International Journal of Urology最新文献

Background

Male infertility is influenced by a variety of etiologies, including quantitative and qualitative impairments in spermatogenesis. Antioxidants scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS), which reduce sperm motility, cause damage to DNA, and lead to subsequent apoptosis in sperm cells. This trial aimed to evaluate the effect of oral Synbiotic and a multivitamin-mineral supplement for men helping to improve male fertility (SperiGen), as an antioxidant agent, on the spermatogram in idiopathic Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (iOAT).

Materials and Methods

This double-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted on infertile males with iOAT. Totally, 73 patients with iOAT were blindly randomized into two groups; one group received SperiGen as an antioxidant agent in addition to placebo. In the next group, in addition to SperiGen, the patients received 500 mg Synbiotic (FamiLact) on a daily basis. They continued their treatments for 3 months. Semen parameters were measured before and after the intervention.

Results

Supplementations with a combination of Synbiotic and SperiGen compared with SperiGen and placebo significantly increased the average change of sperm progressive motility (p = 0.001), DNA fragmentation (p = 0.001), and diminished the levels of non-motile sperm (p = 0.018). Eventually, within-group analysis indicated that all parameters were significantly improved in both groups, except for non-progressive motility in the SperiGen and placebo group.

Conclusion

The combination of Synbiotic and SperiGen (an antioxidant supplement) appears to be much more effective than using an antioxidant alone in improving the DNA fragmentation, concentration, and progressive motility of sperm.

Trial Registration: IRCT20190810044500N6, 2020-09-05. https://irct.behdasht.gov.ir/trial/46773. https://trial.medpath.com/clinical-trial/7ad7a7af5cba37f3/evaluating-symbiotic-therapy-male-infertility

Objective

To validate the pubourethral stump angle (PUA), an MRI-based parameter, as a preoperative predictor of the need for an elaborate approach during delayed anastomotic urethroplasty (DAU) for pelvic fracture urethral injury (PFUI), using an independent cohort.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 184 consecutive male patients who underwent DAU for PFUI between August 2016 and August 2024 and had adequate preoperative pelvic MRI. Urethral anatomy was assessed by MRI using a standardized protocol. MRI parameters included PUA, urethral gap length, pubourethral stump length, lateral prostatic displacement, and dorsal venous complex patency. DAU was performed via a perineal approach with ancillary maneuvers applied stepwise: step 1 (bulbar urethral mobilization), step 2 (corporal separation), step 3 (partial pubectomy), and step 4 (supracrural rerouting). The approach was categorized as simple if completed up to step 2, and elaborate if step 3 or higher was required. Logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors, and predictive performance was assessed by the area under the ROC curve (AUC).

Results

An elaborate approach was required in 70 (38.0%). On multivariate analysis, prior transurethral treatment (OR 2.77, 95% CI 1.16–6.65, p = 0.02) and smaller PUA (OR 0.95 per degree, 95% CI 0.94–0.98, p < 0.0001) were independent predictors. The combined model demonstrated good discrimination, with an AUC of 0.782.

Conclusions

Smaller PUA on MRI and a history of prior transurethral treatment independently predict the need for elaborate surgical maneuvers during DAU for PFUI. Incorporating PUA into preoperative assessment may enhance surgical planning, facilitate patient counseling, and improve preparedness.

Objectives

Considering the high frequency of intravesical recurrence in bladder urothelial carcinoma (UBC), accurate non-invasive biomarkers for recurrence prediction are needed for better management after transurethral surgery. This pilot study examined the usefulness of urine DNA for detecting and predicting intravesical recurrence in UBC.

Methods

Patients with primary nonmuscle-invasive UBC were prospectively enrolled just after initial transurethral surgery. Genomic profiles were evaluated in resected specimens of the original tumor and in urine during follow-up. Urine DNA, urine cytology, and cystoscopy were all evaluated at 3-month intervals until 1 year postoperatively. Upon centrifuging urine samples into precipitation and supernatant fractions, we retrospectively evaluated urine DNA using a genomic panel established in our previous report.

Results

In the 19 patients enrolled, intravesical recurrent tumors were detected in six patients by cystoscopy. Urine DNA was positive in all of the recurrence cases before or at the time of cystoscopic or cytological detection, whereas urine cytology did not test positive before cystoscopic recurrence. Both urine precipitation and supernatant samples tested positive in 5 of 6 recurrence cases, indicating no obvious differences in the fraction used. Urine DNA was positive in 4 of the 13 nonrecurrence cases, among which three tested negative following Bacille Calmette-Guerin therapy.

Conclusions

Urine DNA as screened by our genomic panel may be useful for predicting and detecting intravesical recurrence in UBC. The simultaneous evaluation of urine precipitation and supernatant may enhance the clinical utility of urine DNA during surveillance for intravesical recurrence in UBC patients.

Background

Acute scrotum is a common pediatric urological emergency, with testicular torsion requiring prompt surgical intervention to prevent irreversible ischemic damage. In Japan, large-scale multicenter data on diagnostic and management practices remain limited.

Methods

This multicenter retrospective study reviewed pediatric patients (aged 0–21 years) presenting with acute scrotal pain across 15 institutions in the Kyushu–Okinawa region between 2014 and 2023. Clinical characteristics, diagnostic workup, initial facility type, specialty of first-contact physician, and care pathway were analyzed. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with testicular salvage.

Results

A total of 906 patients were included (median age, 11 years). Final diagnoses were epididymitis (41.9%), testicular torsion (26.8%), torsion of the testicular appendage (12.1%), and other causes (19.2%).

Among torsion patients (n = 243), ultrasonography was performed in 98.8%, TWIST scoring in 31.7%, and inter-facility transfer was required in 66.7%.

Multivariable analysis identified three independent predictors of testicular salvage: Time from symptom onset to skin incision < 6 h (OR 3.38, 95% CI 1.56–7.36, p = 0.002), age ≥ 10 years (OR 2.77, 95% CI 1.28–5.75, p = 0.009), and same-hospital treatment (OR 2.74, 95% CI 1.23–6.07, p = 0.013).

Conclusions

Frequent inter-facility transfers significantly reduce testicular salvage rates, underscoring the importance of timely surgical management within the same hospital.

Regional standardized protocols, provider education, and public health awareness campaigns are warranted to minimize preoperative delay and improve outcomes for pediatric testicular torsion.

Introduction

This study aimed to investigate the real-world usage patterns and persistence rates of mirabegron and vibegron in the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB).

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted on patients who received either mirabegron or vibegron as their initial treatment for OAB between August 2022 and December 2024. Two types of persistence rates were assessed: (1) the individual persistence for each drug (persistence rate I) and (2) the overall β3-adrenergic agonist persistence among patients who switched between mirabegron and vibegron (persistence rate II).

Results

In total, 192 patients were included, with 128 (66.7%) receiving mirabegron and 64 (33.3%) receiving vibegron. Mirabegron was more commonly prescribed to male patients. The median persistence rate I was 11 months for mirabegron (95% CI, 6–16) and was not reached for vibegron (95% CI, 9 months to not estimable) (p = 0.071). Among those who discontinued treatment, 40.7% of mirabegron users and 17.6% of vibegron users switched to the alternative β3 agonist. The median persistence rate II was 16 months for mirabegron (95% CI, 8–20) and not reached for vibegron (95% CI, 9 months to not estimable) (p = 0.352).

Conclusion

The higher discontinuation rate of mirabegron may reflect the availability of vibegron as an alternative treatment option. The complementary use of both β3 agonists could play a key role in optimizing OAB management.