Lower Urinary Tract Disorders Research Articles

Polo-like kinase 1 inhibition modulates urinary tract smooth muscle contraction and bladder cell transcriptional programs.

The serine/threonine kinase polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) is a master regulator of cell proliferation and contraction, but its physiological role in the lower urinary tract is unknown. We utilized transcriptomic programs of human bladder smooth muscle cells (hBSMCs), 3D bladder spheroid viability assays, and human ureterovesical junction contractility measurements to elucidate the impacts of PLK1 inhibition. This work reveals PLK1 reduction with the selective inhibitor TAK-960 (500 nM) suppresses high K+-evoked contractions of human urinary smooth muscle ex vivo while decreasing urothelial cell viability. Transcriptomic analysis of hBSMCs treated with TAK-960 shows modulation of cell cycle and contraction pathways, specifically through altered expression of Cys2/His2-type zinc finger transcription factors. In bladder spheroids, PLK1 inhibition also suppresses smooth muscle contraction protein filamin. Taken together, these findings establish PLK1 is a critical governor of urinary smooth muscle contraction and urothelial proliferation with implications for lower urinary tract disorders. Targeting PLK1 pharmacologically may therefore offer therapeutic potential to ameliorate hypercontractility and aberrant growth. Further elucidation of PLK1 signaling networks promises new insights into pathogenesis and much needed treatment advances for debilitating urinary symptoms.

Human HPSE2 gene transfer ameliorates bladder pathophysiology in a mutant mouse model of urofacial syndrome.

Rare early-onset lower urinary tract disorders include defects of functional maturation of the bladder. Current treatments do not target the primary pathobiology of these diseases. Some have a monogenic basis, such as urofacial, or Ochoa, syndrome (UFS). Here, the bladder does not empty fully because of incomplete relaxation of its outflow tract, and subsequent urosepsis can cause kidney failure. UFS is associated with biallelic variants of HPSE2, encoding heparanase-2. This protein is detected in pelvic ganglia, autonomic relay stations that innervate the bladder and control voiding. Bladder outflow tracts of Hpse2 mutant mice display impaired neurogenic relaxation. We hypothesized that HPSE2 gene transfer soon after birth would ameliorate this defect and explored an adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector-based approach. AAV9/HPSE2, carrying human HPSE2 driven by CAG, was administered intravenously into neonatal mice. In the third postnatal week, transgene transduction and expression were sought, and ex vivo myography was undertaken to measure bladder function. In mice administered AAV9/HPSE2, the viral genome was detected in pelvic ganglia. Human HPSE2 was expressed and heparanase-2 became detectable in pelvic ganglia of treated mutant mice. On autopsy, wild-type mice had empty bladders, whereas bladders were uniformly distended in mutant mice, a defect ameliorated by AAV9/HPSE2 treatment. Therapeutically, AAV9/HPSE2 significantly ameliorated impaired neurogenic relaxation of Hpse2 mutant bladder outflow tracts. Impaired neurogenic contractility of mutant detrusor smooth muscle was also significantly improved. These results constitute first steps towards curing UFS, a clinically devastating genetic disease featuring a bladder autonomic neuropathy.

Diagnostic ultrasonography and antimicrobial resistance of different pathogens associated with canine and feline lower urinary tract disorders

There is a significant issue concerning the dissemination of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria within companion animals. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common problem in veterinary medicine for which empirical antibiotics are utilized. This study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial resistance of different uropathogens associated with UTIs in canine and feline cases. A total of 146 dogs and 162 cats suffered from lower urinary tract disorders were subjected to ultrasonographic and microbiological examination. Cystitis, urinary sediment, and cystic calculi are the most common ultrasonographic abnormalities associated with bacterial UTIs. Bacterial UTIs were obtained in 36.98 % and 25.92 % of cases in dogs and cats, respectively. A low rate of mixed infection was detected in canine cases (3.7 %). E. coli was the most prevalent pathogen isolated from 46.4 % and 66.7 % of canine and feline isolates, respectively followed by Proteus spp. in canine isolates (16.1 %) and Klebsiella spp. in feline isolates (14.3 %). Staphylococcus spp. was isolated from canine cases only with the detection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) strains at 3.6 %. The majority of the isolated strains were resistant to various antibiotic classes, particularly β-lactams. All gram-negative bacteria were susceptible to amikacin, whereas gram-positive strains exhibited 100 % sensitivity to nitrofurantoin and linezolid. Different bacterial species displayed low resistance to carbapenems and fluoroquinolones. Multi-drug resistance was reported in canine and feline strains at 64.3 % and 54.8 %, respectively. These findings prove the crucial necessity to restrict antibiotic consumption depending on urine culture and antibiotic sensitivity tests.

Incidence des infections urinaires post-cystomanométrie chez les patients présentant une vessie neurogène – évaluation des pratiques

ObjectiveThe indication for prophylactic antibiotic therapy during cystomanometry to prevent urinary tract infection (UTI) has long been recommended. However, limited data support this approach. Our study aims to evaluate the incidence of UTIs following cystomanometry without prophylactic antibiotics in patients with neurogenic bladder. Materials and methodsThis prospective, monocentric study was conducted from February 2023 to March 2023 at a specialized neuro-urology center, including all consecutive patients with lower urinary tract disorders of neurogenic origin referred for cystomanometry. The occurrence of UTIs following cystomanometry was assessed via telephone follow-up on day 14. ResultsA total of 100 patients were included, with a median age of 51years, with neurogenic bladder predominantly attributed to spinal cord injury (69/100). Ultimately, 11 patients reported UTIs within 14days post-cystomanometry, with only one being febrile, and none requiring hospitalization. No specific risk factors could be identified. ConclusionAccording to our study, the incidence of UTIs following cystomanometry without prophylactic antibiotic therapy is 11%, which is equivalent to the incidence with antibiotic prophylaxis. These preliminary results support the lack of benefit of peri-cystomanometry antibiotic therapy.

Psychological Impact of Sexual Disorders Related to Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy

Objectives: Lower urinary tract disorders related to BPH are today among the most frequent symptoms in urology. The aim of our study is to determine the prevalence of erectile dysfunction in patients with BPH-related lower urinary tract symptoms and the related psychological impact. Methods: We conducted a study to assess the psychological impact of BPH-related sexual dysfunction. We used two scores to assess anxiety-depressive symptoms. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), which gives an indication of the severity of depression, and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder - 7 (GAD-7) 1 for screening patients for generalized anxiety disorder. The severity of erectile dysfunction was specified using the SHIM score (Sexual Health Inventory for Men). Results: A total of 290 participants. The mean age was 58 years, 175 (60%) patients had erectile dysfunction, 120 (60%) of these patients with ED were treated with alpha blockers (OR=2.38, RR = 1.43, p = 0.04). The most represented age group was 60-69 years, 50 (28%) patients were treated with alpha blockers (OR=1.67, RR = 1.15, p = 0.01) while only 10 (5.7%) patients were treated with herbal extracts (phytotherapy). 65% of participants with erectile dysfunction showed varying degrees of depression and 53% of participants with erectile dysfunction showed varying degrees of anxiety. Conclusion: Micturition disorders caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and erectile dysfunction are frequent and often coexist. BPH-related erectile dysfunction has a significant psychological impact.

Effects of electroacupuncture on chronic urinary retention after pelvic or lumbosacral tumor resection surgeries: a retrospective cohort study.

Chronic urinary retention (CUR) resulting from lower motor neuron lesions (LMNL) is a medical condition secondary to pelvic or lumbosacral tumor resection surgeries. Electroacupuncture (EA) is proved to be effective and safe in treating certain lower urinary tract disorders. However, the clinical benefit and optimal duration of EA treatment for CUR following LMNL remain unknown. Using a retrospective cohort design, 20 eligible patients diagnosed with CUR resulting from LMNL secondary to pelvic or lumbosacral tumor resection surgeries were included from March 1, 2017, to June 30, 2020. The patients were treated by EA three times a week for 2 to 12 weeks and followed up for 24 weeks after treatment. The electric stimulators with a 5-Hz continuous wave (5-10 mA intensity) were separately connected to bilateral Ciliao (BL32), bilateral Zhongliao (BL33), and bilateral Huiyang (BL35), and stimulators with a 10-Hz continuous wave (1-2 mA intensity) were connected to bilateral Sanyinjiao (SP6). Current intensity was adjusted according to the patients' individual tolerance. The median follow-up was 32 weeks (range, 26-36 weeks). Responders were defined as patients whose post-void residuals (PVR) reduced by 50% or more from baseline. Adverse event was recorded. Totally 20 patients [mean (standard deviation) age, 48.1 (15.5) years; 9 men (45.0%); 11 women (55.0%)] were included. Of the 20 patients, 14 (70.0%) had responded to EA treatment and stopped catheterization for achieving satisfactory spontaneous urination (PVR <100 mL without complications), 7 (35.0%) had complete resolution (90-100% reduction in PVR from baseline), and 13 (65.0%) scored 1 (much better) or 2 (moderately better) in the Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) assessment. Moreover, 6 (30.0%) patients had responded within 4 weeks of EA treatment. According to Kaplan-Meier survival curve, we found that more than 50% patients could respond to EA treatment within 8 weeks or longer. None of the responders had ever experienced relapse in 24 weeks after EA treatment ended. None of the patients manifested urinary tract infection (UTI), newly diagnosed hydroureter or hydronephrosis. One patient diagnosed with hydronephrosis at baseline recovered after 12-week EA treatment. Two patients with UTI at baseline were prescribed antibiotics and did not present UTI again during the follow-up. EA could be a promising treatment option for CUR caused by LMNL following pelvic or lumbosacral tumor resection surgeries, with long-term effects and a good safety profile. The optimal duration of EA should be of 8 weeks at least. But this was a retrospective cohort study of a small sample size, so future studies are needed to investigate EA in larger populations in randomized controlled trials.

The Use of Uroflowmetry as a Diagnostic Test.

Uroflowmetry is widely used for initial non-invasive evaluation of lower urinary tract disorders. Current clinical use is mostly restricted to a scrutiny of the maximum flow rate and uroflow pattern recorded by a conventional flowmeter in a health care facility. There are several advancements in our understanding and in available technologies that promise to transform clinical utilization of this simple test. Several aspects of the uroflow test in addition to maximum flow rate and uroflow pattern show potential diagnostic utility. This includes flow acceleration, uroflow indices, uroflow-electromyography including lag time, stop uroflow test, and uroflow-based nomograms. There are initial attempts to use artificial intelligence in analysis. There is also new data with regard to factors influencing variability of uroflow testing that might influence the diagnostic value in as yet uncertain ways including diurnal variability, postural variability, locational variability, and operator variability. There are new technologies for uroflow testing in a home environment allowing for easy repetition. However, there are several challenges owing to a paucity of clinical data and standardization. There are also critical lacunae in terminology that need to be addressed. There are exciting new advancements in the field of uroflowmetry. However, there is need to standardize and validate the newer uroflow tracing analyses and technologies.

No viable bacterial communities reside in the urinary bladder of cats with feline idiopathic cystitis

Urinary microbial diversities have been reported in humans according to sex, age and clinical status, including painful bladder syndrome/interstitial cystitis (PBS/IC). To date, the role of the urinary microbiome in the pathogenesis of PBS/IC is debated. Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) is a chronic lower urinary tract disorder affecting cats with similarities to PBS/IC in women and represents an important problem in veterinary medicine as its aetiology is currently unknown. In this study, the presence of a bacterial community residing in the urinary bladder of cats with a diagnosis of FIC was investigated. Nineteen cats with clinical signs and history of FIC and without growing bacteria in standard urine culture were included and urine collected with ultrasound-guided cystocentesis. Bacterial community was investigated using a culture-dependent approach consisted of expanded quantitative urine culture techniques and a culture-independent approach consisted of 16S rRNA NGS. Several methodological practices were adopted to both avoid and detect any contamination or bias introduced by means of urine collection and processing which could be relevant due to the low microbial biomass environment of the bladder and urinary tract, including negative controls analysis. All the cats included showed no growing bacteria in the urine analysed. Although few reads were originated using 16S rRNA NGS, a comparable pattern was observed between urine samples and negative controls, and no taxa were confidently classified as non-contaminant. The results obtained suggest the absence of viable bacteria and of bacterial DNA of urinary origin in the urinary bladder of cats with FIC.

Treatment modalities for paediatric functional daytime lower urinary tract disorders: an updated review.

Paediatric functional bladder disorders especially those causing daytime symptoms are a common cause of significant psychosocial and/or physical morbidity and impaired quality of life. Despite the availability of many therapeutic modalities, a significant number of children appear to be refractory to treatment and continue to have symptoms. In this review, we aim to evaluate the current evidence in the use of existing and novel therapeutic options for the management of daytime lower urinary tract disorders in children. We also aim to highlight the controversies around the terminology and diagnosis of paediatric lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) and specific conditions. The article will then provide a reasonable critique of the existing and emerging treatment modalities in functional daytime LUTD in children including their mode of action, efficacy, indications, and recent advances. These include standard urotherapy, specific urotherapy comprised of biofeedback, alarm therapy and electrical neural stimulation and pharmacotherapy involving selective and non-selective anticholinergics, ß3 adrenergic agonists, alpha blockers and botulinum toxin. A better understanding of this common clinical problem may help clinicians achieve better profiling of these children's diagnoses to further enable specific, targeted treatment.

Urinary microbiota and lower urinary tract disorders

Urinary microbiota and lower urinary tract disorders

Urinary microbiota and lower urinary tract disorders

Urinary microbiota and lower urinary tract disorders

Nitric oxide signaling pathways in the normal and pathological bladder: Do they provide new pharmacological pathways?-ICI-RS 2023.

The nitric oxide (NO•)/soluble guanylate cyclase/cyclic-GMP (cGMP) signaling pathway is ubiquitous and regulates several functions in physiological systems as diverse as the vascular, nervous, and renal systems. However, its roles in determining normal and abnormal lower urinary tract functions are unclear. The aim was to identify potential therapeutic targets associated with this pathway to manage lower urinary tract functional disorders. This review summarizes a workshop held under the auspices of ICI-RS with a view to address these questions. Four areas were addressed: NO• signaling to regulate neurotransmitter release to detrusor smooth muscle; its potential dual roles in alleviating and exacerbating inflammatory pathways; its ability to act as an antifibrotic mediator; and the control by nitrergic nerves of lower urinary tract vascular dynamics and the contractile performance of muscular regions of the bladder wall. Central to much of the discussion was the role of the NO• receptor, soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) in regulating the generation of the enzyme product, the second messenger cGMP. The redox state of sGC is crucial in determining its enzymic activity and the role of a class of novel agents, sGC activators, to optimize activity and to potentially alleviate the consequences of lower urinary tract disorders was highlighted. In addition, the consequences of a functional relationship between nitrergic and sympathetic nerves to regulate vascular dynamics was discussed. Several potential NO•-dependent drug targets in the lower urinary tract were identified that provide the basis for future research and translation to clinical trials.

The Persistency Index: a novel screening tool for identifying myofascial pelvic floor dysfunction in patients seeking care for lower urinary tract symptoms

Patients with myofascial pelvic floor dysfunction often present with lower urinary tract symptoms, such as urinary frequency, urgency, and bladder pressure. Often confused with other lower urinary tract disorders, this constellation of symptoms, recently termed myofascial urinary frequency syndrome, is distinct from other lower urinary tract symptoms and optimally responds to pelvic floor physical therapy. A detailed pelvic floor myofascial examination performed by a skilled provider is currently the only method to identify myofascial urinary frequency syndrome. Despite a high influence on quality of life, low awareness of this condition combined with no objective diagnostic testing leads to the frequent misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis of myofascial urinary frequency syndrome. This study aimed to develop a screening measure to identify patients with myofascial urinary frequency syndrome (bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to myofascial pelvic floor dysfunction) from patient-reported symptoms. A population of patients with isolated myofascial urinary frequency syndrome was identified by provider diagnosis from a tertiary urology practice and verified by standardized pelvic floor myofascial examination and perineal surface pelvic floor electromyography. Least Angle Shrinkage and Selection Operator was used to identify candidate features from the Overactive Bladder Questionnaire, Female Genitourinary Pain Index, and Pelvic Floor Distress Index predictive of myofascial urinary frequency syndrome in a pooled population also containing subjects with overactive bladder (n=42), interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (n=51), and asymptomatic controls (n=54) (derivation cohort). A simple, summated score of the most discriminatory questions using the original scaling of the Pelvic Floor Distress Index 5 (0-4) and Genitourinary Pain Index 5 (0-5) and modified scaling of Female Genitourinary Pain Index 2b (0-3) had an area under the curve of 0.75. As myofascial urinary frequency syndrome was more prevalent in younger subjects, the inclusion of an age penalty (3 points added if under the age of 50 years) improved the area under the curve to 0.8. This score was defined as the Persistency Index (possible score of 0-15). The Youden Index was used to identify the optimal cut point Persistency Index score for maximizing sensitivity and specificity. Using a development cohort of 215 subjects, the severity (Pelvic Floor Distress Index 5) and persistent nature (Female Genitourinary Pain Index 5) of the sensation of incomplete bladder emptying and dyspareunia (Female Genitourinary Pain Index 2b) were the most discriminatory characteristics of the myofascial urinary frequency syndrome group, which were combined with age to create the Persistency Index. The Persistency Index performed well in a validation cohort of 719 patients with various lower urinary tract symptoms, including overactive bladder (n=285), interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (n=53), myofascial urinary frequency syndrome (n=111), controls (n=209), and unknown diagnoses (n=61), exhibiting an area under the curve of 0.74. A Persistency Index score ≥7 accurately identified patients with myofascial urinary frequency syndrome from an unselected population of individuals with lower urinary tract symptoms with 80% sensitivity and 61% specificity. A combination of the Persistency Index with the previously defined Bladder Pain Composite Index and Urge Incontinence Composite Index separated a population of women seeking care for lower urinary tract symptoms into groups consistent with overactive bladder, interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome, and myofascial urinary frequency syndrome phenotypes with an overall diagnostic accuracy of 82%. Our study recommends a novel screening method for patients presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms to identify patients with myofascial urinary frequency syndrome. As telemedicine becomes more common, this index provides a way of screening for myofascial urinary frequency syndrome and initiating pelvic floor physical therapy even before a confirmatory pelvic examination.

Lower Urinary Tract Disorders as Adverse Drug Reactions-A Literature Review.

A potential complication of pharmacotherapy for a given patient is the possibility of various side effects of drugs, which are manifested in many ways and constitute iatrogenic causes of diseases. Among the systemic side effects of drugs, there are also those involving the urinary tract, although these are less reported in the literature. The use of numerous drugs-especially of anticholinergics or drugs with anticholinergic potential, opioid analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antidepressants, first-generation antipsychotics (classic neuroleptics) and selected cardiovascular drugs (beta-blockers, thiazides potassium-sparing diuretics, statins), as well as others-may increase the risk of developing urological disorders, such as urinary retention or incontinence, urinary tract infections, urolithiasis, erectile dysfunction in men and retroperitoneal fibrosis. The purpose of this paper is to characterise the abovementioned drug-induced disorders of the lower urinary tract on the basis of a non-systematic literature review.

Is it time to reconsider how we document pediatric uroflow studies?: A study from the SPU Voiding Dysfunction task force

Uroflowmetry is a non-invasive study used in the diagnosis and monitoring of treatment response for lower urinary tract disorders. For optimal clinical utility, uroflow studies rely on careful clinical interpretation by a trained provider, but currently there is a lack of accepted standardized normal values for the measured uroflow parameters in children. The International Children's Continence Society proposed standardizing the terminology for uroflow curve shapes. However, the patterning of curves is largely at the physician's subjective discretion. The aims of this study were to understand inter-rater reliability in interpreting uroflow curves and to define characteristics of uroflow curves that could be used to provide definitive criteria for uroflowmetry parameters. All members of the SPU Voiding dysfunction Task Force were invited to contribute deidentified uroflows to a centralized HIPAA complaint receiving database. All studies were then distributed to all raters for review. Each observer's findings were recorded according to ICCS criteria (ICCS), additional readings were done using a previously reported system which defined curves as smooth or fractionated (SF) and whether the shape resembled a bell, tower, or plateau (BTP). Flow indexes (Qact/Qest) (FI) for Qmax and Qavg were generated using formulas previously reported for children 4-12 and for patients≥12 years. A total of 119 uroflow studies were read by 7 raters and curves were contributed from 5 sites. Kappa scores for the 5 readers from different institutions were 0.34 and 0.28 for the ICCS and BTP methods, respectively (both considered fair agreement). Kappa for smooth and fractionated curves was 0.70 (for each; considered substantial agreement), which were the two highest agreement scores obtained throughout the study. Discriminant analysis (DA) revealed that the FI Qmax was the dominant vector, and that the ICCS uroflow parameters have a total of 42.8% prediction rate in the training sample. Using DA of a smooth/fractionated system, the total prediction rates were 72% and 65.5% for smooth and fractionated, respectively. Given the poor inter-rater agreement for analyzing uroflow curve pattern based on ICCS criteria in this study and others, one may find it reasonable to consider alternative approaches to describing and characterizing uroflow curves. Our study is limited by lack of EMG and post-void residual data. For a more objective uroflow interpretation and comparison of studies among different centers, we recommend using our proposed system (based on FI, and smooth vs. fractionated curve pattern), which is more reliable.

Overactive bladder and multiple sclerosis in the University Hospital of Oujda

BackgroundMultiple sclerosis (MS) is the most frequent autoimmune neurological disease in the young population. Vesico-sphincter disorders are frequent in the course of the disease; it has been reported that 90% of MS patients will develop a lower urinary tract disorder within 18 years of the diagnosis.MethodsThe aim of this study is to identify the frequency, severity, diagnosis, and treatment of overactive bladder (OAB) in MS patients at the Mohammed VI hospital university in Oujda-Morocco. It is a cross-sectional study. The population was collected in neurology department of Mohammed VI hospital university in Oujda-Morocco. The population cohort consisted of patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, which were invited to the urology department where they underwent urinary screening and completed a form of questions regarding the frequency and severity of OAB and its influence on quality of life.ResultIn our study, the mean age of the patients was 43 years, and our sample was composed of 48% males and 52% females, and the most frequent lower urinary tract symptom was urgency (57%), followed by urinary frequency (29%) and urge incontinence (14%). The recurrent-remittent form was the most frequent (62%), followed by the primary progressive form (24%) and the secondary progressive recurrent form (14%). Among the patients, 33% presented a mild symptomatology, 48% moderate, and 19% severe. In this study, it was found that the intensity of urinary symptoms and the MS disability score were positively correlated with quality of life and disease duration.ConclusionThe urgency was the major symptom of the lower urinary tract, and the MS disability score and the severity of OAB were associated with the quality of life of the patients. The urological evaluation of patients with multiple sclerosis should be performed routinely to identify OAB and to treat this condition appropriately.

MP51-08 IS THE UROLIFT A FERTILITY SPARING TECHNIQUE IN PATIENTS SUFFERED FROM BPH?

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 Apr 2023MP51-08 IS THE UROLIFT A FERTILITY SPARING TECHNIQUE IN PATIENTS SUFFERED FROM BPH? Pasquale Annese, Nicola d'Altilia, Ugo G. Falagario, Vito Mancini, Antonella Ninivaggi, Edoardo Tocci, Mariano Bruno, Anna Ricapito, Gian M. Busetto, Carlo Bettocchi, and Giuseppe Carrieri Pasquale AnnesePasquale Annese More articles by this author , Nicola d'AltiliaNicola d'Altilia More articles by this author , Ugo G. FalagarioUgo G. Falagario More articles by this author , Vito ManciniVito Mancini More articles by this author , Antonella NinivaggiAntonella Ninivaggi More articles by this author , Edoardo TocciEdoardo Tocci More articles by this author , Mariano BrunoMariano Bruno More articles by this author , Anna RicapitoAnna Ricapito More articles by this author , Gian M. BusettoGian M. Busetto More articles by this author , Carlo BettocchiCarlo Bettocchi More articles by this author , and Giuseppe CarrieriGiuseppe Carrieri More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003299.08AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) is a common disease in aging males. Although less common, some patients under 50 years of age reported lower urinary tract disorders (LUTS) due to BPH. If desirous of paternity, pharmacological treatment remains the only one due to the risk of anejaculation after surgery. The first aim of the study was to report functional outcomes related to fertility preservation evaluatet by sperm test in a population under 50 years of age who underwent UroLift in a single Center. METHODS: We included 20 young men with symptomatic BPH assessed by the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), with normal erectile function (EF) and ejaculatory function (EjF) assessed by the International Index of Erectile Dysfunction (IIEF-5) and Male Sexual Health Questionnaire for Ejaculatory Dysfunction (MSHQ-EjD-SF).Semen analysis was performed before surgery and repeated at 3 months with evaluation of pH, volume, sperm concentration, total motility, vitality and morphology of sperms. All patients, preoperatively underwent, uroflowmetry (UFM), digital rectal examination, transrectal prostate ultrasound to measure prostate volume, PSA, cystoscopy and urodynamics test if necessary. Urinary function was scheduled at 1, 3, 6, 12 months with UFM, IPSS, IIEF-5, and MSHQ-EjD-SF. First PSA and cistoscopy were repeated at 6 month. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 44.5 (36.5, 48) years. Mean operative time was 15 (10, 20) min and 2.5 (2, 4) implats per patients were used. At 3 months there were no difference in terms of total sperm count, volume, pH, motility, vitality, morphology, liquefaction, leucocytes (p=0.9; p=0.8; p=0.7; p=1; p=1; p=1; p=0,2; p=0.5). No patient presented retrograde ejaculation. Q-max increased by 64.4% (p=0.001), PVR decreased by 66.6% (p=0.016), and IPSS decreased by 60% (p<0.001). IIEF and MSHQ-EjD-SF were similarly preserved (p=0.14, p=0.4). CONCLUSIONS: From the results obtained, we can conclude new findings regarding sparing of sperm test parameters following UroLift, furthermore, no one reported retroejaculation or volume alteration. UroLift was confirmed to be effective as a technique in improving urinary functional disorders secondary to BPH. Source of Funding: None © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue Supplement 4April 2023Page: e695 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Pasquale Annese More articles by this author Nicola d'Altilia More articles by this author Ugo G. Falagario More articles by this author Vito Mancini More articles by this author Antonella Ninivaggi More articles by this author Edoardo Tocci More articles by this author Mariano Bruno More articles by this author Anna Ricapito More articles by this author Gian M. Busetto More articles by this author Carlo Bettocchi More articles by this author Giuseppe Carrieri More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Molecular Mechanism Operating in Animal Models of Neurogenic Detrusor Overactivity: A Systematic Review Focusing on Bladder Dysfunction of Neurogenic Origin

Neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) is a severe lower urinary tract disorder, characterized by urinary urgency, retention, and incontinence, as a result of a neurologic lesion that results in damage in neuronal pathways controlling micturition. The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive framework of the currently used animal models for the investigation of this disorder, focusing on the molecular mechanisms of NDO. An electronic search was performed with PubMed and Scopus for literature describing animal models of NDO used in the last 10 years. The search retrieved 648 articles, of which reviews and non-original articles were excluded. After careful selection, 51 studies were included for analysis. Spinal cord injury (SCI) was the most frequently used model to study NDO, followed by animal models of neurodegenerative disorders, meningomyelocele, and stroke. Rats were the most commonly used animal, particularly females. Most studies evaluated bladder function through urodynamic methods, with awake cystometry being particularly preferred. Several molecular mechanisms have been identified, including changes in inflammatory processes, regulation of cell survival, and neuronal receptors. In the NDO bladder, inflammatory markers, apoptosis-related factors, and ischemia- and fibrosis-related molecules were found to be upregulated. Purinergic, cholinergic, and adrenergic receptors were downregulated, as most neuronal markers. In neuronal tissue, neurotrophic factors, apoptosis-related factors, and ischemia-associated molecules are increased, as well as markers of microglial and astrocytes at lesion sites. Animal models of NDO have been crucial for understanding the pathophysiology of lower urinary tract (LUT) dysfunction. Despite the heterogeneity of animal models for NDO onset, most studies rely on traumatic SCI models rather than other NDO-driven pathologies, which may result in some issues when translating pre-clinical observations to clinical settings other than SCI.

The development of urotherapy in pediatric care and the training of urotherapists

The terms urotherapy and urotherapist are often mentioned in the literature, but their origins and meanings are less well-known. Objective: To describe the background and development of the concept of urotherapy in pediatric care and the profession of urotherapist. Methods: Data has been searched for in Medline PubMed and selection has been limited to papers important for the purpose. Results: Understanding of urinary bladder function was developed in the 1970’s, mainly due to new urodynamic methods opened up for possible treatment options. Standard urotherapy is a concept developed in the 1980’s and aims to treat dysfunction by helping the patient to learn to understand bladder function and then practice certain techniques in order to normalize it. To succeed, guidance and support are needed from a skilled urotherapist. In Scandinavian and German-speaking countries, quality-assured training for urotherapists at the university level is available. Conclusion: Urotherapy standard therapy is a non-invasive treatment recommended as the first-choice treatment for lower urinary tract disorders. However, we must have requirements as to what knowledge a urotherapist needs to have, and training has to be certified and be at the university level.

Evaluating feline lower urinary tract disease: Doppler ultrasound of the kidneys.

Ultrasonography is used in the evaluation of urinary disorders, and the resistivity index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) have been successfully used to detect early hemodynamic changes in the course of kidney diseases in humans and dogs. The aim of this study was to investigate RI and PI in cats with feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD). Twenty-nine client-owned cats were selected and divided into a control group (CG; n = 10), a group of animals with obstructive FLUTD (OG; n = 11) and non-obstructive FLUTD (nOG; n = 8). Clinical, laboratory and ultrasound evaluations were performed in all cats. RI and PI values for cats in the CG were below the upper limit of normal suggested in other studies, while cats with FLUTD showed significantly higher values in the assessment of RI (P = 0.027 and P = 0.034, respectively) and PI (P = 0.044 and P = 0.048, respectively) of the right and left kidneys. Alteration in renal blood flow was observed in cats with lower urinary tract disorders, even in the nOG group. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of renal blood flow changes related to non-obstructive FLUTD.