Fertility Rate and Sperm DNA Fragmentation Index following Varicocelectomy in Primary Infertile Men with Clinical Varicocele: A Prospective Longitudinal Study.

BACKGROUND: Varicocele is one of the most common treatable causes of male infertility, and its treatment may be beneficial for fertility. This study aimed to evaluate fertility rate and DNA fragmentation index (DFI) following varicocelectomy in primary infertile men with clinical varicocele. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective longitudinal study was conducted on primary infertility men, in a tertiary center from December 2018 to December 2019 with one-year follow-up. Data of the semen parameters, DFI (%), and fertility rate were gathered before, as well as 4 and 12 months after undergoing varicocelectomy. For data analysis, SPSS software and analytical test were used. RESULTS: Out of 76 patients who were analyzed, 22 (29%) became fertile and 54 (71%) remained infertile. Semen parameters and DFI (%) were improved significantly following varicocelectomy (P<0.001). Smoking history, occupational heated exposure, body mass index (BMI), and infertility duration were determined as predictors associated with fertility status (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Although varicocele repair improved the DFI, the fertility rate was achieved in less than one-third of patients; it seems that the other parameters, such as the history of smoking, occupational heated exposure, overweight, and duration of infertility should be considered as predictors of fertility status, in primary infertile men who are a candidate for varicocelectomy.

Comparing the effect of peri-operative antibiotic prophylaxis only with continuous low-dose antibiotic treatment on the incidence of urinary tract infection and stent related-symptoms in patients undergoing Double-J (DJ) stent insertion following transurethral lithotripsy (TUL).

PURPOSE: There are some controversial data about the peri operative use of antibiotics after double-J (DJ) insertion. This study aimed to compare the rates of urinary tract infections (UTI) and stent-related symptoms (SRSs) in patients who received only perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis and those given continuous low-dose antibiotic therapy for the entire stent-indwelling time following transurethral lithotripsy (TUL). METHODS: In this randomized clinical trial 178 patients received intravenous antibiotic prophylaxis (ciprofloxacin 400 mg) before the TUL and then randomly divided into two groups to either receive no antibiotic treatment after procedure (group A, 90 patients) or to additionally receive a continuous low-dose antibiotic treatment with one ciprofloxacin 500 mg every 12 h for 3 days and then ciprofloxacin 250 mg once daily for the entire stent-indwelling time (group B, 88 patients). The rates of UTIs, SRSs and incidence of drug side-effects were evaluated in groups. RESULTS: A total of 7 patients had positive urine culture [group A: 4 (4.4%) vs. group B: 3 (3.4%); P = 0.722]. Only 1 patient in group B had febrile UTI in the mean duration of indwelling stent in situ. The rate of SRSs was 92.2% and 89.8% in Group A and B, respectively, with no significant difference (P = 0.609). A total of 4 patients in Group B complained of gastrointestinal side effects of ciprofloxacin. CONCLUSION: Continuous low-dose antibiotic treatment has no role in reducing the incidence of UTIs and SRSs during the indwelling time of ureteral stents compared with the peri-operative antibiotic prophylaxis only.

The Effect of Probiotics on Headaches in Children with Migraine Treated with Sodium Valproate: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

Objective: Migraine is one of the most common complaints in children. This study aimed to determine the effect of probiotics (KidiLact) on headaches in children aged six to 15 years with migraine treated with sodium valproate. Materials & Methods: This double-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial was performed on eighty children with migraine treated with sodium valproate. Patients were divided into two groups. All patients in the intervention and control groups received two sachets of probiotics and a placebo daily for four months, respectively. They were compared in terms of frequency and severity of headaches and painkiller consumption before and two and four months after initiating probiotics. Results: The mean number of headaches in the second and third visits in the probiotic group was 1.27 and 1.18, and 2 and 1.50 per month in the placebo group, respectively. The authors observed a significant difference between the two groups in the second (P = 0.010) and the third visit (P = 0.019). Moreover, the mean severity of headache in the second and third visits in the probiotic group was 1.38 and 1.23, and 1.60 and 1.53 in the placebo group, respectively. The authors demonstrated that the daily consumption of painkillers in the probiotic group was significantly reduced compared to the placebo group (P = 0.007). Conclusion: Using probiotic supplements seems to significantly affect the severity and frequency of migraine headaches compared to the placebo, and daily consumption of painkillers was significantly reduced in the probiotic group compared to the placebo group.

Fluoroscopy screening time and radiation dose during complete supine percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

PURPOSE: Fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is procedure of choice for treatment of large urinary tract calculi. This study aimed to investigate the affecting factors on fluoroscopy screening time (FST) and radiation dose (RD) of patients undergoing complete supine percutaneous nephrolithotomy (csPCNL). METHODS: Analytic cross-sectional study was performed on 355 patients who underwent csPCNL. The correlation between the FST and RD and patients' demographics, stone characteristics, preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative parameters were assessed. Multivariate regression analysis was used to explore various parameters which affect FST and RD. RESULTS: Of all 355 patients, 191 (54.65%) were male and 161 were (45.35%) female with mean age of 48.29 ± 12.38 (16-82) years. BMI was 27.61 ± 4.53 (16.61-39.00) kg/m2. The mean operative time was 45.87 ± 18.29 min with mean FST of 101.72 ± 62.00 s. BMI, operative time, success rate, complications, stone number, and tract number had a significant relationship with FST and RD (P < 0.05). On multivariate analysis, BMI, tract number and success rate were found to be independent predictors for FST and RD. Age, gender, operation side, GFR, target calyx, lithotripsy history, stone opacity, size and site, stone configuration and distribution, and hydronephrosis did not have any correlation with FST and RD (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: BMI, success rate and tract number can be significant predictor for FST and RD during csPCNL. Identifying the affecting factors on FST and RD can help the surgeon to minimize the danger of radiation exposure by predicting and preoperative planning.

COVID-19 in renal transplant recipients and general population: a comparative study of clinical, laboratory, and radiological features, severity, and outcome.

INTRODUCTION: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a novel disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has led to millions of deaths worldwide. Kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) are a fragile population due to their immunosuppressed status. However, there are limited studies available comparing this population with the general population regarding clinical symptoms, and laboratory and imaging features as well as disease severity and clinical outcomes. METHODS: A total of 24 KTRs and 40 patients from the general population (control group) were enrolled after applying exclusion criteria. Clinical symptoms, laboratory values, and lung involvement patterns in high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) were compared between KTRs with COVID-19 and their counterparts from the general population. Moreover, the category of disease severity and adverse outcomes such as intensive care unit (ICU) admission, mechanical ventilation (MV), and mortality rate were also compared between these two groups. RESULTS: Hypertension was significantly higher among KTRs. Dyspnea was significantly more among the control group (P = 0.045). There was no significant difference in the rest of clinical symptoms (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in CT features as well, except pleural effusion, which was more prevalent in the control group. A lower absolute lymphocytic count (ALC) and platelet count were observed in KTRs. Renal transplant recipients (RTRs) had a higher elevation in creatinine level than their counterparts. The ICU admission, MV, duration of hospital stay, and mortality as adverse outcomes were not significantly different between the KTR and control groups. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, there was no significant difference in the severity and risk of adverse outcomes, including MV, ICU admission, and mortality between KTRs under chronic immunosuppression and the control group.

Efficacy of tamsulosin versus tadalafil as medical expulsive therapy on stone expulsion in patients with distal ureteral stones: A randomized double-blind clinical trial

ABSTRACT Purpose: To compare the effects of tadalafil, tamsulosin, and placebo as a medical expulsive therapy (MET) for distal ureteral calculi. Materials and Methods: This prospective randomized double-blind clinical trial was conducted on 132 renal colic patients with distal ureteric stones (≤10mm) over a period of 12 months. Patients were randomly divided into three groups. Patients in group A received tamsulosin 0.4mg, in group B received tadalafil 10mg, and in group C received placebo. Therapy was given for a maximum of 4 weeks. The rate of stone expulsion, duration of stone expulsion, the dose and the duration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), analgesic use, and adverse effects of drugs were recorded. Results: Demographic profiles were comparable between the 3 groups. Although the stone expulsion rate in group A (72.7%) was higher in comparison to group B(63.6%) and group C(56.8%), it was not considered statistically significant (P=0.294). Shorter mean time to stone expulsion was significantly observed in group A (17.75±75), than group B(21.13±1.17) and group C(22.25±1.18) (P=0.47). The mean number of analgesic use was 9.8±5.09 days in group A, 14.6±7.9 days in group B, and 12.6±22.25 days in group C, this difference was significant (P=0.004). The analgesic requirement (doses of NSAIDs and pethidine) in group A was significantly lower than other groups (P<0.05). Also, patients in group A reported fewer headaches compared to other groups (P=0.011). Conclusion: Tamsulosin as medical expulsive therapy is more effective for distal ureteric stones with less need for analgesics and less stone expulsion time than tadalafil.

Efficacy of tamsulosin versus tadalafil as medical expulsive therapy on stone expulsion in patients with distal ureteral stones: A randomized double-blind clinical trial.

PURPOSE: To compare the effects of tadalafil, tamsulosin, and placebo as a medical expulsive therapy (MET) for distal ureteral calculi. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective randomized double-blind clinical trial was conducted on 132 renal colic patients with distal ureteric stones (≤10mm) over a period of 12 months. Patients were randomly divided into three groups. Patients in group A received tamsulosin 0.4mg, in group B received tadalafil 10mg, and in group C received placebo. Therapy was given for a maximum of 4 weeks. The rate of stone expulsion, duration of stone expulsion, the dose and the duration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), analgesic use, and adverse effects of drugs were recorded. RESULTS: Demographic profiles were comparable between the 3 groups. Although the stone expulsion rate in group A (72.7%) was higher in comparison to group B(63.6%) and group C(56.8%), it was not considered statistically significant (P=0.294). Shorter mean time to stone expulsion was significantly observed in group A (17.75±75), than group B(21.13±1.17) and group C(22.25±1.18) (P=0.47). The mean number of analgesic use was 9.8±5.09 days in group A, 14.6±7.9 days in group B, and 12.6±22.25 days in group C, this difference was significant (P=0.004). The analgesic requirement (doses of NSAIDs and pethidine) in group A was significantly lower than other groups (P< 0.05). Also, patients in group A reported fewer headaches compared to other groups (P=0.011). CONCLUSION: Tamsulosin as medical expulsive therapy is more effective for distal ureteric stones with less need for analgesics and less stone expulsion time than tadalafil.

The effects of pregabalin, solifenacin and their combination therapy on ureteral double-J stent-related symptoms: A randomized controlled clinical trial

ABSTRACT Background: Many medical therapies have been tested to deal with urinary stent-related symptoms (USRS). Several preventive and pharmaceutical methods have been already used for better compatibility of stents. However, the existing evidence for pharmacological treatment is still controversial. This study aims to evaluate the effects of pregabalin, solifenacin, and combination therapy on ureteral double-J stent-related symptoms following ureteroscopy and transureteral lithotripsy (TUL). Materials and methods: In a randomized controlled clinical trial, from November 2017 to March 2019, 256 patients who underwent ureteroscopy were enrolled. Patients were randomly divided into four groups including: group A received pregabalin 75mg BID (twice daily), group B received solifenacin 5mg orally once daily, group C received combination of pregabalin and solifenacin and the group D (control) given no drugs. Results: One hundred and fifty-one (58.9%) males and 101 (41.1%) females were enrolled in this study with a mean age of 43.47±7 (p=0.32, p=0.67). USSQ domains score such as urinary symptoms, pain, general condition, work performance, sexual matters and additional problems were significantly differenced during second and fourth week of follow-up among study groups (p <0.0001). In Tukey's multiple comparison test, urinary symptoms (p=0.735), pain (p=0.954) and sexual matters (p=0.080) in second week and work performance in forth week in group B was not significantly better than group D. Only group C in all indexes of USSQ showed significantly beneficial effects over group D (p <0.0001). Conclusion: Combination therapy of pregabalin and solifenacin has a significant effect on stent-related symptoms and is preferred over monotherapy of the respected medications.

The effects of pregabalin, solifenacin and their combination therapy on ureteral double-J stent-related symptoms: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Many medical therapies have been tested to deal with urinary stent-related symptoms (USRS). Several preventive and pharmaceutical methods have been already used for better compatibility of stents. However, the existing evidence for pharmacological treatment is still controversial. This study aims to evaluate the effects of pregabalin, solifenacin, and combination therapy on ureteral double-J stent-related symptoms following ureteroscopy and transureteral lithotripsy (TUL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a randomized controlled clinical trial, from November 2017 to March 2019, 256 patients who underwent ureteroscopy were enrolled. Patients were randomly divided into four groups including: group A received pregabalin 75mg BID (twice daily), group B received solifenacin 5mg orally once daily, group C received combination of pregabalin and solifenacin and the group D (control) given no drugs. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty-one (58.9%) males and 101 (41.1%) females were enrolled in this study with a mean age of 43.47±7 (p=0.32, p=0.67). USSQ domains score such as urinary symptoms, pain, general condition, work performance, sexual matters and additional problems were significantly differenced during second and fourth week of follow-up among study groups (p <0.0001). In Tukey's multiple comparison test, urinary symptoms (p=0.735), pain (p=0.954) and sexual matters (p=0.080) in second week and work performance in forth week in group B was not significantly better than group D. Only group C in all indexes of USSQ showed significantly beneficial effects over group D (p <0.0001). CONCLUSION: Combination therapy of pregabalin and solifenacin has a significant effect on stent-related symptoms and is preferred over monotherapy of the respected medications.

The Efficacy and Safety of On-demand Tramadol and Paroxetine Use in Treatment of Life Long Premature Ejaculation: A Randomized Double-blind Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Several medical therapies have been proposed for the treatment of premature ejaculation (PE). Paroxetine and tramadol were both reported to be effective in treatment of PE. In this study, the therapeutic effects of tramadol, paroxetine and placebo were compared in treatment of primary PE. METHODS: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 150 patients were divided into 3 groups. One group was treated with tramadol 50 mg ondemand, the other group took paroxetine 20 mg on-demand and the third group was treated with placebo. Before starting treatment and after 12 weeks, patients were asked to measure their average intravaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT) and fill the PEP (Premature Ejaculation Profile) questionnaire. RESULTS: At the end of the 12th week, the mean IELT and average of PEP scores improved in all 3 groups. The increase in tramadol group was significantly higher than the paroxetine and placebo groups (p<0.0001). There were no significant differences in terms of side effects between the 3 groups. CONCLUSION: The results showed that despite an increase in mean IELT and PEP scores in all 3 groups, the rate of improvement in tramadol group was significantly more than the others. Thus, tramadol may be considered as an appropriate alternative therapeutic option for lifelong PE.

Comparison of the outcomes of complete supine percutaneous nephrolithotomy in patients with radiopaque and radiolucent kidney stones.

OBJECTIVE: This study compared the stone opacity effect in patients who had radiopaque and radiolucent stones in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) results. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The medical records of 171 complete supine PCNL procedures were gathered. Patients were categorized into two groups: those with radiopaque (n=141) and those with radiolucent (n=30) stones. Kidney, ureter and bladder x-ray was done a day after PCNL and Ultrasound imaging was done two weeks later to evaluate the stone free rate. A stone free result was defined as having less than 4 mm residual stone size. Outcome parameters were compared by univariate analysis and those which were significantly different between the two groups were assessed by multivariate binary logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in age, sex, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, pre-surgery hemoglobin, pre-surgery serum creatinine, stone and also surgery-related parameters between the two groups. Stone free rate, surgery time, complication-related parameters, hemoglobin drop, serum creatinine and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) changes were similar in both groups based on univariate analysis. The radiopaque group had higher post-surgery GFR (p=0.04) and longer hospital stay (p=0.009). However, opacity had no effect on these outcomes after multivariate analysis. Higher post-surgery GFR was seen in patient with higher GFR before surgery (p<0.0001). Also, higher hemoglobin before surgery was correlated with less hospital stay (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: The complete supine percutaneous nephrolithotomy outcomes are similar in patients with radiopaque and radiolucent stones.

Comparison of Success Rate in Complete Supine Versus Semi Supine Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: (The first pilot study in randomized clinical trial).

PURPOSE: To compare outcomes and complications of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in the complete supine versus semi supine position in order to select the best position. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this clinical trial, between July 2011 and May 2014, a total of 44 patients who presented for PCNL were prospectively enrolled and randomly divided into 2 groups [complete supine (n=22), andsemi supine (n = 22)]. The results in both positions were compared regarding the complexity and outcomes. Stonefree rate was considered as a main target of the study. However, it was the first study to focus on overlapping the vertebral density during the access. RESULTS: The two groups were comparable in age, gender, body mass index, and preoperative glomerular filtration rate, hemoglobin and creatinine. The mean operative time was significantly shorter for complete supine versus semi supine (36.68 ± 14.12 min versus 47.50 ± 16.45 min, P = .024). At the angle of 0?, overlapping with the spine occurred in 7 patients (31.8%) in semi supine group and just in 1 patient (4.5%) in complete supine group. Also, overlapping with the edge of bed occurred in 10 cases (45.5%) of complete supine and 1 (4.5%) of semi supine; the differences were statistically significant (P = .023, P = .002, respectively). No significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of stone free rate and complications. CONCLUSION: Although, we had to convert two cases from semi supine into the complete supine position but we have demonstrated that PCNL in both positions is safe, effective and suitable for the patients. The stone free rate was similar in both groups. But the complete supine position is associated with a significantly shorter postoperative hospital stay and operative time, which may improve ease and safety of PCNL for patients.

Urinary Beta-2Microglobulin: An Indicator of Renal Tubular Damage after Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy.

PURPOSE: This study aims to determine extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL)-induced renal tubular damageand the affecting factors by measuring urinary beta2microglobulin (ß2M) excretion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study conducted on 91 patients with renal stones who underwentESWL during 2012. Urinary beta2microglobulin was measured immediately before and after the procedure foreach patient and analyzed based on different variables to evaluate factors affecting ESWL-induced renal tubularinjury. RESULTS: Mean ± SD urinary beta2-microglobulin values, before and after ESWL were 0.08 ± 0.07 and 0.22 ± 0.71mg/dL respectively, the average difference between which was equal to 0.14 ± 0.07 mg/dL. These figures exhibiteda 166.66% rise in the urinary ß2M concentration after ESWL which was statistically significant (P < .001). Multivariateanalysis showed that hypertension (P = .05) and the history of ESWL (P = .02) were predictive factors ofhigher post-ESWL urinary beta2-microglobulin excretion. CONCLUSION: Urinary excretion of beta2-microglobulin increased significantly immediately after ESWL. Thesechanges could indicate that ESWL is a contributing factor to renal tubular damage. It also seems that in patientswith hypertension and a previous history of ESWL the likelihood of this injury is higher than others.

Comparison of Tpe Changing on ECG, in Pre and Post Dialysis and Post Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: High incidence of premature ventricular contractions (PVCS) and arrhythmia during and soon after dialysis have been demonstrated by Holter monitoring. OBJECTIVES: In this study, the effects of dialysis and renal transplantation on Tpe, Tpec (corrected Tpe), QTc (corrected QT), QTd (QT dispersion), and Tpe/QT parameters as known factors in arrhythmogenicity, and also the correlation between electrolyte and arterial blood gas changing within these parameters will be assessed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a retrospective study, 42 renal transplant recipients were selected. Under the supervision of an electrophysiologist, information related to Tpe, Tpec, Tpe/QT, QTd, and QTc parameters before dialysis (pre-HD), after dialysis (post-HD), and two weeks after transplantation (RTX) were analyzed. Electrolyte and arterial blood gas information were also recorded. Bonferroni adjustment, repeated measures ANOVA, generalized linear models, and generalized estimating equations were used for analysis. RESULTS: Two weeks after transplantation, the mean Tpe decreased to 0.052 ± 0.002, which was significant compared to pre-HD (P < 0.001) and Post-HD (P = 0.019). The mean Tpec was 0.059 ± 0.002, which, just in comparison to pre-HD, was significant (P = 0.005). In addition, the mean Tpe/QT decreased to 0.143 ± 0.005, which was significant compared to pre-HD (P = 0.018). The mean QTd was 0.066 ± 0.004, which wasn't significant compared to before or after dialysis. The mean QTc decreased to 0.386 ± 0.004, which was significant compared to post-HD (P = 0.0003). CONCLUSIONS: Taking the role of Tpe and Tpe/QT in arrhythmia into account and amending it by a successful transplantation can be considered as a factor that decreases arrhythmia after renal transplantation compared to ESRD patients.

The association between atorvastatin administration and plasma total homocysteine levels in renal transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: Statins improve prognosis in patients with coronary heart diseases by decreasing the incidence of vascular events. Excess prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia, an independent risk factor of cardiovascular diseases, has been observed in stable renal transplant recipients (RTRs). OBJECTIVES: The objective of our study was to evaluate the association between atorvastatin administration and plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) levels in RTRs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective cross-sectional study in 148 cyclosporine A (CsA) treated stable RTRs. We compared tHcy level and other demographic and clinical variables in RTRs with and without atorvastatin. RESULTS: 58.1% of the 148 RTRs were treated with atorvastatin (20-40 mg/day). Mean tHcy levels were lower in patients treated with atorvastatin compared to nonusers (14.80 ± 5.13 µmol/l versus 16.95 ± 7.87 µmol/l, P = 0.04). The comparison of 85 patients treated with atorvastatin and 61 non-users revealed that those subjects with atorvastatin were older, with higher estimated creatinine clearance and elevated body mass index (BMI). They were more likely to have higher systolic blood pressure and CsA trough level (C0). The association between lower tHcy levels and atorvastatin use was confirmed in the multivariate regression model (P = 0.004). However tHcy levels were independently and negatively associated with serum folate (P = 0.0001) and vitamin B12 levels (P = 0.001) and positively with serum BUN (P = 0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.024) as well. CONCLUSIONS: These data support the association between lower tHcy levels and atorvastatin administration in RTRs. Further clinical trials are recommended to clarify homocysteine lowering effect of atorvastatin.

Assessment of Macular Thickness in Healthy Eyes Using Cirrus HD-OCT: A Cross-Sectional Study.

We aimed to determine normal macular thickness using Cirrus high definition optical coherence tomography. In this cross-sectional survey, 112 subjects were selected using random sampling from the Rasht telephone directory. All subjects underwent complete eye examinations. Both eyes of each patient were evaluated. The creation of a macular thickness map using a macular cube 512 × 128 combo was optional. The average thickness of the retina was determined in 9 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) regions. To assess reproducibility and system reliability, the thickness of the retina was measured up to 5 times in 10 healthy subjects. The coefficient of variation was then calculated for each individual. The coefficient of variation of macular thickness within 1 mm of the center was 0.15 - 1.33%. The means and standard deviations of central subfield thickness (CST), macular thickness (MT), and macular volume (MV) were 245.44 ± 20.39 µm, 277.9 ± 12.0 µm, and 9.98 ± 0.43 mm3, respectively. The mean CST (P < 0.0001), MT (P = 0.038), and MV (P = 0.030) were significantly higher in men than in women. In addition, regardless of age or sex, macular thickness increased when moving from within 1 mm of the center to 3 mm and 6 mm away from the center, so that the upper 3 mm (S3) was the thickest region, and the temporal 6 mm (T6) was the thinnest region in the ETDRS regions. The mean MT of healthy subjects was 280.67 ± 12.79 µm in men and 276.63 ± 11.61 µm in women. Therefore, the macula is significantly thicker in men than in women (P = 0.038).

Factors affecting complications according to the modified Clavien classification in complete supine percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

INTRODUCTION: An increase in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) has been accompanied by an increase in complications. We identified the parameters affecting the severity of complications using the modified Clavien classification (MCC). METHODS: From 2008 to 2013, 330 patients underwent complete supine PCNL using subcostal access, one-shot dilation, rigid nephroscopy, and pneumatic lithotripsy. We assessed the impact of the following factors on complication severity based on the MCC: age, gender, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes, previous stone surgery and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, preoperative hemoglobin, renal dysfunction (creatinine >1.4 mg/dL), preoperative urinary tract infection, anatomic upper urinary tract abnormality (AUUTA), significant (moderate-severe) hydronephrosis, stone-related parameters (opacity, number, burden, location, staghorn, complex stones), anesthesia type, kidney side, imaging and calyx for access, tract number, tubeless approach, operative time, postoperative hemoglobin, and hemoglobin drop and stone-free results. RESULTS: The complication rate was 19.7% (MCC: 0=80.3%, I=6.4%, II=11.2%, ≥III=2.1%). On univariate analyses, only the following factors affected MCC: gender, preoperative hemoglobin, AUUTA, significant hydronephrosis, imaging for access, calyx for access, tract number, postoperative hemoglobin, hemoglobin drop and stone-free result. Renal dysfunction was accompanied by higher complications, yet the results were not statistically significant. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated renal dysfunction, absence of significant hydronephrosis, AUUTA, multiple tracts, lower postoperative hemoglobin, and higher postoperative hemoglobin drop as the significant parameters which affected MCC and predicted higher grades. The paper's limitations include a low number of cases in the higher Clavien grades and some subgroups of variables, and not applying some techniques due to surgeon preference. INTERPRETATION: Many of the complete supine PCNL complications were in the lower Clavien grades and major complications were uncommon. Renal dysfunction, AUUTA, significant hydronephrosis, tract number, postoperative hemoglobin, and hemoglobin drop were the only factors affecting MCC.

Transurethral intraprostatic injection of botulinum neurotoxin type A for the treatment of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome: results of a prospective pilot double-blind and randomized placebo-controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of botulinum neurotoxin type-A (BoNT-A) on chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) refractory to medical therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between November 2011 and January 2013, 60 men aged ≥18 years with CP/CPPS, and with National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI) scores ≥10 and pain subscale scores ≥8, who were refractory to 4-6 weeks' medical therapy, underwent transurethral intraprostatic injection of BoNT-A or normal saline in a prospective pilot double-blind randomized study. The patients' NIH-CPSI total and subscale scores, American Urological Association (AUA)-symptom score (SS), visual analogue scale (VAS) and quality of life (QoL) scores and frequencies of diurnal and nocturnal urination were evaluated and compared at baseline and at 1, 3 and 6 months after injection and also were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: A total of 60 consecutive patients were randomized to a BoNT-A (treatment) or normal saline (placebo) group. In the treatment group at the 1-, 3- and 6-month evaluation the NIH-CPSI total and subscale scores, and the AUA-SS, VAS and QoL scores, along with frequencies of diurnal and nocturnal urinations, had significantly improved compared with baseline values (P < 0.05). By contrast, in the placebo group, none of these values showed improvement and the values were significantly different from those in the treatment group. Although the differences between the two groups in AUA-SS and frequencies of nocturnal urination were not significant at 1-month follow-up, repeated-measure analysis showed significant improvement in each of these values over the entire follow-up period in the treatment group. The most prominent improvement was related to the pain subscale score, which decreased by 64.76, 75.63 and 79.97% at 1, 3 and 6 months after treatment compared with baseline, followed by the VAS score, which decreased by 62.3, 72.4 and 82.1% at each follow-up, respectively. Only two patients developed mild transient gross haematuria, which was managed conservatively. CONCLUSIONS: Transurethral intraprostatic BoNT-A injection maybe an effective therapeutic option in patients with CP/CPPS as it reduces pain and improves QoL.

Ultrasonography findings in nasal bone fracture; 6-month follow-up: can we estimate time of trauma?

Differentiation of a recent nasal bone fracture from an old one may become of utmost importance, especially in medico-legal issues. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the value of high-resolution ultrasonography (HRUS) in determining the time of nasal bone fracture. A longitudinal, descriptive-analytic study was done on 45 patients with a clinical manifestation of acute unilateral nasal bone fracture. After a thorough rhinologic physical examination, HRUS was performed by an expert consultant who was blinded to the clinical data of the patients. All patients were followed-up for 6 months: in the first 5 days, 3rd, 6th, 12th and 24th weeks after the trauma. In each session, the ultrasonographic findings were recorded. Thirty-six cases (mean age, 27 years) completed the study course successfully. On HRUS, subperiosteal hematoma, with a mean thickness of 1.14 mm (0.79-1.31 mm) was highly sensitive (100 %) for the diagnosis of nasal bone fracture during the first few days after the trauma, but it was present in 13 cases in the 6th week, with a mean thickness of 0.71 mm (0.62-0.80 mm), and disappeared in all patients in the 24th week, with a mean thickness of 0.47 mm (almost equal to the non-traumatic side). According to the changes of subperiosteal reaction on the traumatic side and by means of generalized linear model and generalized estimating equations, we proposed an equation to estimate the time of nasal bone trauma. In conclusion, HRUS is a reliable diagnostic tool for estimating the time of nasal bone fracture.