Post-void residual urine as a predictor of urinary tract infection--is there a cutoff value in asymptomatic men?

Recent developments in diagnostic ultrasound for lower urinary tract function

Ultrasonography (US) is an essential tool in the clinical management of lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD), including lower urinary tract symptoms, overactive bladder, and benign prostatic hyperplasia, in which prostatic volume and post-void residual volume are routinely used to evaluate the pathophysiological characteristics of afflicted patients. US can also be employed to diagnose hydronephrosis and bladder calculus as complications of severe LUTD. Moreover, US is essential for identifying pathophysiological characteristics and surgical indications, predicting disease development and drug efficacy, and monitoring bladder function improvement by means of such parameters as bladder wall thickness, prostatic urethral length, intravesical prostatic protrusion, and prostatic urethral angulation/angle. Herein, I narratively review the recent advances in US approaches for the management of LUTD, especially in adult males.

Can we define the optimal postvoid residual volume at which intermittent catheterization should be recommended, and are there other measures that could guide an intermittent catheterization protocol: ICI-RS 2023

AIMS

The postvoid residual (PVR) volume of urine in the bladder is widely used in clinical practice as a guide to initiate treatment, including clean-intermittent self-catheterization (CISC). It is often believed that an elevated PVR causes complications such as recurrent urinary tract infections (UTI) and renal failure. However, evidence for this is limited and identifying alternative measures to guide treatment decisions may optimize patient care. At the International Consultation on Incontinence Research Society (ICI-RS) meeting in 2023 a Think Tank addressed the question of whether we can define the optimal PVR at which CISC should be recommended, and whether there are other measures that could guide a CISC protocol.

METHODS

The Think Tank conducted a literature review and expert consensus meeting focusing on current limitations in defining and measuring PVR, and highlighting other measures that may optimize selection for, and persistence with, CISC.

RESULTS

There is no consensus on the threshold value of PVR that is considered "elevated" or "significant." There is a lack of standardization on terminology, and the normal range of PVR in different populations of different ages remains to be well-studied. The measurement of PVR is influenced by several factors, including intraindividual variation, timing and method of measurement. Furthermore, the evidence linking an elevated PVR with complications such as UTI and renal failure is mixed. Other measures, such as bladder voiding efficiency or urodynamic parameters, may be better at predicting such complications, and therefore may be more relevant at guiding a CISC protocol.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a lack of high quality evidence to support PVR as a predictor for complications of UTI or renal failure. Threshold values for normal PVR in different populations are unknow, and so threshold values for "elevated" or "significant" PVR cannot be determined. Other factors, such as urodynamic findings, may be better at predicting complications and therefore guiding management decisions, and this remains to be studied. Areas for further research are proposed.

Improved emptying performance with a new micro-hole zone catheter in adult male intermittent catheter users: A comparative multi-center randomized controlled cross-over study

AIMS

To confirm the improved performance of the micro-hole zone catheter (MHZC) compared to a conventional eyelet catheter (CEC) in male users of clean intermittent catheterizations (CICs).

METHODS

Male self-catheterizing subjects, who used hydrophilic sleeved soft/flexible CIC as the only bladder emptying method, were enrolled into a multi-center, randomized, cross-over study performed across six European sites. Subjects tested the MHZC, featuring a drainage zone with 120 micro-holes and a CEC with two eyelets. The study consisted of four study visits (V0-V3), during which endpoints related to catheter performance (urinary flow-stops, bladder emptying, and intra-catheter pressure) were measured and two 4-week test periods at home (T1 and T2) where dipstick hematuria and user perception between catheters were evaluated.

RESULTS

Seventy-three male subjects with non-neurogenic and neurogenic bladder dysfunction (3:2) were enrolled. On average, catheterizations with the MHZC led to close to mean zero flow-stops compared to ≥1 flow-stops with the CEC, during both HCP- and self-led catheterizations (both p < 0.001). Residual urine at first flow-stop was significantly reduced for the MHZC compared to CEC (p = 0.001 and p = 0.004, for HCP- and self-led catheterizations, respectively). This was substantiated by a significantly smaller pressure peak at first flow-stop, a proxy for minimized mucosal suction (both HCP- and self-led catheterizations, p < 0.001). After home-use catheterizations, dipstick hematuria was comparable between catheters, whereas catheterizations were associated with significantly improved perception in favor of MHZC regarding bladder emptying, less blocking sensation, and improved hygienic catheterization compared to the CEC.

CONCLUSION

This study confirmed the evidence of improved bladder emptying with the MHZC compared to a CEC without the need to reposition the catheter. The MHZC therefore offers an enhanced benefit for the dependent CIC user securing complete bladder emptying in an uninterrupted free flow and reducing the need to reposition the catheter during emptying.

Improved Performance With the Micro-Hole Zone Intermittent Catheter: A Combined Analysis of 3 Randomized Controlled Studies Comparing the New Catheter Technology With a Conventional Eyelet Catheter

PURPOSE

To assess the performance of a new urinary intermittent catheter (IC) prototype designed with a micro-hole drainage zone compared to a conventional eyelet catheter (CEC) in terms of flow-stop, bladder emptying, and hematuria.

DESIGN

Randomized controlled crossover studies.

SUBJECT AND SETTING

The sample comprised 15 male healthy volunteers (HV) and 15 IC users, along with 15 female HV and 15 IC users. The age range was lower for HV participants than for IC users (range: 20-57 years for HV vs 21-82 years for IC users). The study setting was the Department of Urology, located in Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen.

METHODS

Number of flow-stop incidents, residual urine volume at first flow-stop (RV1), and dipstick hematuria were measured during and after catheterization by a health care professional (HV) and by self-catheterisation (IC-users). Results from the 3 studies were combined for HV and IC users on RV1 and number of flow-stop incidents but separated on sex. For incidents of hematuria, an effect of underlying condition was assumed, and a combined analysis on sex was performed, separating HV and IC users.

RESULTS

When compared to the micro-hole drainage zone design, catheterizations with CEC resulted in a significantly higher mean RV1 (mean difference: 49 mL in males and 32 mL in females, both P < .001) and average number of flow-stop incidents (8 and 21 times more frequent for males and females, respectively, both P < .001). The likelihood for hematuria was 5.84 higher with CEC than with micro-hole drainage hole design, P = .053, during normal micturition in HV postcatheterization. No serious adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSION

The micro-hole drainage zone catheter provides IC users fewer premature flow-stops. This design feature reduces modifiable urinary tract infection risk factors, such as residual urine and micro-trauma; additional research is needed to determine its effects on bladder health.

New Intermittent Urinary Micro-Hole Zone Catheter Shows Enhanced Performance in Emptying the Bladder: A Randomised, Controlled Crossover Study

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common and troublesome complications of clean intermittent catheterisation (CIC) in individuals suffering from incomplete bladder emptying, which may exacerbate the underlying disease and lead to hospitalisation. Aside from the design of the intermittent catheter and its handling, a recent review highlighted residual urine as one of several UTI risk factors. A new urinary intermittent catheter with multiple micro-holes has been developed for improved bladder emptying. In a controlled crossover study, adult male CIC users were randomised for a health care professional-led catheterisation with the new micro-hole zone catheter (MHZC) and a conventional eyelet catheter (CEC) in two individual test visits to compare the number of flow-stops and the residual urine at the first flow-stop as co-primary endpoints. In 42 male CIC users, the MHZC resulted in significantly fewer flow-stop episodes compared to the CEC (mean 0.17, 95% CI [0.06, 0.45] vs. mean 1.09, 95% CI [0.75, 1.6], respectively; p < 0.001) and significantly less residual urine at the first flow-stop (mean 5.10 mL, SE [1.14] vs. mean 39.40 mL, SE [9.65], respectively; p < 0.001). No adverse events were observed in this study. The results confirm the enhanced performance of the MHZC compared to a CEC, ensuring an uninterrupted free urine flow with no need to reposition the catheter until the bladder is thoroughly empty.

Effectiveness of Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections as Prophylaxis for Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection in Women

PURPOSE

To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of intravesical platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections as prophylaxis for adult women with recurrent urinary tract infection (rUTI).

METHODS

This proof-of-concept study enrolled 63 women with rUTI in PRP treatment and control groups after achieving control of the most recent urinary tract infection (UTI) episode. The treatment group included 34 women who received 4 monthly intravesical PRP injections. The control group was made up of 30 women who received continuous antibiotic treatment for 3 months. After the completion of PRP or antibiotic treatment, outpatient follow-up was continued for up to 12 months. Treatment was considered successful if ≤2 UTI episodes occurred during a period of 12 months or ≤1 UTI episode within 6 months; otherwise, the outcome was considered a treatment failure. The frequency of symptomatic UTI episodes before and after PRP treatment was compared with that of the controls. Regression analysis was used to determine the association between potential predictors for a failed treatment outcome.

RESULTS

At the study endpoint, 33 PRP and 25 control group patients were available for analysis. After four PRP injections, the frequency of rUTI episodes per month was significantly decreased compared with baseline (0.46 ± 0.27 vs. 0.28 ± 0.30, p = 0.047). The PRP treatment success rate was 51.5% (17 of 33) for the PRP group versus 48% (12 of 25) for the control group. The PRP treatment success group had significantly higher voided volume, lower post-void residual volume, and higher voiding efficiency than the PRP treatment failure group. A higher baseline voiding efficacy ≥0.71 was significantly associated with a successful outcome (OR 16.56; p = 0.049).

CONCLUSIONS

The study results revealed that repeat intravesical PRP injections decreased the recurrence rate of UTI within 1 year in women with rUTI. The treatment success rate with intravesical PRP injections for rUTI was about 51.5%, whereas for women with prolonged antibiotic treatment, it was 48.0%. A baseline VE ≥ 0.71 was associated with a better treatment outcome with PRP injections.

Urinary tract infection in patients with lower urinary tract dysfunction

Lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) is becoming more common in aging societies worldwide. In patients with LUTD, the risk of urinary tract infection (UTI) rises due to several distinct mechanisms, including easy bacterial access to the urinary tract, impaired bacterial washout, and an impaired innate defense system. The pathophysiology of LUTD varies depending on whether it is neurogenic or non-neurogenic, as well as by gender; therefore, the etiology and characteristics of UTI differ according to the type of LUTD. Patients with neurogenic LUTD, especially those with spinal cord injury, have a high risk of febrile UTI, and strict bladder management is required to prevent UTI. Clean intermittent catheterization with or without appropriate pharmacological therapy is also strongly recommended for patients with neurogenic LUTD at risk of febrile UTI, unable to void, or with high post-void residual volume. In contrast, both male and female patients with non-neurogenic LUTD have a lower risk of symptomatic UTI. There is insufficient evidence for non-neurogenic LUTD regarding the association between symptomatic UTI but not asymptomatic bacteriuria and LUTD severity, including the presence of post-void residual volume, or whether therapeutic intervention for LUTS reduces the incidence of UTI, particularly in male patients. In this narrative review, we aimed to highlight the pathogenesis, epidemiology, and management of UTI in patients with LUTD.

A Lightweight Deep Learning Network on a System-on-Chip for Wearable Ultrasound Bladder Volume Measurement Systems: Preliminary Study

Bladder volume assessments are crucial for managing urinary disorders. Ultrasound imaging (US) is a preferred noninvasive, cost-effective imaging modality for bladder observation and volume measurements. However, the high operator dependency of US is a major challenge due to the difficulty in evaluating ultrasound images without professional expertise. To address this issue, image-based automatic bladder volume estimation methods have been introduced, but most conventional methods require high-complexity computing resources that are not available in point-of-care (POC) settings. Therefore, in this study, a deep learning-based bladder volume measurement system was developed for POC settings using a lightweight convolutional neural network (CNN)-based segmentation model, which was optimized on a low-resource system-on-chip (SoC) to detect and segment the bladder region in ultrasound images in real time. The proposed model achieved high accuracy and robustness and can be executed on the low-resource SoC at 7.93 frames per second, which is 13.44 times faster than the frame rate of a conventional network with negligible accuracy drawbacks (0.004 of the Dice coefficient). The feasibility of the developed lightweight deep learning network was demonstrated using tissue-mimicking phantoms.

Urinary Tract Infection in Hemodialysis-Dependent End-Stage Renal Disease Patients

Introduction

The aim of this study was to analyze urinalysis findings and urinary bacterial culture in hemodialysis-dependent end-stage renal disease patients. The research goal was to understand the proportion, risk factors, and the causative organisms of urinary tract infection in hemodialysis-dependent end-stage renal disease patients.

Materials and Methods

Between May 2020 and June 2021, this study included 100 hemodialysis-dependent end-stage renal disease patients (50 male patients and 50 female patients). The urine underwent microscopic examination, pyuria was defined as ≥5 white blood cells per high-power field, and urinary bacterial cultures were conducted for patients with pyuria. Bacteriuria was defined as ≥10⁴ colony-forming units/mL in men and ≥10⁵ colony-forming units/mL in women. Daily urine output was investigated by oral listening. Postvoiding residual urine volume was measured.

Results

Fifty-six percent of male patients and 30% of female patients had normosthenuria, 24% of male patients and 38% of female patients had pyuria, and 20% of male patients and 32% of female patients had a urinary tract infection. A comparison of normosthenuria and urinary tract infection revealed no statistically significant difference in age, time on dialysis, daily urine output, and postvoiding residual urine volume. The proportion of female patients among those with normosthenuria was 34.8%, whereas the proportion of female patients among those with UTI was 61.5%. Urinary bacterial cultures showed that the major causative organisms were Escherichia coli (45%; 18/40 cultures) and extended spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli (17.5%; 7/40 cultures).

Conclusion

The incidence of urinary tract infection was higher in female patients than in male patients. The proportion of resistant bacteria as the causative organisms was high in hemodialysis-dependent end-stage renal disease patients. Urinary bacterial culture should be checked while patients are able to void urine.

[LIMITATIONS OF QUESTIONNAIRE-BASED EVALUATION OF LOWER URINARY TRACT DYSFUNCTION IN ELDERLY PATIENTS]

(Purpose) Questionnaires are frequently used to evaluate subjective symptoms in clinical practice and research on lower urinary tract dysfunction. The usefulness and reliability of questionnaires such as the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS) are well known. However, elderly patients are often unable to fill out such questionnaires. There are no reports on the proportion of patients unable to complete these questionnaires and the background factors that make their use difficult. We conducted a prospective observational study to clarify these factors. (Materials and methods) Participants were 32 patients admitted to the rehabilitation ward of our hospital who were able to urinate on their own. The mean age was 82.9±6.9 years (65-97 years), and there were 11 men and 21 women. The main causes of hospitalization were orthopedic disease (17 cases), internal medical disease (9 cases), cerebrovascular disease (4 cases), and neurological disease (2 cases). The total score on the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) motor domains was used to evaluate patient motor function. The FIM cognitive domain total score and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score were used to evaluate cognitive function. Patients were given Japanese versions of the IPSS, IPSS-Quality of Life, and OABSS, and asked to complete 12 questions by circling the responses. If they were unable to complete the questionnaire on their own, an occupational therapist assisted them for 10 minutes. Patients were divided into three groups according to their responses to the 12 items: self-completed, completed with assistance, and not completed even with assistance. The percentage in each group was determined. The number of questions that could not be answered by self-completion was defined as the number of missing questions. Correlations between the number of missing questions and age, FIM motor domain score, FIM cognitive domain score, and MMSE score were evaluated. We also performed univariate and multivariate analyses of patient background factors for two groups: patients who could not complete the questionnaire on their own and those who could complete the questionnaire on their own. Gender, age, medical history, FIM motor domain score, FIM cognitive domain score, and MMSE score were analyzed. Twenty-eight cases, excluding four cases with missing FIM and MMSE data, were examined. Based on the evaluation of the number of missing questions described above, cutoff values for age, FIM motor domains, FIM cognitive domains, and MMSE were set. Fisher's exact test and logistic regression analysis were performed. (Results) For the 12 questionnaire items, 21 patients (65.6%) were able to complete the questionnaire on their own, 6 patients (18.8%) were able to complete it with assistance, and 5 patients (15.6%) were not able to complete it even with assistance. Age, FIM motor domain score, FIM cognitive domain score, and MMSE score all showed significant correlations with the number of missing items, with correlation coefficients of 0.362 (p=0.0417), -0.435 (p=0.0183), -0.622 (p=0.000318), and -0.455 (p=0.0149), respectively. The univariate analysis showed that two background factors indicating cognitive decline prevented self-completion of the questionnaire: FIM cognitive domain score <21 points (p=0.0000518) and MMSE score <24 points (p=0.0377). Multivariate analysis showed that cognitive decline, as indicated by <21 points on FIM cognitive domains, (odds ratio 133, 95% confidence interval 7.29-2,430, p=0.000965) affected patients' inability to complete the questionnaire on their own.

Catheter Management and Risk Stratification of Patients With in Inpatient Treatment Due to Acute Epididymitis

Objective: This study aims to evaluate catheter management in acute epididymitis (AE) patients requiring inpatient treatment and risk factors predicting severity of disease.

Material and Methods: Patients with diagnosed AE and inpatient treatment between 2004 and 2019 at the University Hospital Frankfurt were analyzed. A risk score, rating severity of AE, including residual urine > 100 ml, fever > 38.0°C, C-reactive protein (CRP) > 5 mg/dl, and white blood count (WBC) > 10/nl was introduced.

Results: Of 334 patients, 107 (32%) received a catheter (transurethral (TC): n = 53, 16%, suprapubic (SPC): n = 54, 16%). Catheter patients were older, exhibited more comorbidities, and had higher CRP and WBC compared with the non-catheter group (NC). Median length of stay (LOS) was longer in the catheter group (7 vs. 6 days, p < 0.001), whereas necessity of abscess surgery and recurrent epididymitis did not differ. No differences in those parameters were recorded between TC and SPC. According to our established risk score, 147 (44%) patients exhibited 0–1 (low-risk) and 187 (56%) 2–4 risk factors (high-risk). In the high-risk group, patients received a catheter significantly more often than with low-risk (TC: 22 vs. 9%; SPC: 19 vs. 12%, both p ≤ 0.01). Catheter or high-risk patients exhibited positive urine cultures more frequently than NC or low-risk patients. LOS was comparable between high-risk patients with catheter and low-risk NC patients.

Conclusion: Patients with AE who received a catheter at admission were older, multimorbid, and exhibited more severe symptoms of disease compared with the NC patients. A protective effect of catheters might be attributable to patients with adverse risk constellations or high burden of comorbidities. The introduced risk score indicates a possibility for risk stratification.

Management of voiding dysfunction associated with pelvic malignancies

Voiding dysfunction is common after surgical and radiation treatments in patients diagnosed with non-urological pelvic malignancies. Presentation might vary with lower urinary tract symptoms and/or overactive bladder, urinary retention, or incontinence. We reviewed the most recent literature with the aim of describing various types of urinary dysfunction that manifest after radical treatments for non-urological pelvic malignancies. Radical surgical or radiation treatment adversely affect other adjacent pelvic organ function, including viscera, pelvic musculature and the peripheral nervous system. This results in direct organ and indirect functional damage to the genitourinary tract. Multiple surgical and radiation modifications are available nowadays, allowing urologists to offer various treatments for better functional lower urinary tract outcomes. Diagnosing and understanding the type and severity of voiding dysfunction plays a key role in tailoring an appropriate treatment plan. The objective to better functional results relies on maintaining adequate bladder compliance and capacity while permitting volitional emptying, ideally through voiding. Management should routinely start with conservative measures, including pelvic floor muscle training with or without a combination of oral medication for urgency incontinence and clean intermittent catheterization for the management of urinary retention. Concomitant or isolated urinary incontinence can be further managed through multiple established surgical approaches. We attempted to address various treatment available for known lower urinary tract symptoms that might have been caused secondary to non-urological pelvic surgery or radiation. We discuss different diagnostic and treatment modalities individualized for patients with various entities, to help achieve optimal urinary function and improve quality of life.

Efficacy and safety of mirabegron, a β3 -adrenoceptor agonist, in patients with detrusor hyperactivity and impaired contractility

OBJECTIVE

We examined the efficacy and safety of mirabegron in elderly patients with urodynamic detrusor hyperactivity with impaired contractility (DHIC).

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with DHIC received daily dose of mirabegron (25mg). Subjective symptom scores, uroflowmetry data, and adverse events (AEs) were recorded for all patients at baseline and after 1, 3, and 6 months treatment. Comparisons were made for each patient individually and between patients with detrusor overactivity (DO).

RESULTS

Of the 65 patients enrolled in the study, 25 had DHIC and 40 had DO (mean [± SD] age 79.3 ± 9.6 and 75.6 ± 10.7 years, respectively). At the 6-month follow-up, significant (P < .05) improvement was seen compared with baseline in both the DHIC and DO groups in terms of OAB symptom scores (4.72 ± 3.05 vs. 6.88 ± 4.06 and 4.50 ± 2.99 vs. 6.70 ± 3.60, respectively), urgency severity score (1.90 ± 2.00 vs. 3.35 ± 1.13 and 1.58 ± 1.93 vs. 3.00 ± 1.65, respectively), and global response assessment (1.80 ± 1.41 and 1.73 ± 1.34, respectively). In the DHIC group, post-void residual (PVR) volume decreased from 153 ± 52.7 mL at baseline to 85.8 ± 90.1 mL at 6th month (P < .05) and voiding efficiency improved from 40.0 ± 20.7% to 62.6 ± 28.3% (P < .05). Common AEs included dry mouth and dizziness, yet 16% of DHIC patients developed PVR >180 mL.

CONCLUSION

Mirabegron was an effective treatment option in elderly patients with urodynamic DO and DHIC in the present study. The AEs reported were mild and infrequent.

Natural history of post-void residual urine volume over 5 years in community-dwelling older men: The Concord Health and Ageing in Men Project

AIMS

To describe the natural history of post-void residual urine volume (PVR) in community-dwelling older men.

METHODS

The Concord Health and Ageing in Men Project involves a representative sample of community-dwelling men aged 70 and older in a defined geographic area of Sydney, Australia. PVR were measured at baseline and 2-year and 5-year follow-up. The measurements were considered valid when the voided volumes were 150 mL and over. Three-hundred twenty-nine men without conditions that are likely to alter PVR (neurological disorders, prostate cancer, and a history of urological treatment) were included in the analyses.

RESULTS

Baseline PVR were 0-49 mL in 183 men, 50-99 mL in 59 men, 100-199 mL in 72 men, 200-399 mL in 11 men, and 400 mL and over in 4 men. Thirteen out of 314 (4%) men with a baseline PVR of 0-199 mL and 2 out of 11 (18%) men with a baseline PVR of 200-399 mL had surgery for benign prostate enlargement (BPE) or indwelling catheterization over 5 years compared to three out of four men (75%) with a PVR of 400 mL and over. In all 101 men with a baseline PVR of less than 400 mL who did not receive urological treatment during follow-up and had valid PVR data for both 2-year and 5-year follow-up, PVR did not exceed 400 mL at either follow-up time point.

CONCLUSION

Conservative management may be appropriate for most older men with incidentally found elevated PVR of up to 400 mL.

One normal void and residual following MUS surgery is all that is necessary in most patients

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

There is considerable variation worldwide on how the assessment of voiding function is performed following midurethral sling (MUS) surgery. There is potentially a financial cost, and reduction in efficiency when patient discharge is delayed. Using our current practice of two normal void and residual (V&R) readings before discharge, the aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the likelihood of an abnormal second V&R test if the first V&R test was normal in order to determine if a policy of discharge after only one satisfactory V&R test is reasonable.

METHODS

Data from 400 patients who had had MUS surgery with or without other procedures were collected. Our unit protocol included two consecutive voids of greater than 200 ml with residuals less than 150 ml before discharge. The patients were divided into the following groups: MUS only, MUS plus anterior colporrhaphy (AR) plus any other procedures (MUS/AR), and MUS with any non-AR procedures (MUS+).

RESULTS

Complete datasets were available for 335 patients. Once inadequate tests (low volume voids <200 ml) had been excluded (28% overall), the likelihood of an abnormal second V&R test if the first test was normal was 7.1% overall, but 3.6% for MUS, 11.5% for MUS/AR and 8.6% for MUS+.

CONCLUSION

The findings in the MUS-only group indicate that it is probably safe to discharge patients after one satisfactory V&R test, as long as safety measures such as 'open access' are available so that patients have unhindered readmission if problems arise.

Non-neurogenic Chronic Urinary Retention: What Are We Treating?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review examines current terminology used to define non-neurogenic chronic urinary retention (CUR), describes the pathophysiology of urinary retention, and highlights contemporary diagnostic and treatment algorithms.

RECENT FINDINGS

There is no standardized definition for the condition, but volumes >300 ml are commonly used to describe CUR. It is a clinical diagnosis which does not require urodynamics. Pathophysiologic causes of CUR be from myogenic, neurogenic, bladder outlet obstruction, or a combination of these sources. Treatment algorithms recommend stratifying patients with chronic urinary retention by risk and by symptoms before initiating treatment. Common CUR outcome endpoints need to be better utilized so that treatment modalities can be compared. Non-neurogenic CUR is a heterogeneous condition that has multiple definitions, underlying physiologies, and possible endpoints. Standardization is needed to better understand and treat CUR.

Recent advances in recurrent urinary tract infection from pathogenesis and biomarkers to prevention

Recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) might be one of the most common problems in urological clinics. Recent research has revealed novel evidence about recurrent UTI and it should be considered a different disease from the first infection. The pathogenesis of recurrent UTI might include two mechanisms, bacterial factors and deficiencies in host defense. Bacterial survival in the urinary bladder after antibiotic treatment and progression to form intracellular bacterial communities might be the most important bacterial factors. In host defense deficiency, a defect in pathogen recognition and urothelial barrier function impairment play the most important roles. Immunodeficiency and urogenital tract anatomical abnormalities have been considered the essential risk factors for recurrent UTI. In healthy women, voiding dysfunction and behavioral factors also increase the risk of recurrent UTI. Sexual intercourse and estrogen deficiency in postmenopausal women might have the strongest association with recurrent UTI. Traditional lifestyle factors such as fluid intake and diet are not considered independent risk factors now. Serum and urine biomarkers to predict recurrent UTI from the first infection have also attracted a wide attention recently. Current clinical evidence suggests that serum macrophage colony-stimulating factor and urinary nerve growth factor have potential predictive value for recurrent UTI. Clinical trials have proven the efficacy of the oral immunoactive agent OM-89 for the prevention of UTI. Vaccines for recurrent UTI are recommended by the latest guidelines and are available on the market.

Bacteriology of Urine Specimens Obtained from Men with Symptomatic Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Background:

Bacteriuria and urinary tract infections are common sequelae of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Thus, the knowledge of urine bacteriology in men with symptomatic BPH in our environment may play a complementary role in management.

Objectives:

To determine the incidence of bacteriuria and the antibiotic sensitivity pattern of bacterial isolates in cultured urine samples of men with symptomatic BPH.

Patients and Methods:

This was a 1 year prospective study. All patients who presented with lower urinary tract symptoms due to BPH and who met the inclusion criteria were studied. Urine samples were obtained from the patients for microscopy, culture, and sensitivity following standard protocol.

Results:

Ninety-four patients were studied. The age range was 53–80 years with a mean of 65.5 ± 7.8 years. Bacterial isolates were noted in 42 (44.7%) patients. Six of these had two different species of bacterial organisms isolated. Escherichia coli noted in 20 (47.6%) specimens was the most common organism isolated while the least common, Providencia species, was noted in 1 (2.4%). The bacterial isolates were mostly sensitive to imipenem, meropenem, and nitrofurantoin, but showed greater resistance to cefuroxime, gentamicin, and ofloxacin. There was no significant difference between the means for age (P = 0.80), duration of symptoms (P = 0.09), and prostate size (P = 0.52) in the patients with and those without bacteriuria.

Conclusion:

Bacteriuria is a common finding in patients with symptomatic BPH in our setting. The bacterial isolates showed high level of resistance to oral cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones. There is a need to update guidelines in empiric use of antibiotics in this group of patients.

Safety and efficacy of a patient-controlled bladder management system for treating urinary retention in men

AIMS

The CymActive™ Bladder Management System (BMS) is a self-retaining, intraurethral catheter with a patient-controlled magnetic valve that allows cyclical bladder filling and emptying, without external appliances. We determined the safety and efficacy of the BMS in men with urinary retention who required catheterization for more than 7 days.

METHODS

Men requiring continuous drainage, bladder capacity less than 300 ml, history of prostatic or urethral surgery, or urethral length outside of defined limits, were excluded. Data were collected from patient diaries and weekly visits during catheterization for up to 30 days. The primary composite endpoint assessed four outcomes: placement, post-void residual volume (PVR) of 75 ml or less, adverse device-related events requiring early removal, and removal.

RESULTS

Nine of 23 patients met all four criteria: eight of 18 non-neurogenic (7/11 prior Foley users and 1/7 without Foley experience) and one of five neurogenic spinal cord injury (SCI) patients. Secondary outcomes in non-neurogenic patients included: 17/18 successful insertions; of these, 16/17 average PVR of 75 ml; successful valve openings and closings ≥ 95% of more than 1,400 voids; and minimal leakage. Four of five SCI patients discontinued within 7 days. Cystourethroscopy after removal revealed no marked inflammation or mucosal changes.

CONCLUSIONS

This pilot study demonstrated the BMS is potentially useful, convenient, and safe for appropriate patients. A follow-up study will better define the characteristics of patients who benefit from this device and examine whether the use of antimuscarinic agents improves outcomes. Neurourol. Urodynam. 35:630-635, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A prospective Korean multicenter study for infectious complications in patients undergoing prostate surgery: risk factors and efficacy of antibiotic prophylaxis

This multicenter study was undertaken to determine the efficacy of antibiotic prophylaxis and identify the risk factors for infectious complications after prostate surgery in Korean patients. A total of 424 patients who underwent surgery of the prostate were reviewed. All patients underwent urinalysis and urine culture preoperatively and postoperatively. Efficacy of antibiotic prophylaxis and risk factors for infectious complications were investigated. Infectious complications were observed in 34.9% of all patients. Factors independently associated with infectious complications were diabetes mellitus (adjusted OR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.09-3.65, P=0.025) and operation time (adjusted OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.03-1.13, P=0.004). Clinicians should be aware of the high risk of infectious complications in patients with diabetes and those who undergo a prolonged operation time. Neither the type nor duration of prophylactic antibiotics resulted in differences in infectious complications.

Both host and pathogen factors predispose to Escherichia coli urinary-source bacteremia in hospitalized patients

BACKGROUND

The urinary tract is the most common source for Escherichia coli bacteremia. Mortality from E. coli urinary-source bacteremia is higher than that from urinary tract infection. Predisposing factors for urinary-source E. coli bacteremia are poorly characterized.

METHODS

In order to identify urinary-source bacteremia risk factors, we conducted a 12-month prospective cohort study of adult inpatients with E. coli bacteriuria that were tested for bacteremia within ±1 day of the bacteriuria. Patients with bacteremia were compared with those without bacteremia. Bacterial isolates from urine were screened for 16 putative virulence genes using high-throughput dot-blot hybridization.

RESULTS

Twenty-four of 156 subjects (15%) had E. coli bacteremia. Bacteremic patients were more likely to have benign prostatic hyperplasia (56% vs 19%; P = .04), a history of urogenital surgery (63% vs 28%; P = .001), and presentation with hesitancy/retention (21% vs 4%; P = .002), fever (63% vs 38%; P = .02), and pyelonephritis (67% vs 41%; P = .02). The genes kpsMT (group II capsule) (17 [71%] vs 62 [47%]; P = .03) and prf (P-fimbriae family) (13 [54%] vs 40 [30%]; P = .02) were more frequent in the urinary strains from bacteremic patients. Symptoms of hesitancy/retention (odds ratio [OR], 7.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.6-37), history of a urogenital procedure (OR, 5.4; 95% CI, 2-14.7), and presence of kpsMT (OR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1-8.2) independently predicted bacteremia.

CONCLUSIONS

Bacteremia secondary to E. coli bacteriuria was frequent (15%) in those tested for it. Urinary stasis, surgical disruption of urogenital tissues, and a bacterial capsule characteristic contribute to systemic invasion by uropathogenic E. coli.

Effects of thoracic epidural analgesia on lower urinary tract function in women

AIMS

The need for an indwelling transurethral catheter in patients with postoperative thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) is a matter of controversy. Subjective observations are ambivalent and the literature addressing this issue is scarce. As segmental blockade can be achieved with epidural analgesia, we hypothesized that analgesia within segments T4-T11 has no or minimal influence on lower urinary tract function. Thus, we evaluated the effect of TEA on lower urinary tract function by urodynamic studies.

METHODS

In 13 women with no preoperative lower urinary tract symptoms undergoing open kidney surgery by lumbotomy under TEA, we prospectively assessed changes in urodynamic parameters the day before and 2-3 days after surgery with the patients under TEA.

RESULTS

Before versus during TEA, there was a significant increase in postvoid residual (median, 5 ml vs. 220 ml, P<0.001) and a significant decrease in maximum detrusor pressure (median, 23 cmH(2) O vs. 5 cmH(2) O, P=0.001), detrusor pressure at maximum flow rate (median, 18 cmH(2) O vs. 5 cmH(2) O, P=0.001), maximum flow rate (median, 12 ml/sec vs. 3 ml/sec, P<0.001), and voided volume (median, 250 ml vs. 40 ml, P<0.001). In addition, maximum urethral closure pressure at rest decreased significantly under TEA from median 75 cmH(2) O to 56 cmH(2) O (P=0.002). Bladder sensation, maximum cystometric capacity, compliance, and functional profile length at rest were not influenced by TEA.

CONCLUSIONS

TEA has a significant effect on bladder emptying with clinically relevant postvoid residual (PVR) necessitating (indwelling or intermittent) catheterization or monitoring of PVR.