Urine fetuin-A values in relation to the presence of urolithiasis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship of urine fetuin-A and other promotors and inhibitors of urine crystalization with urolithiasis, as fetuin-A inhibits the precipitation of hydroxyapatite from supersaturated solutions of calcium and phosphate in vitro but no information on urine fetuin-A in patients with urolithiasis is available. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In all, 39 patients with urolithiasis and 22 individuals with no urolithiasis or probands with undetected stones were involved. All patients underwent kidney ultrasonography and X-ray examination, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Serum creatinine, parathyroid hormone, calcium, magnesium, anorganic phosphate, uric acid and urine creatinine, albumin, alpha(1)-microglobulin, sulphate, oxalate, citrate and fetuin-A (ELISA) were determined. RESULTS: The patients with urolithiasis had lower urine fetuin-A levels (median 4.9 vs 0.77 mg/day; P < 0.01) and citraturia levels (1.7 vs 5.1 mmol/day; P = 0.02); and higher calciuria (6.5 vs 5.2 mmol/day) and oxaluria (0.47 vs 0.25; P = 0.04). Patients with fetuin-A levels in the lowest quartile had an odds ratio of 36 compared with individuals in the highest quartile. The sensitivity of the urine fetuin-A level for urolithiasis was 97.4% and specificity was 100% (area under the curve 0.99; 95% confidence interval 0.94-1.0) using a urine fetuin-A threshold of

Evaluation of urine N1,N12-Diacetylspermine as potential tumor marker for urinary bladder cancer.

BACKGROUND: N1,N12-diacetylspermine, a diacetylpolyamine which was recently identified in urine, appeared to be a useful tumor marker for a number of cancers. No valid data on urine diacetylspermine concentration in patients with urinary bladder cancer exist. AIM: Evaluation of urine N1,N12-diacetylspermine concentrations in individuals with urinary bladder cancer. METHODS: Urine samples were used from 36 patients with urothelial tumors of the urinary bladder and from 30 patients with benign urological diseases. Urine was collected before cystoscopy. Enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assays (ELISA) were performed for diacetylspermine from urine. RESULTS: Urine diacetylspermine did not differentiate in individuals with urinary bladder cancer from controls (medians 171.5 vs 143.8, p = 0.64). Its efficacy for urinary bladder cancer detection was not shown. CONCLUSIONS: Urine N1,N12-diacetylspermine is probably not a useful marker for urinary bladder cancer.

Ventral prepucial flap meatoplasty in the treatment of distal urethral male strictures.

OBJECTIVE: The authors evaluate their experience with Jordan flap meatoplasty in the treatment of distal men's urethral stricture from the functional and cosmetic point of view. METHODS: We have performed meatoplasties on 21 patients with distal urethral stenosis with an average age of 48 years (range 35-72). Seven patients had meatal strictures, eight patients had combined meatal and distal urethral strictures and six patients had already undergone a meatotomy which was functionally and cosmetically unsuccessful. The patients were followed-up for an average of 35 months (range 24-40). RESULTS: The reconstruction used was successful in all patients. There was no incidence of recurrence of stricture. All patients were satisfied with cosmetic result. During micturition the flow is consistent and without spray. Uroflowmetry and urethral calibration 24-36 months post surgery didn't reveal any stricture recurrence. To date there have been no complications. CONCLUSIONS: Meatoplasty as described by Jordan is a method with very satisfactory functional and cosmetic results and is suitable for the reconstruction of meatal and distal urethra strictures.