Could CA 19-9 be a useful biomarker in the diagnosis, prognosis, and prediction of adequate relief in lower urinary tract obstructions?

Introduction: posterior urethral valves represent an important cause of childhood chronic kidney disease. The identification of biomarkers that indicate early kidney damage and even adequate clearance could reduce how many patients head towards kidney failure.

Objective: this study evaluated how this easy-analysis biomarker (CA 19-9) could help identifying potential renal damage and adequate clearance in obstructive uropathies.

Vaginoplasty with Oxidized Cellulose in Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser Syndrome.

Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome (MRKHS) is the major cause of vaginal agenesis. Vaginoplasty with oxidized cellulose has been used by gynecologists as a surgical option in vaginal agenesis; however, it is not very widespread among pediatric surgeons. A case of MRKHS who underwent vaginoplasty with oxidized cellulose is reported here.

The Natural History of a Man With Ovotesticular 46,XX DSD Caused by a Novel 3-Mb 15q26.2 Deletion Containing Gene.

Gonadal sex determination is a complex genetic process by which an embryonic primordium is driven to form an ovary or a testis, which requires a delicate dosage balance involving many genes. Disruption in this molecular pathway can lead to differences of sex development (DSD). Although some genetic mechanisms leading to 46,XY DSD have been elucidated, little is known about copy-number variation (CNV) causing testicular or ovotesticular 46,XX DSD.

Anterior sagittal approach without splitting the rectal wall.

Introduction: The anterior sagittal transrectal approach (ASTRA) has already become popular to treat lesions in the proximal urethra such as trauma, duplicity and stenosis, prostatic utricle, urethral-vaginal fistulas and urogenital sinus anomalies. It provides much better exposure than the traditional perineal approach. Morbidity caused by this technique could be potentially decreased if the anterior sagittal access were to be made without sectioning the rectum.