Targeted neurotechnology restores walking in humans with spinal cord injury.

Spinal cord injury leads to severe locomotor deficits or even complete leg paralysis. Here we introduce targeted spinal cord stimulation neurotechnologies that enabled voluntary control of walking in individuals who had sustained a spinal cord injury more than four years ago and presented with permanent motor deficits or complete paralysis despite extensive rehabilitation. Using an implanted pulse generator with real-time triggering capabilities, we delivered trains of spatially selective stimulation to the lumbosacral spinal cord with timing that coincided with the intended movement. Within one week, this spatiotemporal stimulation had re-established adaptive control of paralysed muscles during overground walking. Locomotor performance improved during rehabilitation. After a few months, participants regained voluntary control over previously paralysed muscles without stimulation and could walk or cycle in ecological settings during spatiotemporal stimulation. These results establish a technological framework for improving neurological recovery and supporting the activities of daily living after spinal cord injury.

Functional neuroimaging related to lower urinary tract sensations: Future directions for study designs and selection of patient groups: ICI-RS 2023.

OBJECTIVES: Neuroimaging studies have advanced our understanding of the intricate central nervous system control network governing lower urinary tract (LUT) function, shedding light on mechanisms for urine storage and voiding. However, a lack of consensus in methodological approaches hinders the comparability of results among research groups and limits the translation of this knowledge to clinical applications, emphasizing the need for standardized methodologies and clinical utilization guidelines. METHODS: This paper reports the discussions of a workshop at the 2023 meeting of the International Consultation on Incontinence Research Society, which reviewed uncertainties and research priorities to progress the field of neuroimaging in LUT control and dysfunction. RESULTS: Neuroimaging holds great potential for improving our understanding of LUT control and pathophysiological conditions. To date, functional neuroimaging techniques have not yet achieved sufficient strength to make a direct clinical impact. Potential approaches that can improve the clinical utilization of neuroimaging were discussed and research questions proposed. CONCLUSIONS: Neuroimaging offers a valuable tool for investigating LUT control, but it's essential to acknowledge the potential for oversimplification when interpreting brain activity due to the complex neural processing and filtering of sensory information. Moreover, technical limitations pose challenges in assessing key brain stem and spinal cord centers, particularly in cases of neurological dysfunction, highlighting the need for more reliable imaging of these centers to advance our understanding of LUT function and dysfunction.

How can we better manage drug-resistant OAB/DO? ICI-RS 2018.

AIMS: Botulinum toxin A (BTX-A), sacral nerve stimulation (SNM), and posterior tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) are established treatments for idiopathic overactive bladder (OAB) refractory to oral drug therapy. At the ICI-RS meeting in Bristol in 2018 a think tank was convened to address the question of how to better manage drug-resistant OAB/DO (detrusor overactivity). METHODS: The think tank conducted a literature review and an expert consensus meeting focusing on the evidence for predicting response and adverse events (AEs) with the current therapies for drug-resistant idiopathic OAB. RESULTS: Several factors have been associated with poor outcomes using BTX-A including increasing age, body mass index, male sex, and frailty. Voiding dysfunction with BTX-A also appears to be more prevalent in those with increasing age, male sex, higher baseline postvoid residual and with poorer contractility as assessed by urodynamic parameters. SNM full implantation appears to be higher with the first stage tined lead placement procedure compared to percutaneous nerve evaluation. Urodynamics do not appear to predict outcomes with SNM. Patients with psychiatric comorbidity are more likely to experience AEs with SNM. Outcomes related to lead positioning and the number of active electrodes are mixed in predicting long term success. Patients with increased daytime frequency and lower first sensation of bladder filling were independent factors associated with success with PTNS. CONCLUSIONS: Further research is required to optimize these procedures and to better understand which patients will benefit from the various options available in managing refractory OAB.

Alpha-blockers for treating neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction in patients with multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. A report from the Neuro-Urology Promotion Committee of the International Continence Society (ICS).

AIM: We aimed to systematically assess the evidence on the efficacy and safety of alpha-blockers in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) suffering from neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD). METHODS: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement was used to perform this systematic review. An electronic search of Cochrane register, Embase, Medline, Scopus (last search 3 March 2018) and screening of reference lists as well as reviews were used to identify the studies. Articles were included if they reported on efficacy/safety of alpha-blockers for the treatment of NLUTD in patients with MS. RESULTS: After screening of 7'015 abstracts, three studies enrolling a total of 50 patients were included: one randomized, placebo-controlled, single-blind trial and two prospective cohort studies. Alpha-blocker treatment was successful in 50% to 96% of the patients. Pooling data from the three included studies, the relative risk for successful alpha-blocker treatment was 3.89 (95% confidence interval 2.7-7.0). The general safety profile of alpha-blockers was favorable with 8% of the patients reporting adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Alpha-blockers may be effective and safe for treating NLUTD in female and male patients with MS but the studies were small and the overall quality of evidence was low. To make definitive conclusions, well designed randomized controlled trials are highly warranted.

Are there different patterns of detrusor overactivity which are clinically relevant? ICI-RS 2018.

INTRODUCTION: Different patterns of detrusor overactivity (DO) have been described and included in several standardization terminology documents. However, it is unclear if these different patterns have any clinical significance. METHODS: This is a report of the proceedings of Proposal 3: "Are there different patterns of detrusor overactivity which are clinically relevant?" from the annual International Consultation on Incontinence-Research Society (ICIRS) meeting, which took place from 14 to 16 June 2018, in Bristol, UK. RESULTS: We have collected and discussed, as a committee, the evidence about different urodynamic (UD) patterns of detrusor overactivity and their potential clinical significance. We reviewed the important previous basic research and clinical studies and compiled summaries. The discussion focused on clinical relevance of different UD patterns of DO and what further research is required. CONCLUSIONS: There are several UD definitions of patterns of detrusor overactivity, however the clinical relevance of these definitions remains unclear. Future research should concentrate on defining the pattern of DO in relation to clinical diagnosis, gender, age, and treatment outcomes.

Intradetrusor Injections of Botulinum Toxin A in Adults with Spinal Dysraphism.

PURPOSE: The aim of the current study was to determine the outcomes of botulinum toxin A intradetrusor injections in adult patients with spina bifida. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients with spinal dysraphism who underwent intradetrusor injections of botulinum toxin A from 2002 to 2016 at a total of 14 centers were retrospectively included in analysis. The primary end point was the global success of injections, defined subjectively as the combination of urgency, urinary incontinence and detrusor overactivity/low bladder compliance resolution. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed to seek predictors of global success. RESULTS: A total of 125 patients were included in study. The global success rate of the first injection was 62.3% with resolution of urinary incontinence in 73.5% of patients. All urodynamic parameters had improved significantly by 6 to 8 weeks compared to baseline, including maximum detrusor pressure (-12 cm H2O, p <0.001), maximum cystometric capacity (86.6 ml, p <0.001) and compliance (8.9 ml/cm H2O, p = 0.002). A total of 20 complications (3.6%) were recorded for the 561 intradetrusor botulinum toxin A injections, including 3 muscular weakness complications. The global success rate of the first injection was significantly lower in patients with poor compliance (34.4% vs 86.9%, OR 0.08, p <0.001). On multivariate analysis poor compliance was associated with a lower global success rate (OR 0.13, p <0.001). Female gender (OR 3.53, p = 0.01) and patient age (OR 39.9, p <0.001) were predictors of global success. CONCLUSIONS: Intradetrusor botulinum toxin A injections were effective in adult patients with spina bifida who had detrusor overactivity. In contrast, effectiveness was much lower in adult patients with spina bifida who had poor bladder compliance. The other predictors of global success were female gender and older age.

What is the exact working mechanism of botulinum toxin A and sacral nerve stimulation in the treatment of overactive bladder/detrusor overactivity? ICI-RS 2017.

AIMS: Botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) and sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) are established treatments for overactive bladder (OAB) and are standard of care in refractory cases in international guidelines. Despite long term use over decades their "exact" working mechanisms are not entirely clear. At the ICI-RS meeting in Bristol in 2017 a think tank was convened to address the question. METHODS: The think tank conducted a literature review and an expert consensus meeting focusing on current mechanisms and what could be learned from clinical experience and objective urodynamic data. RESULTS: BTX-A results suggests effects on both filling and voiding parts of the micturition cycle. The salient data in this regard is presented as well as additional studies related to the urothelium and evidence for central effects. Urodynamics have consistently shown increases in bladder capacity, compliance, and reductions in detrusor pressures during filling, however post void residuals also increase in a dose-dependent fashion. During SNS activation of somatic afferents inhibits bladder sensory pathways and reflex bladder hyperactivity. Evidence in cats suggest the inhibition of bladder activity occurs primarily in the CNS by inhibition of the ascending or descending pathways of the spinobulbospinal micturition reflex. Urodynamics have suggested improvement in bladder capacity and reduction in detrusor pressures during filling with little observed effects on voiding parameters. CONCLUSIONS: The working mechanism of BTX-A and SNS is complex. The exact mechanisms are still unknown, although considerable progress has been made in our understanding. Further research proposals are suggested to help further elucidate these mechanisms.

Urodynamics in patients with spinal cord injury: A clinical review and best practice paper by a working group of The International Continence Society Urodynamics Committee.

AIMS: Urodynamics have been recommended and utilized in the evaluation of spinal cord injury (SCI) patients for many years, but there is no consensus on the optimal use and follow-up strategy for these patients. In the present manuscript, after reporting the available evidence, a working group of the Urodynamics Committee of the International Continence Society (ICS) provides the current knowledge and recommendations on patients' assessment, indications, role, technical aspects, and follow-up of urodynamic studies in SCI patients. METHODS: The working group has analyzed the current available evidence-based literature leading to a Delphi consensus formation by the members of the working group. A set of questions derived from the search were answered online on several occasions by an international panel of specialists. A 1-day face-to-face meeting of the experts finalized the discussion. Recommendations and expert opinions were finally reviewed by all the members of the ICS Urodynamics Committee on SCI core panel. RESULTS: Six experts participated in the four phases of the consensus process. Evidence was reviewed. There was substantial variability in the level and quality of detail reported across the literature yield. Several papers reported insufficient detail to allow synthesis of outcomes across studies. The findings of this preliminary review have been used to generate guidelines for best practice of urodynamics in SCI patients. The working group included recommendations for patients' pre-testing and urodynamic tests execution. Best practices were given as expert opinions where evidence was lacking. CONCLUSION: Urodynamic is highly recommended for patients with SCI after a proper initial assessment. Regular urodynamic follow-up is recommended to avoid upper urinary tract damage. However, until now, there is limited evidence on how frequently urodynamic control should be performed.

The efficacy of botulinum toxin A and sacral neuromodulation in the management of interstitial cystitis (IC)/bladder pain syndrome (BPS), what do we know? ICI-RS 2017 think thank, Bristol.

AIMS: This manuscript aims to address the evidence availale in the literature on the efficacy of Botulinum Toxin A (BoNT-A) and sacral neuromodulation (SNM) in patients suffering from Interstitial Cystitis (IC)/BPS and propose further research to identify mechanisms of action and establish the clinical efficacy of either therapy. METHODS: At the International Consultation on Incontinence-Research Society (ICI-RS) in 2017, a panel of Functional Urologists and Urogynaecologists participated in a Think Tank (TT) discussing the management of IC/BPS by BoNT-A and SNM, using available data from both PubMed and Medicine literature searches. RESULTS: The role of BoNT-A and SNM in the treatment of IC/BPS are discussed and mechanisms of actions are proposed. Despite the available randomized trial data on the effect of intravesical BoNT-A treatment on symptoms of IC/BPS, a consistent conclusion of a positive effect cannot be drawn at the moment, as the published studies are small and heterogeneous in design. There is substantive evidence for the positive effects of SNM on symptoms of IC/BPS patients however, during patient selection, it is important to distinguish the degree and the location of pain in order to tailor the best therapy to the right patients. CONCLUSIONS: Both intravesical BoNT-A treatment and SNM have been shown to have positive effects in patients with IC/BPS. However, firm conclusions cannot yet be drawn. Patient-reported outcomes and quality of life should be assessed in addition to urinary and pain symptoms. Since current treatments mainly focus on symptomatic relief, future research should also focus on clarifying the pathogenic mechanisms involved in IC/BPS.

An International Continence Society (ICS) report on the terminology for adult neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (ANLUTD).

INTRODUCTION: The terminology for adult neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (ANLUTD) should be defined and organized in a clinically based consensus Report. METHODS: This Report has been created by a Working Group under the auspices and guidelines of the International Continence Society (ICS) Standardization Steering Committee (SSC) assisted at intervals by external referees. All relevant definitions for ANLUTD were updated on the basis of research over the last 14 years. An extensive process of 18 rounds of internal and external review was involved to exhaustively examine each definition, with decision-making by collective opinion (consensus). RESULTS: A Terminology Report for ANLUTD, encompassing 97 definitions (42 NEW and 8 CHANGED, has been developed. It is clinically based with the most common diagnoses defined. Clarity and user-friendliness have been key aims to make it interpretable by practitioners and trainees in all the different groups involved not only in lower urinary tract dysfunction but additionally in many other medical specialties. CONCLUSION: A consensus-based Terminology Report for ANLUTD has been produced to aid clinical practice and research.

Long-term outcomes and risks factors for failure of intradetrusor onabotulinumtoxin A injections for the treatment of refractory neurogenic detrusor overactivity.

AIMS: Aims of this study were to assess the long-term outcomes of Intradetrusor injection of OnabotulinumtoxinA (Botox® injection) associated with clean intermittent-catheterization (CIC) for the treatment of neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) and to identify risk factors for failure. METHODS: Neurological patients with NDO using CIC who had received Botox® injections between January 2001 and September 2013 were included. Clinical, urodynamic and radiological data were recorded. Primary endpoint was failure and withdrawal rates after 3, 5, and 7 years of management. Survival curves of withdrawals and failures of treatment were calculated with a 95-confidence interval using the Kaplan-Meier method. Risk factors for failure were determined with univariate analysis and multivariate analysis using Cox model. RESULTS: Overall, 292 patients, mean age of 40 ± 13, 6 years, were included. Overall, 219 patients (80.6%; IC95% [76.3-85.4%]) were still treated with Botox® injections after 3 years, 128 (71.1%; IC95% [65.7%, 76.9%]) after 5 years, and 58 (60.8%, IC95% [54.0%, 68.4%]) after 7 years. Failure rate was 12.6% (IC95% [8.6-16.5%]) after 3 years, 22.2% (IC95% [16.6-27.3%]) after 5 years, and 28.9% (IC95% [21.9%; 35.3%]) after 7 years of follow-up. Withdrawal rate after 7 years of follow-up was 11.3% (n = 33/292). Severe NDO at baseline appears to be a significant risk factor for failure. CONCLUSION: This study confirms long-term efficacy and tolerance of Botox® injection in patients with NDO using CIC. Long-term failure and withdrawal rates remain low but significant, and need to be managed.

[About the indications to urodynamic studies and to a prior antibioprophylaxy]. / Indications à un bilan urodynamique et à une antibioprophylaxie avant celui-ci.

In this review article, we refer to recent publications dealing with the indication to pressure-volume and pressure-flow studies using cystometry as well as the indication for antibioprophylaxis prior to these examinations. We conclude that despite various indications these examinations must be reserved for complex cases after exhaustive preliminary evaluation. Moreover, in case of complex urinary incontinence or neurogenic bladder videocystomanometry is recommended for a correct and complete diagnosis. In addition, antibiotic prophylaxis is no longer considered as necessary before these examinations, including for neurological patients.

Dans cet article de synthèse, nous nous référons aux publications récentes traitant de l'indication aux études pression-volume et pression-débit par cystomanométrie ainsi qu'à l'indication à une antibioprophylaxie avant ces examens. Nous concluons à des indications diverses mais réservées à des cas complexes après évaluation préalable exhaustive. De plus, en cas d'incontinence urinaire complexe ou en présence d'une vessie neurogène une vidéocystomanométrie est recommandée pour un diagnostic correct et complet. Par ailleurs, l'antibioprophylaxie n'est plus considérée comme nécessaire avant ces examens, y compris pour les patients neurologiques.

Long-term compliance and results of intravesical botulinum toxin A injections in male patients.

INTRODUCTION: Intravesical injections with botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) is an established treatment for patients with overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms. However, most studies have evaluated the efficacy of this treatment in women and report short-term results. In this study, we evaluated the long-term compliance of BoNT-A in a heterogeneous group of male patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective, single-centre study. We evaluated all male patients who have been treated with BoNT-A from 2004 until 2010 in a large teaching hospital. Patients received 100-300 U of onabotulinum toxin-A in 20 intravescial injections. Some patients received dose adjustment with repeated injections. RESULTS: In total, 88 male patients were included. The mean follow-up was almost 6 years (69 months). Of all patients, 22 (25%) continued BoNT-A treatment at last follow-up (success). Of the patients who discontinued treatment, 35 had insufficient effect and 27 had tolerability issues (eg, urinary retention, self-catheterisation, voiding LUTS). Four patients abandoned treatment due to other reasons that were not related to BoNT-A. Of all patients, 24% had to use intermittent catheterisation (de novo) or indwelling catheters at some point during the follow-up. DISCUSSION: In this real-life, heterogeneous cohort of men, the long-term compliance with BoNT-A was 25%. Patients with neurogenic OAB symptoms appear to have the best results in our study with 36% of patients who were still on active treatment during last follow-up. Intravesical BoNT-A can be an effective treatment for men with OAB symptoms. In our study, only 25% of patients continued treatment during long-term follow-up. Larger, prospective trials are needed to confirm these results.

[Nocturia in aged patient: in practice]. / Nycturie du patient âgé : en pratique.

Nocturia is defined as the complaint that the individual has to wake at night to urinate. In older persons, this urinary functional disorder is most often of multifactorial origin and/or the symptom (sometimes the unique one) of a chronic disease. Nocturia is very annoying and its impact on health and quality of life is related to the disturbance of sleep cycles. In aged patients, who are often polymorbide and polymedicated, the interaction between nocturia and geriatric syndromes as well as comorbidities has to be more particularly underlined. The impact on informal caregiver's health and the decision for institutional admission are also to be considered. An adapted management of nocturia improves quality of life and reduces morbidity in aged patients.

La nycturie se définit comme la plainte d'avoir à se réveiller la nuit en raison d'une envie d'uriner. Chez les personnes âgées, ce trouble urinaire est le plus souvent d'origine multifactorielle et/ou le symptôme (parfois même unique) d'une maladie chronique. La nycturie est très gênante, et son impact sur la santé et la qualité de vie est lié à la perturbation du cycle de sommeil. Chez le patient âgé, souvent polypathologique et polymédiqué, l'interaction de la nycturie avec les syndromes gériatriques et les comorbidités doit être plus particulièrement soulignée. L'impact sur la santé du proche aidant et la décision d'une entrée en institution sont aussi à considérer. Une prise en charge adaptée de la nycturie améliore la qualité de vie et réduit la morbidité chez les patients âgés.

Supraspinal Control of Urine Storage and Micturition in Men--An fMRI Study.

Despite the crucial role of the brain in the control of the human lower urinary tract, little is known about the supraspinal mechanisms regulating micturition. To investigate the central regulatory mechanisms activated during micturition initiation and actual micturition, we used an alternating sequence of micturition imitation/imagination, micturition initiation, and actual micturition in 22 healthy males undergoing functional magnetic resonance imaging. Subjects able to micturate (voiders) showed the most prominent supraspinal activity during the final phase of micturition initiation whereas actual micturition was associated with significantly less such activity. Initiation of micturition in voiders induced significant activity in the brainstem (periaqueductal gray, pons), insula, thalamus, prefrontal cortex, parietal operculum and cingulate cortex with significant functional connectivity between the forebrain and parietal operculum. Subjects unable to micturate (nonvoiders) showed less robust activation during initiation of micturition, with activity in the forebrain and brainstem particularly lacking. Our findings suggest that micturition is controlled by a specific supraspinal network which is essential for the voluntary initiation of micturition. Once this network triggers the bulbospinal micturition reflex via brainstem centers, micturition continues automatically without further supraspinal input. Unsuccessful micturition is characterized by a failure to activate the periaqueductal gray and pons during initiation.

Long-term follow-up of intravesical abobotulinumtoxinA (Dysport®) injections in women with idiopathic detrusor overactivity.

Objective: Only a few numbers of studies have been published on the use of abobotulinumtoxinA (Dysport®) in idiopathic detrusor overactivity (IDO). This study reported the long-term follow-up of women with IDO who were treated with intravesical Dysport® injections. Methods: Two hundred and thirty-six patients with IDO who had failed first-line conservative and antimuscarinic therapy received 500-900 units of Dysport® between April 2014 and July 2015. All patients were followed up for 5 years after their initial injection and interviewed on the phone. Results: A total of 236 women with IDO aged from 18 years to 84 years (mean±standard deviation: 49.6±15.9 years) were included in our study. The median follow-up time for patients was 36.5 (range: 10-70) months, and the median recovery time after injection was 18.5 (range: 0-70) months. A total of 83 (35.2%) patients stated that they had subjective improvement of their symptoms whereas 84 (35.6%) patients did not report any improvement in symptoms. The initial International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Overactive Bladder mean score was 6.9 (standard deviation 3.4). There was a positive association between the median recovery time and the components of the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Overactive Bladder questionnaire. Conclusion: In a sub-population of overactive bladder patients with IDO who have failed first-line therapy, a single intravesical Dysport® injection can resolve patient symptoms completely or reduce the symptoms to an acceptable level that can be controlled with antimuscarinics or re-injection on demands.

[Benefit of a specialized multidisciplinary clinic in neuro-urology and functional urology]. / Intérêt d'une Consultation spécialisée multidisciplinaire en neuro-urologie et urologie fonctionnelle.

Functional disorders encounter for a large amount of the medical activity, including in urology. The decreased quality of life due to lower urinary tract symptoms requires a prompt management, with primary assessment undergone in community. Referral to a specialist is required when simple management has failed, and whenever any of these coexists: hematuria, recurrent urinary infection, and neurological condition. The specialized clinic in neurourology and functional urology aim at further investigating the underlying disorder responsible for the urinary symptoms and preventing urinary tract complications. A multidisciplinary team is the key to accurately assess patients with regards to their bother and handicap, therefore offering the most appropriate conservative, medical or surgical management.

Treatment of neurogenic detrusor overactivity and overactive bladder with Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA): Development, insights, and impact.

Neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) is a complication of multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury (SCI), stroke, head injury, and other conditions characterized by damage to the upper motor neuronal system. NDO often leads to high bladder pressure that may cause upper urinary tract damage and urinary incontinence (UI). Prior to the use of onabotulinumtoxinA, oral anticholinergics and surgical augmentation cystoplasty were the treatment options. Overactive bladder (OAB) is non-neurogenic and affects a much larger population than NDO. Both NDO and OAB negatively impact patients' quality of life (QOL) and confer high health care utilization burdens. Early positive results from pioneering investigators who injected onabotulinumtoxinA into the detrusor of patients with SCI caught the interest of Allergan, which then initiated collaborative clinical trials that resulted in FDA approval of onabotulinumtoxinA 200U in 2011 for NDO and 100U in 2013 for patients with OAB who inadequately respond to or are intolerant of an anticholinergic. These randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials for NDO showed significant improvements in UI episodes, urodynamic parameters, and QOL; the most frequent adverse events were urinary tract infection (UTI) and urinary retention. Similarly, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of onabotulinumtoxinA 100U for OAB found significant improvements in UI episodes, treatment benefit, and QOL; UTI and dysuria were the most common adverse events. Long-term studies in NDO and OAB showed sustained effectiveness and safety with repeat injections of onabotulinumtoxinA, the use of which has profoundly improved the QOL of patients failing anticholinergic therapy and has expanded the utilization of onabotulinumtoxinA into smooth muscle.

A Real-world Data Analysis of Intermittent Catheterization, Showing the Impact of Prelubricated Versus Hydrophilic Catheter Use on the Occurrence of Symptoms Suggestive of Urinary Tract Infections.

Background: Systematic reviews have highlighted the lack of evidence on choosing the type of intermittent urinary catheter (IUC) with regard to the occurrence of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Objective: To describe the incidence and frequency of symptoms suggestive of UTIs (ssUTIs) for prelubricated versus hydrophilic IUCs. Design setting and participants: An observational study of a patient database compiled by UK general practitioners was conducted. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis: The primary outcome measures were the proportion of patients with at least one ssUTI (prescription of a nonspecific antibiotic with a UTI-related diagnosis, or prescription of a UTI-specific antibiotic) and the mean number of ssUTIs per affected patient in the 12 mo following the index IUC prescription. Comparable prelubricated ("PRELUBE") and hydrophilic ("HYDRO") catheter groups were obtained with 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM). Results and limitations: A total of 5296 patients were included (prelubricated: n = 458; hydrophilic: n = 4838). After PSM, the two groups had similar proportions of patients with ssUTIs at baseline. The proportion of patients with ssUTIs during exposure was similar in the PRELUBE (36.9%) and HYDRO groups (41.5%; p = 0.155). However, among patients having used the same type of catheter throughout the exposure period, the proportion with ssUTIs was significantly lower in the PRELUBE group (44.6%, vs 55.0% for HYDRO; p = 0.015), as was the number of ssUTIs per patient (1.3 vs 1.8; p = 0.036). Conclusions: When choosing a coated IUC, physicians and patients should not rule out PRELUBE IUCs for safety reasons alone. Patient summary: Using real-world data compiled by UK general practitioners, we described the incidence and frequency of symptoms suggestive of urinary tract infection in people who were using various types of intermittent urinary catheters. When the same type of prelubricated catheter was used throughout the study period, the incidence of these symptoms was lower than for hydrophilic catheters.

The supraspinal neural correlate of bladder cold sensation--an fMRI study.

In recent years, functional imaging studies have revealed a supraspinal network, which is involved in perception and processing of bladder distention. Very little information exists on the cortical representation of C-fiber transmitted temperature sensation of the human bladder, although C-fibers seem to be involved in the pathomechanisms of bladder dysfunctions. Our aim was, therefore, to evaluate the outcome of bladder cold stimulation on supraspinal activity using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). A block design fMRI study was performed in 14 healthy females at the MR-center of the University of Zurich. After catheterization, all subjects were investigated in a 3.0-Tesla Scanner. The scanning consisted of 10 repetitive cycles. Each cycle consisted of five conditions: REST, INFUSION, SENSATION, DRAIN 1, and DRAIN 2. Cold saline was passively infused at 4-8°C during scanning. Not more than 100 ml were infused per cycle. Blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) signal analysis of the different conditions was compared to REST. All activations were evaluated on a random effects level at P = 0.001. Activation of brain regions for bladder cold stimulation (DRAIN 1 period) was found bilaterally in the inferior parietal lobe [Brodmann area (BA) 40], the right insula (BA 13), the right cerebellar posterior lobe, the right middle temporal gyrus (BA 20), and the right postcentral gyrus (BA 3). In conclusion, bladder cooling caused a different supraspinal activation pattern compared to what is known to occur during bladder distention. This supports our hypothesis that cold sensation is processed differently from bladder distension at the supraspinal level.