Clinical and urodynamic features according to subjective symptom severity in female urinary incontinence

Association between urethral funneling in stress urinary incontinence and the biological properties of the urethral rhabdosphincter muscle based on shear wave elastography

OBJECTIVES

To apply shear wave elastography (SWE) combined with transperineal ultrasonography (TPUS) to study the association between urethral funneling in stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and the biological properties of the urethral rhabdosphincter muscle in women.

METHODS

This single-center retrospective study included 166 women with SUI (SUI group) and 185 women who underwent a routine physical examination (control group). The control group and SUI group were divided into nonfunneling and funneling groups according to the presence or absence of urethral funneling, respectively, and their ultrasound findings were compared to analyze the association between funneling and ultrasound measurements.

RESULTS

The SUI group had a lower mean E than the control group (15.54 vs. 20.82 kPa, p < 0.001). The SUI-funneling group had a lower mean E than the SUI-nonfunneling group (15.50 vs. 17.21 kPa, p < 0.001). The area under the (AUC) receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of the mean E for predicting SUI was 0.864, with a cutoff value of 19.19 kPa. The AUC of the mean E for predicting urethral funneling was 0.832, with a cutoff value of 17.15 kPa. The stiffness of the urethral rhabdosphincter was an independent factor related to SUI and urethral funneling in SUI.

CONCLUSIONS

SWE can be used to assess the biological properties of the urethral rhabdosphincter, and reduced stiffness of the rhabdosphincter was significantly correlated with SUI and funneling in SUI. Thus, women with urethral funneling in SUI may have a weak urethral rhabdosphincter.

[Intrinsic sphincter deficiency and female urinary incontinence]

OBJECTIVE

Stress urinary female incontinence (SUI) is primary due to intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD) and urethral hypermobility. Despite a lack of standardised international definition, ISD needs to be clearly diagnosed in order to be correctly treated. This work is an update about the female ISD produced from a review of a published article.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This review of article published on this subject in the Medline (Pubmed database), selected according to their scientific relevants, of consensus conferences and published guidelines, has been performed by the committee for women pelvic floor surgery of the French Urological Association.

RESULTS

Although there is no international consensus definition, we can consider that the ISD is a composite concept combining urodynamic data (MUCP < 20 or 30 cmH20) and one or more clinical information (no urethral mobility, negative urethral support test, failure of a first surgery, leakage during abdominal straining, high stress incontinence scores). Imaging can provide additional evidence for intrinsic sphincter deficiency diagnosis, but the correlation between imaging and function remains low. By standardizing methodology and interpretations to better diagnose women with ISD, it may be possible to improve preoperative planning and outcomes for these patients. A retropubic midurethral sling can be performed as a first surgery. In case of a lack of urethral mobility, the artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) remains the gold standard. Adjustable continence therapy (ACT(®)) can be proposed as an alternative option. The efficacy and safety of muscle-derived cell therapy in ISD needs more studies. Injection of bulking agents may be an option according to the severity and the expectations of the patient. Bladder overactivity needs to be treated as first-line in case of mixed urinary incontinence. In elderly women, a careful evaluation of the bladder contractility and comorbidity must be performed. A geriatric evaluation can be necessary.

CONCLUSION

Clinical and paraclinical assessment allow to confirm the diagnosis of female ISD, to estimate its severity, and to identify associated mechanisms of incontinence (urethral hypermobility, bladder overactivity) to choose the most adapted treatment.

Clinical and pathophysiological correlates of the symptom severity of stress urinary incontinence

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

The pathophysiology of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is multifactorial. The aim of this study was to explore the factor determining the symptom severity of SUI.

METHODS

One hundred twenty-four women with SUI were retrospectively investigated. Clinical data for analyses included demographics, pelvic organ prolapse quantification, SUI severity using a 4-point Likert scale, ultrasound, 1-h pad tests, and urodynamic studies. Data were analyzed using the Spearman's rho test and Kruskal-Wallis test.

RESULTS

The symptom severity was not correlated with risk factors of SUI or the morphologic manifestations representing urethral support defect, but was significantly correlated with urine loss on 1-h pad test, Valsalva leak point pressure (VLPP) grading, and maximum urethral closure pressure (MUCP). Women with higher SUI severity had greater urine loss on 1-h pad tests, worse VLPP grading, and lower MUCP.

CONCLUSIONS

Urethral sphincter function appears to be an important determinant for the symptom severity of SUI.