Hypospadias risk associated with chronic hypertension during pregnancy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Previous studies have suggested that hypertensive disorders of pregnancy increase risk of hypospadias, but so far none have focused on the influence of maternal chronic hypertension (CH). This study aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of currently available observational data to assess the association of maternal CH with hypospadias risk. METHODS: Literature searches were performed using EMBASE, SCOPUS, Pubmed, and manual methods according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines and MOOSE checklist. Eligible articles were included in the study and assessed for quality using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Extracted data were presented in review tables. Pooled analysis for unadjusted and adjusted effect sizes was used to determine OR and 95%CI using DerSimonian and Laird model. Heterogeneity was tested using I2 test, and publication bias was examined using funnel plots. Sensitivity analyses are done to address uncertainties. RESULTS: Searches yielded a total of 1130 publications with six eligible studies and high NOS quality score (6-9) were selected as depicted in extended summary figure. There were 519 hypospadias patients with maternal CH among those six eligible studies for analysis. After sensitivity analysis, there is one study that is excluded due to different hypospadias definition. Among the 5 remaining studies, it is found that there is an elevated risk of hypospadias in the context of maternal CH as determined by pooled unadjusted and adjusted OR (OR 1.50 95%CI 1.17-1.93; aOR 1.77 95%CI 1.54-2.04 respectively). Heterogeneity was high in unadjusted pooled analysis (I2 = 73% P = 0.005) and low in adjusted analysis (I2 = 0% P = 0.40)). Funnel plots were symmetrical in both analyses indicating a lack of publication bias. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis indicates that maternal CH increases risk of hypospadias in male offspring. Future studies should weigh in biological mechanisms and pharmacological effects to elaborate the pathogenesis of this association.

Comparison of scrotal and inguinal orchiopexy for palpable undescended testis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

INTRODUCTION: Scrotal and inguinal orchiopexy are two commonly used surgical approaches for palpable undescended testis (UDT), each with distinct advantages. However, the optimal approach remains a matter of debate, warranting a comprehensive meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to guide clinical decision-making. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted, adhering to PRISMA guidelines, to select RCTs comparing scrotal and inguinal orchiopexy for palpable UDT. Eight RCTs were selected for meta-analysis. Outcome measures included operative time, hospitalization duration, total complications, wound infection or dehiscence, testicular atrophy or hypotrophy, and testicular re-ascent rate. The evaluation of the study's quality was conducted by utilizing the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. RESULTS: Scrotal orchiopexy showed significantly shorter operative time compared to the inguinal approach (WMD: - 15.06 min; 95% CI: - 21.04 to - 9.08). However, there was no significant difference in hospitalization duration (WMD: - 0.72 days; 95% CI: - 1.89-0.45), total complications (OR: 1.08; 95% CI: 0.70-1.66), wound infection or dehiscence (OR: 0.73; 95% CI: 0.27-1.99), testicular atrophy or hypotrophy (OR: 1.03; 95% CI: 0.38-2.78), and testicular re-ascent (OR: 1.43; 95% CI: 0.67-3.06) between the two approaches. A small proportion of cases (7.3%) required conversion from scrotal to inguinal orchiopexy due to specific anatomical challenges. CONCLUSION: Both scrotal and inguinal orchiopexy are safe and effective for palpable UDT, with comparable outcomes in terms of hospitalization and complications. Scrotal orchiopexy offers the advantage of shorter operative time. Clinicians can use this evidence to make informed decisions on the surgical approach for palpable UDT.

Circumcision reduces urinary tract infection in children with antenatal hydronephrosis: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is more prevalent in boys with antenatal hydronephrosis (ANH). Circumcision is known to lessen the risk of UTI. This study was performed to examine the associations between circumcision and UTI among patients with ANH. METHODS: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses standards were followed for conducting this systematic review and meta-analysis. PubMed, ScienceDirect, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched through August 4th, 2022 to identify eligible studies. The risk of bias was measured using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Review manager 5.4 was used for all analysis. RESULTS: A total of 21 studies involving 8,968 patients with ANH were included in the meta-analysis. The incidences of UTI were 18.1% in the uncircumcised group and 4.9% in the circumcised group. From analysis, circumcision had significant protective effect against UTI with pooled OR of 0.28 (95% CI 0.23-0.32). The significant protective effects were also found in subgroup analysis of hydronephrosis etiology, including vesicoureteral reflux (pooled OR of 0.24; 95% CI 0.17-0.32), obstructive hydronephrosis (pooled OR of 0.34; 95% CI 0.21-0.53), and posterior urethral valve (pooled OR of 0.28; 95% CI 0.16-0.52). CONCLUSION: Our meta-analysis showed that circumcision was associated with a decreased incidence of UTI in children with ANH. This benefit was consistent irrespective of the underlying cause of hydronephrosis.

Dose response relationship between D-dimer level and mortality in critically ill COVID-19 patients: a retrospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global pandemic. Coagulopathy is one of the most common complications characterized by increased D-dimer level. We aimed to investigate the dose-response relationship between elevated D-dimer level and mortality in critically ill COVID-19 patients. METHODS: This was a retrospective observational study in 259 critically ill COVID-19 patients requiring intensive care unit admission between March and December 2020. We compared the mortality rate between patients with and without elevated D-dimer. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, Fagan's nomogram, and dose-response relationship were performed to determine the association between D-dimer level and mortality. RESULTS: Overall mortality rate was 40.9% (106 patients). Median D-dimer level was higher in non-survivor group (10,170 ng/mL vs 4,050 ng/mL, p=0.028). The association remained significant after multivariate logistic regression analysis (p=0.046). The optimal cut-off for D-dimer level to predict mortality from ROC curve analysis was 9,020 ng/mL (OR (odds ratio) 3.73 [95% CI (confidence interval) 1.91 - 7.28], p<0.001). D-dimer level >9,020 ng/mL confers 67% posterior probability of mortality and D-dimer level <9,020 ng/mL had 35% probability of mortality. CONCLUSIONS: There was a non-linear dose-response relationship between D-dimer level and mortality with P nonlinearity of 0.004. D-dimer level was associated with mortality in critically ill COVID-19 patients in the non-linear dose-response relationship.

Genetic polymorphisms as prognostic factors for recurrent kidney stones: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Genetic polymorphisms have been suggested as risk factors affecting the occurrence and recurrence of kidney stones, although findings regarding the latter remain inconclusive. We performed this systematic review and meta-analysis to clarify the associations between genetic polymorphisms and recurrent kidney stones. PubMed, SCOPUS, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched through May 28th, 2020 to identify eligible studies. The Quality in prognostic studies (QUIPS) tool was used to evaluate bias risk. Allelic frequencies and different inheritance models were assessed. All analyses were performed using Review manager 5.4. A total of 14 studies were included for meta-analysis, assessing urokinase (ApaL1) and vitamin D receptor (VDR) (ApaI, BsmI, FokI, and TaqI) gene polymorphisms. The ApaLI polymorphism demonstrated protective association in the recessive model [odds ratio (OR) 0.45, P < 0.01] albeit higher risk among Caucasians in the heterozygous model (OR 16.03, P < 0.01). The VDR-ApaI polymorphism showed protective association in the dominant model (OR 0.60, P < 0.01). Among Asians, the VDR-FokI polymorphism recessive model showed significant positive association (OR 1.70, P < 0.01) and the VDR-TaqI polymorphism heterozygous model exhibited protective association (OR 0.72, P < 0.01). The VDR-BsmI polymorphism was not significantly associated with recurrent kidney stones in any model. Urokinase-ApaLI (recessive model), VDR-ApaI (dominant model), and VDR-TaqI (heterozygous model) polymorphisms were associated with decreased recurrent kidney stone risk whereas urokinase-ApaLI (heterozygous model) and VDR-FokI polymorphisms were associated with increased risk among Caucasians and Asians, respectively. These findings will assist in identifying individuals at risk of kidney stone recurrence.

Early-onset complete spontaneous migration of contraceptive intrauterine device to the bladder in a post C-section patient: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Spontaneous migration of a contraceptive intrauterine device (IUD) to the bladder is very rare. It usually takes years for the IUD to migrate completely from the uterine cavity to the bladder. We report a case of early-onset complete spontaneous migration of contraceptive IUD to the bladder in a post C-section patient. CASE PRESENTATION: A 30-year-old woman presented with suprapubic pain and dysuria three weeks prior to hospitalization. She had C-section three months prior and underwent copper IUD insertion two months after the surgery. One week after IUD insertion, radiography showed that the IUD remained in the uterus, but the patient felt suprapubic pain and dysuria. Computed tomography (CT) three weeks after IUD insertions showed IUD migration to the bladder with its tips embedded in the uterine wall. Cystoscopy was performed one week later and the IUD was completely inside the bladder. By then, the IUD was removed completely via forceps with no complication. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: The exact pathophysiology of spontaneous IUD migration is unknown, but migration always starts with uterine perforation. In our case, uterine perforation was probably caused by immediate traumatic perforation. CT is the preferred radiological examination. IUD removal was performed one month after IUD insertion showing complete migration of the IUD, though CT one week prior suggested that the tips of the IUD remained embedded. CONCLUSION: In cases of early-onset complete spontaneous migration of contraceptive IUD to the bladder, CT is the preferred radiological examination, and delaying removal procedure may be beneficial.

X-Ray-Free Endoscopic Combined Intrarenal Surgery for Complex Proximal Ureteral Stone: A Case Report.

X-ray-free endoscopic combined intra renal surgery (ECIRS) is a feasible alternative to avoid radiation exposure to both surgical teams and patients, but has not been reported prior. The aim of this report is to present our first-hand experience of performing X-ray-free ECIRS for complex ureteral stone. A 57-year-old female presented with right flank pain, fever, dysuria, and leukocytosis. The computed tomography scan showed right impacted proximal ureteral stone sized 33 ´17 mm and grade IV hydronephrosis. Percutaneous nephrostomy was performed immediately. With improvement of clinical symptoms two days after nephrostomy, X-ray-free ECIRS was performed. The patient was placed in a Galdakao-modified supine position. During ureteroscopy (URS), there was noted right ureteral stenosis in the distal part of the stone, which could be passed. However, the stone was impacted and the semi-rigid URS was not able to push it. Therefore, antegrade approach with percutaneous nephrolithotomy was performed. Previous nephrostomy tract was used as percutaneous access. Tract dilatation was performed under direct visualization from the URS. The 28 Fr rigid nephroscope was used during the ECIRS procedure. The stone was fragmented using shock-pulse lithotripters. There was no residual stone or infundibular laceration after the procedure. A 6 Fr double J stent was inserted retrogradely due to ureteral stenosis. There was no complication during and after the procedure. The patient was discharged on post-operative day three. X-ray free ECIRS for complex proximal ureteral stone was possible and showed good results.

Predictive Model of Ureteral Obstruction of Allograft Kidney Following Living Donor Kidney Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Ureteral obstruction is one of the most frequent urologic complications of kidney transplantation. This study aimed to analyze independent factors that contribute to ureteral obstruction following kidney transplantation and develop predictive models form those factors. METHODS: As many as 545 kidney transplantations were analyzed. Patients underwent transplantation between January 2014 and December 2018. Logistic regression analysis was used to develop the predictive model. Both donor and recipient demographic characteristics and operative parameters were analyzed and presented. RESULTS: There were 37 (6.8%) subjects who developed ureteral obstruction. The independent risk factors for ureteral obstruction were multiple allograft renal arteries, older donor ages (>38 years), and older recipient age (>60 years). From the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, the area under the ROC curve of the predictive model was 0.843 (P < .001). Subjects with >2 renal allograft arteries, recipient age >60 years, and donor age >38 years had 83.8% probability of developing ureteral stenosis after kidney transplantation. CONCLUSION: Donor age, recipient age, and multiple renal arteries were independent risk factors of graft ureteral obstruction. Probability of developing ureteral obstruction should be considered pre-operatively in our population, using the proposed predictive model.

X-ray-free Ultrasound-guided Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy in Supine Position Using Alken Metal Telescoping Dilators in a Large Kidney Stone: A Case Report.

X-ray-free ultrasound-guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) has been proven to be safe, feasible, and affordable. Kidney dilatation during X-ray-free ultrasound-guided PCNL is mostly using balloon dilators. This report presents our experience of performing X-ray-free ultrasound-guided PCNL in supine position using Alken metal telescopic dilators in a patient with a large kidney stone. A 50-year-old male presented with right complete staghorn stone sized 46×30×24 mm (stone burden: 50,985 mm3 with sphere formula) and grade II hydronephrosis. The computed tomography (CT) scan showed no right ureteric stone, kinking, or stenosis. Ureteral catheter and guidewire were placed retrogradely under ultrasound guidance during cystoscopy. Normal saline was pumped via the ureteral catheter to make artificial hydronephrosis thus assisting the process. Kidney dilatation was performed with Alken metal telescoping dilators. Urine flow from the dilators confirmed that our dilator had reached the collecting system. The stone was identified and fragmented with combination of both pneumatic and shock pulse lithotripter. Double J stent and nephrostomy tubes were inserted at the end of the procedure. All of the steps were performed purely under ultrasound guidance. There was no residual stone after the procedure, confirmed by ultrasound, nephroscope, and postoperative X-ray. There was no significant complication during or after the procedure. The patient was discharged on postoperative day two. X-ray-free ultrasound-guided PCNL in supine position using Alken metal telescoping dilators seems to be a feasible, safe, and cost-effective approach in managing kidney stones, including staghorn and large stones.

X-ray-free ultrasound-guided versus fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a comparative study with historical control.

PURPOSE: To compare the outcomes and complications of supine X-ray-free ultrasound-guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy (XG-PCNL) with fluoroscopy-guided (FG)-PCNL in both prone and supine positions. METHODS: This was a comparative study that included a prospective cohort and historical control groups. This study analysed 40 consecutive patients who undergone supine XG-PCNL between October 2019 and March 2020. The control groups were composed of historical control formed from the last 40 consecutive patients who underwent FG-PCNL in both supine and prone positions from our PCNL database from January 2018 and September 2019. Patients' demographics, stone characteristics and intraoperative and postoperative outcomes were compared. RESULTS: A total of 120 patients were classified into the supine XG-PCNL, supine FG-PCNL, and prone FG-PCNL groups (each N = 40). They had similar baseline characteristics and initial stone burden. The supine XG-PCNL group had higher puncture attempts, nephrostomy tube placement, and longer surgery duration than both the supine and prone FG-PCNL groups. However, the stone-free rate was similar in all groups (85%, supine XG-PCNL; 72.5%, supine FG-PCNL; 77.5% prone FG-PCNL; p = 0.39). No significant difference was found in the complication rate and length of stay among the three groups. CONCLUSION: Supine XG-PCNL is an alternative to both supine and prone FG-PCNL with similar efficacy and complication rates for kidney stone patients. This could be a good alternative to urological centres with no access to fluoroscopy.

Tadalafil Once a Day for Men with Erectile Dysfunction: Is It Superior than On-Demand Administration?

BACKGROUND: Tadalafil is a PDE5I which has been licensed for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) since 2003, is effective from 30 minutes after administration and its efficacy is maintained for up to 36 hours. More recently, it is also given OAD in a lower dose to allow spontaneous sexual activities. However, whether OAD administration is more effective than PRN administration in improving the EF is yet to be established. This study aimed to evaluate whether OAD administration of tadalafil leads to a better improvement of erectile function (EF) in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED) compared to PRN administration. METHODS: literature search of electronic database was performed through Medline, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL databases. Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool was then employed to assess the risk of bias in each study. RESULTS: initial literature search resulted in 231 hits, but only four studies were included in final selection. Based on our judgements, the study by Kang et al. was the most applicable in our clinical setting. This study showed that subjects who received tadalafil OAD had statistically significant higher increases of mean IIEF-EF (6.5 (SD 4.5) vs 4.9 (SD 4.2), p=0.032), proportion of "yes" responses to SEP-2 (81.8% vs 64.7%, p=0.025), and proportion of "yes" responses to SEP-3 (77.3% vs 60.3%, p=0.034). CONCLUSION: administration of tadalafil OAD leads to a better improvement of EF compared to PRN administration.

Safety and Effectiveness of Externalized Ureteral Catheter in Tubeless Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy.

PURPOSE: To review the safety and effectiveness of tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) with an externalized ureteral catheter (EUC) compared with standard PCNL with nephrostomy tube and tubeless PCNL with double-J (DJ) stent following uncomplicated PCNL and the absence of residual stones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with kidney stones who underwent uncomplicated PCNL between January 2000 to December 2017 and had no residual stones were retrospectively evaluated. The 766 patients were divided into standard PCNL with nephrostomy tube (group 1; 350 patients), tubeless PCNL with DJ stent (group 2; 189 patients), and tubeless PCNL with EUC (group 3; 227 patients). Demographic characteristics, stone-related factors, perioperative and postoperative parameters were analyzed. RESULTS: Demographic and stone-related characteristics were comparable. The differences in the mean operative time and complication rates were not significant. Postoperative hospitalization period was shorter in group 3 (3.19 ± 2.2 days) compared with group 1 (4.12 ± 2.4 days; p < .001) but not to that of group 2 (3.44 ± 2.8 days; p = .680). Postoperative pain score was lower in group 3 (3.24 ± 1.1) compared with both group 1 (6.36 ± 1.7; p < .001) and group 2 (4.85 ± 1.1; p < .001). Urine leakage complication was lower in group 3 (0.4%) compared with group 1 (2.9%, p = .038) but not to that of group 2 (0.5%; p = .897). CONCLUSIONS: Tubeless PCNL is effective and safe for uncomplicated PCNL in the absence of residual stones. Tubeless PCNL with EUC is associated with decreased pain, hospitalization time, and urine leakage compared with standard PCNL. However, it is only associated with decreased pain when compared with tubeless PCNL with DJ stent.

Recent advances in optical imaging technologies for the detection of bladder cancer.

White-light cystoscopy (WLC) is the diagnostic standard for the detection of bladder cancer (BC). However, the detection of small papillary and subtle flat carcinoma in situ lesions is not always possible with WLC. Several adjunctive optical imaging technologies have been developed to improve BC detection and resection. Photodynamic diagnosis, which requires the administering of a photoactive substance, has a higher detection rate than WLC for the detection of BC. Narrow-band imaging provides better visualization of tumors by contrast enhancement between normal mucosa and well-vascularized lesions. A technology called confocal laser endomicroscopy can be used to obtain detailed images of tissue structure. Optical coherence tomography is a high-resolution imaging process that enables noninvasive, real-time, and high-quality tissue images. Several other optical imaging technologies are also being developed to assist with the detection of BC. In this review, we provide an overview of the strengths and weaknesses of these imaging technologies for the detection of BC.