Normal kidney size and its influencing factors - a 64-slice MDCT study of 1.040 asymptomatic patients

Background

Normal ultrasound values for pole-to-pole kidney length (LPP) are well established for children, but very little is known about normal kidney size and its influencing factors in adults. The objectives of this study were thus to establish normal CT values for kidney dimensions from a group of unselected patients, identify potential influencing factors, and to estimate their significance.

Methods

In multiphase thin-slice MDCTs of 2.068 kidneys in 1.040 adults, the kidney length pole to pole (LPP), parenchymal (PW) and cortical width (CW), position and rotation status of the kidneys, number of renal arteries, pyelon width and possible influencing factors that can be visualized, were recorded from a volume data set. For length measurements, axes were adjusted individually in double oblique planes using a 3D-software. Analyses of distribution, T-tests, ANOVA, correlation and multivariate regression analyses were performed.

Results

LPP was 108.5 ± 12.2 mm for the right, and 111.3 ± 12.6 mm for the left kidney (p < 0.0001 each). PW on the right side was 15.4 ± 2.8 mm, slightly less than 15.9 ± 2.7 mm on the left side (p < 0.0001), the CW was the same (6.6 ± 1.9 mm). The most significant independent predictors for LPP, CW, and PW were body size, BMI, age, and gender (p < 0.001 each). In men, the LPP increases up to the fifth decade of life (p < 0.01). It is also influenced by the position of the kidneys, stenoses and number of renal arteries (SRA/NRA), infarctions suffered, parapelvic cysts, and absence of the contralateral kidney; CW is influenced by age, position, parapelvic cysts, NRA and SRA, and the PW is influenced in addition by rotation status (p < 0.05 each). Depending on the most important factors, gender-specific normal values were indicated for these dimensions, the length and width in cross section, width of the renal pelvis, and parenchyma-renal pyelon ratio.

Conclusions

Due to the complex influences on kidney size, assessment should be made individually. The most important influencing factors are BMI, height, gender, age, position of the kidneys, stenoses and number of renal arteries.     

Ureteroscopic lithotripsy in Trendelenburg position for proximal ureteral calculi: a prospective,randomized, comparative study

Purpose

We conducted a prospective, randomized, comparative study to compare the clinical outcome between the Trendelenburg position ureteroscopic lithotripsy (tURSL) and the conventional position ureteroscopic lithotripsy (cURSL) for the management of single proximal ureteral stone.

Methods

From January 2012 to September 2013, consecutive patients with single proximal ureteral calculi less than 2 cm and planned for ureteroscopic lithotripsy at our institution were enrolled in this study. The eligible patients were randomized into cURSL group and tURSL group according to sequence of random numbers generated by computer. In tURSL group, patients were turned into a Trendelenburg lithotomy position with head down 30° while the conventional lithotomy position was applied in cURSL group. URSL was performed using a 6/7.5F semi-rigid ureteroscope with holmium laser. When retropulsion occurred, the stones fragments were followed by semi-rigid ureteroscope up to the renal collecting system. The Olympus P5 flexible ureteroscope was used if there was any suspicion of stone migration into lower calices or incomplete stone fragmentation by semi-rigid ureteroscope. Patients’ demographics between the two groups, perioperative course, clinical outcome and complication rates were compared. Data were analyzed using Chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test or Student’s t test. Binary logistic regression analysis was applied to estimate the effects of surgical position and stone size on stone migration.

Results

A total of 355 cases were finally analyzed in this study (176 in cURSL group and 179 in tURSL group). The mean operative time was significantly prolonged in cURSL group than in tURSL group, while the stone-free rate (SFR) at 4 weeks was significantly higher in tURSL group. A statistically significant difference was found in stone migration rate between the two groups (26.7 vs. 43.6 %, P = 0.001). In the stone migration subsetting, less stones fragments were found to migrate into lower calices in tURSL stone migration subgroup (P = 0.000). Also, the flexible ureteroscope utilization as well as the operative time was significantly decreased in tURSL stone migration subgroup (25.5 vs. 72.3 %, P = 0.000), (44.96 ± 11.0 min vs. 59.17 ± 9.2 min, P = 0.000) with higher SFR after retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) (96.2 vs. 74.5 %, P = 0.000).

Conclusion

The tURSL was safe and highly efficacious for the management of proximal ureteral calculus, especially in nonobese patient. Even with important stone migration risk, it rendered higher SFR and less operative time compared with cURSL. Moreover, less utilization of flexible ureteroscope and decreased deflection time in tURSL could potentially reduce the medical cost.     

经尿道输尿管软镜治疗肾盂旁囊肿的临床疗效分析

目的:探讨经尿道输尿管软镜治疗肾盂旁囊肿的临床疗效。方法:回顾性分析2015年9月至2018年12月本院及大连医科大学附属二院收治的52例行手术治疗的肾盂旁囊肿患者的临床资料。依据手术方式不同分为软镜组(22例)及腹腔镜组(30例),通过比较两组手术疗效及术后恢复情况,评估两组患者临床疗效的差异。结果:两组患者均未出现...     

Epidermoid Cyst of the Spleen

Background

The aim of this study is to elucidate the characteristics, clinical presentations, and management of epidermoid cysts located in the spleen and the intrapancreatic accessory spleen.

Methods

Data pooled for analysis were collected from epidermoid cyst cases encountered in the study institution and sporadic case reports obtained from the English literature.

Results

There were 115 cases of epidermoid cyst. Seventy eight (67.8 %) were found in the spleen, whereas 37 (32.2 %) were found in the intrapancreatic accessory spleen. Comparing between the two groups, the splenic group showed female predominance, younger age, and larger cystic size. For symptoms, left upper abdominal mass (57.7 %) and left upper abdominal pain (39.0 %) were more commonly found in the spleen group. Meanwhile, the intrapancreatic accessory spleen group had higher percentage of asymptomatic cysts (59.5 %). As for surgical indication, majority of patients in the spleen group underwent surgery for symptomatic relief (75.4 %), while the intrapancreatic accessory spleen group underwent surgery mainly for suspicious malignancy (90.0 %).

Conclusions

Surgical treatment for epidermoid cysts of the spleen is considered the optimal treatment for either alleviating the symptoms caused by a bulky cyst or for determining the histopathologic nature of a suspicious malignant cystic neoplasm.     

A study of the incidence of implantation cyst at anastomotic sites after low anterior resection of the rectum with the double stapling technique

Background

The incidence of implantation cyst occurring at sites of anastomosis after low anterior resection of the rectum were studied in two different periods depending on the type of surgical devices used to close the rectal stump.

Subjects

The study included 361 patients undergoing the surgery during the first 8-year period between 1996 and 2003 and 87 patients undergoing the surgery during the second 3-year period between 2004 and 2006.

Results

Implantation cysts were found in nine (2.5%) of the patients undergoing the surgery during the first period and one of them also had local recurrence. Implantation cysts occurred 9 to 31 months postoperatively (mean, 17.1?±?6.9 months). Clinical symptoms were noted in one patient and treatment of the cysts, including local recurrence, was given to two patients. Anastomosis of the distal rectum was performed with the Roticulator or the Access 55 in all patients. Although implantation cysts were found in any patient undergoing surgery during the second period, no statistically significant difference was recognized (p?=?0.217). Anastomosis of the distal rectum was performed with the TX30 in all patients.

Conclusion

The pathogenesis of implantation cysts may be explained by the production of mucus when the mucosal epithelium of the colon is caught under the submucosa, forming a cyst after closure of the rectal stump, and the difference in the incidence rates of implantation cyst was presumably due to the characteristics of the device used and progress of the operative procedure.     

Is Radical Surgery Feasible in Liver Hydatid Cysts in Contact with the Inferior Vena Cava?

Background

Cysts in contact with the inferior vena cava (IVC) represent a challenge for hepato-pancreatico-biliary surgeons. Although the literature on the topic is scarce, the most widely accepted approach is conservative surgery. Partial cyst resection is recommended, because radical resection is considered a high-risk procedure.

Study design

This was a retrospective study over the period January 2007–December 2012. We operated on 103 patients with liver hydatidosis. A total of 32 patients (31 %) had a liver cyst in contact with the IVC. We proposed a cyst classification based on location of the cyst and length of contact and degrees of involvement of the IVC.

Results

Median size of the contacting cyst measured by computed tomography (CT) was 12 cm. On CT, median length of contact with the IVC was 37 mm. The median degree of involvement was 90°. Radical surgery was performed in 20 patients (62.5 %). No IVC resection was done. Morbidity rate was 28 %, and mortality was 3 %. In follow-up (median 27 months), no relapses or problems related to IVC flow were detected. Postoperative stay and transfusion rate were higher in the conservative surgery group, but these patients presented fewer complications. There was no relationship between circumferential grades and length of contact with the IVC and the type of surgery performed.

Conclusions

Liver hydatid cysts in contact with the IVC are large cysts usually located in the right liver. They do not normally cause clinical symptoms related to IVC contact. Radical surgery is feasible, and was performed in 60 % of our series, but it is technically demanding. We propose a classification of cysts in contact with the IVC.     

Arthroscopic anatomic study of posteromedial joint capsule in knee joint associated with popliteal cyst

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the arthroscopic anatomy of posteromedial capsule and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in internal derangement of the knee joint and to analyze the relationship between popliteal cysts and the posteromedial capsule.

Methods

From 2011 to 2012, a prospective study included 194 knees of consecutive arthroscopic surgeries for assorted knee problems. The anatomy of the posteromedial joint capsule was evaluated arthroscopically and divided into three types by the presence of capsular fold and opening: no capsular fold and no opening (type I), capsular fold without opening (type II), capsular fold with opening (type III). The presence and size of popliteal cyst were documented by MRI.

Results

Type I was observed in 160 knees (82.5 %), type II in 10 (5.1 %) and type III in 24 (12.4 %). Popliteal cysts were found in 25 knees (12.9 %) by MRI. Of these cases, symptomatic popliteal cysts were identified in 12 knees (6.9 %). On 160 knees demonstrated to be type I, only 3 knees (1.9 %) had popliteal cysts in MRI, 6 knees (60 %) in 10 knees of type II and 16 knees (66.7 %) in 24 knees of type III. Therefore, there was a statistically significant relationship between the type of anatomy in the posteromedial capsule and the popliteal cyst (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

An association between popliteal cyst and arthroscopic anatomy of posteromedial capsule was demonstrated. Comprehensive understanding and knowledge of the arthroscopic anatomy of posteromedial capsule would contribute to the arthroscopic approach in understanding the pathogenesis of popliteal cyst.

Study design

Development of diagnostic criteria on basis of consecutive patients.

Level of evidence

2.     

Clinical characteristics of intraspinal facet cysts following microsurgical bilateral decompression via a unilateral approach for treatment of degenerative lumbar disease

Purpose

Primary intraspinal facet cysts in the lumbar spine are uncommon, but it is unclear whether cyst incidence increases following decompression surgery and if these cysts negatively impact clinical outcome. We examined the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and the risk factors associated with intraspinal facet cysts after microsurgical bilateral decompression via a unilateral approach (MBDU).

Methods

We studied 230 patients treated using MBDU for lumbar degenerative disease (133 men and 97 women; mean age 70.3 years). Clinical status, as assessed by the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score and findings on X-ray and magnetic resonance images, was evaluated prior to surgery and at both 3 months and 1 year after surgery. The prevalence of intraspinal facet cysts was determined and preoperative risk factors were defined by comparing presurgical findings with clinical outcomes.

Results

Thirty-eight patients (16.5 %) developed intraspinal facet cysts within 1 year postoperatively, and 24 exhibited cysts within 3 months. In 10 patients, the cysts resolved spontaneously 1 year postoperatively. In total, 28 patients (12.2 %) had facet cysts 1 year postoperatively. The mean JOA score of patients with cysts 1 year postoperatively was significantly lower than that of patients without cysts. This poor clinical outcome resulted from low back pain that was not improved by conservative treatment. Most cases with spontaneous cyst disappearance were symptom-free 1 year later. The preoperative risk factors for postoperative intraspinal facet cyst formation were instability (OR 2.47, P = 0.26), scoliotic disc wedging (OR 2.23, P = 0.048), and sagittal imbalance (OR 2.22, P = 0.045).

Conclusions

Postoperative intraspinal facet cyst formation is a common cause of poor clinical outcome in patients treated using MBDU.     

Diagnosis and surgical strategy for sacral meningeal cysts with check-valve mechanism: technical note

Objective

There is agreement that symptomatic sacral meningeal cysts with a check-valve mechanism and/or large cysts representing space-occupying lesions should be treated surgically. This study investigated factors indicating a need for surgical intervention and surgical techniques for sacral meningeal cysts with a check-valve mechanism.

Methods

In ten patients presenting with sciatica and neurological deficits, myelography, computed tomography (CT) myelography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MR imaging) detected sacral meningeal cysts with a check-valve mechanism. One patient had two primary cysts. Ten cysts were type 2 and one cyst was type 1. Nine of the ten patients had not undergone previous surgery, while the remaining case involved recurrent cyst. For the seven patients with normal (i.e., not huge or recurrent) type 2 cysts and no previous surgery (eight cysts), suture after collapse of the cyst wall was performed. For the recurrent type 2 cyst, duraplasty and suture with collapse of the cyst wall were performed to eliminate the check-valve mechanism. For the remaining type 2 cyst, a primary root was sacrificed because of the huge size of the cyst. For the type 1 cyst, the neck of the cyst was ligated.

Results

In all cases, chief complaints disappeared immediately postoperatively and no deterioration of clinical symptoms has been seen after a mean follow-up of 27 months.

Conclusions

The presence or absence of a check-valve mechanism is very important in determining the need for surgical intervention for sacral meningeal cysts.     

Management of Non-Parasitic Splenic Cysts: Does Size Really Matter?

Background

Splenic cysts are relatively rare clinical entities and are often diagnosed incidentally upon imaging conducted for a variety of clinical complaints. They can be categorized as primary or secondary based on the presence or absence of an epithelial lining. Primary cysts are further subdivided into those that are and are not secondary to parasitic infection. The treatment of non-parasitic splenic cysts (NPSC) has historically been dictated by two primary factors: the presence of symptoms attributable to the cyst and cyst size greater or less than 5 cm. While it is appropriate to resect a symptomatic lesion, the premise of recommending operative intervention based on size is not firmly supported by the literature.

Methods

In the current study, we identified 115 patients with splenic cysts and retrospectively reviewed their management that included aspiration, resection, or observation.

Results

Our data reveal a negative overall growth rate of asymptomatic cysts, a high recurrence rate after percutaneous drainage, as well as demonstrate the safety of observing asymptomatic lesions over time.

Conclusion

We conclude that observation of asymptomatic splenic cysts is safe regardless of size and that aspiration should be reserved for those who are not surgical candidates or in cases of diagnostic uncertainty.     

输尿管软镜下钬激光内切开治疗肾盂旁囊肿的临床分析

目的探讨输尿管软镜下钬激光内切开治疗肾盂旁囊肿的安全性及临床疗效。 方法回顾性分析我院自2017年9月至2020年7月应用输尿管软镜钬激光内切开引流治疗的32例肾盂旁囊肿患者的临床资料。男21例,女11例,年龄35~68岁。囊肿大小3.5 cm×3.0 cm~7.0 cm×5.0 cm,平均（5.0±0.8）cm。均为单侧肾囊肿（BosniakⅠ型29例,BosniakⅡ型3例）。其中单发囊肿24例,多发囊肿5例,多囊肾1例,合并同侧结石2例。有8例合并不同程度肾积水。分析术前、术后囊肿变化情况、手术时间、术后住院天数、并发症等情况。 结果本组患者手术均顺利完成,无中转腹腔镜或开放手术。手术时间为22~68 min,平均（43±12） min,术后住院3~6 d（平均3.8±0.7）d,术后定期随访3~6个月。22例囊肿术后消失,9例囊肿术后缩小,1例多囊肾术后囊肿未见明显变化。8例肾积水患者积水均消失。手术相关并发症为18.75%,5例为ClavienⅠ级,1例为ClavienⅡ级。 结论输尿管软镜下钬激光内切开治疗肾盂旁囊肿具有创伤小、恢复快等优点,是安全、有效治疗方式,但远期疗效有待进一步随访观察。     

Hydatid cysts of the lung: lesion size in relation to clinical presentation and therapeutic approach

Purposes

The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the pulmonary hydatid cyst size and the clinical presentation, surgical approach, and postoperative outcome. We review the problems encountered in treating large pulmonary hydatid cysts and highlight the risks associated with the rupture of the cyst and a delay of the surgical treatment.

Methods

The medical records of 169 patients surgically treated for lung hydatid cysts were reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups based on cyst size: group 1 (n = 128) with small (<10 cm) cysts and group 2 (n = 41) with giant (≥10 cm) cysts. Data related to symptoms, preoperative complications, surgical procedures performed and postoperative morbidity were analyzed and compared.

Results

In both groups, the most common symptom was chest pain, followed by dyspnea and cough, respectively. There were no differences between the two groups with respect to cyst-associated parenchymal or pleural complications before surgery (p = 0.80). In the large majority of cases, the surgical treatment was cystotomy, removal of the cystic membrane and capitonnage. Wedge resection was performed in nine patients in total (seven in group 1, two in group 2) and one patient in group 2 required a lobectomy. Decortication was required significantly more frequently in group 2 than in group 1 (p = 0.001). Sixteen patients in group 1 and 10 patients in group 2 developed postoperative complications (p = 0.19). There was no peri or postoperative mortality. There was no difference between the groups with respect to the duration of hospitalization (p = 0.17). Two patients with complicated hydatid cysts in group 1 had recurrent lesions during follow-up, whereas there was no recurrence in group 2.

Conclusion

All pulmonary hydatid cysts should be surgically treated as soon as possible after their diagnosis in order to avoid complications. Most of these lesions, regardless of size, can be surgically managed with procedures that preserve the maximal lung parenchyma and yield excellent outcomes.     

输尿管软镜切开内引流治疗肾盂旁囊肿的初步经验

目的探讨输尿管软镜下钬激光切开内引流治疗肾盂旁囊肿的疗效和安全性。 方法分析2014年1月至2017年1月河南省立院行输尿管软镜下钬激光切开内引流治疗的16例肾盂旁囊肿患者临床资料。男10例,女6例,年龄40~71岁,平均54岁,术前影像学检查诊断为肾盂旁囊肿,均为单侧肾盂旁囊肿,囊肿挤压肾盂、肾盏,囊肿表面正常肾皮质较厚,均为Bosniak I类囊肿,囊肿直径3~7 cm,合并同侧或对侧单纯性肾囊肿2例,合并同侧肾结石1例。 结果16例患者手术均成功完成,无中转开放手术。手术时间29~60 min,平均40 min;术后住院5~7 d,平均6 d。术后定期随访3个月~2年,13例囊肿消失,2例囊肿直径较术前缩小1/2以上,1例术后复发再次行输尿管软镜下切开引流术治愈。 结论输尿管软镜钬激光切开引流术治疗经合理选择的肾盂旁囊肿创伤小,安全有效,是治疗此类囊肿的理想方法。     

Ganglion cyst of the cruciate ligament with atlantoaxial subluxation

Background

Ganglion cysts of the cruciate ligament are rare and sometimes asymptomatic. The authors present three cases of ganglion cysts of the cruciate ligament with atlantoaxial subluxation, which has rarely been reported previously.

Methods

Generally, ganglion cysts of the cruciate ligament are reported as case reports. Several theories regarding the process of cyst formation and the development of treatment options have been described. However, trans-oral decompression with total removal of the cyst may be one of the options for treatment of this kind of disease.

Results

A retrospective review of three patients, two female and one male patient, with a mean age of 68 years was conducted. The operation performed was a trans-oral decompression with cyst removal for all patients. Clinical outcomes were evaluated after the operation. All patients underwent trans-oral decompression with total removal of the cyst, followed by posterior fusion and pathologic examination of the cyst, revealing myxoid stroma with an absence of synovial linings.

Conclusion

The ganglion cysts and synovial cysts of the cruciate ligament are two different diseases with different presentation, pathogenesis, pathophysiology, and pathologic findings.     

Maze learning in patients with intracranial arachnoid cysts

Background

The temporal lobe is of importance for visuospatial orientation. Intracranial arachnoid cysts have a predilection for the temporal fossa, and might therefore affect visuospatial orientation. The aim was to find out whether temporal cysts affect maze learning and if surgical cyst decompression improves maze performance.

Methods

Forty-five patients with a temporal arachnoid cyst and 17 control patients with cervical disc disease were tested in a labyrinth route in the hospital corridors the day before surgery and at least 3 months postoperatively.

Results

Thirty-five cyst patients (78 %) experienced postoperative improvement of their preoperative complaints. The cyst patients spent significantly longer time than the controls navigating through the maze in the preoperative test, 161 s and 127 s, respectively, but there was no difference in number of errors between the two groups. However, the cyst patients improved significantly in the postoperative test, both with regards to number of errors they made and time spent, contrary to the control patients, whose postoperative performance equalled that of the preoperative test. For the cyst patients, postoperative improvement in the labyrinth test correlated with the clinical outcome—but not the neuroradiological outcome—after the operation.

Conclusions

Thus, temporal arachnoid cysts may affect visuospatial orientation and learning in a reversible manner.     

A Single-center Large-volume Experience in the Surgical Management of Hydatid Disease of the Lung With and Without Extrapulmonary Involvement

Background

We compared the number of incisions, surgical procedures, hospital duration, and complications in hydatid cyst patients with unilateral or bilateral thoracic involvement and concomitant involvement of the extrathoracic organs.

Methods

A total of 76 hydatid cyst cases surgically treated between the years 2007 and 2012 were divided into three groups according to radiological evidence of other organ involvement and surgical procedures: group 1 had only unilateral thoracic involvement and a single incision; group 2 had additional involvement of the contralateral thoracic side or extrathoracic organs and at most two incisions were performed at the same session; and group 3 had two or more incisions performed at separate sessions in addition to the involvement features of group 2.

Results

We had 46 (60.5 %) cases with only thoracic involvement and 30 others (39.5 %) with extrathoracic organ involvement. Complications were seen in only one patient each in the first and second groups, and in 6 patients in the third group. Duration of hospital stay was 7.04 ± 0.86 (5–9) days in group 1.8.33 ± 1.87 (7–13) days in group 2, and 13.95 ± 2.03 (9–18) days in group 3.

Conclusions

Although multiple session surgery is used to decrease the risk of complications, contamination, and infection in multiple or bilateral pulmonary hydatid cyst cases, or in patients with other organ involvement, single-session surgery can be used in selected cases taking into account the operative trauma, financial consequences, and psychological profile.     

The Role of Laparoscopy-assisted Renal Autotransplantation in the Treatment of Primary Ureteral Tumor

Background

To evaluate the effect and safety of laparoscopy-assisted renal autotransplantation treatment for primary ureteral cancer (PUC).

Methods

Medical records of patients undergoing hand-assisted retroperitoneoscopic nephroureterectomy–extracorporeal total ureterectomy–renal autotransplantation–pyelocystostomy (Lap AutoTx) were analyzed. Demographic, intraoperative, and postoperative data were assessed.

Results

Fifteen patients diagnosed with PUC underwent this novel approach. Three kidneys were abandoned owing to the detection of residual cancer on the renal pelvic junction, surgeon’s judgment on three severe atherosclerotic arteries, and palpable pelvic lymph nodes proven to be evidence of metastatic disease by frozen section analysis. Twelve patients (mean ± SD age 67.5 ± 7.5 years) were treated with Lap AutoTx for PUC successfully. No perioperative mortality occurred. One patient with solitary kidney experienced delayed graft function that required short-term hemodialysis. Three recurrent superficial diseases in three patients were treated with transurethral resection. The mean ± SD follow-up duration was 12.1 ± 6.7 months (range 3–24 months). The renal pelvicaliceal system was easily examined by flexible cystoscopy.

Conclusions

Lap AutoTx is less invasive compared with the traditional two-incisional manner and can be performed safely even among elderly patients. Compared with other currently used therapies, this novel treatment can be used to successfully treat PUC with the added advantages of total resection of the ureteral lesion, preservation of the renal function, and simplification of follow-up procedures.     

Prevalence and related factors of the absence of anemia among Chinese chronic hemodialysis patients: a multicenter cross-sectional study

Background

Some chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients can maintain normal hemoglobin levels without requiring erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs). However, the prevalence and the factors associated with this condition in Chinese chronic HD patients have not been reported. The aim of this study was to investigate clinical features, iron metabolism, and other characteristics to survey the prevalence rate and the related factors of this condition among Chinese chronic HD patients.

Methods

A total of 1,318 chronic HD patients participated in this study. The patients were classified into a non-ESA group (n = 11) and an ESA group (n = 1,307). The r-HuEPO-independent (non-ESA) HD patients were defined as having hemoglobin greater than 12 g/dl for more than 6 months without r-HuEPO injection, blood transfusion, or androgen therapy. Epidemiological and laboratory data were collected. Renal sonography was also performed on each patient to evaluate the formation of renal and liver cysts, and the number and size of the cysts were recorded.

Results

Approximately 0.84 % of all HD patients were found to be r-HuEPO independent. The non-ESA group had a higher proportion of men (79.6 vs. 58.3 %), a longer duration of renal replacement therapy (RRT) (8.6 ± 6.1 vs. 5.1 ± 3.3 years), a higher prevalence of adult polycystic kidney disease (APKD) (46.3 vs. 9.7 %), a higher prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) liver disease (26.2 vs. 3.2 %, P < 0.01), and had older patients (63.3 ± 13.6 vs. 49.6 ± 13.5 years). Endogenous erythropoietin levels in the non-ESA group were significantly higher than those in the ESA group (61.8 ± 27.1 vs. 29.3 ± 11.7 mU/ml). Non-ESA patients had a significantly higher number of renal (38.1 vs. 13.2 %) and hepatic cysts (9.3 vs. 1.9 %), which were also larger in size (2.9 ± 1.6 vs. 1.3 ± 0.3 cm) compared with those of patients in the ESA group. No significant difference in iron metabolism was found between two groups. In the multivariate Cox analysis, the independent predictor factors for the absence of anemia in these HD patients were the number of renal cysts >6 cysts (95 % CI 1.058–1.405; P = 0.00), endogenous erythropoietin levels (95 % CI 1.139–1.361; P = 0.05), HCV+ liver disease (95 % CI 1.129–1.316; P = 0.01), and time on RRT (95 % CI 1.019–1.263; P = 0.05).

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this study is the first to report on r-HuEPO independence among Chinese HD patients. The prevalence among Chinese chronic HD patients is significantly lower than that reported in the literature. Factors contributing to this condition are complex and multiple. The frequency of this condition is higher in men and in older patients with long-term RRT, in patients with HCV+ liver disease, and in APKD patients. This condition is associated with increased endogenous erythropoietin production and the presence of renal and hepatic cysts.     

Holmium:YAG laser ureteroscopic lithotripsy for ureteric calculi in children: predictive factors for complications and success

Objectives

To evaluate the impact of age, stone size, location, radiolucency, extraction of stone fragments, size of ureteroscope and presence and degree of hydronephrosis on the efficacy and safety of holmium:YAG (Ho:YAG) laser lithotripsy in the ureteroscopic treatment of ureteral stones in children.

Methods

Between October 2011 and May 2013, a total of 104 patients were managed using semirigid Ho:YAG ureterolithotripsy. Patient age, stone size and site, radiolucency, use of extraction devices, degree of hydronephrosis and size of ureteroscope were compared for operative time, success and complications.

Results

In all, 128 URS were done with a mean age of 4.7 years. The mean stones size was 11 mm. Success rate was 81.25 %. Causes of failure were 12.5 % access failure, 1.5 % extravasation and 4.7 % stone migration. Overall complications were 23.4 %. Failure of dilatation and extravasation were detected only in children <2 years old. Extravasation was significantly higher in smaller ureters and cases with stone size >15 mm. Stone migration was significantly higher in upper ureteric stones.

Conclusions

Failure and complications rates in Ho:YAG ureterolithotripsy were significantly affected by younger age (<2 years), upper ureteric stones and smaller ureters but were not related to stone radiolucency or degree of hydronephrosis. Larger stones (>15 mm) were associated with increased complications. After multivariate analysis, the age of the patients remained significant predictor for failure of dilatation and stone migration, while size of the ureter was the only significant predicting factor for failure.     

Longitudinal morphological change of acetabular subchondral bone cyst after total hip arthroplasty in developmental dysplasia of the hip

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to clarify morphological changes of acetabular subchondral bone cyst after total hip arthroplasty for osteoarthritis secondary to developmental dysplasia of the hip.

Methods

Two hundred and sixty-one primary cementless total hip arthroplasties of 208 patients, 18 males, 190 females, were retrospectively reviewed. Morphological changes of subchondral bone cyst were evaluated by computed tomography (CT). The mean cross-sectional area of the cyst from CT scans at 3 months postoperatively and after 7–10 years (average 8.4 years) were compared.

Results

Acetabular subchondral bone cysts were found in 49.0% of all cases in preoperative CT scans. There was no cyst which was newly recognized in CT scan performed after postoperative 7–10 years. All the cross-sectional areas of the cysts evaluated in this study were reduced postoperatively.

Conclusions

This study revealed that acetabular subchondral bone cysts do not increase or expand after total hip arthroplasty and indicated that the longitudinal morphological change of acetabular bone cysts in patients of developmental dysplasia of the hip do not influence long-term implant fixation in total hip arthroplasty.