Validation of the area under the Watts factor curve during the voiding cycle as a novel parameter for diagnosing detrusor underactivity in females.

OBJECTIVE: Detrusor underactivity (DU) is a common cause of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). To date, no consensus has been reached on the urodynamic criteria for defining DU. We previously proposed the area under the curve of the Watts factor (WF-AUC) as a new parameter for diagnosing DU. By comparing previously reported five criteria for DU and WF-AUC, we analyzed whether the WF-AUC could assess detrusor contraction in women with LUTS. METHODS: Using urodynamic data of consecutive 77 women with LUTS, first, we classified DU based on previously reported five criteria. Second, we assessed the potential correlation between multiple parameters and WF-AUC. Third, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to determine the cutoff value of WF-AUC for diagnosing DU based on previously reported five criteria. Fourth, a linear regression analysis was conducted and compared using multiple criteria and female bladder outlet obstruction index (BOOIf). RESULTS: WF-AUC was positively correlated with the maximum values of WF, bladder contractility index (BCI), and projected isovolumetric pressure 1 (PIP1) with correlation coefficients of 0.63, 0.57, and 0.34, respectively. AUC for diagnosing DU based on previously reported five criteria ranging from 0.773 to 0.896 with different cutoff values of AUC-WF. The Spearman's correlation test revealed that BOOIf was significantly correlated with BCI, but not Wmax, PIP1 and WF-AUC. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the non-inferiority of the WF-AUC compared to previously reported criteria for defining DU. Depending on the cutoff value, the WF-AUC could appropriately evaluate women with DU, regardless of the presence of BOO.

The role of transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) in patients with underactive bladder: 12 months follow-up in different grades of detrusor contractility.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Male detrusor underactivity (DUA) definition remains controversial and no effective treatment is consolidated. Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is one of the cornerstones surgical treatments recommended in bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). However, the role of prostatic surgery in male DUA is not clear. The primary endpoint was the clinical and voiding improvement based on IPSS and the maximum flow rate in uroflowmetry (Qmax) within 12 months. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed an ongoing prospective database that embraces benign prostata hyperplasia (BPH) male patients with lower urinary tract symptoms who have undergone to TURP. All patients were evaluated pre and postoperatively based on IPSS questionnaires, prostate volume measured by ultrasound, postvoid residual urine volume (PVR), Prostate Specific Antigen measurement and urodynamic study (UDS) before the procedure. After surgery, all patients were evaluated at 1-, 3-, 6- and 12-months. Patients were categorized in 3 groups: Group 1-Detrusor Underactive (Bladder Contractility Index (BCI) [BCI] < 100 and BOO index [BOOI] < 40); Group 2-Detrusor Underactive and BOO (BCI < 100 and BOOI ≥ 40); Group 3-BOO (BCI ≥ 100 and BOOI ≥ 0). RESULTS: It was included 158 patients underwent monopolar or bipolar TURP since November 2015 to March 2021. According to UDS, patients were categorized in: group 1 (n = 39 patients); group 2 (n = 41 patients); group 3 (n = 77 patients). Preoperative IPSS was similar between groups (group 1-24.9 ± 6.33; group 2-24.8 ± 7.33; group 3-24.5 ± 6.23). Qmax was statistically lower in the group 2 (group 1-5.43 ± 3.69; group 2-3.91 ± 2.08; group 3-6.3 ± 3.18) as well as greater PVR. The 3 groups presented similar outcomes regard to IPSS score during the follow-up. There was a significant increase in Qmax in the 3 groups. However, group 1 presented the lowest Qmax improvement. CONCLUSION: There were different objective outcomes depending on the degree of DUA at 12 months follow-up. Patients with DUA had similar IPSS improvement. However, DUA patients had worst Qmax improvement than men with normal bladder contraction.

The bladder contractility and bladder outlet obstruction indices in children. Results of a global Delphi consensus study.

AIMS: This Delphi study was planned to examine global expert consensus with regard to utility, accuracy, and categorization of Bladder Contractility Index (BCI), Bladder Outlet Obstruction Index (BOOI), and the related evidence. This manuscript deals with children and follows previous manuscripts reporting on adult men and women. METHODS: Eighteen experts were invited to answer the two-round survey including three foundation questions and four survey questions. Consensus was defined as ≥75% agreement. The ordinal scale (0-10) in Round 1 was classified into "strongly agree," "agree," "neutral," "disagree," and "strongly disagree" for the final round. A systematic search for evidence was conducted for therapeutic studies that have examined outcome stratified by the indices in children. RESULTS: Eleven experts participated in the survey with 100% completion. Consensus was not noted with regard to any of the questions. There was a general trend toward disagreement with the utility of the BCI and BOOI in children. Systematic search yielded one publication pertaining the value of the indices in predicting long-term outcome in boys treated for posterior urethral valves. CONCLUSIONS: This global Delphi survey of experts showed a general disinclination to use numerical indices for bladder contractility and bladder outflow obstruction in children. There is very little data on the use of the BCI and BOOI indices in children. The establishment of urodynamic indices in children might help refine the treatment of functional urological disorders in children.

The bladder contractility and bladder outlet obstruction indices in adult men: Results of a global Delphi consensus study.

AIMS: This Delphi study was planned to examine global expert consensus with regard to utility, accuracy, and categorization of Bladder Contractility Index (BCI) and Bladder Outlet Obstruction Index (BOOI) and the related evidence. METHODS: Twenty-eight experts were invited to answer the two-round survey including three foundation questions and 15 survey questions. Consensus was defined as ≥75% agreement. The ordinal scale (0-10) in round 1 was classified into "strongly agree," "agree," "neutral," "disagree," and "strongly disagree" for the final round. A systematic search for evidence was conducted for therapeutic studies that have examined outcome stratified by the indices in men. RESULTS: Nineteen experts participated in the survey with 100% completion. Consensus was noted with regard to 6 of 19 questions. Experts strongly agreed with utility of quantifying bladder contractility and bladder outflow obstruction with near unanimity regarding the latter. There was consensus that BCI and BOOI were accurate, that BCI was clinically useful, and for defining severe bladder outflow obstruction as BOOI > 80. Systematic search yielded 69 publications (BCI 45; BOOI 50). Most studies examined the indices as a continuous variable or by standard cutoffs (BCI 100, 150; BOOI 20, 40). CONCLUSION: There is general agreement among experts on need for indices to quantify bladder contractility and bladder outflow obstruction as well as with regard to accuracy and utility of BCI and BOOI indices. Few studies have examined the discriminant power of existing cutoffs or explored new ones. This is an extraordinary knowledge gap in the field of urology.

The bladder contractility and bladder outlet obstruction indices in adult women. Results of a global Delphi consensus study.

AIMS: This Delphi study was planned to examine global expert consensus with regard to utility, accuracy, and categorization of the bladder contractility index (BCI), bladder outlet obstruction index (BOOI), and the related evidence. This manuscript deals with adult women and follows a previous manuscript reporting on adult men. METHODS: Twenty-nine experts were invited to answer the two-round survey including three foundation questions and 12 survey questions. Consensus was defined as ≥75% agreement. The ordinal scale (0-10) in round 1 was classified into "strongly agree," "agree," "neutral," "disagree," and "strongly disagree" for the final round. A systematic search for evidence was conducted for therapeutic studies that have examined outcome stratified by the indices in women. RESULTS: Eighteen experts participated in the survey with 100% completion. Consensus was noted with regard to 2 of 12 questions, both in the negative. The experts had a consensus that BOOI was neither accurate nor useful and a similar negative trend was noted with regard to BCI. However, there was support, short of consensus, for the utility on an index of bladder contractility and bladder outflow obstruction. Systematic search yielded eight publications pertaining to stress urinary incontinence (n = 6), pelvic organ prolapse (n = 1), and intra-sphincteric botulinum toxin (n = 1). CONCLUSIONS: Experts had significant concerns with regard to the use of the male BCI and BOOI in adult women despite a general recognition of the need for numerical indices of contractility and obstruction. Systematic search showed a striking lack of evidence in this regard.

Detrusor underactivity prevalence and risk factors according to different definitions in women attending urogynecology clinic.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: There is still no consensus on definitions of detrusor underactivity; therefore, it is difficult to estimate the prevalence. The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of detrusor underactivity in a cohort of patients with pelvic floor disorders according to different proposed urodynamics definitions. The secondary objectives were to estimate the association between detrusor underactivity and symptoms, anatomy and urodynamic findings and to build predictive models. METHODS: Patients who performed urodynamic evaluation for pelvic floor disorders between 2008 and 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Detrusor underactivity was evaluated according to Schafer's detrusor factor, Abrams' bladder contractility index and Jeong cut-offs. The degree of concordance between each method was measured with Cohen's kappa, and differences were tested using Student's t test, Wilcoxon test and Pearson's chi-squared test. RESULTS: The prevalence of detrusor underactivity among a cohort of 2092 women, concerning the three urodynamic definitions, was 33.7%, 37.0% and 4.1%, respectively. Age, menopausal status, voiding/bulging symptoms, anterior and central prolapse, first desire to void and positive postvoid residual were directly related to detrusor underactivity. Conversely, stress urinary incontinence, detrusor pressures during voiding and maximum flow were inversely associated. Final models for detrusor underactivity resulted in poor accuracy for all considered definitions. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of detrusor underactivity varies depending on the definition considered. Although several clinical variables resulted as independent predictors of detrusor underactivity, instrumental evaluation still plays a key role in the diagnosis.

Comparison of Two Numerical Parameters to Assess Detrusor Contractility in Prognosing Short-Term Outcome after Transurethral Resection of the Prostate.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate and compare the influence of two numerical detrusor contractility parameters, the bladder contractility index (BCI) and the maximum Watts factor (WFmax), on transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) outcome. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 236 patients who had undergone urodynamic assessment preoperatively and TURP for benign prostatic obstruction. They were evaluated by International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and uroflowmetry preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively. Related criteria were established to determine the overall efficacy of TURP. Logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic curves were made to investigate the influence of the BCI and WFmax on TURP efficacy. RESULTS: Among the 236 patients, 195 treatments were effective and 41 ineffective. Multivariate analysis showed that both the BCI (OR 1.038) and the WFmax (OR 1.291) could influence TURP efficacy. For predicting TURP efficacy, the optimal cut-off values of the BCI and WFmax were 98.7 and 10.27 W/m2, respectively. The AUC, sensitivity and specificity of the BCI were 0.722, 78.5% and 61.0%; those of the WFmax were 0.761, 73.9% and 73.2%, with no significant difference (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: To some extent, the BCI and the WFmax can predict TURP efficacy equally well. A discrimination level of 10.27 W/m2 may be a threshold value for detrusor underactivity (DU); as regards the BCI, the current threshold value is appropriate to diagnose DU.

The examination of detrusor underactivity in multiple system atrophy.

Aims: The urinary dysfunction in multiple system atrophy (MSA) is characterized by large post-void residuals (PVR) due to impaired bladder contractility. However, the evaluations of bladder contractility are not well validated in MSA. Because the bladder contractility index can be generally represented as Pdet Qmax (detrusor pressure at maximum urinary flow rate) + kQmax (maximum urinary flow rate), we aim to examine which "k" value is suitable for representing bladder contractility concerning its correlations to PVR and voided percentage (VOID%). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 133 patients with MSA (74 males, 59 females, mean disease duration 3.2 years) who underwent an urodynamic study. We calculated bladder contractility using the formula PIPk = Pdet Qmax + kQmax by increasing the "k" value from 0.1 to 10 by increments of 0.1. We calculated the correlations between each PIPk (k = 0.1-10.0) and PVR and VOID%. Results: The correlational coefficients between PIPk and VOID% were larger than those between PIPk and PVR. The correlational coefficients between PIPk and VOID% reached a plateau level at a "k" value >5.0 in male patients, suggesting that currently used formulas such as Pdet Qmax + 5Qmax for males might be appropriate for male MSA patients. However, the correlational coefficients between PIPk and VOID% reached a plateau level in female patients when the "k" values were >6.0, which might overestimate bladder contractility in female patients. Conclusion: Although currently used formulas such as Pdet Qmax + 5Qmax might be appropriate for male MSA patients, formulas for female patients need further evaluation.

Urodynamics and safety of the ß3-adrenoceptor agonist mirabegron in males with lower urinary tract symptoms and bladder outlet obstruction.

PURPOSE: Bladder outlet obstruction often presents as storage and voiding symptoms. We investigated urodynamic parameters in men with lower urinary tract symptoms and bladder outlet obstruction treated with the ß3 agonist mirabegron, a new therapy for overactive bladder symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 200 men 45 years old or older with lower urinary tract symptoms and bladder outlet obstruction were randomized to receive once daily mirabegron 50 mg (70) or 100 mg (65), or placebo (65) for 12 weeks. The primary urodynamic parameters assessed were change from baseline to end of treatment in maximum urinary flow and detrusor pressure at maximum urinary flow (noninferiority margins -3 ml per second and 15 cm H2O, respectively). We evaluated adverse events and vital signs. RESULTS: Treatment with mirabegron 50 and 100 mg was noninferior to placebo based on the lower and upper limits of the 95% CI, respectively, for maximum urinary flow and detrusor pressure at maximum urinary flow. The adjusted mean difference vs placebo was 0.40 (95% CI -0.63, 1.42) and 0.62 ml per second (95% CI -0.43, 1.68) for maximum urinary flow, and -5.94 (95% CI -13.98, 2.09) and -1.39 cm H2O (95% CI -9.73, 6.96), respectively, for detrusor pressure at maximum urinary flow. The incidence of adverse events was similar for mirabegron and placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Mirabegron did not adversely affect voiding urodynamics (maximum urinary flow and detrusor pressure at maximum urinary flow) compared with placebo after 12 weeks of treatment.

The role of clean intermittent catheterization in the treatment for detrusor underactivity. / El cateterismo vesical intermitente en la insuficiencia contráctil del detrusor.

OBJECTIVE: To study the influence of clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) on the lower urinary tract function in patients with urinary retention (UR) due to detrusor underactivity (DU). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A longitudinal study was carried out on 49 patients (28 men, 21 women) of mean age 55years, who underwent CIC for UR secondary to DU. The mean CIC frequency was 3.15 times/day. Patients' clinical data were collected, and they underwent urodynamic study before and after CIC, with a mean interval of 4years. Fisher's exact test was used for the analysis of categorical variables and Student's t test for parametric variables. The level of significance was set at 0.05 for a two-tailed test. RESULTS: The second urodynamic study showed a significantly increased bladder compliance, the Bladder Outlet Obstruction Index (BOOI) and the Bladder Contractility Index (BCI) also increased but without reaching statistical significance. There was a significantly higher percentage of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and acontractile detrusor cases among the group of patients whose BCI improved after CIC, with significantly lower CIC time. CONCLUSIONS: CIC improved bladder compliance in the patients of our series. The BCI improved in BPH patients and in patients with acontractile detrusor.

Bladder contractility index in posterior urethral valve: A new marker for early prediction of progression to renal failure.

INTRODUCTION: Posterior urethral valve (PUV) is the most common cause of pediatric end stage renal disease (ESRD), imposing a major health burden on medical community caregivers and adversely affecting the quality of life of patients. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage III or estimated GFR of <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 is known to be associated with more adverse renal, cardiovascular, and clinical outcomes. Thus, it is desirable to identify factors predicting the rapid and early progression of disease. In the present study, baseline characteristics and urodynamic study (UDS) parameters of boys with PUV are correlated with CKD progression to IIIB or more. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To study the correlation of bladder contractility index (BCI) with development of CKD stage IIIB (eGFR of <45 mL/min/1.73 m2) or more in boys with PUV. METHODOLOGY: Baseline characteristics and demographical variables of 270 boys with PUV who underwent valve fulguration at the hospital between 2000 and 2010 were recorded and certain UDS parameters in follow-up were noted such as bladder contractility index (BCI = PdetQmax + 5 Qmax), end filling pressure (EFP), compliance (ΔC), bladder outlet obstruction index (BOOI = Pdet Qmax - 2 Qmax), and bladder volume efficiency (BVE = Voided volume/total capacity). Fate of patients in follow-up was checked in December 2015. RESULTS: Mean follow-up period was 8.5 years (range 5-15) and median age of patients at the time of evaluation was 5.8 years. At the end of the study, 21.8% (59/270) of patients had progressed to CKD stage IIIB or more (primary end point). Cox regression analysis was applied to risk factors predicting development of CKD stage IIIB. In the multivariate model, bladder contractility index (BCI) (HR 0.8; p = 0.004), end filling pressure (EFP) (HR 2.1; p = 0.010), and compliance (ΔC) (p = 0.020) were significantly associated with the event (i.e. an eGFR of <45 mL/min/1.73 m2), whereas BOOI (p = 0.053) and bladder BVE (p = 0.267) were not. ROC cut-off level for BCI predicting the primary end point was 75 (AUC ± SE, 0.73 ± 0.03, sensitivity of 78.2%, and specificity of 62.5%). CONCLUSION: In a well performed UDS, BCI may be a useful tool for early detection of boys with PUV who are likely to progress to CKD stage IIIB or more.

Does prostate size predict the urodynamic characteristics and clinical outcomes in benign prostate hyperplasia?

AIMS: Bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) in large and small prostates is managed in a similar manner despite considerably different pathophysiology, which can result in higher failure rates. We investigate the clinical and urodynamic features and study the outcome of patients with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) according to their prostate size. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We prospectively analyzed 100 BPH patients undergoing urodynamic study between January 2015 and August 2016 and divided them into two groups according to their prostate size: small (≤30 mL) and large prostate (>30 mL) groups. We compared the groups regarding age, International Prostate Symptom Score, maximal flow rate (Qmax), postvoided residual, serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA), prostate volume measured by ultrasonography (USG), and urodynamic findings. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: For testing the hypothesis, we used the Chi-square test, Student's t-test, and one-way analysis of variance when comparing between groups and conducted the logistic regression analysis for determining predictive factors of BOO. RESULTS: Although the total prostate volume significantly correlated with the PSA, patients with a small prostate had lower Qmax (5.27 ± 4.8 mL/s vs. 6.14 ± 6.66 mL/s; P = 0.74), higher incidence of abnormal baldder capacity (39.9% vs. 31.25%), lower voiding efficiency (39.3 ± 40.5% vs. 40.57 ± 32.11%), low compliance (44.4% vs. 31.3%), higher incidence of indeterminate detrusor contractions (38.9% vs. 37.5%), lower incidence of detrusor underactivity (33.3% vs. 28.1%), lower BOO index (40.9 ± 43.2 vs. 49.10 ± 44.48), lower bladder contractility index (77.8 ± 48.84 vs. 92.09 ± 52.79), and lower PdetQmax (51.44 ± 42.23 vs. 61.38 ± 42.01 cmH2O). Small prostates had higher failed voiding trials postsurgery. CONCLUSIONS: BOO patients with a small prostate showed poor urodynamic parameters and reported higher postoperative complications.

The challenges in the diagnosis of detrusor underactivity in clinical practice: A mini-review.

OBJECTIVE: To review the current definitions, terminology, epidemiology and aetiology of detrusor underactivity (DU), with specific attention to the diagnostic criteria in use. In addition, we address the relation and the overlap between DU and bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). In this mini-review, we hope to help identify DU patients and facilitate structured clinical evaluation and research. METHODS: We searched the English literature using ScienceDirect and PubMed for relevant articles. We used the following terms: 'detrusor underactivity', 'underactive bladder', 'post voiding residual', 'post micturition residual', 'acontractile bladder', 'detrusor failure', and 'detrusor areflexia'. RESULT: DU is one of the most common conditions causing lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Unfortunately, it is also the most poorly understood bladder dysfunction with scant research. To our knowledge there is no clear definition and no non-invasive method to characterise this important clinical condition. DU may result from the normal ageing process; however, it has multiple aetiologies including neurogenic and myogenic dysfunction. In many cases the symptoms of DU are similar to those of BOO and it usually requires invasive urodynamic study (UDS) for diagnosis to differentiate the two diagnoses. A number of diagnostic tests may be used including: UDS testing, the Schafer pressure/flow nomogram, linear passive urethral resistance relation, Watts factor, and the bladder contractility index. Of these, UDS testing is the most practical as it determines both the maximum urinary flow rate and the pressure exerted by the detrusor muscle relative to the maximal flow of urine, allowing for precise characterisation of detrusor function. CONCLUSION: Currently, the diagnosis of DU is based on invasive urodynamic parameters as defined by the International Continence Society in 2002. There is no consensus for the definition of DU prior to 2002. As there is significant overlap between the symptoms of DU and BOO, it is difficult to diagnose DU clinically.

Factors determining the amount of residual urine in men with bladder outlet obstruction: Could it be a predictor for bladder contractility?

OBJECTIVE: To determine from urodynamic data what causes an increased postvoid residual urine volume (PVR) in men with bladder outlet obstruction (BOO), urethral resistance or bladder failure, and to determine how to predict bladder contractility from the PVR. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We analysed retrospectively the pressure-flow studies (PFS) of 90 men with BOO. Nine patients could not void and the remaining 81 were divided into three groups, i.e. A (30 men, PVR < 100 mL), B (30 men, PVR 100-450 mL) and C (21 men, PVR > 450 mL). The division was made according to a receiver operating characteristic curve, showing that using a threshold PVR of 450 mL had the best sensitivity and specificity for detecting the start of bladder failure. RESULTS: The filling phase showed an increase in bladder capacity with the increase in PVR and a significantly lower incidence of detrusor overactivity in group C. The voiding phase showed a significant decrease in voided volume and maximum urinary flow rate (Q max) as the PVR increased, while the urethral resistance factor (URF) increased from group A to B to C. The detrusor pressure at Q max (PdetQ max) and opening pressure were significantly higher in group B, which had the highest bladder contractility index (BCI) and longest duration of contraction. Group C had the lowest BCI and the lowest PdetQ max. CONCLUSIONS: In men with BOO, PVR results from increasing outlet resistance at the start and up to a PVR of 450 mL, where the bladder reaches its maximum compensation. At volumes of >450 mL, both the outlet resistance and bladder failure are working together, leading to detrusor decompensation.