Additional VCUG-related parameters for predicting the success of endoscopic injection in children with primary vesicoureteral reflux.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Prediction of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) prognosis and decision for treatment are usually made according to the reflux grading classification. But the management of VUR is still controversial since there are difficulties in distinguishing reflux grade due to inter- and intra-observer variations. Previous studies have demonstrated that the distal ureteral diameter ratio (UDR) on voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) may be more predictive for clinical prognosis than reflux grade. We aimed to predict the success of endoscopic injection in primary VUR by creating new models that include other additional parameters (timing of reflux, delayed post-voiding contrast drainage of the upper urinary tract) as well as UDR. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 200 patients aged 2-15 years with primary VUR undergoing endoscopic injection were retrospectively evaluated. Demographic and clinical data for a total of 248 renal units were recorded. Besides reflux grade and laterality, distal ureteral diameter, UDR, timing of reflux [early filling, late filling or voiding] and presence of contrast delay in upper tract drainage were also assessed on VCUG. According to the complete resolution of VUR on the control VCUG at the postoperative 3rd month, the renal units were divided into two main groups: successful (n = 171, 68.9%) and unresolved (n = 77, 31.1%) RESULTS: The failure rate of endoscopic injection was found to be 4.068 times greater with early filling reflux on VCUG, 3.076 times greater with UDR>0.24, 2.745 times greater with delayed contrast drainage of the upper urinary tract, 2.666 times greater with the presence of scar in DMSA, 2.493 times greater with bladder-bowel dysfunction and 2.341 times greater with febrile urinary tract infection. We also observed that a model in which all VCUG-related parameters were combined provided a better estimation of endoscopic injection outcomes compared to only the reflux grade (AUC: 0.903 vs. 0.604, respectively). DISCUSSION: Distal ureteral dilatation is considered to be a more decisive factor for clinical outcomes of primary VUR rather than upper urinary tract dilatation since ureterovesical junction anatomy plays a more important role in primary VUR pathophysiology. Studies investigating new prediction models on this topic have recently become more popular. However, a consensus has not yet been achieved. CONCLUSION: We consider that UDR level, the timing of reflux and delayed upper tract drainage on VCUG may be more predictive parameters of endoscopic injection success compared with reflux grade, and could facilitate selecting the best candidates for surgery.

The effect of cardiovascular morbidity on clinical response provided by tadalafil in patients with erectile dysfunction.

We aimed to investigate the association between erectile dysfunction and severity of cardiovascular morbidity and to assess clinical responses to tadalafil of patients in different cardiovascular risk groups. Between November 2019 and August 2020, a total of 258 male patients aged 45-70 years with ED were included. They were divided into three groups according to the Framingham risk score: low-risk (n: 86, 33.3%), intermediate-risk (n: 103, 39.9%) and high-risk (n: 69, 26.8%). At admission, all domains of the International Index of Erectile Function score were worse in high-risk group compared to other risk groups (p < .001). After a 12-week follow-up, a more significant improvement was observed in all domains of erectile function in all risk groups, but high-risk group had lower sexual scores (p < .001). The lowest rate for complete responsiveness to tadalafil was observed in the high-risk group (37.7%). The rate of failure in complete responsiveness was found to be 4.127 times greater with higher Framingham score and 3.102 times greater with higher erectile dysfunction severity at admission. Our preliminary findings show that more severe sexual disorders are observed in high-risk patients with cardiovascular morbidity. Individualised treatment may be important in high-risk group since they may benefit less from tadalafil, and failure in complete responsiveness can be more common in this group.

CT-related parameters and Framingham score as predictors of spontaneous passage of ureteral stones ≤ 10 mm: results from a prospective, observational, multicenter study.

To investigate the reliability of newly defined CT-related parameters and cardiovascular risk factors in groups adjusted for stone size and location to predict spontaneous stone passage (SP) of uncomplicated ureteral stones ≤ 10 mm. The data of 280 adult patients with solitary unilateral ureteral stones ≤ 10 mm in diameter in non-contrast computed tomography were prospectively recorded. All patients undergoing a four-week observation protocol with medical expulsive therapy using tamsulosin were divided into two groups according to SP or no SP. Demographic, clinical and radiological findings of these groups were recorded. Spontaneous stone passage was observed in 176 (62.9%) of the patients, whereas the SP rate was 57.6% for 118 upper ureteral stones and 66.7% for 162 lower ureteral stones. The SP rate was 13.3 times greater with ureteral wall thickness < 1.88 mm, 4.4 times greater with a ratio of ureter to stone diameter of < 1.24, 3.4 times greater with Framingham score of < 11.5%, 2 times greater with neutrophil lymphocyte ratio < 1.96, 1.9 times greater with ureteral diameter < 6.33 mm and 1.5 times greater with stone volume < 38.54 mm3. Lower levels of ureteral wall thickness, ratio of ureter to stone diameter, Framingham score, neutrophil lymphocyte ratio, ureteral diameter, stone volume and absence of hydronephrosis were found to be more successful predictors. We consider that the success rate can be increased by selection of the proper option (observation or active treatment) according to these predictors.

Can YouTube English Videos Be Recommended as an Accurate Source for Learning About Testicular Self-examination?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the content, reliability and quality of the most viewed YouTube videos related to testicular self-examination. METHODS: The terms "testicular self-examination," "testis examination," and "testis exam" were used to search YouTube videos. Of 300 videos, a total of 123 videos were included. They were divided into 2 groups according to accuracy: useful information (Group 1, n = 78, 63.4%) and misleading information (Group 2, n = 45, 36.6%). A 5-point modified DISCERN tool was used to assess the reliability, a 5-point Global Quality Score was used to evaluate the quality, and a 7-point scale was used to assess the comprehensiveness of the videos. RESULTS: DISCERN score (median 3, IQR: 3-4 vs median 1, IQR: 0-2, P < .001), Global Quality Score (median 4, IQR: 4-5 vs median 1, IQR: 1-2, P < .001), and comprehensiveness score (median 6, IQR: 5-6 vs median 1, IQR: 0-2, P < .001) were higher in Group 1. This group also had higher numbers in terms of total views, views per day and likes. It was seen that universities/professional organizations/nonprofit physician/physician groups (23.1%), stand-alone health information websites (21.8%), and testicular cancer survivors (28.2%) uploaded most of the videos in Group 1, whereas the majority in Group 2 were individual users (68.9%). CONCLUSION: We observed that YouTube videos are of high quality, reliability, and rich content in terms of all of the steps related to how testicular self-examination should be done. However, since the YouTube search algorithm is not actually sufficient enough, it is not easy and practical for a lay man to find a suitable video by searching for "keyword" in the YouTube list.

Reappraisal of the Definition Criteria for "Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause," and its Effect on Quality of Life in Turkish Postmenopausal Women.

OBJECTIVE: To reappraise the definition of Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) and to evaluate the prevalence and effect of GSM on quality of life in Turkish postmenopausal women. METHODS: A multicenter, cross-sectional, and observational study was designed. Four hundred three postmenopausal women between the ages of 43-75 who attended Urology and Gynecology clinics between November 2019 and April 2020 were included.They were divided into 2 groups: Group I (GSM, n:288, 71.5%) and Group II (non-GSM, n:115, 28.5%). Demographic data, presence and intensity of genitourinary symptoms were recorded. The impact of menopause and urinary incontinence on quality of life was evaluated with the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire and the King's Health Questionnaire. RESULTS: The most common symptoms were vaginal dryness (66.2%), reduced lubrication (55.3%), and urgency (54.8%). Urinary incontinence was present in 39.2% of women. Worse quality of life in terms of psychosocial and sexual domains of the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire was significant in Group 1 (P < .001). Group 1 had significantly worse scores for all domains of the King's Health Questionnaire. Only the rate of patients with stress incontinence was higher in Group 1. However, the percentage of moderate and severe symptoms for all types of incontinence was higher in Group 1. Although the prevalence of GSM was 71.5% according to our definition, the percentage of patients previously visiting healthcare professionals for their symptoms was low (52.8%). CONCLUSION: Our findings show that urologists and gynecologists should question both symptom groups of postmenopausal women, even if patients do not bring up genitourinary symptoms.

A Rare Case of Partial Unilateral Corpus Cavernosum Agenesis With Concomitant Multiple Genitourinary Anomalies.

Congenital penile agenesis is a rare condition with an incidence of 1 in 30 million, while other congenital malformations of the cavernous bodies are much less common. In a few cases in the literature, it has been reported that the reason for consulting a physician with these conditions is the insufficient erection. As a first reported case, we present a 16-year-old male patient with partial unilateral corpus cavernosum agenesis accompanying genitourinary anomalies.

How does body mass index affect semen parameters and reproductive hormones in infertile males?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to invastigate the effect of body mass index (BMI) on semen parameters and reproductive hormone levels in infertile males. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Overall, 858 infertile male patients, aged between 18 and 55 years, referred to our infertility clinic were included in the study. Patients without risk factors, besides obesity, that could affect semen parameters or reproductive hormones were evaluated. Patients were separated into the following three groups: non-obese (<25 kg/m2), overweight (25-29.9 kg/m2), and obese (≥30 kg/m2). Age, semen parameters, and reproductive hormones were evaluated and compared among the groups. In addition, subgroups based on sperm concentration were compared. RESULTS: Total testosterone and testosterone-estradiol ratio negatively correlated with BMI (p<0.001). A positive correlation was observed between BMI and age (p<0.001). Even when adjusted for age, the decrease in total testosterone was significant in all groups parallel to the increase in BMI. Although age, prolactin level, and total testosterone had a significant relationship in univariate analysis, the only significant parameters were prolactin and total testosterone according to multivariate analysis. There were no significant differences between BMI and semen parameters. No significant difference related to BMI was observed among the infertile groups [severe oligospermia (34.3%), oligospermia (18.2%), and normospermia (47.6%)]. CONCLUSION: A significant negative correlation was observed between increasing BMI and total testosterone. No relationship was observed between BMI and semen parameters except progressive motility. Nevertheless, prospective longitudinal clinical trials with larger sample sizes involving weight loss are needed to understand the precise relationship of BMI with reproductive hormones and semen parameters in the same individual.

Effectiveness and complications of mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy in children: one center experience with 232 kidney units.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and complications of mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) surgery using 14-20 Fr access sheaths in pediatric patients, as well as the results of postoperative stone analysis and metabolic urine analysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the records of 206 pediatric patients (232 kidney units) who underwent mini-PCNL for kidney stones in our clinic between February 2011 and December 2018. We evaluated the demographic characteristics, complications, stone-free rates, and the results of chemical analysis and urinary metabolic analysis. RESULTS: The age ranged from 9 months to 16 years. The mean age was 5.1±3.9 years, and the median age was 3.5 years. The median stone burden was 200 mm2 (min: 100; max: 1600). Kidney stones were most commonly located in the pelvis in 118 (50.9%) patients, followed by lower calyceal stones in 42 (18.1%) and multiple calyceal stones in 38 (16.4%) patients, respectively. While the success of mini-PCNL was 80.6% after the first session, this rate increased to 87.9% after auxiliary treatments. The total complication rate was 12.9% according to modified Clavien classification. A postoperative stone analysis showed that calcium oxalate had the highest frequency with 61.1% of patients, followed by cystine stone with 21.3% of patients. Metabolic urine analysis revealed no abnormalities in 42.8% of patients. The most common metabolic abnormality was hyperoxaluria (32%), followed by hypercalcuria (19.6%). CONCLUSION: Mini-PCNL is a safe and effective procedure with reasonable complications for the treatment of pediatric kidney stones. All kinds of multidisciplinary efforts are required to remove kidney stones completely in pediatric patients.

The frequencies of Y chromosome microdeletions in infertile males.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequencies and the characteristics of Y chromosome microdeletions in infertile males. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The records of 1616 infertile males were included in the study. The cases were divided into groups according to the infertility etiology and semen analysis. The frequencies and the characteristics of Y chromosome microdeletions were investigated in groups. RESULTS: Y chromosome microdeletion was detected in 54 (3.3%) of 1616 cases. Microdeletions in the azoospermia factor (AZF) region were the most common (48.1%). When the cases were grouped according to causes of infertility that could be detected, no Y chromosome microdeletions were detected in some groups (cases with Klinefelter Syndrome, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, congenital absence of vas deferens, and 47, XYY karyotype). CONCLUSION: Y chromosome microdeletions were detected quite frequently in certain infertility subgroups. Therefore, detailed evaluation of an infertile man by physical examination, semen analysis, hormonal evaluations and when required, karyotype analysis may predict the patients for whom Y chromosome microdeletion analysis is necessary and also prevent cost increases.

Do positional variations of epididymis affect infertility?

OBJECTIVE: To determine the ratio of epididymal position variations and whether this had any effect on seminal parameters. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Scrotal examination results and epididymal positions were retrospectively assessed in subjects presenting to our clinic for infertility, varicocele, and sexual developmental delay. Scrotal examination consisted of epididymal position, testicular volumes, and vas deferens and varicocele presence. The subjects were categorized according to sperm counts per mL. Data were assessed whether there was a significant difference in terms of epididymal positions among the groups. RESULTS: A total of 5812 epididymides were examined. There was no significant difference with respect to one or two epididymides being in an anterior position between the groups allocated with respect to a sperm count above 15 million per mL, between 5 and 15 million per mL, and below 5 million per mL (p=0.542). Sperm counts and motility did not differ according to the position of the epididymis in analyzes performed separately within each group. CONCLUSION: Positional variations of epididymis can be seen at a considerable rate. Nevertheless, there was no clear relationship between these variations and infertility. In terms of avoiding possible misdiagnoses and treatment complications possible epididymal position variations should be kept in mind during clinical practice.

Artificial Neural Network for the Prediction of Chromosomal Abnormalities in Azoospermic Males.

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether an artifical neural network helps to diagnose any chromosomal abnormalities in azoospermic males. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data of azoospermic males attending to a tertiary academic referral center were evaluated retrospectively. Height, total testicular volume, follicle stimulating hormone, luteinising hormone, total testosterone and ejaculate volume of the patients were used for the analyses. In artificial neural network, the data of 310 azoospermics were used as the education and 115 as the test set. Logistic regression analyses and discriminant analyses were performed for statistical analyses. The tests were re-analysed with a neural network. RESULTS: Both logistic regression analyses and artificial neural network predicted the presence or absence of chromosomal abnormalities with more than 95% accuracy. CONCLUSION: The use of artificial neural network model has yielded satisfactory results in terms of distinguishing patients whether they have any chromosomal abnormality or not.

A Rare Cause of Male Infertility: 45,X/46,XY Mosaicism.

OBJECTIVE: To present the clinical, chromosomal, and endocrinological features of 8 infertile male cases with the 45,X/46,XY karyotype who were admitted to our infertility clinic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The records of cases who were admitted to our infertility clinic between 1999 and 2015 were investigated. Eight cases with 45,X/46,XY were detected. The clinical, endocrinological, and chromosomal assessments were analyzed. Each patient's height, weight, body mass index, testicular volume, endocrine hormone levels, follow-up period semen analysis, testicular biopsy reports, and karyotype analysis were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: Some cases had a short stature, but often their phenotypes were normal. Seven of the cases had normal testosterone levels and all cases, except one, had elevated gonadotropin levels. All cases were azoospermic and testicular biopsy showed Sertoli cell-only syndrome. Peripheral blood karyotype revealed 45,X/46,XY mosaicism in all cases. Metaphase counts and percentages were different. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with 45,X/46,XY mosaicism that have a normal male phenotype form make up a rare subgroup of the 45,X/46,XY karyotype. These individuals usually present with infertility and were diagnosed based on the results of the karyotype analysis during azoo or severe oligospermia evaluation.

Ten cases with 46, XX testicular disorder of sex development: single center experience

ABSTRACT Objective To present clinical, chromosomal and hormonal features of ten cases with SRY-positive 46,XX testicular disorder of sex development who were admitted to our infertility clinic. Cases and Methods Records of the cases who were admitted to our infertility clinic between 2004 and 2015 were investigated. Ten 46,XX testicular disorder of sex development cases were detected. Clinical, hormonal and chromosomal assessments were analized. Results Mean age at diagnosis was 30.4, mean body height was 166.9cm. Hormonal data indicated that the patients had a higher FSH, LH levels, lower TT level and normal E2, PRL levels. Karyotype analysis of all patients confirmed 46,XX karyotype, and FISH analysis showed that SRY gene was positive and translocated to Xp. The AZFa, AZFb and AZFc regions were absent in 8 cases. In one case AZFb and AZFc incomplete deletion and normal AZFa region was present. In the other one all AZF regions were present. Conclusion Gonadal development disorders such as SRY-positive 46,XX testicular disorder of sex development can be diagnosed in infertility clinics during infertility work-up. Although these cases had no chance of bearing a child, they should be protected from negative effects of testosterone deficiency by replacement therapies.

Comparison of the Ratio of the Lenght of the Second and Fourth Digits in Subgroups of Fertile and Infertile Cases.

PURPOSE: To identify any relationship between known reasons of male infertility and 2D:4D ratio. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 371 males were included in the study. The cases were grouped into 6 groups including sperm count < 5 million/mL, sperm count ≥ 5 million/mL, Klinefelter Syndrome, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, vasal agenesis and control. Groups were compared with each other in terms of 2D:4D ratios and groups with a 2D:4D ratios below 1 and equal/above 1 were compared. RESULTS: The greatest ratios were in the vasal agenesis and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism groups and analysis of the data with logistic regression analysis showed that there was a significant difference in terms of 2D:4D ratios for these groups when comparing with control group. The other groups showed no statistically significantdifferences. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study showed some significant difference between 2D:4D ratios for the subgroups of the fertile and infertile cases. Although, 2D:4D ratio is not an unaccompanied parameter to reveal causes of male infertility, it can be associated with some situations that are related with male infertility.

Ten cases with 46,XX testicular disorder of sex development: single center experience.

OBJECTIVE: To present clinical, chromosomal and hormonal features of ten cases with SRY-positive 46,XX testicular disorder of sex development who were admitted to our infertility clinic. CASES AND METHODS: Records of the cases who were admitted to our infertility clinic between 2004 and 2015 were investigated. Ten 46,XX testicular disorder of sex development cases were detected. Clinical, hormonal and chromosomal assessments were analized. RESULTS: Mean age at diagnosis was 30.4, mean body height was 166.9cm. Hormonal data indicated that the patients had a higher FSH, LH levels, lower TT level and normal E2, PRL levels. Karyotype analysis of all patients confirmed 46,XX karyotype, and FISH analysis showed that SRY gene was positive and translocated to Xp. The AZFa, AZFb and AZFc regions were absent in 8 cases. In one case AZFb and AZFc incomplete deletion and normal AZFa region was present. In the other one all AZF regions were present. CONCLUSION: Gonadal development disorders such as SRY-positive 46,XX testicular disorder of sex development can be diagnosed in infertility clinics during infertility workup. Although these cases had no chance of bearing a child, they should be protected from negative effects of testosterone deficiency by replacement therapies.

Assessment of the effects of access count in percutaneous nephrolithotomy on renal functions by technetium-99m-dimercaptosuccinic Acid scintigraphy.

Objective. To determine the effects of percutaneous nephrolithotomy on renal functions by using DMSA scintigraphy while considering access counts. Material and Methods. A total of 37 patients who had undergone percutaneous nephrolithotomy were included. Preoperative DMSA scans were performed a day before the surgery, whereas postoperative scans were randomized by evaluating them before (n = 25) and after (n = 12) the 6th postoperative month. Twenty-six of 37 cases underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy with a single access site and 11 with multiple access sites. Results. There were no significant changes of total renal functions in the whole study group (P = 0.054). In the single access group, total functions were significantly elevated (P = 0.03) In the multiple access group, while treated site functions were significantly decreased (P = 0.01), total functions did not change significantly (P = 0.42). There was an insignificant decrease in those evaluated before the 6th postoperative month (P = 0.27) and an insignificant increase in the others (P = 0.11). Conclusion. We could not find a superiority of single access over multiple accesses. There is a temporary functional loss in the treated site.

Solitary fibrous tumor of the kidney: a case report.

Solitary fibrous tumor is a spindle cell neoplasm mostly originating from pleura; however, it has also recently been reported to be extrapleural. A 57-year-old man presented with left lumbal pain. Ultrasonography and computed tomography showed a cystic lesion of 14 × 11 cm with solid areas and septations in middle and lower poles of the left kidney. Radical nephrectomy was performed. Immunohistochemical studies showed strong reactions with CD34 and CD99. A nuclear positivity with Ki-67 was observed in less than 1% of cells. Despite repeated stainings with vimentin, no clear tumor evaluation could be made due to artifacts. The tumor was negative with Bcl-2, desmin, HMB-45, S100, FVIII, and CD31. Histopathological and molecular studies made the diagnosis of a solitary fibrous tumor. The patient is now currently free of disease at the 26th month of followup.

Can neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and lymph node density be used as prognostic factors in patients undergoing radical cystectomy?

OBJECTIVE: To assessment the role of preoperative neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and postoperative lymph node density in predicting prognosis in patients undergoing radical cystectomy for bladder cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Preoperatively, neutrophil and lymphocyte counts as well as neutrophil-lymphocyte ratios were recorded in 201 patients who underwent radical cystectomy for bladder cancer. Patients with an infection were excluded. Based on the pathology reports, the number of positive lymph nodes was divided by the total number of lymph nodes to calculate lymph node density. RESULTS: The mean follow-up duration was 37.22 ± 35.922 months in patients without lymph node involvement and 27.75 ± 31.501 months in those with lymph node involvement (P = 0.015). Median lymph node density was 17% (4-80) in patients with lymph node involvement. There was no difference according to lymph node density lower than 17% and greater than 17% (P = 0.336). There was no significant difference between patients with an NLR below or above 2.5 in terms of overall survival (P = 0.702). Pathological T stage was associated with survival (P = 0.004). CONCLUSION: In patients undergoing RC for bladder cancer, lymph node density and preoperative NLR were not found to be independent predictors of prognosis.