Recomendaciones sobre el uso de las instilaciones endovesicales de ácido hialurónico en el síndrome de dolor vesical / Recommendations on the use of intravesical hyaluronic acid instillations in bladder pain syndrome

Introducción El síndrome del dolor vesical (SDV) es un síndrome complejo, sin etiología claramente establecida, que engloba diferentes entidades como la cistitis intersticial. Esto conlleva dificultades para establecer una definición precisa, obtener datos de prevalencia exactos y definir criterios diagnósticos y métodos estandarizados de estudio. Tampoco existe homogeneidad sobre el tratamiento del SDV. Las instilaciones endovesicales con ácido hialurónico (AH) son una opción, sin aún recomendaciones específicas.Objetivo Sintetizar la evidencia científica sobre las opciones terapéuticas disponibles para el SDV y consensuar un plan de trabajo y unas recomendaciones para el uso de las instilaciones endovesicales con AH.La Asociación Española de Urología, a través del Grupo de Urología Funcional, Femenina y Urodinámica, generó una comisión de expertos. Esta comisión fue la encarga de revisar la literatura (evidencia), consensuar el plan de trabajo y proponer recomendaciones.ResultadosExiste una gran variabilidad en la literatura sobre el tratamiento del SDV, sin un régimen estándar de instilación endovesical con AH (frecuencia y duración del tratamiento de inicio y mantenimiento).Conclusiones Las instilaciones endovesicales de AH (dosis habitual de 40mg) son efectivas y seguras. Pueden combinarse con otras opciones, siendo aún necesario comprobar la eficacia en algunos casos. El tratamiento se divide en varias sesiones iniciales semanales, seguidas de tratamiento de mantenimiento, generalmente mensual (duración de los ciclos no establecida).Se consensuaron recomendaciones sobre el manejo del SVD, con criterios diagnóstico y pautas para el tratamiento con AH endovesical (inicio, reevaluación y seguimiento) (AU)

Introduction Bladder pain syndrome (BPS) is a complex syndrome, without a clearly defined etiology that encompasses different entities, such as interstitial cystitis. This leads to difficulties in establishing a precise definition, obtaining accurate prevalence data, and defining diagnostic criteria and standardized assessment methods. Moreover, there is no consensus regarding the treatment of BPS. Intravesical instillations with hyaluronic acid (HA) are an option, although no specific recommendations have been made yet.Objective To synthesize the scientific evidence on the therapeutic options available for BPS and to establish a work plan and recommendations for the use of intravesical instillations with HA.The Spanish Association of Urology, through the Functional, Female, and Urodynamic Urology Group, created a commission of experts. This commission was in charge of reviewing literature (evidence), agreeing on the work plan, and proposing recommendations.ResultsThere is great variability in literature on the treatment of BPS, without a standard regimen of intravesical instillation with HA (frequency and duration of initial and maintenance treatment).Conclusions Intravesical HA instillations (usual dose of 40 mg) are effective and safe. They can be combined with other options, with efficacy still to be determined in some cases. Treatment is divided into several initial weekly sessions, followed by maintenance treatment, usually monthly (unestablished duration of cycles).Recommendations on the management of BPS were agreed, with diagnostic criteria and guidelines for treatment with intravesical HA (initiation, reassessment, and follow-up) (AU)

Recommendations on the use of intravesical hyaluronic acid instillations in bladder pain syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Bladder pain syndrome (BPS) is a complex syndrome, without a clearly defined etiology that encompasses different entities, such as interstitial cystitis. This leads to difficulties in establishing a precise definition, obtaining accurate prevalence data, and defining diagnostic criteria and standardized assessment methods. Moreover, there is no consensus regarding the treatment of BPS. Intravesical instillations with hyaluronic acid (HA) are an option, although no specific recommendations have been made yet. OBJECTIVE: To synthesize the scientific evidence on the therapeutic options available for BPS and to establish a work plan and recommendations for the use of intravesical instillations with HA. The Spanish Association of Urology, through the Functional, Female, and Urodynamic Urology Group, created a commission of experts. This commission was in charge of reviewing literature (evidence), agreeing on the work plan, and proposing recommendations. RESULTS: There is great variability in literature on the treatment of BPS, without a standard regimen of intravesical instillation with HA (frequency and duration of initial and maintenance treatment). CONCLUSIONS: Intravesical HA instillations (usual dose of 40 mg) are effective and safe. They can be combined with other options, with efficacy still to be determined in some cases. Treatment is divided into several initial weekly sessions, followed by maintenance treatment, usually monthly (unestablished duration of cycles). Recommendations on the management of BPS were agreed, with diagnostic criteria and guidelines for treatment with intravesical HA (initiation, reassessment, and follow-up).

Consenso de la Asociación Española de Urología sobre el uso de mallas en la cirugía del prolapso de órganos pélvicos / Consensus statement of the Spanish Association Of Urology on the use of meshes in pelvic organ prolapse

INTRODUCCIÓN: Recientemente la Food and Drug Administration ha prohibido el uso de mallas transvaginales para el tratamiento quirúrgico de los prolapsos de órganos pélvicos (POP) en Estados Unidos. Esto ha suscitado una repercusión a escala mundial en el manejo de la patología del suelo pélvico por parte de los diferentes especialistas. OBJETIVO: Lograr un consenso sobre el uso de mallas en el tratamiento quirúrgico de los POP. ADQUISICIÓN DE DATOS/EVIDENCIA: Se organizó un Comité de expertos de la Asociación Española de Urología (AEU) para una revisión de la literatura y analizar la seguridad y eficacia del uso de mallas de polipropileno en la cirugía de los POP. RESULTADOS/EVIDENCIA DE LA LITERATURA: La evidencia refleja que el uso de mallas, comparado con el uso de tejidos nativos, ofrece una mejor eficacia a expensas de nuevas complicaciones y una mayor tasa de revisiones quirúrgicas, siendo estas menores en manos de cirujanos expertos. CONCLUSIONES: La cirugía del POP debe ser realizada por cirujanos con experiencia, adecuadamente formados y en centros de referencia. El paciente debe recibir una información correcta acerca de las diferentes opciones de tratamiento. Las mallas transvaginales solo deben indicarse en casos complejos y en recidivas tras cirugía del POP. PROPUESTA AEU: Creación de una guía clínica y de un registro nacional para la evaluación a largo plazo. Elaboración de un Consentimiento Informado a disposición de todos los profesionales y pacientes, así como un plan de formación específico para conseguir una mejor capacitación en la cirugía compleja del suelo pélvico

INTRODUCTION: Recently the Food and Drug Administration has banned the use of transvaginal meshes for the surgical treatment of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) in the United States. This has caused a worldwide impact on the management of pelvic floor pathology by different specialists. OBJECTIVE: To achieve a consensus on the use of meshes in the surgical treatment of POPs. ACQUISITION OF DATA/EVIDENCE: A Committee of experts of the Spanish Association of Urology (AEU) was organized to review the literature and analyze the safety and efficacy of the use of polypropylene meshes in POP surgery. RESULTS/EVIDENCE FROM THE LITERATURE: The evidence reflects that the use of meshes, compared to the use of native tissues, offers better efficacy at the expense of new complications and a higher rate of surgical reviews, these being minor in the hands of expert surgeons. CONCLUSIONS: POP surgery must be performed by experienced surgeons, properly trained and in referral centers. The patient should receive correct information about the different treatment options. Transvaginal meshes should only be indicated in complex cases and in recurrences after POP surgery. AEU PROPOSAL: Creation of a clinical guideline and a national registry for long-term evaluation. Preparation of an Informed Consent available to all professionals and patients, as well as a specific training plan to achieve better training in complex pelvic floor surgery

Consensus statement of the Spanish Association Of Urology on the use of meshes in pelvic organ prolapse. / Consenso de la Asociación Española de Urología sobre el uso de mallas en la cirugía del prolapso de órganos pélvicos.

INTRODUCTION: Recently the Food and Drug Administration has banned the use of transvaginal meshes for the surgical treatment of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) in the United States. This has caused a worldwide impact on the management of pelvic floor pathology by different specialists. OBJECTIVE: To achieve a consensus on the use of meshes in the surgical treatment of POPs. ACQUISITION OF DATA/EVIDENCE: A Committee of experts of the Spanish Association of Urology (AEU) was organized to review the literature and analyze the safety and efficacy of the use of polypropylene meshes in POP surgery. RESULTS/EVIDENCE FROM THE LITERATURE: The evidence reflects that the use of meshes, compared to the use of native tissues, offers better efficacy at the expense of new complications and a higher rate of surgical reviews, these being minor in the hands of expert surgeons. CONCLUSIONS: POP surgery must be performed by experienced surgeons, properly trained and in referral centers. The patient should receive correct information about the different treatment options. Transvaginal meshes should only be indicated in complex cases and in recurrences after POP surgery. AEU PROPOSAL: Creation of a clinical guideline and a national registry for long-term evaluation. Preparation of an Informed Consent available to all professionals and patients, as well as a specific training plan to achieve better training in complex pelvic floor surgery.

Análisis de los factores que influyen en la pérdida hemática en la nefrolitotomía percutánea: registro de la Asociación Española de Urología sobre la posición supina / Analysis of the Factors Affecting Blood Loss in Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: A Registry of the Spanish Association of Urology in the Supine Position

Objetivo: La nefrolitotomía percutánea (NLP) es la técnica mínimamente invasiva de elección para el tratamiento de la litiasis renal mayor de 2 cm. El objetivo de este estudio es analizar los diferentes factores que influyen en el descenso de hemoglobina durante el procedimiento, realizado en posición supina. Material y métodos: Realizamos un estudio prospectivo multicéntrico observacional de la nefrolitotomía percutánea en posición supina, basado en el registro de la AEU. Se estudian los diferentes factores que influyen en el descenso de hemoglobina: datos demográficos y antropométricos, comorbilidad asociada, localización y tamaño de la litiasis, variantes anatómicas y aspectos técnicos del procedimiento. Resultados: Desde septiembre de 2008 hasta diciembre de 2012 se han registrado 397 NLP en posición supina, realizadas en 15 centros españoles. El descenso medio de hemoglobina fue 2,3 ± 1,5 g/dl y la tasa de transfusión de 5,5%. No hubo diferencias significativas en el descenso de hemoglobina entre varones y mujeres, IMC ni por grupos de edad. Tampoco existen diferencias entre los pacientes con antecedentes cardiovasculares, diabetes, HTA o tratamiento anticoagulante. El tamaño y la localización de la litiasis no influyen de forma significativa en la pérdida hemática. La duración del procedimiento (> o < 120 min), técnica de punción (ecografía, fluoroscopia), el tipo de dilatación del trayecto percutáneo (Alken, balón o Amplatz) y la ausencia de catéter de nefrostomía final (tubeless) no afectaron al descenso de hemoglobina. Únicamente el número de trayectos percutáneos (≥ 2) y el acceso a través de un cáliz medio tuvieron repercusión estadísticamente significativa en la pérdida hemática (p = 0,03 y p = 0,01 respectivamente) (AU)

Conclusiones: La NLP en posición supina es un procedimiento mínimamente invasivo para el tratamiento de litiasis renales múltiples y de gran tamaño (> 2 cm), que implica escasa pérdida hemática, con mínima tasa de transfusión de hemoderivados. Los únicos factores relacionados con mayor descenso de hemoglobina fueron el número de accesos percutáneos y la localización del trayecto en el cáliz medio (AU)

Objective: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is the minimally invasive procedure of choice for removing renal stones larger than 2 cm. This study has aimed to identify the different variables that might influence decrease of hemoglobin during the surgery performed in supine position. Material and methods: A prospective, multicenter, observational study of supine PCNL, based on the Spanish Association of Urology database, was analyzed. The different preoperative and postoperative factors that might affect the decrease of hemoglobin were assessed: demographics and anthropometric data, comorbidities, size and location of the stones, anatomical variants and technical aspects of the procedure. Results: From September 2008 to December 2012, 397 supine PCNL procedures performed in 15 Spanish centers were registered. Mean hemoglobin decrease was 2.3 ± 1.5 g/dl and overall blood transfusion rate was 5.5%. No statistically significant differences were found between genders, body mass index (BMI) and age in terms of blood loss. There were also no differences between patients with cardiovascular, hypertensive, diabetic and anticoagulant treatment background. Blood loss was not significantly influenced by stone size and location. Technical aspects of the procedure as operative time (> 120 min ≤), access to the pelvi-caliceal system (ultrasound, fluoroscopy), percutaneous tract dilation technique (Alken, balloon or Amplatz) or placement of nephrostomy (tube versus tubeless) were not associated with differences in pre-op/post-op hemoglobin. Only multiple percutaneous tracts (≥ 2) and middle calix access were statistically significantly (P = 0.03 and P = 0.01) related with less blood loss (AU)

Conclusions: PCNL in supine position is a minimally invasive procedure for removal of large (≥ 2 cm) and multiple renal stones, with a low incidence of blood loss and minimal transfusion rate. Multiple percutaneous tracts and middle calix puncture were the only statistically significant variables associated with decrease in hemoglobin levels (AU)

Analysis of the factors affecting blood loss in percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a registry of the Spanish Association of Urology in the supine position.

OBJECTIVE: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is the minimally invasive procedure of choice for removing renal stones larger than 2 cm. This study has aimed to identify the different variables that might influence decrease of hemoglobin during the surgery performed in supine position. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective, multicenter, observational study of supine PCNL, based on the Spanish Association of Urology database, was analyzed. The different preoperative and postoperative factors that might affect the decrease of hemoglobin were assessed: demographics and anthropometric data, comorbidities, size and location of the stones, anatomical variants and technical aspects of the procedure. RESULTS: From September 2008 to December 2012, 397 supine PCNL procedures performed in 15 Spanish centers were registered. Mean hemoglobin decrease was 2.3±1.5 g/dl and overall blood transfusion rate was 5.5%. No statistically significant differences were found between genders, body mass index (BMI) and age in terms of blood loss. There were also no differences between patients with cardiovascular, hypertensive, diabetic and anticoagulant treatment background. Blood loss was not significantly influenced by stone size and location. Technical aspects of the procedure as operative time (> 120 min ≤), access to the pelvi-caliceal system (ultrasound, fluoroscopy), percutaneous tract dilation technique (Alken, balloon or Amplatz) or placement of nephrostomy (tube versus tubeless) were not associated with differences in pre-op/post-op hemoglobin. Only multiple percutaneous tracts (≥2) and middle calix access were statistically significantly (P=.03 and P=.01) related with less blood loss. CONCLUSIONS: PCNL in supine position is a minimally invasive procedure for removal of large (≥2 cm) and multiple renal stones, with a low incidence of blood loss and minimal transfusion rate. Multiple percutaneous tracts and middle calix puncture were the only statistically significant variables associated with decrease in hemoglobin levels.

Aspectos urodinámicos de la incontinencia urinaria femenina tratada con cabestrillos / Urodynamic Aspects of Feminine Urinary Incontinence Treated with Slings

Objetivos: El tratamiento de la incontinencia urinaria de esfuerzo (IUE) femenina con cabestrillos pretende suplir la función de los ligamentos dañados, favoreciendo la transmisión correcta de las tensiones. Nuestro objetivo es determinar qué variables preoperatorias pueden predecir el resultado del tratamiento quirúrgico de la IUE y estudiar los cambios urodinámicos que produce la cirugía. Material y métodos: 139 mujeres (edad =61,7; σ =10,88) intervenidas por IUE fueron estudiadas retrospectivamente. En 118 casos (84,8%) se utilizaron técnicas de cabestrillo (TVT, TOT, TVT-Safyre, REEMEX). Se realizó evaluación clínica y vídeo-urodinámica completa preoperatoria y a los tres meses de cirugía. Se realizó tratamiento estadístico (test de Fisher, Wilcoxon, Friedman, «t» de Student y χ2 Pearson) y análisis de regresión logística multivariante mediante método de eliminación por pasos. Resultados: Postoperatoriamente disminuyó la IUE (p=0,000) y el síndrome de hiperactividad vesical (p=0,001). Los porcentajes de éxito (ausencia urodinámica de IUE) para cada técnica fueron: TVT-Safyre (75%), TOT (73%), TVT (60%) y REEMEX (57%), sin diferencias significativas. La edad (punto de corte ROC 61 años) fue factor pronóstico de éxito (p=0,024). El flujo máximo (Qmáx) preoperatorio (16ml/s) constituyó el único parámetro urodinámico con valor predictivo (p=0,026) para éxito. Un cuello vesical abierto fue factor de riesgo para la persistencia de IUE postoperatoria (RR=2,78). Se comprobó disminución significativa de Qmáx postquirúrgico (p=0,017), sin aumento del residuo posmiccional ni de Wmáx. También se observó aumento de resistencia uretral (URA) poscirugía (p=0,004). Conclusiones: El Qmáx preoperatorio es el parámetro urodinámico pronóstico más importante en la cirugía de la IUE femenina, asociándose su normalidad a una mayor posibilidad de cura de la incontinencia. En los casos de flujo preoperatorio disminuido se desaconsejan los cabestrillos que más incrementan la resistencia uretral (REEMEX). La hiperactividad del detrusor preoperatoria no modifica significativamente los resultados de la cirugía de la IUE (AU)

Objectives: Treatment of feminine stress urinary incontinence (SUI) with slings aims to supplement the function of the damaged ligaments, favoring the correct transmission of the tensions. Our objective is to determine which preoperative variables could predict the outcome of surgical treatment of SUI and to study the urodynamic changes produced by the surgery. Material and methods: 139 women (age =61.7; σ=10.88) operated on due to SUI were studied retrospectively. In 118 cases (84.8%), sling techniques (TVT, TOT, TVT-Safyre, REEMEX) were used. Clinical evaluation and complete preoperative video -urodynamics were made pre-operatively and at 3 months of surgery. A statistical study (Fisher's test, Wilcoxon, Friedman, Student's T and Pearson's χ2) and analysis of multivariant logistic regression analysis by step elimination method were performed. Results: Post-operatively, the SUI (p=0.000) and bladder hyperactivity syndrome decreased. The success percentages (urodynamic absence of SUI) for each technique were: TVT-Safyre (75%), TOT (73%), TVT (60%) and REEMEX (57%), without significant differences. Age (ROC cut-off: 61 years) was a prognostic factor of success (p=0.024). Preoperative maximum flow (Qmax) (16ml/s) constituted the only urodynamic parameter with a predictive value for success (p=0.026). An open bladder neck was a risk factor for persistence of postoperative SUI (RR=2.78). A significant decrease of the postsurgical Qmax (p=0.017) was verified, without increase of the post micturation residue or of the Wmax. An increase of the postsurgical urethral resistance (UR) was also observed (p=0.004). Conclusions: The pre-operative Qmax is the most important urodynamic prognostic parameter in feminine SUI surgery, its normality being associated to a greater probability of cure of the incontinence. In the cases of decreased preoperative flow, use of slings that increase urethral resistance more (REEMEX) is not recommended. Hyperactivity of the preoperative detrusor does not significantly modify the results of surgery of the SUI (AU)

[Urodynamic aspects of feminine urinary incontinence treated with slings]. / Aspectos urodinámicos de la incontinencia urinaria femenina tratada con cabestrillos.

OBJECTIVES: Treatment of feminine stress urinary incontinence (SUI) with slings aims to supplement the function of the damaged ligaments, favoring the correct transmission of the tensions. Our objective is to determine which preoperative variables could predict the outcome of surgical treatment of SUI and to study the urodynamic changes produced by the surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 139 women (age X =61.7; σ=10.88) operated on due to SUI were studied retrospectively. In 118 cases (84.8%), sling techniques (TVT, TOT, TVT-Safyre, REEMEX) were used. Clinical evaluation and complete preoperative video -urodynamics were made pre-operatively and at 3 months of surgery. A statistical study (Fisher's test, Wilcoxon, Friedman, Student's T and Pearson's χ(2)) and analysis of multivariant logistic regression analysis by step elimination method were performed. RESULTS: Post-operatively, the SUI (p=0.000) and bladder hyperactivity syndrome decreased. The success percentages (urodynamic absence of SUI) for each technique were: TVT-Safyre (75%), TOT (73%), TVT (60%) and REEMEX (57%), without significant differences. Age (ROC cut-off: 61 years) was a prognostic factor of success (p=0.024). Preoperative maximum flow (Qmax) (16 ml/s) constituted the only urodynamic parameter with a predictive value for success (p=0.026). An open bladder neck was a risk factor for persistence of postoperative SUI (RR=2.78). A significant decrease of the postsurgical Qmax (p=0.017) was verified, without increase of the post micturation residue or of the Wmax. An increase of the postsurgical urethral resistance (UR) was also observed (p=0.004). CONCLUSIONS: The pre-operative Qmax is the most important urodynamic prognostic parameter in feminine SUI surgery, its normality being associated to a greater probability of cure of the incontinence. In the cases of decreased preoperative flow, use of slings that increase urethral resistance more (REEMEX) is not recommended. Hyperactivity of the preoperative detrusor does not significantly modify the results of surgery of the SUI.

Immunomagnetic quantification of circulating tumoral cells in patients with prostate cancer: clinical and pathological correlation.

OBJECTIVES: To detect and enumerate circulating prostatic tumor cells (CTC) in the peripheral blood of patients with prostate cancer (PC) and study the relationship between CTCs and clinical-pathological parameters. METHODS: Prospective three-arm study: 26 patients (p) with localised PC (LPC); 24 P with metastatic PC (MPC) and 30 healthy volunteer controls. A single 7.5 ml sample of peripheral blood was retrieved; CTCs were isolated using an immunomagnetic method based on the CellSearch system (Veridex). CTCs were identified as nucleated cells negative for CD45 (leukocytes) and positive for cytokeratins. (8, 18 y 19) The relationship between CTC numbers and PSA levels, Gleason score and TNM classification was studied. RESULTS: Only 10% of the healthy controls had 1 CTC/7.5 mL, none of the patients with localised PC had more than 3 CTCs (88% < or = 2 CTCs), and patients with MPC had significantly higher CTC levels [m: 29 (1-178)] compared with the other two groups (P: 0.000). A positive correlation was demonstrated between the CTC count and PSA levels, tumor size, and presence or absence of enlarged lymph nodes. Gleason score was the only parameter that did not show any correlation with CTC levels, and although the number of CTCs was higher in patients with visceral metastases [m: 297 (0-416)] compared with bone metastases patients [m: 68 (9.5-168)] , these differences were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: Immunomagnetic analysis permits CTCs to be enumerated in peripheral blood and could be a possible way to correctly stage and make a reasonable prognosis of metastatic disease.

Cuantificación inmunogenética de células tumorales circulantes en pacientes con cáncer de próstata: correlación clínica y patológica / Immunomagnetic quantification of circulating tumoral cells in patients with prostate cáncer: clinical and pathological correlation

OBJETIVOS: Detección y cuantificación de células tumorales prostáticas circulantes (CTC) en sangre periférica de pacientes con cáncer de próstata (CP) y estudiar la relación de las CTCs con los parámetrosclínico-patológicos.MÉTODOS: Estudio prospectivo con tres brazos: 26 pacientes (p) con CP localizado (CPL); 24p con CP metastático(CPM) y 30 controles voluntarios sanos. Se extrajouna única muestra de 7,5 mL de sangre periférica y se aislaron las CTC según un método inmunomagnéticobasado en el sistema CellSearch (Veridex). Las CTCs fueron identificadas como células nucleadas negativas para el CD45 (leucocitos) y positivas para las citoqueratinas(8, 18 y 19). Se estudiaron las relaciones del número de CTCs con los niveles de PSA, Gleason y clasificación TNM.RESULTADOS: Sólo el 10% de controles sanos tenían 1 CTC/7,5 mL, ninguno de los pacientes con CP localizadotuvo más de 3 CTC (88% ≤ 2 CTC) y aquellos con CPM presentaban niveles de CTCs significativamente más altos [m: 29 (1-178)] comparados con los otros dos grupos (P: 0.000). Se demostró una correlación positiva entre el número de CTC y cifras de PSA, con el tamaño del tumor y con la presencia o no de adenopatías.El grado Gleason fue el único parámetro que no mostró correlación con los niveles de CTC y aunque el número de CTC fue mayor en aquellos con metástasis viscerales [m: 297 (0-416)] comparado con los que tenían metástasis óseas [m: 68 (9,5-168)] estas diferenciasno fueron significativas.CONCLUSIONES: El análisis inmunomagnético nos permite cuantificar las CTC en sangre periférica y podríapresentar una posibilidad para lograr una estadificacióncorrecta y estimar un pronóstico adecuado de la enfermedad metastática(AU)

OBJECTIVES: To detect and enumerate circulating prostatic tumor cells (CTC) in the peripheral blood of patients with prostate cancer (PC) and study the relationship between CTCs and clinical-pathological parameters. METHODS: Prospective three-arm study: 26 patients (p) with localised PC (LPC); 24 P with metastatic PC (MPC) and 30 healthy volunteer controls. A single 7.5 ml sample of peripheral blood was retrieved; CTCs were isolated using an immunomagnetic method based on the CellSearch system (Veridex). CTCs were identified as nucleated cells negative for CD45 (leukocytes) and positive for cytokeratins. (8, 18 y 19) The relationship between CTC numbers and PSA levels, Gleason score and TNM classification was studied.RESULTS: Only 10% of the healthy controls had 1 CTC/7.5 mL, none of the patients with localised PC had more than 3 CTCs (88% ≤ 2 CTCs), and patients with MPC had significantly higher CTC levels [m: 29 (1-178)] compared with the other two groups (P: 0.000). A positive correlation was demonstrated between the CTC count and PSA levels, tumor size, and presen-ce or absence of enlarged lymph nodes. Gleason score was the only parameter that did not show any correlation with CTC levels, and although the number of CTCs was higher in patients with visceral metasta-ses [m: 297 (0-416)] compared with bone metastases patients [m: 68 (9.5-168)], these differences were not significant(AU)

[Complications of endovesical treatment with BCG in a series of 200 patients]. / Complicaciones del tratamiento endovesical con BCG en una serie de doscientos pacientes.

OBJECTIVE: To describe and quantify the side effects of intravesical BCG therapy (Connaught strain) in different therapeutic protocols. METHODS: 200 patients were studied; 126 treated according to the standard protocol of our hospital (modality 1 and modality 2: twelve and nine 81 mg instillations, respectively) and 74 patients in the CUETO protocols (90008, 93009, 95011, 95012). Classification of BCG toxicity was based on the criteria utilized by Lamm which divides it into side effects and complications. We have distinguished side effects further as local irritative symptoms (LIS) and cystitis. RESULTS: The most common side effects were LIS (80%) and cystitis (21.5%). The incidence of cystitis (44.4%) and general malaise (44.4%) was higher for modality 1 than for modality 2 (24.1% and 20.3%, respectively). The CUETO 93009 protocol (mitomycin + BCG) showed the highest incidence of side effects (LIS 100%, cystitis 57.1% and fever < 39 degrees C 71.4%). The most frequent complication was fever > 39 degrees C (4%), followed by hepatitis (3%). The rate of bladder retraction was notably high (1.5%), requiring cystectomy with neobladder substitution in two cases. The overall complication rate for modality 1 (16.6%) was reduced when modality 2 was utilized (8.3%). In the CUETO 90008 protocol, dose reduction did not reduce the complication rate (81 mg: 7.1%; 21 mg: 19.2%). BCG therapy was discontinued in 14%. CONCLUSIONS: Toxicity due to intravesical BCG therapy did not decrease when the dose was reduced, but diminished in number and intensity when the number of consecutive instillations was reduced.

[Reiter syndrome: atypical complication of treatment with BCG]. / Síndrome de Reiter: una complicación atípica del tratamiento con BCG.

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of Reiter's syndrome, an uncommon complication after intravesical BCG therapy. The etiology, clinical features, diagnostic difficulties and treatment of this condition are discussed. METHODS/RESULTS: A 56-year-old patient with superficial bladder carcinoma developed conjunctivitis, urethritis and arthritis of the right knee and wrist after the fourth BCG instillation. Other pathologies were ruled out by the clinical and laboratory findings (synovial fluid, cultures, HLA B-27, RF, ANA). A progressive clinical improvement was observed when BCG instillation was discontinued and treatment with indomethacin was started. CONCLUSION: Reiter's syndrome is an infrequent complication that is not related with the BCG strain utilized. Early diagnosis of this condition improves response to therapy.