Comparison of maximum voided volume and maximum bladder capacity in voiding diary, uroflowmetry and cystometrography in children with non-neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Maximum voided volumes (MVV) and maximum bladder capacities (MBC) are important parameters in the evaluation of lower urinary tract functions in children. However, consistency of MVV and MBC measurements between voiding diary (VD), uroflowmetry (UF) and cystometrography (CMG) in children with non-neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) has not been addressed specifically. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to compare the MVV in VD and UF and MBC in CMG in children with non-neurogenic LUT dysfunction and investigate for possible factors for discrepancies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Children with non-neurogenic LUTD were retrospectively evaluated with a focus on VD, UF, and CMG. VD applied for 2 days and MVV recorded except for first urine in morning. UF repeated in children with <50% of expected bladder capacity (EBC) for age. Highest value and post voiding residual urine (PVR) was recorded. CMG was performed if these conditions were present: High PVR or LUT dysfunction resistant to standard urotherapy (conservative management with biofeedback) and medical therapy (oral anticholinergics) or LUT dysfunction accompanied by VUR or recurrent UTI. MBC in CMG was recorded according to International Children Continence Society (ICCS) standards. MVV and MBC in VD, UF, CMG were compared and possible factors for discrepancy were investigated. RESULTS: 54 children (median age: 10 (4-17) years) were included in the study. 39 (72.2%) were girls, 15 (27.8%) were boys. Median MVV was 232.50 (20-600) ml in VD, 257.50 (69-683) ml in UF and MBC was 184 (31-666) ml in CMG (p = 0.012) (Summary Table). In the subgroup analysis, it was shown that the bladder capacities obtained from all three tests were not compatible with each other in children younger than 10 years of age, in girls, in those with recurrent urinary tract infection, detrusor overactivity, high PVR and normal flow pattern (p = 0.003, p = 0.016, p = 0.029, p < 0.001, p = 0.045, p = 0.03, respectively). DISCUSSION: There is a discrepancy between bladder capacities obtained from VD, UF and CMG In children with non-neurogenic LUT dysfunction. In particular, the lower capacity obtained from invasive urodynamic tests may be related to the poor compliance of children during the procedure. Therefore, when invasive urodynamics is required in these cases, we recommend that maximum cystometric capacity to be evaluated by comparing with voided volumes at UF, VD and other clinical signs and symptoms, and urodynamic parameters in more detail. CONCLUSION: MVV in VD and UF are comparable, but MBC in CMG is lower in children with non-neurogenic LUTD selected for invasive urodynamic studies. More attention should be paid to bladder capacity obtained from urodynamic studies in children exhibiting the characteristics identified in the subgroup analysis. We believe that evaluating bladder capacity values, especially obtained from invasive studies, in conjunction with clinical findings can prevent misdiagnosis, over investigation and overtreatment in children with non-neurogenic LUTD.

The Utility and Safety of Ureteral Access Sheath During Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery in Children.

OBJECTIVE: To compare retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) with and without ureteral access sheath (UAS) in different pediatric age groups. METHODS: The data of RIRS for kidney stone in children were obtained from 9 institutions. Demographic characteristics of patients and stones, intraoperative and postoperative results were recorded. While analyzing the data, patients who underwent RIRS without UAS (group 1) (n = 195) and RIRS with UAS (group 2) (n = 194) were compared. RESULTS: Group 1 was found to be young, thin, and short (P <.001, P = .021, P <.001), but there was no gender difference and similar symptoms were present except hematuria, which was predominant in group 2 (10.6% vs 17.3%, P <.001). Group 1 had smaller stone diameter (9.91 ± 4.46 vs 11.59 ± 4.85 mm, P = .001), shorter operation time (P = .040), less stenting (35.7% vs 72.7%, P = .003). Re-intervention rates and stone-free rates (SFR) were similar between groups (P = .5 and P = .374). However, group 1 had significantly high re-RIRS (P = .009). SFR had a positive correlation with smaller stone size and thulium fiber laser usage compared to holmium fiber laser (HFL) (P <.001 and P = .020), but multivariate analysis revealed only large stone size as a risk factor for residual fragments (P = .001). CONCLUSION: RIRS can be performed safely in children with and without UAS. In children of smaller size or younger age (<5 years), limited use of UAS was observed. UAS may be of greater utility in stones larger than 1 cm, regardless of the age, and using smaller diameter UAS and ureteroscopes can decrease the complications.

Urinary biomarkers in children with neurogenic and non-neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIM: The aim of this systematic review is to assess urinary biomarkers studied in children with neurogenic and non-neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. The screening was performed on PUBMED without any publication date limitation. Only original articles were included. Parameters related to the following topics were obtained: study design, characteristics of participants, number of participants, age, control group, types of biomarkers, measurement technique in urine, subgroup analysis, urodynamic findings, and outcome. Dutch Cochrane Checklist (DCC) and level of evidence by EBRO platform were used for quality assessment. Meta-analysis was performed with the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Version 4 program. RESULTS: A total of 494 studies were screened and 16 studies were included. 11 (68.75%) were conducted in children with non-neurogenic LUTD and 5 (31.25%) neurogenic LUTD. Nerve growth factor (NGF) was evaluated in 12 studies, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in 5, Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) in 2, transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF Beta-1) in 2, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) in 1, and Aquaporin-2 in 1. According to DCC, 10 (62.5%) articles were evaluated on 4 (37.5%) items and 4 articles on 5 items. The average score was 3.91+/-0.56. The level of evidence was found as B for 13 (81.25%) articles and C for 3 (18.75%). In meta-analysis, urinary NGF levels in children with non-neurogenic LUTS were significantly higher than in the healthy control group (Hedges's g = 1.867, standard error = 0.344, variance = 0.119, p = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Urinary biomarkers are promising for the future with their noninvasive features. However, prospective studies with larger sample sizes are needed to better understand the potential of urinary biomarkers to reflect urodynamic and clinical findings in children with LUTD.

Are voiding volumes and frequencies different in the three-day voiding diary in children with lower urinary tract dysfunction?

AIM: The voiding diary (VD) yields crucial insights into voiding volumes (VV), voiding frequency (VF), and management habits in children with lower urinary tract (LUT) dysfunction. It is recommended to be conducted for a minimum of 2 days. Nevertheless, certain studies have indicated similarities in voided volumes between days in a three-day VD. This study aims to compare VV and VF values across days based on bladder capacity and symptom scores. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Children who applied to the pediatric urology clinic due to LUT symptoms between 2022 and 2023 were included in the study. Retrospective evaluation was conducted on the records. Children with neurological deficits and incomplete data were excluded from the study. All children were assessed following the guidelines of ICCS and EUA and underwent a 3-day voiding diary. Mean VV and VF values of the whole group for each day were compared and subgroup analyzes were performed in terms of gender, Voiding Dysfunction Symptom Score (VDSS), bladder capacity (BC), and diagnoses. RESULTS: A total of 109 (53 girls (48.6%), 56 boys (51.4%)) children with a median age of 8 (3-17) were included in the study. 77 (70.6%) children were diagnosed with overactive bladder, 8 (7.4%) with dysfunctional voiding, and 24 (22%) with monosymptomatic enuresis nocturne. The mean VVs between days were similar in the whole group (p = 0.759). Moreover, the mean VV of the first day was similar to the average of both the first two days and the three days (p = 0.021, p = 0.490). Also, the maximum and minimum VVs were similar between days (p = 0.942, p = 0.160, respectively). In subgroup analyses based on gender, bladder capacity, and symptom score, mean VV was also found to be similar. VF values were found to be significantly different between days. There was also a difference between VF values in children with VDSS > 8.5 (p = 0.012) and BC/EBC (%) > 65 (p = 0.030). In subgroup analysis for diagnoses, mean and maximum VV and VF were similar between the groups, except for VF (p = 0.026) in OAB. CONCLUSION: While the voided volumes of children with non-neurogenic LUT dysfunctions appear to be consistent across the days of the VD, variations in VF might arise, especially among children with a VDSS of > 8.5 and normal bladder capacity. As a result, we believe that using a VD spanning at least two days could enhance diagnostic accuracy and help prevent unnecessary treatment.

The association of urinary BDNF, ATP, and MMP-2 with bladder compliance in children with myelodysplasia.

AIM: The purpose of our study was to evaluate the relationship of urinary brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), adenosine triphosphate (ATP), matrix metallopreteinase-2 (MMP-2) with urodynamic findings and upper urinary tract deterioration (UUTD) in children with myelodysplasia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Children with myelodysplasia evaluated in outpatient clinic between 2022 and 2023 were included. All patients underwent urinary ultrasonography, voiding cystourethrography, urodynamics, and DMSA scintigraphy. Urine samples were collected before urodynamics. Control urine was collected from 10 healthy children. Urinary biomarker values of patients and controls were compared, and subgroup analysis was performed. RESULTS: The median age of 40 children (26 girls) included in the study was 108 (8-216) months, and the control group (six girls) was 120 (60-154) (p = 0.981). Urinary BDNF, MMP-2, and ATP were found to be significantly higher in children with myelodysplasia compared to the control (p = 0.007, p = 0.027, p = 0.014, respectively). The three biomarker values were similar in children with bladder compliance below or above 10 cmH2O/mL (p = 0.750, p = 0.844, p = 0.575). No difference was found in terms of UUTD in all three biomarkers (p = 0.387, p = 0.892, p = 0.705). A negative correlation was found between urinary ATP and compliance (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In this study, all three biomarkers were found to be higher in children with myelodysplasia than in controls. There was a negative correlation between urinary ATP and compliance. Urinary biomarkers may contribute the follow-up of children with neurogenic lower urinary tract deterioration in future with their noninvasive features. However, the lack of standardization and the inability to reliably predict risky groups are important shortcomings of urinary biomarkers.

Consistency of uroflowmetry analysis in children among observers.

AIM: The aim of the study is to compare the intra- and inter-observer interpretations of the same uroflowmetry study at two different times. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two-hundred children with a voided volume of 50% above the expected bladder capacity were included. All traces were asked to be evaluated by 11 observers two times in a time span of 1 month. These observers consist of pediatric urologists (n = 2), pediatric urology fellows (n = 2), urology residents (n = 5), and certified urodynamics nurses (n = 2). Each uroflowmetry was asked to be assessed for three domains: voided volume (VV), detrusor sphincter dyssynergia (DSD), and flow curve pattern (FCP). RESULTS: Of the 200 patients with a median age of 10 (4-18) years, 128 (64%) were girls and 72 (36%) boys. The maximum flow rate and the median voided volume were found to be 20 (4-61) mL/s and 232 (116-781) mL. The Fleiss' kappa coefficient of VV, DSD, and FCP in the first assessment was 0.510, 0.501, and 0.346. In the second assessment, κ values were 0.530, 0.422, and 0.373. The best-agreed findings were similar at both times. These were found to be low VV (0.602 and 0.626) and intermittent pattern (0.500 and 0.553). Interpreters were found to have a statistically significant difference in agreement with their own interpretation at different times. CONCLUSION: Both inter- and intra-observer reliability of the agreement point out the problem in the standardization of uroflowmetry. Inter- and intra-observer reliability of uroflowmetry interpretation can be increased by defining precise numbers and numerical algorithms.

Diagnosis of Testicular Torsion and Differentiation From Other Pathologies Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy device to diagnose testicular torsion with high sensitivity and specificity. Specifically, we aim to investigate the differentiation between testicular torsion from other pathologies such as orchidoepididymitis, varicocele, and hydrocele. METHODS: Two LEDs with wavelengths of 660 nm and 940 nm were used as light sources in the device. Each wavelength was sent to the testicle successively, and a photodiode detected back-reflected diffuse light. The ratio of the light intensities of 660 nm and 940 nm was used as a diagnostic parameter. A multi-center clinical trial was performed in 5 different hospitals. RESULTS: In total, 62 patients in urology clinics with acute testicular pain have been recruited for the study. The developed NIR spectroscopy correctly defined all 8 testicular torsion cases. Besides, 3 orchidoepididymitis, 1 varicocele, and 3 hydrocele cases were correctly distinguished from testicular torsion. Only 1 hydrocele case was misdiagnosed as torsion. The range of the ratio was between 0.14 and 1.16 overall measurements. The ratio varied between 0.14 and 0.3 for the testicle with torsion. The ratio was between 0.49 and 1.16 for the normal testicle and testicle with other pathologies mentioned above. CONCLUSION: We have chosen the threshold ratio of 0.4 to differentiate between the normal and torsion testis and diagnosed all the torsion cases among all normal and other pathologies. The developed optical device to diagnose testicular torsion is inexpensive, user-friendly, and works based on objective criteria with high sensitivity and specificity in real time.

Normal Glanular and Meatal Measurements in Boys and Men.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the normal vertical urethral meatus length (ML), maximum glanular width (MGW), the glanular seam length (between the lowest edge of urethral meatus and the glans closure line corona) (GSL) and GSL/ML ratio in all age groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive patients presented to urology and pediatric urology outpatient clinics were included in the study. Penile abnormalities, known endocrinological disorders, history of penile/urethral surgery were excluded. MGW, ML, and GSL were measured with a caliper. Glanular and meatal measurements were compared according to ages. RESULTS: A total of 1398 boys and men (380 (27.18%) prepubertal (1-12), 203 (14.52%) adolescent (13-19), and 815 (58.30%) postpubertal (19-93)) with a median age of 31 years (range: 1-93) were included in the study. In consecutive age groups, ML and GSL gradually increased and became steady between 16-19 & 20-30 age groups and 10-12 & 13-15 age groups, respectively. On the other hand, MGW gradually increased until 20 years of age and became steady at median of 35 mm over 20 years of age. Another interesting finding was a rather stable GSL/ML ratio in all age groups. Pairwise comparison of different age groups seemed to be similar and suggests a fixed ratio of 1.33 (IQR: 0.6). CONCLUSION: The normal glanular and meatal measurements may guide the surgeons for better cosmetic results during hypospadias repair. The GSL/ML ratio appears to be a stable measure for all ages to achieve better cosmetic results.

Role of Preoperative Ureteral Stent on Outcomes of Retrograde Intra-Renal Surgery (RIRS) in Children. Results From a Comparative, Large, Multicenter Series.

OBJECTIVE: To assess outcomes of pre-stenting versus non-pre-stenting in children undergoing retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) for intrarenal stones. METHODS: Children/adolescent with kidney stones undergoing RIRS in 9 centers between 2015 and 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: ureteral lithotripsy, bilateral procedures. Stone-free status was evaluated at 3-month and defined as a single residual fragment (RF) ≤2 mm/absence of multiple fragments. Patients were divided into two groups (Group 1 no-prestenting; Group 2 prestenting). Student's, Chi-square and Fisher's exact test was used to assess difference between groups. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis were performed to predict RF. Statistical significance: P-value <0.05. RESULTS: Three hundred eighty-nine children/adolescents were included (192 patients in Group 1). Prestented patients were younger compared with non-prestented (mean age 8.30 ± 4.93 vs 10.43 ± 4.30 years, P < 0.001). There were no differences in stone characteristics (number, size, locations). Lasing and total surgical time were similar. Urinary tract infections were more prevalent in Group 2 (10.7%) compared to Group 1 (3.7%, P = 0.016). Sepsis occurred in 2.1% of patients in Group 2 and no patient in Group 1 (P = 0.146). 30.7% patients in Group 1 and 26.4% in Group 2 had RF (P = 0.322). In univariate logistic regression analysis, stone size was associated with RF (OR 1.12 95%CI 1.06-1.18, P < 0.001), whereas Thulium fiber laser with a lower incidence (OR 0.24 95%CI 0.06-0.69, p=0.020). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that stone size was associated with RF (OR 1.20 95%CI 1.08-1.36, P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: RIRS showed similar stone-free rate in pre and non-prestented children/adolescents, although prestented patients were younger. A higher risk of post-operative infections was reported in prestented patients.

Erectile dysfunction in patients with major burn injury: The significance of follow-up.

BACKGROUND: There were few prospective studies investigating the relationship between the burn injury and erectile dysfunction (ED). The aim of this study was to prospectively explore the alteration in erectile functions regarding major burn. METHODS: This study was conducted as a prospective survey in patients with major burn injury. The study group consisted of burn cases with at least 20% of body surface area affected according to the Wallace Rule of Nines. Initially International Index of ED-5 (IIEF-5) was administered to the patients in the burn unit, and it was repeated in the 2rd and 6th months. Burn types, the severity of burns, age of patients, and alteration in IIEF-5 scores were compared. RESULTS: The study included 63 male patients. The median age of the patients was 35 (20-73) years, and the median burn percent-age was 22 (20-60). The rate of ED was markedly increased during follow-up as 8%, 39.7%, and 25.4% at baseline, 3rd, and 6th month evaluation, respectively. The median initial IIEF-5 score of the patients was 23 (5-25). Subgroup analysis revealed that IIEF-5 score of patients with electrical and flame burn significantly decreased at 3rd month compared with the baseline values. The median IIEF-5 score of patients with electrical burn increased at 6th month compared with 3rd month (p=0.042). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that age and service period, and IIEF-5 Score at 3rd month and burn grade were all statistically significantly associated with the normal erectile function (IIEF-5>=18), at 3rd month and 6th month, respectively. CONCLUSION: The current trial demonstrated that IIEF-5 scores of patients with major burn can show significant impairment in long term, and it seems a time-dependent process. This is the first prospective trial showing that IIEF can be utilized to monitor erectile function of burn patients in a longer follow-up program.

The effect of duration between sessions on biofeedback treatment in children with dysfunctional voiding.

OBJECTIVE: Biofeedback is an effective treatment in children with standard urotherapy-resistant dysfunctional voiding (DV). However, the duration of the session intervals is not standardized. We aimed to compare the effectiveness of daily and weekly sessions of biofeedback treatments. METHODS: The data of children who received biofeedback due to DV between March 2018 and May 2019 were retrospectively evaluated. The children were divided into two groups, one with daily and the other with weekly sessions. The voiding patterns in uroflowmetry (UF), maximum flow rate (Qmax), electromyography activity, postvoid residual volume (PVR), the ratio of voided volume to expected bladder capacity (EBC) (%), and Dysfunctional Voiding and Incontinence Scoring System (DVISS) were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: A total of 45 children (39 girls [86.6%] and 6 boys [13.3%]) were included in the study. The daily group consisted of 27 (60%) children and the weekly group of 18 (40%). Qmax, PVR, number of abnormal UF patterns, voiding volume/EBC, and DVISS scores were similar between the two groups before treatment. Voiding parameters improved statistically significantly in both groups following biofeedback, but there was no difference between the two groups. A statistical difference was found between the results of DVISS after treatment (P = .03). CONCLUSION: Both types of biofeedback treatment (daily and weekly) are effective methods that improve voiding parameters and DVISS values in children with DV. Therefore, the duration between sessions can be determined according to the suitability of the patient and the biofeedback unit.

The results of three times repeated filling cystometry and pressure flow studies in children with non-neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction.

AIM: We previously reported that some urodynamic parameters change with repetitive filling in children with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD). In this study, we aimed to search if three-times repeated filling cystometries (FC) and pressure-flow studies (PFS) would change the urodynamics parameters in children with non-neurogenic LUTD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All children with three repeated FC and PFS between June 2017 and December 2018 were included in the study. Urodynamic reports and charts were evaluated retrospectively. The first sensation of bladder filling (FSBF), maximum cystometric capacity (MCC), detrusor pressure at the FSBF (Pdet.first.sens ), maximum detrusor pressure during filling (Pdet.fill.max ), presence of detrusor over activity, compliance, maximum urine flow (Qmax), detrusor pressure at the maximum urine flow (PdetQmax), residual urine and presence of detrusor sphincter dyssynergy (DSD) were compared among three-times repeated urodynamic studies. RESULTS: Forty children were included in the study. 27 (67.5%) were girls and 13 (32.5%) were boys. Median age was 9 (3.4-17) years. Indications were LUTD with low grade vesicoureteral reflux in 19 (47.5%), LUTD refractory to conservative management in 13 (32.5%), urinary tract infection with LUTD in 6 (15%) and secondary enuresis in 2 (5%). Pdet.first.sens , presence of DO, MCC, Qmax, PdetQmax, residual urine, flow pattern, and presence of DSD were comparable in all three repeated tests. The third FC may show decreased filling detrusor pressures and increased compliance with no change on capacity. CONCLUSION: In children with non-neurogenic LUTD, three-times repeated FC and PFS present comparable results except FSBF, Pdet.fill.max, and compliance at the third test.

Outcomes and lessons learnt from practice of retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) in a paediatric setting of various age groups: a global study across 8 centres.

PURPOSE: To analyse and report the practice, outcomes and lessons learnt from a global series of retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) in a paediatric multicentre series. METHODS: A retrospective review of anonymized pooled data gathered globally from 8 centres in paediatric patients (≤ 18 years of age) who had renal stones and underwent RIRS from 2015 to 2020 was performed. Patient demographics, perioperative parameters, stone characteristics, complications and stone-free rate (SFR; defined as endoscopically stone free and/or residual fragments < 2 mm on follow up imaging) were analysed. The cohort was stratified into 3 groups by age: < 5 years (Group A), 5-10 years (Group B) and > 10 years (Group C). Overall, post-operative complication rate was 13.7%. Chi-square comparisons were used for categorical variables; analysis of variance (ANOVA) or Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for continuous variables. RESULTS: 314 patients were analysed. The mean age was 9.54 ± 4.76 years. Groups A, B and C had 67 (21.3%), 83 (26.4%) and 164 (52.2%) patients, respectively. Mean stone size was 10.7 ± 4.62 mm. Pre-stenting was performed in 155 (49.4%) of patients, ureteral access sheaths (UAS) was used in 54.5% of patients with majority (71%) utilizing holmium laser for stone fragmentation. All complications were minor (Clavien-Dindo grade 1 and 2). SFR was 75.5%. CONCLUSIONS: RIRS is acceptable as a first-line intervention in the paediatric population with reasonable efficacy and low morbidity. Complications are slightly higher in patients < 5 years of age, which should be taken into account while counselling patients.

Outcomes of fluoroscopy-free retrograde intrarenal surgery and predictive factors of stone-free.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcomes of flouroscopy-free retrograde intrarenal surgery (ffRIRS) and to investigate the factors that may affect stone-free rate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The charts of patients who underwent ffRIRS between January 2017 and August 2019 were reviewed retrospectively. Patients with missing preoperative imaging and patients with kidney anomalies were excluded from the study. Age, gender, stone size, stone localization, stone density, laterality, operation time, stone-free rate, complications and auxiliary procedures were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: Study group involved 44 (43.1%) female and 58 (56.8%) male patients. Stone-free rate in a single-session ffRIRS were found to be correlated with stone localization (p = 0.003), stone volume (p = 0.004), and stone density (p = 0.009) but not with age (p = 0.950). Patients with multiple calyceal stones and a stone burden over 520 mm3 were found to be less stone-free. The complication rate in female gender (n = 7) was significantly higher compared to male (n = 1) (p = 0.011). No major complications such as ureteral injury or avulsion were observed. Overall, 13 patients (12.7%) needed auxiliary procedures. The operation time seemed to be affected by stone size and gender (p = 0.005; p = 0.044, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Stone-free rate in ffRIRS were found to be affected by stone density, size, and localization. Patients with multiple caliceal stones and high stone burden (< 520 mm3) have been found to have low stone-free rate, so one can speculate that having fluoroscopy assistance in RIRS might help us to improve surgical success.

Abnormal DMSA renal scan findings and associated factors in older children with vesicoureteral reflux.

AIM: There are scanty data on the rate of abnormal Tc-99 m dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) renal scintigraphy and associated factors in children older than 5 years with diagnosis of VUR. We do not have knowledge about which older children should undergo DMSA after VUR diagnosis. This study aims to assess the rate of abnormal DMSA findings and associated factors in children older than 5 years of age diagnosed with VUR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 258 children with VUR diagnosed at or older than 5 year age. 179 children [42 (23.5%) males and 137 (76.5%) females] with complete data were included. 268 reflux units were compared according to gender, bilaterality, grade, reflux phase at voiding cystourethrography, febrile urinary tract infection (fUTI), lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD), and DMSA findings with uni- and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: The median age was 110 (60-216) months. VUR grades were I, II, and III in 197 (73.6%) units and IV-V in 71 (26.4%). 138 (51.5%) renal units had abnormal DMSA. VUR grade (p < 0.01), unilaterality (p = 0.048), and fUTI (p = 0.031) in univariate but only grade and unilaterality in multivariate analysis are significantly associated with abnormal DMSA. Although reflux at filling phase was predominant in high-grade VUR group, reflux at voiding phase (p = 0.006) in low-medium-grade (1-3) VUR was associated with abnormal DMSA. CONCLUSION: Children older than 5 years of age diagnosed with VUR should be regarded as a high-risk group for abnormal DMSA regardless of gender, unilaterality, grade, reflux phase, fUTI, and LUTD.

How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect audience's attitudes in webinars?

INTRODUCTION: Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the face-to-face meetings are delayed to a future date, which is still not clear. However, seminars, meetings and conferences are necessary for updating our knowledge and skills. Web-based seminars (webinars) are the solutions to this issue. This study aimed to show the participant behaviour when webinars present at the COVID-19 pandemic era. METHODS: From December 2017 to July 2020, 58 webinars were broadcasted via the Uropedia, electronic library of SUST. Data of all webinars were collected with the YouTube analytics and application of the Uropedia. Data of streaming webinars included participant behaviours such as content views, engagement time, total unique attendees, average engagement time and the number of audience to leads. Data were split into two groups; group-1 is webinars before COVID-19 (before March 2020) and group-2 is the webinars during COVID-19. RESULTS: Total broadcast time and total page view number were found to be 112.6 hours (6761 minutes) and 15 919, respectively. The median participant age was 40.1 y. Median content view and median engagement time were found to be 261.0 and 12.2 minutes, respectively. Comparison of two groups revealed a significant increment in the content views (group-1; 134.0 range = 86.0-87.0 and group-2; 414.0 range = 296.0-602.0, P < .001) and the number of the unique attendees (group 1; 18.0 range = 10.0-26.0 and group-2; 57.0 range = 27.0-100.0, P < .001) following COVID-19. However, the median engagement time of the audience did not seem to change with the COVID-19 pandemic (group-1; 11.5 range = 10.0-13.3 minutes and group-2; 13.2 range = 9.4-18.1 minutes, P = .12). CONCLUSION: The webinars are effective ways to share information and have many advantages, including low cost, reaching a high number of audiences. Audience number and page visits seemed to increase following the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this era did not seem to affect the critical attitude of the audience, which is engagement time.

The Significance of Asymptomatic Kidney Stones as a Predictive Factor for Sepsis in Critically Ill Older Adults.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of kidney stones (KSs) on critically ill older adults (CIOA) staying longer than 24 hours in the ICU. Sepsis is one of the leading causes of mortality for ICU patients. KS disease is a well-known risk factor for bacteriuria and urinary tract infection. METHODS: A total of 256 CIOA were initially evaluated from April 2017 through February 2019. Patients who had urinary ultrasonography and computed tomography within 12 months prior to ICU admission were included. Patients with an additional urological pathology, under the age of 65 years, and with ICU stays of 24 hours or less were excluded. Consequently, 151 patients were eligible and constituted the study group. These patients were divided into 2 subgroups, according to the presence or absence of KSs. These 2 groups were compared with regard to urine culture (UC) results, presence of urosepsis, and septic shock. RESULTS: The mean age was 80.66 (±7.76) years. There were 18 patients with KSs and 133 without KSs. A total of 71 patients had a positive UC. Repeat UC positivity (p = 0.002) and resistant microorganisms (p = 0.034) were significantly more frequent in the KS group. The incidences of both urosepsis (p<0.001) and septic shock (p<0.001) were also significantly higher in patients with KSs. CONCLUSION: The presence of KSs in CIOA is frequently associated with urosepsis and septic shock. Large prospective trials are required to evaluate the impact of KSs on the prognosis of patients in the ICU.

Detrusor Pressures Change with Repeat Filling Cystometry in Myelodysplastic Children with Neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction.

PURPOSE: The International Children's Continence Society recommends urodynamics repeated at least twice for the optimal result. We aimed to search if 3 times repeat filling urodynamics in the same session would change the urodynamics parameters in children with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction due to myelodysplasia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We investigated urodynamic reports and charts of 80 consecutive children with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction due to myelodysplasia who underwent 3 repeat, same session filling cystometry studies between June 2017 and December 2018. Maximum detrusor pressure, maximum cystometric capacity, detrusor leak point pressure, compliance, residual urine volume and maximum cystometric capacity/estimated bladder capacity for age ratio were compared among all 3 filling cystometries. RESULTS: The median age was 4.3 years (IQR 5.8). Of the patients 39 (48.75%) were girls and 41 (51.25%) were boys. Primary pathological finding was myelomeningocele in 69 patients (86.3%). Maximum cystometric capacity, compliance, residual urine and maximum cystometric capacity/estimated bladder capacity for age were found comparable in 3 repeat cystometries. However, maximum detrusor pressure at first filling was higher compared to others (second, p=0.015, and third, p=0.002). Detrusor leak point pressure at the first filling was also higher compared to the third (p <0.001). Detrusor overactivity was persistent in all 3 fillings in 85% of patients (68 of 80). Of the patients 68 (85%) remained in the same risk group according to detrusor leak point pressure (cutoff 40 cmH2O). CONCLUSIONS: Maximum cystometric capacity and detrusor overactivity are comparable in 3 repeat cystometries but detrusor pressures significantly decrease in the repeat fillings. In our practice we plan our management according to the most worrisome urodynamics parameters for a safer proactive approach.

Protective effect of cordycepin on experimental renal ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats.

AIM: To date, various molecules have been investigated to reduce the effect of renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. However, none have yet led to clinical use. The present study aimed to investigate the protective effect of cordycepin (C) on renal I/R injury in an experimental rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four mature Sprague Dawley female rat was randomly divided into three groups: Sham, I/R, I/R+C. All animals underwent abdominal exploration. To induce I/R injury, an atraumatic vascular bulldog clamp was applied to the right renal pedicle for 60 minutes (ischemia) and later clamp was removed to allow reperfusion in all rats, except for the sham group. In the I/R + C group, 10 mg/kg C was administered intraperitoneally, immediately after reperfusion. After 4 hours of reperfusion, the experiment was terminated with right nephrectomy. Histological studies and biochemical analyses were performed on the right nephrectomy specimens. EGTI (endothelial, glomerular, tubulointerstitial) histopathology scoring and semi-quantitative analysis of renal cortical necrosis were used for histological analyses and superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), total oxidant status (TOS) for biochemical analyses. RESULTS: Histopathological examination of the tissue damage revealed that all kidneys in the sham group were normal. The I/R group had higher histopathological scores than the I/R + C group. In the biochemical analysis of the tissues, SOD, MDA, TOS values were found to be statistically different in the I/R group compared to the I/R + C group (p: 0.004, 0.004, 0.001 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Intraperitoneal cordycepin injection following ischemia preserve renal tissue against oxidative stress in a rat model of renal I/R injury.

Protective effect of chlorogenic acid on renal ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats.

OBJECTIVES: Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is a common cause of renal injury and to date, many pharmacological agents have been identified to decrease I/R injury. One of the potential compound that can target I/R injury is chlorogenic acid (CGA). It has potent antiinflammatory, antibacterial, anti-oxidant, analgesic and antipyretic activities in in vitro experiments and in vivo animal models. The aim of the study was to investigate the protective characteristic of CGA on renal I/R injury. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 24 rats were randomly allocated to three groups (n = 8): Sham, I/R+CGA and I/R groups. CGA was administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 20 mg/kg, 10 min before reperfusion. I/R injury was achieved by clamping the left renal artery for 45 minutes, followed by reperfusion for 4 hours. The left kidneys of the rats were examined for tissue damage by histopathological and biochemical examination. For histological evaluation, EGTI scoring system was used. For biochemical examination total oxidant status, total antioxidant status and oxidative stress index were used. The power analysis indicated that 8 subjects per group would be required to produce 80% chance of achieving statistical significance at p < 0.05 level. The results are expressed as mean ± SD. Mann- Whitney U was performed for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Histopathological examination of the tissue damage revealed that all kidneys in the sham group were normal. I-R group had significantly higher histopathological scores than other groups. Histopathological improvement was seen after CGA treatment. TAS, TOS and OSI values of I-R group were significantly higher than sham group (0.88 vs 0.76 (p: 0.004), 13.8 vs 7.04 (p: 0.021) and 0.15 vs 0.09 (p: 0.034), respectively). In CGA treated group TAS, TOS and OSI levels were 0.84, 6.47 and 0.07, respectively. CGA treatment resulted in significant improvement in TOS and OSI parameters. CONCLUSIONS: CGA treatment provided marked improvement in renal histology and suppressed oxidative stress. Thus, CGA may have a protective effect in renal tissue against I/R injury.