Overweight and obesity as risk factors for biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown a relationship between the occurrence and recurrence of prostate cancer; however, this relationship remains controversial. We investigated the relationship between obesity and biochemical recurrence in patients with prostate cancer. METHODS: Clinicopathological factors were analyzed after dividing the patient population according to the Asian population-specific body mass index (BMI) criteria for "normal" (< 23 kg/m2), "overweight" (23-27.5 kg/m2), and "obese" (≥ 27.5 kg/m2). Among the 389 patients included in this study, 108 were classified as normal, while 227 and 54 patients were classified as overweight and obese, respectively. The relationships between clinicopathological factors and biochemical recurrence were analyzed by univariate and multivariate Cox ≤ proportional hazard models. Biochemical recurrence was defined as two consecutive prostate-specific antigen (PSA) measurements ≥ 0.2 ng/mL. RESULTS: In univariate analysis, the categorical variables of "overweight" and "obese" were significant prognostic factors for biochemical recurrence. In multivariate analysis models including PSA density [hazard ratio (HR) 1.8, p = 0.01], extraprostatic extension (HR 2.0, p < 0.001), Gleason score (HR 1.7, p = 0.01), surgical margin positivity (HR 2.46, p < 0.001), and lymphovascular invasion (HR 2.53, p < 0.001), the categorical variables of "overweight" (HR 1.6, p = 0.03) and "obese" (HR 1.76, p = 0.035) were prognostic factors for biochemical recurrence. CONCLUSION: The obesity status of patients with prostate cancer as "overweight" and "obese" was a risk factor for biochemical recurrence after adjusting for other clinicopathological factors.

A randomized controlled comparison between periprostatic nerve block and pelvic plexus block at the base and apex of 14-core prostate biopsies.

PURPOSE: To compare the pain control efficacies of the pelvic plexus block (PPB), periprostatic nerve block (PNB), and controls during a 14-core basal and apical core prostate biopsy. METHODS: This randomized controlled study, performed between January 2015 and January 2016, included patients with an abnormal serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA > 3 ng/mL) level or a palpable nodule on digital rectal examination. The enrolled patients were randomized into three groups: Group 1, intrarectal local anesthesia (IRLA, 10 mL of 2% lidocaine jelly) and PPB with 3.0 mL of 2% lidocaine injected at the bilateral pelvic plexus; Group 2, IRLA and PNB with 3.0 mL of 2% lidocaine injected at both periprostatic nerves; and Group 3, only IRLA. Patients answered the visual analog scale (VAS) questionnaire at 6 time points. RESULTS: This study consisted of 163 patients (Group 1 = 55, Group 2 = 55, and Group 3 = 53). Pain at the apical biopsy location was less in Groups 1 and 2 than in Group 3 (p < 0.001, p < 0.001) and between the two local anesthetic groups (PNB + IRLA vs PPB + IRLA). Group 2 patients reported less pain than Group 1 patients (p = 0.022). Pain during the basal core biopsy was significantly less in Groups 1 and 2 than in Group 3 (p = 0.002, p < 0.001), but there were no significant differences in pain control between the two methods (PNB + IRLA vs PPB + IRLA, p = 0.054) during basal core biopsy. CONCLUSIONS: PNB + IRLA is an effective local anesthetic method for reducing pain when performing apical biopsies compared with PPB + IRLA or IRLA alone.

Recent Trends in Prostate Biopsy Complication Rates and the Role of Aztreonam in Periprocedural Antimicrobial Prophylaxis-A Nationwide Population-Based Study from Korea.

An increase in the rate of complications after prostate biopsy (PB) due to increased antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a global issue. We report the safety of aztreonam as a prophylactic antibiotic in patients undergoing PB. We investigated the complication rates according to several antibiotic regimens, including aztreonam. We hypothesized that PB complications increased following a rise in antibiotic-resistant bacteria. We examined the annual rates of complications among patients in our hospital (clinical cohort) and the Korea Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) cohort. Data regarding complications, hospitalization, emergency room (ER) visits, and febrile urinary tract infections occurring within 2 weeks after PB were recorded. The rate of complications was significantly lower in patients who received oral quinolone and intravenous aztreonam than in those who received oral quinolone. The complication rates did not increase throughout the study period. Additionally, 1754 patients from the HIRA cohort were included. The rates of complications, hospitalizations, and ER visits did not increase among these patients. Oral quinolone combined with intravenous aztreonam reduced the rate of febrile complications compared to quinolone alone and was safe to use after PB. Therefore, we recommend intravenous aztreonam with oral quinolone as a prophylactic antibiotic regimen before PB.

Identification of New Prognostic Markers and Therapeutic Targets for Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer: HER2 as a Potential Target Antigen.

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is the gold standard adjuvant treatment for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). However, given the current global shortage of BCG, new treatments are needed. We evaluated tumor microenvironment markers as potential BCG alternatives for NMIBC treatment. Programmed death-ligand 1, human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2), programmed cell death-1 (PD1), CD8, and Ki67 levels were measured in treatment-naïve NMIBC and MIBC patients (pTa, pT1, and pT2 stages). Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were used to determine the impact of these markers and other clinicopathological factors on survival, recurrence, and progression. EP263, IM142, PD1, and Ki67 levels were the highest in the T2 stage, followed by the T1 and Ta stages. HER2 and IM263 expressions were higher in the T1 and T2 stages than in the Ta stage. In NMIBC, the significant prognostic factors for recurrence-free survival were adjuvant therapy, tumor grade, and HER2 positivity, whereas those for progression-free survival included age, T-stage, and IM263. Age, T-stage, EP263, PD1, CD8, and Ki67 levels were significant factors associated with overall survival. IM263 and HER2 are potential biomarkers for progression and recurrence, respectively. Therefore, we propose HER2 as a potential target antigen for intravesical therapeutics as a BCG alternative.

Urethral defect due to periurethral abscess treated with a tunica vaginalis flap: A case report.

RATIONALE: Periurethral abscess is a life-threatening disease, and the occurrence of a urethral defect with periurethral abscess is a rare finding. In this case, the patient had a lengthy urethral defect from the bulbous urethra to the membranous urethra accompanied by periurethral abscess that developed within a short time. Herein, we report a case of a pedicle-sparing tunica vaginalis flap utilized in urethral reconstruction which degenerated due to fibrotic changes and soft tissue defects in the urethral bed. PATIENT CONCERNS: The patient was a 36-year-old man with fever and lower urinary tract symptoms who had been treated with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs for urinary tract infections 3 days before admission. Purulent necrosis was formed by the urethral abscess, and a long-length urethral defect was formed in the bulbous urethra. DIAGNOSIS: Based on the initial computed tomography and laboratory findings, empirical antibiotics were administered to treat a lower urinary tract infection. On the 7th day of hospitalization, ultrasonography was performed due to the sudden swelling of the scrotum, and the patient was diagnosed with a periurethral abscess that was 10 × 3 cm in size. INTERVENTION: Initial urinary diversion, wide debridement, and a large amount of abscess drainage were performed. Necrosis of the urethral ventral part caused a urethral defect that was 5 cm in size. After treatment with antibiotics, long-term disinfection and intermittent debridement were conducted and urethral reconstruction was performed using a tunica vaginalis flap with preserved vascular structure. OUTCOMES: No complications occurred until 6 months after urethral reconstruction. LESSONS: Urethral reconstruction using a tunica vaginalis flap is a good method for selected patients. Pedicle-sparing tunica vaginalis is an advantageous material for resolving urethral defects, especially when the surrounding circulation conditions are poor.

An epidemiologic study of voiding and bowel habits in Korean children: a nationwide multicenter study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prevalence of abnormal voiding and bowel habits in healthy children, and to identify possible relationships between personal and familial factors and voiding and/or bowel habits. METHODS: A randomly selected cross-sectional study was conducted in 19,240 children (5-13 years old) nationwide in the Republic of Korea. Parents were asked to complete questionnaires, which included items about nocturnal enuresis, daytime dysfunctional voiding symptoms (DVSs), and abnormal bowel habits (ABHs). Rates and associated factors were investigated. RESULTS: The overall rates of DVS, ABH, and of both were 46.4%, 31.3%, and 18.4%, respectively, and nocturnal enuresis was reported in 919 (5.6%). Daytime dysfunctional voiding symptoms were as follows: increased voiding frequency in 419 (2.5%), decreased voiding frequency in 720 (4.4%), urgency in 2740 (16.6%), daytime incontinence in 1854 (11.2%), urge incontinence in 2775 (16.8%), and holding maneuvers or postponed voiding in 3888 (23.5%). ABHs were as follows: constipation by frequency in 1103 (6.7%), constipation by the Bristol scale in 1941 (11.8%), fecal incontinence in 1293 (7.8%), and difficult or painful defecation in 2609 (15.8%). Delayed stool control, history of urinary tract infection, and a double-income family were positively associated with DVS or ABH or both. Furthermore, fathers with a low level of education and a low income were found to be associated with higher risk of ABH or DVS or both. CONCLUSIONS: Delayed stool control, a history of urinary tract infection, a low paternal level of education, a double-income family, and a lower family income had a negative effect on voiding or bowel habits in children.

Prevalence and associated factors of overactive bladder in Korean children 5-13 years old: a nationwide multicenter study.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence of overactive bladder (OAB) in Korean children, 5-13 years of age, and to assess the associated factors for OAB. METHODS: A randomly selected cross-section study was conducted in 26 kindergartens and 27 elementary schools nationwide in Korea. A total of 19 240 children were included; a parent was asked to complete the questionnaires, which included items about OAB and voiding and defecating habits. OAB was defined as urgency with or without urge incontinence, usually with increased daytime frequency and nocturia (International Children's Continence Society, 2006). Its prevalence and associated factors were also investigated. RESULTS: The response rate for the questionnaires was 85.84%. The overall prevalence of OAB was 16.59%. The prevalence of OAB decreased with age from 22.99% to 12.16% (P = .0001). The overall incidence of wet and dry OAB was 26.97% and 73.03%, respectively. Compared with normal children, those with OAB had a greater prevalence of nocturnal enuresis, constipation, fecal incontinence, urinary tract infection, delayed bladder control, and poor toilet facilities (P < .05). The incidence of increased daytime frequency and urge incontinence was 3.69% and 2.31% (P = .009) and 26.97% and 14.78% (P = .0001) in OAB and non-OAB children, respectively. The corresponding prevalence decreased with age from 5.04% to 3.06% and from 45.74% to 18.50% in OAB children (P = .0001). CONCLUSIONS: The overall prevalence of OAB in Korean children, 5-13 years of age, was 16.59% and decreased with age. Nocturnal enuresis, constipation, fecal incontinence, history of urinary tract infection, delayed bladder control, and poor toilet facilities might be factors associated with the development of OAB.