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Ants are important bioturbators that actively produce biopores and move soil particles. They could be particularly affected by global warming as they are ectotherms. Nevertheless, they can indirectly regulate their temperature, through changes in their circadian cycles and the architecture of their nests (e.g. digging deep nests or using insulating materials). Nest architecture has been considered an expanded functional trait of ant colonies and thus sensitive to environmental changes such as increasing temperatures. This work aimed to study the nest architecture of ants as a functional trait and its effects on soil bioturbation. We hypothesized that, when exposed to increased surface temperatures, ants would increase their excavation activities, build deeper nests and alter the layout of chambers to maintain their preferred temperature and humidity, thus enhancing soil porosity. We allowed 17 young Lasius niger ant colonies to excavate nests in soil columns exposed to three surface temperatures (mild, n = 5; medium, n = 6; and high, n = 6) for 100 days. We measured the amount of soil excavated weekly and took X-ray scans of the soil column on Days 7, 14, 28, and 88 to characterize the three-dimensional structure of the nests (depth, shape, volume of chambers and tunnels). We then collected the colonies and measured their growth during the experiment, and the size and weight of workers. Ants reacted to surface temperature. Colonies exposed to medium and high temperatures excavated larger and deeper nests than those exposed to mild temperature. Nests excavated under high and medium temperatures had the same maximal depth, but chambers were located deeper in the former, which were further characterized by the refiling of some of the upper chambers. Colonies grew well in all treatments, although less under mild temperature. They produced normal-sized workers despite differences in surface temperature. Overall, these results suggest that ants exposed to higher temperatures live in deeper chambers. This study shows that surface temperature affects ant nest architecture, confirming its status as extended phenotype and highlighting its flexibility over time, which has in turn consequences on soil porosity., (© 2023 The Authors. Journal of Animal Ecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of British Ecological Society.)

Vanadium is a metal present in particulate matter and its reprotoxic effects have been demonstrated in males and pregnant females in animal models. However, the effects of this metal on the reproductive organs of nonpregnant females have not been sufficiently studied. In a vanadium inhalation model in nonpregnant female mice, we found anestrous and estrous cycle irregularity, as well as low serum concentrations of 17β-estradiol and progesterone. A decrease in the diameter of secondary and preovulatory follicles, as well as a thickening of the myometrium and endometrial stroma, was observed in the vanadium-treated mice. There was no difference against the control group with respect to the presence of the estrogen receptor α in the uterus of the animals during the estrous stage. Our results indicate that when vanadium is administered by inhalation, effects are observed on the female reproductive organs and the production of female sex hormones.

Renal abscesses are uncommon in children but their consequences could be serious, including sepsis, severe renal damage or loss of the kidney. The following report describes a three-year-old girl diagnosed of multiple renal abscess in the left kidney after a first episode of fever. The case is significant due to the uncommon presentation of a urinary tract infection as a multiple abscess, the extension of the injuries (there were 4 abscesses in the kidney) and the conservative therapy with intravenous antibiotics which was selected in order to preserve renal tissue.

Polyps in the urinary tract are a rare entity in infants and children. The most frequent location when they appear is the ureter. These benign lesions with no malignant potential have a varied form of presentation and in most cases must be distinguished from malignancy. The suspected diagnosis is due to urinary obstruction; nevertheless radiological evidence played a key role in the final diagnosis. The management is as less invasive as possible, with endoscopy resection or minimally invasive surgery.

Urethral polyps are a rare pathology that is usually diagnosed in childhood hematuria and obstructive urinary symptoms are the most common findings and transurethral resection is the best choice of the treatment. We report three cases, a 6-years-old boy and 9-years-old boy diagnosed and treated of posterior urethral polyp after showing hematuria and obstructive urinary symptoms, and a 2-years-old girl that showed to prolapse of urethral polyp.

Objectives: To report our experience with pediatric renal adenocarcinoma., Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of renal adenocarcinoma cases from 1971 to 2006., Results: We treated 154 patients with renal tumor, 4 (2.6%) of whom had adenocarcinoma. The mean age of presentation was 8.5 years (range, 2-15 years). Three patients were female and 1 was male. The most common histologic subtype was clear cell carcinoma. Three patients were diagnosed as stage IIIB and one as stage II, according to Robson's classification. All patients were treated with radical nephroureterectomy. One patient died of disease and the other 3 are currently disease-free., Conclusions: Adenocarcinoma is an uncommon histopathologic type of pediatric renal tumor. In patients with hematuria and abdominal or flank pain, we should consider this tumor as a possible diagnosis.

Objectives: To know the results, complications and outcomes of eight patients with the diagnosis of neurogenic bladder (NB) who underwent vesicoureteral reflux surgery by subureteral injection of inert substances, trying to precise its indication in the therapeutic scheme for neurogenic bladder dysfunction., Methods: Retrospective review of the results and complications recorded during follow-up in eight pediatric patients with NB secondary to various pathologies and the diagnosis of VUR treated by subureteral injection of Teflon paste (1 case), polydimethylsiloxane (6) and dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer (1)., Results: In 8 (72.7%) of the 11 ureters treated VUR was cured after first injection. VUR stopped after second endoscopic treatment in 2 of the 3 ureters with persistent VUR. The efficacy of endoscopic treatment after second injection achieved 90.9%. In 2 unilateral cases we observed contralateral VUR, which cured in one case after endoscopic treatment and the other one followed a conservative scheme. Over the follow-up period (Mean FU time 51.8 +/- 28.5 months) 4 cases presented complications. VUR recurred in two: in one contralateral VUR was detected 19 months after first treatment, the other one presented bilateral ureterohydronephrosis with recurrent urinary tract infections and required augmentation cystoplasty., Conclusions: Endoscopic treatment is an effective option when choosing surgical treatment for VUR in a patient with neurogenic bladder. It is necessary to follow the long-term outcome of patients after surgery, mainly those with abnormal bladder capacity and compliance and active or dyssynergic urethra due to the possibility of recurrence of the VUR.

Retrospective study of 124 patients (average age: 3.8 years) with midpenile hypospadias: 48.3% (60 children), distal penile: 45.9% (57) and coronal 5.6% (7), of which the 25.8% (16) presented ventral curvature and the 4.8% (6) resulting from the complication of another previous technique. All of them were operated according to Snodgrass' technique, removing the catheter between the 6th and 7th day in most of them. The global rate of complications was of 12%: 9 fistulae (7.2%) and 6 meatal stenosis (4.8%). Aesthetic result was satisfactory in all cases, getting glans covered by foreskin in 57.3%.

We present 3 new cases of urethral parameatal cysts in paediatric age. Literature is reviewed and histological data and ambulatory management are discussed.

Torsion of a cryptorchidid testicle presents a non-specific symptomatology. Clinical suspicion indicates surgical exploration, irrespective of Doppler ultrasound with its inherent false negative results. With regards to treatment, an orchiectomy is performed when the testis is necrotic. Management of the contralateral testis is controversial. Our policy is not to fix them systematically because we believe that a healthy education of parents and children is more important, so as to obtain an earlier diagnosis of a future torsion.

Introduction: Testicular microlithiasis (TM) represents an uncommon occurrence at paediatrics with a radiological incidence between 0.16 to 0.6% according to reports. The greater use of ultrasound as well as the availability of high-frequency probes has increased the number of incidental TM being diagnosed., Material and Method: From January 1998 to October 2002 seven children, aged 9 to 13 years (average 11 years and 1 months), were diagnosed of MT in our department. Sonographic appearance was hyperechogenic multiple small foci of 1-3 mm without acoustic shadowing of the testicular parenchyma., Aim: To evaluate sonographic patterns of TM, their associations, clinical consequences and to determine their management., Results: All children were asymptomatic and the reasons for the ultrasound were: cryptorchism (3), short height (1), gynecomastia (1), varicocele (1) and scrotum trauma (1). It should be noted that 3 of the cases showed bilateral TM. Out of 10 testicles with TM, 8 met classic testicular microlithiasis (CTM) criteria (at least one image that showed five or more microliths in either or both testes) and 2 had limited testicular microlithiasis (LTM) (to have at least one microlith). Clinical and radiological follow-up is being performed annually, ranging from 18 months to 6 years, during which there hasn't been progression or regression in the number of TM or in their distribution. In none of these cases there has been shown a related testicular cancer., Conclusions: In other broad reviews it has been shown that there is no evidence to suggest that the TM have to be considered as premalignant lesions by themselves. However, the association among TM and cancer exists. Because of that, and due to the lack of consensus, we recommend annual clinical and radiological (ultrasound) follow-up until puberty, and thereafter the patient should be informed of unknown natural history of this condition. We do not recommend more invasive procedures such as biopsy except: 1) apart form the TM there is a change in the echogenicity or 2) if there is a change in the number or distribution of the TM.

Objective: [corrected] To review urethrorrhagia cases, the need of complementary test, its management and natural history., Material and Method: A retrospective analysis was carried out for the 12 patients who suffered from urethrorrhagia, consecutively diagnosed in our department. Parameters as age, and micturitional habit were evaluated. In this way, we described the diagnostic techniques used, assessment and the follow-up of each patient., Results: All cases correspond to male children with an average age of 8.7 years (range: 18 months-14 years). Urethrorrhagia appears in 100% of the patients, episodes which were daily in 58.4%. 33% (4/12) of them also present other micturitional symptoms. 75% (9/12) had a lazy micturitional habit. Among the urological backgrounds we found: 1 patient was circumcised 3 years ago, a meatotomy was done in other due to meatus stenosis 2 years before, and a last one had an electrocoagulation of a urethral polyp just 1 month before. 83.4% (10/12) of urine cultures were negative. An urethrocystoscope was done in 9 patients finding a verum hypertrophy in 4, inflammatory changes next to membranous urethra in 3, scar at the bulbar urethra in 1 and in a last one no abnormalities were found. Out of 8 patients with lazy micturitional habit, 75% (6/8) resolve spontaneously once they correct their habits after a mean follow-up of 9 months. Only 2 patients needed surgery (TUR). In the other 2 patient, symptoms., Conclusions: Urethrorrhagia in childhood is a benign condition in most cases, which is almost always cured spontaneously during the first 2 years of follow-up. Radiological studies as well as endoscopic procedures are unnecessary in the early management of these patients thus being relegated to recurrent or persistent bleeding.

Urachal cysts are congenital anomalies detected predominantly during the childhood. They are often diagnosed when an infection occur mimicking a variety of acute intra-abdominal or pelvic processes. We present a case in a 7-year-old female infant, diagnosed of infected urachal cyst. The embryologic origin of this anomaly, clinical features, diagnosis and treatment are discussed.

Objective: [corrected] To analize the clinical presentation, diagnosis and surgical management of congenital megaprepuce (CM)., Material and Methods: We have made a retrospective study of four cases of CM diagnosed and treated in our centre between october 1997 and april 2005. We studied the diagnosis and surgical treatment., Conclusions: CM is an infrecuent condition that can be confused with others pathologies. It's necessary to diagnose and treat it correctly.

Objective: To value the efficacy in endoscopic treatment of the vesicoureteral reflux (VUR)., Material and Method: We have realized a prospective study in patients with RVU treated with endoscopic polydimethylsiloxane, from January 1999 until December 2001, analyzing the results after an average pursuit of 30 months. We included 144 patients, 92 girls and 52 children, with 213 VUR (124 primary ones and 89 of secondary etiology). The initial efficacy of the treatment was defined as the finished absence of RVU in the isotopic cystography, realized three months after the puncture., Results: The global efficacy of the endoscopic treatment in secondary etiology reflux was lower than the reached one in the treatment of the primary RVU (77.7% against 86.2%) but the differences did not reach statistical significance (p=0,226). We do not also find significant differences on having compared the injected volume and the valuation of resolution of the ebb between the different causes of secondary RVU (p=0.361). We found recurrence in patients with RVU due to lower urinary tract dysfunction (4.34%)., Conclusions: Endoscopic treatment of the secondary VUR is a minimally invasive skill, presents scarce morbidity and it is effective in chosen patients. The risk of a long term recurrence is grater in VUR secondary to functional alterations (neurogenic bladder and functional instability), for what, pursuit has to be established according to the base pathology.

The objective of this study was to analyze whether renal transplantation (RT) in children with posterior urethral valves (PUV) constitutes a special group with respect to groups with different etiologies of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Between 1979 and 2004, 22 RT were performed in 19 children with PUV. The median age at RT was 10 years (range: 1.3-17). Immunosuppression was provided by triple therapy and polyclonal/monoclonal antibodies. This group was compared with the two control groups: (1) glomerulopathy (n=62) and (2) pyelonephritis/dysplasia (n=42) without lower urinary tract disease, transplanted in the same period. Ten graft losses occurred in 22 transplants: thrombosis (2), acute rejection (3), chronic graft nephropathy (2), and death of patients (3) with a functioning graft in the 1st postoperative month. We did not find significant differences versus the control group in renal function or probability of graft or patient survival at 1, 5, and 10 years. We observed a greater risk of urological complication in patients with PUV. RT with PUV constitutes a special group due to the compulsory young age and the need for careful and complex medicosurgical management; nevertheless, the results achieved were similar to those obtained in our general RT population.

Introduction: Since the beginning of the application of the RVU treatment, the use of the ultrasound was used taking into account two main indications/symptoms: a) identification of the complications; b) assessment of the result (visualization of the implanted material and the presence of the "uretheral jet" by means or through/of ecodoppler-color)., Objective: To determine the value of the ultrasound in the assessment of the result of the endoscopic treatment of the RVU and in the detection of its complications., Material and Method: From 2001-2002 we have carried out the endoscopic treatment to an overall of 261 ureteral units of all degree and etiology. 246 were assessed post-operation with an ultrasound per month and all of them were evaluated with a cistography after 3 months. In a random sample of 92 units, the result of the isotopic cistography has been compared with the visualization of the implanted material in the bladder; and in a random sample of 56 units, the result of the isotopic cistography has been compared with the presence of ureteral jet in the study with ecodoppler-color after moisturizing of the patient. In order to do, we have done two corresponding comparative charts 2 x 2 and we have calculated the Sensibility and Specificity of the tests, as well as their predictive positive and negative values, the degree of similarity of both tests with the Kappa index, and the degree of statistical relevance with Chi squared., Results: The ultrasound did not show significant changes if compared to previous studies in 213 units (86,58 %) although in 5 patients an ectasia has been identified as attributed to the treatment. 3 of this patients have developed renoureteral pain, and in 2 pain has spontaneously disappeared as shown in later tests. The S and the E of the presence of implanted material is 94% and 10%respectively and its VPP and VPN of 80% and 10% and estadistical. The S and E of the jet visualization is 82% and 30%, with a VPP of 84% and a VPN of 27%, a level of statistical relevance of 0.836 and a degree of correlation of 0.121., Conclusions: Ultrasound is not a useful technique in the assessment of the result of the endoscopic treatment of the RVU. The role it plays in the assessment of complications is a small one and its use is only indicated to confirm the suspicion of ectasia in those patients that present renoureteral pain.

Introduction: Nowadays, around 1% of children suffer from vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), which represents a risk factor for long-term kidney damage. In the last decade, development in this field has shown that subureteric endoscopic injection of bulking agents for childhood VUR is an acceptable alternative unlike long-term antibiotic prophylaxis and open surgery., Objective: To establish the complications of childhood VUR endoscopic treatment., Material and Methods: A retrospective analysis was carried out for every patient treated endoscopically in our department from January 1999 to September 2003, with a total amount of 516 implants of submucous bulking agents. All patients were assessed with an ultrasound as a first diagnostic technique so as to establish the complications associated with it, especially ureteral obstruction and injected agent migration., Results: Out of 516 cases, Macroplastique was used in 455, Deflux in 44 and Polytef in 17. 10 patients (1.9%) (5 girls/ 5 boys), with ages ranging from 15 months to 11,4 years, presented some kind of complications (Macroplastique was used in 8cases and Deflux in 2). Among them, 5 were remarkable due to an ureterohydronefrosis, 2 of which needed a nephrostomy. 3 patients presented an implant migration, 1 epididymitis and 1 bladder edema., Conclusions: Endoscopic bulking agent injection has become a safe alternative to open surgery in childhood VUR management.

Objectives: To retrospectively review all cases of epididymal cysts registered over the last five years; 15 cases have been included. Simple epididymal cysts are a rare pathology in childhood, being most of them diagnosed in puberty. Currently, due to the scarce case series, there is not consensus about the most adequate therapy., Methods/results: Mean age at presentation was 11.5 yr. (1-16). 50% were diagnosed incidentally and 29% presented increased scrotal size. 46% of the cases had associated left varicocele (n = 6) and 26% had history of orchiepididymitis. Diagnosis was based on physical examination and confirmed by ultrasound. 40% of the patients underwent surgery and the remainder received conservative treatment without evidence of complications on follow-up., Conclusions: Due to the benign character and good evolution of all cases of epididymal cysts treated conservatively and the absence of benefit after surgical treatment, we believe that management should be conservative with clinical and ultrasound controls, leaving surgery for cysts with complications. The frequent association between epididymal cysts and varicocele is related to coincidence of both pathologies in the prepuberal age.

Objective: To create an artificial neural network (ANN) to aid in predicting the results of endoscopic treatment for vesico-ureteric reflux (VUR)., Materials and Methods: During 1999-2001 we used endoscopic treatment in 261 ureteric units with VUR of all grades and causes. An ANN based on multilayer perceptron architecture was created using an 11 x 6 x 1 structure, taking the following as variables: the cause and grade of VUR, the patient's age and sex, the type of implanted substance and its volume, the number of treatments, the affected ureter, the endoscopic findings, and the type of cystography used. In all, 174 cases were used as training samples for the ANN and 87 to validate it. We calculated the sensitivity, specificity, positive (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV), and the success rate (%) of the system., Results: In the training group the ANN gave a sensitivity of 86.4%, a specificity of 89.5%, a PPV of 76% and NPV of 94%, with a success rate of 88.6%. In the same training group logistic regression (LR) gave respective values of 68.2%, 58.8%, 39%, 82.7% and 61.4%. In the validation group the respective values for the ANN were 71.4%, 81.6%, 58.8%, 88.6% and 78.9%, and in the same validation group the LR gave 64.4%, 50%, 32.1%, 79.2% and 53.9%. The Wilcoxon test confirmed the independence of both methods (P < 0.001)., Conclusion: The ANN is an effective tool for assisting the urologist in indicating and applying endoscopic treatments for VUR.

Hemorrhagic infarction of the testicle is an unusual occurrence in the newborn infant. It usually develops as a consequence of torsion of the spermatic cord. We report a case of global testicular infarction in a newborn associated with a tense hydrocele.

Berdon syndrome is a rare congenital malformation that consists in megacystis and severe intestinal malformations that condition the prognosis in most of the cases. We report the three cases diagnosticated between 1976-2003. Diagnosis, therapeutics aspects and evolution are discussed.

Intrathoracic ectopia is an unusual ectopia that represents less than 5% of renal ectopia. The association of a duplex system and an intrathoracic renal ectopia is very rare. We report a case of a girl affected from these two anormalities, being the first case published in the literature reviewed. Presentation, diagnosis and therapeutic aspects are discussed.

Objectives: To emphasize the importance of early diagnosis of encrusted pyelitis in kidney transplant patients., Methods: We report one case of encrusted pyelitis in a 10-year-old girl with a kidney graft who was treated by means of nephrostomy tube irrigation with an acidifier liquid substance., Results: After 16 days of treatment there was a significant decrease of the size of the calcified pyelic plaque, keeping a good renal function afterwards., Conclusions: This disease should be thought of in every case of kidney transplant patient with negative urine cultures and alkaline pH, and the microbiologist should be alerted of the possibility of urinary tract infection by Corynebacterium.

Epidermoid cysts of the testis are rare in children (3% of all the testicular tumors). Bilateral appearance has only been described in the pediatric age in 2 cases and none associated to Klinefelter's syndrome. We present, for our knowledge, the first case of bilateral epidermoid testicular cyst associated to klinefelter's syndrome in a boy, highlighting its management and therapeutic approach. We analyze the different kinds of treatment.

Introduction and Objectives: Cutaneous vesicostomy (CV) is a choice temporary urinary diversion technique for patients with upper urinary tract (URT) dilation, secondary to vesical o infravesical disease. The objective of this study is to share our experience in children undergoing such diversion, analysing its efficacy to prevent urinary infections, improve or resolve the ureterectasia, and stabilise or improve renal function; in short the functional and morphological recovery of URT., Material and Methods: 43 children, mean age 2.5 years (range: 1 month-14 years) with ureterohydronephrosis grade IV-V, persistent urinary infection and/or renal function impairment underwent cutaneous vesicostomy (Blocksom's technique in 36 and Lapides' procedure in the rest). Thirty subjects had neuropathic bladder (26 with secondary vesicoureteral reflux), 7 massive primary vesicoureteral reflux, and 6 posterior urethral valve., Results: All children (100%) with neurogenic bladder (30 cases), showed improvement of ureteral-pyelic-calyceal ectasia after the diversion, and 90% improved renal function with disappearance of vesiculoureteral reflux in 65%. Augmentation cystoplasty with gut was performed in 12 patients during vesicostomy closure, using Mitrofanoff's type diversion in 5 of them. The same continent diversion with cecal appendix was used in another 7 children as the only procedure. The remaining 11 children still retain their vesicostomy. In 5 of the 7 children with primary vesicoureteral reflux, the reflux disappeared and so the vesicostomy was closed. Reflux correction during the same surgical procedure was required for the other 2 children. Of the 6 children with posterior urethral valves, 2 received a renal transplant, one is in waiting list and the rest (50%) maintain an acceptable renal function. In the first year of follow-up, 4 patients developed symptomatic urinary infection that later disappeared. The rest had occasional asymptomatic bacteriuria that required no treatment. Complications included vesical prolapse due to ostomy in 4 patients, lithiasis in 3 and stomal stenosis in 2., Conclusions: We consider vesicostomy to be the choice urinary diversion technique in cases of common section obstruction and/or non-obstructive ureterohydronephrosis in new-borns who do not improve with conservative treatment.

Testicular dislocation after blunt scrotal trauma is a rare event. This injure must be recognized and treated promptly to maximize the likelihood of testicular salvage. We describe a new case of unnoticed traumatic testicular dislocation with secondary testicular lost. We discuss the chain of events leading toward the correct diagnosis and treatment based on a review of published reports.

Objective: To determine the utility of different diagnostic imaging techniques in diverticulum of the urachus and discuss the approach in the incidentally discovered cases such as those detected due to infectious complications., Methods/results: We reviewed the literature, with special reference to the diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of diverticula of the urachus. A case that presented with urinary infection and omphalitis, with the characteristic radiological findings, that resolved after surgical treatment and previous antibiotic therapy, is also described., Conclusions: Ultrasound is useful in the initial evaluation of patients with signs of periumbilical inflammation. If a urachal diverticulum is diagnosed, retrograde cystourethrography should be performed to rule out associated genitourinary pathology or lower urinary tract obstruction. In cases discovered incidentally, we underscore the importance of elective surgery to excise the diverticulum since it could progress to malignancy. In cases with infectious complications, bladder catheterization and antibiotic treatment before performing subsequent elective surgery offer advantages over primary excision. For young patients, we advocate performing the Pfannenstiel incision. This approach offers excellent visualization and exposure of the entire urachus with a minimum surgical scar.

Over 6 years, the prevalence of latex sensitization fell from 4/15 (26.7%) to 1/22 (4.5%) in children with spina bifida treated in a latex-free environment from birth compared with historic controls. These precautions appear to be efficacious for the primary prevention of latex sensitization.

Objective: A case of lobar nephronia in a child is presented., Methods: Herein we describe a case of acute lobar nephronia in a 10-year-old boy. The clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects are discussed., Results/conclusions: Acute lobar nephronia or acute focal bacterial nephritis is an uncommon form of pyelonephritis that can affect both adults and children, although few cases have been reported in children. Imaging techniques are necessary for diagnosis and to distinguish it from other conditions, such as abscess or renal masses that require a different treatment. Ultrasound is the imaging technique of choice in the diagnosis and follow-up of lobar nephronia.

Background: Previous findings suggest that sensitization to latex in children with spina bifida is a dynamic process., Objective: To study if changes appear in the sensitization status after withdrawal of latex., Methods: We studied a consecutive sample of 68 children with spina bifida, by means of latex skin prick tests and quantification of serum latex-specific IgE on two separate occasions two years apart., Results: Forty-four (65%) were classified as nonsensitized, 6 (9%) showed indeterminate results, and 18 (26%) were sensitized to latex, six of whom had clinical reactions to latex. They were instructed to avoid latex. In a second evaluation, 2 years later, 38 (56%) were classified as nonsensitized, 3 (4%) as indeterminate, and 27 (40%) as sensitized to latex, 11 of whom had presented latex symptoms. This meant 22% of spina bifida children demonstrated progressive sensitization, in spite of having adopted a latex-free environment at our hospital. It illustrates the progressive character of latex sensitization in these patients., Conclusion: Latex avoidance measures both in the medical and home settings must be stressed. We recommend that children with spina bifida should be periodically evaluated regarding latex sensitization.

Objective: Our aim was to assess our results in the management of renal trauma patients., Patients and Methods: A retrospective review of medical charts from 1989 to 1997 was carried out., Results: Twenty-seven cases involving 27 kidneys were treated during the study period, with 16 grade II injuries, 8 grade II and 3 grade III. Ultrasound was the most used diagnostic tool, followed by computerized tomography (CT) and intravenous pyelography (IVP). Falls and traffic accidents were the main etiologic agents (48 and 41%, respectively). Eight out of 11 patients with grade II/III injuries received surgical treatment. Three cases required early surgery immediately after arrival and 5 cases had planned surgery. After a mean follow-up period of 16 months, renal function has remained above 40% in all patients, excluding 3 cases treated with partial nephrectomy., Conclusions: A conservative attitude is of choice in children with renal trauma. CT is the main diagnostic tool except in patients suspected of isolated grade I injury. Ultrasound followed by IVP is a valid choice for these cases and especially helpful for preschool patients which require general anesthesia for CT exploration.

Single system ectopic ureters are usually associated with multiple congenital abnormalities and the corresponding renal units is frequently abnormal. 19 cases of single system ectopic ureters were diagnosed and treated in our hospital during the last 20 years. The patients were less than 11 years old. The abnormality was bilateral in two cases and the 63% of all had associated malformations, being the anorectal abnormalities the most frequent. The incidence of reflux into the ectopic ureter was 57%, and the association to unilateral or contralateral renal agenesis, 26.3%. Thirteen ectopic ureters were reimplanted successfully into the bladder, and the cases of nonfunctioning kidneys were removed (nephroureterectomy). The follow-up period was 10 months to 14 years, developing the 68% of the cases without any complication and a good renal function. Two patients were transplanted due to a kidney failure. Diagnosis is often extremely difficult and requires a high degree of suspicion. This diagnosis may be incidental, and it may be made during investigation of patients with other malformations. An early diagnosis and treatment must be made in order to avoid a disturbance of renal function. We wish to point up the high incidence of reflux into the ectopic ureter and the high association to renal agenesis in the single system ectopic ureters in comparison with ectopic ureter of duplex system.

We present a case of transitional cell tumor of the urinary bladder in an 8-year-old boy and discuss certain aspects of the epidemiology, aetiology, prognosis, treatment and follow-up. We review the published cases in the literature since 1992, and compare them with the classic series.

Objective: To discuss the current aspects and the impact of innovations on the clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR)., Methods: The literature on Medline over the last five years are reviewed and the urodynamic findings in our series of children with VUR are analyzed., Results: Fetal VUR and those diagnosed in children with a family history are currently considered to be the most interesting study groups from the clinical perspective. Renal scintiscanning, isotope-labelled cystography and urodynamic evaluation are well-established diagnostic methods that permit selecting the most appropriate treatment for patients with this anomaly. In our experience, 50.8% of the 128 patients in whom a urodynamic study was performed, showed changes in lower urinary tract function. Innovations in open surgery have been scanty and endoscopic treatment is increasingly utilized, although the search continues for the ideal biological material., Conclusions: The new diagnostic methods utilized in the evaluation of children with VUR will permit a better understanding of the natural history of this anomaly lead to changes in the protocols that are currently used.

Contribution of two cases of renal adenocarcinoma in pediatric patients. Comments on the most updated and relevant aspects of epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and follow-up. Comparison to nephroblastoma and renal adenocarcinoma of the adult.

Background: Some children with spina bifida who are sensitized to latex can have severe reactions, whereas others remain free of symptoms., Objective: Our aim was to study the differences between these two groups of patients., Material and Methods: In 110 consecutive children with spina bifida, we identified by means of skin prick tests and serum latex-specific IgE 32 patients sensitized to latex. In these 32 patients, data were collected for sex, age, personal and familial history of atopy, number of cystourethrograms and number of operations, history of intermittent bladder catheterization, serum levels of total IgE in units per milliliter and in z units, levels of latex-specific IgE, and results of skin prick tests., Results: Sixteen patients (50%) had clinical symptoms related to latex. These patients had significantly higher levels of serum specific IgE (32.8 +/- 30.7 U/ml vs. 12.8 +/- 16.5 U/ml), were more likely to have positive responses on skin tests (100% vs. 75%), had a higher number of operations (10.5 +/- 6.9 vs. 5.8 +/- 2.7), and were more likely to have a personal history of atopy (44% vs. 6%) in comparison with findings for patients who did not have symptoms (p < 0.05 in all cases). A multivariate logistic regression analysis identified the latter two factors as independent synergistic variables to predict symptoms., Conclusions: The number of operations is the main risk factor for latex-related symptoms in sensitized children. Atopy seems to lower the threshold both for sensitization and for the presentation of clinical reactions.

Rationale: The purpose of our work is to know the prevalence of allergies to latex in patients with myelomeningocele (MMC) and to evaluate any potential factors influencing its development., Methods: The study included 100 children with mean age 7.5 +/- 4.8 years, diagnosed with MMC by skin tests and total and latex-specific IgE determination. The results were compared to those obtained in three "control" groups: atopic patients, patients undergoing their first operation and multi-operated patients. The relationship between the different variables analyzed was assessed using univariant and multivariant statistical studies., Results: 29 were sensitized (15 symptomatic and 14 asymptomatic) and 8 doubtful. Results showed statistically significant (p < 0.05) differences for atopic and first operation groups and non significant differences for the multi-operation group. The multivariant study selected the followed as the most relevant variables: number of surgical interventions, total IgE levels in z units, ventricle-peritoneal by-pass carriers and atopy background. Also in the multivariant study, the following showed statistically significant results: age, Cums' number, inclusion in intermittent catheterism program and total IgE levels. Neither sex or familial background of atopy showed statistical significance., Conclusions: Allergy to latex in MMC patients is related to multiple antigen contacts, the numerous manipulations and operations undertaken throughout the patient's life plus a personal propensity to allergies. It is essential that this group should adopt certain standards to minimize contact with the antigen and undergo an allergological study so as to detect those who are sensitized, which in nearly half our series has not yet exhibited symptomatology in contact with latex utensils. All diagnostic and therapeutical procedures should be conducted in latex-free environments.

In the last twenty years 55 children with ureteral ectopia were diagnosed and treated in our Hospital. Thirty seven of them were female (67.3%) and they presented the urinary tract infection like the most frequent symptomatology. Seven children were diagnosed during the first days after being born because the detection of hydronephrosis in the antenatal ultrasound; 36 were associated with complete ureteric duplication (65.4%) and the other 19 with single system (34.6%). Congenital abnormalities associated were seen in 14 patients with more frequency in those which presented single-system ectopic ureter (12/14), being the imperforate anus and the kidney agenesia those the most incidence. The most frequent points of opening were the bladder neck and posterior uretra. Diagnostic work-up included some radiological studies (abdominal ultrasound, intravenous urography, sequence mictional cystourethrography and vaginogram), isotopical tests, meticulous genital exploration, cystoscopy and vaginoscopy. 49.1% underwent conservative surgical treatment (7 ipsilateral ureteroureterostomy and 20 ureteral reimplantation) and 50.9% underwent total or partial nephroureterectomy, being the type of treatment depended on functionality of renal units. After treatment, 74.5% had not any incident; among all postsurgical complications, reflux reappearance was the most frequent (3 cases).

The differential diagnosis of the causes of acute scrotum only by clinical means, is often very difficult and supposes the risk of making mistakes, which leaves to several unnecessary surgical explorations. By Colour Doppler Sonography we get some information about testicular flow that helps us in the diagnosis. During the last two years 72 consecutive cases of acute scrotum in children younger than 13 years old, were seen in our hospital emergency department. They all underwent testicular bilateral sonography with color flow imaging using a 7.5 MHz linear array transducer (Model Sonolayer Toshiba SSH-140 A). The sonographical diagnosis were: 45 epididymo-orchitis (62.5%), 8 testicular torsions (11%), 7 torsions of the appendix of testis (9.7%), 7 normal explorations (9.7%), 4 acute idiopathic scrotal oedema (5.5%) and a Henoch-Schönlein purpura (1.38%). Doppler examination showed a 97.2% sensibility and 72.2% specificity in the diagnosis of epididymo-orchitis and 88.88% sensibility and 100% specificity in the diagnosis of testicular torsion. The Colour Doppler Sonography should not minimize importance to the clinical explorations, but is very useful for the diagnosis of acute scrotal process, overcoat in inflammatory diseases.

Background: Latex allergy is quite frequent in patients who have undergone multiple operations, such as children with spina bifida., Objective: This investigation was carried to study the prevalence and risk factors associated with latex allergy in patients with spina bifida., Methods: We studied 100 consecutive patients by skin prick tests and quantified specific IgE to latex with commercial antigens., Results: Twenty-nine patients were sensitized to latex, although 14 (49%) did not report symptoms. There was a statistical association (p < 0.05) between sensitization and age, number of operations, number of cystourethrograms, antecedents of intermittent bladder catheterization, personal antecedents of atopy, the presence of a ventricular-peritoneal shunt, and levels of serum total IgE, the latter both in absolute units per milliliter and relative z-units. Through a forward stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis, the number of operations, serum total IgE in z-units, the presence of a ventricular-peritoneal shunt, and personal antecedents of atopy were selected as the synergistic variables that most contributed to identification of sensitized patients. The mathematical model so developed had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.95. Alternative models always retained two variables, the number of operations and levels of IgE., Conclusion: Allergy to latex is mainly related to the number of operations and to the atopic diathesis of patients.

We report a case of intravaginal testicular torsion with an unusual debut in a 30 day old patient which had undescended testis. We emphasize the need of a complete physical exploration of the child that go to the emergency service with inspecific symptoms of abdominal pain, and supposing the hemiscrotum was empty, is essential to reject a torsion of a cryptorchidic testicle. An immediate surgery is necessary in order to diagnose and treat this disturbance.