Surgical complications and graft survival in kidney transplant recipients according to CT-scans evaluation.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is a risk factor for significant surgical complications following kidney transplantation. We examined morphometric parameters other than the body mass index (BMI) that could predict surgical complications and determine their impact on graft survival. MATERIALS: Kidney transplantations performed at our center between 2012 and 2019 were retrospectively evaluated. Data for visceral adipose tissue (VAT), subcutaneous adipose tissue, psoas surface, abdominal perimeter (AP), and vessel-to-skin distance (VSK) were collected from pre-transplant computed tomography (CT) scans. The primary outcome was the occurrence of surgical complications within 1 year of transplantation; the secondary outcome was graft survival. RESULTS: We included 321 (88%) of 364 kidney transplant recipients, of which 154 (46.5%) patients experienced some form of surgical complication in the 1st year of follow-up. Univariate analysis revealed that higher VAT (P=0.004), VSK (P=0.007), and AP (P=0.01) values were potential risk factors for early postoperative morbidity. However, none of these factors were significant in the multivariate analysis. Concerning the secondary outcome, while the univariate analysis identified higher VAT (P=0.001) value as a risk factor, in the multivariate analysis only delayed graft function demonstrated a significant impact on graft survival (P=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Although morphological parameters showed greater accuracy in predicting surgical complications in univariate analysis, these results were not significant in multivariate analysis. Moreover, these factors were not significantly associated with graft survival. Therefore, routine application of analyses based on these parameters, regardless of BMI, may not be useful.

Evaluation of local control after percutaneous microwave ablation versus partial nephrectomy: A propensity score matched study.

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of small renal tumors (≤4cm) is on the rise. The gold standard treatment is partial nephrectomy (PN) but focal therapy can be a good alternative. We evaluated oncological control after treatment of T1a renal tumors by microwave ablation (MWA) compared to PN. METHODS: This is a retrospective, single-center study of all patients treated for TNM stage T1a renal tumors by either PN or MWA between 2010 and 2020. A propensity score was calculated and patients were matched 2:1 to compare recurrence-free survival, metastasis-free survival and overall survival between groups. We also compared postoperative complications using the Clavien-Dindo classification. RESULTS: After matching and propensity score, the two groups (41 MWA and 82 PN) were comparable. The median follow-up was 23 months (interquartiles, 9-48 months). Recurrence-free survival was higher in the PN group compared to MWA, with a recurrence rate of 17.1% in the MWA group vs 4.9% in the PN group (P=0.003). MWA treatment was a risk factor for tumor recurrence (P=0.002), but there was no significant difference in terms of metastasis-free survival (P=0.549) or overall survival (P=0.539). MWA was associated with fewer postoperative complications (P=0.0005). CONCLUSION: This study shows that MWA was associated with higher risk of recurrence but similar metastasis-free survival and overall survival compared to PN. Recurrence was treated with new MWA or active surveillance. MWA may be an interesting alternative to PN for small renal tumors. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Grade C.

Learning curve in flexible ureteroscopy for renal stones: A propensity score-matched study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the learning curve and evaluate the impact of surgical experience related to the outcomes of flexible ureteroscopy (fURS) for upper urinary tract stones. METHOD: We evaluated retrospectively lithiasis fURS performed in our institution between January 2004 and December 2020. Patients were divided into two groups by the number of procedures performed by surgeon. Group 1 (G1) included the first 50 procedures, and group 2 (G2) the next cases. These groups were matched on baseline characteristics by a propensity score. Stones free rate (SFR) and complication rate (CR) were compared. Learning curves were realized using logistic curve with 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: After criteria exclusion and propensity score matching, 1548 procedures were analyzed (1:1, G1 and G2, n=774 procedures). A total of 29 surgeons were evaluated. The overall SFR was 68.4% without statistical difference between the two groups (G1=67.9% vs. G2=68.8%, P=0.72). The surgeon's experience was not associated with SFR (OR=1.15, 95% CI: 0.90-1.47), except in subgroup stones>2cm (OR=2.89, 95% CI: 1.29-6.46). The overall CR was 12.5%, mainly Clavien-Dindo grade I-II complications (96.2%). Surgical experience was not associated with CR (OR=1.06, 95% CI: 0.77-1.45). The overall logistic curves for probability of stone clearance and complication tended to be a flat slope. CONCLUSION: Impact of surgical experience on fURS for UUTS was not associated with SFR and CR. However, for stones larger than 2cm, surgeon's experience tended to be associated with SFR, but without impact on overall complications.

[Pelvic floor rehabilitation before prostatectomy: An update]. / Rééducation sphinctérienne et périnéale avant prostatectomie : Mise au point.

PURPOSE: Preoperative pelvic floor physiotherapy is commonly prescribed to limit postoperative stress urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy. It can be done in different ways. The objective of this work is to achieve a description of the objectives and existing techniques. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A narrative review is carried out based on a non-systematic review of the literature and on the authors' experience. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Although discussed in the literature, preoperative pelvic floor therapy is essential for patient support and follow-up. It should not be limited to strengthening the pelvic floor. It includes a significant time of information, which should not be neglected and should be carried out in association with a holistic care to best prepare the patient before his intervention.

Impact of blood transfusion on survival after nephrectomy for localized or locally advanced renal cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Several studies have reported blood transfusion were associated with a decrease of survival after oncological surgery. For kidney cancer, the effect of blood transfusion is still debated. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of blood transfusion after oncological nephrectomy on overall, specific and recurrence-free survival in a retrospective cohort of localized or locally advanced kidney cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a monocentric retrospective analysis of all patients managed by surgery for localized or locally advanced renal cancer between January 2000 and December 2016. We compared overall and specific survival and recurrence-free survival between two groups: patients transfused and not transfused. Demographic, surgical and tumor characteristics were compared. Survival analyses were performed using univariate Cox regression and multivariate Cox proportional regression test. RESULTS: We included 382 patients in this study: 320 (83.8%) were not transfused and 62 (16.2%) were transfused. Transfused patients were significantly older (P=0.001) and had a lower pre-operative hemoglobin level (P=0.008). Operative and oncological characteristics were also different between both groups. In univariate analysis, we showed that blood transfusion was associated with lower overall survival (P<0.001), specific survival (P<0.001), and recurrence-free survival (P<0.001). In multivariate analysis, we found that blood transfusion was not associated with overall survival, or specific survival, but it was associated with lower recurrence-free survival (HR: 1.967, CI95% [1.024-3.780], P=0.042). CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative blood transfusion is an independent risk factor that increases tumor recurrence among patients treated with nephrectomy for renal cancer.

[Postoperative complications and long-term outcomes of transplantation with expended criteria donors transplants]. / Complications chirurgicales et résultats à long terme des transplantations rénales avec transplants à critères élargis.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to analyze early, late complications and outcomes following expended criteria donors (ECD) kidney transplantation compared to standard donors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective study including 470 patients who received a kidney transplant between 2005 and 2016. Expended criteria donors were defined following the United Network of Organ Sharing criteria. In each group, length of stay, delayed graft function, surgical site infection, acute rejection, surgical complications by type and according to Clavien and Dindo classification were analyzed in univariate and multivariate analysis. The impact of ECD transplant on transplant and patient survival was assessed using a Cox proportional regression model. RESULTS: One hundred and ninety seven (41.9%) patients received ECD kidney. The mean follow-up was 61,4 months (22.4-93.89). Patients with ECD transplant presented more delayed graft function (HR=2.1 (1.1-3.68), P=0.008) but the rate of complications including surgical complications was not different. Patients and transplant survival were decreased in ECD transplant group (P=0.005 et 0.001 respectively). In multivariate analysis ECD kidney was an independent factor only associated with decreased transplant survival (HR=1.81 (1.1-2.98), P=0.029) but not with patient survival. CONCLUSION: ECD kidney transplantation was not associated with increased postoperative complications but a higher rate of delayed graft function. Nevertheless, it was associated with a decreased transplant survival. The use of pulsatile perfusion machine for explanted criteria transplant should be evaluated to improve these results.

Does autoimmune hypothyroidism increase the risk of neurovascular complications in type 1 diabetes?

BACKGROUND: Type 1 diabetes (T1DM) often coexists with other autoimmune diseases, most commonly with hypothyroidism. To date, the influence of coexisting autoimmune hypothyroidism (AHT) on the course of chronic neurovascular complications of autoimmune diabetes has not been established. The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between AHT and the occurrence of chronic T1DM complications. METHODS: The study group comprised 332 European Caucasian participants with T1DM [165 (49.7%) men]. AHT was recognized in subclinical and overt hypothyroidism and confirmed by the presence of anti-thyroid autoantibodies: anti-peroxidase (ATPO) and/or anti-thyroglobulin (ATg) and ultrasonography (hypoechogenicity, parenchymal heterogeneity, lymph nodes assessment). RESULTS: In the analyzed group, 48.5% of patients were diagnosed with at least one neurovascular complication. At the time of enrollment, 16.3% of participants were diagnosed with AHT. Patients with AHT, compared to those without AHT, were characterized by a higher prevalence of neurovascular complications (64.8 vs. 45.3%; P = 0.009) and retinopathy (55.6 vs. 38.9%; P = 0.02). There were significant differences between groups with and without neurovascular complications, with regard to classic risk factors for chronic diabetes complications: age, T1DM duration, SBP, DBP, HbA1c, TG, eGFR and hypertension prevalence. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, AHT was an independent predictor of neurovascular complications after adjusting for age, DBP, HbA1c and TG (odds ratio, 2.40; 95% confidence interval, 1.17-4.92; P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: AHT coexisting with T1DM was associated with a higher incidence of neurovascular complications.

[Prostate MRI and screening: Practice survey with general practitioner of the "Bourgogne-Franche Comté" region]. / IRM de prostate et dépistage : enquête de la pratique auprès des médecins généralistes de Bourgogne-Franche-Comté.

PURPOSE: The goal of our study was to describe general practitioner's (GP) practice regarding prostate cancer screening, the prescribing of prostate MRI and to investigate the factors associated with the prescribing of prostate MRI (pMRI). METHODS: A survey was addressed to 1127 GP of the "Bourgogne-Franche Comté" region before the new CCAFU's guidelines publication. RESULTS: 93 practitioners responded, giving a response rate of 8.3%. Eighty GP (86%) responded performing prostate cancer screening. The main means used were the assaying of PSA alone (23 practitioners, 28.8%) or the combination of PSA dosage and digital rectal examination (36 practitioners: 45%). It should be noted that 31 practitioners (39%) did not perform digital rectal examination as part of prostate cancer screening. Thirty two physicians prescribed pMRIs (34.5%.) before any urological consultation. The main indications were several abnormal PSA assays (27 GP, 84.4%) and/or suspicious rectal examination (15 GP, 46.9%). The main reason of this prescription was the gain of time for patient or urologist. Screening was carried out independently of the demographic characteristics of the physicians interviewed. Similarly, the prescription of prostate MRI was not related to the achievement of prostate cancer screening or the screening methods used. CONCLUSION: It seems that the prescription of pMRI has already become part of the prescribing habits of a number of general practitioners. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

[Concordances and predictors of biopsies in renal tumors]. / Concordances et facteurs prédictifs des biopsies dans les tumeurs rénales.

AIM: Evaluate the concordance between the renal lesions biopsy's histology and the final histology of the surgical specimen according to histological subtype, and search for predictive factors of non-concordance. MATERIAL: We performed a monocentric retrospective study that included 156 patients suffering from a renal tumor that benefited a lesion biopsy before surgical treatment. Sensibility and specificity of the renal lesion's biopsy for histological diagnostic of the different renal tumors where calculated. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty-eight renal tumor biopsies were realized between 2001 and 2016. One hundred and forty-three renal cell carcinoma were found on the surgical piece, 135 were diagnosed on prior biopsy. Global concordance rate was 88%. For the establishment of the nuclear Fuhrmann grade, the concordance rate (low vs. high grade) was 72.9%. The cohort was divided into 2 groups according to the existence (group 1, n=139) or the absence (group 2, n=19) of concordance. Group 1 and 2 differed by the predominance of men in group 1 (66% vs. 37%, P=0.013), distance between the sinus and the tumor above 4mm (65% vs. 42%, P=0.05). CONCLUSION: In renal tumor care, renal biopsy is a reliable testing. However, some factors most likely linked to the tumor anatomy (intra-sinusal tumor) and their histological composition were involved in the lack of non-contribution to the diagnosis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

[Vascular targeted photodynamic therapy in low-risk prostate cancer. A literature review]. / Photothérapie dynamique dans le cancer de la prostate à faible risque. Revue de la littérature.

INTRODUCTION: Currently, about 50% of newly prostate cancers are localized and low-risk according to D'Amico risk classification. Focal therapies whose objective is to treat only the index lesion appear as a new alternative being evaluated in the management of these cancers. Besides the interest in the control of the disease, focal therapies present a very low risk of morbidity. Vascular targeted photodynamic therapy (VTP) is one of these new emerging therapies. METHOD: An exhaustive review concerning VTP in prostate cancer was carried out. A search by the following keywords "low-risk prostate cancer", "focal treatment", "vascular targeted photodynamic therapy" "TOOKAD" was carried out in Pubmed and Embase. RESULTS: In phase II studies, VTP showed a rate of 80% negative biopsies at 6 months, with good clinical tolerance. The European phase III, randomized prospective study, comparing VTP to active surveillance showed a lower proportion of progression, as well as a more significant duration before progression for VTP. The adverse events are mostly moderate and transient. The quality of life of patients is preserved, with a moderate impact on erectile and urinary functions. CONCLUSION: VTP appear to be a promising new approach in localized low-risk prostate cancer.

[Immunology and immunosuppression in kidney transplantation. ABO and HLA incompatible kidney transplantation]. / Aspects immunologiques et immunosuppression en transplantation rénale, transplantations rénales ABO et HLA-incompatibles.

OBJECTIVES: To perform a state of the art about immunological features in renal transplantation, immunosuppressive drugs and their mechanisms of action and immunologically high risk transplantations such as ABO and HLA-incompatible transplantation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An exhaustive systematic review of the scientific literature was performed in the Medline database (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) and Embase (http://www.embase.com) using different associations of the following keywords (MESH): "allogenic response; allograft; immunosuppression; ABO incompatible transplantation; donor specific antibodies; HLA incompatible; desensitization; kidney transplantation". Publications obtained were selected based on methodology, language, date of publication (last 10 years) and relevance. Prospective and retrospective studies, in English or French, review articles; meta-analysis and guidelines were selected and analyzed. This search found 4717 articles. After reading titles and abstracts, 141 were included in the text, based on their relevance. RESULTS: The considerable step in comprehension and knowledge allogeneic response this last few years allowed a better used of immunosuppression and the discover of news immunosuppressive drugs. In the first part of this article, the allogeneic response will be described. The different classes of immunosuppressive drugs will be presented and the actual management of immunosuppression will be discussed. Eventually, the modalities and results of immunologically high-risk transplantations such as ABO and HLA incompatible transplantations will be reported. CONCLUSIONS: The knowledge and the control of allogeneic response to allogeneic graft allowed the development of renal transplantation.

Does glucagon stimulation test help to predict autoimmunity in newly diagnosed non obese adults with diabetes?

Classification of diabetes type in adults patients remains difficult. This study was undertaken to determine the relationship between presence of autoantibodies in the serum and the result of glucagon stimulation test in non obese patients at aged above 35 years with newly diagnosed diabetes.Study involved 52 non obese adults aged 42 years [interquartile range (IQR): 37-46], with body mass index (BMI) 23.7 kg/m2 (IQR: 21.4-26.2). Presence of autoantibodies to islet cells (ICA), antibodies to tyrosine phosphatase (IA-2), glutamic acid decarboxylase autoantibodies (anti-GAD) and plasma fasting and stimulating (6 min after intravenous injection of 1 mg glucagon) C-peptide level was assessed.73.1% subjects had at least 1 of 3 assessed autoantibodies, 26.9% patients were autoantibodies negative. According to serum C-peptide concentration after stimulation test with glucagon patients were divided into 2 groups. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) Curve for determination of an optimal cut-point (C-peptide stimulation above and below 1.6) was used. In patients with negative stimulation test higher prevalence of 2 (33.3% vs. 66.7%; p=0.04) or 3 (12.5% vs. 87.5%, p=0.01) positive autoantibodies was noticed in comparison to patients with positive stimulation test. Multivariate logistic regression showed that presence of autoantibodies was independently associated with stimulated C-peptide level (OR 2.3; 95%CI: 1.07-5.28, p=0.03).Autoimmune diabetes should be suspected in subjects with lower response of ß- cell in glucagon stimulation test. If the C-peptide do not increase more than 1.6 after glucagon presence of autoanibodies is more probable.

Carotid intima-media thickness and arterial stiffness in type 1 diabetic patients are dependent on age and mean blood pressure.

AIM: The aim of the study was to assess the factors that influence carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and arterial stiffness in type 1 diabetic patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We included 87 type 1 diabetic patients (44 women, 43 men), median age 34 years, disease duration 10 years, HbA1c 8.2%. CIMT was measured using high resolution ultrasonography. Arterial stiffness was assessed with the use of digital volume pulse analysis and tonometric measurement of wave reflection and central haemodynamics. Serum C-reactive protein (hsCRP), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), soluble intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) concentrations were also measured. RESULTS: CIMT and arterial stiffness correlated with age, duration of diabetes, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, GFR-glomerular filtration rate and sICAM-1. Multiple regression analysis identified only age as significant determinant of CIMT. Age, mean blood pressure and GFR, but not duration of diabetes were significant determinants of arterial stiffness. CONCLUSIONS: In type 1 diabetic patients both CIMT and arterial stiffness were related to age, blood pressure, kidney function and sICAM-1 serum concentration.

[Physical efficiency of women employed in the knitting industry]. / Wydolnosc fizyczna kobiet zatrudnionych w przemysle dziewiarskim.

Physical efficiency in 184 spinners of a modern knitting plant has been examined by determining a maximum absorbtion of oxygen (VO2 max) using an indirect method of Astrand--Ryhming. A significant effect of age and consequently duration of employment on the decrease in physical efficiency level has been found. The distribution of efficiency index according to Astrand's classifications is not equal, which may result from a particular stereotype of motorial activity, especially non-occupational one.