How to define failure of intradetrusor injections of botulinum toxin A for neurogenic detrusor overactivity.

INTRODUCTION: Neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) has a major impact on patients' quality of life and can lead to upper urinary tract complications. Intradetrusor botulinum toxin type A injections are administered as second-line treatment to these patients following the failure of anticholinergic agents. The aim of the DETOX 2 study is to propose a consensus definition of the failure of intradetrusor botulinum toxin injections for NDO in patients presenting spinal cord injury, spina bifida, or multiple sclerosis (MS) with self-catheterization. METHOD: This study followed the method adopted by the French National Authority for Health for recommendations by consensus. Based on a review of the literature and a preliminary survey, a steering committee compiled a questionnaire and selected a rating group comprising 16 experts from the Neuro-Urology Committee of the French Urology Association (cnuAFU) and Genulf. The experts were asked to complete the online questionnaire. At the end of the first round, all participants came together to discuss any disagreements and a second-round online questionnaire was completed to reach a consensus. RESULTS: Thirteen of the 16 experts approached completed both rounds of questionnaires. A strong consensus was reached for two proposals (median score = 9/10) which were therefore included in the definition from the first round: at least one repeat injection of the same botulinum toxin at the same dose must be given to rule out failure on technical grounds and a duration of efficacy <3 months must be considered a failure. At the end of round 2, a relative consensus was reached regarding the clinical criterion defining failure (median score = 7/10) and the urodynamic criterion of failure (median score = 8/10). An additional proposal was selected during this second round on the need for a voiding diary (median score = 8/10). CONCLUSION: The first consensus definition of failure of an intradetrusor injection of TB-A for NDO has been achieved with this study: persistence of detrusor overactivity with maximum detrusor pressures >40 cm H2O and/or a compliance issue and/or persistence of urinary incontinence and/or urgency and/or a number of daily self-catheterizations >8/day and/or efficacy <3 months. This study will help to standardize research on the failure of the intradetrusor botulinum toxin for NDO in clinical practice and clinical research.

Transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation in patients with multiple sclerosis and overactive bladder: a real-life clinical and urodynamic assessment.

AIMS: The aims of the present study were to assess the effectiveness of transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS) on overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms and on urodynamic parameters in patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) and to seek predictive factors of satisfaction. METHODS: All PwMS who performed 12-24 weeks of TTNS and who underwent urodynamic assessment before and after treatment between June 2020 and October 2022 were included retrospectively. Data collected were bladder diaries, symptoms assessed with Urinary Symptoms Profile (USP), and urodynamic parameters (bladder sensations, detrusor overactivity, and voiding phase). Patients with improvement rated as very good or good on Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) score were considered as responders. RESULTS: Eighty-two patients were included (mean age: 47.1 ± 11.5 years, 67 (82%) were women). The mean USP OAB sub-score decreased from 7.7 ± 3.5 to 6.0 ± 3.4 (p < 0.0001). On bladder diaries, voided volumes, void frequency, and the proportion of micturition done at urgent need to void significantly improved with TTNS (p < 0.05). No significant change was found in urodynamic parameters. According to the PGI-I, 34 (42.5%) patients were good responders. The only parameter associated with higher satisfaction was the percentage of micturition done at urgent need to void before the initiation of the treatment (39.8% ± 30.5 in the responder group vs 25.1% ± 25.6 in the low/no responder group; p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: TTNS improves OAB symptoms in PwMS, without significant changes on urodynamics. A high rate of strong or urgent need to void in daily life was associated with higher satisfaction.

Primary bladder neck obstruction in men: The importance of urodynamic assessment and cystourethrography in measuring its severity.

OBJECTIVE: Primary bladder neck obstruction (PBNO) is a condition primarily affecting young men, characterized by obstruction at the bladder neck, leading to lower urinary tract symptoms. The aim of this study was to identify a correlation between the severity of bladder neck opening impairment and urinary symptoms by means of urodynamic studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted in adult males diagnosed with PBNO at a university neurourology department between 2015 and 2022 who underwent voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) and pressure-flow studies. The cohort was divided into two groups: absence of bladder neck opening on VCUG (Group A) and incomplete bladder neck opening (Group B). RESULTS: Out of the 82 patients with PBNO screened, 53 were included in the analysis. Nocturia was the only symptom more prevalent in Group A (65% in Group A vs. 30% in Group B, p = 0.02) but scores and subscores of the Urinary Symptom Profile questionnaire were not different between groups. In addition, the detrusor pressure at a maximum flow rate (PdetQmax), bladder outlet obstruction index (BOOI), and bladder contractility index (BCI) were higher in Group A than in Group B [PdetQmax (A = 93.7 ± 53.7 cmH2O vs. B = 65.7 ± 26.4 cmH2O; p = 0.01)-BOOI (A = 77 ± 58.3 vs. B = 48 ± 25.7; p = 0.03)-BCI (A = 136 ± 51.3 vs. B = 110 ± 41.7; p = 0.04)]. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates a significant association between the extent of bladder neck opening impairment observed on VCUG and obstruction and contraction urodynamic parameters, but no association with the severity of urinary symptoms. Future studies should evaluate the predictive value of treatment response and the occurrence of complications based on clinical and urodynamic parameters.

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

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

Intrarectal injections of botulinum toxin versus placebo for the treatment of urge faecal incontinence in adults (FI-Toxin): a double-blind, multicentre, randomised, controlled phase 3 study.

BACKGROUND: Non-randomised studies assessing intrarectal botulinum toxin type A (BoNTA) injections for faecal incontinence are promising. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of BoNTA for the treatment of faecal incontinence in a randomised study. METHODS: In this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, we included adult patients who had at least one urgency or faecal incontinence episode per week for at least 3 months and who had experienced a failure of conservative or surgical treatment from eight French specialist hospital units with the skills to manage patients with faecal incontinence. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) by a central web form to receive intrarectal submucosal injections of either 200 units of BoNTA (Botox; Allergan, Irvine, CA, USA; BoNTA group) or an equivalent volume of saline (placebo group), stratified by Cleveland Clinic Severity scores (CCS score; ≥12 or <12). Patients, investigators, study site staff, and sponsor personnel were masked to treatment allocation up to the 6-month visit. The primary endpoint was the number of episodes of faecal incontinence and urgency per day assessed using 21-day patient bowel diaries 3 months after the treatment. The primary analysis was performed using a modified intention-to-treat (mITT) approach (ie, in all the randomised patients who had received a treatment) with adjustment for baseline faecal incontinence and urgency episodes. After the final data collection at 6 months after injections, patients were unmasked and offered the BoNTA treatment if they were in the placebo group (rescue therapy) without masking, with an additional 6 months of safety follow-up. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02414425. FINDINGS: Between Nov 25, 2015, and Nov 25, 2020, we randomly assigned 200 patients to receive either BoNTA (n=100) or placebo (n=100) injections. Due to withdrawals before the injections, 96 patients were included in the BoNTA group and 95 patients were included in the placebo group (mITT analysis). The mean number of faecal incontinence and urgency episodes per day in the BoNTA group decreased from 1·9 (SD 2·2) at baseline to 0·8 (1·8) at 3 months after the injections, and from 1·4 (1·1) to 1·0 (1·0) in the placebo group, with a baseline-adjusted mean group difference at 3 months estimated at -0·51 (95% CI -0·80 to -0·21, p=0·0008). No serious treatment-related adverse events were reported in the trial. The most frequently reported non-serious adverse event (treatment related or not) following the BoNTA or placebo injections was constipation (reported in 68 [40%] of 169 patients who received the BoNTA injections and 38 [40%] of 95 patients who received placebo injections). INTERPRETATION: BoNTA injections are an efficacious treatment for urge faecal incontinence. Further research will define the optimum selection criteria, dose, site of injection, re-injection frequency, and long-term results. FUNDING: General Direction of Healthcare (French Ministry of Health).

Fecal Incontinence Subtype Assessment (FI-SA): Validation of a new tool to distinguish among subtypes of fecal incontinence.

PURPOSE: Three subtypes of fecal incontinence (FI) are described in the literature: urge, mixed and passive FI, but the relevance of this classification remains unknown. To our knowledge, no questionnaire has been validated in a general population of patients with FI to classify patients between the different subtypes of FI. The aim of the present study was to validate the Fecal Incontinence Subtype Assessment (FI-SA) questionnaire in a general population of patients with FI. METHODS: All consecutive patients referred to our unit for physiological investigations of anorectal function in case of FI were included. A feasibility study was done to assess the acceptability, understanding, and the reproducibility of the FI-SA questionnaire. Its performance to correctly classify patients between subtypes of FI was evaluated in both a feasibility study and in a validation study, using clinical interview as gold standard. RESULTS: The FI-SA questionnaire was found to be well accepted and easily understood by patients. Moreover, it was filled rapidly by patients, with a good reproducibility with an intra-class correlation coefficient of 0.97 and 0.87 for questions 1 and 2. Lastly, the accuracy of the FI-SA questionnaire to predict subtypes of FI was 93.3 % in the feasibility study (n = 30) and 81.1 % in the validation study (n = 100), in comparison with clinical interview as gold standard. CONCLUSION: The FI-SA questionnaire could be used in the future to help standardize the methodology used among studies to evaluate the classification of patients in different subtypes of FI and ultimately to guide therapeutics.

Postorgasmic illness syndrome: one or several entities? A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Postorgasmic illness syndrome (POIS) is a rare syndrome in which patients experience various physical and cognitive symptoms after ejaculation, and its pathophysiology remains unknown. AIM: The aim of this study was to characterize the clinical presentations, disease course, and treatment outcomes in outpatients, as well as to examine the validity of the preliminary criteria and symptom clusters of POIS. METHODS: This retrospective monocentric study was conducted in a neurourology department, with patients included from 2010 to 2023. The diagnostic criteria and symptom cluster descriptions were based on previous studies. OUTCOMES: The study focused on the clinical features of POIS, the complementary tests performed, the treatments tried, and their effectiveness. RESULTS: Thirty-seven men were included in the study, with symptom onset occurring at a mean ± SD age of 23.6 ± 7.4 years. The mean time from ejaculation to symptom onset was 1 hour 22 minutes ± 3 hours 42 minutes. The mean duration of symptoms was 4.7 ± 3.4 days. Seventeen patients (46%) developed the symptoms primarily, whereas in 20 (54%) they appeared secondarily. All preliminary criteria were met in 19 patients (51%). The most common symptom clusters were "general" in all 37 patients (100%; eg, asthenia and concentration difficulties) and "head" in 35 patients (95%; mostly headache and a foggy feeling). In terms of treatments, antihistamines and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were tried and partially improved symptoms for some patients. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: This study helps to further characterize POIS by specifying the most frequent symptoms and comparing them with the initial criteria. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: To our knowledge, this is one of the largest cohorts of patients consulting for symptoms suggestive of POIS. There are limitations due to the retrospective nature of the data collection, such as missing data and imprecision of treatment efficacy. CONCLUSION: The majority of participants met at least 3 of the preliminary diagnostic criteria, with a majority of symptoms in the general and head clusters. However, the determination of predictive factors for treatment response based on the typology of the disorders remains to be established.

Expectations about the management of sexual dysfunction in women with multiple sclerosis and association with clinical characteristics.

BACKGROUND: Sexual dysfunction (SD) is common in women with multiple sclerosis (MS) and affects their quality of life. OBJECTIVES: The primary aim is to assess their expectations concerning SD management. The secondary aim is to identify if expectations were associated with specific patient's characteristics. METHODS: All women with MS who underwent a urodynamic assessment in a neuro-urology clinic and had a standardized assessment of SD expectations between June 2020 and November 2022 were retrospectively screened. Demographic data and assessment of bladder, bowel, and sexual dysfunctions with validated questionnaires were collected. RESULTS: One hundred and sixty-seven patients were included in the study (mean age 47.9 ± 12.5 years). Expectations on SD information or management were reported by 112 (67.1%) patients. Interest in SD information and management was less frequent after menopause (56% vs 80%, p = 0.004), and in those with EDSS>6 (49% vs 74%, p = 0.03) and progressive type of MS (54% vs 71% p = 0.003). In multivariate analysis, the progressive type of MS was the only criterion related to a lack of interest (OR=2.9 IC95% [1.09; 7.72]). CONCLUSIONS: Women with MS have high expectations on treatment and information about SD. A systematic screening of SD expectations should be encouraged.

Intravesical injections of botulinum neurotoxin A to treat overactive bladder and/or detrusor overactivity related to multiple sclerosis: 5-Year continuation rate and specific risk factors for discontinuation-A study from the neuro-urology committee of the French Association of Urology.

BACKGROUND: While intravesical injections of botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT-A) are currently recommended for patients experiencing refractory neurogenic overactive bladder and/or detrusor overactivity (OAB/DO), it is unclear how much this therapy is effective and sustainable in the long-term in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). OBJECTIVES: To assess the mid-term continuation rate of BoNT-A injections to treat neurogenic OAB/DO in MS patients and to investigate MS-specific risk factors for discontinuation. METHODS: This retrospective study involved 11 French university hospital centers. All MS patients who received BoNT-A to treat neurogenic OAB/DO between 2008 and 2013 and were subsequently followed up for at least 5 years were eligible. RESULTS: Of the 196 MS patients included, 159 (81.1%) were still under BoNT-A 5 years after the first injection. The combination of the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS < 6 or ⩾ 6) and of the MS type (relapsing-remitting vs progressive) predicted the risk of discontinuation. This risk was 5.5% for patients with no risk factor, whereas patients presenting with one or two risk factors were 3.3 and 5.7 times more likely to discontinue, respectively. CONCLUSION: BoNT-A is a satisfying mid-term neurogenic OAB/DO therapy for most MS patients. Combining EDSS and MS type could help predict BoNT-A discontinuation.

Sacral Tarlov cysts: Neurophysiology abnormalities and correlation with pelvic sensory and visceral symptoms.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Recent studies suggest a possible association between Tarlov cysts (TCs), usually considered as incidental radiological findings, and neurological symptoms such as pain, numbness and urogenital complaints. The aim was to explore the relationship between TCs and sacral nerve root functions using pelvic neurophysiology tests, and to correlate changes with clinical symptoms and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. METHODS: Consecutive patients with sacral TCs, referred for pelvic neurophysiology testing and presenting with at least one symptom related to the pelvic area, participated in a cross-sectional review of symptoms using validated questionnaires. Findings of pelvic neurophysiology (pudendal sensory evoked potentials, sacral dermatomal sensory evoked potentials, external anal sphincter electromyography) and urodynamics testing were collected retrospectively. The relationship between neurophysiology, MRI findings and patients' symptoms was assessed using Fisher and ANOVA tests. RESULTS: Sixty-five females were included (mean age 51.2 ± 12.1 years). The commonest symptom was pain (92%). Urinary (91%), bowel (71%) and sexual (80%) symptoms were also frequently reported. Thirty-seven patients (57%) had abnormal neurophysiology findings reflecting sacral root dysfunction. No association was seen between MRI findings (size, location of the cysts, severity of compression) and neurophysiology. A negative association was observed between neurophysiology abnormalities and occurrence of urgency urinary incontinence (p = 0.03), detrusor overactivity (p < 0.01) and stress urinary incontinence (p = 0.04); however, there was no association with voiding difficulties. CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to current understanding, TCs are associated with injury to the sacral somatic innervation in the majority of patients with presumed symptomatic cysts. However, urinary incontinence is unlikely to be related to TC-induced nerve damage.

In multiple sclerosis, a Functional Independence Measure ≥ 107 is the best predictor of outcome after clean intermittent catheterization training.

BACKGROUND: Assessment of motor and cognitive functions is recommended before clean intermittent catheterization training. Two validated instruments, the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and the Pencil and Paper Test (PP-Test), are associated with the ability to learn self-catheterization in people with multiple sclerosis. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to compare the performance of these tools in predicting the outcome of clean intermittent catheterization training in multiple sclerosis. METHODS: All people with multiple sclerosis attending a tertiary neuro-urology department between 2011 and 2019 and eligible for clean intermittent catheterization were included in this retrospective study. The reference standard was the ability to perform at least 2 trials of self-catheterization at the end of the training session. The 2 index tests, the FIM and PP-Test, were administered before the teaching session. Their diagnostic performance was estimated by calculating sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). The AUC values were compared by a two-sided DeLong test. RESULTS: We included 395 individuals (mean [SD] age 49.8 [12] years; 70% women). At the end of the session, 87% of the patients succeeded in learning self-catheterization. The optimal cut-offs for the FIM (107) and PP-Test (13) were estimated, resulting in sensitivity of 73% (95% confidence interval [68-77) and 73% (67-77) and specificity 73% (59-84) and 63% (49-76), respectively. The AUC values for the FIM and PP-Test were significantly different (0.79 vs 0.73, p = 0.049). The effect size was large for both the FIM (Cohen's d = 1.14) and PP-Test (Cohen's d = 0.87). CONCLUSIONS: An FIM value ≥107 has the best specificity to predict outcome after clean intermittent catheterization training for people with multiple sclerosis. The sensitivity of the FIM and PP-Test is similar, and both have a large effect size for the outcome of self-catheterization training in multiple sclerosis.

Effect of bladder filling volume on detrusor contractility in men with bladder outlet obstruction.

INTRODUCTION: Bladder outlet obstruction alters detrusor contractility, reducing the bladder's ability to respond to large filling with a risk of urinary retention. The objective was to assess the effect of bladder filling volume on detrusor contractility in men with bladder outlet obstruction. METHODS: A prospective multicenter study in two pelviperineology departments. Male patients eligible for urodynamics (IPSS score > 7) were included from January to July 2022. In case of absence of bladder outlet obstruction on pressure-flow studies, they were secondarily excluded. The primary endpoint was the maximum isometric detrusor pressure during a stop-test, corresponding to detrusor contractility, measured at 3 filling volumes (50%, 75%, and 100% of cystometric capacity). RESULTS: Fifty-two patients performed urodynamics, of whom 12 were excluded because of lack of obstruction or inability to perform the stop-test. Detrusor contractility was significantly higher for a 75% bladder filling than 50% and for a 75% filling than 100%, with a mean difference of 19.5; confidence interval (CI) 95% [14.3; 24.8] and 12.2; CI 95% [6.9; 17.5] cmH2 O respectively (p < 0,01). CONCLUSION: In case of bladder outlet obstruction in men, detrusor contractility depends on bladder filling volume, with reduced contractility when the bladder was underfilled or overfilled. This phenomenon could help to explain the mechanisms of urinary retention in men with bladder outlet obstruction.

Influence of urodynamic conditions on bladder sensations and detrusor activity in patients with multiple sclerosis.

AIMS: The study aimed to assess the impact of bladder filling rate and fluid temperature during urodynamics on bladder sensations and volume of apparition of detrusor overactivity in patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). METHODS: Consecutive PwMS assessed with a standardized urodynamic test including three consecutive cystometries (20 ml/min, 100 ml/min, and 100 ml/min with 4°C fluid (Ice water test [IWT]) between June 2020 and March 2022 were included in this retrospective study. Data collected were bladder sensation with first desire to void (FDV) and strong desire to void (SDV). The presence of detrusor overactivity (DO) and the volume of the first uninhibited detrusor contraction were recorded. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty-seven patients (mean age 47.4 ± 11.8 years, median EDSS 3 IQR[2-5], 73.9% of women) were included. Increased filling rate induced delayed bladder sensations (FDV 219 ± 109 ml vs. 194 ± 100 ml; SDV 349 ± 113 ml vs. 322 ± 124 ml for 100 ml/min and 20 ml/min filling rate, respectively, p < 0.001). Ice water increased bladder sensations with earlier reports of needs to void (FDV 163 ± 99 ml vs. 218 ± 117 ml; SDV 263 ± 104 ml vs. 351 ± 112 ml respectively; p < 0.001). Thirty-four patients had DO during both 20 ml/min and 100 ml/min fillings, without difference in the volume of apparition (p = 0.78). Forty-four patients had DO during both 100 ml/min and IWT. Detrusor overactivity appeared for a reduced volume during IWT compared with room temperature fluid perfusion (-68 ml [-95 to -41]; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Filling rate and fluid temperature impact bladder sensations during cystometry in PwMS. Ice water decreased the volume of the first uninhibited detrusor contraction.

The Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction score (NBD) is not suitable for patients with multiple sclerosis.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE: Bowel and anorectal dysfunctions are common in patients with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). The use of validated questionnaires is recommended in the initial assessment and patient's follow-up. The Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction (NBD) score is the most used questionnaire but has been developed in spinal cord injured patients and has never been validated in other neurological diseases. We aimed to assess NBD's relevance in pwMS. SETTINGS: Monocentric study in a tertiary neuro-urology department. METHODS: A retrospective study in pwMS consulting for the first time in our department, that fulfilled the NBD questionnaire between 2010 and 2021 was performed. Qualitative and quantitative answers for each question were analyzed. Content validity and internal consistency were evaluated. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-five pwMS (mean age 47.1, 58% of women) fulfilled the NBD questionnaire. Mean NBD score was 6.0 (SD 6.1) and 75% of patients had a score <9. Content validity analysis revealed 4 items not appropriate, 1 item with irrelevant calibration, and omission of some treatment widely used in pwMS. Internal consistency was appreciated with Cronbach's alpha = 0.48 IC 95% [0.31; 0.6]. CONCLUSION: NBD questionnaire lacks content validity and presents a weak internal consistency in pwMS. A specific questionnaire is therefore required in pwMS to optimize bowel management and follow-up.

Approach and management to patients with neurological disorders reporting sexual dysfunction.

Sexual difficulties are common in patients with neurological disorders, and different domains of sexual function-desire, arousal, orgasm, and ejaculation-can be affected. Advances in the past 7 years in structural and functional neuroimaging have contributed to a greater understanding of the neural pathways involved in the regulation of sexual functions in health and disease, and this increased knowledge might help with development of future therapeutic strategies. A comprehensive assessment of patients includes history taking-covering the different domains of dysfunction, and primary, secondary, and tertiary contributory factors-as well as clinical examination in select patients (ie, patients for whom an associated non-neurological cause for sexual dysfunction is suspected). Investigations, such as assessment of associated cardiovascular risk factors, might also be indicated in specific situations. PDE5A inhibitors and intracavernosal injections of the prostaglandin alprostadil are effective for treating erectile dysfunction; however, options for managing other domains of sexual dysfunction in men and women remain poor. Research into different domains of sexual dysfunction is likely to lead to additional therapeutic strategies in the future.

Transanal Irrigation for Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction in Multiple Sclerosis: A Retrospective Study.

Background/Aims: Sixty-eight percent of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients suffer from neurogenic bowel dysfunction (NBD). Transanal irrigation (TAI) is part of the therapeutic strategy. This retrospective study aims to assess the efficacy of TAI in MS population. Methods: Twenty-eight MS patients who underwent TAI after a learning period were included. We collected several demographic data: MS disease characteristics, treatments, urinary and bowel dysfunction characteristics, urodynamic parameters, results of the NBD score, the Urinary Symptom Profile (USP) score, and the Patient Global Impression of Severity score, completed by patients before the learning and during the follow-up consultation. We defined 4 specific groups depending on the NBD score severity: very minor, minor, moderate, and severe. Results: Mean follow-up was 124 days, 85.0% were initially constipated and 36% had fecal incontinence. After TAI, improvement of NBD score was higher in initial Moderate NBD score group with 75.0% of patients decreasing their NBD score into lower severity categories. Few modifications were observed for baseline Very minor and Severe NBD score groups with 60.0% and 87.5% of patients staying in the same category. Statistical improvement of USP voiding dysfunction score was observed (95% CI, -6.13--1.19; P = 0.005) without improvement of overactive bladder USP sub-score. Conclusions: TAI is effective in NBD, especially in MS patients with initial Moderate NBD score. Improvement of voiding dysfunction following TAI confirms the pelvic organ cross-talk and the need to systematically consider and treat bowel dysfunction in MS to also improve urinary symptoms.

French version of the short form of the Neurogenic Bladder Symptom Score: Cross-cultural adaptation and validation.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to empirically validate a French version of the Neurogenic Bladder Symptoms Score-Short From (NBSS-SF), a psychometric multidimensional tool to assess lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) for patients with a neurological condition. METHODS: One hundred and five participants with multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injury prospectively completed the questionnaire at baseline and 7-14 days later. The α coefficient of Cronbach (internal consistency) and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) (test-retest reliability) were calculated. RESULTS: The internal consistency for the overall questionnaire was high (Cronbach's α coefficients from 0.79), while coefficients for each subscale were variable (urinary incontinence 0.91; storage and voiding 0.69; consequences 0.25). For test-retest reliability, 88/105 (84%) patients filled and sent back their questionnaire 10 days (±3.6 days) after baseline version. ICC was 0.90 for the total score and was 0.73 for the urinary incontinence subdomain, 0.79 for storage and voiding, and 0.75 for consequences. CONCLUSIONS: The psychometric qualities of the French version of the NBSS-SF are well-supported, thus providing a valid tool to measure bladder symptoms across three different domains in patients with neurogenic bladder.

Is There a Relationship Between Overactive Bladder and Sexual Dysfunction in Women With Multiple Sclerosis?

BACKGROUND: Lower urinary tract Symptoms (LUTS) and Sexual dysfunction (SD) are common in women with MS and affect quality of life. AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between sexual dysfunction (SD) and overactive bladder in women with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). METHODS: From January 2019 to January 2021, we evaluated 89 female MS patients admitted for LUTS in a Neuro-Urology Department. SD was investigated using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). All subjects completed the Urinary Symptom Profile scale (USP) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD A/HAD D). Neurological impairment was assessed using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). All patients underwent neurological examination and urodynamic studies. Univariate analysis and Multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to identify predictors of SD in women with MS (FSFI <26.55). OUTCOMES: Primary outcome was to determine the association between sexual dysfunction in women with MS and LUTS (overactive bladder, stress incontinence or voiding dysfunction). RESULTS: Sexual dysfunction (FSFI<26,55) affected 74% of women with MS, even with low physical disabilities (EDSS<5). Univariate analysis showed that overactive bladder was more frequent in SD group, but no statistical difference was found (P < .12). No relationship was found between sexual dysfunction and stress incontinence (P = ,47), voiding dysfunction (P= 0.79) or urinary retention (P= .96). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified overactive bladder to be an independent predictor of sexual dysfunction [aOR 0.03 (CI 0,0.98)]. Sexual dysfunction was not associated with detrusor overactivity on urodynamic studies or with impairment mobility but was strongly associated with the presence of depression (P < .01). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Sexual disorders in women with MS should be assessed as much as urinary disorder. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: this study included the largest cohort of women with MS. But the sample was obtained in an outpatient setting with low neurological impairment. CONCLUSION: In our study, SD was frequent affecting young women with no anticholinergic treatment and low physical impairment. Overactive bladder seemed to be independent predictor of sexual dysfunction. Conversely, SD was not associated with detrusor overactivity, neurological impairment, or duration of disease but was strongly associated with depression. Breton FL, Chesnel C, Lagnau P, et al. Is There a Relationship Between Overactive Bladder and Sexual Dysfunction in Women With Multiple Sclerosis?. J Sex Med 2022;19:729-737.

Effect of Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Erosive Hand Osteoarthritis: Results from a Pilot Trial.

Beyond its effect on vegetative functions, the activation of the vagus nerve inhibits inflammation and reduces pain signaling. The aim of this open-label pilot study was to determine the efficacy and tolerance of transcutaneous auricular VNS (taVNS) on erosive hand osteoarthritis (EHOA) symptoms. Symptomatic EHOA patients with hand pain VAS ≥ 40/100 mm and ≥1 interphalangeal swollen joint(s) were included. The taVNS was performed for 4 weeks using an auricular electrode applied one hour per day and connected to a TENS device with pre-established settings. Clinical efficacy was evaluated by changes between baseline and at 4 weeks with hand pain VAS and the functional index FIHOA score, using a Wilcoxon t-test. The treatment tolerance was also evaluated. Eighteen patients (median age 69 years old, 83% women) were analyzed. At baseline, hand pain VAS was 60 mm [IQR 50; 78.2] and FIHOA 15 [10.7; 20.2]. After 4 weeks, taVNS significantly reduced hand pain VAS, with a median decrease of 23.5 mm [7.7; 37.2] (p = 0.001), as well as FIHOA, with a median decrease of 2 points [0.75; 5.2] (p = 0.01). No serious adverse events were reported. One patient stopped taVNS because of auricular discomfort. This first proof-of-concept trial indicated that taVNS is feasible and may decrease joint inflammation and clinical symptoms in EHOA, arguing for a randomized controlled study versus sham stimulation.

Upper urinary tract function of patients with multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) is frequent in multiple sclerosis (MS) and renal prognosis is a key point of bladder management. OBJECTIVE: To assess upper urinary tract damage risk using voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) in patients with (PwMS) and NLUTD. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study between 2010 and 2020. Demographic data, urinary symptoms, urinary tract infection (UTI), renal ultrasounds findings, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), VCUG data, and urodynamic parameters were collected in PwMS with NLUTD. RESULTS: Among 325 PwMS included, 67% were female, mean age was 51.6 ± 12.0 years, and mean EDSS 4.6 ± 1.8. VCUG showed vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in 18 patients. A link was found between VUR and progressive MS course (p = 0.04), hydronephrosis (odds ratio [OR] = 17.44; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.46-87.87; p = 0.001), low GFR (p < 0.001), and detrusor overactivity (p = 0.04). No association with UTIs, EDSS, detrusor sphincter dyssynergia, were elicited. On multivariate analysis, alteration of GFR was independently related to the presence of VUR (OR = 0.95; 95% CI = 0.92-0.98). CONCLUSIONS: VUR elicited on VCUG is associated with lower GFR and hydronephrosis. However, due to the low prevalence (5.5%) of this abnormality in PwMS, VCUG should be performed in selected cases and not in routinary practice.