Defining 24-hour urine parameters and kidney stone risk of student athletes.

PURPOSE: Dehydration is a risk factor for kidney stone formation. Studying populations that may experience dehydration without a known increased incidence of stone formation may help understand stone formation and prevention. High-caliber athletes represent such a population. We characterized the urinary environment of high-caliber athletes utilizing 24-hour urine collections with comparison to non-athlete controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After Institutional Review Board (IRB) and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) compliance officer approval, 74 college-student athletes and 20 non-athletes were enrolled. Demographics, medical history, and sport of participation were recorded. Participants were asked to provide 24-hour urine collections as well as diet and activity logs at the time of urine collection. Standard stone risk parameters were assessed and compared to litholink reference standards. RESULTS: 34 athletes and 10 non-athletes provided at least one 24-hour urine specimen for evaluation. Athletes had a high prevalence of urinary risks for stone formation including low volume (median 1.46 L), low citrate, high sodium, high calcium (females), and high uric acid (males). However, athletes also had a high prevalence of known stone-protective factors such as high urine magnesium. Athletes had a lower urine pH but high supersaturation of uric acid and calcium oxalate compared to non-athletes. CONCLUSION: Student athletes appear to have a high prevalence of urinary risk factors for stone formation such as dehydration, high calcium, high uric acid, high sodium, and low citrate. Overall stone risk in this population may be offset by increased levels of stone-protective factors such as magnesium. Further study of this population may help generate hypotheses for effective stone prevention strategies in the general population.

Robotic treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction in Eagle-Barrett Syndrome.

Eagle-Barrett Syndrome (EBS) is a rare congenital condition characterized by the triad of absent or defective abdominal wall muscles, urinary tract abnormalities, and bilateral cryptorchidism. Ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) is seldom reported in these patients, despite it being a common cause of childhood obstructive uropathy. We present the case of a patient with EBS who was subsequently identified as having symptomatic UPJO that was successfully treated with robotic pyeloplasty.

Use of preoperative embolization prior to Transplant nephrectomy.

INTRODUCTION: After a failed transplant, management of a non-functional graft with pain or recurrent infections can be challenging. Transplant nephrectomy (TN) can be a morbid procedure with the potential for significant blood loss. Embolization of the renal artery alone has been proposed as a method of reducing complications from an in vivo failed kidney transplant. While this does yield less morbidity, it may not address an infected graft or refractory hematuria or rejection. We elected to begin preoperative embolization to assess if this would help decrease the blood loss and transfusion rate associated with TN. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent non-emergent TN at our institution. Patients who had functioning grafts that later failed were included in analysis. TN was performed for recurrent infections, pain or hematuria. We evaluated for blood loss (EBL) during TN, transfusion rate and length of hospital stay. RESULTS: A total of 16 patients were identified. Nine had preoperative embolization or no blood flow to the graft prior to TN. The remaining 7 did not have preoperative embolization. The shortest time from transplant to TN was 8 months and the longest 18 years with an average of 6.3 years. Average EBL for the embolized patients (ETN) was 143.9cc compared to 621.4cc in the non-embolized (NETN) group (p=0.041). Average number of units of blood transfused was 0.44 in the ETN with only 3/9 patients requiring transfusion. The NETN patients had average of 1.29 units transfused with 5/7 requiring transfusion. The length of stay was longer for the ETN (5.4 days) compared to 3.9 in the NETN. No intraoperative complications were seen in either group and only one patient had a postoperative ileus in the NETN. CONCLUSION: Embolization prior to TN significantly decreases the EBL but does not significantly decrease transfusion rate. However, patients do require a significantly longer hospitalization with embolization due to the time needed for embolization. Larger studies are needed to determine if embolization before transplant nephrectomy reduces the transfusion rates and overall complications.

Contemporary Series of Robotic-Assisted Distal Ureteral Reconstruction Utilizing Side Docking Position.

PURPOSE: The robot-assisted approach to distal ureteral reconstruction is increasingly utilized. Traditionally, the robot is docked between the legs in lithotomy position resulting in limited bladder access for stent placement. We examined the use of side docking of the daVinci robot® to perform distal ureteral reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of distal ureteral reconstruction (ureteral reimplantation and uretero-ureterostomy) executed robotically was performed at a single institution by a single surgeon. The daVinci robotic® Si surgical platform was positioned at the right side of the patient facing towards the head of the patient, i.e. side docking. RESULTS: A total of 14 cases were identified from 2011-2013. Nine patients underwent ureteral reimplantation for ureteral injury, two for vesicoureteral reflux, one for ureteral stricture, and one for megaureter. One patient had an uretero-ureterostomy for a distal stricture. Three patients required a Boari flap due to extensive ureteral injury. Mean operative time was 286 minutes (189-364), mean estimated blood loss was 40cc (10-200), and mean length of stay was 2.3 days (1-4). Follow-up renal ultrasound was available for review in 10/14 patients and revealed no long-term complications in any patient. Mean follow-up was 20.7 months (0.1-59.3). CONCLUSION: Robot-assisted laparoscopic distal ureteral reconstruction is safe and effective. Side docking of the robot allows ready access to the perineum and acceptable placement of the robot to successfully complete ureteral repair.

The Acceptability of a Community-Based Perturbation-Based Balance Training to Older Adults and Healthcare Professionals.

Background: Perturbation-based balance training (PBT) is a promising fall risk reduction method that involves inducing unexpected perturbations to balance to train participants reactive balance control. Due to the unpredictable nature of PBT, its acceptability to older adults could present a barrier to the implementation of PBT in the community. Aim/Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the perceived acceptability of a community-based PBT program to both older adults and healthcare professionals (HCPs). Methods: Nineteen older adults (aged 69.6 ± 6.6 years, 17 women, 2 men) and three HCPs participated in the qualitative study. Participants completed four PBT sessions facilitated in conjunction with HCPs. Interviews, based on the theoretical framework of acceptability, were conducted before and after PBT and analyzed using template analysis. Results: PBT was perceived as effective by older adults and HCPs. However, HCPs perceived the equipment cost as a substantial barrier to feasibility in the community.

Stone management for the patient on anticoagulation.

Use of chronic anticoagulation has increased recently, leading to more surgical intervention on patients taking chronic anticoagulation. This review discusses anticoagulation and the management of urolithiasis.

Initial Presentation and Outcomes of Testicular Cancer among Different Racial and Ethnic Groups at a Tertiary Care Facility in New Mexico.

INTRODUCTION: This study explored differences in testicular cancer presentation, treatment, compliance and outcomes among ethnicities in New Mexico. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients with testicular cancer treated between 2002 and 2015 was performed. Data included demographics, stage, delays in care, treatments, insurance status and nonadherence rates. RESULTS: Of 186 patients Hispanics and Native Americans presented at higher stage (p <0.01) and delayed treatment (p=0.02). Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for stage I disease was 28% while stage II was 30%, compared to 18% and 58% nationally, respectively. Of stage II in Hispanic patients 24.5% received retroperitoneal lymph node dissection compared to 41.3% of Caucasians (p <0.05). Regarding chemotherapy Caucasian patients at stage I were more likely than Hispanics to receive chemotherapy (p <0.05). Hispanics had higher rates of nonadherence (p <0.01). Insurance rates did not differ among groups. However, insurance increased the likelihood for receiving chemotherapy/retroperitoneal lymph node dissection only for Caucasians. Lack of insurance increased active surveillance rates for stage I in Hispanics. The incidence of testicular cancer in Hispanics rose by 58% after 2009 (p <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Minority groups presented at higher stages and delayed treatment. Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection rates differed nationally compared to this cohort with Hispanic patients at higher stage being less likely to receive retroperitoneal lymph node dissection. Meanwhile, Hispanics with stage I are less likely to obtain chemotherapy. Insurance rates did not differ among ethnicities but having insurance did not increase rates of chemotherapy/retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for Hispanics unlike for Caucasians. Meanwhile, lack of insurance increased stage I rates of active surveillance suggesting cultural/financial factors contribute to treatment decisions. Increased health literacy, outreach and access may aid in alleviating these disparities.

Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy - safety in a small-volume transplant center.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopy is a standard surgical option for live donor nephrectomy (LDN) at the majority of transplant centers. Equivalent graft survival with shorter convalescence has been reported by several large volume centers. With the arrival of an experienced laparoscopic surgeon in 2002, we began to offer laparoscopic LDN at our institution. We report our experience as a large volume laparoscopic surgery program but a low volume transplant center. METHODS: A retrospective review of the previous 34 LDN (17 open, 17 laparoscopic) performed at the University of Missouri were included. A single laparoscopic surgeon performed all laparoscopic procedures. Hand assisted laparoscopy was performed in 15 and standard laparoscopy with a pfannenstiel incision in two. Open procedures were performed through anterior subcostal or flank incision. A single surgeon performed all open procedures. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference in age, body mass index or American Society of Anesthesiologies Score between the two groups. Mean operative time, estimated blood loss and hospital stay were 229 minutes, 324 cc and 2.2 days respectively in the laparoscopic group compared to 202 minutes, 440 cc and five days for the open group. Average warm ischemia time was 179 seconds. Recipient creatinine for the two groups at one week, one month and one year was not statistically significantly different. Each group had one graft loss due to medication noncompliance. CONCLUSION: For small transplant centers with an advanced laparoscopic program, laparoscopic LDN is a safe procedure with comparable outcomes to major transplant centers.

Adherence to AUA Clinical Guidelines: Motivations and Barriers.

INTRODUCTION: The AUA (American Urological Association) has been producing clinical practice guidelines to inform its members on standards of care since 1994. While adherence to these clinical practice guidelines varies, there are limited data on ways to improve adherence or reduce barriers to use. METHODS: A survey was developed to query adherence to AUA clinical practice guidelines and identify barriers to use. Five specific clinical practice guidelines were queried from various areas of urological care. Reasons for lack of adherence or perceived barriers to clinical practice guideline implementation were elicited. The survey was sent to a random sample of AUA members in clinical practice in the United States. RESULTS: Of the 2,455 AUA members surveyed 260 (10.6%) responded, with 148 (6.0%) answering all questions concerning AUA guidelines. Overall adherence to AUA guidelines was 72.7%. The guideline with the most adherence was for microhematuria (90.68%) and the least followed guideline was on the timing of post-vasectomy semen analysis (53.33%). The mean self-reported rate of adherence to the 5 guidelines was 81.7% (range 71.3% to 95.03%). The top reason given for lack of adherence was not agreeing with the guideline. The most commonly reported barriers to following clinical practice guidelines included insurance coverage (29.08%) and disagreement with guidelines (21.92%). CONCLUSIONS: Overall there is an optimistic view of the quality and applicability of clinical practice guidelines. These survey data help identify areas for improvement. We recommend e-mail distribution of clinical practice guidelines, improvement in ease of use for the mobile app, incorporation of clinical practice guidelines into the electronic medical record, and addition of CliffsNotes® and flowchart format to future clinical practice guidelines.

The Walton Centre neurology network - an equitable, sustainable and deliverable model for a large-scale neurology service.

UK neurology has many different models of provision and a shortage of essential clinical staff. Services are sometimes unsatisfactory and there is much variation and inequality, especially in areas outside London where there are far fewer consultants. Some hospitals have much better staffed and resourced neurological services than others which may have far less provision or even no neurology service at all. There is no national strategy or agreed model of service delivery - local areas have evolved individual arrangements, often dictated by consultant availability. We describe, with clear operational details, a neurology network model in a large population, with outcomes. In many areas with limited resources it could, by re-organisation of current services, be considered instead of existing separate, variable and potentially inequitable local arrangements.

Tips and Tricks for Performing a Retrograde Pyelogram.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate indications, review tools and techniques, as well as abnormal findings when performing a retrograde pyelogram. METHODS: Retrograde pyelogram is a procedure which consists of introducing water-soluble contrast in a retrograde fashion into the ureter and collecting system of the kidney under fluoroscopic guidance. Conditions in which a retrograde pyelogram are indicated include iatrogenic ureteral injuries, ureteral obstruction, identification of stones or tumors, assistance for stent placement or ureteroscopy, and trauma evaluation. This video will explain surgical technique to perform a retrograde pyelogram in an operative setting. Normal and commonly encountered abnormal findings when performing a retrograde pyelogram will be reviewed. RESULTS: This video will review a series of 8 cases and will demonstrate normal and abnormal findings and complications identified when performing a retrograde pyelogram. In some cases, anterograde nephrostogram was also performed to further delineate the ureteral injury or obstructions. CONCLUSION: The tips and tricks reviewed can facilitate surgical techniques to perform a successful retrograde pyelogram and identify abnormal findings; especially in situations in which a urologist is not readily available. A retrograde pyelogram can be performed intraoperatively to identify iatrogenic ureteral injuries, ureteral obstruction, identification of stones or tumors, assistance of stent placement and ureteroscopy, and evaluation of trauma.

Evaluation of Missed Clinic Visits at an Academic Multi-Provider Urology Clinic.

INTRODUCTION: In this study we elucidated patient characteristics and reasons for visit associated with missed appointments for patients in a multi-provider urology clinic. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed characteristics of clinic patient data for 4 urologists at 0.5 FTE (full-time equivalent) at a single location between March 18, 2014 and March 18, 2015. Data were collected on new and established patients, including age, health insurance status, time of appointment, reason for clinic visit and gender. The reasons for clinic visit were divided into 27 groups. We used chi-square analysis to evaluate statistical significance (p <0.05) based on expected rates for age, gender, time of appointment, season of appointment, health insurance status, benign vs malignant conditions and new or returning visit. RESULTS: A total of 4,812 clinic visits were analyzed with 999 missed patient appointments for an overall no-show rate of 20.76%. There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of attendance based on patient gender, season of appointment, or morning or afternoon appointment. A statistically significant difference was found in no-show rate between benign and malignant conditions (23.23% vs 8.85%, p <0.01) and whether it was a new or returning patient visit (29.78% vs 16.66%, p <0.01). In addition, there was a statistically significant difference in patients based on insurance status (p <0.01). Patients without insurance had the highest no-show rate and those with private insurance had the lowest (38.53% vs 16.35%). CONCLUSIONS: These data reveal identifiable characteristics associated with missed clinic visits.

Teacher acquisition of functional analysis methodology.

The current study examined methods for training teachers to use functional analysis methods. Teachers first received written and verbal instructions detailing attention and demand conditions. They then received training that included modeling, rehearsal, and performance feedback. Finally, probes were taken during ongoing class instruction. Results indicate that teachers acquired the skills and used them in classroom settings.

Nephrolithiasis and pregnancy: has the incidence been rising?

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of nephrolithiasis has consistently been increasing over recent decades. This has been attributed to diet, obesity, environmental temperature changes, and comorbid diseases such as diabetes. Incidence change has not been studied in the pregnant population. Herein, we report our experience with stone diagnosis in this unique patient population over the past 2 decades. METHODS: Hospital data from a tertiary women's hospital were examined for international classification of diseases, ninth revision (ICD-9) codes for pregnancy (640-648, V22.0, V22.1, V22.2), and urolithiasis (592.0, 592.1, 592.9) between 1991 and 2011. The change in incidence in nephrolithiasis, pregnancy, and the combination of both was examined. RESULTS: In the 21-year period studied, 876 pregnant patients were given a diagnosis of nephrolithiasis at our hospital. Over the same time, 204,034 pregnant patients and 3262 patients with stones were treated. Comparing patients seen from 1991-2000 to those seen from 2001-2011 revealed a significant increase in patients with stones (78 vs. 226/year, p=0.004), but no change in pregnant patients (9467 vs. 9942/year, p=0.3) or pregnant patients with stones (36 vs. 47, p=0.1). Evaluating patients at 5-year intervals confirmed the expected increase in patients with stones, but no change in incidence of nephrolithiasis in pregnant patients was noted. CONCLUSION: There was no change in incidence of nephrolithiasis in pregnant patients over a 2-decade period. Further research is warranted to determine why the pregnant population does not have the expected increase in nephrolithiasis. Larger, multi-institutional studies are needed to validate our results.

Resonance metallic stents do not effectively relieve extrinsic ureteral compression in pediatric patients.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Use of metallic stents (Resonance) has been reported in the literature to be effective in relieving extrinsic obstruction in adults. Successful patency rates have been reported to be around 83.3%. The use of Resonance stents in children has not been reported. We present our experience with these stents in addressing extrinsic ureteral obstruction in the pediatric population. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We identified two patients who underwent placement of Resonance stents for extrinsic compression at the Children's Hospital of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. The first patient is a 12-year-old girl with a solitary left kidney who had a diagnosis of pelvic rhabdomyosarcoma; she was treated with surgery followed by adjuvant chemoradiation. Two years post-treatment, worsening renal function secondary to ureteral strictures developed. The second patient is a 14-year-old girl with a history of Gardner syndrome. Recurrent desmoid tumors developed in her pelvis and retroperitoneum that led to right ureteral obstruction, necessitating a nephrostomy tube. RESULTS: Both patients underwent successful technical placement of a Resonance stent. The time to failure for patient 1 was 3 months and for patient 2, 3 weeks. The first patient presented to the emergency department 3 months poststent in renal failure with a creatinine level of 13.7 mg/dL. This necessitated nephrostomy tube placement and hemodialysis. Ultimately, she needed an ileal ureter to preserve renal function. She is off hemodialysis and has a creatinine level of 2.2 mg/dL.The second patient, recurrent episodes of pyelonephritis, worsening hydronephrosis, and flank pain developed with just the Resonance stent in place. It was elected to remove the Resonance stent and replace the nephrostomy tube. She needed extensive ureterolysis, a right subtotal ureterectomy with a right to left ureteroureterostomy. CONCLUSION: We did not find the use of these stents to be effective in children. The time to failure was significantly shorter in children than those reported in the literature for adults.

Effect of magnesium on calcium and oxalate ion binding.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Magnesium (Mg(2+)) has been shown to be a kidney stone inhibitor; however, the exact mechanism of its effect is unknown. Using theoretical models, the interactions of calcium and oxalate were examined in the presence of Mg(2+). METHODS: Molecular dynamics simulations were performed with NAMD and CHARMM27 force field. The interaction between calcium (Ca(2+)) and oxalate (Ox(2-)) ions was examined with and without magnesium. Concentrations of calcium and oxalate were 0.1 M and 0.03 M, respectively, and placed in a cubic box of length ~115 Angstrom. Na(+) and Cl(-) ions were inserted to meet system electroneutrality. Mg(2+) was then placed into the box at physiologic concentrations and the interaction between calcium and oxalate was observed. In addition, the effect of citrate and pH were examined in regard to the effect of Mg(2+) inhibition. Each system was allowed to run until a stable crystalline structure was formed. RESULTS: The presence of Mg(2+) reduces the average size of the calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate aggregates. This effect is found to be Mg(2+) concentration-dependent. It is also found that Mg(2+) inhibition is synergistic with citrate and continues to be effective at acidic pH levels. CONCLUSION: The presence of magnesium ions tends to destabilize calcium oxalate ion pairs and reduce the size of their aggregates. Mg(2+) inhibitory effect is synergistic with citrate and remains effective in acidic environments. Further studies are needed to see if this can be applied to in vivo models as well as extending this to other stone inhibitors and promoters.

Dietary management of idiopathic hyperoxaluria and the influence of patient characteristics and compliance.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of dietary management for the treatment of idiopathic hyperoxaluria in a large tertiary care center and examine the influence of patient factors, compliance, and follow-up on oxalate reduction, which has not been previously investigated. METHODS: Retrospectively, 149 patients with kidney stones with idiopathic hyperoxaluria who received dietary management at our stone clinic were evaluated. Changes in urinary parameters on 24-hour urine collections were calculated for all patients and those with abnormal values in the overall short-term (30-240 days) and long-term (>240 days) time periods. Changes in urinary oxalate were evaluated with respect to patient characteristics and compliance measures. RESULTS: Urine oxalate and supersaturation of calcium oxalate were significantly (P < .001) reduced by 8.9 ± 19.2 mg/d and 1.7 ± 4.3, respectively. A total of 48.3% of the patients reduced their urinary oxalate to normal. Urine oxalate reductions were similar in the short-term and long-term periods. Women lowered urine oxalate nearly twice as much as men (12.7 ± 2.0 mg/d vs 6.7 ± 2.2 mg/d, P = .022) and body mass index (BMI) negatively correlated with oxalate reduction (Pearson's r = -0.213). Reported noncompliance and keeping follow-up appointments did not affect oxalate, however, there was a significant correlation between increasing urine volume and reducing oxalate (Pearson's r = -0.21). CONCLUSION: This study confirms that meaningful reductions of urine oxalate and supersaturation of calcium oxalate can be achieved with dietary management of hyperoxaluria on a larger clinical scale. Furthermore, we identified that women and patients with low BMIs had greater urine oxalate reductions and urine volume may also be used by clinicians as a measure of dietary compliance.