Ramadan fasting and rates of admissions for renal colic due to urolithiasis: a retrospective case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: The impact of Ramadan fasting on the prevalence of renal colic (RC) remains controversial. This current study aimed to assess the correlation between Ramadan fasting, prevalence of RC and the rate of urgent endoscopic interventions due to urolithiasis. METHODS: This retrospective case-control study enrolled adult patients with a primary diagnosis of RC secondary to urolithiasis admitted to the emergency department during the years 2009-2019. The prevalence of RC and the rate of urgent urological interventions during Ramadan were compared with the pre- and post-Ramadan months in fasting Muslims and non-fasting non-Muslim patients. RESULTS: A total of 2781 patients with RC were included: 1014 (36.5%) were fasting Muslim and 1767 (63.5%) were non-fasting non-Muslim patients. No significant increase in RC admissions or urgent double J stent (DJS) insertions were observed between pre-Ramadan and Ramadan among fasting Muslims and non-fasting non-Muslim patients. However, fasting Muslims exhibited a significant increase of RC admissions post-Ramadan compared with Ramadan. CONCLUSIONS: There was no correlation between increased RC admissions or urgent DJS insertions when fasting Muslims were compared with non-fasting non-Muslim patients during Ramadan. There were increased RC admissions during the post-Ramadan month, which might indicate a delayed effect of fasting on RC.

Rare Case of Adrenal Hemangioma Discovered Incidentally during Renal Colic Investigation.

BACKGROUND Hemangiomas of the adrenal gland are rare benign non-functional tumors arising from the gland's vascular endothelium. Adrenal hemangiomas are rare in clinical settings, often discovered incidentally during an unrelated diagnostic investigation. CASE REPORT A 39-year-old man presented with a heterogeneous, enhancing 4.56×4.24×3.9-cm mass originating from the right adrenal gland's lateral limb, discovered incidentally on computed tomography (CT) to investigate renal colic. He was routinely followed up for 2 years with serial CT scans; the mass exhibited considerable growth compared with baseline, with a relatively stable appearance with hyperdense soft tissue component, fat, and foci of calcification. Dexamethasone suppression test demonstrated suppressed cortisol response, indicating a non-functional mass. Therefore, laparoscopic right adrenalectomy was performed, owing to the benign nature of the preoperative diagnosis of myelolipoma and mass size. The patient experienced an uneventful recovery, with no perioperative complications. The resected mass was 5×4×4 cm in size and weighed 30 g. Histopathology confirmed adrenal hemangioma. Serial sectioning revealed an encapsulated lesion with heterogeneous solid and cystic surfaces. Light microscopy examination showed dilated and congested vascular channels lined by flattened endothelium. Focal mature adipose tissue was seen. CONCLUSIONS The infrequent occurrence of adrenal hemangiomas and their nonspecific clinical and radiological presentation results in a considerable diagnostic challenge and, often, misdiagnosis. Surgical resection is usually necessary to exclude malignant disease, alleviate pressure-related symptoms, and decrease risk of retroperitoneum hemorrhage. These lesions are associated with a good prognosis. One limitation of this report is the lack of preoperative adrenal magnetic resonance imaging of the incidental adrenal mass.

[Renal colic]. / Steinkolik.

INTRODUCTION: Renal colic accounts for 5-10% of all emergency department visits, making it a common condition in acute medicine. The typical clinical presentation is an early indication of urolithiasis. DIAGNOSIS: Diagnostic measures include laboratory tests, ultrasound, and low-dose noncontrast computed tomography (CT) scans. Kidney, ureter, bladder (KUB) plain film radiography has been widely replaced by low-dose noncontrast CT with similar radiation dosage. In special patient groups such as children or pregnant women, ionizing radiation should be avoided if possible. TREATMENT: General measures involve pain management (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, opioids) and empirical antibiotic treatment for suspected bacterial infection. Depending on the location/size of the stone, pharmacological stone expulsion therapy may be considered. In cases of obstructive pyelonephritis or acute renal insufficiency, early urinary drainage (JJ stent/nephrostomy) is recommended. Definitive stone removal may be performed primarily in some cases (rather small and rather distal ureterolithiasis). It is common to schedule stone removal as a secondary intervention.

High ambient temperature impact on the pattern of emergency-room visits due to renal colic in the Middle East.

Urolithiasis has a seasonal pattern, with an established increase in incidence during the summer months. This study aims to assess the impact of high ambient temperatures on emergency room (ER) visits related to renal colic (RC) in a Middle Eastern country over the past decade. Population data were extracted using the MDClone Big Data platform. We recorded demographic and clinical data on all RC-associated ER visits from January 2012 to April 2023 and calculated the heat index (HI) that combines daily average coastal plane temperatures and humidity percentages. There was a total of 12,770 ER visits (median age 48 years, 9,236 (72%) males). The number of visits increased during the hottest months (July-October), with the highest numbers recorded during August. The number of visits remained stable throughout the study. We identified a linear association between humidity and the incidence of ER visits (p = 0.002), and a non-linear association between ambient temperature (p < 0.0001) and HI (p < 0.0001). There was a direct relationship between high temperatures and ER visits on the same day (risk ratio [RR]: 1.75, p = 0.036), with a 2-day lag (RR: 1.123, p = 0.024). In Conclusion, there is a significant relationship between temperature, humidity, HI, and the number of ER visits due to RC. Adjusted resource allocation and healthcare workforce availability are essential for managing additional cases during heat waves. Clinical implications: Increased demand is expected during heatwaves and within a 2-day lag, emphasizing the importance of proactive strategies to effectively manage RC patients.

Urgent ureterorenoscopy as a primary treatment for ureteral stone: why not?

To evaluate the feasibility of urgent ureteroscopy (uURS) and elective ureteroscopy (eURS) in the management of patients with renal colic due to ureteral stones. Patients who were operated for ureteral stones between September 2020 and March 2022 were determined retrospectively. The patients who were operated within the first 24 h constituted the uURS group, while the patients who were operated after 24 h were classified as eURS. No limiting factors such as age, gender and concomitant disease were determined as inclusion criteria. Patients with bilateral or multiple ureteral stones, bleeding diathesis, patients requiring emergency nephrostomy or decompression with ureteral JJ stent, and pregnant women were not included. The two groups were compared in terms of stone-free rate, complications, and overall outcomes. According to the inclusion-exclusion criteria, a total of 572 patients were identified, including 142 female and 430 male patients. There were 219 patients in the first group, the uURS arm, and 353 patients in the eURS arm. The mean stone size was 8.1 ± 2.6. The stone-free rate was found to be 87.8% (502) in general, and 92 and 85% for uURS and eURS, respectively. No major intraoperative or postoperative complications were observed in any of the patients. Urgent URS can be performed effectively and safely as the primary treatment in patients with renal colic due to ureteral stones. In this way, the primary treatment of the patient is carried out, as well as the increased workload, additional examination, treatment and related morbidities are prevented.

Role of the systemic immune-inflammation index in predicting spontaneous stone passage in patients with renal colic.

OBJECTIVES: Renal colic (RC) is one of the most frequent reasons for presentation to the emergency department (ED) and creates a high economic and medical burden. Management strategies for RC range from waiting for spontaneous passage to surgical intervention. However, factors determining spontaneous stone passage (SSP) are still poorly understood. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate the role of the systemic immune-inflammatory index (SII) in predicting SSP. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the data of 924 patients aged over 18 years, who were diagnosed with RC in our clinic between 1 January 2019, and 30 May 2022, and had ureteral stones of ≤ 10 mm. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether they had SSP. The clinical and laboratory characteristics of the patients in the ED were evaluated. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and SII (neutrophil count x platelet count/lymphocyte count) values of the patients were calculated. Stone size and location were also recorded. RESULTS: In the univariate analysis of SSP, a ureteral stone size of ≤ 5 mm (p < 0.001), distal ureteral location (p < 0.001), SII (p < 0.001), NLR (p < 0.001), and PLR (p = 0.036) were significantly correlated with SSP. ROC analysis showed that an SII level < 721.8 (Sensitivity %82.6, Specificity %74.7, p < 0.001) was an independent predictor of SSP. CONCLUSION: Our findings showed that a low SII level was associated with SSP and could be used as a predictive marker of SSP as a more valuable parameter than NLR. SII and NLR, together with other indicators, are inflammatory markers that can be used in the clinical decision-making process for ureteral stone treatment.

Trends in Emergency Department Admissions Due to Renal Colic in the Pediatric Population: A Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric urolithiasis is relatively uncommon and is generally associated with predisposing anatomic or metabolic abnormalities. In the adult population, emergency department (ED) admissions have been associated with an increase in ambient temperature. The same association has not been evaluated in the pediatric population. OBJECTIVES: To analyze trends in ED admissions due to renal colic in a pediatric population (≤ 18 years old) and to assess the possible effect of climate on ED admissions. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, multicenter cohort study, based on a computerized database of all ED visits due to renal colic in pediatric patients. The study cohort presented with urolithiasis on imaging during their ED admission. Exact climate data was acquired through the Israeli Meteorological Service (IMS). RESULTS: Between January 2010 and December 2020, 609 patients, ≤ 18 years, were admitted to EDs in five medical centers with renal colic: 318 males (52%), 291 females (48%). The median age was 17 years (IQR 9-16). ED visits oscillated through the years, peaking in 2012 and 2018. A 6% downward trend in ED admissions was noted between 2010 and 2020. The number of ED admissions in the different seasons was 179 in autumn (30%), 134 in winter (22%), 152 in spring (25%), and 144 in summer (23%) (P = 0.8). Logistic regression multivariable analysis associated with ED visits did not find any correlation between climate parameters and ED admissions due to renal colic in the pediatric population. CONCLUSIONS: ED admissions oscillated during the period investigated and had a downward trend. Unlike in the adult population, rates of renal colic ED admissions in the pediatric population were not affected by seasonal changes or rise in maximum ambient temperature.

Urologic Presentation of Unicentric Pediatric Castleman Disease in the Setting of Acute Renal Colic.

An 11-year-old otherwise healthy female presented with renal colic and during computed tomography imaging evaluation, she was found to have a right distal ureteral stone with associated hydroureteronephrosis, medially deviated ureter, and 4-cm solid retroperitoneal mass. The mass was palpable on physical exam and was further categorized with magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, and laboratory testing. A multidisciplinary team approach, including pediatric surgery, radiology, oncology, and urology, led to the patient undergoing a right retrograde pyelogram, ureteroscopy with stent placement, and laparoscopic excision of retroperitoneal mass. Her pathology revealed lymphoid hyperplasia with histologic features of Castleman disease.

Trends in Opioid and Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug Use for Patients with Kidney Stones in United States Emergency Departments from 2015 to 2021.

Introduction: Renal colic is frequently treated with opioids; however, narcotic analgesic use can lead to dependence and abuse. We evaluated use trends of opioids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain management of kidney stones in United States emergency departments (EDs) from 2015 to 2021. Methods: Kidney stone encounters were identified using National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey data. We applied a multistage survey weighting procedure to account for selection probability, nonresponse, and population weights. Medication use trends were estimated through logistic regressions on the timing of the encounter, adjusted for selected demographic and clinical characteristics. Results: Between 2015 and 2021, there were an estimated 9,433,291 kidney stone encounters in United States EDs. Opioid use decreased significantly (annual odds ratio [OR]: 0.87, p = 0.003), and there was no significant trend in NSAID use. At discharge, male patients were more likely than females (OR: 1.93, p = 0.001) to receive opioids, and Black patients were less likely than White patients (OR: 0.34, p = 0.010) to receive opioids. Regional variation was also observed, with higher odds of discharge prescriptions in the West (OR: 3.15, p = 0.003) and Midwest (OR: 2.49, p = 0.010), compared with the Northeast. Thirty-five percent of patients received opioids that were stronger than morphine. Conclusion: These results suggest improved opioid stewardship from ED physicians in response to the national opioid epidemic. However, regional variation as well as disparities in discharge prescriptions for Black and female patients underscore opportunities for continued efforts.

Has the COVID-19 pandemic affected ureteral stone management in pregnant women? A retrospective single-center study.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on the patients' referral in the pregnant population and also investigate each treatment approach's advantages and disadvantages for acute renal colic in pregnancy. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we included all pregnant women with ureteral stones referred to a referral center between January 2019 and March 2021. RESULTS: Among 53 pregnant women, 18 (33.9%) were on conservative therapy, which passed the stone without any complications. Double J stent or nephrostomy tube insertion was done for 24 patients (45.2%). Seventeen of these patients (70.8%) presented post-surgical complications, including hematuria (29.2%), pyelonephritis (20.8%), and lower urinary tract symptoms (20.8%). Transurethral lithotripsy (TUL) was done in 11 patients (20.7%). Only one of these patients developed hematuria following TUL. Thus, in our population study, double J stent or nephrostomy insertion was associated with a higher chance of postoperative complications than TUL (p-value = 0.001). Thirty-six patients were referred within 13 months before the entry of COVID-19, while 17 were referred during a similar approximate duration after the COVID-19 entry into the country. Only the initial presentation had a significant difference between these two periods (p-value = 0.034). CONCLUSIONS: When conservative treatment fails, we recommend TUL as the second-line treatment over temporary procedures, such as double J stent or nephrostomy insertion. Of note, in a group of patients with an emergent clinical setting, including active infection, deteriorating renal function, signs of preterm labor, solitary kidney, etc., double J or nephrostomy tube insertion remains the preferred management method for its fast resolution of obstruction and infection. Besides, a decrease in visits with an increase in complicated cases after COVID-19 was observed, maybe due to a delay in referring.

[Obstructive uropathia in pregnant women: results of treatment depending on the etiopatogenetic factor of development].

Actuality. The development of renal colic in pregnant women is one of the most common reasons for visiting a hospital that is not associated with obstetric pathology. Given the pharmacological and diagnostic limitations during gestation, the problem of expanding the renal cavitary system in pregnant women, as well as the choice of treatment tactics, remains a difficult clinical task. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group included 537 patients with obstructive uropathy with a gestation period of 5 to 36 weeks, who were hospitalized from January 2018 to January 2022 at the GBUZ GKB named after. S.S. Yudina DZM. Depending on the etiopathogenetic obstructive uropathy, the patients were divided into 3 groups: group I - 201 (37.4%) patients with gestational pyelonephritis (the presence of a systemic inflammatory response syndrome) and expansion of the renal cavitary system without confirming the diagnosis of urolithiasis; group II - 216 (40.2%) patients with renal colic (presence of pain without signs of a systemic inflammatory reaction) and enlargement of the renal cavitary system not associated with urolithiasis; group III - 120 (22.4%) pregnant women with an expansion of the cavitary system of the kidney caused by urolithiasis, both with and without signs of a systemic inflammatory reaction. Age, body mass index and previous number of pregnancies in all groups did not differ. The mean age of the patients in the three groups was 26.1 years, with a mean gestational age of 20.8 weeks. In 433 (80.6%) patients, pain was observed in the lumbar region on the right, in 83 (15.5%) - on the left, the bilateral nature of the process - in 21 (3.9%) patients. RESULTS: In group I, despite ongoing conservative therapy, 129 (64.2%) pregnant women received an internal ureteral stent. After 2-4 weeks of follow-up, the ureteral stent was removed in all patients. As a result, a short-term drainage method (up to 4 weeks) was effective in 90.1% of pregnant women, and in 13 (9.9%) patients, it was necessary to re-insert the stent, followed by a routine replacement of the drain every month. Considering the pain syndrome among patients of group II, drainage was performed in 80 (37%) pregnant women. Routine stent replacement was required in 2 (2.3%) patients. In group III, the location of the calculus in the pyelocaliceal system was in 28 (23.3%) patients, in the ureter - in 92 (76.7%) patients. Independent passage of the calculus was noted in 8 (6.7%) pregnant women, ureteroscopy without prior stenting was performed in 31 (25.8%) pregnant women with ureteral calculus. The remaining 81 (67.5%) pregnant women underwent stent placement at the first stage. When the stone was localized in the ureter, 32 (22.7%) patients underwent contact laser ureterolithotripsy and 21 (17.5%) patients underwent ureterolithoextraction. When a stone was located in the kidney, 28 (23.3%) pregnant women underwent pyelocalicolithotripsy. Achievement of the stone-free status was observed in 92.8%. CONCLUSION: Obstructive uropathy in pregnant women requires identification of the cause and a multidisciplinary approach. Long-term drainage of the urinary tract should be avoided and short-term drainage should be preferred. Surgical treatment of urolithiasis, regardless of gestational age, is an effective and safe method.

[Prospective controlled study evaluating teleconsultation and tele-semiology for the management of renal colic]. / Étude prospective contrôlée évaluant la téléconsultation et la télé-sémiologie pour la prise en charge d'une colique néphrétique.

INTRODUCTION: Physical examination appears to be a limiting factor of teleconsultation (TC). We evaluated the feasibility of self-percussion of the lumbar fossae (sPLF) and TC for simple renal colic (SRC) in comparison with a face-to-face consultation (FC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a comparative prospective study in two steps. First: evaluation of the quality of an sPLF on a standardized patient in TC, without and with tutorial. Secondarily: evaluation of a TC and a FC for a SRC with a standardized patient in real conditions. Evaluation using objective clinical scores and qualitative scales by an observer, the standardized patient and the practitioner himself. RESULTS: Forty-two practitioners were included in the study. In the absence of a tutorial, the sPLF was most often "poorly done". The tutorial led to a significant improvement in the quality of sPLF. There was no difference in diagnostic and therapeutic performance among senior physicians between TC and FC. The therapeutic performances of the interns were significantly lower in TC without his being aware of it. The qualitative scores were significantly lower in TC vs FC according to the practitioners, the standardized patient and the observer. CONCLUSION: An sPLF is feasible but its practice should be taught. Unlike interns, senior physicians were able to perform a TC comparable to FC for the management of SRC. TC and telesemiology therefore require dedicated training and an experienced practitioner.

The efficacy of intradermal sterile water application in severe renal colic: a randomised clinical trial.

It is important to do a fast and effective treatment for patients with renal colic pain in emergency departments for both patients' comfort and clinicians' patient management. In this study, we aimed primarily to test the efficacy of intradermal sterile water application as a rapid and effective treatment in severe renal colic. This is a single-centre, prospective, randomised controlled trial. Study group consists of patients with severe renal colic related to urolithiasis. Patients were randomly divided into three groups. The first group received only intramuscular diclofenac sodium, the second group received intramuscular diclofenac sodium and intradermal sterile water, and the third group received intramuscular diclofenac sodium together with intravenous fentanyl. Numerical Rating Scale was used to determine the level of pain before and after the treatment at the 1st, 5th, 15th, 30th, 60th and 120th minutes. 95 out of 201 patients with severe renal colic pain randomly divided into 3 groups. The pre-treatment pain severity of the groups was similar (p = 0.228). We found that the decrease in pain intensity was significantly faster in the intradermal sterile water group than the other groups even in the first minute. Percentages of patients who had 50% pain reduction, which is considered as successful treatment, was higher in the intradermal sterile water group (which had 75.9% success rate) in the first 5 min compared to the IM diclofenac sodium group (which had 7.1% success rate) and IV fentanyl group (which had 25% success rate) (p < 0.001). According to the results, pain control was achieved much faster than the other methods with intradermal sterile water injection. All methods were found to be effective in relieving the pain of the patients.

Comparison of Ibuprofen with Ketorolac on the Control of Renal Colic Pain: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Studies.

PURPOSE: The comparison of ibuprofen with ketorolac remains controversial for the pain control of renal colic. We therefore conduct this meta-analysis to compare the analgesic efficacy of ibuprofen with ketorolac for renal colic. METHODS: We have searched PubMed, EMbase, Web of science, EBSCO, and Cochrane library databases through December 2022 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the analgesic efficacy of ibuprofen in comparison with ketorolac for renal colic. This meta-analysis was performed using the random-effect or fixed-effect model based on the heterogeneity. RESULTS: Four RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. In patients with renal colic pain, intravenous ibuprofen and ketorolac produced comparable pain scores at 15 min (MD = -0.46; 95% CI = -1.24 to 0.31; P = 0.24), 30 min (MD = -0.81; 95% CI = -1.75 to 0.31; P = 0.09), 60 min (MD=-0.63; 95% CI = -1.40 to 0.13; P = 0.10) and 120 min (MD = -0.74; 95% CI = -2.18 to 0.70; P = 0.31), as well as adverse events (OR = 0.95; 95% CI = 0.61 to 1.49; P = 0.83). CONCLUSION: Ibuprofen can obtain comparable analgesic efficacy to ketorolac for renal colic pain.

The Incidence and Risk Factors for Emergency Department Imaging in Acute Renal Colic.

Objective: To determine the incidence of and risk factors for imaging in patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with renal colic. Subject/Patients and Methods: We conducted a population-based cohort study in the province of Ontario, utilizing linked administrative health data. Patients who presented to an ED with renal colic between April 1, 2010, and June 30, 2020, were included. The rate of initial imaging (CT scans and ultrasound [U/S]) and repeat imaging within 30 days was determined. Generalized linear models were utilized to evaluate patient and institutional-level characteristics associated with imaging, and specifically CT vs U/S. Results: There were 397,491 index renal colic events, of which 67% underwent imaging (CT 68%, U/S 27%, and CT+U/S same day 5%). Repeat imaging was performed in 21% of events (U/S in 12.5%, CT in 8.4%) at a median of 10 days. Of those with an initial U/S, 28% had repeat imaging compared with 18.5% for those with an initial CT. Undergoing an initial CT was associated with being male, urban residence, later year of cohort entry, history of diabetes mellitus and inflammatory bowel disease, and presentation to nonacademic hospitals of larger size, or with a higher volume of ED visits. Conclusion: Two-thirds of renal colic patients underwent imaging, and CT was the most utilized modality. Patients undergoing an initial CT had a lower likelihood of repeat imaging within 30 days. The utilization of CT increased over time and was more common in males and those presenting to nonacademic hospitals of larger size, or with higher ED volumes. Our study highlights the patient- and institution-level factors that need to be targeted with prevention strategies to reduce the utilization of CT scans, when possible, for cost reduction and to minimize patient exposure to ionizing radiation.

Is Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy a Treatment Option for Renal Colic?

BACKGROUND: Renal colic is characterized by sharp, intense flank pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are the treatment of choice, although extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) is a noninvasive alternative for pain management. The objective of our study is to present results obtained using rapid SWL to treat renal colic in our center. METHODS: We analyzed 214 patients undergoing rapid shockwave extracorporeal lithotripsy between October 2014 and June 2018: 69.63% were male, and 30.37% female, with a mean age of 47.35 years (range, 16-84). The average stone size was 6.71 mm (3-16). Stone locations were as follows: The pelviureteric junction (PUJ) (10.75%), proximal ureter (45.79%), midureter (24.77%), and distal ureter (18.69%). RESULTS: Pain relief was achieved in 81.31% of the patients. The rates of successful pain control according to stone location were 65.22% when the stone was located in the PUJ, 79.59% in the proximal ureter, 88.68% in the midureter, and 85.00% in the distal ureter. Complete or partial stone resolution was achieved 4 weeks postoperatively in 78.50% of cases (64.95% and 13.55%, respectively). According to the stone location, the overall rate of resolution (complete + partial) was 90.00% for distal ureteral stones, 86.80% in the midureter, 73.47% in the proximal ureter, and 60.86% in the PUJ. 44 patients (20.56%) demonstrated complications. The most common complications were persistent pain, acute renal failure and fever. CONCLUSIONS: Immediate SWL was found to be a safe and effective treatment option for pain related to renal colic in 81% of the patients studied.

Impacto de la presentación tardía al servicio de Urgencias por cólico renal agudo en los resultados bioquímicos y clínicos / Impact of a delayed presentation to the emergency department for acute renal colic on biochemical and clinical outcomes

Introducción y objetivo Verificar el impacto en los resultados bioquímicos y clínicos de la demora en acudir al servicio de Urgencias (SU) ante un cólico renal agudo. Materiales y métodos Los datos se recogieron retrospectivamente en 3 instituciones de 2 países europeos, desde el 1 de enero hasta el 30 de abril del 2020. Se incluyó a los pacientes que acudieron a Urgencias con un cólico renal unilateral o bilateral causado por urolitiasis confirmada por imagen durante el periodo de estudio. La consulta en el SU después de 24 h desde el inicio de los síntomas se consideró tardía. Los pacientes que acudieron antes de las 24 h desde el inicio de los síntomas se incluyeron en el grupo A y los pacientes que se presentaron después de las 24 h se adjudicaron al grupo B. Se compararon los parámetros clínicos y bioquímicos, así como el manejo recibido por cada paciente. Resultados Se analizó a 397 pacientes que acudieron a Urgencias con urolitiasis confirmada (grupo A, n = 199; grupo B, n = 198). La mediana (RIC) de demora hasta la consulta fue de 2 días (1,5-4). En el momento de la consulta, no se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los 2 grupos de pacientes en cuanto a los síntomas como fiebre y dolor en el flanco, o la mediana de los niveles séricos de creatinina, proteína C reactiva y leucocitos. No se encontraron diferencias en cuanto al tratamiento conservador o quirúrgico. Conclusiones La demora > 24 h hasta acudir al SU no se asocia a un empeoramiento de los parámetros bioquímicos ni de los resultados clínicos. La mayoría de los pacientes con dolor lumbar agudo no siempre necesitan acudir de forma inmediata a urgencias, pudiendo ser tratados en consultas externas (AU)

Introduction and objective To verify the impact of delay on biochemical and clinical outcomes for patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with acute renal colic. Materials and methods Data were retrospectively collected from 3 institutions of 2 European countries between 01 January and 30 April 2020. Patients who presented to the ED with unilateral or bilateral renal colic caused by urolithiasis confirmed by imaging tests during the study period were included. A presentation after 24 hours since the onset of symptoms was considered a delay. Patients presenting before 24 hours from the symptom onset were included in Group A, while the patients presenting after 24 hours in Group B. Clinical and biochemical parameters and management were compared. Results 397 patients who presented to ED with confirmed urolithiasis were analyzed (Group A, n = 199; Group B, n = 198. The median (IQR) delay in presentation was 2 days (1,5-4). At presentation, no statistically significant differences were found amongst the 2 groups of patients regarding presenting symptoms such as fever and flank pain, and the median serum levels of creatinine, C reactive protein and white blood cells. No differences were found in terms of conservative or operative management. Conclusions Delay in consultation >24 hours is not associated with worsening biochemical parameters and clinical outcomes. Most patients with acute loin pain do not necessarily need urgent attendance to the ED and may be managed in the outpatients (AU)

Effect of gender on presentation and outcome of renal colic.

OBJECTIVES: To examine gender-related differences in the presentation, management, and outcomes of patients admitted to the emergency department ED with ureteral stones. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of all patients admitted to the ED at our institution, found to have a ureteral stone on CT. Clinical, laboratory, imaging parameters, and outcomes were collected. RESULTS: 778 patients were admitted with ureteral stones between January 2018 and December 2020. 78% (n = 609) were males and 22% (n = 169) were females. The mean ages were 49.4 (SD 14.4) and 51.6 (SD 15.7) in males and females, respectively (p = 0.08). Female patients presented with a higher body temperature (p = 0.01), pulse rate (p < 0.0001), nausea and vomiting (p < 0.0001), elevated serum C-reactive protein (CRP) (p = 0.002) compared to males. The prevalence of elevated serum creatinine was higher in males (p < 0.0001). Alpha-blockers were recommended on discharge in 54.8% (334) of males, compared to only 29.6% (50) of females (p < 0.0001). Spontaneous stone expulsion was significantly higher in males compared to females (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that gender does effect presentation and outcome of patients presenting with renal colic. Females were found to have elevated infectious parameters, more nausea and vomiting and a higher incidence of positive urine cultures. Males admitted to the ED were found to have significantly higher serum creatinine levels. Medical expulsive therapy (MET) with alpha-blockers was prescribed significantly less in female patients, which may have resulted in a lower spontaneous stone expulsion rate.

Enabling national improvement in quality of care for renal colic.

OBJECTIVES: To report the results of a clinical audit conducted by the British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) of ureteric stone care pathways, with results reported with reference to national quality standards. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The BAUS conducted a clinical audit of all patients presenting as an emergency to 107 hospitals in England during November 2020 with ureteric stones. All patients were followed up until 31 March 2021 and the inpatient and outpatient management received was recorded. RESULTS: Data for 2192 patients across 117 units were submitted. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) number of patients per unit was 16 (9-27); 70% of patients were male and the median (IQR) patient age was 46 (34-59) years. Initial management was conservative treatment for 70% of patients. Overall, primary shockwave lithotripsy was performed in 34% of patients and primary ureteroscopy in 23% of cases when surgical intervention was required to treat the stone. However, 40% of patients in whom active intervention was appropriate underwent placement of a temporizing ureteric stent rather than undergo definitive surgical intervention at the outset. Female patients were less likely to have a computed tomography (CT) scan of the kidneys, ureters and bladder performed within 24 h of presentation (13% vs 7.3% for men [chi-squared P = 0.01]) and to be given correct analgesia (66% vs 73% for men [chi-squared P = 0.03]). Patients aged 60 years or older were also significantly less likely to be offered nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug analgesia appropriately. In total, 87% of patients had their calcium measured within the last 2 years and 73% of patients had evidence of being offered stone prevention diet and fluid advice. CONCLUSIONS: The audit demonstrates that the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence Quality Standards are both measurable and achievable. However, there was considerable variation in the delivery of these standards, including with regard to sex and age, highlighting inequalities for patient care across the UK.