Urine cytological examination: an appropriate method that can be used to detect a wide range of urinary abnormalities [version 1; peer review: 1 approved, 1 approved with reservations]

Background: Urine cytology is a method that can be used for the primary detection of urothelial carcinoma, as well as other diseases related to the urinary system, including hematuria and infectious agents. In this study we aimed at investigating urine abnormalities among Sudanese patients attending Omdurman teaching hospital. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2016 to October 2017. A voided urine samples were collected and stained using Papanicolaou stain. Results: A total of 1238 urine samples were meticulously examined, 832 (67.2%) from males (mean age 41.7±12.67), and 406 (32.8%) from females (mean age 43.8±10.94). 147 (11.9%) patients had an underlying medical condition, either AIDs, diabetes mellitus type 2 or historical renal transplantation. Hematuria was more frequent amongst males than females, 100 (68.9%) and 45 (31.1%), respectively. Urine cytology diagnosis was 43 cases (3.5%) of candidiasis, 36 cases (2.9%) of reactive urothelial cells, 11 cases (0.9%) of cryptococcosis, 9 cases (0.7%) of urothelial carcinoma, 9 (0.7%) human papilloma virus (HPV) diagnoses, 8 (0.6%) polyomavirus (BKV) diagnoses, 6 (0.5%) schistosomiasis diagnoses and 3 cases (0.2%) of low grade urothelial cells. Conclusion: Urine cytology seems to be a non-invasive technique that is suitable for all patients with urinary tract infections; those with diabetes, renal transplants, and HIV; and patients with macroscopic or microscopic hematuria for the detection of infectious agents and malignancy.