Time to Move on: HLA Matching Should Be Reconsidered in Modern Deceased Donor Kidney Allocation.

HLA matching has been the cornerstone of deceased donor kidney allocation policies worldwide but can lead to racial inequity. Although HLA matching has been shown to improve clinical outcomes, the long-term impacts of nonallogenic factors are being increasingly recognized. This has led some transplant programs to include points for nonallogenic factors, for example, age. Our study looks at long-term graft and patient outcomes based on allocation cohorts rather than individual number of HLA mismatches. Methods: Using the Australia and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant Registry, we analyzed 7440 adult deceased donor transplant events from 2000 to 2018. Transplants were classified as HLA matched or nonmatched according to the OrganMatch score and the local allocation algorithms. Graft function was studied with linear mixed modeling and graft rejection with logistic and binomial regression. Time to graft failure and recipient survival were examined with Kaplan-Meier curve and Cox regression models. Results: Forty percent of transplants were HLA matched. Mean glomerular filtration rate was 1.76 mL/min/1.73 m2 higher in the matched transplants (P < 0.001). Matched transplants had longer time to graft failure (15.9 versus 12.7 y; P < 0.001) and improved recipient survival (risk of death hazard ratio, 0.83; P = 0.003). Matched recipients spent less time on dialysis (28.1 versus 44.8 mo; P < 0.001), and this significantly contributed to the benefits seen in graft loss and recipient survival. Caucasian recipients were more likely to receive a matched transplant than non-Caucasians. Conclusions: Matched transplants showed benefits in graft and recipient outcomes; however, some of these results were of small magnitude, whereas others seemed to be due in part to a reduction in time on dialysis. The benefit for the matched cohort came at the expense of the nonmatched cohort, who spent longer on dialysis and were more likely to be of a minority racial background.

Healthy recovery: A stepped wedge cluster randomised controlled trial of a healthy lifestyle intervention for people attending residential alcohol and other drug treatment.

BACKGROUND: Unhealthy lifestyle behaviours contribute to the poor health of people attending alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment. Healthy Recovery is an 8-session group-based intervention that targets smoking, diet and physical inactivity as part of an integrated healthy lifestyle approach. The current study aimed to examine the effectiveness of Healthy Recovery when delivered within residential AOD treatment settings. METHODS: The study design was a stepped-wedge cluster randomised trial. Participants were 151 current smokers attending residential AOD programs provided by the Australian Salvation Army (n = 71, Control condition; n = 80, Intervention condition). The primary outcome was number of cigarettes smoked per day. Secondary outcomes examined other smoking behaviours (7-day point prevalence, use of nicotine replacement therapy [NRT]), diet (servings and variety of fruit and vegetables), and physical activity. RESULTS: The mean number of cigarettes smoked per day was significantly lower in the Intervention condition at 2-, 5-, and 8-month follow-up. There were also significant differences in favour of the Intervention condition for number of quit attempts, use of NRT and variety of fruit. There were no other significant differences for other dietary or physical activity variables. CONCLUSIONS: Healthy Recovery had a positive impact on smoking behaviours. Future research should consider strategies to further promote smoking cessation (e.g. promoting longer-term use of NRT), as well as addressing physical activity and dietary behaviours. The introduction of broader organisational approaches (e.g. smoke free policies, organised group exercise and cooking activities) might help to enhance healthy lifestyle approaches within AOD treatment settings.

Maternal stress in pregnancy affects myelination and neurosteroid regulatory pathways in the guinea pig cerebellum.

Prenatal stress predisposes offspring to behavioral pathologies. These may be attributed to effects on cerebellar neurosteroids and GABAergic inhibitory signaling, which can be linked to hyperactivity disorders. The aims were to determine the effect of prenatal stress on markers of cerebellar development, a key enzyme in neurosteroid synthesis and the expression of GABAA receptor (GABAAR) subunits involved in neurosteroid signaling. We used a model of prenatal stress (strobe light exposure, 2 h on gestational day 50, 55, 60 and 65) in guinea pigs, in which we have characterized anxiety and neophobic behavioral outcomes. The cerebellum and plasma were collected from control and prenatally stressed offspring at term (control fetus: n = 9 male, n = 7 female; stressed fetus: n = 7 male, n = 8 female) and postnatal day (PND) 21 (control: n = 8 male, n = 8 female; stressed: n = 9 male, n = 6 female). We found that term female offspring exposed to prenatal stress showed decreased expression of mature oligodendrocytes (∼40% reduction) and these deficits improved to control levels by PND21. Reactive astrocyte expression was lower (∼40% reduction) following prenatal stress. GABAAR subunit (δ and α6) expression and circulating allopregnanolone concentrations were not affected by prenatal stress. Prenatal stress increased expression (∼150-250% increase) of 5α-reductase type-1 mRNA in the cerebellum, which may be a neuroprotective response to promote GABAergic inhibition and aid in repair. These observations indicate that prenatal stress exposure has marked effects on the development of the cerebellum. These findings suggest cerebellar changes after prenatal stress may contribute to adverse behavioral outcomes after exposure to these stresses.

Does timing of targeted therapy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma impact treatment toxicity and surgical complications? A comparison of primary and adjuvant approaches.

INTRODUCTION: To compare surgical complications and tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI)-toxicities in patients who underwent primary cytoreductive nephrectomy (CN) followed by adjuvant TKI therapy versus those who underwent neoadjuvant TKI therapy prior to planned CN for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two-center retrospective analysis. Sixty-one mRCC patients underwent TKI therapy with sunitinib between July 2007 to January 2014. Patients were divided into three groups: primary CN followed by adjuvant TKI (n = 27, Group 1), neoadjuvant TKI prior to CN (n = 21, Group 2), and primary TKI alone (no surgery, n = 13, Group 3). Primary outcome was frequency and severity of surgical complications (Clavien). Secondary outcome was frequency and severity of TKI-related toxicities (NIH Common Toxicity Criteria). Multivariable analysis was carried out for factors associated with complications. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in demographics, ECOG status, and median number TKI cycles (p = 0.337). Mean tumor size (cm) was larger in Group 3 (12.8) than Group 2 (8.9) and Group 1 (9.3), p = 0.014. TKI-related toxicities occurred in 100%, 90.5%, and 88.9% in Group 3, Group 2, and Group 1 (p = 0.469). There was no difference in incidence of high grade (p = 0.967) and low grade (p = 0.380) TKI-toxicities. Overall surgical complication rate was similar between Group 2 (47.6%) and Group 1 (33.3%), p = 0.380. Group 2 had more high grade surgical complications (28.6%) than Group 1 (0%), p = 0.004. Multivariable analysis demonstrated increasing age was independently associated with development of surgical complications (HR 1.059, p = 0.040). CONCLUSION: Patients receiving neoadjuvant TKI therapy prior to CN experienced more high grade surgical complications than patients who underwent primary CN. Potential for increased high grade surgical complications requires further investigation and may impact pretreatment counseling.

Parenchymal Volumetric Assessment as a Predictive Tool to Determine Renal Function Benefit of Nephron-Sparing Surgery Compared with Radical Nephrectomy.

PURPOSE: To develop a preoperative prediction model using a computer-assisted volumetric assessment of potential spared parenchyma to estimate the probability of chronic kidney disease (CKD, estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] <60 mL/min/1.73 m(2)) 6 months from extirpative renal surgery (nephron-sparing surgery [NSS] or radical nephrectomy [RN]). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients who underwent NSS or RN at our institution from January 2000 to June 2013 with a compatible CT scan 6-month renal function follow-up was performed. Primary outcome was defined as the accuracy of 6-month postoperative eGFR compared with actual postoperative eGFR based on root mean square error (RMSE). Models were constructed using renal volumes and externally validated. A clinical tool was developed on the best model after a given surgical procedure using area under the curve (AUC). RESULTS: We identified 130 (51 radical, 79 partial) patients with a median age of 58 years (interquartile range [IQR] 48-67) and preoperative eGFR of 82.1 (IQR 65.9-104.3); postoperative CKD (eGFR <60) developed in 42% (55/130). We performed various linear regression models to predict postoperative eGFR. The Quadratic model was the highest performing model, which relied only on preoperative GFR and the volumetric data for a RMSE of 15.3 on external validation corresponding to a clinical tool with an AUC of 0.89. CONCLUSION: Volumetric-based assessment provides information to predict postoperative eGFR. A tool based on this equation may assist surgical counseling regarding renal functional outcomes before renal tumor surgical procedures.

Association of rise in C-reactive protein with decline in renal function following partial nephrectomy.

INTRODUCTION: To investigate association of C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of systemic inflammation, with renal functional decline patients undergoing partial nephrectomy (PN) for renal mass. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective study of patients who underwent PN between February 2006-March 2011, with ≥ 6 months follow up. Data was analyzed between two groups: CRP increase ≥ 0.5 mg/L from 6 months postoperative ('CRP rise,' CRPR), versus no CRP increase = 0.5 ('CRP stable,' CRPS). Primary outcome was change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (ΔeGFR, mL/min/1.73 m²), with de novo postoperative stage III chronic kidney disease (stage III-CKD, eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m²) being secondary. Multivariable analysis (MVA) was conducted to identify risk factors for development of de novo stage III-CKD. RESULTS: A total of 243 patients (206 CRPS/37 CRPR) were analyzed. Demographics and R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry scores were similar. CRPR had significantly higher median ΔeGFR (-13.7 versus -32.0 mL/min/1.73 m², p < 0.001) and de novo stage III-CKD at last follow up (43.2% vs. 3.7%, p < 0.001). Median time to CRP rise was 10 (IQR 6.5-12) months. Median time from CRP rise to de novo stage III-CKD was 9 (IQR 7.5-11) months. MVA found RENAL score (OR 1.89, p = 0.001), hypertension (OR 4.75, p = 0.016), and CRP rise (OR 55.76, p < 0.001) were associated with de novo stage III-CKD. Sensitivity of CRP increase ≥ 0.5 for predicting CKD was 69.6%, specificity 93.3%, positive predictive value 55.2%, and negative predictive value 96.3%. CONCLUSION: Rise in CRP postoperatively is independently associated with renal functional decline after PN and may be useful in identifying patients to evaluate for renoprotective strategies. Further studies are requisite to clarify etiology of this association.

Analysis of Renal Functional Outcomes After Radical or Partial Nephrectomy for Renal Masses ≥7 cm Using the RENAL Score.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if partial nephrectomy (PN) confers a renal functional benefit compared to radical nephrectomy (RN) for clinical T2 renal masses (T2RM) when adjusting for tumor complexity characterized by the RENAL nephrometry score. METHODS: A 2-center study of 202 patients with T2RM undergoing RN (122) or PN (80) (median follow-up, 41.5 months). RN and PN cohorts were subanalyzed according to RENAL sum as a categorical variable of <10 or ≥10. Primary outcome was median change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (ΔeGFR) between preoperative to 6 months postoperative. Logistic regression-identified prognostic factors and survival models analyzed association between the RENAL sum and the freedom from de novo chronic kidney disease (CKD; eGFR<60 mL/min/1.73m(2)). RESULTS: No significant differences existed between PN and RN for RENAL score. ΔeGFR was greater in RN (-19.7) vs PN (-11.9; P = .006). De novo CKD was 40.2% after RN vs 16.3% after PN (P <.001). RENAL score ≥10 (odds ratio, 6.67; P = .025) and RN among patients with RENAL score <10 (odds ratio, 24.8; P <.001) were independently associated with de novo CKD at 6 months by logistic regression. Among patients with RENAL score <10, median CKD-free survival was PN 38 vs RN 16 months (P = .001). Cox proportional hazard demonstrated decreasing risk of CKD for PN vs RN from RENAL 10 (hazard ratio, 0.836) to RENAL 6 (hazard ratio, 0.003; P = .001). CONCLUSION: RN is independently associated with decreased renal function compared to PN for T2RM with RENAL sum ≤10, but not >10, with larger relative decrease in eGFR for each decrease in RENAL sum. Further investigation is required to determine optimal candidates for PN in T2RM.

A Family History of Lethal Prostate Cancer and Risk of Aggressive Prostate Cancer in Patients Undergoing Radical Prostatectomy.

We investigated whether a family history of lethal prostate cancer (PCa) was associated with high-risk disease or biochemical recurrence in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy. A cohort of radical prostatectomy patients was stratified into men with no family history of PCa (NFH); a first-degree relative with PCa (FH); and those with a first-degree relative who had died of PCa (FHD). Demographic, operative and pathologic outcomes were analyzed. Freedom from biochemical recurrence was examined using Kaplan-Meier log rank. A multivariate Cox logistic regression analysis was also performed. We analyzed 471 men who underwent radical prostatectomy at our institution with known family history. The three groups had: 355 patients (75%) in NFH; 97 patients (21%) in FH; and 19 patients (4%) in FHD. The prevalence of a Gleason score ≥8, higher pathologic T stage, and biochemical recurrence (BCR) rates did not significantly differ between groups. On Kaplan-Meier analysis there were no differences in short-term BCR rates (p = 0.212). In this cohort of patients undergoing radical prostatectomy, those with first-degree relatives who died of PCa did not have an increased likelihood of high-risk or aggressive PCa or shorter-term risk of BCR than those who did not.

Multi-institutional analysis of renal function outcomes following radical nephroureterectomy and partial ureterectomy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma.

PURPOSE: To compare renal function outcomes in patients undergoing radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) or partial (distal) ureterectomy (PU) for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). METHODS: Clinicopathologic data of patients undergoing RNU or PU for UTUC from 1998 to 2012 were compiled. Glomerular filtration rate was calculated preoperatively and postoperatively using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation. We defined "event" as new-onset stage III chronic kidney disease (CKD) or worsening of CKD stage with preexisting CKD. Event-free survival was assessed with Kaplan-Meier methods. Cox regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of events. RESULTS: In total, 193 patients underwent RNU (n = 143) or PU (n = 50) over a median follow-up of 25.9 months. Overall, 15% of patients died of UTUC. High tumor grade (85.9% vs. 66.0%, P = 0.003) and locally advanced stage (>pT2, 37.8% vs. 18.0%, P = 0.014) were significantly more frequent in the RNU cohort. Stage III or higher CKD was present in 61% of RNU patients vs. 48% of PU patients (P = 0.135) at baseline. Although total event rate was higher in the PU cohort (66% vs. 43.4%, P = 0.008), event rates within the first 3 months of surgery were similar between the groups (P = 0.572). Adjuvant chemotherapy was the only predictor of events on Cox regression. CONCLUSIONS: Rates of new-onset CKD or worsening of CKD stage were similar in patients treated with RNU and PU. Adjuvant chemotherapy may have a more significant effect on renal outcomes than surgical approach, warranting further investigation. Consideration should be given to preoperative chemotherapy, as adjuvant chemotherapy is limited by decreased renal function following surgery.

Contemporary Trends in the Ambulatory Surgical Treatment of Urolithiasis: Population-Based Analysis.

PURPOSE: To describe the utilization of shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) and ureteroscopy (URS) in ambulatory surgery centers, as well as to identify patient-specific factors predictive of one procedure over the other. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We evaluated the current trends in the use of SWL and URS in the ambulatory settings over a 5-year period in the state of California using the State of California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD) database. RESULTS: We identified 113,447 ambulatory kidney stone surgical procedures including 64,632 SWL (57%) and 48,815 URS (43%) treatments in the OSHPD database between 2005 and 2010. The total annual ambulatory stone surgeries increased from 17,831 cases in 2005 to 18,933 cases in 2010 (P<0.001). Between 2005 and 2010, the use of URS increased significantly from 6978 (39%) cases in 2005 to 9259 (49%) cases in 2010 (P<0.0012), whereas the use of SWL decreased from 10,853 (61%) cases in 2005 to 9674 (51%) cases in 2010 (P=0.0012). In multivariate analysis, age ≥ 75 years (P<0.001), hypertension (P=0.025), and obesity (P<0.001) all increased odds of undergoing URS. In addition, men (P=0.013) and non-Medicaid patients (P<0.001) were more likely to undergo URS. CONCLUSIONS: The use of URS increased significantly in the state of California among patients undergoing urinary stone surgical procedures in the ambulatory setting, while the use of SWL decreased between 2005 and 2010. Possible explanations for these trends include improved URS stone-free rates, improved cost-effectiveness of URS, and enhanced technology leading to increased use of URS over SWL.

Prostate laser vaporization is safe and effective in elderly men.

INTRODUCTION: There are few data on the safety and efficacy of laser photoselective vaporization (LVP) in elderly men. We compared the safety and efficacy of LVP for the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men ≥75 years, who we defined as elderly, to those <75 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Safety and efficacy outcomes in elderly men undergoing LVP for lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to BPH from 2005 to 2012 were compared with men <75 years. Differences between-groups in demographics, perioperative outcomes, complications, and postoperative changes in International Prostate Symptom Score (I-PSS) were calculated. RESULTS: Of 202 patients, 49 (24%) were elderly (range: 75-95 years) and 153 (76%) were <75 years. Preoperatively, elderly men were more likely to have heart disease (35% vs. 20%, P = 0.03), gross hematuria (6.1% vs. 0.7%, P = 0.05), urinary retention (57% vs. 41%, P = 0.07), and take anti-coagulants (61% vs. 35%, P = 0.002). Elderly men had a longer median length of stay (1 day vs. 0 day, P = 0.001). There were no significant between-group differences in transfusion frequency (4.4% vs. 0.7%, P = 0.14) or Clavien III complications (2% vs. 2.6%, P = 1.0). One month postsurgery, elderly patients reported smaller median decreases in I-PSS (5.5 vs. 9, P = 0.02) and urinary bother (1 point vs. 2, P = 0.03) compared with preoperative values. At till 9 months follow-up, there were no significant between-group differences in median I-PSS or urinary bother scores. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a higher prevalence of preoperative comorbidity and urinary retention, elderly LVP patients experienced perioperative safety and shorter term efficacy outcomes comparable to younger men.

Hospital-based trends in penile prosthetic surgery.

INTRODUCTION: We examined national and regional trends in hospital-based penile prosthetic surgery and identified patient-specific factors predicting receipt of inflatable vs. semi-rigid penile prostheses. AIMS: To improve our understanding of the surgical treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED). METHODS: We utilized the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) from 1998 to 2010 in the United States and the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD) database from 1995 to 2010. Total number of penile implants performed and proportions of inflatable vs. semi-rigid prosthesis were examined. Multivariate analysis (MVA) was performed to identify factors associated with selection of inflatable vs. semi-rigid prostheses. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcome measure is the total number of hospital-based penile prosthetic surgeries performed in the United States over a 12-year period (1998-2010). Secondary outcome measures include proportion of inflatable and semi-rigid prosthesis implantations and factors influencing receipt of different prostheses. RESULTS: We identified 53,967 penile prosthetic surgeries in the NIS; annual number implanted decreased from 4,703 to 2,338. Inflatable prostheses incurred higher costs but had a similar length of stay (LOS). In MVA, Caucasian race, Peyronie's disease, and private insurance were independently associated with receipt of an inflatable prosthesis. We identified 7,054 penile prostheses in OSHPD; annual number implanted decreased from 760 to 318. The proportion of inflatable prostheses increased significantly from 78.4% to 88.4% between 2001 and 2010. Inflatable prostheses incurred higher costs but had similar median LOS. In MVA, Caucasians and men without spinal cord injury were more likely to receive inflatable prosthesis. CONCLUSION: Hospital-based penile prosthetic surgery has decreased substantially both nationwide and in California. In the United States, Caucasian race, Peyronie's disease, and private insurance were independently associated with receipt of an inflatable penile prosthesis. California population data correlated with national trends and can be utilized to further study surgical management of ED.

Factors influencing rate of testicular salvage in acute testicular torsion at a tertiary pediatric center.

INTRODUCTION: Studies have demonstrated that variables other than duration of symptoms can affect outcomes in children with acute testicular torsion. We examined demographic and logistical factors, including inter-hospital transfer, which may affect outcomes at a tertiary pediatric referral center. METHODS: We reviewed charts of all pediatric patients with acute testicular torsion during a five-year period. Data were collected regarding age, insurance type, socioeconomic status, duration of symptoms prior to presentation, transfer status, time of day, time to surgical exploration, and testicular salvage. RESULTS: Our study included 114 patients. Testicular salvage was possible in 55.3% of patients. Thirty-one percent of patients included in the study were transferred from another facility. Inter-hospital transfer did not affect testicular salvage rate. Time to surgery and duration of pain were higher among patients who underwent orchiectomy versus orchidopexy. Patients older than eight years of age were more likely to undergo orchidopexy than those younger than eight (61.5% vs. 30.4%, p=0.01). Ethnicity, insurance type, or time of day did not affect the testicular salvage rates. On multivariate analysis, only duration of symptoms less than six hours predicted testicular salvage (OR 22.5, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Even though inter-hospital transfer delays definitive surgical management, it may not affect testicular salvage rates. Time to presentation is the most important factor in predicting outcomes in children with acute testicular torsion.

Presurgical sunitinib reduces tumor size and may facilitate partial nephrectomy in patients with renal cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether presurgical sunitinib reduces primary renal cell carcinoma (RCC) size and facilitates partial nephrectomy (PN). METHODS: Data from potential candidates for PN treated with sunitinib with primary RCC in situ were reviewed retrospectively. Primary outcome was reduction in tumor bidirectional area. RESULTS: Included were 72 potential candidates for PN who received sunitinib before definitive renal surgery on 78 kidneys. Median primary tumor size was 7.2 cm (interquartile range [IQR]: 5.3-8.7 cm) before and 5.3 cm (IQR: 4.1-7.5 cm) after sunitinib treatment (P<0.0001), resulting in 32% reduction in tumor bidirectional area (IQR: 14%-46%). Downsizing occurred in 65 tumors (83%), with 15 partial responses (19%). Tumor complexity per R.E.N.A.L. score was reduced in 59%, with median posttreatment score of 9 (IQR: 8-10). Predictors of lesser tumor downsizing included clinical evidence of lymph node metastases (P<0.0001), non-clear cell histology (P = 0.0017), and higher nuclear grade (P = 0.023). Surgery was performed for 68 tumors (87%) and was not delayed in any patient owing to sunitinib toxicity. Grade ≥ 3 surgical complications occurred in 5 patients (7%). PN was performed for 49 kidneys (63%) after sunitinib, including 76% of patients without and 41% with metastatic disease (P = 0.0026). PN was completed in 100%, 86%, 65%, and 60% of localized cT1a, cT1b, cT2, and cT3 tumors, respectively. CONCLUSION: Presurgical sunitinib leads to modest tumor reduction in most primary RCC, and many patients can be subsequently treated with PN with acceptable morbidity and preserved renal function. A randomized trial is required to definitively determine whether presurgical therapy enhances feasibility of PN.

What is the Incidence of Kidney Stones after Chemotherapy in Patients with Lymphoproliferative or Myeloproliferative Disorders?

Introduction This study describes the incidence and risk factors of de novo nephrolithiasis among patients with lymphoproliferative or myeloproliferative diseases who have undergone chemotherapy. Materials and Methods From 2001 to 2011, patients with lymphoproliferative or myeloproliferative disorders treated with chemotherapy were retrospectively identified. The incidence of image proven nephrolithiasis after chemotherapy was determined. Demographic and clinical variables were recorded. Patients with a history of nephrolithiasis prior to chemotherapy were excluded. The primary outcome was incidence of nephrolithiasis, and secondary outcomes were risk factors predictive of de novo stone. Comparative statistics were used to compare demographic and disease specific variables for patients who developed de novo stones versus those who did not. Results A total of 1,316 patients were identified and the incidence of de novo nephrolithiasis was 5.5% (72/1316; symptomatic stones 1.8% 24/1316). Among patients with nephrolithiasis, 72.2% had lymphoproliferative disorders, 27.8% had myeloproliferative disorders, and 25% utilized allopurinol. The median urinary pH was 5.5, and the mean serum uric acid, calcium, potassium and phosphorus levels were 7.5, 9.6, 4.3, and 3.8 mg/dL, respectively. In univariate analysis, mean uric acid (p=0.013), calcium (p<0.001)), and potassium (p=0.039) levels were higher in stone formers. Diabetes mellitus (p<0.001), hypertension (p=0.003), and hyperlipidemia (p<0.001) were more common in stone formers. In multivariate analysis, diabetes mellitus, hyperuricemia, and hypercalcemia predicted stone. Conclusions We report the incidence of de novo nephrolithiasis in patients who have undergone chemotherapy. Diabetes mellitus, hyperuricemia, and hypercalcemia are patient-specific risk factors that increase the odds of developing an upper tract stone following chemotherapy. .

Minimally invasive cystectomy is associated with improved perioperative patient safety outcomes compared with open cystectomy in a national cohort.

OBJECTIVE: To compare perioperative patient safety outcomes of minimally invasive cystectomy (MIC) with open cystectomy (OC) in a national cohort. Comparative outcomes data based on validated metrics are sparse for MIC, an emerging treatment for bladder cancer. METHODS: We identified patients undergoing MIC and OC for bladder cancer from 2005 to 2010 using the US Nationwide Inpatient Sample. We compared perioperative outcomes using Patient Safety Indicators (PSIs), validated metrics developed by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and used multivariate regression analyses to generate adjusted odds ratios. RESULTS: Between 2005 and 2010, 42,919 patients underwent cystectomy. During this period, the prevalence of MIC increased from 0.8% to 10.3% of all cystectomies. Compared with OC, MIC patients were more likely to be male (P = .019) and treated at large teaching hospitals (P <.001). There were no significant differences in age, race, Charlson index, or region between groups. The median lengths of stay were 8 and 7 days for OC and MIC, respectively (P <.001). In multivariate regression analyses, MIC was associated with a 30% decreased likelihood of any PSI (odds ratio, 0.71; P = .038). Although the occurrence of any PSI was associated with increased mortality (P <.001), there were no significant differences in mortality between OC and MIC. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of MIC has substantially increased in recent years. Patients undergoing MIC had superior perioperative patient safety outcomes as measured by PSIs. Further study is needed to explain these patterns and to promote the continued safe diffusion of this technology.

Children with spinal abnormalities have an increased health burden from upper tract urolithiasis.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the epidemiology and health care burden of upper tract urolithiasis in children with spinal abnormalities using a large, national database. Children with spinal dysraphism are predisposed to urolithiasis for many reasons, including immobility, bacteriuria, and urinary stasis. No large epidemiologic studies exist regarding stones in this specific group. Isolated spinal curvature may lead to hypercalciuria from immobility; however, urolithiasis rates are unknown. METHODS: We extracted data from the Pediatric Health Information Systems database over an 8-year period. Hospitals reporting inpatient visits, emergency room visits, and ambulatory surgery visits were included. Using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes and Current Procedural Terminology codes, we identified children with upper tract urolithiasis, spinal dysraphism, and spinal curvature. Data regarding demographics, prevalence, surgical procedures, costs related to stone procedures were extracted. RESULTS: A total of 11,987 patients had urolithiasis. Prevalence of stones in patients with normal spines was 0.24% compared with 1.40% and 4.03% among children with spinal curvature and spinal dysraphism, respectively (P<.001). Children with spinal curvature and spinal dysraphism were more likely to have multiple procedures for stones than those without spinal abnormalities (25% vs 25.7% vs 13.1%, P<.001). Costs per patient were significantly higher for children with spinal abnormalities compared with those with normal spines. CONCLUSION: Children with spinal curvature and spinal dysraphism have a much greater rate of upper tract urolithiasis, resulting in more procedures and related costs. Urolithiasis represents a significant, chronic health burden for children with spinal abnormalities. Screening and preventive care may reduce the impact of urolithiasis in these patients.

Determinants of renal functional decline after open partial nephrectomy: a comparison of warm, cold, and non-ischemic modalities.

INTRODUCTION: Renal functional decline after partial nephrectomy (PN) may be related to a variety of nonmodifiable and modifiable factors, including ischemia time (IT) and modality. We sought to determine the impact of these factors on renal functional degeneration after PN. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Multicenter retrospective analysis (n = 347) was performed, identifying patients who underwent open PN using warm, cold, and non-ischemic techniques. Primary outcome was development of de novo chronic kidney disease (CKD), (estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2), at 1 year follow up. Univariate and multivariable analysis (MVA) were performed examining factors associated with ischemia technique and the development of de novo CKD. RESULTS: Median follow up 34.7 months. Two hundred and forty-one patients underwent warm ischemic, 31 cold ischemic, and 75 clampless PN. Patient characteristics were similar between groups. Clampless group had lower mean RENAL scores (6.4) than cold (7.9, p = 0.005) and warm (7, p = 0.037) ischemia groups. Cold ischemia cohort had longer median IT than the warm cohort (50min versus 25 min, p = 0.001). There were no significant differences in proportion of patients developing de novo CKD (warm 14.9%, cold 15%, clampless 8.7%, p = 0.422). MVA demonstrated that neither ischemic modality nor IT ≥ 30 minutes was associated with development of de novo CKD, while RENAL scores of increasing complexity (RENAL score 7-9 OR 4.32, p = 0.003; RENAL score ≥ 10 OR 15.42, p < 0.001) were independently associated with de novo CKD. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing tumor complexity, as indicated by the RENAL score, was an overriding determinant of post PN renal functional outcome. Prospective investigation is requisite to elucidate risk and protective factors for renal functional degeneration after PN.

Survival outcomes after radical and partial nephrectomy for clinical T2 renal tumours categorised by R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated survival outcomes of partial nephrectomy (PN) and radical nephrectomy (RN) for clinical T2 renal masses (cT2RM) controlling for R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A two-centre study comprised of 202 patients with cT2RM who underwent RN (122) or PN (80) between July 2002 and June 2012 (median follow-up 41.5 months). Kaplan-Meier analysis compared overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS) and progression-free survival (PFS) among the entire cohort and within categories of R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score of ≥10 and <10. Association between procedure and PFS and OS was analysed using Cox-proportional hazard. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between PN and RN in clinical T stage and R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry scores. For RN and PN, the 5-year PFS was 69.8% and 79.9% (P = 0.115), CSS was 82.5% and 86.7% (P = 0.407), and OS was 80% and 83.3% (P = 0.291). Cox regression showed no association between RN vs PN and PFS; a R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score of ≥10 was associated with a shorter PFS (hazard ratio 6.69, P = 0.002). Kaplan-Meier analysis for RN vs PN showed no difference in PFS for entire cohort or within the R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score categories of ≥10 and <10. The PFS was better for those with R.E.N.A.L nephrometry scores of <10 vs ≥10 (P < 0.001) and for cT2a vs cT2b tumours (P = 0.012). OS was no different between cT2a and cT2b tumours; patients with R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry scores of ≥10 were more likely to die from disease (P < 0.001) or any cause (P < 0.001) vs those with R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry scores of <10. CONCLUSIONS: PN may be oncologically effective for cT2RM. A R.E.N.A.L nephrometry score of ≥10 is negatively associated with OS among cT2RM compared with a score of <10 and provides additional risk assessment beyond clinical T stage. Further follow-up and prospective randomised investigation is requisite to confirm efficacy of PN for cT2RM.