Could urinary nerve growth factor and bladder wall thickness predict the treatment outcome of children with overactive bladder?

ABSTRACT Objective: Bladder wall thickness (BWTh) measurements and Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) /creatinine (Cr) values, as noninvasive tools, were found to predict daytime voiding problems in children with overactive bladder (OAB). The goal of this research was to examine if bladder wall thickness together with urine NGF/Cr could be a clinical utility in treatment outcome of OAB in children. Patients and Methods: A total of 60 children with OAB, (Group 1; n=40) and healthy normal controls (Group 2; n=20), aged 6-14 years old were involved in this prospective study. Children were evaluated with detailed history and physical examination, including neurologic examination, and were asked to complete a self-reported questionnaire and a 3-day bladder diary with the aid of their parents. Uroflowmetry was performed in all cases. Urinary nerve growth factor levels were measured by the ELISA and BWTh was measured trans-abdominally by one uro-radiologist specialized in pediatric ultrasonography. Urinary NGF levels were normalized by urinary creatinine levels and compared among all subgroups. Children with OAB received urotherapy as first line treatment at least for three months. 18 children refractory to urotherapy received anticholinergic therapy defined as group 3. Results: The median age of the study group was 10 (range 6 to 16). After urotherapy, 22 children had similar BWTh and NGF/Cr values compared to controls. (2.75 ± 1.15; 2.40 ± 1.00 mm; p=0.86 and 1.02 ± 0.10; 0.78 ± 0.15; p=0.12, respectively). After anticholinergic treatment, BWTh levels (2.25 ± 0.90; 2.40 ± 1.00 mm; p=0.94) and NGF/Cr values (0.95 ± 0.10; 0.78 ± 0.15; p=0.42, respectively) had no significantly difference compared to controls (Group 2). In receiver operating characteristic analysis, bladder wall thickness was found to have sensitivity of 85% and specificity of 84.2% (3,20 AUC, 913; 95 %) and NGF/Cr had sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 92.1% (1,595; AUC, 947; 95 %) in predicting treatment outcome in children with OAB. Conclusions: Bladder wall thickness measurements and NGF/Cr values, as noninvasive tools, could guide outcomes in the treatment of children with overactive bladder.

Could urinary nerve growth factor and bladder wall thickness predict the treatment outcome of children with overactive bladder?

OBJECTIVE: Bladder wall thickness (BWTh) measurements and Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) /creatinine (Cr) values, as noninvasive tools, were found to predict daytime voiding problems in children with overactive bladder (OAB). The goal of this research was to examine if bladder wall thickness together with urine NGF/Cr could be a clinical utility in treatment outcome of OAB in children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 60 children with OAB, (Group 1; n=40) and healthy normal controls (Group 2; n=20), aged 6-14 years old were involved in this prospective study. Children were evaluated with detailed history and physical examination, including neurologic examination, and were asked to complete a self-reported questionnaire and a 3-day bladder diary with the aid of their parents. Uroflowmetry was performed in all cases. Urinary nerve growth factor levels were measured by the ELISA and BWTh was measured trans-abdominally by one uro-radiologist specialized in pediatric ultrasonography. Urinary NGF levels were normalized by urinary creatinine levels and compared among all subgroups. Children with OAB received urotherapy as first line treatment at least for three months. 18 children refractory to urotherapy received anticholinergic therapy defined as group 3. RESULTS: The median age of the study group was 10 (range 6 to 16). After urotherapy, 22 children had similar BWTh and NGF/Cr values compared to controls. (2.75 ± 1.15; 2.40 ± 1.00 mm; p=0.86 and 1.02 ± 0.10; 0.78 ± 0.15; p=0.12, respectively). After anticholinergic treatment, BWTh levels (2.25 ± 0.90; 2.40 ± 1.00 mm; p=0.94) and NGF/Cr values (0.95 ± 0.10; 0.78 ± 0.15; p=0.42, respectively) had no significantly difference compared to controls (Group 2). In receiver operating characteristic analysis, bladder wall thickness was found to have sensitivity of 85% and specificity of 84.2% (3,20 AUC ,913; 95 %) and NGF/Cr had sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 92.1% (1,595; AUC ,947; 95 %) in predicting treatment outcome in children with OAB. CONCLUSIONS: Bladder wall thickness measurements and NGF/Cr values, as noninvasive tools, could guide outcomes in the treatment of children with overactive bladder.

Concealed Penis after Circumcision: Is It Beneficial in Lowering Uropathogenic Colonization in Penile Skin and Preventing Recurrence of Febrile Urinary Tract Infections?

PURPOSE: To  discuss  whether  concealed  penis  after  circumcision  lowers  perimeatal  urethral  and  glanular  sulcus  uropathogenic  bacterial  colonization  in  healthy  boys  with  no  urinary  tract  problems  and  prevents  attacks  of  febrile  urinary  tract  infections  in  non-healthy  boys  with  defined  urinary  tract  abnormalities.  Materials and Methods:  This  case-control  study  was  conducted  in  Ibn-i  Sina  Hospital  and  retrospectively  collected  data  of   471 boys  were  analyzed.  All  patients  were  scanned  for  any  urinary  tract  abnormality  and  those  with  any  defined  abnormalities  were  classified  as  non-healthy  group. (123 patients)  Non-healthy  patients  were  divided  into  two  subgroups  as  concealed  (n:31)  and  non-concealed  (n:92)  penis  after  circumcision.  Healthy  patients  with  no  urinary  problems  were  divided  into  three  groups  as  circumcised  without  concealed  penis  (n:144),  with  concealed  penis  after  circumcision  (n:104)  and  uncircumcised  control  group  (n:100).  Bacterial  cultures  were  obtained  from  both  periurethral  meatal  and  glanular  sulcus  areas  by  adhering  strictly  to  the  rules  of  obtaining  bacterial  culture  to  avoid  false-positive  or  negative  culture  results.  Also  only  uropathogenic  bacterias  were  evaluated,  irrelevant  results  were  excluded.     Results:  Mean  age  was  similar  in  healthy  population.  Comparison  of  three  groups  showed  that  there  was  a  significant  difference  in  both  cultures.(P = .026 for periurethral meatal region, P = .039 for glanular sulcus region)  In  post  hoc  analysis,  non-concealed  group  had  a  lower  rate  of  culture  positivity  in  both  areas  compared  to  other  groups.    Mean  age  was  also  similar  in  non-healthy  population.  Mean  follow-up  period  was  18.2  months.  Patients  with  concealed  penis  after  circumcision  had  a  significantly  higher  number  of  febrile  UTI  attacks  (20 attacks in 8 patients vs 7 attacks in 5 patients)  compared  to  non-concealed  group. (P = .019)  All  febrile  UTI  attacks  except  one  in  this  group  occurred  below  the  age  of  12  months. A  total  of  10 patients  in  both  healthy  and  non-healthy  groups  had  postoperative  hemorrhage  after  circumcision  and  only  1  patient  had  a  wound  infection.          Conclusion:  Concealed  penis  after  circumcision  does  not  lower  perimeatal  urethral  and  glanular  sulcus  uropathogenic  bacterial  colonization  in  healthy  patients  and does not  protect  unhealthy  patients  from  febrile  urinary  tract  infection  attacks.  If  circumcision  is  planned,  concealed  penis  should  be  avoided  and  also  parents  should  be  informed  about  the  possible  risks  due  to  concealed  penis  before  the  procedure,  particularly  in  patients  with  urinary  tract  abnormalities.

Assessment of long-term intravesical hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate and combination therapy for patients with bladder pain syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of intravesical hyaluronic acid (HA), chondroitin sulfate (CS) and combination therapies (HA+CS) for patients with bladder pain syndrome (BPS) - interstitial cystitis (IC) during a 24 months follow-up period. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted with a prospective, randomized and double-blinded design. A total of 72 patients were divided into three groups as HA, CS and combination group. Outpatient visits were performed at the begining of the study and at every 3rd month thereafter. Both objective parameters included in 3 day micturition diary such as number of micturitions per 24 hours, volume voided in each micturition and self-reported questionnaires such as Patient Perception of Bladder Condition Scale, Visual Analog Scale, Pain Urgency Frequency Questionnaire, Interstitial Cystitis Symptom and Problem Index, Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) were used to assess the efficacy of three different agents. Safety was defined as any adverse event beginning or worsening in the study and reported in each visit. RESULTS: All groups showed a significant improvement both in the parameters included in the 3 day micturition diary and self-reported questionnaires compared to the baseline values or scores recorded at the beginning of the study. Our primary end point was improvement in HRQoL score. The combination therapy was superior to both of the monotherapies in terms of improvement in HRQoL score and the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Combination therapy provides better results than the monotherapies to obtain symptomatic relief in patients with BPS/IC. Meta-analysis of different well-designed studies are required for more definitive results.

Efficacy and tolerability of mirabegron in female patients with overactive bladder symptoms after surgical treatment for stress urinary incontinence

ABSTRACT Purpose To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of mirabegron in females with overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms after surgical treatment for stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Materials and Methods The study was conducted with a prospective, randomized and double-blinded design. 62 patients over the age of 40 who met the inclusion-exclusion criterias of the study were enrolled and randomly divided into two groups as Group A (mirabegron 50mg) and B (solifenacin 5mg). Patients were compared based on efficacy of treatment [Patient Perception of Bladder Condition (PPBC) scale and micturition diaries], safety of treatment (heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, adverse events), number of micturitions per day, patient's satisfaction status after treatment [Visual Analog Scale(VAS)] and quality of life. Results The mean age of the population was 48.2±3.8 years and the duration of OAB symptoms was 5.9±2.9 months. Baseline values for the mean number of micturitions, volume voided in each micturition, nocturia episodes, urgency and urgency incontinence episodes were 15.3±0.34, 128±3.88mL, 3.96±1.67, 5.72±1.35 and 4.22±0.69, respectively. After treatment, values for these parameters were 11.7±0.29, 164.7±2.9mL, 2.25±0.6, 3.38±0.71, 2.31±0.49 respectively. Quality of life score, symptom bother score, VAS for treatment satisfaction score, PPBC score after treatment were 66.1±0.85, 43.7±0.77, 4.78±0.14, 4.78±0.14, respectively. There were no significant differences between two groups on any parameter. However, mirabegron showed better tolerability than solifenacin, particularly after 6 months. Conclusion Mirabegron is safe, effective and tolerable in the long-term treatment of females with OAB symptoms after surgery for stress urinary incontinence.

Efficacy and tolerability of mirabegron in female patients with overactive bladder symptoms after surgical treatment for stress urinary incontinence.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of mirabegron in females with overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms after surgical treatment for stress urinary incontinence (SUI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted with a prospective, randomized and double-blinded design. 62 patients over the age of 40 who met the inclusion-exclusion criterias of the study were enrolled and randomly divided into two groups as Group A (mirabegron 50mg) and B (solifenacin 5mg). Patients were compared based on efficacy of treatment [Patient Perception of Bladder Condition (PPBC) scale and micturition diaries], safety of treatment (heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, adverse events), number of micturitions per day, patient's satisfaction status after treatment [Visual Analog Scale(VAS)] and quality of life. RESULTS: The mean age of the population was 48.2±3.8 years and the duration of OAB symptoms was 5.9±2.9 months. Baseline values for the mean number of micturitions, volume voided in each micturition, nocturia episodes, urgency and urgency incontinence episodes were 15.3±0.34, 128±3.88mL, 3.96±1.67, 5.72±1.35 and 4.22±0.69, respectively. After treatment, values for these parameters were 11.7±0.29, 164.7±2.9mL, 2.25±0.6, 3.38±0.71, 2.31±0.49 respectively. Quality of life score, symptom bother score, VAS for treatment satisfaction score, PPBC score after treatment were 66.1±0.85, 43.7±0.77, 4.78±0.14, 4.78±0.14, respectively. There were no significant differences between two groups on any parameter. However, mirabegron showed better tolerability than solifenacin, particularly after 6 months. CONCLUSION: Mirabegron is safe, effective and tolerable in the long-term treatment of females with OAB symptoms after surgery for stress urinary incontinence.

Effect of Treatment Modality on Long Term Renal Functions in Patients With Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer.

PURPOSE: To compare of changes in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in patients who underwent radical cystectomy (RC) and multimodal treatment (MMT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We identified 472 consecutive patients who underwent RC or treated with MMT for muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) at our institution, between January 1995 and December 2010. After ex-cluding the patients who died within 5 years or without 5 years of follow-up, 175 and 59 patients who were treated with RC and MMT, respectively were included to the study. GFR was measured before treatment and every 6 months after treatment till the end of 60th month. RESULTS: The mean age and mean baseline GFR were 66.5±5.7 years and 85.1±18.2 mL/min/1.73m2, respectively for all patients. We detected statistically significant higher decrease rates for GFRs in MMT group compared to RC group at every follow up period till 42nd month. Renal function decreasing was found to be more prominent during first year of follow-up (79.1 to 65.9 mL/min/1.73m2) in MMT group. However, GFR decreased more reg-ularly in RC group (~4 mL/min/1.73m2 per year). MMT, lower baseline GFR, Diabetes Mellitus, hypertension, and ureteroenteric anastomotic stricture development were associated with low GFR under 60 and 45 mL/min at the end of five years. CONCLUSION: Decreased renal function is noted in many MIBC patients after RC or MMT in the long-term fol-low-up. Renal function deterioration is more prominent within the first year after MMT.

Efficacy of tadalafil treatment on erectile dysfunction in patients under dutasteride treatment: A prospective non-randomized comparative study.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of tadalafil in the management of erectile dysfunction in patients under dutasteride medication for bladder outlet obstruction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this study the data of consecutive patients that admitted to our outpatient clinics treated with dutasteride for bladder outlet obstruction and tadalafil (10 or 20 mg on demand) for concomitant complaint of erectile dysfunction (ED) between October 2013 and March 2016 were evaluated. An age-matched control group of patients treated with tadalafil for ED but did not receive any other medication for either lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) or ED was also included. Groups were compared for tadalafil efficacy with International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) scores. RESULTS: Each one of the dutasteride and control groups included 104 patients. The groups were similar for pretreatment IIEF score, serum cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglyceride and testosterone measurements. The number of hypertensive patients was comparable between two groups but the number of diabetic patients were significantly higher in the control group. IIEF score improved significantly in both groups following tadalafil treatment but the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Tadalafil treatment provides significant improvement in erectile functions of patients under dutasteride treatment for bladder outlet obstruction. However, the current study does not focus on a population of dutasteride induced ED and therefore a further prospective study on this issue would be helpful.

Evaluation of postoperative hydronephrosis following semirigid ureteroscopy: Incidence and predictors.

OBJECTIVE: Hydronephrosis developing following ureteroscopy (URS) is an important issue associated with the long-term postoperative renal functions. Studies investigating the role of postoperative imaging revealed conflicting results. In this study, we aimed to determine the incidence and predictors of hydronephrosis following semirigid URS. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We evaluated the results of 455 patients who underwent U RS a nd postoperative imaging with non-contrast computed tomography (CT). Primary endpoints of the study were to determine the frequency of development of hydronephrosis and factors associated with the development of hydronephrosis. Logistic regression analysis was used to define factors effecting on the development of hydronephrosis. RESULTS: Postoperative non-contrast CT revealed hydronephrosis in 81 (17.8%) patients. Stone-free status was achieved in 415 (91.2%) patients. Univariate analysis revealed history of ipsilateral URS (p=0.001), duration of operation (p=0.022), presence of multiple stones (p=0.001), and occurrence of a renal colic episode postoperatively (p=0.013) as the parameters associated with increased risk of postoperative hydronephrosis. In the multivariate analysis, history of ipsilateral URS (OR: 2.724, p=0.017) and presence of multiple stones (OR: 2.116, p=0.032) were found to be the independent prognostic markers of developing postoperative hydronephrosis. CONCLUSION: Ipsilateral hydronephrosis following URS develops in a significant number of patients. In patients with history of ipsilateral hydronephrosis and multiple stones, risk of development of postoperative hydronephrosis is higher, therefore physicians should be keep these parameters in mind in the decision making process of selective imaging postoperatively.

Effect of Prestenting on Success and Complication Rates of Ureterorenoscopy in Pediatric Population.

INTRODUCTION: In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of prestenting on success and complication rates of pediatric ureterorenoscopy (URS) procedures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the data of 251 pediatric URS cases. Forty-seven of the patients were prestented. Success and complication rates of the prestented and nonprestented groups were compared and further analysis was performed with respect to stone location (renal vs ureteral) and size (7-mm cutoff). Multivariate analysis was performed to define factors associated with success rates. RESULTS: Mean age of the population was 8.9 years. Success rate of the entire population was 80.5% and significant difference between prestented and nonprestented groups was detected (91.5% vs 77.9%, p = 0.04). Higher success rates of the prestented group were also observed in ureteral stones (94.1% vs 79.5%, p = 0.04) and stones >7 mm (84.6% vs 74.1%, p = 0.72). Prestented group showed higher success rates in kidney stones, but the difference was insignificant (84.6% vs 74.1%, p = 0.72). Prestenting was also identified as an independent predictor of success in multivariate analysis. Complication rate in the prestented group was also lower, but the difference was not significant (8.5% vs 14.7%, p = 0.347). CONCLUSIONS: Prestenting was found to increase the success rate of URS in cases of larger stones and ureteral stones in pediatric population. Prestenting also provides lower, but insignificant, complication rates. However, this procedure also has significant disadvantages. Based on the results of current study, we cannot recommend routine prestenting in pediatric cases. Instead, we recommend an attempt to treat the stone in the first session and place a stent in case of failed procedure to utilize potential benefits of prestenting while avoiding disadvantages.

Evaluation of Postoperative Hydronephrosis Following Ureteroscopy in Pediatric Population: Incidence and Predictors.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the incidence and associated factors of the postoperative hydronephrosis in pediatric patients who underwent ureterorenoscopy (URS) for renal or ureteral stones. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We evaluated the results of 116 patients who underwent semirigid or flexible URS retrospectively. Primary end points of the study were to determine the incidence of postoperative hydronephrosis and factors associated with the development of postoperative hydronephrosis. Logistic regression analysis was used to define factors associated with the presence of hydronephrosis. RESULTS: Mean age of the population was 9.5 years and mean stone size was 9.4 mm. Hydronephrosis was detected in 32 (27.6%) patients. Stone-free status was achieved in 101 (87%) patients. Univariate analysis revealed history of ipsilateral URS, duration of operation, presence of impacted stone, development of ureteral injury during operation, and presentation with a renal colic episode as the parameter associated with increased risk of hydronephrosis. History of ipsilateral URS (odds ratio: 1.664, P = .027), presence of impacted stones (odds ratio: 1.788, P = .014), and development of ureteral injury during operation (odds ratio: 1.106, P = .039) were found to be the independent markers of developing postoperative hydronephrosis in a multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Ipsilateral hydronephrosis following URS develops in a significant portion of patients. In patients with history of ipsilateral procedure and those with an impacted stone and had ureteral injury, the risk of postoperative hydronephrosis is higher; therefore, physicians should keep these parameters in mind in the decision-making process of selective imaging postoperatively.