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Biomedical subjects

J D van Gool

Publications and source records attributed to J D van Gool.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2002

Voiding habits and wetting in a population of 4,332 Belgian schoolchildren aged between 10 and 14 years.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of daytime- with/without night-time wetting, in Belgium, in a group of 10 to 14 year old schoolchildren, and to study the voiding habits. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A questionnaire of 41 questions was developed and completed by 4,332 parents at home. RESULTS: Wetting or soiling episodes were reported by a total of 528 (12%) of the children: monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis by 62 (1%), daytime wetting with/without night-time wetting by 343 (8%), and faecal soiling by 123 (3%). We found significantly more girls in the wetting group, and the capacity to regularly postpone the voiding was significantly lower in this group. Significantly more children had nocturia in the group with wetting. CONCLUSIONS: Children with daytime wetting with/without night-time wetting have very often bladder-sphincter dysfunctions, which is in turn correlated with recurrent urinary tract infections. Eight percent of the 10 to 12 year old schoolchildren report daytime wetting with/without night-time wetting with some frequency. Surprisingly few parents, especially in the daytime wetting group, searched for medical help. Physicians and paediatricians should be encouraged to be more attentive to wetting in children and initiate discussion about urinary en faecal problems with parents and children.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Morphometry of human superficial dorsal and dorsolateral column fibres: significance to spinal cord stimulation.

In spinal cord stimulation (SCS) large diameter cutaneous (Abeta) fibres in the dorsal columns (DCs) are activated and have an inhibiting effect on the transmission of pain signals by Adelta and C fibres from the corresponding dermatome(s). The largest Abeta fibres can be activated up to a maximum depth of about 0.25 mm in the DCs. No data are available on the distribution of the large fibres in this superficial human DC layer at the common SCS levels Th(10-11). Such data are indispensable to improve the predictive capability of a computer model of SCS. The whole myelinated fibre population in the superficial 300 microm of the dorsal column (DC(0-300)) at Th(10-11 )of two human subjects was morphometrically analysed. Some data was obtained from a third subject. The superficial dorsolateral column (DLC(0-300)) was included in this analysis because it was hypothesized that large dorsal spinocerebellar tract fibres could also be activated by SCS. Only very few fibres larger than 10.7 microm were found: a mean of 68 (0.5%) in DC(0-300) and 114 (2%) in DLC(0-300). Considering that the effect of SCS is primarily attributed to activation of these largest fibres, it is concluded that a surprisingly small average amount of 2.4 fibres per running 0.1 mm width and 6 fibres per segmental division of the DC is involved. Distinct mediolateral heterogeneity in fibre composition was found in both DC(0-300) and DLC(0-300). In the DC(0-300), the mean diameter of fibres > or =7.1 microm increases significantly by 5% from medial to lateral. Density (i.e. number of fibres per 1000 microm(2)) and frequency (i.e. percentage of a fibre size group compared to its parent population) of the large fibres increase significantly from medial to lateral in the DC(0-300). For fibres > or =10.7 microm, these parameters increase by 200 and 269%, respectively. It is concluded that the difference in stimulation threshold of large Abeta fibres in the median and lateral DC can be mainly attributed to the absence and presence, respectively, of collaterals at the stimulation site. Marked differences were found between DC(0-300) and DLC(0-300). The largest DLC(0-300) fibres (> or =10.7 microm) have a 320% higher frequency and a 473% higher density. Their mean diameter is, however, only 2% larger. The largest DLC(0-300) fibres are not likely to be recruited by SCS, since they are not larger than their DC(0-300) counterparts, they lack collaterals (which would reduce the threshold stimulus substantially) and they are more remote from the stimulation electrode.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Bladder-sphincter dysfunction in myelomeningocele.

Pediatric urodynamics taught us that detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia creates a bladder outlet obstruction in about 50% of any population of children with myelomeningocele. This functional obstruction causes renal damage due to obstructive uropathy, exactly the same way as a congenital anatomical urethral obstruction does. Pediatric urodynamics also taught us that in children with myelomeningocele pelvic floor activity and detrusor activity can be abnormal (hyperactive or inactive) completely independent from each other. These insights have changed the management of myelomeningocele. Children with overactivity of the pelvic floor can be singled out at infant age, and started on clean intermittent catherization, to prevent obstructive uropathy and preserve renal function. Children with detrusor overactivity can be singled out too at very early age, and treated with anticholinergics, to prevent irreversible structural damage to the detrusor and preserve normal bladder capacity and compliance.

Female↗
PubMed2001

The effect of rectosigmoidectomy and Duhamel-type pull-through procedure on lower urinary tract function in children with Hirschsprung's disease.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of rectosigmoidectomy and Duhamel-type pull-through procedure on lower urinary tract function in children with Hirschsprungs disease. METHODS: During a 3-year period the authors assessed 11 consecutive children with Hirschsprung's disease prospectively by standard urodynamic investigations, before and after surgery. Urodynamics included simultaneous measurement of abdominal pressure, bladder pressure, detrusor pressure, and pelvic floor electromyography during filling and voiding. All children were submitted to laparoscopic resection of the aganglionic bowel segment below the cul de sac and a Duhamel-type pull-through procedure. Postoperatively, the children were assessed urodynamically and evaluated every 3 months for urologic problems. RESULTS: Mean age at first urodynamic study was 5 months (range, 2 to 10). Postoperative urodynamics were performed at a mean age of 10 months (range, 5 to 159). The mean interval between operation and postoperative urodynamic study was 6 months (range, 2 to 10). No child had structural urologic anomalies or urologic problems before surgery, and all had normal preoperative urodynamic findings. After surgery, urodynamics were considered normal in 3 children. In 7 children cystometric bladder capacity (CBC) was abnormally large, and 6 of these children had significant residuals. However, all had detrusor contractility and were able to void spontaneously. One child had low bladder compliance postoperatively. Despite the urodynamic changes, no child had clinical urologic problems at further follow-up. Mean follow-up after surgery was 24 months. CONCLUSIONS: This study found that after rectosigmoidectomy below the cul de sac alterations of bladder function can be observed. In 7 of the 11 patients studied, mean cystometric bladder capacity was 87% higher than capacity estimated for age. Moreover, postoperative residuals were 156% higher than the preoperative values. These findings suggest that partial detrusor denervation is likely in these patients. However, because detrusor contractility was present, and none of the children had retention or any urologic problems, the findings must be interpreted carefully. Because children with Hirschsprung's disease generally do not have preexisting urologic problems, routine preoperative urodynamic screening is not necessary. However, children with voiding problems after operation should be investigated urodynamically. For legal reasons parents should be informed of possible urologic problems, especially if subtotal resection of the aganglionic bowel segment is planned.

Colon, Sigmoid↗
PubMed2000

Pediatric renal transplantation in the Netherlands.

In the Netherlands, pediatric kidney transplantation programs are available in four centers. We retrospectively analyzed the results obtained over the past decade. Between 1985 and 1995, 231 patients (139 boys) received 269 transplants, including 61 repeat. The recipients were aged 1.9-21.8 yrs (mean 10.9), the donors 0.3-63.3 yrs (median 11.4, mean 19.7). Immunosuppression consisted of corticosteroids, cyclosporin A and azathioprine, in various combinations and dosages. The patient survival during follow-up was 97%. The overall graft survival was 73% at 1 yr and 60% at 5 yrs after transplantation. Major causes of graft loss were acute rejection (21%), thrombosis (12%) and chronic rejection (28%). Acute rejection episodes were noted in 74% of all grafts. First acute rejection episodes had a moderate predictive value for graft loss (relative risk (RR), compared to rejection-free grafts, 5.9). First rejection episodes occurring later than 3 months after transplantation were considerably more predictive (RR 18.3) than early ones. Grafts from living related donors (n = 35) yielded a superior 5-yr graft survival (77%) and remained free of rejection more often than grafts from adult cadaveric donors(43% vs. 25%). The results of pre-emptive transplants were excellent (n = 13, 5-yr survival 100%). Repeat transplants had the same results as primary transplants. Recipients younger than 4 yrs showed a poor 5-yr graft survival of 38% (n = 13). Single kidney grafts from donors younger than 4 yrs (n = 35) had a 5-yr graft survival of 44%. In contrast, kidneys from these young donors did well if transplanted en bloc (n = 10, 5-yr graft survival 89%). These overall results are in line with those of others. The results may be improved by expansion of immunosuppressive therapy in the first year and by thrombosis prophylaxis in high-risk patient-donor combinations. Better results may be expected from more extensive use of living related donations, pre-emptive transplantation and en bloc transplantation instead of single kidneys of young donors.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Ectopic ureterocele: results of open surgical therapy in 40 patients.

PURPOSE: The treatment of ectopic ureterocele is controversial. In addition to debate on optimal therapy, discussion exists on whether there is further risk of deteriorating bladder function after extensive bladder surgery during the first year of life, which is a reason to postpone surgery. In a prospective nonrandomized trial we treated 40 patients regardless of age who had ectopic ureterocele with complete surgical reconstruction of the lower urinary tract and upper pole resection of poorly functioning upper pole moieties at referral. Excluded from study were 3 patients with only 1 affected renal moiety initially. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We treated 31 female and 9 male patients 0 to 8.8 years old (mean age 2.17) at surgery for ectopic ureterocele extending into the bladder neck and urethra, including 19 younger than 1 year. Primary ureterocele excision was performed in 37 cases with reconstruction of the urethra, bladder neck and trigone, and ureteral reimplantation. Because of small ureterocele size, the ureterocele was left in situ in 3 patients, leading to secondary ureterocele removal due to obstructive voiding and urinary incontinence in 1 each. A staged procedure in 5 neonates involved primary lower urinary tract reconstruction with upper pole cutaneous ureterostomies followed by upper pole resection or ureteral reimplantation a few months later. After bladder neck reconstruction in 16 cases colposuspension was also done to create a normal vesicourethral angle. All patients underwent clinical and urodynamic evaluation at least 1.25 years after surgery (mean followup 5.59). Patients who were too young for the clinical assessment of continence by January 1999 were excluded from study. RESULTS: All patients are continent. A secondary endoscopic procedure was required in 13 cases, including cystoscopy only in 2, scar incision near the ureteral orifice in 3, endoscopic reflux treatment in 4, ureterocele remnant resection in 2 and bladder neck incision for obstructive voiding in 2. Secondary open bladder reconstruction was performed in another case due to a diverticulum. Postoperatively only 1 or 2 uncomplicated episodes of urinary tract infection developed in 11 patients, while there were recurrent urinary tract infections in 4. In a patient with a preexisting loss of renal function a severe infection led to renal scarring. The voiding pattern was normal in 29 patients but 11 had dysfunctional voiding, including 5 with recurrent urinary tract infection. Urodynamic followup confirmed these clinical findings. Bladder capacity in these patients was relatively high at an average of 124% of expected capacity for age. We noted no statistically significant difference in followup parameters in patients who underwent surgery before and after age 1 year. Additional colposuspension in 16 patients did not result in any significant change in outcome compared with that in patients without this procedure. CONCLUSIONS: When compared with results in the literature, complete primary lower urinary tract reconstruction in patients with ectopic ureterocele appears to have better results than a staged approach with initial endoscopic treatment. Moreover, our study provides no proof that extensive reconstructive bladder surgery in neonates and infants leads to bladder function deterioration at a later age.

Child↗
PubMed1999

Subtypes in monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis. II.

Lasting cure rates in monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (MNE), using the alarm, imipramine or desmopressin, have been quoted as 43%, 17% and 22%, respectively. The low cure rates in addition to the number of different treatments indicate insufficient knowledge of MNE. Only research on arginine vasopressin (AVP) levels and nocturnal enuresis is unique in attempting to find a group within the MNE population that could benefit from substitution therapy with desmopressin. AVP levels are restored or amplified during desmopressin treatment. However, low nocturnal AVP production with high nocturnal urine output may be indicative of a disturbance in circadian rhythm. Pre-clinical data suggest a role for melatonin in the regulation of endogenous AVP and in the regulation of the sleep/wake cycle.

Arginine Vasopressin↗
PubMed1997

The influence of colonic enema irrigation on urodynamic findings in patients with neurogenic bladder dysfunction.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether colonic enema irrigation influences the urodynamic characteristics of patients with spina bifida, an overactive bladder and detrusor sphincter dyssynergia (DSD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Since 1991, 83 patients with spina bifida at our institution have treated their bowel dysfunction by colonic irrigation every 24-48 h. In 12 patients (seven boys and five girls, mean age 7.7 years, range 0.7-13.8) with an overactive bladder and DSD, urodynamic studies of the bladder before and after enema treatment were available with no intercurrent changes in urological therapy. RESULTS: There were no significant changes overall in bladder capacity, leak-point pressure, bladder compliance and bladder instability in the selected group of children. CONCLUSION: Although enema therapy for bowel treatment in patients with spina bifida gave good results for faecal incontinence, with good patient compliance, no favourable effect on bladder function should be expected in most patients with a high-risk urinary tract dysfunction. Further study is needed to determine factors in patients who will benefit urologically from enema treatment.

Child↗
PubMed1997

Bladder rehabilitation, the effect of a cognitive training programme on urge incontinence.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of a 10-day inpatient treatment programme for persistent urge incontinence based on behavior modification via biofeedback of micturition behavior. METHODS: 95 patients aged 6-17 (86 girls, 9 boys) with documented and persistent urge incontinence, with or without dysfunctional voiding, mostly based on recurrent urinary tract infections, and at least a 1 year lasting failure of standard regimen and pharmacological therapy, were 'cognitively' treated. After 6 months the patients were evaluated for flow pattern, number of wet incidents, micturition frequency and urge compliants. RESULTS: 65 patients (68.4%) obtained good results, 12 (12.6%) showed average improvement, 18 patients (19%) did not improve. CONCLUSIONS: This cognitive noninvasive treatment programme seems promising in its effectiveness and compares favorably with existing biofeedback methods based on urodynamic procedures, although expensive by its inpatient status. Further study towards an outpatient implementation is needed.

Biofeedback, Psychology↗
PubMed1996

Urologic problems in anorectal malformations. Part 2: functional urologic sequelae.

A consecutive series of 90 children with anorectal malformations was reviewed for urologic problems related to lower urinary tract dysfunction. Neurogenic bladder-sphincter dysfunction was seen in 22 patients (24%), all but one of whom had sacral agenesis. Vesicoureteral reflux was present in 60% of the patients with dysfunction, and 32% had reflux nephropathy. Urinary incontinence was present in 91% of the patients who had bladder-sphincter dysfunction. However, the management of bladder-sphincter dysfunction and urinary incontinence was not as straightforward as for patients with myelodysplasia because the parents were more reluctant to accept the therapeutic measures. It was particularly difficult to introduce clean intermittent catheterization (CIC), especially in older patients, because genital and urethral sensation often was undisturbed. Only if CIC had been started in the neonatal period or early infancy were there no problems with acceptance and parental compliance. The authors emphasize the importance of urodynamic testing of neonates and infants who have an anorectal malformation and associated sacral agenesis in identifying those who have neurogenic bladder-sphincter dysfunction. Consequently, patients with lower urinary tract dysfunction should receive prompt treatment, including CIC if necessary, to prevent or reduce secondary urologic morbidity, especially loss of renal function.

Anus, Imperforate↗
PubMed1996

Urologic problems in anorectal malformations. Part 1: Urodynamic findings and significance of sacral anomalies.

A series of 90 children with anorectal malformations received a total of 163 urodynamic studies. The mean number of studies per patient was 1.8 (range, 1 to 7), and the mean age at the time of initial evaluation was 17 months (range, 1 to 128). Sacral anomalies were found in 38 children (42%); 30 of them had partial sacral agenesis and eight had sacral dysplasia without bony defect. Normal lower urinary tract function was found in 98% of the children who had a normal sacrum, in all children who had sacral dysplasia, and in a small number of those who had partial sacral agenesis that affected smaller parts of the S-4 and S-5 pedicles. Severe lower urinary tract dysfunction was observed in 22 patients (24%), all but one of whom had partial sacral agenesis. There was no correlation between the type of sacral agenesis and a specific urodynamic pattern. It is concluded that virtually all children with an anorectal malformation and associated sacral agenesis have neurological bladder-sphincter dysfunction and therefore should receive early urodynamic assessment and appropriate urological treatment.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗
PubMed1996

Treatment of defecation disorders by colonic enemas in children with spina bifida.

Faecal incontinence and constipation are well known problems in children with spina bifida. Effective treatment can be difficult and this gave the condition a low priority despite the obvious physical and psychological sequelae. Positive experience with colonic enemas (CE) in the paediatric post-operative care have led us to adopt this method as the treatment of choice for defecation disorders in children with spina bifida. In 41 spina bifida children (mean age 8.4 years, range 7 months to 22 years), retrograde CEs with hand-warm tap water were given at home from once a day to twice per week. Satisfaction with the procedure was evaluated with a questionnaire sent out after a mean follow-up period of 33 months (range 6 to 55 months). The indications to start CEs were faecal incontinence (27%), constipation (27%) or both. 34% of 41 children also had other gastrointestinal complaints, 7% had headaches, 29% had poor appetite and 15% felt generally unwell. Before the start of CE 22% of the children had been on a diet, 37% on oral laxatives, 31% on a rectal laxative and 44% had to have manual evacuations. 90% used diapers on a daily basis. At the end of the follow-up period 27% of the children were still on a diet and 17% still used oral laxatives but rectal laxatives were no longer used nor were manual evacuations necessary. 66% of the 41 children were completely faecally continent and constipation occurred only occasionally, no child had faecal retention or impaction. At follow-up 39% still used diapers regularly and 20% used a panty-line and complaints of abdominal pain, headache and poor appetite were rare. Satisfaction with the procedure was rated highly by 63% of parents and children and good by 37% but 15% of the children found regular CEs painful. It is concluded from the study that CEs are therapeutically effective in the treatment of both faecal incontinence and constipation in children with spina bifida. The procedure is well tolerated even by very young children. Long-term histopathological effects of daily CEs on the lower gastrointestinal tract needs to be evaluated by future research.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

The effect of posterior sagittal anorectoplasty and its variants on lower urinary tract function in children with anorectal malformations.

The effect of posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) and its variants on lower urinary tract function was investigated urodynamically in 32 patients with anorectal malformations. In 27 patients urodynamic evaluation was performed before and after surgery and in 4 it was done postoperatively only. One child was clinically assessed with no postoperative urodynamic study. Minor postoperative changes in the specific preoperative urodynamic pattern were observed in 4 cases but the changes did not seem to be related to surgery. In 3 boys with rectourethral fistulas detrusor failure consistent with autonomic denervation was noted postoperatively. Standard posterior sagittal anorectoplasty was performed in 1 of the 3 boys and posterior sagittal anorectoplasty combined with additional transabdominal procedures was done in the other 2. In general our findings suggest that posterior sagittal anorectoplasty and its variants do not affect lower urinary tract function unless these surgical techniques are combined with major transabdominal procedures and extensive retrovesical dissection.

Anal Canal↗
PubMed1995

Tethered spinal cord: the effect of neurosurgery on the lower urinary tract and male sexual function.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of neurosurgical untethering on the lower urinary tract and male sexual function, in patients with tethered spinal cord. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-six children with tethered spinal cord due to neurospinal dysraphism were assessed clinically and urodynamically before and after surgical untethering. Sexual function was evaluated in 14 boys before and after neurosurgery. In young boys, the assessment was by parental observation and was considered normal if erections had been observed regularly, or if the child had mentioned having an erection at any time. Older patients were asked if they had achieved voluntary erections and whether or not they were able to ejaculate. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 91 months and the mean follow-up after neurosurgery was 34 months. A lasting improvement of urinary tract function occurred in only one patient, while another became worse. Seven children had temporary changes of bladder/sphincter function; two developed detrusor overactivity with sphincter dyssynergia and five had signs of bladder denervation. Long-term follow-up showed no permanent changes of lower urinary tract function in 94% of 34 patients. Sexual function was considered normal in 13 boys. One boy apparently gradually lost erectile ability before untethering and regained it after surgery, while another boy had erectile dysfunction post-operatively for almost 6 months. CONCLUSION: Changes in bladder-sphincter function after untethering are usually transient and often the result of partial denervation. Although a small group of children seem to benefit from untethering, others can become worse and the individual outcome cannot be predicted. Erectile dysfunction can occur and parents and patients have to be informed of this possible complication. As pre-operative progression of neurological symptoms and post-operative denervation were observed only in patients with myelomeningocele and lipomyelomeningocele, this group may be distinct from patients with occult forms of spinal dysraphism. The natural history in the latter group of patients is unclear and a beneficial effect of prophylactic untethering remains to be proven by controlled prospective studies.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Treatment of enuresis risoria in children by self-administered electric and imaginary shock.

OBJECTIVE: To treat enuresis risoria (giggle micturition) by a self-administered electric and imaginary shock and to evaluate the outcome after behavioural therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Six boys and three girls with enuresis risoria were evaluated and treated. The mean age at referral was 10.4 years (range 5.7-14.2). All children had episodes of involuntary complete bladder emptying triggered by hearty laughter or giggling. The frequency ranged from four times per day to twice a week. No other voiding problems were noted. Five patients (four boys and one girl, mean age 10.2 years, range 5.7-14.2) received conditioning training which consisted largely of the self-administration of a harmless, painless electric shock to the back of one hand, at the moment when micturition was induced by laughter, leading to inhibition of the voiding reflex. Later, the electric shock was replaced by an imaginary shock. Training was undertaken on an outpatient basis. A mean of eight sessions, each of 45 min duration, was necessary to train the children. The mean follow-up was 26 months (range 12-51). RESULTS: The frequency of wetting was reduced by a mean of 89% in all children 1 year after the successful completion of the training. In three children, followed for 2 years, this result stabilized at that proportion. One of these children, followed for > 3 years, gradually reverted to the original pattern of daily wetting and another patient, with a follow-up of > 4 years, maintained an 86% reduction of wetting incidents. CONCLUSION: Until now, there was no specific treatment for enuresis risoria and not all patients outgrow the problem; this experimental conditioning programme shows promise in diminishing wetting incidents. However, the programme needs further testing in a prospective study.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Lower urinary tract dysfunction in children with benign sacrococcygeal teratoma.

We evaluated 8 girls and 3 boys with benign sacrococcygeal teratoma for lower urinary tract dysfunction. All children underwent ultrasonography of the urinary tract, voiding cystourethrography and at least 2 standard urodynamic evaluations. Mean patient age at first urodynamic study was 59 months (range 1 to 136). Nine of the 11 children had abnormal studies, including detrusor instability and associated pelvic floor overactivity during micturition in 2, an anatomical infravesical obstruction in 2 and neurogenic bladder-sphincter dysfunction in 5 (2 detrusor hyperreflexia with sphincter dyssynergia, 2 hyporeflexic bladder-sphincter function and 1 detrusor hyporeflexia with normal sphincter function). Although the major cause of neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction seems to be related to surgical trauma of the pelvic plexus and sacral nerves, we observed tethered spinal cord as a primary cause in 2 patients. The incidence of voiding dysfunction in children with sacrococcygeal teratoma is high and is usually neurogenic in origin.

Abdominal Neoplasms↗