Talha Müezzinoğlu

Comparison of the nuclear matrix protein 22 with voided urine cytology in the diagnosis of transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder

Several urinary markers for transitional cell carcinoma have been investigated, including urine cytology, bladder tumor antigen, autocrine motility factor receptor and fibrin degradation products. Unfortunately, they have poor overall sensitivity. The United States Food and Drug Administration have recently approved nuclear matrix protein (NMP 22) for the detection of occult or rapidly recurring disease after transurethral resection of bladder tumor. The objective of the current study was to assess the sensitivity of NMP 22 for the detection of bladder carcinoma, as well as to correlate the NMP 22 values with multiplicity of tumor, tumor size, configuration, stage and grade respectively. A total of 78 patients (38 with bladder cancer) provided a urine sample which was divided into appropriate aliquots for each of urine cytology and NMP 22. Comparative results demonstrate a clear superiority of NMP 22 in bladder cancer detection (52.6% vs 31.6% sensitivity), while specificity was in favor of urine cytology (100% vs 82.5%). For superficial tumors, sensitivity was 78.5% for NMP 22 and 41.6% for cytology and for invasive cancers, sensitivity was 90% for NMP 22 and 60% for cytology. Urinary NMP 22 levels were significantly correlated with tumor grade and were significantly higher in large tumors than small tumors. NMP 22 test results showed sufficient sensitivity in comparison with urine cytology for the detection of transitional cell carcinoma. However, we do not think that it is a useful tool as a substitute for endoscopic examination for the detection and surveillance in bladder cancer.

A relationship of sex hormone levels and erectile dysfunction: which tests should be done routinely?

Purpose In this study, the relationship between sex hormone levels and erectile dysfunction (ED), as well as the necessity of routinely measuring sex hormone levels were evaluated. Materials and Methods This study included one hundred patients admitted to a urology clinic for sexual dysfunction. To determine the hormone levels, following the history (included IIEF-5 score) and physical examination, triple blood samples were collected at intervals of 15 minutes between 08:00 and 10:00 am. Total and free testosterone, prolactin, follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone levels were studied. Results Mean age was 43 (23 - 80) years. IIEF-5 score was less than 21 [9.8 - 4.3 (3 - 19)] in all study groups. There was a statistically significant correlation between tT and FSH, as well as between LH and FSH in Pearson (r = - 0.513, p < 0.001, respectively) and also in Spearman tests (r = - 0.224, p = 0.042 and r = - 0.459, p < 0.001, respectively). However, there was no correlation between age and serum hormone levels (p > 0.05). Of the 100 patients, 18 (18%) had low tT, 77 (77%) had normal and 5 (5%) had high tT levels. No statistically significant correlation was found between decreased libido and tT levels (p > 0.05). Twelve (66.6%) of the 18 patients with low tT had normal libido. Conclusion Analyzing the medical history in detail and performing a thorough physical examination can reduce the need for excessive studies and consultations, and enables patients to save time and costs.

Sorafenib-induced erythema multiforme in metastatic renal cell carcinoma

Sorafenib is a new therapeutic agent being used in metastatic renal cell carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, and malignant melanoma. The most frequently seen cutaneous side effects due to sorafenib are erythema, exfoliative dermatitis, acne vulgaris, and flushing. Folliculitis, eczema, and erythema multiforme are other, rare side effects of sorafenib. A 59-year-old man underwent left radical nephrectomy due to renal cell carcinoma 8 months ago, and after the operation he received immunochemotherapy and then sorafenib. On the third day of sorafenib therapy his lesions occurred. His dermatologic examination revealed multiple erythematous papules on his neck, arms, and legs and bullae and iris lesions on his palms and soles. He was diagnosed as having erythema multiforme. In the literature we found only 1 other erythema multiforme case due to sorafenib. We present this interesting case to show and discuss cutaneous side effects of sorafenib, especially erythema multiforme as a very rare cutaneous side effect.

The diagnostic value of the phosphate levels in serum and 24-hour urine samples in patients with recurrent renal stone disease.

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the value of phosphate levels in serum and urine in patients with recurrent renal stone disease. Materials and methods: The patients (n:60) were divided into two groups as first-time stone disease (group 1) and recurrent renal stone disease (group 2). The demographical datas and their historical information were recorded and physical examination was done. The sera and urine for 24 hr were obtained from patients to measure electrolyte levels especially phosphorus. In addition, based on presenting serum phosphate levels, patients were divided into the hypophosphatemia group, less than 2.5 mg/dl; normophosphatemia group, between 2.5-5.2 mg/dl; and hyperphosphatemia group greater than 5.2 mg/dl. Results: The mean age of study group was 45 (21-70) years. Thirty-six patients (60%) were in group 1 and 24 patients (40%) were in group 2. No statistically correlation was found between stone recurrence and phosphate levels both in serum and urine. There was only a statistical association of K levels in 24-hour urine samples between group 1 and 2. Conclusion: There was no significant association between stone recurrence and initial phosphate levels in the serum or in urine. We do not propose to determine phosphate levels routinely in management of patients with stone disease.

Sorafenib in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma With Sarcomatoid Differentiation

Targeted therapy in the management of metastatic renal cell cancer has been recently introduced to urology practice. The drugs used for management are used in a very limited number of patients and only for clear cell histology. We present a case where we administered sorafenib, a multikinase inhibitor of tumor-cell proliferation and angiogenesis, to a patient with metastatic renal cell carcinoma of clear cell histology. We found that our results were different from those of previously reported studies, because sarcomatoid differentiation was evident in a histological examination of this case. There was an excellent response to sorafenib. This case report might provide evidence that antiangiogenic agents may be active in any histological type of renal cell carcinoma. However, there are no available data to demonstrate the duration of response and survival benefit.

The long-term results of temporary urethral stent placement for the treatment of recurrent bulbar urethral stricture disease

ABSTRACT Aim: To evaluate the long term outcomes of temporary urethral stent placement for the treatment of recurrent bulbar urethral stricture. Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight patients who underwent temporary polymer coated urethral stent placement due to recurrent bulbar urethral stricture between 2010 and 2014 were enrolled in the study. The long term outcomes of the patients were analyzed. Results: The mean age of the patients was 62.3±6.4 (44–81). The overall clinical success was achieved in 18 (64.2%) of the 28 patients at a median (range) follow-up of 29 (7–46) months. No patient reported discomfort at the stent site. Stone formation was observed at the urethral stent implantation area only in one patient. Stenosis occurred in the distal end of the stents in two patients and took place in bulbar urethra in seven patients after removed the stents. The mean maximum urine flow rates were 6.24±2.81mL/sec and 19.12±4.31mL/sec before and at 3 months after the procedure, respectively. Conclusion: In this study, the success rate of temporary urethral stent placement has remained at 64.2% at a median follow-up of 29 months. Therefore, our outcomes have not achieved desired success rate for the standard treatment of recurrent bulbar urethral stricture.

The effect of SWL and URS on health-related quality of life in proximal ureteral stones

Abstract Objectives: We aimed to compare the effect of shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) and ureteroscopic lithotripsy (URS) on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) for the treatment of proximal ureteral stones. Material and methods: Between April 2014 and July 2015, patients with proximal ureteral stones who were successfully treated with URS or SWL in seven different centers were included. Patients were divided into two groups according to stone size: stones ≤10 mm and >10 mm. HRQoL subscales which were evaluated by the Medical Outcome Study Short-Form 36-item survey (SF-36) Turkish version were compared for URS and SWL in these two groups one month after the performed procedure. Results: A total of 273 patients were included in the study. While 116 (52.5%) patients were treated with ureteroscopic lithotripsy, SWL was used for 105 (47.5%) patients. Fifty-two patients were excluded from the study. In proximal ureteral stones ≤10 mm, there were no statistically significant differences for any of the eight subscales of the SF-36 questionnaire. Regarding stones >10 mm, it was found that the three subscales of the SF-36 questionnaire – role limitations because of physical health problems (RP), bodily pain (BP), and general health perception (GH) – were significantly lower in the SWL group compared with the URS group. Conclusions: Patients with proximal ureteral stones >10 mm who were treated with URS generally may have a more favorable HRQoL than those treated with SWL in short-term follow-up.

Effects of Treatment on Angiogenic (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-2 and Matrix Metalloproteinase-2) and Antiangiogenic (Endostatin and Thrombospondin-1) Factors in Non-muscle Invasive Bladder Carcinoma

©Copyright 2017 by the Association of Urological Surgery / Journal of Urological Surgery published by Galenos Publishing House. Correspondence: Oktay Üçer MD, Celal Bayar University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Urology, Manisa, Turkiye Phone: +90 505 211 46 18 E-mail: uceroktay@yahoo.com Received: 18.12.2016 Accepted: 07.04.2017 Presented in: 35th Congress of the Société Internationale d’Urologie on October 15-18, 2015 in Melbourne, Australia.

Assessment of PSA-Age volume score in predicting positive prostate biopsy findings in Turkey

ABSTRACT Objectives: To evaluate PSA-age volume (AV) scores in predicting positive prostate biopsy findings in Turkey. Materials and Methods: PSA-AV was calculated by multiplying the patients age by the prostate volume and dividing it by the PSA level. Sensitivities and specificities of the PSA-AV were assessed by retrospective analysis of findings from 4,717 prostate biopsies. Results: The populations average age was 63.71±7.63 years, the mean PSA level was 9.73±17.01ng/mL, the mean prostate volume was 44.46±23.88 cm3. Of the 4,717 prostate biopsies, 1,171 biopsy specimens (24.8%) were positive for prostate cancer. A PSA-AV score of 700 had a sensitivity and specificity of 95% and 15%, respectively. These values were similar to the sensitivity and specificity for a PSA cut-off of 4ng/mL (94% and 13%, respectively). Although the sensitivity of a PSA-AV cut-off of 700 in patients over 60 years was similar to the PSA cut-off of 4ng/mL and the age-adjusted PSA, in patients <60 years, its sensitivity was higher. While the sensitivities of a PSA-AV cut-off of 700 in patients with low prostate volume was higher than a PSA cut-off of 4ng/ mL, the sensitivities of both methods with moderate prostate volumes were similar. Conclusions: Considering all the biopsies, the sensitivity and specificity of a PSA-AV of 700 for predicting positive biopsy findings were similar to a PSA of 4ng/mL. We suggest the PSA-AV cut-off of 700 should only be used in patients younger than 60 with low prostate volumes (<20cm3).

Bladder carcinoma in pregnancy: unusual cause for frequent urinary tract infection—case report

A 34-year-old, non-smoker primigravida has been followed up routinely since 9 weeks of gestation uneventfully until 20 weeks of gestation when she had asymptomatic bacteriuria. She didn’t have any sign of microscopic hematuria. The urine culture was positive for Escherichia coli at 20th weeks, Klebsiella pneumonia at 22nd weeks and Serratia marcescens at 26th weeks of gestation she has been treated according to the antibiogram results. Detailed ultrasonographic examination showed intracavitary protruding 11 9 7 mm hyperechoic mass in the right posterior wall of the bladder (Fig. 1). Then, cystoscopy and transurethral resection of the papillary lesion was performed (Fig. 2). Histopathological examination revealed a non-invasive lowgrade urothelial carcinoma with inverted pattern (TaG1). Urinary tract infection was never found to recur after the cystoscopic resection of the tumor. A healthy, 3,200 g baby girl was delivered at 40 weeks of pregnancy. Control cystoscopic examinations were normal. Two years passed after the diagnosis and there wasn’t any recurrence of the tumour.