Effects of dopaminergic treatment on bladder function in Parkinson's disease

Could a better understanding of the underlying pathophysiologies lead to more informed treatment choices in patients with lower urinary tract dysfunction due to an acontractile or underactive detrusor? ICI-RS 2023

INTRODUCTION

The underlying pathophysiology behind a diagnosis of acontractile or underactive detrusor at invasive urodynamics is very heterogeneous. Lack of etiological classification currently limits the possibility of stratifying therapy.

METHODS

This subject was discussed at a think-tank on the subject at the International Consultation on Incontinence-Research Society held in Bristol, June 2023. This manuscript is a result of those deliberations and the subsequent discussions of the think-tank.

RESULTS

There are challenges in defining abnormalities of detrusor contraction with resultant implications for available evidence. Pathology at any level of the neuromuscular pathway can impair or prevent a detrusor voiding contraction. Attempts have been made to identify clinical markers that might predict an underactive detrusor but strong supporting evidence is lacking. Hence, a holistic approach to phenotyping requires specialized neuro-imaging as well as physiological investigations. Several general measures can help individuals with an abnormal detrusor contraction. The search for a molecule to enhance the detrusor voiding contraction remains elusive but there are promising new candidates. Neuromodulation can help select individuals but data is not well stratified by underlying etiology. Manipulation of central neurotransmitters might offer an alternate therapeutic option.

CONCLUSIONS

A better understanding of the underlying pathophysiologies behind an abnormality of the detrusor voiding contraction is needed for improving management. Towards this goal, the think-tank proposes a classification of the underactive detrusor that might help in selecting and reporting more well-defined patient cohorts.

Perspectives on the urological care in Parkinson's disease patients

Parkinson's disease (PD) is recognized as the most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer's disease. Lower urinary tract symptoms are common in patients with PD, either storage symptoms (overactive bladder symptoms or OAB) or voiding symptoms. The most important diagnostic clues for urinary disturbances are provided by the patient's medical history. Urodynamic evaluation allows the determination of the underlying bladder disorder and may help in the treatment selection. Pharmacologic interventions especially anticholinergic medications are the first-line option for treating OAB in patients with PD. However, it is important to balance the therapeutic benefits of these drugs with their potential adverse effects. Intra-detrusor Botulinum toxin injections, electrical stimulation were also used to treat OAB in those patients with variable efficacy. Mirabegron is a β3-agonist that can also be used for OAB with superior tolerability to anticholinergics. Desmopressin is effective for the management of nocturnal polyuria which has been reported to be common in PD. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery is effective in improving urinary functions in PD patients. Sexual dysfunction is also common in PD. Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors are first-line therapies for PD-associated erectile dysfunction (ED). Treatment with apomorphine sublingually is another therapeutic option for PD patients with ED. Pathologic hypersexuality has occasionally been reported in patients with PD, linked to dopaminergic agonists. The first step of treatment of hypersexuality consists of reducing the dose of dopaminergic medication. This review summarizes the epidemiology, pathogenesis, risk factors, genetic, clinical manifestations, diagnostic test, and management of PD. Lastly, the urologic outcomes and therapies are reviewed.

Switching and Combining Device-Aided Therapies in Advanced Parkinson’s Disease: A Double Centre Retrospective Study

Background: Device-aided therapies (DAT), such as continuous subcutaneous apomorphine infusion (CSAI), levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel infusion (LCIG), and deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN-DBS), have markedly changed the treatment landscape of advanced Parkinson’s disease (aPD). In some patients, it is necessary to switch or combine DATs for various reasons. The aim of this retrospective study was to explore the frequency and reasons for switching between or combining DATs in two movement disorders centres in Slovenia and Israel. Methods: We collected and analysed demographic and clinical data from aPD patients who switched between or combined DATs. Motor and non-motor reasons, adverse events for switching/combining, and their frequency were examined, as was the effect of DAT using the Global Improvement subscale of the Clinical Global Impression Scale, Movement Disorders Society Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale part III, Mini Mental State Examination, and Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire 39. Descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests were used to analyse the data. Results: Of 505 aPD patients treated with DATs at both centres between January 2009 and June 2021, we identified in a total of 30 patients (6%) who either switched DAT (n = 24: 7 LCIG-to-STN−DBS, 1 LCIG-to-CSAI, 5 CSAI-to STN−DBS, 8 CSAI-to-LCIG, 1 STN−DBS-to-LCIG, 1 LCIG-to-CSAI-to-STN−DBS, and 1 STN−DBS-to-CSAI-to-LCIG) or combined DATs (n = 6:5 STN−DBS+LCIG and 1 STN−DBS+CSAI-to-STN−DBS+LCIG). In most of these patients, an inadequate control of motor symptoms was the main reason for switching or combining DATs, but non-motor reasons (related to the disease and/or DAT) were also identified. Conclusions: Switching between and combining DATs is uncommon, but in some patients brings substantial clinical improvement and should be considered in those who have either inadequate symptom control on DAT treatment or have developed DAT-related complications.

A Smartphone-Based Fluorescent Electronic Tongue for Tracing Dopaminergic Agents in Human Urine

The importance of tracing dopaminergic agents in the progression assessment of Parkinson's disease has boosted the demand for fast, sensitive, and real-time multi-analyte detection. Herein, visual and fingerprint fluorimetric patterns have been created by an optical sensor array to simultaneously detect and discriminate among levodopa, carbidopa, benserazide, and entacapone, as important dopaminergic agents. A dual emissive nanoprobe consisting of red quantum dots and blue carbon dots with an overall pink emission has been fabricated to provide unique emission patterns in the presence of the target analytes. The sensor elements in the array come from it's differential response in the absence and presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide under alkaline conditions. A smartphone camera was used to take photos from the solutions in the wells. Distinct changes in the spectral profiles along with vivid and concentration-dependent color variations led to visual discrimination of dopaminergic agents in a broad concentration range. The results of linear discriminant analysis revealed great discrimination accuracies. Different concentrations of the target analytes were excellently recognized in human urine. The high sensitivity of the array, which is a bonus to rapid, on-site, and visual discrimination of dopaminergic agents, holds great promise for routine analysis of real-world clinical samples.

Lower urinary tract dysfunction in Parkinsonian syndromes

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The aim of this review is to outline the clinical presentation, pathophysiology and evaluation of lower urinary tract (LUT) dysfunction in Parkinson's disease and other parkinsonian syndromes including multiple system atrophy, dementia with Lewy bodies, progressive supranuclear palsy and corticobasal degeneration.

RECENT FINDINGS

LUT dysfunction commonly occurs in neurological disorders, including patients with parkinsonian syndromes. The pattern of LUT dysfunction and its severity are variable, depending upon the site of lesion within the neural pathways. Parkinsonian syndromes are broadly divided into Parkinson's disease (PD) and a typical parkinsonian syndromes such as multiple system atrophy (MSA), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and corticobasal degeneration (CBD). Different parkinsonian syndromes have distinct clinical features (e.g. dysautonomia, early dementia, supranuclear gaze palsy, higher cortical signs), and the pattern of LUT dysfunction and its severity can differ.

CONCLUSIONS

LUT dysfunction is a common feature in patients with parkinsonian syndromes. Recognising the pattern of LUT dysfunction during the assessment of these patients can help management and possibly facilitate an earlier diagnosis.

Nutritional Ketosis in Parkinson's Disease - a Review of Remaining Questions and Insights

Nutritional ketosis has promise for treating Parkinson's disease. Three previous studies explored the use of a ketogenic diet in cohorts with Parkinson's disease, and, while not conclusive, the data suggest non-motor symptom benefit. Before the ketogenic diet can be considered as a therapeutic option, it is important to establish with greater certainty that there is a reliable symptomatic benefit: which symptoms or groups of symptoms are impacted (if non-motor symptoms, which ones, and by which mechanism), what timescale is needed to obtain benefit, and how large an effect size can be achieved? To accomplish this, further investigation into the disease mechanisms based on pre-clinical data and hints from the clinical outcomes to date is useful to understand target engagement and gauge which mechanism could lead to a testable hypothesis. We review research pertaining to ketogenic diet, exogenous ketones, fasting, clinical studies, and theoretical review papers regarding therapeutic mechanisms from direct ketone body signaling and indirect metabolic effects. Through discussion of these findings and consideration of whether the ketogenic diet can be regarded as therapeutically useful for adjunctive therapy for Parkinson's disease, we identify remaining questions for the clinician to consider prior to recommending this diet.

SURINPARK: Safinamide for Urinary Symptoms in Parkinson's Disease

BACKGROUND

Urinary symptoms are common, disabling and generally unresponsive to treatment in Parkinson´s disease (PD). Safinamide is approved as an add-on therapy to levodopa to improve fluctuations.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of electronic records of nondemented PD patients seen consecutively in a Movement Disorders Unit (November 2018-February 2019). All were assessed with Scale for Outcomes in Parkinson's disease for Autonomic Symptoms-Urinary subscale (SCOPA-AUT-U) by the attending neurologist, and a month afterwards by an independent researcher blinded to treatment and clinical records in a routine clinical practice setting. Clinical variables were compared among patients who were prescribed safinamide (SA+) for the treatment of motor fluctuations and those with different treatment regimes (SA-).

RESULTS

From 169 patients screened initially, 54 were excluded due to severe incontinence, absence of urinary symptoms or previous safinamide treatment. Thirty-five patients were included in SA+ and 79 in SA-. Both groups were comparable in terms of clinical variables, except in basal urinary symptoms, with more severity in the SA+ group. In the follow-up assessment, total SCOPA-AUT-U, as well as urgency, incontinence, frequency and nocturia subscales improved significantly in the SA+ group, while the SA- group remained unchanged.

CONCLUSIONS

Safinamide could be helpful in the improvement of urinary symptoms in PD.

Sacral Nerve Stimulation in Parkinson's Disease Patients With Overactive Bladder Symptoms

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy, safety, and outcomes of sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) for Parkinson's disease (PD) patients with overactive bladder symptoms.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed PD patients who underwent Stage I SNS. Demographics, urodynamic data, and baseline voiding function were analyzed. Efficacy and safety of treatment were determined by rate of progression to Stage II, explantation, and surgical revision. Long-term outcomes were assessed using voiding diaries and/or clinic notes.

RESULTS

Sixty percent (9/15) experienced ≥50% improvement in urinary parameters and proceeded to Stage II. There was no significant difference in age, body mass index, comorbidities, PD disease duration, or levodopa equivalent daily dose between successful and nonsuccessful Stage I patients. However, 100% of female patients experienced Stage I success compared to 44% of male PD patients (P = .04). Individuals with >12-month follow-up experienced an average reduction of 6 voids/day. No patients required revision or explantation of their device at latest clinic follow-up (22.2 ± 7.8 months). Higher maximal urethral closure pressures, detrusor pressure at maximum flow rate (PdetQmax), post-void residual volume, and mean bladder outlet obstruction index were observed in the Stage I trial failures.

CONCLUSION

At our institution, PD patients have a similar rate of progression to Stage II compared to the general population. SNS is an effective therapy that should be considered among the treatment options for PD patients with overactive bladder symptoms. Urodynamic parameters associated with obstruction may be predictive of SNS failure in PD patients and may help guide patient selection, however further studies are needed.

Extended release levodopa at bedtime as a treatment for nocturiain Parkinson's disease: An open label study

BACKGROUND

Bladder dysfunction may cause disabling symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. The majority patients' experience symptoms as urinary urgency and nocturia suggest overactive bladder. This seems to be due to an altered brain-bladder relationship because of alteration in fronto-basal ganglia D1-dopaminergic circuit that normally suppresses micturition-reflex. Previous studies demonstrated beneficial effect of D1/D2 dopamine-receptors chronic-stimulation on detrusor overactivity of PD-patients.The present study was aimed to evaluate possible effect of extended-release (ER) Levodopa administered at bed-time on both nocturia and nocturia-related quality-of-life (NQoL) in PD-patients.

METHODS

106 PD-patients (Hoehn and Yahr>1 and < 4, mean age 66 years, 59 females and 47 males) were enrolled by 7 Movement Disorders out-patients clinics. Patients undergo to International Prostatic Symptoms Scale-IPSS, including 1-item about nocturia (item 7), and to Nocturia Quality of Life-NQoL questionnaire, at baseline and after two-months of Extended-Release L-dopa (L-dopa/carbidopa or L-dopa benserazide) treatment at bed-time.

RESULTS

Statistical analysis showed significant improvement on both total IPSS, item 7and NQoL scores following two-months ER L-dopa-treatment. ΔIPSS score inversely correlated with disease duration.

CONCLUSIONS

This results support previous evidence of pathophysiological involvement of dopaminergic transmission on bladder dysfunction in PD.

Management of neurogenic bladder in patients with Parkinson's disease: A systematic review

AIMS

To assess the different treatment methods in management of neurogenic bladder (NGB) in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD).

METHODS

A systematic search was performed in Cochrane library, EMBASE, Proquest, Clinicaltrial.gov, WHO, Google Scholar, MEDLINE via PubMed, Ovid, ongoing trials registers, and conference proceedings in November 11, 2017. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs comparing any treatment method for management of NGB in patients with PD were included. The titles and abstracts of all identified studies were evaluated independently by two investigators. Once all of the potential related articles were retrieved, each author separately evaluated the full text of each article and the quality of the methodology of the selected studies using the Cochrane appraisal risk of bias checklist and then the data about the patient's outcomes was extracted. We registered the title in Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) that is available in http://joannabriggs.org/research/registered_titles.aspx.

RESULTS

We included 41 RCTs or quasi-RCTs or three observational study with a total of 1063 patients that evaluated pharmacological, neurosurgical, botulinum toxin, electrical neuromodulation, and behavioral therapy effects on NGB. Among the included studies only solifenacin succinate double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study was assessed as low risk of bias, and treatment led to an improvement in urinary incontinence.

CONCLUSIONS

Although several interventions are available for treatment NGB in patients with PD, at present there is little or no evidence that treatment improves patient outcomes in this population. Additional large, well designed, randomized studies with improved methodology and reporting focused on patient-centered outcomes are needed.

Long-term Outcome of Adenosine A2A Receptor Antagonist on Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Male Parkinson Disease Patients

Supplemental digital content is available in the text.

Objectives

In addition to motor symptoms, bladder dysfunction is a major clinical issue in patients with Parkinson disease (PD). Istradefylline is adenosine A2A receptor antagonist approved for PD patients with wearing-off symptoms. The aim of this study was to determine the long-term effects of istradefylline on lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTSs) in PD patients.

Methods

We enrolled 14 male PD patients. The mean age of patients was 73 years (61–77 years), the Hoehn-Yahr stage was 2 (2–3), and disease duration was 9 years (3–28 years). The effects of istradefylline (20 mg/d) on LUTSs in PD patients with motor complications after 3, 6, and 12 months of therapy were evaluated based on the International Prostate Symptom Score and Overactive Bladder Symptom Score before and after its administration.

Results

Motor symptoms significantly improved at 12 months' administration (Movement Disorder Society–sponsored revision of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part III: 30.0 ± 12.9 vs 13.8 ± 8.1; P < 0.01). Significant improvements were also observed in the answers provided on urinary questionnaires (International Prostate Symptom Score, 14.4 ± 7.6 vs 8.5 ± 6.8; Overactive Bladder Symptom Score, 6.9 ± 2.8 vs 5.5 ± 3.7; P < 0.05). Nighttime urinary frequency and the percentage of the nocturnal urine volume also improved significantly at 3 months' administration (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Istradefylline effectively improved not only motor symptoms, but also LUTSs in patients with PD.

Male Incontinence: The Etiology or Basis of Treatment

CONTEXT

Elderly men are an increasing proportion of the aging population in the 21st century. Urinary incontinence reduces the quality of life and increases the burden of care for the aging population.

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective of this review is to explore the etiopathology of common causes of incontinence in aging male patients. The focus is on the algorithm of the initial evaluation of these patients from both a primary care and a urologic standpoint.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A nonsystematic review of the literature was performed in September 2017. The data and evidence of this paper have been obtained by a PubMed search, and through official statements and recommendations from the International Consultation on Incontinence. Our search incorporated terms such as elderly, urinary incontinence, male, urodynamics, bladder outlet obstruction, BPH, neurologic, urethral stricture, spinal shock, and urethral sphincter injury.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

A total of 7204 papers were identified; 6838 were excluded for female populations and populations <65 yr. A broad differential diagnosis exists for urinary incontinence in aging male patients, and many patients will be found to have multifactorial incontinence, compounding the issue. Neurologic etiologies common in this population include cerebrovascular accidents, Parkinson's disease, and dementia. Spinal cord injuries and multiple sclerosis are less common. In this analysis, non-neurologic etiologies leading to incontinence are broadly grouped under bladder outlet obstruction, sphincter injury, overactive bladder, underactive bladder, polypharmacy, and urinary tract infections.

CONCLUSIONS

We provide a review of the differential diagnosis of incontinence in an elderly male patient. There is a need for understanding etiopathology and recognizing that many patients may have a combination of the above. The assessment algorithm, modified from the International Continence Society, provides a pathway for the provider in evaluating and treating elderly patients.

PATIENT SUMMARY

In this review, we have identified the sources of urinary incontinence in elderly male patients by neurologic and non-neurologic causes. We also discuss the basic evaluation and workup of an incontinent patient.

Dopaminergic Therapies for Non-motor Symptoms in Parkinson's Disease

Apart from the typical motor symptoms, Parkinson's disease is characterized by a wide range of different non-motor symptoms, which are highly prevalent in all stages of the disease and have an incisive influence on quality of life. Moreover, their treatment continues to be challenging. In this review, we critically summarize the evidence for the impact of dopaminergic therapies on non-motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease. We performed a PubMed search to identify relevant clinical studies that investigated the response of non-motor symptoms to dopaminergic therapy. In the domain of neuropsychiatric disturbances, there is increasing evidence that dopamine agonists can ameliorate depression or anxiety. Other neuropsychiatric symptoms such as psychosis or impulse control disorders can also be worsened or even be induced by dopaminergic agents. For the treatment of sleep disturbances, it is essential to identify different subtypes of sleep pathologies. While there is for example profound evidence for the effectiveness of dopaminergic medication for the treatment of restless legs syndrome and sleep fragmentation, evidence for an improvement of rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder is lacking. With regard to the broad spectrum of autonomic disturbances, response to dopaminergic treatment seems to differ largely, with on the one hand, some evidence for an improvement of sexual function or sweating with dopaminergic treatment, while on the other hand, constipation can be worsened. Finally, the analysis of sensory deficits reveals that some forms of pain, in particular fluctuation-dependent dystonic pain, can be well addressed by adapting the dopaminergic therapy, while no effect has been seen so far for hyposmia or visual deficits. Moreover, the occurrence of non-motor fluctuations is gaining increased attention, as they can be specifically addressed by a more continuous dopaminergic intake. Taken together, there is evidence of a good response of some (but not all) non-motor symptoms to dopaminergic therapy, which must be individually adapted to the special spectrum of symptoms.

Rotigotine Effects on Bladder Function in Patients with Parkinson's Disease

Background

The objective of this study was to assess the effect of rotigotine treatment on bladder function in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) who have urinary urgency.

Methods

in total, 20 patients with PD underwent urodynamic evaluation and completed International Prostate Symptoms questionnaires in off-rotigotine condition and after 3 months of rotigotine patch monotherapy administration. In both sessions, clinical motor condition was evaluated with the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale, Part III (motor part).

Results

Rotigotine administration significantly ameliorated the first sensation of bladder filling, the neurogenic detrusor overactive contractions threshold and bladder capacity compared with the off-treatment condition. Moreover, the total score on the International Prostate Symptoms questionnaire revealed a decrease of filling (irritative) symptoms after rotigotine treatment compared with the off-treatment condition.

Conclusion

The positive effects of rotigotine may be due to its balanced agonism to D1 and D2 receptors and in particular to its stimulation of D1 receptors in the anterior cingulate cortex and insula, which are known as areas involved in bladder-inhibitory functions.

Association between cognitive impairment and urinary dysfunction in Parkinson's disease

Urinary dysfunction (UD) is a common non-motor feature of Parkinson's disease (PD), and might be secondary to neurodegeneration involving cortical and subcortical brain areas. The possible link between UD and cognitive deficits has never been examined in frontal cortex impairment, and is still not completely understood in PD. In the present study, 94 PD patients underwent a comprehensive motor, cognitive and non-motor assessment. It was shown that 55.3% of patients reported UD, of which 17% needed specific urological treatment. Patients who reported UD performed worse on global cognition (PANDA, p = .05), visuo-constructive functions (CERAD/praxis, p = .03; and Figure Test, p = .03), and instrumental activities of daily living functions (IADL, p = .03), than patients without UD. The group with UD medication performed worse on global cognition (PANDA, p = .02) and visuo-constructive functions (CERAD/praxis, p = .05; CERAD/praxis recall, p = .05) than the UD group without medication, independent of anticholinergic treatment effect. Our findings suggest an association between cognitive impairment and UD in PD independent from symptomatic treatment.

Treatment Options for Urogenital Dysfunction in Parkinson's Disease

Urogenital dysfunction is commonly reported in Parkinson’s disease (PD), and history taking and a bladder diary form the cornerstone of evaluation. The assessment of lower urinary tract (LUT) symptoms include urinalysis, ultrasonography, and urodynamic studies and help to evaluate concomitant urological pathologies such as benign prostate enlargement. Antimuscarinic medications are the first line treatment for overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms and solifenacin has been specifically studied in PD. Antimuscarininc drugs may exacerbate PD-related constipation and xerostomia, and caution is advised when using these medications in individuals where cognitive impairment is suspected. Desmopressin is effective for the management of nocturnal polyuria which has been reported to be common in PD. Intradetrusor injections of botulinum toxin have been shown to be effective for detrusor overactivity, however, are associated with the risk of urinary retention. Neuromodulation is a promising, minimally invasive treatment for PD-related OAB symptoms. Erectile dysfunction is commonly reported and first line treatments include phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors. A patient-tailored approach is required for the optimal management of urogenital dysfunction in PD.

Preserved micturition after intradetrusor onabotulinumtoxinA injection for treatment of neurogenic bladder dysfunction in Parkinson's disease

BACKGROUND

To assess the efficacy and safety of intradetrusor onabotulinumtoxinA (OnabotA) injection treatment in patients with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD), especially for patients with Parkinson disease (PD).

METHODS

PD patients refractory to oral antimuscarinic participated in an off-label use study and were evaluated prior and after 200 IU OnabotA injection into detrusor muscle, including trigone. Changes due to treatment were evaluated using bladder diaries, urodynamics, and questionnaires. Statistical analysis comprised Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Values are presented as mean ± standard deviation.

RESULTS

Ten PD patients (4 female and 6 male, mean age: 67.9 ± 5.36 years) with LUTD were enrolled. All patients tolerated the treatment. Bladder diary variables decreased significantly (p ≤ 0.011) after OnabotA injection compared to variables prior injection. Desire to void and maximum bladder capacity increased significantly in urodynamics (p ≤ 0.05). Maximum detrusor pressure during voiding phase normalised from 56.2 to 18.75 cm/H20. Detrusor overactivity was less often detectable. All patients voided spontaneously. Mean post void residual (PVR) volume was 77.0 ± 119.78 mL postoperatively. No urinary retention or side effects have been observed during/after treatment. Mean follow-up time was 4 months (range of 1-12). 4 patients requested repeated injection after a mean period of 10 months between first and second injection.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data confirm the efficacy and safety of 200 IU OnabotA injection in patients with neurogenic LUTD due to PD. The risk of urinary retention or high post-urinary residual volumes seems to be minor after OnabotA-injection. More research is needed with larger sample size to confirm the significance of these findings.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

TRIAL NUMBER

ISRCTN 11857462 , Registration Date 2016/10/08.

Nocturia in Parkinson's Disease: Why Does It Occur and How to Manage?

BACKGROUND

Nocturia is one of the commonest nonmotor symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD) and has a significant impact on quality of life both for patients and their carers. There exists a relation between nocturia and poor sleep quality, falls, and institutionalization. Nocturia may manifest as a result of reduced functional bladder capacity or nocturnal polyuria; however, most often the cause is multifactorial. Disorders of circadian rhythm regulation are known to occur with sleep disturbances in PD may also contribute to nocturia.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In this review, an overview of the assessment and management of nocturia in patients with PD is presented. History taking, medication review, and a bladder diary form the cornerstone of the evaluation. Urinalysis, ultrasonography, and urodynamic studies help to assess the cause for lower urinary tract symptoms and exclude concomitant pathologies, such as bladder outlet obstruction. Antimuscarinic medications are the first-line treatment for the overactive bladder; however, caution is needed when using these medications in individuals predisposed to cognitive impairment. Desmopressin is effective for managing nocturnal polyuria.

CONCLUSIONS

An individualized approach is recommended to optimize the management of nocturia in PD.

The Impact of Pallidal and Subthalamic Deep Brain Stimulation on Urologic Function in Parkinson's Disease

OBJECTIVE

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is an established adjunctive surgical intervention for treating Parkinson's disease (PD) motor symptoms. Both surgical targets, the globus pallidus interna (GPi) and subthalamic nucleus (STN), appear equally beneficial when treating motor symptoms but effects on nonmotor symptoms are not clear. Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are a common PD complaint. Given prior data in STN-DBS, we aimed to further explore potential benefits in LUTS in both targets.

METHODS

We performed a prospective, nonblinded clinical trial evaluating LUTS in PD patients in both targets pre and post DBS using validated urologic surveys. Participants were already slated for DBS and target selection predetermined before study entry. LUTS was evaluated using: the American Urological Association (AUA-SI), Quality of Life score (QOL), Overactive Bladder 8 Questionnaire (OAB-q), and Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM).

RESULTS

Of 33 participants, 20 underwent STN DBS and 13 had GPi DBS. Patients demonstrated moderate baseline LUTS. The urologic QOL score significantly improved post DBS (3.24 ± 1.77vs. 2.52 ± 1.30; p = 0.03). Analyzed by target, only the STN showed significant change in QOL (3.20 ± 1.61 vs 2.25 ± 1.33; p = 0.04). There were no other significant differences in urologic scores post DBS noted in either target.

CONCLUSION

In PD patients with moderate LUTS, there were notable improvements in QOL for LUTS post DBS in the total sample and STN target. There may be differences in DBS effects on LUTS between targets but this will require further larger, blinded studies.

A review of lower urinary tract symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease

To critically review recent literature on lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in patients with Parkinson's Disease.A literature search was conducted using the keywords LUTS, urinary symptoms, non-motor, and Parkinson's disease (PD) via the PubMed/Medline search engine. In the literature, we critically examined lower urinary symptoms in Parkinson's patients by analyzing prevalence, pathogenesis, urinary manifestations, pharmacologic trials and interventions, and prior review articles. The data collected ranged from 1986 to the present with an emphasis placed on recent publications.The literature regards LUTS in PD as a major comorbidity, especially with respect to a patient's quality of life. Parkinson's patients experience both storage and voiding difficulties. Storage symptoms, specifically overactive bladder, are markedly worse in patients with PD than in the general population. Surgical management of prostatic obstruction in PD can improve urinary symptoms. Multiple management options exist to alleviate storage LUTS in patients with PD, ranging from behavioral modification to surgery, and vary in efficacy.Lower urinary tract dysfunction in PD may be debilitating. Quality of life can be improved with a multi-pronged diagnosis-specific approach to treatment that takes into consideration a patient's ability to comply with treatment. A stepwise algorithm is presented and may be utilized by clinicians in managing LUTS in Parkinson's patients.

Local Change in Urinary Bladder Contractility Following CNS Dopamine Denervation in the 6-OHDA Rat Model of Parkinson's Disease

BACKGROUND

Urinary problems, including urinary frequency, urgency, and nocturia are some of the non-motor symptoms that correlate most with poor quality of life in Parkinson's disease. However, the mechanism behind these symptoms is poorly understood, in particular regarding peripheral bladder pathophysiology following dopamine degeneration.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we compared the contractile responsiveness of urinary bladder from the 6-OHDA unilateral rat model of Parkinson's disease with that of normal untreated animals.

METHODS

The contractility of the urinary detrusor muscle was evaluated in bladder strip preparations using electrical field stimulation, and muscarinic and purinoceptor stimulations in an vitro organ bath setup.

RESULTS

Our data show that the overall contractile response following electrical field stimulation was significantly higher (43% at maximum contraction by 20-40 Hz stimulation) in the 6-OHDA-lesioned rats as compared to control animals. This increase was associated with a significant increase in the cholinergic contractile response, where the muscarinic agonist methacholine produced a 44% (at 10 -4 M concentration) higher response in the 6-OHDA-treated rats as compared to controls with a significant left-shift of the dose response. This indicates an altered sensitivity of the muscarinic receptor system following the specific central 6-OHDA-induced dopamine depletion. In addition a 36% larger contraction of strips from the 6-OHDA animals was also observed with purinoceptor activation using the agonist ATP (5×10 -3 M) during atropine treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data shows that it is not only the central dopamine control of the micturition reflex that is altered in Parkinson's disease, but also the local contractile function of the urinary bladder. The current study draws attention to a mechanism of urinary dysfunction in Parkinson's disease that has previously not been described.

Clinical spectrum of levodopa-induced complications

The first years of Parkinson disease (PD) treatment are marked by good and sustained responses to dopaminergic therapy. With disease progression and longer exposure to levodopa (l-dopa), patients develop a range of l-dopa-induced complications that include motor and non-motor symptoms. Motor complications include motor fluctuations, characterized by periods of reduced benefit from the medication, and l-dopa-induced dyskinesia, characterized by emergence of hyperkinetic involuntary movements. Dyskinesia can occur at peak effect of l-dopa, at the beginning and end of dose, or between doses. These motor complications are often associated with fluctuations in non-motor symptoms, particularly fluctuations in neuropsychiatric, autonomic, and sensory symptoms. Recognizing such complications and understanding their relationship with the timing of l-dopa doses is essential for adequate diagnosis and management. Society.

Neurological status predicts response to alpha-blockers in men with voiding dysfunction and Parkinson's disease

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate predictors of the response to doxazosin, a selective alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist, when used for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms in men with Parkinson's disease.

METHODS

In a prospective study, 33 consecutive men (mean age 59.2 ± 7.0 years) with Parkinson's disease and lower urinary tract symptoms were evaluated. Neurological dysfunction was assessed with the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale. Urological assessment was performed at baseline and after 12 weeks of treatment with 4 mg/day of extended-release doxazosin, including symptom evaluation with the International Continence Society male short-form questionnaire, an assessment of the impact of lower urinary tract symptoms on quality of life and urodynamics. Clinical and urodynamic predictors of response were specifically evaluated.

RESULTS

Compared with the score at baseline, the total International Continence Society male short-form score was reduced after doxazosin administration, from 17.4 ± 7.5 to 11.1 ± 6.9 (p<0.001). The impact of lower urinary tract symptoms on quality of life was also significantly reduced, from 1.8 ± 1.1 to 1.0 ± 1.0 (p<0.001) and the maximum urinary flow varied from 9.3 ± 4.4 to 11.2 ± 4.6 ml/s (p=0.025). The severity of neurological impairment was the only predictor of the clinical response. Additionally, patients with a Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale score lower than 70 had a significantly higher chance of clinical improvement with doxazosin treatment than those with higher Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale scores did (RR=3.10, 95% CI=[1.15 to 5.37], p=0.011).

CONCLUSIONS

Doxazosin resulted in the improvement of lower urinary tract symptoms and the maximum flow rate and was well tolerated in men with Parkinson's disease. The response to treatment is dependent on the severity of neurological disability.

Effective management of lower urinary tract dysfunction in idiopathic Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease, also known as paralysis agitans, is a progressive degenerative disorder of the central nervous system, with onset usually between the ages of 50 and 65 years, and is associated with loss of dopaminergic neurons in the subsantia nigra and the presence of Lewy bodies. It is characterized by the triad of resting tremor, muscular rigidity and bradykinesia. Often-accompanying abnormalities include disorders of equilibrium, posture and autonomic function, including micturition. Symptoms from the lower urinary tract add a significant comorbidity factor in these patients. The incidence and prevalence of lower urinary tract dysfunction rise with increasing progression of the underlying neurological disease. They present a troublesome and difficult to treat health issue with a profound impact on the patient's quality of life. Storage symptoms seem to predominate. In the long term, renal function might be compromised, mainly as a result of elevated intravesical pressure. Various conservative, minimally-invasive and surgical treatment options are available to prevent harmful sequelae, and to improve the quality of life of these patients. We present an overview of current and prospective treatment strategies.

Summary of the recommendations of the EFNS/MDS-ES review on therapeutic management of Parkinson's disease

OBJECTIVE

To summarize the 2010 EFNS/MDS-ES evidence-based treatment recommendations for the management of Parkinson's disease (PD). This summary includes the treatment recommendations for early and late PD.

METHODS

For the 2010 publication, a literature search was undertaken for articles published up to September 2009. For this summary, an additional literature search was undertaken up to December 2010. Classification of scientific evidence and the rating of recommendations were made according to the EFNS guidance. In cases where there was insufficient scientific evidence, a consensus statement ('good practice point') is made.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

For each clinical indication, a list of therapeutic interventions is provided, including classification of evidence.

Nonmotor outcomes in Parkinson's disease: is deep brain stimulation better than dopamine replacement therapy?

Nonmotor symptoms are an integral part of Parkinson's disease and cause significant morbidity. Pharmacological therapy helps alleviate the disease but produces nonmotor manifestations. While deep brain stimulation (DBS) has emerged as the treatment of choice for motor dysfunction, the effect on nonmotor symptoms is not well known. Compared with pharmacological therapy, bilateral subthalamic nucleus (STN)-DBS or globus pallidum interna (GPi)-DBS has significant beneficial effects on pain, sleep, gastrointestinal and urological symptoms. STN-DBS is associated with a mild worsening in verbal fluency while GPi-DBS has no effect on cognition. STN-DBS may improve cardiovascular autonomic disturbances by reducing the dose of dopaminergic drugs. Because the motor effects of STN-DBS and GPi-DBS appear to be similar, nonmotor symptoms may determine the target choice in surgery of future patients.

[Neuro-urological dysfunction of the lower urinary tract in CNS diseases: pathophysiology, epidemiology, and treatment options]

The lower urinary tract (LUT) is regulated by a complex neural network that is subject to supraspinal control. Neurological disorders, especially of the central nervous system (CNS), can rapidly lead to disruption of this control. Multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, multiple system atrophy, and stroke are neurological disorders which quite frequently cause dysfunction of the LUT. With respect to the pathophysiology of bladder dysfunction in CNS diseases there are various hypotheses regarding the individual disorders: disturbances of neural communication between the frontal cortex and pontine micturition center, between the pontine micturition center and the lumbosacral parts of the spinal cord, and between the basal ganglia, thalamus, and anterior cingulate gyrus appear to play a pivotal role in the development of bladder dysfunction. The symptoms and urodynamic presentation of LUT dysfunction can vary considerably depending on the disease and disease progression and can change in the course of the disease. The incidence and prevalence of LUT dysfunctions rise with increasing progression of the underlying neurological disease.Various conservative, minimally invasive, and open surgical procedures are available to prevent harmful sequelae and to improve the quality of life of these patients. As yet, however, few data exist on most of the treatment options in cases of the above-mentioned CNS diseases. Intermittent self-catheterization and antimuscarinic medications are among the most important conservative treatment options. Injection of botulinum neurotoxin type A into the detrusor muscle and increasingly sacral or pudendal neuromodulation are among the most important minimally invasive treatment options. Surgical methods include reconstructive continent or incontinent urinary diversion.When planning therapy the patient's current needs and neurological limitations as well as possible disease progression must be taken into consideration. It is often advisable to consult with and enlist the cooperation of the attending neurologist when planning treatment.

Pathophysiology of bladder dysfunction in Parkinson's disease

Bladder dysfunction (urinary urgency/frequency) is a common non-motor disorder in Parkinson's disease (PD). In contrast to motor disorders, bladder dysfunction is sometimes non-responsive to levodopa treatment. The brain pathology causing the bladder dysfunction (appearance of overactivity) involves an altered dopamine basal ganglia-frontal circuit, which normally suppresses the micturition reflex. The pathophysiology of the bladder dysfunction in PD differs from that in multiple system atrophy; therefore, it might aid in differential diagnosis. Anticholinergic agents are used to treat bladder dysfunction in PD, although these drugs should be used with caution particularly in elderly patients who have cognitive decline. These treatments might be beneficial in maximizing the patients' quality of life.

Bladder, bowel, and sexual dysfunction in Parkinson's disease

Bladder dysfunction (urinary urgency/frequency), bowel dysfunction (constipation), and sexual dysfunction (erectile dysfunction) (also called “pelvic organ” dysfunctions) are common nonmotor disorders in Parkinson's disease (PD). In contrast to motor disorders, pelvic organ autonomic dysfunctions are often nonresponsive to levodopa treatment. The brain pathology causing the bladder dysfunction (appearance of overactivity) involves an altered dopamine-basal ganglia circuit, which normally suppresses the micturition reflex. By contrast, peripheral myenteric pathology causing slowed colonic transit (loss of rectal contractions) and central pathology causing weak strain and paradoxical anal sphincter contraction on defecation (PSD, also called as anismus) are responsible for the bowel dysfunction. In addition, hypothalamic dysfunction is mostly responsible for the sexual dysfunction (decrease in libido and erection) in PD, via altered dopamine-oxytocin pathways, which normally promote libido and erection. The pathophysiology of the pelvic organ dysfunction in PD differs from that in multiple system atrophy; therefore, it might aid in differential diagnosis. Anticholinergic agents are used to treat bladder dysfunction in PD, although these drugs should be used with caution particularly in elderly patients who have cognitive decline. Dietary fibers, laxatives, and “prokinetic” drugs such as serotonergic agonists are used to treat bowel dysfunction in PD. Phosphodiesterase inhibitors are used to treat sexual dysfunction in PD. These treatments might be beneficial in maximizing the patients' quality of life.

Excessive daytime sleepiness in patients with Parkinson's disease

Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is described as inappropriate and undesirable sleepiness during waking hours and is a common non-motor symptom in Parkinson's disease, affecting up to 50% of patients. EDS has a large impact on the quality of life of Parkinson's disease patients as well as of their caregivers, in some cases even more than the motor symptoms of the disease. Drug-induced EDS is a particular problem as many dopamine agonists used for the treatment of Parkinson's disease have EDS as an adverse effect. Dopaminergic treatment may also render a subset of Parkinson's disease patients at risk for sudden-onset sleep attacks that occur without warning and can be particularly hazardous if the patient is driving. This demonstrates the need for early recognition and management not only to increase health-related quality of life but also to ensure patient safety. There are many assessment tools for EDS, including the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and the Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT), although only the Parkinson's Disease Sleep Scale (PDSS) and the SCales for Outcomes in PArkinson's Disease-Sleep (SCOPA-S) are specifically validated for Parkinson's disease. Polysomnography can be used when necessary. Management comprises non-pharmacological and pharmacological approaches. Non-pharmacological approaches can be the mainstay of treatment for mild to moderate EDS. Advice on good sleep hygiene is instrumental, as pharmacological approaches have yet to provide consistent and reliable results without significant adverse effects. The efficacy of pharmacological treatment of EDS in Parkinson's disease using wakefulness-promoting drugs such as modafinil remains controversial. Further areas of research are now also focusing on adenosine A(2A) receptor antagonists, sodium oxybate and caffeine to promote wakefulness. A definitive treatment for the highly prevalent drug-induced EDS has not yet been found.

Are dysautonomic and sensory symptoms present in early Parkinson's disease?

Parkinson's disease (PD) occurs with an annual incidence of 13/100.000, is slightly more frequent in men and is characterized by the motor symptoms tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia and postural instability. In addition, non-motor symptoms have been increasingly connected to the disease although already described in James Parkinson's 'Essay on the shaking palsy' from 1817. The motor symptoms in PD are related to the degeneration of dopaminergic cells in the substantia nigra (SN). These symptoms respond well to dopaminergic substitution. It is much more unclear whether non-motor symptoms like dysautonomia, insomnia, day-time sleepiness, fatigue, pain and neuropsychiatric symptoms respond to levodopa. Autonomic symptoms include dizziness because of orthostatic hypotension, constipation, nausea, voiding symptoms and increased sweating. Such symptoms as well as sensory symptoms like hyposmia and pain are very frequently reported in PD and seem to occur early in the disease process. Braak proposed a sequential model of neuropathology in PD starting with affection of the olfactory bulb and the autonomic innervation of the heart and gut. Affection of SN is seen from Braak stage 3, and limbic and cortical structures are affected in the later stages of the disease. Currently, the evidence for sensory and autonomic involvement in PD is reviewed with special focus on the early phase of the disease.

Molecular imaging and the neuropathologies of Parkinson's disease

The main motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD) are linked to degeneration of the nigrostriatal dopamine (DA) fibers, especially those innervating the putamen. This degeneration can be assessed in molecular imaging studies with presynaptic tracers such as [(18)F]-fluoro-L-DOPA (FDOPA) and ligands for DA transporter ligands. However, the pathologies of PD are by no means limited to nigrostriatal loss. Results of post mortem and molecular imaging studies reveal parallel degenerations of cortical noradrenaline (NA) and serotonin (5-HT) innervations, which may contribute to affective and cognitive changes of PD. Especially in advanced PD, cognitive impairment can come to resemble that seen in Alzheimer's dementia, as can the degeneration of acetylcholine innervations arising in the basal forebrain. The density of striatal DA D(2) receptors increases in early untreated PD, consistent with denervation upregulation, but there is an accelerated rate of DA receptor loss as the disease advances. Animal studies and post mortem investigations reveal changes in brain opioid peptide systems, but these are poorly documented in imaging studies of PD. Relatively minor changes in the binding sites for GABA are reported in cortex and striatum of PD patients. There remains some controversy about the expression of the 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO) in activated microglia as an indicator of an active inflammatory component of neurodegeneration in PD. A wide variety of autonomic disturbances contribute to the clinical syndrome of PD; the degeneration of myocardial sympathetic innervation can be revealed in SPECT studies of PD patients with autonomic failure. Considerable emphasis has been placed on investigations of cerebral blood flow and energy metabolism in PD. Due to the high variance of these physiological estimates, researchers have often employed normalization procedures for the sensitive detection of perturbations in relatively small patient groups. However, a widely used normalization to the global mean must be used with caution, as it can result in spurious findings of relative hypermetabolic changes in subcortical structures. A meta-analysis of the quantitative studies to date shows that there is in fact widespread hypometabolism and cerebral blood flow in the cerebral cortex, especially in frontal cortex and parietal association areas. These changes can bias the use of global mean normalization, and probably represent the pathophysiological basis of the cognitive impairment of PD.

Bladder symptoms assessed with overactive bladder questionnaire in Parkinson's disease

In Parkinson's disease (PD) the urinary dysfunction manifests primarily with symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB). The OAB questionnaire (OAB-q) is a measure designed to assess the impact of OAB symptoms on health-related quality of life. In this study, we quantified the urinary symptoms in a large cohort of PD patients by using the OAB-q short form. Possible correlations between the OAB-q and clinical features were tested. Three hundred and two PD patients were enrolled in the study. Correlations between the OAB-q and sex, age, Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part III (UPDRS-III), Hoehn-Yahr (H-Y) staging, disease duration, and treatment were analyzed. Data were compared with a large cohort of 303 age-matched healthy subjects. The OAB-q yielded significantly higher scores in PD patients than in healthy subjects. In the group of PD patients, all the variables tested were similar between men and women. Pearson's coefficient showed a significant correlation between mean age, disease duration, mean OAB-q scores, UPDRS-III scores, and H-Y staging. A multiple linear regression analysis showed that OAB-q values were significantly influenced by age and UPDRS-III. No statistical correlations were found between OAB-q scores and drug therapy or the equivalent levodopa dose, whilst the items relating to the nocturia symptoms were significantly associated with the equivalent levodopa dose. Our findings suggest that bladder dysfunction assessed by OAB-q mainly correlates with UPDRS-III scores for severity of motor impairment, possibly reflecting the known role of the decline in nigrostriatal dopaminergic function in bladder dysfunction associated with PD and patients' age. Our study also suggests that the OAB-q is a simple, easily administered test that can objectively evaluate bladder function in patients with PD.