The applicability of the urine color scale in pediatric urology.

AIMS: To determine the level of agreement between healthcare professionals, patients and their parents/guardians in the interpretation of the urine color scale (UCS) in cases of urinary dysfunction, analyzing the applicability of the scale as a diagnostic tool determining the hydration status. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study involving 5-17-year-old patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and enuresis. The study was conducted in a public healthcare referral center for pediatric urology in the Brazilian state of Bahia between October 2019 and March 2020. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to assess the distribution of the variables. Agreement was assessed using the kappa coefficient and weighted kappa. The z-test was used to determine significant differences between the kappa and weighted kappa. The statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS, version 14, and significance was established at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Forty-four patients were included. The kappa value was 32.4% (p = 0.000) for the agreement between healthcare professionals and patients, 41.9% (p = 0.000) for agreement between healthcare professionals and parents/guardians, and 25.0% (p = 0.001) for agreement between patients and parents/guardians. The weighted kappa was 70.6% (p = 0.000) for agreement between healthcare professionals and patients, 82.4% (p = 0.000) for agreement between healthcare professionals and parents/guardians, and 51.5% (p = 0.001) for agreement between patients and parents/guardians. There was a statistically significant difference in kappa values when the healthcare professionals were compared with the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: Although there were some inconsistencies in interpretation, the UCS proved to be a useful tool with which to evaluate patients' hydration status.

Constipation in women with high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia and cervical cancer: does the extent of cervical lesion invasion influence the severity of constipation and compromise quality of life?

Introduction: Constipation is a common clinical condition, particularly among cancer patients. Objective: To assess the prevalence and severity of CF in women with high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (HSIL) and cervical cancer (CC), as well as the impact of this condition on their daily lives. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary cancer center. To assess the presence and severity of constipation, the Rome IV criteria, and the Constipation Scoring System (CSS) were used. To assess the impact of constipation on daily life, the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used. Results: The study included 153 patients with HSIL or CC, with a median age of 44 (IQR 35-56) years. Constipation was reported in 54 (35.3%) patients, 33 (61.1%) of those with HSIL, and 21 (38.9%) of those with CC. In constipated patients, the median number of positive Rome IV criteria items was 3 (IQR 2-5). "Irregular or hard stools" was the most common complaint, affecting 41 (75.9%) of the patients. In patients with CC, the use of analgesic medications was associated with constipation (p = 0.016). There is no link between constipation and invasive cancer (p = 0.492). Constipation had a daily impact of 7.5 (IQR 4.75-9), with no relationship between VAS and clinical diagnosis (HSIL or CC) [7 (IQR 3-9) X 8 (5-9.5), p-value = 0.536] The more severe the constipation, the more disturbing it is to these women's daily lives. Conclusion: Constipation is common in women with cervical lesions, affecting their daily lives regardless of their severity. (AU)