Proposing the "Continuum of UTI" for a Nuanced Approach to Diagnosis and Management of Urinary Tract Infections

PURPOSE

Patients with suspected UTIs are categorized into 3 clinical phenotypes based on current guidelines: no UTI, asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB), or UTI. However, all patients may not fit neatly into these groups. Our objective was to characterize clinical presentations of patients who receive urine tests using the "continuum of UTI" approach.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of a random sample of adult noncatheterized inpatient and emergency department encounters with paired urinalysis and urine cultures from 5 hospitals in 3 states between January 01, 2017, and December 31, 2019. Trained abstractors collected clinical (eg, symptom) and demographic data. A focus group discussion with multidisciplinary experts was conducted to define the continuum of UTI, a 5-level classification scheme that includes 2 new categories: lower urinary tract symptoms/other urologic symptoms and bacteriuria of unclear significance. The newly defined continuum of UTI categories were compared to the current UTI classification scheme.

RESULTS

Of 220,531 encounters, 3392 randomly selected encounters were reviewed. Based on the current classification scheme, 32.1% (n = 704) had ASB and 53% (n = 1614) did not have a UTI. When applying the continuum of UTI categories, 68% of patients (n = 478) with ASB were reclassified as bacteriuria of unclear significance and 29% of patients (n = 467) with "no UTI" were reclassified to lower urinary tract symptoms/other urologic symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest the need to reframe our conceptual model of UTI vs ASB to reflect the full spectrum of clinical presentations, acknowledge the diagnostic uncertainty faced by frontline clinicians, and promote a nuanced approach to diagnosis and management of UTIs.

Commensal bacteria inhibit viral infections via a tryptophan metabolite

There is growing appreciation that commensal bacteria impact the outcome of viral infections, though the specific bacteria and their underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Studying a simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV)-challenged cohort of pediatric nonhuman primates, we bioinformatically associated Lactobacillus gasseri and the bacterial family Lachnospiraceae with enhanced resistance to infection. We experimentally validated these findings by demonstrating two different Lachnospiraceae isolates, Clostridium immunis and Ruminococcus gnavus, inhibited HIV replication in vitro and ex vivo. Given the link between tryptophan catabolism and HIV disease severity, we found that an isogenic mutant of C. immunis that lacks the aromatic amino acid aminotransferase (ArAT) gene, which is key to metabolizing tryptophan into 3-indolelactic acid (ILA), no longer inhibits HIV infection. Intriguingly, we confirmed that a second commensal bacterium also inhibited HIV in an ArAT-dependent manner, thus establishing the generalizability of this finding. In addition, we found that purified ILA inhibited HIV infection by agonizing the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Given that the AhR has been implicated in the control of multiple viral infections, we demonstrated that C. immunis also inhibited human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection in an ArAT-dependent manner. Importantly, metagenomic analysis of individuals at-risk for HIV revealed that those who ultimately acquired HIV had a lower fecal abundance of the bacterial ArAT gene compared to individuals who did not, which indicates our findings translate to humans. Taken together, our results provide mechanistic insights into how commensal bacteria decrease susceptibility to viral infections. Moreover, we have defined a microbiota-driven antiviral pathway that offers the potential for novel therapeutic strategies targeting a broad spectrum of viral pathogens.

Draft genomes of Lactobacillus delbrueckii and Klebsiella pneumoniae coexisting within a female urinary bladder

Here, we present the draft genome sequences of Lactobacillus delbrueckii and Klebsiella pneumoniae, both isolated from the urinary bladder of an asymptomatic post-menopausal female patient with a diagnosis of recurrent urinary tract infections. These genomes will facilitate analyses of interbacterial interactions in the urinary microbiome.

Standard Restrictions vs Expedited Activity After Pelvic Organ Prolapse Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

Restrictions on postoperative activity following pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery are not evidence based. Nonetheless, many pelvic surgeons place lifting and activity restrictions on patients following surgery.

Objective

To evaluate whether expedited activity results in noninferior anatomic and symptomatic outcomes compared with standard activity restrictions after POP surgery.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This randomized noninferiority clinical trial included patients undergoing vaginal or laparoscopic apical reconstructive surgery for POP between July 1, 2020, and October 31, 2021, at a single academic tertiary referral center in Durham, North Carolina. Anatomic outcomes were assessed by masked examiners, and subjective outcomes were assessed via validated surveys, both completed at 3 months postoperatively. Patients meeting minimum physical activity criteria with at least stage II bothersome POP were eligible. A total of 218 patients were approached, of whom 123 were randomly assigned and 107 had complete outcome data and were included in the analysis.

Interventions

Patients were randomly assigned to receive standard restrictions vs expedited postoperative activity instructions.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The anatomic coprimary outcome was maximum anatomic POP support loss (SLmax), which is the most distal point of pelvic organ support loss according to the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification System (noninferiority margin, 1.0 cm). The symptomatic coprimary outcome was the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory (POPDI) symptom score (noninferiority margin, 34.3 points). Differences between outcomes were assessed using linear regression models controlling for baseline SLmax and POPDI, respectively.

Results

Of 123 participants randomized, 107 had complete 3-month outcome data and were included in the analysis. Mean (SD) age was 62.8 (10.1) years. At 3 months, mean (SD) SLmax was -1.7 (1.4) cm in the expedited group and -1.5 (1.4) cm in the standard group (P = .44). After adjusting for baseline SLmax, the mean maximum support loss was 0.18 cm higher within the vaginal canal in the expedited group (95% CI, -0.68 to 0.33 cm). The coprimary outcome of POPDI score was a mean (SD) 23.7 (41.8) points in the expedited group vs 25.7 (39.3) points in the standard group (P = .80). After adjusting for baseline scores, mean POPDI scores were 5.79 points lower in the expedited group (95% CI, -20.41 to 8.84).

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings demonstrate that expedited activity after prolapse surgery results in noninferior anatomic and symptomatic prolapse outcomes. It is reasonable to instruct patients undergoing minimally invasive prolapse surgery to resume physical activities ad lib postoperatively.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04329715.

Robot-assisted laparoscopic anterior urethral diverticulectomy

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

A 31-year-old patient with a history of fetal sacrococcygeal teratoma requiring tumor resection and pelvic reconstruction in infancy presented with a 3-year history of recurrent vulvar abscesses and voiding dysfunction. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a fluid collection posterior to the pubic bone and inferior to the bladder. The objective was to demonstrate the key steps in the resection and repair of an anterior urethral diverticulum via robot-assisted laparoscopic approach.

METHODS

Cystoscopy followed by robot-assisted laparoscopic retropubic dissection was used for resection of an anterior urethral diverticulum followed by urethral reconstruction.

RESULTS

Cystoscopy revealed a large anterior cavity at the midpoint of the urethra consistent with an anterior urethral diverticulum. This likely tracked inferiorly toward her vulva during repeated episodes of infection expressing through her recurrent abscesses. Retropubic space exploration revealed dense fibrotic tissue adherent to the underside of the pubic tubercule contiguous with the anterior urethral diverticulum, which was successfully resected.

CONCLUSIONS

Female anterior urethral diverticulum is a rare entity. A robot-assisted laparoscopic approach can be safely utilized to identify and resect an anterior urethral diverticulum. Key points include optimization of port placement, use of a council-tip catheter to facilitate bladder drainage in the setting of distorted pelvic anatomy, and multi-layered tension-free urethral closure with flap placement.

Updating Urinary Microbiome Analyses to Enhance Biologic Interpretation

Objective

An approach for assessing the urinary microbiome is 16S rRNA gene sequencing, where analysis methods are rapidly evolving. This re-analysis of an existing dataset aimed to determine whether updated bioinformatic and statistical techniques affect clinical inferences.

Methods

A prior study compared the urinary microbiome in 123 women with mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) and 84 controls. We obtained unprocessed sequencing data from multiple variable regions, processed operational taxonomic unit (OTU) tables from the original analysis, and de-identified clinical data. We re-processed sequencing data with DADA2 to generate amplicon sequence variant (ASV) tables. Taxa from ASV tables were compared to the original OTU tables; taxa from different variable regions after updated processing were also compared. Bayesian graphical compositional regression (BGCR) was used to test for associations between microbial compositions and clinical phenotypes (e.g., MUI versus control) while adjusting for clinical covariates. Several techniques were used to cluster samples into microbial communities. Multivariable regression was used to test for associations between microbial communities and MUI, again while adjusting for potentially confounding variables.

Results

Of taxa identified through updated bioinformatic processing, only 40% were identified originally, though taxa identified through both methods represented >99% of the sequencing data in terms of relative abundance. Different 16S rRNA gene regions resulted in different recovered taxa. With BGCR analysis, there was a low (33.7%) probability of an association between overall microbial compositions and clinical phenotype. However, when microbial data are clustered into bacterial communities, we confirmed that bacterial communities are associated with MUI. Contrary to the originally published analysis, we did not identify different associations by age group, which may be due to the incorporation of different covariates in statistical models.

Conclusions

Updated bioinformatic processing techniques recover different taxa compared to earlier techniques, though most of these differences exist in low abundance taxa that occupy a small proportion of the overall microbiome. While overall microbial compositions are not associated with MUI, we confirmed associations between certain communities of bacteria and MUI. Incorporation of several covariates that are associated with the urinary microbiome improved inferences when assessing for associations between bacterial communities and MUI in multivariable models.

Commensal Urinary Lactobacilli Inhibit Major Uropathogens In Vitro With Heterogeneity at Species and Strain Level

The human urinary microbiome is thought to affect the development and progression of urinary tract infections (UTI), particularly recurrent UTIs in aging populations of women. To understand the possible interactions of urinary pathogens with commensal bacteria inhabiting the aging bladder, we conducted an initial functional assessment of a representative set of urinary lactobacilli that dominate this niche in postmenopausal women. We created a repository of urinary bladder bacteria isolated via Enhanced Quantitative Urinary Culture (EQUC) from healthy postmenopausal women, as well as those with a culture-proven recurrent UTI (rUTI) diagnosis. This repository contains lactobacilli strains from eight different species. As many other lactobacilli are known to inhibit human pathogens, we hypothesized that some urinary lactobacilli will have similar abilities to inhibit the growth of typical uropathogens and thus, provide a link between the urinary microbiome and the predisposition to the rUTI. Therefore, we screened the urinary lactobacilli in our repository for their ability to inhibit model uropathogens in vitro. We observed that many urinary isolates strongly inhibit model strains of gram-negative Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae but demonstrate less inhibition of gram-positive Enterococcus faecalis. The observed inhibition affected model strains of uropathogens as well as clinical and multidrug-resistant isolates of those species. Our preliminary analysis of inhibition modes suggests a combination of pH-dependent and cell-dependent inhibition. Overall, inhibition strongly varies among species and strains of urinary lactobacilli. While the strength of the inhibition is not predictive of health outcomes in this limited repository, there is a high level of species and strain diversity that warrants future detailed investigations.

Draft Genome Sequence of a Lactobacillus gasseri Strain Isolated from the Catheterized Urine of a Healthy Postmenopausal Woman

Urinary microbiome composition has been found to associate with health status and to change with age. Lactobacillus gasseri is one of the most frequently found lactic acid bacteria in the vaginal and urinary tracts of women. Here, we report a draft genome sequence of a urinary L. gasseri strain isolated from a healthy postmenopausal woman.

Cost-effectiveness of bacteriuria screening before urogynecologic surgery

BACKGROUND

Currently, there is controversy over who requires preoperative screening for bacteriuria in the urogynecologic population and whether treating asymptomatic bacteriuria reduces postoperative urinary tract infection rates.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of selective, universal, and no preoperative bacteriuria screening protocols in women undergoing surgery for prolapse or stress urinary incontinence.

STUDY DESIGN

A simple decision tree model was created from a societal perspective to evaluate cost and effectiveness of 3 strategies to prevent postoperative urinary tract infection: (1) a universal protocol where all women undergoing urogynecologic surgery are screened for bacteriuria and receive preemptive treatment if bacteriuria is identified; (2) a selective protocol, where only women with a history of recurrent urinary tract infection are screened and treated for bacteriuria; and (3) a no-screening protocol, where no women are screened for bacteriuria. Our primary outcome was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio, calculated in cost per quality-adjusted life-years. Secondary outcomes were the number of urine cultures, postoperative urinary tract infections, and pyelonephritis associated with each strategy. Costs were derived from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project, and Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. Clinical estimates were derived from published literature and data from a historic surgical cohort. Quality-of-life-associated utilities for urinary tract infection (0.73), pyelonephritis (0.66), and antibiotic use (0.964) were derived from the published literature using the HALex scale, reported directly by affected patients. One-way sensitivity analyses were performed over the range of reported values.

RESULTS

In the base case scenario, selective screening is more costly (no screen: $101.69, selective: $101.98) and more effective (no screen: 0.096459 quality-adjusted-life-year, selective: 0.096464 quality-adjusted-life-year) than no screening, and is cost-effective, with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $49,349 per quality-adjusted-life-year. Both selective screening and no screening dominate universal screening in being less costly (universal: $111.92) and more effective (universal: 0.096446 quality-adjusted-life-year), with a slightly higher rate of postoperative urinary tract infection (no screen: 17.1%, selective: 16.9%, universal: 16.6%). In 1-way sensitivity analyses, selective screening is no longer cost-effective compared with no screening when the cost of a urine culture exceeds $12, cost of a preoperative urinary tract infection exceeds $93, the cost of a postoperative urinary tract infection is below $339, the specificity of a urine culture is less than 96%, or preoperative bacteriuria rates in those without symptoms but a history of recurrent urinary tract infection is <23%. Universal screening only becomes cost-effective when the postoperative urinary tract infection rate increases to >50% in those without risk factors and untreated preoperative bacteriuria. When compared with no screening, selective screening costs an additional $104 per urinary tract infection avoided and $2607 per pyelonephritis avoided. Compared with selective screening, universal screening costs $4609 per urinary tract infection avoided and $115,223 per pyelonephritis avoided.

CONCLUSION

Implementation of a selective preoperative bacteriuria protocol is cost-effective in most scenarios and associated with only a <1% increase in the 30-day postoperative urinary tract infection rate. No screening is cost-effective when cost of a preoperative urinary tract infection is high and the rate of preoperative bacteriuria in those without risk factors is low.

Risk of obstetric anal sphincter injuries at the time of admission for delivery: A clinical prediction model

OBJECTIVE

To develop and validate a model to predict obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) using only information available at the time of admission for labour.

DESIGN

A clinical predictive model using a retrospective cohort.

SETTING

A US health system containing one community and one tertiary hospital.

SAMPLE

A total of 22 873 pregnancy episodes with in-hospital delivery at or beyond 21 weeks of gestation.

METHODS

Thirty antepartum risk factors were identified as candidate variables, and a prediction model was built using logistic regression predicting OASIS versus no OASIS. Models were fit using the overall study population and separately using hospital-specific cohorts. Bootstrapping was used for internal validation and external cross-validation was performed between the two hospital cohorts.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Model performance was estimated using the bias-corrected concordance index (c-index), calibration plots and decision curves.

RESULTS

Fifteen risk factors were retained in the final model. Decreasing parity, previous caesarean birth and cardiovascular disease increased risk of OASIS, whereas tobacco use and black race decreased risk. The final model from the total study population had good discrimination (c-index 0.77, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.75-0.78) and was able to accurately predict risks between 0 and 35%, where average risk for OASIS was 3%. The site-specific model fit using patients only from the tertiary hospital had c-stat 0.74 (95% CI 0.72-0.77) on community hospital patients, and the community hospital model was 0.77 (95%CI 0.76-0.80) on the tertiary hospital patients.

CONCLUSIONS

OASIS can be accurately predicted based on variables known at the time of admission for labour. These predictions could be useful for selectively implementing OASIS prevention strategies.

Urinary basement membrane graft-augmented sacrospinous ligament suspension: a description of technique and short-term outcomes

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Since the discontinuation of manufacture and distribution of surgical mesh for transvaginal prolapse repair, the use of biologic grafts for transvaginal apical suspension has gained renewed attention. However, there is no FDA-approved device and minimal published data describing such an approach. The objective of this video is to describe a technique and to present limited short-term outcomes utilizing a porcine urinary basement membrane (UBM) graft to perform an augmented bilateral sacrospinous ligament suspension (SSLS).

METHODS

We present a step-by-step overview of our technique to perform an augmented SSLS with off-label utilization of a 7- × 10-cm porcine UBM graft. We demonstrate graft shaping and application during transvaginal repair along with data describing perioperative outcomes associated with a series of 25 cases performed at our institution using the technique described.

RESULTS

No perioperative complications related to the graft were observed in our cohort. The most common postoperative concern was buttock pain, which spontaneously resolved within 6 months. Two individuals (8%) developed recurrent prolapse within 1 year of surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The UBM-augmented apical suspension allows for reinforced transvaginal prolapse repair without the use of permanent mesh material. We have observed good clinical success in our application of this technique, but dedicated research assessing long-term outcomes compared with a native tissue repair is needed.

Species-Level Resolution of Female Bladder Microbiota from 16S rRNA Amplicon Sequencing

The human bladder contains bacteria, even in the absence of infection. Interest in studying these bacteria and their association with bladder conditions is increasing. However, the chosen experimental method can limit the resolution of the taxonomy that can be assigned to the bacteria found in the bladder. 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing is commonly used to identify bacteria in urinary specimens, but it is typically restricted to genus-level identification. Our primary aim here was to determine if accurate species-level identification of bladder bacteria is possible using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. We evaluated the ability of different classification schemes, each consisting of combinations of a reference database, a 16S rRNA gene variable region, and a taxonomic classification algorithm to correctly classify bladder bacteria. We show that species-level identification is possible and that the reference database chosen is the most important component, followed by the 16S variable region sequenced. IMPORTANCE Accurate species-level identification from culture-independent techniques is of importance for microbial niches that are less well characterized, such as that of the bladder. 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, a common culture-independent way to identify bacteria, is often critiqued for lacking species-level resolution. Here, we extensively evaluate classification schemes for species-level bacterial annotation of 16S amplicon data from bladder bacteria. Our results show that the proper choice of taxonomic database and variable region of the 16S rRNA gene sequence makes species level identification possible. We also show that this improvement can be achieved through the more careful application of existing methods and resources. Species-level information may deepen our understanding of associations between bacteria in the bladder and bladder conditions such as lower urinary tract symptoms and urinary tract infections.

Forming Consensus To Advance Urobiome Research

Urobiome research has the potential to advance the understanding of a wide range of diseases, including lower urinary tract symptoms and kidney disease. Many scientific areas have benefited from early research method consensus to facilitate the greater, common good. This consensus document, developed by a group of expert investigators currently engaged in urobiome research (UROBIOME 2020 conference participants), aims to promote standardization and advances in this field by the adoption of common core research practices. We propose a standardized nomenclature as well as considerations for specimen collection, preservation, storage, and processing. Best practices for urobiome study design include our proposal for standard metadata elements as part of core metadata collection. Although it is impractical to follow fixed analytical procedures when analyzing urobiome data, we propose guidelines to document and report data originating from urobiome studies. We offer this first consensus document with every expectation of subsequent revision as our field progresses.

Evaluation of Host Immune Cellular and Extracellular Matrix Responses to Prolapse Mesh With and Without Tension in a Rat Model

OBJECTIVES

We sought to determine whether vaginal host immune cellular and extracellular matrix responses are altered in a rat sacrocolpopexy model when lightweight polypropylene mesh is attached on tension versus without tension.

METHODS

We performed hysterectomy and ovariectomy in 32 Sprague-Dawley rats. Animals were assigned to 4 groups (n = 8/group): (1) controls with sham operation only (control), (2) mesh sutured only on the vagina (vaginal mesh), (3) sacrocolpopexy without tension, and (4) sacrocolpopexy with tension. Ninety days later, we excised vagina-mesh complexes. A histomorphologic scoring system of hematoxylin/eosin and Masson trichrome stained slides was used to assess host inflammatory responses. The cellular inflammatory response was further quantified using (1) identification of M1 and M2 macrophage subsets and (2) quantification of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. The extracellular matrix response was evaluated by measuring (1) matrix metalloproteinase-2 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 levels and (2) type I/III collagen.

RESULTS

Histomorphological tissue responses were greater in all groups with mesh compared with sham controls. Both sacrocolpopexy groups had similar scores, but each group scored significantly higher than the vaginal mesh group. Among the 4 groups, there were no statistically significant differences in M1 or M2 macrophage subsets, proinflammatory or anti-inflammatory cytokines, or extracellular matrix remodeling responses.

CONCLUSIONS

Attachment of prolapse mesh resulted in an increased histologic inflammatory response independent of tension. Other markers of cellular inflammation and extracellular matrix remodeling showed no differences among experimental groups. Tension on lightweight polypropylene mesh did not significantly alter the host response in this rat sacrocolpopexy model.

Polycarbonate Urethane Mesh: A New Material for Pelvic Reconstruction

OBJECTIVE

Polycarbonate urethane (PCU) is a new biomaterial, and its mechanical properties can be tailored to match that of vaginal tissue. We aimed to determine whether vaginal host immune and extracellular matrix responses differ after PCU versus lightweight polypropylene (PP) mesh implantation.

METHODS

Hysterectomy and ovariectomy were performed on 24 Sprague-Dawley rats. Animals were divided into 3 groups: (1) PCU vaginal mesh, (2) PP vaginal mesh, and (3) sham controls. Vagina-mesh complexes or vaginas (controls) were excised 90 days after surgery. We quantified responses by comparing: (1) histomorphologic scoring of hematoxylin and eosin- and Masson trichrome-stained slides, (2) macrophage subsets (immunolabeling), (3) pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines (Luminex panel), (4) matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9 using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and (5) type I/III collagen using picrosirius red staining.

RESULTS

There was no difference in histomorphologic score between PCU and PP (P = 0.211). Although the histomorphologic response was low surrounding all mesh fibers, groups with PCU and PP mesh had a higher histomorphologic score than the control group (P < 0.005 and P < 0.002, respectively). There were no differences between groups in terms of macrophage subsets, pro-inflammatory cytokines, anti-inflammatory cytokines, MMP-2 and MMP-9, or collagen ratio.

CONCLUSIONS

Polycarbonate urethane, an elastomer with material properties similar to those of vaginal tissue, elicits minimal host inflammatory responses in a rat model. Because its implantation does not elicit more inflammation than currently used lightweight PP, using PCU for prolapse mesh warrants further investigation with larger animal models.

Diagnosis and Management of Postpartum Pelvic Floor Disorders

Pelvic floor disorders are common in the postpartum period. These disorders can significantly affect one's quality of life during a period that is already filled with emotional and physiologic change. This review focuses on the presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of the 3 major pelvic floor disorders in postpartum women, namely, urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse.

The responsiveness and minimally important difference for the Accidental Bowel Leakage Evaluation questionnaire

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

We describe the responsiveness and minimally important difference (MID) of the Accidental Bowel Leakage Evaluation (ABLE) questionnaire.

METHODS

Women with bowel leakage completed ABLE, Patient Global Impression of Improvement, Colo-Rectal Anal Distress Inventory, and Vaizey questionnaires pretreatment and again at 24 weeks post-treatment. Change scores were correlated between questionnaires. Student's t tests compared ABLE change scores for improved versus not improved based on other measures. The MID was determined by anchor- and distribution-based approaches.

RESULTS

In 266 women, the mean age was 63.75 (SD = 11.14) and 79% were white. Mean baseline ABLE scores were 2.32 ± 0.56 (possible range 1-5) with a reduction of 0.62 (SD = 0.79) by 24 weeks. ABLE change scores correlated with related measures change scores (r = 0.24 to 0.53) and differed between women who improved and did not improve (all p < 0.001). Standardized response means for participants who improved were large ranging from -0.89 to -1.12. Distribution-based methods suggest a MID of -0.19 based on the criterion of one SEM and -0.28 based on half a standard deviation. Anchor-based MIDs ranged from -0.10 to -0.45. We recommend a MID of -0.20.

CONCLUSIONS

The ABLE questionnaire is responsive to change, with a suggested MID of -0.20.

Increasing NIH funding for academic departments of obstetrics and gynecology: a call to action

The National Institutes of Health funding for reproductive sciences research, specifically in academic departments of obstetrics and gynecology, is disproportionately low. Research is one of the most important pillars in advancing healthcare. Despite US Congress' vision in providing increased funding to the National Institutes of Health as a whole, underfunding for research in the departments of obstetrics and gynecology remains one of the several critical drivers in the decline in reproductive health and healthcare for women in the United States.

Defining the relationship between vaginal and urinary microbiomes

BACKGROUND

Although the vaginal and urinary microbiomes have been increasingly well-characterized in health and disease, few have described the relationship between these neighboring environments. Elucidating this relationship has implications for understanding how manipulation of the vaginal microbiome may affect the urinary microbiome and treatment of common urinary conditions.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the relationship between urinary and vaginal microbiomes using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. We hypothesized that the composition of the urinary and vaginal microbiomes would be significantly associated, with similarities in predominant taxa.

STUDY DESIGN

This multicenter study collected vaginal swabs and catheterized urine samples from 186 women with mixed urinary incontinence enrolled in a parent study and 84 similarly aged controls. Investigators decided a priori that if vaginal and/or urinary microbiomes differed between continent and incontinent women, the groups would be analyzed separately; if similar, samples from continent and incontinent women would be pooled and analyzed together. A central laboratory sequenced variable regions 1-3 (v1-3) and characterized bacteria to the genus level. Operational taxonomic unit abundance was described for paired vaginal and urine samples. Pearson's correlation characterized the relationship between individual operational taxonomic units of paired samples. Canonical correlation analysis evaluated the association between clinical variables (including mixed urinary incontinence and control status) and vaginal and urinary operational taxonomic units, using the Canonical correlation analysis function in the Vegan package (R version 3.5). Linear discriminant analysis effect size was used to find taxa that discriminated between vaginal and urinary samples.

RESULTS

Urinary and vaginal samples were collected from 212 women (mean age 53±11 years) and results from 197 paired samples were available for analysis. As operational taxonomic units in mixed urinary incontinence and control samples were related in canonical correlation analysis and since taxa did not discriminate between mixed urinary incontinence or controls in either vagina or urine, mixed urinary incontinence and control samples were pooled for further analysis. Canonical correlation analysis of vaginal and urinary samples indicated that that 60 of the 100 most abundant operational taxonomic units in the samples largely overlapped. Lactobacillus was the most abundant genus in both urine and vagina (contributing on average 53% to an individual's urine sample and 64% to an individual's vaginal sample) (Pearson correlation r=0.53). Although less abundant than Lactobacillus, other bacteria with high Pearson correlation coefficients also commonly found in vagina and urine included: Gardnerella (r=0.70), Prevotella (r=0.64), and Ureaplasma (r=0.50). Linear discriminant analysis effect size analysis identified Tepidimonas and Flavobacterium as bacteria that distinguished the urinary environment for both mixed urinary incontinence and controls as these bacteria were absent in the vagina (Tepidimonas effect size 2.38, P<.001, Flavobacterium effect size 2.15, P<.001). Although Lactobacillus was the most abundant bacteria in both urine and vagina, it was more abundant in the vagina (linear discriminant analysis effect size effect size 2.72, P<.001).

CONCLUSION

Significant associations between vaginal and urinary microbiomes were demonstrated, with Lactobacillus being predominant in both urine and vagina. Abundance of other bacteria also correlated highly between the vagina and urine. This inter-relatedness has implications for studying manipulation of the urogenital microbiome in treating conditions such as urgency urinary incontinence and urinary tract infections.

A comparison of antibiotic prophylaxis regimens to decrease the risk of post-procedure urinary tract infection after onabotulinum toxin A injection

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

To evaluate the risk of post-injection urinary tract infection (UTI) after onabotulinumtoxin A (BTX-A) treatment based on the timing of when antibiotic prophylaxis is started.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study of 111 women with refractory idiopathic overactive bladder who underwent intradetrusor injection of BTX-A. Two cohorts were identified: (1) 67 women who started antibiotic prophylaxis with ciprofloxacin 1 day prior to injection; (2) 44 women who received antibiotic prophylaxis with ciprofloxacin after injection only. We assessed for post-injection UTI within 90 days after BTX-A. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to adjust for potential confounders.

RESULTS

One hundred eleven women underwent BTX-A. In total, 30 (27%) had a UTI within 90 days; these included 15/67 (22%) of those who started antibiotics 1 day prior to injection and 15/44 (34%) of those receiving antibiotics after injection. While the unadjusted analysis showed no significant associations between timing of antibiotic administration and UTI (OR = 0.56; 95% CI = 0.24, 1.30; p = 0.18), an adjusted analysis showed the pre-procedure antibiotic group had a significant reduction in post-procedure UTI after controlling for age, history of UTI, diabetes, and urinary retention requiring catheterization (OR = 0.23; 95% CI = 0.07, 0.73; p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Starting antibiotics 1 day prior to BTX-A injection decreases the odds of post-injection UTI compared with women who use post-procedure antibiotic prophylaxis over shorter duration. Consideration should be given to beginning antibiotic prophylaxis prior to the procedure and continuing it for 4 total days to decrease the risk of UTI.

Role of β-3 adrenergic receptor polymorphism in overactive bladder

AIMS

Women with overactive bladder (OAB) have a higher frequency of a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at codon 64 of the β-3 adrenergic receptor gene (ADRB3). Since the SNP results in an amino acid substitution that could theoretically alter receptor protein function, we hypothesized that those with the SNP would display greater OAB symptom severity. Therefore we aimed to compare OAB severity between women with this SNP and women with the wild type genotype.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was performed in women with bothersome OAB from two academic institutions. Banked blood samples were tested for the codon 64 SNP. Women were divided into two groups based on genotype: wild-type (WT) and heterozygous (HZ). We compared mean OAB Symptom Severity questionnaire (OAB-q) scores between groups using t tests. Linear regression was performed to control for potential confounders.

RESULTS

Of the 303 women with OAB, 254 (83.8%) had the WT genotype, and 49 (16.2%) the HZ genotype. There were no homozygous women for the rare allele. The majority were Caucasian (86%) and non-Hispanic (97%). There were no significant differences in mean OAB-q symptom severity scores (WT 21.2 ± 7 vs HZ 22.0 ± 6.6; P = 0.49) and quality of life scores (WT 39.6 ± 15.5 vs HZ 39.1 ± 16.6; P = 0.83) between groups. These remained nonsignificant in a linear regression model.

CONCLUSIONS

In a predominantly non-Hispanic, Caucasian population of women with bothersome OAB, symptom severity was not related to ADRB3 codon 64 SNP genotype.

A Novel Proteomics Approach to Identify Serum and Urinary Biomarkers and Pathways that Associate with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Men and Women: Pilot Results of the Symptoms of Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction Research Network (LURN) Study

OBJECTIVES

To assess the feasibility of a novel proteomics approach to identify biomarkers associated with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) within serum and urine, because many clinical factors contribute to LUTS in men and women. These factors confound clinicians' abilities to reliably evaluate and treat LUTS. Previous studies identified candidate LUTS biomarkers, but none are clinically utilized.

METHODS

Eighteen male and 18 female symptoms of lower urinary tract dysfunction research network (LURN) observational cohort study participants with LUTS (measured on the LUTS Tool questionnaire) were randomly selected. Twelve male and 12 female controls with minimal or no LUTS were recruited and matched for clinico-demographic characteristics. The SomaScan Assay (SomaLogic) was used to measure the abundance of 1305 proteins contained within urine and serum. Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate reproducibility of assays, compare protein abundances, and estimate effect size.

RESULTS

SomaScan assay results were more reproducible in serum than in urine. Within serum, there were many more differentially abundant proteins between cases and controls in males than in females. An enrichment/pathway analysis of the affected proteins in male and female subjects demonstrated that the enriched Gene Ontology processes were related to prostate morphogenesis in men and growth and inflammation in women.

CONCLUSION

The pilot study results support that the etiology and pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying LUTS may be sex-specific. While further studies involving larger numbers of subjects are warranted, our results support the feasibility of a novel proteomic approach to identify biomarkers for diagnostic classification of LUTS.

The urinary microbiome in women with mixed urinary incontinence compared to similarly aged controls

INTRODUCTION & HYPOTHESIS

Previous studies have suggested that women with urinary incontinence have an altered urinary microbiome. We hypothesized that the microbiome in women with mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) differed from controls and tested this hypothesis using bacterial gene sequencing techniques.

METHODS

This multicenter study compared the urinary microbiome in women with MUI and similarly aged controls. Catheterized urine samples were obtained; v4-6 regions of the 16S rRNA gene were sequenced to identify bacteria. Bacterial predominance (> 50% of an individual's genera) was compared between MUI and controls. Bacterial sequences were categorized into "community types" using Dirichlet multinomial mixture (DMM) methods. Generalized linear mixed models predicted MUI/control status based on clinical characteristics and community type. Post-hoc analyses were performed in women < 51 and ≥ 51 years. Sample size estimates required 200 samples to detect a 20% difference in Lactobacillus predominance with P < 0.05.

RESULTS

Of 212 samples, 97.6% were analyzed (123 MUI/84 controls, mean age 53 ± 11 years). Overall Lactobacillus predominance did not differ between MUI and controls (45/123 = 36.6% vs. 36/84 = 42.9%, P = 0.36). DMM analyses revealed six community types; communities differed by age (P = 0.001). A High-Lactobacillus (89.2% Lactobacillus) community had a greater proportion of controls (19/84 = 22.6%, MUI 11/123 = 8.9%). Overall, bacterial community types did not differ in MUI and controls. However, post-hoc analysis of women < 51 years found that bacterial community types distinguished MUI from controls (P = 0.041); Moderate-Lactobacillus (aOR 7.78, CI 1.85-32.62) and Mixed (aOR 7.10, CI 1.32-38.10) community types were associated with MUI. Community types did not differentiate MUI and controls in women ≥ 51 years (P = 0.94).

CONCLUSIONS

Women with MUI and controls did not differ in overall Lactobacillus predominance. In younger women, urinary bacterial community types differentiated MUI from controls.

Bowel function, sexual function, and symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse in women with and without urinary incontinence

AIMS

Bowel symptoms, pelvic organ prolapse, and sexual dysfunction are common, but their frequency among women with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) has not been well described. Our aims were to describe pelvic floor symptoms among women with and without urinary incontinence (UI) and among subtypes of UI.

METHODS

Women with LUTS seeking care at six U.S. tertiary care centers enrolled in prospective cohort study were studied. At baseline, participants completed the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20), Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-IR), and PROMIS GI Diarrhea, Constipation, and Fecal Incontinence Scales.

RESULTS

Mean age among the 510 women was 56.4 ± 14.4 years. Women who reported UI (n = 420) had more diarrhea and constipation symptoms (mean scores 49.5 vs 46.2 [P = 0.01] and 51.9 vs 48.4 [P < 0.01], respectively) at baseline. Among sexually active women, mean PISQ-IR subscale scores were lower among those with UI (condition specific: 89.8 vs 96.7, P < 0.01; condition impact: 79.8 vs 92.5, P < 0.01). Women with mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) (n = 240) reported more prolapse symptoms, fecal incontinence, and worse sexual function compared to those with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and urgency urinary incontinence (UUI).

CONCLUSIONS

Women presenting with LUTS with UI reported significantly worse constipation, diarrhea, fecal incontinence, and sexual function compared to women without UI. In women with UI, sexual function and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) symptoms were worse in those with MUI compared to SUI and UUI.

Validation of the Simulated Vaginal Hysterectomy Trainer

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To establish construct validity of the simulated vaginal hysterectomy trainer (SimVaHT).

DESIGN

A cross-sectional validation study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2).

SETTING

A single academic medical center in the United States.

SUBJECTS

Fourteen residents in obstetrics and gynecology (4 postgraduate year [PGY] 1, 4 PGY-2, 3 PGY-3 and 3 PGY-4). PGY-1 and PGY-2 residents were grouped to form the "junior level" cohort, whereas PGY-3 and PGY-4 residents comprised the "senior level" cohort.

INTERVENTIONS

Each participant underwent surgical skill simulation by performing a simulated vaginal hysterectomy on a practical, inexpensive vaginal hysterectomy trainer.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The primary outcome was resident surgical skill as assessed by the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills Global Rating Scale (GRS). All obstetrics and gynecology residents were videotaped performing a simulated vaginal hysterectomy on the SimVaHT. The tapes were reviewed independently by 2 blinded urogynecology experts, each of whom provided a GRS score. The primary outcome was overall GRS scores. The secondary outcome was time to complete the exercise. GRS scores were compared between junior- and senior-level residents. Senior-level residents scored significantly higher on the GRS overall compared with junior-level residents (p = .008).

CONCLUSION

Construct validity was demonstrated for the SimVaHT. The SimVaHT is a practical and inexpensive tool that may improve resident vaginal surgical skills before their first case in the operating room.

A genome-scale DNA methylation study in women with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome

AIMS

To assess the feasibility of using voided urine samples to perform a DNA methylation study in females with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) as compared to age- and race-matched controls. A unique methylation profile could lead to a non-invasive, reproducible, and objective biomarker that would aid clinicians in the diagnosis of IC/BPS.

METHODS

Nineteen IC/BPS patients and 17 controls were included. IC/BPS patients had an Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index score of >8; controls had no bladder symptoms. DNA was extracted from pelleted urine sediment. Samples with >500 ng of genomic DNA underwent quantitative DNA methylation assessment using the Illumina Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip. Age- and race-matching was applied prior to analysis. Linear regression models were used to compare average methylation between IC/BPS cases and controls at each cytosine guanine dinucleotide site (loci where methylation can occur).

RESULTS

Sixteen participants (eight IC/BPS age- and race-matched to eight controls) had adequate DNA for methylation analysis. The median age was 43.5 years (interquartile range 33.8, 65.0), the median BMI was 27.1 (IQR 22.7, 31.4), and 14 were Caucasian (87.5%). A total of 688 417 CpG sites were analyzed. In exploratory pathway analysis utilizing the top 1000 differentially methylated CpG sites, the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway was overrepresented by member genes.

CONCLUSIONS

The results demonstrate the feasibility of using voided urine specimens from women with IC/BPS to perform DNA methylation assessments. Additionally, the data suggest genes within or downstream of the MAPK pathway exhibit altered methylation in IC/BPS.

Improving Postoperative Efficiency: An Algorithm for Expedited Void Trials After Urogynecologic Surgery

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the relation between voided volume and void trial "success" to create an algorithm that minimizes the need for postvoid residual volume (PVR) assessment in backfill-assisted void trials.

METHODS

This article is an ancillary analysis of deidentified data from a randomized trial evaluating prophylactic antibiotics after urogynecologic surgery. Void trials were routinely performed after surgery; voided volumes, PVR, and void trial outcomes were collected. The void trial regimen was as follows: the bladder was backfilled with 300 mL of normal saline or until the patient reported the urgency to void, the catheter was removed, and the participant was prompted to void immediately. PVR volume was measured either by sonographic bladder scan or catheterization. Voided volumes were categorized in 25-mL increments from 50 to 225 mL. For each voided volume range, the PVR and void trial outcome data were incorporated to calculate sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) in terms of ability of voided volume alone to predict a passing void trial result. An algorithm was created using the voided volumes that optimize PPV and NPV.

RESULTS

The study population included 255 participants. Voided volumes <100 mL and ≥200 mL were identified as optimal thresholds to predict failure and passage of backfill-assisted void trials, respectively. When patients voided <100 mL, 3% passed their void trial (NPV odds ratio 96.7, 95% confidence interval 88.6-99.5). When patients voided ≥200 mL, 97% passed (PPV odds ratio 97.4, 95% confidence interval 93.5-99.3).

CONCLUSIONS

We propose an algorithm for void trials after urogynecologic surgery. After backfilling the bladder if voided volume is ≥200 mL, the void trial is successful and no PVR is needed; if voided volume is between 100 and 199 mL, the void trial is indeterminate and PVR is recommended; and if voided volume is <100 mL, the void trial is unsuccessful and catheterization is needed. Applying this algorithm to our study population would have eliminated the need for PVR in 85% of patients. Calculated PPVs and NPVs depend on the prevalence of voiding dysfunction in the population being studied, and therefore may be unique to our institution.

Baseline Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Patients Enrolled in LURN: A Prospective, Observational Cohort Study

PURPOSE

We described and compared the frequency and type of lower urinary tract symptoms reported by men and women at the time that they were recruited from urology and urogynecology clinics into the Symptoms of Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction Research Network multicenter, prospective, observational cohort study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

At 6 research sites treatment seeking men and women were enrolled who reported any lower urinary tract symptoms at a frequency more than rarely during the last month on the LUTS (Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms) Tool. At baseline the study participants underwent a standardized clinical evaluation and completed validated questionnaires. Urological tests were performed, including pelvic/rectal examination, post-void residual urine measurement and urinalysis.

RESULTS

A total of 545 women and 519 men were enrolled in the study. Mean ± SD age was 58.8 ± 14.1 years. At baseline nocturia, frequency and a sensation of incomplete emptying were similar in men and women but men experienced more voiding symptoms (90% vs 85%, p = 0.007) and women reported more urgency (85% vs 66%, p <0.001). Women also reported more of any type of urinary incontinence than men (82% vs 51% p <0.001), which was mixed incontinence in 57%. Only 1% of men reported stress incontinence but they had other urinary incontinence, including post-void dribbling in 44% and urgency incontinence in 46%. Older participants had higher odds of reporting symptoms of nocturia and urgency.

CONCLUSIONS

In this large, treatment seeking cohort of men and women lower urinary tract symptoms varied widely by gender and age. Men reported more voiding symptoms and nonstress or urgency urinary incontinence while women reported more incontinence overall and urgency. Older participants had greater odds of urgency and nocturia.

Methodology for a vaginal and urinary microbiome study in women with mixed urinary incontinence

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

We describe the rationale and methods of a study designed to compare vaginal and urinary microbiomes in women with mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) and similarly aged, asymptomatic controls.

METHODS

This paper delineates the methodology of a supplementary microbiome study nested in an ongoing randomized controlled trial comparing a standardized perioperative behavioral/pelvic floor exercise intervention plus midurethral sling versus midurethral sling alone for MUI. Women in the parent study had at least "moderate bother" from urgency and stress urinary incontinence symptoms (SUI) on validated questionnaire and confirmed MUI on bladder diary. Controls had no incontinence symptoms. All participants underwent vaginal and urine collection for DNA analysis and conventional urine culture. Standardized protocols were designed, and a central lab received samples for subsequent polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and sequencing of the bacterial16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene. The composition of bacterial communities will be determined by dual amplicon sequencing of variable regions 1-3 and 4-6 from vaginal and urine specimens to compare the microbiome of patients with controls. Sample-size estimates determined that 126 MUI and 84 control participants were sufficient to detect a 20 % difference in predominant urinary genera, with 80 % power and 0.05 significance level.

RESULTS

Specimen collection commenced January 2015 and finished April 2016. DNA was extracted and stored for subsequent evaluation.

CONCLUSIONS

Methods papers sharing information regarding development of genitourinary microbiome studies, particularly with control populations, are few. We describe the rigorous methodology developed for a novel urogenital microbiome study in women with MUI.

Crowdsourcing: a valid alternative to expert evaluation of robotic surgery skills

BACKGROUND

Robotic-assisted gynecologic surgery is common, but requires unique training. A validated assessment tool for evaluating trainees' robotic surgery skills is Robotic-Objective Structured Assessments of Technical Skills.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to assess whether crowdsourcing can be used as an alternative to expert surgical evaluators in scoring Robotic-Objective Structured Assessments of Technical Skills.

STUDY DESIGN

The Robotic Training Network produced the Robotic-Objective Structured Assessments of Technical Skills, which evaluate trainees across 5 dry lab robotic surgical drills. Robotic-Objective Structured Assessments of Technical Skills were previously validated in a study of 105 participants, where dry lab surgical drills were recorded, de-identified, and scored by 3 expert surgeons using the Robotic-Objective Structured Assessments of Technical Skills checklist. Our methods-comparison study uses these previously obtained recordings and expert surgeon scores. Mean scores per participant from each drill were separated into quartiles. Crowdworkers were trained and calibrated on Robotic-Objective Structured Assessments of Technical Skills scoring using a representative recording of a skilled and novice surgeon. Following this, 3 recordings from each scoring quartile for each drill were randomly selected. Crowdworkers evaluated the randomly selected recordings using Robotic-Objective Structured Assessments of Technical Skills. Linear mixed effects models were used to derive mean crowdsourced ratings for each drill. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to assess the correlation between crowdsourced and expert surgeons' ratings.

RESULTS

In all, 448 crowdworkers reviewed videos from 60 dry lab drills, and completed a total of 2517 Robotic-Objective Structured Assessments of Technical Skills assessments within 16 hours. Crowdsourced Robotic-Objective Structured Assessments of Technical Skills ratings were highly correlated with expert surgeon ratings across each of the 5 dry lab drills (r ranging from 0.75-0.91).

CONCLUSION

Crowdsourced assessments of recorded dry lab surgical drills using a validated assessment tool are a rapid and suitable alternative to expert surgeon evaluation.

Optimizing Urine Processing Protocols for Protein and Metabolite Detection

BACKGROUND

In urine, factors such as timing of voids, and duration at room temperature (RT) may affect the quality of recovered protein and metabolite data. Additives may aid with detection, but can add more complexity in sample collection or analysis. We aimed to identify the optimal urine processing protocol for clinically-obtained urine samples that allows for the highest protein and metabolite yields with minimal degradation.

METHODS

Healthy women provided multiple urine samples during the same day. Women collected their first morning (1^st AM) void and another "random void". Random voids were aliquotted with: 1) no additive; 2) boric acid (BA); 3) protease inhibitor (PI); or 4) both BA + PI. Of these aliquots, some were immediately stored at 4°C, and some were left at RT for 4 hours. Proteins and individual metabolites were quantified, normalized to creatinine concentrations, and compared across processing conditions. Sample pools corresponding to each processing condition were analyzed using mass spectrometry to assess protein degradation.

RESULTS

Ten Caucasian women between 35-65 years of age provided paired 1^st morning and random voided urine samples. Normalized protein concentrations were slightly higher in 1^st AM compared to random "spot" voids. The addition of BA did not significantly change proteins, while PI significantly improved normalized protein concentrations, regardless of whether samples were immediately cooled or left at RT for 4 hours. In pooled samples, there were minimal differences in protein degradation under the various conditions we tested. In metabolite analyses, there were significant differences in individual amino acids based on the timing of the void.

CONCLUSIONS

For comparative translational research using urine, information about void timing should be collected and standardized. For urine samples processed in the same day, BA does not appear to be necessary while the addition of PI enhances protein yields, regardless of 4°C or RT storage temperature.

Microhematuria in Postmenopausal Women: Adherence to Guidelines in a Tertiary Care Setting

PURPOSE

In 2012 the AUA (American Urological Association) released a revision of the asymptomatic microscopic hematuria guidelines. Our study objectives were to assess adherence to these guidelines and describe the prevalence of urinary tract malignancy in postmenopausal women at our institution.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a cross-sectional analysis of women older than 55 years evaluated at the Division of Urogynecology or Urology from August 2012 to August 2014 for a diagnosis of asymptomatic microscopic hematuria. Women who underwent evaluation for 3 or more red blood cells per high power field on microscopic urinalysis were considered to have true asymptomatic microscopic hematuria. Those evaluated after a dipstick test with blood who had fewer than 3 red blood cells per high power field on urinalysis or no urinalysis were considered positive dipstick. Demographics, laboratory values, imaging results and cystoscopy findings were extracted from electronic medical records.

RESULTS

Our study population included 237 women with a mean ± SD age of 67.1 ± 8.3 years. In our overall population 169 of 237 women (71.3%) had true asymptomatic microscopic hematuria, 48 (20.3%) had a positive dipstick test and 20 (8.4%) underwent evaluation in the setting of urinary tract infection. We detected 3 urinary tract malignancies (1.4%). One kidney cancer was identified in a 56-year-old current smoker with a urine dipstick result of 1+ blood. Bladder cancer was detected in a 58-year old smoker with 6 red blood cells per high power field on urinalysis and in a 64-year-old nonsmoker with 42 red blood cells per high power field on urinalysis.

CONCLUSIONS

In postmenopausal women evaluated for asymptomatic microscopic hematuria the overall prevalence of urinary tract malignancy was low at 1.4%. Of our population 28.7% underwent evaluation without meeting guideline criteria for asymptomatic microscopic hematuria. This demonstrates an opportunity to improve adherence to existing guidelines to provide high quality care and avoid unnecessary expensive testing.

Mesh sacrocolpopexy compared with native tissue vaginal repair: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review outcomes after mesh sacrocolpopexy compared with native tissue vaginal repairs in women with apical prolapse.

DATA SOURCES

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov through June 4, 2012.

METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION

For anatomic and functional analyses, we included studies comparing mesh sacrocolpopexy to native tissue vaginal repairs with at least 6 months follow-up. The primary outcome was anatomic "success" after surgery. Secondary outcomes were reoperation and symptom outcomes. We included large case series and comparative studies with shorter follow-up to increase power for adverse event analyses.

TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS

Evidence quality was assessed with the Grades for Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation system. Meta-analyses were performed when at least three studies reported the same outcome. We included 13 comparative studies for anatomic success, reoperation, and symptom outcomes. Moderate-quality evidence supports improved anatomic outcomes after mesh sacrocolpopexy; very low-quality evidence shows no differences in reoperation between sacrocolpopexy and native tissue vaginal repairs. Evidence was insufficient regarding which procedures result in improved bladder or bowel symptoms. Low-quality evidence showed no differences in postoperative sexual function. Adverse event data were compiled and meta-analyzed from 79 studies. When including larger noncomparative studies, ileus or small bowel obstruction (2.7% compared with 0.2%, P<.01), mesh or suture complications (4.2% compared with 0.4%, P<.01), and thromboembolic phenomena (0.6% compared with 0.1%, P=.03) were more common after mesh sacrocolpopexy compared with native tissue vaginal repairs.

CONCLUSION

When anatomic durability is a priority, we suggest that mesh sacrocolpopexy may be the preferred surgical option. When minimizing adverse events or reoperation is the priority, there is no strong evidence supporting one approach over the other.

Validity and reliability of the robotic Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills

OBJECTIVE

Objective Structured Assessments of Technical Skills have been developed to measure the skill of surgical trainees. Our aim was to develop an Objective Structured Assessments of Technical Skills specifically for trainees learning robotic surgery.

METHODS

This is a multiinstitutional study conducted in eight academic training programs. We created an assessment form to evaluate robotic surgical skill through five inanimate exercises. Gynecology, general surgery, and urology residents, Fellows, and faculty completed five robotic exercises on a standard training model. Study sessions were recorded and randomly assigned to three blinded judges who scored performance using the assessment form. Construct validity was evaluated by comparing scores between participants with different levels of surgical experience; interrater and intrarater reliability were also assessed.

RESULTS

We evaluated 83 residents, nine Fellows, and 13 faculty totaling 105 participants; 88 (84%) were from gynecology. Our assessment form demonstrated construct validity with faculty and Fellows performing significantly better than residents (mean scores 89±8 faculty, 74±17 Fellows, 59±22 residents; P<.01). In addition, participants with more robotic console experience scored significantly higher than those with fewer prior console surgeries (P<.01). Robotic Objective Structured Assessments of Technical Skills demonstrated good interrater reliability across all five drills (mean Cronbach's α 0.79±0.02). Intrarater reliability was also high (mean Spearman's correlation 0.91±0.11).

CONCLUSION

We developed a valid and reliable assessment form for robotic surgical skill. When paired with standardized robotic skill drills, this form may be useful to distinguish between levels of trainee performance.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II.

Clinical challenges in the management of vaginal prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse is highly prevalent, and negatively affects a woman’s quality of life. Women with bothersome prolapse may be offered pessary management or may choose to undergo corrective surgery. In choosing the most appropriate surgical procedure, there are many factors to consider. These may include the location(s) of anatomic defects, the severity of prolapse symptoms, the activity level of the woman, and concerns regarding the durability of the repair. In many instances, women and their surgeons are challenged to weigh the risks and benefits of native tissue versus mesh-augmented repairs. Though mesh-augmented repairs may offer better durability, they are also associated with unique complications, such as mesh erosion. Furthermore, newer surgical techniques of mesh placement via abdominal or vaginal routes may result in different outcomes compared to traditional techniques. Biologic grafts may also be considered to improve durability of a surgical repair, while avoiding potential complications of synthetic mesh. In this article, we review many of the clinical challenges that gynecologic surgeons face in the surgical management of vaginal prolapse. Furthermore, we review data that can help guide decision making when treating women with pelvic organ prolapse.

Obesity as a risk for the recurrence of anterior vaginal wall prolapse after anterior colporrhaphy

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether obese body mass index is associated with the recurrence of anterior vaginal wall prolapse after anterior colporrhaphy.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of the risk of recurrent anterior prolapse 6 months after anterior colporrhaphy in normal weight/overweight versus obese women from January 2004 to December 2010. Women who underwent a concurrent apical prolapse procedure were excluded. Data were abstracted regarding sociodemographics, physical examination, operative reports, and postoperative follow-up visits.

RESULTS

Of 282 subjects 192 (68%) were normal/overweight and 90 (32%) were obese. Median time of follow-up was 1.8 months (interquartile range [IQR] 1.4-6.2) in the normal/overweight group and 2.0 months (IQR 1.4-5.9) in the obese group. The overall risk of recurrent prolapse was 15.2%. In bivariate analysis there was a trend towards higher recurrence in the obese versus the normal/overweight cohort (21.1% vs. 12.5%, p = 0.06). In the logistic regression model, which adjusted for age, race, diabetes, constipation, cigarette use, concurrent sling, and prior hysterectomy, obesity became significantly associated with recurrent anterior prolapse (odds ratio 2.5, 95% confidence interval 1.2-5.3).

CONCLUSION

The risk of recurrence after anterior colporrhaphy is relatively high in the short-term. Obesity is associated with increased odds of anatomic recurrence of anterior vaginal wall prolapse.

Sling revision/removal for mesh erosion and urinary retention: long-term risk and predictors

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to estimate the long-term risk of sling revision/removal after an initial sling and to assess indications (mesh erosion and urinary retention) and predictors of sling revision/removal.

STUDY DESIGN

Using a population-based cohort of commercially insured individuals, we identified women 18 years old or older who underwent a sling (Current Procedural Terminology code 57288) between 2001 and 2010 and any subsequent sling revision/removal (Current Procedural Terminology code 57287). We estimated the cumulative risk of revision/removal annually and evaluated predictors of sling revision/removal using Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox proportional hazards models, respectively.

RESULTS

We identified 188,454 eligible women who underwent an index sling. The 9 year cumulative risk of sling revision/removal was 3.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.5-3.9). At 1 year, this risk was already 2.2% and then increased to 3.2% at 4 years before plateauing. With regard to the indication for the sling revision/removal, a greater proportion was due to mesh erosion compared with urinary retention, with a 9 year risk of 2.5% (95% CI, 2.3-2.6) for mesh erosion vs 1.3% (95% CI, 1.2-1.4) for urinary retention. Age had an effect on the revision/removal rates for both mesh erosion and urinary retention, with the higher risks among those aged 18-29 years. The risk of revision/removal for mesh erosion and urinary retention was also elevated among women who had a concomitant anterior or apical prolapse procedure.

CONCLUSION

In this population-based analysis, the 9 year risk of sling revision/removal was relatively low at 3.7%, with 60% of revisions/removals caused by mesh erosion.

Impact of staged InterStim implantation on the postoperative activities of daily living and pain

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the short-term effects of staged InterStim implantation on activities of daily living (ADL) and pain.

METHODS

This prospective study assessed women undergoing staged InterStim implantation. The Older Americans Resources and Services Program Multidimensional Functional Assessment Questionnaire asked participants about their ability to complete activities without help or what help they needed following stage I lead placement and stage II neurostimulator implantation. Narcotic use and a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain were recorded daily.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight women underwent stage I with 33 (86.8%) progressing to stage II. On stage I postoperative day (POD) 2, more women required help shopping compared with baseline (40 vs 17%, p < 0.004). The median pain score increased on Stage I POD1 (P < 0.001) and the use of narcotics increased on POD1 and 2 compared with baseline (50% vs 14%, p = 0.001). The same trends were seen following stage II.

CONCLUSIONS

Staged InterStim implantation has minimal impact on ADL, pain or narcotic requirements.

Symptomatic and anatomic 1-year outcomes after robotic and abdominal sacrocolpopexy

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to compare symptomatic and anatomic outcomes 1 year after robotic vs abdominal sacrocolpopexy.

STUDY DESIGN

Our retrospective cohort study compared women who underwent robotic sacrocolpopexy (RSC) with 1 surgeon to those who underwent abdominal sacrocolpopexy (ASC) as part of the Colpopexy and Urinary Reduction Efforts trial. Our primary outcome was a composite measure of vaginal bulge symptoms or repeat surgery for prolapse.

RESULTS

We studied 447 women (125 with RSC and 322 with ASC). Baseline characteristics were similar. There were no significant differences in surgical failures 1 year after surgery based on our primary composite outcome (7/86 [8%] vs 12/304 [4%]; P = .16). When we considered anatomic failure, there were also no significant differences between RSC and ASC (4/70 [6%] vs 16/289 [6%]; P = .57).

CONCLUSION

One year after sacrocolpopexy, women who underwent RSC have similar symptomatic and anatomic success compared with those women who underwent ASC.

Do urodynamic parameters predict persistent postoperative stress incontinence after midurethral sling? A systematic review

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

It is unclear whether preoperative urodynamic study (UDS) values are predictive of outcomes after midurethral sling.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We systematically reviewed multiple databases from January 1989 to October 2011 for English-language studies correlating UDS data with postoperative outcomes after midurethral slings. We performed random effects model meta-analyses, as indicated. Relative risk (RR) ratios for the outcome of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) cure were calculated using high maximum urethral closure pressure (MUCP) and Valsalva leak point pressure (VLPP) values as the reference group.

RESULTS

High preoperative MUCP was associated with cure after retropubic [RR 0.67; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.47-0.97)] and transobturator slings (RR 0.65; 95% CI 0.49-0.90). High preoperative VLPP was also associated with cure after retropubic sling (RR 0.89; 95% CI 0.82-0.96), but this relationship did not achieve statistical significance for cure after transobturator sling (RR 0.86; 95% CI 0.74-1.00).

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative MUCP and VLPP values may add insight into postoperative outcomes after surgical treatment for SUI.

Shifts in national rates of inpatient prolapse surgery emphasize current coding inadequacies

OBJECTIVE

: This study aimed to assess national rates, types, and routes of inpatient surgery for pelvic organ prolapse in the United States in 1998 compared to those in 2007.

METHODS

: We used the 1998 and 2007 Nationwide Inpatient Sample, which represents a stratified, random sample of discharge data from US hospitals. We included women 20 years and older who underwent surgery for prolapse based on diagnosis and procedure codes of the International Classification of Disease, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification. We calculated the number of women undergoing surgery each year and incidence rates.

RESULTS

: The total number of women undergoing prolapse surgeries was 92,503 in 1998 versus 113,646 in 2007. The incidence rate of surgery increased slightly, from 90.8 to 100.9 per 100,000 women, respectively. The most common procedure was hysterectomy, representing approximately half of prolapse surgeries in 1998 and 2007. Suspension procedures accounted for 18.8% of procedures in 2007, an increase from 6.1% in 1998. Surgeries performed via a minimally invasive route increased from 4.8% in 1998 to 9.4% in 2007. However, it was difficult to determine the route for many procedures based on current ICD-9 codes. There were also no codes that specifically designated mesh kit procedures or minimally invasive sacrocolpopexies.

CONCLUSIONS

: During the last decade, the rate of inpatient prolapse surgery has slightly increased. The proportion of suspension procedures has increased; however, it is difficult to determine the route of these procedures based on current ICD-9 codes. These findings emphasize that ICD-9 procedure codes have not kept up with changes in clinical practice.

The questionnaire for urinary incontinence diagnosis (QUID): validity and responsiveness to change in women undergoing non-surgical therapies for treatment of stress predominant urinary incontinence

AIMS

The Questionnaire for Urinary Incontinence Diagnosis (QUID), a 6-item urinary incontinence (UI) symptom questionnaire, was developed and validated to distinguish stress and urge UI. This study's objective was to evaluate QUID validity and responsiveness when used as a clinical trial outcome measure.

METHODS

Participants enrolled in a multi-center trial of non-surgical therapy (continence pessary, pelvic floor muscle training or combined) for stress-predominant UI and completed baseline and 3-month diaries, the Urinary Distress Inventory (UDI) and QUID. Data from all treatment groups were pooled. QUID internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) and convergent/discriminant validity (Pearson correlations) were evaluated. Responsiveness to change was assessed with 3-month score outcomes and distribution-based measurements.

RESULTS

Four hundred forty-four women (mean age 50) were enrolled with stress (N = 200) and mixed (N = 244) UI; 344 had 3-month data. Baseline QUID Stress and Urge scores (both scaled 0-15, larger values indicating worse UI) were 8.4 +/- 3.2 and 4.5 +/- 3.3, respectively. Internal consistency of QUID Total, Stress, and Urge scores was 0.75, 0.64 and 0.87, respectively. QUID Stress scores correlated moderately with UDI-Stress scores (r = 0.68, P < 0.0001) and diary stress UI episodes (r = 0.41, P < 0.0001). QUID Urge scores correlated moderately with UDI-Irritative scores (r = 0.68, P < 0.0001) and diary urge UI episodes (r = 0.45, P < 0.0001). Three-month QUID Stress and Urge scores improved (4.1 +/- 3.4 and 2.2 +/- 2.7, both P < 0.0001). QUID Stress score effect size (1.3) and standardized response mean (1.2) suggested a large change after therapy.

CONCLUSION

The QUID has acceptable psychometric characteristics and may be used as a UI outcome measure in clinical trials.

Duty hour restrictions, ambulatory experience, and surgical procedural volume in obstetrics and gynecology

BACKGROUND

Prior studies of resident experience in gynecology looked only at the year before and after adoption of ACGME duty hour standards. This study sought to determine whether procedure volume differed after completion of a 4-year residency training program, before and after work hour reform.

METHOD

Inpatient and outpatient procedures performed by MetroHealth Medical Center/Cleveland Clinic program residents from 1998 to 2006 were obtained from Annual Reports of Institutional and Resident Experience. Four-year experience before and after duty hour restrictions were compared: hours worked were collected from resident schedules, ambulatory hours and procedures were compared directly, surgical procedures and deliveries were compared using a 2-tailed t test. Data were also obtained for institutional volume changes, and a corrected value, based on the rates of resident cases per available cases, was analyzed.

RESULTS

Ambulatory hours worked per resident decreased after implementing work hour reform from 674 to 366 hours. The types of ambulatory and surgical procedures performed varied over time. Overall, basic surgical and obstetrical volume per resident did not change before and after work hour reform (mean before reform, 723 ± 117, mean after reform, 781 ± 200, P  =  .58 for gynecologic procedures; mean before reform, 611 ± 107, mean after reform, 535 ± 73, P  =  .18 for basic obstetrics and vaginal and cesarean deliveries). Institutional volume did not change significantly, although the percentage of the institutions' cases performed by residents did decrease for some procedures.

CONCLUSION

The ACGME duty hour restrictions do not limit the overall ambulatory or surgical procedural volume in an obstetrics and gynecology residency-training period.

Efficacy and adverse events of sacral nerve stimulation for overactive bladder: A systematic review

AIMS

To systematically review the literature regarding efficacy and adverse events of sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) via the InterStim device for treatment of women with refractory overactive bladder (OAB).

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Collaboration databases from 1980 to September 2008. All English studies reporting on efficacy or adverse events of SNS for the treatment of refractory OAB were considered. Only studies where 30 or more women received the complete therapy (implanted lead and generator) were included. The quality of the studies (good, fair, or poor) was assessed based on predefined criteria.

RESULTS

Seven studies were designated "good" regarding efficacy of SNS for OAB. Multiple authors reported results from the same cohort of patients. In this instance, the highest quality study was chosen, leaving three independent studies regarding efficacy. In these studies, incontinent episodes per day and pad usage significantly improved after SNS therapy. Six studies were designated "good" regarding adverse events. Using tined leads, surgical revision rates ranged from 3% to 16%. Six percent of patients were explanted due to lack of efficacy and 5-11% of patients were explanted due to infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on observational data, SNS appears effective for treatment of OAB in women. Adverse event rates with tined leads are lower than previously published estimates using non-tined leads. High-quality studies are needed to confirm our findings and to provide additional data regarding reprogramming, quality of life, and efficacy when compared to other therapies.