High frequency of transient congenital hypothyroidism among infants referred for suspected congenital hypothyroidism from the Turkish National screening program: thyroxine dose may guide the prediction of transients.

PURPOSE: We aimed to determine the frequency of transient congenital hypothyroidism (TCH) in 17 participating centers in Türkiye, evaluate the etiological distribution in permanent congenital hypothyroidism (PCH) cases, and investigate the role of laboratory and clinical findings in predicting TCH. METHODS: This retrospective observational multicenter study included patients from 17 pediatric endocrinology centers identified by "National Newborn Screening Program" (NNSP) who were born in 2015 and followed for 6 years. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory information of the cases were compiled through the database http://cedd.saglik-network.org (CEDD-NET). RESULTS: Of the 239 cases initially treated for CH, 128 (53.6%) were determined as transient in whom a trial of levothyroxine (LT4) withdrawal was performed at a median age of 36 (34-38) months. Among the patients with PCH (n = 111), thyroid dysgenesis was diagnosed in 39.6% (n = 44). The predictive factors for TCH were: LT4 dose at the withdrawal of treatment, and initial newborn blood screening (NBS)-TSH level. Based on the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to predict optimal cut-offs for TCH predictors, LT4 dose < 2.0 µg/kg/day at treatment discontinuation was predictive for TCH and was associated with 94.5% specificity and 55.7% sensitivity, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.802. The initial NBS-TSH level value < 45 µIU/mL was predictive for TCH with 93.1% specificity and 45.5% sensitivity, with an AUC of 0.641. In patients with eutopic thyroid gland only LT4 dose < 1.1 µg/kg/day at withdrawal time was predictive for TCH with 84.7% sensitivity and 40.4% specificity, with an AUC of 0.750. CONCLUSION: According to our national follow-up data, the frequency of TCH was 53.6%. We determined the LT4 dose < 2.0 µg/kg/day at discontinuation of treatment and the initial NBS-TSH level < 45 µIU/mL as the best cut-off limits to predict TCH.

Subfatin, asprosin, alamandine and maresin-1 in cerebral ischemia, intracranial and subarachnoid hemorrhages.

OBJECTIVE: Cerebrovascular diseases (CVDs) remain an important public health issue due to the increasing number of deaths worldwide. Changes in the synthesis and release of peptides in CVDs may play an important role in elucidating the physiopathology of the disease. Therefore, this study was to investigate the fate of maresin-1 (MaR-1), subfatin (SUB), asprosin (ASP), and alamandine (ALA) levels in patients with cerebral infarction (CI), intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) evaluated within the scope of CVDs, and voluntary healthy controls. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study participants were divided into 4 groups: CI patients, ICH patients, SAH patients, and healthy volunteers. The diagnosis of CVDs was made based on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), Intracerebral Hemorrhage Score (ICHS), Botterel-Hunt-Hess Scale (BHHS), and cranial computed tomography (CT). The levels of MaR-1 (ng/mL), SUB (ng/mL), ASP (ng/mL), and ALA (pg/mL) in the blood samples collected from the participants were studied using the ELISA method. Other parameters included in the study were obtained from the patient records of our hospital. RESULTS: The comparison of MaR-1 [(control 1.38 ± 0.14), SAH (0.98 ± 0.087), CI (0.67 ± 0.04), ICH (0.51 ± 0.03)], SUB [(control (13.2 ± 1.4), SAH (10.1 ± 1.2), CI (7.9 ± 0.8), ICH (5.8 ± 0.5)], and ALA [(control (67.2 ± 7.9), SAH (58.2 ± 4.3), CI (42.1 ± 3.7), and ICH (34.2 ±3.9)] values revealed a significant decrease compared to the control values. The comparison of the ASP values of SAH, CI, and ICH patients and control values (11.6 ± 1.2) showed significantly higher asprosin values in SAH (13.8 ± 1.1), CI (15.4 ± 1.2) and ICH (28.9 ± 2.8) patients. Similarly, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and glucose levels of CKD patients were also high. CONCLUSIONS: Decreased MaR-1, SUB, ALA and increased ASP compared to the control values may play a role in the physiopathology of these diseases. MaR-1, SUB, ALA, and ASP differences between SAH, CI and ICH patients may also guide clinicians along with SBP, DBP and glucose values.

Effect of capsule tension ring on short-term refractive stabilization and visual performance in trifocal intraocular lens implantation.

PURPOSE: To provide refractive stability and increase visual performance with the use of a capsular tension ring in trifocal intraocular lens implantation. METHODS: This prospective randomized study was conducted in the Yeniyüzyil university ophthalmology department between February 2018 and September 2019. Eighty-six eyes of 43 patients with visual loss due to uncomplicated cataract in both eyes were randomly divided into two groups, A and B. The eyes in both groups underwent refractive lens exchange with implantation of the same design of trifocal IOL (plate haptic design). In group B, a capsular tension ring was inserted into the capsular bag before trifocal IOL implantation. Both groups were examined at 1day, 1week, 1month, and 3months postoperatively. At 3months after surgery, visual acuity, refractive errors and refractive prediction errors were analyzed and compared between groups A and B. RESULTS: The postoperative values in group A were spherical equivalent (mean±SD), 0.07±0.79 diopters (D); refractive sphere (mean±SD), 0.43±0.84 diopters (D); uncorrected distance acuity, 0.20±0.04 (logMAR); best-corrected distance acuity, 0±0.02 (logMAR). Group B values were 0.14±0.5 diopters (D), 0.61±0.45 diopters (D), 0.25±0.20 (logMAR), 0.01±0.04 (logMAR), respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups with respect to the postoperative evaluation. CONCLUSION: The use of CTR in the implantation of the trifocal intraocular lens had no statistically significant impact on refractive stability.

Effects of iloprost and sildenafil treatment on elabela, apelin-13, nitric oxide, and total antioxidant and total oxidant status in experimental enzyme-positive acute coronary syndrome in rats.

Despite significant advances in medicine, mortality due to cardiovascular disease is not yet preventable. We investigated the amounts of elabela (ELA) and apelin, synthesized by cardiomyocytes, and changes of these compounds in cardiac tissue and circulation after administration of iloprost (ILO) and sildenafil (SIL) in rats with induced myocardial ischemia (MI). We also investigated a connection with circulating troponin-I, creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB) and nitric oxide (NO), and total anti-oxidant (TAS)/total oxidant status (TOS). We established eight study groups of five rats each. Group 1, sham, was given only physiologic serum; group 2, ILO; group 3, SIL; group 4, ILO + SIL; group 5, MI; group 6, MI + ILO; group 7, MI + SIL; group 8, MI + ILO + SIL. Troponin-I, CK, CK-MB and TAS-TOS were investigated using an autoanalyzer. NO, ELA and apelin were analyzed by ELISA. Tissue apelin and ELA expressions and localizations were determined by immunohistochemistry. The MI group compared to the control (sham) group showed that ELA, apelin, troponin-I, CK, CK-MB, NO and TOS levels were elevated significantly. Concentrations of these factors increased in MI, but decreased after ILO and SIL administration. The largest decrease of TOS was identified in the ILO + SIL group. ELA and apelin may be novel indicators of MI and administration of ILO and SIL, individually or together, may be useful for treating MI.

Irisin immunohistochemistry in gastrointestinal system cancers.

Cancer is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Some studies have shown that high heat kills cancer cells. Irisin is a protein involved in heat production by converting white into brown adipose tissue, but there is no information about how its expression changes in cancerous tissues. We used irisin antibody immunohistochemistry to investigate changes in irisin expression in gastrointestinal cancers compared to normal tissues. Irisin was found in human brain neuroglial cells, esophageal epithelial cells, esophageal epidermoid carcinoma, esophageal adenocarcinoma and neuroendocrine esophageal carcinoma, gastric glands, gastric adenosquamous carcinoma, gastric neuroendocrine carcinoma, gastric signet ring cell carcinoma, neutrophils in vascular tissues, intestinal glands of colon, colon adenocarcinoma, mucinous colon adenocarcinoma, hepatocytes, hepatocellular carcinoma, islets of Langerhans, exocrine pancreas, acinar cells and interlobular and interlobular ducts of normal pancreas, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, and intra- and interlobular ducts of cancerous pancreatic tissue. Histoscores (area × intensity) indicated that irisin was increased significantly in gastrointestinal cancer tissues, except liver cancers. Our findings suggest that the relation of irisin to cancer warrants further investigation.

Relationship between nurses' practice environments and nursing outcomes in Turkey.

AIM: This study aimed to understand nursing practice environment characteristics in Istanbul-area hospitals in Turkey, the relationship between these characteristics, nurse burnout levels and nurses' intentions to leave work. BACKGROUND: A well-known relationship exists in many countries between nursing practice environments and nurse burnout and intention to leave work. However, little is known about the relationship between practice environment characteristics and nursing outcomes in Turkey. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 2592 nurses in 20 Ministry of Health and 29 private hospitals in Istanbul, Turkey. A demographic questionnaire, Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index and Maslach Burnout Inventory were used for data collection. RESULTS: Almost half of nurses suffered from high-level burnout related to emotional exhaustion and personal accomplishment, and one-third reported depersonalization and the intent to leave their jobs within a year. A poor nursing practice environment was the leading factor, increasing nurses' burnout levels in all subdimensions. Burnout related to emotional exhaustion, personal accomplishment and poor practice environment increased intention to leave. Permanent positions decreased intention. DISCUSSION: There was a relationship between poor practice environments and nursing outcomes in Turkey. LIMITATIONS: The use of a survey data collection method is a potential study limitation. Quantitative and qualitative methods could be combined to obtain more detailed objective data about nursing practice environments. CONCLUSION: Poor practice environments, high-level burnout and intention to leave work are significant problems in Istanbul, Turkey. Favourable practice environments and job security should be provided to improve nursing outcomes. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING POLICY: Policymakers and nurse managers should be aware of any negative issues regarding nursing practice environments and job security to improve nursing outcomes.

Pityriasis rosea-like adverse reaction to atenolol.

A 56-year-old female patient was presented with diffuse, bright red to violet colour, scaly patches on trunk and extremities after using a hypertension drug, atenolol. The patient was diagnosed as pityriasis rosea-like adverse reaction to atenolol based on her history, dermatological examination and histopathological findings. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of pityriasis rosea-like adverse reaction to atenolol that is widely used in hypertension treatment.

Predictors of major adverse cardiovascular events; results of population based MELEN study with prospective follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: In healthy persons, cardiovascular risk is the result of multiple interacting risk associates including demographic, clinical, genetic and environmental factors. Several non-invasive tools such as echocardiography, ultrasonography and electrocardiography as well as new biochemical markers were shown to be applicable to predict cardiovascular events. However, implementation of all of these tools has not been tested before. The aim of the study was to evaluate the independent predictors of major adverse cardiovascular events in a prospective population based study, with the use of bioempedance analysis, echocardiography, ultrasonography and ECG. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The baseline measurements were conducted on 2230 participants (1427 women, 803 men with a mean age of 49 ± 15). The follow-up was done 36 months after the baseline admission via telephone call. Major adverse event was defined as mortality or myocardial infarction or stroke. RESULTS: Follow-up data was possible in 1495 participants (65%). During the follow-up of 36 months (4485 patient years), 42 major adverse events occurred (0.03%). Among them, 16 were death (1 stroke, 2 cancer, 13 cardiac related), 12 were stroke and 14 were myocardial infarction. Age, body mass index and atrial fibrillation were independent predictors of major adverse events; AF being the most powerful (Odds ratio 10.46; 95% confidence interval [1.73-63.14]; p = 0.010). CONCLUSIONS: Age, lower body mass index and atrial fibrillation were independent predictors of major cardiovascular events in our cohort.

Public health nursing education in Turkey: a national survey.

AIM: To investigate public health nursing content in undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Turkey. METHODS: This study included all of the nursing schools in Turkey that provide university level education. The data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire designed to identify the existing status of undergraduate and postgraduate public health nursing education between February 2011 and June 2011. The questionnaire was completed only by the head of the department of public health nursing in each school. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics using SPSS for Windows 17.0 software. RESULTS: The study achieved a response rate of 72.5%. All participants reported offering a course in public health nursing in their undergraduate programmes. Fourteen (24.1%) participants reported offering Master of Science degrees in public health nursing. Seven (12.1%) participants reported offering doctorate degrees in public health nursing. In the responding schools, the public health nursing course was given in one semester (14 weeks) for an average of 5.54 ± 1.43 h/week for theory and an average of 13.48 ± 5.11 h/week for clinical practice. Of the participants, 43 (74%) reported problems related to public health nursing education. CONCLUSION: There are problems in Turkey with regard to public health nursing education. The nursing school curriculum must be revised on a national level if public health nursing is to be revived and strengthened.

The impact of metabolic syndrome on carotid intima media thickness.

OBJECTIVES: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of metabolic abnormalities involving several cardiovascular risk factors. Carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) is an important early screening tool to assess subclinical manifestation of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. We aimed to investigate the impact of MetS on CIMT in a large scaled community based study. METHODS: The study was conducted on 2102 participants. Carotid intima media thickness was measured in all of the participants. The study sample was divided into 4 groups; Group 1 subjects with a body mass index (BMI) < 25.0 kg/m2 [n = 499 (MetS- = 488, MetS+ = 11)], Group 2 BMI between 25.0 and 29.9 kg/m2 [n = 693 (MetS- = 559, MetS+ = 134)], Group 3 BMI between ≥ 30 kg/m2 and 39.9 kg/m2 [n = 822 (MetS- = 375, MetS+ = 477)], and Group 4 BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2 [n = 88 (MetS- = 27, MetS+ = 61)]. RESULTS: Carotid intima media thickness was higher in the individuals with MetS compared to their normal counterparts. Furthermore, the subgroup analysis showed that CIMT values in Group 1 (0.55±0.18 vs 0.82±0.70; p < 0.001), Group 2 (0.59±0.20 vs 0.68±0.18; p < 0.001) and Group 3 (0.61±0.15 vs 0.65±0.18; p < 0.001) were significantly higher in subjects with MetS compared to their normal counterparts, whereas the values were similar in Group 4 (0.62±0.13 vs 0.65±0.17; p = 0.363). CONCLUSIONS: Carotid intima media thickness of overweight, obese and normal weight individuals without MetS were lower than their counterparts with MetS. MetS had no impact on CIMT in morbid obese individuals possibly due to established insulin resistance earlier than MetS.

Procedimientos quirúrgicos urológicos mayores en el cáncer colorrectal localmente avanzado / Major Urologic Surgical Procedures in Locally Advanced Colorectal Cancers

Objetivo: Evaluar los resultados de los principales procedimientos urológicos realizados en pacientes con cáncer colorrectal localmente avanzado. Material y métodos: Los datos de 37 pacientes con cáncer colorrectal localmente avanzado, que se sometieron a los principales procedimientos quirúrgicos urológicos junto con la cirugía simultánea del cáncer entre los años 2005 y 2010, fueron evaluados retrospectivamente. Resultados: La media de edad fue de 58,3 años. La proporción hombre/mujer fue de 2,7. El 59% de los pacientes eran casos primarios y el 41% eran casos recurrentes de cáncer colorrectal. La vejiga, los uréteres, la uretra, los riñones y la próstata se encontraron invadidos en 19, 9, 5, 2 y 2 casos, respectivamente. Se llevaron a cabo los siguientes procedimientos simples o combinados; cistectomía parcial (n=11) o total (n=8; 2 en combinación con uretrocutaneostomía, 6 con conducto ileal), uretroplastia (n=5), nefroureterectomía (n=2), nefrectomía radical (n=1), nefrectomía parcial (n=1), ureteroneocistostomía (n=7), colgajo de Boari (n=4), transureteroureterostomía (n=3). El drenaje prolongado fue la complicación quirúrgica más común (27%). Se encontraron fístula uretrocutánea e incontinencia urinaria total en cada una en un paciente, respectivamente. La incidencia de hidronefrosis y la elevación de la creatinina fueron del 38% (27% preoperatoria; 11% posoperatoria) y del 24% (11% preoperatoria; 13% posoperatoria), respectivamente. Dos muertes ocurrieron en el primer mes de operaciones. La duración media del seguimiento fue de 18 (6-28) meses para los 13 pacientes que sobrevivieron. La supervivencia global de 24 casos con resultado de muerte fue de 21 (1-42) meses. Conclusiones: Dado que los efectos finales más importantes de cáncer colorrectal localmente avanzado se encuentran en los riñones desde el punto de vista urológico, el objetivo de un urólogo, como miembro del equipo quirúrgico, debe ser preservar la función renal además de ayudar a la eliminación completa del tumor (AU)

Objective: To evaluate the outcomes of major urological procedures performed in patients with locally advanced colorectal cancer. Material and methods: Data of 37 patients with locally advanced colorectal cancer who underwent major urological surgical procedures along with simultaneous cancer surgery between the years of 2005 and 2010 were retrospectively evaluated. Results: The mean age was 58.3 years. Male/Female ratio was 2.7. 59% of the patients were primary, and 41% were recurrent cases of colorectal cancer. Bladder, ureters, urethra, kidneys and prostate were found as invaded in 19, 9, 5, 2 and 2 cases, respectively. The following single or combined procedures were performed; partial (n=11) or total (n=8; 2 combined with urethrocutaneostomy, 6 with ileal-conduit) cystectomy, urethroplasty (n=5), nephroureterectomy (n=2), radical nephrectomy (n=1), partial nephrectomy (n=1), ureteroneocystostomy (n=7), Boari's flap (n=4), transureteroureterostomy (n=3). Prolonged drainage was the most common surgical complication (27%). Urethrocutaneous fistula and total urinary incontinence were encountered in 1 and 1 patient, respectively. The incidence of hydronephrosis and elevated creatinine were 38% (preoperative 27%; postoperative 11%) and 24% (11% preoperative; 13% postoperative), respectively. Two deaths occurred in the first month of operations. Mean duration of follow up was 18(6-28) months for surviving 13 patients. Overall survival in 24 cases resulting in death was 21(1-42) months. Conclusions: Since the most important eventual effects of locally advanced colorectal cancer are on the kidneys from the urological point of view; the aim of an urologist, as a member of surgical team, should be preserving renal function in addition to helping complete removal of the tumor (AU)

Tratamiento de la fístula urogenital en la mujer / Tretament of Urogenital Fistula in Women

Introducción y objetivo: Nos hemos propuesto evaluar los resultados de los casos de fístula genitourinaria intervenidos en nuestro centro en un período de 10 años. Material y métodos: Hemos evaluado la información clínica que respecta a la fístula genitourinaria a partir del historial médico de 42 pacientes femeninas, que se sometieron a cirugía por esta afección entre mayo de 2001 y junio de 2010. La edad, el historial médico, las herramientas de diagnóstico utilizadas, la información quirúrgica y los resultados clínicos de las pacientes fueron evaluados retrospectivamente. Resultados: La media de edad de las pacientes fue de 51 años. De 42 pacientes 28 tenían fístula vesicovaginal, 11 ureterovaginal y tres vesicouterina. La etiología de la fístula vesicovaginal era traumatismo quirúrgico en el 71,5% y traumatismo obstétrico en el 28,5% de las pacientes. La técnica de O’Connor se llevó a cabo como único procedimiento en 12 casos de fístula vesicovaginal, añadiendo la ureteroneocistostomía en tres. La reparación transvesical se llevó a cabo en 9 y la reparación transvaginal en tres de las pacientes. Los 11 casos de fístula ureterovaginal eran de origen yatrogénico. La ureteroneocistostomía se llevó a cabo en 6 de estas pacientes y el flap de Boari en 5. Fundamentalmente se repararon tres fístulas vesicouterinas. El índice de éxito en las fístulas vesicovaginal, ureterovaginal y vesicouterinas fue del 96, 100 y 100% respectivamente. Conclusión: En manos expertas, y de acuerdo con los principios básicos de cirugía, el tratamiento quirúrgico en la fístula genitourinaria representa una modalidad efectiva con un alto índice de éxito (AU)

Introduction and objectives: We aimed to assess the results of the genitourinary fistula cases intervened in our center in a ten year period. Patients and methods: We evaluated the clinical data regarding genitourinary fistula from the medical records of 42 female patients who underwent surgery for this condition between May 2001 and June 2010. Age, previous medical history, diagnostic tools used, operative data and clinical outcomes of the patients were evaluated retrospectively. Results: The mean age of patients was 51 years. Of 42 patients, 28 had vesicovaginal, 11 had ureterovaginal, and 3 had vesicouterine fistulas. Etiology of vesicovaginal fistula was surgical trauma in 71,5% and obstetric trauma in 28,5% of the patients. O’Connor technique was performed as a single procedure in 12 vesicovaginal fistula cases, and ureteroneocystostomy was added in 3. Transvesical repair was performed in 9, and transvaginal repair in 3 of the patients. All of 11 patients with ureterovaginal fistula were of iatrogenic origin; ureteroneocystostomy was performed in 6, and Boari flap was performed in 5 of these patients. Three vesicouterine fistulas were repaired primarily. Success rates in vesicovaginal, ureterovaginal and vesicouterine fistulas were 96, 100 and 100 percent, respectively. Conclusion: In experienced hands and according with the related basic surgical principles, operative treatment in genitourinary fistula represents an effective modality with high success rate (AU)

[Major urologic surgical procedures in locally advanced colorectal cancers]. / Procedimientos quirúrgicos urológicos mayores en el cáncer colorrectal localmente avanzado.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcomes of major urological procedures performed in patients with locally advanced colorectal cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data of 37 patients with locally advanced colorectal cancer who underwent major urological surgical procedures along with simultaneous cancer surgery between the years of 2005 and 2010 were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: The mean age was 58.3 years. Male/Female ratio was 2.7. 59% of the patients were primary, and 41% were recurrent cases of colorectal cancer. Bladder, ureters, urethra, kidneys and prostate were found as invaded in 19, 9, 5, 2 and 2 cases, respectively. The following single or combined procedures were performed; partial (n=11) or total (n=8; 2 combined with urethrocutaneostomy, 6 with ileal-conduit) cystectomy, urethroplasty (n=5), nephroureterectomy (n=2), radical nephrectomy (n=1), partial nephrectomy (n=1), ureteroneocystostomy (n=7), Boari's flap (n=4), transureteroureterostomy (n=3). Prolonged drainage was the most common surgical complication (27%). Urethrocutaneous fistula and total urinary incontinence were encountered in 1 and 1 patient, respectively. The incidence of hydronephrosis and elevated creatinine were 38% (preoperative 27%; postoperative 11%) and 24% (11% preoperative; 13% postoperative), respectively. Two deaths occurred in the first month of operations. Mean duration of follow up was 18(6-28) months for surviving 13 patients. Overall survival in 24 cases resulting in death was 21(1-42) months. CONCLUSIONS: Since the most important eventual effects of locally advanced colorectal cancer are on the kidneys from the urological point of view; the aim of an urologist, as a member of surgical team, should be preserving renal function in addition to helping complete removal of the tumor.

[Treatment of urogenital fistula in women]. / Tratamiento de la fístula urogenital en la mujer.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: We aimed to assess the results of the genitourinary fistula cases intervened in our center in a ten year period. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We evaluated the clinical data regarding genitourinary fistula from the medical records of 42 female patients who underwent surgery for this condition between May 2001 and June 2010. Age, previous medical history, diagnostic tools used, operative data and clinical outcomes of the patients were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 51 years. Of 42 patients, 28 had vesicovaginal, 11 had ureterovaginal, and 3 had vesicouterine fistulas. Etiology of vesicovaginal fistula was surgical trauma in 71,5% and obstetric trauma in 28,5% of the patients. O'Connor technique was performed as a single procedure in 12 vesicovaginal fistula cases, and ureteroneocystostomy was added in 3. Transvesical repair was performed in 9, and transvaginal repair in 3 of the patients. All of 11 patients with ureterovaginal fistula were of iatrogenic origin; ureteroneocystostomy was performed in 6, and Boari flap was performed in 5 of these patients. Three vesicouterine fistulas were repaired primarily. Success rates in vesicovaginal, ureterovaginal and vesicouterine fistulas were 96, 100 and 100 percent, respectively. CONCLUSION: In experienced hands and according with the related basic surgical principles, operative treatment in genitourinary fistula represents an effective modality with high success rate.

Efficacy of testosterone gel in the treatment of erectile dysfunction in hypogonadal hemodialysis patients: a pilot study.

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) affects sexual function. The etiology of sexual dysfunction in ESRD is multifactorial and hypogonadism is not uncommon. In a cohort of 96 men with ESRD, scores on International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) correlated with bioavailable testosterone (T; P<0.01). We further evaluated the effects of administration of T on ED in hypogonadal men on hemodialysis. Nine men with ED and hypogonadism (baseline bioavailable T <3.82 nmol l(-1)), received 5 g T-gel (1% (10 mg g(-1)) per day treatment for 6 months. The IIEF and frequency of sexual intercourse per week were used to assess treatment efficacy. T administration significantly increased serum T levels to the normal range, and was associated with statistically significant improvements of the scores of the IIEF domains (erectile function from 7.6+/-8.0 to 12.8+/-7.8; intercourse satisfaction from 3.4+/-4.5 to 4.8+/-3.1; orgasmic function from 4.8+/-3.1 to 3.4+/-2.9; sexual desire from 3.4+/-2.9 to 4.4+/-0.6; overall sexual satisfaction from 2.6+/-1.3 to 3.8+/-1.0). But scores of the IIEF did not normalize. Frequency of weekly sexual intercourse increased from 0.4+/-0.4 to 1.1+/-0.8 (P<0.05) after 6 months. There were no adverse effects. We conclude that restoring T levels to normal in men with ESRD improved scores on the IIEF and frequency of weekly sexual intercourse.

Microvascular decompression as a surgical management for trigeminal neuralgia: a critical review of the literature.

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a common pain syndrome and is characterized by recurrent episodes of intense lancinating pain in one or more divisions of the trigeminal nerve. Neurovascular compression (NVC) has been considered as the main cause of TN in the root entry zone (REZ) of the trigeminal nerve in the cerebellopontine angle cistern. Microvascular decompression (MVD) is the surgical procedure of choice for the treatment of medically refractory TN. MVD has also been shown to provide pain relief even in patients without visible neurovascular compression. Additionally, it has been accepted that MVD can provide the highest rate of long-term patient satisfaction with the lowest rate of pain recurrence. We did, systematic review of the subject and also our own experiences.

Correlation of plasma B-type natriuretic peptide with shunt severity in patients with atrial or ventricular septal defect.

The goal of this study was to test the utility of bedside plasma concentration of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) assay as a screen for large shunts in pediatric patients with atrial septal defects (ASDs) and ventricular septal defects (VSDs). Thirty-five children at a mean age of 70+/-129 weeks with ASD or VSD were included in the study. Nine patients had VSD and 26 had ASD. Plasma BNP values were compared with the Qp/Qs ratios derived from quantitative Doppler flow measurements. Mean BNP was 29+/-42 pg/ml, with a range between<5 pg/ml and 208 pg/ml. Sixteen patients had Qp/Qs values>1.5 and 19 had values<1.5. The difference of mean BNP in these patient groups was statistically significant (45+/-56 vs 14+/-17, p=0.03). BNP was positively correlated with shunt significance. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed a sensitivity of 69% and a specificity of 79% at a plasma BNP cut-off level of>or=20 pg/ml. Bedside measurement of BNP correlates with magnitude of ASD and VSD in children. BNP can provide information for the management of children with ASD or VSD. It can be used as part of the evaluation of a child with a preliminary diagnosis of a congenital defect.

Serum apolipoprotein B predicts dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome and, in women, hypertension and diabetes, independent of markers of central obesity and inflammation.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the role of serum apolipoprotein (apo) B levels in predicting metabolic syndrome (MS), hypertension, atherogenic dyslipidemia and type II diabetes. METHODS: Prospective evaluation of 1125 men and 1223 women, aged 28-74 years, participating in the survey 1997/1998 who had serum apo B determinations and were followed-up for a mean 5.9 years. Tertiles of apo B were formed by cut points by 120 and 95 mg/dl. MS was defined by modified ATPIII criteria. RESULTS: Apo B values exhibited no significant difference among sexes. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol and triglycerides were their leading determinants on linear regression analysis. By logistic regression analyses, the top versus bottom apo B tertile predicted significantly newly developing MS in both sexes separately with two-fold relative risks (RRs) (P<0.02) and the development of high triglyceride/low high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol dyslipidemia with nearly threefold RRs (P=0.001), after adjustment for waist circumference, C-reactive protein (CRP), physical activity grade and family income category. Development of hypertension was predicted only in women by the apo B top tertile (fully adjusted RR 1.71 [95% CI 1.001; 2.92]), while the significance of the prediction regarding age-adjusted diabetes in women (RR 1.86 [95% CI 1.04; 3.36]) attenuated after adjustment for the stated confounding factors. CONCLUSIONS: Apo B concentrations, which reflect the number of small, dense LDL particles in plasma, are a significant predictor of cardiometabolic risk among adults with a high prevalence of MS, independent of waist circumference and CRP.

Interaction between Chlamydia pneumoniae seropositivity, inflammation and risk factors for atherosclerosis in patients with severe coronary stenosis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether Chlamydia pneumoniae (Cpn) seropositivity in patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) (n = 81) is associated with increases in markers of inflammation, the severity of coronary atherosclerosis, and traditional risk factors for cardiovascular events. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The severity of coronary atherosclerosis was ranked by Gensini score. Inflammation and endothelial dysfunction were evaluated using white blood cell counts and levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), ferritin, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukins 1beta and 6 (IL-1beta, IL-6), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), E-selectin and oxidized LDL (oxLDL), and these were compared between Cpn-seropositive and seronegative individuals. RESULTS: IgA and IgG Cpn seropositivity were significantly associated with the presence of CAD (p = 0.005) and were independent predictive factors for the severity of coronary atherosclerosis (p = 0.005). Elevated levels of IL-6 (p = 0.027) and triglyceride (p = 0.038) and low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (p = 0.038) were significantly predicted by Cpn IgA and IgG seropositivity. CONCLUSIONS: Seropositivity for Cpn is a risk factor for patients with significant angiographically documented coronary stenosis. Additionally, Cpn seropositivity was significantly associated with dyslipidemia and elevated IL-6, known risk factors for CAD. These observations indicate that Cpn infection may be one entry point to the causal or contributory pathways that lead to atherosclerosis and its clinical manifestations.