The Safety and Efficacy of Fluoxetine for the Treatment of Refractory Primary Monosymptomatic Nocturnal Enuresis in Children: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: We investigated the efficacy and safety of fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, for treating refractory primary monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Children 8-18 years old with severe primary monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis unresponsive to alarm therapy, desmopressin, and anticholinergics were screened for eligibility. After excluding children with daytime urinary symptoms, constipation, underlying urological, neuropsychiatric, endocrinological, or cardiac conditions, patients were randomly and equally assigned to 10 mg fluoxetine once daily or placebo for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was treatment response according to the International Children's Continence Society terminology. Treatment-related adverse effects and nighttime arousal were secondary outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 150 children were enrolled, of whom 110 (56 in fluoxetine group and 54 in placebo group) with a mean age of 11.8 (SD 2.46) years were finally analyzed. After 4 weeks, 7.1% and 66.1% of the fluoxetine group achieved complete response and partial response (defined as 50%-99% reduction of the number of wet nights), respectively, versus 0% and 16.7% of the placebo group (P < .001). At 12 weeks, complete and partial responses were achieved in 10.7% and 21.4% of the fluoxetine group, respectively (vs 0% and 14.8% of the placebo group, P = .023). Fluoxetine-treated patients had fewer wet nights (4.7 [SD 4.2] fortnightly vs 9.7 [SD 3.5] at 4 weeks, P < .001; 5.7 [SD 4.4] vs 9.9 [SD 3.4] at 8 weeks, P < .001; 7.5 [SD 4.6] vs 9.9 [SD 3.4] at 12 weeks, P = .003). Fluoxetine was associated with improved nighttime arousal (P = .017), and minor and rapidly reversible adverse effects in 5 (8.9%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: Fluoxetine is safe treatment for refractory primary monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis in children with good initial response that declines at 12 weeks.

Can Concomitant Bladder Neck Incision and Primary Valve Ablation Reduce Early Re-admission Rate and Secondary Intervention?

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of bladder neck morphology and its incision (BNI) in patients with posterior urethral valve (PUV) on early reintervention rate. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Infants undergoing PUV ablation (PVA) before 24 months of age and had at least 18 months of follow-up, were categorized into three groups according to the bladder neck appearance on baseline radiological and endoscopic examination: group 1; normal bladder neck underwent PVA, group 2; high bladder neck underwent PVA plus BNI, group 3; high bladder neck underwent PVA only. Early reintervention was defined as the need for check cystoscopy because of persistent renal function deterioration, worsening hydronephrosis and/or unsatisfactory VCUG improvement during the 1st six months post primary PVA. RESULTS: Between 2000 and 2017, a total of 114 patients underwent PVA and met the study criteria with a median follow-up of 58 (18-230) months. For group 1, 16 (22.9%) patients needed readmission. Check cystoscopy was free and no further intervention was performed in 5(7.5%) and re-ablation was performed in 11(15.7%) patients. For group 2, 3(14.3%) patients needed reintervention. Re-ablation and re-ablation plus BNI were performed in 1(4.8%) and 2(9.5%), respectively. For group 3, cystoscopy was free in 1(4.3%), re-ablation and re-ablation plus BNI were performed 2(8.7%) and 1(4.3%), respectively. There were no significant differences in the re-admission and re-intervention rates among the three study groups (p=0.65 and p=0.50, respectively). CONCLUSION: In morphologically high bladder neck associated PUV, concomitant BNI with PVA doesn't reduce early re-intervention rate.

Shock wave lithotripsy versus endoscopic cystolitholapaxy in the management of patients presenting with calcular acute urinary retention: a randomised controlled trial.

PURPOSE: Shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) in treatment of bladder and urethral stones was not precisely determined. The objective of this study is to compare the efficacy and safety of SWL versus visual cystolitholapaxy in the management of calcular acute urine retention. METHODS: From March 2015 to February 2017, a randomised controlled study was conducted on 100 patients for whom urethral catheter fixed for acute retention of urine due to urethral or vesical radio-opaque stone(s) ≤ 2 cm. Patients were randomised to either SWL group (n = 50) or visual cystolitholapaxy (endoscopy group) (n = 50). RESULTS: No statistically significant differences between the pre-operative parameters of both groups were found. The mean stone diameter was 12.2 ± 3 mm and 12.2 ± 3.2 mm in SWL and endoscopy groups, respectively (p value = 0.4). The overall success rates of SWL group were 94% (47 of 50 patients) and endoscopy group were 98% (49 of 50 patients). SWL failed in 3 patients (6%); these 3 patients underwent cystolitholapaxy and were rendered free of stones. Intra-operative and post-operative complications were comparable between both groups (p value = 0.5 and 1, respectively). One patient had bladder perforation in the endoscopy group and was managed conservatively. CONCLUSIONS: SWL mono-therapy is safe, non-invasive and as effective as visual cystolitholapaxy in management of patients presenting with acute urine retention by vesical or urethral stones 2 cm or less and could be useful for patients unwilling/unfit for general anaesthesia.

Study of the role of tumor necrosis factor-α (-308 G/A) and interleukin-10 (-1082 G/A) polymorphisms as potential risk factors to acute kidney injury in patients with severe sepsis using high-resolution melting curve analysis.

RATIONAL: Septic acute kidney injury (AKI) is a prevalent complication in intensive care units with an increased incidence of complications. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to assess the use of high-resolution melting curve (HRM) analysis in investigating whether the genetic polymorphisms; -308 G/A of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and -1082 G /A of Interleukin-10 (IL-10) genes may predispose patients diagnosed with severe sepsis to the development of AKI. METHODS: One hundred and fifty patients with severe sepsis participated in the present study; only sixty-six developed AKI. Both polymorphisms were studied using HRM analysis. MAIN FINDINGS: The low producer genotype of both studied polymorphism of TNF-α and IL-10 genes was associated with AKI. Using logistic regression analysis, the low producer genotypes remained an independent risk factor for AKI. A statistically significant difference was detected between both studied groups as regards the low producer genotype in both TNF-α (-308 G/A) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) (-1082 G/A) polymorphisms being prevalent in patients developing AKI. Principle conclusions: The low producer genotypes of both TNF-α (-308 G/A) and IL-10 (-1082 G/A) polymorphisms could be considered a risk factor for the development of AKI in critically ill patients with severe sepsis, thus management technique implemented for this category should be modulated rescuing this sector of patients from the grave deterioration to acute kidney injury. Using HRM for genotyping proved to be a highly efficient, simple, cost-effective genotyping technique that is most appropriate for the routine study of large-scale samples.

Prognostic Value of Venous to Arterial Carbon Dioxide Difference during Early Resuscitation in Critically Ill Patients with Septic Shock.

CONTEXT: The partial pressure of venous to arterial carbon dioxide gradient (PCO2 gap) is considered as an alternative marker of tissue hypoperfusion and has been used to guide treatment for shock. AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of venous-to-arterial carbon dioxide difference during early resuscitation of patients with septic shock and compared it with that of lactate clearance and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE-II) score. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Forty patients admitted to one Intensive Care Unit were enrolled. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: APACHE-II score was calculated on admission. An arterial blood gas, central venous, and lactate samples were obtained on admission and after 6 h, and lactate clearance was calculated. Patients were classified retrospectively into Group I (survivors) and Group II (nonsurvivors). Pv-aCO2 difference in the two groups was evaluated. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Data were fed to the computer and analyzed using IBM SPSS software package version 20.0. RESULTS: At T0, Group II showed high PCO2 gap (8.37 ± 1.36 mmHg) than Group I (7.55 ± 0.95 mmHg) with statistically significant difference (P = 0.030). While at T6, Group II showed higher PCO2 gap (9.48 ± 1.47 mmHg) with statistically significant difference (P < 0.001) and higher mean lactate values (62.71 ± 23.66 mg/dl) with statistically significant difference (P < 0.001) than Group I where PCO2 gap and mean lactate values became much lower, 5.91 ± 1.12 mmHg and 33.61 ± 5.80 mg mg/dl, respectively. Group I showed higher lactate clearance (25.42 ± 6.79%) with statistically significant difference (P < 0.001) than Group II (-69.40-15.46%). CONCLUSIONS: High PCO2 gap >7.8 mmHg after 6 h from resuscitation of septic shock patients is associated with high mortality.

Retropubic bulbourethral sling in incontinence post-exstrophy repair: 2-year minimal follow up of a salvage procedure.

AIMS: Post-exstrophy incontinence is a challenge because continence is difficult to achieve and more difficult to maintain. Feasibility and outcomes of a bulbourethral sling to treat post-exstrophy incontinence is shown in this report. METHODS: A retropubic bulbourethral sling was applied to male patients with incontinence post-exstrophy-epispadius repair. The study included children with total (continuous) incontinence who underwent multiple previous anti-incontinence procedures, ranging from bladder neck injection to bladder neck reconstruction. Preoperative assessment includes urinalysis, renal US, VCUG, 1-hr pad test and urodynamics. The bulbourethral sling applied is made of polypropylene and is suspended by 4 pairs of nylon sutures, to support the bulbar urethra within its covering muscles with the sutures tied on the rectus muscles. Continence was evaluated as well as adverse events. RESULTS: Seventeen children, (median age 8.7 years) completed 24-month of follow up. All had CPRE. Five children (29.27%) were dry. Four micturated through the urethra and one by catheterizing his cutaneous stoma every 3-4 hr. In none, PVR exceeded 10% of expected capacity. Four children underwent re-tightening 1-4 weeks after removal of urethral catheter. Perineal wound dehiscence occurred in one, perineal/suprapubic pain in seven and epididymo-orchitis in one child. CONCLUSION: The current technique is promising for difficult cases of incontinence after CPRE. It is safe, as no serious adverse events occurred during follow up period. It is economic and re-tightening is easy to perform. Neurourol. Urodynam. 35:497-502, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Prediction of Ischemic Stroke-Associated Pneumonia: A Comparison between 3 Scores.

BACKGROUND: Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Among all poststroke complications, pneumonia constitutes a major complication with a strong impact on morbidity and mortality. To identify patients at high risk of stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP) and to tailor a prophylactic approach, a reliable scoring model for prediction may be useful in daily stroke care. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the performance of the Age, Atrial fibrillation, Dysphagia, Sex, Stroke Severity (A2DS2) score, the acute ischemic stroke-associated pneumonia score (AIS-APS), and the Preventive ANtibacterial THERapy in acute Ischemic Stroke (PANTHERIS) score in predicting SAP. METHODS: Seventy consecutive patients with ischemic stroke admitted to the Critical Care Medicine Department of Alexandria Main University Hospital were included. Patients were prospectively followed up for primary outcome of pneumonia within the first 7 days after admission diagnosed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria. Accuracy in predicting outcome measures was assessed by calculating the area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). RESULTS: Twenty-six (37.1%) patients developed pneumonia by the seventh day; the A2DS2 score AUC was .847 (95% CI: .741-.922), and the AIS-APS AUC was .798 (95% CI: .685-.884). The PANTHERIS score AUC was .715 (95% CI: .595-.817). The A2DS2 score AUC was significantly higher than the AIS-APS and the PANTHERIS score AUCs (P = .048 and P = .009 respectively), and the AIS-APS AUC was significantly higher than the PANTHERIS score AUC (P = .044). CONCLUSIONS: The A2DS2 score is a valid tool for the prediction of SAP based on routinely collected data, and among the 3 studied scores, it shows the best performance in predicting SAP.

Bricker Conduit for Pediatric Urinary Diversion--Should we Still Offer It?

PURPOSE: We sought to evaluate long-term outcomes of the Bricker conduit urinary diversion in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the database of a single tertiary center for children who had undergone ileal conduit between 1981 and 2011. Patients followed for less than 1 year were excluded. Patient files were reviewed for demographics, diversion indication, preoperative imaging, surgical details, hospital readmissions and followup data. Renal function at baseline and last followup was assessed by estimated glomerular filtration rate, calculated using the modified Schwartz or MDRD (Modified Diet in Renal Disease) formula. Growth charts elucidated patient growth patterns, while an internally designed quality of life questionnaire demonstrated patient and family satisfaction with the procedure. RESULTS: We evaluated 29 children who underwent Bricker conduit at a median age of 10 years (range 2 to 18) and were followed for a median of 91 months (16 to 389). Neuropathic bladder was the underlying diagnosis in 72.4% of cases. Hydronephrosis improved or remained stable in 39 of 55 studied renal units (70.9%). Although no statistically significant difference was observed between mean ± SD baseline (64.5 ± 46 ml/minute/1.73 m(2)) and last followup estimated glomerular filtration rate (54.1 ± 44.9 ml/minute/1.73 m(2)), chronic kidney disease stage had worsened in 13 patients (44.8%), end-stage kidney disease had developed in 11 patients and 9 patients had died. Six patients underwent undiversion after stabilization of renal function. Linear growth was negatively affected in 12 patients (41.4%), and 85% reported poor quality of life. A total of 19 hospital readmissions were required in 14 patients to treat diversion related complications. CONCLUSIONS: The Bricker conduit does not seem to halt renal deterioration in children. Negative impact on growth and quality of life, and the anticipated rate of complications are significant limitations of the procedure in the pediatric population.

Can computerized tomography accurately stage childhood renal tumors?

PURPOSE: Staging of childhood renal tumors is crucial for treatment planning and outcome prediction. We sought to identify whether computerized tomography could accurately predict the local stage of childhood renal tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed our database for patients diagnosed with childhood renal tumors and treated surgically between 1990 and 2013. Inability to retrieve preoperative computerized tomography, intraoperative tumor spillage and nonWilms childhood renal tumors were exclusion criteria. Local computerized tomography stage was assigned by a single experienced pediatric radiologist blinded to the pathological stage, using a consensus similar to the Children's Oncology Group Wilms tumor staging system. Tumors were stratified into up-front surgery and preoperative chemotherapy groups. The radiological stage of each tumor was compared to the pathological stage. RESULTS: A total of 189 tumors in 179 patients met inclusion criteria. Computerized tomography staging matched pathological staging in 68% of up-front surgery (70 of 103), 31.8% of pre-chemotherapy (21 of 66) and 48.8% of post-chemotherapy scans (42 of 86). Computerized tomography over staged 21.4%, 65.2% and 46.5% of tumors in the up-front surgery, pre-chemotherapy and post-chemotherapy scans, respectively, and under staged 10.7%, 3% and 4.7%. Computerized tomography staging was more accurate in tumors managed by up-front surgery (p <0.001) and those without extracapsular extension (p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The validity of computerized tomography staging of childhood renal tumors remains doubtful. This staging is more accurate for tumors treated with up-front surgery and those without extracapsular extension. Preoperative computerized tomography can help to exclude capsular breach. Treatment strategy should be based on surgical and pathological staging to avoid the hazards of inaccurate staging.

Can renal ultrasonography predict early success after pyeloplasty in children? A prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To study the predictive value of 6 ultrasonographic (USG) parameters for early detection of children at risk of recurrent obstruction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective nonrandomized study included all patients who underwent pyeloplasty between 2010 and 2012. All of the patients had completed at least 6 months of follow-up and preoperative and postoperative USG imaging data were available. The primary outcome was the correlation between USG and diuretic scintigraphic parameters. The secondary outcome was the predictive ability of the pelvicalyceal system parameters, measured by USG, of parenchymal growth after surgery. RESULTS: Sixty-eight patients were evaluated. The mean age was 3.6 years (range 0.1-12). The mean (± standard deviation) differential renal function improved from 37.4 ± 11 ml/min to 37.7 ± 14 ml/min, which was a difference of no statistical significance. On the other hand, the mean (± SD) half-time (T1/2) significantly improved. After constructing a linear regression model of the 4 USG parameters and the parenchymal growth, the model explained 57.2% of the variance in parenchymal growth after pyeloplasty. The calyx-to-parenchyma ratio change was the largest unique contribution for explaining the variance in parenchymal growth, followed by anteroposterior diameter and calyceal dilatation. CONCLUSION: We proved that calyx-to-parenchyma ratio, anteroposterior diameter and calyceal dilatation are independent predictors of early success after pyeloplasty.

Changes in differential renal function after pyeloplasty in children.

PURPOSE: Previous series showed controversial differential renal function outcomes after pyeloplasty in children. However, they were limited by study power, methodology and lack of comparable end points. We determined the status of differential renal function after pyeloplasty in children in what is to our knowledge the largest series to date. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After excluding patients with renal anomalies, solitary kidney or bilateral pyeloplasty from analysis, we retrospectively identified 196 younger than 18 years who were treated with pyeloplasty between May 2002 and January 2010 and had preoperative and postoperative renal scintigraphy available. Primary outcome measures were greater than 5% improvement in baseline differential renal function and baseline weighted differential renal function at last followup. Clinical variables predicting outcome measures were determined using univariable and multivariable analyses. RESULTS: During a median followup of 12 months, mean ± SD differential renal function improved from 35.8% ± 10% to 38.7% ± 11% (p <0.001). In the poor and intermediate groups baseline differential renal function improved, while in the good group function was static postoperatively (p <0.001). The linear regression model showed that only baseline differential renal function explained the variance in baseline weighted differential renal function (ß = -0.393, p <0.001). In the Cox proportional hazards model baseline differential renal function (less than 35% HR 3.196, p <0.001 and 35% to 40% HR 2.733, p = 0.002) and cortical thickness (HR 2.114, p = 0.029) were the only predictors of a greater than 5% improvement in postoperative differential renal function. CONCLUSIONS: Renal function improves after pyeloplasty in children. Baseline differential renal function and cortical thickness predict improvement after surgery.

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.

S100B and brain ultrasound: Novel predictors for functional outcome in acute ischemic stroke patients.

OBJECTIVE: Stroke is a leading cause of mortality and disability worldwide. This study aimed to assess the prognostic value of serum S100B protein, transcranial color-coded duplex sonography (TCCD), and optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) in predicting functional outcomes in critically ill patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). METHODS: In this prospective observational study, 80 adult AIS patients were evaluated. Serum S100B protein levels, ONSD, and middle cerebral artery pulsatility index (MCA PI) were measured on days 1 and 3. Functional outcomes at 90 days were assessed using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and categorized into favourable (mRS 0-2) or unfavourable (mRS 3-6) groups. The association of demographic, clinical, laboratory, and imaging parameters with mRS outcomes was analyzed. RESULTS: Poor mRS outcomes occurred in 82.5 % of patients. Factors significantly associated with poor outcomes were female sex, higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores on days 1, 3, and 7, and larger stroke size. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed that ONSD at days 1 and 3, serum S100B levels at day 1, and right MCA PI at day 1 had significant predictive value for poor mRS outcome. Multivariate analysis identified female sex, S100B on day 1, and NIHSS on days 1, 3, and 7 as independent predictors of poor mRS outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of S100B, ONSD, and MCA PI improved the prediction of functional outcomes in critically ill AIS patients. Early S100B measurement and brain ultrasound evaluation may serve as valuable prognostic tools for guiding therapeutic decision-making. This study provides novel insights into the role of S100B and brain ultrasound in stroke outcome prediction, particularly in critically ill AIS patients.

Does immunohistochemical staining of P53, Ki 67 and cyclin A accurately predict Wilms tumor recurrence and survival?

Objective: To evaluate whether p53, cyclin A and ki67 immunohistochemical (IHC) assay can be used as predictors for Wilms' tumor (WT) unfavorable outcomes. Methods: It is a non-concurrent cohort study including patients who underwent nephrectomy for WT from January 2000 to December 2015 in a tertiary referral center. Over a 5- year follow-up, unfavorable events, including relapse and cancer-specific mortality (CSM), were recorded. P53, cyclin A, and ki67 IHC assay were carried out for formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded WT samples. Results: After excluding those who did not meet the inclusion criteria, 75 patients were enrolled. Of the patients, 15/75 (20%) experienced WT relapse while 11/75 (14.6%) died of WT over five years. Unfavorable histology (UFH), including prominent blastemal components and anaplasia, was found in 15/75 (20%) children.Cyclin A immunopositivity was associated with high rates of relapse and CSM. P53 and ki67 positive IHC assay did not show any statistically significant association with unfavorable outcomes. Other risk factors e.g. advanced staging, UFH, extracapsular extension, tumor rupture, lymphadenopathy, and venous thrombosis were not associated with poor prognosis. However, the presence of residual tumors was accompanied by lower survival rates. Conclusion: Cyclin A IHC assay can be used as a predictor of WT recurrence and CSM. Further studies with prospective patterns and a larger sample size are needed.Abbreviations: WT: Wilms' tumor, UFH: unfavorable histology, IHC: immunohistochemical, PI: proliferation index, RFS: relapse-free survival, CSS: cancer-specific survival, FH: favorable histology, CSM: cancer-specific mortality, CDK: cyclin-dependent kinase.

Prognostic Role of Serum Adrenomedullin in Patients with Ventilator Associated Pneumonia.

OBJECTIVE: Ventilator associated pneumonia is a common type of sepsis that occurs to about 9-27% of all mechanically ventilated patients and 20-50% of them develop septic shock. Several clinical, laboratory, and radiological methods have been used for diagnosing VAP. Adrenomedullin (ADM) has been found to be elevated in the plasma of septic patients. The study aim was to explore the prognostic role of ADM in the VAP patients. DESIGN: A prospective observational study. SETTING: Intensive Care Department of Alexandria University Hospitals. PATIENTS: A total of 140 patients with proven VAP after medical ICU admission were consecutively enrolled. METHODS: APACHE II score, SOFA score, CRP, lactate, and serum ADM were measured at day 0 of VAP diagnosis and 5 days later. The results were correlated with the outcomes of patients. RESULTS: APACHE II, lactate, and serum ADM on day 0 could predict an unfavorable outcome. ADM prediction power was significantly higher than APACHE II and lactate. Day 5 readings of all tested parameters could predict occurrence of the unfavorable outcome. ADM on day 0 showed the highest sensitivity (96.25%). CONCLUSIONS: Serum adrenomedullin when measured at days 0 and 5 of VAP diagnosis may serve as an early predictor of unfavorable outcome.

Reoperation for Channel Complications in Children With Continent Cutaneous Catheterizable Channels: The Test of Time.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the durability of continent cutaneous catheterizable urinary channels (CCCC) in children and assess whether channel complications continue to arise with extended follow-up. Previous studies demonstrated that complications of CCCC cluster in the early years following surgery. METHODS: The database of a tertiary center was queried for patients≤21 years who underwent CCCC. Patients with <6 years of follow-up were excluded. Patients were invited for follow-up to assess continence. Clinic visits and hospital admissions were reviewed for channel complications requiring reoperation. Complications were analyzed against patient and channel characteristics and time since initial surgery. RESULTS: Between 1993 and 2012, a total of 120 patients underwent CCCC at a median age of 6.8(0.4-21) years and a median follow-up of 11.4(6.6-27) years. CCCC were created using the appendix, Monti channels and tapered ileal segments in 74(61.7%), 33(27.5%) and 13(10.8%), respectively. Continence relied on the extra-mural serous lined principle in 85.8% and the stoma was anastomosed to the umbilicus in 90%. Dryness with catheterization intervals of 3 hours or longer was eventually achieved in 90.8% with similar rates among different channel types (P=.149). 26(21.7%) required 42 interventions to treat channel complications with 32.5% occurring >5 years following initial surgery irrespective of the channel type (P=.978). On multivariate analysis, ileal channels had 3.372 higher odds of needing reoperation compared to appendicovesicostomy (95%CI=1.240-9.166; P = .037). CONCLUSION: A high reoperation rate is anticipated throughout the lifetime of CCCC. Appendicovesicostomy has a low complication risk relative to ileal channels.

Preliminary experience with external ureteropelvic stent: alternative to double-j stent in laparoscopic pyeloplasty in children.

PURPOSE: We assessed whether an external ureteropelvic stent was a feasible and safe alternative to Double-J® stent after laparoscopic pyeloplasty in children, thus avoiding a second general anesthesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our study included 22 concurrent age matched children who underwent retroperitoneal laparoscopic pyeloplasty between 2000 and 2008. In group 1 an external ureteropelvic stent was inserted through the renal pelvis, then clamped on postoperative day 2. In group 2 a Double-J stent was antegradely inserted. The ureteropelvic stent was removed at the outpatient clinic on day 10, while the Double-J stent was removed under general anesthesia at 1 month. We retrospectively compared operative time, hospital stay, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and followup. RESULTS: Mean±SD age at surgery was 31±9 months in group 1 and 37±12 months in group 2. Mean±SD operative time was slightly shorter in group 1 (190±40 minutes) than in group 2 (205±23 minutes). No intraoperative complications were encountered during placement of stent. Mean±SD hospital stay was 2.18±1.20 days in group 1 and 2.45±0.54 days in group 2. No postoperative complications were reported in group 1. The Double-J stent was noted in the posterior urethra in 1 patient in group 2, requiring cystoscopic repositioning. No patient had urinary tract infection. Median followup was 34 months (range 22 to 56) in group 1 and 35 months (16 to 72) in group 2. CONCLUSIONS: The feasibility of external ureteropelvic stenting after laparoscopic pyeloplasty will pave the way to minimizing the use of Double-J stenting and eliminating a second general anesthesia for catheter removal.

Posterior urethral valves: multivariate analysis of factors affecting the final renal outcome.

PURPOSE: Posterior urethral valves represent the most common obstructive uropathy in children with a broad spectrum of clinical severity. We evaluated prognostic variables affecting the outcome of renal function in such children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1987 and 2004, 120 patients with a mean age of 2 years with posterior urethral valves were treated initially with valve ablation at our center. We studied certain parameters, including age at presentation, serum creatinine (initial and nadir), initial creatinine clearance, renal ultrasound findings (hydronephrosis and renal parenchymal echogenicity), vesicoureteral reflux on initial voiding cystourethrogram, bladder dysfunction and popoff mechanisms such as the syndrome of large vesical diverticulum, urinoma and ascites. Long-term renal outcome was assessed. RESULTS: Followup was 2 to 16 years (median 3.6). Renal insufficiency developed at the end of followup in 44 patients (36.5%). Serum creatinine at hospital admission, nadir serum creatinine, initial creatinine clearance and renal parenchymal echogenicity were significant predictors of the final renal outcome (p < 0.05). Patient age at diagnosis (2 or less vs greater than 2 years), upper tract dilatation, the presence or absence of vesicoureteral reflux, popoff mechanisms and bladder dysfunction had no significant impact on future renal function. On multivariate analysis nadir serum creatinine was the only independent prognostic factor. CONCLUSIONS: Our data confirm the high prognostic value of nadir creatinine after primary valve ablation. Also, initial serum creatinine, creatinine clearance and renal parenchymal echogenicity on initial renal ultrasound correlate significantly with long-term renal function in children with posterior urethral valves.

Long-term functional and morphological outcome after pyeloplasty for huge renal pelvis.

OBJECTIVE: • To evaluate the functional and morphological outcome after open pyeloplasty for ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) with huge renal pelvis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: • A retrospective review of all cases who underwent pyeloplasty for huge renal pelvis was conducted. • Records were evaluated with respect to age at presentation, preoperative imaging, surgical details and postoperative course. Patients were followed up regularly for both functional and morphological outcome. • Success was defined as both symptomatic relief and radiographic resolution of obstruction at last follow-up. RESULTS: • Between 1998 and 2008, 526 cases of primary UPJO underwent open dismembered pyeloplasty at our centre. • Of these patients, 41 (8%) had UPJO with huge renal pelvis. • No perioperative complications were encountered in the study group. Mean (range) follow-up was 34 (18-84) months and nine patients were lost to follow-up. The overall success rate was 91%. • Two patients underwent redo pyeloplasty, whereas secondary nephrectomy was necessary in one. • Improvement of hydronephrosis was evident in all patients, except in three patients who underwent secondary procedures. • However, persistent obstruction on diuretic renography was seen in most cases (65%). CONCLUSIONS: • Open pyeloplasty for huge pelvis UPJO is feasible with a high success rate. • Varying degrees of hydronephrosis and radiological obstruction after pyeloplasty are not uncommon. • Nephrectomy is rarely indicated in cases with severely deteriorated renal function.