Lower urinary tract symptoms of neurological origin in urological practice

Urodynamic Evaluation in Multiple System Atrophy: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background

Urological dysfunction in patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA) is one of the main manifestations of autonomic failure. Urodynamic examination is clinically relevant since underlying pathophysiology of lower urinary tract (LUT) dysfunction can be variable.

Objective

Evaluation of the pathophysiology of urological symptoms and exploration of differences in urodynamic patterns of LUT dysfunction between MSA-P and MSA-C.

Methods

Retrospective study of patients with possible and probable MSA who were referred for urodynamic studies between 2004 and 2019. Demographic data, medical history, physical examination and urodynamic studies assessing storage and voiding dysfunction were obtained.

Results

Seventy-four patients were included in this study (MSA-P 64.9% n = 48; median age 62.5 (IQR 56.8-70) years). Detrusor overactivity during filling phase was noted in 58.1% (n = 43) of the patients. In the voiding phase, detrusor sphincter dyssynergia and detrusor underactivity were observed in 24.6% (n = 17) and in 62.1% (n = 41) of the patients, respectively. A postmicturition residual volume of over 100 ml was present in 71.4% (n = 50) of the patients. Comparison of MSA subtypes showed weaker detrusor contractility in MSA-P compared to MSA-C [pdetQmax 26.2 vs. 34.4 cmH20, P = 0.04]. In 56.2% (n = 41) of patients pathophysiology of LUT dysfunction was deemed to be neurogenic and consistent with the diagnosis of MSA. In 35.6% (n = 26) urodynamic pattern suggested other urological co-morbidities.

Conclusion

Urodynamic evaluation is an important tool to analyze the pattern of LUT dysfunction in MSA. Impaired detrusor contractility was seen more in MSA-P which needs to be investigated in further studies.

Gastrointestinal dysfunction in the synucleinopathies

Interest in gastrointestinal dysfunction in Parkinson's disease has blossomed over the past 30 years and has generated a wealth of investigation into this non-motor aspect of the disorder, research that has encompassed its pathophysiology, its clinical features, and its impact on quality of life. The question of gastrointestinal dysfunction in the other synucleinopathies has not received nearly as much attention, but information and knowledge are growing. In this review, the current knowledge, controversies, and gaps in our understanding of the pathophysiology of gastrointestinal dysfunction in Parkinson's disease and the other synucleinopathies will be addressed, and extended focus will be directed toward the clinical problems involving saliva management, swallowing, gastric emptying, small intestinal function, and bowel function that are so problematic in these disorders.

Should We Always Use Antibiotics after Urodynamic Studies in High-Risk Patients?

Aim

The aim of this observational study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a phytotherapic drug (Canephron N) in preventing urinary tract infection (UTI) in high-risk women undergoing urodynamic studies (UDS).

Methods

The study protocol was approved by the local institutional ethical committee. Adult women with at least one risk factor for acquiring UTI (defined as: age over 70, elevated postvoid residual urine>100 ml, recurrent UTI, pelvic organ prolapse (POP) ≥II in POP-Q scale, and neurogenic bladder) had received after UDS either a single oral dose of fosfomycin trometamol (FT) (3 grams) or a phytodrug containing centaury herb, lovage root, and rosemary leaves (5 ml taken orally three times daily for one week). All patients included in the study had no pyuria according to urine dipstick (nitrite and/or blood and/or leukocyte esterase) and negative urine culture (CFU < 10³/ml) before UDS. Urine samples were also tested 7 days after UDS.

Results

Seventy-two high-risk participants completed the study. Seven days after urodynamic studies UTI symptoms, pyuria (nitrite and/or blood and/or leukocyte esterase) and bacteriuria with E. coli occurred in two patients (one (2.8%) in the FT and one (2.7%) in the phytodrug group, respectively). No statistical differences in UTI incidence were found between both treatment groups. We did not observe any additional adverse events in both groups. The major disadvantage of prophylaxis with the phytodrug as compared to FT was the necessity of continuing therapy for 7 days.

Conclusion

Prophylaxis of UTI with a phytodrug (Canephron N) may be considered a good alternative to antibiotic prophylaxis use after UDS in high-risk female patients.