Corinebacterium urealyticum: increased incidence of infection and encrusted uropathy

INTRODUCTION

Corynebacterium urealyticum (CU) affects patients who are immunosuppressed, chronically ill or have undergone numerous operations. Obstructive uropathy (OU) is a complication of infection.

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate the growing increase in cases of infection by CU and OU in the past 5 years.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A descriptive study was conducted of urological patients with CU-positive urine cultures (January 2009-December 2014). We calculated the annual distribution and clinical characteristics of infection by CU and OU. Minimum follow-up: 6 months. We obtained the statistical means and ranges of clinical parameters pre/post-therapy.

RESULTS

The total number of patients with CU was 115 (men, 87; women, 28). The mean age was 67.9 years (range, 6-95 years), and the annual distribution of cases for 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 was 9 (7.8%), 13 (11.3%), 9 (7.8%), 20 (17.4%), 31 (27%) and 33 (28.7%), respectively. The increase in cases for 2009-2014 was 300%. Multiple urological surgeries were performed in 89 cases (77.3%), with surgical complications in 77 cases (66.9%). Eighteen (15.6%) patients had OU (men, 13; women, 5), 12 had pyelitis (66.7%), 3 had cystopathy (16.6%), 2 had prostatic capsule disease (11.2%) and 1 had mesh calcification (5.5%). The analysis of the 18 cases with OU showed pre/postantibiotic therapy urine pHs of 8 (r, 6-9) vs. 6 (r, 5-7). All postantibiotic cultures were negative. Acidifying solution was applied in 5 cases, and surgery was performed in 13 cases (72.2%). The results from before/after the multimodal therapy showed renal impairment in 12 (66.6%) vs. 9 cases (50%) and glomerular filtration rates (GFR) of 45.8 (r, 6->90) vs. 52.7 (r, 13->90). The improvement in GFR was 6.94 points (T Wilcoxon; P=.102). The radiology results (incrustations) showed improvement in 13 patients (72.2%) and no change in 5 (27.8%). There was no specific mortality for CU.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of infection by CU and OU is increasing. Antibiotic treatment is highly effective. Acidifying solutions are an acceptable option for reducing calcifications.

Implications of vitamin D deficiency in lithiasic patient and in general population

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE

Vitamin D deficiency causes problems in mineral metabolism but also overall health. In first place a review of the topic was carried out. Then, in order to contextualize it in lithiasic patient, a study on Vitamin D deficiency and its possible relationship with impaired PTH levels is performed.

EVIDENCES ACQUISITION

A review of topics such as metabolism, epidemiology and the relationship of vitamin D deficiency with several pathologies was performed. Besides a multivariate analysis and a correlation study between vitamin D and PTH levels was conducted in 100 lithiasic patients.

EVIDENCES SYNTHESIS

We present a review of Vitamin D metabolism, receptors and functions, as well as about its valuation methodology and the treatment of its deficiency. Lithiasic patients show a higher vitamin D deficiency than general population. Vitamin D deficiency has been significantly associated with increased PTH levels. In addition, there is enough literature showing a relationship between vitamin D deficiency not only with bone disease, but also with multiple diseases.

CONCLUSION

vitamin D levels should be measured in all lithiasic patients, and those with vitamin D deficiency should be treated.

Upper urinary tract urothelial cell carcinoma: location as a predictive factor for concomitant bladder carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the existence of predictive factors for concomitant, primary UUT-UCC and BC. Upper urinary tract urothelial cell carcinoma (UUT-UCC) is a pan-urothelial disease of the transitional epithelial cells. Although several studies have shown the association of bladder recurrence following UUT-UCC, little is known on the incidence of concomitant UUT-UCC and bladder cancer (BC) without previous BC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review of 673 patients diagnosed and treated for UUT-UCC was performed. Patients with history of BC were excluded. We investigated age, sex, location of the upper tract tumor (calyx, renal pelvis, upper ureter, mid-ureter, lower ureter), multifocality, clinical symptoms, tumor grade and pathological stage. Contingency tables and chi-square test were used for categorical variables and analysis of variance (ANOVA) for quantitative variables.

RESULTS

450 patients eligible for inclusion were identified. Of these, 76 (17 %) presented concomitant primary UUT-UCC and BC. Location of primary UUT-UCC was in calyx and/or renal pelvis in 25 patients (34 %), upper ureter 8 (11 %) and lower ureter 37 (49 %). In 6 patients (8 %), data were missing. Concomitant BC was found in 10, 18, and 33 % of patients with primary caliceal/renal pelvis, upper ureter and lower ureter UUT-UCC, respectively. On multivariate analysis, location of UUT-UCC was the only predictive factor for concomitant bladder tumor (OR: 1.7; 95 % CI, 1.007-2.906 p = 0.047).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that the possibility of concomitant BC in primary diagnosed patient with UUT-UCC is as high as 33 % and mainly depends on upper tract tumor location.

[Why and how we must analyse urinary calculi]

CONTEXT

There is heterogeneity of criteria on the utility of urinary stone analysis as well as on which is the most suitable methodology. This review presents the analysis of the lithiasis using the morphoconstitutional analysis technique based on the combination of the stereoscopic microscopy (SM) with infrared study (IRS).

SUMMARY OF THE EVIDENCE

There are many techniques to analyze the stone: chemical analysis, electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, SM and IRS. Reviewing each one of these techniques and through the study of several clinical cases, this review shows the usefulness of stone analysis and the pros and cons of each one of the mentioned techniques. Furthermore, it can be clearly seen how the morphoconstitutional analysis is the one that offers the most useful clinical information to the urologist. In addition, classification of the lithiasis based on this method and its clinical correlation with patients is presented.

CONCLUSIONS

Using the morphoconstitutional study to analyze the stone offers more information than the other techniques and it makes it possible to establish a stone classification of important clinical and diagnostic utility.

Acute bacterial prostatitis: two different sub-categories according to a previous manipulation of the lower urinary tract

Acute bacterial prostatitis (ABP) (NIH Category I), has not undergone any modification in the update of prostatitis classification. ABP was diagnosed in 614 patients in our centre over 9 years (1993-2001). We analyse the clinical pattern of ABP and the role of bladder outlet obstruction in its etiology, as well as whether two different ABP sub-categories could be defined as a function of a history of previous manipulation of the lower urinary tract. The results of the study show that the clinical pattern of a patient suffering from ABP does not differ from the statements of previous publications. On the other hand, patients with ABP have been shown to present with no bladder outlet obstruction. Finally, this study has disclosed the fact that the cases of ABP elicited by previous manipulation of the lower urinary tract (10%) show a different pattern from those cases where no previous manipulation has occurred (90%). The patients with ABP secondary to manipulation are older, have a higher risk of prostate abscess and higher frequency of multiple infections and also infections by pathogens other than Escherichia coli. Due to all of these reasons, it would be advisable to subdivide category I within the classification of prostatitis.

Treatment of bladder stones without associated prostate surgery: Results of a prospective study

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effectiveness of noninvasive bladder lithiasis treatment without associated prostate surgery to know whether bladder lithiasis is an absolute indication for prostate surgery.

METHODS

Fifty patients with bladder lithiasis were entered in a prospective trial and were treated with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy if lithiasis was smaller than 4 cm2. Independent of the presence or absence of bladder outlet obstruction, in no case was prostate surgery associated. The variables studied were the effectiveness of the treatment, changes in the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and the subsequent need for desobstructive prostate surgery. The statistical study was performed using Student's t test and the proportional hazards model.

RESULTS

Bladder lithiasis was successfully eliminated in 93% of the cases (in 77% of them with a single extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy session). The mean IPSS decreased from 17.7 to 9.7 points (P = 0.0001) after lithiasis elimination. After a mean follow-up of 22 months, a mere 8% of the patients needed subsequent prostate surgery because their IPSS had increased to 20 points or more. The sole prognostic factor for the need for ensuing prostate surgery was the pretreatment IPSS score (P = 0.042).

CONCLUSIONS

Noninvasive management of bladder lithiasis with no associated prostate surgery is highly efficient and results in marked symptomatic improvement. Furthermore, the number of patients needing subsequent prostate surgery was very low at mid-term follow-up. Because of all of the above, the existence of bladder lithiasis is not an absolute indication for prostate surgery.

Urodynamic findings before and after noninvasive management of bladder calculi

OBJECTIVES

To determine the most frequent urodynamic observations associated with bladder calculi, and to assess whether the presence of calculi alters these observations.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Fifty patients with bladder stones were included in a prospective study in which two urodynamic tests were used, one at inclusion and another once the patient was stone- free after treatment by noninvasive methods (mainly extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy).

RESULTS

The results from the urodynamic evaluation with the stone in the bladder were: bladder outlet obstruction in 51%, detrusor overactivity in 68%, detrusor under-activity in 10%, and a normal study in 18%. There were no significant differences between the urodynamic study before or after treatment in maximum flow rate and postvoid residual volume, detrusor overactivity and detrusor pressure at maximum flow.

CONCLUSIONS

Conversely to what has been accepted for years, bladder calculi are not always associated with bladder outlet obstruction and the urodynamic results are not influenced by the presence of bladder stones during the urodynamic testing.

Intravesical bacillus calmette-gueÈrin for the treatment of superficial bladder cancer in renal transplant patients

BACKGROUND

Intravesical instillations with bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is considered the treatment of choice in the prophylaxis of high-grade superficial bladder carcinoma and in the treatment of carcinoma in situ (CIS) of the bladder.

METHODS

There is no previous experience with BCG treatment in patients with renal transplantation. Theoretically, immunosuppression is a contraindication because of the risk of severe morbidity and sepsis. We present our experience with endovesical BCG in three renal transplant patients, under immunosuppressive treatment, with high-grade superficial bladder cancer and CIS.

RESULTS

Two patients are free of disease at 17 and 60 months. One patient developed disease recurrence and underwent a radical cystectomy. There was neither change in renal function nor any clinical evidence of tuberculous infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Intravesical BCG in superficial bladder cancer and/or CIS is a valid option, with no added morbidity to renal transplant patients.

Bladder neoplasms after nephroureterectomy: does the surgery of the lower ureter, transurethral resection or open surgery, influence the evolution?

OBJECTIVE

Nephroureterectomy is the treatment of choice for tumors of the upper urinary tract (UUTT). In 1952, a modified version of this technique was described, involving endoscopic detachment of the ureter followed by nephroureterectomy with a single lumbar incision. We reviewed a retrospective survey to assess whether UUTT patients treated with nephroureterectomy with no prior history of bladder tumor had different rates of incidence or different sites of bladder recurrence according to the specific technique employed.

METHODS

Patients were divided into group A, 87 patients who underwent a double incision nephroureterectomy and group B with 58 patients with prior detachment of the ureter. In both groups, incidence was calculated for two variables (bladder tumor recurrences and homolaterality of such recurrences) and chi-square tested.

RESULTS

Bladder tumor was diagnosed at follow-up in 39% of patients in group A and 34.5% in group B, with no statistically significant difference (N.S.). Bladder tumor recurrences were homolateral to UUTT in 50% of group A cases and 55% of group B cases (N.S.).

CONCLUSIONS

Although this is a retrospective survey of two asynchronous groups, given the similar nature of the UUTT cases in both groups and the fact that no statistically significant differences have been found, it is reasonable to conclude that nephroureterectomy with prior endoscopic detachment of the ureter is a safe and radical procedure.

Upper tract transitional cell carcinoma following cystectomy for bladder cancer

PURPOSE

We assessed the incidence of upper urinary tract tumors (UUTTs) after cystectomy for invasive or superficial transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder. The risk factors, patients' characteristics and evolution of those who developed UUTTs are analyzed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From August 1980 to February 1994, 568 radical cystectomies were performed for TCC of the bladder: in 469 instances (82.5%) due to invasive tumor (T2-T4), and in 99 cases (17.5%) for superficial tumor (Ta, T1, Tis). All patients were followed for at least 5 years or until death. A retrospective study of patients who developed UUTTs has been performed. A revision of bladder tumor and UUTT characteristics, and the intervals between both is also evaluated.

RESULTS

26 patients (4.5%) developed UUTTs: 11 of the 99 patients cystectomized for superficial TCCs (11.1%); 6 of the 392 patients with primary invasive TCC (1.5%), and 9 of the 77 (11.6%) patients with invasive tumors and a prior history of superficial TCC. The interval to the development of UUTT was higher after cystectomy for superficial tumor. TCCs of the bladder that subsequently developed UUTTs were high grade in 84%, multifocal in 80%, or had carcinoma in situ in 65%, tumor in the prostatic urethra in 52%, and involvement of the distal ureter in 57%. Twenty-two UUTTs (84%) were located in the calyces or the renal pelvis, 3 were bilateral (11.5%), 14 multiple (58%) and 4 superficial (16%). With a median follow-up time of 18 (range 3-103) months, 14 patients (53.8%) died of tumor, 2 were alive with disease, 2 were lost for follow-up, and 8 (30%) were alive and free of disease.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that patients cystectomized for superficial or invasive TCC with a prior history of superficial TCC have a higher incidence of UUTTs. These cases require follow-up with annual urography or loopography.

Polytetrafluoroethylene and autologous fat endoscopic injection for a prostato-perineal fistula

PURPOSE

Prostato-perineal fistula is a rare abnormality. We present a simple endoscopic technique to manage this complicated problem.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We report on a 34-year-old man with a prostato-perineal fistula after multiple surgeries for imperforate anus. The patient underwent an endoscopic injection of polytetrafluoroethylene and autologous fat in the fistulous tract.

RESULTS

Two endoscopic procedures with the injection of polytetrafluoroethylene and autologous fatty tissue around the prostatic urethral orifice were necessary to occlude the fistula.

CONCLUSIONS

The endoscopic injection of polytetrafluoroethylene and autologous fat was an easy, well tolerated and long lasting solution in this patient.

Conventional CT signs in staging transitional cell tumors of the upper urinary tract

OBJECTIVES

To determine conventional computed tomography (CT) signs in the diagnosis and staging of upper urinary tract tumors (UUTTs).

METHODS

Retrospective study was made of the CTs of 82 patients diagnosed with UUTTs. Nine CT signs were defined and compared with the pathology of the surgical specimen. A chi2 test was used for statistical analyses.

RESULTS

We reviewed the CTs of 93 UUTTs in 82 patients, of which 36% were invasive and 12% had positive lymph nodes. Renal parenchymal invasion was found in 82% of high-grade and in 18% of low-grade tumors (p = 0.001). 94% of the tumors with signs of renal parenchymal invasion were invasive (p < 0.001), as well as 88% of those appearing as renal masses (p = 0.005), with a global sensitivity of 64% and specificity of 97%. The CT sensitivity and specificity of detecting infiltration of the ureter was 67 and 77%, respectively, and no sign was statistically significant. The detection of lymph node involvement had a sensitivity of 87.5% and a specificity of 98%.

CONCLUSIONS

CT offers good sensitivity (87.5%) and specificity (98%) in the detection of lymph node involvement, and 64% sensitivity and 97% specificity for the detection of renal tumor invasion.