Prevention of chronic kidney disease in spina bifida

Accuracy of Urinalysis for UTI in Spina Bifida

OBJECTIVES

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common, but overdiagnosed, in children with spina bifida. We sought to evaluate the diagnostic test characteristics of urinalysis (UA) findings for symptomatic UTI in children with spina bifida.

METHODS

Retrospective cross-sectional study using data from 2 centers from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2021. Children with myelomeningocele aged <19 years who had paired UA (and microscopy, when available) and urine culture were included. The primary outcome was symptomatic UTI. We used generalized estimating equations to control for multiple encounters per child and calculated area under the receiver operating characteristics curve, sensitivity, and specificity for positive nitrites, pyuria (≥10 white blood cells/high-powered field), and leukocyte esterase (more than trace) for a symptomatic UTI.

RESULTS

We included 974 encounters from 319 unique children, of which 120 (12.3%) met our criteria for UTI. Pyuria had the highest sensitivity while nitrites were the most specific. Comparatively, nitrites were the least sensitive and pyuria was the least specific. When the cohort was limited to children with symptoms of a UTI, pyuria remained the most sensitive parameter, whereas nitrites remained the least sensitive. Nitrites continued to be the most specific, whereas pyuria was the least specific. Among all encounters, the overall area under the receiver operating characteristics curve for all components of the UA was lower in children who use clean intermittent catheterizations compared with all others.

CONCLUSIONS

Individual UA findings have moderate sensitivity (leukocyte esterase or pyuria) or specificity (nitrites) but overall poor diagnostic accuracy for symptomatic UTIs in children with spina bifida.

Non-cardiac birth defects and long-term risk of cardiovascular hospitalisation

BACKGROUND

Patients with heart defects are at risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Our objective was to determine if non-cardiac birth defects are associated with the risk of cardiovascular hospitalisation.

METHODS

We conducted a longitudinal cohort study of 1 451 409 parous women in Quebec, Canada. We compared patients with cardiac and non-cardiac birth defects of the urinary, central nervous and other systems against patients without defects between 1989 and 2022. The main outcome was hospitalisation for coronary artery disease, ischaemic stroke and other cardiovascular outcomes during 33 years of follow-up. We computed cardiovascular hospitalisation rates and used Cox proportional hazards regression models to measure the association (HR; 95% CI) between non-cardiac defects and later risk of cardiovascular hospitalisation, adjusted for patient characteristics.

RESULTS

Women with any birth defect had a higher rate of cardiovascular hospitalisation than women without defects (7.0 vs 3.3 per 1000 person-years). Non-cardiac defects overall were associated with 1.61 times the risk of cardiovascular hospitalisation over time, compared with no defect (95% CI 1.56 to 1.66). Isolated urinary (HR 3.93, 95% CI 3.65 to 4.23), central nervous system (HR 3.33, 95% CI 2.94 to 3.76) and digestive defects (HR 2.39, 95% CI 2.16 to 2.65) were associated with the greatest risk of cardiovascular hospitalisation. These anomalies were associated with cardiovascular hospitalisation whether they presented alone or clustered with other defects. Nevertheless, heart defects were associated with the greatest risk of cardiovascular hospitalisation (HR 10.30, 95% CI 9.86 to 10.75).

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that both cardiac and non-cardiac birth defects are associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease among parous women.

Characteristics and predictors of chronic kidney disease in children with myelomeningocele: a nationwide cohort study

BACKGROUND

Myelomeningocele (MMC) is highly prevalent in developing countries, and MMC-related neurogenic bladder is an important cause of childhood chronic kidney disease (CKD). This nationwide study aimed to evaluate demographic and clinical features of pediatric patients with MMC in Turkey and risk factors associated with CKD stage 5.

METHODS

Data from children aged 0-19 years old, living with MMC in 2022, were retrospectively collected from 27 pediatric nephrology centers. Patients > 1 year of age without pre-existing kidney abnormalities were divided into five groups according to eGFR; CKD stages 1-5. Patients on dialysis, kidney transplant recipients, and those with eGFR < 15 ml/min/1.73 m2 but not on kidney replacement therapy at time of study constituted the CKD stage 5 group.

RESULTS

A total of 911 (57.8% female) patients were enrolled, most of whom were expectantly managed. Stages 1-4 CKD were found in 34.3%, 4.2%, 4.1%, and 2.4%, respectively. CKD stage 5 was observed in 5.3% of patients at median 13 years old (range 2-18 years). Current age, age at first abnormal DMSA scan, moderate-to-severe trabeculated bladder on US and/or VCUG, and VUR history were independent risk factors for development of CKD stage 5 (OR 0.752; 95%; CI 0.658-0.859; p < 0.001; OR 1.187; 95% CI 1.031-1.367; p = 0.017; OR 10.031; 95% CI 2.210-45.544; p = 0.003; OR 2.722; 95% CI 1.215-6.102; p = 0.015, respectively). Only eight CKD stage 5 patients underwent surgery related to a hostile bladder between 1 and 15 years old.

CONCLUSION

MMC-related CKD is common in childhood in Turkey. A proactive approach to neurogenic bladder management and early protective surgery in selected cases where conservative treatment has failed should be implemented to prevent progressive kidney failure in the pediatric MMC population in our country.

The rationale for bladder washouts in children with neurogenic bladder

Children with a neurogenic bladder are at risk of developing recurrent urinary tract infections and long-term kidney failure. Due to an altered lower urinary tract, children may be overtreated for simple bacteriuria or undertreated for a potentially severe urinary tract infection. This group of patients represent high users of healthcare, and are at risk of colonization and development of antibiotic resistance. Bladder washouts with non-antibiotic electrochemically activated solutions are a potential new prophylactic option for patients with bladder dysfunction when clean intermittent catheterization has resulted in chronic bacteriuria.

Multidisciplinary management of people with spina bifida across the lifespan

The average worldwide prevalence of neural tube defects (NTDs) is 1.0 per 1000 births. Its development is multifactorial due to genetic and non-genetic factors. Spina bifida (SB) is one of main representatives of NTD. The spinal cord lesion level is the main determinant of the level of paralysis, numbness, and difficulties with bladder/bowel functions. Myelomeningocele prenatal repair reduces hydrocephalus and hindbrain herniation and improves motor function. The severity of hydrocephalus is associated with poorer neurodevelopmental outcomes whether operated on prenatally or after birth. People with SB tend to have a lower IQ and cognitive difficulties. Early diagnosis, proactivity, and lifelong multidisciplinary follow-up are key protective issues. Invasive urological interventions should be considered in selected patients after failure of conservative treatment. Transition to adult care should be well planned as it is challenging. Health literacy is directly associated with success at transition. Sexuality and fertility should be addressed before/during puberty. Overall, the rates of fecal and urinary continence and skin breakdown increase with age, whereas the ability to ambulate declines with age. Bowel and urinary incontinence are independent predictors of lower health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adults with SB. Bowel incontinence has negative impact on HRQoL regardless of frequency or amount. Long-term caregiver support should be offered at diagnosis. Survival at a mean of 50 years is poor, at 32%, due to central nervous system deaths, cancer, urological disease, and sepsis. Challenges to implementation of recommended practices exist, especially in low and middle-income countries.

[Current state of knowledge of urology residents and fellows on the neuro-urological management of spina bifida patients in France]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the current knowledge of French urology residents and fellows about neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction and their management in patients with spina bifida.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

A 7-question questionnaire, covering the responder's experience and the various stages in the neuro-urological management of spina bifida, was drafted by an expert urologist. Responses were collected within 5days of being e-mailed to members of the Association française des urologues en formation (AFUF), and a descriptive analysis was carried out.

RESULTS

Of the 448 members, 155 completed the questionnaire. Of the participants, 83.8% said they knew the definition of spina bifida, and 76.8% had already had to care for a spina bifida patient. Of the participants, 48.4% correctly estimated the number of spina bifida patients in France. Neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction to look for and the specificities of management seemed to have been acquired by a majority of respondents (correct response rates of 70.7% and 75.4%, respectively), unlike the extra-urological aspects (53.9%), and the choice of examinations useful for the initial work-up and follow-up (55.8%).

CONCLUSION

While the expected neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction and the specificities of therapeutic management of spina bifida patients appear to be well known to urologists in training, knowledge of extra-urological symptoms and the choice of examinations could be improved. These results could be used to adjust the teaching given to French urologists in training on the urological management of spina bifida patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Grade 4.

Spina bifida and cardiorespiratory profile: the impact of leisure sport activities on physical fitness

PURPOSE

The aim of the present study is to evaluate a population of young patients affected by Spina Bifida (SB) to describe their cardiorespiratory function and bone mineral density profile, analyzing any differences between people performing and those who do not perform sports activity. The study also aimed to rule out possible congenital heart disease associated with spina bifida, considering the common origin of certain cardiac structures with those found to be altered in SB patients.

METHODS

Thirty-four young patients, aged between 12 and 22 years, diagnosed with spinal dysraphism (SD), have been clinically described and, in order to evaluate their physical fitness, functional capacity and bone mass, almost all of them underwent a complete cardiorespiratory assessment, including electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test (CPET), body composition analysis using bioimpedance analysis (BIA) and Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA), as well as the estimation of bone mineral density (BMD) with Computerized Bone Mineralometry (CBM).

RESULTS

Collected data demonstrated that only 35% of the subjects practiced physical activity during the week. BMI and percentage FM values were pathological in at least 50% of the population. On cardiological investigations (ECG and echocardiogram), no significant alterations were found. In all patients who performed CPET (79.4%), pathological values of the main functional capacity parameters were revealed, especially peak oxygen consumption (VO2 peak), even when corrected for BCM or FFM estimated at BIA and DEXA, respectively. In the CBM analysis, out of 27 patients in whom the femoral T-score was evaluated, a condition of osteopenia was revealed in 40.7% of the patients (11/27) and osteoporosis in 18.5% (5/27); out of 27 patients in whom the lumbar T-score was evaluated, 37% of the patients showed osteopenia (10/27) and 29.6% osteoporosis (8/27). When the comparison between exercising and non-exercising patients was performed, the only statistically significant difference that emerged was the median lumbar T-score value, which appeared lower in the group not performing physical activity (p = 0,009).

CONCLUSIONS

The extensive cardiorespiratory evaluation, including CPET, of our cohort of spina bifida patients showed altered values of the main parameters related to cardiorespiratory fitness and is the only study in the literature that analysed bone mineralization values in physically active and sedentary spina bifida patients and demonstrated a statistically significant difference. Furthermore, it is the only study to date that investigated the possible association of congenital heart diseases with SD, without demonstrating the existence of pathological conditions.

Follow-up for the upper urinary tract in patients with high-risk neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction

PURPOSE

Patients with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (nLUTD) can be at risk of preventable damage to the upper urinary tract (UUT), a risk that varies with the underlying diagnosis. Existing literature fails to document precisely which domains of UUT must be followed. This review focusses on surveillance of UUT with special emphasis on high-risk nLUTD.

METHODS

Narrative review of available evidence and current global guidelines to identify patients of nLUTD at higher risk of UUT damage and to define each domain that needs to be followed.

RESULTS

Patients with open spina bifida, spinal cord injury, and anorectal malformation, as well as those with unsafe features on clinical evaluation or urodynamics should be considered at high risk. Structured program should include evaluation of (1) glomerular filtration rate (GFR) which can be estimated ± measured, (2) renal growth (in pre-pubertal children) by ultrasonography, (3) renal scarring by baseline nuclear renogram, (4) hydronephrosis and stones by ultrasonography, (5) vesicoureteral reflux by baseline video-urodynamics, (6) non-GFR measures of renal function (somatic growth, hypertension, proteinuria, anemia and metabolic acidemia). Serum creatinine-based estimations of GFR are more likely to be confounded in select patients with high-risk nLUTD than cystatin-based estimations and measured-GFR. Urological guidelines do not always describe details of UUT surveillance and appear to lack cognizance of nephrology guidelines for evaluation of kidneys.

CONCLUSION

A structured surveillance protocol that includes clear documentation of each domain of the UUT is important in ensuring optimum care for patients with high-risk nLUTD.

Estimating the Glomerular Filtration Rate in Pediatric Patients With Neurogenic Bladder: A Comparison Between Creatinine- and Cystatin C-Equations

Background and objective Patients with neurogenic bladder (NB) are at a higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). Due to their lower muscle mass, the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) based on creatinine (Cr) may be overestimated and delay the diagnosis of renal failure. This study compared eGFR calculated with different equations based on Cr and/or cystatin C (CysC) in children with NB, and the differences between patients with lower muscle mass (underdeveloped lower limbs) and those with independent gait (less muscle depletion). Methods We calculated the eGFR in pediatric patients with NB and CKD stages 1 and 2 by using the following equations: Chronic Kidney Disease in Children equation for serum creatinine (CKiD-Cr), CKiD-CysC, CKiD combined-Cr/CysC, Zappitelli-CysC, and Zappitelli combined-Cr/CysC. Results We evaluated a total of 47 patients, 74.5% with CKD stage 1, with a median age of 14.1 years. Of these participants, 59.6% had lipo/myelomeningocele. The CKiD-Cr and CysC-based equations led to significantly lower calculated eGFR ​​(p<0.05), specifically CKiD-CysC (p<0.001), Zappitelli-CysC (p<0.001), CKiD-Cr/CysC (p<0.001), and Zappitelli combined-Cr/CysC (p<0.05). When CKiD-CysC was used, 68% of the patients moved to a more advanced CKD stage. In patients without independent gait, with lower muscle mass (55.3%), the median eGFR calculated using the CKiD-Cr and CKiD combined-Cr/CysC equations was significantly higher (p<0.05). However, there were no differences between the two groups when using the other CysC-based equations. Conclusion In patients with NB and poor muscle mass, the CKiD-Cr equation may overestimate renal function. CysC-based equations seem more reliable in these patients, especially in those with greater muscular atrophy.

Pregnancy in spina bifida patients: a comparative analysis of peripartum procedures and complications

PURPOSE

Spina bifida (SB) is caused by a failure in neural tube closure that can present with lower extremity sensory deficits, paralysis, and hydrocephalus. Medical advances have allowed increased pregnancies among SB patients, but management and pregnancy-associated complications have not been thoroughly investigated. The objective is to delineate peripartum procedures and complications in patients with SB.

METHODS

A national de-identified database, TriNetX, was retrospectively queried to evaluate pregnant SB patients and the general population. Procedures and complications were investigated using corresponding ICD-10 and CPT codes within 1 year of pregnancy diagnosis.

RESULTS

11,405 SB patients were identified and compared to 9,269,084 non-SB patients. SB patients were significantly more likely to undergo cesarean delivery (1.200; 95% CI [1.133-1.271]) and less likely to receive neuraxial analgesia (0.406; 95% CI [0.383-0.431]). Additionally, patients with SB had an increased risk of seizures (3.922; 95% CI [3.529-4.360]) and venous thromboembolism (VTE) (3.490; 95% CI [3.070-3.969]). Risks of preeclampsia and hemorrhage were comparable. SB patients with hydrocephalus and Chiari malformation type 1 (CM-1) or type 2 (CM-2) were compared to patients without these comorbid conditions. This sub-group analysis showed a significantly increased risk of having cesarean deliveries (SB with hydrocephalus: 12.55%, S.B. with CM-1 or CM-2: 12.81% vs. SB without hydrocephalus or CM, 6.16%) and VTE (3.74%, 2.43% vs. 0.81%). There were also increased risks of hemorrhage and seizures and decreased use of neuraxial analgesia, but the sample size was insufficient.

CONCLUSION

SB patients were more likely to undergo cesarean section and exhibit peripartum complications compared to those without SB.

Risk factors for upper urinary tract deterioration in adult patients with spina bifida

PURPOSE

Neurogenic bladder associated with spina bifida disease remains a major cause for mortality or morbidity due to kidney damages. However, we currently do not know which urodynamic findings are associated with an higher risk of upper tract damages in spina bifida patients. The objective of the present study was to evaluate urodynamic findings associated with functional kidney failure and/or with morphological kidney damages.

METHODS

A large single-center restrospective study was conducted in our national referral center for spina bifida patients using our patients' files. All urodynamics curves were assessed by the same examinator. Functional and/or morphological evaluation of the upper urinary tract were done at the same moment as the urodynamic exam (between 1 week before and 1 month after). Kidney function was assessed using creatinine serum levels or 24 h urinary creatinine levels (creatinine clearance) for walking patients, or with the 24 h urinary creatinine level for wheelchair-users.

RESULTS

We included 262 spina bifida patients in this study. Fifty-five patients had a poor bladder compliance (21.4%) and 88 of them had detrusor overactivity (33.6%). Twenty patients had a stage 2 kidney failure (eGFR < 60 ml/min) and 81 patients out of 254 (30.9%) had an abnormal morphological examination. There were three urodynamic findings significantly associated with UUTD: bladder compliance (OR = 0.18; p = 0.007), Pdetmax (OR = 14.7; p = 0.003) and detrusor overactivity (OR = 1.84; p = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

In this large series of spina bifida patients, maximum detrusor pressure and bladder compliance are the main urodynamic findings determinants of UUTD risk.

Survey on Untethering of the Spinal Cord and Urological Manifestations among Spina Bifida Patients in Malaysia

The incidence and severity of urinary tract infections (UTIs) due to spina bifida is poorly understood in Malaysia. Tethering of the spinal cord is a pathological fixation of the cord in the vertebral column that can result in neurogenic bladder dysfunction and other neurological problems. It occurs in patients with spina bifida, and the authors of this study sought to investigate the impact of untethering on the urological manifestations of children with a tethered cord, thereby consolidating a previously known understanding that untethering improves bladder and bowel function. Demographic and clinical data were collected via an online questionnaire and convenient sampling techniques were used. A total of 49 individuals affected by spina bifida participated in this study. UTIs were reported based on patients’ observation of cloudy and smelly urine (67%) as well as urine validation (60%). UTI is defined as the combination of symptoms and factoring in urine culture results that eventually affects the UTI diagnosis in spina bifida individuals irrespective of CISC status. Furthermore, 18% of the respondents reported being prescribed antibiotics even though they had no history of UTI. Therefore, indiscriminate prescription of antibiotics by healthcare workers further compounds the severity of future UTIs. Employing CISC (73%) including stringent usage of sterile catheters (71%) did not prevent patients from getting UTI. Overall, 33% of our respondents reported manageable control of UTI (0–35 years of age). All individuals below the age of 5 (100%, n = 14) were seen to have improved urologically after the untethering surgery under the guidance of the Malaysia NTD support group. Improvement was scored and observed using KUB (Kidneys, Ureters and Bladder) ultrasound surveillance before untethering and continued thereafter. Spina bifida individuals may procure healthy bladder and bowel continence for the rest of their lives provided that neurosurgical and urological treatments were sought soon after birth and continues into adulthood.

Contemporary Management of Urinary Tract Infections in Children

Purpose of Review

Urinary tract infection (UTI) in children is a major source of office visits and healthcare expenditure. Research into the diagnosis, treatment, and prophylaxis of UTI has evolved over the past 10 years. The development of new imaging techniques and UTI screening tools has improved our diagnostic accuracy tremendously. Identifying who to treat is imperative as the increase in multi-drug-resistant organisms has emphasized the need for antibiotic stewardship. This review covers the contemporary management of children with UTI and the data-driven paradigm shifts that have been implemented into clinical practice.

Recent Findings

With recent data illustrating the self-limiting nature and low prevalence of clinically significant vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), investigational imaging in children has become increasingly less frequent. Contrast-enhanced voiding urosonogram (CEVUS) has emerged as a useful diagnostic tool, as it can provide accurate detection of VUR without the need of radiation. The urinary and intestinal microbiomes are being investigated as potential therapeutic drug targets, as children with recurrent UTIs have significant alterations in bacterial proliferation. Use of adjunctive corticosteroids in children with pyelonephritis may decrease the risk of renal scarring and progressive renal insufficiency. The development of a vaccine against an antigen present on Escherichia coli may change the way we treat children with recurrent UTIs.

Summary

The American Academy of Pediatrics defines a UTI as the presence of at least 50,000 CFU/mL of a single uropathogen obtained by bladder catheterization with a dipstick urinalysis positive for leukocyte esterase (LE) or WBC present on urine microscopy. UTIs are more common in females, with uncircumcised males having the highest risk in the first year of life. E. coli is the most frequently cultured organism in UTI diagnoses and multi-drug-resistant strains are becoming more common. Diagnosis should be confirmed with an uncontaminated urine specimen, obtained from mid-stream collection, bladder catheterization, or suprapubic aspiration. Patients meeting criteria for imaging should undergo a renal and bladder ultrasound, with further investigational imaging based on results of ultrasound or clinical history. Continuous antibiotic prophylaxis is controversial; however, evidence shows patients with high-grade VUR and bladder and bowel dysfunction retain the most benefit. Open surgical repair of reflux is the gold standard for patients who fail medical management with endoscopic approaches available for select populations.

Nephro-urological outcomes of a proactive management of children with spina bifida in their first 5 Years of life

INTRODUCTION

The proactive management of spina bifida (SB), especially of its severe form, myelomeningocele (MMC), has contributed to decreasing chronic kidney disease (CKD). The objective of this study is to present the evolution of 5-year-old patient with MMC followed from birth with a proactive approach.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This retrospective study included 55 cases with MMC of up to 5 years of age. All of them were admitted at birth and followed by a multidisciplinary group, with a proactive approach: CIC and anticholinergics. In the same group, the variables were compared within the first year and the within the fifth year of life. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) was defined by: alterations on renal DMSA scintigraphy; alterations in microalbuminuria/creatininuria ratio, proteinuria 24 hs and decrease in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) calculated with Schwartz bedside equation.

RESULTS

Although overactivity, UTI and VUR decreased throughout the first 5 years (49, 9 and 12%), reduced cystometric capacity, DLPP >40 cm of water and end-filling pressure (Pdet) >20 cm of water increased (41, 27 and 61%). All patients at 5 years of age required CIC. Reduced cystometric capacity and VUR were more significant with abnormal DMSA (36%) at 5 years old ( p: 0.03). Proteinuria and CKD increased to 25% and 49%. Similarly, the need for enalapril increased from 10% to 27%. The microalbuminuria/creatininuria ratio was pathological in 27.3%. 48 patients (87%) remained unchanged on DMSA scan and the other 7 underwent modifications (4 new cases with altered DMSA) over time. Of the 32 normal DMSA cases without changes, 81% did not present proteinuria and 88% continued to respond favorably to oxybutynin. GFR <90 ml/min/1.72m 2 was found in only 3 cases with abnormal DMSA. There was a RR 1.91 (IC95% 1.15-3.16) greater of renal compromise in cases that were anticholinergic-resistant compared to non-refractory cases.

DISCUSSION

Over time, some patients suffered loss of bladder wall compliance, despite the proactive approach. There is an association between abnormal renal DMSA, reduced bladder capacity, and VUR at 5 years of age. Although proteinuria, CKD and enalapril requirement increased over 5 years, almost 90% did not show changes in renal DMSA status.

CONCLUSIONS

Over time, some patients suffered loss of bladder wall compliance. Hence, even if a proactive approach is followed since birth, it is essential to continue with the ongoing monitoring of the renal status and thus avoid greater renal deterioration.

Comparing Cystatin C- and Creatinine-Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rates in Patients With Thoracic Versus Sacral Motor Levels of Spina Bifida

OBJECTIVE

Patients with myelomeningocele-type spina bifida are at increased risk of developing kidney disease from neurogenic bladder. Differences between creatinine- and cystatin C-estimated glomerular filtration rates were examined in patients with thoracic versus sacral level myelomeningocele given presumed differences in muscle mass.

DESIGN

A retrospective chart review (2005-2018) was performed on 57 adults with myelomeningocele [thoracic n = 44 (77%); sacral n = 13 (23%)]. Concurrently obtained creatinine and cystatin C levels were extracted and calculated creatinine- and cystatin C-estimated glomerular filtration rates were compared.

RESULTS

Mean creatinine-estimated glomerular filtration rate was significantly higher for thoracic [140.8 ml/min (SD = 23.9)] versus sacral myelomeningocele [112.0 ml/min (SD = 22.6), P = 0.0003]. There was no difference in cystatin C-estimated glomerular filtration rate between sacral [116.6 ml/min (SD = 23.7)] and thoracic myelomeningocele [124.8 ml/min (SD = 17.9)]. The mean difference between creatinine- and cystatin C-estimated glomerular filtration rates in thoracic myelomeningocele [24.2 ml/min (SD = 16.3)] was significantly greater than in sacral myelomeningocele [-12.8 (SD = 15.7), P < 0.0001].

CONCLUSIONS

There was a significantly higher discrepancy between creatinine- and cystatin C-estimated glomerular filtration rates in thoracic versus sacral motor levels of myelomeningocele. These data suggest that creatinine-estimated glomerular filtration rate may overestimate kidney function in patients with thoracic myelomeningocele. Providers who manage patients with thoracic myelomeningocele should consider monitoring cystatin C to evaluate for underlying renal disease.

The impact of constant antibiotic prophylaxis in children affected by spinal dysraphism performing clean intermittent catheterization: a 2-year monocentric retrospective analysis

INTRODUCTION

Spinal dysraphism (SD) is a general term used to refer to developmental abnormalities of the spine that involves many clinical conditions including myelomeningocele (MMC). In these patients, neurogenic bladder (NB) is a common and predisposing factor for renal damage; the most frequently used approach to manage this situation is based on clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) and anticholinergic drugs. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a significant concern for these patients, and antibiotic prophylaxis is frequently used even if it is still a debated topic of literature. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role and the real effectiveness of antibiotic prophylaxis in the reduction of incidence of UTIs in patients with spina bifida performing CIC.

METHODS

We collected data of all patients performing CIC, who did their last follow-up visit in the period between January 2019 and January 2021, followed at the children multidisciplinary Spina Bifida Center of A. Gemelli Hospital in Rome. Data collected included age at referral, gender, type of SD lesion, serum creatinine and cystatin C levels, the use of anticholinergic medications, antibiotic prophylaxis and type of prophylaxis (oral/endovesical), age of starting prophylaxis with its duration/adherence, number of CIC/day and its duration, episodes of UTIs in the 2 years prior to the last follow-up, and presence and grade of vesical-ureteric reflux (VUR) on cystourethrogram.

RESULTS

A total of 121 patients with SD performing CIC was included in the study; 66 (54%) presented ≥ 1 episode of UTIs in the last two years and 55 (46%) none. During the study period, 85 (70%) patients received antibiotic prophylaxis (ABP group) and 36 (30%) did not (NABP group): no statistically significative difference in terms of UTI development was observed between the two groups (p = 0.17). We also evaluated compliance to the therapy; 71 patients (59%) took antibiotic prophylaxis constantly (CABP group) and 50 (41%) did not do antibiotic prophylaxis constantly or did not do antibiotic prophylaxis at all (NCABP group): we observed a statistically significative difference in terms of UTIs with a 2.2 times higher risk of development at least one episode of UTIs in NCABP group.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, antibiotic prophylaxis performed constantly, without interruption, is associated with a lower risk of developing urinary tract infections and consequently to develop renal failure in adulthood.

Defining Urinary Tract Infections in Children With Spina Bifida: A Systematic Review

CONTEXT

Children with spina bifida are at high risk for urinary tract infections (UTI). However, there is no standardized definition of UTI in this population, leading to variability in both clinical management and research. This was highlighted in the 2013 systematic review on the same topic.

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate the frequency with which researchers are defining UTI in their studies of children with spina bifida and to determine what parameters are used.

DATA SOURCES

We searched Medline and Scopus databases for articles that included pediatric patients with spina bifida and used UTI as an outcome.

STUDY SELECTION

Exclusion criteria included publication before October 1, 2012, non-English language, and nonprimary research articles.

DATA EXTRACTION

Two independent reviewers each extracted data.

RESULTS

A total of 39 studies were included; 74% of these analyzed included an explicit definition of UTI. The most commonly used definition included a combination of symptoms and culture results (34.5%), whereas 31% used a combination of symptoms, culture results, and urinalysis data. Only 3.4% of articles used a urine culture alone to define UTI.

CONCLUSIONS

More articles that focus on children with spina bifida included a definition of UTI. However, significant variability persists in the definition of UTI in this patient population.

Women's health guidelines for the care of people with spina bifida

Women and girls with spina bifida have specific health care concerns. It is essential that they, and their health care providers have access to information to help them make healthy choices throughout their lifespan. This article aims to address key aspects of health pertinent to girls and women with spina bifida and outlines the SB Women's Health Guidelines for the Care of People with Spina Bifida. Further research into this area is needed.

Health promotion and preventive health care service guidelines for the care of people with spina bifida

Individuals with Spina Bifida (SB) have unique lifelong medical and social needs. Thus, when considering how to promote health and offer preventive care, providers must adapt general healthcare screening and counseling recommendations to their patients' physical and cognitive impairments along with discerning how to monitor secondary or chronic conditions common to the population. This article provides an update on the health promotion and preventive health care guidelines developed as part of the Spina Bifida Association's fourth edition of the Guidelines for the Care of People with Spina Bifida. The guidelines highlight accommodations needed to promote general preventive health, common secondary/chronic conditions such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, musculoskeletal pain, and considerations for preventing acute care utilization for the SB population throughout the lifespan. Further research is needed to understand the effectiveness of preventive care interventions in promoting positive health outcomes and mitigating potentially preventable acute care utilization.

Lower urinary tract dysfunction in pediatrics progress to kidney disease in adolescents: Toward precision medicine in treatment

Newborn infants who had neurogenic bladder dysfunction (NBD) have a normal upper urinary tract at birth. Most of them will develop deterioration of renal function and chronic kidney disease if they do not receive proper management. Children with NBD can develop renal damage at adolescence or earlier, which is due to high detrusor pressures resulted from poor compliance of the bladder, detrusor overactivity against a closed sphincter or detrusor sphincter dyssynergia. To preserve renal function and prevent deterioration of the kidneys, NBD must be treated immediately after being diagnosed. Over the last few years there was great progress in the treatment of children with the NBD. We searched PubMed and the Cochrane Library for peer-reviewed articles published in any language up to March 10, 2021, using the search term “neurogenic bladder children.” Our search excluded diagnosis, pathophysiology, surgical treatment of spinal cord injury and spina bifida. The research identified the effectiveness of treatment regimens targeting prevention of chronic kidney disease and the indications of kidney transplantation. The results of the research showed that NBD in children should be diagnosed early in life, and the child should receive the proper management. The literature search concluded that the management of NBD in children would be personalized for every case and could be changed according to response to treatment, side effects, child compliance, availability of treatment modality and costs of treatment. The objectives of the study are to present the different options of management of NBD in children and the selection of the proper method in a personalized manner.

Incidence of Urinary Tract Infections in Newborns with Spina Bifida-Is Antibiotic Prophylaxis Necessary?

PURPOSE

Urinary tract infections commonly occur in patients with spina bifida and pose a risk of renal scarring. Routine antibiotic prophylaxis has been utilized in newborns with spina bifida to prevent urinary tract infections. We hypothesized that prophylaxis can safely be withheld in newborns with spina bifida until clinical assessment allows for risk stratification.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Newborns with myelomeningocele at 9 institutions were prospectively enrolled in the UMPIRE study and managed by a standardized protocol with a strict definition of urinary tract infection. Patient data were collected regarding details of reported urinary tract infection, baseline renal ultrasound findings, vesicoureteral reflux, use of clean intermittent catheterization and circumcision status in boys. Risk ratios and corresponding 95% confidence intervals were calculated using log-binomial models.

RESULTS

From February 2015 through August 2019 data were available on 299 newborns (50.5% male). During the first 4 months of life, 48 newborns (16.1%) were treated for urinary tract infection with 23 (7.7%) having positive cultures; however, only 12 (4.0%) met the strict definition of urinary tract infection. Infants with grade 3-4 hydronephrosis had an increased risk of urinary tract infection compared to infants with no hydronephrosis (RR=10.1; 95% CI=2.8, 36.3). Infants on clean intermittent catheterization also had an increased risk of urinary tract infection (RR=3.3; 95% CI=1.0, 10.5).

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of a culture positive, symptomatic urinary tract infection among newborns with spina bifida in the first 4 months of life was low. Patients with high grades of hydronephrosis or those on clean intermittent catheterization had a significantly greater incidence of urinary tract infection. Our findings suggest that routine antibiotic prophylaxis may not be necessary for most newborns with spina bifida.

Management of neurogenic bladder dysfunction in children update and recommendations on medical treatment

INTRODUCTION

Defective closure of the neural tube affects different systems and generates sequelae, such as neurogenic bladder (NB). Myelomeningocele (MMC) represents the most frequent and most severe cause of NB in children. Damage of the renal parenchyma in children with NB acquired in postnatal stages is preventable given adequate evaluation, follow-up and proactive management. The aim of this document is to update issues on medical management of neurogenic bladder in children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Five Pediatric Urologists joined a group of experts and reviewed all important issues on "Spina Bifida, Neurogenic Bladder in Children" and elaborated a draft of the document. All the members of the group focused on the same system of classification of the levels of evidence (GRADE system) in order to assess the literature and the recommendations. During the year 2020 the panel of experts has met virtually to review, discuss and write a consensus document.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The panel addressed recommendations on up to date choice of diagnosis evaluation and therapies. Clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) should be implemented during the first days of life, and antimuscarinic drugs should be indicated upon results of urodynamic studies. When the patient becomes refractory to first-line therapy, receptor-selective pharmacotherapy is available nowadays, which leads to a reduction in reconstructive procedures, such as augmentation cystoplasty.

Urological profile of children with microcephaly and congenital zika syndrome

INTRODUCTION

An outbreak of Zika virus disease, a self-limiting arbovirus infection involving skin rash and fever, occurred in Brazil in 2015 and was followed by an increase in newborns with microcephaly and brain malformations. Although two recent studies reported neurogenic bladder in children with microcephaly and congenital Zika syndrome (CZS), urologic evaluation is not yet routine.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the urological profile of children with microcephaly and CZS.

STUDY DESIGN

A descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted with children with microcephaly undergoing clinical, laboratory, urodynamic and ultrasonographic evaluation at a center for childhood urinary disorders in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.

RESULTS

Thirty-three children were evaluated. Mean age was 40.3 ± 3.2 months (range 35-47 months). Twenty-one (63.6%) were female. None urinated voluntarily. Urine stream was continuous in 22 (66.7%) and intermittent in 3 (9.1%), with no information in 8 cases (24.2%). Abdominal straining during voiding was absent in 27 (81.8%) and present in 3 (9.1%), with no information in 3 cases (9.1%). Upper urinary tract dilatation was not detected in any of the 27 ultrasounds performed. Twenty-two urine cultures were performed, with no cases of bacterial growth. Renal function was normal in all cases (mean creatinine 0.41 ± 0.1 mg/dl, range 0.29-0.79 mg/dl and urea 20 ± 7 mg/dl, 6-36 mg/dl). Mean maximum bladder capacity was lower than expected for age: 46.4 ± 25.6 mL range 15-110 mL versus 135.2 ± 6.6 mL, 125.5-153 mL, respectively (p < 0.0001). Sixteen patients (59.2%) had immature and reflex bladder, 3 (11.1%) had neurogenic bladder with small bladder compliance, 5 (18.5%) had neurogenic bladder and detrusor overactivity and 1 (3.7%) had normal bladder capacity and compliance, but urinated with abdominal straining and a significant residue. Urodynamic evaluation was normal in only two children (7.4%).

DISCUSSION

Most children evaluated had immature and reflex bladder, with no repercussions on the upper urinary tract. Literature on urological complications in children with microcephaly is sparse; however, the present results differ from cases of neurogenic bladder in children with neural tube closure defects. Microcephaly in CZS involves a neurological and urodynamic pattern very similar to that found in children with cerebral palsy. Study limitations include the absence of a control group and neurological data with which to correlate these findings.

CONCLUSION

Neurogenic bladder in children with CZS-associated microcephaly was much less common than recently reported. Most patients had no kidney abnormalities, but small bladder capacity and reflex bladder, with non-significant post-void residual urine.

The risk factors for recurrence of febrile urinary tract infection and renal scarring in children with functional urinary incontinence

OBJECTIVES

Functional urinary incontinence is often associated with recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI), vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), and renal scarring. This study aims to evaluate the correlations between urodynamic findings and recurrence of UTI, VUR, and renal scarring in children with functional incontinence.

METHODS

In this retrospective observational study, data on the presence of VUR, urodynamics and 99Tc-dimercaptosuccinic acid scintigraphy findings, and episodes of febrile UTI were obtained from patients' records. The patients had at least 3 years of follow-up.

RESULTS

There were significant associations between recurrence of UTI and decreased bladder capacity (hazard ratio: 1.321, P = .028). The receiver operator characteristic curve analysis showed a cutoff value for compliance of 13.25 mL/cmH₂ O for renal scarring (P = .000). There was a significant association between bladder wall thickening and VUR (odds ratio: 2.311, P = .008). The compliance had a cutoff value of 14.7 mL/cm H₂ O (P = .023) for severe VUR. The frequency of renal scarring was higher in patients with severe VUR and dysfunctional voiding (P = .001 and P = .041, respectively). The independent risk factors for renal scarring were low compliance, severe VUR, and dysfunctional voiding in children with functional incontinence, but recurrence of febrile UTI was not a risk factor for renal scarring. Decreased bladder capacity was a risk factor for recurrence of febrile UTI.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study suggests that low compliance, severe VUR, and dysfunctional voiding, but not the recurrence of febrile UTI, are the independent risk factors for renal scarring in children with functional incontinence, and decreased bladder capacity is the risk factor for the recurrence of febrile UTI.

Estimating and tracking renal function in children and adults with spina bifida

PURPOSE

Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in the general population is stable in children after 2 years of age until adulthood. In the first three decades after age 18, eGFR decreases by 0.3-0.8 ml/min/1.73 m²/year. Little data exists regarding eGFR changes in the spina bifida (SB) population given variability in muscle mass. In the absence of a validated SB-specific eGFR formula, the performance of different eGFR formulas may vary. We performed a cross-sectional study (1) to determine trends in eGFR with increasing age in children and adults with SB and (2) to compare eGFRs calculated using different formulas.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed records of patients 2-50 years old with SB followed at our institution (2014-2019). We determined eGFR using four pediatric formulas (2-17 years: CKiD_SCr, CKiD_Cys, CKiD_SCr-Cys, Zappitelli_SCr-Cys) and four adult formulas (18 + years: MDRD_SCr, CKD-EPI_SCr, CKD-EPI_Cys, CKD-EPI_SCr-Cys). One eGFR per patient was included (most recent eGFR for those with serial measurements). Patients were categorized as chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 2 (eGFR 60-89) and Stage 3+ (<60). Non-parametric tests, linear regression, and Spearman's correlation were used for analysis.

RESULTS

Among 209 children with SB (median age 10.3 years), depending on the formula used, eGFR decreased by -0.7 to -1.8 ml/min/1.73 m²/year (CKiD_Cys, CKiD_Scr, p ≤ 0.001), remained stable (CKiD_SCr-Cys, p = 0.41), or increased by +2.7/year (Zappitelli_SCr-Cys, p < 0.001) (Figure). The proportion of children with CKD 2 or higher varied between formulas (11.5-58.9%, p < 0.001). Correlations between pediatric formulas were negligible to moderate. Comparing any two formulas, 12.0-65.6% of children were assigned a different CKD stage. Among 164 adults (median age 26.3), eGFR decreased for each formula (range: -1.3 to -2.2/year, p ≤ 0.01) (Figure). The proportion of adults with CKD 2 or higher varied between formulas (9.2-30.5%, p < 0.001). Correlations between adult formulas were moderate to very high. Comparing any two formulas, 8.5-26.8% of adults were assigned a different CKD stage.

COMMENT

We cannot reliably determine whether eGFR changed during childhood. Among adults, eGFR decreased with age for every formula evaluated at greater than twice the general population rate. Without a validated SB-specific eGFR formula, we are left with formulas providing different results.

CONCLUSIONS

Estimated GFR among adults with SB appears to deteriorate at a higher rate than in the general population. Due to lack of precision of accepted eGFR formulas in the SB population, this may be a real phenomenon, an artifact of inaccurate eGFR formulas, or both. A validated SB-specific eGFR formula is needed.

Differentiating Asymptomatic Bacteriuria From Urinary Tract Infection in the Pediatric Neurogenic Bladder Population: NGAL As a Promising Biomarker

Objective: To evaluate whether urinary antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) can discriminate between asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) and urinary tract infection (UTI) in pediatric patients with neurogenic bladder (NGB). Design/Methods: Bladder urine was collected from pediatric patients (≤18 years old) with NGB without augmentation cystoplasty. Patients were divided into the following groups based on symptomatology and results of urinalysis/urine culture: (a) UTI, (b) ASB, and (c) sterile. Urine AMPs β defense 1 (BD-1), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), cathelicidin (LL-37), hepatocarcinoma-intestine-pancreas/pancreatitis-associated protein (HIP/PAP), and human α defensin 5 (HD-5) were compared between groups by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. In addition, urines from pediatric controls without NGB or UTI were also analyzed. Significance was determined using Student's t test for parametric or Mann-Whitney U test for nonparametric data. A p value of <.05 was considered significant. Results: Thirty-six patients with NGB from a spinal dysraphism were evaluated: UTI, n = 6; ASB, n = 18; sterile, n = 12. These groups did not differ significantly by age but did significantly differ by gender (p = .0139). NGAL significantly differed between UTI and ASB groups (median 38.5 ng/mg vs 15.5 ng/mg, respectively; p = .0197) with a sensitivity and specificity of 82.4% and 83.3%, respectively. HIP/PAP, BD-1, HD-5, LL-37, and NGAL levels were all significantly higher in sterile NGB urines compared to 17 non-NGB pediatric controls (p < .0001, p = .0020, p = .0035, p = .0006, and p = .0339, respectively). Conclusion: All five urinary AMPs evaluated were significantly elevated in NGB patients compared to controls. NGAL levels may help differentiate between UTI and ASB in pediatric NGB patients.

Implications of Bacteriuria in Myelomeningocele Patients at Time of Urodynamic Testing

Objective: To identify those myelomeningocele (MMC) patients at risk for post-urodynamic study (UDS) complications. We hypothesized that patients who manage their bladder with clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) would have a greater risk of post-instrumentation complications due to higher rates of bacteriuria compared to those who freely void (FV). Design/Methods: Urine was collected from patients with MMC without augmentation cystoplasty undergoing routine renal ultrasound or urodynamic study (UDS). Samples were divided into those with bacteriuria (urine culture ≥10,000 colony-forming units) and those without. Post-UDS complications were evaluated and compared between CIC and FV patients. Results: A total of 91 urine samples from 82 total MMC patients were included for evaluation. Significantly more patients on CIC than those who FV had bacteriuria (67% vs 33%, p = .0457). From these urine samples, 54 were obtained at time of UDS of which 45 were from patients on CIC and 9 from FV patients. More patients on CIC had bacteriuria at the time of UDS than those who FV (60% vs 33%, respectively), but this did not reach significance (p = .1416). No patient with bacteriuria on CIC had a complication after UDS while one FV patient with bacteriuria developed post-UDS pyelonephritis. Conclusion: MMC patients with bacteriuria on CIC did not have post-UDS complications. Patients with bacteriuria who FV may be at particular risk for post-instrumentation UTI, providing guidance as to which MMC patients should undergo urine testing prior to UDS in order to prevent post-instrumentation pyelonephritis.

A nonsurgical and nonpharmacological care bundle for preventing upper urinary tract damage in patients with spinal cord injury and neurogenic bladder

AIM

To establish a care bundle in spinal cord injury patients with neurogenic bladder to avoid upper urinary tract damage and to provide guidance for health care staff in use of nonsurgical and nonpharmacological adjunctive strategies to improve patients' clinical outcomes.

BACKGROUND

Prevention of upper urinary tract damage is critical in the management of spinal cord injury patients with a neurogenic bladder, but there are no authoritative guidelines or high-quality randomized controlled trials.

DESIGN

The study was conducted on the basis of Fulbrook and Mooney's seven-step method for care bundle development.

DATA SOURCES

The databases PubMed, Embase, Science Citation Index, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, the National Guideline Clearinghouse, the Cochrane Library, China Biology Medicine, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and China Dissertation Database were searched from the date of each database's inception to April 2017.

REVIEW METHODS

We evaluated the literature according to the Joanna Briggs Institute evidence pre-ranking and grade recommendation system (2014 version). The results were examined using a self-designed data extraction.

RESULTS

A three-element cluster including clean intermittent catheterization, bladder function training, and transcutaneous low-frequency pulsed electrical stimulation was formed.

CONCLUSION

The development of this bundle can provide a scientific basis for effective prevention of neurogenic upper urinary tract damage in clinical practice.

Educational review: measurement of GFR in special populations

IMPORTANCE

Changes in kidney function are typically followed by the sequential estimation of glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Formulae for eGFR work well on a population basis, but there are well-known conditions where they do not work.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this review is to summarize the existing literature on special populations in the pediatric age range and provide recommendations on how to estimate GFR in these populations.

FINDINGS

The reliability of creatinine depends on muscle mass, while cystatin C (not widely available) is limited by inflammation and changes in protein catabolism. Various dietary factors can alter eGFR. Renal function in neonates changes drastically every day, and there are currently no satisfactory reference intervals for routine pediatric use. Gender effects and conditions such as wasting disease and obesity require alternative ways to obtain eGFR. In oncology patients, chemotherapy may negatively affect renal function, and nuclear GFR measurements may be necessary. For body builders, high muscle mass may lead to underestimation of eGFR using creatinine.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Clinicians should be aware of special populations that may yield misleading eGFRs with conventional creatinine-based formulae, and that the alternative methods may be more appropriate for some populations.

Predominant bacteria and patterns of antibiotic susceptibility in urinary tract infection in children with spina bifida

BACKGROUND

Urinary tract infection is more common in children with spina bifida (SB) than neurologically intact children, and Escherichia coli is the most common urinary pathogen in the general pediatric population. Less is known of the pathogens responsible for urinary tract infections (UTI) in the pediatric SB population or their evolving antimicrobial resistance patterns. The goal of this study is to determine the epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance patterns of SB-associated urinary pathogens.

METHODS

Between January 1996 and August 2013, 231 patients aged 1 month to 18 years were identified with a diagnosis of SB-NB and at least one symptomatic urinary tract infection (UTI) event (Table). Two-hundred and thirty-one normally voiding children with a single symptomatic UTI were age-matched based on age at diagnosis of UTI at a 1:1 ratio. Chi-square tests and Generalized Estimating Equation analysis, controlling for clinicopathological factors, were performed to compare rates of pathogen-associations with UTI between groups and likelihood of UTI with multi-drug resistant (MDR) organisms.

RESULTS

Children in the SB-NB group had a higher rate of non-E. coli UTI compared with controls (64% vs. 41%, p < 0.01), particularly associated with Klebsiella species the SB-NB group had an overall higher infection rate with MDR organisms (21% vs. 10%, p < 0.01) and E. coli isolates, with a trend towards increased rates of antibiotic resistance to aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, cephalosporins, extended spectrum β-lactams, and TMP-SMZ. Additionally, patients in the SB-NB group had a 10-fold increase of urosepsis with 57% of events caused by MDR organisms.

CONCLUSIONS

Children with SB-NB are more likely to have non-E. coli UTI, UTIs with MDR organisms, and urosepsis than the general pediatric population.

Renal Outcomes in Children with Operated Spina Bifida in Uganda

Background

To describe the extent of renal disease in Ugandan children surviving at least ten years after spina bifida repair and to investigate risk factors for renal deterioration in this cohort.

Patients and Methods

Children who had undergone spina bifida repair at CURE Children's Hospital of Uganda between 2000 and 2004 were invited to attend interview, physical examination, renal tract ultrasound, and a blood test (creatinine). Medical records were retrospectively reviewed. The following were considered evidence of renal damage: elevated creatinine, hypertension, and ultrasound findings of hydronephrosis, scarring, and discrepancy in renal size >1cm. Female sex, previous UTI, neurological level, mobility, detrusor leak point pressure, and adherence with clean intermittent catheterisation (CIC) were investigated for association with evidence of renal damage.

Results

65 of 68 children aged 10-14 completed the assessment. The majority (83%) reported incontinence. 17 children (26%) were performing CIC. One child had elevated creatinine. 25 children (38%) were hypertensive. There was a high prevalence of ultrasound abnormalities: hydronephrosis in 10 children (15%), scarring in 42 (64%), and >1cm size discrepancy in 28 (43%). No children with lesions at S1 or below had hydronephrosis (p = 0.025), but this group had comparable prevalence of renal size discrepancy, scarring, and hypertension to those children with higher lesions.

Conclusions

Incontinence, ultrasound abnormalities, and hypertension are highly prevalent in a cohort of Ugandan children with spina bifida, including those with low neurological lesions. These findings support the early and universal initiation of CIC with anticholinergic therapy in a low-income setting.

Recommendations for urological follow-up of patients with neurogenic bladder secondary to spinal cord injury

PURPOSE

To review currently available guidelines and recommendations regarding urological follow-up of patients after spinal cord injury (SCI) and present an evidence-based summary to support clinicians in their clinical practice.

METHODS

Maximum data were collected according to different methods, including searches with multiple and specific keywords, reference checks, gray literature searches (congress reports, working papers, statement documents), and browsing-related Web site access. Obtained data were analyzed with the modified version of the Oxford grading system for recommendations using levels of evidence (LE) and grades of recommendation (GR).

RESULTS

Different surveillance strategies exist, but there is no consensus among authors and organizations. As a result, practice patterns vary around the world. The present review indicates that proper urological follow-up of SCI patients should consist of medical history (LE 1-4, GR B-C), clinical examination (LE 4, GR C), renal laboratory tests (LE 1-3, GR B), imaging surveillance of the upper urinary tract (LE 1-3, GR A-B), urodynamic study (LE 2-4, GR B-C), and cystoscopy/cytology (LE 1-4, GR D). Clinicians agree that SCI patients should be followed up regularly with an individually tailored approach. A 1-year follow-up schedule seems reasonable in SCI patients without additional risk factors of renal deterioration (LE 3-4, GR C). In those who manifest risk factors, report changes in bladder behavior, or present with already developed complications of neurogenic bladder dysfunction, follow-up plans should be modified with more frequent checkups (LE 4, GR C). Urodynamic study should be repeated and considered as a routine monitoring strategy.

CONCLUSION

Individuals with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction are at increased risk of multiple complications. Nevertheless, proper follow-up after SCI improves the prognosis for these patients and their quality of life.

Neurogenic bladder findings in patients with Congenital Zika Syndrome: A novel condition

INTRODUCTION

Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS) has been associated with microcephaly and other central nervous system abnormalities including areas that have been implicated in the control of the lower urinary tract. As such, this descriptive case series has aimed to investigate whether CZS is linked with neurogenic bladder. Identifying such an association is paramount in the effort to recognize CZS complications that have putative treatment options that could mitigate the impact of CZS in infected children.

METHODS

Following IRB approval, urological assessment was performed in all patients referred to our clinic between June 2016 and May 2017 who presented with confirmed CZS-associated microcephaly. The research protocol consisted of obtaining clinical history, laboratory tests, lower and upper urinary tract ultrasounds, as well as a diagnostic urodynamic evaluation. ZIKA virus infection was previously confirmed by maternal history and positive PCR in babies and mothers. Microcephaly and other central nervous system abnormalities were established based on neurological assessment and associated imaging of the central nervous system (CT head and/or Brain MRI).

RESULTS

Twenty-two consecutive CZS patients were tested and confirmed to have neurogenic bladder. Of the 22 patients assessed, 21 presented with an overactive bladder combined with reduced bladder capacity and elevated detrusor filling pressures. Clinically significant increases in postvoid residual (PVR) were confirmed in 40% of cases while a urinary tract infection (UTI) was identified in 23% of cases.

CONCLUSION

Neurogenic bladder, a known treatable health condition, was confirmed in 100% of patients tested in this study, most presenting with high-risk urodynamic patterns known to lead to renal damage when left untreated. Follow up studies are necessary to provide further insight onto long-term disease progression and to investigate the response to standard therapies for neurogenic bladder. Nonetheless, we emphasize the importance of proactive management of neurogenic bladder and prompt referral so as to help mitigate CZS disease burden for patients and their families.

Age and factors associated with self-clean intermittent catheterization in patients with spina bifida

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is twofold: 1) to determine the age when a child with spina bifida (SB) will most likely transition from caregiver clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) to self-CIC, and 2) to identify factors associated with self-CIC in children older than that age.

METHODS

This is a retrospective, single-institution cohort study of individuals with SB. Data were collected prospectively as part of the National Spina Bifida Patient Registry. For Aim 1, we identified all individuals who perform self-CIC and who had a documented transition from caregiver-CIC. We then determined the age of transition to self-CIC. For Aim 2, we compared individuals over age 10 years (age cutoff determined by Aim 1) who use self-CIC to those who use caregiver-CIC to determine what variables were associated with self-CIC.

RESULTS

From our SB population, 206 individuals used self-CIC. Of these, 64 patients had documented ages of transition from caregiver- to self-CIC. 46 (71.9%) and 56 (87.5%) patients had transitioned to self-CIC by 10 and 14 years, respectively. For Aim 2, we used age 10 as a cutoff, based on the findings from Aim 1, and found that 287/696 patients were ⩾ 10 years and using CIC. Factors independently associated with lower likelihood of self-CIC were thoracic spinal lesions (odds ratio (OR) 0.45) and Medicaid insurance (OR 0.24).

CONCLUSIONS

The ages at self-CIC transition vary, although most patients transition by age 10. Thoracic-level spinal lesions and Medicaid insurance are associated with lower odds of self-CIC.

Update on bone fragility in spina bifida

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Patients with spina bifida (SB) are at risk for pathological fractures and low bone mineral density (BMD).

PURPOSE AND METHODS

This article reviews the literature and provides a comprehensive overview of how the characteristics of SB and its associated comorbidities intersect with bone fragility to identify possible pathophysiological mechanisms of fractures and low BMD.

RESULTS

Bone fragility occurs early in the life of patients with SB as a result of a disturbance that determines changes in bone shape, quantity, and quality, as poor mineralization reduces bone stiffness. Bone fragility in SB occurs due to local and systemic factors and may be considered a state of impaired bone quality of multifactorial aetiology, with complex interacting influences of neurological, metabolic, and endocrinological origins and the presence of smaller bones. Bone fragility should be evaluated globally according to skeletal age and Tanner staging. The phases of the evolution of Charcot joints seem to intercept the evolution of epiphyseal fractures. Charcot arthropathy in SB may be initiated by the occurrence of repetitive trauma and fractures in epiphyseal and subepiphyseal regions, where there is a deficit of bone mineralization and greater bone mass deficits.

CONCLUSION

Bone fragility in MMC potentially has a multifactorial neuro-endocrinological-metabolic-renal dimension, with smaller bones, lower bone mass, and mineralization deficits affecting bone strength.

Can baseline serum creatinine and e-GFR predict renal function outcome after augmentation cystoplasty in children?

OBJECTIVE

To assess cut-off value of creatinine and glomerular filtration rate for augmentation cystoplasty (AC) in paediatric age-group.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data of all paediatric-patients (<18 years) with small capacity bladder, in whom AC was advised between 2005-2015 were reviewed. All patients were divided in two-groups, AC-group and control-group (without AC). Creatinine and e-GFR were assessed at the time of surgery, at 6 months and at last follow-up. Renal function deterioration was defined as increase in creatinine by ≥25% from baseline value or new-onset stage-3 CKD or worsening of CKD stage with pre-operative-CKD stage-3. ROCs were plotted using creatinine and e-GFR for AC.

RESULTS

A total of 94 patients with mean-age 8.9 years were included. The mean creatinine and e-GFR were 1.33mg/dL and 57.68mL/min respectively. Out of 94 patients, AC was performed in 45 patients and in the remaining 49 patients AC was not done (control-group), as they were not willing for the same. Baseline patient's characteristics were comparable in both Groups. 22 underwent gastro-cystoplasty (GC) and 25 underwent ileo-cystoplasty (IC). Decline in renal function was observed in 15 (33.3%) patients of AC-group and in 31 (63.3%) patients of control-group. Patients having creatinine ≥1.54mg/dL (P=0.004, sensitivity (S) 63.6% and specificity (s) 90.5%) at baseline and e-GFR ≤46mL/min (P=0.000, S=100% and s=85.7%) at the time of surgery had significantly increased probability of renal function deterioration on follow-up after AC.

CONCLUSION

e-GFR ≤46mL/min and creatinine ≥1.54mg/dL at time of surgery could serve as a predictor of renal function deterioration in AC in paediatric patients.

The clinical diagnosis and management of urinary tract infections in children and adolescents

Urinary tract infections (UTI) are one of the most common and serious bacterial infections encountered by paediatricians and primary care physicians. Although the diagnosis and management of UTI appear simplistic, they remain among the most contentious issues in paediatrics. In part, UTI controversies stem from the absence of classic clinical symptoms, inappropriate urine specimen collection, modified urinary tract imaging recommendations, and diverse treatment and prevention strategies. Recently published guidelines and large clinical trials have attempted to clarify UTI diagnostic and management strategies. In this manuscript, we review the diagnosis and management of acute and recurrent UTI in the paediatric and adolescent populations.

Predictors of upper tract damage in pediatric neurogenic bladder

INTRODUCTION

Upper tract damage (UTD) is a life-threatening complication of neurogenic bladder (NB). Early identification of risk factors for UTD and institution of remedial measures may probably prevent UTD. The aim was to study the predictors of UTD in children 2 years or older with NB.

METHOD

This cross-sectional, observational study over 2 years included 30 children. UTD was defined as serum creatinine of >1 mg/dL or society of fetal urology grade III-IV hydronephrosis or hydroureteronephrosis on ultrasonography or renal scars on ^99mtechnetium dimercaptosuccinic scan or subnormal glomerular filtration rate (GFR) for age. The evaluated clinical variables were age at presentation, gender, palpable bladder lump, and recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI). Bladder wall thickness (BWT), grade and laterality of vesicoureteric reflux (VUR), status of the bladder neck, post-void residue (PVR), and level and type of intraspinal lesions were also noted. Urodynamic studies were performed for functional bladder assessment. A p-value <0.05 identified the risk factors.

RESULTS

UTD was detected in 15 (50%) with serum creatinine >1 mg% (2, 6%), SFU III-IV (11, 36%), renal scars (12, 40%), and subnormal GFR in (2, 6%) patients. Clinical risk factors for UTD were delayed presentation (p = 0.034), palpable bladder lump (p ≤ 0.001; OR 38.5; CI 5.6-262.5), and recurrent UTI (p = 0.033, OR 4.125, CI 0.913-18.630). The presence of significant PVR, trabeculated bladder, spin-top urethra, and bilateral VUR were identified as radiological risk factors for UTD. Mean BWT in patients with and without UTD was 4.69 ± 1.78 mm and 2.91 ± 1.08 mm respectively. BWT predictive of UTD was 3.05 mm (Figure). The mean detrusor leak point pressure (DLPP) did not vary significantly in those with and without UTD (36.82 ± 14.74 and 29.09 ± 10.44 cmH₂O, respectively), yet 75% patients with DLPP > 40 cmH₂O had UTD (p = 0.038, OR 5.4, CI 0.84-34.84). DLPP <40 cmH₂O was associated with UTD in 35% patients.

DISCUSSION

The incidence of UTD in this series is in accordance with that reported with expectant management (40%) and is much higher than the 17% stated with proactive management. A limitation of this study is the small number of patients and heterogeneous clinical diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

Delayed presentation with palpable bladder lump, recurrent UTI, increased BWT, bilateral VUR, increased PVR, and DLPP > 40 cm H₂O were identified as potential risk factors for UTD. This study highlights the significance of BWT as a predictor of UTD in NB.

Follow-up urodynamics in patients with neurogenic bladder

INTRODUCTION

Neurogenic bladder patients are at long-term risk of secondary upper urinary tract damage. Symptoms are unreliable and follow-up urodynamics is the only method of ascertaining safety of bladder pressures. This review examines the recommendations, shortcomings and utilization of existing guidelines. The evidence with regard to follow-up urodynamics in different settings relevant to neurogenic bladder is evaluated and an algorithm is proposed.

METHODS

A pubmed search was conducted for studies on follow-up urodynamics in patients with neurogenic bladder. Additional search was made of secondary sources including reviews and guidelines.

RESULTS

The need for follow-up urodynamics should be considered in all patients undergoing an initial assessment and weighed against the risks. Existing guidelines, while unanimous in their recommendation of its utilization, give scant details regarding its incorporation in clinical management. Follow-up urodynamics can document efficacy and identify the need for escalation of therapy in patients on intermittent catheterization and antimuscarinics. Patients with spinal injury, spinal dysraphism and anorectal malformations are at higher risk for upper tract damage. Follow-up urodynamics can help identify patients suitable for intravesical botulinum and mark those destined for failure. Patients undergoing augmentation cystoplasty may be candidates for less aggressive urodynamic follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Neurogenic bladder is managed by a broad cross-section of physicians. Clear recommendations and a management algorithm are important for improving patient care. Follow-up urodynamics can identify patients at risk, prevent renal dysfunction and improve the quality of life. There is an urgent need for more evidence on this important subject.

Long-term kidney transplant survival in patients with continent urinary diversion

OBJECTIVES

To report the long-term survival of transplanted kidneys in patients with a continent urinary diversion.

METHODS

Between January 1987 and July 2015, 16 patients with a median age of 37 years (range 21-63 years) underwent kidney transplantation on a continent urinary diversion. A total of 14 patients presented irreversible dysfunction of the lower urinary tract, and two patients had required radical cystectomy because of bladder cancer. All continent urinary diversions were carried out before the transplantation. There were nine Kock pouches, five Mainz pouches, one Mainz neobladder and one Hautmann neobladder. A total of 11 patients had a previous non-continent urinary diversion. Of the transplants, 14 came from brain-dead donors and two from related living donors.

RESULTS

The median post-transplantation follow up was 171 months (range 30-298 months). Two patients died, while six patients lost their transplant and resumed hemodialysis. Nine patients (56.2%) were alive with a functional transplant at the end of follow up. The most common allograft complication was acute pyelonephritis, but no graft was lost as a result of urinary diversion complications. The kidney transplant survival rate was 73.3% after 10 years, and 66.6% after 15 years. Among patients who still had a functional transplant at the time of the study, creatinine clearance was >30 mL/min for seven patients and <30 mL/min for two patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study is the longest series to date of renal transplantation on continent urinary diversions. The long-term outcome shows that the presence of a continent urinary diversion does not reduce transplant survival.

Association between clean intermittent catheterization and urinary tract infection in infants and toddlers with spina bifida

INTRODUCTION

The primary goal of urologic management in children with spina bifida is to reduce the risk of urinary tract infection (UTI) and associated renal injury. While clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) has been the mainstay of treatment, recent studies have suggested that this approach is not without risk. The objective of this study was to examine the association between alternative bladder management strategies and UTI in infants and toddlers with spina bifida.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted on spina bifida patients, aged 0-3 years, seen in a multidisciplinary spinal defects clinic between 2008 and 2013. Inclusion criteria included: a primary diagnosis of meningocele, myelomeningocele, or lipomyelomeningocele. Patients were excluded if they had: <1 year of follow-up, urologic surgery prior to initial evaluation, or incomplete data for analysis. Bivariate analyses were performed using Chi-squared or Fisher's exact tests. Multivariate analyses were performed using logistic regression.

RESULTS

A total of 107 patients meeting study criteria were identified. The majority of patients had lumbar lesions (74.8%) and ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts (72.9%). Initial bladder management was by CIC in 39.3% of patients and spontaneous voiding in 60.8% of patients. Median age at follow-up was 2.5 years. During the study period, 23.4% of patients switched from spontaneous voiding to CIC. Patients managed with CIC were more likely to have UTIs at final follow-up than those managed with voiding (35.7% vs. 18.5%; P = 0.045). Patients with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) were also more likely to have UTIs (54.5% vs. 17.9%; P = 0.015). Patients who switched from spontaneous voiding to CIC over the study period were more likely to be evaluated with urodynamics (72.0% vs. 31.8%; P < 0.0001) than those managed with voiding alone. Patients who switched to CIC were also more likely to have VUR (16% vs. 0%; P = 0.09) and UTIs (24% vs. 15%; P = 0.06) than those managed with voiding alone; however, these differences were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

In the present series, infants and toddlers with spina bifida who were initially managed with spontaneous voiding had a lower risk of UTI than those managed with CIC. Patients who switched to CIC after a period of initial observation with voiding did not have a significantly different risk of UTI compared with those managed with CIC alone. These findings suggest that early initiation of CIC may not be warranted in all infants with spina bifida. Further studies are needed to more clearly define optimal indications for initiation of CIC in these patients.

Can We Further Improve the Quality of Nephro-Urological Care in Children with Myelomeningocele?

Myelomeningocele (MMC) results from a failure of normal neural tube fusion in early fetal development. Retrospective, observational study of medical data of 54 children treated in Pediatric Nephrology and Urology Clinics for five years was performed. The following data were analyzed: serum creatinine, eGFR, urine analysis, renal scintigraphy (RS), renal ultrasound, and urodynamics. Mean age of studied population: 12.3 years, median of eGFR at the beginning and at the end of survey was 110.25 and 116.5 mL/min/1.73 m² accordingly. Median of frequency of urinary tract infections (fUTI): 1.2 episodes/year. In 24 children: low-pressure, in 30 children: high-pressure bladder was noted. Vesicouretral reflux (VUR) was noted in 23 children (42.6%). fUTI were more common in high-grade VUR group. High-grade VURs were more common in group of patients with severe renal damage. At the end of the survey 11.1% children were qualified to higher stages of chronic kidney disease. Renal parenchyma damage progression in RS was noted in 22.2% children. Positive VUR history, febrile recurrent UTIs, bladder wall trabeculation, and older age of the patients constitute risk factors of abnormal renal scans. More than 2.0 febrile, symptomatic UTIs annually increase by 5.6-fold the risk of severe renal parenchyma damage after five years.

Comparison of the microbiological milieu of patients randomized to either hydrophilic or conventional PVC catheters for clean intermittent catheterization

INTRODUCTION

Control of bacteriuria is problematic in patients who perform clean intermittent catheterization for management of neurogenic bladder. This population is often burdened with multiple urinary tract infections (UTIs), placing them at increased risk of end-stage renal disease. Hydrophilic catheters are a potential way to improve smooth and clean insertion, reduce disruption of the urothelium, and reduce bacterial colonization.

OBJECTIVE

The goal of the study was to compare the type and virulence of microorganisms recovered from the urine of patients that use either a hydrophilic or conventional polyvinyl chloride (PVC) catheter.

METHODS

Fifty patients with an underlying diagnosis of myelomeningocele were recruited for a 12-month prospective, randomized, investigator-blinded study. Twenty-five patients were allocated to the hydrophilic catheter intervention, and 25 continued use of a PVC catheter. Cultures were performed on urine obtained by catheterization at enrollment, and 3, 6, and 12 months. Bacterial species were assigned a designation as either potentially pathogenic or non-pathogenic. Escherichia coli isolates were the most predominant and were serotyped to further stratify the pathogenicity of the strains. Lastly, patients were surveyed at enrollment, and at the two later time points evaluating their current catheter for satisfaction.

RESULTS

A total of 232 different bacterial isolates were obtained from the 182 collected urine cultures. In addition, seven species were recovered from the two UTI reported during the study period. Bacterial growth was not detected in 29 of the samples (16%). Although not statistically significant, collectively there was a 40% decrease in the average number of potentially pathogenic species recovered from those patients using hydrophilic catheters (0.81 per urine sample) compared with PVC catheter use (1.24 per urine sample). Since E. coli species can be either pathogenic or non-pathogenic, we examined 14 of the most commonly implicated serotypes associated with uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC). We identified the serotype of 57% of E. coli strains recovered. There was a trend for the recovery of fewer UPEC serotypes from the hydrophilic group (54% hydrophilic verses 64% PVC), further suggesting that the catheter type may influence the microbiological milieu. Although no significant differences were reported in patient satisfaction, almost half of the patients from the hydrophilic catheter cohort continue use of this type of catheter.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a trend for reduced recovery of potentially pathogenic bacteria with the use of hydrophilic catheters. The reduction in potentially pathogenic species will reduce antibiotic exposures and some patients may prefer the comfort hydrophilic catheters provide.

Renal scarring and chronic kidney disease in children with spina bifida in a multidisciplinary Malaysian centre

AIMS

The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of renal cortical scarring and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in children with neurogenic bladder secondary to spina bifida (SB) managed at the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre. The secondary objective was to identify the clinical factors associated with these adverse outcomes.

METHODS

The medical records of 56 children managed from 1997 were available. Socio-demographic and clinical data for SB children managed for a minimum of 2 years (n = 45) were reviewed. This included age at referral, gender, ethnicity, duration of care, type of SB lesion, presence of vesico-ureteric reflux (VUR), symptomatic urinary tract infections, bladder trabeculation, catheterisations and renal function.

RESULTS

Forty-nine per cent of SB lesions were open myelomeningocoele, 40% were closed lesions and 11% were occult. Majority (96%) were at lumbar L3 or below. Twenty-nine children (64.5%) were referred before 6 months of age (mean15.8 months; range newborn to 125 months). Thirty-five (77.8%) had neurogenic bladder and 31(69%) had neurogenic bowel. Sixteen developed renal scarring and six, CKD. Late referral (≥6 months of age), small kidneys at referral, dilating VUR and bladder trabeculation were significant independent factors associated with scarring. On multivariate analysis, late referral (odds ratio (OR) 17.4; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.26-238.7) and dilating VUR (OR 137.0; CI 6.4-2921.1) remained significant.

CONCLUSION

Prevention of renal scarring and CKD remains a challenge in Malaysia even with multidisciplinary proactive care of SB children. Early referrals and more stringent management strategies for dilating VUR are still required.

Augmentation cystoplasty: Urodynamic and metabolic outcomes at 10-year follow-up

OBJECTIVE

To review the urodynamic outcomes, renal function and metabolic complications after augmentation cystoplasty with at least 10 years of follow-up.

METHODS

Augmentation cystoplasty performed in two tertiary referral centers from 1995 to 2004 were reviewed. Ten years or more postoperative course was studied by review of the clinical notes, urodynamic reports and laboratory results.

RESULTS

A total of 40 patients were included in this study. The mean age at surgery was 43 years, and 47.5% of patients were female. Median follow up was 13 years. Bladder capacity significantly increased from 283 ± 151 to 492 ± 123 mL (P < 0.01), with a percentage change of +130%. The compliance of the bladder was increased by 87%, and detrusor overactivity decreased by 54.2%. There were no significant changes in preoperative and postoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (68.3 mL/min vs. 76.6 mL/min, P = 0.798). Three patients (7.5%) had more than one episode of symptomatic urinary tract infection per year.

CONCLUSION

The present study confirms the effectiveness of augmentation cystoplasty in increasing bladder capacity, improving bladder compliance and reducing detrusor overactivity. The preservation of renal function and low metabolic complication rate provide solid evidence for carrying out this time-honored procedure in patients with neurogenic or non-neurogenic bladder dysfunction.