Tract Dilatation Research Articles

Prediction model for severe vesicoureteral reflux in children with urinary tract infection and/or hydronephrosis.

As voiding cystourethrography is invasive and exposes to radiation and urinary tract infection (UTI), identifying only high-grade reflux is important. We aimed to identify clinical, laboratory and imaging variables associated with high-grade primary reflux in children presenting with UTIs and/or urinary tract dilatation and develop a prediction model for severe reflux. Data of children who underwent voiding cystourethrography due to UTI and/or urinary tract dilatation were retrospectively analyzed for demographic, clinical and imaging findings. Patients with severe (grades 4-5) reflux were compared with the rest for these parameters and a prediction model was developed for severe reflux. The study included 1044 patients (574 female). Severe reflux was present in 86 (8.2%) patients. Age < 2years, male sex, non-E. coli uropathogens, UTD-P3 dilatation and multiple kidney scars on DMSA scintigraphy were associated with severe reflux. Using these variables a prediction model for severe reflux with a score ranging from 0-7 and accuracy rate of 93.4% was developed. A score ≥ 5 had sensitivity 44.2%, specificity 97.4%, PPV 60.3%, NPV 95.1% and OR 29.5 for severe reflux. Scores ≥ 5 and ≥ 4 catch 44% and 73% of severe reflux, while prevent invasive voiding cystourethrography in 94.0% and 83.6% of patients, respectively. Age < 2years, male sex, non-E. coli uropathogen growth, presence of UTD-P3 dilatation on ultrasonography and multiple scars on DMSA scintigraphy are risk factors for severe reflux. A scoring system based on these variables appears to be effective in predicting the presence of severe reflux and eliminating unnecessary voiding cystourethrography.

Cardiac complications of arteriovenous access: a narrative review from a multidisciplinary team perspective

Although cardiovascular disease is common among hemodialysis patients, arteriovenous access creation has been invariably implicated in the evolution of adverse cardiac outcomes or deterioration of pre-existing cardiovascular disease. In most cases, these effects are subclinical but with potential underlying echocardiographic findings. Compared with grafts, arteriovenous fistulas are implicated more often, due to the progressively increased flow from the continuous dilatation of the venous outflow tract in the long term. The increasing flow is in the majority of patients well tolerated by cardiac adaptive alterations. However, the clinical impact is based on the balance between the amount of flow volume and the patient’s cardiac reserves. Having extensively reviewed the existing English literature, we present the pathophysiology and the different types of cardiovascular complications, the indications, types, and efficacy of flow-restrictive procedures in the context of a high-flow AVF, as well as some precautions and considerations for AVF creation in high-risk patients.

Comparative thoracic radiography in healthy and tuberculosis-positive sun bears (Helarctos malayanus).

Early and accurate diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is key to effective outbreak management, and in humans thoracic radiography is used extensively for screening purposes. In wildlife TB radiography is a relatively accessible diagnostic tool, particularly in under-resourced settings, however its use is limited by body size. Sun bears are susceptible to human-associated TB, and their small body size makes thoracic radiography feasible. However, there are no established guidelines on normal thoracic radiographs or radiographic manifestations of TB in this species. We provide a first description of thoracic radiographs from healthy and TB affected sun bears at a bear rescue sanctuary, including correlation with postmortem results for a subset of bears. Findings of two veterinary radiologists, blinded to clinical information, revealed high agreement on broad categorization of radiographic studies as normal, abnormal, or needing correlation with further information. Agreement was lower for the presence of specific lung patterns, reflecting inherent subjectivity when classifying these features. Very few studies were identified as definitively normal, however definitively abnormal studies were significantly associated with TB cases. Diffuse bronchial and/or bronchointerstitital lung patterns were commonly reported, with a high proportion needing correlation with age and/or clinical signs to further interpret. Interstitial, interstitial-to-alveolar, alveolar and nodular lung patterns, along with radiographic signs of lymphadenomegaly and pleural fluid, were almost exclusively found in TB cases, however the sensitivity of the presence of any of these changes for detecting TB was below 70%. Radiographic reporting of thoracic lymph node enlargement detected at postmortem was low (4/17; 23%), and aortic outflow tract dilation and positional atelectasis were differential diagnoses for radiographic changes that could also represent TB. Together these findings demonstrate the importance of developing species-specific criteria for interpretation, to differentiate between common findings and manifestations of TB, and to highlight areas where radiographic techniques can be optimized to assist this. Given TB remains a global health challenge in humans and other animals (wild or domestic), and detection is key to control, we recommend development of standardized approaches to radiographic studies and their interpretation to bolster diagnostic pathways for detecting TB in sun bears, and other novel or understudied hosts.

Swiss Consensus on Prenatal and Early Postnatal Urinary Tract Dilation: Practical Approach and When to Refer.

Urinary tract dilations (UTDs) are the most frequent prenatal renal anomaly. The spectrum of etiologies causing UTD ranges from mild spontaneously resolving obstruction to severe upper and lower urinary tract obstruction or reflux. The early recognition and management of these anomalies allows for improved renal endowment prenatally and ultimately better outcome for the child. The role of the general obstetrician and pediatrician is to recognize potential prenatal and postnatal cases addressed to their practice and to refer patients to specialized pediatric nephrology and urology centers with a sense of the urgency of such a referral. The aim of this paper is to offer clinical recommendations to clinicians regarding the management of neonates and children born with prenatally detected UTD, based on a consensus between Swiss pediatric nephrology centers. The aim is to give suggestions and recommendations based on the currently available literature regarding classifications and definitions of prenatal and postnatal UTD, etiologies, prenatal and postnatal renal function evaluation, investigations, antibiotic prophylaxis, and the need for referral to a pediatric nephrologist and/or urologist. The overarching goal of a systematic approach to UTD is to ultimately optimize kidney health during childhood and improve long-term renal function prognosis.

3D ultrasound volume quantification for pediatric urinary tract dilation: a semi-automated segmentation software inter-rater analysis.

We determined the reliability of a three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound (US) segmentation software for evaluating volumetric hydronephrosis index (HI) and renal parenchymal and pelvicalyceal volume in children with urinary tract dilation (UTD). From 1/2019 to 9/2023, children clinically scheduled for a renal imaging exam to assess UTD at a single center were prospectively enrolled. They underwent a dedicated two-dimensional (2D) and 3D US renal exam. A UTD score was assigned per kidney from the 2D images based on the 2014 consensus classification by an experienced pediatric radiologist. From the 3D dataset, the renal parenchyma and collecting system were independently segmented by three trained raters using a semi-automated software. From this segmentation, the kidney parenchymal and pelvicalyceal volume, dimensions, and volumetric HI values were analyzed using the intraclass correlation coefficient to grade inter-rater reliability. Forty-eight studies from 47 patients were included (65% male; median age 24 months; IQR 61 months). From these, 46 right and 40 left kidneys were chosen based on image quality. Twenty-nine (33.7%) kidneys had no UTD, 10 (11.6%) had UTD P1, 23 (26.7%) had UTD P2, and 24 (27.9%) had UTD P3. Inter-rater reliability was almost perfect across all parameters, with estimates ranging from 0.85 to 0.95. In sub-analysis of kidneys with UTD P2 and UTD P3, volumetric HI had the lowest inter-rater agreement (0.75 and 0.66, respectively). Semi-automated 3D US segmentation for kidneys with UTD can reliably assess renal dimensions, parenchymal and collecting system volumes, and volumetric HI among raters.

Spontaneous Resolution of Primary Obstructive Megaureter: Risk Stratification and Prediction Based on Early Sonographic Factors.

To describe and develop predictors for spontaneous resolution of primary obstructive megaureter (POM) from early ultrasound measures. Children referred to our institution between 2007 and 2023 for POM were reviewed. POM was defined as hydroureteronephrosis with ureteral dilation > 7 mm. We excluded patients with other etiologies for upper tract dilation. Resolution was defined as decrease in hydronephrosis to < 10 mm anteroposterior diameter (APD) or Society for Fetal Urology grade ≤ 2 or ≤ 7 mm in hydroureter. Patients were censored if they underwent surgical intervention or were lost to follow-up before documenting resolution. Kaplan-Meier curves were drawn to illustrate the cumulative resolution rate and determine univariate associations. Cox proportional hazards regression was performed to identify significant predictors for early resolution, and Concordance Index (c-index) was calculated. A total of 159 patients were included, with a median index age of 2 months and a median follow-up of 30 months. Of these, 89 patients reached spontaneous resolution during monitoring, and likelihood of surgical indication at 1 year from US was 30%. APD > 15 mm, high-grade hydronephrosis, ureteral dilation > 10 mm, and ureter tortuosity at presentation were associated with a lower likelihood of resolution for individual Kaplan-Meier curves. A Cox regression model trained on these predictors achieved an adjusted c-index of 0.68, and low APD remained associated with a higher likelihood of resolution. Early sonographic features in POM, specifically APD, are associated with the likelihood of spontaneous resolution. Patients with high-risk features at first ultrasound warrant closer follow-up.

Outcome of Neonatal Hydronephrosis, a New Cut-Off to Identify Patients with Spontaneous Resolution.

The anteroposterior renal pelvis diameter (APRPD) is used to assess the grade of urinary tract dilatation (UTD). There is no univocal method stratifying the risk of complications related to postnatal UTD. This study aims to identify APRPD cut-offs at birth to determine outcome stratification and second-level exams. The records of a cohort of newborns with unilateral or bilateral UTD confirmed or detected by ultrasound after birth between 2010 and 2020 were analyzed. These children underwent further examinations at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months of age. We managed 500 children with postnatal UTD, with a median APRPD at 0-2 months of age of 7.7 mm [IQR 6.0-10.0]. As for UTD resolution, 279 (55.8%) patients had a complete resolution at the age of 6 months; an additional 55, for a total of 344 (68.8%), at 9-12 months; and 19, for a total of 353 (70.6%), at 24 months. An APRPD value ≤ 8.5 mm showed a sensitivity of 80.4% (95% CI [76.0-84.4]) and a specificity of 100.0% (95% CI [76.8-100.0]) in identifying candidates for spontaneous resolution within 24 months of life. An APRPD value ≤ 8.5 mm was also an independent prognostic factor of resolution at the age of 24 months (p = 0.000). Isolated hydronephrosis is the most frequent urinary tract abnormality detected in pregnancy. A well-structured prenatal and postnatal management plan is indeed necessary. According to our analyses, 8.5 mm can be used as a cut-off to reassure parents and clinicians of the benignity of the postnatal dilatation.

Recent advances in the diagnosis of bladder outlet obstruction in men.

Bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) represents a common cause of lower urinary tract symptoms in men, frequently resulting from benign prostatic hyperplasia. Key symptoms include both obstructive and irritative urinary tract symptoms, such as dysuria, increased frequency and urgency of urination, and recurrent urinary tract infections. BOO can also cause upper urinary tract dilation (hydronephrosis), damage structure, and impair function of the bladder. Early diagnosis of BOO is essential to the protection of kidney and bladder functions. The gold standard for diagnosing BOO is urodynamic studies (UDS), which measure detrusor pressure and urinary flow. However, UDS is an invasive test and is associated with risks for urinary tract infections, bothersome urinary symptoms, and hematuria. Given the invasiveness and discomfort associated with UDS, non-invasive diagnostic methods have been developed. Nevertheless, the main limitation of these techniques is the variability in threshold values, highlighting the need for further standardization of measurement protocols. This article reviews the current diagnostic approaches for BOO in men and explores their clinical utility. Various non-invasive diagnostic methods are promising; yet, UDS remains the primary diagnostic approach.

Case Reports of Type 1 Cystic Biliary Atresia- A rare variant of Biliary atresia along with review of literature

Abstract Cystic biliary atresia is a rare (5-10%) variant of type I biliary atresia. The present report intends to share our experience with cystic variant of biliary atresia along with a review of pertinent literature. The first case was a 3-month-old infant with cholestatic jaundice with preoperative diagnosis of an infantile type of choledochal cyst. The second case was a 4-month-old twin infant with cholestatic jaundice and with preoperative differential diagnoses of either cystic biliary atresia or an infantile type of choledochal cyst (cyst located within the hepatic hilum). Cystic biliary atresia was confirmed intra-operatively in both the patients. In first infant, Kasai portoenterostomy procedure was performed, while in the second patient hepaticoduodenostomy procedure was performed. At 6 months follow-up, there was no episode of cholangitis in first and two episodes in second case. In both patients’ total bilirubin was trending down on follow-up. Cystic biliary atresia presents with cystic dilatation of proximal biliary tract. Type I cystic biliary atresia may masquerade as infantile variant of choledochal cyst. The Kasai portoenterostomy procedure is a standard palliative surgical procedure for patients with biliary atresia to restore bile drainage. A high index of suspicion with early operative intervention is recommended to palliate cholestasis in the infant with cystic variant of biliary atresia.

HPB SO21 - Percutaneous Biliary Endoscopy for Managing Disease in Endoscopically Inaccessible Biliary Trees: A Single Unit Experience in the UK

Abstract Background Patients with a history of hepatobiliary surgery often require interventions for complications such as hepatolithiasis, recurrent disease, or anastomotic strictures. Access to the biliary tree in these, and other post-operative patients, is hindered by a diverted alimentary tract or comorbidities that preclude endoscopy or re-operation. While forms of biliary endoscopy have been used for many years in combination with ERCP, recent advances now allow for the combination of percutaneous radiological interventions with cholangioscopy. We share our early experiences and outcomes using percutaneous biliary endoscopy (PBE) to manage a challenging cohort of patients Method In our hospital trust, a multidisciplinary team consisting of Interventional Radiologists, endoscopy staff, and a Hepatobiliary Surgeon performed some of the first PBE procedures using the SpyGlass device in the UK. The biliary tree was accessed under ultrasound and fluoroscopic guidance, followed by tract dilation to admit a 12F sheath. This allowed use of the SpyGlass device, along with adjuncts such as electrohydraulic lithotripsy catheters, dilation balloon catheters, biopsy forceps, and biodegradable stents through the working channel. This combined approach enhances the rate of conclusive biopsy and benefits from both visual assessment and radiological navigation. Results To date, 9 PBE procedures have been performed on 7 individual patients. Indications have included strictured hepaticojejunostomy, hepatolithiasis, malignant and benign biliary strictures. The first two patients underwent two-stage treatment of their disease following concerns about the burden of their treatment, however procedural intent was achieved in all cases. To date, two patients have experienced complications. The first required ITU admission for inotropic support in the context of a septic shower and the second suffered cholangitis secondary to a post-procedural haemorrhage and intraductal thrombus, requiring traditional internal/external drainage. Conclusion PBE, with its adjuncts, offers a minimally invasive alterative to operative treatment, and improved conclusive biopsy rates in patients with endoscopically inaccessible bile ducts due to post-surgical anatomy or impassable strictures. With appropriate multidisciplinary collaboration, PBE could easily be adopted in most hepatobiliary centres where the required equipment is likely to be readily available

Usefulness of a dedicated laser-cut metal stent with an anchoring hook and thin delivery system for endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy in malignant biliary obstruction: a prospective multicenter trial (with video).

Background and AimsEUS-guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HGS) carries a risk of serious adverse events (AEs). A newly designed, partially covered laser-cut stent with antimigration anchoring hooks and a thin tapered tip (7.2F), called a Hook stent, has been developed to prevent serious AEs associated with EUS-HGS. The present prospective multicenter clinical trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of the Hook stent for EUS-HGS after failure of ERCP in patients with unresectable malignant biliary obstruction. MethodsThe primary endpoint was the rate of clinical success, and the secondary endpoints were the rates of technical success, AEs, recurrent biliary obstruction (RBO), procedure success without using a tract dilation device, re-intervention for RBO, time to RBO (TRBO) and overall survival (OS). ResultsA total of 38 patients underwent EUS-HGS using the Hook stent. Its technical and clinical success rates in patients undergoing EUS-HGS were 100% and 92.1%, respectively. The procedure success rate without using a tract dilation device was 94.7%. Four (10.5%) patients developed early AEs, but there were no severe AEs such as stent migration. RBO developed in 26.3% of patients. Re-intervention for RBO had a 100% success rate. The median TRBO was not reached, and the median OS was 191 days. ConclusionsEUS-HGS using the Hook stent demonstrated a high clinical success rate, a low rate of early AEs, and an acceptable stent patency. The Hook stent is safe and feasible for use in patients undergoing EUS-HGS.

A Comparison of the Alken Metallic Telescopic Dilator and Amplatz Serial Dilator for Renal Access in Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy.

Access to the renal calyx is a challenging and crucial step for a successfulpercutaneousnephrolithotomy (PCNL). There are different methods of access tract dilatation, and there is no consensus on which method is the best. We conducteda comparative retrospective study on the safety and efficacy of the Alken metallicdilator and Amplatzdilator for renal access inPCNL. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of80 patients who underwent PCNL between March 2023 and February 2024, and they were divided into two groups.Group A (n=42) comprised patients where Alken dilators were used, while group B (n=38) comprised patients where Amplatz dilators were used. Safety parameters, that is, perioperative bleeding, blood transfusion, access time, postoperative fever, and urosepsis, were compared between the groups. Efficacy in terms of successful renal access and stone clearance was also compared. The mean access time (mins) was longer in group B than group A (8.1 vs. 7.3, p=0.012).The intraoperative bleeding was more in group B (15.7% vs. 4.7%, p<0.001). Group B had more hemoglobin (g/dl) drop (1.3 vs. 0.7, p<0.001) and need for blood transfusion (18.4% vs. 7.14%, p<0.001) and VAS score (p<0.001) than group A.Postoperative urosepsis was more common in group B. Efficacy in terms of successful renal access and stone clearance was comparable. The Alken dilator group has a lower rate of blood transfusion and postoperative VAS score. The Amplatz dilator group had more incidences ofpostoperative urosepsis. The efficacy in both groups was comparable.

Overlap syndrome in liver diseases in children: case report and literature review

In children, autoimmune liver diseases can manifest in a variety of forms, including autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), and the co-occurrence of AIH and PSC - the “overlap syndrome.” Early recognition of overlap syndrome is important. Diagnosis of sclerosing cholangitis largely depends on the cholangiographic picture showing single or multiple strictures with dilatation of the biliary tract. The problems of etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of overlap syndrome in children are shown. A clinical example of seronegative autoimmune hepatitis and sclerosing cholangitis as part of a cross syndrome in a child is given.

The New Potential for Using Franseen Needles in Interventional EUS.

Objective Adverse events such as bile leakage and bleeding are among the issues that need to be resolved in EUS-guided choledochoduodenostomy (EUS-CDS). To overcome this problem, we developed a new EUS-CDS technique using a 19-G Franseen needle without tract dilation. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the new EUS-CDS technique. Methods This single-center retrospective study included 20 consecutive patients who underwent EUS-CDS for primary drainage using a 19-G Franseen needle between March 2020 and May 2023. The primary endpoint was the technical success rate of EUS-CDS without tract dilation. Results The technical success rate of EUS-CDS was 20/20 (100%). None of the patients required any additional tract dilation, such as by using a balloon or electric cautery. The median procedure time was 7.8 [range, 3.2-19.4] min. No early adverse events were observed. Conclusion The 19-G Franseen needle appeared to have a sufficient dilatory effect during puncturing. This EUS-CDS technique appears to be safe and effective and has the advantages of no adverse events and it is also a simplified procedure, which suggests its potential for widespread use in primary drainage.

Upper tract dilation is an independent risk factor for febrile UTI in children with primary vesicoureteral reflux

BackgroundChildren with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), particularly high-grade VUR, are known to be at increased risk for urinary tract infection (UTI). Current guidelines highlight certain clinical factors in the management of children with VUR; however, the clinical utility of upper tract dilation in the setting of VUR remains unclear. ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to evaluate risk factors for febrile UTI (fUTI) in children with primary VUR in a modern cohort with emphasis on upper tract dilation parameters, including hydronephrosis and hydroureter. MethodsA prospectively maintained database of children with VUR at a single academic institution from July 2013 to February 2023 was reviewed. Demographic and clinical data were included. Ultrasounds closest to initial VCUG were reviewed for upper tract dilation, including the presence of hydronephrosis, Society of Fetal Urology (SFU) hydronephrosis grade, presence of hydroureter, and anterior-posterior renal pelvic diameter (APRPD). The primary outcome of interest was the development of a fUTI after VUR diagnosis. Patients were censored after their first fUTI or after VUR surgery. ResultsA total of 235 children with primary VUR were evaluated, including 125 (53.2%) females and 110 (46.8%) males. The median age of VUR diagnosis was 10.8 months (IQR: 2.3-63.6 months). A total of 41 (17.4%) children developed a fUTI after VUR diagnosis with a median follow up of 2.3 years (IQR: 0.9-4.6 years). On univariate analysis, variables found to be associated with fUTI included age < 1 year at VUR diagnosis (p=0.021), female sex (p=0.013), high-grade VUR (p=0.024), APRPD ≥ 7 mm (p=0.007), high-grade hydronephrosis (p=0.004), presence of hydronephrosis (p=0.029), and hydroureter (p=0.008). In children with VUR and high-grade hydronephrosis, a larger APRPD was associated with higher fUTI rates (p=0.008). On multivariate analysis controlling for age, sex, and VUR grade, APRPD ≥ 7 mm (OR 2.8, p=0.009), high-grade hydronephrosis (OR 2.5, p=0.025), and presence of hydronephrosis (OR 2.3, p=0.049) were independent risk factors for fUTI. On multivariate models controlling for other upper tract dilation parameters, APRPD ≥ 7 mm was the most significant parameter associated with increased fUTI risk in primary VUR. ConclusionUpper tract dilation is a novel, independent risk factor for fUTI in children with primary VUR, with APRPD being the strongest predictor. Clinicians may consider upper tract dilation parameters in addition to age, sex, and VUR grade when individualizing care in children with primary VUR.

Commentary to Does Vesicoureteric Reflux diagnosed following prenatal urinary tract dilatation need active management? A narrative review

Commentary to Does Vesicoureteric Reflux diagnosed following prenatal urinary tract dilatation need active management? A narrative review

Endoscopic balloon dilatation of primary obstructive megaureter: An effective first line management in children

This study evaluates outcomes of endoscopic balloon dilatation (EBD) in the management of primary obstructive megaureter (POM) in children. Retrospective data between 2013 and 2023 from two tertiary paediatric surgical centres in the UK were reviewed. Pre and post-operative clinical and imaging parameters of children managed with EBD were assessed. Failure of procedure was defined as requiring further intervention due to persistent/recurrent symptoms, upper tract dilatation and/or obstruction on MAG3 over the follow up period. 55 children with 61 renal units were evaluated. Median age at treatment was 18 months with a median follow up of 24 months. There was significant reduction in upper tract ultrasound measurements following balloon dilatation but there was no significant difference between the pre and post-operative renal function on MAG3. No significance difference was demonstrated when the outcomes of cutting and non-cutting balloons were compared. No significant difference was shown when outcomes after EBD were compared between infants vs older children as well as ureteric dilatation less than or over 25mm (p=0.841). 87% were successfully treated with a single dilatation and this increased to 95% after second dilatation. The remaining 5% had ureteric re-implantation. Although a retrospective study, the patient population is relatively large. 87% success rate shown after EBD is comparable to similar studies. It has been suggested that children less than 12months and those with severe ureteric dilatation (>25mm) may not be suitable for EBD. No significant difference was demonstrated when the outcomes of these categories of children were compared to other children with POM. All of the patients that had repeat balloon dilatation required no further intervention, a finding that has so far not been well evaluated in available literature. This study demonstrates 87% success rate after single EBD in children with POM and this outcome increased to 95% following a second dilatation. EBD is shown to be an effective definitive surgical management option of POM. It can be safely offered as first line management in all patient groups and repeated if no initial response.

Feasibility and safety of EUS-guided biliary drainage in inexperienced centers: a multicenter study in southwest Japan

Background and AimsEndoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) has shown promising procedural outcomes in high-volume centers. While inferior procedural outcomes were reported in inexperienced centers during the early days of EUS-BD, the current outcomes are unknown. This study aimed to clarify the feasibility and safety of EUS-BD in centers that recently introduced EUS-BD. MethodsThis multicenter retrospective study was conducted at 22 centers that introduced EUS-BD between 2017 and 2022. A maximum of 20 initial EUS-BD cases at each center were evaluated. The clinical outcomes and experience of 84 endoscopists who performed these procedures were examined. The primary outcomes were the rate of technical success and adverse events (AEs). The secondary outcomes were risk factors associated with technical failure and procedure-related AEs. ResultsA total of 255 patients were enrolled. The technical success rate was 91.4% (233/255). Among technical failure cases (n=22), guidewire manipulation failure was the most common cause (n=12), followed by tract dilation failure (n=5). The AE rate was 10.2% (26/255). Multivariate analysis identified a puncture target diameter of <5 mm (odds ratio, 3.719; 95% confidence interval, 1.415-9.776; p=0.008) and moderate ascites extending to the liver surface (odds ratio, 3.25; 95% confidence interval, 1.195-8.653; p=0.021) as independent risk factors for technical failure and procedure-related AEs, respectively. Endoscopists’ procedural experience was not a risk factor for technical failure or procedure-related AEs. ConclusionsThe feasibility and safety of EUS-BD were maintained during the induction phase at inexperienced centers. These will be helpful in better understanding the current status of EUS-BD.

Urofacial (Ochoa) syndrome with a founder pathogenic variant in the HPSE2 gene: a case report and mutation origin.

Urofacial syndrome or Ochoa syndrome (UFS or UFOS) is a rare disease characterized by inverted facial expression and bladder dysfunction that was described for the first time in Colombia. It is an autosomal recessive pathology with mutations in the HPSE2 and LRIG2 genes. However, 16% of patients do not have any mutations associated with the syndrome. Despite the importance of neurobiology in its pathophysiology, there are no neurological, neuropsychological, or psychological studies in these patients. A 30-year-old male from Medellín, Colombia, with a significant perinatal history, was diagnosed with grade 4 hydronephrosis on his first ultrasound test. At 4months of age, symptoms such as hypomimia, lagophthalmos, and recurrent urinary tract infections started to manifest. Imaging studies revealed urinary tract dilatation, vesicoureteral reflux, and a double collector system on his left side, which led to the diagnosis of UFS. Multiple procedures, including vesicostomy, ureterostomy, and enterocystoplasty, were performed. At 20years of age, he achieved urinary sphincter control. Genetic analysis revealed a founder pathogenic variant, c.1516C > T (p.Arg506Ter), in the HPSE2 gene, which produces a truncated protein that lacks 86 amino acids. This variant is classified as pathogenic according to the ClinVar database for UFS. The mutation age is approximately 260-360years, and the two alleles share a 7.2-7.4Mb IBD segment. Moreover, we detected European local ancestry in the IBD segment, which is consistent with a Spanish introduction. Neurological examination, neuropsychological assessment, and psychological testing revealed no abnormalities, except for high stress levels. Clinical analysis of this patient revealed distorted facial expression and detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia, which are typical of patients with UFS. Genetic analysis revealed a pathogenic variant in the HPSE2 gene of European origin and a mutation age of 260-360years. From a neurological, neuropsychological, and psychological (emotional and personality) perspective, the patient showed no signs or symptoms of clinical interest.

Impact of antibiotic prophylaxis on urinary tract infection recurrence in children Rapid review.

Given the potential consequences associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs), it has become standard practice to use continuous antibiotic prophylaxis (CAP) in children, even if controversial. We reviewed the effectiveness of CAP on recurrent UTI in a pediatric population to determine if equipoise remains and allows for a placebo control group to study the effectiveness of the vaccine MV140. We completed a rapid review. We searched Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Library and data extraction was completed by a single reviewer. Our search criteria were 2005-2022, English and French language, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews only. The population was 19 years and younger, including: vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), congenital anomalies of the kidneys and urinary tracts (CAKUT), and bladder and bowel dysfunction (BBD). Three RCTs and three systematic reviews found a benefit for CAP, mostly for a population with VUR, and those with severe VUR have more benefit. Most studies were not able to show a difference in the rate of UTIs or new renal scars (NRS). Three RCTs found a deleterious effect with CAP. Other studies were able to prove a benefit for patients with dilatation of the urinary tract without obstruction and high-grade VUR combined with BBD. The major adverse event found was antimicrobial resistance. High-risk patients benefit from CAP. The potential consequences of UTIs makes it unethical to use a placebo-only control group for them; however, CAP use seems difficult to justify in a low-risk population.