A systematic review of medical therapy to facilitate passage of ureteral calculi

Medical Expulsive Therapy is Underused for the Management of Renal Colic in the Emergency Setting

PURPOSE

Although the 2007 AUA (American Urological Association) guidelines established it as first line therapy for ureteral stones less than 10 mm, widespread adoption of medical expulsive therapy has been low. We determined the current penetrance of medical expulsive therapy guideline recommendations and the efficacy of medical expulsive therapy in reducing the requirement for urological procedures after emergency department visits for ureteral stones.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a retrospective analysis of patients seen in the emergency department we included 2,105 emergency department visits associated with an ICD-9 diagnosis of urolithiasis in which computerized tomography abdomen/pelvis scan was performed. Outcomes were reviewed for spontaneous passage or required urological procedure.

RESULTS

Ureteral stones were found in 48.8% of patients, including 50.0% in whom medical expulsive therapy was prescribed. There was no significant difference between patients who did and did not receive medical expulsive therapy. Within 12 weeks of the initial emergency department visit there was no difference in the rate of urological procedures performed in those who received medical expulsive therapy or in the rate of return to the emergency department. Patients treated with medical expulsive therapy experienced a shorter time to spontaneous expulsion (7.1 vs 12.8 days, p = 0.048).

CONCLUSIONS

Medical expulsive therapy for renal colic in the emergency setting remains underused. Half of the patients who met criteria for medical expulsive therapy in this study did not receive the standard of care. Patients treated with medical expulsive therapy achieved spontaneous passage more quickly but there was no difference in the requirement for a urological procedure. These results highlight the need for personnel at emergency departments to better standardize care for patients with ureteral stones.

Medical and alternative therapies in urinary tract stone disease

Nephrolithiasis is a serious problem for both patients and the health system. Recurrence stands out as a significant problem in urinary system stone disease, the prevalence of which is increasing gradually. If recurrence is not prevented, patients may go through recurrent operations due to nephrolithiasis. While classical therapeutic options are available for all stone types, the number of randomized controlled studies and extensive meta-analyses focusing on their efficiency are inadequate. Various alternative therapeutic options to these medical therapies also stand out in recent years. The etiology of urolithiasis is multifactorial and not always related to nutritional factors. Nutrition therapy seems to be useful, either along with pharmacological therapy or as a monotherapy. General nutrition guidelines are useful in promoting public health and developing nutrition plans that reduce the risk or attenuate the effects of diseases affected by nutrition. Nutrition therapy involves the evaluation of a patient’s nutritional state and intake, the diagnosis of nutrition risk factors, and the organization and application of a nutrition program. The main target is the reduction or prevention of calculus formation and growth via decreasing lithogenic risk factors and increasing lithogenic inhibitors in urine. This review focuses briefly on classical medical therapy, along with alternative options, related diets, and medical expulsive therapy.

Effects of PDE5 Inhibitors and sGC Stimulators in a Rat Model of Artificial Ureteral Calculosis

Urinary colics from calculosis are frequent and intense forms of pain whose current pharmacological treatment remains unsatisfactory. New and more effective drugs are needed to control symptoms and improve stone expulsion. Recent evidence suggested that the Nitric Oxide (NO) / cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) / phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) system may contribute to ureteral motility influencing stone expulsion. We investigated if PDE5 inhibitors and sGC stimulators influence ureteral contractility, pain behaviour and stone expulsion in a rat model of ureteral calculosis. We investigated: a)the sex-specific PDE5 distribution in the rat ureter; b)the functional in vitro effects of vardenafil and sildenafil (PDE5 inhibitors) and BAY41-2272 (sGC stimulator) on induced ureteral contractility in rats and c)the in vivo effectiveness of vardenafil and BAY41-2272, alone and combined with ketoprofen, vs hyoscine-N-butylbromide alone or combined with ketoprofen, on behavioural pain indicators and stone expulsion in rats with artificial calculosis in one ureter. PDE5 was abundantly expressed in male and female rats’ ureter. In vitro, both vardenafil and BAY41-2272 significantly relaxed pre-contracted ureteral strips. In vivo, all compounds significantly reduced number and global duration of “ureteral crises” and post-stone lumbar muscle hyperalgesia in calculosis rats. The highest level of reduction of the pain behaviour was observed with BAY41-2272 among all spasmolytics administered alone, and with the combination of ketoprofen with BAY41-2272. The percentage of stone expulsion was maximal in the ketoprofen+BAY41-2272 group. The NO/cGMP/PDE5 pathway is involved in the regulation of ureteral contractility and pain behaviour in urinary calculosis. PDE5 inhibitors and sGC stimulators could become a potent new option for treatment of urinary colic pain.

Medical expulsive treatment in pediatric urolithiasis

The frequency of stone disease in childhood ranges between 0.1-5 percent. Stone disease occurs as a result of enviromental, metabolic, anatomical, infectious and nutritional factors. Percutaneous nephrolitotomy, uretherorenoscopy, laparoscopic surgery, open surgery and extracorporeal shock wave lithothripsy are treatment alternatives for stone disease during childhood. However, these methods are not completely innocent. Some complications may occur after these procedures. These procedures are generally not cost- effective. Even invasive procedures have high success rates, so medical expulsive treatment modalities have become an alternative for a group of patients. Nonsteroidal anti- inflammatory drugs, antimuscarinic drugs, phospodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, steroids, calcium channel blockers and alpha blockers are treatment alterneatives used for this modality in the literature. The drug is chosen according to the location, size, and composition of the stone, recent technology, cost, surgeon's experience and surgeon's and the parents' preferences. In this review article the following topics will be discussed such as "Why medical expulsive treatment is needed during childhood? Which drug should be chosen for which stone type? How long should a treatment of urolithiasis last?

Ultrasonography for the prediction of urological surgical intervention in patients with renal colic

CONTEXT

There are no clear indicators of which ultrasound findings in an emergency department (ED) renal colic population are predictive of urological surgical intervention.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the sonographic findings of renal colic that predict surgical intervention.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 500 consecutive ED patients with a diagnosis of renal colic that had ultrasonography (performed by radiology) during their ED visit. Our main outcome was urological surgical intervention. This was defined as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, percutaneous nephrostomy or ureteroscopy performed within 16 weeks of the initial ED presentation.

RESULTS

Of the 500 identified patients, 483 met our eligibility criteria. Of this group, 67 (13.9%) received a surgical intervention. Ultrasound (US) findings were 97% (95% CI 88.7% to 99.5%) sensitive and 28.1% (23.9% to 32.8%) specific in 'diagnosing' the requirement for surgery when the ultrasound (US) showed either at least a stone present or showed moderate to severe hydronephrosis. The presence of stone and moderate to severe hydronephrosis had a + likelihood ratio (LR) 3.86 (2.46 to 6.07) and a -LR 0.72 (0.60 to 0.86). Having a stone ≥6 mm had a sensitivity of 77.6% (65.5% to 86.5%), a specificity of 73.6% (69.0% to 77.7%), a +LR of 2.94 (2.39 to 3.6) and a -LR 0.30 (0.19 to 0.48).

CONCLUSIONS

Radiology performed ultrasonography is a valuable tool for identifying renal colic that will go on to receive a surgical intervention in the 16 weeks following an ED visit. Further studies are needed to confirm the utility of ultrasound findings of stone visualisation, stone size and moderate to severe hydronephrosis in determining which patients need outpatient urology follow-up.

Efficacy and safety of tamsulosin as a medical expulsive therapy for stones in children

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy of tamsulosin for promoting ureteric stone expulsion in children, based on the confirmed efficacy of tamsulosin as a medical expulsive therapy in adults.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From February 2010 to July 2013, 67 children presenting with a distal ureteric stone of <1 cm as assessed on unenhanced computed tomography were included in the study. The patients were randomised into two groups, with group 1 (33 patients) receiving tamsulosin 0.4 mg and ibuprofen, and group 2 (34) receiving ibuprofen only. They were followed up for 4 weeks. Endoscopic intervention was indicated for patients with uncontrolled pain, recurrent urinary tract infection, hypersensitivity to tamsulosin and failure of stone passage after 4 weeks of conservative treatment.

RESULTS

Sixty-three patients completed the study. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in patient age, body weight and stone size, the mean (SD) of which was 6.52 (1.8) mm in group 1 vs. 6.47 (1.79) mm in group 2 (P = 0.9). The mean (SD) time to stone expulsion in group 1 was 7.7 (1.9) days, vs. 18 (1.73) days in group 2 (P < 0.001). The analgesic requirement (mean number of ketorolac injections) in group 1 was significantly less than in group 2, at 0.55 (0.8) vs. 1.8 (1.6) (P < 0.001). The stone-free rate was 87% in group 1 and 63% in group 2 (P = 0.025).

CONCLUSIONS

Tamsulosin used as a medical expulsive therapy for children with ureteric stones is safe and effective, as it facilitates spontaneous expulsion of the stone.

Effect of Flos carthami Extract and α 1-Adrenergic Antagonists on the Porcine Proximal Ureteral Peristalsis

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been proposed to prevent urolithiasis. In China, Flos carthami (FC, also known as Carthamus tinctorius) (Safflower; Chinese name: Hong Hua/紅花) has been used to treat urological diseases for centuries. We previously performed a screening and confirmed the in vivo antilithic effect of FC extract. Here, ex vivo organ bath experiment was further performed to study the effect of FC extract on the inhibition of phenylepinephrine (PE) (10⁻⁴ and 10⁻³ M) ureteral peristalsis of porcine ureters with several α₁-adrenergic antagonists (doxazosin, tamsulosin, and terazosin) as experimental controls. The results showed that doxazosin, tamsulosin, and terazosin dose (approximately 4.5 × 10⁻⁶ − 4.5 × 10⁻¹  μg/mL) dependently inhibited both 10⁻⁴ and 10⁻³ M PE-induced ureteral peristalsis. FC extract achieved 6.2% ± 10.1%, 21.8% ± 6.8%, and 24.0% ± 5.6% inhibitions of 10⁻⁴ M PE-induced peristalsis at doses of 5 × 10³, 1 × 10⁴, and 2 × 10⁴  μg/mL, respectively, since FC extract was unable to completely inhibit PE-induced ureteral peristalsis, suggesting the antilithic effect of FC extract is related to mechanisms other than modulation of ureteral peristalsis.

Silodosin versus Tamsulosin as Medical Expulsive Therapy for Distal Ureteral Stones: A Prospective Randomized Study

Introduction

The aim of this study was to compare the safety and efficacy of silodosin (8 mg) versus tamsulosin (0.4 mg) as a medical expulsive therapy for distal ureteral stones.

Methods

136 patients (aged 18 years or older) had presented with renal colic, were diagnosed to have a single, unilateral, radiopaque, proximal ureteral stone (range 4–10 mm in size), and agreed to undergo conservative management. For a 3-week period, 68 patients per group were assigned to the following treatments: Group A (gA) received tamsulosin 0.4 mg once daily, and Group B (gB) received silodosin 8 mg once daily. The time to expulsion, analgesic use, follow-up, endoscopic treatment and adverse effects of drugs were noted.

Results

Considering all the patients enrolled (136), one patient in gA and two patients in gB were unable to continue the study because of orthostatic hypotension within a week from commencing the treatment. A total of 133 patients (gA: 67; gB: 66) were included in this study. A stone expulsion rate of 61.2% (41 out of 67 patients) was observed in gA, and 80.3% (53 out of 66) was observed in gB. gB showed a statistically relevant advantage in terms of stone expulsion rate (p: 0.003), as well as in terms of expulsion time (weeks) (p: 0.002). No severe complications were recorded in both groups. Four patients (10.2%; 4/39) in gA and ten patients (22.7%; 10/44) in gB experienced retrograde ejaculation (<0.002).

Conclusion

The patients treated with silodosin showed a significant increase in expulsion rate and a decrease in expulsion time of lower ureteral stones in our study.

Use of drug therapy in the management of symptomatic ureteric stones in hospitalized adults (SUSPEND), a multicentre, placebo-controlled, randomized trial of a calcium-channel blocker (nifedipine) and an α-blocker (tamsulosin): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background

Urinary stone disease is common, with an estimated prevalence among the general population of 2% to 3%. Ureteric stones can cause severe pain and have a significant impact on quality of life, accounting for over 15,000 hospital admissions in England annually. Uncomplicated cases of smaller stones in the lower ureter are traditionally treated expectantly. Those who fail standard care or develop complications undergo active treatment, such as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy or ureteroscopy with stone retrieval. Such interventions are expensive, require urological expertise and carry a risk of complications.

Growing understanding of ureteric function and pathophysiology has led to the hypothesis that drugs causing relaxation of ureteric smooth muscle, such as the selective α-blocker tamsulosin and the calcium-channel blocker nifedipine, can enhance the spontaneous passage of ureteric stones. The use of drugs in augmenting stone passage, reducing the morbidity and costs associated with ureteric stone disease, is promising. However, the majority of clinical trials conducted to date have been small, poor to moderate quality and lacking in comprehensive economic evaluation.

This trial aims to determine the clinical and cost-effectiveness of tamsulosin and nifedipine in the management of symptomatic urinary stones.

Methods/design

The SUSPEND (Spontaneous Urinary Stone Passage ENabled by Drugs) trial is a multicentre, double-blind, randomized controlled trial evaluating two medical expulsive therapy strategies (nifedipine or tamsulosin) versus placebo.

Patients aged 18 to 65 with a ureteric stone confirmed by non-contrast computed tomography of the kidney, ureter and bladder will be randomized to receive nifedipine, tamsulosin or placebo (400 participants per arm) for a maximum of 28 days. The primary clinical outcome is spontaneous passage of ureteric stones at 4 weeks (defined as no further intervention required to facilitate stone passage). The primary economic outcome is a reduction in the incremental cost per quality-adjusted life years, determined at 12 weeks. The analysis will be based on all participants as randomized (intention to treat). The trial has 90% power with a type I error rate of 5% to detect a 10% increase in primary outcome between the tamsulosin and nifedipine treatment groups.

Trial registration

ISRCTN69423238; EudraCT number: 2010-019469-26

A comparison of nifedipine and tamsulosin as medical expulsive therapy for the management of lower ureteral stones without ESWL

Administration of nifedipine or tamsulosin has been suggested to augment stone expulsion rates. We aimed to compare the stone expulsion rates and adverse effects associated with the use of nifedipine or tamsulosin as medical expulsive therapy (MET) for the management of lower ureteral stones (LUS) without extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) via a literature review and meta-analysis. Relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified from the Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Google Scholar databases. Finally, a total of 7 RCTs with 3897 patients were included. Our meta-analysis showed that tamsulosin could significantly increase the stone expulsion rate relative to nifedipine in patients with LUS (random-effects model; risk ratio [RR] = 0.81; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.75–0.88; P < 0.00001). The subgroup analysis indicated no statistically significant difference between the drugs with regard to minor or major adverse effects (fixed-effect model; RR = 1.19, 95% CI = 0.91–1.54, P = 0.20; and RR = 1.63, 95% CI = 0.22–11.82, P = 0.63, respectively). This meta-analysis demonstrated that tamsulosin was more effective than nifedipine in patients with LUS, as evidenced by the higher stone expulsion rate. Tamsulosin treatment should therefore be considered for patients with LUS.

Tamsulosin for treatment of unilateral distal ureterolithiasis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

The lifetime prevalence of ureterolithiasis is approximately 13% for men and 7% for women in the United States. Tamsulosin, an α-antagonist, has been used as therapy to facilitate the expulsion of lithiasis. Whether it is a good treatment for distal lithiasis remains controversial. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of tamsulosin on the passage of distal ureterolithiasis.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central. Trial eligibility was evaluated by two investigators. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing tamsulosin to standard therapy or placebo for the treatment of a single distal ureterolithiasis ≤ 10 mm in adult patients with renal colic confirmed by radiographic imaging were included. Data extraction was conducted in duplicate. Primary outcome was the expulsion rate, and secondary outcomes were the mean time for ureterolithiasis expulsion, analgesic requirements, and side effects. Mantel-Haenszel random effect models were used, and heterogeneity was assessed using I² statistics. Data were presented with relative risks (RRs).

RESULTS

The search strategy identified 685 articles, of which 22 studies were included. Combined results suggested a benefit for the expulsion of ureterolithiasis (≤ 10 mm) when tamsulosin was used compared to a standard treatment (RR 1.50 [95% CI 1.31-1.71], I²  =  70%). A decrease in the average time of expulsion of the ureterolithiasis of 3.33 days in favour of tamsulosin was observed (95% CI -4.23, -2.44], I²  =  67%).

CONCLUSION

Tamsulosin increases the rate of spontaneous passage of distal ureterolithiasis (≤ 10 mm).

Alpha-blockers as medical expulsive therapy for ureteral stones

BACKGROUND

Urinary stone disease is one of the most common reasons for patients visiting a urology practice, affecting about 5% to 10% of the population. Annual costs for stone disease have rapidly increased over the years and most patients with ureteral colic or other symptoms seek medical care. Stone size and location are important predictors of stone passage. In most cases medical expulsive therapy is an appropriate treatment modality and most studies have been performed with alpha-blockers. Alpha-blockers tend to decrease intra-ureteral pressure and increase fluid passage which might increase stone passage. Faster stone expulsion will decrease the rate of complications, the need for invasive interventions and eventually decrease healthcare costs. A study on the effect of alpha-blockers as medical expulsive therapy in ureteral stones is therefore warranted.

OBJECTIVES

This review aimed to answer the following question: does medical treatment with alpha-blockers compared to other pharmacotherapy or placebo impact on stone clearance rate, in adult patients presenting with symptoms of ureteral stones less than 10 mm confirmed by imaging? Other clinically relevant outcomes such as stone expulsion time, hospitalisation, pain scores, analgesic use and adverse effects have also been explored.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Renal Group's Specialised Register to 9 July 2012 through contact with the Trials Search Co-ordinator using search terms relevant to this review. Studies contained in the Specialised Register are identified through search strategies specifically designed for CENTRAL, MEDLINE and EMBASE, handsearching conference proceedings, and searching the International Clinical Trials Register (ICTRP) Search Portal and ClinicalTrials.gov.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), comparing alpha-blockers with other pharmacotherapy or placebo on ureteral stone passage in adult patients were included.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently assessed study quality and extracted data. Summary estimates of effect were obtained using a random-effects model, and results were expressed as risk ratios (RR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) for dichotomous outcomes, and mean difference (MD) and 95% CI for continuous outcomes. Reporting bias was investigated using funnel plots. Subgroup analysis was used to explore possible sources of heterogeneity. Sensitivity analysis was performed removing studies of poor methodological quality.

MAIN RESULTS

Thirty-two studies (5864 participants) were included. The stone-free rates were significantly higher in the alpha-blocker group (RR 1.48, 95% CI 1.33 to 1.64) when compared to standard therapy. Stone expulsion time was 2.91 days shorter with the use of alpha-blockers (MD -2.91, 95% CI -4.00 to -1.81). Use of alpha-blockers reduced the number of pain episodes (MD -0.48, 95% CI -0.94 to -0.01), the need for analgesic medication (diclofenac) (MD -38.17 mg, 95% CI -74.93 to -1.41) and hospitalisation (RR 0.35, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.97). Patients using alpha-blockers were more likely to experience adverse effects when compared to standard therapy (RR 2.74, 95% CI 1.38 to 5.45) or placebo (RR 2.73, 95% CI 1.50 to 4.96). Most adverse effects were mild of origin and did not lead to cessation of therapy, and several studies reported no adverse events in either the treatment or control group.In 7/32 studies patients and doctors were both blinded. In the other studies blinding was not described in the methods or no blinding had taken place. Two studies described incomplete data and only one study showed a relatively high number of patients who withdrew from the study. These factors limited the methodological strength of the evidence found.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The use of alpha-blockers in patients with ureteral stones results in a higher stone-free rate and a shorter time to stone expulsion. Alpha-blockers should therefore be offered as part of medical expulsive therapy as one of the primary treatment modalities.

Early hospital admission and treatment onset may positively affect spontaneous passage of ureteral stones in patients with renal colic

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of early hospital admission and onset of medical expulsive therapy (MET) in spontaneous passage of ureteral stones causing renal colic.

METHODS

We recruited 392 patients referred to the emergency room with symptoms of renal colic. All patients received standard MET of oral tamsulosin 0.4 mg at the time of diagnosis. In group A, patients who received MET in <2 hours from the symptom onset were included, whereas group B consisted of patients treated in >2 hours. The association of MET onset and stone-free rates after 6 weeks of follow-up was evaluated. Early MET onset predictive impact on spontaneous stone passage was evaluated as well.

RESULTS

The stone-free rate in group A and B patients was 71.2% and 59.7% (P=.018), respectively. A significant association was observed between spontaneous calculus elimination and stone size (P≤.001), location within the ureter (P=.007), and the interval between pain onset and pharmaceutical management (P=.018). Patients who received a late-onset MET had an increased risk to develop febrile upper urinary tract infection during the follow-up period (P=.040). In the multivariate analysis, size (P≤.001) and early therapy onset (P=.019) were statistically important predictors for stone-free status after the surveillance period.

CONCLUSION

Patients with renal colic who admitted to the emergency department earlier since symptom onset may have increased potential to be stone free during the surveillance period.

The effect of smoking on spontaneous passage of distal ureteral stones

Background

Animal studies have shown that nicotine affects the peristalsis of the ureter. The aim of the study is to analyze the effect of smoking on spontaneous passage of distal ureteral stones.

Methods

88 patients in whom distal ureteral stone below 10 mm diameter diagnosed with helical computerized tomography enhanced images were reviewed. Patients were grouped as either smokers (n:33) or non smokers (n:50). Follow-up for spontaneous passage of stones was limited with 4 weeks. Patients did not receive any additional medical treatment other than non-steroid anti inflamatory drugs only during painful renal colic episodes.

Two groups were compared with the chi-square test in terms of passing the stone or not. Stone passage was confirmed with either the patient collecting the stone during urination or by helical CT.

Results

Smoking habits was present in 30(34%) patients and the frequency in both groups were similar (smokers: 23(76%) vs non-smokers: 46(79%)). Spontaneous passage of the stone was observed in 69(78%) patients. The two groups were comparable in terms of patien age, male to female ratio and stone size. Stone passage decreased as stone diameter increased. Total stone passage rates were similar in both groups (smokers: 76% vs. non-smokers: 79%) (p > 0.05). Passage of stones > 4 mm was observed in 46% and 67% of smokers and non-smokers respectively. However passage of stones with a diameter ≤ 4 mm were similar in both groups (smokers: 100% vs non-smokers: 92%) (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Smoking has neither a favorable nor un-favorable effect on spontaneous passage of distal ureteral stones. However, spontaneous passage rates in patients with a stone diameter > 4 mm was lower in smokers. These results should be further confirmed with studies including larger numbers of patients.

Medical expulsive therapy

The objective of this review article is to present the current literature on medical expulsive therapy (MET) and help guide practitioners in the appropriate use of MET for treatment of stone disease. Kidney stones can be treated with multiple modalities including medical therapy, ureteroscopy, shock wave lithotripsy (SWL), percutaneous nephrostolithotomy, open/laparoscopic stone removal, and/or combinations of these modalities. The choice of intervention depends on patient factors, anatomical considerations, surgeon preference, and stone location and characteristics. MET is an excellent treatment modality in the appropriately selected patient. The AUA/EAU guidelines suggest MET as a reasonable treatment choice in select patients. A review of the data suggests the use of alpha antagonist and calcium channel blockers can improve stone expulsion rates. Most data suggests alpha antagonists as superior to calcium channel blockers. There are numerous available alpha antagonists, all of which have supporting data for their use in MET. Evidence suggests that MET can decrease colic events, narcotic use, and hospital visits. MET may also reduce medical costs and prevent unnecessary surgeries and the associated risks. Further, there is a role for alpha antagonists and calcium channel blockers in improving stone passage and decreasing pain in those subjects treated with other modalities (i.e. SWL and ureteroscopy). Despite this evidence, MET remains underutilized as a treatment modality.

Can the Hounsfield unit predict the success of medically expulsive therapy?

BACKGROUND

We investigate the predictability of medical expulsive therapy (MET) success with alpha blockers based on Hounsfield unit (HU) values and Hounsfield density (HD) values measured by computed tomography (CT) for distal ureteral stones.

METHODS

Between July 2011 and May 2012, 44 patients (19 female and 25 male) with 5- to 10-mm stones in the distal ureters were included in this randomized prospective study. Non-contrast CT examinations were performed in these patients. HU and HD values of stones were calculated. Doxazosine, 4 mg/day orally, was administered as a single dose to all patients for MET.

RESULTS

Patients were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 included 18 patients (43.9%) with dropped stones with MET. Group 2 included 23 patients (56.1%) with no stone passage with MET. In Group 1, the mean stone size was 7.7 mm, the mean HU was 507, and the HD was 53.04/mm. In Group 2, the mean stone size was 8.25 mm, the mean HU was 625, and the mean HD was 61.54/mm. The HU and HD values in Group 2 were higher than in Group 1. However, there was no statistically significant difference (p = 0.85 and 0.93 for HU and HD, respectively).

INTERPRETATION

We found that HU and HD values cannot be used to predict the chances of success for MET. Although the sample size is appropriate for the study, further comparative studies involving more patients are warranted.

Efficacy of alfuzosin after shock wave lithotripsy for the treatment of ureteral calculi

PURPOSE

We evaluated the efficacy of alfuzosin for the treatment of ureteral calculi less than 10 mm in diameter after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A randomized, single-blind clinical trial was performed prospectively by one physician between June 2010 and August 2011. A total of 84 patients with ureteral calculi 5 to 10 mm in diameter were divided into two groups. Alfuzosin 10 mg (once daily) and loxoprofen sodium 68.1 mg (as needed) were prescribed to group 1 (n=41), and loxoprofen sodium 68.1 mg (as needed) only was prescribed to group 2 (n=44). The drug administration began immediately after ESWL and continued until stone expulsion was confirmed up to a maximum of 42 days after the procedure.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine of 41 (95.1%) patients in group 1 and 40 of 43 (93.0%) patients in group 2 ultimately passed stones (p=0.96). The number of ESWL sessions was 1.34±0.65 and 1.41±0.85 in groups 1 and 2, respectively (p=0.33). The patients who required analgesics after ESWL were 8 (19.5%) in group 1 and 13 (30.2%) in group 2 (p=0.31). Visual analogue scale pain severity scores were 5.33±1.22 and 6.43±1.36 in groups 1 and 2, respectively (p=0.056). The time to stone expulsion in groups 1 and 2 was 9.5±4.8 days and 14.7±9.8 days, respectively (p=0.005). No significant adverse effects occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of alfuzosin in combination with ESWL seems to facilitate stone passage and to reduce the time of stone expulsion but does not affect the stone-free rate.

Pharmacologic treatment of kidney stone disease

This article reviews the data on pharmacologic treatment of kidney stone disease, with a focus on prophylaxis against stone recurrence. One of the most effective and important therapies for stone prevention, an increase in urine volume, is not discussed because this is a dietary and not a pharmacologic intervention. Also reviewed are medical expulsive therapy used to improve the spontaneous passage of ureteral stones and pharmacologic treatment of symptoms associated with ureteral stents. The goal is to review the literature with a focus on the highest level of evidence (ie, randomized controlled trials).

Impact of tamsulosin on ureter stone expulsion in korean patients: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies

Purpose

Using meta-analysis, the study's aim was to evaluate the efficacy of tamsulosin, an alpha-blocker, in the treatment of ureteral stones with or without shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) in Korean patients.

Materials and Methods

Relevant randomized controlled studies published through June 2011 were identified in a search of MEDLINE, KoreaMed, and the Korean Medical Database. No language restriction was applied. Only randomized controlled trials conducted with Korean patients were eligible for the analysis. The primary outcome assessed was the stone clearance rate. Two reviewers independently assessed the quality of the study and extracted the data. Meta-analysis was conducted by using R, version 2.13.0.

Results

A total of 6 articles were selected as being suitable for evaluation. Pooling of the trials demonstrated a 43% higher expulsion rate for tamsulosin treatment compared to a control group (risk ratio [RR], 1.43; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.24 to 1.65). Similar results were obtained in all subgroup analyses according to stone location (upper: RR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.68, lower: RR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.20 to 1.88) or concomitant SWL (yes: RR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.14 to 1.68, no: RR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.21 to 1.83).

Conclusions

This meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies provides a high level of evidence supporting the suggestion that treatment with tamsulosin augments the stone expulsion rate for ureter stones with or without SWL in a Korean population. However, a high-quality, large-scale, multicenter, randomized controlled trial is warranted to fully support this hypothesis.

Tamsulosin for the management of distal ureteral stones in children: a prospective randomized study

PURPOSE

Based on efficacy demonstrated in the adult population, tamsulosin was evaluated with regard to facilitating ureteral stone expulsion in children presenting with distal ureteric calculi.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A prospective randomized controlled study involving 61 children with distal ureteric calculi <12 mm was performed. The children were randomly divided into two groups. Group I (study group, n = 33) received tamsulosin and standard analgesia, and Group II (placebo group, n = 28) received standard analgesia and placebo. Patients were offered a closely monitored trial for spontaneous stone passage in the 4-week period prior to definitive therapy. The stone expulsion rate, number and duration of pain episodes, need for analgesia and possible side effects of medications were observed.

RESULTS

All patients completed the study and none were excluded due to side effects. No significant differences were found between the groups for age, gender and stone size. Mean patient age was 8.1 ± 6.8 years. There were 25 females and 36 males. The stone-free rate was 87.8% in Group I (29/33), compared with 64.2% (18/28) in Group II. A mean stone expulsion time of 8.2 and 14.5 days was recorded for Group I and II respectively, and this difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Medical expulsion therapy for lower ureteric stones is a successful procedure in children. Tamsulosin demonstrated no clinically significant adverse effect, while proving to be a safe and effective treatment option.

Minimally Invasive Surgical and Medical Management of Urinary Calculi

Management of urinary calculi has changed from open pyelolithotomy and ureterolithotomy to predominantly non-invasive procedures such as extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) as well as endourological such as ureterorenoscopy (URS) and percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (PCNL). Technology has advanced rapidly allowing stone disease to be treated with minimally invasive techniques that have lower morbidity than the open operations of the past. Newer semi-rigid ureteroscopes of size 7 to 9 F allow visualisation of the ureter without traumatic dilatation. There is the flexible ureteroscope developed with smaller fibre optics, the addition of the working channel that allows the use of laser fibres for stone fragmentation and a greater deflection of the tip that enables all parts of the pelvicalyceal system to be inspected for stones. New generation lithotripters for ESWL deliver shockwave to a smaller focal zone so as to minimise damage to surrounding soft tissue but as a result, there are higher failure rates. PCNL, though more invasive than ESWL and URS, is the procedure of choice for large renal stones. It is highly efficient in such situations as newer equipment to disintegrate stone and newer techniques for percutaneous access has been developed. In addition to all these minimally invasive surgical techniques, there is medical therapy available to allow the expulsion of distal ureteric stones as well as alkalinising agents to dissolve uric acid stones. Metabolic evaluation is necessary for patients with recurrent stones. Dietary adjustments may help prevent recurrent stone formation in selected patients depending on the results. With all these techniques currently available, management of urinary calculi has to be tailored according to the size, location of stone as well as patient preference.

Contemporary management of ureteral stones

CONTEXT

Ureteral calculi represent a common condition that urologists encounter in everyday practice. Several treatment options are available for calculi that do not pass spontaneously or are unlikely to do so.

OBJECTIVE

In this nonsystematic review, we summarize the existing data on contemporary management of ureteral stones focusing on medical expulsive therapy (MET) and different treatment modalities.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A PubMed search was performed. We reviewed the recent literature on the management of ureteral calculi. Articles were considered between 1997 and 2011. Older studies were included selectively if historically relevant.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

For stones that do not pass spontaneously or with MET, shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) and ureteroscopy (URS) are the most common and efficient treatment modalities. Both techniques have obvious advantages and disadvantages as well as different patterns of complications. For select cases or patients, other modalities may be useful.

CONCLUSIONS

Ureteral stones of up to 10mm and eligible for observation may be offered MET. For most ureteral calculi that require treatment, advances in SWL and URS allow urologists to take a minimally invasive approach. Other more invasive treatments are reserved for select "nonstandard" cases.

Urolithiasis in the emergency department

Urolithiasis commonly presents to the emergency department with acute, severe, unilateral flank pain. Patients with a suspected first-time stone or atypical presentation should be evaluated with a noncontrast computed tomography scan to confirm the diagnosis and rule out alternative diagnoses. Narcotics remain the mainstay of pain management but in select patients, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories alone or in combination with narcotics provide safe and effective analgesia in the emergency department. Whereas most kidney stones can be managed with pain control and expectant management, obstructing kidney stones with a suspected proximal urinary tract infection are urological emergencies requiring emergent decompression, antibiotics, and resuscitation.

Emergency management of ureteral stones: Recent advances

Most ureteral stones can be observed with reasonable expectation of uneventful stone passage. When an active ureteral stone treatment is warranted, the best procedure to choose is dependent on several factors, besides stone size and location, including operators’ experience, patients’ preference, available equipment and related costs. Placement of double-J stent or nephrostomy tube represents the classical procedures performed in a renal colic due to acute ureteral obstruction when the conservative drug therapy does not resolve the symptoms. These maneuvers are usually followed by ureteroscopy or extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy, which currently represent the mainstay of treatment for ureteral stones. In this review paper a literature search was performed to identify reports dealing with emergency management of renal colic due to ureteral stones. The main aspects related to this debated issue are analyzed and the advantages and disadvantages of each treatment option are carefully discussed.

Medical expulsive therapy using alfuzosin for patient presenting with ureteral stone less than 10mm: a prospective randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

To assess the spontaneous passage rate for patients being treated with alfuzosin 10mg daily after presenting with an acute ureteral stone compared with a control group, and to assess the respective pain control status.

METHODS

This was a prospective randomized controlled trial. Patients presenting with an acute ureteral stone (size 5-10mm) were enrolled and randomized into a medical expulsive therapy (MET) group or control group. The MET group received alfuzosin slow release (SR) 10mg daily for 4weeks and dologesic (paracetamol+dextropropoxyphene, four tablets daily on demand) for 2weeks. The control group received the same analgesics for 2weeks only. Diclofenac sodium SR 100mg daily for 2weeks was added in case of suboptimal pain control. All the patients were assessed through phone interview at week 2 and with kidney-ureter-bladder X-ray at week 5 to check for any evidence of stone passage.

RESULTS

A total of 67 patients were included in the analysis. The overall spontaneous passage rate was increased by 31.8% with MET (P=0.006). For an upper ureteral stone, the rate was increased by 51.3% (P=0.01). The MET group used significantly less dicolofenac sodium (1.5 tablets vs 6.7 tablets, P=0.031).

CONCLUSIONS

MET using alfuzosin SR 10mg daily is effective to enhance the ureteral stone spontaneous passage rate, particularly for upper ureteral stones. Fewer analgesic drugs are consumed and more patients can avoid ureteroscopic lithotripsy and/or extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy.

Meta-analysis showing the beneficial effect of α-blockers on ureteric stent discomfort

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? Ureteric stents cause significant discomfort and this is probably related to ureteric smooth muscle spasm and trigonal irritation. Alpha-adrenoceptor antagonists reduce smooth muscle activity and are already widely used in medical expulsive therapy to aid passage of ureteric calculi. This meta-analysis incorporating five randomized controlled trials provides evidence that alpha-adrenoceptor antagonists reduce stent-related pain and storage symptoms as assessed by the Ureteric Stent Symptoms Questionnaire (USSQ).

OBJECTIVES

• To evaluate the efficacy of α-blockers with respect to improving stent-related symptoms. • Ureteric stents remain a source of marked discomfort and their placement is often required after certain ureteroscopic procedures or in the acute setting. This analysis identifies and reviews the several studies that have investigated the role of α-blockers after stent placement.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

• Pubmed/Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL and Cochrane Library databases were scrutinized using standard MeSH headings. • Randomized or controlled trials comparing α-blockers with control or standard therapy were included. • In all studies, patients completed the Ureteral Stent Symptom Questionnaire (USSQ). • The study data were independently reviewed by two assessors.

RESULTS

• In total, five studies of varying quality were identified, including 461 patients receiving either tamsulosin or alfuzosin, or control. • On meta-analysis, all five studies showed a reduction in USSQ urinary symptom score and body pain scores. There was mean reduction of 8.4 (95% CI, 5.6-11.1) in the urinary symptom score and 7.2 (95% CI, 2.5-11.8) in the body pain score. • In three studies, the numbers of patients experiencing stent related pain were stated: 45% (51/114) of patients receiving an α-blocker experienced painful episodes within the follow-up period defined for that study compared to 76% (88/116) in the control groups, which is equivalent to a relative risk of pain of 0.59 (95% confidence interval, 0.47-0.71). • There were also reductions in other aspects of the USSQ, such as the general health score and sexual matters score, although these were not statistically significant or uniformly reported.

CONCLUSION

• There is evidence that α-blockers provide an improvement in discomfort after placement of a ureteric stent.

Application of skin electrical conductance of acupuncture meridians for ureteral calculus: a case report

Renal colic is a common condition seen in the emergency department (ED). Our recent study showed that measures of electrical conductance may be used as supplementary diagnostic methods for patients with acute renal colic. Here, we describe the case of a 30-year-old male subject with a left ureteral calculus who presented with frequency and normal-looking urine. He had already visited the outpatient department, but in vain. Normal urinalysis and nonobstructive urogram were reported at that time. Two days later, he was admitted to the ED because of abdominal pain in the left lower quadrant. The urinalysis did not detect red blood cells. Ultrasonography did not indicate hydronephrosis. The meridian electrical conductance and index of sympathovagal balance were found to be abnormal. High level of electrical conductance on the left bladder meridian was found. An unenhanced helical computed tomography was scheduled to reveal a left ureterovesical stone. Ureteroscopic intervention was later uneventfully performed, and the patient's pain was relieved. The follow-up measurements showed that the meridian parameters had returned to normal one month after treatment. This case suggests that bladder meridian electrical conductance might be used as a supplemental method for ureteral calculus diagnosis.

Does tamsulosin change the management of proximally located ureteral stones?

The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy of an alpha-1 adrenergic receptor blocking agent on the spontaneous passage of proximal ureteral calculi < or =10 mm. 92 patients having single radio-opaque proximal ureteral stone < or =10 mm were randomized into two groups. Group 1 patients (n = 50) were followed with classical conservative approach and patients in Group 2 (n = 42) additionally received tamsulosin, 0.4 mg/day during 4 weeks follow-up. The stone passage rates, stone expulsion time, VAS score, change in colic episodes, and hospital re-admission rates for colicky pain were compared. The patients were furthermore stratified according to stone diameters <5 and 5-10 mm. The data of these subgroups were also compared. Stone expulsion rates showed statistically significant difference between tamsulosin receivers and non-receivers (35.7 vs 30%, p = 0.04). Time to stone expulsion period was also shortened in those receiving tamsulosin (8.4 +/- 3.3 vs 11.6 +/- 4.1 days, p = 0.015). Likewise, the mean VAS score and renal colic episodes during follow-up period were significantly diminished in Group 2 patients (4.5 +/- 2.3 vs 8.8 +/- 2.9, p < 0.01 and 66.6 vs 36%, p = 0.001, respectively). Among the stones <5 mm, tamsulosin receiving patients had higher spontaneous passage rate (71.4 vs 50%, p < 0.001). The prominent effect of tamsulosin on the 5-10 mm stones was the relocation of the stones to a more distal part of ureter (39.3 vs 18.7%, p = 0.001). Administration of tamsulosin in the medical management of proximal ureteral calculi can facilitate the spontaneous passage rate in the stone <5 mm and the relocation of the stones between 5 and 10 mm to more distal part of the ureter.

Hospitalizations for pediatric stone disease in United States, 2002-2007

PURPOSE

Although more common in adults, urolithiasis recently has been occurring with increasing frequency in children. Single institution reviews from 1950 to 1990 revealed that urolithiasis accounts for 1 in 7,600 to 1 in 1,000 pediatric hospitalizations. Stone prevalence and risk factors for hospitalization are less defined in children in North America compared to adults. To identify pediatric hospital admissions due to a diagnosis of urinary stones, we examined Pediatric Health Information System data from 41 freestanding pediatric hospitals.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively studied patients younger than 18 years hospitalized between 2002 and 2007. The Pediatric Health Information System database, a validated collection of pediatric hospital data, was searched for inpatients with a primary ICD-9 diagnosis of urolithiasis.

RESULTS

Among more than 2.7 million pediatric inpatients from 2002 to 2007, 3,989 hospitalizations were for 3,815 patients with urolithiasis. In contrast to adults, girls had a 1.5-fold greater likelihood of being hospitalized for stones. More than half of the children (53.1%) were younger than 13 years (mean 12.3, SD 4.23). Most patients (88%) were white. Stone hospitalizations were more common in the North Central region compared to the South. Hospitalizations for stones increased slightly in August and September. Nephrectomy was performed in nearly 1% of stone hospitalizations (29 of 3,170).

CONCLUSIONS

Children with stones now account for 1 in 685 pediatric hospitalizations in the United States. Surprisingly more than half of the patients are younger than 13 years at hospitalization. Similar to findings in adults, white race and occurrence in late summer months increase the risk of stone hospitalization. However, male gender and geographic location in the Southeast are not risk factors, demonstrating the unique aspects of pediatric stone hospitalization.