Neurological sphincter deficiency: is there a place for artificial urinary sphincter?

PURPOSE: Neurogenic stress urinary incontinence (N-SUI) is a condition with serious impact on the quality of life. There are several treatment modalities of which the artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) stands out as the most suitable technique for addressing sphincter insufficiency. In this article, the purpose is to describe practical considerations, outcomes, and complications of the artificial urinary sphincter in neurological sphincter deficiency in both males and females. METHODS: A narrative review of the current literature. RESULTS: The outcomes of AUS are reasonably good in patients with NLUTD, the surgical technique is discussed as well as the limitations and special considerations in this complex and heterogeneous patient population. CONCLUSION: The available evidence suggests that its efficacy and functional durability may be lower in patients with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) compared to those without neurological deficits. However, studies have shown that AUS can still provide effective and safe continence outcomes in both male and female patients, with long-term device survival rates ranging from several years to over a decade.

Impact of gastrointestinal and urological symptoms in children with myotonic dystrophy type 1.

Gastrointestinal and urological symptoms are frequently reported by people with myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) but have remained understudied. In a cross-sectional study, frequency, nature, treatment and impact of gastrointestinal and urological symptoms in children with DM1 aged 5-18 years were assessed. We included 58 children (30 males, 28 females) with a mean age of 13 years; 74.1 % reported at least one gastrointestinal symptom. Abdominal pain was the most frequently reported symptom (51.7 %), followed by dysphagia (41.8 %), diarrhoea (36.2 %), encopresis (36.0 %), constipation (32.7 %), bloating and flatulence (both 25.9 %). The most frequently reported urological symptoms were difficulty with toilet training (59.3 %), urinary incontinence (22.0 %), enuresis nocturna (10.3 %) and voiding (23.5 % hesitancy, 4.8 % intermittency and 13.8 % dysuria). The majority considered urological and gastrointestinal symptoms to have a negative influence on their daily life; 22.4 % of parents reported severe influence on daily family life (shame, social restrictions, school absence and concerns for their children's future). Considering the high prevalence of urological and gastrointestinal symptoms in children with DM1 and their influence on daily life it is key to correctly recognize, diagnose and treat these symptoms. We recommend screening for gastrointestinal and urological symptoms in the standard of care for children with DM1.

Multidisciplinary treatment for functional urological disorders with psychosomatic comorbidity in a tertiary pelvic care center-A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Functional urological disorders are highly prevalent, frequently interrelated, and characterized by a chronic course and considerable treatment resistance. From our point of view, poor treatment outcomes are often attributable to underlying but undetected mental disorders. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of integrated outpatient care by a urologist and a psychiatrist on the symptomatology of patients with functional urological disorders in a tertiary referral Pelvic Care Centre. SETTING: Retrospective observational cohort study in functional urological disorders in combination with psychosomatic co-morbidity. When treatment by a urologist alone was not sufficient, the suitability for a multidisciplinary approach was considered i) if there was a susceptibility for psychiatric comorbidity, ii) if diagnostic procedures did not reveal a treatable somatic cause, or iii) if multiple failed somatic treatments did not relieve complaints. Patients underwent urological treatments before, without reduction of complaints, no treatable somatic cause could be found after diagnostic procedures; or patients suffered from psychiatric comorbidity. METHOD: Outcome was measured using patient global impression of improvement, hospitality anxiety and depression scale (HADS), global assessment of functioning (GAF), and a health consumption questionnaire. RESULTS: A significant reduction in HADS-depression score was found (p = 0.001) after multidisciplinary treatment. The GAF score increased from 61 to 80, leading to no more than slight impairment in social, occupational, or school functioning. Patients reported their situation as better in comparison with before multidisciplinary treatment. An association was found between pelvic pain and anxiety (p = 0.032) and panic disorder (p = 0.040). Psychological trauma was found to be associated with depression (p = 0.044), with an odds ratio of 2.93 (1.01-8.50). Psychological trauma coincided in 62.3% of patients with urological pain syndromes and in 83.3% with pelvic pain. CONCLUSION: Overall results indicate that functional urological patients, previously refractory to urological treatment, benefit from an integrated care approach by urologists and psychiatrists. Explanation about the bladder-brain axis and the alarm falsification model enlightens understanding of urological and psychological contributions to functional syndromes and creates an opportunity for integrated care.

Predictive Factors in Sacral Neuromodulation: A Systematic Review.

INTRODUCTION: Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is an effective treatment in patients with overactive bladder syndrome or nonobstructive urinary retention when conservative treatment fails. Several factors that could impact outcome with SNM have been studied. This systematic review investigated these predictive factors and their relevance for clinical practice. METHODS: Systematic review according to the PRISMA guidelines was conducted. This review is registered in the PROSPERO register (CRD42015016256). RESULTS: Seventy-eight studies (of which 11 abstracts) were included. Females, younger patients, and a tined lead procedure tend to be predictive in successful SNM outcome. Factors that did not influence SNM outcome were prior back surgery, surgery for stress urinary incontinence, affective symptoms, and duration of complaints. Reduced detrusor contractility is associated with a lower success rate. The level of evidence of most studies (graded according to the Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine) was 3b. CONCLUSION: Even though this systematic review investigated predictive factors (gender, age, type of procedure, type of lead, and detrusor contractility), no general consensus on predictive factors could be made. Most studies are small, retrospective, and involve a heterogeneous population. Therefore, prospective research in larger specific patient groups remains necessary to find predictors of SNM outcome.

Patient-Reported Outcome Measure for Real-time Symptom Assessment in Women With Endometriosis: Focus Group Study.

BACKGROUND: Symptoms related to endometriosis have a significant impact on the quality of life, and symptoms often recur. The experience sampling method (ESM), a digital questioning method characterized by randomly repeated momentary assessments, has several advantages over traditionally used measurements, including the ability to assess the temporal relationship between variables such as physical, mental, and social factors. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to develop an ESM tool for patients with endometriosis to accurately measure symptoms and their course over time, allowing for personalized treatment and adequate monitoring of treatment efficacy in individual patients. METHODS: On the basis of international guidelines, items from validated questionnaires were selected through a literature review and during focus groups and multidisciplinary expert meetings. Data analysis was conducted using ATLAS.ti (ATLAS.ti Scientific Software Development GmbH). The feasibility and usability of the newly developed momentary assessment tool were tested for 28 consecutive days in 5 patients with endometriosis-related pain symptoms. RESULTS: Momentary assessment items contained questions concerning endometriosis symptoms, general somatic symptoms, psychological symptoms, contextual information, and the use of food and medication. A morning questionnaire on sleep and sexuality was included. In a pilot study, the patients considered the tool easy to use but time consuming. The average compliance rate of momentary assessments was 37.8% (106/280), with the highest completion rate during the first week (39/70, 56%). Therefore, it is advisable to use the ESM for a maximum of 7 days. CONCLUSIONS: A new digital tool for endometriosis symptom assessment was developed using the ESM, which may help overcome the limitations of current retrospective questionnaires. After validation and testing, future studies will be planned to evaluate the use of this tool in a clinical setting in order to propose a personalized treatment plan for women with endometriosis.

Prevalence of Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Using the Childhood Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction Questionnaire.

INTRODUCTION: Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and gastrointestinal (GI) problems are common in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), but not systematically assessed in regular care. We aimed to determine the prevalence of bladder and bowel dysfunction (BBD) in DMD patients compared with healthy controls (HC). METHODS: The Childhood Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction Questionnaire (CBBDQ) based on the International Rome III criteria and the International Children's Continence Society was filled out by 57 DMD patients and 56 HC. Additionally, possible associations of BBD with, for example, medication use or quality of life were evaluated in an additional questionnaire developed by experts. RESULTS: In 74% of patients versus 56% of HC ≥ 1 LUTS (n.s.) were reported, 68% of patients versus 39% of HC reported ≥1 bowel symptom (p = 0.002) and 53% of patients versus 30% of HC reported combined LUTS and bowel symptoms (p = 0.019). A negative impact of BBD on daily life functioning was reported by 42% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: These data underscore that standard screening for BBD is needed and that the CBBDQ could be of added value to optimize DMD care.

Sacral neuromodulation in patients with refractory overactive bladder symptoms after failed Botulinum toxin therapy: Results in a large cohort of patients.

AIMS: Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) and Botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) injections are well-known third-line treatment options in patients with refractory overactive bladder (OAB). Our aim is to evaluate the success rate of SNM in patients who received prior therapy with BoNT-A injections. METHODS: All patients with OAB symptoms referred for SNM between 2006 and 2019 were included. History taking and 3-day voiding diaries assessed the complaints and suitability for SNM. The success rate of SNM in patients who received prior BoNT-A was compared with BoNT-A naive patients. Success was defined as an improvement of 50% or greater in voiding diary parameters. Satisfaction was registered at their most recent visit. RESULTS: A total of 263 patients underwent SNM test stimulation, of which 75 (16 male/57 female) received prior BoNT-A and 188 (46 male/142 female) were BoNT-A naive. Success rate for SNM in BoNT-A naive patients was 72.9% and in BoNT-A patients 66.7% (p = 0.316). Success rate after ≤2 BoNT-A injections was 68.5%, compared to 61.1% after ≥3 injections (p > 0.05). Success rate in patients perceiving lack of efficacy of BoNT-A was 67.4% (p > 0.05), subjected to temporary CISC was 73.7% (p > 0.05) and with temporary effect of BoNT-A was 50% (p > 0.05). In 86% of BoNT-A patients the system was still activated and used to their satisfaction at their last follow-up visit (mean FU, 40.70 months). CONCLUSION: SNM in patients with refractory OAB who failed prior BoNT-A is an excellent approach. The number of injections nor reason of BoNT-A discontinuation have predictive value for success with SNM.

Should we routinely assess psychological morbidities in idiopathic lower urinary tract dysfunction: ICI-RS 2019?

AIMS: Psychological morbidities play a major role in idiopathic lower urinary tract dysfunction (iLUTD). The aim of the Think Tank (TT) was to discuss the relevance of psychological morbidities in idiopathic LUTD over the life span, including overactive bladder (OAB) or dysfunctional voiding (DV) and methods of assessment. METHODS: The paper is based on a selective review of the literature and in-depth discussions, leading to research recommendations regarding the assessment of psychological morbidities in iLUTD on children and adults held during the TT of the International Consultation on Incontinence Research Society in 2019. RESULTS: Psychological comorbidities affect the health behaviors and treatment outcomes in patients with iLUTD. Both clinically relevant comorbid mental disorders, as well as subclinical psychological symptoms have a major impact and negatively influence incontinence treatment. Research is needed to elucidate mechanisms underlying iLUTD and psychological comorbidities. Clinical studies are needed to determine how perception generation and cognition impacts on the relationship of urinary perceptions, symptoms, and objective urodynamic function. Due to high psychological comorbidity rates, screening with validated, generic questionnaires for emotional and behavioral disorders in children with nocturnal enuresis, daytime urinary incontinence, and fecal incontinence is recommended. Brief screening is recommended for all adults with iLUTD, especially with OAB and DV, who are refractory to treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Due to the high rate and relevance in clinical practice, screening for psychological comorbidities is recommended for all age groups. The research recommendations of this TT may be followed to improve the assessment of psychological morbidities in iLUTD.

Sacral nerve stimulation for refractory OAB and idiopathic urinary retention: Can phenotyping improve the outcome for patients: ICI-RS 2019?

AIMS: Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) is widely used to treat refractory idiopathic overactive bladder (OAB) and idiopathic urinary retention. However, clinical outcomes are variable and understanding predictive factors for success or side-effects would enable personalization of therapy and optimization of outcomes. At the International Consultation on Incontinence-Research Society meeting 2019, a Think Tank was convened to discuss how advances in the basic science study of SNS may be translatable into clinical practice to improve outcomes of patients undergoing SNS treatment. METHODS: We conducted a literature review and expert consensus meeting focusing on current methods of phenotyping patients and specifically, how advances in basic science research of the mechanism of action of SNS can be translated into clinical practice to improve patient selection for therapy. RESULTS: The terms "Idiopathic OAB" and "idiopathic urinary retention" encompass several underlying pathophysiological phenotypes. Commonly, phenotyping is based on clinical and urodynamic factors. Animal studies have demonstrated that high-frequency stimulation can produce rapid onset, reversible conduction block in peripheral nerves. Altering stimulation parameters may potentially enable personalization of therapy depending upon the clinical indication in the future. Similarly, advances in conditional and closed-loop stimulation may offer greater efficacy for certain patients. Phenotyping based on psychological comorbidity requires further study to potentially optimize patient selection for therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Idiopathic OAB and idiopathic urinary retention are heterogenous conditions with multiple potential underlying phenotypes. Tailoring stimulation parameters to the needs of each individual according to phenotype could optimize outcomes. Assessing psychological comorbidity may improve patient selection. Areas for further research are proposed.

Psychological comorbidities and functional neurological disorders in women with idiopathic urinary retention: International Consultation on Incontinence Research Society (ICI-RS) 2019.

AIMS: Chronic urinary retention occurring in young women is poorly understood and a cause may not be found in a majority of cases. Different psychological comorbidities and functional neurological symptom disorders (FNDs) have been reported; however, these have been poorly explored. METHODS: At the International Consultation on Incontinence Research Society meeting in 2019, a panel of clinicians generated a proposal to explore the relationship between psychological comorbidities, FNDs, and urinary retention in women with chronic idiopathic urinary retention. RESULTS: Psychological comorbidities such as depression and anxiety, and FNDs such as leg weakness and loss of consciousness, have been reported in women with idiopathic urinary retention. Individuals react differently to physical and emotional stressors, and experimental models have demonstrated a relationship between the stress response and developing urinary retention. Trauma, particularly sexual trauma, may be a shared risk factor for developing psychological comorbidities and urinary retention. Children with voiding postponement often suffer from psychological comorbidities and behavioral disturbances; however, there is no evidence to suggest that this progresses to urinary retention in adulthood. "Psychogenic urinary retention" has been described in the urology and psychiatry literature in the past, and anecdotal cases of successful voiding following psychotherapy have been reported, though the true pathophysiology of this entity is uncertain. CONCLUSION: Psychological and functional disorder comorbidities are reported in women with chronic urinary retention. The nature of the association between urinary retention and functional neurological disorder comorbidities needs to be further explored in terms of a disorder of bladder-brain interaction.

Bladder-bowel interactions: Do we understand pelvic organ cross-sensitization? International Consultation on Incontinence Research Society (ICI-RS) 2018.

AIMS: Mounting evidence from experimental animal and human studies suggests that cross-sensitization exists between different organs. Lower urinary tract (LUT) and bowel dysfunction commonly overlap, and the role of cross-sensitization between pelvic visceral organs is uncertain. METHODS: At the International Consultation on Incontinence Research Society (ICI-RS) meeting in 2018, a panel of clinicians participated in a discussion on bladder and bowel interactions in the context of pelvic organ cross-sensitization. RESULTS: Bladder and bowel problems commonly co-occur in adults and children across different disorders, and the mechanism responsible for overlapping dysfunction is uncertain in most instances. At a neuronal level, cross-sensitization occurs as a result of afferent signaling from the LUT and lower bowel through different central and peripheral mechanisms. Studies in animals and humans have demonstrated evidence for cross-organ sensitization following experimental inflammation or distension of the lower bowel, affecting the LUT. Nerve stimulation is an effective treatment for different functional LUT and bowel disorders, and whether this treatment may influence cross-organ sensitization remains uncertain. The role of physiologically dormant C-fibers, the bladder-gut-brain axis, and gut microbiome in cross-sensitization are speculative. CONCLUSION: Recommendations for research were made to explore the role of cross-organ sensitization in the pathogenesis of co-occurring LUT and bowel dysfunction in humans.

Are psychological comorbidities important in the aetiology of lower urinary tract dysfunction-ICI-RS 2018?

AIMS: To review studies on the comorbid psychological symptoms and disorders in patients with lower urinary tract disorders (LUTD) over the life-span, to analyse how they contribute toward the aetiology of LUTD and to discuss optimal service implementation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A review of relevant literature was conducted and presented during the ICI-RS meeting in 2018. Open questions and future directions were discussed. RESULTS: On the basis of current research, there is overwhelming evidence in all age groups that psychological comorbidities are more common in patients with LUTD. Vice versa, patients with psychiatric disorders have higher rates of LUTD. The types of LUTDs and psychiatric disorders are heterogeneous. Complex aetiological models best explain specific associations of comorbidity. Irrespective of aetiology, it is advisable to address both urological and psychological issues in patients of all age groups with LUTD. CONCLUSIONS: Psychological symptoms and disorders play a decisive role in the development of LUTD in all age groups and need to be considered in the assessment and treatment of LUTD.

Self-consciousness/awareness and bladder sensations: Comparative study of overactive bladder patients and healthy volunteers.

OBJECTIVES: To explore differences in bladder sensations between patients with overactive bladder (OAB) and healthy volunteers by evaluating self-consciousness, self-awareness and affective complaints. METHODS: A prospective, observational study was performed comparing patients with OAB symptoms and healthy volunteers. During 3 days subjects filled out sensation-related bladder diaries (SR-BD), Self-Consciousness Questionnaires (SCS), Self-Awareness Questionnaire (SSAS) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The SSAS was filled out at the second void of the first day. RESULTS: In total, 134 participants were included (66 volunteers and 68 patients). Patients had lower voided volumes (193 vs 270 mL, P < 0.05), higher urinary frequency (10.6 vs 6.6, P < 0.05) and higher urgency scores (2.0 vs 1.2, P < 0.05) than volunteers, while perceived bladder fullness was similar. The SCS scores were similar, but the SSAS score was significantly higher for OAB patients (53.6 vs 44.6, P < 0.05). OAB Patients had significantly higher scores for anxiety and depression according to the HADS. CONCLUSIONS: There were significant differences in SR-BD between volunteers and OAB patients. OAB patients had significantly higher self-awareness than volunteers, indicating that OAB patients may attribute different values to body signals. Future research is required to elaborate our knowledge on the perceived sensations and labeling of emotions in OAB.

The development of a patient-reported outcome measure for real-time symptom assessment in a population with functional urologic complaints-A focus group study.

AIMS: In the current diagnostic process for overactive bladder syndrome (OAB), biased retrospective questionnaires are often used. There is a need for a new assessment tool that embraces the heterogeneity of the OAB complex. A momentary assessment tool, the Experience Sampling Method (ESM) is promising, capturing random repetitive measurements during the day in the context of daily life and is capable to measure potential contextual triggers and psychological aspects. A focus group study was set up to evaluate which items should be implemented in a urological ESM. METHODS: Focus group interviews were arranged, to assess the suitability and comprehensibility of a newly developed urological patient-reported outcome measurement (PROM), "Uromate." "Uromate" was created based on ESM literature. A multidisciplinary expert meeting was conducted to gain consensus on item relevance. RESULTS: The initial ESM questionnaire contained 58 items, but was eventually reduced to 39 items after focus group sessions and expert meeting. Thirty-seven items are repeated questions, including three gender-dependent items. Two items are one-time questions about the use of incontinence material. Additionally, a morning questionnaire was included. Depending on the symptom pattern, a minimum of 26 items and a maximum of 36 items will be repeatedly assessed with "Uromate." CONCLUSION: There is a need for a modern assessment tool for OAB which overcomes the limitations of today's retrospective questionnaires. Therefore, a urological ESM tool, the "Uromate," is being developed as a PROM, following the FDA PROM development guidelines, to measure real-time symptoms in the context of daily life.

Affective symptoms and quality of life in patients with voiding or storage dysfunction: Results before and after sacral neuromodulation: A prospective follow-up study.

AIMS: Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is an effective treatment for patients with overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) or non-obstructive urinary retention (NOR). These lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are the result of a functional urological cause but often coincide with psychological and/or psychiatric factors. It has been stated that there is an association between LUTS, depression and anxiety disorders. With this study we will investigate whether affective symptoms and quality of life (QoL) improve after successful SNM. METHODS: All patients eligible for SNM between March 2013 and March 2016, filled out the HADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), SF-36 (Short Form-36) and either the International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire (ICIQ) on Male/Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (M/F-LUTS), or the OAB-q questionnaire, before and after the test procedure. Symptom improvement of ≥50% was considered as success. Results were analyzed by paired T-tests and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. RESULTS: In total 95 patients were included. Mean age was 52.1 (SD 13.9). Fifty-six patients (59%) were implanted. Successful OAB patients reported a significant improvement in all domains of OAB-q, health change and affective symptoms. Successful NOR patients showed a significant improvement in voiding symptoms (P = 0.04) and health change (P = 0.03). However, they did not report significant improvement in affective symptoms. CONCLUSION: QoL and affective symptoms can significantly improve in LUTS patients who are successfully treated with SNM. When divided per indication, a significant improvement in affective symptoms together with QoL was only reported in successful OAB patients and not in successfully treated NOR patients.

Is there "brain OAB" and how can we recognize it? International Consultation on Incontinence-Research Society (ICI-RS) 2017.

AIMS: In light of mounting evidence supporting the association of brain regions with the control of urine storage and voiding, the high placebo effect in OAB studies as well as certain anecdotal observations from clinical practice with OAB patients, the role of the brain in OAB was explored. METHODS: At the ICI-RS 2017 meeting, a panel of Functional Urologists and Basic Scientists presented literature data generating a proposal to discuss whether there is "brain OAB" and how we could recognize it. RESULTS: Existing data point toward organic brain causes of OAB, in particular concerning white matter disease (WMD) and aging, but with currently speculative mechanisms. Imaging techniques have revealed connectivity changes between brain regions which may explain brain-peripheral interactions in OAB patients, further to acknowledged structural and functional changes in the central nervous system (CNS). Furthermore, psychological disorders like stress and depression have been identified as causes of OAB, with animal and human studies proposing a neurochemical and neuroendocrine pathophysiological basis, involving either the serotoninergic system or the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Finally, childhood data suggest that OAB could be a developmental disorder involving the CNS, although childhood OAB could be a different condition than that of adults in many children. CONCLUSIONS: Future research should aim to identify the pathogenesis of WMD and the aging processes affecting the brain and the bladder, with possible benefits in prevention strategies, as well as connectivity disorders within the CNS, the pathophysiology of OAB in childhood and the neurochemical pathways connecting affective disorders with OAB.

Prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms and their association with pelvic floor dysfunctions-A cross sectional cohort study at a Pelvic Care Centre.

AIMS: Pelvic floor dysfunctions (PFDs), like voiding complaints, urinary and fecal incontinence, and prolapse, are prevalent and associated with decrease in quality of life. PFDs are often complex and multifactorial in origin showing interrelationships between different PFD and with affective conditions. The primary aim of this study is to describe the prevalence of affective complaints in a cohort of Pelvic Care Centre (PCC) patients. The secondary aim is to describe associations between PFDs and depression or anxiety. METHODS: A cross sectional cohort study at an University Hospital's PCC. First contact patients were included in a triage system and filled out questionnaires regarding pelvic floor complaints and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scores. Linear (dummy-) regression analysis of HADS scales was performed to test the effects of relevant clinical predictors related, and not directly related, to pelvic floor problems, and demographic characteristics of the patients. RESULTS: From 1862 eligible first-contact PCC patients, 1510 (mean age 57.1) had completed the questionnaire (352 missing, 18.9%). The prevalence of anxiety and depression complaints was 30.9% and 20.3%, respectively. The variance explained for depression score by PFDs was 0.12 and 0.074 for anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: Anxiety and depression are prevalent (30.9% and 20.3%, respectively) in a cohort of PFDs. PFDs can explain variance within anxiety and depression complaints. Corrected for other contributing variables, 12% of depression and 7.4% of anxiety was directly related to PFDs. We advocate a multidisciplinary approach, containing psychometric assessment for PFDs in order to obtain better diagnostic results and personalized treatment options.

Associations of Psychometric Affective Parameters with Urodynamic Investigation for Urinary Frequency.

OBJECTIVES: To assess an association between affective symptoms and conventional urodynamic results in a pilot study. METHODS: The study represents a retrospective analysis of prospectively obtained clinical data, voiding diaries, urodynamic parameters and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). RESULTS: A total of 74 patients with urinary frequency attending a multidisciplinary pelvic care centre was included in this study. There was a significant association between the total HADS scores and presence of DO (P = 0.019). In addition, results showed an association between HADS anxiety scores (≥8) and Detrusor Overactivity (DO) (P = 0.018) and between HADS depression scores (≥8) and the feeling of urgency (P = 0.028). Comparative analysis showed differences in age, mean voiding volume, bladder capacity and strong desire between patients with DO and those without. CONCLUSION: This pilot study revealed an association between psychometric parameters and urodynamic results indicating a common pathway of bladder function and affective complaints. Further research is needed to elucidate which parts of the bladder-brain axis are involved and how these parts correspond by means of urodynamics.

Functional urological disorders: a sensitized defence response in the bladder-gut-brain axis.

Functional urological and gastrointestinal disorders are interrelated and characterized by a chronic course and considerable treatment resistance. Urological disorders associated with a sizeable functional effect include overactive bladder (OAB), interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS), and chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS). Poor treatment outcomes might be attributable to untreated underlying psychological and psychiatric disorders, as the co-occurrence of functional urological and gastrointestinal disorders with mood and anxiety disorders is common. The hypothetical bladder-gut-brain axis (BGBA) is a useful framework under which this interaction can be studied, suggesting that functional disorders represent a sensitized response to earlier threats such as childhood adversity or previous traumatic events, resulting in perceived emotional and bodily distress - the symptoms of functional disorders. Psychological and physical stress pathways might contribute to such alarm falsification, and neuroticism could be a risk factor for the co-occurrence of functional disorders and affective conditions. Additionally, physical threat - either from external sources or internal sources such as infection - might contribute to alarm falsification by influencing body-brain crosstalk on homeostasis and, therefore, affecting mood, cognition, and behaviour. Multidisciplinary research and an integrated care approach is, therefore, required to further elucidate and remediate functional urological and gastrointestinal polymorphic phenotypes.

Screening for depression and anxiety in patients with storage or voiding dysfunction: A retrospective cohort study predicting outcome of sacral neuromodulation.

AIMS: It has been reported that somatic treatment in patients with affective symptoms has a higher risk of failure. The aim was to investigate whether affective symptoms could predict the outcome of sacral neuromodulation (SNM) for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). METHODS: All patients that underwent a SNM evaluation between 2006 and 2013 and filled out a Hospital Anxiety and Depression Score (HADS) before treatment, were included. Chi-square analysis and bivariate logistic regression were used to assess associations and predictive value. RESULTS: Eighty-six patients were included, 65 females and 21 males. Most patients, 66, had overactive bladder syndrome (OAB). The remaining 20 patients suffered from non-obstructive urinary retention (NOR). Thirty-nine OAB patients and 17 NOR patients, had a normal total HADS score before treatment. Significantly more patients showed abnormal HADS-D (P = 0.047) and HADS-A (P = 0.015) scores in the OAB group compared to the NOR group. Success of SNM could not be predicted by the HADS score P = 0.464 (after 1 year P = 0.446). Subsequent analysis revealed that an abnormal HADS score was not related to the occurrence of SNM adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: The present study did not reveal a significant relationship between an abnormal HADS score and failure of the SNM test period in a mixed group of OAB and NOR patients. However, differences between OAB and NOR patients concerning affective symptoms were present. It is known that psychological factors play a role in the severity of LUTS, but they may not predict SNM outcome. Neurourol. Urodynam. 35:1011-1016, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.