The predictive factors of hydronephrosis in patients with spina bifida: reports from China

Purpose

To identify the risk factors for hydronephrosis in patients with neurogenic bladder caused by spina bifida.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 120 patients with hydronephrosis between January 2005 and 2012 was conducted. The patients were evaluated for the following factors: age, sex, voiding symptoms, experience of using clean intermittent catheterization, history of urinary tract infection (UTI), history of one or more tethered spinal cord release surgery, routine urine examination, serum creatinine, ultrasound for kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urodynamic findings by univariate and logistic regression analyses.

Results

Among the 120 patients, 45 (38 %) had unilateral or bilateral hydronephrosis. Univariate analysis indicated that detrusor hyperreflexia, poor compliance (PC), vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), urinary incontinence, high residual urine, and UTI were the significant factors in the incidence of hydronephrosis. Multivariate analysis indicated that PC, VUR, and UTI were the risk factors for hydronephrosis and that detrusor hyperreflexia and urinary incontinence were the protective factors. UTI was the most serious risk factor for hydronephrosis, with an odds ratio of 29.6. Hydronephrosis was not associated with the history of tethered spinal cord release surgery.

Conclusion

This study revealed the prognostic risk factors for hydronephrosis. The medical history of patients, imaging examination, and urodynamic parameters play key roles in identifying the risk factors for hydronephrosis.     

Screening high-grade vesicoureteral reflux in young infants with a febrile urinary tract infection

Background

The lack of good evidence for improved outcomes in children and young infants with febrile urinary tract infection (UTI) after aggressive treatment for vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) has raised doubts regarding the need for routine voiding cystourethrography (VCUG), and the appropriate imaging evaluation in these children remains controversial.

Objectives

This prospective study aimed to determine whether abnormalities found on acute dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scan and ultrasound (US) can help indicate the necessity of voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) in young infants.

Methods

For 3.5?years, all infants younger than 3?months presenting with first febrile UTI were prospectively studied. All infants were hospitalized and investigated using US (<3?days after admission), DMSA scan (<5?days after admission), and VCUG (7–10?days after antibiotic treatment) after diagnosis. The association among findings of US, DMSA scan, and VCUG were evaluated.

Results

From 220 infants, there were abnormal results in 136 (61.8%) US and in 111 (50.5%) DMSA scans. By US, ten infants (4.5%) with abscess or structural abnormalities other than VUR were diagnosed. High-grade (III–V) VUR was present in 39 patients (17.7%). The sensitivities for high-grade VUR of renal US alone (76.9%) or DMSA scan alone (82.1%) were not as good as that of the “OR rule” strategy, which had 92.3% sensitivity and 94.3% negative predictive value.

Conclusions

To screen high-grade VUR in young infants with febrile UTI, US and acute DMSA scan could be performed first. VCUG is only indicated when abnormalities are apparent on either US or DMSA scan or both.     

The value of direct radionuclide cystography in the detection of vesicoureteral reflux in children with normal voiding cystourethrography

Background

Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is one of the most important risk factors for urinary tract infection (UTI). Diagnosis and treatment of VUR is important to prevent irreversible complications, such as renal scarring and chronic renal failure. This study was conducted to assess the value of direct radionuclide cystography (DRNC) in the detection of VUR in children with UTI and a normal voiding cystourethrography (VCUG).

Methods

DRNC was performed in 35 children with a normal VCUG after an episode of febrile UTI who had hydronephrosis or hydroureter, abnormal acute dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scan results and/or febrile UTI recurrence. This study was conducted in the nephrology department of Mofid Children’s Hospital, Tehran (Iran).

Results

The results were statistically analyzed. Among the 70 ureters studied, 33 (49.1 %) were observed to have VUR. Of these, 17 (51.5 %) had mild, 14 (42.4 %) moderate, and 2 (6.1 %) severe reflux. A significant relationship was observed between DRNC results and DMSA renal scan findings (P?<?0.05).

Conclusions

Based on our results, we suggest that DRNC may reveal VUR despite a normal VCUG in children with hydronephrosis, abnormal acute DMSA, and/or recurrent febrile UTI.

     

Children and adolescents with ureteropelvic junction obstruction: is an additional voiding cystourethrogram necessary? Results of a multicenter study

Purpose

The incidence of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) and concomitant vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) ranges from 14 to 18 %. Therefore, different guidelines recommend a voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) to identify cases of VUR early in the diagnostic process. Aim of this multicenter study was to reassess the incidence of concomitant VUR and the need for additional VCUG in a large cohort of patients with UPJO. Furthermore, we asked for clinical objectives that defined the need for VCUG with the intention of minimizing radiation exposure and the need for invasive diagnostic procedures.

Methods

Medical records for 266 patients (69 girls, 197 boys) with UPJO were analyzed retrospectively. Data were obtained on gender, clinical symptoms, results of pre- and postnatal ultrasound, VCUG and 99^mTechnetium-MAG3 (MAG3) scan. They were correlated with the incidence of concomitant VUR.

Results

One hundred and seventy-eight patients (67 %) underwent VCUG. Concomitant VUR was detected in 13 patients. Dilating VUR (dVUR) was observed in 11 patients. In our study, the overall incidence of a concomitant VUR was 7.3 %. In cases of proven VUR, we observed a positive predictive value for female gender, ureteral dilatation, renal insufficiency, and recurrent urinary tract infections (UTI). But there was no correlation between concomitant VUR and the severity of hydronephrosis.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that the low incidence of concomitant VUR in cases of UPJO does not justify the routine use of VCUG as a routine diagnostic tool. Especially, ureteral dilatation and recurrent UTI have a positive predictive value for concomitant VUR.     

Postnatal management of infants with antenatally detected hydronephrosis

With the increasing use of antenatal sonography, fetal hydronephrosis has been reported more frequently. Because of the lack of consensus regarding treatment of these infants, the postnatal approach toward fetal renal pelvis enlargement remains controversial. The aim of this prospective study is to demonstrate the postnatal investigation, treatment, and outcome of infants with prenatally diagnosed hydronephrosis. Infants whose antenatal ultrasound scan showed a fetal renal pelvis of 5 mm or greater were investigated postnatally using ultrasound (US) and voiding cystourethrography. When indicated, isotope studies and intravenous urograms were also performed. We followed prospectively neonates with antenatally diagnosed hydronephrosis and recommended management guidelines on the basis of our findings. In 156 neonates (193 kidney units) that were found to have hydronephrosis, the average gestational age at which the diagnosis was made was 32.94±5.10 weeks. The mean duration of postnatal follow-up was 26.3±13.56 months (range 3–60 months). The mean APPD of the fetal renal pelvis was 10.35±3.24 mm (5–9 mm in 84 kidneys, 10–14 mm in 96 kidneys and 15 mm in 13 kidneys). Of the 193 kidney units, 145 units were found to be pathological. The most common detected underlying abnormalities were ureteropelvic junction obstruction (in 91 kidneys; 62.7%) and vesicoureteral reflux (in 24 kidneys; 16.6%). Postnatally, 23 (45%) of 51 patients whose first US was normal were diagnosed postnatally as having urinary tract abnormality. There was a negative correlation between APPD and the rate of spontaneous resolution and positive correlation between APPD and the rate of surgery (P<0.01). In conclusion, because it is not possible to determine an upper limit of normal for the antenatal renal pelvis, any baby with AH should not be considered clinically insignificant. Infants with antenatal renal pelvis measurements 5 mm should be investigated postnatally. A normal postnatal ultrasound scan does not preclude the presence of urinary tract abnormality.     

Endoskopische Unterspritzung des vesikoureteralen Refluxes mit Dextranomer/Hyaluronsäure

Background

A number of bulking agents have been used for the endoscopic correction of vesicoureteral reflux in children. We present the long-term results of endoscopic use of dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer (Deflux®) for VUR grade I–IV in children.

Patients and methods

Between 2004 and 2008, 21 children underwent endoscopic subureteral injection of Deflux® in 30 ureters as an outpatient procedure. Twelve children had a unilateral reflux (two duplicated systems) and nine had a bilateral reflux. The median age was 5 years (6 months to 14.9 years). Six weeks postoperatively a voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) was performed. This study examined the disappearance of VUR and urinary tract infection (UTI) as well as the quality of life (parents’ questionnaire) during long-term follow-up.

Results

No intra- and postoperative complications were noticed. In 25 ureters (83%) VCUG showed no VUR 6 weeks postoperatively. In three children a second injection was done (two were successful). After a median follow-up of 2.5 years 27 ureters in 17 children (90%) had no UTI and VUR. The results of the questionnaire regarding quality of life were very good in the successfully treated children and the parents would choose the same treatment option again.

Conclusion

Subureteral injection of Deflux® for children with VUR is an effective treatment option for VUR with a low complication rate.     

Efficacy of magnetic resonance urography in detecting renal scars in children with vesicoureteral reflux

Background

The detection of renal scars is of paramount importance for optimal clinical management of patients with urinary tract infection (UTI) and vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). The aim of our study was to compare the efficacy of unenhanced magnetic resonance urography (MRU) and Tc-99^m dimercaptosuccinic acid (Tc-DMSA) scintigraphy to dectect renal scars.

Methods

Unenhanced MRU and Tc-DMSA scintigraphy were performed in 49 children (10 boys, 39 girls; mean age 7.4?±?4.2 years, range 1–15 years) with documented VUR. MR imaging scans were obtained within 7 days after voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) and Tc-DMSA scintigraphy. The diagnostic performance of MRU in renal scar detection was calculated relative to that of the Tc-DMSA scan.

Results

The renal scar detection rate of Tc-DMSA scintigraphy and unenhanced MRU in kidneys with VUR was 32.4 and 25.9 %, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of MRU in the detection of renal scars was 80 and 82.6 % in kidneys with VUR, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in lesion detection between MRU and Tc-DMSA scintigraphy (P?>?0.05). MRU and Tc-DMSA scintigraphy showed good agreement (κ?=?0.60).

Conclusions

Unenhanced MRU is a robust technique for the morphologic assessment of the urinary system and detection of renal scars. The lack of radiation and contrast material makes this technique a much safer alternative to scintigraphy in children with VUR, particularly in those who require follow-up scanning and, consequently, considerable radiation exposure.     

Urinary NGAL, cystatin C, β2-microglobulin, and osteopontin significance in hydronephrotic children

Background

Ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) accounts for 35?% of all congenital hydronephrosis cases. The challenge in managing childhood hydronephrosis is to distinguish obstructive from nonobstructive cases and, thereby, identify patients requiring surgical intervention. This study aimed to examine four urinary proteins as potential biomarkers of obstruction in hydronephrosis.

Methods

Urine samples from 24 children with UPJO were collected pre-, peri-, and postoperatively, together with urine samples from healthy children. Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), cystatin C (CyC), β2-microglobulin (β2-M), and osteopontin (OPN) in the samples were measured simultaneously using multiplex sandwich immunoassay technology.

Results

Compared with controls, NGAL and β2-M were significantly increased in urine from patients with obstructed kidneys at the time of surgery. This increase was followed by a decrease and stabilization to the same level as that of the controls. Furthermore, age was negatively correlated with preoperative urinary concentrations of CyC, β2-M, and OPN.

Conclusions

This study confirms increased concentrations of NGAL and β2-M in urine from obstructed kidneys and should be tested in larger studies to ascertain their ability to identify obstruction and to determine the importance of age-adjusted reference values.     

Risk factors for urinary tract infection following incontinence surgery

Introduction and hypothesis

The purpose of this study is to describe risk factors for post-operative urinary tract infection (UTI) the first year after stress urinary incontinence surgery.

Methods

Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed on data from 1,252 women randomized in two surgical trials, Stress Incontinence Surgical Treatment Efficacy trial (SISTEr) and Trial Of Mid-Urethral Slings (TOMUS).

Results

Baseline recurrent UTI (rUTI; ??3 in 12?months) increased the risk of UTI in the first 6?weeks in both study populations, as did sling procedure and self-catheterization in SISTEr, and bladder perforation in TOMUS. Baseline rUTI, UTI in the first 6?weeks, and PVR?>?100?cc at 12?months were independent risk factors for UTI between 6?weeks and 12?months in the SISTEr population. Few (2.3?C2.4%) had post-operative rUTI, precluding multivariable analysis. In women with pre-operative rUTI, successful surgery (negative cough stress test) at 1?year did not appear to decrease the risk of persistent rUTI.

Conclusions

Pre-operative rUTI is the strongest risk factor for post-operative UTI.     

Elevated urine levels of heparin-binding protein in children with urinary tract infection

Background

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common infection diagnosis in children, and efficient diagnosis and treatment are important to avoid serious complications. In this study we investigated whether urinary levels of neutrophil-derived heparin-binding protein (HBP) can be used as a marker of UTI in children. These results were compared to those of dipstick analysis, interleukin-6 (IL-6) analysis in urine, and bacterial culturing.

Methods

Seventy-eight children aged 0–18?years with fever and/or symptoms indicating UTI were enrolled in a prospective consecutive study. Urine samples were cultured and analyzed with dipstick, and concentrations of HBP and IL-6 were measured.

Results

Fifteen patients were classified as having UTI, 30 patients had fever but were diagnosed with a non-urinary tract infection, and 33 patients had neither UTI nor fever. Using a urine HBP (U-HBP) cut-off level of 32?ng/mL, the sensitivity and specificity for detecting UTI were 93.3 and 90.3 %, respectively. Receiver operating characteristic curves demonstrated that U-HBP levels were a higher specificity indicator of UTI than urine white blood cell counts or urine IL-6 levels; they also showed a higher sensitivity than the results of the urine nitrite test. All patients with significant growth of clinically relevant bacteria had elevated U-HBP levels.

Conclusion

The results indicate that rapid analysis of U-HBP can provide helpful guidance in the management of children with suspected UTI.     

Effectiveness of intravesical hyaluronic acid with or without chondroitin sulfate for recurrent bacterial cystitis in adult women: a meta-analysis

Introduction and hypothesis

Glycosaminoglycan hyaluronic acid (HA) and chondroitin sulphate (CS) protect the urothelium. Damage to the urothelium may increase bacterial adherence and infection risk. This meta-analysis evaluated the effect of intravesical HA and HA and CS (HA-CS) combination therapy in recurrent bacterial cystitis (RBC) in adult women.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed. Primary outcomes were urinary tract infection (UTI) rate per patient-year, and UTI recurrence time (days). Secondary outcomes were 3-day voids and Pelvic Pain and Urgency/Frequency (PUF) symptom scale total score.

Results

Four studies involving a total of 143 patients were retrieved and assessed in this analysis. Two were randomized, and two were nonrandomized. A significantly decreased UTI rate per patient-year [mean difference (MD) ?3.41, 95 % confidence interval (CI) ?4.33 to ?2.49, p?<?0.00001) was found. Similarly, pooled analysis showed a significantly longer mean UTI recurrence time (days) using either HA or HA-CS therapy (MD 187.35, 95 % CI 94.33–280.37, p?<?0.0001). Two studies using HA and HA-CS therapy reported outcomes on 3-day voids, which were not significantly improved after therapy (MD ?3.59, 95 % CI ?8.43–1.25, p?=?0.15), but a significantly better PUF total score (MD ?7.17, 95 % CI ?9.86 to ?4.48, p?<?0.00001) was detected in HA-CS groups.

Conclusions

Intravesical HA and HA-CS in combination significantly reduced cystitis recurrence, mean UTI recurrence time, and PUF total score. Study limitations include the small number of patients and possible bias. Further studies are needed to validate this promising treatment modality.     

Subsequent cancer risk of children receiving post voiding cystourethrography: A nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study

Background

To estimate the subsequent cancer risk of children receiving post voiding cystourethrography (VCUG), a nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study with the data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) were used for the analysis.

Methods

In the VCUG cohort, 31,908 participants younger than 18 years of age who underwent VCUG between 1997 and 2008 were identified from the NHIRD. A comparison cohort, the non-VCUG cohort, was randomly selected among children without VCUG examination histories during 1997–2008, frequency matched for age (every 5 years), sex, geographic region area, parents’ occupation, and index year based on a 1:4 ratio. Cox’s proportional hazard regression analysis was conducted to estimate the subsequent cancer risk of children receiving VCUG.

Results

The overall cancer risk of the VCUG cohort is 1.92-fold (95 % CI?=?1.34–2.74) higher than that of the non-VCUG cohort with statistical significance. The genital cancer and urinary system cancer risks of the VCUG cohort are respectively 6.19-fold (95 % CI?=?1.37–28.0) and 5.8-fold (95 % CI?=?1.54–21.9) higher than those of the non-VCUG cohort with statistical significance. The hazard ratios are higher in genital cancer, urinary system cancer (the major radiation exposure area), and cancer of the abdomen, except for the genitourinary system (the minor radiation exposure area), in sequence.

Conclusions

Pediatric VCUG is associated with increased subsequent cancer risk, especially in the genitourinary system.     

Extent of Pancreatic Fibrosis as a Determinant of Symptom Resolution After the Frey Procedure: A Clinico-pathologic Analysis

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of histopathologic features of chronic pancreatitis and pain relief after the Frey procedure.

Design

We retrospectively analyzed 35 patients who underwent the Frey procedure for chronic pancreatitis over a 5-year period (November 2005 to February 2011).

Setting

Thirty-five patients with varied etiologies of chronic pancreatitis and persistent symptoms were referred to a multi-disciplinary pancreatitis clinic where a consensus decision to recommend surgery was established. The Frey procedure was then performed.

Main outcome measures

We compared symptomatic outcomes with the degree of pancreatic fibrosis, duct dilatation, and presence of pancreatic duct stones based on a blinded evaluation of resected pancreatic tissue.

Results

Symptom resolution was associated with severe or extensive (>75 %) fibrosis and absence of symptom resolution was associated with mild or minimal (<25 %) fibrosis (chi-squared, p value?<?0.05). Symptom resolution was associated with pancreatic duct >4 mm and absence of symptom resolution was associated with pancreatic duct ≤4 mm (chi-squared, p value?<?0.05). There was no difference in outcomes for patients with and without pancreatic duct stones.

Conclusion

Symptom resolution after the Frey procedure is more likely in the setting of severe or extensive fibrosis due to chronic pancreatitis.     

Kosten durch Harnweginfektionen in Deutschland

Background

We estimated the avoidable costs due to nosocomial urinary tract infections (UTI) based on the data of the German National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance System (KISS).

Methods

The incidence of nosocomial UTI derived from KISS reference data. The overall number of patient days was obtained from the “Statistische Bundesamt” (German Federal Office of Statistics). Expected costs for a single UTI were estimated according to data published in the medical literature.

Results

On average, there were 1.87 UTI on intensive care units (ICU) and 0.81 UTI on peripheral wards per 1,000 patient days; 4.5% of the annual 146.1 million patient days in German hospitals were contributed by ICUs. In total, there are approximately 155,000 nosocomial UTI every year. Each UTI leads to costs of about 1,000 euros; 20% of all nosocomial infections are preventable.

Conclusions

Just for nosocomial UTI, appropriate infection control measures may reduce the annual health care costs by 14,500 euros for every German hospital.     

Urinary bacteria in adult women with urgency urinary incontinence

Introduction and hypothesis

This study’s aims were to detect and quantify bacterial DNA in the urine of randomized trial participants about to undergo treatment for urinary urgency incontinence (UUI) without clinical evidence of urinary tract infection (UTI) and to determine if the presence of bacterial DNA in baseline urine relates to either baseline urinary symptoms or UTI risk after urinary tract instrumentation.

Methods

Women without clinical evidence of baseline UTI were randomized to cystoscopic onabotulinum toxin A injection and oral placebo medication versus cystoscopic placebo injection and active oral medication. Bacterial DNA in participants’ catheterized urine was measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).

Results

Bacterial DNA was detected in the urine of 38.7 % of participants (60 out of 155). In these 60 qPCR-positive participants, baseline daily UUI episodes were greater than in the 95 qPCR-negative participants (5.71 [±2.60] vs 4.72 [±2.86], p?=?0.004). Neither symptom severity by questionnaire nor treatment outcome was associated with qPCR status or with qPCR level in qPCR-positive subjects. In contrast, the presence of urinary bacterial DNA was associated with UTI risk: only 10 % of the qPCR-positive women developed a UTI post-treatment, while 24 % of the qPCR-negative women did so. The median qPCR level for qPCR-positive samples did not differ significantly by UTI status (UTI 2.58?×?10⁵ vs no UTI 1.35?×?10⁵ copies/mL, p?=?0.6).

Conclusions

These results may indicate a urinary bacterial contribution to both baseline UUI and the risk of post-treatment UTI.     

Prediction of the outcome of antenatal hydronephrosis: significance of urinary EGF

Background

Down-regulation of epidermal growth factor (EGF) in the renal parenchyma has been demonstrated in children who underwent pyeloplasty due to ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO). Urine levels of EGF were confirmed to parallel this finding before and after surgery. The aim of our study was to evaluate the relationship between urinary EGF (uEGF) concentrations and Society of Fetal Urology (SFU) high-grade hydronephrosis in infants presenting unilateral antenatal hydronephrosis (ANH).

Methods

This was a prospective study involving 45 infants (33 in the observational group, 12 in the surgical group) who presented with unilateral ANH. Postnatal evaluation included a clinical examination, renal ultrasonography, and voiding cystourethrography. Diuretic renal scans were performed in infants with an initial SFU grade 3 or 4 hydronephrosis or increasing hydronephrosis during follow-up. Pyeloplasty was performed when a well-tempered renogram showed an obstructive drainage curve with a half-life of >20 min and/or an obstructive washout curve pattern during the diuretic phase. We studied the longitudinal changes in SFU hydronephrosis grade and uEGF in each group and compared concentration levels at three time points in both groups. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method was used to measure EGF concentrations in the urine. The results were normalized with urinary creatinine (Cr).

Results

During the first 6?months, from 6 to 12?months, and in the second year of life, median SFU hydronephrosis grade and uEGF levels were 2, 2 (p?=?0.015), and 1 (p?<?0.01), and 50, 59 (p =?0.015), and 69.5?ng/mg Cr (p?<?0.01), respectively, in the observational group. In the first 6?months, preoperatively and at 3–12?months postoperatively, the median SFU hydronephrosis grade and uEGF levels were 4, 4, and 3 (p?>?0.05), and 38, 46, (p >?0.05), and 55?ng/mg Cr (p?<?0.01), respectively, in the surgical group. uEGF levels in the first 6?months of life were significantly lower in the surgical group than in the observational group (p?<?0.01). Patients in the observational group with SFU grade 3–4 hydronephrosis showed higher uEGF levels than those in the surgical group with SFU grade 3–4 in (p?=?0.048).

Conclusions

Urinary EGF changes over time are associated with inverse changes in SFU hydronephrosis grade, which suggests a role for uEGF as a predictive marker of worsening hydronephrosis grades in infants with ANH. uEGF in the first 6?months of life may predict the need for surgery in infants with ANH.     

d-mannose powder for prophylaxis of recurrent urinary tract infections in women: a randomized clinical trial

Purpose

To test whether d-mannose powder is effective for recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) prevention.

Materials and methods

After initial antibiotic treatment of acute cystitis, 308 women with history of recurrent UTI and no other significant comorbidities were randomly allocated to three groups. The first group (n = 103) received prophylaxis with 2 g of d-mannose powder in 200 ml of water daily for 6 months, the second (n = 103) received 50 mg Nitrofurantoin daily, and the third (n = 102) did not receive prophylaxis.

Results

Overall 98 patients (31.8 %) had recurrent UTI: 15 (14.6) in the d-mannose group, 21 (20.4) in Nitrofurantoin group, and 62 (60.8) in no prophylaxis group, with the rate significantly higher in no prophylaxis group compared to active groups (P < 0.001). Patients in d-mannose group and Nitrofurantoin group had a significantly lower risk of recurrent UTI episode during prophylactic therapy compared to patients in no prophylaxis group (RR 0.239 and 0.335, P < 0.0001). In active groups, 17.9 % of patients reported side effects but they were mild and did not require stopping the prophylaxis. Patients in d-mannose group had a significantly lower risk of side effects compared to patients in Nitrofurantoin group (RR 0.276, P < 0.0001), but the clinical importance of this finding is low because Nitrofurantoin was well tolerated.

Conclusions

In our study, d-mannose powder had significantly reduced the risk of recurrent UTI which was no different than in Nitrofurantoin group. More studies will be needed to validate the results of this study, but initial findings show that d-mannose may be useful for UTI prevention.     

Mild hydronephrosis in newborns and infants: can ultrasound predict the presence of vesicoureteral reflux

The objective of our study was to determine the significance of mild hydronephrosis in newborns and infants as an indicator of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). The voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) of 573 patients aged 0–18 months with mild, sonographically detected hydronephrosis were reviewed for VUR. Patients with secondary reflux or anomalies making an exact reflux grading impossible were excluded. Normal kidneys, contralateral to hydronephrotic ones, were included. Each kidney was considered separately, forming a total of 1,146 renal units. Mild hydronephrosis was defined as an anteroposterior diameter of the renal pelvis of 0.5–1.5 cm without caliectasis. The International Grading System was used to grade VUR. Seven hundred and thirty-six kidneys had mild hydronephrosis. VUR occurred in 189 out of 736 (25.7%) of these kidneys, and in 108 out of 410 (26.3%) non-distended kidneys, contralateral to hydronephrotic ones (p=0.806). No statistical differences in the frequency of VUR and dilatation were found between the subgroups of patients with and without infection, except for a higher grade of reflux in the group with infection. The frequency of VUR in mildly dilated kidneys was not significantly different from that in non-distended ones. There was a poor correlation between VUR and mild hydronephrosis. The latter should not be considered in itself an indication for VCUG in asymptomatic neonates and infants.     

A case of tubulointerstitial nephritis in a patient with an influenza H1N1 infection

Background

Patients suffering from an H1N1 infection mainly suffer from respiratory symptoms but may also develop symptoms in other organ systems, such as the kidneys.

Case-diagnosis/treatment

A 4 ½?year-old boy was admitted with relatively mild respiratory symptoms of H1N1 infection, but developed severe generalized proximal tubular dysfunction with sterile leucocyturia and a reversible rise in serum creatinine. He made a full recovery with supportive therapy.

Conclusion

Influenza H1N1 may be associated with acute tubulointerstitial nephritis.     

Incidence and risk factors of postoperative urinary tract infection after uterosacral ligament suspension

Introduction and hypothesis

We assessed the incidence of and risk factors for developing urinary tract infection (UTI) after uterosacral ligament suspension (USLS).

Methods

Retrospective analysis of patients undergoing USLS in 2008–2009 was performed. Postoperative UTI was defined as a positive urine culture within 1 month following surgery. Factors analyzed were patient age, body mass index, parity, history of UTI before surgery, passing voiding trial, discharge with Foley catheter or intermittent self-catheterization, antibiotics at discharge, history of diabetes or renal disease, and surgeon.

Results

Surgical records from 169 patients were reviewed. Twenty-three patients (14%) developed UTI. There were no differences in preoperative factors between patients who developed UTI and those who did not. Subgroup analysis revealed those patients who went home with a Foley catheter and did not receive antibiotics had the highest proportion of UTI.

Conclusion

Patients requiring Foley catheter at discharge following vaginal prolapse repair are at highest risk for UTI and require prophylactic antibiotics.