Outcomes of para-sacral transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation in treatment of primary and refractory overactive bladder among children

BACKGROUND

Overactive bladder (OAB) is the most prevalent lower urinary tract dysfunction among children. Refractory OAB lacks response to the first line treatments, including anticholinergic, and it is a major clinical challenge. This study aims to compare the efficacy of para-sacral transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (PS-TENS) in the treatment of primary and refractory OAB among children.

METHODS

A prospective, randomized clinical study included 64 children aged 5-12 years with OAB divided equally into two groups: group (1) included 32 children with treatment-naive OAB, while group (2) included 32 children with refractory OAB who failed complete course of anticholinergics. Both groups received PS-TENS three times weekly for 12 weeks. Detailed medical history, voiding diary, ultrasound, and uroflowmetry with EMG were performed at baseline and after 12 weeks of treatment. Filling cystometry was performed for children with refractory OAB before and after PS-TENS.

RESULTS

After the end of treatment the number of children with urge incontinence decreased significantly among the two groups: from 25 to 13 and 27 to 15 for the primary and refractory groups, respectively. Micturition frequency per 24 h decreased significantly among children with primary OAB. Bladder capacity increased significantly and the resting detrusor pressure decreased significantly among children with refractory OAB.

CONCLUSIONS

PS-TENS is an effective and safe treatment option for children with OAB. The magnitude of improvement is higher among children with primary as compared to refractory OAB.

Acute Autonomic Nervous System Response to Direct Sacral Nerve Root Stimulation in Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction: A New Approach to Understand the Mechanism of Action of Sacral Nerve Modulation

PURPOSE

Our goal was to assess acute autonomic nervous system (ANS) response to direct sacral nerve root (SNR) stimulation in the context of lower urinary tract dysfunction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this retrospective monocentric study, patients undergoing 2-stage sacral nerve modulation for overactive bladder, nonobstructive urinary retention, or chronic bladder pain syndrome between March 2022 and June 2023 were analyzed. A standardized stimulation protocol was applied during the lead implantation, each of the 4 contact points being sequentially stimulated at the amplitude required to elicit anal motor response. Stimulations were labeled as StimA, StimB, StimC, and StimD, ordered by ascending order of minimum amplitude required for anal motor response. Heart rate variability parameters were collected using PhysioDoloris Monitor, and computed through the time-domain (standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals [SDNN], root mean square of successive differences), the frequency-domain (low frequency, high frequency) and the graphical (Analgesia Nociception Index [ANI]) methods.

RESULTS

Fifty patients were analyzed, including 35 females. Twelve patients had an underlying neurological disease. Efficacy was deemed achieved in 54% of patients. SDNN variability significantly increased during StimA to StimC, while maximum SDNN significantly increased only during StimA. ANI variability significantly increased during all 4 stimulations, while maximum ANI significantly increased only during StimA.

CONCLUSIONS

Direct stimulation of SNR is responsible for a significant increase in ANS and relative parasympathetic nervous system activity, with a greater effect observed when the stimulation was delivered closer to the SNR. These results shed light on potential mechanisms underlying sacral nerve modulation, particularly regarding the treatment of ANS dysregulation in lower urinary tract dysfunction.

Update on Overactive Bladder Therapeutic Options

BACKGROUND

Millions of Americans are burdened by overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome and the psychogenic and economic hardships that accompany it. Several theories attempt to explain OAB as a neurogenic dysfunction, myogenic dysfunction, urothelial dysfunction, or decreased expression of a channel protein secondary to bladder outlet obstruction. Given that the etiology of OAB is a working theory, the management of OAB is also an evolving subject matter in medicine. There are uncertainties surrounding the pathophysiology of OAB, the strength of a clinical diagnosis, and accurate reporting because of the disease's stigma and decreased use of health care.

DATA SOURCES

This is a narrative review that used PubMed, Google Scholar, Medline, and ScienceDirect to review literature on current and future OAB therapies.

RESULTS

Currently, first-line treatment for OAB is behavioral therapy that uses lifestyle modifications, bladder-control techniques, and psychotherapy. Second-line therapy includes antimuscarinic agents or beta 3 adrenergic agonists, and studies have shown that combination therapy with antimuscarinics and beta 3 adrenergic agonists provides even greater efficacy than monotherapy. Third-line therapies discussed include onabotulinumtoxinA, posterior tibial nerve stimulation, and sacral neuromodulation. OnabotulinumtoxinA has been FDA-approved as a nonpharmaceutical treatment option for refractory OAB with minimal side effects restricted to the urinary tract. Posterior tibial nerve modulation and sacral neuromodulation are successful in treating refractory OAB, but the costs and complication rates make them high-risk procedures. Therefore, surgical intervention should be a last resort. Estrogen therapy is effective in alleviating urinary incontinence in postmenopausal women, consistent with the association between estrogen deficiency and genitourinary syndrome. Potassium channel activators, voltage-gated calcium channel blockers, and phosphodiesterase inhibitors look to be promising options for the future of OAB management. As new therapies are developed, individuals with OAB can better personalize their treatment to maximize their quality of life and cost-effective care.

Tibial Nerve Stimulation for Urge Urinary Incontinence and Overactive Bladder: Narrative Review of Randomized Controlled Trials and Applicability to Implantable Devices

The tibial nerve is an established target for neuromodulation in the management of overactive bladder (OAB) and its associated symptoms, including urge urinary incontinence (UUI). Technologies are currently available to deliver tibial nerve stimulation (TNS) through percutaneous devices or through implantable devices. The benefits and safety of percutaneous TNS have led to it as a guideline-recommended therapy. However, patient compliance is limited by the burden of weekly office visits and the need for maintenance treatments. Further, insurance often only covers a limited number of lifetime visits for percutaneous TNS. These factors and others have led to the development, study, and utilization of implantable TNS devices. Implantable TNS devices deliver the same therapeutic mechanism of action for nerve stimulation with a permanent implanted device that provides at-home stimulation rather than in-office therapy delivery. Additionally, there is an added potential for dynamic and patient-centered stimulation. There is a large body of high-quality evidence published for TNS, including numerous randomized controlled trials published on percutaneous TNS which have consistently demonstrated superior efficacy to sham and similar efficacy to that of anticholinergic medications. Percutaneous TNS also performs better than conservative therapy including pelvic floor muscle training. The percutaneous and implantable approaches deliver nerve stimulation to the same target nerve, using the same mechanism of action. Therefore, data from randomized trials of percutaneous TNS are informative for implantable TNS devices. At the time of this article's publication, at least two implantable TNS devices have received marketing authorization from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The objective of this review is to discuss the mechanism of action for TNS and summarize the published literature from clinical trials of percutaneous TNS as a foundation of high-quality evidence for implantable devices targeting the tibial nerve.

The AUA/SUFU Guideline on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Idiopathic Overactive Bladder

PURPOSE

The purpose of this guideline is to provide evidence-based guidance to clinicians of all specialties on the evaluation, management, and treatment of idiopathic overactive bladder (OAB). The guideline informs the reader on valid diagnostic processes and provides an approach to selecting treatment options for patients with OAB through the shared decision-making process, which will maximize symptom control and quality of life, while minimizing adverse events and burden of disease.

METHODS

An electronic search employing OVID was used to systematically search the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases, as well as the Cochrane Library, for systematic reviews and primary studies evaluating diagnosis and treatment of OAB from January 2013 to November 2023. Criteria for inclusion and exclusion of studies were based on the Key Questions and the populations, interventions, comparators, outcomes, timing, types of studies and settings (PICOTS) of interest. Following the study selection process, 159 studies were included and were used to inform evidence-based recommendation statements.

RESULTS

This guideline produced 33 statements that cover the evaluation and diagnosis of the patient with symptoms suggestive of OAB; the treatment options for patients with OAB, including non-invasive therapies, pharmacotherapy, minimally invasive therapies, invasive therapies, and indwelling catheters; and the management of patients with BPH and OAB.

CONCLUSION

Once the diagnosis of OAB is made, the clinician and the patient with OAB have a variety of treatment options to choose from and should, through shared decision-making, formulate a personalized treatment approach taking into account evidence-based recommendations as well as patient values and preferences.

Urotherapy and biofeedback resistant dysfunctional voiding: How to deal with?

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the management strategies in the children who had treatment-resistant dysfunctional voiding (DV).

METHODS

Among 75 children with DV who underwent pelvic floor biofeedback therapy (BF) between 2013 and 2020, 16 patients (14 girls, 87.5%) with a mean age of 9.81 ± 2.53 years that showed incomplete clinical response following urotherapy and initial BF sessions were retrospectively reviewed. The demographic and clinical characteristics, DVSS, and uroflowmetry parameters were recorded before and after the initial BF sessions. Subsequent treatments after initial BF and clinical responses of patients were noted.

RESULTS

Clinical success was observed in one patient by addition of an anticholinergic and in three patients with combination of salvage BF sessions and anticholinergics, whom had predominant overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms. The success rate of TENS alone and in combination with other treatment modalities was 88.8% (8/9 patients). In addition, salvage BF sessions (range 2 to 3) enabled clinical success in five (50%) of 10 cases as a combination with anticholinergics or TENS. In case of incomplete emptying without OAB, adequate clinical response to Botulinum-A was observed during an average follow-up of 29 months in two boys who did not respond to alpha-blockers, even though one required repeat injection after 10 months. The total clinical success rate was 87.5% (14/16 patients) after a median follow-up of 24 months. VV-EBC and Qmax increased by a mean of 30.89% and 7.13 mL/min, respectively, whereas DVSS decreased by a mean of 8.88 points and PVR-EBC decreased by a median of 19.04%.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings showed that clinical success in resistant DV was achieved by various combination treatments in the majority of children. However, a small group may still have persistent, bothersome symptoms despite multiple treatment modalities.

Outcomes of sequential third-line therapies in patients with refractory overactive bladder

INTRODUCTION

Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) and onabotulinumtoxinA (BoNTA) injection are third-line therapies for overactive bladder (OAB). Although the efficacy of each third-line treatment has been well established in clinical trials, there is far less information about performing one third-line therapy after the other. Our aim is thus to investigate the outcomes of post-SNM BoNTA and post-BoNTA SNM as "second" third-line treatments.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed all OAB patients who had both SNM and BoNTA between 2013 and 2022. The primary endpoint was the response rates (>50% improvements) of the second third-line treatments. Secondary endpoints were the proportion of the patients who achieved total dry, the duration of treatments of patients who had significant responses, and risk factors that are associated with treatment response or duration of treatments.

RESULTS

A total of 172 patients had two third-line therapies. There were 104 patients who had post-SNM BoNTA and 68 patients who had post-BoNTA SNM. In the post-SNM BoNTA group, 62.5% (65/104) had significant responses after BoNTA treatment. In the post-BoNTA SNM group, 61.8% (44/68) had significant responses after SNM treatment. The proportions of patients who became dry were 21.2% and 23.5%, respectively. In the post-SNM BoNTA group, spinal pathology is associated with a lower probability of a significant response (48.9% vs. 73.7%, p-value = 0.0105).

CONCLUSIONS

BoNTA or SNM remains a viable option for refractory OAB after patients fail from one another. Spinal pathology is associated with a poorer response of post-SNM BoNTA.

Percutaneous tibial neuromodulation initial therapy compliance and subsequent third-line treatment patterns

PURPOSE

Percutaneous Tibial Neuromodulation (PTNM) is used to treat Overactive Bladder (OAB). This analysis summarizes patient adherence to PTNM treatment and examines trends of other third-line therapy use during and after PTNM.

METHODS

Optum's deidentified Clinformatics® Data Mart Database (CDM) and CMS Research Identifiable Files were queried for adults with OAB symptoms and who underwent PTNM treatment (2019-2020). We evaluated the proportion of patients who completed 12 visits within 1 year, and defined patients as treatment compliant if 12 PTNM visits were completed within 12 weeks. We then identified the proportion of patients who used other third-line therapies after PTNM and stratified these patients based on their PTNM therapy compliance status.

RESULTS

2302 patients met selection criteria from CDM and 16,473 patients from CMS. The proportion of patients completing a full PTNM treatment course increased over time; from 16% at week 12% to 42% by week 52 (CDM) and 24% to 38% (CMS). Other third-line therapy use increased over time and was higher for PTNM noncompliant versus compliant patients at 52 weeks: onabotulinumtoxinA was 6.5% versus 5.7% for noncompliant versus compliant (CMS, p = 0.0661) and 6.4% versus 4.9% (CDM, p = 0.035), SNM trial procedure was 6.5% versus 2.5% (CDM, p = 0.002) and 4.2% versus 2.0% (CMS, p = 0.010).

CONCLUSIONS

Most patients are noncompliant with recommended PTNM treatment regimen. Albeit low, third-line therapy was pursued more frequently by noncompliant patients. Given low compliance, the effectiveness of PTNM may be compromised. Alternative implantable technologies may be needed to assure effectiveness of neuromodulation.

Preliminary analysis of stimulation parameters for sacral neuromodulation in different indications: a multicenter retrospective cohort study from China

BACKGROUND

Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is an effective approach for treating lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD), and stimulation programming is essential for successful treatment. However, research on SNM programming for various indications is limited. Thus, the authors aimed to determine whether there were differences in the stimulation parameters for different SNM indications and the appropriate programming recommendations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Clinical data were retrospectively collected from patients with LUTD who underwent SNM and completed internal pulse generator implantation. The parameters with the highest patient satisfaction or the most symptom improvement during the test period were considered optimal and used to set the programming after internal pulse generator implantation.

RESULTS

After screening, 282 patients were enrolled and categorized into four groups based on the following indications: refractory overactive bladder (OAB) ( n =61), neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (nLUTD) ( n =162), interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/BPS) ( n =24), and idiopathic nonobstructive urinary retention (NOUR) ( n =35). When analyzing the optimal stimulus parameters, disparities in the stimulation amplitude and pulse frequency were noted among the four groups. The stimulation amplitude in the nLUTD group was higher than that in the idiopathic NOUR group ( P =0.013). Differences in pulse frequency were observed between the refractory OAB and nLUTD groups ( P <0.001) and between the refractory OAB and idiopathic NOUR groups ( P =0.001). No differences in the electrode configuration or pulse width settings existed among the four groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The stimulation parameters for SNM varied among the different indications. For the initial programming of stage I, most patients are recommended to start with stimulation amplitudes below 2 V, although patients with nLUTD may benefit from higher amplitudes. A standard pulse width of 210 μs is recommended for all patients. However, for individuals experiencing nLUTD or idiopathic NOUR, the pulse frequency can begin above the standard 14 Hz but not exceed 50 Hz.

A randomized controlled trial evaluating low-intensity shockwave therapy for treatment of persistent storage symptoms following transurethral surgery for benign prostatic obstruction

BACKGROUND

Low-intensity shockwave therapy (Li-SWT) can improve bladder function through enhancement of angiogenesis and nerve regeneration and suppression of inflammation and overactivity. In this trial, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Li-SWT on persistent storage symptoms after transurethral surgery (TUS) for benign prostatic obstruction (BPO).

METHODS

Between July 2020 and July 2022, 137 patients with persistent storage symptoms; urgency episodes/24 h ≥ 1 and daytime frequency ≥8, for at least three months after TUS for BPO were randomly allocated to Li-SWT versus sham versus solifenacin 10 mg/day in 3:1:1 ratio. The primary end point was the percent reduction from baseline in overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS) at 3-month follow-up. The changes in 3-day voiding diary parameters, quality of life (QoL) score, peak flow rate and residual urine at 3 and 6-month follow-up were compared. Treatment-related adverse effects were also evaluated.

RESULTS

Baseline data were comparable between groups. The percent reduction from baseline in OABSS at 3-month follow-up was significantly higher in Li-SWT compared to sham (-55% versus -11%), and it was comparable between Li-SWT and solifenacin-10 (-55% versus -60%). Li-SWT achieved significant improvement like solifenacin-10 in 3-day voiding diary parameters and QoL score at 3-month follow-up. This improvement remained comparable between Li-SWT and solifenacin-10 at 6-month follow-up. No adverse effects related to Li-SWT were noted apart from tolerable pain during the procedure. Solifenacin-10 was associated with bothersome adverse effects in 73% of the patients with 11.5% discontinuation rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Li-SWT ameliorates persistent storage symptoms and promotes QoL after TUS for BPO, with comparable efficacy and better tolerance compared to solifenacin.

Efficacy and safety of tibial nerve stimulation using a wearable device for overactive bladder

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a wearable, smartphone-controlled, rechargeable transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS) device in patients with overactive bladder (OAB).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This multicentre, prospective, single-blind, randomised clinical trial included eligible patients with OAB symptoms who were randomly assigned to the stimulation group or sham group. The primary efficacy outcome was change from baseline in voiding frequency/24 h after 4 weeks of treatment. The secondary efficacy outcomes included changes in bladder diary outcomes (urgency score/void, nocturia episodes/day, micturition volume/void, and incontinence episodes/day), questionnaires on Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS), Patient Perception of Bladder Condition (PPBC), and American Urological Association Symptom Index Quality of Life Score (AUA-SI-QoL) at baseline and after 4 weeks of treatment. Device-related adverse events (AEs) were also evaluated.

RESULTS

In the full analysis set (FAS), the mean (sd) change of voiding frequency/24 h in the stimulation group and sham group at 4 weeks were -3.5 (2.9) and -0.6 (2.4), respectively (P < 0.01). Similar results were obtained in the per-protocol set (PPS): -3.5 (2.9) vs -0.4 (2.3) (P < 0.01). In the FAS and PPS, micturition volume/void significantly improved at 4 weeks (P = 0.01 and P = 0.02). PPBC improvement almost reached significance in the FAS (P = 0.05), while it was significant in the PPS (P = 0.02). In the FAS and PPS, AUA-SI-QoL significantly improved at 4 weeks in the two groups (P < 0.01 and P < 0.01), whereas there were no significant differences in urgency score/void, nocturia episodes/day or OABSS between the groups. Also, no device-related serious AEs were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

The non-invasive neuromodulation technique using the novel ambulatory TTNS device is effective and safe for treating OAB. Its convenience and easy maintenance make it a new potential home-based treatment modality. Future studies are warranted to confirm its longer-term efficacy.

Third-Line Overactive Bladder Therapies on TikTok: What Does the Public Learn?

IMPORTANCE

Millions of people rely on social media platforms, including TikTok, for health-related information. TikTok has not yet been evaluated as an information source for overactive bladder (OAB) third-line therapies.

OBJECTIVES

Our aim was to assess TikTok videos on third-line therapies for OAB for misinformation and quality.

STUDY DESIGN

In this cross-sectional analysis, we abstracted the top 50 TikTok videos for keywords: "Axonics," "sacral neuromodulation," "Interstim," "PTNS," "posterior tibial nerve stimulation," and "bladder Botox." Videos were scored for quality by 3 independent reviewers using the Medical Quality Video Evaluation Tool (MQ-VET). Two reviewers determined if videos contained misinformation.

RESULTS

Of 300 videos screened, 119 videos were included. Twenty-four (21%) were created by medical professionals (MPs). Medical professional videos were more frequently shared (5 vs 1, P < 0.01) but had similar views, likes, comments, and length. Although MP videos had significantly higher MQ-VET scores (43 vs 27, P < 0.01), there was no difference in the rate of misinformation between MP and non-MP videos (21% vs 18%). Twenty-two videos (18.4%) contained misinformation, which were 3 times longer (50.5 vs 15 seconds, P < 0.01) and had higher MQ-VET scores (34.5 vs 27, P = 0.03) than those without misinformation. Common themes of misinformation pertained to therapy indication, mechanism of action, and patient limitations after undergoing therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Many TikTok videos on OAB third-line therapies contain misinformation. Most of these videos were not of high quality and created by the public. Medical professionals should be aware of misinformation permeating TikTok, given its large audience, and aim to promote or offer educational material of better accuracy and quality.

Use of a Digital Conversational Agent for the Management of Overactive Bladder

IMPORTANCE

Conservative therapy is effective for the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB) but may be limited by accessibility to care.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a digital conversational agent (CeCe) for the treatment of OAB.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a prospective observational trial utilizing a digital conversational agent developed by Renalis University Hospitals (Cleveland, Ohio) for the treatment of OAB. Patients were given access to CeCe over an 8-week period and were instructed on how to perform bladder training and pelvic floor exercises and taught about bladder health. The primary outcome was a decrease in the International Consultation on Incontinence-Overactive Bladder Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (ICIQ-OAB-QoL) score from week 1 to week 8. Patients also completed the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire at the same intervals and voiding diaries at weeks 1, 4, and 8. A power analysis was performed and determined that a total of 30 patients would be needed to demonstrate a significant difference in symptom scores after use of CeCe with 80% power and an α error of 5%.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine patients completed all data collection. The ICIQ-OAB-QoL scores were significantly different between weeks 1 and 8 (62 [IQR], 49-75) vs 32 [IQR, 24-43]; P < 0.001). Patients also reported a decrease in frequency pretreatment and posttreatment (7 [IQR, 6-10] vs 5 [IQR, 4-7]; P = -0.04), nocturia (2 [IQR, 1-3] vs 1 [IQR, 1-2]; P = 0.03), and urge urinary incontinence (2 [IQR, 1-5] vs 0 [IQR, 0-3]; P = 0.04). Consumption of alcohol decreased from week 1 to week 8 (24 oz [IQR, 12-36 oz) to 14 oz (IQR, 9-22 oz]; P = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

The use of a digital conversational agent effectively reduced the severity of symptoms and improved quality of life in patients with OAB.

Multicomponent Intervention Is an Effective Treatment Option for Overactive Bladder in Women

According to this study: A randomized clinical trial showed that a multicomponent intervention with cognitive components improved health-related quality of life in women with moderate-to-severe overactive bladder.

The effect of pelvic floor muscle training in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia and overactive bladder

BACKGROUND

Men with overactive bladder (OAB) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), will have deterioration in the quality of life.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of combining pelvic floor muscle training with the urgency suppression technique (PFMT-st) and silodosin in comparison with silodosin in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and overactive bladder (OAB) after 12 weeks of treatment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 158 patients were randomized into two groups. The control group received oral silodosin at a daily dose of 8 mg. The experimental group was administered PFMT-st and silodosin. The evaluation methods included the number of voids and intensity of urgencies over 24 h using a micturition diary, the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), the Overactive Bladder Questionnaire (OAB-q), and the patient global impression of improvement (PGI-I).

RESULTS

142 of 172 (86.6%) men were assessed (70 in the control group, 72 in the experimental group). The significant changes were in favor of the experimental group (p < 0.001) in the number of voids per 24 h (- 1.95 ± 1.94 vs. - 0.90 ± 1.44), the OAB-q symptom score (- 14.25 ± 10.05 vs. - 9.28 ± 10.60), the intensity of urgencies (- 0.97 ± 0.53 vs. 0.24 ± 0.57), the IPSS (- 4.59 ± 3.00 vs. - 2.30 ± 3.63), and in the PGI-I (2.24 ± 0.79 vs. 3.60 ± 0.92).

CONCLUSIONS

The addition of PFMT-st to silodosin treatment significantly improved OAB in men with BPH. This is the first study to confirm that PFMT-st should be the first-choice treatment for OAB in BPH.

Analgesia Using Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation in Office Bladder Chemodenervation, a Randomized Controlled Trial

IMPORTANCE

Office bladder chemodenervation, performed via cystoscopy with intradetrusor onabotulinumtoxinA (BOTOX) injections, is a common treatment for overactive bladder/urge urinary incontinence. Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) has shown to provide analgesia during office hysteroscopy. Adjuvant analgesia using TENS during bladder chemodenervation has not been studied.

OBJECTIVE

The primary outcome is a clinically significant (10-mm) difference in pain visual analog scale (VAS) measurements during injections for chemodenervation using active TENS compared with placebo TENS. We hypothesize that active TENS use will significantly change pain VAS scores. Secondary outcomes include 5-point pain Likert scale, satisfaction 10-point scale, and adverse events.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a double-blind randomized control trial of men and women with urinary urge incontinence undergoing office chemodenervation performed in an academic and private setting. Participants were randomized into 2 groups: chemodenervation with active TENS or placebo TENS. Power calculation determined 100 patients would be required detect a difference of 10 mm on pain VAS.

RESULTS

One hundred one (85 female and 16 male) participants were recruited. No differences were noted in the demographics. Participants in the active TENS group reported a difference of greater than 10 mm in pain VAS scores (48 ± 23 vs 31 ± 23, P = 0.01). Satisfaction index scores were high but no difference was noted between groups (8.6 vs 8.7, P = 0.68).

CONCLUSIONS

Most participants were eligible to use TENS units. Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation is a safe and noninvasive adjuvant analgesia option for patients undergoing this procedure. Lower pain levels and high satisfaction rates suggest that this is an additional analgesic option during outpatient chemodenervation.

Low-Intensity Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy Ameliorates Detrusor Hyperactivity with Impaired Contractility via Transient Potential Vanilloid Channels: A Rat Model for Ovarian Hormone Deficiency

This study explores low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy (LiESWT)'s efficacy in alleviating detrusor hyperactivity with impaired contractility (DHIC) induced by ovarian hormone deficiency (OHD) in ovariectomized rats. The rats were categorized into the following four groups: sham group; OVX group, subjected to bilateral ovariectomy (OVX) for 12 months to induce OHD; OVX + SW4 group, underwent OHD for 12 months followed by 4 weeks of weekly LiESWT; and OVX + SW8 group, underwent OHD for 12 months followed by 8 weeks of weekly LiESWT. Cystometrogram studies and voiding behavior tracing were used to identify the symptoms of DHIC. Muscle strip contractility was evaluated through electrical-field, carbachol, ATP, and KCl stimulations. Western blot and immunofluorescence analyses were performed to assess the expressions of various markers related to bladder dysfunction. The OVX rats exhibited significant bladder deterioration and overactivity, alleviated by LiESWT. LiESWT modified transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) channel expression, regulating calcium concentration and enhancing bladder capacity. It also elevated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress proteins, influencing ER-related Ca2+ channels and receptors to modulate detrusor muscle contractility. OHD after 12 months led to neuronal degeneration and reduced TRPV1 and TRPV4 channel activation. LiESWT demonstrated potential in enhancing angiogenic remodeling, neurogenesis, and receptor response, ameliorating DHIC via TRPV channels and cellular signaling in the OHD-induced DHIC rat model.

Efficacy and safety of solifenacin combined with biofeedback in children with overactive bladder

BACKGROUND

Overactive bladder is a common chronic urological disorder in children, liable to impact normal social activities, disrupt sleep and even impair self-esteem. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of solifenacin combined with biofeedback for paediatric overactive bladder.

METHOD

Forty-five children with overactive bladder were enrolled and divided into three groups: 15 patients in Group A were treated with solifenacin, 15 cases in Group B with biofeedback, and the other 15 patients in Group C with the combination of solifenacin plus biofeedback. Each group was subdivided into the non-urge incontinence (non-UI) and urge incontinence (UI) groups. The remission rates were compared among the three groups at 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks from the beginning of treatment. The side effects of solifenacin were recorded and followed up.

RESULT

After 2 weeks since initial treatment, the complete response rates were 33.3% (5/15), 20.0% (3/15), and 53.3% (8/15) in the three groups. At 4 weeks, the complete remission rates were 46.7% (7/15), 33.3% (5/15), and 60.0% (9/15) respectively. Moreover, the complete remission rates of the UI groups were higher than the non-UI groups (p < 0.05). At 8 weeks, the complete response rates were 53.3% (8/15), 40.0% (6/15), and 67.7% (10/15). At 12 weeks, the complete response rates were 67.8% (10/15), 60.0% (9/15), and 86.7% (13/15). The complete response rates were higher and urodynamic parameters were improved obviously in group C than the other two groups (p < 0.05) during the follow-ups. The median voiding frequency decreased and median functional bladder capacity increased obviously in Group C after 4 weeks (p < 0.05). Dry mouth was observed in 2 patients (4.4%). 2 patients experienced constipation (4.4%), and neither case was severe. The symptoms of these four patients had relieved by reducing the dose of solifenacin.

CONCLUSION

Solifenacin combined with biofeedback had good efficacy and compliance for children experiencing overactive bladder. It took only 2 weeks to achieve the complete response rate over 50%, especially for the improvement of UI symptoms.

Shifts in patient preference of third-line overactive bladder therapy after introduction of the implantable tibial nerve stimulator

INTRODUCTION

Third-line therapies for overactive bladder (OAB) that are currently recommended include intravesical Onabotulinumtoxin-A injections (BTX-A), percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS), and sacral neuromodulation (SNM). The implantable tibial nerve stimulator (ITNS) is a novel therapy that is now available to patients with OAB.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to analyze shifts in patient preference of third-line therapies for OAB after introducing ITNS as an option among the previously established therapies for non-neurogenic OAB.

METHODS

A survey was designed and distributed via SurveyMonkey to the platform's audience of U.S. adults of age 18 and older. Screening questions were asked to include only subjects who reported symptoms of OAB. Descriptions of current AUA/SUFU guideline-approved third-line therapies (BTX-A, PTNS, and SNM) were provided, and participants were asked to rank these therapies in order of preference (stage A). Subsequently, ITNS was introduced with a description, and participants were then asked to rank their preferences amongst current guideline-approved therapies and ITNS (stage B). Absolute and relative changes in therapy preferences between stage A and stage B were calculated. Associations between ultimate therapy choice in stage B and participant characteristics were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 485 participants completed the survey (62.5% female). The mean age was 49.1 ± 36.5 years (SD). The most common OAB symptoms reported were urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) (73.0%) and urinary urgency (68.0%). 29.2% of patients had tried medication for OAB in the past, and 8.0%-10.3% of patients were previously treated with a third-line therapy for OAB. In stage A, participants ranked their first choice of third-line therapy as follows: 28% BTX-A, 27% PTNS, and 13.8% SNM. 26.6% of participants chose no therapy, and 4.5% chose all three equally. In stage B, participants ranked their first choice as follows: 27.6% BTX-A, 19.2% PTNS, 7.8% SNM, and 19.2% ITNS. 21.9% of participants chose no therapy and 4.3% chose all four equally as their first choice. There were both absolute and relative declines in proportions of patients interested in BTX-A, SNM, and PTNS as their first choice of third-line therapy with the introduction of ITNS. Patients originally interested in PTNS in stage A had the greatest absolute change after the introduction of ITNS with 7.8% of participants opting for ITNS in stage B. Those interested in SNM in stage A had the largest relative change in interest, with 43.5% of those originally interested in SNM opting for ITNS in stage B. Finally, with the introduction of ITNS, the number of participants initially not interested in any third-line therapy declined by an absolute change of 4.7% and relative change of 17.6%. Participants experiencing concurrent stress urinary incontinence (SUI) symptoms were more likely to choose a current guideline-approved third-line therapy than ITNS or no therapy at all (p = 0.047). Those who had prior experience with third-line therapies were more likely to choose a third-line therapy other than ITNS as their ultimate choice of therapy in stage B. Of those who had chosen a guideline-approved third-line therapy in stage B (not ITNS), 13.6% had prior experience with BTX-A, 14.7% with PTNS, and 32 (11.2%) with SNM (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.009, respectively).

CONCLUSION

From our study, it appears that ITNS may attract a subset of patients who would not have otherwise pursued current guideline-approved third-line therapies for OAB. When patients are provided with descriptions of third-line OAB therapies including ITNS as an option, ITNS appears to compete with SNM and PTNS. It is possible that ITNS will provide patients with a different phenotype of neuromodulation therapy that can appeal to a niche OAB population. Given that ITNS devices have been introduced relatively recently to the market, their application will largely depend on cost and payer coverage, provider bias, and patient comorbidities. Further study is needed to understand how these factors interact with and influence patient preference of advanced OAB therapy to understand which patients will most benefit from this treatment modality.

Primary care providers practice patterns regarding female pelvic floor disorders

INTRODUCTION

Pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) pose substantial physical and psychological burdens for a growing number of women. Given the ubiquity of these conditions and known patient reluctance to seek care, primary care providers (PCPs) have a unique opportunity to increase treatment and provide appropriate referrals for these patients.

METHODS

An online survey was administered to PCPs to assess provider practices, knowledge, comfort managing and ease of referral for PFDs. Logistic regression was used to assess the association between demographic/practice characteristics of PCPs and two primary outcomes of interest: discomfort with management and difficulty with referral of PFDs.

RESULTS

Of the 153 respondents to the survey, more felt comfortable managing stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and overactive bladder (OAB), compared with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and faecal incontinence (FI) and were less likely to refer patients with urinary symptoms. Few providers elicited symptoms for POP and FI as compared with SUI and OAB. Provider variables that were significantly associated with discomfort with management varied by PFD, but tended to correlate with less exposure to PFDs (eg, those with fewer years of practice, and internal medicine and family physicians as compared with geriatricians); whereas the factors that were significantly associated with difficulty in referral, again varied by PFD, but were related to practice characteristics (eg, specialist network, type of practice, practice setting and quantity of patients).

CONCLUSION

These findings highlight the need to increase PCPs awareness of PFDs and develop effective standardised screening protocols, as well as collaboration with pelvic floor specialists to improve screening, treatment and referral for patients with PFDs.