Freeflow: The novel portable uroflowmeter can help to realize practical urinary conditions at home.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of a novel portable urine flowmeter, Freeflow, for examining the actual state of urination at home. METHODS: Forty-three patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia used the Freeflow uroflowmeter in the hospital and at home without accumulating urine. We created a nomogram for each patient's urine volume and maximal urinary flow rate (Qmax). Furthermore, we investigated the actual state of each patient's urination. We also investigated the differences in the micturition status between daytime and nighttime. RESULTS: Of the 43 patients, 40 were able to provide the necessary data in the hospital, and all patients provided data measured at home. The trial period of the home assessment was 2-7 days. Regarding the average urine volume, no significant difference was observed between in-hospital and at-home patients; however, Qmax and mean flow rate (Qave) were significantly higher at home. The average coefficient of variation was very large. The relationship between daytime and nighttime was observed in 30 patients; urine volume increased significantly at nighttime; however, no significant difference was observed in Qmax and Qave. The nomogram for several days and a completed urinary diary helped to display daytime and nighttime urination characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: Freeflow, the newly developed uroflowmeter, enabled us to determine the fluctuations in the measurements recorded at home and the differences between daytime and nighttime. Thus, creating a nomogram for objectively examining nighttime urination status and utilizing a urination diary was found to be effective for providing correct diagnosis and treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms.

Early Experiences of Contact Laser Vaporization of the Prostate using the 980 nm High Power Diode Laser for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.

OBJECTIVES: We report early experiences of contact laser vaporization of the prostate for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). METHODS: A total of 80 patients recruited at four institutions in Japan from April 2013 through September 2014 underwent contact laser vaporization of the prostate using 980 nm high power diode laser with an end-firing fiber in the contact mode. Patients were followed prospectively at 1 day, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks, postoperatively per protocol, and at 1 and 2 years post-protocol. RESULTS: Of 76 eligible patients, 64 (84.2%) achieved more than 50% decrease in International Prostate Symptom Score at 24 weeks (95% confidence interval: 74.0-91.6%), clearing the pre-fixed non-inferiority efficacy level to transurethral resection of the prostate (65%). Symptom scores, maximum flow rate, post-void residual urine, and prostate volume showed significant improvements at 12 and 24 weeks after the surgery. Perioperative complications included transient urinary retention (n = 20), retrograde ejaculation (5), bladder neck contracture (4), urethral stricture (3), stone in prostatic bed (3), bladder stone (2), bladder perforation (1), bladder deformity (1), and transient urgency incontinence (1). Urinary retention and bladder neck contracture occurred almost exclusively at one institution. Improved symptom scores, maximum flow rate, and post-void residual urine observed at 24 weeks remained virtually unchanged at 1 and 2 years. CONCLUSIONS: Early experience of contact laser vaporization in Japan showed efficacy comparable to transurethral resection of the prostate as a surgical procedure for BPH at 24 weeks. Long-term efficacy of the procedure remains uncertain.

[Clinical evaluation of supplemental administration of flavoxate hydrochloride in benign prostatic hyperplasia patients with nocturia resistant to an alpha1-adrenoceptor blocker].

We examined the effectiveness of supplemental administration of flavoxate hydrochloride in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) whose nocturia was not adequately relieved by an alpha1-adrenoceptor blocker. Fifty-two patients who had two or more nocturnal micturition after administration of tamsulosin hydrochloride or naftopidil for 4 weeks or more received 400-600 mg of flavoxate hydrochloride in addition to an alpha1-adrenoceptor blocker for another 8-12 weeks. With supplemental administration of flavoxate hydrochloride, significant improvement was observed in the number of nocturnal micturition, total International Prostate Sympton Score, quality of life score and BPH impact index. No significant change was observed in the voided volume, Qmax, voiding time and residual urine volume. Supplemental administration of flavoxate hydrochloride is therefore effective for the improvement of nocturia and QOL in BPH patients resistant to an alpha1-adrenoceptor blocker.

Association between LDL particle size and postprandial increase of remnant-like particles in Japanese type 2 diabetic patients.

Small, dense LDL, as well as chylomicron- and VLDL-remnant lipoproteins, are known to be important risk factors for coronary heart disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to clarify the relationship between LDL particle size and postprandial remnant lipoprotein levels in Japanese type 2 diabetic patients. Forty-six patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were divided into tertiles according to LDL particle size. The peak LDL particle diameter was <26.30 nm in tertile 1, 26.30-26.85 nm in tertile 2, and >26.85 nm in tertile 3. After a test meal, tertile 1 had a significantly greater increment of triglycerides (TG), remnant-like particle (RLP)-TG, and RLP-cholesterol (RLP-C) than tertiles 2 and 3. There was a negative correlation between LDL particle size and the postprandial increases of TG, RLP-TG, and RLP-C. These results indicate that smaller sized LDL particles may be a marker of fasting state for an exaggerated postprandial increase of remnant lipoproteins as well as an increase of TG-rich lipoproteins.