Exploring the Dynamic Role of Bacterial Etiology in Complicated Urinary Tract Infections

Background and Objectives. Numerous studies have been conducted to explore the epidemiological characteristics of urinary tract infections (UTI) and sepsis. However, there is still a lack of relevant bacteriological features and prognostic information regarding urosepsis based on bacteriological etiology. The current study aims to evaluate the bacterial etiology of complicated UTI (cUTI) and bacterial resistance to antibiotics and whether they present an intrinsic risk of developing urosepsis. Materials and Methods. A retrospective study was performed that included 102 patients who were diagnosed with cUTI and admitted to the urology department of the "Sfântul Apostol Andrei" County Emergency Clinical Hospital (GCH) from September 2019 to May 2022. Results. A considerable number of patients, n = 41 (40.2%), were diagnosed with multi drug-resistant (MDR) infection. Escherichia coli (E. coli) was identified as the prevailing pathogen, accounting for 51 patients. Klebsiella manifested itself as the subsequent causative agent in 27 instances. The presence of Enterococcus spp. infection was documented in 13 patients, whereas Pseudomonas emerged as the etiological perpetrator in the clinical context of 8 patients. The current study found a substantial prevalence of resistance to first-line antibiotics. The overall resistance rate was 74.5% for penicillin, 58.82% for trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and 49% for fluoroquinolones; cephalosporin resistance displayed an inverse correlation with antibiotic generation with fourth-generation cephalosporins exhibiting a resistance rate of 24.5%, and first-generation cephalosporins demonstrating a resistance rate of 35.29%. Conclusions. Age, comorbidities and indwelling urinary catheters are risk factors for developing MDR infections. While the intrinsic characteristics of the causative bacterial agent in cUTI may not be a risk factor for developing urosepsis, they can contribute to increased mortality risk. For empiric antibiotic treatment in patients with cUTI who are at a high risk of developing urosepsis and experiencing a potentially unfavorable clinical course, broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy is recommended. This may include antibiotics, such as amikacin, tigecycline, carbapenems and piperacillin-tazobactam.

The Role of Biomarkers and Scores in Describing Urosepsis

Background and Objectives: Patients with urinary tract obstruction (UTO) and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) are at risk of developing urosepsis, whose evolution involves increased morbidity, mortality and cost. The aim of this study is to evaluate the ability of already existing scores and biomarkers to diagnose, describe the clinical status, and predict the evolution of patients with complicated urinary tract infection (UTI) and their risk of progressing to urosepsis. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective study including patients diagnosed with UTI hospitalized in the urology department of” Sfântul Apostol Andrei” County Emergency Clinical Hospital (GCH) in Galati, Romania, from September 2019 to May 2022. The inclusion criteria were: UTI proven by urine culture or diagnosed clinically complicated with UTO, fever or shaking chills, and purulent collections, such as psoas abscess, Fournier Syndrome, renal abscess, and paraurethral abscess, showing SIRS. The exclusion criteria were: patients age < 18 years, pregnancy, history of kidney transplantation, hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, and patients with missing data. We used the Sequential (Sepsis-Related) Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) and qSOFA (quick SOFA) scores, and procalcitonin (PCT) to describe the clinical status of the patients. The Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) was used to assesses pre-existing morbidities. The hospitalization days and costs and the days of intensive care were considered. Depending on the diagnosis at admission, we divided the patients into three groups: SIRS, sepsis and septic shock. The fourth group was represented by patients who died during hospitalization. Results: A total of 174 patients with complicated UTIs were enrolled in this study. From this total, 46 were enrolled in the SIRS group, 88 in the urosepsis group, and 40 in the septic shock group. A total of 23 patients died during hospitalization and were enrolled in the deceased group. An upward trend of age along with worsening symptoms was highlighted with an average of 56.86 years in the case of SIRS, 60.37 years in the sepsis group, 69.03 years in the septic shock, and 71.04 years in the case of deceased patients (p < 0.04). A statistically significant association between PCT and complex scores (SOFA, CCI and qSOFA) with the evolution of urosepsis was highlighted. Increased hospitalization costs can be observed in the case of deceased patients and those with septic shock and statistically significantly lower in the case of those with SIRS. The predictability of discriminating urosepsis stages was assessed by using the area under the ROC curve (AUC) and very good specificity and sensitivity was identified in predicting the risk of death for PCT (69.57%, 77.33%), the SOFA (91.33%, 76.82%), qSOFA (91.30%, 74.17%) scores, and CCI (65.22%, 88.74%). The AUC value was best for qSOFA (90.3%). For the SIRS group, the PCT (specificity 91.30%, sensitivity 85.71%) and SOFA (specificity 84.78%, sensitivity 78.74%), qSOFA scores (specificity 84.78%, sensitivity 76, 34%) proved to be relevant in establishing the diagnosis. In the case of the septic shock group, the qSOFA (specificity 92.5%, sensitivity 82.71%) and SOFA (specificity 97.5%, sensitivity 77.44%) as well as PCT (specificity 80%, sensitivity 85.61%) are statistically significant disease-defining variables. An important deficit in the tools needed to classify patients into the sepsis group is obvious. All the variables have an increased specificity but a low sensitivity. This translates into a risk of a false negative diagnosis. Conclusions: Although SOFA and qSOFA scores adequately describe patients with septic shock and they are independent prognostic predictors of mortality, they fail to be accurate in diagnosing sepsis. These scores should not replace the conventional triage protocol. In our study, PCT proved to be a disease-defining marker and an independent prognostic predictor of mortality. Patients with important comorbidities, CCI greater than 10, should be treated more aggressively because of increased mortality.

The Efficacy and Safety of Uractiv Control in Overactive Bladder Treatment

The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Uractiv Control as an alternative treatment with no side effects in Overactive Bladder (OAB). We performed a prospective study over a period of 15 months (May 2018- September 2019) in Department of Urology from Targu-Mureș. We included 165 patients diagnosed with OAB wet (129 patients) and dry form (36 patients) which were fully evaluated over a 3-month period of treatment. 48 patients were treated with placebo 1 month and were evaluated by the same parameters like Uractiv Control group. The frequency of micturition during the day and night after the treatment with Uractiv Control was improved compared to placebo group (p=0.0001) and also the loss of urine episodes (p=0.03). Patients did not report any significant side effects of the treatment. Uractiv Control represents a safe treatment option with no side effects and improvement of the storage in OAB.

Does the Composition of the Stones Counts in Patients Who Underwent Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy?

The aim of this study is to highlight the importance of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in the treatment of kidney stones with different chemical composition. We included in this study 200 patients with kidney stones who underwent PCNL. In most of the cases the stones were composed by calcium, usually calcium oxalate followed by struvite and uric acid component. The stones were mostly localized in the renal pelvis (142), inferior calyx (46) and ureteropelvic junction (4) and 28 cases with staghorn stones. Intraoperative complications were: migrating fragments (22%), hemorrhage (12%), lesions of the renal pelvis and difficulties of percutaneous access or dilatation (6%). The postoperative complications were: bleeding (20%), obstruction caused by stone fragments (22.5%), hydronephrosis (18%), fistula (13%). The average length of hospitalization after PCNL was 5.58 +/- 2.69 days SD. Stone-free rate was: 77.5%. PCNL is a safe and effective method of treatment for large and complex stones. Intra and postoperative complications after PCNL are not influenced directly by the chemical composition of the stones. It is important to evaluate the chemical composition of the stones in order to establish the treatment management and to recommend a proper conservative treatment in order to prevent the recurrence of the disease.

Transperineal Ultrasound Guided-Template Biopsy of Prostate as First Means of Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer One single centre experience on 405 cases

Even if today�s standard procedure for diagnosis of prostate cancer is transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy ( TRB), transperineal ultrasound -guided template biopsy (TPTB) is a safe procedure because the infectious complication have been increasing, with a detection ratio even better than TRB. We consider that TPTB can be the gold standard biopsy. To assess the efficiency and safety of transperineal ultrasound-guided template biopsy of prostate (TPTB). We studied prospectively a number of 405 patients who underwent TPTB of prostate as first means of diagnosis from September 2015 to August 2017.The procedure was performed in the surgery room, in lithotomy positon, under local anesthesia, by means of standard freehand method sampling of at least 12 fragments,based on predetermined mapping. The data base included the age of the patient, the PSA level, the prostatic volume, the presence of clinical suspicion at digital rectal examination, the histopathological data and immediate and late post-surgery complications. Prostate cancer was diagnosed in 68.6 % of men ( median PSA level was 11 ng/mL). A higher detection ratio within patients with prostate volume [ 60 mL can be noticed.The average Gleason score was of 7.6. No patient developed any feverish symptom or urosepsis. Given the increasing trend of sepsis ratio as a result of transrectal biopsy of prostate, as well as the increased ratio of antibiotic resistance, we appreciate that the benefit of transperineal approach is important enough in order to perform TPTB as first means as well as routine for all patients. In this report we looked to assess the efficiency and the safety of TPTB as first mean of diagnosis. None of the patients had a previous biopsy by transrectal or transperineal method.

Comparison of 10-year overall survival between patients with G1 and G2 grade Ta bladder tumors

To compare long-term overall survival (OS) in patients with G1 and G2 grade Ta bladder cancer after transurethral resection of bladder tumors (TURBTs). Secondary aim was to investigate clinical and pathologic prognostic factors for OS of Ta patients, except G3/high grade (HG).A total of 243 patients, retrospectively selected, with Ta nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) underwent TURBT between January 2006 and December 2008 (median follow-up 109 months). Inclusion criteria were: Ta at first manifestation, G1 or G2 grade with no associated carcinoma in situ (CIS). Seventy-nine patients were excluded due to concomitant CIS (1), G3/HG tumors (47), and lost to follow-up (31). Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethical Committee of the Mures County Hospital. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA 11.0.Following inclusion criteria, 164 patients with primary G1 or G2 Ta tumors, were enrolled. Recurrence was observed in 26 (15.8%) and progression in 5 (3%) patients. Ten-year survival in G1 patients was 67.8% (CI 54.3-78.1) and in G2 patients 59% (CI 49-67.3) (P = .31). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis underlined that advanced age at diagnosis (hazard ratio [HR] 1.10) and no Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) treatment (HR 0.24 and 0.29) were independent predictors for death at 10 years after diagnosis.Long-term analysis confirms that patients with well differentiated (G1) and moderately well differentiated (G2) Ta tumors have similar OS. A longer OS was even reported in those who underwent BCG adjuvant therapy.

Easily Available Blood Test Neutrophil-To-Lymphocyte Ratio Predicts Progression in High-Risk Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer

Introduction: The inflammatory response surrounding the tumour has a major importance in the oncologic outcome of bladder cancers. One marker proved to be useful and accessible is NLR (neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio). The objective of the study was the analysis of NLR as a prognostic factor for recurrence and progression in pT1a and pT1b bladder cancers.

Material and Methods: Retrospective study, with 44 T1a/T1b bladder cancer patients. Each patient underwent transurethral resection. NLR was considered altered if higher than 3, average follow-up period was of 18 months.

Results: The mean age of the patients included was 73 years (IQR 64 - 77). Most of the patients had NLR<3 (30 patients). In total 29/44 (65.9 %) patients presented recurrence and 15/44 (34.1 %) patients were identified with T2 or higher stage progression during the follow-up period (average 18 months).We found no statistically significant association between NLR>3 and other clinic and pathologic factors. Progression-free survival (PFS) Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a lower PFS in the NLR>3 group, with a p=0.001 value. A total of 64.3% of patients had shown progression in the NLR>3 group and 20% in the NLR<3 group. Mean NLR was 2.67 (IQR 1.88-3.5); 2.50 (IQR 1.89-2.87) in patients that did not present any progression during the follow-up and 3.20 (IQR 1.73-5.80) in those with progression (p=0.09), ROC 0.655. Mean NLR was 2.14 (IQR 1.61-2.77) in patients that did not experience a recurrence during the follow-up and 2.76 (IQR 2.1-4.31) in those with recurrence, ROC 0.671 (p=0.06). Multivariable Cox regression analyses showed that stage T1b and NLR represent independent prognostic factors for PFS.

Conclusion: High Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte ratio retained a statistically significant value, as an independent prognostic factor for bad prognosis of T1 bladder tumors. NLR represents a biomarker that could support a clinical decision making in case of high-risk on-muscle invasive bladder cancer.

The Impact of Comorbidities on the Efficacy of Percutaneous Nephrolitotomy (PCNL) in Elderly Patients

Introduction: The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PCNL as a method of treatment of renal stones in elderly patients.

Material and method: This was a retrospective study conducted over a period of 5 years in the Clinic of Urology, where we analyzed the surgical protocols and case reports of 56 patients who underwent PCNL intervention.

Results: The incidence of urolithiasis was higher in females 69.6% (n = 39) than in males 30.4% (n = 17). Comorbidities included hypertension (48.2%), chronic ischemic cardiopathy (28.6%), chronic cardiac failure (16.1%), type II diabetes (17.9%), obesity (39.3%), chronic renal failure (8.9%), chronic or recurrent urinary tract infections (30.4%), history of kidney stones (21.4%), solitary kidney surgery (1.8%), renal malformation (horseshoe kidney and renal incomplete duplication) (3.6%), urethral stricture (3.6%). Nine patients had a duble “J” catheter inserted on admission. The group of male patients presented prostate hyperplasia in 35.3% of the cases and prostate carcinoma in 5.9% of the cases.

Conclusions: PCNL is an effective and safe treatment of kidney stones in elderly patients, with a stone- free rate increased despite existing comorbidities. The presence of comorbidities requires careful preoperative evaluation. PCNL in elderly patient has similar results to those seen in younger patients.

Can Erectile Dysfunction Predict Major Cardiovascular Events?

It is estimated that erectile dysfunction (ED) affects more than 150 million people worldwide and this number is expected to double by the year 2025. Vascular component represents the most important etiological cause of erectile dysfunction. ED shares almost all risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidaemia and smoking, with arteriosclerosis. Moderate to severe ED is associated with a considerably increased risk for coronary heart disease (CHD). This review was conducted in May 2016, when the PubMed database was searched using the combination of the terms “erectile dysfunction” and “cardiovascular diseases”, “coronary artery diseases” and “risk factors”. In this review, we analyzed the published literature, regarding the predictive role of ED in CVD and the association of ED risk factors with CVD risk factors, aiming to draw particular attention on the role of sexual inquiry of all men to prevent or decrease major cardiovascular events. In conclusion, the early detection of ED can prevent major cardiovascular events with early management of cardiovascular risk and permits to include patients in a risk stratification group. Erectile function should be evaluated using questionnaires in all male patients to prevent and decrease the rates of major cardiovascular events.

Efficacy and Safety of Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy in Patients Over 70 Years with Kidney Stones

Introduction and objectives: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy represent the main indication for patients with kidney stones, even in the presence of various comorbidities. In our clinic open surgery for this pathology is less than 0.5% of all procedures for renal stones. The objective of this paper is to assess the safety and efficacy of this procedure in patients over 70 years.

Material and methods: A retrospective study was performed for a period of 16 years (1997-2012). A totally of 323 patients entered in this study (162 women, 161 men), aged over 70 and with renal stones They were treated endoscopically by percutaneous nephrolithtomy or anterograde ureteroscopy. 85 patients (26.31%) had comorbidities that were preoperatively diagnosed and treated where necessary.

Results: Overall status of “stone free” at the end of surgery was present in 263 patients (81.42%). 60 patients (18.58%) had residual fragments. Residual stones were solved by a new percutaneuos nephrolithtomy session, spontaneous elimination or extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. The most common complications were bleeding and infection. We had no deaths. No hemostasis nephrectomy was necessary.

Conclusions: Recognized preoperative comorbidities do not represent risk factors in elderly patients, but it requires a rigorous evaluation in the preoperative period. The number, size and complexity of stones directly influences the state “stone free” at the end of surgery.

The Role of Urodynamic Investigations in Management of Stress Urinary Incontinence

Objective: The aim of this study is to establish the importance of urodynamic investigations in women diagnosed with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) who have indication of surgical treatment.

Methods: We performed a retrospective study over a period of 3 years (January 2012-December 2014) in Clinic of Urology from Tirgu Mures. The inclusion criteria were: female patients diagnosed with SUI having indication of surgical treatment and the existence of urodynamic investigations (uroflowmetry and pressure-flow study). We evaluated 118 patients with SUI. From this patients, 24 cases (20.3%) accomplished the criteria from above.

Results: We included in this study 24 patients aged 64.25+/−8.25 (standard deviation). Pressure-flow study revealed an impaired detrusor contraction in 13 cases. Statistical anaysis pouved a relation between existence of post void residual urine (PVR) and underactive detrusor (UD) (p=0.01). There is no correlation between maximum flow rate (Qmax) and UD, r=0.18 (CI= −0.2-0.5), p=0.3 and between normal value of Qmax and normal detrusor pressure (Pdet), r= 0,28(CI=−0.6-0.8), p=0.58. Also there is no relation between a low Qmax and UD, p=0,5. There is a statistical relation between increased abdominal pressure (Pabd) and UD, p=0.02.

Conclusions: Uroflowmetry has the role to guide us concerning the micturition process Pressure-flow study is indicated in management of SUI, in selected cases, in patients with voiding symptomatology, the suspicion of a detrusor contractility dysfunction, abnormal uroflowmetry results, existence of PVR, in prediction of the surgical treatment outcome or if we think that the findings can change the choice of treatment.

Predictive preoperatory variables of the prostate tumor volume

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most frequent malignant tumor in men worldwide and the most common form of cancer in men over 50-year-old. The adequate preoperative estimation of tumor volume in order to identify small tumors that lack a short-term aggressive behavior and do not necessitate a forthwith-radical prostatectomy (RP) is the subject of various recent studies and numerous debates. In this study, that included 128 cases, we attempted to evaluate some of the common preoperative variables (patient's age, total prostate volume determined on ultrasound examination, serum PSA, the number of positive biopsies and tumor size, the percentage of tumor length and the Gleason score) that could predict the tumor volume on the final RP. Based on these correlations, we develop a scoring system that combines only the Gleason score, the number of positive biopsies and the percentage of tumor length and that has been statistically proved to be correlated and predictive for the tumor volume. Our study brings additional and practical information about a true and effective prospective evaluation of the volume of the PCa.