Are children with food allergies more likely to have lower urinary tract symptoms? A case-control study.

INTRODUCTION: There are multiple historic reports linking lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in children with food allergies (FA), but contemporary studies are sparse. The objective of this study was to evaluate a potential link between FA and LUTS in the pediatric population. We hypothesized that children with FAs are more likely to have LUTS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After local IRB approval, pediatric patients (6-17 years [y]) with FAs proven by positive skin prick and/or serum IgE testing were invited to participate. A control group of pediatric patients without FAs was also recruited. All families/legal guardians signed informed consent, and all children signed written assent. Each participant filled out the Vancouver Symptom Score (VSS), a validated questionnaire for dysfunctional elimination syndrome, and the Pediatric Incontinence Questionnaire (PinQ), a validated quality of life assessment for children with bladder dysfunction. Demographic and clinical information were obtained retrospectively. RESULTS: From 2019-2020, 26 children with FAs and 57 without agreed to participate. Mean age was 9.3 y (IQR 7.9 y-13.5 y). There were no differences in gender, age, or race between the two cohorts. There were no significant differences between the two groups in mean VSS score or mean PinQ score. Four children with FAs (15%) and 15 children without (26%) had VSS score ≥ 11 (p = 0.339), indicating dysfunctional elimination. The median PinQ score was 0 (IQR 0-2) in both cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: This study did not identify an association between FAs and LUTS in a population of pediatric patients with laboratory proven FAs.

Synergistic interaction between hyperlipidemia and obesity as a risk factor for stress urinary incontinence in Americans.

Urinary incontinence is a common disease among middle-aged and elderly women, which not only affects the physical and mental health of patients, but also brings a great medical burden to society. Obesity is a known risk factor for urinary incontinence and is the most common secondary cause of hyperlipidemia. Most obese patients also suffer from hyperlipidemia in the clinic. However, few studies have explored the role of hyperlipidemia in women with urinary incontinence. Using data from the 2005-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), we aimed to evaluated the independent associations of high body mass index and hyperlipidemia with urinary incontinence in Americans by conducting a weighted multivariate logistic regression model. Additive interactions were also assessed using the relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI), attributed proportion of interaction (AP) and synergy index (S). This study demonstrated that hyperlipidemia was associated with a higher risk of stress urinary incontinence among women with obesity (OR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.03-2.25), and there was a significant synergistic effect of hyperlipidemia and obesity on stress urinary incontinence(adjusted RERI: 3.75, 95% CI 0.30-7.20; adjusted AP: 0.67, 95% CI 0.54-0.80; adjusted S: 5.49, 95% CI 4.15-7.27). Moreover, fasting serum triglyceride lipids were the most relevant blood lipid indicator for the risk of stress urinary incontinence, especially among obese women younger than 50 years old, which contributes to the development of more refined lipid control protocols for patients with urinary incontinence in different age groups.

Contribution of pudendal nerve injury to stress urinary incontinence in a male rat model.

Urinary incontinence is a common complication following radical prostatectomy, as the surgery disturbs critical anatomical structures. This study explored how pudendal nerve (PN) injury affects urinary continence in male rats. In an acute study, leak point pressure (LPP) and external urethral sphincter electromyography (EMG) were performed on six male rats with an intact urethra, the urethra exposed (UE), the PN exposed (NE), and after PN transection (PNT). In a chronic study, LPP and EMG were tested in 67 rats 4 days, 3 weeks, or 6 weeks after sham PN injury, PN crush (PNC), or PNT. Urethras were assessed histologically. Acute PNT caused a significant decrease in LPP and EMG amplitude and firing rate compared to other groups. PNC resulted in a significant reduction in LPP and EMG firing rate 4 days, 3 weeks, and 6 weeks later. EMG amplitude was also significantly reduced 4 days and 6 weeks after PNC. Neuromuscular junctions were less organized and less innervated after PNC or PNT at all timepoints compared to sham injured animals. Collagen infiltration was significantly increased after PNC and PNT compared to sham at all timepoints. This rat model could facilitate preclinical testing of neuroregenerative therapies for post-prostatectomy incontinence.

Predictors of non-persistence in women with overactive bladder syndrome.

Persistence is important for the success in the treatment of women with overactive bladder syndrome (OAB). We aimed to identify the predictors of non-persistence in women with OAB after first-line medical treatment. All consecutive women with OAB (n = 608), who underwent urodynamic studies and received first-line medical treatment (5 mg of solifenacin or 25 mg of mirabegron per day) in a referral medical center, were reviewed. Mirabegron (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.711) was associated with a higher persistence rate, compared to solifenacin. Mirabegron treatment (HR = 0.269) was less likely to switch medication; however, a high Urogenital Distress Inventory score (HR = 1.082) was more likely to switch medication. Furthermore, old age (HR = 1.050, especially for ≥ 75 years) and high voided volume (dL, HR = 1.420, especially for voided volume ≥ 250 ml) were associated with added medication at follow-up. Additionally, women with low parity (HR = 0.653, especially for parity ≤ 3) and a low Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7) score (HR = 0.828, especially for IIQ-7 score ≤ 7) were associated with improvement without medication. In conclusion, mirabegron can be considered as the first frontline treatment to increase the persistence rate and decrease the rate of switched medications, compared to solifenacin. In addition, combination therapy or higher-dose monotherapy could be used as the first front-line treatment for women ≥ 75 years of age or with ≥ 250 ml of voided volume.

Evaluation of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Males and Urinary Incontinence in Females in Primary Health Care in Greece.

Background and Objectives: The significant prevalence of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS), erectile dysfunction (ED), and associated adverse effects calls for increased attention in primary care settings. In Greece, there is a lack of sufficient data for LUTS and ED screening in primary care. Therefore, the aim of our study was to estimate the prevalence of LUTS and ED, identify associated risk factors, and evaluate their impact on quality of life among adult primary healthcare users aged 40 years and older in Crete, Greece. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to explore the prevalence of LUTS and ED in 1746 primary health care users visiting rural primary health care practices in Crete, Greece. Participants underwent a comprehensive evaluation including demographic parameters, screening for LUTS utilizing the validated International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS) questionnaire and for ED using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), in males, and for urinary incontinence in women with the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF). Participants with a prior diagnosis of LUTS or ED were excluded (n = 183). Results: Out of 536 participants finally included (n = 1746 screened), 32% of males and 36% of females exhibited moderate to severe LUTS. Following adjustments, we identified advanced age, retirement, and the presence of diabetes type 2 as factors associated with the occurrence of LUTS in men. Patients with LUTS also had a substantially increased likelihood of experiencing ED. Moreover, it was observed that women with hypertension or diabetes type 2 and lower education levels face an increased likelihood of developing LUTS, which adversely affects their quality of life. Conclusions: In conclusion, the findings of this study reveal a high occurrence of LUTS and ED in adults aged 40 years and older who utilize primary healthcare services, with a negative impact on their quality of life.

Sex-specific independent risk factors of urinary incontinence in acute stroke patients: A multicentre registry-based cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The presence of urinary incontinence (UI) in acute stroke patients indicates poor outcomes in men and women. However, there is a paucity and inconsistency of data on UI risk factors in this group and hence we conducted a sex-specific analysis to identify risk factors. METHODS: Data were collected prospectively (2014-2016) from the Sentinel Stroke National Audit Program for patients admitted to four UK hyperacute stroke units. Relevant risk factors for UI were determined by stepwise multivariable logistic regression, presented as odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: The mean (±SD) age of UI onset in men (73.9 year ± 13.1; n = 1593) was significantly earlier than for women (79.8 year ± 12.9; n = 1591: p < 0.001). Older age between 70 and 79 year in men (OR = 1.61: CI = 1.24-2.10) and women (OR = 1.55: CI = 1.12-2.15), or ≥80 year in men (OR = 2.19: CI = 1.71-2.81), and women (OR = 2.07: CI = 1.57-2.74)-reference: <70 year-both predicted UI. In addition, intracranial hemorrhage (reference: acute ischemic stroke) in men (OR = 1.64: CI = 1.22-2.20) and women (OR = 1.75: CI = 1.30-2.34); and prestroke disability (mRS scores ≥ 4) in men (OR = 1.90: CI = 1.02-3.5) and women (OR = 1.62: CI = 1.05-2.49) (reference: mRS scores < 4); and stroke severity at admission: NIHSS scores = 5-15 in men (OR = 1.50: CI = 1.20-1.88) and women (OR = 1.72: CI = 1.37-2.16), and NIHSS scores = 16-42 in men (OR = 4.68: CI = 3.20-6.85) and women (OR = 3.89: CI = 2.82-5.37) (reference: NIHSS scores = 0-4) were also significant. Factors not selected were: a history of congestive heart failure, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, diabetes and previous stroke. CONCLUSIONS: We have identified similar risk factors for UI after stroke in men and women including age >70 year, intracranial hemorrhage, prestroke disability and stroke severity.

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.

The Prevalence of Incontinence and Its Association With Urinary Tract Infections, Dermatitis, Slips and Falls, and Behavioral Disturbances Among Older Adults in Medicare Fee-for-Service.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of urinary (UI), fecal (FI), and dual incontinence (DI) in older adults and their association with urinary tract infections, dermatitis, slips and falls, and behavioral disturbances based on Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) claims data. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis. SUBJECTS AND SETTINGS: Data from administrative claims from the CMS Medicare Limited Data Set (5% sample) for all months in 2018 were reviewed. The analysis was limited to FFS Medicare beneficiaries, with minimum of 3-month enrollment in Parts A and B who were at least 65 years old. This cohort included 1.2 million beneficiaries in the United States. METHODS: We used diagnosis codes to identify members with incontinence and grouped these members into 3 categories (UI only, FI only, and DI). We also divided claims based on 4 sites of care (nursing home, skilled nursing facility, home health, and self- or family care). We then determined the prevalence of (1) urinary tract infections (UTIs), (2) dermatitis, (3) slips and falls, and (4) behavioral disturbances for each type of incontinence. RESULTS: We found that 11.2% of Medicare members had a claims-based diagnosis of incontinence in 2018. On average, those diagnosed with incontinence experienced 5 times more UTIs, 2 times as many dermatitis events, more than twice as many slips and falls, and 2.8 times more behavior disturbances compared to those without an incontinence diagnosis. For those with DI, the prevalence of the 4 outcomes was significantly higher (between 22% and 185%) compared to those with UI only. CONCLUSIONS: Findings show that Medicare beneficiaries diagnosed as incontinent experience a much higher prevalence of UTIs, dermatitis, slips and falls, and behavioral disturbances compared to those without a diagnosis of incontinence. Our results suggest that incontinence may be an important indicator diagnosis for multiple other conditions and, if not well-managed, may challenge the desire for those who are incontinent to age at home.

Female sexual dysfunction in urinary and double incontinence.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the sexual function of women with urinary incontinence (UI) and double incontinence (DI) comparing with a healthy control group by using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). METHODS: This study was designed as a retrospective study consisting of UI, DI, and a control group, each containing age-matched 40 patients. Statistical comparisons were made among the UI, DI, and control groups in terms of the FSFI total score as well as each domain's score. RESULTS: The FSFI total scores were found to be 22.92, 20.53, and 20.32 for the control, UI, and DI groups, respectively, and no statistically significant difference was found among the groups. A statistically significant difference existed among the groups only in terms of satisfaction and pain. Significantly higher pain was found in the UI and DI groups compared with the control group (p=0.007 and p<0.001). Although there was significantly lower satisfaction in the DI group compared with the control group (p=0.012), no significant difference was found between the UI and control groups. CONCLUSION: The pain in the UI group and the pain and the low satisfaction in the DI group might be parameters that cause sexual dysfunction.

Nursing management of patients dealing with spina bifida: from the prenatal diagnosis to adulthood / nursing intervention for the improvement of the impact of urinary and fecal incontinence on the quality of life of people dealing with spina bifida.

BACKGROUND: Urinary and fecal incontinence in people dealing with spina bifida, has inevitably an influence on the quality of life. In this analysis, the degree of education on how to manage incontinence and retention is studied, as well as the problems those might create and the consequential degree of autonomy and independence reached into the management of those. The main goal is to increase both nursing assistance and the education of the people dealing with spina bifida. METHODS: A multiple-choice questionnaire with open questions, concerning the bowel and bladder management was structured by all the authors and shared by the Google Docs platform among the members of the ASBI (Associazione Spina Bifida Italia) by the secretariat of the association itself. 125 patients affected by Spina Bifida voluntarily decided to participate and complete the questionnaire. The questionnaire didn't set any limits as regards the age. For minors, its completion was made under the observation of the caregivers who gave their consent. All the authors participated to administration of the questionnaire to minors. RESULTS: out of 125 participants, 80 were females and 25 males. The questions concerned the level of deambulation (the 35,2% was autonomous, the 30,4% were people who use wheelchairs while the 34,4% is aid-supported), urinary incontinence, with great concern to the self-catheterization technique (the 80,8% claimed to be autonomous in performing self-catheterization, unlike the remaining 19,2%) and the impact of the said incontinence on social life (the 59,2% claimed they do not feel restrained because of their bladder incontinence or retention, unlike the remaining 40,8%). Lastly, we focused on fecal constipation and incontinence (the 57,6% claimed to struggle with incontinence, the 12% claimed they don't and the 30,4% struggles with both conditions), on the ability of the people dealing with this to intervene to prevent unpleasant situations, in particular by using trans-anal irrigation (the 57,6% doesn't feel autonomous in performing it). CONCLUSION: urinary and fecal incontinence have, of course, an impact on the quality of life of people dealing with spina bifida. Nevertheless, we can observe that it is possible to improve the quality of life of these people, letting them feel confident enough to take part in social activities, through education from an incredibly young age, from 0 up to 25 years old and over, supplied by the medical staff and mostly by the parents (previously educated by the medical staff as well).

A Full Bladder Is Not Needed for the Male Stress Incontinence Grading Scale.

INTRODUCTION: Our objectives were to evaluate the Male Stress Incontinence Grading Scale to stratify male patients with stress urinary incontinence for either artificial urinary sphincter or sling using a standing cough test and determine if an emptier bladder at the time of assessment carries increased risk of treatment failure. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of male patients undergoing sling and artificial urinary sphincter placement. The standing cough test score and bladder scan results were documented at initial evaluation. RESULTS: Forty patients underwent sling and 43 underwent naïve artificial sphincter placement. Median follow-up was 7.11 months. Thirty-six/forty slings had complete incontinence resolution or reduction to a safety pad vs 40/43 after sphincter (90% vs 93%, P = .62). Four sling patients (10%) had persistence or recurrence of incontinence. Cough test scores were similar between sling failure (67% grade 0, 33% grade 1) and success groups (83% grade 0, 3% grade 1, 14% grade 2). Bladder scan mean was 18.5 cc in the sling failure (SD 21.1) and 38.0 cc in the success groups (38.3), with 32% of success patients having bladder scans of 0 cc, and 63% of < 50 cc. Mean for sphincter patients was 45 cc (56.9). Ten patients with scan = 0 and 7 patients with scans < 30 cc demonstrated grade 4 incontinence. CONCLUSIONS: Cough test is a noninvasive, reliable tool to assess stress urinary incontinence severity. Our data suggest it is reliable even when bladders are nearly empty and can effectively stratify patients for sling vs artificial urinary sphincter with a high rate of success.

Urinary and Fecal Incontinence During Sexual Activity Is Common and Bothersome Among Adults With Spina Bifida.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of and risk factors for urinary fecal incontinence (UI, FI) during sexual activity (UIS, FIS) among adults with spina bifida (SB). METHODS: An international online survey of adults with SB was administered through SB clinics and SB organizations via social media. Adults with a history of masturbation or partnered sexual activity were included. The primary outcome was ever experiencing UIS/FIS. Nonparametric tests and logistic regression were used for analysis. RESULTS: A total of 341 adults met inclusion criteria (median age: 36years, 59% female, 52% shunted, 48% community ambulators). Baseline UI in the last 4weeks was reported by 50% and FI by 41%. Nineteen (5%) had a urostomy. Eight (2%) had a colostomy. Overall, 93% had a history of partnered genital contact. Among adults without a diversion, UIS was more common than FIS (70% vs 45%, P < .001). Among adults without a urostomy, UIS was more common among women (76% vs 62%, P = .01) and those with baseline UI (84% vs 50%, P < .001). UIS was not associated with age, shunt, ambulatory, or catheterization status (P >=.32). On bivariate analysis, female sex and baseline UI were independent predictors of UIS (P <=.001). Among adults without a colostomy, FIS was associated with female sex (50% vs 39%, P = .046), baseline FI (59% vs 32%, P < .001), community ambulation (52% vs 40%, P = .04), but not age, shunt, or MACE status (P >=.27). On multivariate analysis, baseline FI was independently associated with FIS (P < .001). Among adults with UIS/FIS, 29% experienced UIS "almost always" to "always," compared to 5% for FIS (P < .001). Virtually all adults found UIS/FIS bothersome (>=96% for each), even when incontinence occurred "almost never." UIS/FIS mostly occurred before and/or during orgasm than afterward (P < .001). UIS was reported by 53% of adults with a urostomy (100% bothersome). FIS was reported by 38% of adults with a colostomy (100% bothersome). CONCLUSION: Incontinence during sexual activity is a common problem for men and women with SB. Baseline incontinence is an independent, but not absolute, predictor of both. While FIS is less frequent than UIS, both are virtually always bothersome.

[Symptomatology of Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus].

Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus causes a triad of gait disturbance, dementia, and urinary incontinence in the elderly. All these symptoms may manifest as age-related functional decline or from neurological and non-neurological diseases common in the elderly. In idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus, characterized by ataxic-ataxic gait, subcortical dementia, and urge urinary incontinence, it is clinically important to consider these characteristic features. This overview describes the symptomatology of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus.

Management of mixed urinary incontinence: IUGA committee opinion.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) is defined by the International Urogynecology Association (IUGA) and International Continence Society as the complaint of involuntary leakage of urine associated with urgency and also with exertion, effort, sneezing or coughing. It therefore implies the coexistence of both stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and urgency urinary incontinence (UUI). MUI is a heterogeneous diagnosis that requires an assessment of its individual components of SUI and UUI. Management requires an individualised approach to the symptom components. The aim of this review is to identify the assessment/investigations and management options for MUI. METHODS: A working subcommittee from the IUGA Research & Development (R&D) Committee was created and volunteers invited from the IUGA membership. A literature review was performed to provide guidance focused on the recommended assessment and management of MUI. The document was then evaluated by the entire IUGA R&D Committee and IUGA Board of Directors and revisions made. The final document represents the IUGA R&D Committee Opinion. RESULTS: The R&D Committee MUI opinion paper provides guidance on the assessment and management of women with MUI and summarises the evidence-based recommendations. CONCLUSIONS: Mixed urinary incontinence is a complex problem and successful management requires alleviation of both the stress and urge components. Care should be individualised based on patient preferences. Further research is needed to guide patients in setting goals and to determine which component of MUI to treat first. The evidence for many of the surgical/procedural treatment options for MUI are limited and needs to be explored in more detail.

Urinary Incontinence in Midlife According to Weight Changes Across and After Childbearing Years.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The objective was to investigate how weight change across and after the childbearing years was associated with urinary incontinence (UI) in midlife. METHODS: Data were obtained from 35,645 women responding to the Maternal Follow-up questionnaire in the Danish National Birth Cohort in 2013-2014. Outcome was self-reported UI and its subtypes. Exposures were changes in body mass index (BMI) across and after the childbearing years. Adjusted odds ratios were estimated using logistic regression. RESULTS: At follow-up, the mean age was 44 years and 32% experienced UI. Compared with stable weight, weight gain across the childbearing years of > 1 to 3, > 3 to 5 or > 5 BMI units increased the odds of any UI by 15%, 27%, and 41% respectively. For mixed UI, the odds increased by 23%, 41%, and 68% in these groups. Weight gain after childbearing showed the same pattern, but with a higher increase in the odds of mixed UI (25%, 60%, and 95% in the respective groups). Women with any weight loss during this period had 9% lower odds of any UI than women with a stable weight. CONCLUSIONS: Weight gain across and after childbearing increased the risk of UI in midlife, especially the subtype mixed UI. Weight loss after childbearing decreased the risk.

Black box in overactive bladder: Central sensitization and its relationship with urinary symptom severity and quality of life.

AIM: To examine central sensitization (CS), and to investigate the relationship between CS, and urinary symptom severity, and quality of life (QoL) in women with overactive bladder (OAB). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 144 women with OAB included the study. CS with the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI), urinary symptom with the Overactive Bladder Questionnaire-Version 8 (OAB-V8), bladder diary and Patients' Perception of Intensity of Urgency Scale (PPIUS) and QoL with the King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ) were assessed. RESULTS: It was found that 47.9% (n = 69) of women with OAB had CS. It was observed that the CSI score was related to the OAB-V8 score (ρ = 0.327; p < 0.001) and the average number of voids/day (ρ = 0.291; p < 0.001). Additionally, urgency severity was higher in women with OAB with CS than in women with OAB without CS (p = 0.006). There was a relationship between the CSI score and KHQ-incontinence impact (ρ = 0.250; p = 0.012), KHQ-personal relationship (ρ = 0.253; p = 0.002), KHQ-sleep/energy (ρ = 0.180; p = 0.031), KHQ-emotional state (ρ = 0.310; p < 0.001) and KHQ-severity measurement scores (ρ = 0.391; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In this study, it was observed that the majority of women with OAB had CS. It was found that more severe symptoms of CS were associated with worse urinary symptom severity and QoL in these patients. It may be beneficial to evaluate CS in the management of OAB and to consider CS when determining treatment strategies.

Vitamin D levels and the risk of overactive bladder: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

CONTEXT: Overactive bladder is treated mainly with behavioral and drug therapy, and symptoms of urinary frequency and incontinence are challenging to eliminate. There is thus a continuous unmet need for new drugs with a substitution effect mechanism. OBJECTIVE: It not known whether vitamin D deficiency can lead to overactive bladder or urinary incontinence or whether vitamin D supplementation alleviates bladder symptoms. This comprehensive systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted to determine whether overactive bladder is associated with vitamin D deficiency. DATA SOURCES: The PubMed and Cochrane Library databases were searched systematically up to July 3, 2022. DATA EXTRACTION: Initially, 706 articles were identified in the literature search, of which 13 were included in the systematic review: 4 randomized controlled trials, 3 cohort studies, 3 cross-sectional studies, and 3 case-control studies. DATA ANALYSIS: An increased risk of overactive bladder and urinary incontinence was observed with vitamin D deficiency (odds ratio [OR] = 4.46; 95%CI, 1.03-19.33; P = 0.046 and OR = 1.30; 95%CI, 1.01-1.66; P = 0.036, respectively). Vitamin D levels were relatively low in patients with overactive bladder or urinary incontinence (SMD = -0.33; 95%CI, -0.61 to -0.06, P = 0.019). On the basis of existing data, the risk of urinary incontinence was reduced by 66% after vitamin D supplementation (OR = 0.34; 95%CI, 0.18-0.66; P = 0.001). Egger test was conducted to assess publication bias, and the results were tested for robustness using a sensitivity analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of overactive bladder and urinary incontinence, and vitamin D supplementation reduces the risk of urinary incontinence. The development of new strategies to prevent or alleviate bladder symptoms is crucial. Vitamin D supplementation may be gaining recognition as an effective strategy for prevention or alleviation of bladder symptoms such as overactive bladder and incontinence. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration no. CRD42022351443.

Risk Factors for De Novo Overactive Bladder After Midurethral Sling.

IMPORTANCE: The low incidence of de novo overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms after a midurethral sling (MUS) procedure better informs preoperative counseling. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to measure the incidence and risk factors for de novo OAB after MUS. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective cohort study of de novo OAB symptoms in patients who underwent MUS surgery in a health maintenance organization between January 1, 2008, and September 30, 2016. Patients were identified using Current Procedural Terminology codes for MUS and International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes for urinary urgency, frequency, nocturia, OAB, and urgency urinary incontinence (UUI). The cohort of patients was identified by the absence of these International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes 12 months preoperatively and the presence of these codes within 6 months after surgery. This cohort was used to calculate the rate of de novo OAB after MUS surgery. Clinical and demographic factors were abstracted. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive, χ2 , simple logistic, and multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: During the study period, 13,893 patients underwent MUS surgery and 6,634 met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 56.9 years, mean parity was 2.76, and mean body mass index was 28.9 (calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared). Of these, 410 (6.1%) developed de novo OAB within 12 months. The most common symptoms were urgency (65.4%), UUI (42.2%), and frequency (19.8%). On multivariable regression modeling, de novo urgency and UUI were not associated with concurrent surgery ( P < 0.05). Increasing age and body mass index were associated with an increased risk of nocturia ( P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of de novo OAB after MUS surgery was 6.1%. This aligns with current literature and critically informs preoperative counseling for MUS surgery.

The 51-60 cm H2O Artificial Urinary Sphincter Pressure Regulating Balloon: Indications and Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the role and long-term outcomes of using the 51-60cm H2O pressure regulating balloon (PRB) in male patients with an artificial urinary sphincter (AUS). METHODS: From 2005-2021, 90 patients with a variety of urethral risk factors underwent AUS placement with use of the low-pressure 51-60 cm H2O PRB to treat stress incontinence. Patient demographics, indication for use of the 51-60 cm H2O PRB, perioperative data, and postoperative outcomes were examined and Pearson's chi squared test and Wilcoxon rank sum test were used to identify associations with future revisions, erosion, and mechanical failure. RESULTS: Ninety patients were included in the study. After median follow-up of 46.6months (range: 6-146months), 4 (4.44%) patients developed an erosion-related complication that required device removal, 4 developed an infection, and 3 underwent surgery for pump relocation. One patient had a reported mechanical failure of unknown source. Thirty patients underwent revision surgery to reduce incontinence. Of the 4 patients with erosion, 1 was due to iatrogenic catheterization. The remaining 3 had numerous urethral risk factors. Univariate analysis was performed to identify predictors of cuff erosion, infection, and revision in patients with a 51-60 cm H2O PRB. No significant associations were found including prior pelvic radiation, age at AUS placement, presence of inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP), prior AUS erosion, or previous urethroplasty. CONCLUSION: The low-pressure 51-60 cm H2O PRB can be used in high-risk male patients with urinary incontinence with low rates of complications including erosion, infection, and mechanical failure. While patients may choose to undergo future revisional surgery to improve continence, the 51-60 cm H2O PRB should be considered as the initial PRB in patients with urethral risk factors.

Health-related Quality of Life in Patients With Urethral Stenosis After Radiation Treatment for Prostate Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate patient-reported quality of life (PRQoL) in patients presenting with membranous urethral stenosis after prostate radiotherapy. Urethral stenosis is an under-reported complication after prostate radiotherapy with a particular deficiency in PRQoL. METHODS: Patients presenting with urethral stenosis after radiotherapy were retrospectively reviewed from 2004 to 2022. PRQoL was assessed via patient survey using the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite for Clinical Practice (EPIC-CP). RESULTS: Two hundred thirty patients were identified at a mean age of 67.7years and mean time to stricture diagnosis of 63.6months' postradiotherapy. Of 87 patients completing the survey, 29.9% recalled being aware of urethral stenosis as a potential complication and 51.7% had documentation of urethral stenosis as a potential complication. 33.5% of patients underwent urethroplasty, 59.6% repeat endoscopic treatment and 6.1% an indwelling catheter. 64.4% of patients reported urinary dysfunction as a "moderate" or "big" problem, 66.7% reported frequent or total incontinence, 64.4% required daily pad use and 50.6% reported incontinence as either a "moderate" or "big" problem. 85.0% reported poor or absent orgasmic dysfunction and 88.5% reported erections insufficient for sexual activity. Additionally, 47.1% of patients reported rectal pain and 31.0% reported dysuria. Depressive symptoms and fatigue were reported by 41.4% and 60.9% of patients respectively. CONCLUSION: Urethral stenosis after radiotherapy is a clinically complex entity with a broad scope of associated symptoms including high rates of patient-reported incontinence, voiding dysfunction, sexual dysfunction, pain, bowel dysfunction and depression. This multifocal nature combined with often insidious presentation and patient unawareness creates a uniquely challenging condition to treat.