Safety and Efficacy of Vaginal Implants in Pelvic Organ Prolapse Surgery: A Meta-analysis of 161 536 Patients.

CONTEXT: Among the many surgical treatments for pelvic organ prolapse (POP), better results can be achieved with the use of vaginal implants. However, owing to perceived complications, vaginal implant surgeries have been restricted or banned in many countries. OBJECTIVE: To assess the real value of vaginal implants in POP surgery and compare the safety and efficacy of operations with and without implants. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A systematic search was performed in three medical databases. Randomised controlled trials and observational studies comparing the safety and efficacy of vaginal POP surgery with implants versus native tissue were included. Safety outcomes were defined as different types of complications (functional and non-functional) and reoperations for complications. Efficacy outcomes were parameters of anatomical success and the rate of reoperations due to recurrence. A multivariate meta-analysis framework was used to estimate pooled odds ratios (ORs) with confidence intervals (CIs) with simultaneous control for study correlations and estimation of multiple correlated outcomes. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: We included 50 comparative studies in the analysis. Rates of reoperation for complications (OR 2.15, 95% CI 1.20-3.87), vaginal erosion (OR 14.05, 95% CI 9.07-21.77), vaginal bleeding (OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.25-2.23), and de novo stress urinary incontinence (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.18-1.75) were significantly higher in the implant group. Rates of anatomical success (OR 3.22, 95% CI 2.06-5.0) and reoperation for recurrence (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.36-0.85) were superior in the implant group. CONCLUSIONS: POP surgeries with vaginal implants are more effective than surgeries without implants, with acceptable complication rates. Therefore, the complete prohibition of implants for POP surgeries should be reconsidered. PATIENT SUMMARY: We compared vaginal surgery with and without implants for repair of pelvic organ prolapse. Despite higher complication rates, vaginal implants provide better long-term results overall than surgery without implants.

Comprehensive Analysis of the Prognostic Value of Circulating MMP-7 Levels in Urothelial Carcinoma: A Combined Cohort Analysis, Systematic Review, and Meta-Analysis.

Lymph node (LN) status is the most significant prognostic factor for invasive urothelial bladder cancer (UBC); however, the optimal extent of LN dissection (LND) is debated. We assessed circulating matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) as a prognostic factor and decision-making marker for the extent of LND. Preoperative serum MMP-7 levels were determined in two independent UBC cohorts (n = 188; n = 68) and in one control cohort (n = 97) by using the ELISA method. A systematic review and meta-analysis on the prognostic role of circulating pretreatment MMP-7 levels were performed. Serum MMP-7 levels were higher in patients compared to controls (p < 0.001) with the highest levels in LN-positive cases. Half of LN-positive UBC patients had low MMP-7 levels, whereas the survival of LN-negative patients with high serum MMP-7 findings was poor. MMP-7 levels were independently associated with poor survival in both cohorts (p = 0.006, p < 0.001). Accordingly, our systematic review of six eligible publications revealed a 2.5-fold higher mortality risk in patients with high MMP-7 levels. In conclusion, preoperative MMP-7 level is a validated and independent prognostic factor in urothelial cancer. It cannot be used to decide between regional or extended LND but may be useful in identifying LN-negative high-risk patients with potentially undetected metastases.

[Conservative and surgical treatments performed for symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence in Hungary.] / A kismedencei szervek süllyedésének és a noi terheléses vizeletvesztésnek a konzervatív és sebészi kezelése Magyarországon.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: As clinical guidelines are available for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence, but not pelvic organ prolapse, in Hungary, the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse varies widely throughout the country and is not standardized. Due to the establishment of the Hungarian Continence and Urogynecological Association, we aimed to determine current conservative and surgical treatment trends and strategies for these conditions in Hungary and compare them with international practice. METHOD: An online questionnaire consisting of 20 multiple-choice, checkbox, multiple-choice grid, and short-answer items was sent to 40 urology and 65 gynecology departments in Hungary in September and October 2021. RESULTS: The overall response rate was 24.76%. Almost all (96.15%) respondents reported that conservative treatment options were offered as first-line therapy to patients with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse. For symptomatic anterior-wall prolapse, anterior repair, and laparoscopic sacrohysteropexy/sacrocolpopexy were the preferred surgical options (by 28.96% and 27.42% of respondents, respectively). For apical prolapse, laparoscopic sacrofixation was the first-choice treatment (35.88%). For stress urinary incontinence, mid-urethral sling insertion with a transobturator (61.53%) or retropubic (15%) approach was the preferred intervention. CONCLUSION: The low overall response rate in this study alone reflects the current condition of Hungarian urogynecology. Our findings might provide a good basis for the improvement and refinement of diagnosis and therapy for female urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse in the country. As Hungary is a new affiliated partner of the European Urogynecological Association, we hope that this goal can be achieved soon. In addition, a curriculum for urogynecological specialization is needed. Orv Hetil. 2022; 163(52): 2072-2078.

The application of pudendal nerve blockade in the treatment of pudendal neuralgia related chronic pelvic pain / Nervus pudendus idegblokád alkalmazása krónikus kismedencei fájdalmat okozó pudendusneuralgia kezelésében

Pudendal neuralgia is a rare and ­ in the absence of somatic, radiological and laboratory abnormalities ­ often unrec-ognizable problem, posing a serious challenge to therapeutic management. Our case study presents the complete diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm of a female patient with chronic pudendal pain. In addition, our paper draws attention to the role of pelvic pain workgroups ­ such as the Pelvic Pain Task Force of the Semmelweis University ­ where cases of chronic pelvic pain with no clear medical reason can be assessed and treated with higher efficiency.

[The treatment of overactive bladder syndrome with onabotulinumtoxinA therapy]. / Hiperaktív (túlmuködo) húgyhólyag kezelése botulinumtoxin-A-terápiával.

Introduction: Overactive bladder syndrome is an endemic phenomenon, which has a significant impact on the quality of life. In cases where conservative treatment fails, intradetrusor onabotulinumtoxinA injection can be used as second-line therapy. Objective: To assess the safety and efficacy of onabotulinumtoxinA treatment in the management of non-neurogenic detrusor overactivity among our patients. Also, to examine the influence of perioperative factors on the effects of the efficacy. Method: We have retrospectively collected the perioperative data of 33 patients treated with intradetrusor BOTOX®. The assessment of the efficacy and complications was done by the examination of patient files and questionnaires. The results obtained during the statistical analysis were considered significant for p<0.05. Results: We have not experienced notable complications after the procedures. Only 6 patients had residual urine (p = 0.024), none of them needed to be catheterized. We have observed significant decrease in the incidence of frequency, nocturia, urgency and incontinence, just as in the number of pads needed daily (p<0.01). Quality of life and general health were significantly improved (p<0.001). We have not found any significant connection between preoperative factors and efficacy (72.7%). Discussion: Our results considering the relief of symptoms are well in line with international data. The fact that our rate of complications is - in international comparison - outstanding can be explained by a more careful patient selection and thorough preoperative assessment. Conclusion: OnabotulinumtoxinA therapy is a safe and effective solution of therapy-refractory overactive bladder. We could not identify any perioperative factor to predict postoperative efficacy of therapy. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(36): 1459-1465.

Narrow Vagina as a Predictor of Obstructive Voiding Dysfunction after Transobturator Sling Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Voiding dysfunction (VD) is a potential complication after female midurethral sling operations. OBJECTIVES: Our goal was to assess the rate of obstructive VD after -transobturator tension-free tape (TOT) procedures and to find perioperative risk factors (RFs) predicting postoperative voiding problems. METHODS: We have retrospectively evaluated the perioperative data of 397 women who underwent TOT operations. Significant post-void residual (PVR) (>50 mL) was considered as the primary (objective) end point of the study, the voiding difficulty as the secondary (subjective) 1. First univariate analysis and then multivariate logistic regression were performed, with a 5% significance level. RESULTS: Significant PVR was present in 51 (12.8%) women; catheterization was needed in 21 (5.3%) and reoperation in 3 (0.8%) cases. Seventy women (17.6%) experienced postoperative voiding difficulty. Narrow vagina (<2 cm), older age >70 years, and preoperative voiding difficulty were independent RFs for significant PVR (odds ratio: 5.07, 2.14, 5.38, respectively, p < 0.05). Preoperative overactive bladder syndrome and previous pelvic organ prolapse surgery were considered independent RFs for postoperative voiding difficulty. CONCLUSIONS: Older age, narrow vagina, or preoperative voiding difficulty increases the chance for significant postoperative PVR. These patients should be chosen and counseled appropriately.

Isoprostanes evoke contraction of the murine and human detrusor muscle via activation of the thromboxane prostanoid TP receptor and Rho kinase.

Local or systemic inflammation can severely impair urinary bladder functions and contribute to the development of voiding disorders in millions of people worldwide. Isoprostanes are inflammatory lipid mediators that are upregulated in the blood and urine by oxidative stress and may potentially induce detrusor overactivity. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects and signal transduction of isoprostanes in human and murine urinary bladders in order to provide potential pharmacological targets in detrusor overactivity. Contraction force was measured with a myograph in murine and human urinary bladder smooth muscle (UBSM) ex vivo. Isoprostane 8-iso-PGE2 and 8-iso-PGF2α evoked dose-dependent contraction in the murine UBSM, which was abolished in mice deficient in the thromboxane prostanoid (TP) receptor. The responses remained unaltered after removal of the mucosa or incubation with tetrodotoxin. Smooth muscle-specific deletion of Gα12/13 protein or inhibition of Rho kinase by Y-27632 decreased the contractions. In Gαq/11-knockout mice, responses were reduced and in the presence of Y-27632 abolished completely. In human UBSM, the TP agonist U-46619 evoked dose-dependent contractions. Neither atropine nor the purinergic receptor antagonist pyridoxalphosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulfonic acid decreased the effect, indicating that TP receptors directly mediate detrusor muscle contraction. 8-iso-PGE2 and 8-iso-PGF2α evoked dose-dependent contraction in the human UBSM, and these responses were abolished by the TP antagonist SQ-29548 and were decreased by Y-27632. Our results indicate that isoprostanes evoke contraction in murine and human urinary bladders, an effect mediated by the TP receptor. The G12/13-Rho-Rho kinase pathway plays a significant role in mediating the contraction and therefore may be a potential therapeutic target in detrusor overactivity.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Voiding disorders affect millions of people worldwide. Inflammation can impair urinary bladder functions and contribute to the development of detrusor overactivity. The effects and signal transduction of inflammatory lipid mediator isoprostanes were studied in human and murine urinary bladders ex vivo. We found that isoprostanes evoke contraction, an effect mediated by thromboxane prostanoid receptors. The G12/13-Rho-Rho kinase signaling pathway plays a significant role in mediating the contraction and therefore may be a potential therapeutic target.

Signaling Pathways Mediating Bradykinin-Induced Contraction in Murine and Human Detrusor Muscle.

Bradykinin (BK) has been proposed to modulate urinary bladder functions and implicated in the pathophysiology of detrusor overactivity. The present study aims to elucidate the signaling pathways of BK-induced detrusor muscle contraction, with the goal of better understanding the molecular regulation of micturition and identifying potential novel therapeutic targets of its disorders. Experiments have been carried out on bladders isolated from wild-type or genetically modified [smooth muscle-specific knockout (KO): Gαq/11-KO, Gα12/13-KO and constitutive KO: thromboxane prostanoid (TP) receptor-KO, cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1)-KO] mice and on human bladder samples. Contractions of detrusor strips were measured by myography. Bradykinin induced concentration-dependent contractions in both murine and human bladders, which were independent of secondary release of acetylcholine, ATP, or prostanoid mediators. B2 receptor antagonist HOE-140 markedly diminished contractile responses in both species, whereas B1 receptor antagonist R-715 did not alter BK's effect. Consistently with these findings, pharmacological stimulation of B2 but not B1 receptors resembled the effect of BK. Interestingly, both Gαq/11- and Gα12/13-KO murine bladders showed reduced response to BK, indicating that simultaneous activation of both pathways is required for the contraction. Furthermore, the Rho-kinase (ROCK) inhibitor Y-27632 markedly decreased contractions in both murine and human bladders. Our results indicate that BK evokes contractions in murine and human bladders, acting primarily on B2 receptors. Gαq/11-coupled and Gα12/13-RhoA-ROCK signaling appear to mediate these contractions simultaneously. Inhibition of ROCK enzyme reduces the contractions in both species, identifying this enzyme, together with B2 receptor, as potential targets for treating voiding disorders.

Major Complications after Male Anti-Incontinence Procedures: Predisposing Factors, Management and Prevention.

PURPOSE: Significant post-prostatectomy incontinence (PPI) is a crippling condition and managed best through sling or artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) implantation. These procedures are often associated with complications requiring surgical intervention. The aim of our retrospective study was to evaluate the occurrence of major complications and identify risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2010 and 2018 ninety-one patients have been implanted with sling (22; 24.2%) or AUS (69; 75.8%) in our department. The cases where surgical revision was needed were examined regarding the etiology (mechanical failure (MF), urethral erosion (UE), urethral atrophy (UA), surgical site infection (SSI), combined reasons (COMB) and analyzed, using 16 possible perioperative risk factors. RESULTS: Surgical intervention was carried out by 19 / 91 (20.9%) patients. (In 16 / 69 cases after AUS (23.1%), 3 / 13 after slings (23%)). The indication was in 6 (31.6%) cases MF, in 3 (15.8 %) COMB, in 4 (21.1%) UE, in 5 (26.3 %) SSI, in 1 (5.2%) UA. The type of reoperation was either explantation (12 / 19), system replacement (6 / 19), or cuff replacement (1 /19). Regarding the surgical intervention requiring complications only preoperative bacteriuria (P = .006) and postoperative surgical site oedema (P = .002) proved to be independent predictive factors. CONCLUSION: Preoperative bacteriuria and surgical site oedema seemed to be good predictors for obligate surgical revision. Patients with AUS were more prone to have major complications. In most cases it was mechanical failure, infection or erosion. By reducing the frequency of these risk factors we might be able to decrease the amount of complications.

Development and Initial Testing of a Modified UroVysion-Based Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization Score for Prediction of Progression in Bladder Cancer.

OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to predict progression of non-muscle-invasive bladder urothelial carcinomas (NMIUCs) into muscle-invasive disease by assessing cytogenetic abnormality of tumors with a new UroVysion scoring system. METHODS: Seventy-five bladder cancer cases (including 57 NMIUCs) were classified according to the quantitatively assessed degree of UroVysion-detected chromosomal abnormalities into urine fluorescence in situ hybridization score (UFS) groups: UFS I, II, and III. Cox time-to-event, Kaplan-Meier, and C-statistics analyses were performed. RESULTS: UFS proved to be an independent prognostic factor of progression-free survival (PFS) and time to progression (TTP). NMIUCs with UFS III had a 34.05-fold increased hazard for progression to muscle-invasive cancer (TTP; 95% confidence interval, 5.841-198.5; P < .001) in comparison with UFS I to II cases. The addition of UFS to conventional risk scores increased the C-index for PFS and TTP. CONCLUSIONS: UFS can indicate an increased risk for progression into muscle-invasive disease in patients with NMIUC and improves prognostic accuracy of the current clinical risk assessment systems.

Clinical results of a dorsally positioned hydraulic ID-sling in male patients with post-prostatectomy-incontinence.

PURPOSE: To prospectively evaluate the effectiveness and safety of and the long-term experience with a re-adjustable hydraulic sling (ID-sling) device positioned dorsally to the urethra for the treatment of male post-prostatectomy incontinence (PPI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between September 2007 and November 2009 13 patients with persisting SUI were treated consecutively with an ID-sling™ in two European tertiary centers by a single surgeon. Physical examinations and standardized questionnaires (ICIQ-SF + VAS), pad tests, and 24-h pad number counts were performed at baseline and during follow-up. RESULTS: The implantation of the hydraulic cuff was uncomplicated in all cases. The ICIQ-SF score diminished from a preoperative mean value of 18 to a mean of five postoperatively. One patient remained completely dry with normal micturition. All patients demonstrated a mild improvement at primary filling but did not show any significant improvement after the second or any subsequent filling. In total, 1/13 (7.7%) patients were completely dry and 5/13 (38.4%) showed improved continence. In 6/13 (46.2%) patients, satisfactory continence results according to subjective criteria, were not achieved. Subsequently, artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) implantation was offered to one patient (7.7%) after 12 months and to ten patients (76,9%) after 24 months. CONCLUSIONS: The implantation of a dorsally placed hydraulic sling is a not yet standardized and complex procedure, even for the experienced surgeon. To date, this implantation method is not an alternative to other devices. An improved sling design is necessary to simplify the surgical procedure and to improve long-term stability.

[Efficacy of the percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation in the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms]. / A percutan nervus tibialis stimuláció szerepe egyes kismedencei kórképek kezelésében.

Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) is a minimally invasive, safe and well-tolerated neuromodulation technique for the lower urinary tract dysfunctions. PTNS delivers neuromodulation to the pelvic floor through the S2-4 junction of the sacral nerve plexus via the route of the posterior tibial nerve. Using the fine needle electrode insertion above the ankle, the tibial nerve is accessed, which connected to the stimulator. To date despite of its excessive clinical use, PTNS mechanism of action still remains unclear. The technique seems to be an efficacious and safe treatment for overactive bladder syndrome (OAB). It could be recommended according to the Urinary Incontinence Guideline of the European Association of Urology in women who did not have adequate improvement or could not tolerate anti-muscarinic therapy. The success rate is comparable to sacral nerve stimulation in OAB patients. PTNS has been used for fecal incontinence since 2003, however, many of the published studies are of poor quality. PTNS has also been shown to have positive effects on chronic pelvic pain, when the usual therapeutic steps did not result in satisfactory improvement. No major complications are reported in the literature, following PTNS treatment. Orv Hetil. 2018; 159(43): 1735-1740.

Cost of illness of medically treated benign prostatic hyperplasia in Hungary.

OBJECTIVE: To perform a cost of illness study in lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in Hungary. METHODS: A multicentre, cross-sectional survey was carried out in 2014. BPH patients who had never undergone prostate surgery were recruited to the study. EQ-5D and the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) were used to evaluate health status and disease severity. All resource utilisations related to BPH in the past 12 months were recorded. Cost analysis was performed from societal perspective. RESULTS: Overall, 246 patients were included with mean age of 70.6 (SD 8.1) years. Mean EQ-5D and IPSS were 0.85 (SD 0.19) and 12.8 (SD 6.3). Total annual per patient cost of BPH amounted to 876 (SD 1829). Distribution of the costs between direct medical, direct non-medical and indirect cost was 46, 31 and 23 %. High costs were related to informal care (243), medications (178) and private physician visits (132). Patients missed from work on average 14 h/year and 20 h/year due to absenteeism and presenteeism. Clinical severity expressed in IPSS score was found the strongest predictor of higher total costs (r = 0.429, p < 0.001). Mean costs of mild, moderate and severe patients were 203, 754 and 2168, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first study in the literature that assessed indirect costs related to presenteeism in BPH. We found that costs of reduced productivity while working exceed costs of absence from work. As the retirement age is gradually increasing, the importance of presenteeism is getting more significant, especially in pursuit of sustainable employment.

[Significance of positive surgical margin in radical prostatectomy]. / A pozitív sebészi szél jelentõsége radikális prosztatektómia esetén.

The optimal oncological result of radical prostatectomy (RP) is complete removal of the prostate gland and seminal vesicles with negative surgical margins. Preoperative diagnostic biopsies are examined and reported by the pathologist according to standardized rules. Staging of the disease is based on modern preoperative image analysis, most commonly multiparametric MRI. Pathological assessment and reporting of RP specimens is based on the International Society of Uropathology guidelines issued by the 2009 Consensus Conference. Positive surgical margin (PSM) is reported by the pathologist in approximately 1/3rd of RP cases. PSM increases the risk of biochemical, local and systemic progression. Pseudo-whole mount assessment of these specimens is the basis for radio-pathological correlation, thus providing quality control for preoperative MRI as well as assisting preoperative image analysis, sampling and diagnostic workup.

The influence of expertise of the surgical pathologist to undergrading, upgrading, and understaging of prostate cancer in patients undergoing subsequent radical prostatectomy.

PURPOSE: The main objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate the influence of pathological experience in histological examination of prostate cancer (PCa) on preoperative understaging (UNS), undergrading (UNG), and upgrading (UPG). METHODS: Histopathological data of prostate biopsy (PB) and radical prostatectomy (RP) specimens of patients undergoing subsequent radical prostatectomy (n = 430) in our center were compared. Histological diagnoses of PB were provided either by corresponding academic pathology institute (Group 1: 322 patients) or by external (nonacademic) departments which had a lower number (≤ 100/year) of PCa histopathological evaluations (Group 2 108 patients). The rate of UNG, UPG, and UNS in both groups and also the effects of institutional learning curve were analyzed in terms of grading and staging. RESULTS: Significant difference was detected between Group 1 and Group 2 in average preoperative Gleason score (GS) values and in the rate of well, moderately, and poorly differentiated cancers as well. There was also a significant difference in the rate of UNG (29.1 vs. 56.5 %, p < 0.0001). The mean preoperative and postoperative GS in Group 1 was significantly lower in the first 50 than in the last 50 patients, but the rates of UNG, UPG, and UNS did not differ significantly between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The experience of pathologists has direct influence on grading concordance and on UNG and UPG, between PB and RP specimen; however, it has no significant effect on complete preoperative understaging. The bigger pathological experience improves the sensitivity of the histological diagnostic process.

Prognostic potential of ERG (ETS-related gene) expression in prostatic adenocarcinoma.

PURPOSE: Following patients after prostatectomy can be expensive and stressful, therefore, a novel and reliable approach to improve stratification is needed both at diagnosis of PCa and following its treatment. We evaluate the association of both ERG and claudin-4, claudin-5, and beta-catenin expression in tumor tissues of patients with organ-confined and advanced prostatic adenocarcinomas. METHODS: A total of 30 patients were included in the study. Nine men who underwent radical prostatectomy for organ-confined (pT2N0M0) cancer (OCC), 10 patients with clinically advanced cancer (CAC), and 11 controls with benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). Using immunohistochemistry applied to tissue microarrays, each group was evaluated for beta-catenin, claudin-4, claudin-5, and ERG expression. RESULTS: The expression of ERG was higher in the CAC group when compared to OCC and BPH (p = 0.7684, p = 0.0224, respectively). Among these patients, 5 from the CAC (45 %) and 5 from the OCC group (56 %) stained positively for ERG (p = 1.0). The mean staining score for those with ERG+ advanced cancer was greater than that for the ERG+ organ-confined cancer (p = 0.0209). ERG staining correlated with Gleason score (Pearson's correlation: 0.498, p = 0.0051), but not with serum PSA level (Pearson's correlation: 0.404, p = 0.1202). When analyzing outcome data, high ERG expressing tumors have shown a significantly worse overall survival (p = 0.0084). CONCLUSIONS: Our results of presence or absence of claudin-4 and claudin-5 and ERG staining intensities suggest their potential as prognostic factors for prostate cancer.

[Health related quality of life and productivity of women with overactive bladder]. / Hiperaktív hólyagszindrómával élo nok életminosége és munkaképessége.

UNLABELLED: The objective of the research was to assess the health related quality of life and productivity of women with overactive bladder. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was performed in 5 outpatient centers. General health status (EQ-5D), disease-specific quality of life (King's Health Questionnaire) and productivity (Work Productivity and Activity Impairment) were assessed. RESULTS: Sixty-one women with mean age of 57.7 (SD = 11.6) years have had symptoms for 6.6 (SD = 6.2) years and 57 (93%) had incontinence. The EQ-5D (mean 0.668, SD = 0.314) was not significantly lower than that of the average population (p>0.05). The impact of incontinence and physical limitation (mean 70.5 and 68.9, respectively) were significant, the King's Health Questionnaire-utility was 0.932 (SD = 0.029). Productivity scores of involved patients were: absenteeism 0.04% (SD = 0.11), presenteeism 43.64% (SD = 28.54), overall work impairment 40.97% (SD = 26.91), and other activities 47.72% (SD = 27.24). CONCLUSIONS: Applicability of the EQ-5D and King's Health Questionnaire as utility measures in overactive bladder deserve further research. Presenteeism should be considered in the evaluation of the therapy.

The role of vitamin D, estrogen, calcium sensing receptor genotypes and serum calcium in the pathogenesis of prostate cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among men in developed countries. Estrogen receptor-alpha (ER-α), vitamin D receptor (VDR), and the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR), partly through their effects on calcium levels are implicated in the proliferation and carcinogenesis in the prostate gland. VDR, ER-α and CaSR genes show polymorphisms in humans that appear to have clinical significance in many pathological conditions, such as prostate cancer. Our aim was to evaluate the role of ER-α (PvuII, XbaI), VDR (BsmI) and CaSR (A986S) gene polymorphisms and serum calcium levels in the pathogenesis of prostate cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two hundred four patients with prostate cancer and 102 healthy controls were recruited into a hospital-based case control study. After genotyping, the relationship between the individual genotypes and prostate cancer was investigated. RESULTS: Both the ER-α XbaI and the VDR BsmI polymorphisms were significantly related to the risk of prostate cancer. An age adjusted logistic regression limited to controls and patients not receiving bisphosphonate therapy showed that higher corrected serum calcium and the VDR Bb/BB genotypes independently increased the risk of prostate cancer. CONCLUSIONS: ER-α XbaI and VDR BsmI genetic polymorphisms had a significant association with the risk of prostate cancer. Both VDR BsmI genotypes and serum calcium levels were independently related to the risk of prostate cancer, suggesting an influence of VDR on the development of this malignancy.