Urodynamics in patients with multiple sclerosis: A consensus statement from a urodynamic experts working group.

AIMS: Urodynamics (UDS) is often indicated for multiple sclerosis (MS) patients either at presentation to specialized medical centers or after failure of conservative management of lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD). However, the ideal moment and context to indicate this exam in this group of patients remain controversial. We aimed to establish a consensus panel to address the role of UDS in MS patients. METHODS: A panel representing urology, rehabilitation medicine, and neurology skilled in neuro-urology participated in a consensus-forming project using a Delphi method to reach consensus on the role of UDS in MS patients. RESULTS: In total, five experts participated. All panelists participated in the four phases of the consensus process. Consensus was reached if ≥70% of the experts agreed on recommendations. To facilitate a common understanding among all experts, a face-to-face consensus meeting was held in Florence in September 2017 and then with a follow-up teleconference in March 2018. By the end of the Delphi process, formal consensus was achieved for 100% of the items and an algorithm was then developed in a face-to-face meeting in Philadelphia in August 2018. The final expert opinion recommendations were approved by the unanimous consensus of the panel. CONCLUSIONS: UDS represents an important diagnostic tool for MS patients and is particularly useful to evaluate the pattern of LUT dysfunction in high-risk patients. There is a lack of high-evidence level studies to support an optimal urodynamic long-term follow-up protocol.

Long-term follow-up of intravesical botulinum toxin-A injections in women with idiopathic overactive bladder symptoms.

INTRODUCTION: Intravesical botulinum toxin (BoNT-A) is a safe and effective treatment for overactive bladder syndrome. There are many reports on the clinical experience with BoNT-A, especially in patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity. The US Food and Drug Administration has recently approved its use for idiopathic overactive bladder (iOAB). Various studies have reported positive results for iOAB in the short-term. Yet little is known about the results after repeated BoNT-A injections. In this study, we evaluated the long-term results of botulinum toxin (BoNT-A) in women with iOAB. METHODS: Patients treated with BoNT-A from 2004 until 2009 were evaluated in a non-academic teaching hospital (Zuyderland MC, Heerlen, the Netherlands). All female patients with a follow-up of >5 years with idiopathic bladder dysfunction were included. All patients received 200 U of onabotulinum toxin-A in 20 intradetrusor injections. In some patients, we applied a dose adjustment for repeated injections. Patients were instructed how to use clean intermittent self-catheterization (CISC) before the treatment. We advised patients to commence CISC if post-void residual exceeded 150 ml. RESULTS: A total of 128 women were included. All patients had at least 5-year follow-up after their first injection. The mean follow-up was 97 (60-125) months. The mean age was 67 (46-88) years. Of all patients, 30 % were still on BoNT-A treatment at the last follow-up visit. Of the 70 % that discontinued treatment, 27 % had insufficient effect and 43 % had tolerability issues. Most patients discontinued treatment after the first (79 %) and second (19 %) injections. Only 2 % of patients discontinued treatment after more than two injections during follow-up. CONCLUSION: Intravesical BoNT-A is an effective treatment for women with idiopathic OAB. However, in time, almost two-thirds of patients in our study discontinued therapy. Most patients discontinue treatment after one or two injections and mainly due to tolerability issues.

[Definition of botulinum toxin failure in neurogenic detrusor overactivity: Preliminary results of the DETOX survey]. / Définition et prise en charge de l'échec d'une première injection de toxine botulique Botox ® 200 U pour hyperactivité détrusorienne neurogène: résultats de l'enquête DETOX.

OBJECTIVE: There is currently no guideline regarding the management of neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) refractory to intra-detrusor botulinum toxin injections. The primary objective of the present study was to find a consensus definition of failure of botulinum toxin intra-detrusor injections for NDO. The secondary objective was to report current trends in the managment of NDO refractory to botulinum toxin. METHODS: A survey was created, based on data drawn from current literature, and sent via e-mail to all the experts form the Group for research in neurourology in french language (GENULF) and from the comittee of neurourology of the French urological association (AFU). The experts who did not answer to the first e-mail were contacted again twice. Main results from the survey are presented and expressed as numbers and proportions. RESULTS: Out of the 42 experts contacted, 21 responded to the survey. Nineteen participants considered that the definition of failure should be a combination of clinical and urodynamics criteria. Among the urodynamics criteria, the persistence of a maximum detrusor pressure>40 cm H2O was the most supported by the experts (18/21, 85%). According to the vast majority of participants (19/21, 90.5%), the impact of injections on urinary incontinence should be included in the definition of failure. Regarding the management, most experts considered that the first line treatment in case of failure of a first intra-detrusor injection of Botox(®) 200 U should be a repeat injection of Botox(®) at a higher dosage (300 U) (15/20, 75%), regardless of the presence or not of urodynamics risk factors of upper tract damage (16/20, 80%). CONCLUSION: This work has provided a first overview of the definition of failure of intra-detrusor injections of botulinum toxin in the management of NDO. For 90.5% of the experts involved, the definition of failure should be clinical and urodynamic and most participants (75%) considered that, in case of failure of a first injection of Botox(®) 200 U, repeat injection of Botox(®) 300 U should be the first line treatment.

What treatment should we use if drugs fail for OAB; and, what really works after drugs?

AIMS: To determine (using structured brain storm sessions), which treatments should be used if drugs fail for OAB and to determine priority research questions in relation to this issue. METHODS: A frame work for discussion was prepared by the chairman of the session; this included a brief summary of the currently existing evidence. Several experts had been asked to prepare a presentation of their personal treatment algorithm and to identify the [lack of] evidence for such an algorithm. These presentations were summarized by the chairman. Next, this summary was discussed with a large group of experts and opinion leaders and audio-recorded. The proceedings of this process are the basis for this manuscript. RESULTS: The structured sessions resulted in detailed statements about: possible reasons for failure of conservative treatment, the evaluation of outcomes of RCT's, the use of botulinum toxin A in refractory OAB patients, the relative place of neuromodulation or sacral nerve stimulation and botulinum toxin A in the treatment of refractory OAB. CONCLUSIONS: A list of 10 unanswered questions and research topics was compiled. Additionally, 5 top priority research topics were identified.

Neurologic urinary incontinence.

INTRODUCTION: This manuscript summarizes the work of Committee 10 on neurologic bladder and bowel of the International Consultation on Incontinence in 2008-2009. As the data are very large the outcome is presented in different manuscripts. This manuscript deals with neurologic urinary incontinence. METHODS: Through in debt literature review all aspects of neurological urinary incontinence were studied for levels of evidence. Recommendations for diagnosis and treatment, and for future research were made. RESULTS: Pathophysiology was summarized for different levels of lesions. For epidemiology, specific diagnostics, conservative treatment and surgical treatment of neurologic urinary incontinence, levels of evidence and grades of recommendation were made following ICUD criteria. CONCLUSIONS: Though data are available that advice and guide in the management of urinary incontinence in neurologic patients, not many data have a high level of evidence or permit a high grade of recommendation. More and well-structured research is needed.

Neurologic fecal incontinence.

INTRODUCTION: This manuscript summarizes the work of Committee 10 on neurologic bladder and bowel of the International Consultation on Incontinence in 2008-2009. As the data are very large the outcome is presented in different manuscripts. This manuscript deals with neurologic fecal incontinence (FI). METHODS: Through in debt literature review all aspects of neurologic urinary and FI were studied for levels of evidence. Recommendations for diagnosis and treatment, and for future research were made. RESULTS: Pathophysiology was summarized for different levels of lesions. For epidemiology, specific diagnostics, conservative treatment, and surgical treatment of neurologic FI levels of evidence and grades of recommendation were made. CONCLUSIONS: Though data are available that advice and guide in the management of FI in neurologic patients, not many data are with a high level of evidence or high grade of recommendation. More and well-structured research is needed.

Outcome measures in spinal cord injury: recent assessments and recommendations for future directions.

STUDY DESIGN: Review by the spinal cord outcomes partnership endeavor (SCOPE), which is a broad-based international consortium of scientists and clinical researchers representing academic institutions, industry, government agencies, not-for-profit organizations and foundations. OBJECTIVES: Assessment of current and evolving tools for evaluating human spinal cord injury (SCI) outcomes for both clinical diagnosis and clinical research studies. METHODS: a framework for the appraisal of evidence of metric properties was used to examine outcome tools or tests for accuracy, sensitivity, reliability and validity for human SCI. RESULTS: Imaging, neurological, functional, autonomic, sexual health, bladder/bowel, pain and psychosocial tools were evaluated. Several specific tools for human SCI studies have or are being developed to allow the more accurate determination for a clinically meaningful benefit (improvement in functional outcome or quality of life) being achieved as a result of a therapeutic intervention. CONCLUSION: Significant progress has been made, but further validation studies are required to identify the most appropriate tools for specific targets in a human SCI study or clinical trial.

Screening for urinary incontinence in acute care for elders unit: comparative performance analysis of Katz's ADL and ICIQ-UI-SF.

BACKGROUND: Urinary incontinence (UI) is a frequent, but neglected geriatric syndrome, particularly in vulnerable older patients. Optimizing screening procedures is necessary. OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinometric performances of the "continence" item of the Katz's ADL scale and the ICIQ-UI-sf for the screening of UI in vulnerable aged patients. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted in the acute care for elders (ACE) unit of an academic centre. Two independent nurses screened all patients with spontaneous urination for UI with Katz's ADL item and ICIQ-UI-sf upon the hospital admission. The diagnosis of UI resulted from an interdisciplinary conciliating meeting for urinary functional disorders (TOFU), gathering geriatricians and neuro-urologists and was considered as reference. RESULTS: 294 consecutive patients (mean age 86.2 ± 6.5 years; 76.5% female) admitted to the ACE unit were screened; 169 were incontinent (57.5%) according to TOFU. The Katz's ADL item identified 106 incontinent patients with 20 false positives; 83 incontinent patients were not identified. If the sensitivity and specificity of the ICIQ-UI-sf were 100.0%, they were, respectively, 50.9 and 84.0% for the Katz's ADL item. Positive and negative predictive values were 100.0% for ICIQ-UI-sf; 81.1 and 55.9% for ADL, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study validates the ICIQ-UI-sf as a simple and effective screening tool for UI in vulnerable and complex hospitalized aged patients. It also demonstrates that the "continence" item of the Katz's ADL scale is not sensitive enough for UI screening in this population.

[Quality of life in German-speaking patients with spinal cord injuries and bladder dysfunctions. Validation of the German version of the Qualiveen questionnaire]. / Lebensqualität bei deutschsprachigen Patienten mit Rückenmarkverletzungen und Blasenfunktionsstörungen. Validierung der deutschen Adaption des Qualiveen-Fragebogens.

BACKGROUND: Neurogenic bladder dysfunctions in patients with spinal cord lesions may cause severe limitations in the quality of life (QoL). For assessment of QoL, a validated questionnaire in French is available. The goal of the study was to validate the German version of the questionnaire. METHODS: Translation and intercultural adaptation were achieved in cooperation with an institute for health system research. The resulting German version was filled in by 439 patients in 18 centers in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Data were analyzed regarding clinical and sociodemographic characteristics. Quality criteria of the items and scales were tested by a detailed scale analysis. RESULTS: Of the patients 65.8% were paraplegic and 32.8% were tetraplegic. Internal consistency, reliability, and validity of the questionnaire were very good. Differential effects could be displayed in all clinical variables that were tested. CONCLUSIONS: The Qualiveen questionnaire is now available as the first instrument in the German language for the evaluation of the influence of bladder dysfunction on QoL in patients with spinal cord lesions.

[Pharmacological treatment of neurogenic detrusor hyperactivity: intradetrusor botulinum toxin A injections]. / Traitement pharmacologique de l'hyperactivité détrusorienne neurologique: injections intra-détrusoriennes de toxine botulique A.

Botulinum toxins are among the most powerful of all natural poisons. They are responsible for human botulism and constitute potential chemical weapons, but are nevertheless used as therapeutic agents in an increasing number of indications and medical specialties. Botulinum toxins were used for the first time in urology by intrasphincteric injection by Dykstra in 1988 to treat detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia in spinal cord injury patients. Schurch performed the first intradetrusor injections in 2000 to treat incontinence due to overactive bladder in adult spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis patients. This review of the literature presents the results and level of proof for the use of botulinum toxin intradetrusor injection to treat neurogenic voiding disorders. Botulinum toxin A intradetrusor injections constitute a safe, conservative, reversible and short-term effective (6-12 months) alternative after failure of anticholinergic therapy for overactive bladder and its clinical consequences in adult spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis patients (level 1b) and in children with neural tube defects (level 4). The efficacy of the first injection appears to be maintained at subsequent injections (up to 10 cycles) (level 4). Convergent and longer-term data are necessary to document and more clearly define the medium- and long-term efficacy profile of this approach, currently considered to be a major progress in neurourology.

Nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity (NPTR) findings in spinal cord injured men with erectile dysfunction.

This prospective study aimed at determining whether nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity (NPTR) findings correlate to the neurologic disorders in spinal cord injured (SCI) patients suffering from erectile dysfunction (ED). A total of 25 acute SCI male patients with post-traumatic ED underwent neurological, electrophysiological and urodynamic examinations, respectively, as well as NPTR recordings. The mean value for rigidity (R), tumescence (T) and duration (D) during NTPR tests were 83.3%, 3.3 cm, 6.4 min in patients with a complete lesion above the sacral (S2-S4) spinal cord (n=10), 46.1%, 1.6 cm, 5.5 min in patients with a complete lesion involving the sacral metameres (n=5) and 89.8%, 3.8 cm, 29 min in patients with an incomplete suprasacral lesion (n=7). The differences among these groups were statistically significant (P<0.05). Patients with lesions involving both sacral and thoracolumbar spinal cord showed no erections (n=3). We found four NTPR patterns: (1) normal R and T, short D; (2) weak R and T, short D; (3) normal R, T and D; and (4) no erections, which can be assigned to different levels and completeness of spinal cord lesions. Nocturnal erections of normal quality need preservation of thoracolumbar and sacral neuronal control as well as partially intact connections of the spinal erection centres with brain areas responsible for sexual arousal.

Impact of spinal cord injury on sexual health and quality of life.

To provide a comprehensive insight into sexuality after spinal cord injury, 120 patients received a questionnaire to assess their sexual activities, abilities, desires, satisfaction and sexual adjustment after injury. In the 63 responding patients, spinal cord injury had a major impact on sexual function. Relationship to partner, social life, bladder management and physical well-being had a significant impact on quality of life. Relationship to partner, ability to move and mental well-being, as well as aspects of sexual desire and body image had a significant correlation to satisfaction with sexual life. In the studied population, there was no significant correlation between preserved sexual abilities after spinal cord injury and the satisfaction with sexual life.

[Botulinum toxin in urology. Indications and results]. / Botulinumtoxin in der Urologie. Indikationen und Ergebnisse.

Botulinum toxin is a presynaptic neuromuscular blocking agent inducing selective and reversible muscle weakness for up to several months when injected intramuscularly. In urology, indications for botulinum A toxin injections have been reported in detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia, neurogenic detrusor over activity and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Randomized controlled studies are available for these indications. During the last few years, the indications have been expanded to include chronic retention, chronic pelvic pain, and motor and sensory urinary urge incontinence. However, further research is needed on the efficacy and safety as well as the dilution, dose and number of injection sites.

[The impact of spinal cord injury on sexuality and reproduction]. / Die Auswirkungen einer Rückenmarkverletzung auf Sexualität und Reproduktion.

Spinal cord injury is known to have a major impact on human sexual function. The disturbances depend on the level and completeness of the lesion. The majority of people affected by spinal cord injury are young and in their reproductive years. In these cases sexuality reflects an important aspect of personality, and therefore special attention needs to be given to this issue during rehabilitation. Sexual rehabilitation encompasses both comprehensive information and consultation as well as diagnosis and treatment of disturbed sexual functions. Successful rehabilitation and integration depend also on restoration of sexual function or adequate therapy of sexual dysfunction. This review will consider the present knowledge about the impact of spinal cord injury on female and male sexual function, the currently available treatment options as well as the aspects of fertility and reproduction in this patient population.

[Bladder dysfunction after spinal and peripheral nerve lesions]. / Blasendysfunktion nach spinalen und peripheren Nervenläsionen.

Disturbances in bladder function might occur as consequence of multiple neurological diseases involving any neurological pathways connecting the brain to the peripheral organ. Bladder dysfunction, especially resulting incontinence leads to impaired quality of life, if not adequately treated. Moreover, impaired voiding function might result in renal damage and finally in renal insufficiency. In this paper various causes of neurogenic bladder dysfunction, resulting from spinal cord disease or peripheral nerve damages are described. Neurogenic voiding disorders secondary to cortical lesions or diseases at the level of the basal ganglia or brainstem have been voluntarily omitted.

[Erectile dysfunction of male spinal cord injury patients]. / Dysfonctions érectiles du blessé médullaire masculin.

Different problems regarding erectile dysfunction in men with spinal cord-injury are outlined. Neuroanatomical and neurophysiological aspects of erection and ejaculation are outlined and brought into relation with the different clinical pictures of such lesions. Different therapeutical possibilities are presented, particularly the new treatments like intracavernous papaverine (autoinjection), prostaglandin E1 and transcutaneous nitroglycerin; action, advantages and indications are discussed. The experience in ten para- or tetraplegic patients are discussed. It seems that even in spite of the higher price of PGE1 this treatment of the erectile dysfunction in spinal cord-injured men should be preferred, since it shows more advantages and less complications than other treatments.

[Rehabilitation of paraplegic patients]. / Rehabilitation bei Querschnittgelähmten.

Comprehensive management and care of spinal-cord-lesioned patients start at the site of injury or at the moment of the onset of paralysis, depend with its consequences on the treatment in the acute phase, pass to the reactivation and rehabilitation phase and continue throughout all life of such patients. Considering that even a complete transverse lesion is only an instable, temporarily balanced situation, every small complication can destroy this balance and may lead from total independence to total dependence. Orthopedic, neurological, neurosurgical, urological, physio- or ergotherapeutic, socio-professional or other aspects in the field of comprehensive care and rehabilitation can never be analyzed or managed singularly, but have to be seen always in the context of the whole final outcome. The coordinating role of the paraplegiologist and the importance of adequate spinal cord injury units is stressed. The changing pattern of aetiopathogenesis or epidemiology of spinal cord lesions (increase of medical causes such as vascular lesions, tumors, infection disease) and the definition for rehabilitability due to the higher amount of elderly people will bring a new challenge for all careers in the field of rehabilitation.

OnabotulinumtoxinA and multiple sclerosis.

Lower urinary tract dysfunction is present in two of three patients with multiple sclerosis five years after the diagnosis. Most frequent symptoms are related to neurogenic detrusor overactivity, often associated with detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia. From the end of the 1990s, there is growing evidence that neurogenic detrusor overactivity can be effectively managed by intradetrusorial injections of botulinum toxin type A. This treatment has shown, in different randomised placebo-controlled trials, to be safe and effective on clinical and urodynamic parameters with significant improvement in quality of life. The median duration of effect is in mean nine months. The vast majority of studies have been conducted with onabotulinumtoxinA. The dose of onabotulinumtoxinA commonly used to treat neurogenic detrusor overactivity in patients with multiple sclerosis is 200 UI, even if in selected patients lower doses can be preferred. To be considered eligible for treatment, all patients should accept and be instructed to perform clean intermittent self-catheterisation, since the risk of increased post-void residual volume and/or urinary retention after injection is high, especially with 200 UI of onabotulinumtoxinA. However, quality of life and patient satisfaction seem not to be affected by the need of intermittent catheterisation. The risk of urinary infection after the procedure is to be kept in mind, mainly in patients with multiple sclerosis, so that adequate antibiotic prophylaxis is highly recommended.