The effects of antimuscarinic treatment on the cognition of spinal cord injured individuals with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction: a prospective controlled before-and-after study.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective controlled before-and-after study. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of antimuscarinic treatment of neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction on the cognition of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) during the early post-acute phase. SETTING: Single SCI rehabilitation center. METHODS: Patients with acute traumatic SCI admitted for primary rehabilitation from 2011 to 2015 were screened for study enrollment. Study participants underwent baseline neuropsychological assessments prior to their first urodynamic evaluation (6-8 weeks after SCI). Individuals suffering from neurogenic detrusor overactivity received antimuscarinic treatment, and those not requiring antimuscarinic treatment constituted the control group. The neuropsychological follow-up assessment was carried out 3 months after the baseline assessment. The effects of group and time on the neuropsychological parameters were investigated. RESULTS: The data of 29 individuals were evaluated (control group 19, antimuscarinic group 10). The group had a significant (P≤0.033) effect on immediate recall, attention ability and perseveration. In the control group, individuals performed significantly (P≤0.05) better in immediate recall both at baseline (percentile rank 40, 95% CI 21-86 versus 17, 95% CI 4-74) and follow-up (percentile rank 40, 95% CI 27-74 versus 16, 95% CI 2-74). The time had a significant (P≤0.04) effect on attention ability, processing speed, word fluency and visuospatial performance. The individuals in both groups performed better at the follow-up compared to the baseline assessment. CONCLUSION: Even though, we did not observe cognitive deterioration in the investigated, cognitively intact SCI individuals during the first 3 treatment months, the concerns regarding deleterious effects of antimuscarinics on cognition remain.

Treatment of stress urinary incontinence in men with spinal cord injury: minimally invasive=minimally effective?

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. OBJECTIVES: To assess the outcome of minimally invasive treatment of stress urinary incontinence with alloplastic slings in patients with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction. SETTING: Switzerland. METHODS: The patient database of a tertiary urologic referral center was screened for male patients with SCI who underwent implantation of a suburethral sling between June 2009 and December 2015. Patient characteristics and bladder management details were collected by chart review. RESULTS: Sixteen patients were identified. Of those, 13 received a transobturator tape (TOT) and three underwent implantation of an retropubic adjustable system (RAS). In the TOT group, nine patients became continent, one patient was improved and three patients remained unchanged. Three patients underwent minor revisions due to impaired wound healing. In the RAS group, no patient improved and one RAS had to be removed due to severe wound infection; in a second patient, an abscess with destruction of the urethra occurred. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, alloplastic slings seem to be an effective minimally invasive treatment option in male patients with SUI due to SCI. TOT seem to be more effective than RAS and was associated with less severe complications. The selection criteria for the optimal patient and the optimal sling have to be further defined.

Initial experience with the treatment of neurogenic detrusor overactivity with a new ß-3 agonist (mirabegron) in patients with spinal cord injury.

STUDY DESIGN: It is a retrospective chart analysis. OBJECTIVES: In patients with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) due to spinal cord injury (SCI), neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) can cause both deterioration of the upper urinary tract and urinary incontinence. Antimuscarinic treatment is frequently discontinued due to side effects or lack of efficacy, whereas injection of onabotulinumtoxin into the detrusor is a minimally invasive procedure with risks of urinary retention, infection and haematuria. Mirabegron, a new ß-3 agonist, is a potential new agent for treatment of NDO. Aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of mirabegron in SCI patients with NLUTD. SETTING: Swiss Paraplegic Center, Nottwil, Switzerland. METHODS: A retrospective chart analysis of SCI patient treated with mirabegron. RESULTS: Fifteen patients with NDO were treated with mirabegron for a period of at least 6 weeks. Significant reduction of the frequency of bladder evacuation per 24 h (8.1 vs 6.4, P=0.003), and of incontinence episodes per 24 h (2.9 vs 1.3, P=0.027) was observed. Furthermore, we observed improvements in bladder capacity (from 365 to 419 ml), compliance (from 28 to 45 ml cm(-1) H(2)0) and detrusor pressure during storage phase (45.8 vs 30 cm H(2)0). At follow-up, 9/15 patients were satisfied with the therapy, 4/15 reported side effects (3 × aggravation of urinary incontinence, 1 × constipation). CONCLUSIONS: Mirabegron may evolve as an alternative in the treatment of NDO. We observed improvements in urodynamic and clinical parameters. Due to the limited number of patients and the retrospective nature of the study, prospective, placebo-controlled studies are necessary.

Bladder management in individuals with chronic neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective investigation. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association of patient and injury characteristics with bladder evacuation by indwelling catheterization in patients with chronic neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD). SETTING: Tertiary urologic referral center. METHODS: The patient database was screened for patients with chronic (>12 months) NLUTD. Patient characteristics and bladder management details were collected. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the effects of the investigated factors on bladder evacuation by indwelling catheterization. RESULTS: The data of 1263 patients with a median age of 47 years (range 11-89 years) and a median NLTUD duration of 15.2 years (range 1.0-63.4 years) were investigated. The most common bladder evacuation method was intermittent catheterization (IC; 41.3%) followed by triggered reflex voiding (25.7%), suprapubic catheterization (11.8%), sacral anterior root stimulation (7.3%), spontaneous voiding (7.0%), abdominal straining (5.7%) and transurethral catheterization (1.3%). Female gender, tetraplegia, an age older than 45 years and injury duration were significant (<0.001) predictors of indwelling catheterization. The odds of bladder evacuation by indwelling catheterization were increased ~2.5, 3 and 4 times in women, patients older than 45 years and tetraplegics, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: IC is the most common bladder evacuation method. However, the majority of individuals with NLUTD are using other evacuation methods, because factors such as functional deficiencies, mental impairment or the social situation are relevant for choosing a bladder evacuation method. Individuals at risk of indwelling catheterization can be identified based on female gender, age, injury severity and injury duration.

Sacral neuromodulation in patients with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction.

STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective chart analysis. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of sacral neuromodulation (SNM) in patients with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD). SETTINGS: This study was conducted in a spinal cord injury rehabilitation center in Switzerland. METHODS: The charts of all patients who underwent SNM (testing and/or permanent implantation) because of NLUTD at our institution between 2007 and 2013 were evaluated. Treatment outcomes and complications were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 50 patients, 30 women and 20 men, with a mean age of 46 (±14) years, fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The most frequent cause for SNM was spinal cord injury in 35 patients (70%). Median duration of the underlying disease was 9.5 (±9.3) years. In all, 35 patients (70%) received a permanent implant. The complication rate was 16% (8/50). At the last follow-up, SNM was in use in 32 patients. In 26 patients with SNM because of detrusor overactivity, voiding frequency per 24 h was significantly reduced from 9 to 6, and daily pad use rate was significantly improved (2.6 versus 0.6 pads per 24h). On comparing urodynamic assessment of detrusor function before and under SNM, no significant suppression of neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) was detected. In nine patients with chronic neurogenic urinary retention, median postvoid residual urine was significantly reduced from 370 to 59 ml. In all, 94% of the patients were either very satisfied or satisfied with SNM. CONCLUSION: SNM might be an additional therapy option in carefully selected patients with NLUTD. On the basis of our results, urodynamic evaluation before SNM is mandatory, as the procedure does not seem to be suited to significantly alleviate NDO.

Risk factors for symptomatic urinary tract infections in individuals with chronic neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective investigation. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association of patient and injury characteristics, as well as bladder management, with the occurrence of patient-reported, symptomatic urinary tract infection(s) UTI(s) in patients with chronic neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD). SETTING: Tertiary urologic referral center. METHODS: The patient database was screened for patients with chronic (>12 months) NLUTD who had presented between 2008 and 2012. Patient characteristics, bladder evacuation management, the annual number of patient-reported, symptomatic UTIs and the type of prophylactic treatment to prevent UTIs were collected. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the effects of the investigated risk factors on the occurrence of symptomatic UTI(s) and recurrent symptomatic UTIs (⩾3 annual UTIs). RESULTS: The data of 1104 patients with a mean NLTUD duration of 20.3±11.6 years were investigated. The evacuation method was a significant (P⩽0.004) predictor for the occurrence of symptomatic UTI and recurrent symptomatic UTIs. The greatest annual number of symptomatic UTIs was observed in patients using transurethral indwelling catheters, and the odds of experiencing a UTI and recurrent UTIs were increased more than 10- and 4-fold, respectively. The odds of a UTI or recurrent UTIs were also increased significantly (P⩽0.014) in patients using intermittent catheterization (IC). Botulinum toxin injections into the detrusor increased the odds of a UTI ~10-fold (P=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The bladder evacuation method is the main predictor for symptomatic UTIs in individuals with NLUTD. Transurethral catheters showed the highest odds of symptomatic UTI and should be avoided whenever possible.

Medical complications during pregnancy and childbirth in women with SCI in Switzerland.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective interview study of mothers with spinal cord injuries (SCIs) who gave birth over the last 15 years. OBJECTIVES: To identify the medical complications of women with SCIs during pregnancy and childbirth in Switzerland and to describe how they dealt with these complications. SETTINGS: Swiss Paraplegic Research in Nottwil, the University of Lausanne and participants' homes. METHODS: Data were collected by self-reported questionnaires and descriptive analysis was conducted. RESULTS: Seventeen women with SCIs who gave birth to 23 children were included. Thirteen of the women were paraplegics and four were tetraplegics. All of them practiced an independent bladder management. Three women changed their bladder management techniques during pregnancy. Five women reported an increased bladder evacuation frequency during pregnancy, and six women reported a new onset or increase in incontinence. We observed no significant increase in bowel dysfunction or skin breakdown due to their pregnancies. Ten women were hospitalised during the course of their pregnancies. Aside from urinary tract infections/pyelonephritis, women were hospitalised for falls, hypertension, pneumonia, preeclampsia, pre-term labour or tachycardia. CONCLUSION: The results of our study clearly demonstrated that, although medical complications are not infrequent during pregnancy in women with SCIs, pregnancy and delivery in this group of women are possible without posing intolerable risks to the mothers or the children. Urological problems seemed to be the most frequent complication during pregnancy.

Urodynamic or video-urodynamic assessment in patients with spinal cord injury: this is not a question!

STUDY DESIGN: Case report. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to demonstrate the additional value of combined video-urodynamic investigations compared with urodynamic investigation alone in patients with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction due to spinal cord injury (SCI). SETTING: The study was conducted in a spinal cord injury rehabilitation center in Switzerland. METHODS: A patient with complete SCI since 1984 evacuated the bladder by reflex voiding. Owing to the lack of clinical symptoms, he refused urologic controls for 15 years. In July 2014, he was referred to our hospital with acute septicemia. RESULTS: The hydronephrosis responsible for the septicemia was successfully treated by intravenous antibiotics and ureteral stenting. Subsequently, a neuro-urologic assessment was performed. Urodynamic examination was normal. Video-urodynamics, however, revealed massive morphologic alterations of the lower and upper urinary tracts, which were responsible for the septicemia. CONCLUSION: Our case demonstrates the necessity of regular video-urodynamic controls even in asymptomatic SCI patients. Persons using triggered voiding may be at a higher risk for secondary changes, as a sustained detrusor pressure is necessary for this technique.

Urethral strictures in men with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction using intermittent catheterization for bladder evacuation.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective investigation. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the occurrence, characteristics and clinical consequences of urethral strictures in men with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) using intermittent catheterization (IC) for bladder evacuation. SETTING: Spinal cord injury rehabilitation center. METHODS: The patient database was screened for men with NLUTD who had presented for a routine video-urodynamic investigation between 2008 and 2012. Patient characteristics, bladder diary details, the occurrence of urethral strictures and performed urethrotomy procedures were collected from patient charts. Urethral strictures were classified using the Wiegand scoring system modified for men with NLUTD. RESULTS: The occurrence rate of urethral strictures (that is, 25% confidence interval (CI) 21-30%) was significantly (P=0.0001) higher in men using IC (n=415) than in men using other bladder evacuation methods (that is, 14% CI 11-17%) (n=629). Urethral strictures had occurred after a median 5.9 years (range 0.5-48.9 years) of IC. There was no significant (P>0.08) effect of tetraplegia or catheter type on the stricture occurrence rate. Approximately one-third of the men suffering from urethral strictures underwent internal urethrotomies. The radiographic stricture severity score was not associated with the need for surgical correction of the stricture. The radiographic recurrence rate of urethral strictures in operated men was 100%, a median 14 years after the first urethrotomy. CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence rate of urethral strictures is significantly higher in men using IC than in men using other bladder evacuation methods. Every fourth men using IC may be affected by urethral strictures. However, only every third stricture may require a surgical intervention.

Use of complementary and alternative medicine in persons with spinal cord injury in Switzerland: a survey study.

STUDY DESIGN: Questionnaire-based survey study. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the use of and the satisfaction with complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) techniques in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). SETTING: Rehabilitation Center, Switzerland. METHODS: Between May and September 2014, all patients with chronic (>1 year) SCI attending the urologic outpatient clinic were asked to fill in a questionnaire regarding the use of CAM. RESULTS: Of the 103 participants (66 men and 37 women), 73.8% stated that they have used some form of CAM since SCI, with acupuncture and homeopathy being the two techniques that were used most frequently (31% each). The most common indications for CAM use were pain and urinary tract infections (UTIs). CAM was used supplementarily rather than exclusively. Overall satisfaction (85.1%) as well as satisfaction rates for the different indications (pain: 85%; UTI: 90.5%) and for the most frequently used forms of CAM (homeopathy: 90.6%; acupuncture: 78.1%) were high. CONCLUSION: According to our data, there is a demand for adjunctive CAM procedures for the treatment of medical complications by persons with SCI. CAM led to high satisfaction levels. On the basis of these results, future research should systematically evaluate the therapeutic potential of the most popular CAM techniques, for example, acupuncture and homeopathy, for the treatment of secondary medical complications of SCI.

Testicular resistive index determined by Doppler ultrasonography in men with spinal cord injury - a case series.

In this case series, the testicular resistive index was determined in men with spinal cord injury. In ten men participating in our fertility programme, the peak systolic and end-diastolic velocity of centripetal testicular arteries was measured in triplicates by Doppler ultrasonography to calculate the testicular resistive index. Furthermore, the right and left testicular volume was determined by ultrasonography, blood samples were obtained for hormonal evaluation, and sperm analysis was performed according to the WHO guidelines. The median testicular resistive index measured 0.69 and was significantly (P < 0.001) greater than the reported cut-off value of 0.6. The spermiograms were characterised by normal sperm count but decreased sperm motility and plasma membrane integrity. The median right and left testicular volume was significantly (P < 0.01) smaller compared to the volumes measured in able-bodied adult males without scrotal pathology and measured 8.4 ml and 7.2 ml respectively. There was a significant (P = 0.005) correlation (rs  = 0.81) between testicular resistive index and sperm concentration. However, no correlations were observed between testicular resistive index and other variables. The testicular resistive index in men with spinal cord injury was significantly greater than 0.6. Measuring the testicular resistive index may represent a useful additional parameter in the assessment of infertility in spinal cord-injured men.

Organ-preserving treatment of an epididymal abscess in a patient with spinal cord injury.

STUDY DESIGN: Case report. OBJECTIVES: To describe a case of successful organ-preserving treatment of an epididymal abscess in a tetraplegic patient. SETTING: Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Centre in Switzerland. METHODS: We present the clinical course of a patient with an epididymal abscess caused by multiresistant bacteria. As the patient declined surgical intervention, a conservative approach was induced with intravenous antibiotic treatment. As the clinical findings did not ameliorate, adjunctive homeopathic treatment was used. RESULTS: Under combined treatment, laboratory parameters returned to normal, and the epididymal abscess was rapidly shrinking. After 1 week, merely a subcutaneous liquid structure was detected. Fine-needle aspiration revealed sterile purulent liquid, which was confirmed by microbiological testing when the subcutaneous abscess was drained. Postoperative course was uneventful. CONCLUSIONS: As the risk for recurrent epididymitis is high in persons with spinal cord injury, an organ-preserving approach is justified even in severe cases. Homeopathic treatment was a valuable adjunctive treatment in the above-mentioned case. Therefore, prospective studies are needed to further elucidate the future opportunities and limitations of classical homeopathy in the treatment of urinary tract infections.

Bladder stones in patients with spinal cord injury: a long-term study.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective follow-up study. OBJECTIVES: To assess the occurrence of bladder stones in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). SETTING: Single SCI rehabilitation center in Switzerland. METHODS: We searched our database for SCI patients who had undergone surgery due to bladder stones between 2004 and 2012. In all patients retrieved, personal characteristics, bladder management, bladder stone occurrence and time to stone formation/recurrence were recorded. RESULTS: We identified 93 (3.3%) of 2825 patients with bladder stones, 24 women and 69 men, with a mean age 50 years (17-83) years. We observed bladder stones in patients with suprapubic catheter (SPC) in 11% (50/453), transurethral catheter (TC) in 6.6% (5/75), with intermittent catheterization (IC) in 2% (27/1315) and with reflex micturition (RM) in 1.1% (11/982), respectively. The mean time period to stone development was 95 months. The TC group had the shortest time interval (31 months), followed by the SPC group (59 months), individuals performing IC (116 months) and RM (211 months), respectively. Bladder stone recurrence rate was 23%. Recurrences were most frequent in the TC group (40%), followed by SPC (28%) and IC (22%), whereas no recurrences occurred in the RM group. Time to recurrence was shortest in the SPC group (14 months), followed by the IC (26 months) and the TC group (31 months), respectively. CONCLUSION: In SCI patients, bladder management has an important role in the development of bladder stones. Indwelling catheters (TC/SPC) are associated with the highest risk to develop bladder stones and therefore should be avoided if possible. If unavoidable, SPC are superior to TC.

Effects of solifenacin in patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity as a result of spinal cord lesion.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the urodynamic effects of solifenacin treatment for neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). SETTING: Paraplegic center in Switzerland. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of case histories and urodynamic data of 35 SCI patients receiving solifenacin for treatment of NDO between 2008 and 2012. Patients were categorized as being at risk of renal damage when maximum detrusor pressure was >40 cm H2O or detrusor compliance was <20 ml cm(-1) H2O. RESULTS: Solifenacin treatment was initiated 7.3 years after SCI. Most patients (63%) had already been taking other antimuscarinic drugs. After 13.1 months (median, interquartile range 6.1-19.5 months), solifenacin treatment had resulted in significant (P<0.03) improvements in bladder capacity (median +30.0 ml), maximum detrusor pressure (median -7.0 cm H2O), reflex volume (median +62.5 ml) and detrusor compliance (median +25.0 ml cm(-1) H2O). Furthermore, fewer patients presented with a risk of renal damage. However, this difference was not significant (P>0.1). The number of patients suffering from incontinence had not changed significantly. Eight and two patients discontinued solifenacin treatment as a result of insufficient efficacy and intolerable adverse events, respectively. One patient had discontinued solifenacin treatment without further explanation. CONCLUSION: Solifenacin treatment significantly improved bladder capacity, detrusor compliance, reflex volume and maximum detrusor pressure. Solifenacin treatment seems to be an effective oral treatment of NDO after SCI.

Residual urine volumes after intermittent catheterization in men with spinal cord injury.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cross-sectional study. OBJECTIVES: To investigate residual urine volumes after intermittent catheterization (IC) in men with spinal cord injury (SCI) and the effect of residual urine on the rate of symptomatic urinary tract infections (UTIs). SETTING: Single SCI rehabilitation center in Switzerland. METHODS: Sixty men experienced in IC (≥ 6 months) emptied their bladder twice by IC. Immediately after catheterization, residual urine was determined by ultrasonography. Personal characteristics and bladder diary details (annual UTI rate, catheter type) were also collected. RESULTS: The median residual urine volume was 7.0 ml (lower quartile (LQ): 0.0, upper quartile (UQ): 20.3 ml). No residual urine was observed after 42% (n=50) of all catheterizations (n=120). Unsatisfactory residual volumes (that is, >50 ml) were observed after 9% (n=11) of all catheterizations. There was no significant (P=0.95) difference between the median residual urine volume of men with recurrent (>2 UTIs per year) UTIs (2.5 ml, LQ: 0.0, UQ: 29.3 ml) and the volume of those with sporadic (≤ 2 UTIs per year) UTIs (6.0 ml, LQ: 0.0, UQ: 20.0 ml). CONCLUSIONS: Bladder evacuation by IC is an efficient method, resulting in zero or small residual urine volumes. The small residual urine volumes generally observed after IC do not predispose for UTIs.

International Spinal Cord Injury Urinary Tract Infection Basic Data Set.

OBJECTIVES: To develop an International Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Basic Data Set presenting a standardized format for the collection and reporting of a minimal amount of information on UTIs in daily practice or research. SETTING: International working group. METHODS: The draft of the Data Set developed by a working group was reviewed by the Executive Committee of the International SCI Standards and Data Sets, and later by the International Spinal Cord Society (ISCoS) Scientific Committee and the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Board. Relevant and interested scientific and professional (international) organizations and societies (∼40) were also invited to review the data set, and it was posted on the ISCoS and ASIA websites for 3 months to allow comments and suggestions. The ISCoS Scientific Committee, Executive Committee and ASIA Board received the data set for final review and approval. RESULTS: The International SCI UTI Basic Data Set includes the following variables: date of data collection, length of time of sign(s)/symptom(s), results of urine dipstick test for nitrite and leukocyte esterase, urine culture results and resistance pattern. The complete instructions for data collection and the data form itself are freely available on the website of ISCoS (http://www.iscos.org.uk).

[Rehabilitation after Spinal Cord Injury : Current trends and principles]. / Rehabilitation nach einer Querschnittlähmung : Aktuelle Trends und Grundlagen.

Traumatic and non traumatic spinal cord injury are rare and an orphan disease in comparison to common diseases. Those affected represent a very special patient population in the treatment even at the site of the accident and in emergency medicine and require a high level of professional expertise. The rehabilitation with the complexity of a spinal cord injury can only succeed with a multiprofessional team that is less focused on the often similar diagnoses according to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) but on functional disorders and associated activity impairments. Only then the best possible integration and participation/inclusion in sociocultural and professional life can be achieved. In addition to the importance of classical physiotherapy and occupational therapy, this article highlights important but often missing team players, such as neurourology and electrical stimulation. In addition, the problems of frequent and some less recognized complications, such as autonomic dysfunction and the benefits of airway management are highlighted. For a comprehensive overview of rehabilitation in spinal cord injury, reference textbooks and guidelines are recommended that are cited in the text.

Mission impossible? Urological management of patients with spinal cord injury during pregnancy: a systematic review.

STUDY DESIGN: A systematic literature review. OBJECTIVES: To systematically assess the existing knowledge about treatment of neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) in pregnant women with traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI), as urologic management of these patients is mandatory, but no guidelines are available. SETTING: Paraplegic center in Switzerland. METHODS: Studies were identified by electronic search of PubMed and MedLine. Data were pooled and analyzed quantitatively. RESULTS: The evidence level of all 14 reports (163 patients, 226 pregnancies) included was low. In 13 studies, information was gathered by a retrospective review of the medical records or by questionnaires. In all studies, reported data were incomplete. SCI was cervical in 34.7%, thoracic in 61.2% and lumbar in 4.1% of the pregnant women. In all 34.7% of the women used indwelling catheters, 25% performed intermittent catheterization, 11.5% used the Credé maneuver and 28.8% voided spontaneously. A total of 64% of the patients had at least one symptomatic urinary tract infection (UTI) during pregnancy. UTIs were more common in women with indwelling catheters (100%) than in those performing intermittent catheterization (38.5%), using the Credé technique (17%) or voiding spontaneously (53.3%). One study demonstrated a significant reduction in UTI during pregnancy without complications in mothers or infants. CONCLUSION: No evidence-based recommendations can be drawn from the existing literature to guide urologists in the management of NLUTD in pregnant women with SCI. The number of studies is small, and data acquisition and presentation are often inadequate. Thus, further research is urgently needed.

Sacral rhizotomy: a salvage procedure in a patient with autonomic dysreflexia.

STUDY DESIGN: Case report. OBJECTIVES: To show the feasibility of sacral deafferentation as a salvage procedure to resolve life-threatening autonomic dysreflexia. SETTING: Paraplegic center in Switzerland. METHOD AND RESULTS: In a patient presenting with acute autonomic dysreflexia leading to cardiac arrest, sacral deafferentation could prevent further episodes of autonomic dysreflexia. CONCLUSION: In patients with spinal cord injury, autonomic dysreflexia can be triggered by the bladder even without detrusor overactivity. In these cases, sacral deafferentation may be the only salvage procedure to prevent further serious health problems. Thus, this procedure augments the armamentarium of urologists dealing with patients suffering from spinal cord lesions.

[Course of neurogenic bladder dysfunction in patients with spinal cord injury under homeopathic treatment]. / Verlauf der neurogenen Blasenfunktionsstörung bei Patienten mit Rückenmarkschädigung unter klassisch homöopathischer Therapie.

BACKGROUND: Nearly all patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) suffer from neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD). Untreated NLUTD is a risk factor for renal damage and can significantly affect quality of life (QoL). Patients with SCI frequently use complementary medicine to alleviate symptoms, namely for urologic problems. OBJECTIVES: We evaluated whether homeopathic treatment influences objective urodynamic parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a retrospective study, urodynamic data of patients with NLUTD due to SCI who received constitutional homeopathic treatment by the consultants of our hospital were evaluated before initiation of homeopathic treatment and at the most recent follow-up. Modifications in urologic treatment were taken into account. RESULTS: Urodynamic results from 35 patients who underwent homeopathic treatment (14 women, 21 men, median age 46 years, tetraplegia: n = 14; paraplegia: n = 21) were available at both time points and could therefore be evaluated. In all, 20 patients used intermittent catheterization, 6 persons had an indwelling catheter, and 9 persons emptied their bladders without a catheter. There were no significant differences in the urodynamic parameters before and during treatment. Changes in urologic therapy correlated with significant improvement in urodynamic findings. CONCLUSIONS: As all patients were under urologic surveillance, and immediate urologic treatment was established if necessary, a retrospective study design proved not to be suitable to detect possible influences of homeopathic treatment on urodynamic parameters in patients with SCI. Thus, a prospective randomized study is essential.