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Urology has rapidly evolved during the last decades, incorporating new technologies faster than most specialties. The challenge to maintain a competent workforce that is prepared to deliver proper contemporary treatment has become increasingly difficult and newly graduated urologists throughout the world typically lack the skills to practice many urological subspecialties. We performed a survey to evaluate the practice patterns and educational aspirations in functional urology (FU) among Brazilian urologists.A web-based survey was sent to board-certified Brazilian urologists to collect data on clinical practice and training aspirations in four subareas of FU: female urology, urodynamics, postprostatectomy incontinence (PPI), and neurourology. We evaluated urologists' clinical and surgical workload in each subarea and investigated educational training aspirations to identify areas and training formats of interest.A total of 366 urologists (mean age 47.7 + 10.7 years) completed the survey. Mean time since completion of residency was 17.9 + 11.9 years. Of the respondents, 176 (53%) perform urodynamics, 285 (83.1%) SUI surgeries, 159 (47.6%) PPI surgeries, 194 (58.1%) third line OAB procedures, 168 (48.9%) pelvic organ prolapse (POP), and 88 (26.3%) bladder augmentation. Mid-urethral sling is the most performed SUI surgery and transobturator is the preferred route (64.0%). For those performing POP surgery, 40.5% use mesh in at least 50% of their cases, and the vaginal route is used in most cases (75.4%) for apical prolapse. For PPI, 64.6% use artificial sphincter in most surgeries and only 8.1% perform at least 5 surgeries/year. Being fellowship-trained and working in an academic hospital are associated with a higher chance of being active in FU. Most urologists are interested in receiving training in PPI, female SUI, and POP and a hands-on course is the preferred educational method (81%).Most urologists in Brazil are involved in the evaluation and treatment of FU patients, but few have a large volume of patient visits and surgical procedures. Completing a fellowship program and working in an academic practice are associated with a higher chance of being a FU practitioner. There is a high interest in training for PPI, female SUI, and POP.

Overactive bladder is a symptom complex consisting of bothersome storage urinary symptoms that is highly prevalent among both sexes and has a significant impact on quality of life. Various antimuscarinic agents and the beta-3 agonists mirabegron and vibegron are currently available for the treatment of OAB. Each drug has specific pharmacologic properties, dosing schedule and tolerability profile, making it essential to individualize the medical treatment for the patient's characteristics and expectations. In this manuscript, we review the most important factors involved in the contemporary pharmacological treatment of OAB.

Neurogenic detrusor overactivity incontinence (NDOI) is often inadequately managed with oral therapy.To assess efficacy and safety of abobotulinumtoxinA (aboBoNT-A; Dysport®; Ipsen Ltd.) according to etiology of NDOI.Two phase III, randomized, double-blind studies (CONTENT1 [NCT02660138] conducted in Asia, Europe and North America; CONTENT2 [NCT02660359] conducted in the Americas, Asia, Europe and Oceania) both included patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) or multiple sclerosis (MS), with inadequately managed NDOI, regularly performing clean intermittent catheterization (CIC).Patients in CONTENT1 and CONTENT2 received aboBoNT-A injections 600 U (n = 162)/800 U (n = 161), or placebo (n = 162) into the detrusor muscle.Primary endpoint: mean change from baseline in number of NDOI episodes/week at Week 6. Secondary endpoints: proportion of patients with no NDOI episodes; incontinence-related quality of life (I-QoL); urodynamic parameters; and time-to-retreatment. Safety was also assessed. Statistical analyses were conducted for pooled populations by etiology (aboBoNT-A doses vs. placebo).Of 485 randomized patients, 341 (70%) and 144 (30%) had SCI and MS etiologies, respectively. A significant reduction was observed in mean NDOI episodes/week at Week 6 with both aboBoNT-A doses versus placebo in the SCI (all p 0.001) and MS (all p 0.01) groups, as well as significant improvements in I-QoL and urodynamic parameters. Median time-to-retreatment was longer in patients with MS (48-62 weeks across doses) than those with SCI (39-44 weeks). Safety data were similar between etiologies. Urinary tract infection was the most frequent adverse event; similar numbers were reported across treatment groups.AboBoNT-A was well tolerated and significantly improved continence and bladder function, and QoL, in patients with SCI or MS with NDOI performing regular CIC.AboBoNT-A injections improved QoL, symptoms, and bladder function in patients with SCI or MS with bladder muscle overactivity that causes incontinence.

A incontinência urinária, perda involuntária de urina, é uma condição da saúde que acomete homens e mulheres – em grande ou pequena escala – de qualquer idade, globalmente, dependendo do grau e outros fatores fí­sicos, psí­quicos e emocionais dos seres humanos. A incontinência pode ocorrer em homens e mulheres, em qualquer idade, mas é mais comum entre as mulheres e idosos, embora a incontinência seja mais comum entre os idosos, não é uma parte normal do envelhecimento. É um tema bastante latente na vida das pessoas e esse trabalho apresenta as mais variadas tipologias da incontinência, possí­veis metodologias de tratamento, com viés menos invasivos, e como ele deve ser tratado no dia-a-dia das pessoas. Neste artigo é possí­vel analisar também o quanto as pessoas conhecem do assunto e a qual especialista elas atribuem o conhecimento ao tratamento. São trabalhados os tipos, sintomas, consequências, tratamentos e recomendações. A discussão foi embasada numa pesquisa IBOPE sobre qual é a visão das pessoas comuns com relação í incontinência urinária. Vale ressaltar que a pesquisa não é randomizada nem acadêmica, mas serviu de apoio para que os assuntos fossem trabalhados de maneira abrangente e plausí­vel pelas mais diversas áreas da saúde. O objetivo deste trabalho é trazer a percepção do que é vivido dentro das clí­nicas médicas, no dia-a-dia de um hospital, para facilitar o acesso í informação dos pacientes e familiares sobre o tratamento e cuidados com a saúde miccional. Então essa pesquisa traz alguns números interessantes que norteiam o tema.

ObjectivesTo evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on clinical practice, income, health and lifestyle behavior of Brazilian urologists during the month of April 2020.Materials and MethodsA 39-question, web-based survey was sent to all urologist members of the Brazilian Society of Urology. We assessed socio-demographic, professional, health and behavior parameters. The primary goal was to evaluate changes in urologists’ clinical practice and income after two months of COVID-19. We also looked at geographical differences based on the incidence rates of COVID-19 in different states.ResultsAmong 766 urologists who completed the survey, a reduction ≥ 50% of patient visits, elective and emergency surgeries was reported by 83.2%, 89.6% and 54.8%, respectively. An income reduction of ≥ 50% was reported by 54.3%. Measures to reduce costs were implemented by most. Video consultations were performed by 38.7%. Modifications in health and lifestyle included weight gain (32.9%), reduced physical activity (60.0%), increased alcoholic intake (39.9%) and reduced sexual activity (34.9%). Finally, 13.5% of Brazilian urologists were infected with SARS-CoV-2 and about one third required hospitalization. Urologists from the highest COVID-19 incidence states were at a higher risk to have a reduction of patient visits and non-essential surgeries (OR = 2.95, 95% CI 1.86 – 4.75; p < 0.0001) and of being infected with SARS-CoV-2 (OR = 4.36 95%CI 1.74–10.54, p = 0.012).ConclusionsCOVID-19 produced massive disturbances in Brazilian urologists’ practice, with major reductions in patient visits and surgical procedures. Distressing consequences were also observed on physicians’ income, health and personal lives. These findings are probably applicable to other medical specialties.

To evaluate the expression of urinary biomarkers of inflammation and tissue remodeling in patients with BPH undergoing surgery and evaluate the association of biomarkers with postoperative urodynamic outcomes MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed urine samples from 71 patients treated with TURP from 2011 to 2017. Urinary levels of epidermal growth factor (EGF), matrix-metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), nerve growth factor (NGF) and monocyte-chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) (by commercial ELISA kit) were measured, adjusted by urinary creatinine (Cr) and analyzed according to patients clinical and urodynamic characteristics (baseline and 12-month postoperative urodynamic) RESULTS: MMP-1/Cr levels were significantly higher among subjects with higher detrusor pressure on preoprative urodynamic. MCP-1/Cr levels were significantly higher amongs subjects with preoperative DO. Preoperative levels of NGF/Cr (0.13 vs 0.08, p = 0.005) and MMP-1/Cr (0.11 vs 0.04, p = 0.021) were predictors of persistent DO 12 months after surgery. The following factors were shown to be useful for predicting the persistence of DO in the postoperative period: NGF/Cr, with an AUC of 0.77 (95% CI 0.62-0.92) (p = 0.006), and MMP-1/Cr, with an AUC of 0.72 (95% CI 0.56-0.88) (p = 0.022).MMP-1/Cr was associated with higher detrusor pressure and MCP-1/CR with DO. NGF/Cr and MMP-1/Cr were shown to be predictors of persistent postoperative DO.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of individual lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and LUTS-specific bother on daily/leisure activities, work productivity and treatment behaviors and satisfaction ...

Introduction In Brazil, current data on the use of healthcare resources to manage individuals with overactive bladder (OAB) are lacking. This study aimed to characterize contemporary treatment and the economic burden among patients with OAB managed under the Brazilian public health system (Sistema Único de Saúde [SUS]). Methods Population-based data from January to December of 2015 were acquired from Brazil’s public health database. Adults at least 18 years of age with an ICD-10 diagnostic code for OAB within the period were included. Records of outpatient visits, hospitalizations, and onabotulinumtoxinA injections were used to calculate estimates of resource use and costs (in Brazilian reals [R$]) among those with OAB (frequency [%] and mean (standard deviation [SD]) as appropriate). Patient identifiers were not available, so a record linkage methodology was used to match medical encounters to individuals. Pharmacologic management of OAB was informed by government medication purchases available from the official Brazilian government databases. Results During 2015, 26,640 patients with OAB were identified. All cohort members had at least one outpatient visit and 15,349 (57.6%) were hospitalized. Of the study cohort, 10.0% visited a general practitioner (GP), 41.3% visited a specialist, and 52.0% visited other non-medical healthcare practitioners within the year. Mean (SD) healthcare costs among the study cohort totaled R$355 (R$866) per patient per year; and were R$291 (R$654), R$27 (R$130), R$27 (R$30), and R$11 (R$17) for hospitalizations, GP, specialist, and non-medical healthcare practitioner visits per patient per year, respectively. Regional analysis of reported government medication purchases suggested that access to OAB treatments is highly limited. Conclusions High resource use and costs were estimated among patients with OAB managed within the SUS. These data provide a snapshot of the management of patients with OAB in Brazil, with the patients seeking treatment under SUS likely representing a more burdened subpopulation. Electronic Supplementary Material The online version of this article (10.1007/s12325-020-01318-w) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The 24-hour bladder diary is considered to be the gold standard for evaluating maximum voided volume (MVV). However, we observed that patients often have a greater MVV during office uroflowmetry than that seen in the bladder diary. The purpose of this study is to compare these two non-invasive methods by which MVV can be determined - at the time of uroflowmetry (Q-MVV), or by 24hour bladder diary (BD-MVV).This was an Institutional Review Board approved retrospective study of patients evaluated for LUTS who completed a 24hour bladder diary and contemporaneous uroflowmetry. For Q-MVV, the patient was instructed to wait to void until their bladder felt full. Sample means were compared, and Pearson's correlations were calculated between the Q-MVV and BD-MVV data across the total sample, women, and men.Seven hundred seventy one patients with LUTS completed bladder diaries. Of these, 400 patients, 205 women and 195 men, had contemporaneous Q-MVV. Mean BD-MVV was greater than mean Q-MVV. However, Q-MVV was larger in a sizable minority of patients. There was a weak correlation between BD-MVV and Q-MVV. Furthermore, there was a difference ≥50% between Q-MVV and BD-MVV in 165 patients (41%).The data suggest that there is a difference between the two measurement tools, and that the BD-MVV was greater than Q-MVV. For a more reliable assessment of MVV, this study suggests that both Q-MVV and BD-MVV should be assessed and that the larger of the two values is a more reliable assessment of MVV.

Introduction Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) affect ≥60% of adult men and are associated with erectile dysfunction (ED) and sexual dissatisfaction. Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship among male LUTS, ED, and sexual satisfaction. Methods This was a secondary analysis of the Brazil LUTS study, a cross-sectional, epidemiological survey conducted by telephone interview in 5 cities in Brazil. This analysis included men aged ≥40 years. Main Outcome Measure LUTS were identified using International Continence Society definitions. LUTS severity was assessed using the International Prostate Symptom Score questionnaire. Erectile function was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) questionnaire and sexual satisfaction was rated on a 5-point scale. Results 2,433 men participated in the study. Of 2,183 men reporting data on LUTS, 873 (40%) had LUTS “about half the time” or more. The prevalence of ED and sexual dissatisfaction was 14.4% and 7.8%, respectively. The proportion of men reporting ED and sexual dissatisfaction was higher among men with LUTS (24.6% and 13.8%, respectively) than men without LUTS (8.7% and 4.5%, respectively; P < .001). LUTS severity was negatively correlated with IIEF-5 scores (r = –0.199; P < .001); we estimated a 0.431-point decrease in IIEF-5 score per 3-point increase in International Prostate Symptom Score. Increased age and the presence of LUTS were associated with a greater chance of ED and sexual dissatisfaction; depression/anxiety and diabetes were associated with a greater chance of sexual dissatisfaction only. Among men with LUTS, urgency with fear of leaking, urgency urinary incontinence, and nocturnal enuresis were associated with a greater chance of ED, whereas slow stream and urgency urinary incontinence were associated with a greater chance of sexual dissatisfaction. Conclusion These results demonstrate that the presence of LUTS is associated with an increased chance of ED and sexual dissatisfaction in Brazilian men and reinforce the importance of a comprehensive assessment of these conditions.

Objective: To cross-culturally adapt and check for the reliability and validity of the neurogenic bladder symptom score questionnaire to Brazilian Portuguese, in patients with spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis. Materials and Methods: The questionnaire was culturally adapted according to international guidelines. The Brazilian version was applied in patients diagnosed with neurogenic bladder due to spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis, twice in a range of 7 to 14 days. Psychometric properties were tested such as content validity, construct validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability. Results: Sixty-eight patients participated in the study. Good internal consistency of the Portuguese version was observed, with Cronbach α of 0.81. The test-retest reliability was also high, with an Intraclass Correlation Coefficient of 0.86 [0.76 - 0.92] (p

Aims To report on the impact of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) on treatment‐related behaviors and quality of life in Brazilian adults greater than or equal to 40 years. Methods Data were from a computer‐assisted telephone survey conducted in Brazil between 1 September and 31 December 2015 (Brazil LUTS study). Participants were adults greater than or equal to 40 years with landlines living in major cities from five geographical regions in Brazil. Participants rated how often they experienced individual LUTS during the previous month and associated bother, and the impact on quality of life (QoL), treatment seeking, treatment, treatment satisfaction, and treatment discontinuation. Multiple logistic regression models were adjusted to analyze the simultaneous effects of predictor variables on each dependent variable. Results When the presence of LUTS was defined as symptoms occurring less than half the time or more, one‐quarter of respondents sought treatment but 6% fewer actually received treatment. Of these, around 25% reported dissatisfaction with treatment and almost 10% reported treatment discontinuation. The occurrence of some symptoms and, in particular, the resultant bother were significantly related to worse QoL and to treatment‐related outcomes, such as treatment seeking, actual treatment, treatment dissatisfaction, and treatment discontinuation. Symptoms of all three categories were associated with all these domains for both sexes. Conclusions This is the first population‐based study carried out in South America showing that treatment seeking and treatment rates for LUTS are low. Since the LUTS prevalence is high, this reinforces the importance of a comprehensive medical assessment, focusing on the resulting bother, for more appropriate and personalized patient management.

Objectives: Develop and validate a new and simplified score for evaluating the lower urinary tract symptoms in men. Materials and methods: We modified the existing visual prostate symptom score, including changes in the images, sequence, and new alternatives, resulting in a new visual score (LUTS visual score-LUTS-V). For the validation of the new tool, we used the International Prostatic Symptom Score as the gold-standard and the new LUTS-V to 306 men. The total IPSS score and the total LUTS-V score of each subject were evaluated to determine the agreement between the two instruments. ROC curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and best cut-off of LUTS-V. Sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratios were used to describe the diagnostic properties. Results: The mean age of the participants was 59 [52-87] years. There was a significant correlation between LUTS-V and IPSS. (r=0.72 (p 4 was the best threshold, with a sensitivity of 74% and specificity of 78%. Conclusions: LUTS-V is a simple, self-administered tool with a significant discriminatory power to identify subjects with moderate to severe LUTS and may represent a useful instrument for the diagnosis and follow-up of men with urinary symptoms.

IntroductionSickle cell disease (SCD) is associated with the development of hypogonadism, but there is still controversy regarding its etiology and clinical implications.ObjectiveTo evaluate the prevalence of hypogonadism in a population of men with SCD and characterize its etiology.MethodsWe performed a cross-sectional study of 34 men with SCD aged > 18 years. Sociodemographic and clinical data, including anthropometric measurements (weight, height, and BMI), were obtained. Early morning blood samples were collected and total testosterone (TT), free testosterone (FT), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), a complete blood count, and hemoglobin electrophoresis were measured.ResultsMedian age was 33 [26-41] years, and SS genotype was the most frequent (73.5%). The prevalence of eugonadism, compensated, and secondary hypogonadism was 67.5%, 26.4%, and 5.88%, respectively. No men with primary hypogonadism were identified in our sample. Those with compensated hypogonadism had also higher FSH levels than individuals with eugonadism; p < 0.001).ConclusionIn our study population of men with SCD a high prevalence of compensated hypogonadism was identified, which is a controversial and distinct clinical entity that warrants monitoring and further research.

ObjectivesTo evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on clinical and surgical practice, educational activities, health and lifestyle behavior of Brazilian urology residents.Materials and MethodsA web-based survey was sent to 468 Brazilian urology residents from postgraduate years (PGY) 3 to 5 to collect data on clinical practice and training after 4 months of COVID-19. We also assessed health-related and behavior changes, rate of infection by SARS-CoV-2, deployment to the front line of COVID-19, residents’ concerns, and access to personal protective equipment (PPE).ResultsMassive reductions in elective and emergency patient consultations, diagnostic procedures and surgeries were reported across the country, affecting PGY 3 to 5 alike. Most in-person educational activities were abolished. The median damage to the urological training expected for 2020 was 6.0 [3.4 -7.7], on a scale from 0 to 10, with senior residents estimating a greater damage (P< 0.001). Educational interventions developed included online case-based discussions, subspeciality conferences and lectures, and grand rounds. Most senior residents favored extending residency to compensate for training loss and most younger residents favored no additional training (p< 0.001). Modifications in health and lifestyle included weight gain (43.8%), reduced physical activity (68.6%), increased alcoholic intake (44.9%) and cigarette consumption (53.6%), worsening of sexual life (25.2%) and feelings of sadness or depression (48,2%). Almost half were summoned to work on the COVID-19 front-line and 24.4% had COVID-19. Most residents had inadequate training to deal with COVID-19 patients and most reported a shortage of PPE. Residents’ concerns included the risk of contaminating family members, being away from residency program, developing severe COVID-19 and overloading colleagues.ConclusionsCOVID-19 had a massive impact in Brazilian urology residents’ training, health and lifestyle behavior, which may reflect what happened in other medical specialties. Studies should confirm these findings to help developing strategies to mitigate residents’ losses.

Objective To present the clinical and radiological characteristics of women with severe structural deterioration of the bladder and upper urinary tract secondary to Primary Bladder Neck Obstruction (PBNO), and their outcomes after bladder neck incision (BNI). Methods Retrospective evaluation of adult women who underwent BNI for PBNO at one institution. Patients were assessed for symptoms, renal function, structural abnormalities of the urinary tract and video-urodynamics. PBNO diagnosis was confirmed with video-urodynamics in all patients. BNI was performed at the 4–5 and/or 7–8 o’clock positions. Postoperative symptoms, PVR, uroflowmetry and renal function were evaluated and compared to baseline. Results Median patient age was 56.5 years (range 40–80). All presented with urinary retention–four were on clean intermittent Catheterization (CIC) and two with a Foley catheter. All patients had bladder wall thickening and diverticula. Four women had elevated creatinine levels, bilateral hydronephrosis was present in five (83.3%). After BNI, all patients resumed spontaneous voiding without the need for CIC. Median Qmax significantly improved from 2.0 [1.0–4.0] mL/s to 15 [10–22.7] mL/s (p = 0.031). Median PVR decreased from 150 to 46 [22–76] mL (p = 0.031). There were no postoperative complications. Creatinine levels returned to normal in 3/4 (75%) patients. Conclusion PBNO in women may result in severe damage to the bladder and upper urinary tract. Despite severe structural abnormalities of the bladder, BNI was effective in reducing symptoms and improving structural and functional abnormalities of the lower and upper urinary tract.

Williams-Beuren syndrome is a chromosomal disorder caused by a deletion at region 7q11.23. Lower urinary tract symptoms are highly prevalent and significantly affect quality of life. We assessed the long-term outcomes of lower urinary tract symptoms in children with Williams-Beuren syndrome.From February 2001 to July 2016, 90 patients with Williams-Beuren syndrome were evaluated in our hospital, of whom 31 (20 boys) had at least 5 years of followup. Baseline evaluation included a history of lower urinary tract symptoms, frequency-volume chart and the impact on quality of life measured on a scale of 0 (delighted) to 6 (terrible). Pharmacological therapy with oxybutynin or doxazosin was offered to symptomatic patients. We present the outcome of lower urinary tract symptoms after 5 and 10 years of followup.At baseline 27 (87.1%) patients were symptomatic. Median duration of followup was 10 (range 6-13) years. Pharmacological therapy was started for 25 (92.6%) symptomatic patients at baseline, including oxybutynin for 19 (76.0%), doxazosin for 1 (4.0%) and a combination of the 2 agents for 5 (20.0%). Medical therapy was still in use by 61.2% after 5 years and 52.9% after 10 years (p=0.043). Median duration of pharmacological treatment was 7 (range 6-11) years. A significant improvement of lower urinary tract symptoms was observed over time, with 35.5% and 29.5% patients considered symptomatic after 5 years and 10 years, respectively (p0.001). Quality of life was also markedly improved over time (p0.001).This long-term study showed significant improvement of lower urinary tract symptoms in children and adolescents with Williams-Beuren syndrome over time. Long-term pharmacological treatment was needed in most patients.

Urodynamics testing forms the cornerstone of investigations when it comes to lower urinary tract dysfunction. It has to be done to the highest standards by following the International Continence Society Good Urodynamics Practice protocols. However, with the COVID‐19 pandemic, certain adaptations to the urodynamics procedure need to be considered especially when it comes to quality control. This article aims to define these adaptations to help urodynamicists in their daily practice.

ObjectivesTo evaluated the accuracy of a single question on nocturia to identify men with moderate and severe LUTS.MethodsWe evaluated men aged ≥40 years who presented for medical evaluation at two different urological clinics. They completed the IPSS and the Nocturia Single Question Scale (NSQS). NSQS consists of a single question assessing nocturia frequency ranging from 0 to 4. The severity of LUTS using NSQS (index test) versus IPSS (reference standard) was assessed according to the recommendations of the Standards for Reporting of Diagnostic Accuracy Initiative.ResultsThe accuracy of the NSQS to discriminate patients with severe LUTS based on the ROC curve was 75% (CI 95% 73 – 82%; pConclusionPatients without nocturia or a single void/night (NSQS

Aims No evidence-informed educational curriculum is available for designing urodynamics (UDS) courses. We evaluated the learning outcomes of a short-lasting urodynamic course for urology residents. Methods Urology residents of postgraduate years 4 and 5 (n = 13 and n = 1316, respectively) attended a 1-day urodynamic course. Learning objectives included patient preparation, indication and technique, terminology, trace interpretation, and impact on patient management. Instructional methods consisted of short lectures (3 h) and case-based discussions (7.5 h). Learners' reactions, modifications of perceptions and attitudes, and acquisition of knowledge and skills were assessed by three written tests with a single group, pretest, posttest 1, and posttest 2 design. Tests were conducted precourse, 1 week after, and 4 months after the course. Results All participants felt more confident in several urodynamic competencies after the course, including patient preparation, urodynamic indication and technique, terminology, trace interpretation, and impact for patient management. These perceptions remained unchanged after 4 months. Most became stricter in the indication of UDS, including 20 (87.0%) at posttest 1 and 8 (66.7%) at posttest 2. The mean number of correct answers in the knowledge evaluation was 52.2% versus 61.4% versus 56.7%, respectively at pretest, posttest 1, and posttest 2; p = 0.535). All participants rated the course as very useful or useful in both posttest evaluations. Conclusions Our study demonstrates that a 1-day urodynamic course can promote lasting improvements in self-reported perceptions, attitudes, and urodynamic-related competencies of urology residents. Further studies using evidence-informed educational principles are needed to determine the effect of specific educational interventions on urodynamic competencies in different contexts.

OBJECTIVETo validate a new simplified score for the assessment of men with LUTS (LUTS-V).METHODSWe made adjustments to the VPSS, resulting in a new simplified instrument (LUTS visual score – LUTS-V). In a pilot study, LUTS-V was administered to 50 men to identify interpretation issues. We used the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) as the gold standard to validate the new tool in 306 men. The total IPSS and LUTS-V scores for each subject were evaluated and we used Bland-Altman analysis and Pearson’s correlation plot to assess the agreement between the scores. A ROC curve was utilized to determine the diagnostic accuracy of LUTS-V and its diagnostic properties were described in terms of sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values.RESULTSMedian age was 59 [52-67] years and, according to the IPSS, 26 (8.7%) patients had severe symptoms, while 99 (33%) had moderate symptoms, and 175 (58.3%) had mild symptoms. We found a positive correlation between the IPSS and LUTS-V (r = 0.72; p < 0.0001). Bland-Altman analysis showed good agreement between the two questionnaires. We found LUTS-V to have a diagnostic accuracy to detect more severe cases of 83% (95% CI: [78-87%]; p < 0.001), as estimated by the area under the ROC curve. The cut-off value of ≥ 4 points was the best threshold, with a sensitivity of 74% and a specificity of 78%, which resulted in a negative predictive value of 81% and a positive predictive value of 71% in this scenario. Median completion time was 0.51 [0.41-1.07] min for LUTS-V and 2.5 [2.2-3.4] min for the IPSS (p < 0.0001). In addition, 91.5% of patients completed the questionnaires with no help, while the other 8.5% were interviewed.CONCLUSIONLUTS-V is a simple, self-administered tool with a significant discriminating power to identify patients with moderate to severe symptoms.

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are common complaints in the adult male population and have a negative affect in the quality of life and represent an economic burden for the healthcare system worldwide. The International Prostatism Symptom Score (IPSS) is a validated tool for assessing these symptoms, but patients with low literacy may have difficulties comprehending and completing it accurately. The Urgency, Weak Stream, Incomplete Emptying, and Nocturia (UWIN) questionnaire was developed as a shorter tool in the assessment of LUTS to improve accuracy and minimize error. This study aimed at performing cross-cultural adaptation to Brazilian Portuguese and validation of UWIN questionnaire for patients with LUTS. The cross-cultural adaptation followed the steps of conceptual, item, semantic, operational, and pre-test equivalence to obtain the UWIN-Br version. The IPSS (gold standard) and UWIN-Br were coadministered, and information regarding the uroflowmetry examination was also recorded. We evaluated 306 men, median age 59 [52-66] years. There was a positive correlation r = 0.804 (p r = 0.761) (p p

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE:There are studies indicating that hematimetic parameters such as neutrophil-to-lymphocite (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte (MLR) and monocyte-to-HDL ratios (MHR) could be co...

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE:Studies with patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and animal models of Bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) have shown increased deposition of collagen in the det...