Coinfection of H1N1 Influenza and Scrub Typhus-A Review

The H1N1 influenza infection usually coincides with the typical scrub typhus season in North India. This leads to diagnostic difficulties due to their similar and non-specific symptoms. We describe three patients with confirmed co-infection of pandemic (H1N1) influenza and scrub typhus who had presented with acute respiratory distress syndrome. A systematic review of database yielded one case of scrub typhus and H1N1 influenza co-infection reported from South Korea. Co-infection of influenza with tropical infections may not be uncommon in endemic countries and hence a high index of suspicion on the part of physicians coupled with appropriate investigations are needed. The true burden of co-infections needs to be evaluated during outbreaks of influenza in a systematic manner.

A multicentre observational study on the epidemiology, risk factors, management and outcomes of mucormycosis in India

OBJECTIVES

To describe the epidemiology, management and outcome of individuals with mucormycosis; and to evaluate the risk factors associated with mortality.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective observational study involving consecutive individuals with proven mucormycosis across 12 centres from India. The demographic profile, microbiology, predisposing factors, management and 90-day mortality were recorded; risk factors for mortality were analysed.

RESULTS

We included 465 patients. Rhino-orbital mucormycosis was the most common (315/465, 67.7%) presentation followed by pulmonary (62/465, 13.3%), cutaneous (49/465, 10.5%), and others. The predisposing factors included diabetes mellitus (342/465, 73.5%), malignancy (42/465, 9.0%), transplant (36/465, 7.7%), and others. Rhizopus species (231/290, 79.7%) were the most common followed by Apophysomyces variabilis (23/290, 7.9%), and several rare Mucorales. Surgical treatment was performed in 62.2% (289/465) of the participants. Amphotericin B was the primary therapy in 81.9% (381/465), and posaconazole was used as combination therapy in 53 (11.4%) individuals. Antifungal therapy was inappropriate in 7.6% (30/394) of the individuals. The 90-day mortality rate was 52% (242/465). On multivariate analysis, disseminated and rhino-orbital (with cerebral extension) mucormycosis, shorter duration of symptoms, shorter duration of antifungal therapy, and treatment with amphotericin B deoxycholate (versus liposomal) were independent risk factors of mortality. A combined medical and surgical management was associated with a better survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Diabetes mellitus was the dominant predisposing factor in all forms of mucormycosis. Combined surgical and medical management was associated with better outcomes. Several gaps surfaced in the management of mucormycosis. The rarer Mucorales identified in the study warrant further evaluation.

Clinicopathological Spectrum of Glomerular Diseases in Adolescents: A Single-center Experience over 4 Years

The spectrum of biopsy-proven glomerular disease was studied from a single center in Northwestern India, among adolescents aged 13–19 years. From January 2009 to December 2012, a total of 177 patients with biopsy-proven glomerular disease were studied. The same pathologist reported all the biopsy specimens after subjecting to light, immunofluorescence, and electron microscopy. The clinical profile and laboratory findings of the patients were correlated with the histopathological spectrum of glomerular diseases. Males formed 71.19% (n = 126) and the remaining 28.81% (n = 51) were females. Lupus nephritis had a strong female predominance, whereas minimal change disease (MCD) and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) had a male predominance. Nephrotic syndrome was the indication for biopsy in 65% of the cases. Rapidly progressive renal failure and acute nephritis were the next common indications accounting for 14% and 7%, respectively. FSGS was the most common glomerular disease in adolescents (n = 45, 25.4%). The next common were MCD and lupus nephritis each contributing 21.6% and 10.7%, respectively. Primary glomerular diseases accounted for 84.75% (n = 150) of the total. The remaining 15.25% (n = 27) were attributed to secondary glomerular diseases, of which lupus nephritis was the most common, i.e., in 70.4% patients (n = 19). FSGS was the most common histology in adolescent nephrotic participants (37%). MCD was the next common, found in 31% of nephrotic patients. Electron microscopy changed the diagnosis made by light microscopy and immunofluorescence in 5.6% cases only, and it confirmed the diagnosis in another 21.6%. Kidney biopsy in adolescents is a safe procedure. The spectrum of glomerular diseases in adolescents is different from that seen in adults and smaller children.

Laparoendoscopic single site surgery in urology: A single centre experience

OBJECTIVE:

To analyze our experience of 87 cases with single port surgery, which is also known as laparoendoscopic single site surgery (LESS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Case records of all LESS procedures performed between December 2007 and June 2010 were analysed. The procedures performed were donor nephrectomy (n=45), simple nephrectomy (n=27), radical nephrectomy (n=5), pyeloplasty (n=9), and ureteroneocystostomy (n=1). Parameters analysed were operating room (OR) time, estimated blood loss (EBL), visual analogue score (VAS), and complications in all patients undergoing LESS procedure and additionally, warm ischaemia time (WIT) and graft outcome in patients undergoing LESS donor nephrectomy. In reconstructive procedures, the functional assessment was performed with a diuretic renogram at 6 months.

RESULTS:

In LESS donor nephrectomy, the mean WIT was 6.9 ± 1.9 min. Mean serum creatinine in recipients at 1 month was 0.96 ± 0.21 mg%. We encountered one instance each of renal artery injury, renal vein injury, large bowel injury, minor cortical laceration at the upper pole and two instances of diaphragmatic injury. In LESS simple nephrectomy, the average OR time was 148.7 ± 52.2 min and hospital stay was 3.7 ± 1.2 days. There was one instance of large bowel injury during specimen retrieval. In LESS radical nephrectomy, the average OR time was 202.5 ± 35.7 min and average hospital stay was 4.2 ± 1.3 days. 6 patients of LESS pyeloplasty completed follow up with a diuretic renogram showing a good drainage. LESS ureteroneocystostomy could also be performed successfully without any complications.

CONCLUSION:

LESS surgery can be accomplished safely in nephrectomy and reconstructive procedures such as pyeloplasty and ureteroneocystostomy with equivalent outcomes as standard laparoscopy and with added benefits of cosmesis and quicker convalescence. LESS donor nephrectomy is a technically feasible procedure; current status of procedure needs to be proved with randomised controlled studies.

Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: Oncological outcome analysis from a single-center Indian experience of 6 years

BACKGROUND

There is a lack of published data on laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) in India. Although the published short-term oncologic outcomes after LRP are encouraging, intermediate and long-term data are lacking.

OBJECTIVE

We analyzed the oncological outcome after LRP based on 6 years of experience and compared it with the other single-center published literature.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Of the 90 patients who underwent LRP for a clinical T2 localized disease, 73 patients with at least a follow up of one year were analyzed. Patients were classified as low-, intermediate-, and high-risk D'Amico groups in 22 (30%), 26 (36%), and 25 (34%) of the patient population, respectively. Progression of disease was defined as a PSA of 0.4ng/ml with a confirmatory rise. We used Kaplan-Meier product limit estimates to calculate actuarial 5-year probabilities of biochemical progression-free survival. Univariate analysis of risk factors for biochemical recurrence (BCR) was done.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 63.3 ± 6.6 years. The average follow-up for patients was 22 (12-72) months. There was no prostatic cancer-specific mortality. Fourteen patients had BCR. The 5-year progression-free probability for men with low-, intermediate-, and high-risk prostate cancers was 91%, 82%, and 58%, respectively. High-risk group, Gleason sum more than 8, extracapsular extension, and positive surgical margin were significantly associated with biochemical progression.

CONCLUSIONS

LRP provided a similar level of oncological success as reported by the other contemporary single-center published literature.

Preliminary safety and efficacy results with robotic high-intensity focused ultrasound : A single center Indian experience

Background:

There are no Indian data of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). Being an alternative, still experimental modality, reporting short-term safety outcome is paramount.

Aims:

This study was aimed at to assess the safety and short-term outcome in patients with prostate cancer treated by HIFU.

Settings and Design:

A retrospective study of case records of 30 patients undergoing HIFU between January 2008 to September 2010 was designed and conducted.

Materials and Methods:

The procedural safety was analyzed at 3 months. Follow-up consisted of 3 monthly prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and transrectal biopsy if indicated. All the patients had a minimum follow-up of 6 months.

Results:

A mean prostate volume of 26.9 ± 8.5 cm³ was treated in a mean time of 115 ± 37.4 min. There was no intraoperative complication. The postoperative pain visual analogue score at day 0 was 2.1 ± 1.9 and at day 1 was 0.4 ± 0.8 on a scale of 1-10. Mean duration of perurethral catheter removal was 3.9 days. The complications after treatment were: LUTS in seven patients, stress incontinence in two, stricture in two, and symptomatic urinary tract infection in five. Average follow-up duration was 10.4 months (range, 6-20 months). Mean time to obtain PSA nadir was 6 ± 3 months with a median PSA nadir value of 0.3 ng/ml. Two patients had positive prostatic biopsy in the localized (high risk) group.

Conclusions:

HIFU was safe in carcinoma prostate patients. The short-term results were efficacious in localized disease. The low complication rates and favorable functional outcome support the planning of further larger studies.

Evaluating graft function in pediatric recipients for living donor renal transplantation: Is laparoscopic donor nephrectomy safe?

Objective:

To evaluate the surgical and functional outcomes of laparoscopic graft procurement in pediatric patients undergoing renal transplantation.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective chart review of the cohort records of 54 pediatric living donor renal transplant recipients from 1985 through June 2006 was performed. We compared results of laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN, n = 15) and open donor nephrectomy (ODN, n = 39). Parameters analysed included donor technique and morbidity, operative complications, immediate postoperative renal function, the incidence of early and delayed graft function, and long-term graft survival.

Results:

The mean age of these recipients was 14.8 years (5-18) in the LDN group and 13.9 years (8-18) in ODN group. Serum creatinine (mg/dl) was 1.5 ± 0.7 vs 1.8 ± 1.3 at day 1 (P = 0.20), 1.0 ± 0.3 vs 1.4 ± 1.3 at day 2 (P = 0.12), 1.1 ± 0.9 vs 1.3 ± 1.0 at day 7 (P = 0.25), 1.2 ± 0.5 vs 1.6 ± 1.8 (P = 0.20) at day 14, 1.1 ± 0.7 vs 1.2 ± 1.4 (P = 0.39) at 1 month in LDN vs ODN groups, respectively. Early graft function was 35.7 vs 46.4% in the respective groups. There were two delayed graft function and one graft nonfunction in ODN group. Over all graft and patient survival at 1 year was 86.67 and 82.22% (P = 0.34) in LDN and ODN groups, respectively.

Conclusion:

Pediatric recipients of the LDN grafts have outcomes comparable to those of ODN graft recipients. Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy is safe and efficacious for graft procurement for pediatric recipients.

Task completion time: Objective tool for assessment of technical skills in laparoscopic simulator for urology trainees

CONTEXT

Laparoscopic surgical simulation is a valuable training tool for urology trainees.

AIMS

We assessed the validity of task completion time (TCT) as an objective tool for practicing and acquiring technical skills in a simulated laparoscopy environment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifteen participants comprising postgraduate urology trainees from first to third year (n = 12), urology fellow (n = 1) and consultants (n = 2) underwent basic laparoscopic training on the "Beetle Universal" endotrainer. Training included 10 attempts each comprising four tasks; placing a ball in a cup (Task 1), threading five rings (Task 2), threading five balls (Task 3) and tying a suture (Task 4). Individual task (IT) time was measured. The TCT was defined as sum of IT time for a single attempt.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED

Statistical analysis was done by Pearson's correlation coefficient and student's t test using SPSS software 10.

RESULTS

The average TCT for the first attempt to complete the four tasks by the participants was 76.5 +/- 13.0 min (range 38 to 92.5, skew -1.8), compared to the 10(th) attempt 33 +/- 4.23 min (range 25 to 38.5, skew -0.5). There was statistically significant correlation (r = mean -0.91, range -0.97 to -.83, skew -0.5), (P = < 0.001) between the number of attempts and decreasing TCT for all participants. Correlation decreased when TCT between the sixth to 10(th) attempt was compared (r = mean -0.67, range -0.99 to 0.76).

CONCLUSIONS

The TCT is practical, easy and a valid objective tool for assessing acquired technical skills of urology trainees in a laparoscopic simulated environment.

Management of non-neoplastic renal hemorrhage by transarterial embolization

OBJECTIVES

To assess the role of transarterial embolization (TAE) and critically appraise its feasibility and efficacy in the management of non-neoplastic renal hemorrhage. Percutaneous TAE is an effective method for the control of hemorrhage, irrespective of the cause. Injury to the renal artery or its branch, after trauma or during open or percutaneous urologic procedures, can be accurately diagnosed using angiography and treated by percutaneous embolization techniques. Because the technique and technology have evolved, it is now possible to perform highly selective embolization of the injured vessel while preserving vascularity of the rest of the renal parenchyma.

METHODS

The medical records of all patients who underwent angioembolization for hemorrhagic urologic emergencies at our institute from January 1996 to December 2007 were reviewed.

RESULTS

A total of 41 patients, aged 7-72 years, underwent TAE because of hemorrhage after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (n = 27), open pyelolithotomy (n = 3), renal biopsy (n = 8), and spontaneous occurrence (n = 3). All patients had a normal coagulation profile before surgery. A total of 35 patients (85.3%) underwent successful embolization and none required a postprocedural blood transfusion. Of those with postpercutaneous nephrolithotomy bleeding, angioembolization failed in 6 patients. Of these, only 2 required nephrectomy to save the patient's life. No serious procedure-related complications occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

TAE is a minimally invasive, safe, simple, and highly effective modality, in expert hands, for the management of postprocedural renal bleeding. This option should be considered early in the management of these cases because it is not only a life-saving, but ultimately a kidney-sparing, procedure.

Salubrious Effect of Vitamin E Supplementation on Renal Stone Forming Risk Factors in Urogenital Tuberculosis Patients

The incidence of renal calculi has been evaluated to be 25% in urogenital tuberculosis patients. The stone could be caused due to the host, the pathogenic organism, or possibly by the treatment. Studies were carried out to find out the efficacy of vitamin E supplementation in reducing the risk of stone formation in renal tuberculosis patients. The study constituted four groups, Group I with 30 normal volunteers, the second group comprised of 36 renal tuberculosis patients (GuTb) a day before treatment. Third group comprised of 24 patients with regular anti tuberculosis drug regimen for sixty days. In the fourth group, 12 patients were treated with anti tuberculosis drug regimen along with supplementation of antioxidant vitamin E (200 mg/day) for sixty days. Hyperuricosuria and hypercalciuria were observed in group II and group III patients, along with increased excretion of oxalate and creatinine, accompanied by decreased excretion of inhibitors such as citrate and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Renal damage was evident with increased leakage of Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma-Glutamyl transferase (gamma-GT) in renal tuberculosis patients. From the results of the above study, it is obvious that increased urinary oxalate levels leads to cellular damage in GuTb patients, which is a prerequisite for crystal retention as revealed by the elevated urinary marker enzymes. Antioxidant therapy prevents membrane injury thereby reducing the risk of stone formation. Hence vitamin E supplementation has a salubrious effect in preventing stone forming tendency with routine anti tuberculosis drug regimen.

Transperitoneal laparoscopic pyeloplasty in children

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction remains the most common cause of hydronephrosis in newborns and children. Open pyeloplasty has been the gold standard for management of UPJ obstruction in these patients. We report our technique and outcome with laparoscopic transperitoneal dismembered pyeloplasty in children.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Nineteen patients, ages 2 to 14 years, underwent laparoscopic pyeloplasty at our center between June 2004 and December 2006. Thirteen pyeloplasties were on the left side and six on the right side. A transmesocolic approach was used in five left-sided UPJ obstructions. All operations were performed by the transperitoneal route using either three or four ports.

RESULTS

Sixteen patients underwent dismembered (Anderson-Hynes) pyeloplasty, while three had a nondismembered Foley's Y-V pyeloplasty. Mean operative time was 198 minutes (range 105-300 min). Mean estimated blood loss was 45 mL (range 30-130 mL). Mean length of stay was 4 days (range 3-5 d). Mean followup was 13.8 months (range 2-30 mos). Postoperatively, one child had a urinary tract infection that necessitated hospital admission and administration of intravenous antibiotics. Eighteen of 19 patients demonstrated improved drainage with no evidence of obstruction on diuretic renography and/or excretory urography. One patient is awaiting follow-up. There was no conversion to open surgery.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic pyeloplasty in children is a safe, minimally invasive treatment option that duplicates the principles and techniques of definitive open surgical repair. It is technically challenging; with increasing expertise, operative times are reduced significantly.

Kidney transplantation in abnormal bladder

Structural urologic abnormalities resulting in dysfunctional lower urinary tract leading to end stage renal disease may constitute 15% patients in the adult population and up to 20-30% in the pediatric population. A patient with an abnormal bladder, who is approaching end stage renal disease, needs careful evaluation of the lower urinary tract to plan the most satisfactory technical approach to the transplant procedure. Past experience of different authors can give an insight into the management and outcome of these patients. This review revisits the current literature available on transplantation in abnormal bladder and summarizes the clinical approach towards handling this group of difficult transplant patients. We add on our experience as we discuss the various issues. The outcome of renal transplant in abnormal bladder is not adversely affected when done in a reconstructed bladder. Correct preoperative evaluation, certain technical modification during transplant and postoperative care is mandatory to avoid complications. Knowledge of the abnormal bladder should allow successful transplantation with good outcome.

Uric acid: an abettor or protector in calcium oxalate urolithiasis? Biochemical study in stone formers

BACKGROUND

Free radical induced renal damage leads to crystal retention and formation of large stones. However, the scenario behind uric acid (UA) stone formation is still a mystery, as uric acid, a risk factor of stone formation, seems to be a potent antioxidant that can protect cells from damage by reactive oxygen species. This study was intended to evaluate the role of uric acid in stone formers by assessing the oxidative stress status of the stone patients.

METHODS

Determination of urinary stone forming risk factors and oxidative stress factors like plasma lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyls of stone formers and histopathological changes and uric acid deposition in stone patients kidney biopsy were studied.

RESULTS

Increased concentrations of urinary uric acid and oxalate in both uric acid as well as calcium oxalate stone formers were observed, whereas calcium is increased in calcium stone formers and not in the uric acid stone patients. Inhibitors such as citrate and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) were found to be significantly decreased in all the stone patients. Histopathological studies confirmed the deposition of crystals in the damaged tubules and De Galantha staining authenticates that the damage is caused due to uric acid crystals. Increased oxidative stress is dictated by the concentrations of lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyls in stone formers. Moreover, increased activities of urinary marker enzymes substantiate the tubular damage.

CONCLUSION

We speculated that uric acid acts as a calculi forming salt rather than an antioxidant and it has no role in preventing oxidative stress pertaining to urolithiasis.

Oxidative stress in urogenital tuberculosis patients: a predisposing factor for renal stone formation--amelioration by vitamin E supplementation

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have shown that urogenital tuberculosis (GuTb) patients treated or untreated with regular anti-Tb regimen excrete comparatively high levels of urinary stone forming constituents than normal subjects. Enhanced oxidative stress is also considered as a prime factor that accelerates urolithiasis. The present study was aimed to determine antioxidant status and lipid peroxidation of these individuals in order to assess their risk for kidney stone formation.

METHODS

GuTb patients and age-matched normal subjects were divided into four groups: I: normal subjects (n=60), II: GuTb patients a day before treatment (n=72), III: GuTb patients after treatment with isoniazid (300 mg), rifampicin (450 mg) and pyrazinamide (1.5 g) per day for 60 days (n=42), and IV: GuTb patients supplemented with vitamin E (200 mg/day) along with regular chemotherapy for 60 days (n=30). Blood was collected and tested for various markers of oxidative stress.

RESULTS

Increased levels of lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyls (PCO), advanced oxidative protein products (AOPP) and reduced antioxidant defenses by impairment in enzyme activities like superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, reduced glutathione and decreased plasma concentrations of non enzymatic antioxidants like vitamins C and E were observed in the treated and untreated GuTb patients.

CONCLUSIONS

These biochemical disparities may lead to membrane disintegrity, which is favorable for retention of mirolithis. Advocation of vitamin E enhanced the antioxidant status of the plasma, thereby preventing membrane injury, consequently reducing the risk of stone formation in urogenital tuberculosis patients, who were treated with their routine anti-tuberculosis drug regimen.