Minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy guided by ultrasonography to treat upper urinary tract calculi complicated with severe spinal deformity

ABSTRACT Objective: To report our experience of minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy(MPCNL) in managing upper urinary tract calculi complicated with severe spinal deformity. Materials and Methods: Between August 2001 to December 2012, 16 upper urinary calculi in 13 patients with severe spinal deformity were treated by MPCNL. Preoperative investigation of the respiratory function, evaluation of anatomy by intravenous urography (IVU) and CT scan, and preoperative kidney ultrasonagraphy with simulation of the percutaneous puncture were performed in all patients. The percutaneous puncture was guided by ultrasonography. Results: A total of 19 MPCNL procedures were performed in 16 kidneys, with an average 1.2 procedures in each kidney. Three kidneys needed two sessions of MPCNL, and 2 kidneys needed combined treatment with retrograde flexible ureterscopic lithotripsy. All procedures were successfully completed with no major complications during or after surgery. The mean (range) operative duration was 67 (20-150) min and the mean postoperative haemoglobin drop was 1.0 (0.2-3.1) g/dL. Complete stone-free status was achieved in 14 kidneys. At a mean follow-up of 48(3-86) months, recurrence of small lower calyx stone was detected in one patient. Recurrent UTI was documented by urine culture in two patients and managed with sensitive antibiotics. Conclusion: PCNL for patients with severe spinal deformities is challenging. Ultrasonography-assisted puncture can allow safe and successfully establishment of PCN tract through a narrow safety margin of puncture and avoid the injury to the adjacent organs. However, the operation should be performed in tertiary centers with significant expertise in managing complex urolithiasis.

Minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy guided by ultrasonography to treat upper urinary tract calculi complicated with severe spinal deformity.

OBJECTIVE: To report our experience of minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy(MPCNL) in managing upper urinary tract calculi complicated with severe spinal deformity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between August 2001 to December 2012, 16 upper urinary calculi in 13 patients with severe spinal deformity were treated by MPCNL. Preoperative investigation of the respiratory function, evaluation of anatomy by intravenous uro¬graphy (IVU) and CT scan, and preoperative kidney ultrasonagraphy with simulation of the percutaneous puncture were performed in all patients. The percutaneous puncture was guided by ultrasonography. RESULTS: A total of 19 MPCNL procedures were performed in 16 kidneys, with an ave¬rage 1.2 procedures in each kidney. Three kidneys needed two sessions of MPCNL, and 2 kidneys needed combined treatment with retrograde flexible ureterscopic lithotripsy. All procedures were successfully completed with no major complications during or after surgery. The mean (range) operative duration was 67 (20-150) min and the mean postoperative haemoglobin drop was 1.0 (0.2-3.1) g/dL. Complete stone-free status was achieved in 14 kidneys. At a mean follow-up of 48(3-86) months, recurrence of small lower calyx stone was detected in one patient. Recurrent UTI was documented by urine culture in two patients and managed with sensitive antibiotics. CONCLUSION: PCNL for patients with severe spinal deformities is challenging. Ultra¬sonography-assisted puncture can allow safe and successfully establishment of PCN tract through a narrow safety margin of puncture and avoid the injury to the adjacent organs. However, the operation should be performed in tertiary centers with significant expertise in managing complex urolithiasis.

A case-control study on the risk factors of urinary calculus in Uyghur children in the Kashi region.

The incidence of urinary calculus (UC) is very high in Uyghur children in the Kashi region of Xinjiang, China, which seriously affects the growth and life quality of these children. This study was aimed at investigating the risk factors of UC in Uyghur children in Kashi region. One hundred fifteen Uyghur children (age <7 years) with UC who were treated in First People's Hospital in Kashi were enrolled in the case group. A 1:1 case-control study with a questionnaire was performed. The results showed that, among the 115 UC patients, there were more boys (71.3%) than girls (28.7%), and most cases had an onset age of 1-3 years (75.7%). A lower than primary school education in the mother, drinking unboiled water, water intake <500 mL/day, and eating too much sweets were risk factors [odds ratio (OR) = 2.385, 9.160, 3.263, and 8.945, respectively], whereas vegetable intake and exposure to summer sunshine of <2 h/day were protective factors against UC onset (OR = 0.154 and 0.344, respectively). Analysis of UC-related factors in 99 cases of <3-year-old children revealed that breastfeeding was also a protective factor (OR = 0.007), whereas frequent cow's milk intake within 5 months (OR = 2.414) and frequent "panada" intake (OR = 2.529) were risk factors. The occurrence of UC in Uyghur children in the Kashi region is mainly affected by maternal educational background, quality of drinking water, water intake volume, and dietary pattern. Furthermore, geography may also have a role.

Results of urinary dissolution therapy for radiolucent calculi.

PURPOSE: In this paper we present our experience with dissolution therapy of radiolucent calculi. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of patients who were offered urinary dissolution therapy between January 2010 and June 2011. Patients were treated with tablets containing potassium citrate and magnesium oxide. Partial dissolution was defined as at least a 50% reduction in stone size. Patients with complete or partial dissolution were classified in the successful dissolution group. Patients with no change, inadequate reduction, increase in stone size and those unable to tolerate alkali therapy were classified as failures. Patient sex, stenting before alkalinization, stone size, urine pH at presentation and serum uric acid levels were analyzed using Fisher t-test for an association with successful dissolution. RESULTS: Out of 67, 48 patients reported for follow up. 10 (15%) had complete dissolution and 13 (19%) had partial dissolution. Alkalinization was unsuccessful in achieving dissolution in 25 (37%). Stenting before alkalinization, patient weight (< 60 vs. > 75kg) and serum uric acid levels (≤ 6 vs. > 6) were the only factors to significantly affected dissolution rates (p = 0.039, p 0.035, p 0.01 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: A policy of offering dissolution therapy to patients with radiolucent calculi had a successful outcome in 34% of patients.

Results of urinary dissolution therapy for radiolucent calculi

Purpose In this paper we present our experience with dissolution therapy of radiolucent calculi. Materials and Methods This was a retrospective analysis of patients who were offered urinary dissolution therapy between January 2010 and June 2011. Patients were treated with tablets containing potassium citrate and magnesium oxide. Partial dissolution was defined as at least a 50% reduction in stone size. Patients with complete or partial dissolution were classified in the successful dissolution group. Patients with no change, inadequate reduction, increase in stone size and those unable to tolerate alkali therapy were classified as failures. Patient sex, stenting before alkalinization, stone size, urine pH at presentation and serum uric acid levels were analyzed using Fisher t-test for an association with successful dissolution. Results Out of 67, 48 patients reported for follow up. 10 (15%) had complete dissolution and 13 (19%) had partial dissolution. Alkalinization was unsuccessful in achieving dissolution in 25 (37%). Stenting before alkalinization, patient weight (< 60 vs. > 75kg) and serum uric acid levels (≤ 6 vs. > 6) were the only factors to significantly affected dissolution rates (p = 0.039, p 0.035, p 0.01 respectively). CONCLUSIONS A policy of offering dissolution therapy to patients with radiolucent calculi had a successful outcome in 34% of patients. .

The lithotripsy table height: a novel predictor of outcome in shockwave lithotripsy.

BACKGROUND: Outcome of Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy (SWL) is determined by physical factors that affect stone fragmentation and clearance. PURPOSE: To evaluate the predictive value of the Lithotripsy Table Height (LTH) in SWL outcome. Lithotripsy Table Height (LTH) is a variable that represents skin to therapy head distance, and it is proportional to the energy that reaches the stone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study enrolled patients undergoing SWL for radiopaque urinary stones. All procedures were performed using a Modulith SLX (Karl Storz, Germany) Lithotripter. Patient weight, height and age; stone location and size; number of shock waves delivered, and LTH were recorded. One month post-procedure a KUB was obtained. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the effects of these variables on stone-free outcome. A ROC curve was plotted. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients were enrolled. After one month follow-up, overall success rate (Stone Free) was 83.9% (n = 47). LTH was the only independent predictor of outcome in both univariate and multivariate analysis (p = 0.029). Stone size (p = 0.45) and BMI (p = 0.32) were not significant. In the ROC curve, LTH showed an Area under the Curve = 0.791. Patients with LTH < 218 (n = 8) had relative risk of residual stones = 7.5, odds Ratio: 6.6 (Stone free rate 37.5% vs. 91.5%). CONCLUSION: LTH appears to be an independent predictor of SWL outcome. High success rates can be expected if LTH > 218. Patients with lower LTH had a less effective therapy, therefore, worse stone fragmentation and clearance. These findings may help improve patient selection for SWL therapy.

The lithotripsy table height: a novel predictor of outcome in shockwave lithotripsy

BACKGROUND: Outcome of Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy (SWL) is determined by physical factors that affect stone fragmentation and clearance. PURPOSE: To evaluate the predictive value of the Lithotripsy Table Height (LTH) in SWL outcome. Lithotripsy Table Height (LTH) is a variable that represents skin to therapy head distance, and it is proportional to the energy that reaches the stone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study enrolled patients undergoing SWL for radiopaque urinary stones. All procedures were performed using a Modulith SLX (Karl Storz, Germany) Lithotripter. Patient weight, height and age; stone location and size; number of shock waves delivered, and LTH were recorded. One month post-procedure a KUB was obtained. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the effects of these variables on stone-free outcome. A ROC curve was plotted. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients were enrolled. After one month follow-up, overall success rate (Stone Free) was 83.9 percent (n = 47). LTH was the only independent predictor of outcome in both univariate and multivariate analysis (p = 0.029). Stone size (p = 0.45) and BMI (p = 0.32) were not significant. In the ROC curve, LTH showed an Area under the Curve = 0.791. Patients with LTH < 218 (n = 8) had relative risk of residual stones = 7.5, odds Ratio: 6.6 (Stone free rate 37.5 percent vs. 91.5 percent). CONCLUSION: LTH appears to be an independent predictor of SWL outcome. High success rates can be expected if LTH > 218. Patients with lower LTH had a less effective therapy, therefore, worse stone fragmentation and clearance. These findings may help improve patient selection for SWL therapy.

Chemical composition of urinary tract stones at the University Hospital of the West Indies / Composición química de las piedras del tracto urinario en el Hospital Universitario de West Indies

Urinary tract stones occur frequently with the incidence being about one to fifteen per cent worldwide. Patients may be asymptomatic or sometimes they may present with haematuria. Severe lumbar pain radiating to the loin requiring immediate analgesic treatment may occur. Stones generally consist of organic and inorganic material. The organic material may be present in the nidus and can contribute up to about 2.5% of the total weight. Inorganic minerals make up the bulk of the stone. Data are presented for the inorganic minerals present in the stones seen at the University Hospital of the West Indies over a 25-year period. Six hundred and forty-one (445 males and 196 females) stones were analyzed by routine chemical methods. Calcium was the main constituent, being seen in 93.9% of the stones. This was followed by oxalate 60.1%, urate 37.0%, bicarbonate 16.5% and magnesium 8.6%. There were four cystine containing stones. Treatment includes medical management for the underlying cause and surgical methods for the removal of the stones. Chemical methods of analysis of the stones has its limitations and should be replaced by more sophisticated methods eg X-ray diffraction crystallography which would give more accurate details of the structure of the stones.

Las piedras del tracto urinario se presentan frecuentemente con una incidencia de aproximadamente uno a quince por ciento a nivel mundial. Los pacientes pueden ser asintomáticos o presentarse con hematuria. Puede producirse dolor lumbar severo que se irradia a toda la región lumbar y que requiere tratamiento analgésico inmediato. Las piedras generalmente están formadas por material orgánico e inorgánico. El material orgánico puede estar presente en el nido y puede contribuir hasta aproximadamente 2.5% del peso total. Los minerales inorgánicos constituyen la mayor parte de las piedras. Se presentan datos de los minerales inorgánicos presentes en las piedras vistas en el Hospital Universitario de West Indies en un periodo de 25 años. Seiscientos cuarenta y una (445 varones y 196 hembras) piedras fueron analizadas mediante métodos químicos de rutina. El calcio fue el constituyente principal, observándosele en el 93.9% de las piedras. El mismo fue seguido por el oxalato (60.1%), el urato (37.0%), el bicarbonato (16.5%) y el magnesio (8.6%). Había cuatro cistinas que contenían piedras. El tratamiento incluye el manejo médico de la causa subyacente y los métodos quirúrgicos para la eliminación de las piedras. Los métodos químicos de análisis de las piedras tienen sus limitaciones y deben reemplazarse por métodos más sofisticados, tales como la cristalografía por difracción de rayos X. que daría detalles más exactos de la estructura de las piedras.

Chemical composition of urinary tract stones at the University Hospital of the West Indies.

Urinary tract stones occur frequently with the incidence being about one to fifteen per cent worldwide. Patients may be asymptomatic or sometimes they may present with haematuria. Severe lumbar pain radiating to the loin requiring immediate analgesic treatment may occur Stones generally consist of organic and inorganic material. The organic material may be present in the nidus and can contribute up to about 2.5% of the total weight. Inorganic minerals make up the bulk of the stone. Data are presented for the inorganic minerals present in the stones seen at the University Hospital of the West Indies over a 25-year period. Six hundred and forty-one (445 males and 196females) stones were analyzed by routine chemical methods. Calcium was the main constituent, being seen in 93.9% of the stones. This was followed by oxalate 60.1%, urate 37.0%, bicarbonate 16.5% and magnesium 8.6%. There were four cystine containing stones. Treatment includes medical management for the underlying cause and surgical methods for the removal of the stones. Chemical methods of analysis of the stones has its limitations and should be replaced by more sophisticated methods eg X-ray diffraction crystallography which would give more accurate details of the structure of the stones.

Characterization of glycosaminoglycans in tubular epithelial cells: calcium oxalate and oxalate ions effects.

BACKGROUND: The interaction between tubular epithelial cells and calcium oxalate crystals or oxalate ions is a very precarious event in the lithogenesis. Urine contains ions, glycoproteins and glycosaminoglycans that inhibit the crystallization process and may protect the kidney against lithogenesis. We examined the effect of oxalate ions and calcium oxalate crystals upon the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans in distal [Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK)] and proximal (LLC-PK1) tubular cell lines. METHODS: Glycosaminoglycan synthesis was analyzed by metabolic labeling with (35)S-sulfate and enzymatic digestion with specific mucopolysaccharidases. Cell death was assessed by fluorescent dyes and crystal endocytosis was analised by flow cytometry. RESULTS: The main glycosaminoglycans synthesized by both cells were chondroitin sulfate and heparan sulfate most of them secreted to the culture medium or present at cellular surface. Exposition of MDCK cells to oxalate ions increased apoptosis rate and the incorporation of (35)S-sulfate in chondroitin sulfate and heparan sulfate, while calcium oxalate crystals were endocyted by LLC-PK1, induced necrotic cell death, and increased (35)S-sulfate incorporation in glycosaminoglycans. These effects seem to be specific and due to increased biosynthesis, since hydroxyapatite and other carboxylic acid did not induced cellular death or glycosaminoglycan synthesis and no changes in sulfation degree or molecular weight of glycosaminoglycans could be detected. Thapsigargin inhibited the glycosaminoglycan synthesis induced by calcium oxalate in LLC-PK1, suggesting that this effect was sensitive to the increase in cytosolic calcium. CONCLUSION: Tubular cells may increase the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans to protect from the toxic insult of calcium oxalate crystals and oxalate ions, what could partially limit the lithogenesis.

Influencia del tiempo de espera en los resultados de una litotricia extracorpórea para el tratamiento de litiasis urinaria / Influency of the waiting time in extracorpore lithotripsy (ECSWL) for the urinary lithiasis treatment

El objetivo de este trabajo es determinar si en nuestro medio el tiempo de espera influye en los resultados de la LEC. Material y Método: Se revisaron los registros del pabellón de litotricia y las fichas de pacientes sometidos a LEC por urolitiasis entre agosto de 2002 y abril de 2004. Se determinó el ®tiempo de espera¼, que fue definido como el tiempo transcurrido desde la realización de una pielografía de eliminación, hasta la fecha del procedimiento. Se estableció como éxito, la ausencia de cálculos en una radiografía simple renal y vesical a los 3 meses de la LEC. Se incluyó en el análisis final a los pacientes que contaban con la información necesaria para el estudio. Se analizó la relación entre el tiempo de espera y el éxito de una sola LEC, se consideró además tamaño y ubicación del cálculo al evaluar los resultados. Resultados: En el período estudiado se trataron 195 pacientes de los cuales 122 fueron incluidos en el estudio. Del total de pacientes estudiados, 60 por ciento tenía litiasis renal y 40 por ciento ureteral. El porcentaje de éxito global del procedimiento fue de 60 por ciento, con un 65 por ciento de éxito para cálculos menores de 10 mm y 49 por ciento para cálculos entre 11 y 20 mm. El tiempo de espera fue desde 7 días hasta los 2 años, con un promedio de espera de 4 meses. En los cálculos renales el porcentaje de éxito fue 56 por ciento, con un tiempo promedio de espera de 4,5 meses, al igual que en grupo sin éxito. Para los cálculos ureterales, el porcentaje de éxito fue de 63 por ciento, con un tiempo de espera promedio de 4,1 meses, mientras que el fracaso del procedimiento el tiempo de espera fue de 3,8 meses. No se encontró relación estadísticamente significativa entre tiempo de espera y éxito de la LEC. Conclusión: La litotricia es un procedimiento terapéutico con probada efectividad para el tratamiento de litiasis urinaria en pacientes seleccionados. En nuestro medio los pacientes se ven enfrentados a tiempos de espera variables, sin embargo, la eficacia del procedimiento no tiene relación con el tiempo de espera, por lo tanto no debiera ser un factor a considerar cuando se le ofrece el procedimiento a un paciente.

Avaliação dos métodos de imagem no diagnóstico da urolitíase: revisão da literatura / Evaluation of imaging methods in the diagnosis of urolithiasis: review of the literature

O objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar a tomografia computadorizada helicoidal com os métodos imaginológicos atualmente disponíveis para a abordagem dos pacientes com dor lombar aguda e revisar brevemente as características fisiopatológicas da urolitíase e a evolução da sua abordagem diagnóstica. Foi revista a literatura publicada nos últimos 30 anos, comparando os seguintes métodos: radiografia simples de abdome, urografia excretora, ultra-sonografia e tomografia computadorizada helicoidal. Esta última se mostrou método de alta sensibilidade e especificidade para o diagnóstico de urolitíase, sendo que, virtualmente, todos os cálculos são identificados por este método, exceto em pacientes em uso de indinavir. A radiografia simples de abdome associada à ultra-sonografia têm acurácia semelhante à tomografia computadorizada helicoidal, contudo, esta foi superior como método de avaliação isolado. A literatura sugere que a tomografia computadorizada helicoidal é útil na avaliação de pacientes com dor lombar aguda quando disponível, possibilitando também o diagnóstico diferencial entre as várias doenças que simulam os sintomas de urolitíase.

The aim of this study is to compare helical computed tomography with imaging studies currently used to evaluate patients with acute low back pain. In addition, we briefly review the pathophysiology of urolithiasis. The literature published in the last 30 years was reviewed, and the following methods were discussed: plain abdominal radiographs, intravenous pielography, ultrasound of the urinary tract, and helical computed tomography. Helical computed tomography showed high sensitivity and specificity for detecting urolithiasis, virtually showing all stones, except in patients receiving indinavir. The accuracy of plain abdominal radiographs associated with ultrasound was similar to helical computed tomography, although the latter showed superiority as an isolated method. Data from literature suggest that whenever helical computed tomography is available, it is helpful in the evaluation of low back pain and also allows differential diagnosis between conditions that mimic the symptoms of urolithiasis.

Low-molecular-weight dextran sulfate prevents experimental urolithiasis in rats.

BACKGROUND: Low-molecular-weight dextran sulfate was tested on an experimental model of urolithiasis induced in rats. METHODS: Male Wistar rats weighing 250 g had a 15-mg calcium oxalate stone surgically placed into the bladder. A group was sham operated, another group was treated by daily intraperitoneal injection of low-molecular-weight dextran sulfate and the other by daily intraperitoneal saline injection. RESULTS: This treatment prevents the growth of exogenous calcium oxalate stone introduced into the bladder and also avoided the formation of secondary stones in the animals. In addition, low-molecular-weight dextran sulfate prevented the aggregation of other ions, such as ammonium, phosphate and magnesium to the calcium oxalate stone placed in the bladder. These effects of the low-molecular-weight dextran sulfate are associated with the presence of the sulfated polysaccharide in the urine. However, the polysaccharide did not adhere to the bladder stone. Possibly, dextran sulfate forms soluble complex with calcium ions dissolved in the urine and therefore prevented calcium salt crystallization. CONCLUSION: Dextran sulfate, 8000 Da, led to a decrease in calculi glycosaminoglycans in animals treated with dextran, and there was an inhibition in bladder-implanted stones growth.

Absceso perinefrítico, revisión de casos. Servicio de Urología HEALF 1992- 2003 / Abscess perinefrítico, revision of cases. Service of Urología HEALF 1992 - 2003

,l presente estudio es una revisión de 34 casos de pacientes con abscesos perinefríticos, manejados por el servicio de urología del Hospital Escuela Antonio Lenin Fonseca, entre enero de 1992 y diciembre del 2003. Los resultados del estudio se discuten con relación a los hallazgos de revisiones de casos expuestos en la literatura internacional. El objetivo general del estudio es: Describir las características generales de:Epidemiología, cuadro clínico, agentes etiológicos, diagnostico, tratamiento y evolución de los pacientes con absceso perinefrítico, manejados por el servicio de urología del Hospital Escuela Antonio Lenin Fonseca entre 1992 y el 2003. La edad promedio de los pacientes estudiados fue de 45.9 años, oscilando entre 28 y 73 años. La relación entre hombres y mujeres es de 1:1.2. difiriendo significativamente de la mayoría de los reportes que es de 3:1. (7, 9,11 y 13) La litiasis urinaria y la diabetes mielitus figuran como los principales factores que favorecen la aparición del absceso perinefrítico con 72 porciento, asociadas a obstrucción urinaria que representó el 62.5 porciento de los pacientes. Los signos y síntomas, fueron de tipo general e inespecíficos, dificultando él diagnostico clínico y retrasando el tratamiento. El diagnostico bacteriológico del absceso perinefrítico es infrecuente, al 43.7 porciento de los pacientes no se les practico ningún tipo de estudios bacteriológicos. Las bacterias aisladas tanto de urocultivos, como de cultivos del pus fueron: Klepsiela, E. Coli y Proteus

Litiasis urinaria en pediatría / Paediatric urolithiasis

Existe escasa información sobre litiasis urinaria pediátrica en Chile. Objetivo: Conocer las características epidemiológicas, clínicas y de la boratorio de esta patología. Pacientes y Métodos: Se diseñó un estudio prospectivo que incluyó ingresos hospitalarios y consultas externas por litiasis en el Hospital de la Pontificia Universidad Católica. Se elaboró una ficha que consignó identificación, antecedentes familiares, caracterización clínica, laboratorio y tratamiento. Resultados: Entre enero de 1997 y diciembre del 2000, 52 niños ingresaron al protocolo, (26 mujeres), con edad promedio de 8 años (rango 2 meses a 16 años 5 meses). El 50 por ciento tenía antecedentes familiares de urolitiasis. Los síntomas y signos al momento de la consulta fueron: dolor abdominal en 23 (44 por ciento), hematuria en 21 (40 por ciento), fiebre en 13 (25 por ciento), eliminación de cálculo en 11 (21 por ciento), vómito en 11 (21 por ciento), e infección urinaria en 9 (17 por ciento). En 9 (17 por ciento) fue un hallazgo. Se hospitalizaron 26 niños, correspondiendo a 1,6 niños con litiasis por cada 1000 ingresos en dicho período. En el estudio, 12 (23 por ciento) pacientes, tenían malformaciones urinarias, siendo las más frecuentes: doble sistema pielocalicilar (4), estenosis pielouretral (2) y reflujo vesicouretral (2). Catorce (37 pot ciento) pacientes presentaban alteraciones metabólicas al estudio, de los cuales 11 (79 por ciento) resultaron ser hipercalciuria idiopática. En cuatro (8 por ciento) la litiasis ocurrió durante períodos de inmovilización prolongada. Trece pacientes (25 por ciento) tuvieron estudio bioquímico del cálculo: todos incluían oxalato de calcio puro o en su forma mixta. Diez (20 por ciento) pacientes requirieron tratamiento urológico. Conclusiones: Los síntomas de consulta más frecuente fueron dolor abdominal, hematuria y fiebre. La mitad tenían antecedentes familiares de litiasis urinaria. El 23 por ciento tenían malformaciones urinarias y el 37 por ciento presentaban alteraciones metabólicas. El estudio bioquímico del cálculo indicó en todos la presencia de oxalato de calcio puro o mixto.

Revisäo: Recentes avanços em litíase urinária / Recent advances in urolithiasis

A presente pesquisa é uma revisäo näo sistemática do estudo atual da patogênese da urolitíase, nos últimos cinco anos, sobre os fatores mais importantes envolvidos na litogênese, com ênfase nos cálculos de oxalato de cálcio e os ditúrbios clínico-metabólicos associados à urolitíase. Vários fatores tem sido identificados na patogênese da urolitíase. Estudos recentes sugerem que os cristais de oxalato de cálcio monoidratados se ligam à superfície apical da célula epitelial renal, podendo ser internalizados. A adeséo dos cristais à célula renal epitelial é inibida por ânions específicos, como glicosaminoglicanos, uropontina, nefrocalcina e citrato, que se ligam à superfície do cristal. Estudos sobre a identificaçäo de moléculas no líquido tubular e na superfície celular, que modulam a interaçäo cristal-célula, assim como seu mecanismo de açäo, säo fundamentais para uma melhor compreensäo da patogênese da urolitíase. (au)

Evaluation of the antiurolithiatic activity of the extract of Costus spiralis Roscoe in rats.

The antiurolithiatic activity of the water extract of Costus spiralis Roscoe was tested on formation of calculi on implants of calcium oxalate crystals or zinc disc in the urinary bladder of rats. The plant is a species from the family Zingiberaceae used in Brazilian folk medicine in urinary affections and for expelling urinary stones. Implantation of the foreign body in the urinary bladder of adult rats induced formation of urinary stones and hypertrophy of the smooth musculature. Oral treatment with the extract of Costus spiralis Roscoe (0.25 and 0.5 g/kg per day) after 4 weeks surgery reduced the growth of calculi, but it did not prevent hypertrophy of the organ smooth musculature. The contractile responses of isolated urinary bladder preparations to the muscarinic agonist bethanecol, in the presence and absence of the extract (0.3-3 mg/ml) or atropine (0.3-3 nM) did not differ among the experimental groups. The results indicate that the extract of Costus spiralis Roscoe is endowed with antiurolithiatic activity confirming thus folk information. The effect, however, was unrelated to increased diuresis or to a change of the muscarinic receptor affinity of the bladder smooth musculature to cholinergic ligands.

Phyllanthus niruri inhibits calcium oxalate endocytosis by renal tubular cells: its role in urolithiasis.

We investigated the in vitro effect of an aqueous extract of Phyllanthus niruri L. on a model of CaOx crystal endocytosis by Madin-Darby canine kidney cells. The extract exhibited a potent and effective non-concentration-dependent inhibitory effect on the CaOx crystal internalization. This response was present even at very high (pathologic) CaOx concentrations and no P. niruri L.-induced toxic effect could be detected. Biochemical analysis of culture media containing P. niruri L. did not provide any clues for the elucidation of the cellular pathways affected by this natural product. Although further studies are necessary for a better understanding of the role of P. niruri L. in urolithiasis, our findings show that this natural product could be an attractive alternative for the treatment of urinary stones.

Hipercalciuria: Presentación clínica, laboratorio y tratamiento / Hypercalciuria: clinic presentation, laboratory and treatment

El propósito del presente trabajo es el de reportar la experiencia de la consulto del servicio de nefrología del Hospital "J.M delos Ríos" en el diagnóstico y manejo de esta entidad, desde enero de 1991 hasta diciembre de 1991, de un total de 4.800 pacientes evaluados, se obtuvieron 653 pacientes con una relación calcio/creatinina en orina mayor de 0,11. El antecedente familiar más importante que se encontró fue litiasis renal (39,5 por ciento). Las formas de presentación clínica más frecuentes fueron: Infección Urinaria (56,6por ciento), dolor abdominal (56,8por ciento), hematuria microscopica (43 por ciento), hematuria macroscopica (31,8 por ciento) y retardo del crecimiento (12,9 por ciento). Dentro de las patologías renales asociadas predominaron las siguientes: Litiasis Renal (39,8 por ciento) y riñon de esponja (29,5 por ciento). El manejo médico incluyó: Regulación dietética, tiazidas, citrato de potasio o bicarbonato de sodio, segun las necesidades de cada caso

Contribución al estudio de la urolitiasis en nuestro medio pediátrico / Urolithiasis in chilhood

Se presentan las observaciones realizadas en un grupo de 193 pacientes estudiados en el Hospital del Niño de Lima en los años de 1952 a 1970, haciendo notar la alta incidencia como problema endémico entre las clases mas pobres del país. Se analiza la causa alimenticia como factor etiopatogenio de fondo a través de un estudio bibliográfico y comparativo. Se presenta una hipótesis de trabajo con relación a los cereales como factor predisponente, sugiriendo unos cuestionarios epidemiológicos y dietéticos como futuro estudio. Se presenta una breve revisión de los recientes trabajos experimentales en la que se indican la posibilidad teórica de un inbalance por falta de aminoácidos individuales, asociados con una deficiencia ya sea primaria o secundaria en el grupo constituyente de Vit. B1 y posiblemente B6 en el metalismo intermedio de ésta última; problema que sumado a la carencia de proteinas animales, calcio y vitamina A, comunes en nuestra menesterosa población infantil; coincide con lo demostrado con las publicaciones hasta ahora realizadas