Urinary catheter management: what neurologists need to know.

Patients with neurological disorders often have lower urinary tract dysfunction, manifesting as urinary retention or urinary incontinence, and so commonly use catheters. Neurologists should therefore be aware of the different types of catheters and appliances and their risks, benefits and complications. Clean intermittent self-catheterisation is preferable to an indwelling catheter; however, if this is not possible, then a suprapubic indwelling catheter is preferable to a urethral catheter for long-term management. We review the decision-making process when selecting catheters for neurological patients, the evidence base regarding the different options and how neurologists can recognise and address complications. We also discuss alternatives to catheterisation, such as non-invasive containment products and surgical treatments, and the indications for urological referral.

Use of a symptom-based questionnaire to screen for the presence of significant voiding dysfunction in patients with multiple sclerosis and lower urinary tract symptoms: a pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: Lower urinary tract dysfunction is common in people with multiple sclerosis, leading to overactive bladder symptoms, voiding difficulties or a combination. First-line medications for overactive bladder symptoms are effective. Current guidelines recommend measuring post-void residual volume (PVR) before commencing these treatments, as they can potentially exacerbate voiding difficulties in those with significant underlying voiding dysfunction (pre-treatment PVR > 100 ml). However, facilities to do so are not readily available to all clinicians, potentially delaying effective therapy. AIMS: To conduct a pilot study investigating the association between lower urinary tract symptoms and PVR volume in people with multiple sclerosis using a validated questionnaire and to determine if questionnaire scores can be used to exclude a significantly elevated (> 100 ml) PVR volume. METHODS: Patients with multiple sclerosis referred to a tertiary hospital uro-neurology service completed the Urinary Symptom Profile questionnaire and underwent PVR measurement by bladder ultrasound. A ratio of the questionnaire low stream score/total score was calculated to standardise the relative degree of voiding symptoms compared to overall lower urinary tract symptoms. RESULTS: Of 40 patients (29 females, mean age 50 years), 30% had an elevated PVR volume. PVR volume was correlated with low stream score and ratio of low stream/total score. A cut-off of > 0.15 for low stream/total score ratio had 92% sensitivity and 71% specificity in predicting an elevated PVR volume. CONCLUSION: A symptom-based questionnaire maybe a useful screening tool to distinguish patients in whom PVR measurement is required from those who could safely start on treatment for overactive bladder symptoms.

Outcomes following percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) treatment for neurogenic and idiopathic overactive bladder.

PURPOSE: Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation is a minimally invasive neuromodulation technique for treating overactive bladder symptoms. The aim of this study was to assess safety, efficacy and impact on quality of life of percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation in neurological patients reporting overactive bladder symptoms. METHODS: In this retrospective evaluation over 18 months at a tertiary healthcare centre, patients finding first-line treatments for overactive bladder ineffective or intolerable underwent a standard 12-week course of percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (Urgent PC, Uroplasty). Symptoms were evaluated using standardised International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaires and bladder diaries. RESULTS: Of 74 patients (52 women, 22 men, mean age 56 years), 49 (66.2%) patients had neurological disorder [19 (25.7%) multiple sclerosis and 30 (40.5%) other neurological conditions] and 25 (33.8%) idiopathic overactive bladder. Overall for the entire cohort significant improvements were recorded after 12 weeks in the following domains: 24-h frequency on bladder diary - 1.67 (- 3.0, 0.33) (p = 0.002), number of incontinent episodes on bladder diary - 0.0 (- 1, 0) (p = 0.01), incontinence severity on bladder diary 0 (- 0.33, 0) (p = 0.007), OAB symptoms - 3 (- 11.5, 5) (p = 0.01), and quality of life - 16 (- 57, 6.5) (p = 0.004). There were no significant differences in outcomes between patients with idiopathic and neurogenic overactive bladder. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation appears to be a possible promising alternative for patients with neurological disorder reporting overactive bladder symptoms who find first-line treatments either ineffective or intolerable. However, a properly designed study is required to address safety and efficacy.

Systematic review of the prevalence, symptomatology and management options of sexual dysfunction in women with multiple sclerosis.

AIMS: Sexual dysfunction (SD) is highly prevalent in women with multiple sclerosis (MS), however little is known about treatment options. The aim of this paper is to review the prevalence, symptomatology, and management options of sexual dysfunction in women with MS. METHODS: The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED, PsycINFO, PEDro, Database of International Rehabilitation Research, Occupational Therapy Systematic Evaluation of Evidence, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Current Controlled Trials databases were searched. No limitations were placed on the date. A critical appraisal of the literature on SD in women with MS was performed according to the PRISMA statement. Two reviewers screened and extracted data. Study quality was evaluated using a standardized tool. RESULTS: A search of 12 databases identified 61 relevant studies (33 observational, 14 case-control, 4 follow up, 10 interventional). Significant variability in the prevalence of SD and questionnaires used to evaluate SD were observed. The most commonly reported sexual difficulties were problems with desire, arousal, and orgasm. Different demographics and MS-related characteristics were found to contribute to SD. Few studies have evaluated interventions for treating SD, and bias was high because of the weak quality of trial designs. CONCLUSIONS: SD in women with MS is multidimensional, comparable in prevalence with other neurological disorders and increases with advancing disease. Studies evaluating practical strategies and pharmacological interventions are few, and properly designed trials using MS-specific validated outcome measures of SD are required to inform evidence-based treatment options for this high impact MS-related dysfunction.

A practical approach to assessing and managing sexual dysfunction in multiple sclerosis.

Sexual dysfunction is common in both men and women with multiple sclerosis but is often under-reported and undertreated. Neurologists report that a major barrier to discussing sexual dysfunction with patients is their lack of knowledge. Here we review the common presentations of sexual dysfunction, discuss its causes in people with multiple sclerosis, and provide a practical approach for neurologists to assess and manage these problems.

Factors influencing return for maintenance treatment with percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation for the management of the overactive bladder.

OBJECTIVES: To identify factors influencing return for maintenance percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) treatment after successful completion of a 12-week course of treatment for overactive bladder (OAB). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with OAB symptoms referred for PTNS treatment underwent 12 sessions of weekly PTNS treatment and were evaluated at baseline and week 12 using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire on OAB, the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire on lower urinary tract symptom-related quality of life (ICIQ-LUTSqol) and a bladder diary (BD). Responders to treatment, evaluated using two patient-reported outcome measures, were invited to return for maintenance treatment when symptoms returned. A PTNS Service Evaluation Questionnaire was used to evaluate factors influencing return for maintenance treatment. RESULTS: Seventy-three patients were evaluated (mean age 58.9 [±14.7] years, 72.6% women) and clustered into three groups: group 1 (n = 25) did not respond to 12 weekly sessions of PTNS treatment; group 2 (n = 17) responded to treatment but did not return for maintenance treatment and group 3 (n = 31) responded to treatment and returned for maintenance treatment. There were no significant differences in demographic characteristics, diagnosis, baseline symptom scores and BD variables among the three groups. Patients belonging to groups 2 and 3 experienced a significant improvement from baseline to week 12 in total OAB scores (group 2: -1.54 ± 1.85; group 3: -1.85 ± 2.28; P < 0.05); however, patients returning for maintenance treatment reported significant improvements specifically in nocturia (BD difference = -0.4 ± 0.7 [P < 0.05] and ICIQ-LUTSqol difference -0.48 ± 0.94 [P < 0.05]), and perceived benefits of the treatment with regard to their OAB symptoms compared to those not returning for maintenance treatment (difference between the two groups 25.6%; P = 0.030). Improvements in nocturia and perceived benefits predicted return for maintenance treatment based on a logistic regression analysis. Factors related to the need for repeat clinic visits, such as transportation, distance and time commitment, were not found to differ between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Twelve-session weekly PTNS is a safe and effective treatment for OAB. Responders to treatment returning for maintenance PTNS more often reported significant improvements in nocturia and perceived benefits over time, compared to those not returning for maintenance treatment. The BD provides a more objective assessment of treatment outcome after PTNS treatment.

Feasibility of using a novel non-invasive ambulatory tibial nerve stimulation device for the home-based treatment of overactive bladder symptoms.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate safety, acceptability and pilot efficacy of transcutaneous low-frequency tibial nerve stimulation (TNS) using a novel device as home-based neuromodulation. METHODS: In this single-centre pilot study, 48 patients with overactive bladder (OAB) (24 with neurogenic and 24 with idiopathic OAB) were randomized to use a self-applicating ambulatory skin-adhering device stimulating transcutaneously the tibial nerve at 1 Hz for 30 minutes, either once daily or once weekly, for 12 weeks. Changes in OAB symptoms and QoL were measured at baseline, weeks 4, 8, and 12 using validated scoring instruments (ICIQ-OAB and ICIQ-LUTSqol), 3-day bladder diary and a Global Response Assessment (GRA) at week 12. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients completed the study (idiopathic n=15, neurogenic n=19). No significant adverse effects were noted. Patients found the device acceptable. Eighteen patients (53%) reported a moderate or marked improvement in symptoms from the GRA. Between baseline and week-12, ICIQ-OAB part A sub-scores improved from mean (SD) 9.3 (2.5) to 7.5 (3.1), and from 9.1 (1.9) to 5.9 (1.7) in the daily and the weekly arms, respectively. ICIQ-LUTSqol part A sub-scores improved from mean (SD) 51 (12.8) to 44.2 (13.1) and 44.9 (9.0) to 35.9 (8.8) in the daily and the weekly arms, respectively. Bladder diary mean 24-hour frequency episodes improved from 11.5 to 8.8 at week 12 for both arms. CONCLUSIONS: This novel ambulatory transcutaneous TNS (TTNS) device is safe and acceptable for use in patients reporting OAB symptoms as a form of home-based neuromodulation. A larger study however is required to confirm clinical efficacy.

Open label feasibility study evaluating D-mannose combined with home-based monitoring of suspected urinary tract infections in patients with multiple sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility of using D-mannose, a natural food supplement, in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) reporting recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) as a preventative. METHODS: A single-center, open-label, feasibility study enrolled patients with MS, using and not using urinary catheters, experiencing recurrent UTIs (≥3/year or ≥2/6 months). Participants were given D-mannose powder 1.5 grams twice daily for 16-weeks and were instructed to monitor suspected UTIs at home using urine dipsticks. Diaries were used to record compliance, number of prescriptions of antibiotics received for UTIs, results of urine dipsticks and cultures. RESULTS: Overall, 22 patients with MS, median age 50 years (46-59) were enrolled: 10 were not using catheters and 12 were using catheters. The compliance rates for using D-mannose and dipsticks for testing suspected UTIs were 100% and 90.2%, respectively. Sixty-one episodes of suspected UTIs were recorded, 19/61 (31.1%) were confirmed UTIs and 29/61 (47.5%) prescriptions of antibiotics were made. The number of monthly proven UTIs decreased both in catheter users and non-users (P < 0.01). No adverse effects were reported. CONCLUSION: Using D-mannose in patients with MS experiencing recurrent UTIs and self-monitoring for infections is feasible and safe. Further studies are required to establish efficacy. CinicalTrials.gov (identifier NCT02490046).

Urinary tract infections in multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are commonly reported by people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) and significantly impact quality of life. OBJECTIVE: To provide an overview of the problem of UTIs in PwMS and offer a practical approach for the diagnosis and management. METHODS: A review of the literature through a Pubmed search up to October 2015 was performed using the following keywords: multiple sclerosis, neurogenic bladder, urinary tract infections, relapse, dipsticks, culture, recurrent and prevention. RESULTS: Noteworthy topics include the definition of a confirmed symptomatic UTI as a positive urine culture defined by >10(5) colony-forming units (CFU)/mL or >10(4) CFU/mL if a urethral catheter urine sample is taken, or any count of bacteria in a suprapubic bladder puncture specimen, both in addition to symptoms including fever, pain, changes in lower urinary tract symptoms or neurological status. Urinalysis is useful to exclude a UTI; however, on its own is insufficient to confirm a UTI, for which urine culture is required. Experts advise asymptomatic UTIs should not be treated except in the context of an acute relapse. From international guidelines, there is no validated strategy to prevent recurrent UTIs in PwMS. CONCLUSION: This review provides an overview of the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of UTIs in the setting of multiple sclerosis (MS).

Open-label study evaluating outpatient urethral sphincter injections of onabotulinumtoxinA to treat women with urinary retention due to a primary disorder of sphincter relaxation (Fowler's syndrome).

OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy (defined as improvements in maximum urinary flow rate [Qmax ] of ≥50%, post-void residual urine volume [PVR] and scores on the International Prostate Symptom Score [IPSS] questionnaire) and safety of urethral sphincter injections of onabotulinumtoxinA in women with a primary disorder of urethral sphincter relaxation, characterised by an elevated urethral pressure profile (UPP) and specific findings at urethral sphincter electromyography (EMG), i.e. Fowler's syndrome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this open-label pilot Institutional Review Board-approved study, 10 women with a primary disorder of urethral sphincter relaxation (elevated UPP, sphincter volume, and abnormal EMG) presenting with obstructed voiding (five) or in complete urinary retention (five) were recruited from a single tertiary referral centre. Baseline symptoms were assessed using the IPSS, and Qmax and PVR were measured. After 2% lidocaine injection, 100 U of onabotulinumtoxinA was injected into the striated urethral sphincter, divided on either side, under EMG guidance. Patients were reviewed at 1, 4 and 10 weeks after injection, and assessed using the IPSS, Qmax and PVR measurements. The UPP was repeated at week 4. RESULTS: The mean (range) patient age was 40 (25-65) years, and the mean symptom scores on the IPSS improved from 25.6 to 14.1, and the mean 'bother' score reduced from 6.1 to 3.5 at week 10. As compared with a baseline mean Qmax of 8.12 mL/s in the women who could void, the Qmax improved to 15.8 mL/s at week 10. Four of the five women in complete retention could void spontaneously, with a mean Qmax of 14.3 mL/s at week 10. The mean PVR decreased from 260 to 89 mL and the mean static UPP improved from 113 cmH2 O at baseline to 90 cmH2 O. No serious side-effects were reported. Three women with a history of recurrent urinary tract infections developed a urinary tract infection. There were no reports of stress urinary incontinence. Seven of the 10 women opted to return for repeat injections. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study shows an improvement in patient-reported lower urinary tract symptoms, and the objective parameters of Qmax , PVR and UPP, at 10 weeks after urethral sphincter injections of onabotulinumtoxinA. No serious side-effects were reported. This treatment could represent a safe outpatient treatment for young women in retention due to a primary disorder of urethral sphincter relaxation. However, a larger study is required to confirm the findings of this pilot study.

Ensuring patient adherence to clean intermittent self-catheterization.

Patient performance of clean intermittent self-catheterization is a crucial component of the management of incomplete bladder emptying, which can arise from a variety of conditions. This allows patients to have more control over their bladder emptying, and avoids the inconveniences that come with an indwelling urethral catheter. There are, however, barriers that patients face when performing this task which may ultimately limit adherence. In this article, these barriers are discussed in more detail with potential solutions to counter them.

Management options for bladder dysfunction in patients with multiple sclerosis.

In the UK today there are thought to be more than 85,000 people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Approximately 75% will go on to develop bladder symptoms, usually as a result of spinal cord involvement, which is a feature of the condition. In the UK practitioners now aim to arrange management for each patient according to their individual needs and level of disability. This article outlines the various treatment and management options available.

Lower urinary tract dysfunction in MS: management in the community.

Lower urinary tract dysfunction in multiple sclerosis is common and is highly amenable to treatment. Individuals may have bladder storage and/or voiding dysfunction. The risk of progression to renal failure is low and hence lower urinary tract dysfunction should be considered medically manageable in most individuals. Evaluation begins with history taking and is supplemented by using a bladder diary. Ultrasonography is used to assess the degree of incomplete bladder emptying, and for assessing upper urinary tract damage. Incomplete bladder emptying is most often managed by clean intermittent self-catheterization and should be initiated if post-void residual urine is greater than 100 mls. Storage symptoms are most often managed using antimuscarinic medications. Other options include desmopressin or detrusor muscle injection of botulinum toxin type A. There are specific situations where specialist urology services should be involved.

Managing bladder symptoms in people with multiple sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). The cause is still unknown but there is evidence that suggests there is an autoimmune component to the disease that causes damage to the myelin sheath, a complex material that surrounds the axon of myelinated nerves (Fig 1). It affects 100-120 people per 100,000 population, approximately 75 per cent of whom will develop urinary symptoms (NICE, 2003). Bladder problems usually occur when the disease involves the spinal cord (Fig 2) and these can get worse as the disease progresses and the patient becomes less mobile. Bladder symptoms affect many aspects of daily life and their management is extremely important. As the disease progresses and symptoms worsen, a well-planned strategy can offer patients the most effective pathway to manage their bladder problems.