Outcomes 10-years after traumatic spinal cord injury in Botswana - a long-term follow-up study.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective follow-up study. OBJECTIVES: To describe outcomes, survival, and attendance to routine follow-up visits 10 years post-SCI. SETTING: The national SCI-rehabilitation center in Botswana. METHODS: All persons who were admitted with traumatic SCI during a 2-year period, 2011-2013, and survived up to 2 years post-injury were included. Data were collected from the medical records from the follow-up assessment closest to 10 years post-SCI and included demographic and clinical characteristics, functional outcomes, and secondary complications. Data regarding mortalities were received from relatives. Statistical comparisons were made, when possible, between those who attend follow-up assessment and those who did not, and between those who survived up to 10 years post-SCI and those who died. RESULTS: The follow-up rate was 76% (19/25) of known survivors. No statistically significant factors were found to affect the follow-up rate. Secondary complications rates were for pressure ulcers and urinary tract infections 21%. Self-catheterisation and suprapubic catheter were the preferred methods to manage neurogenic bladder dysfunction. Ten persons (26%) had deceased since 2nd follow-up assessment. The causes of death were probably SCI-related in more than half of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: This was a follow-up study at year 10 after acute TSCI in Botswana conducted at the national SCI-rehabilitation center. The study supports previous reports regarding the importance of that having specialized SCI units and the need of structured follow-ups, a responsible person in charge of scheduling, and updated patient registers. We found high follow-up rate, low rates of complications and of patients being lost to follow-up.

A retrospective study on the prevalence and risk factors of neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction for acute ischemic stroke in China: A case-control study.

PURPOSE: This study identified risk factors for neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) through multidimensional analysis of the medical records of patients, aiming to reduce the incidence of NLUTD, improve prognosis, and facilitate rehabilitation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this case-control study, patients with AIS were recruited from two tertiary general hospitals in Shenzhen, China, from March 2021 to October 2023. Patients were divided into NLUTD and non-NLUTD groups based on the presence and absence of NLUTD, respectively. Comparative analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U and chi-square tests, with significant variables being included in logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Of the 652 participants enrolled in this study, 119 participants (18.3%) developed NLUTD. Bivariate analysis showed that 39 of 54 screened factors exhibited a significant correlation (p<0.05) with the incidence of NLUTD after AIS. Significant variables identified through logistic regression analysis included Glasgow coma scale (GCS) and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores, anemia, aphasia, pneumonia, brainstem involvement, multiple lesions, urine clarity (CLA), random venous blood glucose (GLU) and hemoglobin (HGB) levels, and white blood cell (WBC) count. CONCLUSIONS: A total of 11 risk factors for NLUTD were identified in this study. This finding provides valuable guidance for reducing the incidence of NLUTD after AIS and improving the quality of life of patients.

Complications of different methods of urological management in people with neurogenic bladder secondary to spinal cord injury.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between multiple types of urological management and urological complications in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Single medical center. METHODS: Medical records of SCI patients with regular follow-up of more than two years were reviewed. Urological management was classified into five groups: indwelling urethral catheter (IUC), clean intermittent catheterization (CIC), reflex voiding, suprapubic catheter (SPC), and self-voiding. We analyzed the incidence of urinary tract infection (UTI), epididymitis, hydronephrosis, and renal stone across the different urological-management groups. RESULTS: Of 207 individuals with SCI, the most common management type was self-voiding (n = 65, 31%) followed by CIC (n = 47, 23%). The IUC and SPC groups included more people with complete SCI than the other management groups. Compared with the IUC group, the SPC and self-voiding groups had lower risks of developing UTI (relative risk [RR] = 0.76, 95% CI, 0.59-0.97 and RR = 0.39, 95% CI, 0.28-0.55, respectively). The SPC group tended to have a lower risk of epididymitis than the IUC group (RR = 0.55, 95% CI, 0.18-1.63). CONCLUSION: Long-term IUC use was associated with a higher incidence of UTI in people with SCI. As compared to those with IUC, a lower risk of UTI was found in persons with SPC. These findings may have implications for shared clinical decision-making.

Characteristics and predictors of chronic kidney disease in children with myelomeningocele: a nationwide cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Myelomeningocele (MMC) is highly prevalent in developing countries, and MMC-related neurogenic bladder is an important cause of childhood chronic kidney disease (CKD). This nationwide study aimed to evaluate demographic and clinical features of pediatric patients with MMC in Turkey and risk factors associated with CKD stage 5. METHODS: Data from children aged 0-19 years old, living with MMC in 2022, were retrospectively collected from 27 pediatric nephrology centers. Patients > 1 year of age without pre-existing kidney abnormalities were divided into five groups according to eGFR; CKD stages 1-5. Patients on dialysis, kidney transplant recipients, and those with eGFR < 15 ml/min/1.73 m2 but not on kidney replacement therapy at time of study constituted the CKD stage 5 group. RESULTS: A total of 911 (57.8% female) patients were enrolled, most of whom were expectantly managed. Stages 1-4 CKD were found in 34.3%, 4.2%, 4.1%, and 2.4%, respectively. CKD stage 5 was observed in 5.3% of patients at median 13 years old (range 2-18 years). Current age, age at first abnormal DMSA scan, moderate-to-severe trabeculated bladder on US and/or VCUG, and VUR history were independent risk factors for development of CKD stage 5 (OR 0.752; 95%; CI 0.658-0.859; p < 0.001; OR 1.187; 95% CI 1.031-1.367; p = 0.017; OR 10.031; 95% CI 2.210-45.544; p = 0.003; OR 2.722; 95% CI 1.215-6.102; p = 0.015, respectively). Only eight CKD stage 5 patients underwent surgery related to a hostile bladder between 1 and 15 years old. CONCLUSION: MMC-related CKD is common in childhood in Turkey. A proactive approach to neurogenic bladder management and early protective surgery in selected cases where conservative treatment has failed should be implemented to prevent progressive kidney failure in the pediatric MMC population in our country.

Prevalence of urologic sequelae and bladder and bowel dysfunctions in patients with congenital Zika syndrome: A multicenter evaluation of the Zika virus bladder and bowel sequelae assistance network.

INTRODUCTION: Neurogenic bladder was first confirmed as a urological sequela of Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS) in 2018. Further clinical-epidemiological evidence also confirmed neurogenic bowel dysfunction and cryptorchidism. To strengthen the care for these children, the Congenital Zika Virus Bladder and Bowel Sequelae Network (RASZ in Brazilian) was created, including six integrated centers in Brazil. This article represents the initial outcome of the efforts by RASZ. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of bladder and bowel dysfunction, cryptorchidism and other urological sequelae related to CZS in cohorts attended in six Brazilian states. STUDY DESIGN: Observational, prospective, multicenter study including children with CZS assisted in one of six RASZ collaborative centers between June 2016 and February 2023. Data were collected from patient's first assessment using the same protocols for urological and bowel evaluation. Categorical variables were analyzed by frequency of occurrence and numerical variables by mean, median, and standard deviation. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committees of each center, all parents/caregivers provided written informed consent. RESULTS: The study included 414 children aged 2 months to 7 years (mean 2.77 years, SD 1.73), 227 (54.8 %) were male and 140 (33,8 %) referred urological and bowel symptoms on arrival. Prevalence of both urological and bowel sequelae was 66.7 %, 51 % of children aged 4 years and older had urinary incontinence (UI). UTI was confirmed in 23.4 % (two presented toxemia) and among males, 18.1 % had cryptorchidism. Renal ultrasonography, performed in 186 children, was abnormal in 25 (13.4 %), 7 had hydronephrosis. Among the 287 children who performed urodynamics, 283 (98.6 %) were altered: 232 had a lower bladder capacity, 144 a maximum bladder pressure of ≥40 cm H2O, and 127 did not satisfactorily empty their bladder. DISCUSSION: A higher prevalence of NLUTD, neurogenic bowel and cryptorchidism was confirmed in children with CZS. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, including a multidisciplinary approach, may reduce the risk of UTIs, UI and kidney damage. A limitation of the study was the inability of children to complete the protocol, specifically urodynamic evaluation, and ultrasonography. In both exams, the percentage of abnormal cases was higher than that expected in the normal population. CONCLUSION: A 66,7 % prevalence of combined urological sequelae and bladder-bowel dysfunction related to CZS was confirmed in patients evaluated in six Brazilian cohorts. The most frequent changes were related to NLUTD, neurogenic bowel, and cryptorchidism. Prevalence may be underestimated due to access restrictions to diagnostic tests.

Study on the prevalence of neurogenic bladder in Brazilians with traumatic and non-traumatic spinal cord injury.

CONTEXT: Considering that SCI is the main cause of neurogenic bladder, in Brazil, studies and statistical data on the number of people with neurogenic bladder are practically non-existent. To ascertain the prevalence of neurogenic bladder among users of SARAH Network hospitals with traumatic and non-traumatic spinal cord injury. METHODS: Data collection form from electronic medical records to characterize the sample. The variables were related to sociodemographic data such as age, care unit, and date of admission; and to clinical data, such as main diagnosis, neurogenic bladder diagnosis. In the cases of traumatic spinal cord injury, the ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS) was considered. The statistical tests were Mann-Whitney, for two independent samples, and Pearson's Chi-squared, for the categorical variables. FINDINGS: The sample included 954 participants. The prevalence of neurogenic bladder was 94.65%, of which 67% had a traumatic spinal cord injury diagnosis and 69.32% were male. Mean age of the participants was 46.12 years old (SD = 15.78 years). CONCLUSION/CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The prevalence of neurogenic bladder found in the sample was 94.65%. The analysis showed that participants with TSCI are more afflicted by lower urinary tract dysfunction than those with NTSCI. TSCI was more prevalent among males and NTSCI was more prevalent among females. This was a pioneering study on the prevalence of neurogenic bladder in SCI in Brazil. However, further studies will be necessary to corroborate the data found here. The development of a database with national data is indispensable to obtain more reliable results that could provide a basis for public healthcare policies for the prevention and rehabilitation of people with SCI in Brazil.

Prevalence of bacteriuria in cats with neurogenic bladder.

Urinary tract infections are defined as the adherence, multiplication, and persistence of an infectious agent within the urogenital system, causing an associated inflammatory response and clinical signs; instead, the presence of bacteria in urine as determined by positive bacterial culture (PUC) from a properly collected urine specimen, in the absence of clinical signs, is defined subclinical bacteriuria. Limited information on the prevalence of PUC in spinal cord injury cats affected by neurogenic bladder (NB) is available. On contrary, in NB dogs and humans the prevalence of bacteriuria is well documented. Moreover, while in humans information about bacteriemia associated with NB is already available, this aspect has never been studied in NB cats. The aim of this prospective study was to determine the prevalence of PUC in cats with NB, compared to animals affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD) and healthy cats. Furthermore, the prevalence of bacteriemia in cats with NB was evaluated. Fifty-one cats met the inclusion criteria: 12 cats were affected by NB, 22 had CKD and 17 were healthy. The prevalence of PUC was 58.33% and 18% in NB and CKD cat populations, respectively. All blood cultures were negative. The incomplete bladder emptying and the decreased resistance in the bladder wall could be considered predisposing elements to PUC in the NB feline population. The results of this study highlight, for the first time, an high prevalence of PUC in cats affected by NB, which was not found to be associated with bacteriemia.

A survey of clinical practice concerning long-term follow-up of neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction due to spinal cord injury in Italy.

CONTEXT/OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the clinical practice for long-term follow-up (FU) of neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) due to spinal cord injury (SCI) in Italy and compare this practice with the clinical practice in other countries and with the international guidelines. DESIGN: Data concerning the long-term urological FU of individuals with SCI were collected using a questionnaire and analyzed by means of descriptive and inferential statistics. SETTING: Twenty-one Italian centers following SCI patients. PARTICIPANTS: One physician at each center (either a permanent staff member or chief). OUTCOME MEASURES: Questions addressed the treatment of urinary tract infections (UTI), frequency of visits, urinary tract imaging examinations and urodynamic tests (UD), distinguishing between suprasacral and sacral SCI. RESULTS: Nineteen out of 21 centers completed the survey. In most centers, patients were recommended to undergo a visit and an ultrasound examination of urinary tract (UT) at least once a year. While the median interval between FU visits was identical (12 months) for individuals with suprasacral and sacral SCI, the two interval distributions were significantly different (suprasacral SCI: min-max 4-18, IQR = 6; sacral SCI: min-max 6-24; IQR = 8.5; P = 0.02), showing people with suprasacral SCI are followed up more often. Approximately 80% of the surveyed centers performed scheduled UD, with a yearly median frequency of 12 months (range 6-36) for patients with suprasacral SCI, as compared to a median frequency of 18 months for sacral SCI (range 0-36, P = 0.04). VideoUD and antibiotic prophylaxis for recurrent UTIs are carried out only by urologists in 63% and 47.4% of the centers, respectively. Overall, Italian centers share common strategies that compare to standards, including yearly visits, yearly UT examinations and stricter follow-up of people with suprasacral SCI, but may not have standard protocols for antibiotic prophylaxis of UTI, and in few cases control visits and UD are carried out too often. CONCLUSIONS: Even though most Italian centers follow up patients with NLUTD secondary to SCI according to international guidelines, heterogeneity in frequency of FU examinations still exists. A tailored approach to the SCI patient that minimizes unnecessary examinations and groups different tests in a single access could improve patients' compliance with FU and reduce costs for the Health system.

Validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the neurogenic bladder symptom score.

PURPOSE: The neurogenic bladder symptom score (NBSS) represents the effect of disease-specific symptoms on the quality of life in patients with neurogenic bladder (NB). The purpose of this study was to assess the psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the NBSS in spinal cord injury (SCI) and multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. METHODS: The cross cultural adaptation was achieved through forward and back translation of the items of the original version by an expert committee. Face and content validity were evaluated in a prepatient group. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were used for reliability assessment in 102 patients. Validity was examined using Short Form-12 and King's Health Questionnaire. RESULTS: Eighty-four patients with SCI and 18 with MS were included in the study. Cronbach's alpha values for the total score and the incontinence, storage/voiding, and consequences domains were 0.90, 0.91, 0.81, and 0.63, respectively. The intraclass correlation coefficients were >0.80 for all subdomains and the overall score. The correlation analyses indicated that the Turkish version has good construct validity. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that the Turkish version of the NBSS has good reliability and validity in patients with SCI and MS and can be used to evaluate NB symptoms. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: NCT03964077.Implications for rehabilitationThe Turkish version of the neurogenic bladder symptom score (NBSS) is a valid and reliable instrument to measure symptom specific quality of life (QOL) in both patients with spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis.The Turkish version of the NBSS can be used in the Turkish population to measure neurogenic bladder related QOL for clinical and research purposes.

Increased incidence of neurogenic bladder after radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer: A nationwide population-based cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The effect of radical hysterectomy for patients with cervical cancer on voiding function remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between radical hysterectomy for patients with cervical cancer and the odds of developing neurogenic bladder by using data from the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) in Taiwan. METHODS: We identified 17 936 patients who underwent radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer between 2000 and 2013 among inpatients registered in the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database in Taiwan. Of the patients, those diagnosed as having cervical cancer without radical hysterectomy were selected and compared as a matched control group. Patients diagnosed as having cervical cancer before the index date, those with neurogenic bladder dysfunction before tracking, and those aged <20 years were excluded. The hazard ratios (HRs) of neurogenic bladder and other variants of interest were further calculated using a multivariate Cox regression analysis. The cutoff p value of <0.05 was regarded as statistically significant. RESULTS: The adjusted HR (aHR) of subsequent neurogenic bladder was higher in the hysterectomy group (aHR = 1.205; 95% CI, 1.086-1.440; p = 0.029) than in the control group during the follow-up period. As to the age subgroups, the patients aged 20 to 44 years (aHR = 3.321, p = 0.001) had a significantly increased risk of developing neurogenic bladder after radical hysterectomy as compared with those aged 45 to 64 years (aHR = 1.193, p = 0.012). CONCLUSION: Patients with cervical cancer undergoing radical hysterectomy have an increased risk of neurogenic bladder, which may result from nerve denervation caused by the operation. These patients should be informed of the potential risk of voiding dysfunction during discussion of the subsequent management for cervical cancer.

Factors impacting bowel symptoms in a contemporary spinal cord injury cohort: results from the Neurogenic Bladder Research Group Registry.

STUDY DESIGN: Cross sectional. OBJECTIVES: To identify variables associated with severe bowel symptoms in spinal cord injured people. SETTING: National cohort. METHODS: Adult spinal cord injured (SCI) people were recruited for an online registry and 1373 were included for analysis. Univariate analysis and logistic regression was used to evaluate associations between severity of bowel symptoms and variables. Bowel symptoms were assessed by the Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction (NBD) score and patients scoring ≥14 were categorized as having severe bowel symptoms. Autonomic dysreflexia (AD) severity was measured using a six item questionnaire and reported as total AD score (0-24). Bladder management was categorized as: voiding, clean intermittent catheterization (CIC), surgery (augmentation/diversion) or indwelling catheter. RESULTS: Severe bowel symptoms were reported in 570 (42%) On multivariable logistic regression, every point increase of AD total score was associated with 5% increased odds of having more severe bowel symptoms [OR 1.05 95% CI 1.03-1.10]. Type of bladder management was also associated with more severe symptoms (p = 0.0001). SCI people with indwelling catheters (OR = 2.16, 95% CI 1.40-3.32) or reconstructive surgery (OR = 1.79, 95% CI 1.08-3.32) were almost twice as likely to report more severe bowel symptoms than those performing CIC.

The Stockholm Spinal Cord Uro Study: 3. Urodynamic characteristics in a regional prevalence group of persons with spinal cord injury and indications for improved follow-up.

AIMS: Examine the outcome of urodynamic studies in a regional prevalence group of patients with traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI), explore relationships between urodynamic parameters and renal complications/other SCI-related dysfunctions, assess the role of urodynamics in SCI follow-up. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, 211 patients were included, who attended a yearly check-up and had urodynamics performed as part of the follow-up in addition to S-creatinine, S-cystatin-C, renal ultrasound, and a questionnaire regarding complications. Relationships between urodynamic parameters and renal complications/other SCI-related dysfunctions were explored by descriptive and comparative statistics. RESULTS: Neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) was found in 150, underactive/acontractile detrusor in 44, normal detrusor function in 17 patients. Maximum detrusor pressures during filling/voiding in NDO attained mean levels of >40 cm H2O in 68% of patients and >25 cm H2O in 83%. Reduced compliance of the bladder wall, cystometric bladder capacity <250 mL, and detrusor overactivity leakage during filling were associated with higher detrusor pressures. Detrusor overactivity during more than one-third of the filling phase was significantly related to signs of renal complications among patients with SCI duration 11-20 years. No significant relationships were found between other urodynamic parameters and renal/other SCI-related complications. Renal complications in underactive/acontractile and normal detrusor function co-varied with evidence of previous NDO and other co-morbidities which may negatively influence kidney function. CONCLUSIONS: Maximum detrusor pressures during the filling/voiding phases attained high levels in a majority of patients. Detrusor overactivity during more than one-third of the filling phase was significantly related to signs of renal complications.

Prevalence of comorbidities in multiple sclerosis patients with neurogenic bladder.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to define the prevalence of comorbidities among multiple sclerosis patients with lower urinary tract symptoms. METHODS: A retrospective study of data collected prospectively from January 2000 to March 2016 was carried out using a database. Comorbidities were divided into several classes according to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10). RESULTS: One hundred and fifty-five patients were included. All had a neurogenic bladder with 150 (96%) overactive bladder. EDSS score was≥6 in 44 patients (28%). Comorbidities were present in 79 (50,9%) and the most frequent ones were cardiovascular (14,2%), endocrinological (10,3%), urological (8,4%), abdominal (7,7%). Overweight (BMI≥25) was observed in 63 (40%). A strict relationship was found for BMI and stress urinary incontinence (P<0.001) as well as voiding dysfunction (P=0.003) without significant association for BMI and overactive bladder. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of comorbidities is important in MS (more than 50%). A significant association is found between overweight, stress urinary incontinence and voiding dysfunction. Knowledge of these comorbidities in MS is important since the presence of these urinary symptoms not related to neurogenic bladder must lead to a specific treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Pulse article: survey of neurogenic bladder management in spinal cord injury patients around the world.

STUDY DESIGN: Online survey distributed to healthcare professionals (HCPs) involved in care of spinal cord injury (SCI) patients with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD). OBJECTIVES: Identify and bring awareness to the variation of neurogenic bladder management in around the world. SETTING: International online questionnaire. METHODS: A 32-question survey was drafted and circulated among a global network of SCI experts for review. The survey was disseminated to healthcare professionals involved in the care of NLUTD in SCI patients via social media, grassroots methods, and international societies. The survey was available for 6 weeks and respondents answered questions regarding SCI population demographics, access to care, common neurogenic bladder management, diagnostic and imaging methods, complications, and follow up. RESULTS: A total of 296 healthcare professionals, 132 from North America, 87 from Europe, 27 from Asia, 24 from Australia, 14 from South America, and 6 from Africa, responded to the survey. Global concurrence was noted among management method for patients without adequate hand function, first-line treatment for neurogenic detrusor overactivity, and common complications. Continents highly differed in responses regarding management method for patients with adequate hand function, frequency of patients reusing catheters, timing of urodynamics, and duration of antibiotic therapy for urinary tract infections. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this international survey demonstrate the variability and uniqueness in neurogenic bladder management in SCI patients around the world. Increased international discourse and education will improve global communication and transparency with the efforts of reducing discrepancies in care.

Urological profile of children with microcephaly and congenital zika syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: An outbreak of Zika virus disease, a self-limiting arbovirus infection involving skin rash and fever, occurred in Brazil in 2015 and was followed by an increase in newborns with microcephaly and brain malformations. Although two recent studies reported neurogenic bladder in children with microcephaly and congenital Zika syndrome (CZS), urologic evaluation is not yet routine. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the urological profile of children with microcephaly and CZS. STUDY DESIGN: A descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted with children with microcephaly undergoing clinical, laboratory, urodynamic and ultrasonographic evaluation at a center for childhood urinary disorders in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. RESULTS: Thirty-three children were evaluated. Mean age was 40.3 ± 3.2 months (range 35-47 months). Twenty-one (63.6%) were female. None urinated voluntarily. Urine stream was continuous in 22 (66.7%) and intermittent in 3 (9.1%), with no information in 8 cases (24.2%). Abdominal straining during voiding was absent in 27 (81.8%) and present in 3 (9.1%), with no information in 3 cases (9.1%). Upper urinary tract dilatation was not detected in any of the 27 ultrasounds performed. Twenty-two urine cultures were performed, with no cases of bacterial growth. Renal function was normal in all cases (mean creatinine 0.41 ± 0.1 mg/dl, range 0.29-0.79 mg/dl and urea 20 ± 7 mg/dl, 6-36 mg/dl). Mean maximum bladder capacity was lower than expected for age: 46.4 ± 25.6 mL range 15-110 mL versus 135.2 ± 6.6 mL, 125.5-153 mL, respectively (p < 0.0001). Sixteen patients (59.2%) had immature and reflex bladder, 3 (11.1%) had neurogenic bladder with small bladder compliance, 5 (18.5%) had neurogenic bladder and detrusor overactivity and 1 (3.7%) had normal bladder capacity and compliance, but urinated with abdominal straining and a significant residue. Urodynamic evaluation was normal in only two children (7.4%). DISCUSSION: Most children evaluated had immature and reflex bladder, with no repercussions on the upper urinary tract. Literature on urological complications in children with microcephaly is sparse; however, the present results differ from cases of neurogenic bladder in children with neural tube closure defects. Microcephaly in CZS involves a neurological and urodynamic pattern very similar to that found in children with cerebral palsy. Study limitations include the absence of a control group and neurological data with which to correlate these findings. CONCLUSION: Neurogenic bladder in children with CZS-associated microcephaly was much less common than recently reported. Most patients had no kidney abnormalities, but small bladder capacity and reflex bladder, with non-significant post-void residual urine.

The impact of neurogenic bladder bowel dysfunction in the sexuality of female spina bifida patients.

INTRODUCTION: The sexual life of Spina Bifida (SB) women may be affected by their physical impairments. Data has consistently associated symptoms such as urinary and fecal incontinence with negative effects on social and intimate life. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the female spina bifida patient sexual life and assess which factors - including bladder bowel dysfunction and bladder augmentation - influenced in the sexual function of patients in a multi-center cross-sectional study. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey with validated female-specific questionnaire was applied in 140 spina bifida female patients from four different cities (Porto Alegre/Brazil; Barcelona, Madrid and Málaga/Spain) between 2019 and 2020. Questionnaires collected data on spina bifida clinical characteristics and sexuality, which was assessed using the 6-item version of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI-6) in the Portuguese and Spanish validated versions. Female sexual dysfunction was defined as a FSFI-6 total score ≤19. RESULTS: Sexual dysfunction was present in most (84.3%) patients with a median overall FSFI-6 total score of 14.5 (range 4-26), being all sex domains impaired. Bladder augmentation, type of spina bifida, spinal cord level, hydrocephalus, use of wheelchair and psychological disorder were not statistically associated with differences among rates of sexual activity or female sexual dysfunction. The presence of urinary incontinence (UI) showed both significant lower sexual intercourse and higher dysfunction rates (Summary Table). Urinary and fecal incontinence were significantly associated with worst scores in all domains, except for pain. DISCUSSION: Urinary incontinence status was the most relevant factor since it impaired either female sexual dysfunction and sexual activity rates, as well as the FSFI-6 overall and specific domains. These findings are consistent with previous studies who also observed that desire, arousal and lubrication domains had negative effects from urinary loss on SB patients. Fecal incontinence status did not influenced in sexual activity of female sexual dysfunction rates, nevertheless it promoted lower scores in the overall and specific sexual domains. CONCLUSION: Spina bifida is a complex condition that demands proper care to achieve a satisfactory sexual life, specially regarding neurogenic bladder and bowel dysfunction. Clinical aspects in the SB patient, such as urinary and fecal incontinence, should be properly addressed by pediatric urologists since they are associated with female sexual dysfunction and reduced sexual activity, as well as lower FSFI-6 scores in the overall and specific domains. There is also a need to improve communication about sexuality, because only 18.6% of the patients considered it that had received sufficient sex information from physicians.

Neurogenic non-neurogenic bladder in childhood: complications and prognostic factors.

BACKGROUND: Neurogenic non-neurogenic bladder is a common problem in clinical practice. Untreated, complications can be serious. AIM: Identify complications of neurogenic non-neurogenic bladder and determine the predictive factors of their occurrence. METHODS: Prospective, cross-sectional and analytical study (September 2016-September 2017) on a series of cases of children carrying VNNN, followed in the nephrology pediatric department of Charles Nicolle Hospital in Tunis. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients were included in the study. The predictive criteria for neurogenic non-neurogenic bladder complications that we were able to highlight were: female sex, phasic detrusor bladder overactivity, bladder hypocompliance, and midstream hypercontractility. CONCLUSION: Neurogenic non-neurogenic bladder is a common pathology in pediatrics, it is important to diagnose and manage appropriately and early to avoid its complications.

Prevalence of self-reported complications associated with intermittent catheterization in wheelchair athletes with spinal cord injury.

STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. OBJECTIVES: To identify the prevalence of complications associated with intermittent catheterization in wheelchair athletes with spinal cord injury (SCI). SETTING: International and national sporting events. METHODS: A total 130 competitive wheelchair athletes living with SCI completed a self-reported questionnaire during international or national sporting events. The questionnaire collected information regarding demographics, injury characteristics, method of bladder emptying, and complications related to intermittent catheterization. RESULTS: Overall, 84% (109/130) of wheelchair athletes used intermittent catheterization. Within this group, 77% of athletes (84/109) experienced at least one complication associated with intermittent catheterization. Twenty-seven percent (29/109) sustained urethral injuries and 63% (69/109) had at least one episode of urinary tract infection during the last 12 months. Almost one-fourth of male athletes (22/95, 23%) had a history of inflammation / infection of genital organs associated with intermittent catheterization. CONCLUSIONS: Here we report a high prevalence of self-reported complications associated with intermittent catheterization in wheelchair athletes with SCI. Considering their potential impact on lower urinary tract function, athletic performance, and health, further studies are needed to assess the role of preventative strategies to reduce complications related to intermittent catheterization in wheelchair athletes with SCI. SPONSORSHIP: Coloplast Brazil and Instituto Lado a Lado pela Vida (a nongovernmental, nonprofit organization based in São Paulo) and Wellspect provided funding for this study.

Incidence and predictive factors for developing vesicoureteric reflux in individuals with suprasarcral spinal cord injury: a historical cohort study.

STUDY DESIGN: A historical cohort study OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to examine the incidence of and predictive factors for VUR in individuals with suprasacral spinal cord injury (SCI). SETTING: Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen University, Thailand METHODS: Medical records were reviewed for all individuals with SCI and neurogenic bladder admitted for urological check-up between 1996 and 2016. The primary outcome was the cumulative incidence of VUR. The statistical tests used included the Nelson-Aalen Estimator and Cox Proportional Hazard Ratio. Harrell's C concordance statistic was used to evaluate the discrimination ability of the predictive model. RESULTS: 293 participants with SCI (102 tetraplegic and 191 paraplegic) were included. Most participants were male (67%), and the median age was 52 years. The overall incidence of VUR was 7.5 cases per 100 person-years (95% CI, 6.15-9.4). In the multivariate analysis, the predictive factors for VUR were: (1) maximum detrusor pressure at first visit ≥ 75 cm of water (HRadj: 2.4 [95% CI: 1.4-4.1]); (2) indwelling urethral catheterization (IUC) (HRadj: 11.1 [95% CI: 3.9-31.7]) and clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) (HRadj: 6.5 [95% CI: 2.2-18.7]); (3) age ≥ 60 years at onset of SCI (HRadj: 1.7 [95% CI: 1.1-2.8]); and, (4) absence of antimuscarinic medication (HRadj: 3.8 [95% CI: 2.4-6.1]). The predictive model had an overall C-index of 0.78. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of VUR was high up to 12 years after SCI. High maximum detrusor pressure, IUC, age ≥ 60 years and absence of antimuscarinic medication were predictive factors for VUR.

Estudo e prevalência de bexiga neurogênica em pessoas com lesão medular traumática e não traumática no Brasil / Study and prevalence of neurogenic bladder in users with traumatic and non-traumatic spinal cord injury in Brazil

A bexiga neurogênica, frequentemente associada à lesão medular de causa traumática e não traumática, é uma disfunção vesical decorrente de alterações no sistema nervoso. Este estudo investigou e analisou a bexiga neurogênica, sua prevalência e manejo em pessoas com diagnóstico de lesão medular traumática (LMT) e não traumática (LMNT) em uma rede de hospitais de reabilitação. Tratou-se de um estudo quantitativo, transversal, exploratório, descritivo e analítico. Para responder à questão central do estudo, foi selecionada uma amostra com 954 participantes, probabilística, aleatória estratificada, das seis unidades da rede participantes do estudo, com dados coletados diretamente dos prontuários eletrônicos. A prevalência de bexiga neurogênica foi de 94,65% (n=903), 67% tinham diagnóstico de lesão medular traumática e 33% de lesão medular não traumática, 69,32% eram homens e 30,68%, mulheres, com média de idade de 46,12 anos (DP=13,26). O cateterismo vesical intermitente foi a principal forma de esvaziamento (66,11%), e a maioria realizava o autocateterismo intermitente (74,04%). A micção voluntária foi associada ao tipo de lesão, sendo mais prevalente entre os participantes com LMNT (p≤0,001, Teste Qui-quadrado). Para investigação urológica, 93,36% realizaram exames de ultrassonografia renal e vias urinárias e 87,82%, estudo urodinâmico. A irregularidade da parede vesical (p≤0,029, teste Qui-quadrado de Pearson), o espessamento vesical (p ≤ 0,001, teste Qui-quadrado de Pearson) e a hiperatividade detrusora (p≤0,009, teste Qui-quadrado de Pearson) também apresentaram diferença estatística de acordo com o tipo de lesão, mais prevalentes nos participantes com LMT. Assim como a dilatação pielocalicinal, mais prevalente nos participantes com LMNT (p≤0,025, teste Qui-quadrado de Pearson). Os participantes com LMT apresentaram maior pressão detrusora média, 38,73cmH2O vs. 30,17cmH2O do que os com LMNT (p ≤ 0,001, teste de Mann- Whitney). Sabe-se que a bexiga neurogênica de pessoas com lesão medular traumática tende a apresentar maior número de complicações e maior risco para o trato urinário superior, principalmente quando há relação com a presença de pressão elevada, baixa complacência e capacidade vesical reduzida. Este estudo evidenciou diferenças importantes entre o perfil de pessoas com lesão medular traumática e não traumática, mostrando a necessidade do manejo personalizado de acordo com a causa da lesão medular.

Neurogenic bladder is a dysfunction that results from changes in the nervous system, and is frequently associated with traumatic and non-traumatic spinal cord injuries. This study investigated and analyzed the neurogenic bladder, its prevalence and management in people diagnosed with traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) and non-traumatic spinal cord injury (NTSCI) in a network of rehabilitation hospitals. This is a quantitative, transversal, exploratory, descriptive and analytical study. A probabilistic, stratified random sample, composed of 954 participants, was used to answer the research question. Participants were selected from six of the hospital-network units and data were directly retrieved from electronic medical records. The prevalence of neurogenic bladder was 94.65% (n = 903), where 67% had a diagnosis of traumatic spinal cord injury and 33% non-traumatic spinal cord injury, 69.32% were male and 30.68% female, with a mean age of 46.12 years (SD = 13.26). The main draining method was intermittent bladder catheterization (66.11%), in most cases performed as intermittent self-catheterization (74.04%). Voluntary urination was associated with the type of injury, being more prevalent among participants with non-traumatic spinal cord injury (NTSCI) (p≤0.001, Chi- Square Test). For urological investigation, 93.36% of the participants were submitted to a renal and urinary-tract ultrasound scan and 87.82% to urodynamics. Bladder wall irregularity (p≤0.029, Pearson's chi-square test) and thickening (p ≤ 0.001, Pearson's chi-square test), and detrusor hyperactivity (p≤0.009, Pearson's chi-square test) also presented a statistical difference according to the type of injury, with a higher prevalence in participants with traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI). That was also the case of pyelocaliceal dilation, which was more prevalent in participants with NTSCI (p≤0.025, Pearson's Chi-square test). Participants with TSCI showed a mean detrusor pressure of 38.73 cmH2O, higher than the value of 30.17 cmH2O recorded for those with NTSCI (p ≤ 0.001, Mann-Whitney test). It is known that a neurogenic bladder in people with traumatic spinal cord injury tends to have a greater number of complications and greater risk for the upper urinary tract, especially when there is a relationship with the presence of high pressure, low compliance and reduced bladder capacity. This study unveiled important differences in the profiles of people with traumatic and non-traumatic spinal cord injury, highlighting the need for treatment to be tailored according to the cause of the spinal cord injury.