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PSA is the most widely used diagnosticand prognostic biomarker in prostate cancer (PCa).However, its lack of specificity has generated the needto search for new complementary markers. In thisscenario, blood plasma constitutes one of the sourcesof search for new markers, which have been tried tobe combined with PSA and other clinical variables inorder to develop tests that increase their diagnosticspecificity.This narrative review of the literature provides anoverview of commercially available plasma biomarkers and tests for use in different clinical settingsfor PCa. The most studied markers to help select theappropriate patients for initial and / or repeat biopsyhave been: PHI, 4K, STHLM3. These markers havebeen oriented towards the diagnosis of the so-calledclinically signifi cant PCa, trying to validate and calibratetheir algorithms in different populations. Giventhe development and evolution in the diagnosis of PCa,there is still a lack of evidence of the impact of magneticresonance imaging (MRI) when used in combinationwith these new markers, as well as its possiblerole in the screening of the disease and not only in theearly diagnosis process. Furthermore, there are only asmall number of studies that have directly comparedthese tests with each other and with PSA, so there isnot enough evidence to know which test has the bestproperties in each clinical scenario. In order to clarifythe true diagnostic role of these new biomarkers, newprospective, comparative studies in different populationsare absolutely necessary to evaluate their clinicalutility in combination with MRI and fusion biopsy.

Introduction: Our aim was to assess the value of adding standard biopsy to targeted biopsy in cases of suspicious multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mp-MRI) and also to evaluate when a biopsy of a PI-RADS 3 lesion could be avoided., Methods: A retrospective study of patients who underwent targeted biopsy plus standard systematic biopsy between 2016-2019 was performed. All the 1.5 T magnetic resonance images were evaluated according to PI-RADSv.2. An analysis focusing on the clinical scenario, lesion location, and PI-RADS score was performed., Results: A total of 483 biopsies were evaluated. The mean age was 65 years, with a PSA density of 0.12 ng/mL/cc. One-hundred and two mp-MRIs were categorized as PI-RADS-3. Standard biopsy was most helpful in detecting clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) in patients in the active surveillance (AS) cohort (increasing the detection rate 12.2%), and in peripheral lesions (6.5%). Adding standard biopsy showed no increase in the detection rate for csPCa in patients with PI-RADS-5 lesions. Considering targeted biopsy in patients with PI-RADS 3 lesions, a higher detection rate was shown in biopsy-naïve patients versus AS and in patients with a previous negative biopsy ( p = 0.002). Furthermore, in these patients, the highest rate of csPCa detection was in anterior lesions [42.9% ( p = 0.067)]., Conclusions: Our results suggest that standard biopsy could be safely omitted in patients with anterior lesions and in those with PI-RADS-5 lesions. Targeted biopsy for PI-RADS-3 lesions would be less effective in peripheral lesions with a previous negative biopsy.

Objective: To assess the effect of vision in three dimensions (3D) versus two dimensions (2D) on mental workload and laparoscopic performance during simulation-based training., Materials and Methods: A prospective, randomized crossover study on inexperienced students in operative laparoscopy was conducted. Forty-six candidates executed five standardized exercises on a pelvitrainer with both vision systems (3D and 2D). Laparoscopy performance was assessed using the total time (in seconds) and the number of failed attempts. For workload assessment, the validated NASA-TLX questionnaire was administered., Results: 3D vision improves the performance reducing the time (3D = 1006.08 ± 315.94 vs. 2D = 1309.17 ± 300.28; P < .001) and the total number of failed attempts (3D = .84 ± 1.26 vs. 2D = 1.86 ± 1.60; P < .001). For each exercise, 3D vision also shows better performance times: "transfer objects" (P = .001), "single knot" (P < .001), "clip and cut" (P < .05), and "needle guidance" (P < .001). Besides, according to the NASA-TLX results, less mental workload is experienced with the use of 3D (P < .001). However, 3D vision was associated with greater visual impairment (P < .01) and headaches (P < .05)., Conclusion: The incorporation of 3D systems in laparoscopic training programs would facilitate the acquisition of laparoscopic skills, because they reduce mental workload and improve the performance on inexperienced surgeons. However, some undesirable effects such as visual discomfort or headache are identified initially., (Copyright © 2014 AEU. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation is the gold standard treatment for patients with end-stage renal failure secondary to insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. This kind of transplantation is a complex operation associated with a high incidence of surgical complications and mortality risk which could influence graft survival. The aim of this study was to establish the influence of different grades of postoperative complications, classified according to Clavien-Dindo, on the rate of kidney graft loss., Methods: We performed an observational retrospective review of all simultaneous transplantations performed between February 1989 and May 2012. Factors examined were related to recipient and donor characteristics, surgical procedures, and postoperative outcomes. For this purpose, Kaplan-Meier analyses and Cox-Regression tests are used., Results: One hundred thirty-nine transplantations were performed. Complications grades I, II, and IIIa were experienced in 81 (58.3%) patients, and grades IIIb and IVa-b in 55 (39.6%). Multivariate analysis showed an influence of panel reactive antibody (hazard ratio [HR]: 10.79; P = .003), incidence of acute rejection (HR: 2.55; P = .03), and complications grouped into grades IIIb and IVa-b (HR: 3.63; P = .02). Kaplan Meier analysis showed worse kidney graft survival rate in groups grades IIIb and IVa-b compared to grades I, II, and IIIa (86.6% vs 98.7% at 1 year and 81.8% vs 97.3% at 5 years; P = .001)., Conclusions: Despite being the gold standard treatment for these patients, pancreas and kidney transplantations have numerous complications which could influence the prognosis of graft kidney survival., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: To compare low versus high frequency for lithotripsy in the management of distal ureteral calculi., Methods: A total of 154 patients with radio-opaque calculi (0.5-1 cm diameter) in the distal ureter were randomized to be given either lithotripsy at 80 or 60 pulses per min (high frequency or low frequency groups, respectively). The number of waves and sessions received, and time to total resolution were measured. A Dornier Compact Delta lithotripter was used., Results: A total of 72 patients were assigned to the high frequency group and 78 to the low frequency group. Four patients were excluded from the study because of intolerance of the procedure. The size was slightly lower in low frequency group, whereby an analysis of covariance was carried out to eliminate the size factor, with the limit established as 0.7 cm. The low frequency group received 2980 ± 1211 waves, and the high frequency group received 5752 ± 3121 (P<0.001). The success rate was higher in the low frequency group (100%) than in the high frequency group (92.9%; P=0.02). If adjusted to the size of the calculus with a threshold of 0.7 cm, there was a difference, although it was not statistically significant. The time to elimination of the fragments was higher in the high frequency group (17.68 days) than in the low frequency group (7.15 days; P<0.001). The number of sessions necessary for resolution was higher in the high frequency group (1.56) than in the low frequency group (1.14; P<0.001)., Conclusions: Lithotripsy at 60 pulses provides better outcomes than lithotripsy at 80 pulses for the treatment of distal ureteral calculi., (© 2012 The Japanese Urological Association.)

Objective: This present study has aimed to assess the state of acute phase markers and oxidative stress in patients with kidney stones., Material and Methods: A prospective study was carried out on 100 patients with kidney stones and 25 healthy controls. Albumin, ß2 microglobulin, Gamma-glutamyl transpepsidase, Lactate dehydrogenase, Tumor necrosis factor alpha, Interleukin 1 and Interleukin-6 were evaluated as acute phase markers and lipid peroxidation products, Superoxide dismutase and Glutathione peroxidase levels acted as oxidative stress markers., Results: An increase in renal cell damage markers as expressed by the ß2 microglobulin (p=0.04), albumin (p=0.004), Lactate dehydrogenase (p=0.001) and Gamma glutamyl transpepsidasa (p=0.01) was observed in the patient group. There was a direct correlation between levels of ß2 microglobulin and stone size (r=0.3, p=0.03). The association between stone size and cytokine activation was observed to be stronger in patients with staghorn calculi. In these patients, Tumor necrosis factor alpha (p=0.011), Interleukin 1 (p=0.004) and Interleukin 6 (p=0.004) were significantly higher. Patients with stones in the urinary tract showed data of significantly higher oxidative stress, expressed as an increase in levels of lipid peroxidation products (p=0.03) and a decrease in the antioxidant activity of Superoxide dismutase (p=0.03) and Glutathione peroxidase (p=0.002)., Conclusions: Patients undergoing urolithiasis showed an elevation of acute phase markers, associated with oxidative stress as expressed by an increase in lipid peroxidation products and a decrease in the antioxidant enzyme activity., (Copyright © 2011 AEU. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.)

Renal carcinoma may develop metachronous distant metastases without evidence of regional or local disease recurrence. These lesions may be misdiagnosed because of its benign-like appearance and lack of evidence of other disease spread., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Incidence of renal carcinoma, one of the most fatal solid neoplasms, has steadily increased in Western society. Moreover, these tumors are being increasingly detected in their early stages. As with most cancers, the underlying causes of the disease remain unknown. However, understanding of pathogenesis of this tumor is rapidly advancing, and will allow for new treatments for advanced disease. Understanding of the influence of easily avoidable risk factors may allow for prevention of thousands of deaths caused by renal cancer.

Objective: We retrospectively review the patients treated at our institution for renal cell carcinoma (RCC). We compare the patients classified in TNM state T1N0M0 in the 1997 revision with the 1992 one in order to determine survival differences. We divide patients in three size related groups and compare its survival rates., Material and Methods: We review 168 surgically treated patients. 72 of them were classified into T1N0M0 stage. We compare cancer-free survival in patients included in 1997 and 1992 T1 stage. We divide patients in three groups: 1-3 cm, 3-5 cm, 5-7 cm and compare respective cancer-free survival., Results: There is a survival difference between T1(1997)-T2(1992) (p = 0.478). There is an inferior survival in size group 5-7 cm compared with 1-3 cm and 3-5 cm ones (p = 0.02/0.0465)., Conclusions: In our patients, 1997 revision of T1 size supposes a descent of cancer-free survival compared with 1992 one. We consider a better stage limit under 5 cm, instead of actual 7 cm.

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of the combination of colchicine and vitamin E (which has anti-fibrotic, anti-mitotic and anti-inflammatory effects) in modifying the early stages of Peyronie's disease, by evaluating pain relief, correction of deformities and plaque size., Patients and Methods: In all, 45 patients were divided into two groups and treated from January 1998 to November 2001. Their mean (range) age was 53.4 (40-62) years, the time from onset of the disease < 6 months and they had penile deformity of < 30 degrees; no patient had erectile dysfunction. Twenty-two patients were given ibuprofen 400 mg/day for 6 months, whilst 23 received a combination of vitamin E 600 mg/day plus colchicine 1 mg every 12 h. Pain, plaque size and penile deformity were assessed at 6 months., Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the groups at baseline in age, time from onset of the disease until the initial evaluation or plaque size. Although the proportion of patients reporting pain relief was higher amongst those receiving colchicine plus vitamin E (91% vs 68%) this was not significantly different, but differences in plaque size and penile curvature were significant., Conclusions: The use of colchicine plus vitamin E during the early stages of Peyronie's disease (time from onset < 6 months) in patients with penile curvature of < 30 degrees and no erectile dysfunction is an effective and well-tolerated way to stabilize the disease. A more extensive study is needed, comparing these results with other oral therapies.

We report on two new cases of encrusted pielitis, a lithiasic disease of infectious ethiology--Corynebacterium of D group-. The clinic diagnostic is difficult and this disease develops in immunosuppressed patients, mainly in renal transplanted ones. One of our two cases is diagnosed in a patient with a transplanted kidney and the other one develops the disease within her native kidneys. We remark on the clinic features and therapeutic options.

Objective: To assess the safety and efficacy of sildenafil citrate in renal transplant patients with erectile dysfunction, as up to half of men with renal failure may be affected and only 60-75% recover potency after transplantation., Patients and Methods: Fifty patients with erectile dysfunction and a functioning renal transplant were treated using sildenafil (mean age 54 years, mean time on dialysis 35 months, mean time from transplantation 20 months). The hypogastric artery was not used during transplantation in any patient. Sildenafil citrate was prescribed at doses of 25 or 50 mg depending on baseline creatinine values and on the response, and plasma levels of cyclosporin/FK506 were monitored., Results: Thirty patients (60%) had a satisfactory response, with a mean time on dialysis of 23 months. Six patients (12%) did not take the sildenafil and in 14 (28%) the drug was ineffective. The mean time on dialysis in this group was 43 months. Six patients (12%) had side-effects that in no case led to withdrawal of treatment. Plasma levels of cyclosporin/FK506 remained within the safety and efficacy limits in all patients., Conclusions: Treatment with sildenafil citrate in renal transplant patients with erectile dysfunction is an effective and safe option, with few side-effects. Plasma levels of immunosuppressants are unchanged. The response was more effective in patients with a shorter time on dialysis, as penile vascular disease is less advanced.

Renal abscess is a very rare complication of HIV infection, usually occurs in patients with severe immune deficiency. The immune status is the main factor that predict disease advancement. Highly activate antiretroviral therapy (HAART) improve the CD4 cell count. We present a case of renal abscess for Aspergillus niger in a HIV+ patient who complained of right flank mass and fever. We review relevant literature and the management of these patients.

We report on a case of fully gas-filled bladder with no evidence of intramural gas, fistula between bladder and gastrointestinal tract or instrumentation. The patient is diagnosed of a diabetic neurogenic bladder. We comment the causes of this rare finding and its relation with emphysematous cystitis.

We report on new case of a rare vesical tumour. We result the importance of immunohistochemistry and ultrastructural study to support the diagnosis of malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the urinary bladder. There has been described another 16 cases of this tumour in the literature, however, only four of them -five with ours- reports an extensive immunohistochemical and ultrastructural study. The rarity of vesical localization of this tumour may delay its diagnosis. It must be supported by a immunohistochemistry and/or ultrastructural study, in order to differentiate from other tumours with fibrohistiocytoma-like pattern: leiomyosarcoma and sarcomatoid carcinoma of the bladder. After radical removal of tumour, adjuvant therapy is recommended both systemic chemotherapy and local radiotherapy, although survival rates are over 5.3 months after first therapeutical actuation.

Objectives: We report on four new cases of Wolfram's Syndrome. We emphasize in urological aspects of this disease., Patients and Methods: Three male siblings. The other patient is also a male, without familiar relation with the other ones. All four patients presents different levels of urological alterations, mainly urinary collecting system dilation and decrease in detrusor muscle contractility., Conclusions: Urological findings are cardinal aspects in Wolfram syndrome. Due to its high frequency and prognostic value in natural history of disease. Urological disease seems to be within a systemic neurological tissues affectation of etiology that remains unknown.

High grade (PIN AG) intraepithelial neoplasia of the prostate is a likely precursor of prostate adenocarcinoma (PA) because of their association. Since the risk to suffer PA increases in patients with no previous PIN AG, its finding requires an arduous search for PA. This paper reviews the incidence of PIN AG in 499 histological studies in prostate transrectal biopsies, prostate TUR and adenomectomy specimens and radical prostatectomy (RP) sections. Evaluation of data obtained, type of presentation and association to prostate carcinoma, indicating the approach taken in the various cases.

We describe a case report in which is shown an extensive extravasation of contrast media from urethra lumen following a retrograde urethrocystography. It is shown filling of cavernous system and, at once, iliac vessels and inferior cava. Later X ray plates demonstrates entire collecting system due to the renal contrast excretion.

The emergence of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome has changed the natural history of tuberculosis which has now become the second most common infection associated to human immunodeficiency virus infection. It is only rarely that a tuberculous infection has an urogenital location, and extrapulmonary locations are generally related to severe immunosuppression. This paper presents one case of tuberculous orchitis that presented as the clinical onset of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Discussion of the clinical evolution and the therapeutic approach that consisted in orchiectomy associated to treatment with tuberculostatics.