helped to clear the debris.

Incontinence training in children with cerebral palsy: A prospective controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Urinary incontinence is the most frequently observed lower urinary tract symptom in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Being continent can positively influence quality of life of the child and the social environment. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of incontinence training with urotherapy in children with CP. STUDY DESIGN: A population-based case-control study was conducted including 21 children with CP and 24 typically developing children between 5 and 12 years old, both with daytime incontinence or combined daytime incontinence and enuresis. Children received treatment for one year with three-monthly examination by means of uroflowmetry, a structured questionnaire and bladder diaries. Children started with three months of standard urotherapy. After three, six and nine months of training, specific urotherapy interventions (pelvic floor muscle training with biofeedback, alarm treatment or neuromodulation) and/or pharmacotherapy could be added to the initial treatment. Therapy was individualized to probable underlying conditions. Effectiveness was controlled for spontaneous improvement due to maturation and analysed by means of longitudinal linear models, generalized estimating equations and multilevel cumulative odds models. Comparison with typically developing children was assessed by means of Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. RESULTS: Results suggest effectivity rate of incontinence training is lower and changes occur more slowly in time in children with CP compared to typically developing children (Figure). Within the group of children with CP, significant changes during one year of training were found for daytime incontinence (p < 0.001), frequency of daytime incontinence (p = 0.002), frequency of enuresis (p = 0.048), storage symptoms (p = 0.011), correct toilet posture (p = 0.034) and fecal incontinence (p = 0.026). DISCUSSION: Maximum voided volume and fluid intake at the start of training were significantly lower in children with CP and could explain a delayed effectiveness of urotherapy. Treatment of constipation demonstrated a positive effect on maximum voided volume and should be initiated together with standard urotherapy when constipation is still present after implementation of a correct fluid intake schedule. Future research with a larger sample size is recommended. CONCLUSIONS: Incontinence training with urotherapy can be an effective treatment for urinary incontinence in children with cerebral palsy. In the current cohort, effectivity rate of incontinence training was lower and changes occurred more slowly in children with cerebral palsy compared to typically developing children.

Inadvertent ureteric cannulation following suprapubic catheter change - Case report and review of the literature.

Suprapubic catheterisation (SPC) is a common urological intervention. We present a rare case of ureteric cannulation following SPC catheter change and summarize the literature around this rare phenomenon. To our knowledge, our case is the first to have occurred in a patient without a neuropathic bladder.

The past, present, and future of traumatic spinal cord injury therapies: a review.

This review provides a concise outline of the advances made in the care of patients and to the quality of life after a traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) over the last century. Despite these improvements reversal of the neurological injury is not yet possible. Instead, current treatment is limited to providing symptomatic relief, avoiding secondary insults and preventing additional sequelae. However, with an ever-advancing technology and deeper understanding of the damaged spinal cord, this appears increasingly conceivable. A brief synopsis of the most prominent challenges facing both clinicians and research scientists in developing functional treatments for a progressively complex injury are presented. Moreover, the multiple mechanisms by which damage propagates many months after the original injury requires a multifaceted approach to ameliorate the human spinal cord. We discuss potential methods to protect the spinal cord from damage, and to manipulate the inherent inhibition of the spinal cord to regeneration and repair. Although acute and chronic SCI share common final pathways resulting in cell death and neurological deficits, the underlying putative mechanisms of chronic SCI and the treatments are not covered in this review.

Artificial urinary sphincter in congenital neuropathic bladder: Very long-term outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: Artificial urinary sphincter has been used to treat urinary incontinence in children with neuropathic bladder, although there are few studies reporting very long-term results. We assess our experience over the last 27 years in the management of artificial urinary sphincter. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed in patients with neuropathic bladder in whom an artificial urinary sphincter was placed in our institution between 1994 and 2020. Demographic variables, pre- and post-artificial urinary sphincter implantation urodynamic studies, long-term outcomes, and postoperative complications were collected. RESULTS: An artificial urinary sphincter was implanted in 71 patients (median age 14.5; interquartile range 12.8-15.9), with a median follow-up time of 17.2 years (interquartile range 9.8-23.9 years). Thirty-nine patients underwent enterocystoplasty combined with artificial urinary sphincter placement and 32 underwent artificial urinary sphincter implantation alone, of whom 12 patients (16.9%) eventually required an enterocystoplasty because of unexpected bladder behavior changes, usually within 3 years of artificial urinary sphincter implantation. Adequate urinary continence was reported in 90.1% of patients, nine void their bladders spontaneously, and 62 need clean intermittent catheterization. Eighteen mechanical malfunctions occurred in 15 patients (21.1%), with an average artificial urinary sphincter working life of 15.1 ± 1.3 years. In five patients artificial urinary sphincter was removed due to infection or erosion. In 12 patients (30.8%), a continent catheterizable stoma was made (before or during the follow-up) because of problems with clean intermittent catheterization through the urethra. CONCLUSION: The very long-term results of this study demonstrate that artificial urinary sphincter is an effective treatment for urinary incontinence in neuropathic bladder patients. Long-term follow-up is important to identify potential unexpected changes in bladder behavior in these patients.

Utilidad clínica de la medición del área máxima del trazado del detrusor en el estudio urodinámico en el paciente pediátrico con vejiga neuropática: estudio piloto / Clinical utility of the maximum area of detrusor tracing measurement in the urodynamic studies in pediatric population diagnosed with neuropathic bladder: A pilot study

IntroducciónLa vejiga neuropática (VN) es una disfunción del tracto urinario inferior (DTUinf) con riesgo de deterioro de la función renal, siendo el estudio urodinámico (EUD) la prueba patrón para su diagnóstico y seguimiento. El parámetro urodinámico clásico para identificar el riesgo renal es la presión de fuga del detrusor>=40 cmH2O, aunque este valor aislado puede carecer de interés pronóstico. Recientemente se ha descrito el área bajo la curva (ABC) del trazado de la presión del detrusor como factor pronóstico.ObjetivoAnalizar la utilidad clínica del ABC del trazado de la presión del detrusor en edad pediátrica (< 15 años).MétodosEstudio retrospectivo de registros urodinámicos en población pediátrica con VN entre 2011-2020. Se registran: presión detrusor y de fuga ≥ 40 cmH2O, alteración de la acomodación, vaciado e hiperactividad detrusor. Se clasifica la muestra según evolución clínica-radiológica en el momento del EUD. Se calcula el ABC utilizando los métodos de Newton-Côtes (trapecios, Simpson compuesto) y se calculan sus índices según la capacidad vesical (índice trapecios [IT]; índice Simpson [IS]). Significación estadística: p<0,05.ResultadosSe analizan 55 registros. El 41,8% (n=23) tuvo una evolución clínica desfavorable. La alteración en el vaciado, la hipoacomodación y los índices se asociaron a una situación clínica desfavorable(p <0,05). El ABC del rendimiento diagnóstico de los nuevos índices fue: IT (0,736, p=0,0006); IS (0,755, p=0,0001). Los puntos de corte del valor de IT e IS fueron de 10,69 y 8 cmH2O×s/cc, respectivamente. No encontramos diferencias en el rendimiento diagnóstico entre ellos (p> 0,05).ConclusionesLos nuevos índices estudiados son útiles en el diagnóstico de pacientes con VN y situación clínica desfavorable (AU)

IntroductionNeuropathic bladder (NB) is a lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) that may lead to kidney failure. Urodynamic study is the gold standard for its diagnosis and follow-up. A classic prognostic parameter to predict the risk of upper urinary tract damage (UUTD) is the detrusor leak point pressure (DLPP)>=40cmH2O, although this factor alone may lack prognostic value. The area under the curve (AUC) of the detrusor pressure tracing has been recently described as a prognostic factor.AimTo analyze the clinical utility of the AUC of the detrusor pressure tracing in the pediatric population (<15 years).MethodsRetrospective study of urodynamic recordings in pediatric population with NB from 2011 to 2020. The following variables were evaluated: detrusor leak point pressure>=40cmH2O, voiding dysfunction, bladder compliance and overactivity. The sample is classified according to clinical-radiological findings at the time of the UD. AUC is calculated using Newton-Cotes rules (trapezium, Simpson's rule) and its indexes are calculated according to bladder capacity (TI: Trapezium Index, SI: Simpson Index). Statistical significance: P<.05.ResultsFifty-five recordings are analyzed. Unfavorable clinical condition was identified in 41.8% (n=23) patients. Voiding dysfunction, low compliance and both indexes were associated with an unfavorable clinical condition (P<.05). ROC analysis showed the following AUC for the new indexes: TI (0.736, P=.0006), SI (0.755, P=.0001) with a cut-off value of 10,69 and 8cmH2Os/cc, respectively. We did not find differences in the diagnostic performance between them (P>.05).ConclusionsThe analyzed indexes are useful in the diagnosis of patients with NB and unfavorable clinical condition (AU)

Clinical utility of the maximum area of detrusor tracing measurement in the urodynamic studies in pediatric population diagnosed with neuropathic bladder: A pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: Neuropathic bladder (NB) is a lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) that may lead to kidney failure. Urodynamic study is the gold standard for its diagnosis and follow-up. A classic prognostic parameter to predict the risk of upper urinary tract damage (UUTD) is the detrusor leak point pressure (DLPP) ≥  40 cmH2O, although this factor alone may lack prognostic value. The area under the curve (AUC) of the detrusor pressure tracing has been recently described as a prognostic factor. AIM: To analyze the clinical utility of the AUC of the detrusor pressure tracing in the pediatric population (<15 years). METHODS: Retrospective study of urodynamic recordings in pediatric population with NB from 2011 to 2020. The following variables were evaluated: detrusor leak point pressure ≥ 40 cmH2O, voiding dysfunction, bladder compliance and overactivity. The sample is classified according to clinical-radiological findings at the time of the UD. AUC is calculated using Newton-Cotes rules (trapezium, Simpson's rule) and its indexes are calculated according to bladder capacity (TI: Trapezium Index, SI: Simpson Index). Statistical significance: P < .05. RESULTS: Fifty-five recordings are analyzed. Unfavorable clinical condition was identified in 41.8% (n = 23) patients. Voiding dysfunction, low compliance and both indexes were associated with an unfavorable clinical condition (P < .05). ROC analysis showed the following AUC for the new indexes: TI (0.736, P = 0.0006), SI (0.755, P = .0001) with a cut-off value of 10,69 and 8 cmH2O·s/cc, respectively. We did not find differences in the diagnostic performance between them (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: The analyzed indexes are useful in the diagnosis of patients with NB and unfavorable clinical condition.