[Multiple sclerosis and pelviperineology: Urinary and sexual dysfunctions and pregnancy]. / Sclérose en plaques et pelvipérinéologie : troubles vésico-sphinctériens, sexuels et maternité

GOAL: The aim was to review the literature on genito-urinary dysfunction in multiple sclerosis (MS). MATERIAL: A literature review through the PubMed library until August, 31 2013 was carried out using the following keywords: multiple sclerosis and neurogenic bladder, neuropathic bladder, bladder, management, follow-up, urological complications, urological treatment, sexual dysfunction, female sexual function, male sexual function, erectile dysfunction, anorectal, faecal, constipation, bowel, pregnancy, parturition, delivery, breast-feeding. RESULTS: Genito-urinary dysfunction is frequent in MS (35-90%) and may happen soon in the disease. Urinary symptoms (10-90%) are manifold resulting in a quality of life alteration and the onset of complications in 30% of the cases requiring a long-term follow-up. Sexual dysfunctions (35-87%) are also manifold affecting all the sexuality domains in men and women. Except the phosphodiesterase V inhibitors, few treatments have been assessed in this population. Pregnancy is nowadays considered as beneficial resulting in a disease slow-down and the lack of disease worsening despite an increase in disease relapse during the post-partum first quarter. It seems to be better to consider getting pregnant after at least one year without any relapse and to emphasize an exclusive breast-feeding. CONCLUSION: Urinary and sexual dysfunctions are frequent in MS. A transdisciplinary approach including the neurologist and pelviperineology specialists facilitates a disability adapted early management.

[Alternative treatments for interstitial cystitis]. / Les traitements de recours dans la cystite interstitielle.

Interstitial cystitis is the first cause of bladder pain. In case of failure of the usual treatments, several other modalities have been proposed. These therapeutic modalities are posterior sacral root neuromodulation, posterior tibial nerve stimulation, vanilloid agent intravesical instillation, intradetrusor botulinum toxin injections and surgery. A certain efficiency of each of these treatments in the interstitial cystitis has been reported. However, the evaluation of these treatments is limited and the level of evidence is too low to propose these treatments in routine.

[Peripheral electrical stimulation in neurogenic bladder]. / Electrostimulation périphérique et neurovessie.

For many years peripheral electrical stimulation has been performed to treat urinary tract dysfunction in neurogenic patients. Numerous methods have been used, involving sacral roots as peripheral nerve and pelvic organs. All of them are not valuable today. Sacral neuromodulation, tibial posterior and pudendal nerve stimulation have been successful for treatment of neurogenic detrusor overactivity in the short/middle term. Methods and respective interest of the main procedures will be discussed.

Sacral neuromodulation as a functional treatment of bladder overactivity.

Sacral neuromodulation, namely the electrical stimulation of the sacral nerves has become an alternative treatment for cases of idiopathic bladder overactivity. The mechanism of action in this type of spinal cord modulation is only partially understood but it seems to involve stimulation of inhibitory interneurons. Temporary sacral nerve stimulation is the first step. It consists of the temporary application of neurostimulation as a diagnostic test in order to check the integrity of the sacral root and determine the best location for the implant. If the test stimulation is successful, a permanent device is implanted. In experienced hands, this is a safe procedure. When the patients are selected on the basis of sound criteria, more than three-quarters of them show a clinically significant improvement with a reduction in the frequency of incontinence episodes by more than 50%; however, the results vary according to each author's method of evaluation. The application of this technique should be combined with careful follow-up and attentive adjustments of the stimulation parameters in order to optimize the coordination of activity between the neurological systems involved.

Fatigue after spinal cord injury.

OBJECTIVES: To identify variables increasing fatigue following spinal cord injury (SCI) and their functional consequences. METHODS: A search of the Medline and Reedoc databases with the keywords SCI, fatigue, intrinsic muscular fatigue, chronic fatigue, aging, training, electrostimulation, quality of life and the same words in French. RESULTS: Two kinds of fatigue are identified following SCI. Intrinsic fatigue in muscles totally or partially paralysed at the level of or below the spinal cord lesion; this peripheral fatigue is due to denervation, total or partial loss of motoneurons, or histological and metabolical changes in muscle; it is well-defined by electrophysiological technology; spasticity and spasms have little influence on its development; it is reversible in part with long term electrostimulation, but at this time, electroneuroprosthetic techniques do not reduce the excessive energetic cost to stand up and walk. Chronic fatigue appears in the long term following SCI; it is linked with aging, physiological, and psychological deconditioning; some data point to chronic fatigue after SCI similar to post-polio syndrome and chronic fatigue syndrome, which may explain the central nature of the fatigue; training programs could be useful in delaying this chronic fatigue and as a consequence, increasing the latent quality of life. CONCLUSION: Muscular intrinsic fatigue after SCI is always of a peripherical nature in muscles partially or totally paralysed. Chronic fatigue during aging greatly decreases quality of life. Both intrinsic and chronic fatigue could be anticipated by electrostimulation technique on the one hand and long term training on the other.

Evolution of postural stability after subthalamic nucleus stimulation in Parkinson's disease: a combined clinical and posturometric study.

OBJECTIVES: The occurrence of postural and balance disorders is a frequent feature in advanced forms of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the pathological substrate of these disturbances is poorly understood. METHODS: In the present work, we investigated the evolution of posturometric parameters [center of pressure (CoP) displacement and CoP area] and axial scores between the pre-operative period and 3 months post-operative in seven PD patients who underwent bilateral deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN). RESULTS: After surgery, the patients leaned backwards much more regardless of the STN stimulation, suggesting that surgery could have a deleterious effect on postural adaptation. During the post-operative period, the improvement in axial and postural scores was similar under levodopatherapy and DBS. On the other hand, DBS of the STN significantly reduced the CoP displacement and the CoP area, whereas levodopatherapy tended only to reduce the CoP displacement and to increase the CoP area significantly. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that DBS of the STN and levodopa do not act on the same neurological systems involved in posture regulation. DBS of the STN could improve posture via a direct effect on the pedunculopontine nucleus, which is known to be involved in posture regulation.

Sacral neuromodulation in lower urinary tract dysfunction.

Vesico-urethral dysfunction is a major problem in daily medical practice due to its psychological disturbances, its social costs and its high impact on quality of life. Recently, sacral neuromodulation, namely the electrical stimulation of the sacral nerves, appears to have become an alternative for radical bladder surgery particularly in cases of idiopathic bladder overactivity. The mechanism of action is only partially understood but it seems to involve a modulation in the spinal cord due to stimulation of inhibitory interneurons. Temporary sacral nerve stimulation is the first step. It comprises the temporary application of neuromodulation as a diagnostic test to determine the best location for the implant and to control the integrity of the sacral root. If test stimulation is successful, a permanent device is implanted. This procedure is safe in experienced hands. So-called idiopathic bladder overactivity still the major indication for this technique. Patients not likely to benefit from the procedure were those with complete or almost complete spinal lesions, but incomplete spinal lesions seemed to be a potential indication. This technique is now also indicated in the case of idiopathic chronic retention and chronic pelvic pain syndrome. When selection is performed, more than three-quarters of the patients showed a clinically significant response with 50% or more reduction in the frequency of incontinent episodes, but the results vary according to the author's mode of evaluation. From the economic point of view, the initial investment in the device is amortized in the mid-term by savings related to lower urinary tract dysfunction. Finally, this technique requires an attentive follow-up and adjustments to the electric parameters so as to optimize the equilibrium between the neurological systems.

[Anterior sacral root stimulation with dorsal rhizotomy (Brindley technique)]. / Neurostimulation des racines sacrées antérieures avec rhizotomies postérieurs (technique de Brindley ).

Patients with spinal cord lesions are exposed to vesico-sphincter dysfunctions which can aggravate the vital or functional prognosis. The pathophysiological characteristics of these neurogenic bladders explains the usefulness of surgical treatment. The objective of the Brindley technique is to improve both voiding and effective continence. Any patient with a stable supra-sacral spinal cord lesion (paraplegia, tetraplegia) with a reflex bladder (incontinence, vesico-sphincter dyssynergia resistant to medical treatment with the risk of upper urinary tract involvement) can benefit from the Brindley technique. The electrodes are placed on the anterior sacral roots in order to obtain the desired micturation. Posterior sacral rhizotomies are indispensable to the technique as they suppress detrusor and sphincter hyperreflexia and improve continence thereby protecting the upper urinary tract. About 90% of the patients considered have an improved quality of life after implantation of the Brindley stimulator. The bladder capacity was constantly improved and the majority of the patients become continent. Micturation was excellent with low residual volume and low rate of urinary tract infections. Complications are analyzed in this review of the literature. The Brindley technique is an excellent alternative to medical treatment in these highly distressed patients. It restores satisfactory continence and improves psychological as well as economical constraints related to auto/hetero catheterisations performed several times a day.

[Intravesical instillations of capsaicin in urology: from pharmacological principles to therapeutic applications]. / Instillations intravésicales de capsaïcine en urologie. Des principes pharmacologiques aux applications thérapeutiques.

Capsaicin is a specific neurotoxin for type C nonmyelinated vesical afferent fibres involved in the transmission of nociceptive stimuli and reorganization of voiding reflexes in disease. The presence of afferents sensitive to vanilloid substances in the human bladder suggests the potential value of intravesical instillations of capsaicin in patients with symptoms of bladder hypersensitivity or bladder hyperactivity. Ten clinical trials document the efficacy and safety of vesical instillation of capsaicin in 200 patients with neurological or non-neurological lower urinary tract symptoms. The objective of this review is to analyse these various publications in order to define the indications and practical conditions of intravesical instillation of capsaicin. The value of intravesical capsaicin in neurogenic bladder hyperactivity has been clearly demonstrated. In non-neurological indications, the diversity of instillation protocols and the heterogeneity of the evaluation parameters complicate analysis of the results. Repeated low-dose capsaicin appears to be useful in bladder hyperactivity, but the value of capsaicin is uncertain in idiopathic detrusor instability. Transient adverse effects are almost systematically observed after intravesical capsaicin. The short-term and medium-term local histological safety appears to be satisfactory, but needs to be documented in the long-term.

Intravesical instillation of capsaicin in urology: A review of the literature.

OBJECTIVES: Interest in the intravesical instillation of capsaicin is growing among urologists. Its efficacy on detrusor hyperreflexia, hypersensitive bladder disorders and bladder pain has been reported in several studies. However, the lack of common evaluation parameters and the absence of consensus concerning a protocol of instillation hamper the interpretation of results. The purpose of this review is to better delineate the indications and optimum protocol for intravesical use of capsaicin. METHODS: Eight open and two placebo-controlled human clinical trials were analyzed. All 200 patients involved had lower urinary tract disorders. RESULTS: Clinical or urodynamic symptoms improved in 84.3% of the patients who received intravesical capsaicin for neurogenic hyperreflexic bladder, a significantly greater efficacy than that of placebo. Capsaicin may also be beneficial in patients who have non-neurogenic disorders. Whether or not the patients has a neurologic deficit, side effects appear during and in the period immediately following instillation. CONCLUSIONS: Intravesical capsaicin appears to be indicated in neurogenic hyperreflexic bladder, but is less effective against detrusor instability, hypersensitive bladder disorders or pelvic pain. The best instillation protocol and long-term tolerance remain to be established.

Capsaicin and neurogenic detrusor hyperreflexia: a double-blind placebo-controlled study in 20 patients with spinal cord lesions.

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and tolerance of capsaicin, a neurotoxin for C-fiber afferents, applied intravesically in the treatment of detrusor hyperreflexia. Eleven male and nine female patients who had spinal cord lesions caused by multiple sclerosis (12) or trauma (eight) resulting in detrusor hyperreflexia with urge incontinence and pollakiuria were randomized to receive one intravesical instillation of either 30 mg capsaicin in 100 ml 30% ethanol or 100 ml 30% ethanol alone. The patients were evaluated clinically (voiding diary) and urodynamically (maximum cystometric capacity, maximum detrusor pressure, first and normal desire to void) before and 30 days after the instillation. On day 30, the 10 patients who received capsaicin had significant decreases in 24-h voiding frequency from 9.3+/-6.1 to 6.7+/-3.8 (P=0.016) and leakages from 3.9+/-1.6 to 0.6+/-0.8 (P=0.0008); their maximum cystometric capacity increased from 169+/-68 to 299+/-96 ml (P=0.01) and maximum detrusor pressure decreased from 77+/-24 to 53+/-27 cm H2O. There were no significant changes in the control group. In seven subjects in each group, instillation triggered immediate side effects (suprapubic pain, sensory urgency, flushes, hematuria, autonomic hyperreflexia) that resolved within 2 weeks. Intravesical capsaicin significantly improves clinical and urodynamic parameters of detrusor hyperreflexia in spinal cord-injured patients. Side effects are frequent, tolerable, and identical to those induced by 30% ethanol alone.

The effects of capsaicin on the neurogenic hyperreflexic detrusor. A double blind placebo controlled study in patients with spinal cord disease. Preliminary results.

PURPOSE: Several recent open studies have provided encouraging results as to the efficacy of intravesical installations of capsaicin for neurogenic hyperreflectivity. The present trial was performed to verify these results under controlled conditions. Intravesical installation of capsaicin represents a new therapeutic hope for the treatment of the neurogenic hyperrelfexic bladder. METHOD: This randomized, double-blind study compared the results of the intravesical installation of 30 mg capsaicin in 100 ml of 30% alcohol (experimental group) with those of installing 100 ml 30% alcohol alone (control group). On day 0 and day 30, urodynamic and biopsic examinations were performed in all subjects of each group. PATIENTS: All the subjects included in the study had a functionally disabling form of neurogenic hyperreflexic bladder resistant to the usual therapies. Cystoscopy and retrograde cystography were performed to exclude any patient who presented with a tumor-like lesion or had vesicoureteral reflux. RESULTS: Twelve paraplegic of tetraplegic subjects, seven women and five men whose average age was 46, were included. Eight had multiple sclerosis, and four had sustained a traumatic spinal cord injury. The patients were randomly separated into two groups of six. Initially, there was no clinical or urodynamic differences in these groups. Installation immediately triggered side effects and during the first 7 days (suprapubic burning sensation, sensory urgency, hot flushes, autonomic hyperreflexia, hematuria) in five of the six subjects in both groups. Bladder biopsy revealed no significant deterioration. On day 30, there was improvement in all of the experimental-group of patients with significant regression of leakage (P = 0.002) and of sensory urgency (P = 0.01). Only one control subject had amelioration. Urodynamic examination showed a rise in bladder capacity from 172.5 to 312.3 ml in the experimental group, significantly greater (P = 0.03) than the rise from 129 to 175.3 ml observed in the control group. CONCLUSION: This trial fully confirms the efficacy of intravesical installations of capsaicin, an efficacy obtained at the cost of nonnegligible side effects. An intermediate-term follow-up of this treatment will be necessary before considering more widespread use of this agent.