Investigation of anxiety levels in caregivers who perform clean intermittent catheterization on their children and affecting factors.

PURPOSE: The study aimed to determine the anxiety levels of caregivers who performed clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) on their children and the factors affecting them. METHODS: This descriptive study was conducted between January 6, and May 29, 2023 with caregivers of 42 patients who were followed up by the pediatric nephrology outpatient clinic of a university for CIC. The study data were collected using the "Participant Information Form" and the "State and Trait Anxiety Scale." RESULTS: According to the results, of the children included in the study, 73.8% were female, 64.3% were diagnosed with spina bifida (SB), and 76.2% received CIC applications 4-6 times a day. All the caregivers were mothers, and 76.2% received CIC training from a doctor. However, 78.6% of them found the training insufficient, leading them to rely on self-experimentation when applying CIC to their own children. None of the caregivers received information or training on the CIC application from nurses, and there were no home visits or telephone counseling provided after the hospital discharge. The mean score for the state anxiety scale among the caregivers was 45.90 ± 10.57, while the mean score for the trait anxiety scale was 46.92 ± 8.43. Significantly higher mean trait anxiety scores were observed among caregivers with chronic diseases who did not receive training on the CIC application (p < 0.05). Additionally, caregivers of children who experienced 3-4 urinary tract infections (UTIs) within the last 3 months also had significantly higher mean trait anxiety scores (p < 0.05). The mean trait anxiety level scores of caregivers of children who had 3-4 UTIs in the last 3 months were significantly higher (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that caregivers' lack of training on CIC implementation, having chronic disease, and having frequent UTIs in their children were effective on anxiety levels.

Improved emptying performance with a new micro-hole zone catheter in adult male intermittent catheter users: A comparative multi-center randomized controlled cross-over study.

AIMS: To confirm the improved performance of the micro-hole zone catheter (MHZC) compared to a conventional eyelet catheter (CEC) in male users of clean intermittent catheterizations (CICs). METHODS: Male self-catheterizing subjects, who used hydrophilic sleeved soft/flexible CIC as the only bladder emptying method, were enrolled into a multi-center, randomized, cross-over study performed across six European sites. Subjects tested the MHZC, featuring a drainage zone with 120 micro-holes and a CEC with two eyelets. The study consisted of four study visits (V0-V3), during which endpoints related to catheter performance (urinary flow-stops, bladder emptying, and intra-catheter pressure) were measured and two 4-week test periods at home (T1 and T2) where dipstick hematuria and user perception between catheters were evaluated. RESULTS: Seventy-three male subjects with non-neurogenic and neurogenic bladder dysfunction (3:2) were enrolled. On average, catheterizations with the MHZC led to close to mean zero flow-stops compared to ≥1 flow-stops with the CEC, during both HCP- and self-led catheterizations (both p < 0.001). Residual urine at first flow-stop was significantly reduced for the MHZC compared to CEC (p = 0.001 and p = 0.004, for HCP- and self-led catheterizations, respectively). This was substantiated by a significantly smaller pressure peak at first flow-stop, a proxy for minimized mucosal suction (both HCP- and self-led catheterizations, p < 0.001). After home-use catheterizations, dipstick hematuria was comparable between catheters, whereas catheterizations were associated with significantly improved perception in favor of MHZC regarding bladder emptying, less blocking sensation, and improved hygienic catheterization compared to the CEC. CONCLUSION: This study confirmed the evidence of improved bladder emptying with the MHZC compared to a CEC without the need to reposition the catheter. The MHZC therefore offers an enhanced benefit for the dependent CIC user securing complete bladder emptying in an uninterrupted free flow and reducing the need to reposition the catheter during emptying.

Evaluation of Quality of Life and Self-reported Complications in Patients With Clean Intermittent Catheterization: An Observational Study.

PURPOSE: This study sought to determine health-related quality of life and self-reported complications associated with clean intermittent catheterization (CIC). DESIGN: Observational, cross-sectional study. SUBJECTS AND SETTING: The target population was patients cared for by the urology department at Hospital 12 de Octubre in Madrid, Spain, undergoing CIC for chronic urinary retention of any etiology (neurogenic bladder dysfunction, neobladder, and other). The sample comprised 50 respondents with a mean age of 49 years; a majority (66%, n = 33) were female. Participants performed an average of 4 CICs. METHODS: All participants completed the ISC-Q (Intermittent Self-Catheterization Questionnaire) and a questionnaire about CIC-associated complications. Data were collected in February 2019. RESULTS: A vast majority of respondents (98%, n = 49) indicated preparation for catheterization was simple, and 76% (n = 38) indicated the catheter was easy to insert. One in 5 (20%, n = 10) considered carrying catheters and supplies inconvenient, though 58% (n = 29) indicated it was easy to dispose of the catheters outside the home. Most respondents (98%, n = 49) indicated they felt self-conscious about their need to self-catheterize, and 16% (n = 8) felt that CIC created limitations when visiting friends and family. The most frequent complication was symptomatic urinary tract infections (UTIs); participants reported an average of 1.7 UTIs in the last year. Additional complications, such as epididymo-orchitis, urethral stenosis, and urethral bleeding, were reported by less than 5% (n = 2) of participants. CONCLUSIONS: Participants managed by CIC for chronic urinary retention of any cause reported acceptable levels of satisfaction with the procedure. The reported incidence of complications was low, except for UTIs.

Facilitators and challenges to transitioning to self-catheterization: Patient and caregiver perspectives.

INTRODUCTION: Clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) is a well-established method of managing lower urinary tract dysfunction. Depending on the age at introduction, caregivers might perform CIC initially but then transition responsibility to their children. Little is known about how to support families during this transition. Our aim is to learn the facilitators and challenges experienced when supporting the transition from caregiver-led CIC to patient self-CIC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A phenomenological approach was used to gather information from caregivers and children >12 years through semistructured interviews. Thematic analysis was utilized to generate themes around experience with the transition from caregiver-led CIC to patient self-CIC. RESULTS: Of the 40 families interviewed, 25 families underwent successful transition to patient self-CIC. Analysis of excerpts identified a three-step process, including (1) desiring to learn self-CIC, (2) practical learning of CIC techniques, and (3) mastering of techniques leading to emotional and physical independence. Many families experienced challenges in transitioning to self-CIC, including patient or caregiver reluctance, improper equipment, past negative experiences, lack of knowledge about urinary tract anatomy and function, abnormal anatomy, and/or moderate to severe intellectual disability. DISCUSSION: Authors reviewed interventions to address challenges and provide clinical care recommendations to enhance success during the transition to patient self-CIC. CONCLUSION: No prior studies have identified this stepwise process that occurs in the transition from caregiver-led CIC to patient self-CIC. Healthcare providers and school officials (where indicated) can support families during this transition, with attention to facilitators and challenges identified in this study.

Early Onset Clean Intermittent Catheterization May Decrease Prevalence and Severity of Urinary Concentration Defects in Myelomeningocele Patients with Neurogenic Bladder: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: Myelomeningocele is the most severe form of spina bifida. Management of urologic consequences of spina bifida is life long, demanding and costly for both the patient and the public health system. There is a paucity of data in the literature regarding concentration defects and their consequences on this disease. This paper aims to describe retrospectively the effect of early onset clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) in on the severity of urinary concentration defects in myelomeningocele patients with neurogenic bladder in a retrospective observational study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this 10-year retrospective cohort study, children with myelomeningocele were selected with the Convenience sampling method. Demographic characteristics, polyuria index ratio (PIR) defined as 24 hour urine output of each patient divided by the maximum normal urine output of the same patient in a healthy state, and nocturnal polyuria index (NPI) were compared between early starters (< 2 years old) or late starters (≥ 2 years old) groups. RESULTS: Seven patients who underwent cystoplasty were excluded and 130 patients (63.8% male, 5.4 ± 3.2 years old, 14.3 ± 2.83 Kg, 28.5% early onset CIC) were investigated. PIR > 1 in inset (1.7 ± 0.2 vs. 2.2 ± 0.5, P = 0.021) and outset (1.5 ± 0.32 vs. 2.5 ± 0.7, P = 0.004) were lower in early starters group than in late starters group. NPI in inset (0.2 ± 0.007 vs. 0.32 ± 0.10, P = 0.018) and outset (0.25 ± 0.15 vs. 0.42 ± 0.095, P = 0.007) were also lower in the early starters group. No further adverse events were reported during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Early onset CIC is more effective than late-onset CIC in preserving the urinary ability of kidneys in myelomeningocele patients.

The art of introducing clean intermittent catheterization: How families respond and adapt: A qualitative study.

INTRODUCTION: Since its inception >50 years ago, clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) has become ubiquitous in managing lower urinary tract dysfunction in children. Emphasis has been on its impact on daily life, but little on its implementation and adjustment in families. The aim of the current study was to discover how families learned to implement and manage their child's CIC needs by interviewing caregivers, adolescents, and young adults about their experiences. Interviews were designed to uncover facilitators and barriers to beginning CIC to initiate potential improvements in a multidisciplinary approach. METHODS: A semi-structured interview guide was developed and piloted initially to 12 families for validation. Between August 2018 and October 2019, 40 families (52 interviews of caregivers and patients >12 years) were then interviewed with open-ended questions interspersed with more specific ones to generate discussion. Transcripts were coded using Dedoose software to create a base list with emergent codes. Inductive and deductive methods were employed to generate themes. Consensus was reached during successive team meetings. RESULTS: Five major and several subthemes emerged regarding implementation of CIC by caregivers and patients learning CIC for the first time. THEME 1: Parental reaction to CIC: Caregivers described benefits of an adjustment period on learning their child's need for CIC. Prenatal information to caregivers of spina bifida children gave them time to mentally process the need for CIC. THEME 2: Ease of learning CIC: impact of age and gender: caregivers identified advantages of initiating CIC in infancy. Caregivers speculated CIC was physically easier in boys than girls due to meatus location. Developmentally ready children expressed a desire for independence and privacy as they learned to initiate CIC. THEME 3: The impact of additional caregiver support in learning and performing CIC: presence of multiple caregivers optimized learning and implementation of CIC. Having secondary caregivers available provided peace of mind and more flexibility in maintaining reliable CIC care. Patients learning CIC found it helpful to have a parent present at the teaching session. Occasionally, female caregivers reported feelings of anger and frustration when male caregivers were reluctant to be involved in catheterization, irrespective of their child's gender. THEME 4: Satisfaction with healthcare team's approach: The healthcare team's responsiveness to their learning needs affected how they mastered CIC. The healthcare team's teaching and reassurance helped build caregiver confidence. Developmentally appropriate children were able to learn self-catheterization when supported by the healthcare team. Patients learning self-CIC articulated having a supportive healthcare team was helpful with implementation. THEME 5: Effect of CIC on employment status relative to job changes, insurance, and daycare: implementing and performing CIC presented a spectrum of issues related to employment. Educating employers regarding CIC facilitated a caregiver's ability to both remain at work and administer to their child. Caregivers underscored the importance of adequate insurance when considering employment choices. Concerns about daycare availability affected caregivers' work schedules. CONCLUSIONS: It is anticipated this information will aid healthcare personnel to more effectively teach and initiate CIC in families, and in individuals learning for the first time. The findings should serve as the basis for conducting future patient satisfaction studies, which would determine the effectiveness and reproducibility of these approaches.

[Evaluation of management of patients under clean intermittent catheterization by general practitioners]. / Évaluation de la prise en charge des patients sous sondage intermittent propre par les médecins généralistes.

INTRODUCTION: Clean Intermittent Catheterization (CIC) is the method of choice for bladder emptying in patients having bladder emptying disorders, acquired or pharmacologically induced, whether it is neurologically related or not. The aim of this study is to assess the theoretical and practical knowledge of general practitioners (GP) on CIC. MATERIALS: Observational prospective study (anonymous online questionnaire) was conducted with 224 GP between March and April 2020. Each physician had to complete a questionnaire about the definition of CIC, its indications and usage, the indications of urine culture, antibiotic therapy, and the complications of this method of drainage. RESULTS: Only 18.3% of GP that took part in the study gave an exact definition of CIC. As to the importance of it, 67.9% responded that it protects the upper urinary tract and 37.1% that it prevents urinary tract infections (UTI). Fifty-two per cent of physicians were unaware of the regular frequency at which it should carry out a day. Fifty eight percent prescribed sterile gloves and 57.1% an antiseptic. UTI was considered as the main complication of CIC by 87.1% of physicians and 35.7% requested a systematic urine culture for patients under CIC. For patients with an asymptomatic bacteriuria, 65.6% of GP prescribed antibiotic therapy. CONCLUSION: GP need to improve their knowledge of SIP, its framework, indications, modalities, and the way to deal with colonization or urinary tract infection. This will improve the management of impacted patients.

Risk Factors for Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection in Children With Neurogenic Bladder Following Clean Intermittent Catheterization.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the risk factors for recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) in children with a neurogenic bladder (NB) managed by clean intermittent catheterization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Over a 5-year period, we retrospectively assessed the risk factors for recurrent UTIs in children (age 9-151 months) who had clean intermittent catheterization. All patients were followed up for more than 12 months and had at least two clinic visits during the study period. Demographic, clinical, and urodynamic parameters were assessed. All data were compared between the recurrent UTI (>1.0 UTI/study-year) and episodic UTI (≤1.0 UTI/study-year) groups. RESULTS: Of 327 patients, 79 (24.2%) had recurrent UTIs and 248 (75.8%) had episodic UTIs. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that older age, lumbar level lesions, long duration of NB, presence of vesicoureteral reflux, increased bladder wall thickness, and low bladder compliance were the significant factors for recurrent UTIs. Bladder trabeculation was associated with recurrent UTIs on univariate analysis, but not on multivariate analysis. During the follow-up period, chronic renal insufficiency was diagnosed in 31 (39.2%) and 29 patients (11.7%) in the recurrent and episodic UTI groups (P <.05), respectively. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that older age, high level of spinal cord lesions, long duration of NB, vesicoureteral reflux, increased bladder wall thickness, and low bladder compliance may be directly associated with recurrent UTIs in children with NB. Children with NB might have higher susceptibility to chronic renal insufficiency after recurrent UTIs.

Bladder instillation for urinary tract infection prevention in neurogenic bladder patients practicing clean intermittent catheterization: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of different modalities of bladder instillation in patients with neurogenic bladder practicing intermittent catheterization. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature were conducted using two databases: Medline via PubMed and Scopus. Articles evaluating bladder instillation in patients with neurogenic bladder, who are practicing intermittent catheterization, were collected and assessed for the efficacy and safety of the studied agent by two different reviewers. RESULTS: Among the 1896 studies, eight involving 346 patients with neurogenic bladder, were included in this systematic review according to the PRISMA protocols. Gentamicin, Hyaluronic acid, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus was found to decrease the incidence of urinary tract infections, the former reduced multidrug-resistant organisms. Kanamycin-colistin, showed a drop in the mean incidence of bacteriuria in males only. Trisdine, the only studied antiseptic, significantly reduced bacteriuria. Neomycin, however, showed no efficacy in term of bacteriuria. Regarding safety, when evaluated, no major adverse events were reported with any of the studied modalities. CONCLUSION: Bladder instillations of either antibiotics, antiseptics, hyaluronic acid, or Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG are efficient and safe in patients having neurogenic bladder, with recurrent urinary tract infections and practicing clean intermittent catheterization, with gentamicin being the most recommended product among the different studied agents.

The AUA/SUFU Guideline on Adult Neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction: Treatment and Follow-up.

PURPOSE: The clinician treating patients with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) needs to balance a variety of factors when making treatment decisions. In addition to the patient's urologic symptoms and urodynamic findings, other issues that may influence management options of the lower urinary tract include cognition, hand function, type of neurologic disease, mobility, bowel function/management, and social and caregiver support. This Guideline allows the clinician to understand the options available to treat patients, understand the findings that can be seen in NLUTD, and appreciate which options are best for each individual patient. This allows for decisions to be made with the patient, in a shared decision-making manner, such that the patient's quality of life can be optimized with respect to their bladder management. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive search for studies assessing patients undergoing evaluation, surveillance, management, or follow-up for NLUTD was conducted from January 2001 through October 2017 and was rerun in February 2021 to capture newer literature. The primary search returned 20,496 unique citations. Following a title and abstract screen, full texts were obtained for 3,036 studies. During full-text review, studies were primarily excluded for not meeting the PICO criteria. One hundred eight-four primary literature studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the evidence base. RESULTS: This guideline was developed to inform clinicians on the proper evaluation, diagnosis, and risk stratification of adult patients with NLUTD and the non-surgical and surgical treatment options available. Additional statements on urinary tract infection and autonomic dysreflexia were developed to guide the clinician. CONCLUSIONS: NLUTD patients may undergo non-surgical and surgical treatment options depending on their level of risk, symptoms, and urodynamic findings. Appropriate follow-up, primarily based on their risk stratification, must be maintained after treatment.

Time Burden of Bladder Management in Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury.

BACKGROUND: While clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) is the gold standard for bladder management after spinal cord injury (SCI), many individuals with SCI, for reasons not fully understood, choose alternative bladder management. We hypothesized that CIC is associated with an increased time burden in individuals with SCI. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the time required to perform neurogenic bladder management in individuals with SCI. METHODS: An electronic nonvalidated questionnaire was designed to determine the self-reported time spent performing bladder management. It was sent to participants in the Neurogenic Bladder Research Group SCI Registry, a national quality of life study of individuals with SCI. RESULTS: Eighty-seven individuals responded to the survey. CIC was the most common bladder management (76%). Men and women performing independent CIC had similar average times with each catheterization episode (8.8 vs. 8.5 minutes, p = .864) as did women with a catheterizable stoma compared to women catheterizing per urethra (8.2 minutes, p = .913). Longer catheterization times were associated with cervical spine injury (mean 12.4 minutes per catheterization) and women requiring caregiver assistance (mean 20 minutes per catheterization). In addition, obese/overweight women had longer CIC times than normal weight women (14.5 minutes vs. 7 minutes; p = .036), while catheterization time was similar for all men regardless of body mass index. Individuals with indwelling catheters spent less than a third of the time on bladder management per day compared to those doing CIC (17 vs. 53 minutes per day, p < .001). CONCLUSION: Management of neurogenic bladder after SCI, especially in those performing CIC, is time consuming. This time burden may play a role in long-term bladder management decisions.

Intermittent Catheterization Frequency and Interval in Children: Are We Clear Enough?

Intermittent catheterization has been introduced as a lifesaving management strategy in cases of bladder neuromuscular dysfunction both in adults and children. Surprisingly there are scarce data or even clear professional opinions about interval and frequency of catheterization attempts in children. This may have a considerable impact specially in children with vastly variable bladder capacity and function. We tried to throw light on this problem, suggest a simple estimation and propose a more frequent catheterization schedule than commonly perceived, as an either temporizing or extenuating resort before cystoplasty in some cases.

Bladder irrigation with povidone-iodine prevent recurrent urinary tract infections in neurogenic bladder patients on clean intermittent catheterization.

AIMS: To determine if daily povidone-iodine (PI) bladder irrigation in neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) patients doing clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) can reduce the rate of symptomatic urinary tract infections (UTIs), emergency department (ED) visit for UTIs, and hospitalization for UTIs. METHODS: We prospectively reviewed the records of patients with NLUTD on CIC who had recurrent symptomatic UTIs and who were placed on daily intravesical instillations of PI. This trial was conducted from January 2014 to January 2020 on 119 patients. RESULTS: After using daily PI bladder irrigation, the rate of symptomatic UTIs was reduced by 99.2% (incidence rate ratio [IRR]: 0.008, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.001-0.059; p < .001), the rate of ED visits was reduced by 99.2%% (IRR: 0.008, 95% CI: 0.001-0.059; p < .001), and the rate of inpatient hospitalizations for UTI was reduced by 99.9% (IRR: 0.0008, 95% CI: 0.0002-0.0035; p < .001). There was also a significant decrease in multidrug resistance in UTI organisms with the use of PI bladder instillation. CONCLUSIONS: Daily intravesical PI instillation is a well-tolerated approach to prevent UTIs and related ED visits and hospitalizations in NLUTD patients doing CIC.

Development and Validation of an Age-Appropriate Website for Children Requiring Clean Intermittent Catheterization.

PURPOSE: This study describes the development and validation of an age-appropriate website for preschool children who require clean intermittent catheterization (CIC). METHODS: An age-appropriate website was developed at an academic medical center in Brazil and included child-friendly characters, details of the urinary system anatomy and physiology, hand-washing, and the CIC procedure. Content was validated by physicians, nurses, and health informatics professionals. Face validity was assessed by parents. FINDINGS: Content and face validity indices were 0.94 and 0.92, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The free website (www.doutorbexiga.com.br) was successfully validated and considered suitable and user-friendly for the health education of children requiring CIC. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Physicians and nurses can use the website as a model for developing similar materials. The website can be a resource for health professionals and parents of children with spinal cord injury or other neurological disorders to encourage children to learn about CIC through animated educational materials.

Intermittent catheterisation for individuals with disability related to spinal cord injury in Tanzania.

STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional pilot study on spinal cord injury (SCI) among in- and outpatients. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the challenges faced by individuals with SCI during Clean Intermittent Catheterisation (CIC). SETTING: Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center (KCMC), a tertiary referral hospital in Moshi, Tanzania. METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to individuals with SCI who were either admitted to the Orthopedic Rehabilitation Unit or attended the Outpatient clinic between January and April 2018. Inpatients were less than 1 year post-injury and outpatients were one to 3 years post-injury. RESULTS: In total, 48 individuals responded: 28 outpatients and 20 inpatients. Among the inpatient group, 80% were performing CIC as compared with 25% of outpatient group. Of the entire cohort, 35.4% reported doing well without catheter-based management. Failure to perform CIC was present in 16.7% of all individuals. CIC-equipment was unavailable in local villages for 58.3% of all patients. The most frequent complications of CIC were urinary tract infections (20.8%) and mild bleeding (14.6%). The majority of individuals (79.2%) reported satisfaction with their situation, regardless of the severity. CONCLUSIONS: Some individuals performed CIC upon discharge, but the majority discontinued use, for which unavailability of CIC-equipment was a major determinant. While all individuals reported concerns prior to CIC, only a small minority actually experienced anxiety, pain or shame. Through targeted counselling and enhanced regular follow-up we will likely improve compliance to CIC. SPONSORSHIP: We are grateful to the International Network of SCI Nurses in collaboration with Wellspect Health Care for funding this study.

Predictors of Poor Response and Adverse Events Following Botulinum Toxin-A for Refractory Idiopathic Overactive Bladder.

OBJECTIVE: To ascertain whether a poor response and adverse events (voiding dysfunction and urinary tract infection) were predictable for first time botulinum toxin-A (BTX-A) injections in a patient cohort of refractory idiopathic overactive bladder with detrusor overactivity. METHODS: Patients who received BTX-A injections for the first time between the dates of March 2004-August 2017 were analyzed in this single center study. Urogenital Distress Inventory short form (UDI-6) questionnaires were collected both preinjection and postinjection prospectively. A poor response was defined as a decrease of less than 16.7 on the UDI-6 questionnaire. Additional information was gathered from patient records in a retrospective fashion. Predictors of poor response, voiding dysfunction, and UTI were analyzed with multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Seventy-four patients were analyzed. The only predictor of poor response was male gender (OR, 5.45; 95% CI 1.83-16.47; P = .002). Lower maximum urinary flow rates (OR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.83-0.99; P = .023), male gender (OR, 5.14; 95% CI 1.41-18.72; P = .013), and hysterectomy in females (OR, 4.55; 95% CI, 1.09-18.87; P = .038) were predictors of clean intermittent self catheterisation (CISC). There was an increased risk of UTIs in patients who performed CISC (OR, 5.26; 95% CI 1.38-20.0; P = .015). CONCLUSION: Male gender was associated with a poor response to BTX-A injections and increased risk of CISC. Lower maximum urinary flow rates and women with hysterectomies were at increased risk of requiring CISC postinjection. Performing CISC was associated with increased risk of UTI. These factors could be helpful when counselling or selecting patients.

Complications and patient satisfaction with urethral clean intermittent catheterization in spina bifida patients: comparing coated vs uncoated catheters.

INTRODUCTION: Many types of catheters are available in market for clean intermittent catheterization (CIC). Each company claim superiority of their products, but strong evidence is lacking. PURPOSE: To assess the complications due to CIC in spina bifida children and its possible relationship to hydrophilic-coated catheter (HCC) or uncoated catheters (UCCs), with a view to decrease catheter related complications, and improve patients experience and compliance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed the spina bifida patients aged between 0 and 16 years, who had no surgical intervention, and were performing CIC urethrally for at least 6 months. General information was recorded from electronic patient record, followed by telephonic/outpatient interview. Patients were divided into two groups: UCC or HCC. Patients in both groups had also used catheter from the other group at times. This study recorded the type/size of catheter used, its duration, complications, and their possible relation to type of catheter. Carer/patients overall satisfaction was recorded on a scale of 1-10 and their preference about the type of catheter they wish. The data were analyzed using SPSS (P-value < 0.05 as significant). RESULTS: One hundred one patients were included in the study: 53 UCC and 48 HCC. There was no significant difference between gender/associated conditions/age at start of CIC or duration of CIC. The mean time taken to perform the procedure was similar in both groups: UCC 9.7 min vs HCC 8.8 min. Difficulty in insertion was felt in 20, UCC 12 vs HCC 8 (P = 0.15), recurrent UTIs UCC 12 vs HCC 17 (P = 0.09), median patient satisfaction UCC 8/10 (3-10) and HCC 10/10 (7-10) (P = 0.63). Request for change of catheter was made by 10 from UCC group to HCC vs none from HCC (P ≤ 0.05).When given a choice, 28/53 (52.8%) in UCC and none (0%) in HCC group (P ≤ 0.0001) preferred to change to the other type of catheter, mainly for convenience of use of the product. Per year per patient cost was UCC US$ 389 vs HCC US$ 2820. DISCUSSION: Many un-modifiable factors contribute to the outcome of CIC. Despite claims of superiority by manufactures of some catheters over others, strong evidence is lacking especially in children. This study has shown no difference in the complications between UCC and HCC. CONCLUSION: There is no significant difference in complication rates with urethral CIC in patients using either UCC or HCC. A significant majority would prefer to use HCC mainly because of convenience of use of the product though at a seven times higher cost.

Vesicostomy button: how is it placed, in whom, and how is quality of life affected?

ABSTRACT Purpose The vesicostomy button has been shown to be a safe and effective bladder management strategy for short- or medium-term use when CIC cannot be instituted. This study reports our use with the vesicostomy button, highlighting the pros and cons of its use and complications. We then compared the quality or life in patients with vesicostomy button to those performing clean intermittent catheterization. Materials and Methods Retrospective chart review was conducted on children who had a vesicostomy button placed between 2011 and 2015. Placement was through existing vesicostomy, open or endoscopically. We then evaluated placement procedure and complications. A validated quality of life questionnaire was given to patients with vesicostomy button and to a matched cohort of patients performing clean intermittent catheterization. Results Thirteen children have had a vesicostomy button placed at our institution in the 4 year period, ages 7 months to 18 years. Indications for placement included neurogenic bladder (5), non-neurogenic neurogenic bladder (3), and valve bladders (5). Five out of 7 placed via existing vesicostomy had leakage around button. None of the endoscopically placed buttons had leakage. Complications were minor including UTI (3), wound infection (1), and button malfunction/leakage (3). QOL was equal and preserved in patients living with vesicostomy buttons when compared to CIC. Conclusion The vesicostomy button is an acceptable alternative to traditional vesicostomy and CIC. The morbidity of the button is quite low. Endoscopic insertion is the optimal technique. QOL is equivalent in patients with vesicostomy button and those who perform CIC.

Bladder Self-management in the Transition to Adulthood With Spina Bifida in 3 Countries: A Comparative Study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate bladder self-management in transition to adult care for patients with spina bifida (SB) in 3 countries with similar clinical practice and different social, cultural, and economic milieu. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SUBJECTS AND SETTING: The sample comprised 90 participants: 27 reside in Brazil, 36 reside in Germany, and 27 reside in the United States. Demographic characteristics of the sample are based on country. The distribution of sex in the Brazilian sample was 18 males and 9 females, the German group had 11 males and 25 females, and the United States group had 8 males and 19 females. The age range of the cumulative sample was 13 to 29 years. The age of the German sample (mean 23.56, standard deviation [SD] 4.60 years) was significantly higher (analysis of variance, F(2, 87) = 13.62, P < .001) than the other 2 groups (Brazil mean 20.56 years, SD 5.24; US mean 19.44 years, SD 4.70). METHODS: Demographic, clinical, and social variable data were collected via an online questionnaire distributed to multiple regions of Germany and a multidisciplinary myelomeningocele clinic at the University of Michigan in the Midwestern United States. In Brazil, participants completed a printed version of the survey. In Germany and the United States, an electronic version of the survey was made available online. German and English versions of the survey, originally developed in Portuguese for persons residing in Brazil, were translated and validated. RESULTS: The majority of participants (94.4%) performed intermittent catheterization (IC), 76.5% performed IC independently, whereas 23.5% required assistance with IC or catheterized with aids (handles, leg spreaders, and penis or labia holder). There were no statistically significant group differences in independent self-catheterization by gender. There were significant national group differences in level of lesion (P = .016), use of shunt (P = .012), and medication for bladder management (P < .001). Among participants 18 years and older, there were significantly higher levels of education in the German and the US samples than in the Brazilian sample (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Although there were national group differences in medical characteristics and management of SB, differences in independent self-catheterization were not significant. Findings suggest that support from family/caregivers and health care providers appears to facilitate transition to independent self-care, regardless of national context.