Aspiration and sclerotherapy versus hydrocelectomy for treating hydroceles: a systematic review and meta-analyses.

BACKGROUND: In this meta-analysis, we aimed to compare the hydrocelectomy versus aspiration and sclerotherapy for treating primary hydrocele. METHODS: We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs that compared aspiration and sclerotherapy with any type of sclerosants versus hydrocelectomy for primary hydrocele. Studies were identified via a systematic search of the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and ClinicalTrials.gov. Citation tracking of related articles was performed. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by two authors. The primary and secondary outcome measures were compared and analyzed using the Review Manager 5.3.5 software. RESULTS: Five small RCTs were included in the present study. These 5 RCTs included 335 patients with 342 hydroceles, randomized to aspiration and sclerotherapy (185 patients; 189 hydroceles) and surgery (150 patients; 153 hydroceles). There was no significant difference in clinical cure between sclerotherapy and hydrocelectomy (RR 0.45, 95% CI 0.18 to 1.10). Meta-analysis revealed a significant increase in recurrence in the sclerotherapy group compared with the surgical group (RR 9.43, 95% CI 1.82 to 48.77). There were no significant differences between the two groups in assessing fever, infection, and hematoma. CONCLUSION: Aspiration and sclerotherapy is an efficient technique with a higher recurrent rate; therefore, we recommend aspiration and sclerotherapy for patients at high risk for surgery or avoiding surgery. In addition, included RCTs had low methodological quality, low sample size, and invalidated instruments for outcome assessment. Therefore, there is a great need for further methodologically rigorous RCTs with the registered protocol.

Major morbidity and mortality associated with delays to emergent surgery in children: a risk-adjusted analysis.

BACKGROUND: Delay of emergency surgery contributes to morbidity and mortality, and physiologic status affects outcomes of patients requiring emergent surgery. Our purpose was to determine whether delays to emergent surgery in children were associated with increased major morbidity or mortality in a risk-adjusted population. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of class 1 (≤ 60 min to operating room) surgical procedures from July 11, 2011, to July 30, 2016, at BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver. Data sources included the operating room database, patient charts, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, Neonatal Acute Physiology (SNAP II) and Pediatric Risk of Mortality (PRISM III) scores, time from booking to operating room and outcome. Patients were classified as being at low or high risk for death. We defined major morbidity as unintended loss of an organ, limb or function related to surgery, and delay to surgery as more than 60 minutes from booking to in room. We used the χ2 test for univariate analysis and logistic regression for multivariate analysis. RESULTS: There were 384 cases (367 patients), 223 high-risk and 161 low-risk. The median age was 4 years (range 0 d-18 yr). Overall, 184 cases (47.9%) were delayed. Major morbidity occurred in 94 cases (24.5%), and 28 patients (7.6%) (all in the high-risk group) died. The mean time to the operating room was 1.46 hours for patients with major morbidity/mortality and 1.17 hours for those without. After adjustment for risk level, multivariate analysis showed delay to surgery to be associated with 85% increased odds of morbidity and/or mortality (adjusted odds ratio 1.85, 95% confidence interval 1.20-2.94) compared to no delay. CONCLUSION: Delay to emergent surgery was associated with a significant increase in major morbidity and/or mortality. Children who require emergency surgery need their care prioritized by not only operating room teams but also hospitals and government; otherwise, they will continue to experience unintended consequences.

Clinical indicators of slow graft function and outcome after pediatric kidney transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Lesser degrees of perioperative ischemia-reperfusion injury that does not require dialysis may nonetheless influence allograft outcomes, necessitating evaluation of suitable surrogate indicators of perioperative allograft injury. METHODS: This retrospective analysis of pediatric kidney transplants evaluated two indicators representing pace and completeness of recovery, for association with 12-month estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and first-year rate of eGFR decline: time to creatinine nadir (TTN) and ratio of recipient/donor unadjusted GFR (uGFRR/D ) at 1-month post-transplant. Donor, recipient, and perioperative risk factors were tested further for association with these 2 indicators. RESULTS: 179 patients (190 transplants) aged 13 (IQR 7-17) years and 56% male were included. Twelve-month eGFR was strongly associated with unadjusted GFR at 1 month (uGFR1M , p < .001) and uGFRR/D (p = .003), but not with TTN. None of the indicators was associated with the rate of subsequent eGFR decline after 1-month post-transplant. As a potential surrogate indicator, uGFR1M is effectively modeled by TTN and uGFRR/D (adjusted R2  = 0.57) and is associated with 12-month eGFR (ß = 0.81 ± 0.08; p < .001). Clinical factors associated with uGFRR/D included donor uGFR (p < .001), BSA (p = .026), age (p = .074), and recipient BSA (p < .001). Factors associated with pace of recovery (TTN) included donor uGFR (p = .018), type (p = .019), and recipient BSA (p = .022). CONCLUSIONS: The uGFRR/D ratio, but not TTN, is a useful indicator of perioperative allograft damage that is associated with one-year functional outcome; and uGFR1M is a potential early surrogate outcome. Donor, recipient, and perioperative factors that are associated with slow allograft function are identified.

Integrating intraoperative physiology data into outcome analysis for the ACS Pediatric National Surgical Quality Improvement Program.

BACKGROUND: The Pediatric National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (P-NSQIP) samples surgical procedures for benchmarking and quality improvement. While generally comprehensive, P-NSQIP does not collect intraoperative physiologic data, despite potential impact on outcomes. AIMS: The aims of this study were (a) to describe a methodology to augment P-NSQIP with vital signs data and (b) demonstrate its utility by exploring relationships that intraoperative hypothermia and hypotension have with P-NSQIP outcomes. METHODS: Vital signs from 2012 to 2016 were available in a research databank. Episodes of hypotension and hypothermia were extracted and recorded alongside local P-NSQIP data. Multivariable regression analyses were performed to explore associations with undesired outcomes, including: surgical site infection, wound disruption, unplanned return to the operating room, and blood transfusion. Model variables were selected with the Akaike information criterion using 2012-2014 as the training set and validated with receiver operating characteristics analysis using 2015-2016 as the testing set. RESULTS: Data from 6737 patients were analyzed, with 43.9% female, median [interquartile range] age 5.8 [1.3-12.4] years, undergoing procedures lasting 118 [75-193] minutes. Hypothermia, observed in 45% of cases, was associated with wound disruption (odds ratio 1.75, 95% CI 1.1-2.83). Hypotension, observed in 60% of cases, was associated with unplanned returns (odds ratio 1.58, 95% CI 1.02-2.51), and transfusions (odds ratio 1.95, 95% CI 1.14-3.52). Surgical site infection, wound disruption, unplanned return, and transfusion models had areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.69/0.67, 0.59/0.63, 0.78/0.79, and 0.92/0.93 for validation models including hypothermia/hypotension respectively. CONCLUSION: Adding intraoperative vital signs to P-NSQIP data allowed identification of two modifiable risk factors: hypothermia was associated with increased wound disruption, and hypotension with increased blood transfusions and unplanned returns to the operating room. These findings may motivate prospective studies and prompt other centers and P-NSQIP to augment outcome data with intraoperative physiological data.

Cardiac Autonomic Nervous System Activity in Children with Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction.

PURPOSE: Bladder and bowel dysfunction is a common reason for referral to pediatric urology. The role of the autonomic nervous system in the pathogenesis of bladder and bowel dysfunction has not been well investigated. We compared autonomic nervous system activity in children with bladder and bowel dysfunction to that in healthy controls. We hypothesized that children with dysfunction have a different autonomic profile as measured by parameters from spectral analysis of heart rate variability and impedance cardiography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We recruited 40 children, including 25 girls, with a median age of 10 years (range 5 to 18) in whom bladder and bowel dysfunction was clinically diagnosed by a validated questionnaire and 19 healthy controls, including 9 girls, with a median age of 8 years (range 5 to 16). Cardiac autonomic activity was assessed at baseline and during voiding. The primary outcome measures were the main parameters of heart rate variability, including total power and high frequency, as well as pre-ejection period and heart rate. RESULTS: Comparison of outcomes at baseline showed significantly lower total power and high frequency heart rate variability in bladder and bowel dysfunction cases (p = 0.001 and 0.002, respectively). Children with dysfunction also showed a significantly smaller decrease in sympathetic nervous system activity during voiding (p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that compared to healthy controls children with bladder and bowel dysfunction show a different cardiac autonomic profile at rest and in response to voiding. This difference may be used in future studies to further clarify the pathophysiology of bladder and bowel dysfunction, and introduce novel treatment targets to manage the condition.

Biofeedback for nonneuropathic daytime voiding disorders in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

PURPOSE: Biofeedback has been used to treat children with symptoms of bladder dysfunction not responding to standard therapy alone. However, evidence of the effectiveness of biofeedback is scarce and is based on small studies. We conducted a systematic review of the literature to assess the effects of biofeedback as adjunctive therapy for symptoms of nonneuropathic voiding disorders in children up to age 18 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched MEDLINE(®), Embase(®) and CENTRAL on the OvidSP(®) platform as well as conference proceedings for randomized trials presented at scientific conventions, symposia and workshops through August 13, 2013. Hand searches and review of reference lists of retrieved articles were also performed. RESULTS: Five eligible studies were included in the systematic review, of which 4 (382 participants) were pooled in the meta-analysis based on available outcomes data. The overall proportion of cases with resolved incontinence at month 6 was similar in the biofeedback and control groups (OR 1.37 [95% CI 0.64 to 2.93], RD 0.07 [-0.09, 0.23]). There was also no significant difference in mean maximum urinary flow rate (mean difference 0.50 ml, range -0.56 to 1.55) or likelihood of urinary tract infection (OR 1.30 [95% CI 0.65 to 2.58]). CONCLUSIONS: Current evidence does not support the effectiveness of biofeedback in the management of children with nonneuropathic voiding disorders. More high quality, randomized controlled trials are needed to better evaluate the effect of biofeedback.

Randomized Crossover Trial of Single Use Hydrophilic Coated vs Multiple Use Polyvinylchloride Catheters for Intermittent Catheterization to Determine Incidence of Urinary Infection.

PURPOSE: Urinary tract infection is a key issue for long-term intermittent catheterization users. Various catheter designs and methods have evolved to decrease the risk but the evidence remains unclear regarding whether product type improves outcomes. We determined whether single use hydrophilic coated catheters reduced urinary tract infections compared to multiple use polyvinylchloride catheters for children with neurogenic bladder due to spina bifida. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a randomized crossover 4-center trial with 2 treatment periods of 24 weeks each, consisting of single use hydrophilic coated catheter and multiple use polyvinylchloride catheter (washed with soap and water, and air dried after each use). Each week participants recorded symptoms and urine results (Multistix® 8SG reagent strip). Primary outcome was person-weeks of urinary tract infection, defined as positive leukocytes plus fever, flank pain, increased incontinence, malaise, or cloudy or odorous urine requiring antibiotic treatment. Individuals were included if they were a child or young adult with spina bifida and used intermittent catheterization as the primary method of bladder emptying. RESULTS: Calculated sample size was 97. More than 120 patients were screened, of whom 66 were randomized and 45 completed both trial arms. Mean age was 10.6 years. Of the patients 21 were male and 24 were female. Mean ± SD person-weeks of urinary tract infection was 3.42 ± 4.67 in the single use hydrophilic coated catheter group and 2.20 ± 3.23 in the multiple use polyvinylchloride catheter group (p <0.001). There were no statistical differences in weeks of febrile urinary tract infection or antibiotic use. CONCLUSIONS: Results are consistent with the Cochrane Review in that single use hydrophilic coated catheters may not decrease the incidence of symptomatic urinary tract infection in community dwelling chronic intermittent catheterization users when compared to clean multiple use polyvinylchloride catheters.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and non-opioids for acute renal colic.

BACKGROUND: Renal colic is acute pain caused by urinary stones. The prevalence of urinary stones is between 10% and 15% in the United States, making renal colic one of the common reasons for urgent urological care. The pain is usually severe and the first step in the management is adequate analgesia. Many different classes of medications have been used in this regard including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and narcotics. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this review was to assess benefits and harms of different NSAIDs and non-opioids in the treatment of adult patients with acute renal colic and if possible to determine which medication (or class of medications) are more appropriate for this purpose. Clinically relevant outcomes such as efficacy of pain relief, time to pain relief, recurrence of pain, need for rescue medication and side effects were explored. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Renal Group's Specialised Register (to 27 November 2014) through contact with the Trials' Search Co-ordinator using search terms relevant to this review. SELECTION CRITERIA: Only randomised or quasi randomised studies were included. Other inclusion criteria included adult patients with a clinical diagnosis of renal colic due to urolithiasis, at least one treatment arm included a non-narcotic analgesic compared to placebo or another non-narcotic drug, and reporting of pain outcome or medication adverse effect. Patient-rated pain by a validated tool, time to relief, need for rescue medication and pain recurrence constituted the outcomes of interest. Any adverse effects (minor or major) reported in the studies were included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Abstracts were reviewed by at least two authors independently. Papers meeting the inclusion criteria were fully reviewed and relevant data were recorded in a standardized Cochrane Renal Group data collection form. For dichotomous outcomes relative risks and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. For continuous outcomes the weighted mean difference was estimated. Both fixed and random models were used for meta-analysis. We assessed the analgesic effects using four different outcome variables: patient-reported pain relief using a visual analogue scale (VAS); proportion of patients with at least 50% reduction in pain; need for rescue medication; and pain recurrence. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I² test. MAIN RESULTS: A total of 50 studies (5734 participants) were included in this review and 37 studies (4483 participants) contributed to our meta-analyses. Selection bias was low in 34% of the studies or unclear in 66%; performance bias was low in 74%, high in 14% and unclear in 12%; attrition bias was low in 82% and high in 18%; selective reporting bias low in 92% of the studies; and other biases (industry funding) was high in 4%, unclear in 18% and low in 78%.Patient-reported pain (VAS) results varied widely with high heterogeneity observed. For those comparisons which could be pooled we observed the following: NSAIDs significantly reduced pain compared to antispasmodics (5 studies, 303 participants: MD -12.97, 95% CI -21.80 to - 4.14; I² = 74%) and combination therapy of NSAIDs plus antispasmodics was significantly more effective in pain control than NSAID alone (2 studies, 310 participants: MD -1.99, 95% CI -2.58 to -1.40; I² = 0%).NSAIDs were significantly more effective than placebo in reducing pain by 50% within the first hour (3 studies, 197 participants: RR 2.28, 95% CI 1.47 to 3.51; I² = 15%). Indomethacin was found to be less effective than other NSAIDs (4 studies, 412 participants: RR 1.27, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.60; I² = 55%). NSAIDs were significantly more effective than hyoscine in pain reduction (5 comparisons, 196 participants: RR 2.44, 95% CI 1.61 to 3.70; I² = 28%). The combination of NSAIDs and antispasmodics was not superior to NSAIDs only (9 comparisons, 906 participants: RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.89 to 1.13; I² = 59%). The results were mixed when NSAIDs were compared to other non-opioid medications.When the need for rescue medication was evaluated, Patients receiving NSAIDs were significantly less likely to require rescue medicine than those receiving placebo (4 comparisons, 180 participants: RR 0.35, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.60; I² = 24%) and NSAIDs were more effective than antispasmodics (4 studies, 299 participants: RR 0.34, 95% CI 0.14 to 0.84; I² = 65%). Combination of NSAIDs and antispasmodics was not superior to NSAIDs (7 comparisons, 589 participants: RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.62 to 1.57; I² = 10%). Indomethacin was less effective than other NSAIDs (4 studies, 517 participants: RR 1.36, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.94; I² = 14%) except for lysine acetyl salicylate (RR 0.15, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.65).Pain recurrence was reported by only three studies which could not be pooled: a higher proportion of patients treated with 75 mg diclofenac (IM) showed pain recurrence in the first 24 hours of follow-up compared to those treated with 40 mg piroxicam (IM) (60 participants: RR 0.05, 95% CI 0.00 to 0.81); no significant difference in pain recurrence at 72 hours was observed between piroxicam plus phloroglucinol and piroxicam plus placebo groups (253 participants: RR 2.52, 95% CI 0.15 to12.75); and there was no significant difference in pain recurrence within 72 hours of discharge between IM piroxicam and IV paracetamol (82 participants: RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.65 to 1.54).Side effects were presented inconsistently, but no major events were reported. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Although due to variability in studies (inclusion criteria, outcome variables and interventions) and the evidence is not of highest quality, we still believe that NSAIDs are an effective treatment for renal colic when compared to placebo or antispasmodics. The addition of antispasmodics to NSAIDS does not result in better pain control. Data on other types of non-opioid, non-NSAID medication was scarce.Major adverse effects are not reported in the literature for the use of NSAIDs for treatment of renal colic.

VURD syndrome--does it really preserve long-term renal function?

PURPOSE: VURD (posterior urethral valves, unilateral vesicoureteral reflux and renal dysplasia) syndrome is the combination of persistent unilateral vesicoureteral reflux associated with an ipsilateral dysplastic, poorly functioning kidney in patients with posterior urethral valves. It was postulated that this syndrome may result in preservation of long-term renal function due to a pressure release pop-off mechanism. We determined the effects of VURD long-term renal outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of boys diagnosed with posterior urethral valves between 1983 and 2009 at a single pediatric tertiary hospital. Patients were divided into those with and those without VURD syndrome. The outcome of interest was renal impairment, defined as stage 3 or greater chronic kidney disease (glomerular filtration rate less than 60 ml/min/1.73 m(2)). RESULTS: We identified 89 patients, of whom 23 (26%) had VURD. Median followup was 77 and 57 months in the VURD and nonVURD groups, respectively. Seven patients (30%) with and 26 (39%) without VURD had significant renal impairment. Survival analysis using a Cox proportional hazard model showed no association between VURD and renal impairment (HR 1.05, 95% CI 0.65-1.70). The main predictors of renal function were the creatinine nadir and patient age at diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: VURD syndrome does not seem to have a long-term protective effect on renal function.

Aspiration and sclerotherapy versus hydrocoelectomy for treating hydrocoeles.

BACKGROUND: Hydrocoeles are common cystic scrotal abnormalities, described as a fluid-filled collection between the visceral and parietal layers of the tunica vaginalis of the scrotum. There are two approaches for treatment of hydrocoeles: surgical open hydrocoelectomy and aspiration followed by sclerotherapy.  OBJECTIVES: We compared the benefits and harms of aspiration and sclerotherapy versus hydrocoelectomy for the management of hydrocoeles. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Renal Group's Specialised Register to 2 August 2014 through contact with the Trials' Search Co-ordinator using search terms relevant to this review. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs comparing aspiration and sclerotherapy versus hydrocoelectomy for the management of hydrocoeles. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors independently extracted data and assessed risk of bias in the included studies. Random effects meta-analyses were performed using relative risk (RR) for dichotomous outcomes and mean differences (MD) for continuous outcomes, with 95% confidence intervals (CI). MAIN RESULTS: We found four small studies that met the inclusion criteria. These studies enrolled 275 patients with 282 hydroceles. Participants were randomised to aspiration and sclerotherapy (155 patients with 159 hydroceles) and surgery (120 patients with 123 hydroceles). All studies were assessed as having low or unclear risk of bias for selection bias, detection bias, attrition bias and selective reporting bias. Blinding was not possible for participants and investigators based on the type of interventions. Blinding for statisticians was not reported in any of included studies.There were no significant difference in clinical cure between the two groups (3 studies, 215 participants: RR 0.45, 95% CI 0.18 to 1.10), however there was significant heterogeneity (I² = 95%). On further investigation one study contributed all of the heterogeneity. This could be due to the agent used or perhaps due to the fact that this is a much older study than the other two studies included in this analysis. When this study was removed from the analysis the heterogeneity was 0% and the result was significant (in favour of surgery) (2 studies, 136 participants: RR 0.74; 95% CI 0.64 to 0.85).There was a significant increase in recurrence in those who received sclerotherapy compared with surgery (3 studies, 196 participants: RR 9.37, 95% CI 1.83 to 48.4). One study reported a non-significant decrease in fever in the sclerotherapy group (60 participants: RR 0.25, 95% CI 0.06 to 1.08). There was an increased number of infections in the surgery group however this increase was not statistically significant (4 studies, 275 participants): RR 0.31, 95% CI 0.09 to 1.05; I² = 0%). Three studies reported the frequency of pain in the surgery group was higher than aspiration and sclerotherapy group but because of different measurement tools applied in these studies, we could not pool the results. Radiological cure was not reported in any of the included studies. There was no significant difference in haematoma formation between the two groups (3 studies, 189 participants: RR 0.57, 95% CI 0.17 to 1.90; I² = 0%). Only one study reported patient satisfaction at three and six months; there was no significant difference between the two groups. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative complications as well as cost and time to work resumption were less in the aspiration and sclerotherapy group; however the recurrence rate was higher. The cure rate in short-term follow-up was similar between the groups, however there is significant uncertainty in this result due to the high heterogeneity. There is a great need for further methodologically rigorous RCTs that assess the effectiveness of different type of sclerosant agents, sclerosing solution concentration and injection volume for the treatment of hydrocoeles. It is important that the RCTs have sufficiently large sample size and long follow-up period. Studies should evaluate clinical outcomes such as pain, recurrence, satisfaction, complications and cure using validated instruments. The protocols for all studies should be registered in clinical trial registries and the reports of these studies should conform with international guidelines of trial reporting such as CONSORT. Cost-effectiveness studies should also be undertaken.

Prevalence of previously undiagnosed psychiatric symptom groupings in pediatric patients with bladder and bowel dysfunction.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The incidence of concomitant psychiatric disorders in conjunction with bladder and bowel dysfunction (BBD) is thought to be higher than the general population. The identification of these disorders with validated tools followed by management may improve urological outcomes. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of undiagnosed psychiatric symptom groupings in children presenting with BBD. METHODS: Consecutive patients 6-18 yrs with a clinical diagnosis of BBD, a score ≥11 on the Vancouver Symptom Score (VSS) and no prior psychiatric diagnoses were recruited. Two validated questionnaires (Child Behavior Checklist for Ages 6-18 (CBCL) and Autism Spectrum Quotient 10 (AQ-10)) were used to screen for psychiatric comorbidities. Descriptive statistics for demographic variables were presented. Distribution of VSS for normal & abnormal categories (borderline/clinical) of CBCL scores were compared by Mann-Whitney U test. Spearman correlation coefficient was used to examine the relationship between VSS domain scores and CBCL. RESULTS: From Sept 2017-May 2022, 50 (17 male) of 110 eligible patients completed the study. Median VSS was 18 (11-33), indicating significant BBD. In 36 patients (72 %), at least one of the CBCL subscales scored as borderline/clinical. Thirty-two patients (64 %) scored in the abnormal range for Internalizing symptoms, 21 (42 %) for Externalizing symptoms, and 31 (62 %) for Total problem scores. Four patients of 48(8 %) scored ≥6 on the AQ-10. The only significant correlation found between CBCL and VSS sub scores was with the Bowel Habit Domain of VSS and Internalizing CBCL T-scores (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: This study identified a high prevalence of previously undiagnosed psychiatric symptom groupings in patients presenting with BBD, with a higher prevalence of internalizing and externalizing symptoms and autism traits than reported in the general population. These findings should encourage urologists to use validated tools to screen for psychiatric comorbidities with referral for further assessment as appropriate. This may prevent unnecessary urological testing, save valuable health resources and potentially improve treatment outcomes of BBD in this population.

A prospective randomized trial of povidone-iodine prophylactic cleansing of the rectum before transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy.

PURPOSE: Transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy can lead to urinary tract infections in 3% to 11% and sepsis in 0.1% to 5% of patients. We investigated the efficacy of rectal cleansing with povidone-iodine before transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy to reduce infectious complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2009 and 2011, 865 men were prospectively randomized to rectal cleansing (421) or no cleansing (444) before transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy. Patients received ciprofloxacin prophylaxis and rectal swab cultures were obtained before transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy. Patients completed a telephone interview 7 days after undergoing the biopsy. The primary end point was the rate of infectious complications, a composite end point of 1 or more of 1) fever greater than 38.0C, 2) urinary tract infection or 3) sepsis (standardized definition). Chi-square significance testing was performed for differences between groups and a multivariate analysis was performed to assess risk factors for infectious complications. RESULTS: Infectious complications were observed in 31 (3.5%) patients, including 11 (2.6%) treated and 20 (4.5%) control patients (p = 0.15). Sepsis was observed in 4 (1.0%) treated and 7 (1.6%) control patients (p = 0.55). On multivariate analysis resistance to ciprofloxacin in the rectal swab culture (p = 0.002) and a history of taking ciprofloxacin in the 3 months preceding transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy (p = 0.009) predicted infectious complications. CONCLUSIONS: Rectal cleansing with povidone-iodine before transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy was safe, but the 42% relative risk reduction of infectious complications was not statistically significant. Patients who have received ciprofloxacin within 3 months of transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy should be considered for alternate prophylaxis or possibly a delay of biopsy beyond 3 months.

Effect of the CAD-CAM and lost-wax framework fabrication techniques on the fracture strength of porcelain in metal-ceramic restorations.

BACKGROUND: Ceramic fracture is a common problem in metal-ceramic restorations (MCRs). The advent of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) technology eliminated the lost-wax technique, which was responsible for many of the problems associated with framework fabrication. However, the role of the CAD-CAM technology in decreasing porcelain fracture is not yet known. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present in vitro study was to compare the fracture strength of porcelain in MCRs with metal frameworks fabricated with the use of the lost-wax and CAD-CAM techniques. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty metal dies were prepared with a deep chamfer finish line, with a depth of 1.2 mm and the occlusal taper of the walls of 8°, a 2-millimeter occlusal reduction of the functional cusp, a 1.5-millimeter occlusal reduction of the nonfunctional cusp, and the functional cusp bevel. Ten frameworks were fabricated using the CAD-CAM system and 10 with the lost-wax technique. After porcelain veneering, the specimens underwent thermocycling and cyclic loading to simulate the aging process. The load test was then performed. The fracture strength of porcelain was compared between the 2 groups, and the mode of failure was also determined using a stereomicroscope. RESULTS: Two specimens were excluded from the CAD-CAM group. Thus, 18 specimens were statistically analyzed. The results revealed no significant difference in fracture strength between the 2 groups (p > 0.05). The mode of failure was mixed in all specimens from both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicated that the fracture strength of porcelain and the mode of failure did not depend on the metal framework fabrication technique (lost-wax or CAD-CAM).

Effect of CAD-CAM Framework Design Fabricated from Sintered Cobalt-Chromium Alloy on Fracture Resistance of Metal-Ceramic Restorations.

Introduction: Porcelain fracture is a common problem of metal-ceramic restorations (MCRs). One suggested strategy to prevent it is to modify the metal framework design; however, the available information regarding the effect of framework design on porcelain fracture is scarce. Objective: This study aimed to assess the effect of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) framework design fabricated from sintered cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) alloy on fracture resistance of MCRs. Materials and Methods: Twenty premolar metal dies were fabricated for this in vitro study. Ten standard frameworks were designed with 0.5 mm thickness, and 10 customized frameworks were designed with 1 mm thickness at the lingual margin and 0.5 mm thickness in all other areas. All specimens were fabricated from sintered Co-Cr alloy (Ceramill Sintron) using soft metal milling technology. After porcelain application, the specimens underwent thermocycling and cyclic loading for 3,000 cycles between 5 and 55°C. The fracture resistance was measured by a universal testing machine. The failure mode was also determined. Data were statistically analyzed by independent t-test (α = 0.05). Results: The mean fracture resistance of porcelain was 2,379 ± 531 N in the standard and 2,557 ± 448 N in the customized group. No significant difference was found in fracture resistance of the two groups (P > 0.05). All specimens in both groups showed mixed failure. Conclusion: The fracture resistance of porcelain and the failure mode were not affected by the framework design of MCRs fabricated from sintered Co-Cr alloy (Ceramill Sintron).

Reliability assessment of international grading system for vesicoureteral reflux.

PURPOSE: The International Reflux Committee proposed a grading system for vesicoureteral reflux in 1985 which has been used extensively in everyday practice and research studies. Despite widespread use, based mainly on face validity, the interrater and intrarater reliability of this tool are not known. A tool cannot be considered valid unless it is reliable. Therefore, we estimated the interrater and intrarater reliability of the international grading system for vesicoureteral reflux. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A series of 28 voiding cystourethrogram studies were selected. The images were assembled in an electronic presentation in random fashion. Four pediatric radiologists, 5 pediatric urologists and 4 senior urology residents graded the studies. The images were then shuffled in a random fashion and re-rated after 7 days (total 728 observations). Cohen weighted kappa statistics were used to determine interrater and intrarater reliability. Subgroup analysis was then performed comparing the variability among the 3 groups of raters and different grades. RESULTS: The average interrater reliability was 0.53 (95% CI 0.52-0.55, p <0.0001). Agreement in subgroups was 0.61 for urologists, 0.59 for residents and 0.56 for radiologists. The lowest agreement was shown in grade III (0.36) and the highest in grade I (0.98). The intrarater reliability was 0.86 (95% CI 0.77-0.95, p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The international grading system for vesicoureteral reflux shows low interrater reliability for moderate degrees of vesicoureteral reflux whereas the intrarater reliability is high. Modification of this system may improve its reproducibility.

Bladder neck closure in conjunction with enterocystoplasty and Mitrofanoff diversion for complex incontinence: closing the door for good.

PURPOSE: Bladder neck closure is an irreversible procedure requiring compliance with catheterization of a cutaneous stoma and historically has been reserved for the definitive treatment of intractable incontinence after prior failed procedures. We assessed long-term outcomes of our patients undergoing bladder neck closure including continence status, additional surgical interventions, postoperative complications, conception and sexual function, and satisfaction with bladder neck closure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of all patients who underwent bladder neck closure between 1990 and 2010 at our institution. RESULTS: A total of 28 consecutive patients (exstrophy 15 and neurogenic bladder 13 [myelomeningocele 4, cloacal anomaly 4, spinal cord injury 2, VACTERL (Vertebral Anorectal Cardiac Tracheo-Esophageal Radial Renal Limb) 1, sacral agenesis 1 and urogenital sinus 1]) were identified. Of these patients 19 (68%) had undergone 20 unsuccessful bladder neck procedures before bladder neck closure. Bladder neck closure was initially successful in 27 of the 28 (96.4%) patients. One patient required subsequent closure of a postoperative vesicovaginal fistula. Median time from bladder neck closure was 69 months (range 16 to 250). In 11 patients 16 additional procedures were required, including stomal injection of bulking agents (2), stomal revision for stenosis (2) or prolapse (1), percutaneous nephrolithotripsy for stone (1), open cystolithotomy (2), extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for upper tract stones (4), repair of augment rupture (3) and open retrograde ureteral stenting for stone (1). The total surgical re-intervention rate was 39.3% (11 of 28). There were no observed cases of progressive or de novo hydronephrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Bladder neck closure in conjunction with enterocystoplasty and Mitrofanoff diversion is an effective means of achieving continence in complex cases as a primary or secondary therapy. Long-term urological followup into adulthood is essential.

Twenty-year prevalence of diabetes mellitus and hypertension in patients receiving shock-wave lithotripsy for urolithiasis.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the prevalence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus (DM) in patients treated with an unmodified HM-3 lithotripter (USWL) and a second-generation modified HM-3 lithotripter (MSWL) 20 years ago at our Centre with that in the provincial population. To determine whether the type of lithotripter was differentially associated with the development of these sequelae. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of 727 patients at Vancouver General Hospital who underwent shock-wave lithotripsy (SWL) between 1985 and 1989. Our study group was compared with Statistics Canada data describing the provincial prevalence of these diseases. Multivariate analysis was performed. RESULTS: The response rate was 37.3%. There was a greater proportion of overweight and obese individuals in the study group compared with the provincial average. In univariate analysis, lithotripsy with an unmodified HM-3 (USWL) was associated with a higher rate of DM than the provincial rate, whereas lithotripsy with the modified HM-3 (MSWL) was not. Hypertension was more prevalent in all lithotripsy subjects. On multivariate analysis the type of lithotripter was not associated with the development of either sequela. CONCLUSIONS: No association between lithotripsy and the development of either DM or hypertension in a multivariate analysis Metabolic syndrome may have elevated the prevalence of DM and hypertension observed in our subjects on univariate analysis, which is in keeping with the fact that our study population had statistically higher body mass indices than the provincial rate. Lithotripsy using the HM-3 was not associated with increased DM or hypertension.

Tattooing and risk of hepatitis B: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess the association between tattooing and the risk of transmission of hepatitis B virus. METHODS: A systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, ACP Journal Club and BIOSIS Previews was performed up to March 2011. RESULTS: Forty-two observational studies were included in this systematic review, of which 31 were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) of the association of tattooing and hepatitis B infection was 1.48 (1.30-1.68) when all studies were included in the analysis. Subgroup analysis shows the strongest association between tattooing and risk of hepatitis B among populations involved in high-risk behaviours (OR = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.32-2.03). CONCLUSION: Findings of the current systematic review and meta-analysis indicate that tattooing is associated with hepatitis B transmission in all subgroups. A population health approach that emphasizes universal hepatitis B immunization, education of young adults who are more likely to get tattoos, and education of prison inmates (who have the highest background rate of hepatitis B infection), along with enforcement of guidelines and safer tattooing practices in prison, are fundamental in prevention of transmission of hepatitis B.

Optimizing skin antisepsis for neonatal surgery: A quality improvement initiative.

PURPOSE: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a significant determinant of morbidity in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Chlorhexidine gluconate/isopropyl alcohol (CHG-IPA) skin prep has demonstrated superiority over Povidone-Iodine (PI) in preventing SSIs in adults, however FDA labeling discourages CHG use in infants <2 months. This project aimed to i) create evidence for safe CHG skin antisepsis in neonates; and ii) evaluate the safety and effectiveness of CHG skin prep for neonatal surgery. METHODS: A literature review was conducted to assess the safety and effectiveness of neonatal CHG skin antisepsis. Following stakeholder engagement, a CHG surgical skin prep protocol and validated neonatal skin integrity tool to assess prep-associated skin injury were implemented in 50 consecutive, eligible neonates ≥1500 g and ≥34 weeks post conceptual age undergoing abdominal or thoracic surgery. SSI rates were compared to a matched, historical PI skin prep cohort. RESULTS: 2%CHG-70%IPA or 0.5%CHG-70%IPA were used based on gestational age cutoffs. None of the CHG patients experienced adverse skin prep outcomes while 8% developed SSIs, compared to 14% in the historical PI cohort. CONCLUSION: This project engaged NICU stakeholders in quality improvement work and informed the implementation of a safe and effective CHG skin prep protocol for neonatal surgery. LOE: IV.

Bowel and Bladder Dysfunction Is Associated with Psychiatric Comorbidities and Functional Impairment in Pediatric Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

Objective: Neuropsychiatric disorders are common in children with bowel and bladder dysfunction (BBD), a syndrome associated with urinary frequency, urgency, holding, incontinence, and constipation. We evaluated BBD symptom severity in children and youth attending a tertiary care obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) clinic. Methods: Consecutive patients attending initial OCD assessments between 2016 and 2020 were invited to participate in a registry study. Diagnosis of OCD and comorbidities was established by structured clinical interview. OCD severity and impact were assessed with the Children's Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (CY-BOCS) and the Child Obsessive Compulsive Impact Scale (COIS-R; self-report), respectively. BBD symptoms were quantified with the Vancouver Symptom Score (VSS), a validated self-report measure. Results: One hundred twelve participants completed the VSS (mean age 13.5 ± 3.3, range 7-20). Based on a cutoff score of 11 corresponding to pediatric urologist-diagnosed BBD, 30.4% of participants screened positive, including more females than males (39.3% vs. 21.4%; p = 0.04). Daytime urinary incontinence was present in a greater proportion of participants with OCD forbidden thoughts (34.8% vs. 8.2%, p = 0.002), major depressive disorder (MDD; 38.5% vs. 6.8%, p = 0.001), and somatization disorder (60% vs. 9%, p = 0.001) compared with those without. A regression model including CY-BOCS, COIS-R, psychiatric comorbidities, medications, age, and gender explained 52.2% of the variance in VSS; COIS-R, tic disorder, and MDD were significant predictors. Conclusion: BBD symptoms are common and associated with high OCD-related impairment and psychiatric comorbidities. Standardized assessment may facilitate identification of BBD symptoms in this population and is critical to mitigating long-term physical and mental health impacts. Further studies are required to assess the relationship between BBD and OCD treatment outcomes.