The Relationship between Frontal QRS-T Angle and Vitamin D Deficiency.

Background and Objectives: A deficiency in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels is associated with a number of cardiovascular situations, such as high blood pressure, heart failure, atherosclerotic heart disease, and peripheral artery disease. The frontal QRS-T angle has recently been proposed as a marker of ventricular repolarization. A wider frontal QRS-T angle has been positively correlated with adverse cardiac events. The objective of our study was to examine the association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level and the frontal QRS-T angle. Materials and Methods: A total of 173 consecutive patients aged 18-60 years undergoing routine cardiology check-up evaluation, and not receiving concurrent vitamin D treatment were included in the study. Patients were classified in three groups, depending on their vitamin D levels, and categorized as follows: Group 1-deficient (<20 ng/mL), Group 2-insufficient (20-29 ng/mL), or Group 3-optimal (≥30 ng/mL). The frontal QRS-T angle was determined using the automated reports generated by the electrocardiography machine. Results: The average age of participants was 45.8 (±12.2) years, and 55.5% of participants were female (p < 0.001). Individuals with low vitamin D concentrations exhibited a wider frontal QRS-T angle. It was determined that vitamin D level is an independent predictive factor for the frontal QRS-T angle. Conclusions: As the levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D decrease, repolarization time assessed by frontal QRS-T angle is widened. Our findings indicate that lower concentrations of vitamin D may increase the susceptibility to ventricular arrhythmia.

Association between selective serotonin and serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor therapy and hematuria.

BACKGROUND: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are used as first-line treatment for many psychiatric diseases, especially major depressive disorder. However, an important side effect of these drugs is the risk of bleeding due to platelet dysfunction. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of hematuria in patients using SSRI/SNRIs and to compare with a control group. METHODS: This study included patients who were followed up and treated with SSRI/SNRI in the psychiatric outpatient clinic of the Antalya Medical Park Hospital between 1 January 2021 and 31 March 2021 and a control group comprising patients who presented to the medical check-up outpatient clinic between the same dates. Complete urinalysis was performed for all patients and the results were compared between the groups. RESULTS: Each group included 100 patients with a female/male ratio of 1. The mean age was 41.45 ± 13.47 (16-74) years in the study group and 40.51 ± 13.75 (20-70) years in the control group (p = 0.519). Mean duration of SSRI/SNRI use in the study group was 13.35 ± 1.32 (1-64) months. The prevalence of hematuria was 17% in the SSRI/SNRI group and 6% in the control group (p = 0.015). All cases of hematuria were microscopic hematuria. CONCLUSION: Hematuria is significantly more common in patients receiving SSRI/SNRI treatment. The use of SSRI/SNRI should also be taken into account when investigating the etiology of hematuria.

New Approach to Microscopy of Gram-Stained Urethral Smear: The Kissing Slide Method.

BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of microscopy of Gram-stained smear (GSS) for the detection of male urethral infection is debatable, especially in cases with low inflammation and no visible urethral discharge. This clinical study compared GSS samples collected with the conventional swab method and our new technique, the kissing slide method, together with polymerase chain reaction results to demonstrate the effectiveness of this new method in men with acute urethritis. METHODS: The study included 64 men who presented to the urology outpatient clinic with complaints of acute urethritis between October 2019 and January 2020. Two GSS samples were collected from each patient, first using the kissing slide method (applying the slide directly to the urethral mucosa), followed by the conventional method. The results were compared with polymerase chain reaction findings. RESULTS: The patients' mean age was 37.4 ± 7.8 years, and 68.7% had no visible urethral discharge on physical examination. At a GSS threshold of ≥5 polymorphonuclear leukocytes/high-power field, sensitivity values were 60% (95% confidence interval [CI], 42.32%-75.41%) for the kissing slide method and 23.33% (95% CI, 11.79%-40.93%) for the conventional method. At a threshold of ≥2 polymorphonuclear leukocytes/high-power field, sensitivity values with the kissing slide and conventional methods were 80% (95% CI, 62.69%-90.5%) and 50% (95% CI, 33.15%-66.85%) in all patients, and 66.67% (95% CI, 41.71%-84.82%) and 20% (95% CI, 7.047%-45.19%) in cases without visible urethral discharge, respectively. CONCLUSION: The new kissing slide method is a noninvasive alternative method that may have better sensitivity than the conventional GSS sampling method in the diagnosis of male acute urethritis. Randomized studies are needed to verify these findings.

Is There any Association between Urothelial Carcinoma of the Bladder and Human Papillomavirus? A Case-Control Study.

OBJECTIVES: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a well-known oncogenic virus associated with anogenital carcinomas. Despite the anatomical proximity of the bladder and the anogenital region, the relationship between HPV and urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB) is still a controversial issue. This study aimed to test the urethral swabs and first-void urine samples of patients with UCB for HPV-Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay and to compare the results with a control group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-nine patients who were diagnosed with UCB between January and December 2018 were included in this case-control study. Sixty-nine patients who visited the urology outpatient clinic for non-oncological reasons within the study period were designated as the control group. Urethral swab and first-void morning urine samples were collected from each patient. HPV-DNA presence was investigated using a PCR kit that can detect a total of 22 HPV genotypes, of which 18 are high-risk and 3 are low-risk genotypes. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients included in the study was 63.2 ± 12.6 years and the male to female ratio was 5.3. HPV-DNA was detected in 28.9% (20/69) of the patients in the case group and in 8.7% (6/69) of the patients in the control group. HPV-DNA positivity was significantly higher in the case group (OR 4.24; 95% CI 1.63-12.34). No statistically significant relationship was found between HPV-DNA positivity and tumor grade (p = 0.36). CONCLUSION: A statistically significant relationship exists between HPV infection and UCB, regardless of the tumor grade.

Results of transurethral resection of the prostate in renal transplant recipients: a single center experience.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the early and long-term results of renal transplantation (RT) patients undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) due to benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-nine patients with RT performed in our hospital underwent TURP between November 2008 and March 2016. Results were evaluated along with early and long-term complications. Patients were followed up for a minimum of 12 months. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 61.4 ± 7.4 years. The median duration of dialysis was 28 (0-180) months. The median duration between transplantation and TURP was 13 (0-84) months. Before TURP, the mean serum creatinine (sCr) was 1.99 ± 0.83 mg/dL and the mean prostate volume was 33.3 ± 14.6 cm3. The mean Q max, Q ave and PVR values were 9.5 ± 3.7, 5.2 ± 2.2 ml/s and 85(5-480) mL, respectively. None of the patients developed perioperative and postoperative major complications. Twelve patients (13.4%) developed urinary tract infections in the postoperative period. The sCr, IPSS and PVR values significantly decreased, while Q max and Q ave significantly increased at the 1-month follow-up. At the 6-month follow-up, 63 (70.8%) patients had retrograde ejaculation. Patients were followed up for a median of 42 (12-96) months. Three patients (3.3%) were re-operated for bladder neck contracture and eight (8.9%) patients were re-operated for urethral stricture. CONCLUSION: TURP can be safely and successfully applied for the treatment of BPH after RT. LUTS and renal functions significantly improve after the operation. Patients should be followed up for UTIs in the short term and for urethral stricture in the long term.

Microscopy of Gram-stained urethral smear in the diagnosis of urethritis: Which threshold value should be selected?

The aim of this study was to investigate the sensitivity of GSS in the diagnosis of urethritis in patients who present to the outpatient clinic with symptoms of urethritis. Sixty-three male patients who presented to our outpatient clinic with symptoms of urethritis between January and March 2018 were evaluated. Urethral smear samples obtained from patients were evaluated both by GSS examination and by Real-time Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (rt-MPCR) assay. The sensitivity and specificity of GSS in detecting gonococcal urethritis (GU) and nongonococcal urethritis (NGU) were calculated for threshold values of ≥5 and ≥2 PMNL/HPF. The mean age was 33.2 ± 7.1 years. According to the rt-MPCR results, 14 patients had GU and 27 patients had NGU. A threshold value of ≥5 PMNL/HPF in the GSS demonstrated 92.9% sensitivity in the diagnosis of GU and 55.6% sensitivity in the diagnosis of NGU. A threshold value of ≥2 PMNL/HPF reached 100% sensitivity for GU and 92.6% sensitivity for NGU. A cut-off value of ≥5 PMNL/HPF in the GSS has low sensitivity in the diagnosis of NGU. On the other hand, a threshold value of ≥2 PMNL/HPF seems to have higher sensitivity in the diagnosis of both GU and NGU.

A novel predictive marker for the recurrence of nasal polyposis following endoscopic sinus surgery.

We aimed to determine the value of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (NLR) ratio for prediction of recurrence in patients subjected to endoscopic sinus surgery. Higher neutrophil counts mean more chronic inflammation so the NLR value could show the inflammatory level resulting with higher incidence of recurrence. From January 2011 to March 2013, we performed a retrospective review of the complete blood count samples from 192 patients with chronic sinusitis who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery. The patients were divided into two groups based on the presence of nasal polyps. NLR and platelet-to-lymphocyte (PLR) ratios were analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to determine the cut-off value for significant differences in variables between the recurrence and non-recurrence groups. The ROC analysis results revealed an NLR cut-off of 3.13 and a PLR cut-off of 208.75. Our analysis revealed that NLR is an independent risk factor for recurrence of chronic sinusitis in patients subjected to endoscopic sinus surgery (p = 0.006), whereas the PLR was not a predictive factor for recurrence (p = 0.167). Our study revealed that the NLR could be used to predict disease recurrence before endoscopic sinus surgery. However, additional studies are needed to confirm these results.

A multicenter nationwide reference intervals study for common biochemical analytes in Turkey using Abbott analyzers.

BACKGROUND: A nationwide multicenter study was organized to establish reference intervals (RIs) in the Turkish population for 25 commonly tested biochemical analytes and to explore sources of variation in reference values, including regionality. METHODS: Blood samples were collected nationwide in 28 laboratories from the seven regions (≥400 samples/region, 3066 in all). The sera were collectively analyzed in Uludag University in Bursa using Abbott reagents and analyzer. Reference materials were used for standardization of test results. After secondary exclusion using the latent abnormal values exclusion method, RIs were derived by a parametric method employing the modified Box-Cox formula and compared with the RIs by the non-parametric method. Three-level nested ANOVA was used to evaluate variations among sexes, ages and regions. Associations between test results and age, body mass index (BMI) and region were determined by multiple regression analysis (MRA). RESULTS: By ANOVA, differences of reference values among seven regions were significant in none of the 25 analytes. Significant sex-related and age-related differences were observed for 10 and seven analytes, respectively. MRA revealed BMI-related changes in results for uric acid, glucose, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase, and γ-glutamyltransferase. Their RIs were thus derived by applying stricter criteria excluding individuals with BMI >28 kg/m2. Ranges of RIs by non-parametric method were wider than those by parametric method especially for those analytes affected by BMI. CONCLUSIONS: With the lack of regional differences and the well-standardized status of test results, the RIs derived from this nationwide study can be used for the entire Turkish population.

Comparison of nylon-flocked swabs and cotton swabs in the detection of human papillomavirus infection in men.

BACKGROUND: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is an oncogenic virus and the commonest sexually transmitted pathogen worldwide. Appropriate sampling is an important factor in infection management. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of cotton swabs (CS) and nylon-flocked swabs (NFS) in sampling for HPV-DNA PCR testing in male patients with genital warts. METHODS: The study included men with genital warts who presented to the urology outpatient clinic of Antalya Medical Park Hospital. Before wart treatment, multisite sampling of the penis and genital area was performed separately with CS and NFS. The samples were analyzed for HPV-DNA using real-time PCR. RESULTS: The study included 45 men with a mean age of 32.1 ± 8.6 years. At least one HPV type was detected in all 45 patients with NFS sampling and 44 patients with CS sampling (total HPV types detected: 106 and 84, respectively). NFS sampling detected 52 high-risk HPV types in 37 of the 45 patients, while CS sampling detected 37 high-risk types in 19 patients (p = 0.029). NFS sampling also detected a total of 54 low-risk HPV types in all 45 patients, versus 47 low-risk HPV types in 41 patients with CS sampling. Multiple HPV types were detected in 30 patients with NFS and 17 patients with CS (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: NFS were more effective than CS for HPV-DNA testing in men with genital warts. NFS were superior to CS in detecting multiple-type HPV infection and high-risk HPV types. The use of NFS should be recommended for HPV-DNA PCR testing in men.

Effect of different storage solutions on oxidative stress in human saphenous vein grafts.

BACKGROUND: Ischemia-reperfusion injury of saphenous vein grafts (SVG) during coronary artery bypass grafting surgery negatively impacts endothelial integrity and functionality and is associated with vein graft failure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of oxidative stress in human SVG segments following ischemic storage in three intraoperative graft storage solutions: saline (S), autologous heparinized blood (HB) and DuraGraft (DG). METHODS: 3 mm tissue rings derived from surplus SVG segments from 50 patients were stored at room temperature for 30 min in DG, S or HB. Total oxidative status (TOS) and total antioxidant status (TAS) levels were determined from which the oxidative stress index (OSI: TOS/TAS ratio) was calculated. A p-value < 0.017 was considered significant implementing a Bonferroni correction. RESULTS: TOS values were significantly lower for DG stored samples in comparison to both S and HB; there was no difference between S and HB (DG: 32.6 ± 1.8, S: 39.6 ± 2.8 and HB: 40.6 ± 2.4 µmol H2O2 eqv.; DG vs. S and DG vs. HB p < 0.0001, S vs. HB p = 0.047). TAS was higher for both DG and HB in comparison to S (DG: 8.9 ± 0.9, S: 6.9 ± 1.0 and HB: 8.6 ± 0.9 mmol Trolox eqv.; DG vs S p < 0.0001, DG vs. HB p = 0.263, S vs. HB p < 0.0001). OSI differed between all groups with the lowest value for DG (DG: 3.7 ± 0.2, S: 5.8 ± 0.4 and HB: 4.7 ± 0.2 µmol H2O2 eqv./mmol Trolox eqv.; all p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Saphenous veins grafts stored in DuraGraft had a lower oxidative level, higher antioxidant level and a lower oxidative stress index in comparison to saphenous vein grafts stored in saline or heparinized blood. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT02922088.

Comparison of spermiograms of infertile men before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been interest in the impact of both SARS-CoV-2 infection and pandemic-induced social restrictions on male reproductive health. This study aimed to evaluate the spermiogram values of men who presented for infertility during the pandemic compared with the previous 2 years. METHODS: Patients who presented to a urology outpatient clinic for the first time due to infertility were included. The patients' age, semen volume, and spermiogram results were recorded. Based on the presentation date, the patients were divided into prepandemic group 1 (March 2018-February 2019), prepandemic group 2 (March 2019-February 2020), and pandemic group (March 2020-February 2021) for comparison. RESULTS: A total of 594 patients were included. There was no significant difference between the three groups in terms of the number of patients who presented for infertility (207, 190, and 197 patients, respectively; p=0.691). The mean age was 36.6±7.2 in the prepandemic group 1, 35.5±7.1 in the prepandemic group 2, and 33.1±6.3 in the pandemic group. Patients who presented during the pandemic were significantly younger (p<0.001). There were no differences between the groups in terms of semen volume (p=0.910) or rates of normospermia and pathological spermiogram findings (p=0.222). CONCLUSIONS: In the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was no significant difference in the number of patients who presented for infertility or in their spermiogram results compared with 2018 and 2019. However, it is noteworthy that the patients were significantly younger during the pandemic than in the previous 2 years.

Mortality Caused by Late-onset Sepsis in Very Low Birth Weight Infants: Risk Analysis and the Performance of Diagnostic Tools.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the risk on late-onset sepsis attributed mortality in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants.    Study Design: Observational study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Level-III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Istinye University, Antalya Medical Park Hospital, Turkey, between January 2014 and December 2018. METHODOLOGY: Perinatal characteristics and clinical features of 198 septic preterm neonates were evaluated to predict sepsis-attributed mortality. ROC analysis was employed to drive optimal-cutoffs for laboratory parameters and logistic regression to calculate mortality risk factors using SPSS version-22 and MedCalc software. RESULTS: Mean gestational age was 28.91 ±2.67 weeks. Umbilical catheterisation was the principal risk factor for culture-positive sepsis (OR 2.860, 95%CI: 1.232-6.639). Outborn infants were more likely to deliver surfactant and longer intubation (p=0.013, and p=0.005, respectively), manifested frequent BPD (p=0.014), and at greater risk of proven sepsis and mortality (OR: 1.796, 95%CI: 1.011-3.191; OR: 1.950, 95%CI: 1.002-3.794). Low Apgar scores necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) and prolonged intubation were independent risk factors for mortality (OR: 13.840, 95%CI: 6.384-30.005; OR: 5.410, 95%CI: 2.113-13.849; OR: 10.037, 95%CI: 4.700-21.434). An increase in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP)-ratio >6.08-fold afforded good sensitivity and specificity (AUC: 0.914; sensitivity: 89.36%, specificity: 86.09%). Logistic regression of various combinations has shown a >6.08-fold change in hsCRP-ratio over 24-hours and platelet counts <88x109/L optimally predicted mortality (OR: 27.983, 95%CI: 9.704-80.697). CONCLUSION: Low Apgar scores, NEC and prolonged intubation are independent risk factors for mortality of VLBW infants. Birth in level III-IV NICUs featuring special neonatal care, avoidance of prolonged intubation, and timely prediction of fatal sepsis using hsCRP ratio and platelets could prevent sepsis-related mortality. Key Words: Sepsis, Very low birth weight, Infant formality, Apgar score.

Developing necrotizing enterocolitis: retrospective analysis of 1428 preterm infants at a level-III neonatal intensive care unit over a four years period. / Enterocolitis necrosante: análisis retrospectivo de 1428 recién nacidos prematuros en una unidad de cuidados intensivos neonatales de nivel III durante un período de cuatro años.

AIM: To investigate NEC frequency in premature infants and assess risk factors associated with disease-onset and progression to intestinal perforation. METHODS: Retrospective cohort in preterm neonates hospitalized between 2015 and 2018. Perinatal characteristics, clinical features, nutritional data and laboratory outcome were analyzed using SPSS-23 statistical package. Logistic regression was performed to analyze associated risk factors. RESULTS: In 1428 neonates, the rate of developing NEC was 18.28 %. Conception with assisted reproductive technology, cesearean section and postnatal-steroids were associated with NEC (OR: 4.056, 95 % CI: 2.810-5.854, OR: 1.961, 95 % CI: 1.321-2.910, OR: 6.422; 95 % CI: 4.327-9.530). Timing of first enteral feeding was associated to developing NEC, but not to intestinal perforation (p < 0.001, p = 0.604). Forty-seven of 261 NEC patients (18 %) have developed intestinal perforation. Antenatal steroids showed to reduce severe consequences (p = 0.001). Timing of first enteral feeding and hemodynamically significant PDA were predisposing factors for NEC and low 5-minutes Apgar score for intestinal perforation. (OR: 6.515; 95 % CI: 5.011-8.470; OR: 4.715; 95 % CI: 2.717-8.183; OR: 2.748; 95 % CI: 1.100-6.866). Mortality was 9 %. Developing NEC increased risk of mortality by 2.192 times (95 % CI: 1.469- 3.271); in intestinal perforation, mortality risk increased to 11.527 (95 % CI: 6.293-21.115). CONCLUSION: NEC frequency was 18.28 %. Intestinal perforation occurred in 18 % of NEC patients. PDA and delay in first enteral nutrition were predisposing factors for acquiring NEC and low 5-minutes Apgar scores for intestinal perforation.

Objetivo. Investigar la frecuencia de la enterocolitis necrosante (ECN) en prematuros y evaluar los factores de riesgo asociados con su aparición y progresión a perforación intestinal. Métodos. Cohorte retrospectiva de prematuros hospitalizados entre 2015 y 2018. Las características perinatales, clínicas, nutricionales y de laboratorio se analizaron con SPSS-23, y los factores de riesgo mediante una regresión logística. Resultados. En 1428 neonatos, la tasa de ECN fue del 18,28 %. La concepción por reproducción asistida, la cesárea y los corticoesteroides posnatales se asociaron con ECN (OR: 4,056; IC del 95 %: 2,810-5,854; OR: 1,961; IC del 95 %: 1,321-2,910; OR: 6,422; IC del 95 %: 4,327-9,530). El momento de la primera alimentación enteral se asoció con ECN, pero no con perforación intestinal (p < 0,001; p = 0,604). De 261 pacientes con ECN, 47 (18 %) tuvieron perforación intestinal. El momento de la primera alimentación enteral y el ductus persistente con repercusión hemodinámica fueron factores predisponentes para ECN, y el puntaje de Apgar bajo al minuto 5 para perforación intestinal. (OR: 6,515; IC del 95 %: 5,011-8,470; OR: 4,715; IC del 95 %: 2,717- 8,183; OR: 2,748; IC del 95 %: 1,100-6,866). La mortalidad fue del 9 %. La ECN aumentó el riesgo de mortalidad 2,192 veces (IC del 95 %: 1,469-3,271); en perforación intestinal, el riesgo aumentó 11,527 veces (IC del 95 %: 6,293-21,115). Conclusión. El conducto arterial persistente y el retraso en la primera nutrición enteral fueron factores predisponentes para ECN, y el puntaje de Apgar bajo al minuto 5 para perforación intestinal.

Does ß-Glucan can have protective role against oxidative stress in experimental sepsis model in rats?

BACKGROUND: Very high mortality rate in sepsis may be related to oxidative stress. This study was conducted on the rats to investigate the presence of oxidative stress and also the potential protective effects of the ß-glucan in the intra-abdominal sepsis model formed by cecal ligation-perforation (CLP). METHODS: In this study, 30 Male rats were equally divided into three groups as 'Sham', 'Sepsis' and 'ß-Glucan'. Only laparotomy was performed in the Sham group, and sepsis was induced by CLP in Sepsis and ß-Glucan groups. Following CLP, a single dose of 4 mg ß-glucan/kg was also intraperitoneally administered to the ß-Glucan group. Blood and tissue (liver, lung and kidney) samples were taken from Sepsis and ß-Glucan groups after sepsis development determined at the end of the 48th hour, also from the Sham group. The levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) were determined in plasma samples, and the malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured in plasma and tissues. RESULTS: MPO and AOPP were higher in both the Sepsis and ß-Glucan groups; however, plasma and tissue MDA levels were higher only in the Sepsis group than the Sham group (p<0.05). However, when compared to the Sepsis group, all parameters measured, except kidney MDA, were significantly lower in the ß-Glucan group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the AOPP levels in the CLP sepsis model, ROS produced by the reaction of MPO derived from neutrophils may form oxidative damage to the proteins, compared to the lipids, and ß-glucan may be used as an alternative agent for sepsis treatment.

Results of minimally invasive surgical treatment of allograft lithiasis in live-donor renal transplant recipients: a single-center experience of 3758 renal transplantations.

Allograft lithiasis is a rare urologic complication of renal transplantation (RT). Our aim is to present our experience with minimally invasive surgical treatment of allograft lithiasis in our series of live-donor renal transplant recipients. In a retrospective analysis of 3758 consecutive live-donor RTs performed in our center between November 2009 and January 2017, the results of minimally invasive surgery for the treatment of renal graft lithiasis diagnosed at follow-up were evaluated. Twenty-two (0.58%) patients underwent minimally invasive surgery for renal graft lithiasis. The mean age was 41.6 years, and duration between RT and surgical intervention was 27.3 months (range 3-67). The mean stone size was 11.6 mm (range 4-29). Stones were located in the urethra in 1, bladder in 2, ureter in 9, renal pelvis in 7 and calices in 3 patients. Surgical treatment included percutaneous nephrolithotomy in 1, cystoscopic lithotripsy in 3, flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy in 6 and rigid ureteroscopic lithotripsy in 12 patients. No major complications were observed. One patient (4.5%) who underwent flexible ureteroscopy developed postoperative urinary tract infection. All patients were stone-free except two (9%) patients who required a second-look procedure after flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy for residual stones. Stone recurrence was not observed in any patient during a mean follow-up duration of 30.2 months (range 8-84). Renal transplant lithiasis is uncommon and minimally invasive surgical treatment is rarely performed for its treatment. Endourological surgery may be performed safely, effectively and with a high success rate in these patients.

The outcomes of transurethral incision/resection of the prostate (TUIP/TURP) performed early after renal transplantation.

OBJECTIVE: In the early period after renal transplantation, urinary retention stemming from bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) may directly affect graft success. The aim of this study was to evaluate the early and long-term outcomes of transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and transurethral incision of prostate (TUIP) procedures performed in the first month following RT due to BOO. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between February 2009 and March 2016, 38 male patients underwent TURP/TUIP due to BOO within the first 30 days of renal transplantation. The urodynamic and renal function assessment results of all patients were collected during the pre-and postoperative periods. All patients were followed up for a minimum of 12 months for short and long-term complications. The results were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients who underwent operations was 59.2±12 years. The median duration of dialysis was 41 months (range 0-180). Before the operation the mean serum creatinine (sCr) level was 1.8±0.7 mg/dL, the mean total PSA level was 1.6±1.1 ng/mL. Of the voiding parameters, the mean Qmax and Qave were measured as 8.2±4.5 mL/sec and 4.6±2.5 mL/sec, respectively. The median post-micturition residual urine (PMR) was 105 mL (range 10-400). TURP/TUIP operations were performed at a median of 19 days (range 8-30) after renal transplantations. None of the patients experienced major complications. In the early postoperative period, 5 patients (13.1%) developed urinary tract infection. The mean decrease in sCr in the first month following TURP/TUIP was 1.4±0.4 mg/dL (p<0.001). The mean Qmax (22.4±11.1 mL/sec), and Qave (11.7±5.4 mL/sec) increased significantly (p<0.001), while the median PMR (15 mL, range 0-205) decreased significantly (p<0.001). The mean follow-up period after the procedure was 46.8±23.3 months. During the follow-up period, 3 (7.8%) patients suffered from urethral stricture and 2 (5.2%) patients from bladder neck obstruction. CONCLUSION: In the surgical treatment of urinary retention arising from BOO in the first month following renal transplantation, TURP/TUIP yield safe and successful results. In addition, regarding the short and long term outcomes, these procedures may be safely performed with low morbidity.

Comparative Results of Transurethral Incision with Transurethral Resection of The Prostate in Renal Transplant Recipients with Benign Prostate Hyperplasia.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to compare the results of transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP) and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) for the surgical treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) in patients with renal transplantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between April 2009 and May 2016, BPH patients with renal transplants whose prostate volumes were less than 30 cm3 were treated surgically. Forty-seven patients received TURP and 32 received TUIP. The patients' age, duration of dialysis, duration between transplant and TURP/TUIP, preoperative and postoperative serum creatinine (SCr), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), maximum flow rate (Qmax) and postvoidresidual volume (PVR) were recorded. At 1-,6- and 12-month follow-up, early and long-term complications were assessed. Results were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: In both groups, SCr, PVR and IPSS decreased significantly after the operation, while Qmax increased significantly (P < .001). There was no difference between the two groups in terms of increase in Qmax and decrease in IPSS, SCr and PVR (P = .89, P = .27, P = .08, and P = .27). Among postoperative complications, urinary tract infection (UTIs) and retrograde ejaculation (RE) rates were higher in the TURP group than the TUIP group (12.7% versus 6.2% and 68.1% versus 25%,respectively), whereas urethral strictures were more prevalent in the TUIP group (12.5% versus 6.3%). CONCLUSION: For the treatment of BPH in renal transplant patients with a prostate volume less than 30 cm3, bothTUIP and TURP are safe and effective.

Comparison of spermiograms of infertile men before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been interest in the impact of both SARS-CoV-2 infection and pandemic-induced social restrictions on male reproductive health. This study aimed to evaluate the spermiogram values of men who presented for infertility during the pandemic compared with the previous 2 years. METHODS: Patients who presented to a urology outpatient clinic for the first time due to infertility were included. The patients' age, semen volume, and spermiogram results were recorded. Based on the presentation date, the patients were divided into prepandemic group 1 (March 2018-February 2019), prepandemic group 2 (March 2019-February 2020), and pandemic group (March 2020-February 2021) for comparison. RESULTS: A total of 594 patients were included. There was no significant difference between the three groups in terms of the number of patients who presented for infertility (207, 190, and 197 patients, respectively; p=0.691). The mean age was 36.6±7.2 in the prepandemic group 1, 35.5±7.1 in the prepandemic group 2, and 33.1±6.3 in the pandemic group. Patients who presented during the pandemic were significantly younger (p<0.001). There were no differences between the groups in terms of semen volume (p=0.910) or rates of normospermia and pathological spermiogram findings (p=0.222). CONCLUSIONS: In the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was no significant difference in the number of patients who presented for infertility or in their spermiogram results compared with 2018 and 2019. However, it is noteworthy that the patients were significantly younger during the pandemic than in the previous 2 years.

A nationwide multicentre study in Turkey for establishing reference intervals of haematological parameters with novel use of a panel of whole blood.

INTRODUCTION: A nationwide multicentre study was conducted to establish well-defined reference intervals (RIs) of haematological parameters for the Turkish population in consideration of sources of variation in reference values (RVs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: K2-EDTA whole blood samples (total of 3363) were collected from 12 laboratories. Sera were also collected for measurements of iron, UIBC, TIBC, and ferritin for use in the latent abnormal values exclusion (LAVE) method. The blood samples were analysed within 2 hours in each laboratory using Cell Dyn and Ruby (Abbott), LH780 (Beckman Coulter), or XT-2000i (Sysmex). A panel of freshly prepared blood from 40 healthy volunteers was measured in common to assess any analyser-dependent bias in the measurements. The SD ratio (SDR) based on ANOVA was used to judge the need for partitioning RVs. RIs were computed by the parametric method with/without applying the LAVE method. RESULTS: Analyser-dependent bias was found for basophils (Bas), MCHC, RDW and MPV from the panel test results and thus those RIs were derived for each manufacturer. RIs were determined from all volunteers' results for WBC, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, MCV, MCH and platelets. Gender-specific RIs were required for RBC, haemoglobin, haematocrit, iron, UIBC and ferritin. Region-specific RIs were required for RBC, haemoglobin, haematocrit, UIBC, and TIBC. CONCLUSIONS: With the novel use of a freshly prepared blood panel, manufacturer-specific RIs' were derived for Bas, Bas%, MCHC, RDW and MPV. Regional differences in RIs were observed among the 7 regions of Turkey, which may be attributed to nutritional or environmental factors, including altitude.

Enterocolitis necrosante: análisis retrospectivo de 1428 recién nacidos prematuros en una unidad de cuidados intensivos neonatales de nivel III durante un período de cuatro años / Developing necrotizing enterocolitis: retrospective analysis of 1428 preterm infants at a level-III neonatal intensive care unit over a four years period

Objetivo. Investigar la frecuencia de la enterocolitis necrosante (ECN) en prematuros y evaluar los factores de riesgo asociados con su aparición y progresión a perforación intestinal.Métodos. Cohorte retrospectiva de prematuros hospitalizados entre 2015 y 2018. Las características perinatales, clínicas, nutricionales y de laboratorio se analizaron con SPSS-23, y los factores de riesgo mediante una regresión logística.Resultados. En 1428 neonatos, la tasa de ECN fue del 18,28 %. La concepción por reproducción asistida, la cesárea y los corticoesteroides posnatales se asociaron con ECN (OR: 4,056; IC del 95 %: 2,810-5,854; OR: 1,961; IC del 95 %: 1,321-2,910; OR: 6,422; IC del 95 %: 4,327-9,530). El momento de la primera alimentación enteral se asoció con ECN, pero no con perforación intestinal (p < 0,001; p = 0,604). De 261 pacientes con ECN, 47 (18 %) tuvieron perforación intestinal. El momento de la primera alimentación enteral y el ductus persistente con repercusión hemodinámica fueron factores predisponentes para ECN, y el puntaje de Apgar bajo al minuto 5 para perforación intestinal. (OR: 6,515; IC del 95 %: 5,011-8,470; OR: 4,715; IC del 95 %: 2,717-8,183; OR: 2,748; IC del 95 %: 1,100-6,866). La mortalidad fue del 9 %. La ECN aumentó el riesgo de mortalidad 2,192 veces (IC del 95 %: 1,469-3,271); en perforación intestinal, el riesgo aumentó 11,527 veces (IC del 95 %: 6,293-21,115).Conclusión. El conducto arterial persistente y el retraso en la primera nutrición enteral fueron factores predisponentes para ECN, y el puntaje de Apgar bajo al minuto 5 para perforación intestinal.

Aim. To investigate NEC frequency in premature infants and assess risk factors associated with disease-onset and progression to intestinal perforation.Methods. Retrospective cohort in preterm neonates hospitalized between 2015 and 2018. Perinatal characteristics, clinical features, nutritional data and laboratory outcome were analyzed using SPSS-23 statistical package. Logistic regression was performed to analyze associated risk factors.Results. In 1428 neonates, the rate of developing NEC was 18.28 %. Conception with assisted reproductive technology, cesearean section and postnatal-steroids were associated with NEC (OR: 4.056, 95 % CI: 2.810-5.854, OR: 1.961, 95 % CI: 1.321-2.910, OR: 6.422; 95 % CI: 4.327-9.530).Timing of first enteral feeding was associated to developing NEC, but not to intestinal perforation (p < 0.001, p = 0.604). Forty-seven of 261 NEC patients (18 %) have developed intestinal perforation. Antenatal steroids showed to reduce severe consequences (p = 0.001). Timing of first enteral feeding and hemodynamically significant PDA were predisposing factors for NEC and low 5-minutes Apgar score for intestinal perforation. (OR: 6.515; 95 % CI: 5.011-8.470; OR: 4.715; 95 % CI: 2.717-8.183; OR: 2.748; 95 % CI: 1.100-6.866).Mortality was 9 %. Developing NEC increased risk of mortality by 2.192 times (95 % CI: 1.469-3.271); in intestinal perforation, mortality risk increased to 11.527 (95 % CI: 6.293-21.115).Conclusion. NEC frequency was 18.28 %. Intestinal perforation occurred in 18 % of NEC patients. PDA and delay in first enteral nutrition were predisposing factors for acquiring NEC and low 5-minutes Apgar scores for intestinal perforation