Vaios Papadimitriou

Abnormal Cytokine Profile in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea Syndrome and Erectile Dysfunction

Patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) show a high prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED). Although the underlying pathogenesis is still unknown, endothelial dysfunction, induced by inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and adhesion molecules, has been proposed as a possible mechanism. The aim of this study was to assess whether OSAHS is associated with activation of the inflammatory cytokine system in patients with ED compared to the matched OSAHS patients with normal sexual function. Thirty-one patients with severe OSAHS and ED were included. Fifteen patients with severe OSAHS and without ED served as controls. Serum concentrations of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-a), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and adiponectin were measured after the diagnostic polysomnography. We found that hsCRP levels were significantly elevated in OSAHS patients with ED compared to controls. Similarly, TNF-a levels, IL-6, and IL-8 were elevated in OSAHS patients with ED compared to controls. Serum adiponectin levels were lower in OSAHS-ED patients, but the difference did not reach statistical significance. The presence of ED in patients with severe OSAHS is associated with elevated levels of inflammatory markers, underlining a possible involvement of endothelial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of ED.

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy in the treatment of pediatric urolithiasis: a single institution experience

PURPOSE To compare the efficacy and safety of the electromagnetic lithotripter in the treatment of pediatric lithiasis to that of the earlier electrohydraulic model. MATERIALS AND METHODS Two groups of children with lithiasis aged between 10 and 180 months who underwent extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). In the first group (26 children), ESWL was performed by using the electrohydraulic MPL 9000X Dornier lithotripter between 1994 and 2003 while in the second group (19 children) the electromagnetic EMSE 220 F--XP Dornier lithotripter was used from April 2003 to May 2006. RESULTS In the first group, 21/26 children (80.7%) were stone free at first ESWL session. Colic pain resolved by administration of an oral analgesic in 6 (23%), brief hematuria (<24 h) resolved with increased fluid intake in 5 (19.2%), while slightly elevated body temperature (<38°C) occurred in 4 (15.3%). Four children (15.3%) failed to respond to treatment and were treated with ureteroscopy. In the second group 18/19 children were completely stone free at first ESWL session (94.7%). Complications were infrequent and of minor importance: colic pain treated with oral analgesic occurred in 1 (5.26%), brief hematuria (<24 h), resolved with increased fluid intake in 4 (21%) and slightly elevated body temperature (<38° C) monitored for 48 hours occurred in 6 (31.5%). Statistical analysis showed that electromagnetic lithotripter is more efficacious and safer than the earlier electrohydraulic model. CONCLUSIONS Technological development not only has increased efficacy and safety of lithotripter devices in treating pediatric lithiasis, but it also provided less painful lithotripsy by eliminating the need for general anesthesia.

The effectiveness of a scientific symposium to change urologists’ attitude towards treatment of LUTS/BPH

PurposeThe use of interactive voting systems in continuing education helps to evaluate the alteration in the audience’s views after a presentation. This study was designed to evaluate whether urologists’ attitude towards management of benign prostate hyperplasia can be changed, and to estimate objectively the achievement of educational goals by using an interactive voting system.MethodsThe audience attitude was repetitively estimated by responding to questions using wireless keypads. Educational goal achievement was calculated by adding the percentage of those changing their opinion from “wrong” to “right” and that of those insisting on their initial “right” opinion.ResultsGiving a “wrong” answer and the probability of opinion change were independent of age and board certification. Being initially on the “wrong” side resulted in a greater probability of opinion change. The educational goals were achieved in 20.8–86.2% of cases.ConclusionSatellite symposia are helpful learning environments. The use of an interactive voting system may help to evaluate objectively the achievement of educational goals.