The Efficacy of Tc99m Dimercaptosuccinic Acid (Tc-DMSA) Scintigraphy and Ultrasonography in Detecting Renal Scars in Children with Primary Vesicoureteral Reflux (VUR)

Introduction: Pyelonephritis-induced renal scarring in children is a major predisposing factor for proteinuria, hypertension, and ultimate renal failure. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the efficacy of Tc99m dimercaptosuccinic acid (Tc-DMSA) renal scintigraphy and renal ultrasonography (USG) in detecting renal scars in children with primary vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). Materials and methods: Tc-DMSA scan and USG studies were done in 62 children who were admitted to our clinic between 1997 and 2003 because of documented urinary tract infection (UTI) and diagnosed with primary VUR. Renal scarring detection rates of Tc-DMSA scan and USG were compared according to reflux grades. Results: In the whole group, renal scars were detected by Tc-DMSA scan and USG in 55% and 38% of refluxing units, respectively. Detection rates of Tc-DMSA and USG according to reflux grades were as follows: 47% and 29 % in low-grade VUR (grades 1 and 2), 46 % and 25% in mid-grade VUR (grade 3), 76% and 65% in high-grade VUR (grades 4 and 5), respectively. Conclusion: USG was found to be an inappropriate study in the detection of renal parenchymal scars, irrespective of the reflux grade. In this study, Tc-DMSA scan detected scars in 35% of kidneys reported to be normal on USG.     

胃食管反流病的食管运动与胃肠激素及雌激素的关系

为探讨胃食管反流病 (GERD)的食管运动功能及其与消化道激素、雌激素的关系 ,用SGY 3型消化道动力测定仪检测了 2 0例食管炎和 2 5例内镜阴性GERD患者的食管运动功能 ,并用RIA测定了各组患者血浆胃动素、胃泌素、胰高糖素及雌激素水平。结果发现 ,内镜阴性GERD患者下食管括约肌压力 (LESP) [( 2 12±1 0 0 )kPa]明显低于正常对照组 [( 3 2 3± 0 72 )kPa ,P <0 0 1] ,食管炎组LESP[( 1 2 8± 0 5 6 )kPa]又明显低于内镜阴性GERD组 (P <0 0 1) ;GERD患者食管中下段蠕动波压力较正常人也明显减低 (P <0 0 1) ,食管炎组的下段食管蠕动波压力又明显低于内镜阴性GERD组 (P <0 0 1) ;食管炎组与内镜阴性GERD患者血浆雌激素[( 4 70 42± 6 7 5 5 ) pmol/L ,( 396 5 9± 5 5 17) pmol/L]较正常人有明显增高 [( 91 2 3± 33 2 9)pmol/L ,P <0 0 1) ] ,并与LESP呈中等度负相关 (r =0 443,P <0 0 2 )。     

Malposition of catheters during voiding cystourethrography

The aim of this study was to report catheter malposition during voiding cystourethrography. Eight hundred forty-three voiding cystourethrography (265 males and 578 females, aged 1 week to 12 years, mean age 2 years) were performed during a period of 4 years. The conventional standard procedure was applied. In 3 cases with passed history of urinary tract infection the catheter entered directly into the ureter. In all these cases the uretero-vesical reflux was present on the same side where the catheter entered. It appears that insertion of a catheter into the ureter is possible only in the presence of an anomaly or pathology at the vesicoureteric junction. Received: 25 January 2000 Revised: 31 May 2000 Accepted: 5 June 2000     

Laparoscopic partial posterior (Toupet) fundoplication improves esophageal bolus propagation on scintigraphy

BACKGROUND: Impaired esophageal clearance is important in the pathogenesis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It is unknown whether esophageal clearance improves following antireflux surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (NF), laparoscopic partial posterior (Toupet) fundoplication (PPF) or medical therapy on esophageal clearance. METHODS: This was a prospective nonrandomized crossover study. Sixty patients were evaluated with endoscopy, esophageal manometry, radionuclide scanning of esophageal emptying, and assessment of symptoms prior to surgery or medical therapy and 6 months after treatment. In 20 GERD patients with normal esophageal peristalsis an NF was performed, in 20 patients with impaired esophageal peristalsis a PPF was chosen, and 20 patients received proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment. RESULTS: On endoscopy, esophagitis had resolved in all patients after surgery; two patients with medical therapy still had esophagitis. On manometry, a significant improvement of lower esophageal sphincter competence was seen in both surgical groups. LES relaxation was complete after PPF, but incomplete after NF. Esophageal peristalsis did not improve after medical therapy, was significantly improved after PPF, but had worsened after NF. On scintigraphic esophageal emptying for solid meals, there was no improvement after medical therapy but a significant improvement after PPF. A significant deterioration of esophageal emptying was observed after NF. There was a strong correlation between scintigraphic and manometric evaluation of peristalsis preoperatively (r(s) = -0.87, p < 0.05) and postoperatively (r(s) = -0.82, p < 0.05). There was no change in dysphagia after medical therapy and after NF but a significant improvement after PPF. Globus sensation was significantly improved after PPF but did not change after medical therapy or NF. Postprandial bloating and inability to belch were significantly more common after NF than after PPF. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic partial posterior (Toupet) fundoplication can restore a preoperatively defective esophageal bolus propagation on scintigraphy with the same antireflux effect as the laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication, but with lower side-effects.     

Primary vesicoureteral reflux mediated renal scarring after urinary tract infection in Thai children

AIM: To evaluate the association between primary vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and renal scarring in children using 99 m Technetium-labelled dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA). METHODS: Children attending at Songklanagarind Hospital from 1987 to 2002 were evaluated. RESULTS: Ages at diagnosis of VUR in 46 boys and 52 girls were 1.1+/-1.6 and 2.9+/-2.5 years, median 0.6 and 2.3 years, respectively (P<0.001). DMSA scans were performed at 4.1+/-3.6 years. Renal parenchymal damage was detected in 34 kidneys (22%) of 154 demonstrated refluxing ureters, and one kidney (2%) of 42 non-refluxing ureters (P=0.002). Of 79 refluxing ureters in boys and 75 refluxing ureters in girls, there were 25 and nine renal scars, respectively (32% and 12%, P=0.003). Renal scars in VUR grades I-V were 11%, 7%, 12%, 44% and 64%, respectively (P<0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that high grade VUR (P<0.001), age of diagnosis of VUR greater than 5 years (P=0.001), and male gender (P=0.002) were the most significant risk factors for renal scarring. CONCLUSION: High-grade VUR, age of diagnosis of VUR greater than 5 years and male gender were the most significant risk factors for renal scarring.     

尿道不全梗阻致大鼠尿液返流性前列腺炎模型

目的:用手术方法建立大鼠尿道不全梗阻致尿液返流至前列腺内,探讨慢性前列腺炎/慢性骨盆疼痛综合征(CP/CPPS)的发病机制。方法:54只雄性SD大鼠随机分为实验组(n=30)和假手术组(n=24)。实验组:严格参照Shinsuke Takechi手术方法行大鼠阴茎根部不全结扎,形成尿道不全梗阻,假手术组作为对照,在造模3d解除梗阻后第1、3、7d观察前列腺形态并取材行光镜观察,免疫组化方法检测环氧化酶-2(COX-2)的表达。结果:①实验组在尿道不全梗阻3d解除梗阻后在第1、3、7d前列腺出现可见的炎症变化,且随时间延长炎症逐渐减轻;而假手术组为正常前列腺组织。②免疫组织化学染色显示实验组前列腺内COX-2染色较假手术组明显增强(P<0.05);随着时间延长,COX-2染色加深(P<0.05)。结论:该试验提供了尿液返流性前列腺炎动物模型;前列腺内COX-2在尿液刺激后表达增强可能与CP/CPPS患者的疼痛不适症状有着密切的关系。     

Angiotensin converting enzyme gene polymorphism in primary vesicoureteral reflux

We studied the insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene in 78 patients with primary vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), and examined renal function by dimercaptosuccinate (DMSA) renoscintigraphy and diethylenetriaminepenta-acetic acid (DTPA) renogram in each genotype. Patients were classified into three genotypes according to the ACE gene I/D polymorphisms: 32 in II genotype, 36 in ID, and 10 in DD. The incidence of presumably congenital unilateral small kidneys was high in DD patients (70%). Glomerular filtration rate obtained from DTPA renogram was 120.7±35.7 ml/min (expressed as mean±SD) in II genotype, 111.7±33.3 in ID, and 88.0±18.0 in DD. The total quantitative DMSA tracer uptake of both kidneys was also low in patients with the D allele. This study shows that the D allele of ACE gene is closely related to small congenital kidneys with refluxing ureters in patients with primary VUR, and in accordance with previous reports, this allele is also related to the progression of reflux nephropathy. Received: 27 November 2000 / Revised: 10 April 2001 / Accepted: 10 April 2001     

Complete fundoplication is not associated with increased dysphagia in patients with abnormal esophageal motility

Abnormal esophageal motility is a relative contraindication to complete (360-degree) fundoplication because of a purported risk of postoperative dysphagia. Partial fimdoplication, however, may be associated with increased postoperative esophageal acid exposure. Our aim was to determine if complete fundoplication is associated with increased postoperative dysphagia in patients with abnormal esophageal motor function. Medical records of 140 patients (79 females; mean age 48 ±1.1 years) who underwent fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) were reviewed retrospectively to document demographic data, symptoms, and diagnostic test results. Of the 126 patients who underwent complete fundoplication, 25 met manometric criteria for abnormal esophageal motility (≤30 mm Hg mean distal esophageal body pressure or ≤80% peristalsis), 68 had normal esophageal function, and 33 had incomplete manometric data and were therefore excluded from analysis. Of the 11 patients who underwent partial fundoplication, eight met criteria for abnormal esophageal motility, two had normal esophageal function, and one had incomplete data and was therefore excluded. After a median follow-up of 2 years (range 0.5 to 5 years), patients were asked to report heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and overall satisfaction using a standardized scoring scale. Complete responses were obtained in 72%. Sixty-five patients who underwent complete fundoplication and had manometric data available responded (46 normal manometry; 19 abnormal manometry). Outcomes were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. After complete fundoplication, similar postoperative heartburn, swallowing, and overall satisfaction were reported by patients with normal and abnormal esophageal motility. Likewise, similar outcomes were reported after partial fundoplication. This retrospective study found equally low dysphagia rates regardless of baseline esophageal motility; therefore a randomized trial comparing complete versus partial fundoplication in patients with abnormal esophageal motility is warranted. Presented at the Forty-First Annual Meeting of The Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, San Diego, Calif., May 2l–24, 2000 (poster presentation).     

Efficacy of endoscopic subureteral polydimethylsiloxane injection for treatment of vesicoureteral reflux in children: a North American clinical report

PURPOSE: Subureteral injection of bulking agents is an accepted surgical treatment of vesicoureteral reflux in children. Polydimethylsiloxane, a silicone elastomer, is an ideal agent because of bulky consistency, lack of migration, minimal local inflammatory reaction and is safe in laboratory animals. We record our experience with endoscopic subureteral polydimethylsiloxane injection in children for vesicoureteral reflux. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During a 2-year period 16 boys and 58 girls, with an average age of 8 years, with 112 refluxing ureters underwent endoscopic subureteral polydimethylsiloxane injection to treat vesicoureteral reflux. Vesicoureteral reflux was grade I in 8, II in 43, III in 50, IV in 10 and V in 1 ureter. Operative indications were breakthrough urinary tract infection in 29 children, nonresolution of reflux 38 and high grade reflux 7. All procedures were on an outpatient basis and performed with patient under general anesthesia. All children had a postoperative ultrasound and voiding cystourethrogram at 12 weeks. Followup was from 6 to 24 months. RESULTS: Overall, reflux was corrected in 90 (81%) ureters and 56 (76%) children after a single injection. With repeat injection reflux was corrected in 101 (90%) ureters and 63 (85%) children. Correction by grade was 85%, 84%, 80%, 45% and 0% for grades I to V, respectively. With repeat injection correction was 100%, 92%, 90% and 55% for grades I to IV, respectively. There were no surgical complications. De novo contralateral reflux developed in 2 (3%) children. There were 3 (4%) children who required open ureteral reimplantation for failed injection. Detection of the polydimethylsiloxane implant by followup ultrasound was 89% sensitive and 86% specific for the correction of reflux. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic subureteral polydimethylsiloxane injection is an effective treatment of vesicoureteral reflux in children. The procedure is safe with low associated morbidity. The presence of the polydimethylsiloxane implant can be documented accurately by ultrasound, and there is a strong correlation between implant stability and correction of reflux.     

Changing concepts concerning the management of vesicoureteral reflux

PURPOSE: Conservative estimates indicate that up to 54% of patients who present with vesicoureteral reflux have dysfunction voiding. Children with voiding dysfunction and vesicoureteral reflux historically have a high breakthrough infection rate of 34% to 43%. Breakthrough infection represents significant morbidity and it is the most common indication for surgical intervention for vesicoureteral reflux. Voiding dysfunction is present in 79% of patients who proceed to reflux surgery. We evaluated the impact of pelvic floor muscle retraining combined with a medical program in patients with voiding dysfunction and vesicoureteral reflux. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Children with a history consistent with voiding dysfunction and vesicoureteral reflux were screened by uroflowmetry/electromyography, bladder scan for post-void residual urine, renal ultrasound and voiding cystourethrography. Confirmed cases of voiding dysfunction and vesicoureteral reflux were prospectively enrolled in this study. Children participated in an interactive, computer assisted, pelvic floor muscle retraining program that involved a conservative medical regimen and pelvic floor muscle retraining. All patients received prophylactic antibiotics. We evaluated the rate of breakthrough urinary tract infection, reflux outcome and surgical intervention. A literature review with the key words vesicoureteral reflux, voiding dysfunction and urinary tract infection was performed to identify historical control cases for comparison. RESULTS: Study enrollment criteria were fulfilled by 49 girls and 4 boys 4 to 13 years old (average age 8.8), representing 72 units with low grades I to II (48) and high grades III to V (24) reflux. Mean followup was 24 months. Initial uroflowmetry/electromyography and bladder scan revealed a staccato flow pattern and normal post-void residual urine in 11% of cases, staccato flow pattern and elevated post-void residual urine in 10%, flattened flow pattern and normal post-void residual urine in 28%, and flattened flow pattern and elevated post-void residual urine in 51%. Breakthrough infection developed in 5 patients (10%), including 1 in whom reflux had resolved and 1 with grade I reflux who underwent observation. The parents of 2 patients elected to complete biofeedback without surgical intervention and these patients did not have a repeat infection. Reimplantation was performed in 1 case (2%). There was resolution in 18 low and 7 high grade refluxing units, including 2 older patients with a long history of high grade bilateral disease. Average time to resolution was 7.8 months. We noted elevated post-void residual urine in 88% of the patients with high grade reflux. Average age at resolution was 9.2 years. During a 24-month period one of us (P. H. M.) noted a greater than 90% decrease in surgical intervention. CONCLUSIONS: A combined conservative medical and computer game assisted pelvic floor muscle retraining program appears to have decreased the incidence of breakthrough urinary tract infections and facilitated reflux resolution in children with voiding dysfunction and vesicoureteral reflux. Patients with high grade reflux and voiding dysfunction commonly present with elevated post-void residual urine, contraindicating the indiscriminate administration of anticholinergics. Decreasing the rate of urinary tract infections may have a dramatic impact on the need for surgical intervention and enable the reflux resolution rate to approximate that in patients without voiding dysfunction. Prospective controlled trials are needed to determine whether pelvic floor muscle retraining combined with a conservative medical regimen alters the natural history of vesicoureteral reflux in patients with voiding dysfunction.