Incident traumatic spinal cord injury and risk of Alzheimer's disease and related dementia: longitudinal case and control cohort study.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case/control longitudinal cohort study OBJECTIVES: Prevalent traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) is associated with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia (ADRD). We examined the hazard ratio for ADRD after incident TSCI and hypothesized that ADRD hazard is greater among adults with incident TSCI compared with their matched control of adults without TSCI. SETTING: Using 2010-2020 U.S. national private administrative claims data, we identified adults aged 45 years and older with probable (likely and highly likely) incident TSCI (n = 657). Our controls included one-to-ten matched cohort of people without TSCI (n = 6553). METHODS: We applied Cox survival models and adjusted them for age, sex, years of living with certain chronic conditions, exposure to six classes of prescribed medications, and neighborhood characteristics of place of residence. Hazard ratios were used to compare the results within a 4-year follow-up. RESULTS: Our fully adjusted model without any interaction showed that incident TSCI increased the risk for ADRD (HR = 1.30; 95% CI, 1.01-1.67). People aged 45-64 with incident TSCI were at high risk for ADRD (HR = 5.14; 95% CI, 2.27-11.67) and no significant risk after age 65 (HR = 1.20; 95% CI, .92-1.55). Our sensitivity analyses confirmed a higher hazard ratio for ADRD after incident TSCI at 45-64 years of age compared with the matched controls. CONCLUSIONS: TSCI is associated with a higher hazard of ADRD. This study informs the need to update clinical guidelines for cognitive screening after TSCI to address the heightened risk of cognitive decline and to shed light on the causality between TSCI and ADRD.

Short-Term Dorsal Genital Nerve Stimulation Increases Subjective Arousal in Women With and Without Spinal Cord Injury: A Preliminary Investigation.

OBJECTIVES: Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) affects an estimated 40% of women. Unfortunately, FSD is understudied, leading to limited treatment options for FSD. Neuromodulation has shown some success in alleviating FSD symptoms. We developed a pilot study to investigate the short-term effect of electrical stimulation of the dorsal genital nerve and tibial nerve on sexual arousal in healthy women, women with FSD, and women with spinal cord injury (SCI) and FSD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study comprises a randomized crossover design in three groups: women with SCI, women with non-neurogenic FSD, and women without FSD or SCI. The primary outcome measure was change in vaginal pulse amplitude (VPA) from baseline. Secondary outcome measures were changes in subjective arousal, heart rate, and mean arterial pressure from baseline. Participants attended one or two study sessions where they received either transcutaneous dorsal genital nerve stimulation (DGNS) or tibial nerve stimulation (TNS). At each session, a vaginal photoplethysmography sensor was used to measure VPA. Participants also rated their level of subjective arousal and were asked to report any pelvic sensations. RESULTS: We found that subjective arousal increased significantly from before to after stimulation in DGNS study sessions across all women. TNS had no effect on subjective arousal. There were significant differences in VPA between baseline and stimulation, baseline and recovery, and stimulation and recovery periods among participants, but there were no trends across groups or stimulation type. Two participants with complete SCIs experienced genital sensations. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first study to measure sexual arousal in response to short-term neuromodulation in women. This study indicates that short-term DGNS but not TNS can increase subjective arousal, but the effect of stimulation on genital arousal is inconclusive. This study provides further support for DGNS as a treatment for FSD.

Protein and Polysaccharide-Based Optical Materials for Biomedical Applications.

Recent advances in biomedical research, particularly in optical applications, have sparked a transformative movement towards replacing synthetic polymers with more biocompatible and sustainable alternatives. Most often made from plastics or glass, these materials ignite immune responses from the body, and their production is based on environmentally harsh oil-based processes. Biopolymers, including both polysaccharides and proteins, have emerged as a potential candidate for optical biomaterials due to their inherent biocompatibility, biodegradability, and sustainability, derived from their existence in nature and being recognized by the immune system. Current extraction and fabrication methods for these biomaterials, including thermal drawing, extrusion and printing, mold casting, dry-jet wet spinning, hydrogel formations, and nanoparticles, aim to create optical materials in cost-effective and environmentally friendly manners for a wide range of applications. Present and future applications include optical waveguides and sensors, imaging and diagnostics, optical fibers, and waveguides, as well as ocular implants using biopolymers, which will revolutionize these fields, specifically their uses in the healthcare industry.

A taxonomy for consistent handling of conditions not related to the spinal cord injury (SCI) in the International Standards for Neurological Classification of SCI (ISNCSCI).

STUDY DESIGN: Committee consensus process including additional structured feedback from spinal cord injury (SCI) experts attending a focus group workshop. OBJECTIVES: To define a taxonomy for standardized documentation of non-SCI-related conditions in the International Standards for Neurological Classification of SCI (ISNCSCI). SETTING: Americal Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) International Standards Committee with 16 international ISNCSCI experts. METHODS: With the new taxonomy, not-normal sensory or motor scores should be tagged with an asterisk ("*"), if they are impacted by a non-SCI condition such as burns, casts, joint contractures, peripheral nerve injuries, amputations, pain, or generalized weakness. The non-SCI condition and instructions on how to handle the "*"-tagged scores during classification should be detailed in the comments box. While sum scores are always calculated based on examined scores, classification variables such as the neurological level of injury (NLI) or the ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS) grades are tagged with an "*", when they have been determined on the basis of clinical assumptions. RESULTS: With the extended "*"-tag concept, sensory and motor examination results impacted by non-SCI conditions above, at, or below the NLI can be consistently documented, scored, and classified. Feedback from workshop participants confirms agreement on its clinical relevance, logic and soundness, easiness of understanding, communicability, and applicability in daily work. CONCLUSIONS: After multiple internal revisions, a taxonomy for structured documentation of conditions superimposed on the impairments caused by the SCI together with guidelines for consistent scoring and classification was released with the 2019 ISNCSCI revision. This taxonomy is intended to increase the accuracy of ISNCSCI classifications.

Psychological morbidity following spinal cord injury and among those without spinal cord injury: the impact of chronic centralized and neuropathic pain.

STUDY DESIGN: Longitudinal cohort study of privately insured beneficiaries with and without traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). OBJECTIVES: Compare the incidence of and adjusted hazards for psychological morbidities among adults with and without traumatic SCI, and examine the effect of chronic centralized and neuropathic pain on outcomes. SETTING: Privately insured beneficiaries were included if they had an ICD-9-CM diagnostic code for traumatic SCI (n = 9081). Adults without SCI were also included (n = 1,474,232). METHODS: Incidence of common psychological morbidities were compared at 5-years of enrollment. Survival models were used to quantify unadjusted and adjusted hazard ratios for incident psychological morbidities. RESULTS: Adults with SCI had a higher incidence of any psychological morbidity (59.1% vs. 30.9%) as compared to adults without SCI, and differences were to a clinically meaningful extent. Survival models demonstrated that adults with SCI had a greater hazard for any psychological morbidity (HR: 1.67; 95%CI: 1.61, 1.74), and all but one psychological disorder (impulse control disorders), and ranged from HR: 1.31 (1.24, 1.39) for insomnia to HR: 2.10 (1.77, 2.49) for post-traumatic stress disorder. Centralized and neuropathic pain was associated with all psychological disorders, and ranged from HR: 1.31 (1.23, 1.39) for dementia to HR: 3.83 (3.10, 3.68) for anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: Adults with SCI have a higher incidence of and risk for common psychological morbidities, as compared to adults without SCI. Efforts are needed to facilitate the development of early interventions to reduce risk of chronic centralized and neuropathic pain and psychological morbidity onset/progression in this higher risk population.

A Patient-Centric Tool to Facilitate Goal Attainment Scaling in Neurogenic Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction: Path to Individualization.

OBJECTIVES: People with neurogenic bladder and/or bowel dysfunction experience diverse challenges that can be difficult to evaluate with standardized outcome measures. Goal attainment scaling (GAS) is an individualized, patient-centric outcome measure that enables patients/caregivers to identify and track their own treatment goals. Because creating goals de novo can be cumbersome, we aimed to develop a neurogenic bladder/bowel dysfunction goal menu to facilitate goal attainment scaling uptake and use. METHODS: We conducted a workshop with 6 expert clinicians to develop an initial menu. Individual interviews with 12 people living with neurogenic bladder and/or bowel dysfunction and 2 clinician panels with 5 additional experts aided us in refining the menu. A thematic framework analysis identified emergent themes for analysis and reporting. RESULTS: Interview participants were adults (median = 36 years, range 25-58), most with spinal cord injury (75%; 9/12). Of 24 goals identified initially, 2 (8%) were not endorsed and were removed, and 3 goals were added. Most participants listed "Impact on Life" goals (eg, Exercise, Emotional Well-Being) among their 5 most important goals (58%; 35/60). Three main themes emerged: challenges posed by incontinence, limitations on everyday life, and need for personalized care. CONCLUSIONS: We developed a clinical outcome assessment tool following a multistep process of representative stakeholder engagement. This patient-centric tool consists of 25 goals specific to people living with neurogenic bladder and/or bowel dysfunction. Asking people what matters most to them can identify important constructs that clinicians might have overlooked.

Evolving Evidence Supporting Use of Rectal Irrigation in the Management of Bowel Dysfunction: An Integrative Literature Review.

Disorders of bowel function are prevalent, particularly among patients with spinal cord injuries and other neurological disorders. An individual's bowel control significantly impacts quality of life, as predictable bowel function is necessary to actively and independently participate in everyday activities. For many patients with bowel dysfunction, initial lifestyle adjustments and other conservative therapeutic interventions (eg, digital stimulation, oral laxatives, suppositories) are insufficient to reestablish regular bowel function. In addition to these options, rectal irrigation (RI) is a safe and effective method of standard bowel care that has been used for several decades in adults and children suffering from bowel dysfunction associated with neurogenic or functional bowel etiologies. Rectal irrigation is an appropriate option when conservative bowel treatments are inadequate. Unlike surgical options, RI can be initiated or discontinued at any time. This report summarizes the clinical, humanistic, and economic evidence supporting the use of RI in clinical practice, noting features (eg, practical considerations, patient education) that can improve patients' success with RI treatment.

Positive airway pressure therapy for sleep-disordered breathing confers short-term benefits to patients with spinal cord injury despite widely ranging patterns of use.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, cohort study. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of bi-level positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy and the patterns of use for sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). SETTING: Academic tertiary care center, USA. METHODS: Overall, 91 adults with C1-T6 SCI for ≥3 months were recruited and 74 remained in the study to be evaluated for SDB and follow-up. Individuals with SDB but no nocturnal hypercapnia (NH) were prescribed auto-titrating PAP. Those with NH were prescribed PAP with volume-assured pressure support. Device downloads and overnight transcutaneous capnography were performed at 3, 6, and 12 months to quantify PAP use and effectiveness. Participants kept daily event logs, and quality of life (QOL) questionnaires were performed after 3, 6, and 12 months. RESULTS: Overall, 45% of 91 participants completed the study. There was great diversity among SCI patients in PAP utilization; after 3 months, 37.8% of participants used PAP for ≥70% nights and ≥240 min per night, whereas 42.2% seldom used PAP and 20% used PAP sporadically or for short periods. PAP therapy was effective in improving OSA in 89% and nocturnal hypercapnia in 77%. Higher PAP pressures predicted higher levels of device use. There were marked reductions in symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia (AD) and orthostatic hypotension as well as some improved indices of QOL. CONCLUSIONS: Despite widely diverse patterns of use, PAP therapy may have short-term benefits with regard to QOL and reducing episodes of dizziness and autonomic dysreflexia.

Risk Factors Associated With Neurogenic Bowel Complications and Dysfunction in Spinal Cord Injury.

OBJECTIVES: To (1) assess the factors associated with methods of bowel management and bowel-related complications; and (2) determine the risk factors associated with bowel complications and overall bowel dysfunction, using multivariate modeling. DESIGN: Cross-sectional observational study. SETTING: A Spinal Cord Injury Model System, with additional participants recruited from other sites. PARTICIPANTS: Subjects (N=291) who incurred traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) with resultant neurogenic bowel who were ≥5 years postinjury at the time of interview. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Constipation, bowel incontinence, and neurogenic bowel dysfunction questionnaire scores. These measures were all derived from the Bowel and Bladder Treatment Index. Data analyses included descriptive and bivariate statistics as well as logistic and linear regression modeling. RESULTS: Risk factors contributing to bowel incontinence included overall bowel dysfunction as measured by the neurogenic bowel dysfunction score, timing of bowel program, being married or having a significant other, urinary incontinence, constipation, and use of diuretics. Constipation was best predicted by age, race/ethnicity, using laxatives/oral medications, incomplete tetraplegia, frequency of bowel movements, abdominal pain, access to clinicians and caregivers, and history of bowel surgeries. Neurogenic bowel dysfunction scores were predicted by neurologic classification; use of laxatives, oral medications, or both; bowel incontinence; and frequency of fiber intake. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest a number of factors that should be considered when treating neurogenic bowel complications and dysfunction in persons with SCI.

Simplified Approach to Diagnosing Sleep-Disordered Breathing and Nocturnal Hypercapnia in Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a strategy of home-based testing to diagnose sleep-disordered breathing and nocturnal hypercapnia in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). DESIGN: Case series. SETTING: Referral center. PARTICIPANTS: Adults with C1-T6 SCI (N=81). Individuals were eligible if ≥ 18 years old, with SCI of ≥ 3 months' duration, living within 100 miles of the study site, and not meeting exclusion criteria. Of the 161 individuals recruited from the SCI Model System database who were not enrolled, reasons were not interested in participating, change of location, prior positive pressure ventilation use, or medical contraindication. Ten individuals did not complete the study. INTERVENTIONS: Performance of an unsupervised home sleep apnea test combined with transcutaneous partial pressure of carbon dioxide/oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry monitoring. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing and nocturnal hypercapnia. Clinical and physiological variables were examined to determine which, if any, correlate with the severity of sleep-disordered breathing. RESULTS: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) was found in 81.3% of individuals, central sleep apnea (CSA) was found in 23.8%, and nonspecific hypopnea events, where respiratory effort was too uncertain to classify, were present in 35%. Nonspecific hypopnea events correlated strongly with CSA but weakly with OSA, suggesting that conventional sleep apnea test scoring may underestimate central/neuromuscular hypopneas. Nocturnal hypercapnia was present in 28% and oxygen desaturation in 18.3%. Neck circumference was the primary predictor for OSA, whereas baclofen use and obstructive apnea/hypopnea index weakly predicted CSA. Awake transcutaneous partial pressure of carbon dioxide and CSA were only marginally associated with nocturnal hypercapnia. CONCLUSIONS: Unsupervised home sleep apnea testing with transcutaneous capnography effectively identifies sleep-disordered breathing and nocturnal hypercapnia in individuals with SCI.

The Severity of Bowel Dysfunction in Patients with Neurogenic Bladder.

PURPOSE: Patients with neurological conditions often experience severe debilitating lower urinary and bowel dysfunction in addition to the physical disabilities. However, only the bladder has received the attention of medical providers with neurogenic bowel being poorly understood and characterized. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional analysis of a prospective institutional neurogenic bladder database from 2010 to 2013. RESULTS: Of the 175 patients 60.6% had traumatic spinal cord injury and 18.3% had multiple sclerosis. Median ± SD FISI (Fecal Incontinence Severity Index) scores were 18.0 ± 1.39 (moderate). The median neurogenic bowel dysfunction score was 11.0 ± 0.63 (moderate). Those scores were worse in those patients with spinal cord injury and spina bifida compared to those with other diseases and in younger patients (each p = 0.020), and those in the spinal cord injury group with higher levels of injury (p = 0.0046). Based on the Bristol stool scale 65% of patients had abnormal stool consistency, mostly constipation. None of the FISI, Bristol or neurogenic bowel dysfunction scores correlated significantly with SF-12® quality of life measures. However, bladder symptom scores on M-ISI (Michigan Incontinence Symptom Index) (p = 0.05) and AUA-SI (American Urological Association symptom index) (p = 0.03) correlated with FISI severity while the neurogenic bowel dysfunction score correlated with M-ISI (ρ = 0.29, p = 0.02). Patients with abnormal stool consistency on the Bristol scale reported more urgency and stress incontinence on M-ISI. CONCLUSIONS: Bowel dysfunction is common among patients with neurogenic bladder. Those with worse bladder symptoms also experience worse bowel dysfunction. This highlights the importance of addressing both bowel and bladder dysfunction in this often poorly understood population.

The Functional Implications of Transanal Irrigation: Insights from Pathophysiology and Clinical Studies of Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction.

Defecation function is negatively impacted in patients with neurogenic bowel dysfunction (NBD), who require effective bowel care for stool evacuation. NBD comprises fecal incontinence and/or constipation, which can reduce the quality of life and dignity. Transanal irrigation (TAI) is recommended by several clinical guidelines as the second-line treatment after conservative treatment and before surgical options are considered. As the only class in the second-line treatment with an established safety and efficacy profile, the mechanism of action of TAI has not fully been elucidated when administered through a rectal catheter with a balloon. This review examines the current understanding regarding the mechanism of action of TAI, with a focus on the pathophysiology of neurogenic bowel and irregular defecation. By understanding the functional implications of TAI, clinicians may be better able to integrate this modality into bowel care programs, especially for patients with NBD who have significant constipation due to delayed colonic motility and impaired stool emptying with loss of voluntary control of defecation, and those who are unresponsive to conservative treatment, including enemas.

Home-based overnight transcutaneous capnography/pulse oximetry for diagnosing nocturnal hypoventilation associated with neuromuscular disorders.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the utility of home-based, unsupervised transcutaneous partial pressure of carbon dioxide (tc-Pco(2)) monitoring/oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry (Spo(2)) for detecting nocturnal hypoventilation (NH) in individuals with neuromuscular disorders. DESIGN: Retrospective case series analyzed consecutively. SETTING: Multidisciplinary neuromuscular respiratory failure (NMRF) clinic at an academic institution. PARTICIPANTS: Subjects (N=35, 68.6% men; mean age, 46.9y) with spinal cord injury (45.7%) or other neuromuscular disorders underwent overnight tests with tc-Pco(2)/Spo(2) monitoring. Fifteen (42.9%) were using nocturnal ventilatory support, either bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) or tracheostomy ventilation (TV). INTERVENTIONS: A respiratory therapist brought a calibrated tc-Pco(2)/Spo(2) monitor to the patient's home and provided instructions for data collection during the subject's normal sleep period. Forced vital capacity (FVC), body mass index (BMI), and exhaled end-tidal Pco(2) (ET-Pco(2)) were recorded at a clinic visit before monitoring. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Detection of NH (tc-Pco(2) ≥50mmHg for ≥5% of monitoring time). Data were also analyzed to determine whether nocturnal oxygen desaturation (Spo(2) ≤88% for ≥5% of monitoring time), FVC, BMI, or daytime ET-Pco(2) could predict the presence of NH. RESULTS: NH was detected in 18 subjects (51.4%), including 53.3% of those using BiPAP or TV. NH was detected in 43.8% of ventilator-independent subjects with normal daytime ET-Pco(2) (present for 49.4%±31.5% [mean ± SD] of the study period), and in 75% of subjects with an elevated daytime ET-Pco(2) (present for 92.3%±8.7% of the study period). Oxygen desaturation, BMI, and FVC were poor predictors of NH. Only 3 attempted monitoring studies failed to produce acceptable results. CONCLUSIONS: Home-based, unsupervised monitoring with tc-Pco(2)/Spo(2) is a useful method for diagnosing NH in NMRF.

Type 2 Diabetes Increases the Risk of Serious and Life-Threatening Conditions Among Adults With Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury.

Objective: To compare the incidence of and adjusted hazards for serious and life-threatening morbidities among adults with traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) with and without type 2 diabetes (T2D). Participants and Methods: A retrospective longitudinal cohort study was conducted from September 1, 2022 to February 2, 2023, among privately insured beneficiaries if they had an International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision or 10th Revision, Clinical Modification diagnostic code for TSCI (n=9081). Incidence estimates of serious and life-threatening morbidities, and more common secondary and long-term health conditions, were compared at 5 years of enrollment. Survival models were used to quantify unadjusted and adjusted hazard ratios for serious and life-threatening morbidities. Results: Adults living with TSCI and T2D had a higher incidence of all of the morbidities assessed as compared with nondiabetic adults with TSCI. Fully adjusted survival models reported that adults with TSCI and T2D had a greater hazard for most of the serious and life-threatening conditions assessed, including sepsis (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.65), myocardial infarction (HR: 1.63), osteomyelitis (HR: 1.9), and stroke or transient ischemic attack (HR: 1.59). Rates for comorbid and secondary conditions were higher for individuals with TSCI and T2D, such as pressure sores, urinary tract infections, and depression, even after controlling for sociodemographic and comorbid conditions. Conclusion: Adults living with TSCI and T2D have a significantly higher incidence of and risk of developing serious and life-threatening morbidities as compared with nondiabetic adults with TSCI.

Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction in Patients with Spinal Cord Injury and Multiple Sclerosis-An Updated and Simplified Treatment Algorithm.

Neurogenic bowel dysfunction (NBD) is a common condition in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) or multiple sclerosis (MS). It usually entails constipation, difficult evacuation of the rectum, and fecal incontinence (FI); often in combination. It is highly burdensome for affected patients and is correlated with poor quality of life. The current treatment algorithm, or treatment pyramid, does not completely correspond to actual clinical practice, and the known and classical pyramid contains both treatments still in their experimental stage as well as several treatments which are not available at all treatment centers. Thus, an updated treatment algorithm is called upon, and the authors of this paper therefore propose a simplified version of the treatment pyramid, aiming to guide clinicians in treating NBD.

Factors influencing decisions about neurogenic bladder and bowel surgeries among veterans and civilians with spinal cord injury.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated factors influencing surgical decision-making (DM) to treat neurogenic bladder and bowel (NBB) dysfunction for veterans and civilians with spinal cord injury (SCI) in the United States (US). DESIGN: Semi-structured interviews complemented by survey measures. SETTING: Community-dwelling participants who received treatment at a major Midwestern US medical system, a nearby Veterans Affairs (VA) facility, and other VA sites around the US. PARTICIPANTS: Eighteen participants with SCI who underwent surgeries; completed semi-structured interviews and survey measures. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. OUTCOMES MEASURES: Semi-structured interviews were coded to reflect factors, DM enactment, and outcomes, including surgery satisfaction and quality of life (QOL). Quantitative measures included COMRADE, Ways of Coping Questionnaire, Bladder and Bowel Treatment Inventory, PROMIS Global Health and Cognitive Abilities scales, and SCI-QOL Bladder and Bowel short form. RESULTS: Themes identified about factors influencing DM included: recurrent symptoms and complications; balancing dissatisfaction with NBB management against surgery risks; achieving independence and life style adjustments; participant's driven solutions; support and guidance and trust in doctors; and access and barriers to DM. DM enactment varied across surgeries and individuals, revealing no clear patterns. Most participants were satisfied with the surgery outcomes. Some differences in demographics were observed between veterans and civilians. CONCLUSIONS: We have attempted to illustrate the process of NBB DM as individuals move from factors to enactment to outcomes. Attending to the complexity of the DM process through careful listening and clear communication will allow clinicians to better assist patients in making surgical decisions about NBB management.

Acute dorsal genital nerve stimulation increases subjective arousal in women with and without spinal cord injury: a preliminary investigation.

Introduction: Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) impacts an estimated 40% of women. Unfortunately, female sexual function is understudied, leading to limited treatment options for FSD. Neuromodulation has demonstrated some success in improving FSD symptoms. We developed a pilot study to investigate the short-term effect of electrical stimulation of the dorsal genital nerve and tibial nerve on sexual arousal in healthy women, women with FSD, and women with spinal cord injury (SCI) and FSD. Methods: This study consists of a randomized crossover design in three groups: women with SCI, women with non-neurogenic FSD, and women without FSD or SCI. The primary outcome measure was change in vaginal pulse amplitude (VPA) from baseline. Secondary outcome measures were changes in subjective arousal, heart rate, and mean arterial pressure from baseline. Participants attended one or two study sessions where they received either transcutaneous dorsal genital nerve stimulation (DGNS) or tibial nerve stimulation (TNS). At each session, a vaginal photoplethysmography sensor was used to measure VPA. Participants also rated their level of subjective arousal and were asked to report any pelvic sensations. Results: We found that subjective arousal increased significantly from before to after stimulation in DGNS study sessions across all women. TNS had no effect on subjective arousal. There were significant differences in VPA between baseline and stimulation, baseline and recovery, and stimulation and recovery periods among participants, but there were no trends across groups or stimulation type. Two participants with complete SCIs experienced genital sensations. Discussion: This is the first study to measure sexual arousal in response to acute neuromodulation in women. This study demonstrates that acute DGNS, but not TNS, can increase subjective arousal, but the effect of stimulation on genital arousal is inconclusive. This study provides further support for DGNS as a treatment for female sexual dysfunction.

Systematic review of urological followup after spinal cord injury.

PURPOSE: There is no consensus on the appropriate urological followup of individuals after spinal cord injury but it is well known that they are at risk for renal deterioration, bladder cancer and stones. We systematically reviewed the literature to evaluate evidence of urological screening in this population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 385 abstracts, of which 50 met study inclusion criteria. We rated evidence using American Academy of Neurology 2004 guidelines. RESULTS: A total of 12 articles evaluated urinary tract infection screening. Patient reported symptoms used to predict urinary tract infection yielded mixed results and urine dipstick testing had the same accuracy as microscopy. Routine urine culture was unnecessary in healthy, asymptomatic individuals with normal urinalysis. Urodynamics probably must be done periodically (6 articles) but there was no information on frequency. In 11 articles ultrasound was recommended as a useful, noninvasive and possibly cost-effective screening method. Renal scan was a good method for further testing, especially if ultrasound was positive (11 articles). Evidence was sufficient (11 articles) to recommend ultrasound of the urinary tract to detect urinary tract stones with good sensitivity but not plain x-ray of the kidneys, ureters and bladder (2 articles). There was insufficient evidence to recommend urine markers or cytology for bladder cancer screening (9 articles). CONCLUSIONS: Based on this review no definitive recommendations for screening can be made except routine renal ultrasound. Urodynamics are an important part of screening but the frequency is unclear. The optimum bladder cancer screening method has not been defined.

Neurogenic Bowel and Management after Spinal Cord Injury: A Narrative Review.

People with spinal cord injury (SCI) suffer from the sequela of neurogenic bowel and its disabling complications primarily constipation, fecal incontinence, and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. Neurogenic bowel is a functional bowel disorder with a spectrum of defecatory disorders as well as colonic and gastrointestinal motility dysfunction. This manuscript will review the anatomy and physiology of gastrointestinal innervation, as well as the pathophysiology associated with SCI. It will provide essential information on the recent guidelines for neurogenic bowel assessment and medical management. This will allow medical providers to partner with their patients to develop an individualized bowel plan utilizing a combination of various pharmacological, mechanical and surgical interventions that prevent complications and ensure successful management and compliance. For people with SCI and neurogenic bowel dysfunction, the fundamental goal is to maintain health and well-being, promote a good quality of life and support active, fulfilled lives in their homes and communities.