Quantitative assessment of early kidney injury using high frame rate contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in a rabbit model of diabetic nephropathy.

AIM: To explore benefits of high-frame-rate contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (H-CEUS) for early kidney injury in a rabbit model of diabetic nephropathy (DN). METHODS: Diabetic rabbits were induced with alloxan administration and split into 2 groups with or without urinary microalbuminuria after a fatty and sugary diet: diabetic rabbits with nephropathy (Group A) and diabetic rabbits without nephropathy (Group B). The control group (Group C) comprised healthy rabbits. Renal H-CEUS and conventional CEUS (C-CEUS) imaging were conducted. Serum creatinine (SCR), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and urinary microalbuminuria were measured. RESULTS: SCR and BUN levels were barely changed in Groups B and C (p>0.05), whereas Group A exhibited a rise (p<0.05). Perfusion parameters of the two CEUS modalities showed reduced peak intensity (PI) and ascending slope (AS) and elevated area under the curve (AUC) and time to peak (TTP) in Group A versus Group B (p<0.05) and Group B versus Group C (p<0.05). The arrival time (AT) and descending slope (DS) exhibited little difference among the three groups. H-CEUS had a stronger correlation of perfusion parameters with SCR and BUN than C-CEUS. CONCLUSIONS:  H-CEUS outperforms C-CEUS in diagnosing early renal damage in DN. H-CEUS perfusion parameters demonstrate temporal superiority over routine laboratory indices.

Budgetary Impact of Including the Urinary Genomic Marker Cxbladder Detect in the Evaluation of Microhematuria Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Current AUA guidelines mandate a risk-stratified approach for the evaluation of microhematuria. Urine genomic tests with high negative predictive value could further reduce unnecessary diagnostic testing and morbidity, but the economic impact is unknown. This study modeled the financial impact of Cxbladder Detect on microhematuria evaluations. METHODS: A decision tree analysis was constructed by Coreva Scientific comparing 1-year costs of the standard microhematuria evaluation using the AUA guidelines vs an algorithm incorporating Cxbladder Detect. Cxbladder Detect-positive patients had cystoscopy and imaging, whereas patients with negative tests were reevaluated in 6 months. Patients with positive diagnostic testing underwent cystoscopy, and positive cystoscopies led to transurethral resection of bladder tumor. Test performance was based on published literature, and costs were based on Medicare allowable fees. RESULTS: Using the decision tree model, the average savings of using Cxbladder Detect was $559 compared with the standard of care, with an average reduction of 0.38 procedures per patient. Probabilistic analysis showed statistical significance with a median reduction in the total cost of $498 per patient (95% CrI [-1356, -2]) and a significant median reduction in diagnostic procedures per patient of 0.36 (95% CrI [-0.52, -0.16]) without impact on the number of cancers diagnosed. CONCLUSIONS: This model-based study demonstrates the potential economic value of using a Cxbladder-driven protocol for microhematuria evaluations.

Sex difference and risk factors in burden of urogenital congenital anomalies from 1990 to 2019.

Urogenital congenital anomalies (UCAs) is defined as "any live-birth with a urinary or genital condition" and affects millions of men and women worldwide. However, sex differences and related environmental risk factors in UCAs burden on a global scale have not been assessed. Using data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019, we estimated prevalence, incidence, mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of UCAs from 1990 to 2019 by sex, region, and socio-demographic Index (SDI) in 204 countries and territories. The disease burden of UCAs was also estimated attributable to each risk factor were estimated according to risk exposure. In 2019, UCAs caused 10,200 all-ages deaths (95% UI 7550-13,400). The combined global incidence rate was 8.38 per 1000 (95% UI 5.88-12.0) live births. The ASIR increased slightly, while the ASDR decreased from 1990 to 2019.The UCAs burden varies greatly depending on the development level and geographical location. The UCAs burden was significantly higher in men than in women, and the sex differences showed an enlarging trend. Health risks and issues, including pollution, child and maternal malnutrition, diet habits, unsafe sanitation and water source, were detected to be positively related to UCAs burden. Albeit the age-standardised prevalence, mortality, incidence, and DALYs of UCAs have decreased, they still cause a public health challenge worldwide. The high deaths and DALYs rates in low and low-middle SDI countries highlight the urgent need for improved preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic measures. Global strategies for enhancing water safety, reducing pollution, and healthy diets are crucial steps in reducing the burden of UCAs.

Role, Cost, and Availably of Urinary pH Monitoring for Kidney Stone Disease-A Systematic Review of the Literature.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Urinary pH is an important factor related to renal stone disease, and it plays an essential role in stone prevention. Monitoring of urinary pH by patients at home provides information that can help to assess the treatment needed by each patient. We conducted a systematic review is to assess the available evidence concerning urinary pH monitoring methods along with their accuracy, cost, and usefulness by patients with urolithiasis. RECENT FINDINGS: A total of 9 articles were included (1886 urinary pH measurements). They reported information about urinary dipsticks, portable electronic pH meters and electronic strip readers, amongst other methods. Accuracy was compared with a laboratory pH meter (gold standard). Urinary dipsticks were found to be not accurate enough to guide clinical decision making and portable electronic pH meters showed promising results. Urinary dipsticks are neither precise nor accurate enough. Portable electronic pH meters seem to be more accurate, easy to use, and cost-effective. They are a reliable source for patients to use at home in order to prevent future episodes of nephrolithiasis.

A Clinical Workflow for Cost-Saving High-Rate Diagnosis of Genetic Kidney Diseases.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: To optimize the diagnosis of genetic kidney disorders in a cost-effective manner, we developed a workflow based on referral criteria for in-person evaluation at a tertiary center, whole-exome sequencing, reverse phenotyping, and multidisciplinary board analysis. This workflow reached a diagnostic rate of 67%, with 48% confirming and 19% modifying the suspected clinical diagnosis. We obtained a genetic diagnosis in 64% of children and 70% of adults. A modeled cost analysis demonstrated that early genetic testing saves 20% of costs per patient. Real cost analysis on a representative sample of 66 patients demonstrated an actual cost reduction of 41%. This workflow demonstrates feasibility, performance, and economic effect for the diagnosis of genetic kidney diseases in a real-world setting. BACKGROUND: Whole-exome sequencing (WES) increases the diagnostic rate of genetic kidney disorders, but accessibility, interpretation of results, and costs limit use in daily practice. METHODS: Univariable analysis of a historical cohort of 392 patients who underwent WES for kidney diseases showed that resistance to treatments, familial history of kidney disease, extrarenal involvement, congenital abnormalities of the kidney and urinary tract and CKD stage ≥G2, two or more cysts per kidney on ultrasound, persistent hyperechoic kidneys or nephrocalcinosis on ultrasound, and persistent metabolic abnormalities were most predictive for genetic diagnosis. We prospectively applied these criteria to select patients in a network of nephrology centers, followed by centralized genetic diagnosis by WES, reverse phenotyping, and multidisciplinary board discussion. RESULTS: We applied this multistep workflow to 476 patients with eight clinical categories (podocytopathies, collagenopathies, CKD of unknown origin, tubulopathies, ciliopathies, congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract, syndromic CKD, metabolic kidney disorders), obtaining genetic diagnosis for 319 of 476 patients (67.0%) (95% in 21 patients with disease onset during the fetal period or at birth, 64% in 298 pediatric patients, and 70% in 156 adult patients). The suspected clinical diagnosis was confirmed in 48% of the 476 patients and modified in 19%. A modeled cost analysis showed that application of this workflow saved 20% of costs per patient when performed at the beginning of the diagnostic process. Real cost analysis of 66 patients randomly selected from all categories showed actual cost reduction of 41%. CONCLUSIONS: A diagnostic workflow for genetic kidney diseases that includes WES is cost-saving, especially if implemented early, and is feasible in a real-world setting.

Assessment of Bacterial Isolates from the Urine Specimens of Urinary Tract Infected Patient.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) maintained a serious public health concern, as did the growth in antibiotic resistance both between uropathogenic microorganisms. A regular assessment of the microbiological agents that cause UTIs, as well as their antimicrobial resistance, is essential for a tailored empirical antibiotic response. Knowing the variables that cause UTIs can help you intervene quickly and simply to get the condition under control. The most common infecting species in acute infection is Escherichia coli (E. coli). To strengthen infection control strategies, it is necessary to know the prevalence and location of UTI. The goal of this research is to measure the frequency of microorganisms isolated from patients with UTIs as well as the antimicrobial sensitivity characteristics of Gram-negative bacteria. The purpose of this research has been to evaluate the frequency of UTIs by extracting and characterizing the various bacterial etiological organisms, as well as to assess the factors linked to UTIs. The goal of this research is to identify, characterize, and establish the antibiotic susceptibility patterns of bacteria linked to urinary tract infections. Fresh collected urine specimen was taken from inpatients or outpatients in UTI cases and bacteriologically tested using conventional microbiological methods. The Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method was used to create the antibiogram. Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Staphylococcus aureus (28%), and Escherichia coli (24.6%) were the most common isolates (20%). The evaluated agents' antibacterial activity was all in the following order: cefixime, ciprofloxacin, augmentin, gentamicin, ceftazidime, nitrofurantoin, ofloxacin, and cefuroxime. It was discovered that each and every one of the microbes exhibited varied degrees of resistance to the antibiotics nitrofurantoin, ciprofloxacin, and ofloxacin. Every type of bacteria, with the exception of those belonging to the genus Streptococcus, has a Multiple Antibiotic Resistance Index (MARI) that is more than 0.2. The first-line therapies for urinary tract infections (UTIs) in the region would consist of ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, and nitrofurantoin. Lower urinary tract infections almost never result in problems if they are diagnosed and treated as soon as possible and in the correct manner. However, if treatment is not sought, a urinary tract infection can lead to serious complications.

Reliability assessment of the upper urinary tract dilation grading system based on magnetic resonance urography in patients with neurogenic bladder.

BACKGROUND: To assess the inter-observer and intra-observer reliability of the magnetic resonance urography (MRU)-upper urinary tract dilation (UUTD) grading system. METHODS: A total of 40 patients with a diagnosis of NB were enrolled in this study. The images were assembled in an electronic presentation randomly. The presentations were reviewed and graded by 4 junior and 4 senior urologists. One week later, the images were randomized again and reassessed. The inter-observer reliability was estimated by Kendall's coefficient of concordance and intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), and the intra-observer reliability was estimated by weighted Cohen's kappa. RESULTS: The inter-observer reliability strength was excellent for all urologists, with the ICC value of 0.939 (0.908-0.963) and Kendall's W value of 0.967. The highest agreement was shown in Grade 4 at 92.50%, and the lowest in Grade 2 at 82.14%. All disagreements were within one grade of difference. Moreover, the Intra-observer reliability was excellent, with the weighted kappa value ranging from 0.904 to 0.954. CONCLUSIONS: The inter-observer and intra-observer reliability of this novel MRU-UUTD grading system is confirmed, providing adequate evidence for broader clinical application.

Adverse Urinary System Outcomes among Older Women with Endometrial Cancer.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Endometrial cancer and its treatment may cause damage to the urinary system, but few large-scale studies have examined the incidence of urinary-related outcomes among endometrial cancer survivors. We investigated the risk of several urinary disease diagnoses among older women with endometrial cancer compared to women without a cancer history. METHODS: Women ages 66 years and older with an endometrial cancer diagnosis during 2004-2017 (N=44,386) and women without a cancer history (N=221,219) matched 5:1 on age, race/ethnicity, and state were identified in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare linked data. ICD-9 and -10 diagnosis codes were used to identify urinary outcomes in the Medicare claims data. Cumulative incidences (IP) of urinary outcomes were estimated among women with and without endometrial cancer. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate hazards ratios (HR) for urinary outcomes comparing women with and without endometrial cancer. HRs were also used to identify characteristics associated with urinary outcomes among endometrial cancer survivors. RESULTS: Relative to women without cancer, endometrial cancer survivors had an increased risk of urinary system diagnoses, including renal failure (5-year IP: 25% vs 14%; HR=1.50; 95% CI: 1.47-1.53), chronic kidney disease (5-year IP: 20% vs 14%; HR=1.25; 95% CI: 1.22-1.28), calculus of the urinary tract (5-year IP: 7% vs 4%; HR=1.55; 95% CI: 1.50-1.61), lower urinary tract infection (5-year IP: 55% vs 33%; HR=1.75; 95% CI: 1.72, 1.78), and bladder diseases (5-year IP: 10% vs 6%; HR=1.57; 95% CI: 1.52, 1.62). These associations persisted in analyses limited to 1+ and 5+ years after endometrial cancer diagnosis. Non-Hispanic Black or Hispanic race/ethnicity, higher comorbidity index, higher stage or grade cancer, non-endometrioid histology, and treatment with chemotherapy and/or radiation were often predictors of urinary outcomes among women with endometrial cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that, among older women, the risk of urinary outcomes is elevated after endometrial cancer. Monitoring for urinary diseases may be a critical part of long-term survivorship care for older women with an endometrial cancer history.

Health Care Economic Burden of Treatment and Rehabilitation for Neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: The clinical, social, and economic impacts of neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) on individuals and health care systems are thought to be immense, yet the true costs of care are unknown. The aims of this study are to illuminate the global costs related to the current state of care for NLUTD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was performed using MEDLINE, the National Health Service Economic Evaluation Database, and the Cochrane Specialized Urology and Incontinence Registers. Studies reporting the health care costs of NLUTD were identified. All steps of the review were performed by 2 independent reviewers. Costs were converted to 2022 U.S. dollars and reported for different categories of services. RESULTS: A total of 13 studies were included in the final review (12 from high-income economy, and 1 from an upper-middle-income economy). Routine maintenance care varied notably across studies in terms of included services. Annual supportive costs ranged from $2,039.69 to $12,219.07 with 1 study estimating lifetime costs of $112,774 when complications were considered. There were limited data on the costs of care from the patient's perspective. However, catheters and absorbent aids were estimated to be among the costliest categories of expenditure during routine care. More invasive and reconstructive treatments were associated with significant costs, ranging between $18,057 and $55,873. CONCLUSIONS: NLUTD incurs a variety of health care expenditures ranging from incontinence supplies to hospitalizations for management of complications and leads to a significant burden for health care systems over the patient's lifetime. Approaches to NLUTD that focus on functional rehabilitation and restoration, rather than on management of complications, may prove to be a less costly and more effective alternative.

Recorrência da internação por infecção do trato urinário em idosos / Recurrence of hospitalization for urinary tract infection in elderly / Recurrencia de la hospitalización por infección del tracto urinario en ancianos

Objetivos: Identificar, descrever e analisar a Infecção do Trato Urinário e sua recorrência em internação. Caracterizar os aspectos sociodemográficos, laboratoriais e clínicos dos idosos com ITU. Método: Estudo transversal com delineamento descritivo, abordagem quantitativa do tipo analítica, realizada nos prontuários eletrônicos dos idosos que foram internados no ano de 2017 e reinternaram em 2018, na unidade de Geriatria de um hospital de ensino. Na estatística foi usado Teste Exato de Fisher, considerado p<0,05. Resultados: Dos 1.835 prontuários, foram selecionados 550 (29,97%) idosos, destes, foram investigados 121 (22%) com ITU. A maioria foi do sexo masculino com idade entre 80 e 89 anos. Dentre eles, 51,2% usaram algum tipo de sonda vesical e 52,9% usaram frauda. Os exames alterados foram os de creatinina, Proteina-C-Reativa, urina I (proteínas e leucócitos), além de urocultura positiva para Escherichia Coli. Dos 121 pacientes investigados, 50,4% tiveram reinternação por Infecção urinária, destes, 42,6% morreram e, dos que não tiveram recorrência, foram 18,3% óbitos (p= 0,00054).Conclusão: O idoso tem predisposição maior para adquirir infeção urinária, além de apresentar recidivas, principalmente os que fazem uso de sonda vesical e fralda, o que ocasiona aumento da frequência de hospitalizações, do estadiamento no hospital e da mortalidade. (AU)

Objective: Analyze the Urinary Tract Infection and its recurrence in hospitalization in the elderly, characterizing the sociodemographic, laboratory and clinical aspects. Methods: Cross sectional study with descriptive design, quantitative approach of an analytical type, carried out on the electronic medical records of the elderly who were hospitalized in 2017 and readmitted in 2018, in the Geriatrics unit of a teaching hospital. Fisher's exact test was used in statistics, considered p <0.05. Results: Of the 1,835 records, 550 (29.97%) elderly were selected, of these, 121 (22%) with Urinary Tract Infection were investigated. The majority were male aged between 80 and 89 years. Among them, 51.2% used some type of bladder catheter and 52.9% used fraud. The altered tests were those of creatinine, C-Reactive Protein, urine I (proteins and leukocytes), in addition to positive urine culture for Escherichia Coli. Of the 121 patients investigated, 50.4% had readmission for urinary tract infection, of these, 42.6% died and, of those who did not have recurrence, 18.3% died (p = 0.00054). Conclusion: The elderly is predisposed greater to acquire urinary infection, in addition to relapses, especially those who use a bladder catheter and diaper, which causes an increase in the frequency of hospitalizations, hospital stay and mortality. (AU)

Objetivo: Analizar la Infección del Tracto Urinario y su recurrencia en la hospitalización del anciano, caracterizando los aspectos sociodemográficos, de laboratorio y clínicos. Métodos: Estudio transversal con diseño descriptivo, abordaje cuantitativo de tipo analítico, realizado sobre la historia clínica electrónica de los ancianos que fueron hospitalizados en 2017 y readmitidos en 2018, en la unidad de Geriatría de un hospital universitario. En estadística se utilizó la prueba exacta de Fisher, considerada p <0,05. Resultados: De las 1.835 historias clínicas, se seleccionaron 550 (29,97%) ancianos, de estos se investigaron 121 (22%) con Infección del Tracto Urinario. La mayoría eran hombres de entre 80 y 89 años. Entre ellos, el 51,2% utilizó algún tipo de sonda vesical y el 52,9% utilizó fraude. Las pruebas alteradas fueron las de creatinina, proteína C reactiva, orina I (proteínas y leucocitos), además de urocultivo positivo para Escherichia Coli. De los 121 pacientes investigados, el 50,4% tuvo reingreso por infección del tracto urinario, de estos, el 42,6% falleció y, de los que no presentaron recidiva, falleció el 18,3% (p = 0,00054). Conclusión: Los ancianos tienen mayor predisposición a adquirir urinaria infección, además de recaídas, especialmente en quienes utilizan sonda vesical y pañal, lo que provoca un aumento en la frecuencia de hospitalizaciones, estancia hospitalaria y mortalidad. (AU)

Urinary continence after high urogenital sinus repair conducted with posterior prone approach: electromyography-uroflowmetric assessment.

PURPOSE: We aimed to present the results of urinary continence assessment objectively with electromyography (EMG)-uroflowmetry after high urogenital sinus (HUGS) repair with posterior prone approach without division of rectum. METHODS: The records of patients who underwent HUGS repair via posterior prone approach between January 2005 and July 2018 were reviewed retrospectively. Incontinence, dysuria, hesitation, and straining during urination were evaluated during the clinical follow-up. Dysfunctional voiding scoring system was used as a questionnaire. Patients were re-evaluated with EMG-uroflowmetry in terms of voiding volume and pattern, voiding time, maximum flow rate, average flow rate, maximum flow time, and post-voiding residual volume. RESULTS: Seven patients with HUGS were treated with a posterior prone approach. The median age of the patients was 18 months (8-21 months). The median UGS length was 4.4 cm (3.6-5.5 cm), urethral length was 1.1 cm (1.0-1.5 cm), and vaginal length was 4.9 cm (4.1-5.1 cm). No urination or defecation problems were described by the patients or their parents. When the results of the dysfunctional voiding scoring systems questionnaire were analyzed, results scored 7 (range 5-8). EMG-uroflowmetric test graphics of the patients showed normal flow curves without plateau, intermittency or irregularity. Pelvic EMG assessment was normal in all patients. CONCLUSION: EMG-uroflowmetry has shown objectively that urinary continence and normal voiding pattern are preserved after HUGS repair with posterior prone approach without division of rectum.

Trends, characteristics, and outcomes of placenta accreta spectrum: a national study in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Although an infrequent occurrence, the placenta can adhere abnormally to the gravid uterus leading to significantly high maternal morbidity and mortality during cesarean delivery. Contemporary national statistics related to a morbidly adherent placenta, referred to as placenta accreta spectrum, are needed. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine national trends, characteristics, and perioperative outcomes of women who underwent cesarean delivery for placenta accreta spectrum in the United States. STUDY DESIGN: This is a population-based retrospective, observational study querying the National Inpatient Sample. The study cohort included women who underwent cesarean delivery from October 2015 to December 2017 and had a diagnosis of placenta accreta spectrum. The main outcome measures were patient characteristics and surgical outcomes related to placenta accreta spectrum assessed by the generalized estimating equation on multivariable analysis. The temporal trend of placenta accreta spectrum was also assessed by linear segmented regression with log transformation. RESULTS: Of 2,727,477 cases who underwent cesarean delivery during the study period, 8030 (0.29%) had the diagnosis of placenta accreta spectrum. Placenta accreta was the most common diagnosis (n=6205, 0.23%), followed by percreta (n=1060, 0.04%) and increta (n=765, 0.03%). The number of placenta accreta spectrum cases increased by 2.1% every quarter year from 0.27% to 0.32% (P=.004). On multivariable analysis, (1) patient demographics (older age, tobacco use, recent diagnosis, higher comorbidity, and use of assisted reproductive technology), (2) pregnancy characteristics (placenta previa, previous cesarean delivery, breech presentation, and grand multiparity), and (3) hospital factors (urban teaching center and large bed capacity hospital) represented the independent characteristics related to placenta accreta spectrum (all, P<.05). The median gestational age at cesarean delivery was 36 weeks for placenta accreta and 34 weeks for both placenta increta and percreta vs 39 weeks for non-placenta accreta spectrum cases (P<.001). On multivariable analysis, cesarean delivery complicated by placenta accreta spectrum was associated with increased risk of any surgical morbidities (78.3% vs 10.6%), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-defined severe maternal morbidity (60.3% vs 3.1%), hemorrhage (54.1% vs 3.9%), coagulopathy (5.3% vs 0.3%), shock (5.0% vs 0.1%), urinary tract injury (8.3% vs 0.2%), and death (0.25% vs 0.01%) compared with cesarean delivery without placenta accreta spectrum. When further analyzed by subtype, cesarean delivery for placenta increta and percreta was associated with higher likelihood of hysterectomy (0.4% for non-placenta accreta spectrum, 45.8% for accreta, 82.4% for increta, 78.3% for percreta; P<.001) and urinary tract injury (0.2% for non-placenta accreta spectrum, 5.2% for accreta, 11.8% for increta, 24.5% for percreta; P<.001). Moreover, women in the placenta increta and percreta groups had markedly increased risks of surgical mortality compared with those without placenta accreta spectrum (increta, odds ratio, 19.9; and percreta, odds ratio, 32.1). CONCLUSION: Patient characteristics and outcomes differ across the placenta accreta spectrum subtypes, and women with placenta increta and percreta have considerably high surgical morbidity and mortality risks. Notably, 1 in 313 women undergoing cesarean delivery had a diagnosis of placenta accreta spectrum by the end of 2017, and the incidence seems to be higher than reported in previous studies.

A Novel Risk Assessment Model Using Urinary System Contrast Blush Grading to Predict Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury in Low-Risk Profile Patients.

Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) can occur after coronary interventions despite protective measures. We evaluated the effect of urinary system contrast blush grading for predicting post-procedure CI-AKI in 486 patients with chronic coronary artery disease. Patient characteristics and blood samples were collected. Urinary system contrast blush grade was recorded during the coronary angiography and interventions. Post-procedure third to fourth day blood samples were collected for diagnosis of CI-AKI. The median age of the patients was 61 years (53-70, interquartile range), and 194 (39.9%) participants were female. Contrast-induced acute kidney injury occurred in 78 (16%) patients. By comparing full and reduced models with the likelihood ratio test, it was observed that in the reduced model, factors such as age, diabetes mellitus, body weight-adapted contrast media (CM), hemoglobin, and urinary system blush were associated with CI-AKI presence. The probability of CI-AKI presence increased slightly from grade 0 to 1 blush, but it increased sharply grade from 1 to 2 blush. According to our results, an increase in body weight-adapted CM and urinary blush grading were the main predictors of CI-AKI. These findings suggest that when body weight-adapted CM ratio exceeds 3.5 mL/kg and urinary contrast blush reaches grade 2, the patients should be followed up more carefully for the development of CI-AKI.

Transvaginal ultrasound assessment of urinary tract in gynecological oncology patients: A multicenter prospective study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of urinary tract involvement diagnosed on transvaginal ultrasound examination in women gynecological cancers. The diagnostic performance of transvaginal ultrasound in detecting ureteral and bladder involvement was also evaluated. METHODS: This is a multicenter prospective study. Women with gynecological cancers or recurrence undergoing ultrasound examination were included. Transvaginal ultrasound is simple and non-invasive method. Ureters, vesico-uterine septum, bladder involvement were evaluated. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) of ultrasound were calculated. Surgery or imaging methods (MRI or CT scan) were considered as reference standard. RESULTS: A total of 569 patients were enrolled and 547 of them had diagnosis of malignancy. 56/547 (10.2%) had a diagnosis of urinary tract infiltration at ultrasound examination. On ultrasound examination, both ureters were clearly visualized in the vast majority of cases (507/547, 92.7%), whereas only one ureter was identified in 21/547 (3.8%) patients and both ureters were not visualized in 19/547 (3.5%). Ultrasound examination demonstrated high specificity (>99.0%) and high NPV (>97.0%) for all ultrasound parameters; sensitivity was good for bladder wall infiltration (83.3%) and for vesico-uterine septum infiltration (80.8%), and low for right (69.23%) and left (65.4%) ureter infiltration. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of pelvic urinary tract infiltration on transvaginal ultrasound examination in women with gynecologic malignancy was 10%. We believe that pelvic urinary tract assessment plays a key role during transvaginal ultrasound examination, in order to plan the management of patients with gynecologic cancers.

Needs Assessment for Lower Urinary Tract Injury Curriculum for FPMRS Fellowships.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the level and types of training Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-accredited programs use for female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery (FPMRS) fellows' education on lower urinary tract injuries (LUTIs). METHODS: Two surveys were developed to assess the need for LUTI curriculum from both program director (PD) and fellow vantages through a multistage process, including review by knowledgeable colleagues, cognitive interviews, and pilot testing. Surveys were distributed in an electronic link via e-mail to graduating fellows and program directors from each of the 58 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-accredited FPMRS programs. RESULTS: Thirty-four graduating FPMRS fellows (71%) and 39 FPMRS PDs (67%) completed the survey. Both PDs and fellows responded that both the evaluation and management of LUTI were necessary to FPMRS training. The majority of PDs use a combination of didactics and hands-on learning in the operating room (60% and 71%). Only 40% and 30% incorporate simulation into the curriculum to address LUTI. Graduating fellows report low numbers of procedures to evaluate and manage LUTI. Specifically, only 15% of fellows graduate with greater than 2 ureteral reimplantations and 44% graduate with no minimally invasive abdominal vesicovaginal fistula repairs. The majority of graduating fellows reported feeling prepared to evaluate for LUTI, but nearly one third do not feel ready to independently manage LUTI upon graduation. CONCLUSIONS: FPMRS PDs and fellows agree that the evaluation and management of LUTI are important; however, most programs use only didactics and hands-on learning in the operating room with extremely low case volumes, leading to decreased proficiency.

Urobiome in Gender-Related Diversities of Bladder Cancer.

Bladder cancer (BC) remains the most common malignancy of urinary tract. Sex-related differences in BC epidemiology, diagnosis, therapy, and outcomes have been reported. Throughout the recent years, extensive research has been devoted to genetic and molecular alterations in BC. Apart from the molecular background, another related concept which has been speculated to contribute to gender diversities in BC is the role of urinary pathogens in bladder carcinogenesis. Microbiome studies, fueled by the availability of high-throughput DNA-based techniques, have shown that perturbation in the microbiome is associated with various human diseases. The aim of this review is to comprehensively analyze the current literature according to sex-related differences in the microbiome composition in BC.

Assessment of urinary tract dilation grading amongst pediatric urologists.

INTRODUCTION: The Urinary Tract Dilation (UTD) system was created to address variability in hydronephrosis grading. It is unknown if or how pediatric urologists are integrating this newer system into practice. OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate the current use of hydronephrosis grading systems, inter-rater reliability (IRR) for individual systems, and management preferences based on degree of hydronephrosis. STUDY DESIGN: A survey was emailed to the Societies for Pediatric Urology listserv. Questions addressed familiarity/preference for various grading systems and respondent confidence in interpretation of hydronephrosis. Three clinical vignettes asked respondents to grade hydronephrosis using their system of choice and report further imaging they would obtain. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and IRR was calculated using a linear-weighted modified Fleiss' kappa test. RESULTS: Response rate was 43% (n = 138). The majority of respondents used Society for Fetal Urology (SFU) (70%) or UTD (19%) systems. Most favored SFU (58%) or UTD (34%) systems for a unified system. Confidence in own interpretation was higher than confidence in radiologists' reads (median 4.4 vs 3.6, p < 0.001). IRR was substantial for UTD (κ0.68 [0.64-0.71]) and moderate for SFU (κ0.60 [0.52-0.76]). There was notable heterogeneity regarding follow-up imaging for cases. There was no difference in requested follow-up studies between SFU and UTD systems, except for fewer voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) requests for Case 3 with UTD (28% vs 4%, p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Most pediatric urologists still use SFU rather than the UTD system. There was slightly higher IRR with the UTD system. There was substantial variability in follow-up imaging not related to grading system, except with low grade hydronephrosis.

Cost-effectiveness of ceftolozane/tazobactam for the treatment of complicated intraabdominal and urinary tract infections in Colombia / Costo-efectividad de ceftolozano/tazobactam para el tratamiento de las infecciones intraabdominales e infecciones del tracto urinario complicadas en Colombia

Objective: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of ceftolozane/tazobactam + metronidazole (C/T+M) and ceftolozane/tazobactam (C/T) compared with 8 alternatives used in the treatment of complicated intraabdominal infection (cIAI) and complicated urinary tract infection (cUTI) respectively. Methods: A Monte Carlo simulation decision model was used for the estimation and comparison of treatment-related costs, and quality adjusted life years for patients with cIAI treated with C/T+M in comparison with cefepime + metronidazole, ciprofloxacin + metronidazole, doripenem, levofloxacin + metronidazole, meropenem, piperacillin/tazobactam, ceftazidime + metronidazole or imipenem/cilastatin and patients with cUTI treated with C/T in comparison with cefepime, ciprofloxacin, doripenem, levofloxacin, meropenem, piperacillin/tazobactam, ceftazidime or imipenem/cilastatin. Local costs were estimated using base cases identified by experts and consulting local databases. Sensitivity values of the PACTS (Program to Assess Ceftolozane/Tazobactam Susceptibility) study in Latin America were used in the model. Results: C/T+M and C/T obtained incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER) that were below the Colombian cost-effectiveness threshold (3 GDP per capita) in most comparisons, and were dominated by meropenem, considering only gram-negative microorganisms. Sensitivity assessments were also carried out, in which only the population with P. aeruginosa infections was considered, showing positive results for C/T+M and C/T (cost-effective or dominant with regards to all comparators). Conclusions: C/T+M and C/T could be cost-effective alternatives in the treatment of CIAI and CUTI in Colombia, when there is an adequate and rational use of antibiotics. The results of the sensitivity analyses showed dominance and cost-effectiveness with regards to every comparator in patients infected with P. aeruginosa

Objetivo: Evaluar la costo-efectividad de ceftolozano/tazobactam + metronidazol (C/T + M) y ceftolozano/tazobactam (C/T) en comparación con 8 alternativas utilizadas en el tratamiento de las infecciones intraabdominales complicadas (IAAc) e infecciones del tracto urinario complicadas (ITUc) respectivamente. Métodos: Se usó un modelo de decisión de simulación de Monte Carlo para la estimación y comparación de los costos relacionados con el tratamiento y los años de vida ajustados por calidad para pacientes con IAAc tratados con C/T + M, en comparación con cefepima + metronidazol, ciprofloxacina + metronidazol, doripenem , levofloxacina + metronidazol, meropenem, piperacilina / tazobactam, ceftazidima + metronidazol o imipenem/cilastatina, y pacientes con ITUc tratados con C/T en comparación con cefepime, ciprofloxacina, doripenem, levofloxacina, meropenem, piperacilina / tazobactam, ceftazidima o imipenem/cilastatina . Los costos locales se estimaron por medio de casos base identificados por expertos y consultando bases de datos locales. Se utilizaron los valores de sensibilidad bacteriana del estudio PACTS (Programa para evaluar la susceptibilidad al ceftolozano/tazobactam) en América Latina para poblar el modelo. Resultados: C/T + M y C/T obtuvieron razones de costo-efectividad incrementales (RCEI) que estaban por debajo del umbral de costo-efectividad colombiano (3 PIB per cápita) en la mayoría de las comparaciones, y fueron dominados por meropenem, considerando solo microorganismos gran-negativos También se llevaron a cabo análisis de sensibilidad, en los que solo se consideró la población con infecciones por P. aeruginosa, mostrando resultados positivos para C/T + M y C/T (costo efectivo o dominante con respecto a todos los comparadores). Conclusiones: C/T + M y C/T podrían ser alternativas costo efectivas en el tratamiento de IAAc e ITUc en Colombia, cuando existe un uso adecuado y racional de antibióticos. Los resultados de los análisis de sensibilidad mostraron dominio y costo-efectividad en relación con todos los comparadores en pacientes infectados con P. aeruginosa.

Assessment of the Urinary Microbiome in Children Younger Than 48 Months.

BACKGROUND: The urinary tract was once thought to be sterile, and little is known about the urinary microbiome in children. This study aimed to examine the urinary microbiome of young children across demographic and clinical factors. METHODS: Children <48 months, undergoing a urinary catheterization for clinical purposes in the Pediatric Emergency Department were recruited and urine samples collected. Detailed demographic and clinical information were recorded. Urine samples underwent DNA extraction and 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing, urinalysis and urine culture. RESULTS: Eighty-five children were included; a urinary microbiome was identified in every child. Nine children had Escherichia coli urinary tract infections (UTIs) identified. Those with UTIs had a significantly decreased alpha diversity (t test, P < 0.001) and the composition of the microbiome clustered separately (P = 0.001) compared with those without UTIs. CONCLUSIONS: A urinary microbiome was identified in every child, even neonates. Differences in microbiome diversity and composition were observed in patients with a standard culture positive UTI. The urinary microbiome has just begun to be explored, and the implications on long-term disease processes deserve further investigation.