Does patterned afferent stimulation of sacral dermatomes suppress urethral sphincter reflexes in individuals with spinal cord injury?

Efficacy of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation in the Management of Neurogenic Overactive Bladder: A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on neurogenic overactive bladder that is refractory to pharmacotherapy.

METHODS

This randomized trial recruited 83 participants with neurogenic overactive bladder that were nonresponsive to 3-mo first-line anticholinergic drug treatment. Participants were randomized into treatment and control groups. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation current consisting of biphasic square wave with pulse durations of 150 μs and pulse frequency set at 20 Hz were applied to for 30 mins once a day for 90 days. Stimulation was provided over the lateral aspect of the sacrum bilaterally of the electrodes. Patients in the transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation group stopped taking the anticholinergic drugs. The control group continued to receive anticholinergic drugs for 90 days. The participants' Overactive Bladder Symptom Score, the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey scores, urodynamic values, and voiding diary data were assessed before and after the therapy.

RESULTS

The transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation treatment group had significantly decreased Overactive Bladder Symptom scores compared with the control group (P < 0.001); in addition, half of the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey scores were significantly improved in the transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation group (P < 0.05). The patients treated with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation improved significantly voiding diary parameters at P < 0.05. Similarly, urodynamic values at P < 0.05 favored the experimental group over the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Applying daily transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation over the sacral region for 90 days to patient with neurogenic overactive bladder improved overactive bladder symptoms of patients whose response to anticholinergic drugs is far inferior.

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CME OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this article, the reader should be able to: (1) Determine the therapeutic effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on neurogenic overactive bladder (NOAB); (2) Demonstrate the effectiveness of reflex suppression of the bladder using the TENS applied over the sacral region as a stimulation location; and (3) Confirm the TENS method using biphasic square waves with pulse durations of 150 μs and pulse frequencies of 20 Hz as applied is shown to be superior to anticholinergic drugs in managing NOAB.

LEVEL

Advanced.

ACCREDITATION

The Association of Academic Physiatrists is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.The Association of Academic Physiatrists designates this journal-based CME activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Impact of direct epispinal stimulation on bladder and bowel functions in pigs: A feasibility study

AIMS

This study assesses the potential of epispinal (subdural) stimulation application in the treatment of urinary and bowel neurological disorders. Acute experiments were performed on a large animal model - the domestic pig - to develop a new methodology facilitating future results and technology transfers to human.

METHODS

After rectal and bladder catheterization, four Landrace pigs (45-50 kg) underwent spinal cord surgery - that is, lumbosacral incision, laminectomy [L4-S4], dural opening and microsurgical arachnoid dissection. Three successive electrical stimulation sessions were carried out: 1) nerve roots stimulation, 2) epispinal stimulation with a matrix electrode, 3) epispinal stimulation with a small diameter needle electrode. Changes in rectal and bladder pressures were monitored throughout the various procedures to identify spinal areas inducing responses while evaluating the influence of electrode contacts size in the measured responses amplitudes.

RESULTS

An interesting area was identified in the upper portion of the spinal myelomeres (ie, spinal cord segment delimited by two successive pairs of spinal roots) directly adjoining root with best pressures (either rectal or vesical). Significant responses (up to 40 cmH₂ O) were also obtained with a needle electrode. Furthermore, bowel evacuation was triggered in one of the animals. Despite the use of smaller electrode contacts, no detrusor or rectum selective responses were observed in none of the sessions.

CONCLUSION

This study showed, for the first time, that epispinal stimulation causes significant detrusor and rectal responses in pigs and allows considering further studies with the objective of treating urinary and rectal disorders in spinal cord injury patients.

Neurogenic voiding dysfunction

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review aims to analyze and discuss all recently published articles associated with neurogenic voiding discussion providing readers with the most updated knowledge and trigger for further research.

RECENT FINDINGS

They include the proposal of a novel classification system for the pathophysiology of neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) which combines neurological defect in a distinct anatomic location, and data on bowel dysfunction, autonomic dysreflexia and urine biomarkers; review of patient-reported outcome measures in NLUTD; review of the criteria for the diagnosis of clinically significant urinary infections; novel research findings on the pathophysiology of NLUTD; and review of data on minimally and more invasive treatments.

SUMMARY

Despite the extended evidence base on NLUTD, there is a paucity of high-quality new research concerning voiding dysfunction as opposed to storage problems. The update aims to inform clinicians about new developments in clinical practice, as well as ignite discussion for further clinical and basic research in the aforementioned areas of NLUTD.

Detrusor-External Sphincter Dyssynergia: Review of Minimally Invasive and Endoscopic Management

Detrusor-external sphincter dyssynergia (DSD) is a debilitating problem in patients with spinal cord injury. DSD carries a high risk of complications, and even life expectancy can be affected. Management of this condition includes the use of antimuscarinic agents in combination with intermittent catheterization, indwelling urethral catheterization, suprapubic catheterization, and a variety of surgical options, depending on patient and physician preference. This paper will review the current literature and data on minimally invasive and endoscopic management of DSD.