Development and internal validation of a risk prediction model for stress urinary incontinence throughout pregnancy: A multicenter retrospective longitudinal study in Indonesia.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to develop a risk prediction model for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) throughout pregnancy in Indonesian women. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter retrospective longitudinal study involving pregnant women in Indonesia, who sought care at obstetrics clinics from January 2023 to March 2023, encompassing all stages of pregnancy. We collected data on their predictive factors and SUI outcome. SUI was diagnosed based on responses to the "leaks when you are physically active/exercising" criterion in the ICIQ-UI-SF questionnaire during our investigation of the participants. The models underwent internal validation using a bootstrapping method with 1000 resampling iterations to assess discrimination and calibration. RESULTS: A total of 660 eligible pregnant women were recruited from the two study centers, with an overall SUI prevalence of 39% (258/660). The final model incorporated three predictive factors: BMI during pregnancy, constipation, and previous delivery mode. The area under the curve (AUROC) was 0.787 (95% CI: 0.751-0.823). According to the max Youden index, the optimal cut-off point was 44.6%, with a sensitivity of 79.9% and specificity of 65.9%. A discrimination slope of 0.213 was found. CONCLUSION: The developed risk prediction model for SUI in pregnant women offers a valuable tool for early identification and intervention among high-risk SUI populations in Indonesian pregnant women throughout their pregnancies. These findings challenge the assumption that a high BMI and multiple previous deliveries are predictors of SUI in Indonesian women. Further research is recommended to validate the model in diverse populations and settings.

Diagnosed and undiagnosed cough-related stress urinary incontinence in women with refractory or unexplained chronic cough: Its impact on general health status and quality of life.

Background: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is common in women with chronic cough but may be overlooked. Objective: To determine the frequency of underdiagnosis of cough-related SUI and its impact on women's general health status and quality of life (QoL). Methods: Data were analyzed for 147 women with refractory/unexplained chronic cough. Relevant details were collected from clinical charts and a patient-completed survey. General health status was assessed using the EuroQoL visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS) and QoL with the cough-specific Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ). Results: Women were classified into diagnosed (n = 32; 21.8%) or undiagnosed (n = 33; 22.4%) cough-related SUI, and no SUI (n = 82; 55.6%) groups. Women with versus without cough-related SUI perceived poorer health status and greater impact of cough on everyday lives. Mean LCQ scores were significantly lower in cough-related SUI groups versus no SUI group. In multivariate analysis, the presence of cough-related SUI was significantly associated with lower EQ-VAS and LCQ scores. Conclusion: In our cohort, 44% of women had cough-related SUI, and half were undiagnosed. Irrespective of diagnosis, impairment to everyday lives and QoL was similar. Diagnosing cough-related SUI may identify additional patients who can benefit from therapies to suppress cough and improve QoL.

Updates to Surgical Treatment of Female Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI): AUA/SUFU Guideline (2023).

PURPOSE: The purpose of this guideline is to provide a clinical structure with which to approach the diagnosis, counseling, and treatment of female patients with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). MATERIALS/METHODS: The primary source of evidence for the 2017 version of the SUI guideline was the systematic literature review conducted by the ECRI Institute. The initial search spanned literature from January 2005 to December 2015, with an additional updated abstract search through September 2016. The current amendment represents the first update to the 2017 iteration and includes updated literature published through February 2022. RESULTS: This guideline has been amended to reflect changes in and additions to the literature since 2017. The Panel maintained that the differentiation between index and non-index patients remained important. The index patient is a healthy female with minimal or no prolapse who desires surgical therapy for treatment of pure SUI or stress-predominant mixed urinary incontinence. Non-index patients have factors that may affect their treatment options and outcomes, such as high grade prolapse (grade 3 or 4), urgency-predominant mixed incontinence, neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction, incomplete bladder emptying, dysfunctional voiding, SUI following anti-incontinence treatment, mesh complications, high body mass index, or advanced age. CONCLUSION: While gains have been made in the field to support new methods for the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of patients with SUI, the field continues to expand. As such, future reviews of this guideline will take place to stay in keeping with the highest levels of patient care.

Association between respiratory disease and stress urinary incontinence: An analysis of the 2015-2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

INTRODUCTION: There is a logical association between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma with stress urinary incontinence (SUI), given the propensity for coughing which increases intra-abdominal pressure. However, there are few studies examining the association between COPD or asthma and specifically SUI. We aimed to utilize the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 2015 to 2020 to measure the association between respiratory diseases like COPD and asthma with SUI. METHODS: Data was collected from NHANES, a database representative of the United States population. Participants were included if they were female, older than 20 years, and completed the incontinence survey question. Self-reported history of asthma and COPD diagnosis from a physician, as well as history of incontinence associated with activities such as coughing, lifting, or exercise, were collected. Characteristics of participants were compared using χ2 and Student t-tests. Multivariable logistic regression was performed using a multimodel approach to adjust for sociodemographic and health-related covariates. RESULTS: A total of 9059 women were included in this study. 42.13% reported an episode of SUI in the past year, 6.29% had a COPD diagnosis, and 11.86% had an asthma diagnosis. In the unadjusted analysis, participants with COPD were more likely to report SUI (odds ratio [OR] 3.42, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.13-5.49, p < 0.001); this association persisted on multivariable analysis (OR 2.87, 95% CI 1.46-5.60, p = 0.003). There was no significant association between asthma and SUI in the unadjusted (OR 1.15, 95% CI 0.96-1.38, p = 0.14) or adjusted model (OR 1.18, 95% CI 0.86-1.60, p = 0.30). CONCLUSION: Although a strong association between COPD and SUI was observed, an analogous one was not found between asthma and SUI. Chronic cough may be more difficult to control with treatment or more common in those with COPD than asthma, explaining this difference. Future research should continue to explore drivers for SUI in large populations to dispel or affirm historically assumed SUI risk factors.

The "Aberdeen Home Continence Stress Test": a novel objective assessment tool for female stress urinary incontinence.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Clinical trials for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) require a robust, reliable, and responsive tool for objective assessment of SUI post-intervention. The Aberdeen Home Continence Stress Test (HCST) is a novel patient-reported objective assessment tool, aimed to be patient-friendly and reduce attrition rates by avoiding hospital appointments and prolonged pad-wearing. We aim to describe the HCST for the first time and evaluate its reliability, diagnostic accuracy, and response to change. METHODS: A secondary analysis of the Single-Incision Mini-Slings (SIMS) study (a prospective multicentre randomised control trial (RCT) comparing two surgical treatments of SUI was performed. In SIMS (n = 600 women), the objective outcome was assessed by the 24-h pad test, while the patient-reported success rates were assessed using the Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) at 15 months, 2 years and 3 years post-randomisation. Participants were instructed to perform the HCST before and after the 24-h pad test. The HCST was analysed in relation to reliability, validity, and the relationship between the 24-h pad test and HCST results and finally with regard to its responsiveness to change in PGI-I. (Trial registration-number ISRCTN93264234, registration date 14/01/2014). RESULTS: Compared to the 24-h pad test, the sensitivity of the HCST ranged from 0.81-0.95, specificity was 0.76-0.79, negative predictive value was 0.96-0.99 and positive predictive value was 0.32-0.43. Reliability was indicated by high-performing Cronbach's alpha value (> 0.7). An improvement of ≥ 2 leakage groups on the HCST (for example from Large at baseline to Small leakage at follow-up) was strongly associated with patient-reported success on PGI-I (OR 4.38, 95% CI 2.31, 8.31). CONCLUSIONS: The HCST is a valid and reliable patient-reported objective assessment tool that can be used for assessing SUI in surgical trials with good specificity, sensitivity, and consistency.

A digital health program for treatment of urinary incontinence: retrospective review of real-world user data.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: To determine the effectiveness of a prescription digital therapeutic (pDTx) in reducing urinary incontinence (UI) symptoms in real-world users. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of real-world data from users of a pDTx designed to guide pelvic floor muscle training(PFMT) between July 1, 2020-December 31, 2021. The primary outcome was UI symptom change as reported via in-app Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6). Included subjects were female, ≥ 18 years with a diagnosis of stress, urgency, or mixed UI who completed the UDI-6 at baseline and 8 weeks. Demographic, symptom, and adherence data were summarized. Paired t-test and Wilcoxon signed rank test were used to analyze change in outcomes from baseline to 8 weeks across adherence and UI diagnosis groups. RESULTS: Of 532 women with UI, 265 (50%) met criteria and were included in the analysis. Mean age was 51.2 ± 11.5 years (range 22-84, N = 265). Mean body mass index (BMI) was 27.3 ± 6.2 kg/m2 (range 15.2-46.9, N = 147). Most participants had stress UI (59%) followed by mixed UI (22%), urgency UI/OAB (11%), and unspecified UI (8%). UDI-6 scores improved by 13.90 ± 15.53 (p ≤ 0.001); 62% met or exceeded MCID. Device-reported PFMT adherence was 72% at 4 weeks and 66% at 8 weeks (100% = 14 uses/week). Participants in each diagnosis category reported significant improvement on UDI-6 score from baseline to 8 weeks. No association between UDI-6 score improvement and adherence category, age, BMI, or UI subtype was identified. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates effectiveness of a pDTx in reducing UI symptoms in a real-world setting. Users achieved statistically and clinically significant symptom improvement over an 8-week period.

Establishment and validation of a simple nomogram for predicting early postpartum stress urinary incontinence among women with vaginal delivery: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a common public health issue that negatively impacts the quality of life for women worldwide, of which early detection and rehabilitation are consequently pivotal. The aim of this study is to establish a simple nomogram for identifying women at risk of postpartum SUI. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted in a tertiary specialized hospital in Shanghai, China. The study included only women with singleton, full-term, and vaginal deliveries. 2,441 women who delivered from July 2019 to November 2019 were included in the training cohort, and 610 women who delivered from January 2022 to February 2022 were included in the validation cohort. SUI was determined by the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI-SF). Univariate and multifactorial logistical regression were used to identify independent risk factors for postpartum SUI and further construct the nomogram accordingly. Based on concordance statistics (C-statistics), calibration curves, and decision curve analyses, we evaluated the performance of the nomogram in the training cohort and the validation cohort. In addition, the model was validated internally in the training cohort through cross-validation. RESULTS: There were no significant statistically differences in important baseline data such as age, pre-pregnancy BMI, and parity between the training and validation cohorts. SUI was observed in 431 (17.6%) and 125 (20.5%) women in the training and validation cohorts, respectively. According to the regression analysis, age, parity, second stage of labor, infant weight, and forceps delivery were included in the nomogram. The nomogram had a C-statistic of 0.80 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.74-0.85) for predicting SUI. C-statistics were stable in both internally cross-validated training cohort (mean 0.81) and validation cohort (0.83 [95% CI 0.79-0.87]). The nomogram's calibration curve was near the ideal diagonal line. Additionally, the model exhibited a positive net benefit from the decision curve analysis. CONCLUSION: We have created a nomogram that can be utilized to quantify the risk of postpartum SUI for women with vaginal delivery. The model might contribute to predicting early postpartum SUI, thereby facilitating the management of SUI.

Prevalence and severity of urinary incontinence and associated factors in Iranian postmenopausal women: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Urinary incontinence (UI) is one of the most common symptoms during menopause, leading to a decreased quality of life and limited social activities. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and severity of urinary incontinence and associated risk factors in postmenopausal women. METHODS: It was a cross-sectional study using cluster sampling on 433 postmenopausal women in Tabriz-Iran, 2021-2022. Data were collected using questionnaires of socio-demographic characteristics, Questionnaire for Urinary Incontinence Diagnosis (QUID), and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UISF). Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine factors related to urinary incontinence. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of urinary incontinence was 39.5%; 20.6% stress urinary incontinence (SUI), 10.4% urgency urinary incontinence (UUI), and 8.5% mixed urinary incontinence (MUI). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the prevalence of SUI (aOR 0.38; 95% CI 0.18-0.77) and UUI (aOR 0.38; 95% CI 0.15-0.94) was significantly lower in women with three childbirths than the ones with fewer childbirths. Also, the odds of UUI increased significantly in women at the 50-55 age range (aOR 3.88; 95% CI 1.16-12.93) than those less than 50 years. CONCLUSION: Due to the high prevalence of urinary incontinence in postmenopausal women, caregivers should screen for early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of urinary incontinence to prevent its destructive impact on the quality of life.

The effect of e-pelvic floor muscle training on symptoms in women with stress urinary incontinence: a randomized controlled trial.

The aim of this study was to investigate how e-pelvic floor muscle training (e-PFMT) affected urinary incontinence (UI) symptoms and quality of life (QoL) in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Fifty-five women with SUI symptoms were randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 27) or the control (n = 28) group. Both groups were given lifestyle advice about SUI. The intervention group performed e-PFMT three days a week, one day via videoconference, and was supervised by a physiotherapist for eight weeks. UI symptoms were assessed by the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF), the Incontinence Severity Index (ISI), the Urinary Distress Inventory-6 (UDI-6), and QoL was assessed by the King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ) before and after intervention. After intervention, the Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) scale was used to assess improvement, and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used to assess adherence. While the intervention group's ICIQ-UI SF, ISI, and UDI-6 scores improved (p < .001), there was no change in the control group (p > .05). Except for personal relationship limitations, all KHQ scores improved in the intervention group. The control group's role limitations and sleep/energy disturbances scores worsened. ICIQ-UI SF (p = .004), ISI (p < .001), and UDI-6 (p < .001) scores of the intervention group were improved compared to the control group. PGI-I and adherence were found to be higher in the intervention group compared to the control group. e-PFMT performed via videoconference to women with SUI, was found to be effective in improving UI symptoms and QoL as compared to lifestyle instructions only.

The Value of Preoperative Multichannel Urodynamic Testing for Detecting Occult Stress Urinary Incontinence in Women Undergoing Prolapse Repair Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Diagnosing occult stress urinary incontinence (OSUI) prior to surgical intervention for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) repair may allow for adding an anti-incontinence procedure and thus prevent postoperative SUI. OBJECTIVES: To compare preoperative detection rates for OSUI by either a multichannel urodynamic investigation or by a plain pelvic examination. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the medical charts of all women who underwent urodynamic investigation prior to surgical repair of advanced POP at our institution between 1 January 2006 and 31 December 2012. RESULTS: In total, 720 women underwent surgical POP repair during the study period, of whom 54 (7.5%) were diagnosed with OSUI preoperatively. Of these patients, 54 (100%) were detected by multichannel urodynamic investigation while only 27 (50%) were detected by a plain pelvic examination (P = 0.001). Bladder fullness during the pelvic examination was associated with higher detection rates for OSUI (P = 0.001). Women with OSUI who underwent concomitant tension-free vaginal tape and POP repair procedures did not develop de novo SUI or obstructive voiding symptoms (OVS) postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative multichannel urodynamic investigation has significantly higher detection rates for OSUI than a plain pelvic examination. Utilizing this modality resulted in no cases of de novo SUI or OVS postoperatively.

TREATMENT OF STRESS-INDUCED URINARY INCONTINENCE BY TVT-O METHOD (CLINICAL CASE).

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is one of the most common diseases accompanied by loss of control over the activity of the bladder. Women are more susceptible to this pathology than men due to the peculiarities of the structure of the genitourinary system, as well as due to pregnancy, childbirth, gynecological operations, and age. Incontinence occurs when a woman coughs, sneezes, laughs, lifts weights, runs, etc. It leads to social isolation and significantly reduces the quality of life of patients. The article analyzes the case of a patient who was in the gynecological department of the Uzhhorod City Maternity Hospital of the Uzhhorod City Council and complained of urinary incontinence during coughing, sneezing, laughing, and physical exertion. A full clinical and laboratory examination, physical examination, and consultation with narrow specialists were conducted. According to the research data, a diagnosis of stress urinary incontinence was made. Urethropexy with a synthetic loop (TVT-O operation) was performed using the Gynecare TVT Obturator System Tension-free Support for Incontinence. The complex treatment included antibacterial, antithrombotic and infusion therapy. The effectiveness of the result of surgical treatment was evaluated taking into account subjective and objective criteria for the restoration of anatomical parameters and functional parameters, as well as the patient's quality of life during dynamic follow-up for 2 years. We noted the high efficiency of surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence using synthetic material.

THE RELIABILITY OF URODYNAMIC ASSESSMENT IN CONFIRMATION OF STRESS URINARY INCONTINENCE IN RELATION TO BONNEY TEST.

According to the International Continence Society, stress (static) urinary incontinence is defined as any involuntary loss of urine on effort or physical exertion, due to which intravesical pressure overcomes urethral pressure, with no detrusor activity. Urodynamic testing accurately assesses the function of the bladder and urethra. The urodynamic assessment includes three tests: cystometry, uroflowmetry and profilometry (determination of urethral pressure profile). Prior to urodynamic assessment, it is mandatory to rule out urinary tract infection since it is an invasive test. Urethral profilometry is a technique that measures pressure in the urethra and bladder at rest, during stressful actions, and during the act of miction. Its main purpose is to evaluate the sphincter mechanism. During the examination, a special catheter is used, which is being slowly pulled out from the bladder neck throughout the urethra, with continuous recording of intraurethral pressure. In addition to measuring urethral pressures, stress urinary incontinence is also very successfully proven by the cough test and Bonney test. If, on forced cough, the urine escapes uncontrollably, and continence is restored by finger lifting the neck of the bladder, the diagnosis of static incontinence is confirmed. At our urogynecologic clinic, urodynamic examination is being routinely performed. In the present study, we included patients previously treated for urinary stress incontinence and compared their results of urodynamic assessment to the results of Bonney test. Of the 43 subjects in whom stress incontinence was proven with Bonney test, we recorded an appropriate profilometry result in 13 cases.

The burdens of incontinence: Quantifying incontinence product usage and costs in women.

INTRODUCTION: Urinary incontinence is a common condition in women, who often use incontinence containment products to self-manage. Few studies have sought to quantify use and costs of incontinence products associated with subtypes of incontinence and severity, therefore this study aimed to quantify incontinence product use and personal costs to women. METHODS: This is a secondary analysis from a sample of adult women recruited electronically via ResearchMatch for a study on urinary symptoms and social determinants of health. Participants completed validated questionnaires on urinary symptoms, and were asked about daily numbers and types of incontinence products used and weekly costs, along with demographic and baseline clinical information, and information about unmet social needs. Descriptive statistics were performed, in addition to Wilcoxon rank sum and Kruskal-Wallis tests to compare incontinence product usage and cost based on type of incontinence, symptom severity, and other demographics, in addition to multivariable linear regression. RESULTS: A total of 702 women who reported using weekly incontinence products were included in the final analytic sample. Overall, women reported using a mean of 1.8 ± 2.1 incontinence products in 24 h (median: 1, interquartile range [IQR]: 1), with a maximum of 32. Mean weekly cost of was $5.42 ± $8.59 (median: $3, IQR: $4), with cost up to $100. Nonwhite women trended towards having higher product usage and cost, with significant cost increase seen among non-Hispanic Black women and Hispanic women. Usage and cost were higher in women who had less education, had household income below the poverty line, were on disability, were using Medicaid or were uninsured, had more unmet social needs, and in those with mixed incontinence. Additionally, daily product use and weekly costs increased with incontinence symptom severity, with the biggest increase between those with severe and very severe symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we were able to quantify the number of incontinence products used daily and the weekly costs in incontinent women across types and severity of incontinence. Costs were even greater and may be prohibitive, in women with more unmet social needs, Medicaid or no insurance, less than a college education, lower income, or on disability.

Prevalence of LUTS and urodynamics results in obese women.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is a well-known risk factor for lower urinary tract disorders. Lifestyle plays an essential role in the etiology of the symptoms, negatively affecting self-esteem and quality of social, professional, and sexual life. OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms and urodynamic patterns in obese women and to compare to nonobese volunteers. METHODS: Overactive bladder (OAB) questionaries (International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire [ICIQ]-OAB) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI) (ICIQ-short form) were applied to the participants. They underwent a physical exam and urodynamics except for the control group. RESULTS: A total of 109 women completed the protocol and 20 were in the control group. The average age was 43.0 years, and the average body mass index was 45.12 ± 7.64 kg/m2 and control was 44.5 years, and 29.95 ± 5.08 kg/m2 . The OAB symptoms in the obese group were 31.20%, 55.95% higher than the control group (20.0%). The prevalence of SUI in the obese group was 20.20%, an increase of 34.53% compared with the control group (15.00%). The urodynamic study (UDS) showed that the morbidly obese women have a first sensation earlier than the obese or severely obese, as well as the first desire to void. The Valsalva leak point pressure of morbidly obese women was significantly higher than the others. CONCLUSION: Among obese women, either the prevalence of SUI or OAB is significantly higher than the nonobese female population. Regarding UDS, the pattern is similar to the clinic diagnostic. The grade of obesity is directly associated with an impairment of the patient's cystometric capacity.

Healthcare resource use and cost burden of urinary incontinence to United States payers.

OBJECTIVE: To assess healthcare resource utilization and costs for female patients diagnosed with stress or mixed urinary incontinence (SUI/MUI) compared to a matched cohort of patients without SUI/MUI. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective matched cohort study of women using the IBM MarketScan research database. Women diagnosed with SUI/MUI between July 1, 2014 and June 30, 2016 were identified using International Classification of Diseases 9 and 10 codes for SUI or MUI with the date of first diagnosis as the index date from which 2-year postindex healthcare resource use and direct cost data were derived from claims, examined, and compared 1:1 with patients without a SUI/MUI diagnosis, matched by age and Charlson's Comorbidity Index. RESULTS: A total of 68 636 women with SUI/MUI were matched 1:1 with controls. In the 2-year postindex date, a significantly higher proportion of SUI/MUI patients had ≥1 inpatient visit and ≥1 outpatient visit compared to the control group (inpatient: 18.89% vs. 12.10%, p < 0.0001; outpatient: 88.44% vs. 73.23%, p < 0.0001). Mean primary care visits were significantly higher in SUI/MUI patients compared to controls (7.33 vs. 5.53; p < 0.0001) as were specialist visits (1.2 vs. 0.08; p < 0.0001). Mean all-cause outpatient costs were higher in SUI/MUI patients compared to controls ($7032.10 vs. $3348.50; p < 0.0001), as were inpatient costs ($3990.70 vs. $2313.70; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Women with SUI/MUI consume significantly higher medical resources and incur higher costs to payers, compared to women without SUI/MUI. While reasons for this are not fully understood, improved and standardized treatment for women with SUI/MUI may positively affect cost and outcomes.

Development and initial validation of a pictorial survey to assess for symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence in western Kenya.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Visual tools are a valuable tool for ascertaining patient symptoms, especially in populations with low literacy rates. The objective was to develop and validate a pictorial scale for assessing symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and urinary incontinence among women in western Kenya. METHODS: Illustrations of POP, stress urinary incontinence (SUI), and urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) were developed by an artist. Virtual Zoom interviews were conducted with gynecology providers in Kisumu soliciting feedback on the illustrations. Cognitive interviews with patients were then conducted. Validation of the illustrations was performed against the gold standard of clinical history and examination amongst patients presenting for outpatient care at three Kisumu hospitals. RESULTS: Sixteen provider interviews were conducted. The illustrations were revised to reflect each disorder more clearly, and performed well during cognitive interviews with 8 patients (aged 21 to 76). One hundred patients were included in the validation study. Nine patients had symptomatic POP, whereas 32 had UUI and 25 had SUI. Sensitivity and specificity for the SUI illustration was 80% (95% CI 61-91%) and 97% (95% CI 72-98%) and for UUI they were 81% (95% CI 65-91%) and 99% (95% CI 92-100%) respectively. POP illustrations had lower sensitivity and specificity, with the best performing illustration having sensitivity of 67% (95% CI 35-88%) and specificity of 99% (95% CI 94-100%), which improved when only bulge or pressure symptoms were included. CONCLUSIONS: We present a newly developed pictorial scale to assess for clinical urinary incontinence and POP that may be adapted and evaluated in other settings for clinical and research purposes.

Pelvic floor muscle training as an adjunct to a midurethral sling: a single-blind randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: This single-blind, randomised controlled trial was aimed at determining whether peri-operative physiotherapist-supervised pelvic floor muscle (PFM) training was superior to standard care (handout) in terms of improvements in stress urinary incontinence (SUI) symptoms, cure rate, and/or post-operative filling or voiding symptoms among women undergoing surgical mid-urethral sling (MUS) insertion for SUI. METHODS: Women with SUI were recruited from surgical wait lists at four participating urogynecology clinics. Participants were assessed at baseline (V1) then randomised (1:1 allocation) to receive supervised PFM training or a handout. Immediately following the 12-week intervention period (V2) and at 12 weeks following surgery (V3) the groups were compared based on the Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (FLUTS) questionnaire total score and urinary incontinence, filling, and voiding subscale scores as well as on a standardised 30-min pad test administered by a blinded assessor. Intention-to-treat analyses were performed. RESULTS: A total of 52 participants were randomised to physiotherapy and 51 to the control group between December 2012 and August 2016. The groups were not different on any outcomes at V1 and all were improved at V3 compared with V1 (p < 0.001). At V3 the physiotherapy group reported significantly fewer UI symptoms (FLUTS UI subscale score) than the control group; yet, there were no group differences in FLUTS overall score or the pad test (p > 0.05). Based on a FLUTS UI subscale score <4, the cure rate at V3 was higher in the intervention group (73%) than in the control group (47%); (2.36 < OR < 3.47, p = 0.012). There were no group differences in cure rate at V3 based on a pad test (p = 0.27). No group differences were found in the filling or voiding symptoms at V3 (p > 0.05). No adverse events were reported. CONCLUSION: Physiotherapist-supervised PFM training improves SUI cure rates associated with surgical MUS insertion when considering symptoms of SUI, but does not improve post-operative continence function as measured by a pad test, nor does it lead to fewer post-operative voiding or filling symptoms.

Online prediction tool for female pelvic floor dysfunction: development and validation.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The aim was to develop and validate (internally and externally) a prediction model for the presence and diagnosis of pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) in women, including pelvic organ prolapse, stress urinary incontinence and/or overactive bladder via a patient-completed online tool. METHODS: Using a retrospective cohort of women aged >18 years, from multiple tertiary gynaecology units within Queensland, Australia (2014-2018), the prediction model was developed via penalized logistic regression with internal and external validation utilizing multiple clinical predictors (42 questions from the Australian Pelvic Floor Questionnaire and demographics: age, body mass index, parity and mode of delivery). The main outcome measures were the accuracy of the model in predicting a diagnosis of pelvic floor dysfunction and its specific conditions of prolapse and incontinence. RESULTS: A total of 3,501 women were utilized for model development and internal validation and 449 for external validation. On internal validation the model correctly identified those with PFD with 97% sensitivity, 74% specificity and a concordance index (C-index) of 0.96. Predictions of pelvic organ prolapse were also accurate, with 86% sensitivity, 83% specificity, C-index 0.83, as was stress urinary incontinence, 84% sensitivity, 87% specificity, C-index 0.87, and overactive bladder, 76% sensitivity, 77% specificity, C-index 0.77. External validation confirmed the model's accuracy with a similar C-index in all parameters. CONCLUSIONS: This model provides an accurate online tool to differentiate between those with and without PFD and diagnoses of common pelvic floor disorders. It serves as a valuable self-assessment for women and primary care providers.

Primary care diagnostic and treatment pathways in Dutch women with urinary incontinence.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate how GPs manage women with urinary incontinence (UI) in the Netherlands and to assess whether this is in line with the relevant Dutch GP guideline. Because UI has been an underreported and undertreated problem for decades despite appropriate guidelines being created for general practitioners (GPs). DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Routine primary care data for 2017 in the Netherlands. SUBJECTS: We included the primary care records of women aged 18-75 years with at least one contact registered for UI, and then extracted information about baseline characteristics, diagnosis, treatment, and referral to pelvic physiotherapy or secondary care. RESULTS: In total, 374 records were included for women aged 50.3 ± 15.1 years. GPs diagnosed 31.0%, 15.2%, and 15.0% women with stress, urgency, or mixed UI, respectively; no diagnosis of type was recorded in 40.4% of women. Urinalysis was the most frequently used diagnostic test (42.5%). Education was the most common treatment, offered by 17.9% of GPs; however, no treatment or referral was reported in 15.8% of cases. As many as 28.7% and 21.7% of women were referred to pelvic physiotherapy and secondary care, respectively. CONCLUSION: Female UI is most probably not managed in line with the relevant Dutch GP guideline. It is also notable that Dutch GPs often fail to report the type of UI, to use available diagnostic approaches, and to provide appropriate education. Moreover, GPs referred to specialists too often, especially for the management of urgency UI.Key pointsUrinary incontinence (UI) has been an underreported and undertreated problem for decades. Despite various guidelines, UI often lies outside the GPs comfort zone.•According to this study: general practitioners do not treat urinary incontinence according to guidelines.•The type of incontinence is frequently not reported and diagnostic approaches are not fully used.•We believe that increased awareness will help improve treatment and avoidable suffering.

Level of agreement and acceptance of the 20-Minute versus 60-Minute sanitary pad test as a method for measuring the severity of stress urinary incontinence: randomised crossover trial.

We aimed to measure the level of agreement and acceptance ratio of the 20-minute versus 60-minute sanitary pad test in female patients with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). This is one-sample cross-experimental design. SUI patients at the Urogynecology Outpatient Clinic at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital in Jakarta, Indonesia were consecutively enrolled as participants. We first administered the 20-minute test, followed by the 60-minute test, or vice versa, within 1 week. The participants did not know the type of test performed or asked during the interview. Random Number Generator software by stattrek.com was used to determine which test was performed first for each participant. Participants were interviewed using a questionnaire at the end of each test. The 20-minute sanitary pad test exhibited a good level of agreement with the 60-minute sanitary pad test (kappa R = 0.84). Forty-two respondents (84.0%) reported that they were "satisfied" with the 20-minute sanitary pad test and eight respondents (16.0%) reported that they were "very satisfied". There was a good agreement between the 20-minute and 60-minute sanitary pad test for assessing the severity of SUI. The 20-minute sanitary pad test achieved a relatively higher level of participant satisfaction.Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? Patients at the Urogynecology Outpatient Clinic at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital have a positive acceptance in the 20-minute and 60-minute sanitary pad test for assessing the severity of SUI.What do the results of this study add? From this result, the authors considered that this method can help in assessing the severity of SUI, especially in Indonesia.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? As these findings, the authors think that they might be useful as a standard of assessed the severity of SUI. This method does not harmful and easy to apply for every patient with SUI.