A Scoping Review on Learning Health Networks Available in Pediatric Surgical Specialties.

BACKGROUND: Learning health networks (LHN) are consortia of institutions that collaborate and embrace the elements of the learning health system (LHS), including quality improvement, education, research, and stakeholder involvement. Their ultimate goal is rapid information dissemination in clinical care. Pediatric surgical specialties perform unique yet high-impact procedures that could benefit from LHN, thereby improving surgical outcomes and care through LHS approaches. Consequently, health system leaders should be aware of LHN and their importance in enhancing surgical care and improving outcomes. This scoping review aims to map and characterize the existing LHN applied in pediatric surgical specialties. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed on Medline, EMBASE, and Scopus up to June 2022, with an update search conducted in May 2023. Additionally, Google Scholar, ProQuest and inquiry from topic experts were used for cross-referencing relevant review articles to identify grey literature. This scoping review was conducted and reported according to the PRISMA-scoping review extension. RESULTS: A total of 56 publications for 19 LHN were identified and included in this scoping review. Out of 19 identified LHN in pediatric surgical specialties, 18 were organized in North America. Eight of the networks are related to pediatric general surgery and another eight were related to pediatric transplantation. The 16 out of 19 LHN were initiated after 2001. To date, only eight of the LHNs generated reports of comparative improved outcomes. CONCLUSION: This scoping review provides an overview of the available LHNs in pediatric surgical specialties. Over the past decade, several pediatric surgical specialties have embraced the principles of learning health systems, forming inter-institutional collaborations that utilize information technology to generate big data on patient-level clinical information, engage in quality improvement cycles, adopt evidence-based practices, and actively involve patients and stakeholders. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Dorsal shortening vs. ventral lengthening for congenital ventral curvature in patients with/without severe hypospadias A meta-analysis of comparative studies.

INTRODUCTION: Herein, we compared surgical outcome of dorsal shortening (DS) vs. ventral lengthening (VL) for correcting congenital ventral curvatures. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed in September 2021 using the PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, CENTRAL, ProQuest, and Clinicaltrials.gov databases. Comparative studies were identified and evaluated according to Cochrane Collaboration recommendations. Assessed outcomes included success and complication rates, which were extrapolated for the respective odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analyses were performed according to congenital curvature, with or without severe hypospadias or recurrent curvatures (PROSPERO: CRD42021276193). RESULTS: Based on pooled effect estimates from 12 studies with 430 (DS 253, VL 177) cases of ventral curvature repair, VL rendered a better success rate for curvature correction (OR 4.20, 95% CI 2.11, 8.33) than DS, with comparable composite surgical complication rates (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.27, 2.18). Subgroup analysis showed that the success rate remained significantly better for VL among patients with associated severe hypospadias (OR 3.59, 95% CI 1.25, 10.26) and recurrent penile curvatures (OR 5.70, 95% CI 1.69, 19.21) but not among those with congenital curvature without hypospadias or those with mild hypospadias (OR 2.99, 95% CI 0.32, 27.57). CONCLUSIONS: For congenital curvature associated with severe hypospadias and recurrent curvatures, VL renders a modestly better success rate; however, careful selection of patients is key for best outcome.

Thulium fibre laser vs holmium: yttrium-aluminium-garnet laser lithotripsy for urolithiasis: meta-analysis of clinical studies.

OBJECTIVE: To compare and assess the clinical outcomes between thulium fibre laser (TFL) and holmium: yttrium-aluminium-garnet (Ho:YAG) laser endoscopic lithotripsy of urolithiasis through a meta-analysis of comparative clinical studies. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed in May 2022, grey literature search in July 2022. Comparative clinical studies were evaluated according to Cochrane recommendations. Assessed outcomes include the stone-free rate (SFR), complication rate, operative time (OT), laser utilisation time (LUT), ablation rate (stone volume/laser time), ablation efficiency (energy use/stone volume), total energy usage, degree of retropulsion, and hospital stay. Risk ratios (RRs) and standardised mean differences (SMDs) were extrapolated. Subgroup analyses, heterogeneity, publication bias, and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) assessment were performed. International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) registration: CRD42022300788. RESULTS: A total of 15 studies with 1698 cases were included in this review. The outcome of SFR showed no significant between-group difference (RR 1.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.99-1.20). However, subgroup analysis of TFL vs Ho:YAG with no pulse modulation showed a SFR favouring TFL (RR 1.11, 95% CI 1.01-1.23). The composite postoperative complication rate was comparable between the two intervention groups (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.66-1.43). OT, LUT and ablation rate were significantly better for TFL than Ho:YAG (SMD -1.19, 95% CI -1.85 to -0.52; SMD -1.67, 95% CI -2.62 to -0.72; SMD 0.59, 95% CI 0.15-1.03; respectively). The degree of retropulsion was significantly lower for TFL than Ho:YAG without pulse modulation (SMD -1.23, 95% CI -1.74 to -0.71). Ablation efficiency, total energy usage, and hospital stay were all comparable. Based on GRADE criteria, the evidence certainty was determined to be very low. CONCLUSION: Overall, there was no between-group difference for the SFR. However, compared to Ho:YAG with no pulse modulation, TFL rendered a better SFR. Shorter OT and LUT, a lesser degree of retropulsion, and a better ablation rate were noted in favour of the TFL. There was no overall between-group difference for composite postoperative complication rate, ablation efficiency, total energy usage, and hospital stay. Currently, the available clinical evidence was assessed to be of very low certainty.

Scoping review of neurogenic bladder patient-reported readiness and experience following care in a transitional urology clinic.

OBJECTIVE: To generate a scoping review that summarizes thematically on all reported patient perceptions on readiness and experiences during transitional urologic care for patients with neurogenic bladder and or congenital genitourinary conditions that require continuity of care into adulthood. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed in October 2021. Records were screened and identified for studies relevant to reported readiness and experience in urologic transitional care among patients needing life-long urologic care. The methodological quality of the cross-sectional studies was assessed using AXIS. The included studies were clustered according to patient readiness in transition and patient experience-satisfaction in the urologic transition process. This scoping review was part of a systematic review registered on PROSPERO CRD42022306229 and was conducted in compliance with the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews. RESULTS: A total of 12 articles were included that assessed patients with neurogenic bladder that reported either readiness or patient experience following the transitional care process. The patient readiness was assessed in six studies, determined using the TRAQ score with a range of 3-4/5. Older age, high health literacy, and parental or families' transition process awareness were associated with readiness. Generally, patients experience better satisfaction with pediatric care than with adult care facilities. Most patients felt that sexuality and fertility were not adequately tackled during the transition. The reported barriers to successful transition were patient, provider, and system factors, including lack of insurance coverage/financial management, patient preference, long-term bond with the pediatric providers, and communication by the adult provider. Based on AXIS, all of the studies identified for this scoping review did not determine the sample size, and most of the studies did not categorize the responders, which could introduce bias to the interpretation of their results. CONCLUSION: This scoping review summarizes the readiness and experience of neurogenic bladder patients who underwent the urologic transitional process. Overall, understanding the patient, provider, and system factors associated with better readiness and enhancing the patient experience will ensure a better transition process.

Meta-analysis of retroperitoneal vs transperitoneal laparoscopic and robot-assisted pyeloplasty for the management of pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction.

OBJECTIVE: To determine differences in perioperative outcomes between retroperitoneal and transperitoneal approaches for laparoscopic pyeloplasty (LP) to manage pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction (PUJO) through a meta-analysis of comparative studies. METHODS: A systematic search was performed in January 2020. Comparative studies were evaluated according to Cochrane Collaboration recommendations. Assessed outcomes included success and complication rates, conversion to open surgery, operative time (OT), length of hospital stay (LOS), estimated blood loss (EBL), analgesic requirements, regular diet resumption, and drain duration. Relative risk (RR) and standardised mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were extrapolated. Subgroup analyses were performed according to study design and techniques. International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) number: CRD42020163303. RESULTS: A total of 18 studies describing 2007 cases were included. Overall pooled effect estimates did not show statistically significant differences between the approaches with regards to success rate (RR 0.99; 95% CI 0.97, 1.01), complications (RR 1.09; 95% CI 0.82, 1.45), OT (SMD 0.61; 95% CI -0.04, 1.26), LOS (SMD -0.30; 95% CI -0.63, 0.04), EBL (SMD -0.53; 95% CI -1.26, 0.21), or analgesic requirements (SMD -0.51; 95% CI -1.23, 0.21). Compared to the transperitoneal approach, retroperitoneal LP had a higher conversion rate (RR 2.40; 95% CI 1.23, 4.66); however, patients resumed diets earlier (SMD -2.49; 95% CI -4.17, -0.82) and had shorter drain duration (SMD -0.31; 95% CI -0.57, -0.05). CONCLUSION: The evidence suggests that there are no significant differences in success rate, OT and complications between transperitoneal and retroperitoneal LP. Conversion rates are higher with the retroperitoneal approach; however, return to diet occurs faster and drain duration is shorter when compared to the transperitoneal approach.

The impact of sex hormones on genital wound healing in mice: a comparative study.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The effects estrogen and testosterone have on penile wound healing are still uncertain. This study evaluated the effects of these hormones on the wound healing process of penile and non-penile skin in wild-type (Mus musculus species) 4-5-week-old mice. METHODOLOGY: Seventy wild-type Mus musculus species were randomly assigned to four groups control (n = 17), 1-week post-operative topical estrogen (n = 18), 1-week pre-operative testosterone (n = 17), and immediate post-operative testosterone (n = 18). Incisions were made on the ventrum of the penis and dorsal neck skin. On post-operative day 3, 7, and 14, incision sites were harvested. Evaluation was performed grossly for postsurgical penile edema and histologically for inflammatory cell concentration, presence of fibrinopurulent materials and distribution of collagen-fibroblastic cells. Each treatment group was compared at the three post-operative time points using the Fisher-Freeman--Halton exact test. CD34 and androgen receptor immunohistostaining was performed for between-group differences to assess microvascular density or vasodilatation and androgen receptor upregulation. RESULTS: In this study, the experiment noted significant penile edema on post-operative day 7 in the testosterone groups, whereas less edema in the estrogen group (P = 0.010; Figure). On histologic evaluation of the penile wounds, a significantly increased inflammatory cell concentration was noted for both pre-operative and post-operative testosterone groups on post-operative day 14 (P = 0.023). The estrogen group revealed significantly increased fibrinopurulent material on the 3rd and 7th post-operative days (P = 0.045 and P = 0.005, respectively). No significant between-group differences in the collagen-fibroblastic distribution were noted over the three-time phases. On histologic evaluation of the skin wounds, no significant differences were noted between the groups for inflammatory cell concentration and presence of fibrinopurulent materials. However, compared with the testosterone treatment groups, a significant higher collagen-fibroblast distribution was noted in the estrogen groups on post-operative day 3 and 14 (P = 0.001 and P = 0.044, respectively). CONCLUSION: Sex hormones, when given peri-operatively, may affect the wound healing process in mice. Testosterone appears to stimulate a prolonged inflammatory effect on penile wounds. Conversely, estrogen induces a fibrinopurulent congregation early in the penile wound healing process. For general skin healing, estrogen induces earlier collagen and fibroblast distribution, whereas testosterone has a delayed effect. The findings of this study should be further investigated in larger animal model with longer follow-up period.

Nonclosure Versus Closure of Buccal Mucosal Graft Harvest Site: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Patient-Reported Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the postprocedural oral pain scale and other patient reported oral morbidities for nonclosure vs closure of buccal mucosal graft (BMG) harvest sites through systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative studies. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed in September 2018. Nonrandomized comparative studies were summarized and randomized controlled trials were evaluated according to the Cochrane Collaboration recommendations. The outcomes assessed were: pain, perioral numbness, mouth opening tightness, and impairment of oral intake. Standardized mean difference, and relative risk with corresponding 95% confidence intervals were extrapolated. Effect estimates were pooled using the inverse variance method with a random-effects model. Subgroup analysis was performed according to the shape of the BMG harvested. PROSPERO registry (CRD42016043502). RESULTS: A total of 269 patients from 4 randomized controlled trials were included for meta-analysis. Overall pooled effect estimates on the reported pain score assessed on postprocedural day 1, day 3-7 and 6 months, have shown no significant difference between the closure and nonclosure treatment groups. Subgroup analysis showed that rectangular shaped BMG harvest sites that were not closed had lower pain scores (standardized mean difference-0.90, 95% confidence interval -1.70, -0.10) on postoperative day 1. No reported short or long-term oral morbidities required further surgical intervention in either treatment group. CONCLUSION: The evidence suggests that at 6-month follow-up, there is no overall significant difference between nonclosure and closure of BMG harvest sites. However, among rectangular shaped BMG, not closing the harvest site may lead to less immediate postoperative pain when compared to closure of the harvest site.

Non-stented versus stented urethroplasty for distal hypospadias repair: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Studies have shown that non-stented distal hypospadias repair eliminates stent-related bladder spasm and stent removal discomfort without increasing complications; however, results are inconsistent. We performed a systematic review to assess the complication rates of non-stented compared to the stented distal hypospadias repair. METHODS: The literature search included randomized control trials (RCTs) and cohort studies published prior to October 2016 in all languages (PROSPERO CRD42016047563). All included studies were assessed according to Cochrane Collaborative recommendations and included for meta-analysis. Surgical outcomes from each treatment group were classified according to early complications and later final outcomes. Outcomes were expressed as relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Interstudy heterogeneity was assessed using chi-square and I2. Effect estimates were pooled using the inverse variant method with random effect model. Subgroup analysis was performed according to surgical technique (Mathieu versus tubularized incised plate) and study design. RESULTS: A total of 20 studies (14 cohorts, 6 RCTs) with 2466 hypospadias repairs (1290 non-stented, 1176 stented) were included for the meta-analysis. Serious risk of bias was noted among the cohort studies with publication bias likely present, while the included RCTs were of moderate methodological quality. The overall pooled effect estimates comparing non-stented versus stented distal hypospadias repair showed no between-group difference for outcomes of early and late complications (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.46-1.50; RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.92, 1.48; respectively) CONCLUSIONS: Current evidence of low to moderate quality suggests that there is likely no outcome difference between non-stented and stented distal hypospadias repair.

A critical review of recent clinical practice guidelines for pediatric urinary tract infection.

INTRODUCTION: Concerns regarding the quality, credibility, and applicability of recently published pediatric urinary tract infection (UTI) clinical practice guidelines have been raised due to the inconsistencies of recommendations between them. We aimed to determine the quality of the recent clinical practice guidelines on pediatric UTI by using the Appraisal of Guidelines Research and Evaluation (AGREE II) instrument, and summarize the standard of care in diagnosis and management of pediatric UTI from the top three clinical practice guidelines. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed on medical literature electronic databases and international guideline repository websites. English language-based clinical practice guidelines from 2007-2016 endorsed by any international society or government organization providing recommendations for the management of pediatric UTI were considered. Eligible clinical practice guidelines were independently appraised by six reviewers using the AGREE II tool. Clinical practice guidelines were assessed for standardized domains and summarized for overall quality. Inter-rater reliability was assessed using inter-class coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: Thirteen clinical practice guidelines were critically reviewed. The Spanish clinical practice guidelines, American Academy of Pediatrics, and National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence clinical practice guidelines consistently scored high on all AGREE domains (total averaged domain scores 90, 88, and 88, respectively). Among the six reviewers, there was a high degree of inter-rater reliability (average measure ICC 0.938; p<0.0001). There is reasonable consensus among the top three clinical practice guidelines in their major recommendations. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical practice guidelines from Spain, American Academy of Pediatrics, and National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, with their major recommendations being similar, have scored highly on the AGREE II indicators of quality for the clinical practice guidelines development process.

Circumcision-incision orchidopexy: A novel technique for palpable, low inguinal undescended testis.

Given that both orchidopexy and circumcision are commonly done in a single operative setting, we adopted a technique of combined orchidopexy and circumcision using a single circumcision incision. We applied this new technique to boys with palpable, low inguinal cryptorchidism. Here we describe a case series of 7 boys who underwent concurrent orchidopexy via the circumcision site. We present this novel technique and discuss our preliminary outcomes, including the anatomic basis and feasibility. The technique appears to be an alternative for concurrent circumcision and cryptorchid cases with palpable, low inguinal testes.

Preoperative hormonal stimulation effect on hypospadias repair complications: Meta-analysis of observational versus randomized controlled studies.

INTRODUCTION: Preoperative hormonal stimulation (PHS) is commonly administered to improve hypospadias outcomes. However, current literature provides no clear evidence to support its use, and controversies exist regarding its effect on postoperative complications. Herein we systematically evaluate the effect of PHS on postoperative complications rates following hypospadias repair. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Comprehensive literature search performed on April 2016 including OVID MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Clinicaltrials.gov, World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trial Registry Platform (ICTRP), and ProQuest. Study quality assessment followed the Cochrane collaboration recommendation using risk of bias assessment, ROBINS-I and NOQAS. Effect estimates were extracted as relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) and pooled using Mantel-Haenzel method. Evidence quality was assessed using GRADE approach. Protocol Registration: PROSPERO CRD42016037881. RESULTS: Twenty-one publications from 16 trials examining the effect of androgenic PHS on postoperative outcome were included. Subgroup analysis based on study design (including nine cohort studies with moderate to high risk of bias for patient selection) showed no significant difference on postoperative outcomes (RR 1.31, 95% CI 0.95-1.81) (table). Pooled effect estimates with moderate quality of evidence from three randomized controlled trials suggest that significant lesser postoperative complications occur among patients exposed to PHS (RR 0.36, 95% CI 0.20-0.65). Uniformly, the reported adverse effects related to PHS were mild and transient, with good overall tolerance. CONCLUSIONS: Effect estimates generated from the better quality of evidence showed that PHS may decrease postoperative complications following hypospadias repair. Future studies should aim at identifying indicated subgroup of patients that will benefit from it and standardizing the dose and mode of delivery for best clinical result.

Lidocaine Gel for Urethral Catheterization in Children: A Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of lidocaine gel vs nonanesthetic gel (NAG) in reducing transurethral bladder catheterization (TUBC) procedural pain in children. STUDY DESIGN: A systematic literature search was done using electronic medical databases and trial registries up to September 2016 with no language restrictions. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed the efficacy and safety of lidocaine gel vs NAG in reducing TUBC-associated pain in children were screened, identified, and appraised. Risks of bias and study quality of the eligible trials were assessed according to the Cochrane Collaboration recommendations. Various pain assessment scales from the included studies were extracted as mean differences and standard deviations for each treatment group. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were generated with 95% CIs for between-group difference estimation. Effect estimates were pooled using the inverse variance method with a random-effects model. Subgroup analysis was performed for different age groups. RESULTS: Five RCTs (with a total of 369 children) were included. Overall pooled effect estimates showed that compared with NAG, lidocaine gel has no significant benefit in decreasing TUBC-associated pain in children (SMD, -0.22; 95% CI, -0.65 to 0.21). Effect estimates from 4 studies revealed no difference in pain reduction between the lidocaine gel and NAG in children aged <4 years (SMD, 0.01; 95% CI, -0.22 to 0.24). No serious adverse events from the lidocaine gel use were reported in any of the studies. CONCLUSIONS: Lidocaine gel does not appear to reduce TUBC pain compared with NAG, specifically in children aged <4 years. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42016050018.

Neurostimulation Therapy for Non-neurogenic Overactive Bladder in Children: A Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of neurostimulation for non-neurogenic overactive bladder in children, we conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed on August 2016. RCTs were evaluated according to the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias assessment. Number of patients with post-treatment partial response (PR) (50%-89%), complete response (CR) (≥90%), and full response (FR) (100%) were extracted for relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Effect estimates were pooled using the Mantel-Haenszel method with random effect model if significant inter-study heterogeneity (P <.1) was noted. Subgroup analysis was performed according to each treatment setting (PROSPERO CRD42016043502). RESULTS: Five eligible studies (245 patients) were included. Overall effect estimates showed that compared with standard urotherapy, neurostimulation demonstrated significantly better ≥50% (PR + CR + FR) response (RR = 2.8, 95% CI 1.1-7.2), but not ≥90% (CR + FR) response (RR = 8.28, 95% CI 0.65-105.92). Clinic-based neurostimulation had significantly better treatment outcomes for both ≥50% (PR + CR + FR) and ≥90% (CR + FR) responses (RR = 3.24, 95% CI 1.89-5.57; RR = 20.81, 95% CI 2.97-145.59, respectively), whereas a self-administered regimen showed no differences for both ≥50% (PR + CR + FR) and ≥90% (CR + FR) response rates between treatment groups (RR = 2.61, 95% CI 0.48-14.15; RR = 3.55, 95% CI 0.19-67.82, respectively). No serious adverse events were reported. CONCLUSION: Neurostimulation therapy may lead to better partial improvement of non-neurogenic overactive bladder; however, it may not render a definitive complete response. Office-based neurostimulation seems more efficacious than self-administered neurostimulation. Further RCTs are needed to compare outcomes of the 2 regimens.

Neurostimulation Therapy for Pediatric Primary Enuresis: A Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of neurostimulation compared with control groups in the treatment of pediatric primary enuresis by performing meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). METHODS: A systematic literature search with no language restriction was performed in August 2016. RCTs were identified and evaluated according to the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias assessment recommendations. The number of patients with post-treatment responses such as partial response (PR) (50%-89%), complete response (CR) (≥90%), and full response (FR) (100%) were extracted for relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Effect estimates were pooled using the Mantel-Haenszel method. The review protocol was registered in the PROSPERO registry (CRD42016043502). RESULTS: A total of 292 subjects from 7 nonheterogeneous RCTs were included for meta-analysis. Pooled effect estimate of subjects with ≥50% post-treatment wet-night reduction (PR, CR, and FR) showed a significantly better outcome after neurostimulation compared with controls (RR = 2.20, 95% CI 1.66, 2.90), whereas patients with ≥90% post-treatment wet-night reduction (CR and FR) showed a significantly better outcome in the neurostimulation groups (RR = 2.79, 95% CI 1.54, 5.06). Furthermore, a significant mean difference in wet-night reduction per week was noted between treatment groups in favor of neurostimulation treatment (mean difference -1.95, 95% CI -2.84, -1.07). No serious adverse effects were noted related to neurostimulation therapy. CONCLUSION: Current evidence suggests that neurostimulation therapy is efficacious and safe for the treatment of PPE. Head-to-head randomized clinical trials are needed to further assess relative efficacy among variable treatment protocols.

Desmopressin Withdrawal Strategy for Pediatric Enuresis: A Meta-analysis.

CONTEXT: A high relapse rate after discontinuation of desmopressin treatment of pediatric enuresis is consistently reported. Structured withdrawal strategies have been used to prevent relapse. OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of a structured withdrawal strategy of desmopressin on the relapse-free rate for desmopressin responder pediatric enuresis. DATA SOURCES: Systematic literature search up to November 2015 on Medline, Embase, Ovid, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Wiley Online Library databases, and related references without language restriction. STUDY SELECTION: Related clinical trials were summarized for systematic review. Randomized controlled trials on the efficacy of structured versus abrupt withdrawal of desmopressin in sustaining relapse-free status in pediatric enuresis were included for meta-analysis. DATA EXTRACTION: Eligible studies were evaluated according to Cochrane Collaboration recommendations. Relapse-free rate was extracted for relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Effect estimates were pooled via the Mantel-Haenszel method with random effect model. RESULTS: Six hundred one abstracts were reviewed. Four randomized controlled trials (total 500 subjects) of adequate methodological quality were included for meta-analysis. Pooled effect estimates compared with the abrupt withdrawal, structured withdrawal results to a significantly better relapse-free rate (pooled RR: 1.38; 95% CI, 1.17-1.63; P = .0001). Subgroup analysis for a dose-dependent structured withdrawal regimen showed a significantly better relapse-free rate (pooled RR: 1.48; 95% CI, 1.21-1.80; P = .0001). LIMITATIONS: The small number of studies included in meta-analysis represents a major limitation. CONCLUSIONS: Structured withdrawal of desmopressin results in better relapse-free rates. Specifically, the dose-dependent structured withdrawal regimen showed significantly better outcomes.

Immediate 1-month efficacy of desmopressin and anticholinergic combination therapy versus desmopressin monotherapy in the treatment of pediatric enuresis: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have proposed the combination of desmopressin and anticholinergic as a treatment regimen to address the pathophysiology of polyuria and bladder dysfunction in pediatric enuresis. However, the available literature is inconsistent with regards to the immediate 1-month efficiency of the combination therapy in the treatment for pediatric enuresis. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to assess the immediate 1-month efficacy and safety of desmopressin and anticholinergic agent combination therapy versus desmopressin monotherapy in the treatment of pediatric enuresis using meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). STUDY DESIGN: Systematic literature acquisition was carried out on electronic medical databases up to April 2015. RCTs relevant to the topic were critically appraised. Dichotomous data of the 1-month post-treatment response rate (defined as ≥90% reduction of wet nights) were extracted for calculation of the risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). The Mantel-Haenszel method with the random effects model was used to pool effect estimates. Inter-study heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed. Subgroup analysis was done for the desmopressin treatment-naive versus treatment-resistant groups: PROSPERO (CRD42015017922). RESULTS: Four RCTs of good methodological quality without heterogeneity were included for meta-analysis. The pooled effect estimates showed that combination therapy was associated with a significantly better immediate 1-month response rate than desmopressin monotherapy. Subgroup analysis showed a greater immediate 1-month response rate among desmopressin-resistant patients than treatment-naive patients. No severe adverse events were noted among combination therapy treated groups. DISCUSSION: The limitation of the current meta-analyses is the small sample size, albeit with high-quality studies pooled for effect estimation. Despite the limitation, the study results were able to consistently illustrate a large treatment effect of combination therapy among desmopressin treatment-resistant patients. It was consistent with the literature review of retrospective and non-comparative studies by Alloussi et al. (2011), who summarized a similar impressive treatment outcome. However, due to the low level of evidence available at the time of their study, only a grade B-C recommendation was given to combination therapy as an approach for second-line treatment. This study also summarized that combination therapy was well tolerated and similar to desmopressin monotherapy. CONCLUSION: This study was able to summarize the immediate 1-month efficacy of combination therapy compared with desmopressin monotherapy in the treatment of pediatric enuresis. For both treatment-naive and desmopressin-resistant pediatric enuresis, combination therapy of desmopressin with an anticholinergic agent is well tolerated and resulted in a significantly better immediate 1-month response rate than desmopressin monotherapy.

A critical review of recent clinical practice guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of non-neurogenic male lower urinary tract symptoms.

INTRODUCTION: We provide an overview of the quality of recent clinical clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for non-neurogenic male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and summarize the recommendations for their diagnosis, assessment, and treatment. METHODS: We systematically searched recent (2008-2013) CPGs for non-neurogenic male LUTS. Eligible CPGs were assessed and appraised using Appraisal of Guidelines, Research and Evaluation II (AGREE II) tool by a CPG-appraisal group. The appraisal scores for each guideline were summarized according to each domain and in total. A recommendation summary was made across the guidelines for diagnostics, conservative management, medical, minimally invasive therapy, and surgical management. RESULTS: A total of 8 guidelines were considered. According to AGREE II appraisal of guidelines, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), American Urological Association (AUA) and European Association of Urology (EAU) consistently scored high on the guideline domains assessed. Recommendations on diagnostics, conservative management, medical, and surgical management were consistent among the top 3 guidelines. However, we noted a discrepancy in recommending minimally invasive therapy as an alternative management of moderate to severe or bothersome non-neurogenic male LUTS secondary to benign prostatic enlargement (BPE); the NICE guideline, in particular, does not recommend using minimally invasive therapy. CONCLUSION: The quality of recent CPGs on non-neurogenic male LUTS was appraised and summarized. The guidelines from NICE, AUA and EAU were considered highly compliant to the AGREE II proposition for guideline formation and development.

Prevalence and factor association of premature ejaculation among adult Asian males with lower urinary tract symptoms.

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of premature ejaculation (PE) among adult Asian males presented with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and characterize its association with other clinical factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary medical center to determine the prevalence of PE among adult male participants with LUTS during the Annual National Prostate Health Awareness Day. Basic demographic data of the participants were collected. All participants were assessed for the presence and severity of LUTS using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and for the presence of PE using the PE diagnostic tool. Digital rectal examination was performed by urologists to obtain prostate size. LUTS was further categorized into severity, storage symptoms (frequency, urgency, and nocturia), and voiding symptoms (weak stream, intermittency, straining, and incomplete emptying) to determine their association with PE. Data were analyzed by comparing the participants with PE (PE diagnostic tool score ≥11) versus those without PE, using the independent t test for continuous data, Mann-Whitney U test for ordinal data, and Chi-square test for nominal data. The statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 101 male participants with a mean ± standard deviation age of 60.75 ± 10.32 years were included. Among the participants, 33% had moderate LUTS, and 7% severe LUTS. The most common LUTS was nocturia (33%). The overall prevalence of PE was 27%. There was no significant difference among participants with PE versus those without PE in terms of age, marital status, prostate size, or total IPSS score. However, significant difference between groups was noted on the level of education (Mann-Whitney U, z = -1.993, P = 0.046) where high educational status was noted among participants with PE. Likewise, participants with PE were noted to have more prominent weak stream (Mann-Whitney U, z = -2.126, P = 0.033). CONCLUSIONS: Among the participants consulted with LUTS, 27% have concomitant PE. Educational status seems to have an impact in the self-reporting of PE, which may be due to a higher awareness of participants with higher educational attainment. A significant association between PE and weak stream that was not related to prostate size suggests a neuropathologic association.

A study of correlation between premature ejaculation and lower urinary tract symptoms among Filipino males

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the association between Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) and premature ejaculation and define its prevalence and factors associated among Filipino males during the Annual National Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) day. METHODOLOGY: A descriptive cross sectional study was done in all male participants during the Annual National DRE day conducted at the Institute of Urology, St. Luke's Medical Center-Quezon City. All subjects were assessed by urologists for the presence of LUTS using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT). The IPSS was categorized into total score (IPSS sum), storage symptoms (FUN - frequency, urgency, nocturia) and voiding symptoms (WISR - weak stream, intermittency, straining and residual urine). Ultrasound was also performed to obtain prostate size. The relationship between age, demographics, prostate size, IPSS scores, storage symptom score, voiding symptom score, and PEDT scores were analyzed using one way ANOVA. The statistical significance was set at P RESULTS: A total of 101 male participants were included in the study. Participants' age ranged from 36 to 86, with a mean age of 61 ±. The mean IPSS was 5.79 (±6.59 SD). The most common symptom is nocturia with prevalence of 32.7%. The prevalence of PE is 26.7% and 16.8% has probable PE. There are no associations between PE and age, LUTS, storage and voiding symptoms, prostate size and co-morbid illnesses such as hypertension and diabetes showing p values of 0.291, 0.226, 0.600, 0.108, 0.908, 0.954 and 0.833 respectively. However PE was associated with weak stream (P= 0.015) and educational attainment (P=0.008). CONCLUSION: Filipino men are becoming more concern about their health. LUTS are commonly seen in men in increasing age. PE is a very common male sexual dysfunction so there is a need for identification of such patients (17). Although, no correlation has been made between age, LUTS and PE in this study, however in further correlational analysis, educational status seems to have an impact in the self-reporting PE which may be due to higher awareness of participants with higher education. It is recommended that clinicians always utilize the screening questions for PE to give the appropriate treatment, since patients are often unwilling to volunteer their symptoms on PE (4.17). Our study also showed significant correlation with PE and weak stream, without association to prostate size. relating to a possible neurologic physiologic pathway rather than anatomic etiology of PE. Further study is recommended.