Efficacy of Tamsulosin in the Medical Management of Juxtavesical Ureteral Stones

Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and serum procalcitonin level as a predictor of spontaneous ureteral stone passage: A prospective study

BACKGROUND

Ureteric stone is responsible for around 20% of urinary tract stones and among them 70% of these are located in distal portion of the ureter. Stone causing ureter obstruction produce inflammatory changes in ureteric wall and prevent spontaneous passage of stone. The objective of the study is to compare the predictive role of procalcitonin and Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) for spontaneous passage of stone.

MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY

Total 150 participants having ureteric stone of 4-8 mm, were included in prospective observational study. The patients were followed up for 4 weeks. Spontaneous Stone Passage (SSP) was confirmed with either the patient collecting the stone during urination or by Non-Contrast CT performed at 4 weeks. Blood samples of the patients were analysed and White blood cells, sedimentation, Neutrophile to Lymphocyte (NLR), procalcitonin level compared to analyse predictors of future SSP.

RESULT

The procalcitonin levels of the Spontaneous stone passing SSP (-ve) group (209.05 ± 78.45 pg/ml) were significantly higher than the not passing the SSP (+ve) group (130.76 ± 24.18) (p < 0.001). NLR is significantly higher in the SSP -ve (3.84 ± 0.41) than the SSP +ve (2.18 ± 0.38) group (p < 0.001). In single and multivariate analysis, significant activity was found for procalcitonin in SP +ve group.

CONCLUSION

The findings of the study suggests that high level of procalcitonin, and high NLR have a negative effect on passage of stone. So early intervention can be planned to these patients to prevent complications.

Prediction of spontaneous distal ureteral stone passage using artificial intelligence

PURPOSE

Identifying factors predicting the spontaneous passage of distal ureteral stones and evaluating the effectiveness of artificial intelligence in prediction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The files of patients presenting with distal ureteral stones were retrospectively evaluated. Those who experienced spontaneous passage were assigned to Group P, while those who did not were assigned to Group N. Demographic and clinical data of both groups were compared. Then, logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the factors predicting spontaneous stone passage. Based on these factors, a logistic regression model was prepared, and artificial intelligence algorithms trained on the dataset were compared with this model to evaluate the effectiveness of artificial intelligence in predicting spontaneous stone passage.

RESULTS

When comparing stone characteristics and NCCT findings, it was found that the stone size was significantly smaller in Group P (4.9 ± 1.7 mm vs. 6.8 ± 1.4 mm), while the ureteral diameter was significantly higher in Group P (3.3 ± 0.9 mm vs. 3.1 ± 1.1 mm) (p < 0.05). Parameters such as stone HU, stone radiopacity, renal pelvis AP diameter, and perirenal stranding were similar between the groups. In multivariate analysis, stone size and alpha-blocker usage were significant factors in predicting spontaneous stone passage. The ROC analysis for the logistic regression model constructed from the significant variables revealed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.835, with sensitivity of 80.1% and specificity of 68.4%. AI algorithms predicted the spontaneous stone passage up to 92% sensitivity and up to 86% specifity.

CONCLUSIONS

AI algorithms are high-powered alternatives that can be used in the prediction of spontaneous distal ureteral stone passage.

Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of either or both mirabegron and silodosin, as a medical expulsive therapy for distal ureteric stones

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate efficacy and safety of either or both silodosin and mirabegron as MET for distal ureteric stones ≤ 10 mm.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study enrolled a total of 105 patients, aged between 20 and 56 years, diagnosed by single radiopaque distal ureteral stone measuring ≤ 10 mm. The recruitment period spanned from May 2020 to December 2021. The patients were randomly divided into three groups, with each group consisting of 35 participants. Group A received a once-daily dose of 8 mg of silodosin, group B received a once-daily dose of 50 mg of mirabegron, and group C received a combination of both medications. Treatment was administered to all patients until the stone was expelled or for a maximum duration of four weeks. The stone-free rate was determined by analyzing KUB films with or without ultrasonography.

RESULTS

The rate of stone expulsion was significantly higher in group C compared to groups A and B (P = 0.04 and P = 0.004, respectively). The mean (standard deviation) time for stone expulsion in groups A, B, and C was 14 ± 2.3 days, 11 ± 3.1 days, and 7 ± 2.2 days, respectively. Group C demonstrated a significantly shorter stone expulsion time compared to groups A and B (P = 0.001 and P = 0.04, respectively). The frequency of renal colic in group C was significantly lower than that in groups A and B, resulting in a reduced requirement for analgesics (P < 0.05). Anejaculation occurred at a significantly higher rate in the silodosin group (73.9%) and combination group (84%) compared to the mirabegron group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study suggest that both silodosin and mirabegron are effective treatments for the expulsion of lower ureteric stones. Furthermore, the combination of these medications leads to an increased rate of stone expulsion and a reduced duration of expulsion.

Optimal duration of medical expulsive therapy for lower ureteral stones: a critical evaluation

To evaluate the optimal duration of Medical Expulsive Therapy (MET) application for distal ureteric stones on a time period based manner. 89 patients with 5-10 mm distal ureter stones received tamsulosin (0.4 mg) for MET and diclofenac sodium (75 mg) for analgesia. Patients were evaluated once a week for 4 weeks. Radiologic stone passage was evaluated by kidney ureter bladder (KUB) and ultasonography where non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT) was also performed if needed. While 23 cases (28.4%) were SF after first week, 23 were SF (28.4%) after 2 weeks, 9 cases (11.1%) after 3 and lastly 7 cases (8.6%) became SF after four weeks. Nineteen (23.5%) cases were not SF after 4 weeks. A positive relationship was found between the time period elapsed for stone passage and ureteral wall thickness (UWT) along with the degree of hydronephrosis. In addition, mean number of renal colics and emergency department (ED) visits were found to be higher in patients passing stones in the 4th week along with the ones who could not despite MET. SFR for distal ureteric stones sizing 5-10 mm was higher within the first 3 weeks under MET application. Thus, waiting for a longer period of time may result in increased analgesic and unnecessary MET treatment with increased risk of emergency department visits and additional costs as well. We believe that other options could be considered in such cases who are not SF at the end of the first 3 weeks.

Alpha-blockers: the magic pill for endourology-The great delusion

PURPOSE

The present paper takes a different and more critical look at the role of alpha-blockers, sometimes nicknamed as "magical pills", in particular for stone disease and medical expulsive therapy (MET).

METHODS

A non-systematic narrative review was performed, synthesizing pertinent information from selected articles, and critically evaluating their conclusions. Sometimes different views on alpha-blockers were laid bare, including curiosities or other entertaining nuances suitable to the present topic, but always maintaining sharp objectivity and the foremost scientific rigor.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Alpha-blockers seem to be a panacea, being used to treat a wide variety of non-urological diseases and conditions. Urological applications include erectile dysfunction to benign prostatic hyperplasia, from incontinence to urinary retention, or even to facilitate urinary stone passage along the urinary tract. Due to its versatility, alpha-blockers appear to be the Swiss army knife of urological medications. However, the efficacy of alpha-blockers for MET, pain management, or facilitating upper tract access is very disappointing, bringing no, or in some instances, only marginal benefits. Their treatment results are far from being significant or impressive let alone magical. Regular sexual intercourse is an effective alternative to alpha-blockers, providing faster ureteral stone expulsion rates and reducing the need for pain medication. Most of the research supporting alpha-blockers has been based on single-center, underpowered, low-quality studies. These low-quality studies biased several subsequent meta-analyses, contaminating them with their low-quality data, enhancing and prolonging this delusion. These results emphasize the need for large, multi-centric, unbiased, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trials to prevent future year-long delusions that may afflict any medical field.

Does mirabegron have a potential role as a medical expulsive therapy in the treatment of distal ureteral stones? A prospective randomized controlled study

BACKGROUND

The existence of β3 receptors in the bladder and ureter was documented in many studies on animals and humans, it was documented that relaxation of the lower ureteral segment is achieved by the stimulation of these receptors. Our aim was to assess the efficacy and safety of mirabegron as a medical expulsive therapy (MET) for distal ureteral stones in comparison with silodosin and placebo.

METHODS

One hundred eighty patients with distal ureteral stone of 5-10 mm size were included in our study. They were divided into three groups, and each one consisted of 60 patients. Group I was given silodosin 8 mg, group II mirabegron 50 mg and group III placebo once daily. The treatment was prescribed for all the cases till stone expulsion or a maximum duration of 4 weeks. Primary outcome was the stone expulsion rate (SER). While secondary outcomes were stone expulsion time, side effects of the used drugs, hospital visits number for pain, and amount of analgesic taken.

RESULTS

We found that the SER was significantly higher in silodosin than mirabegron and placebo groups (61%, 38.6%, and 36.7%, respectively) (p = 0.013). Also, the stone expulsion interval was significantly shorter in silodosin than mirabegron and control groups (p < 0.001). While hospital visits number for pain, and amount of analgesic taken were comparable. There was no difference between the studied medications in terms of the adverse effects except for retrograde ejaculation (silodosin = 63.3%, mirabegron = 0%, and placebo = 0%; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Mirabegron has no medical expulsive effect. While silodosin improves SER and stone expulsion time. However, retrograde ejaculation was its main side effect and occurred in 63.3% of the male patients. Therefore, more research is needed to discover a more tolerable MET.

Nonopioid Pain Management Pathways for Stone Disease

Introduction: New opioid dependency after urologic surgery is a serious adverse outcome that is well-described in the literature. Patients with stone disease often require multiple procedures because of recurrence of disease and hence are at greater risk for repeat opioid exposures. Despite this, opioid prescribing after urologic surgery remains highly variable and in an emergency setting, opioids are still used commonly in management of acute renal colic. Methods: Two literature searches were performed using PubMed. First, we searched available literature concerning opioid-sparing pathways in acute renal colic. Second, we searched available literature for opioid-sparing pathways in ureteroscopy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Abstracts were reviewed for inclusion in our narrative review. Results: In the setting of acute renal colic, multiple randomized control trials have shown that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) attain greater reduction in pain scores, decreased need for rescue medications, and decreased vomiting events in comparison with opioids. NSAIDs also form a core component in management of postureteroscopy pain and have been demonstrated in randomized trials to have equivalent to improved pain control outcomes compared with opioids. Multiple opioid-free pathways have been described for postureteroscopy analgesia with need for rescue narcotics falling under 20% in most studies, including in patients with ureteral stents. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocols after percutaneous nephrolithotomy are less well described but have yielded a reduction in postoperative opioid requirements. Conclusions: In select patients, both acute renal colic and after kidney stone surgery, adequate pain management can usually be obtained with minimal or no opioid medication. NSAIDs form the core of most described opioid-sparing pathways for both ureteroscopy and PCNL, with the contribution of other components to postoperative pain outcomes limited because of lack of head-to-head comparisons. However, medications aimed specifically at targeting stent-related discomfort form a key component of most multimodal postsurgical pain management pathways. Further investigation is needed to develop pathways in patients unable to tolerate NSAIDs.

Spontaneous stone expulsion in patients with history of urolithiasis

Objectives:

To examine differences in the presentation, management, and outcomes of patients admitted to the emergency department (ED) with ureteral stones, with prior history of urolithiasis compared to patients with a first stone event.

Patients and Methods:

Retrospective analysis of patients who visited the ED that were found to have a ureteral stone on CT. Patients were stratified into two groups: without history of urolithiasis (Group 1) and with history of urolithiasis (Group 2).

Results:

Between 2018 and 2020, 778 patients were admitted with ureteral stones. Patients in group 1 presented with a higher mean serum creatinine ( p = 0.02), larger mean stone size ( p < 0.0001), and a higher proportion of proximal ureteral stones ( p < 0.0001) than patients in group 2. The 30 day readmission rate was significantly higher in group 1 ( p = 0.02). Spontaneous stone expulsion was higher in group 2 ( p < 0.0001), whereas the need for endourological procedures was higher in group 1 ( p < 0.0001). On multivariable analysis serum creatinine (OR 0.264, 95% CI 0.091–0.769, p = 0.01) and stone size (OR 0.623, 95% CI 0.503–0.771, p < 0.0001) were associated with a lower spontaneous stone expulsion rate. History of prior endourological procedures (OR 0.225, OR 0.066–0.765, p = 0.01) was associated with a higher spontaneous stone expulsion rate.

Conclusions:

Our data suggests that patients who are first time stone formers present with larger and more proximal ureteral stones, with a lower likelihood of spontaneous stone expulsion and a subsequent need for surgical intervention. Previous stone surgery and not previous stone expulsion was found to be a predictor for spontaneous stone passage.

Efficacy of Mirabegron as Medical Expulsive Therapy for Distal Ureteral Stones: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blinded, Controlled Study

BACKGROUND

Today, medical expulsive therapy (MET) is more effective and commonly used in distal ureteral stones when compared with conservative treatments. Many treatments, namely, alpha-adrenergic blockers and calcium channel blockers, prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors, glyceryl trinitrate, and steroids, have been, therefore, utilized to mitigate such complications and accelerate stone expulsion. Several animal and human studies revealed the presence of β3-receptors in the ureter and bladder, where stimulating these receptors could relax the distal ureteral segment.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of use of mirabegron as MET for distal ureteral stones (intramural and extramural).

METHODS

This is a prospective randomized controlled study including 90 patients who had distal ureteral stones less than 10 mm and were evaluated between January and June 2020. The patients were classified into 3 groups: group (A) 30 patients: mirabegron 50 mg d-1 + diclofenac Na 100 mg tab (to be taken only during colic episodes), group (B) 30 patients: tamsulosin HCL 0.4 mg cap + diclofenac Na 100 mg tab (to be taken only during colic episodes), and group (C) 30 patients: diclofenac Na 100 mg tab only (to be taken only during colic episodes). Age, sex, stone size, laterality, and grade of ureterohydronephrosis were recorded. Patients were observed for 30 days, and ureteroscopy was completed for those with nonexpulsed stones. Follow-up parameters included number of renal colic episodes, duration of medical therapy, stone expulsion time, and stone expulsion rate (SER).

RESULTS

In the group (A), 2 (6.6%) patients were excluded due to nasal congestion, and 1 (3.3%) patient was excluded due to a 20-mm Hg systolic blood pressure increase. Four (13.3%) patients in group (B) were noncompliant on medical treatment. In addition, 2 (6.6%) patients in group (A), 1 (3.3%) patient in group (B), and 5 (16.6%) patients in group (C) who did not attend follow-up examinations were excluded from the study. The SER increased significantly in group (A) and (B) when compared with group (C). The mean time of stone expulsion was about 15, 25, and 12 days for groups A, B, and C, respectively, and there was a significant statistical difference (p value = 0.006) among the 3 groups. The mean number of renal colic episodes of group (A) of patients was 1.8 times, while that of group (B) was 2.6 times and that of group (C) was 2.16 times with no significant statistical difference after comparing the 3 groups (p value = 0.660).

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with mirabegron appears to be a safe and effective medical expulsion therapy for distal ureteric stones and is better than tamsulosin.

The Efficacy of Mirabegron in Medical Expulsive Therapy for Ureteral Stones: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of mirabegron (50 mg daily) as a medical expulsive therapy for ureteral stones in adults.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science from inception to July 2021 to collect the clinical trials. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias of included studies by using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Review Manager 5.3 software was used for the meta-analysis.

RESULTS

A total of four studies were included, involving 398 patients: 197 patients in mirabegron group and 201 patients in control group. The meta-analysis showed that the stone expulsion rate was higher in the mirabegron group than in the control group (OR: 2.12; 95% CI: 1.33 to 3.40; p=0.002). Subgroup analysis identified that the stone expulsion rate of patients with stone size <5/6 mm was significantly higher than that of patients with stone size ≥5/6 mm (OR: 0.31; 95% CI: 0.13 to 0.72; p=0.006). But no significant difference was identified between the mirabegron group and the control group for the stone expulsion interval (MD: -1.16, 95% CI: -3.56 to 1.24; p=0.35). In terms of pain episodes, the mirabegron group was significantly lower than that of the control group (MD: -0.34, 95% CI: -0.50 to 0.19; p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

The medical expulsive therapy with mirabegron had a significant effect in improving the stone expulsion rate for patients with ureteral stones, especially in those whose stone size <5/6 mm. Mirabegron had no effect on the stone expulsion interval but did decrease the pain episodes.

Efficacy of Adjuvant Tamsulosin for Improving the Stone-Free Rate after Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy in Renal Stones: A Randomized Controlled Trial

INTRODUCTION

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is an effective treatment for urolithiasis. Tamsulosin is capable of causing dilation and facilitating the migration of stones. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of adjuvant treatment with tamsulosin for improving the stone-free rate after a single session of ESWL in the treatment of kidney stones.

METHODS

This is a randomized, nonplacebo-controlled study with a sample of 60 adults with a single radiopaque kidney stone of 5-20 mm in diameter. After the ESWL session, the patients were divided into two groups. The control group received standard treatment for analgesia consisting of oral diclofenac (75 mg/12 h) as needed. The tamsulosin group received standard treatment for analgesia plus oral tamsulosin (0.4 mg/day) for eight weeks. In both groups, stone-free status was determined using a CT scan eight weeks after ESWL. The protocol of this study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT04819828.

RESULTS

Only 57 patients completed the study (28 tamsulosin and 29 control). Overall, the average stone diameter was 11.42 ± 4.52 mm. The stone-free rate was 50.88% (29 of 57) overall, 53.57% (15 of 28) for the tamsulosin group, and 48.27% (14 of 29) for the control group (p = 0.680). The estimated relative risk in favor of the tamsulosin group to achieve a stone-free status was 1.11 (95% CI 0.67-1.9). The estimated number needed to treat to achieve a single patient with renal stone-free status after eight weeks of ESWL adjuvant treatment with tamsulosin was 19.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that tamsulosin as adjuvant treatment after a single ESWL session is well tolerated and safe, but it does not increase the stone-free rate in patients with a single radiopaque renal stone of 5-20 mm in diameter. Our results may support the use of tamsulosin with ESWL in the case of patients with a single radiopaque renal stone of 11-20 mm in diameter based on an apparent higher stone-free rate and a low rate of complications.

Development of prediction models of spontaneous ureteral stone passage through machine learning: Comparison with conventional statistical analysis

Objectives

To develop a prediction model of spontaneous ureteral stone passage (SSP) using machine learning and logistic regression and compare the performance of the two models. Indications for management of ureteral stones are unclear, and the clinician determines whether to wait for SSP or perform active treatment, especially in well-controlled patients, to avoid unwanted complications. Therefore, suggesting the possibility of SSP would help make a clinical decision regarding ureteral stones.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with unilateral ureteral stones at our emergency department between August 2014 and September 2018 were included and underwent non-contrast-enhanced computed tomography 4 weeks from the first stone episode. Predictors of SSP were applied to build and validate the prediction model using multilayer perceptron (MLP) with the Keras framework.

Results

Of 833 patients, SSP was observed in 606 (72.7%). SSP rates were 68.2% and 75.6% for stone sizes 5–10 mm and <5 mm, respectively. Stone opacity, location, and whether it was the first ureteral stone episode were significant predictors of SSP. Areas under the curve (AUCs) for receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for MLP, and logistic regression were 0.859 and 0.847, respectively, for stones <5 mm, and 0.881 and 0.817, respectively, for 5–10 mm stones.

Conclusion

SSP prediction models were developed in patients with well-controlled unilateral ureteral stones; the performance of the models was good, especially in identifying SSP for 5–10-mm ureteral stones without definite treatment guidelines. To further improve the performance of these models, future studies should focus on using machine learning techniques in image analysis.

Gilaburu extract (Viburnum opulus Linnaeus) is as effective as Tamsulosin in medical expulsive therapy of distal ureteral calculi

BACKGROUND

To compare the extract of Gilaburu (Viburnum opulus Linnaeus) and Tamsulosin as a medical expulsive therapy (MET) in patients with distal ureteral calculi of 10 mm or less.

METHODS

Data of 86 patients were prospectively collected. The patients were divided into two groups. In the first group, Viburnum opulus 1000 mg peroral 3 × 2 and diclofenac 50 mg peroral on-demand (n = 43), in the second group Tamsulosin 0.4 mg peroral 1 × 1 and diclofenac 50 mg peroral on-demand (n = 43) was given for MET in patients with distal ureteral calculi. Stone expulsion rates, time until expulsion, additional analgesic requirement, need for emergency admission, need for additional treatment were evaluated. In addition, subgroup analyses of ≤5 and 5-10 mm were also performed.

RESULTS

There was no difference between the groups in terms of stone expulsion rates and time until the expulsion in all stones. Additional analgesic requirement and need for emergency admission were found to be lower in the Viburnum opulus group (37.2% vs 65.1%, P = .017 and 11.6% vs 34.8%, P = .02, respectively). In subgroup analyses, while stone expulsion rates were similar in subgroups, it was found shorter in the time until expulsion, lower additional analgesic requirement and need for emergency admission in V. opulus group than Tamsulosin group in 5-10 mm stone size subgroup (7.1 ± 4.2 vs 11.8 ± 5.2, P = .005, 32.2% vs 77.7%, P = .001 and 12.9% vs 40.7%, respectively).

CONCLUSION

V. opulus can be used effectively and safely for the treatment of MET in distal ureteral calculi.

Mirabegron in medical expulsive therapy for distal ureteral stones: a prospective, randomized, controlled study

OBJECTIVE

To observe the efficacy and safety of Mirabegron in patients with distal, ureteral stones ≤ 10 mm.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 90 patients with distal ureteral stones ≤ 10 mm were prospectively randomized into two groups. Forty-five cases in the study group and 45 cases as control. The stone-free rates (SFRs) and renal colic episodes between two groups were compared at the 1st, 2nd and 4th week end by imaging examinations.

RESULT

All of 90 patients were randomly assigned to two groups. In patients with ≤ 5 mm stones, the SFRs in the 1st week (63.6% vs. 33.3%, P = 0.040), the 2nd week (86.4% vs. 54.2%, P = 0.018), and the 4th week (90.9% vs. 66.7%, P = 0.046) after treatment were all significantly higher than that in the control group by the stratification analysis of stone size. Even though SFRs were all higher for patients with > 5 mm stones in study group, there was no statistically significant difference (All P > 0.05). In terms of renal colic episodes, the frequency of occurrence of the study group was significantly lower than that of the control group and need less antalgic.

CONCLUSIONS

The MET with Mirabegron has a significant role in improve SFR for the patients with distal ureteral stones ≤ 5 mm and no effect in > 5 mm stones. Furthermore, Mirabegron reduces the need for antalgic in ≤ 10 mm stones with low incidence of adverse effects.

Adjunctive medical expulsive therapy with tamsulosin for repeated extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose:

To evaluate the efficacy of adjunctive medical expulsive therapy (MET) with tamsulosin for the promotion of stone fragments clearance for repeated extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL).

Materials and Methods:

This meta-analysis was conducted by systematic search for randomized controlled trial (RCT) studies in PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Web of Science databases in January 2020, which compared tamsulosin with either placebo or non-placebo control for repeated ESWL. The primary endpoint was stone-free rate (SFR), the second endpoints were stone clearance time and complications. The quality assessment of included studies was performed by using the Cochrane System and Jadad score.

Results:

7 RCTs were included in this meta-analysis. Tamsulosin provided higher SFR (for stones larger than 1cm, OR: 5.56, p=0.0003), except for patients with stones less than 1cm. For patients with renal stones (OR: 2.97, p=0.0005) or upper ureteral stones (OR: 3.10, p=0.004), tamsulosin can also provide a higher SFR. In addition, tamsulosin provided a shorter stone clearance time (WMD: −9.40, p=0.03) and lower pain intensity (WMD=-17.01, p <0.0001) and incidences of steinstrasse (OR: 0.37, p=0.0002).

Conclusion:

Adjunctive MET with tamsulosin is effective in patients with specific stone size or location that received repeated ESWL. However, no well-designed RCT that used computed tomography for the detection and assessment of residual stone fragments was found. More studies with high quality and the comparison between tamsulosin and secondary ESWL are needed in the future.

Comparison of the efficacy of silodosin and a terpene combination in the medical expulsive therapy of distal ureteral stones

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to compare the efficacy of silodosin and a terpene combination in the treatment of distal ureteral stones.

METHODOLOGY

The data of the patients admitted to the urology policlinic with renal colic, diagnosed with distal ureteral stones, and followed up with medical expulsive therapy between December 2017 and June 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 comprised 72 patients that received 8 mg/day silodosin and Group 2 consisted of 51 patients that were given three capsules of a terpene combination daily. The groups were compared in terms of the patients' demographic characteristics, medical history, localisation of the present stone, renal collecting system status, daily fluid intake, number of emergency service visits, number of additional analgesic applications needed, number of pain attacks, number of days off work, stone expulsion rate and time to stone expulsion.

RESULTS

Of the total 123 patients, 98 (79.7%) were stone-free. The stone-free rate was 75.0% in Group 1 and 86.3% in Group 2, with no statistical difference between the two groups. However, the number of visits to the emergency service because of pain, number of additional analgesic applications required, number of days off work, and time to stone expulsion were statistically significantly lower in Group 2 than in Group 1.

CONCLUSIONS

The treatment of distal ureteral stones with silodosin is as effective as the terpene combination. However, the terpene combination is more effective than silodosin in managing pain and accelerating stone expulsion.

Can the Hounsfield unit predict the success of medical expulsive therapy using silodosin in 4- to 10-mm distal ureteral stones?

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to investigate the predictive ability of the Hounsfield unit (HU) on non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT) for the success of medical expulsive therapy (MET) using silodosin in distal ureteric stones of 4-10 mm.

METHODOLOGY

The data of patients who underwent MET were retrospectively screened. The patients were divided into two groups as Groups 1 and 2 depending on the presence or absence of stone expulsion, respectively. In addition to HU calculated using the NCCT images, state of the collecting systems, daily fluid intake, number of emergency department visits, and number of pain attacks were compared.

RESULTS

A total of 88 patients were included in the study. Sixty-four patients (72.7%) expelled the stone after MET while the treatment was not successful in 24 patients (27.3%). The stone area was significantly larger in Group 2 (28.4 ± 15.7 mm² vs 46.8 ± 16.1 mm² ; P < .001). NCCT-HU was calculated as 542.5 ± 256.8 for Group 1 and 873.1 ± 335.2 for Group 2, indicating a significant difference (P < .001). The mean number of pain attacks was 1.5 ± 1.2 in Group 1 and 2.2 ± 1.4 in Group 2 (P = .048). The number of visits to the emergency department significantly differed between Groups 1 and 2 (1.1 ± 1.0 and 1.8 ± 1.3, respectively; P = .010).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, HU and stone area values calculated on NCCT were found to be effective factors in predicting the treatment success for MET. Therefore, we consider that it would be useful to consider these parameters in the selection of an appropriate treatment for distal ureteric stones.

Comparison of efficacy nebulized fentanyl with intravenous ketorolac for renal colic in patients over 12 years old

OBJECTIVES

Acute renal colic is one of the common causes of referral to the hospitals. The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of nebulized fentanyl with that of intravenous ketorolac in renal colic patients.

MATERIALS & METHODS

This double-blinded clinical study included 186 patients with acute renal colic who were referred to the emergency department of Besat Hospital, Iran.

PATIENT SELECTION

After selecting patients, according to study inclusion and exclusion criteria, they were divided into 2 groups of 93 using random block allocation method. The patients in the groups were treated with either nebulized fentanyl or intravenous ketorolac. The severity of pain was measured using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) of pain. The severity of pain at different times and demographic data were recorded.

RESULTS

One hundred and thirty four males and 52 females with a mean age of 42.95 ± 13.13 years were included in the study. The two groups were matched in terms of age, sex, and the severity of the pain before the treatment. Fifteen minutes following the treatment, the severity of pain was decreased in the ketorolac group but did not change in the nebulized fentanyl group. Thirty minutes after the administration of the drug, the severity of pain in the nebulized fentanyl group decreased. At any time, the severity of pain in the ketorolac group was lower than that of the nebulized fentanyl group.

CONCLUSION

Intravenous ketorolac had better analgesic effects in renal colic patients compared with nebulized fentanyl. Further studies that include complications and combinational therapy are required.

Efficacy of Tamsulosin plus Tadalafil versus Tamsulosin as Medical Expulsive Therapy for Lower Ureteric Stones: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Introduction

Urolithiasis is one of the common disorder with which about 1/5^th is found in the ureter, of which 2/3^rd is seen in the lower ureter. Medical expulsive therapy is one of the routine modalities of treatment which uses various drugs acting on the ureter smooth muscle by different mechanism. We aim to compare the efficacy of combination vs. single drug.

Methods

This randomized controlled trial was done in 176 consecutive patients over a period of six months (March 2019 to August 2019) in Department of Urology and Kidney Transplant Surgery, Tribhuvan University Teaching. Participants were divided into two groups (Group A, tamsulosin plus tadalafil, and Group B, tamsulosin) from computer-generated random numbers. Therapy was continued for a maximum of 3 weeks. Stone expulsion rate, time to stone expulsion, analgesic use, number of colic and emergency room visits for pain, early intervention, and adverse effects of drugs were recorded.

Results

Among 176 patients who were enrolled in study, 7 were lost to follow-up, and 5 people required immediate intervention. There was a significant higher stone passage rate in group A than group B (64 vs. 50; P=0.025) and shorter expulsion time (1.66 vs. 2.32 weeks P=0.001) and less number of emergency room visits and colic episodes. No significant side effects were noted during study.

Conclusion

Tamsulosin plus Tadalafil is more effective than tamsulosin with early passage of stone and decreased number of colic episodes and emergency visits without significant side effects for lower ureteric calculi of 5 mm to 10 mm.

Efficacy of silodosin or mirabegron in medical expulsive therapy for ureteral stones: a prospective, randomized-controlled study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of silodosin or mirabegron as a medical expulsive therapy for ureteric stones in adults.

PATIENTS-METHOD

This is a prospective, randomized multicentric study. Patients who had ureter stones in size between 4 and 10 mm were assessed prospectively. Patients were divided into three groups with equal randomization. Group 1 was the control group; group 2 took silodosin 8 mg, and group 3 took mirabegron 50 mg once daily.

RESULTS

All 169 patients were included in the final analysis. The spontaneous expulsion rate was similar between groups. In patients with distal localization, the stone expulsion interval was shorter in the silodosin group (7.1 ± 4.5 days) than the control (12 ± 8.7) (p = 0.034). In patients with stone size smaller than 6 mm, the stone expulsion interval was shorter in the silodosin group (5.8 ± 4) than the control (12.2 ± 2.8) (p = 0.004); the analgesic requirement was less in the silodosin group (1.4 ± 1.3) than in the control (3.6 ± 2.8) (p = 0.028). Mirabegron had no effect on stone expulsion interval in any analysis. In patients with distal localization or stone size bigger or equal to 6 mm, the need for an analgesic was less in the mirabegron group (1.8 ± 1.9) (1.9 ± 1.8) than in the control (3.6 ± 2.3) (3.2 ± 1.8), respectively (p = 0.004) (p = 0.017).

CONCLUSIONS

Silodosin or mirabegron does not improve the stone expulsion rate. Silodosin improves the stone expulsion interval and decreases the need for an analgesic or < 6 mm stones. Mirabegron has no effect on the stone expulsion interval, but decreases the need for an analgesic in patients with distal or sized ≥ 6 mm stones.

Hounsfield unit and its correlation with spontaneous expulsion of lower ureteric stone

Background:

Hounsfield unit (HU) is the measure of stone density, and is utilized in the predetermination of type of stone. The purpose of this study was to identify some factors in noncontrast computed tomography (NCCT) of kidney, ureter, and bladder (KUB) that are easily extractable and can be used to determine the outcome of expectant management.

Methods:

All patients 18–50 years of age who presented with flank pain and diagnosed as having lower ureteric calculi of size 5–10 mm by NCCT KUB were included in the study. HU of stone was calculated from the mean HU at three different regions of interest. We prescribed tamsulosin for 4 weeks as medical expulsive therapy. We divided the patients into two groups: group A included patients with successful expulsion of stone, and group B included patients who failed to pass stone. We compared age, gender, laterality, stone size in axial and coronal section of NCCT, HU of stone, blood urea, creatinine, and renal parenchymal thickness.

Results:

A total of 180 patients with lower ureteric calculus were included in the study. The mean age of patients was 34 years, with male:female ratio of 2.3:1. Of these 180 patients, 119 (66%) successfully expelled the stone and were included in group A, with the remaining 61 (34%) forming group B. In univariate analysis, longitudinal diameter of stone (p < 0.001), transverse diameter of stone (p < 0.001) and high HU (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with failure of expulsion. However, in multivariate analysis only longitudinal diameter of stone (p < 0.001) differed significantly among groups. Differences in HU (p = 0.179) and transverse diameter of stone (p = 0.108) did not reach significance level.

Conclusions:

Lower ureteric calculi are definitely amenable to conservative management. Longitudinal diameter of stone can be a useful parameter; however, HU and its derivatives cannot be used as a predictor of outcome.

A comparative study of the crystal structures of 2-(4-(2-(4-(3-chlorophenyl)pipera -zinyl)ethyl) benzyl)isoindoline-1,3-dione by synchrotron radiation X-ray powder diffraction and single-crystal X-ray diffraction

The crystal structures of the title compound, C27H26ClN3O2, were established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and synchrotron radiation X-ray powder diffraction. The simulated annealing approach and rigid-body Rietveld refinement were applied to the structure solution from powder data. Direct methods and full-matrix least-squares techniques were used to solve and refine the crystal structure from single-crystal data. The title compound crystallized in space group P $\bar{1}$ with lattice parameters a=17.396(7) Å, b= 10.010(4) Å, c=6.833(3) Å, α=77.345(12) °, β= 93.534(6) °, γ=97.210(9) °, unit-cell volume V= 1151.0(2) Å3, Z=2 from powder data, and in space group P $\bar{1}$with lattice parameters α=82.485(2) °, β= 86.5110(10) °, γ=77.518(2) °, a=6.8159(6) Å, b= 10.0003(9) Å, c=17.4140(15) Å, unit-cell volume V =1148.3(2) Å3, Z=2 from single-crystal data. No detectable impurities were observed.

Identification and local delivery of vasodilators for the reduction of ureteral contractions

Kidney stones and ureteral stents can cause ureteral colic and pain. By decreasing contractions in the ureter, clinically prescribed oral vasodilators may improve spontaneous stone passage rates and reduce the pain caused by ureteral stenting. We hypothesized that ureteral relaxation can be improved via the local administration of vasodilators and other smooth muscle relaxants. Here, by examining 18 candidate small molecules in an automated screening assay to determine the extent of ureteral relaxation, we show that the calcium channel blocker nifedipine and the Rho-kinase inhibitor ROCKi significantly relax human ureteral smooth muscle cells. We also show, by using ex vivo porcine ureter segments and sedated pigs that, with respect to the administration of a placebo, the local delivery of a clinically deployable formulation of the two drugs reduced ureteral contraction amplitude and frequency by 90% and 50%, respectively. Finally, we show that standard oral vasodilator therapy reduced contraction amplitude by only 50% and had a minimal effect on contraction frequency. Locally delivered ureteral relaxants therefore may improve ureter-related conditions.

Is Medical Therapy for Distal Ureteral Stones Efficient? Tamsulosin versus Deflazacort: A Prospective Randomised Trial

INTRODUCTION

 To evaluate the efficacy of tamsulosin and deflazacort in the spontaneous expulsion of distal ureteral stones when applied in an independent or combined manner.

METHODS

 134 patients with distal ureteral stones (4 - 10 mm) were included in tothe study. All patients were randomized into four groups: group 1 (n = 37) patients receiving tamsulosin (0.4 mg/day); group 2 (n = 26) patients receiving deflazacort (30 mg/day); group 3 (n = 37) patients receiving combined treatment (tamsulosin and deflazacort) with the same dosages; and group 4, control group cases (n = 34), receiving paracetamol on demand. Although deflazacort treatment was limited to 10 days due to the possible associated side effects, α-blocker and paracetamol lasted up to four weeks. Patients were followed up on a weekly basis and at the end of four weeks all groups were compared primarily with respect to the stone expulsion rates.

RESULTS

 No statistically significant difference was noted between all groups regarding the age, sex, or stone burden (p > 0.05). Spontaneous stone expulsion rates after 4 weeks were 64.8 %, 69.2 %, 75.7 %, and 26.4 % in group 1, 2, 3, and 4 respectively. Spontaneous passage rates were statistically higher in all treatment groups when compared with the control group. Despite the highest spontaneous stone expulsion rate noted in group 3; this difference was not statistically significant when compared with the group 1 and 2. No major side effect related to the medications was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

 Tamsulosin facilitated the spontaneous passage of distal ureteral stones < 10 mm in size in an effective manner particularly when applied in combination with an oral corticosteroid.

The Efficacy of Ultra-thin Semi-rigid Ureteroscopy with Holmium Laser Lithotripsy in Pediatric Ureteral Stones: A Single-center Experience

Introduction

The aim of this study was to present our results regarding the feasibility and possible complications of 4.5 Fr semi-rigid ureterorenoscopy (URS) treatments in pediatric patients.

Methods

The files and computer records of a total of 33 pediatric patients (20 males and 13 females), who underwent URS procedures for ureteral stones > 5 mm between January 2013 and June 2017, were retrospectively reviewed. A 4.5 Fr semi-rigid ureteroscope (Ultrathin 4.5/6.5 Fr Ureterorenoscope; Richard Wolf GmbH, Knittlingen, Germany) was used for the URS procedures. For the stone-free rate evaluations, abdominopelvic ultrasound or direct radiography scans were performed one week after the surgery, and low-dose non-contrast computed tomography (CT) was performed during the first month.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 9.8 ± 2.8 (range 4-16) years old, and the mean ureteral stone size was 8.9 ± 1.4 (range 6-13) mm. The mean surgical duration was 45 ± 21.2 (range 30-75) minutes, and the mean hospital stay length was 1.2 (range 1-4) days. Minor complications occurred in five (15.1%) of the patients. The success rates for the first week and first month were 90.9% and 96.9%, respectively.

Conclusion

The endoscopic management of pediatric ureteral stones using a 4.5 Fr ureteroscope seems to be a safe and feasible treatment option with high success and low complication rates.

Efficacy of Naftopidil as a Medical Expulsive Therapy in Japanese Men With Ureteral Stones: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study

Background

Naftopidil combined with an antispasmodic agent and a supplement that facilitates stone expulsion has reportedly produced an increased rate of ureteral stone expulsion. A randomized controlled study was conducted to determine the efficacy of naftopidil as a medical expulsive therapy for male patients with ureteral stones.

Methods

Male patients (n = 500) with stones from the upper to the lower ureter were randomized to one of four groups and followed for 1 month to assess spontaneous passage of stones. The control group received only analgesics. The other three groups received daily doses of 240 mg flopropione, an antispasmodic agent and 1,350 mg extract of Quercus salicina Blume/Quercus stenophylla Makino (QS), a supplement that facilitates stone expulsion; 50 mg naftopidil; or 50 mg naftopidil in combination with 240 mg flopropione and 1,350 mg QS. Stone expulsion and characteristics were evaluated by urinalysis; kidney, ureter and bladder X-ray; ultrasound; and computed tomography.

Results

The probability of expulsion of ureteral stones < 6 mm increased 1.570-fold (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.039 - 2.374, P < 0.05) with naftopidil compared to control; the probability of expulsion of a lower ureteral stone < 6 mm increased 1.778-fold (95% CI: 1.066 - 2.965, P < 0.05) with naftopidil compared to control. None of the stones > 6 mm spontaneously passed.

Conclusions

For relatively small ureteral stones < 6 mm, analgesic treatment combined with naftopidil would be the first choice. However, for relatively large ureteral stones > 6 mm, it appears that analgesia is sufficient for initial treatment of ureteral stone.

Association of spontaneous expulsion with C-reactive protein and other clinico-demographic factors in patients with lower ureteric stone

The purpose of our study is to analyze the definitive relation of C-reactive protein (CRP) and other factors with the spontaneous stone passage in patients with distal ureteric calculus of 5-10 mm and to calculate the risk of failure of expectant management in patients. 185 patients of ureteric colic, who were subjected to medical expulsive therapy (MET), were included prospectively from August 2016 to May 2018 and followed up for 4 weeks. Patients were divided into two groups. Group A included successful spontaneous passage patients and group B included failure in the same. The parameters analyzed were age, gender, longitudinal and transverse diameter of stone, CRP, total leucocyte count, ureteric diameter and hydroureteronephrosis (HUN). We performed univariate and multivariate analysis. Receiver operating characteristics curve was used to determine the cutoff value for significantly associated variables. 122 (65.90%) and 63 (34.10%) patients were included in group A and B, respectively. In univariate analysis, CRP, longitudinal and transverse diameter of stone, HUN, proximal and distal ureteric diameters were statistically significant. However, in multivariate analysis, only negative CRP (p = 0.002), smaller longitudinal diameter of stone (p < 0.001) and absence of HUN (p = 0.005) were significantly associated with successful expulsion. Cutoff for CRP was 0.41 mg/dl and longitudinal diameter was 6.7 mm. The success rate in the group of patients with no risk factor was 96.7% and with all three risk factors was 16.7%. Patients with a longitudinal diameter of stone > 6.7 mm, HUN, and CRP > 0.41 mg/dl should be considered for early intervention. The success rate of MET can be increased to 86% after exclusion of patients with all three risk factors.

Efficacy of mirabegron in medical expulsive therapy

To show the efficacy of mirabegron for medical expulsive treatment, in patients had intramural located distal ureteral stone. A 80 patients had intramural ureteral stone were assessed retrospectively between April 2017 and January 2018. Mirabegron 50 mg/day + diclofenac 100 mg/day (group 1, n = 40), and only diclofenac 100 mg/day (group 2, n = 40) were administered to patients, consecutively. Age, gender, stone size, laterality, and severity of hydronephrosis were recorded. Spontaneous stone expulsion rates (SER), stone expulsion time, and the number of daily colic episodes were evaluated. In the group 1, one (2.5%) patient was excluded due to nasopharyngitis, and one (2.5%) patient was excluded due to 5 mmHg systolic blood pressure increase. In addition, four (10%) patients in group 1, and six (15%) patients in group 2, who did not attend follow-up examinations, were excluded from the study. There was not any statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of age, gender, stone location, severity of hydronephrosis, stone size (p = 0.736, p = 0.310, p = 0.467, p = 0.801, p = 0.761, consecutively). Spontaneous expulsion ratios were calculated as 73.52% in group 1, and 47.05% in group 2 (p = 0.026). However, there was not any statistically significant difference in terms of stone expulsion time (p = 0.979). SER for patients had ≤ 6 mm stones was higher in group 1 (87.5 vs 52.49%, p = 0.031). In addition, group 2 patients had more pain episodes (1.02 ± 0.52 vs. 1.29 ± 0.57, p = 0.049). In the current study, mirabegron has been shown to be an efficient, safe and a new treatment modality, with lower side effect profile for the intramural located distal ureteral stones.

Alpha-blockers as medical expulsive therapy for ureteral stones

BACKGROUND

Ureteral colic is a common reason for patients to seek medical care. Alpha-blockers are commonly used to improve stone passage through so-called medical expulsive therapy (MET), but their effectiveness remains controversial. This is an update of a 2014 Cochrane review; since that time, several large randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have been reported, making this update relevant.

OBJECTIVES

To assess effects of alpha-blockers compared with standard therapy for ureteral stones 1 cm or smaller confirmed by imaging in adult patients presenting with symptoms of ureteral stone disease.

SEARCH METHODS

On 18 November 2017, we searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE Ovid, and Embase. We also searched ClinicalTrials.gov and the WHO Portal/ICTRP to identify all published/unpublished and ongoing trials. We checked all references of included and review articles and conference proceedings for articles relevant to this review. We sent letters to investigators to request information about unpublished or incomplete studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included RCTs of ureteral stone passage in adult patients that compared alpha-blockers versus standard therapy.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors screened studies for inclusion and extracted data using standard methodological procedures. We performed meta-analysis using a random-effects model. Primary outcomes were stone clearance and major adverse events; secondary outcomes were stone expulsion time, number of pain episodes, use of diclofenac, hospitalisation, and surgical intervention. We assessed the quality of evidence on a per-outcome basis using the GRADE approach.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 67 studies with 10,509 participants overall. Of these, 15 studies with 5787 participants used a placebo.Stone clearance: Based on the overall analysis, treatment with an alpha-blocker may result in a large increase in stone clearance (risk ratio (RR) 1.45, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.36 to 1.55; low-quality evidence). A subset of higher-quality, placebo-controlled trials suggest that the likely effect is probably smaller (RR 1.16, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.25; moderate-quality evidence), corresponding to 116 more (95% CI 51 more to 182 more) stone clearances per 1000 participants.Major adverse events: Based on the overall analysis, treatment with an alpha-blocker may have little effect on major adverse events (RR 1.25, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.96; low-quality evidence). A subset of higher-quality, placebo-controlled trials suggest that alpha-blockers likely increase the risk of major adverse events slightly (RR 2.09, 95% CI 1.13 to 3.86), corresponding to 29 more (95% CI 3 more to 75 more) major adverse events per 1000 participants.Patients treated with alpha-blockers may experience shorter stone expulsion times (mean difference (MD) -3.40 days, 95% CI -4.17 to -2.63; low-quality evidence), may use less diclofenac (MD -82.41, 95% CI -122.51 to -42.31; low-quality evidence), and likely require fewer hospitalisations (RR 0.51, 95% CI 0.34 to 0.77; moderate-quality evidence), corresponding to 69 fewer hospitalisations (95% CI 93 fewer to 32 fewer) per 1000 participants. Meanwhile, the need for surgical intervention appears similar (RR 0.74, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.02; low-quality evidence), corresponding to 28 fewer surgical interventions (95% CI 51 fewer to 2 more) per 1000 participants.A predefined subgroup analysis (test for subgroup differences; P = 0.002) suggests that effects of alpha-blockers may vary with stone size, with RR of 1.06 (95% CI 0.98 to 1.15; P = 0.16; I² = 62%) for stones 5 mm or smaller versus 1.45 (95% CI 1.22 to 1.72; P < 0.0001; I² = 59%) for stones larger than 5 mm. We found no evidence suggesting possible subgroup effects based on stone location or alpha-blocker type.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

For patients with ureteral stones, alpha-blockers likely increase stone clearance but probably also slightly increase the risk of major adverse events. Subgroup analyses suggest that alpha-blockers may be less effective for smaller (5 mm or smaller) than for larger stones (greater than 5 mm).

Comparative efficacy of tamsulosin versus tadalafil as medical expulsive therapy for distal ureteric stones

Objective:

The objective of this study was to compare the relative efficacy of tamsulosin and tadalafil as medical expulsive therapy for distal ureteric stones.

Patients and Methods:

This was a prospective study performed between December 2014 and February 2016. A total of 123 adult patients (>18 years of age) presenting with distal ureteric stones sized 6–10 mm were randomized to treatment with tamsulosin 0.4 mg once daily (Group A) or tadalafil10 mg once daily (Group B). Therapy was given for a maximum of 4 weeks. The stone expulsion rate was the primary endpoint. Time to stone expulsion, number of colic episodes, analgesic use, number of hospital visits for pain, endoscopic treatment, and adverse effects of the drugs were noted. Statistical analyses were done using Fisher's exact test and Chi-square test.

Results:

A total of 61 patients were included in tamsulosin group and 62 patients in tadalafil group. A statistically insignificant difference was found for stone clearance rate between both groups as a whole (Group A-73.77%, Group B-69.35%, P = 0.690) as well as when we considered both subgroups (A1-78.05%, B1-75.0%, P = 0.802; A2-65.0%, B2-55.6%, P = 0.741). All the primary and secondary outcome measures were more in favour of stones ≤8 mm size than stones >8 mm size. No statistical difference was found for adverse drug effects except for retrograde ejaculation, which was significantly high in tamsulosin group (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

This study showed that although tamsulosin is more effective for stone clearance than tadalafil, but this difference was not significant (P = 0.690).

Medical Expulsive Therapy for Distal Ureteral Stones: Tamsulosin Versus Silodosin in the Turkish Population

Introduction

Our aim was to contribute a study that includes a higher patient population to the limited number of studies comparing tamsulosin and silodosin in the treatment of distal ureteral stones.

Material and methods

Patients who presented with renal colic to the urology emergency clinic and were diagnosed with ureteral stones and followed-up with conservative treatment between January 2010 and January 2016 were retrospectively screened. According to the inclusion-exclusion criteria, the patients were divided into three groups. Group 1: 150 patients followed with watchful waiting (WW), Group 2: 156 patients who received 0.4 mg of tamsulosin daily, and Group 3: 159 patients who received 8 mg of silodosin daily. The side effects of the used drugs, duration of stone reduction, and expulsion rates were evaluated and compared separately.

Results

A total of 465 patients were included in the study. No statistically significant difference was found in terms of age, gender, and stone size among the groups. The patient characteristics and results are shown in Table 1. The differences in stone expulsion rate between the groups in the first week were calculated using the Chi-square test and found to be non-significant (p = 0.155); whereas, the stone expulsion rates between Group 1 versus Group 2 and Group 1 versus Group 3 were found to be significantly different after the second and third week.

Conclusion

According to our results, no statistically significant superiority between tamsulosin and silodosin was shown in the treatment of distal ureteral stones in the Turkish population.

A network meta-analysis on the beneficial effect of medical expulsive therapy after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy

We applied a newly introduced method, network meta-analysis, to re-evaluate the expulsion effect of drugs including tamsulosin, doxazosin, nifedipine, terazosin and rowatinex after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) as described in the literature. A systematic search was performed in Medline, Embase and Cochrane Library for articles published before March 2016. Twenty-six studies with 2775 patients were included. The primary outcome was the number of patients with successful stone expulsion. The data were subdivided into three groups according to duration of follow-up. A standard network model was established in each subgroup. In 15-day follow-up results, SUCRA outcome showed the ranking of effects was: doxazosin > tamsulosin > rowatinex > nifedipine > terazosin (88.6, 77.4, 58.6, 32.2 and 30.4, respectively). In 45-day follow-up results, SUCRA ranking was: tamsulosin > nifedipine > rowatinex (69.4, 67.2 and 62.6, respectively). In 90-day follow-up results, SUCRA ranking was: doxazosin > rowatinex > tamsulosin (84.1, 68.1 and 49.1, respectively). In conclusion, doxazosin and tamsulosin have potential to be the first choice for pharmacological therapy to promote the expulsion of urinary stone fragments after ESWL, with this doxazosin can improve the SFR in the long term, while tamsulosin may result more in accelerating the process of expulsion.

Significance of Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio as a Novel Indicator of Spontaneous Ureter Stone Passage

PURPOSE

Stone size and location are generally considered the most important factors associated with spontaneous ureter stone passage (SSP). Several parameters related to inflammatory changes have been identified as predictors associated with SSP. Our aim was to investigate the predictive role of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) for SSP.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review was performed on 131 patients who were referred to the urology outpatient clinic and diagnosed with unilateral ureteral stones at our emergency department between July 2016 and December 2016. The presence of ureteral stones was confirmed with non-contrast-enhanced computed tomography (NCCT) for all patients. SSP was confirmed with either the patient collecting the stone during urination or by NCCT performed at 3 weeks from the first stone episode. Physical examination, urinalysis, complete blood count, serum chemistry and inflammatory markers, plain radiographs, and NCCT at initial presentation were reviewed to analyze predictors of future SSP.

RESULTS

Of 113 patients included for analysis, 90 (79.6%) passed their stones spontaneously. The SSP rates within 3 weeks according to the stone's size (5-10 mm and ≤5 mm) were 62.2% and 88.2%, respectively. A lower stone location [odds ratio (OR), 11.54; p=0.001], smaller stone size (≤5 mm) (OR, 8.16; p=0.001), and NLR (<2.3) (OR, 9.03; p=0.003) were independent predictors of SSP.

CONCLUSION

Low NLR (<2.3) may predict SSP in patients with ureter stones ×1.0 cm in size. Our results suggest that ureteral inflammation plays an important role in SSP. Early intervention may be considered for patients presenting with high NLR (≥2.3).

Sexual intercourse as a new option in the medical expulsive therapy of distal ureteral stones in males: a prospective, randomized, controlled study

PURPOSE

To investigate the effect of sexual intercourse on the spontaneous passage of distal ureteral stones 5-10 mm in size.

METHODS

A total of 190 male patients with distal ureteral stones were randomly divided into three groups. Patients in group 1 were administered tamsulosin 0.4 mg/day (n = 60). Patients in group 2 were asked to have sexual intercourse at least three times a week (n = 66). Patients in group 3 received standard medical therapy alone and acted as the controls (n = 64). The expulsion rate was controlled after 2 and 4 weeks. Differences between the groups were analyzed statistically by the Chi-square and Student's t test. p < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

RESULTS

The mean ages of the patients in groups 1, 2, and 3 were 34.4 ± 13.5 (18-60), 38.6 ± 14.1 (18-63), and 36.92 ± 12.4 (18-59) years, respectively (p > 0.05). The mean stone size was 7.09 ± 1.4 mm in group 1, 7.01 ± 1.4 mm in group 2, and 7.1 ± 1.3 mm in group 3 (p > 0.05). Spontaneous passage rates in groups 1, 2, and 3 were 81.6, 81.8, and 51.5%, respectively, and it was significantly higher in group 1 (p = 0.0394) and group 2 (p = 0.0350). There was no significant difference between groups 1 and 2 (p = 0.9925). The analgesic needs in groups 1, 2, and 3 were found to be 1.3 ± 0.4, 1.2 ± 0.6, and 1.4 ± 0.4 times, respectively, and were significantly lower in the sexual intercourse group than in the control group (p = 0.0276).

CONCLUSIONS

Tamsulosin and sexual intercourse increase the spontaneous passage of distal ureteral stones 5-10 mm in size. At least three sexual intercourses per week seem to be at least as effective as tamsulosin. Sexual intercourse also reduces the need for analgesics in ureteric colic due to ureteral stones.

To compare the efficacy of tamsulosin and alfuzosin as medical expulsive therapy for ureteric stones

Aims and Objectives:

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of tamsulosin and alfuzosin for the distal ureteral stone. This study assessed the spontaneous passage and expulsion of the stone.

Materials and Methods:

The study was conducted in the Department of Surgery at Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Mullana, Ambala, from May 2013 to May 2014. A total number of 136 patients diagnosed as distal ureteric stone (US) of size <10 mm were included in this study. It was divided into two groups (I and II) out of which 36 cases were excluded. Group I received tablet tamsulosin 0.4 mg/day, and Group II received alfuzosin 10 mg/day. The efficacy of tamsulosin and alfuzosin as an adjunctive medical therapy was determined.

Results:

Both the drugs can be safely used for the distal USs. The stone expulsion rate was seen in 36 patients (72.0%) in Group I, and in 34 patients (68.0%) in Group II (P = 0.545). The passage of stones noticed by 32 patients in each Groups I and II (P = 1.000). The mean number of pain attacks was 2.91 ± 1.01 for Group I, and 1.8 ± 0.83 for Group II (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001). Thus, we propagate the use of alfuzosin significantly lower number of pain attacks. The drug-related side-effects were postural hypertension (four in Group I and one in Group II) and retrograde ejaculation (eight in Group I, and one in Group II). Thus, the difference was statistically significant in terms of retrograde ejaculation but insignificant for postural hypotension.

Conclusion:

There is no difference between both medications in term of efficacy (passing stones) for the management of distal ureteral stones. Both medications are safe and effective. In addition, alfuzosin was better tolerated than tamsulosin as it has fewer side effects.

The Role of the Tamsulosin in the Medical Expulsion Therapy for Distal Ureteral Stones

BACKGROUND

This research aims to evaluate the role of tamsulosin in the medical expulsion therapy for distal ureteral stones, including her effects in stone expulsion time, expulsion rates, stone size, pain episodes and analgesic dosage usage.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The 104 patients with distal ureteral calculi were examined, with the size of the stones 4-10 mm. They were randomly divided into two groups: study group (n=52), received tamsulosin 0.4 mg in morning, for 28 days, analgesic (diclofenac 75 mg), high fluid intake and Control group (n=52) received analgesic (diclofenac 75 mg), high fluid intake.

RESULTS

There is no significant difference between groups, based on sex (P=0.835) and age (P=0.987). Average size of the stones was 6.5 mm (SD ± 1.6 mm), with no significant difference (P=0.996). Stone expulsion rate is 90.4% in the study group and 71.2% from the control group, with statistical significance (P=0.023). The average time of the expulsion of stones in the study group was 9.6 days (SD ± 7.1 days), control group 13.7 days (SD ± 7.3 days), with statistical significance, (P=0.034). Average dose of analgesics in the study group was 63.7 mg (SD ± 45.2 mg), control group is 109.2 (SD ± 53.3), with statistical significance (P=0.019).

CONCLUSION

Our study reveals that tamsulosin is efficient for the treatment of distal ureteral stones. Tamsulosin decrease the number of ureteral colic episodes, by acting as a spasmolytic, increase and hasten stone expulsion rates, reduce days of stone expulsion, decrease analgesic dose usage.

Characterization of the Effect of Drug-Drug Interaction on Protein Binding in Concurrent Administration of Sulfamethoxazol and Diclofenac Sodium Using Bovine Serum Albumin

Purpose: This project was aimed to determine the effect of concurrent administration of sulfamethoxazole and diclofenac sodium. Methods: Equilibrium dialysis method was adopted to study different protein binding aspects of sulfamethoxazole and diclofenac sodium. Results: Sulfamethoxazole showed two types of association constants; high affinity constant 29.0±0.20×10⁶ M^-1 with lower number of binding sites of 0.7±1 and low affinity constant 1.13±0.20×10⁶ M^-1 with higher number of binding sites of 3.45±1 at pH 7.4 and 40 °C temperature. Diclofenac sodium showed high affinity constant 33.66±0.20×10⁶ M^-1 with lower number of binding sites of 1.01±1 and low affinity constant 1.72±0.20×10⁶ M^-1 with higher number of binding sites of 6.40±1 at the same condition. Site specific probe displacement data implied that site-I, warfarin sodium site, was the high affinity site, while site-II, diazepam site, was the low affinity site for these drugs. During concurrent administration, sulfamethoxazole increased the free concentration of diclofenac sodium from 17.5±0.14% to 70.0±0.014% in absence and from 22.5±0.07% to 83.0±0.014% in presence of site-I specific probe. Diclofenac sodium also increased the free concentration of sulfamethoxazole from 2.8±0.07% to 52.0±0.14% and from 8.5±0.014% to 64.4±0.07% in absence and presence of site-I specific probe respectively. Conclusion: The study revealed that the concurrent administration of sulfamethoxazole and diclofenac sodium may result drug concentration alteration in blood.

Pharmacologic Expulsive Treatment of Ureteral Calculi

Objective:

TO evaluate the role of nifedipine and the α1-adrenoreceptor antagonists tamsulosin, terazosin, and doxazosin in the expulsive treatment of ureteral calculi.

Data Sources:

Literature was searched via MEDLINE (1966–February 2006) with subsequent bibliographic review. MeSH headings included ureteral calculi, nifedipine, doxazosin, and adrenergic α-antagonists. Key terms were ureteral calculi, nifedipine, tamsulosin, terazosin, and doxazosin.

Study Selection and Data Extraction:

Trials evaluating nifedipine, tamsulosin, terazosin, and doxazosin for expulsion of ureteral stones were reviewed. All were published in English-language, peer-reviewed journals.

Data Synthesis:

Several trials have evaluated the effects of nifedipine and tamsulosin on ureteral stone passage rates and mean time to stone passage in stones no larger than 15 mm. In 28 day trials, the rates of ureteral stone passage were 35–70% in the control groups compared with 77.1–80% in patients treated with nifedipine and 79.3–100% in patients treated with tamsulosin. Average number of days to stone passage in the control groups was 4.6–20, and the time to stone passage was only 5–9.3 days in patients receiving nifedipine and 2.7–7.9 days in those receiving tamsulosin. The stone passage rates and time to stone passage appeared to be similar in one trial that compared tamsulosin with terazosin and doxazosin. Limited data suggest that these agents may have a role as adjuncts to shock wave lithotripsy. Adverse drug reactions were uncommon.

Conclusions:

Nifedipine, tamsulosin, terazosin, and doxazosin are safe and effective options in enhancing ureteral stone expulsion in selected patients with uncomplicated presentations.

Design and challenges of a randomized clinical trial of medical expulsive therapy (tamsulosin) for urolithiasis in the emergency department

Urolithiasis or urinary stone disease has been estimated to affect about 1 in 11 Americans. Patients with urinary stone disease commonly present to the emergency department for management of their acute pain. In addition to providing analgesia, administration of drug (medical expulsive therapy) is often prescribed to assist passage of the urinary stone. In this methodology paper, we describe the design of a prospective, multi-center, randomized, double-blind placebo controlled clinical trial of the alpha-adrenergic blocker, tamsulosin, to evaluate its effectiveness as medical expulsive therapy. In addition, we describe the unique challenges of conducting a trial of this type within the setting of the emergency department.

Is Tamsulosin Effective after Shock Wave Lithotripsy for Pediatric Renal Stones? A Randomized, Controlled Study

PURPOSE

We assessed the effect of tamsulosin as an adjunctive therapy after shock wave lithotripsy for pediatric single renal pelvic stones.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 120 children with a unilateral single renal pelvic stone were included in a prospective randomized, controlled study. All children were randomized to 2 equal groups. Group 1 received tamsulosin (0.01 mg/kg once daily) as adjunctive therapy after shock wave lithotripsy in addition to paracetamol while group 2 received paracetamol only. Stone clearance was defined as no renal stone fragments or fragments less than 3 mm and no pelvicalyceal system dilatation.

RESULTS

Our study included 69 boys and 51 girls with a median age of 3.5 years and a median stone size of 1.2 cm. There was no statistically significant difference between groups 1 and 2 in stone or patient criteria. Of the children 99 (82.5%) achieved stone clearance after the first session, including 50 in group 1 and 49 in group 2. All children in each group were cleared of stones after the second session. The overall complication rate was 14.2%. There was no statistically significant difference between single session stone clearance rates (p = 0.81) and complications rates (p = 0.432) in either group. On multivariate analysis using logistic regression smaller stone size (p = 0.016) and radiopaque stones (p = 0.019) were the only predictors of stone clearance at a single shock wave lithotripsy session. Tamsulosin therapy did not affect stone clearance (p = 0.649).

CONCLUSIONS

Tamsulosin does not seem to improve renal stone clearance. Smaller and radiopaque renal stones have more chance of clearance after shock wave lithotripsy for pediatric single renal pelvic stones.

Efficacy and safety of silodosin in the medical expulsion therapy for distal ureteral calculi: a systematic review and meta-analysis

AIMS

Using a selective α-adrenoceptor blocker for medical expulsive therapy (MET) is an effective treatment approach widely used for ureteral stones. The aim of the review was to assess the efficacy and safety of silodosin in medical expulstion therapy compared with placebo and tamsulosin.

METHODS

A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Cochrane Library and Embase to identify randomized controlled trials that compared silodosin with a placebo or tamsulosin for ureteral calculi.

RESULTS

Eight publications involving a total of 1048 patients were used in the analysis, which compared silodosin with placebo and tamsulosin. We found that silodosin was effective in treating ureteral calculi in our meta-analysis and was superior to tamsulosin in its efficacy. The expulsion rate of all ureteral stones (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.08, 2.36, P = 0.02), the expulsion rate of distal ureteral stones (OR 2.82, 95% CI 1.70, 4.67, P < 0.0001) and the expulsion time (days) of distal ureteral stones (standard mean difference (SMD) -4.71, 95% CI -6.60, -2.83, P < 0.00001) indicated that silodosin was more effective than the placebo. Moreover, expulsion rate (OR 2.54, 95% CI 1.70, 3.78, P < 0.00001), expulsion time (days) (SMD -2.64, 95% CI -3.64, -1.64, P < 0.00001) and pain episodes (P < 0.00001) indicated that silodosin was more effective than the tamsulosin. Even though silodosin had a significant increase in abnormal ejaculation compared with tamsulosin, no significant differences were observed for complications (OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.58, 1.74, P = 1.00).

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis indicated that silodosin was superior to placebo or tamsulosin in the efficacy for distal ureteral calculi with better control of pain. The safety profile of silodosin was similar to tamsulosin though retrograde ejaculation was worse for silodosin use. We conclude that silodosin might have potential as a MET for ureteral stones.