Can We Differentiate Between Organic and Functional Bladder Outlet Obstruction in Males With Parkinson's Disease?

OBJECTIVES: To determine the type of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). MATERIAL AND METHOD: A case-control study was carried out in 46 patients divided into two groups. Group 1 formed by 23 PD patients with BOO (a URA parameter ≥ 29 cm H2O). Group 2 formed by 23 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and compressive obstruction (an opening pressure > 35 cm H2O) and URA parameter ≥ 29 cm H2O). Both groups underwent a pressure-flow study to calculate Dynamic Urethral Resistance Relationship (DURR) patterns. Based on previous research, we describe two types of DURR pattern. Pattern A typical of dynamic or functional obstruction and pattern B typical of static or organic obstruction. RESULTS: We found that PD patients had a significantly higher frequency of pattern A (70%) than BPH patients (4%). Other significant differences between groups were age (greater in PD group), bladder compliance (greater in PD group), maximum flow rate [Qmax (greater in BPH group)], maximum detrusor pressure [Pmax (greater in BPH group)], detrusor pressure at maximum flow rate [PQmax (greater in BPH group)], opening detrusor pressure (greater in BPH group), and the bladder contractility parameters BCI and Wmax (greater in BPH group). There were no significant differences in perineal voiding electromyography (EMG) activity between groups nor relationship between voiding EMG activity and the type of DURR pattern. CONCLUSIONS: Our results are consistent with the usefulness of the DURR pattern to differentiate between functional and organic BOO in PD patients. Most PD patients have functional obstruction although a minority has organic obstruction consistent with BPH.

Combinational Diuretics in Heart Failure.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Diuretics are the cornerstone therapy for acute heart failure (HF) and congestion. Patients chronically exposed to loop diuretics may develop diuretic resistance as a consequence of nephron remodelling, and the combination of diuretics will be necessary to improve diuretic response and achieve decongestion. This review integrates data from recent research and offers a practical approach to current pharmacologic therapies to manage congestion in HF with a focus on combinational therapy. RECENT FINDINGS: Until recently, combined diuretic treatment was based on observational studies and expert opinion. Recent evidence from clinical trials has shown that combined diuretic treatment can be started earlier without escalating the doses of loop diuretics with an adequate safety profile. Diuretic combination is a promising strategy for overcoming diuretic resistance in HF. Further studies aiming to get more insights into the pathophysiology of diuretic resistance and large clinical trials confirming the safety and efficacy over standard diuretics regimens are warranted.

Combining loop with thiazide diuretics for decompensated heart failure: the CLOROTIC trial.

AIMS: To evaluate whether the addition of hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) to intravenous furosemide is a safe and effective strategy for improving diuretic response in acute heart failure (AHF). METHODS AND RESULTS: A prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, including patients with AHF randomized to receive HCTZ or placebo in addition to an intravenous furosemide regimen. The coprimary endpoints were changes in body weight and patient-reported dyspnoea 72 h after randomization. Secondary outcomes included metrics of diuretic response and mortality/rehospitalizations at 30 and 90 days. Safety outcomes (changes in renal function and/or electrolytes) were also assessed. Two hundred and thirty patients (48 women, 83 years) were randomized. Patients assigned to HCTZ were more likely to lose weight at 72 h than those assigned to placebo [2.3 vs. 1.5 kg; adjusted estimated difference (notionally 95 confidence interval) 1.14 (1.84 to 0.42); P 0.002], but there were no significant differences in patient-reported dyspnoea (area under the curve for visual analogue scale: 960 vs. 720; P 0.497). These results were similar 96 h after randomization. Patients allocated to HCTZ showed greater 24 h diuresis (1775 vs. 1400 mL; P 0.05) and weight loss for each 40 mg of furosemide (at 72 and at 96 h) (P 0.001). Patients assigned to HCTZ more frequently presented impaired renal function (increase in creatinine 26.5 moL/L or decrease in eGFR 50; 46.5 vs. 17.2; P 0.001), but hypokalaemia and hypokalaemia were similar between groups. There were no differences in mortality or rehospitalizations. CONCLUSION: The addition of HCTZ to loop diuretic therapy improved diuretic response in patients with AHF.

Risk factors to develop autonomic dysreflexia during urodynamic examinations in patients with spinal cord injury.

AIMS: The risk factors for developing autonomic dysreflexia (AD) during urodynamic (UD) examination in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) above Th6 still remain unclear. The main goal of our study is to investigate the risk factors that could be associated with AD in these particular patients. DESIGN: Cross sectional survey. SUBJECT AND METHODS: The study was carried out in 83 patients with SCI above Th6 who were submitted to our center for a UD examination. AD was defined as a rise in systolic blood pressure above 15 mm Hg with a pulse rate below 60 beats per minute. RESULTS: The prevalence rate of AD among our patients was 54%. Univariate analysis of our study showed the following risk factors: patient's age, SCI completeness, traumatic etiology, indwelling catheter, presence of chills or sweating, anticholinergic treatment, maximum detrusor voiding pressure, detrusor pressure at maximum flow rate, detrusor external sphincter dyssynergia, and bladder outlet obstruction. Using multivariate logistic regression, we found that there are only two independent risk factors: patient's age equal to or above 45 years of age (OR = 10.995) and maximum detrusor voiding pressure equal to or above 31 cm H2 O (OR = 3.879). CONCLUSIONS: According to our results, the patient's age and maximum detrusor voiding pressure should be considered at the time of performing a UD examination in order to prevent the sudden onset of AD in patients with SCI above Th6. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:171-175, 2017. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Effect of pelvic organ prolapse repair on detrusor overactivity in women following incontinence surgery: A multivariate analysis.

AIMS: To determine the effect of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) repair on post-operative detrusor overactivity (DO) in women who have underwent incontinence surgery, using multivariate analysis. METHODS: A retrospective study was carried out on a cohort of 105 women who underwent incontinence surgery. In 39 of the patients this surgery was associated with pelvic organ prolapse repair. Clinical and urodynamic data were collected pre- and 3 months post-operatively. A multivariate statistical analysis was performed to detect confounding factors which could influence on the risk factors associated with post-operative detrusor overactivity. RESULTS: On univariate analysis, the following pre-operative factors were associated with post-operative detrusor overactivity: symptomatic mixed urinary incontinence, rectocele, detrusor overactivity, voided volume on free uroflowmetry, maximum cystomanometric capacity, and performing concomitant pelvic organ prolapse repair. Multivariate analysis, by means of confounding factors elimination, revealed that only pre-operative rectocele and detrusor overactivity were independent risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: The pelvic organ prolapse repair acts as a confounding factor. Women with a pre-operative rectocele and detrusor overactivity are on a greater risk to develop post-operative detrusor overactivity and, therefore, they should be informed.

Post Pelvic Radiotherapy Affectation of the Lower Urinary Tract Peripheral Innervation in Men.

INTRODUCTION: The periurethral electromyography (EMGs) alterations in men who underwent pelvic radiotherapy (RT), either isolated or combined with surgery, have not been frequently described in the literature. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to compare the EMG's data in men undergoing RT versus the non-irradiated control group. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 61 consecutive males, who had undergone RT (27 of them had been operated) and 99 control consecutive patients who underwent a retrospective assessment. The EMGs were performed using a concentric electrode needle perineally, localizing the sphincter by visual and auditory signal (electromyograph MMS Solar Active). RESULTS: 14.8% denervation, 62.9% reinnervation, 14.9% denervation + reinnervation and 7.4% EMG normal. The age (p < 0.001) and neurogenic bladder data (p < 0.001) are risk factors. The smaller the prostate size (obtained by rectal examination) post-RT, the more the chance for an abnormal EMG (p < 0.001). The fact of having had received RT (p < 0.001) is the only risk factor. CONCLUSION: RT produces lesions over the pudendal nerve, showing denervation even in late periods. The surgery did not behave as a risk factor.

Rationale and Design of the "Safety and Efficacy of the Combination of Loop with Thiazide-type Diuretics in Patients with Decompensated Heart Failure (CLOROTIC) Trial:" A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study to Determine the Effect of Combined Diuretic Therapy (Loop Diuretics With Thiazide-Type Diuretics) Among Patients With Decompensated Heart Failure.

BACKGROUND: Fluid overload refractory to loop diuretic therapy can complicate acute or chronic heart failure (HF) management. The Safety and Efficacy of the Combination of Loop with Thiazide-type Diuretics in Patients with Decompensated Heart Failure (CLOROTIC) trial (Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT01647932) will test the hypothesis that blocking distal tubule sodium reabsorption with hydrochlorothiazide can antagonize the renal adaptation to chronic loop diuretic therapy and improve diuretic resistance. METHODS: CLOROTIC is a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multicenter study. Three hundred and four patients with decompensated HF will be randomly assigned to receive hydrochlorothiazide or placebo in addition to a furosemide regimen. The main inclusion criteria are: age ≥18 years, history of chronic HF (irrespective of etiology and/or ejection fraction), admission for acute decompensation, and previous treatment with an oral loop diuretic for at least 1 month before randomization. The 2 coprimary endpoints are changes in body weight and changes in patient-reported dyspnea during hospital admission. Morbidity, mortality, and safety aspects will also be addressed. CONCLUSIONS: CLOROTIC is the first large-scale trial to evaluate whether the addition of a thiazide diuretic (hydrochlorothiazide) to a loop diuretic (furosemide) is a safe and effective strategy for improving congestive symptoms resulting from HF. This trial will provide important information and will therefore have a major impact on treatment strategies and future trials in these patients.

The 3-day bladder diary is a feasible, reliable and valid tool to evaluate the lower urinary tract symptoms in women.

AIMS: To evaluate the feasibility (% of completion), reliability (test-retest and inter-observer) and validity (convergent vs. questionnaires and vs. urodynamic study-UDS) of the 3-day bladder diary (3dBD) in women with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). METHODS: Epidemiological, descriptive, cross-sectional and prospective study. Fourteen Functional Urology and Urodynamic Units participated. One hundred thirty-six women with mean age (SD) 55.2 (13.8) years with LUTS, without bladder catheterization and who were able to fill in the 3dBD were included. An UDS was performed. They filled in the 3dBD in two times separated by 15 days (test and retest), the International Consultation on Incontinence-Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF) and the Bladder Control Self-Assessment Questionnaire (BSAQ). RESULTS: One hundred ten women completed 3dBD for test and retest. Feasibility: each 3dBD has 42 variables, 77.2% women completed 80%. Test-retest reliability: there were not differences in the proportion of patients classified as positive for each symptom (urgency: P = 0.3173; incontinence: P = 1; nocturia: P = 0.0522; frequency: P = 0.4386). The Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) ranged from 0.67 to 0.92, except for night time VVmax which was lower (0.54). Inter-observer reliability: ICC ranged from 0.64 to 0.99, except for day time VVmax (0.29) and the number of urgency episodes (0.45). VALIDITY: Spearman correlation coefficients for ICIQ-UI SF and BSAQ ranged from 0.4 to 0.6 (P < 0.0001) and for UDS were lower (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The 3dBD showed good feasibility, reliability and validity to be used in the assessment of LUTS in women.

Is lower urinary tract dysfunction an early marker of Portuguese type familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy in women? Preliminary results.

Type 1 Portuguese Familial Amyloid Polyneuropathy was first observed in 1939 and described in 1951 by Corino Andrade. FAP is a rare autosomal dominant disease caused by a mutant gene in chromosome 18, characterized by a variant transthyretin in which valine is substituted for methionine at position 30 (ATTR V30M), affecting mainly young adults. ATTR V30M positivity does not imply disease, but the disease is only present with ATTR V30M in serum. The clinical manifestations of FAP on the pelvic floor and genitourinary system are frequent at early disease onset. Phenotypic diversity can depend on modulating agents in the deposition of the mutant TTR, such as incomplete penetration and environmental influence. Functional vesicourethral disorders appear to be primarily at the bladder filling phase, namely diminished bladder sensation, and associated with a decrease in detrusor contractility during the emptying phase. Unbalanced voiding takes place in this context, with high post-void residuals, increasing the rate of co-morbidity, namely recurrent urinary tract infections and chronic renal failure.This study describes the lower urinary tract dysfunctions in ATTR V30M positive carriers, particularly during the asymptomatic period and early stages of the disease, and additionaly it describes its association with the clinical evolution of the disease. In the preliminary phase of the study, the lower urinary tract dysfunction in FAP-women may present itself as an early manifestation in asymptomatic patients. Uroflowmetry and the evaluation of post-voiding residual volume are non-invasive and low cost tests that should be done during routine initial evaluation. Reduced bladder sensation and poor detrusor contractility may be considered initial markers of FAP. The neurogenic factor (bladder afferent neurons) appears to be mechanical in nature with myogenic repercussions. This further aggravates the bladder underactivity secondary to pelvic efferent parasympathetic neuropathy and amyloid infiltration in the bladder wall. Early diagnostic and therapeutic intervention may avoid secondary end stage renal disease.

Prognostic Impact of Statins in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction.

Background: Heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (pEF) has lacked effective treatments for reducing mortality. However, previous studies have found an association between statin use and decreased mortality in patients with HFpEF. The aim of this study was to analyse whether statin therapy is associated with a reduction in mortality in these patients and whether the effect differs according to the presence or absence of ischaemic heart disease (IHD). Methods: We analysed data from the National Registry of Heart Failure, a prospective study that included patients admitted for HF in Internal Medicine units nationwide. Patients with HFpEF were classified according to the use of statins, and the differences between the two groups were analysed. A multivariable analysis was performed using Cox regression to assess factors independently related to mortality. Results: A total of 2788 patients with HFpEF were included; 63% of them were women with a mean age of 80.1 (±7.8) years. The statin-treated group (40.2%) was younger, with better functional status, and had a more common diagnosis of vascular disease and lower frequency of atrial fibrillation. The most frequent aetiology of HF in both groups was the hypertensive one. Nevertheless, ischaemic HF was more common in those who received statins (24.8% vs. 9.6%; p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis showed lower mortality at the 1-year follow-up in statin-treated patients (OR: 0.74; 95%CI: 0.61-0.89; p = 0.002). This association was observed in patients without IHD (p < 0.001) but not in those with IHD (p = 0.11). Conclusions: Statins are associated with a decrease in total mortality in patients with HFpEF. This benefit occurs mainly in those without IHD.

Combining Loop and Thiazide Diuretics Across the Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction Spectrum: The CLOROTIC Trial.

BACKGROUND: The addition of hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) to furosemide in the CLOROTIC (Combining Loop with Thiazide Diuretics for Decompensated Heart Failure) trial improved the diuretic response in patients with acute heart failure (AHF). OBJECTIVES: This work aimed to evaluate if these results differ across the spectrum of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). METHODS: This post hoc analysis of the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled CLOROTIC trial enrolled 230 patients with AHF to receive either HCTZ or a placebo in addition to an intravenous furosemide regimen. The influence of LVEF on primary and secondary outcomes was evaluated. RESULTS: The median LVEF was 55%: 166 (72%) patients had LVEF >40%, and 64 (28%) had LVEF ≤40%. Patients with a lower LVEF were younger, more likely to be male, had a higher prevalence of ischemic heart disease, and had higher natriuretic peptide levels. The addition of HCTZ to furosemide was associated with the greatest weight loss at 72 of 96 hours, better metrics of diuretic response, and greater 24-hour diuresis compared with placebo, with no significant differences according to the LVEF category (using 2 LVEF cutoff points: 40% and 50%) or LVEF as a continuous variable (all P values were insignificant). There were no significant differences observed with the addition of HCTZ in terms of mortality, rehospitalizations, or safety endpoints (impaired renal function, hyponatremia, and hypokalemia) among the 2 LVEF groups (all P values were insignificant). CONCLUSIONS: Adding HCTZ to intravenous furosemide seems to be effective strategy for improving diuretic response in AHF without treatment effect modification according to baseline LVEF. (Combining Loop with Thiazide Diuretics for Decompensated Heart Failure [CLOROTIC], NCT01647932; Randomized, double blinded, multicenter study, to asses Safety and Efficacy of the Combination of Loop With Thiazide-type Diuretics vs Loop diuretics with placebo in Patients With Decompensated, EudraCT Number 2013-001852-36).

Practical Approaches to the Management of Cardiorenal Disease beyond Congestion.

BACKGROUND: The coexistence of heart and kidney diseases, also called cardiorenal syndrome, is very common, leads to increased morbidity and mortality, and poses diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties. There is a risk-treatment paradox, such that patients with the highest risk are treated with lesser disease-modifying medical therapies. SUMMARY: In this document, different scientific societies propose a practical approach to address and optimize cardiorenal therapies and related comorbidities systematically in chronic cardiorenal disease beyond congestion. Cardiorenal programs have emerged as novel models that may assist in delivering coordinated and holistic management for these patients. KEY MESSAGES: (1) Cardiorenal disease is a ubiquitous entity in clinical practice and is associated with numerous barriers that limit medical treatment. (2) The present article focuses on the practical approaches to managing chronic cardiorenal disease beyond congestion to overcome some of these barriers and improve the treatment of this high-risk population.

Consensus on the approach to hydrosaline overload in acute heart failure. SEMI/SEC/S.E.N. recommendations.

Most of the signs and symptoms of heart failure can be explained by fluid overload, which is also related to disease progression. Fluid overload is a complex phenomenon that extends beyond increased intravascular pressures and poses challenges for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Current recommendations advise a multiparametric approach, including clinical data (symptoms/signs), imaging tests, and biomarkers. This article proposes a practical therapeutic approach to managing hydrosaline overload in heart failure in both inpatient and outpatient settings. This document is an initiative of the Spanish Society of Internal Medicine (SEMI) in collaboration with the Spanish Society of Cardiology (SEC) and the Spanish Society of Nephrology (S.E.N.).

Study of the prevalence and interobserver reproducibility of radiologic images suggestive of urethral diverticula in men with spinal cord injury.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of radiologic images suggestive of urethral diverticula (UD) in men with spinal cord injury (SCI) and to study the interobserver diagnostic reproducibility. METHODS: Radiological studies (i.e. voiding cystourethrography and retrograde urethrography) performed over 1 year on men with SCI were independently reviewed by 3 researchers (1 urologist and 2 radiologists). RESULTS: The prevalence of UD was found to be between 4.2 and 9.8% of the patients, the higher figure obtained when including also the doubtful images. The kappa index of agreement between the researchers was low (between 0.15 and 0.40). The factors that significantly influenced agreement were localization in the prostatic urethra (p = 0.021), localization in the penile urethra (p = 0.000) and fusiform morphology (p = 0.004). Logistic regression analysis showed that the variables that independently influenced diagnostic agreement were the following: localization in the penile urethra (in favor of agreement) and fusiform morphology (against agreement). CONCLUSIONS: Radiologic images suggestive of UD constitute a frequent finding in men with SCI and raise important diagnostic problems.

The influence of comorbidities on the prognosis after an acute heart failure decompensation and differences according to ejection fraction: Results from the EAHFE and RICA registries.

OBJECTIVE: The role of comorbidities in heart failure (HF) outcome has been previously investigated, although mostly individually. We investigated the individual effect of 13 comorbidities on HF prognosis and looked for differences according to left-ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), classified as reduced (HFrEF), mildly-reduced (HFmrEF) and preserved (HFpEF). METHODS: We included patients from the EAHFE and RICA registries and analysed the following comorbidities: hypertension, dyslipidaemia, diabetes mellitus (DM), atrial fibrillation (AF), coronary artery disease (CAD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart valve disease (HVD), cerebrovascular disease (CVD), neoplasia, peripheral artery disease (PAD), dementia and liver cirrhosis (LC). Association of each comorbidity with all-cause mortality was assessed by an adjusted Cox regression analysis that included the 13 comorbidities, age, sex, Barthel index, New York Heart Association functional class and LVEF and expressed as adjusted Hazard Ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). RESULTS: We analysed 8,336 patients (82 years-old; 53% women; 66% with HFpEF). Mean follow-up was 1.0 years. Respect to HFrEF, mortality was lower in HFmrEF (HR:0.74;0.64-0.86) and HFpEF (HR:0.75;0.68-0.84). Considering patients all together, eight comorbidities were associated with mortality: LC (HR:1.85;1.42-2.42), HVD (HR:1.63;1.48-1.80), CKD (HR:1.39;1.28-1.52), PAD (HR:1.37;1.21-1.54), neoplasia (HR:1.29;1.15-1.44), DM (HR:1.26;1.15-1.37), dementia (HR:1.17;1.01-1.36) and COPD (HR:1.17;1.06-1.29). Associations were similar in the three LVEF subgroups, with LC, HVD, CKD and DM remaining significant in the three subgroups. CONCLUSION: HF comorbidities are associated differently with mortality, LC being the most associated with mortality. For some comorbidities, this association can be significantly different according to the LVEF.

Factors Influencing Postoperative Overactive Bladder after Adjustable Trans-Obturator Male System Implantation for Male Stress Incontinence following Prostatectomy.

We aimed to determine the risk factors for postoperative overactive bladder (OAB) in patients treated with an adjustable trans-obturator male system (ATOMS) for stress incontinence after radical treatment of prostate cancer. A prospective study was performed on 56 patients implanted with an ATOMS for PPI. Clinical and urodynamic information was recorded before and after ATOMS implantation. We built a multivariate model to find out the clinical and urodynamic factors that independently influenced postoperative OAB and the prognostic factors that influenced the efficacy of medical treatment of OAB. We found that the clinical risk factors were the preoperative intensity of urinary incontinence (number of daily pads used and amount of urinary leakage), International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ) score, postoperative number of ATOMS adjustments, final cushion volume, and incontinence cure. The urodynamic data associated with OAB were cystometric bladder capacity, voided volume, volume at initial involuntary contraction (IC), maximum flow rate, bladder contractility index (BCI), and urethral resistance (URA). The prognostic factors for the efficacy of oral treatment of OAB were the volume at the first IC (direct relationship) and the maximum abdominal voiding pressure (inverse relationship). The multivariate model showed that the independent clinical risk factors were the daily pad count before the implantation and the ICIQ score at baseline and after treatment. The independent urodynamic data were the volume at the first IC (inverse relationship) and the URA value (direct relationship). Both predictive factors of treatment efficacy were found to be independent. Detrusor overactivity plays an important role in postoperative OAB, although other urodynamic and clinical factors such as the degree of urethral resistance and abdominal strength may influence this condition.

Combining loop and thiazide diuretics for acute heart failure across the estimated glomerular filtration rate spectrum: A post-hoc analysis of the CLOROTIC trial.

AIMS: In patients with acute heart failure (AHF), the addition of hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) to furosemide improved diuretic response in the CLOROTIC trial. This work aimed to evaluate if these effects differ across the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) spectrum. METHODS AND RESULTS: This post-hoc analysis of the CLOROTIC trial analysed 230 patients with AHF and explored the influence of eGFR on primary and secondary endpoints. The median eGFR was 43 ml/min/1.73 m2 (range 14-109) and 23% had eGFR ≥60 ml/min/1.73 m2 (group 1), 24% from 45 to 59 ml/min/1.73 m2 (group 2), and 53% <45 ml/min/1.73 m2 (group 3). Patients treated with HCTZ had greatest weight loss at 72 h in all three groups, but patients in group 1 had a significantly greater response (-2.1 kg [-3.0 to 0.5]), compared to patients in groups 2 (-1.3 kg [-2.3 to 0.2]) and 3 (-0.1 kg [-1.3 to 0.4]) (p-value for interaction = 0.246). At 96 h, the differences in weight were -1.8 kg (-3.0 to -0.3), -1.4 kg (-2.6 to 0.3), and -0.5 kg (-1.3 to -0.1) in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively (p-value for interaction = 0.256). There were no significant differences observed with the addition of HCTZ in terms of diuretic response, mortality or rehospitalizations, or safety endpoints (impaired renal function, hyponatraemia, and hypokalaemia) among the three eGFR groups (all p-values for interaction were no significant). CONCLUSION: The addition of eGFR-adjusted doses of oral HCTZ to loop diuretics in patients with AHF improved diuretic response across the eGFR spectrum. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01647932; EudraCT number: 2013-001852-36.

Pulmonary function testing prior to reduced intensity conditioning allogeneic stem cell transplantation in an unselected patient cohort predicts posttransplantation pulmonary complications and outcome.

Pretransplant pulmonary function tests (PFTs) have been checked mostly in myeloablative allogeneic stem cell transplantation (Allo-SCT). Their value in the setting of reduced intensity conditioning Allo-SCT (Allo-RIC) has been less explored. We retrospectively evaluated the predictive value of PFTs on posttransplant pulmonary complications (PPC) and outcomes in 195 consecutive Allo-RIC patients, based on fludarabine plus busulphan or melphalan. PFT parameters included forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio, total lung capacity (TLC), residual volume, and diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCo) corrected for the hemoglobin levels. Pretransplant PFTs abnormalities were observed in 130 patients (66%). The most frequent abnormalities were abnormal DLCO (n = 83, 44%), followed by FEV1/FVC (n = 75, 38%) and FVC (n = 47, 24%). The abnormalities were severe in 25 (13%) patients, moderate in 65 (33%) and mild in 40 patients (21%). Multivariate analysis showed that TLC was significantly associated with PPC, nonrelapse mortality and overall survival (OS), (HR 4.2, 95% CI. 2-8.5; HR 3.8, 95% CI. 1.7-8.5; HR 2.3, 95% CI. 1.3-4.1, respectively, P = 0.01), while abnormal FVC had a negative impact on PPC and OS (HR 1.8, 95% CI. 0.98-3.6, P = 0.06 and HR 1.7, 95% CI. 1.1-2.6, P = 0.008). This study emphasizes the valuable role of PFTs in identifying patients at risk for PPC, NRM, and lower OS in the Allo-RIC setting.

Idiopathic thrombosis of the superficial scrotal veins (Mondor's disease) during the postoperative period of an umbilical herniorraphy.

OBJECTIVE: Mondor's disease is a superficial thrombophlebitis and usually occurs in the anterior and lateral chest. The scrotal vein thrombosis is a fairly rare disease. METHODS: Thirty-four year old male who consulted for inguinal tumor and pain in the postoperative period of an umbilical hernia repair, which resulted in a subsequent scrotal vein thrombosis treated conservatively. RESULTS: It was resolved with conservative treatment, with recanalization of the scrotal veins. CONCLUSION: Mondor's disease is a rare entity, related to multiple etiological factors. The diagnosis is made easily with Doppler ultrasound and most resolve with conservative treatment.