Dynamic progression of overactive bladder and urinary incontinence symptoms: a systematic review

Advances in the natural history of urinary incontinence in adult females

The aim of this review is to summarise the related characteristics of the natural history of female urinary incontinence (UI) using a narrative descriptive approach. PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science were searched for articles published from 1 January 2010 to 1 January 2020 on the natural history of female UI, which including incidence, persistence, progression, remission, and regression of a single subtype of UI and the mutual influence of different UI subtypes. This literature review includes 15 articles published, indicates that UI is highly dynamic, with symptoms varying according to disease severity and subtype and influenced by multiple factors at different disease stages. Recent studies have increased our understanding of the natural history of UI. Future research should systematically analyse the progression of each subtype of UI and interactions between subtypes to prevent the progression of UI across females life course.

Transcutaneous tibial neurostimulation and Solifenacin in urgent incontinence of postmenopausal women

Symptoms of overactive bladder syndrome (OAB), including urinary incontinence, affect a person's quality of life and cause many personal, social and economic problems. Patients were randomly divided into three groups and received transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (cTTNS) with fixed parameters or with variable parameters (vTTNS) and Solifenacin drug. The main outcomes including quality of life questionnaire and OAB score and other secondary outcomes were evaluated before and after treatment for 6 weeks. ANOVA test did not show any significant difference between the three groups in quality of life score (p=0.672), OAB symptom score (p=0.159) and incontinence severity (p=0.422). The t-test demonstrated that the post treatment average quality of life score, OAB score, and incontinence severity were significantly different when compared with before treatment in all three groups (p < 0.05). All three methods were effective in treating symptoms of OAB. However, based on the clinical symptoms, cTTNS is recommended as a preferred and acceptable and safe strategy for the treatment of OAB in women over 50 years old.

The influence of age and health status for outcomes after mid-urethral sling surgery-a nationwide register study

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

The efficacy of mid-urethral sling (MUS) surgery in older women and women with a significant disease burden is limited. We aimed to determine the influence of chronological age and physical status (assessed by the American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status, ASA) classification on outcomes.

METHODS

Cure rate, change in frequency of lower urinary tract symptoms, satisfaction, impact, and adverse events after MUS surgery were assessed in 5200 women aged 55-94 years with MUS surgery (2010-2017). Data were analysed by multivariate logistic regression and Mantel-Haenszel chi-square statistics.

RESULTS

The cure rate was 64.2% (95% CI, 60.0-68.4) in the ≥ 75-year cohort compared to 88.5% (95% CI, 87.1-89.8) in the 55-64-year cohort (trend p < 0.0001). The estimated probability of cure, improvement, and satisfaction with the procedure decreased by aOR_10yr = 0.51 for cure to aOR_10yr = 0.59 for satisfaction (all p < 0.0001). Women with a significant health burden (ASA class 3-4) had lower cure rates and satisfaction than those without (65.5% vs. 83.7%, p < 0.0001 and 65.7% vs. 80.6%, p < 0.0001). Older age was more likely to be associated with de novo urgency (p = 0.0022) and nocturia ≥ 2 (p < 0.0001). Adverse events, readmission, and 30-day mortality rates were low. Women, irrespective of age, were equally satisfied if they experienced a decrease of at least one step in leakage frequency.

CONCLUSIONS

Even if MUS surgery in older women and those with ASA class 3-4 was associated with a lower cure rate and less satisfactory outcome, a majority were satisfied provided they experienced a reduction of incontinence episodes.

Factors predicting treatment success in mixed urinary incontinence treated with midurethral sling

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to investigate success rates and predictive factors for midurethral slings (MUS) in women with mixed urinary incontinence (MUI).

METHODS

Women with MUI (urodynamically diagnosed detrusor overactivity and stress urinary incontinence) treated with MUS between 2013 and 2020 were retrospectively investigated. Prior to MUS, all participants completed bladder diary and questionnaires and underwent a urodynamic study. Six months after surgery, patients were evaluated for lower urinary tract symptoms with pelvic examination, pad test, and the 8-item Overactive Bladder Questionnaire (OAB-V8) and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short-Form (ICIQ-SF). Success rates after MUS were determined separately according to the predominant component of MUI. In addition, multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine the most important independent variables affecting the surgical outcome.

RESULTS

There were 117 participants. The overall MUI cure rate was 73.5%, but surgical success in the presence of postoperative urgency was 60.7%. Moreover, MUS success rate was 84.8% in those with preoperative stress-dominant MUI. However, the success rates for equally and urgency-dominant MUI were both 29.4%. Preoperative OAB-V8 score, symptom duration >9.5 years, and preoperative anticholinergic medication were risk factors for persistent urgency and urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) postoperatively (p < .05). In addition, diabetes mellitus (DM) for persistent urgency and voiding frequency (daily) for persistent UUI were predictive factors (p < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

MUS may be offered to women with stress-dominant MUI. However, postoperative urgency might change a patient's perception of treatment despite successful incontinence treatment. MUS does not appear to be a good option when MUI patients have a high OAB-V8 score, symptom duration >9.5 years, DM, or use of anticholinergic medication preoperatively.

Single-incision mini-slings versus standard synthetic mid-urethral slings for surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence in women: The SIMS RCT

BACKGROUND

Stress urinary incontinence is the most common type of urinary incontinence in premenopausal women. Until recently, synthetic mid-urethral slings (mesh/tape) were the standard surgical treatment, if conservative management failed. Adjustable anchored single-incision mini-slings are newer, use less mesh and may reduce perioperative morbidity, but it is unclear how their success rates and safety compare with those of standard tension-free mid-urethral slings.

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to compare tension-free standard mid-urethral slings with adjustable anchored single-incision mini-slings among women with stress urinary incontinence requiring surgical intervention, in terms of patient-reported effectiveness, health-related quality of life, safety and cost-effectiveness.

DESIGN

This was a pragmatic non-inferiority randomised controlled trial. Allocation was by remote web-based randomisation (1 : 1 ratio).

SETTING

The trial was set in 21 UK hospitals.

PARTICIPANTS

Participants were women aged ≥ 18 years with predominant stress urinary incontinence, undergoing a mid-urethral sling procedure.

INTERVENTIONS

Single-incision mini-slings, compared with standard mid-urethral slings.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was patient-reported success rates on the Patient Global Impression of Improvement scale at 15 months post randomisation (≈ 1 year post surgery), with success defined as outcomes of 'very much improved' or 'much improved'. The primary economic outcome was incremental cost per quality-adjusted life-year gained. Secondary outcomes were adverse events, impact on other urinary symptoms, quality of life and sexual function.

RESULTS

A total of 600 participants were randomised. At 15 months post randomisation, adjustable anchored single-incision mini-slings were non-inferior to tension-free standard mid-urethral slings at the 10% margin for the primary outcome [single-incision mini-sling 79% (212/268) vs. standard mid-urethral sling 76% (189/250), risk difference 4.6, 95% confidence interval -2.7 to 11.8; p non-inferiority < 0.001]. Similarly, at 3 years' follow-up, patient-reported success rates in the single-incision mini-sling group were non-inferior to those of the standard mid-urethral sling group at the 10% margin [single-incision mini-sling 72% (177/246) vs. standard mid-urethral sling 67% (157/235), risk difference 5.7, 95% confidence interval -1.3 to 12.8; p non-inferiority < 0.001]. Tape/mesh exposure rates were higher for single-incision mini-sling participants, with 3.3% (9/276) [compared with 1.9% (5/261) in the standard mid-urethral sling group] reporting tape exposure over the 3 years of follow-up. The rate of groin/thigh pain was slightly higher in the single-incision mini-sling group at 15 months [single-incision mini-sling 15% (41/276) vs. standard mid-urethral sling 12% (31/261), risk difference 3.0%, 95% confidence interval -1.1% to 7.1%]; however, by 3 years, the rate of pain was slightly higher among the standard mid-urethral sling participants [single-incision mini-sling 14% (39/276) vs. standard mid-urethral sling 15% (39/261), risk difference -0.8, 95% confidence interval -4.1 to 2.5]. At the 3-year follow-up, quality of life and sexual function outcomes were similar in both groups: for the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Quality of Life, the mean difference in scores was -1.1 (95% confidence interval -3.1 to 0.8; p = 0.24), and for the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire, International Urogynecological Association-Revised, it was 0 (95% confidence interval -0.1, 0.1; p = 0.92). However, more women in the single-incision mini-sling group reported dyspareunia [12% (17/145), compared with 4.8% (7/145) in the standard mid-urethral sling group, risk difference 7.0%, 95% confidence interval 1.9% to 12.1%]. The base-case economics results showed no difference in costs (-£6, 95% confidence interval -£228 to £208) or quality-adjusted life-years (0.005, 95% confidence interval -0.068 to 0.073) between the groups. There is a 56% probability that single-incision mini-slings will be considered cost-effective at the £20,000 willingness-to-pay threshold value for a quality-adjusted life-year.

LIMITATIONS

Follow-up data beyond 3 years post randomisation are not available to inform longer-term safety and cost-effectiveness.

CONCLUSIONS

Single-incision mini-slings were non-inferior to standard mid-urethral slings in patient-reported success rates at up to 3 years' follow-up.

FUTURE WORK

Success rates, adverse events, retreatment rates, symptoms, and quality-of-life scores at 10 years' follow-up will help inform long-term effectiveness.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This trial was registered as ISRCTN93264234.

FUNDING

This project was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 26, No. 47. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

Asynchronous telehealth visits for the treatment of overactive bladder

OBJECTIVE

Overactive bladder affects 17% of women, and adherence to treatment is notoriously low. The objective of this pilot study is to investigate the efficacy and feasibility of the use of asynchronous telehealth visits for the treatment of women with overactive bladder.

METHODS

This is a pilot study of women who participated in the asynchronous telehealth program with a new diagnosis of overactive bladder presenting to the Massachusetts General Hospital from January of 2020 to March of 2021. Pre-post differences in Urogenital Distress Inventory score-6, and Incontinence Severity Index Scores were compared with paired t tests as coprimary endpoints. To assess potential mechanisms of association between asynchronous visits and patient-reported outcomes, total fluid intake, caffeinated beverage consumption, urinary frequency, episodes of urinary leakage were also compared as secondary endpoints.

RESULTS

A total of 23 women participated, with 50 e-visits completed. The first asynchronous visit was completed after a median of 42days (IQR 36, 51.5) from the initial visit. There was a decrease in the Urogenital Distress Inventory-6 score between the first asynchronous visit and the last (29 points, IQR 16, 37 vs 12 points, IQR 12, 25), respectively (P = 0.014). Similar findings were seen with the Incontinence Severity Index questionnaire, from three (IQR 2, 4) to three (IQR 1, 3) after the asynchronous visit (P = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

We demonstrate the feasibility of asynchronous visits for the treatment of overactive bladder. Although our results suggest efficacy, given the prepost change in overactive bladder-related questionnaire scores following asynchronous visits, the comparative effectiveness of asynchronous visits versus regular care needs to be confirmed in a randomized trial.

The three-year evolution of overactive bladder syndrome in community-dwelling female residents aged 40 years and above

OBJECTIVE

In this 3-year longitudinal cohort study, we aimed to evaluate the evolution of overactive bladder in female community residents aged 40 years and above in central Taiwan and identify its risk factors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Female community residents aged 40 years and above were invited to participate in this study and fill out a yearly Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS) questionnaire over a 3-year period. A woman was defined to have OAB if the total OABSS was ≧4 and urgency score was ≧2. At the end of the third year, the incidence, remission, persistence, and relapse of OAB in these community residents were calculated. A novel statistical analysis technique, machine learning with data mining, was applied to examine its use in this field. Five machine learning models were used to predict the risk factors associated with persistent OAB and the results were compared with the conventional logistic regression model.

RESULTS

In total, 1469 female residents were included in the first year and 1290 (87.8%) women completed the questionnaires for all 3 years. The prevalence of OAB was 20.2% (n = 260). The second- and third-year incidence rates of OAB were 13.5% and 7.1%. The remission rates were 39.6% and 44.3%. Twenty-two percent of the women reported relapse of OAB in the third year. The two-year OAB persistence rate was 43.8%. For the prediction of risk factors for persistent OAB, the multivariable logistic regression model had better predictive accuracy (AUC = 0.664) than the five machine learning models. Age ≧ 60 was associated with persistent OAB (OR 2.8; 95% CI: 1.34-5.89, P = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

The yearly incidence, remission, and persistence rates of OAB were high in female community residents aged 40 years and above in central Taiwan. Older women had a higher risk of persistent OAB symptoms in this 3-year longitudinal cohort study.

Longitudinal patterns of urinary incontinence and associated predictors in women with type 1 diabetes

AIMS

Urinary incontinence (UI) in women is a dynamic condition with numerous risk factors yet most studies have focused on examining its prevalence at a single time. The objective of this study was to describe the long-term time course of UI in women with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

METHODS

Longitudinal data in women with T1D were collected from 568 women in the Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications (EDIC) study, the observational follow-up of the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) cohort. Over a 12-year period, participants annually responded to whether they had experienced UI in the past year.

RESULTS

We identified four categories of UI in this population over time: 205 (36.1%) women never reported UI (no UI), 70 (12.3%) reported it one or two consecutive years only (isolated UI), 247 (43.5%) periodically changed status between UI and no UI (intermittent UI), and 46 (8.1%) reported UI continuously after the first report (persistent UI). Compared to women reporting no/isolated UI, women displaying the intermittent phenotype were significantly more likely to be obese (OR: 1.86, 95% CI 1.15, 3.00) and report prior hysterectomy (OR: 2.57, 95% CI: 1.39, 4.77); whereas women with persistent UI were significantly more likely to have abnormal autonomic function (OR: 2.36, 95% CI: 1.16-4.80).

CONCLUSIONS

UI is a dynamic condition in women with T1D. Varying risk factors observed for the different phenotypes of UI suggest distinctive pathophysiological mechanisms. These findings have the potential to be used to guide individualized interventions for UI in women with diabetes.

The associations between organophosphate esters and urinary incontinence in the general US population

Organophosphate esters (OPEs) impact health in many ways. Since its relationship with urinary incontinence remains unknown, we aimed to explore their associations in the US general population. We combined the results of urine specimens test and self-reported urinary incontinence conditions from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013-2014 among 2666 participants and then conducted linear regression and logistic regression to analyse associations between log2-transformed OPE concentrations and urinary incontinence. We found that 0.92% of men and 15.74% of women complained of mixed urinary incontinence (MUI). The concentrations of diphenyl phosphate (DPHP) were significantly correlated to MUI among women when treated as a continuous variable (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.15; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.01-1.31; p = 0.0369) and as a categorical variable (adjusted OR = 1.24; 95% CI, 1.03-1.49; p for trend = 0.0245), whereas no positive correlation was found in males. There were no significant associations between the other three OPEs: bis(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (BCEP), bis(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (BDCPP) and dibutyl phosphate (DBUP). The association of DPHP with an increased prevalence OR of MUI in women is a public health concern; future prospective studies are needed to explore its potential mechanism.

Preoperative abdominal straining in uncomplicated stress urinary incontinence: is there a correlation with voiding dysfunction and de novo overactive bladder after mid-urethral sling procedures?

Objectives:

To evaluate the role of preoperative abdominal straining in predicting de novo overactive bladder (OAB) and voiding dysfunction in female patients undergoing suburethral taping by trans-obturator approach (TVT-O) for uncomplicated stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

Methods:

Data from patients who underwent TVT-O surgery for SUI were retrospectively analyzed. Inclusion criteria included: history of pure SUI. Exclusion criteria included previous surgery for urinary incontinence, pelvic radiation, pelvic surgery within the last 3 months, and anterior or apical pelvic organ prolapse (POP) ⩾ +1 cm. Voiding dysfunction has been defined through symptoms and or urodynamics (UDS) signs. Accordingly, patients were divided into group A and group B according to the presence of abdominal straining during UDS. Patients were observed clinically and with UDS at a 3-year follow-up.

Results:

A total of 192 patients underwent TVT-O surgery for uncomplicated SUI. Preoperative abdominal straining was identified in 60/192 patients (Group A: 31.2% vs Group B: 68.8%). Qmax was not different in the two groups (Group A: 19.5 vs Group B: 20.5 mL/s, p = 0.76). Demographics was similar for the two groups regarding age, parity. At 3-year follow-up, voiding dysfunction was reported in Group A: 9 and Group B: 8 patients (p = 0.056), de novo OAB was significantly reported in Group A: 23 and Group B: 26 patients (p = 0.007).

Conclusion:

Preoperative abdominal straining was found to be related to a significant incidence of de novo OAB. A significant correlation was not assessed for postoperative voiding dysfunction. Further studies may better define the impact of preoperative abdominal straining.

What are the chances of improvement or cure from overactive bladder? A pooled responder analysis of efficacy and treatment emergent adverse events following treatment with fesoterodine

Aim

This study describes patients with different degrees and combinations of symptom resolution in response to fesoterodine exposure to aid physicians in counselling patients with overactive bladder (OAB) on the likelihood of treatment success.

Methods

Data came from 12‐week fixed‐dose studies of fesoterodine. The proportions of patients experiencing symptom resolution and change in patient‐reported outcome measures (PROM) at 4, 8, and 12 weeks were calculated. Treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAE) were reported according to response in urinary urgency episodes (UUE). The relationship between PROM and response was examined.

Results

Out of 6689 patients, 81.6% female, urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) episodes/24 h were more responsive to fesoterodine than UUE; with roughly 50% of patients reporting a 50% reduction and fewer than 10% reporting absence of UUE at 12 weeks compared to approximately 40%–50% reporting absence of UUI. TEAE was numerically lower in patients with greater response. There was a statistically significant relationship between improvement in urinary urgency and associated change in OAB‐q symptom bother scores, r = 0.54, p < 0.001. At Week 4, 64.0%–76.7% of patients who had achieved a significant change in Patient Perception of Bladder Condition (PPBC) had a 50% reduction in UUI. At Week 12 this proportion was between 80% and 87.9%, with those being exposed to fesoterodine treatment reporting response in PPBC at numerically higher rates.

Conclusion

These data provide clinicians with information from which they may usefully communicate the likelihood of symptom resolution in response to pharmacotherapy for OAB and answer a key clinical question posed by many care providers. Roughly ⅓ of fesoterodine treated patients reported a 50% reduction urgency and ¾ reported 50% resolution of incontinence at 12 weeks. Total resolution of all symptoms was seldom achieved.

A 3-year longitudinal survey of overactive bladder in community-dwelling male residents aged 40 years and above

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the short-term evolution and risk factors of overactive bladder (OAB) in community-dwelling male residents aged 40 years and above in central Taiwan.

METHODS

This was a 3-year longitudinal cohort study. From January 2012 to December 2012, community residents aged 40 years and above, living in central Taiwan, were invited to participate in this study. A yearly Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS) questionnaire was used to assess the prevalence, incidence, remission, persistence, and relapse of OAB for three consecutive years. OAB was defined as total OABSS ≧4 and urgency score ≧2.

RESULTS

Nine hundred forty-one male residents aged ≧40 years were recruited. The prevalence of OAB was 15%. The male residents with OAB were older, had a history of urological surgery, were unemployed, had lower educational levels, and lower yearly incomes compared with male residents without OAB. The prevalence increased with age when stratified into different age cohorts (40-49, 7%; 50-59, 12.7%; 60-69, 18.2%; ≧70, 32%; P < .001). Age ≧60 (odds ratio [OR] 2.58; 95% CI, 1.62-4.11) and history of urological surgery (OR 2.85; 95% CI, 1.29-6.30) were the major risk factors after multivariable logistic regression analysis. Eight hundred participants completed all the 3 years' questionnaires. The second- and third-year incidence rates of OAB were 10% (69/691) and 6.2% (42/674), respectively. The remission rates were 47.7% (52/109) and 46% (58/126), respectively. The two-year OAB persistence rate was 30.3% (33/109).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence and yearly incidence of OAB are high in community-dwelling male residents aged ≧40 years in central Taiwan. Age is an important risk factor.

Mini-Slings: Do They Stand the Test of Time? A 10-Year Cohort

INTRODUCTION

It is known that failures after midurethral slings increase with the follow-up time. Nevertheless, data concerning mini-slings are sparse. To clarify this statement, we analyze a mini-sling cohort with a median follow-up of 10 years. Although the brand used, MiniArc®, is no longer available, an identical device, Solyx™, can still be used, which makes the analysis of the cohort clinically relevant.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 172 women with predominant stress urinary incontinence (SUI) were consecutively treated with the mini-sling MiniArc® from 2006 until 2013. They were reevaluated in 2018. The primary outcome, treatment success, was defined as no self-reported SUI symptoms and no reintervention. Secondary outcomes included the response to patient-reported outcomes. Adverse events were assessed.

RESULTS

After a median follow-up time of 113 months, 115 (66.9%) women were available for reevaluation. Forty-four (38.3%) women self-reported SUI. Seventeen women had been reoperated, 14 (12.2%) due to the reappearance of SUI and 3 due to complications. Altogether, MiniArc® had an overall success rate of 47.0% at 10 years. Among those not reoperated, 63.3% stated that they were much better or very much better in Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) and 71.4% affirmed that their continence problem was normal or mild in Patient Global Impression of Severity (PGI-S). Almost 85% would repeat the surgery. Reoperation due to complications was rare (2.6%). De novo urgency appeared in 30.6% of the patients and it was managed with anticholinergic drugs with favorable outcomes.

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION

This report adds evidence to the long-term outcomes of mini-slings, confirming that they can cure or improve SUI and give patients high satisfaction rates, at the expense of low morbidity.

Prevalence and bother of lower urinary tract symptoms and overactive bladder in Poland, an Eastern European Study

The prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and overactive bladder (OAB) has been measured by population-based investigations in many parts of the world. However, data are lacking for Eastern Europe, and there has not been any large population-representative study in any country of this region. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and associated bother of LUTS and OAB in a population-representative sample of persons aged ≥ 40 years in Poland. This investigation was conducted as a computer-assisted telephone interview. The survey sample was stratified by age, sex, and place of residence to reflect the entire Polish population. LUTS and OAB were assessed by a standardized protocol based on the International Continence Society definitions and validated questionnaires. Of 6005 participants, 57% were women, and the mean age (range) was 60.7 (40-93) years. The prevalence of LUTS was 69.8% (men 66.2%; women 72.6%). There was no difference in prevalence between urban and rural areas. LUTS were often bothersome among men and women, but women were more likely to be bothered compared with men. There were also statistically significant correlations between the frequency and the bother intensity of each of the LUTS. The prevalence of OAB was higher in women (39.5%) than in men (26.8%), and OAB increased with age. Lastly, LUTS had detrimental effects on the quality of life because one third of the participants had concerns about their urinary-specific quality of life. This investigation was the first nationwide, population-representative epidemiological study of LUTS and OAB in an Eastern-European country. LUTS were highly prevalent, often bothersome, and had negative effects on the quality of life of men and women aged ≥ 40 years. Our findings are comparable with other epidemiologic studies of LUTS and OAB conducted in different regions of the world.Trial registration: NCT04121936.

New participant stratification and combination of urinary biomarkers and confounders could improve diagnostic accuracy for overactive bladder

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a highly prevalent symptom complex characterised by symptoms of urinary urgency, increased frequency, nocturia, with or without urge incontinence; in the absence of proven infection or other obvious pathology. The underlying pathophysiology of idiopathic OAB is not clearly known and the existence of several phenotypes has been proposed. Current diagnostic approaches are based on discordant measures, suffer from subjectivity and are incapable of detecting the proposed OAB phenotypes. In this study, cluster analysis was used as an objective approach for phenotyping participants based on their OAB characteristic symptoms and led to the identification of a low OAB symptomatic score group (cluster 1) and a high OAB symptomatic score group (cluster 2). Furthermore, the ability of several potential OAB urinary biomarkers including ATP, ACh, nitrite, MCP-1 and IL-5 and participants’ confounders, age and gender, in predicting the identified high OAB symptomatic score group was assessed. A combination of urinary ATP and IL-5 plus age and gender was shown to have clinically acceptable and improved diagnostic accuracy compared to urodynamically-observed detrusor overactivity. Therefore, this study provides the foundation for the development of novel non-invasive diagnostic tools for OAB phenotypes that may lead to personalised treatment.

Effects of the transobturator tape procedure on overactive bladder symptoms and quality of life: a prospective study

Introduction:

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of transobturator tape (TOT) on overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms and quality of life.

Materials and Methods:

Patients with stress-predominant mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) who had undergone TOT procedures were considered candidates for this research. Preoperative assessment included anamnesis, pelvic examination, cough stress test (CST), and validated symptom severity and quality of life (QoL) questionnaires. The primary outcome, improvement and cure rates of OAB symptoms were determined based on the patient's baseline scores in symptom-related questions in OAB-V8. Secondary outcomes included the success rates of SUI, changes in the QoL score and patient satisfaction rates.

Results:

A total of 104 patients were included in the study. Sixty-two patients underwent TOT placement alone, and 42 patients underwent TOT placement along with prolapse surgery. The mean follow-up period of the patients was 30.47 months range: 13-52 months. At the first-year follow-up, 52 patients (50.0%) and 59 patients (56.7%) reported cure in preoperative urgency and urgency incontinence, respectively. The objective and subjective cure rates were 96.2% and 56.7%, respectively. A total of 80.7% of the cases had a 15-point improvement in QoL scores.

Conclusions:

MUS is not only a gold standard treatment in SUI but also presents as a promising treatment modality in stress-dominant MUI. Although the improvement rates of OAB symptoms significantly decrease over time, QoL and patient satisfaction rates remain higher than any other treatment in this patient group at the third-year follow-up.

Associations Between Risk Factors and Overactive Bladder: A Meta-analysis

Age and body mass index are associated with increased risks of overactive bladder, whereas employment status is associated with a decreased risk of overactive bladder.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate the risk factors of overactive bladder (OAB).

Methods

The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were retrieved through May 2016. Odds ratios (OR) or standard mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to evaluate the associations between risk factors and OAB. Heterogeneity among studies was examined using χ² test based on the Q and I² tests.

Results

A total of 28 articles were analyzed in our study. The results suggested that age and body mass index were significantly higher in OAB patients than in non-OAB controls (SMDs [95% CIs], 0.30 [0.19–0.41] and 0.39 [0.24–0.53]). A significant negative association was found between employment status and OAB (OR [95% CIs], 0.64 [0.46–0.90]). However, sex, educational level, parity, vaginal delivery, race, menopause, marital status, smoking, and alcohol consumption were not significantly different in OAB and non-OAB control patients (ORs [95% CIs], 0.95 [0.59–1.55], 1.04 [0.82, 1.33], 0.98 [0.56–1.70], 1.66 [0.90–3.07], 0.98 [0.75–1.28], 1.84 [0.23–14.70], 0.97 [0.78–1.19], 0.91 [0.77–1.08], and 0.88 [0.71–1.09], respectively). In addition, the number of parities and vaginal deliveries in OAB patients also showed no significant differences compared with non-OAB control patients (SMDs [95% CI], 0.05 [−0.27 to 0.38] and −0.16 [0.40 to 0.09]).

Conclusions

This meta-analysis suggests that age and body mass index are associated with increased risks of OAB, whereas employment status is associated with a decreased risk of OAB. Further prospective studies with large sample sizes are needed to confirm this conclusion.

Real-life data on long-term follow-up of patients successfully treated with percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation

BACKGROUND

The aim of this cross-sectional study is to evaluate the "real-life" data of patients following successful treatment with PTNS for overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) or non-obstructive voiding dysfunction (NOVD) at a seven-year follow-up after the procedure.

METHODS

Patients who were successfully treated with PTNS for OAB or NOVD between February 2008 and January 2009 were contacted for a telephonic interview seven years after the end of their PTNS stimulation protocol. Patients who agreed to the interview were asked to complete a global response assessment (GRA). Patients in the OAB category completed the OAB short-form questionnaire Symptom Bother Scale (OAB-q SF) and the OAB Health-Related Quality of Life Scale (OAB HRQL), and NOVD patients were evaluated using the International Prostate Symptom Score - voiding questions (v-IPSS). Results of both questionnaires were compared with those obtained seven years previously, at the time of the initial PTNS treatment.

RESULTS

Seventeen patients were identified in our database. Sixteen agreed to the interview, but the remaining patient was unreachable and was therefore considered as lost at follow-up. Eight patients were classified into the OAB group, and eight were classified into the NOVD group. No patient reported a worsening condition after PTNS. Six of the eight patients (75%) in the OAB group gave positive responses in the GRA. All patients in the NOVD group gave positive responses in the GRA.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite some limitations, this study shows that the majority of patients who responded to PTNS considered themselves still improved at a seven-year follow-up. Larger studies are needed to confirm our results, but our study has the novel advantage of showing data derived from "real life" over the longest follow-up yet considered in the literature.

Symptoms of urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse and physical performance in middle-aged women from Northeast Brazil: a cross-sectional study

Background

Reproductive history and urogynecological disorders have been associated with limitations in physical function. However, little is known about the relationship between symptoms of urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse, and physical performance. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine whether symptoms of urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse are independently associated factors with indicators of lower physical performance in middle-aged women from Northeast Brazil.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study of 381 women between 40 to 65 years old living in Parnamirim, Northeast Brazil. Physical performance was assessed by gait speed, chair stand and standing balance tests. Urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse were self-reported. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to model the effect of self-reported urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse on each physical performance measure, adjusted for covariates (age, family income, education, body mass index, parity).

Results

In the analysis adjusted for confounders, women reporting urinary incontinence spent, on average, half a second longer to perform the chair stand test (β = 0.505 95% CI: 0.034: 0.976). Those reporting pelvic organ prolapse shortened the balance time with eyes open by 2.5 s on average (β = − 2.556; CI: − 4.769: − 0.343).

Conclusions

Symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence are associated to worse physical performance in middle-aged women. These seemingly small changes in physical performance levels are of clinical importance, since these conditions may influence women’s physical ability, with implications for other tasks important to daily functioning and should be addressed by health policies targeting women’s health and functionality.

When should we use urodynamic testing? Recommendations of the Italian Society of Urodynamics (SIUD). Part 2 - Male and neurogical population

Recent studies in literature, have raised some doubts on the routine use of urodynamic testing. Many physicians and articles recommend a selective use of this tool, considering carefully risks and benefits. These recommendations are intended to guide clinicians in the right selection of the male and neurological patients to submit to a urodynamic evaluation. This is the second part of a previous article regarding the urodynamic recommendations in the female population. We reviewed the literature, regarding the use of UDS in male and neurological population with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Specifically, we analyzed and compared the guidelines and recommendations of the most important urology and urogynecology international scientific societies. These publications were used to create the evidence basis for characterizing the recommendations to perform urodynamic testing. A panel of 10 experts was composed and Delphi process was followed to obtain the panelist consensus. The final recommendations were approved by the unanimous consensus of the panel and compared with the best practice recommendations available in the literature. The recommendations are provided for diagnosis and management of common LUTS in male and neurological population. This review provides a summary of the most effective utilization of urodynamic studies for the global evaluation of patients with LUTS, and how to use them when really needed, avoiding unnecessary costs and patient inconveniences.

Friction underwear for ease of pulling down in elderly patients with overactive bladder: A prospective randomized control trial

Purpose

Friction underwear was developed by adding small silicon dots in front of the underwear to decrease the time for pulling down underwear in elderly patients with urge incontinence. We studied about the effects of the friction underwear for elderly overactive bladder (OAB) patients.

Materials and Methods

Male patients over 60 years of age diagnosed with OAB were prospectively enrolled and randomized to either the friction underwear first group (measuring for the time taken to pull down the friction underwear first and the non-friction underwear second) or the friction underwear later group (non-friction underwear first and the friction underwear second). An investigator measured the time to pulling down the underwear. And we measured the coefficient of friction of underwear.

Results

A total of 56 male patients were randomly divided into two groups using a random number table envelope method. There were no significant differences in demographics and clinical characteristics between the two groups. Of the total 56 patients, the time taken to pull down underwear for the friction underwear (3.79±0.15 seconds) was found significantly shorter than that for the non-friction underwear (4.10±0.17 seconds) (p=0.03). The static and dynamic coefficients of friction of the friction were 4.21 and 2.88, respectively, while those of the non-friction underwear were 0.64 and 0.45, respectively.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that friction underwear significantly shortened the time to pull down underwear. This functional underwear may be effective in preventing the underwear from getting wet in patients who suffer from urge incontinence.

What uro-gynecologists should know about sacral neuromodulation (SNM) for the treatment of refractory overactive bladder

PURPOSE

To inform uro-gynecologists about the current standards and latest developments of sacral neuromodulation (SNM) in women with overactive bladder (OAB).

METHODS

Literature search in the PubMed database for articles published between 1988 and 2019 on SNM for OAB in women.

RESULTS

In total, 361 articles were identified and 51 articles retrieved for the review. SNM shows an objective success rate of 70-80%, OAB cure rate of 17-47% and a subjective satisfaction rate of 80-90%. These benefits have to be weighed against an adverse event rate of approx. 40%. SNM is significantly more successful than switching to another antimuscarinic after failed antimuscarinic drug therapy. Efficacy of SNM is slightly lower compared to bladder wall injections with 200 U botulinum toxin in the first months but efficacy of both treatments appears to be similar after 24 months. MRI examinations of patients with a sacral neurostimulator should only be performed after radiologist consultation. Sacral neurostimulators in patients with another pacemaker system should only be implanted after interdisciplinary consultation. The sacral neuromodulator should be turned off during pregnancy and delivery. SNM for OAB in patients with concomitant female sexual dysfunction or fecal incontinence seems to be beneficial.

CONCLUSIONS

SNM is a successful and recommended second-line treatment of OAB. Sacral neurostimulators should preferably be implanted in SNM-centers because complications and the frequency of revisions are significantly reduced with increasing experience of the surgeon.

A prospective study of the natural history of urinary incontinence in women

BACKGROUND

Symptoms of urinary incontinence are commonly perceived to vary over time; yet, there is limited quantitative evidence regarding the natural history of urinary incontinence, especially over the long term.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to delineate the course of urinary incontinence symptoms over time, using 2 large cohorts of middle-aged and older women, with data collected over 10 years.

STUDY DESIGN

We studied 9376 women from the Nurses' Health Study, age 56-81 years at baseline, and 7491 women from the Nurses' Health Study II, age 39-56 years, with incident urinary incontinence in 2002 through 2003. Urinary incontinence severity was measured by the Sandvik severity index. We tracked persistence, progression, remission, and improvement of symptoms over 10 years. We also examined risk factors for urinary incontinence progression using logistic regression models.

RESULTS

Among women age 39-56 years, 39% had slight, 45% had moderate, and 17% had severe urinary incontinence at onset. Among women age 56-81 years, 34% had slight, 45% had moderate, and 21% had severe urinary incontinence at onset. Across ages, most women reported persistence or progression of symptoms over follow-up; few (3-11%) reported remission. However, younger women and women with less severe urinary incontinence at onset were more likely to report remission or improvement of symptoms. We found that increasing age was associated with higher odds of progression only among older women (age 75-81 vs 56-60 years; odds ratio, 1.84; 95% confidence interval, 1.51-2.25). Among all women, higher body mass index was strongly associated with progression (younger women: odds ratio, 2.37; 95% confidence interval, 2.00-2.81; body mass index ≥30 vs <25 kg/m²; older women: odds ratio, 1.93; 95% confidence interval, 1.62-2.22). Additionally, greater physical activity was associated with lower odds of progression to severe urinary incontinence (younger women: odds ratio, 0.86; 95% confidence interval, 0.71-1.03; highest vs lowest quartile of activity; older women: odds ratio, 0.68; 95% confidence interval, 0.59-0.80).

CONCLUSION

Most women with incident urinary incontinence continued to experience symptoms over 10 years; few had complete remission. Identification of risk factors for urinary incontinence progression, such as body mass index and physical activity, could be important for reducing symptoms over time.

Cardiovascular effects of antimuscarinic agents and beta3-adrenergic receptor agonist for the treatment of overactive bladder

INTRODUCTION

Overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome is common in the general population, particularly in elderly patients. Antimuscarinic drugs (AMs) are considered the mainstay pharmaceutical treatment of OAB whereas β3-adrenoceptor agonists, such as mirabegron, represent a good alternative. Owing to the important role of muscarinic and β3 receptors in cardiovascular (CV) tissue and to the fact that OAB patients often have CV comorbidities, the safety-profile of these drugs constitute an important challenge.

AREAS COVERED

The aim of this review is to evaluate the CV effects of AMs and mirabegron in OAB. A systematic literature search from inception until December 2017 was performed on PubMed and Medline.

EXPERT OPINION

AMs are generally considered to have good CV safety profile but, however, they may cause undesirable adverse events, such as dry mouth, constipation. CV AEs are rare but noteworthy, the most common CV consequences related to the use of these drugs are constituted by an increase in HR and QT interval. Mirabegron has similar efficacy and tolerability to AMs but causes less adverse events, with either modest hypertension and modest increase in HR (<5 bpm) being the most commonly reported.

Urinary Urgency in Working Women: What Factors Are Associated with Urinary Urgency Progression?

BACKGROUND

Urinary urgency is the primary symptom of overactive bladder (OAB). This study aimed to identify targets for effective intervention to delay progression of urinary urgency.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Secondary analyses of data from a study conducted with female employees of a large academic medical center were conducted. Women were ≥18 years and nonpregnant at the time of the survey. An online questionnaire obtained demographic information, presence of lower urinary tract symptoms, and toileting behaviors. Bivariate analyses and multivariate logistic regression were applied to explore factors related to different stages of urinary urgency.

RESULTS

Four stages of urinary urgency were constructed: (1) Stage 1: no urinary symptoms (n = 20), (2) Stage 2: continent but urinary urgency reported (n = 19), (3) Stage 3: nonsevere urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) (incontinent but leakage ≤1/day, n = 74); and (4) Stage 4: severe UUI (leakage ≥1/day, n = 26). In multivariate analyses, older women were more likely to be in Stage 3 than in Stage 2 (aOR 1.053, 95% CI 1.012-1.096). Women who lost urine with defecation were more likely to be in Stage 4 than Stage 3 (aOR 3.828, 95% CI 1.921-7.629). Women who habitually strained to empty the bladder faster were more likely to be in Stage 4 than in Stage 3 (aOR 6.588, 95% CI 1.317-32.971).

CONCLUSIONS

Losing urine with defecation and making the bladder empty faster by pushing down should be explored as intervention targets to prevent women from progressing from Stage 3 to Stage 4.

Longitudinal associations between mental health conditions and overactive bladder in women veterans

BACKGROUND

One in 5 recently deployed US women veterans report overactive bladder symptoms. Mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety commonly co-occur in women with overactive bladder, but temporal relationships between these outcomes have not been well studied, and the mechanism behind this association is unknown. The Women Veterans Urinary Health Study, a nationwide longitudinal study in recently deployed women veterans, was designed to better understand relationships between overactive bladder and mental health conditions.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to estimate the 1-year incidence and remission of overactive bladder and to identify the impact of depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, and prior sexual assault on 1-year overactive bladder incidence and remission rates.

STUDY DESIGN

Participants of this 1-year prospective cohort study were female veterans separated from military service who had returned from Iraq or Afghanistan deployment within the previous 2 years. Eligible women were identified through the Defense Manpower Data Center and recruited by mail and telephone. Telephone screening confirmed participants were ambulatory, community-dwelling veterans and excluded those with urinary tract fistula, congenital abnormality, or cancer; pelvic radiation; spinal cord injury; multiple sclerosis; Parkinson disease; stroke; or current/recent pregnancy. Data collection included computer-assisted telephone interviews performed at enrollment and 1 year later. The interview assessed demographic and military service characteristics; urinary symptoms and treatment; depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and treatment; and a lifetime history of sexual assault. Overactive bladder was identified if at least moderately bothersome urgency urinary incontinence and/or urinary frequency symptoms were reported on Urogenital Distress Inventory items. Exposures included depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, and lifetime sexual assault, assessed at baseline using validated questionnaires (including the Patient Health Questionnaire and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist). Associations between exposures and overactive bladder incidence and remission were estimated using propensity score adjusted logistic regression models.

RESULTS

In all, 1107 (88.0%) of 1258 eligible participants completed 1-year interviews. Median age was 29 (range 20-67) years and 53% were nulliparous. Overactive bladder was identified at baseline in 242 (22%), and 102 (9.2%), 218 (19.7%), 188 (17.0%), and 287 (25.9%) met criteria for baseline depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, and lifetime sexual assault, respectively. At 1 year, overactive bladder incidence was 10.5% (95% confidence interval, 8.6-12.8%), and remission of overactive bladder was 36.9% (95% confidence interval, 30.8-43.4%). New overactive bladder occurred more often in women with baseline anxiety (21% vs 9%), posttraumatic stress disorder (19% vs 9%) and lifetime sexual assault (16% vs 9%) (all: P < .01). After adjustment, anxiety (odds ratio, 2.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.4-4.1) and lifetime sexual assault (odds ratio, 1.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.0-2.8) predicted 1-year incident overactive bladder. Overactive bladder remission occurred less often in those with baseline depression (19% vs 41%, P < .01) and anxiety (29% vs 42%, P = .03). After adjustment, depression decreased 1-year overactive bladder remission risk (odds ratio, 0.37; 95% confidence interval, 0.16-0.83). Overactive bladder treatment was uncommon and not associated with remission.

CONCLUSION

Anxiety, depression, and prior sexual assault-common postdeployment problems for women veterans-influence the natural history of overactive bladder. Providers should screen for mental health conditions and sexual assault in women with newly diagnosed or persistent overactive bladder.

A Behavioral Weight Loss Program and Nonurinary Incontinence Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Overweight and Obese Women with Urinary Incontinence: A Secondary Data Analysis of PRIDE

PURPOSE

We sought to determine whether a behavioral weight reduction intervention would improve nonurinary incontinence lower urinary tract storage symptoms at 6 months, including urinary frequency, nocturia and urgency, compared to a structured education program serving as the control group among overweight and obese women with urinary incontinence.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PRIDE (Program to Reduce Incontinence by Diet and Exercise) was a randomized clinical trial performed in 338 overweight or obese women with urinary incontinence. Participants were randomized, including 226 to 6-month behavioral weight loss intervention and 112 to the control group. All participants received a self-help behavioral treatment booklet to improve bladder control. On this secondary data analysis we examined changes in nonurinary incontinence lower urinary tract storage symptoms from baseline to 6 months and the impact of treatment allocation (intervention vs control), weight loss and physical activity.

RESULTS

Nonurinary incontinence lower urinary tract storage symptoms were common at baseline, varying from 48% to 62%. In the 2 groups combined women experienced significant improvement in nocturia, urgency and International Prostate Symptom Score at 6 months (all p <0.001). However, lower urinary tract storage symptom outcomes at 6 months did not differ between the intervention and control groups. Similarly no difference was observed in the amount of weight lost (5% or greater vs less than 5%) or physical activity (1,500 kcal or greater expenditure per week compared to less than 1,500 kcal).

CONCLUSIONS

Lower urinary tract storage symptoms were common among overweight and obese women with urinary incontinence. The prevalence decreased significantly after 6 months independent of treatment group assignment, amount of weight lost or physical activity. These improvements may have been due to self-help behavioral educational materials, trial participation or repeat assessment of symptoms.

Comparative assessment of the efficacy of onabotulinumtoxinA and oral therapies (anticholinergics and mirabegron) for overactive bladder: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To compare the efficacy of onabotulinumtoxinA, mirabegron, and anticholinergics in adults with idiopathic overactive bladder (OAB) using network meta-analysis (NMA).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Information sources were searched for blinded randomised controlled trials (RCTs), of ≥2 weeks duration, comparing any dose of onabotulinumtoxinA, eligible oral/transdermal anticholinergics, or mirabegron, with each other or placebo, in adults with OAB. Bayesian random-effects models were used to synthesise the results at week 12: NMA for responder analyses and network meta-regression (NMR) for change from baseline analyses. The NMR was used to adjust for differences in baseline severity between studies. Sensitivity analysis, excluding studies considered to be at a high risk of methodological bias, was conducted.

RESULTS

In all, 56 RCTs were included in the networks. For each outcome, results are reported for all licensed treatment doses. For each NMR, results are based on patients with an average number of episodes of the outcome at baseline. After 12 weeks, all treatments were more efficacious than placebo. Patients who received onabotulinumtoxinA (100 U) had, on average, the greatest reductions in urinary incontinence episodes (UIE), urgency episodes, and micturition frequency, and the highest odds of achieving decreases of 100% and ≥50% from baseline in UIE/day. When comparing onabotulinumtoxinA with other pharmacotherapies, mean differences favoured onabotulinumtoxinA 100 U over all comparators for UIE and urgency episodes (credible intervals excluded zero) and all but two of the comparators for micturition frequency. OnabotulinumtoxinA 100 U was also associated with higher odds of achieving a 100% and ≥50% decrease in UIE/day than most other licensed treatments in the network. The exclusion of studies with a high risk of bias had little impact on the conclusions.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that, after 12 weeks, onabotulinumtoxinA 100 U provides greater relief of OAB symptoms compared with most other licensed doses of other pharmacotherapies in the network.

Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation versus electrical stimulation with pelvic floor muscle training for overactive bladder syndrome in women: results of a randomized controlled study

INTRODUCTION

This study compared percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) versus electrical stimulation with pelvic floor muscle training (ES + PFMT) in women with overactive bladder syndrome (OAB).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

60 women with OAB were enrolled. Patients were randomized into two groups. In group A, women underwent ES with PFMT, in group B women underwent PTNS.

RESULTS

A statistically significant reduction in the number of daily micturitions, episodes of nocturia and urge incontinence was found in the two groups but the difference was more substantial in women treated with PTNS; voided volume increased in both groups. Quality of life improved in both groups, whereas patient perception of urgency improved only in women treated with PTNS. Global impression of improvement revealed a greater satisfaction in patients treated with PTNS.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates the effectiveness of PTNS and ES with PFMT in women with OAB, but greater improvements were found with PTNS.

A pooled analysis of the efficacy of fesoterodine for the treatment of overactive bladder, and the relationship between safety, co-morbidity and polypharmacy in patients aged 65 years or older

Background

overactive bladder (OAB) is a common condition in older persons. Antimuscarinic treatment remains the mainstay of treatment of OAB but clinicians have been reluctant to prescribe this to older patients. This study examined efficacy and safety information from patients >65 in fesoterodine trials to reaffirm efficacy and to explore the relationships between treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs), coexisting medication and co-morbidity.

Methods

data from 10 double-blind, placebo-controlled studies were analysed. A logistic regression analysis, where TEAE incidence was predicted by treatment, prior antimuscarinic treatment, number of coexisting medications, number of concomitant diseases and all possible combinations of two-way interaction terms with treatment was conducted.

Results

of 4,040 patients who participated in trials; fesoterodine treatment was associated with statistically significant reductions in all disease-related and patient-reported outcomes compared to placebo. There was a significant increase in the likelihood of reporting a TEAE in association with the number of coexistent medications (odds ratio (OR) = 1.028, 95% CI: 1.0143-1.044, P < 0.003). The OR of having a TEAE with increase in the number of concomitant diseases was 1.058 (95% CI: 1.044-1.072, P < 0.0001). Central nervous system (CNS) events were few.

Discussion

fesoterodine treatment led to clinically meaningful improvements across all included patient reported outcomes. The number of concomitant conditions had the greatest influence on the likelihood of an adverse event being reported. CNS TEAE were not associated with fesoterodine dose and were low across all categories of concomitant disease and coexisting medication.

Long-term outcomes for transobturator tension-free vaginal tapes in women with urodynamic mixed urinary incontinence

AIMS

To assess the long-term patient reported outcomes following transobturator tension-free vaginal tapes (TO-TVT) in women with urodynamic mixed urinary incontinence (MUI).

METHODS

A secondary analysis of the 9-year follow-up of the E-TOT study: 341 women with predominant stress urinary incontinence symptoms were randomized to undergo either inside-out or outside-in TO-TVT between April 2005 and April 2007. Forty-eight women had preoperative urodynamic MUI and were available for 9-year follow-up. Primary outcome was the patient-reported success rate defined as very/much improved on Patient's Global Impression of Improvement PGI-I. Secondary outcomes included impact on women's quality of life, sexual function, overactive bladder symptoms,and late adverse events. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v.23.

RESULTS

Forty-eight women completed the 9-year follow-up, with adjusted response rate of 63%. The success based on the PGI-I was 64.6% (n = 31), with a further 14.6% (n = 7) who reported "improved." There was no significant difference between groups (OR 1.11; 95%CI 0.33, 3.70; P > 0.999). Clinically significant improvement in quality of life was found in 85.3%. Cure of urgency and UUI was reported by 35% and 41%, whereas worsening was reported in 6.5% and 2.3%, respectively. One patient reported chronic groin/leg pain. The small sample size and the sizeable loss to follow-up are limitations in this study.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to report the long-term outcomes of TO-TVT in women with urodynamic MUI; TO-TVT is associated with a good and sustained patient-reported success rate in women with MUI up to 9-years follow-up.

Impaired Excitatory Neurotransmission in the Urinary Bladder from the Obese Zucker Rat: Role of Cannabinoid Receptors

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a known risk factor for lower urinary tract symptoms. This study investigates whether functional and expression changes of cannabinoid CB₁ and CB₂ receptors are involved in the bladder dysfunction in an obese rat model with insulin resistance. Bladder samples from obese Zucker rat (OZR) and their respective controls lean Zucker rat (LZR) were processed for immunohistochemistry and western blot for studying the cannabinoid receptors expression. Detrusor smooth muscle (DSM) strips from LZR and OZR were also mounted in myographs for isometric force recordings. Neuronal and smooth muscle CB₁ and CB₂ receptor expression and the nerve fiber density was diminished in the OZR bladder. Electrical field stimulation (EFS) and acetylcholine (ACh) induced frequency- and concentration-dependent contractions of LZR and OZR DSM. ACh contractile responses were similar in LZR and OZR. EFS-elicited contractions, however, were reduced in OZR bladder. Cannabinoid receptor agonists and antagonists failed to modify the DSM basal tension in LZR and OZR In LZR bladder, EFS responses were inhibited by ACEA and SER-601, CB₁ and CB₂ receptor agonists, respectively, these effects being reversed by ACEA plus the CB₁ antagonist, AM-251 or SER-601 plus the CB₂ antagonist, AM-630. In OZR bladder, the inhibitory action of ACEA on nerve-evoked contractions was diminished, whereas that SER-601 did not change EFS responses. These results suggest that a diminished function and expression of neuronal cannabinoid CB₁ and CB₂ receptors, as well as a lower nerve fiber density is involved in the impaired excitatory neurotransmission of the urinary bladder from the OZR.

Ba-Wei-Die-Huang-Wan (Hachimi-jio-gan) can ameliorate cyclophosphamide-induced ongoing bladder overactivity and acidic adenosine triphosphate solution-induced hyperactivity on rats prestimulated bladder

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Ba-Wei-Die-Huang-Wan (BWDHW) is the traditional Chinese medicine formula containing eight ingredients, namely Rehmannia glutinosa (Gaetn.) DC., root, steamed & dried; Cornus officinalis Siebold & Zucc., fructus, dried; Dioscorea oppositifolia L., root, dried; Alisma plantago-aquatica, subsp. orientale (Sam.) Sam., tuber, dried; Poria cocos (Fr.) Wolf., sclerotium, dried; Paeonia×suffruticosa Andrews, bark, dried; Cinnamomum cassia (Nees & T.Nees) J. Presl, bark, dried; Aconitum carmichaeli Debeaux, lateral root, dried & processed. It has been used for diabetes and urinary frequency treatments.

AIM OF THE STUDY

We investigate effects of BWDHW on cyclophosphamide (CYP)-induced ongoing bladder overactivity and acidic adenosine triphosphate (ATP) solution-induced hyperactivity on rat's prestimulated bladder.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Female Wistar rats were injected with intraperitoneal CYP (100mg/kg) or saline respectively. Rats were treated with BWDHW (90mg/kg/day) or vehicle for the next five days. After treatments animals were evaluated both in metabolic cage model and then by cystometry. Acidic ATP solution (5mM, pH 3.3) was instilled to provoke bladder hyperactivity. Bladder mucosa and muscle proteins were assessed by Western blotting.

RESULTS

As compared to the controls, the CYP group showed significantly decreased mean cystometric intercontractile interval and increased micturition frequency, whereas the CYP/BWDWH group did not. The CYP group had significant protein overexpression in mucosal M2, M3, P2X2, and P2X3 receptors as well as detrusor M2 and M3 receptors. However, the CYP/BWDWH group had insignificant changes from controls. In the provoking test, the control/BWDHW and CYP/BWDHW groups were less affected by acidic ATP stimulation of intercontractile interval changes than the control group. Compared to the control group, the control/BWDHW group showed significantly lower mucosal P2X3 protein expression and the CYP group showed significant mucosal TRPV1 protein upregulation after the provoking test.

CONCLUSION

BWDHW treatment can ameliorate CYP-induced ongoing bladder overactivity and suppress mucosal P2X2, P2X3, M2, and M3 receptor protein overexpression, as well as detrusor M2 and M3 receptor protein overexpression. BWDHW pretreatment can reduce acidic ATP solution-provoked hyperactivity by preventing TRPV1 receptor overexpression in CYP-treated bladder mucosa and inhibiting P2X3 receptor overexpression in naïve bladder mucosa.

Epidemiology of mixed, stress, and urgency urinary incontinence in middle-aged/older women: the importance of incontinence history

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Urinary incontinence (UI) is common and the relationship among its subtypes complex. Our objective was to describe the natural history and predictors of the incontinence subtypes stress, urgency, and mixed, in middle-aged and older US women. We tested our hypothesis that UI subtype history predicted future occurrence, evaluating subtype incidence/remission over multiple time points in a stable cohort of women.

METHODS

We analyzed longitudinal urinary incontinence data in 10,572 community-dwelling women aged ≥50 in the 2004-2010 Health and Retirement Study. Mixed, stress, and urgency incontinence prevalence (2004, 2006, 2008, 2010) and 2-year cumulative incidence and remissions (2004-2006, 2006-2008, 2008-2010) were estimated. Patient characteristics and incontinence subtype status 2004-2008 were entered into a multivariable, transition model to determine predictors for incontinence subtype occurrence in 2010.

RESULTS

The prevalence of each subtype in this population (median age 63-66) was 2.6-8.9 %. Subtype incidence equaled 2.1-3.5 % and remissions for each varied between 22.3 and 48.7 %. Incontinence subtype incidence predictors included ethnicity/race, age, body mass index, and functional limitations. Compared with white women, black women had decreased odds of incident stress incontinence and Hispanic women had increased odds of stress incontinence remission. The age range 80-90 and severe obesity predicted incident mixed incontinence. Functional limitations predicted mixed and urgency incontinence. The strongest predictor of incontinence subtype was subtype history. The presence of the respective incontinence subtypes in 2004 and 2006 strongly predicted 2010 recurrence (odds ratio [OR] stress incontinence = 30.7, urgency OR = 47.4, mixed OR = 42.1).

CONCLUSIONS

Although the number of remissions was high, a previous history of incontinence subtypes predicted recurrence. Incontinence status is dynamic, but tends to recur over the longer term.

[Prevalence and initial management of overactive bladder in France: A cross-sectional study]

AIMS

To determine the prevalence of overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome in France and gather data about initial patient trajectories in the healthcare system.

METHODS

A dedicated questionnaire (41 questions) has been sent to a 12,000 sample of people representative of the global population. The following data were investigated: social and demographic features, medical history, Urinary Symptom Profile questionnaire, bother, history of symptoms, care seeking and treatments received. Patient were considered having OAB in case if presenting at least two episodes of urgency per week, or being under treatment of OAB. OAB prevalence was the main outcome, and associated factors were characterized by univariate and multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

Based on 8842 available questionnaires, the global prevalence of OAB was estimated to be 14.4%. Prevalence was significantly higher in women, older age groups, as well as obesity, irritable bowel syndrome, urinary tract infections, enuresia, constipation, anxiety/depression, neurological diseases, sleep apnea syndrome, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes and hypertension. Only 34.6% of patients with OAB had visited a health practitioner for this problem. General practitioners were most frequently implicated in patient primary care and evaluation. Seventy-two percent of patients with OAB had had additional investigations (mostly a urine culture) and only 6% of patients had to complete a bladder diary. The most frequent treatment option was oral antimuscarinics. Physical therapy and rehabilitation have been prescribed in 26% of cases, as well as dietary advice.

CONCLUSIONS

OAB is a frequent syndrome. Its prevalence increases with age, and OAB frequently concern elderly frail people with many other associated diseases.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

Persistence and compliance with medication management in the treatment of overactive bladder

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a common and chronic condition that impacts patients' daily activities and quality of life. Pharmaco-therapy for OAB is a mainstay of treatment. Antimuscarinics and β3-adrenoceptor agonists are the two major classes of oral pharmacotherapy and have similar efficacy for treating the symptoms of OAB. Owing to the chronic nature of OAB, long-term use of medication is essential for OAB symptom control and positive health outcomes. However, many patients elect to stop their medications during the treatment period. Unmet expectations of treatment and side effects seem to be the major factors for discontinuing OAB pharmacotherapy. Furthermore, the short- and long-term persistence and compliance with medication management are markedly worse in OAB than in other chronic medical conditions. Improvement in persistence and compliance with OAB pharmacotherapy is a hot topic in OAB treatment and should be an important goal in the treatment of OAB. Effective strategies should be identified to improve persistence and compliance. In this review, we outline what is known about persistence and compliance and the factors affecting persistence with pharmacotherapy in patients with OAB.

OnabotulinumtoxinA Treatment for Overactive Bladder in the Elderly: Practical Points and Future Prospects

Overactive bladder (OAB) increases with age. OAB in the elderly may be associated with increased risks of falls, fractures and mortality. Degeneration of the central nervous system in the elderly is proposed as one of the pathogenic factors for OAB. Recently, onabotulinumtoxinA (BoNT-A) 100 U has been demonstrated to be well tolerated, and it significantly improves all OAB symptoms and health-related quality of life in patients who are inadequately managed with anticholinergics. However, an increased risk of a large post-void residual volume and a lower long-term success rate were noted in frail elderly patients. Careful patient selection for BoNT-A injection treatment is important in elderly OAB patients. Patients who are frail, are elderly, have comorbidity or have a post-void residual volume >100 mL should be monitored carefully after BoNT-A injection treatment to prevent urinary retention and subsequent urinary tract infection. Use of liposomes to carry BoNT-A across the urothelial barrier decreases urgency-frequency episodes without compromising detrusor contractility and might avoid urinary tract infection. This treatment might prevent undesired detrusor underactivity after BoNT-A injection treatment, especially in elderly patients who have low detrusor contractility. For treatment of OAB in the elderly, clinicians should be aware of the balance between therapeutic efficacy and safety.

Analysis of the usage of continence pads and help-seeking behavior of women with stress urinary incontinence in Poland

Background

Urinary incontinence (UI) in women is a chronic disorder which has a negative impact on health-related quality of life. Only 45 % of the affected individuals report the problem with continence to their doctor. The aim of the study was to assess the duration of stress urinary incontinence (SUI), time from disease onset to the first medical consultation and in-depth diagnosis, as well as the need for using continence pads in various grades of SUI.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study in women who presented at the urogynecologic ambulatory center and reported urinary incontinence. A total of 420 subjects were interviewed and underwent urogynecologic and urodynamic examinations. A group of 147 patients with urodynamic SUI was enrolled in the study.

Results

All women were graded according to the Stamey severity score: grade 1 – 56 (38.1 %), grade 2 – 68 (46.3 %), and grade 3 – 23 (15.6 %). Mean time elapsed between disease onset and presentation at the urogynecologic ambulatory center was 17.4 ± 11.8 years (grades 1, 2 and 3 for 11.6 ± 11.8, 14.9 ± 10.8, and 22.2 ± 12.1 years, respectively; p = 0.0002). Patients with SUI started perceiving their condition as a problem 4.7 ± 5.4 years before referral to urodynamics; 58.3 % of the SUI patients reported their problems with continence to a physician. Average time between the onset of UI symptoms and seeking medical help was 13.28 ± 12.3 years. Mean duration of using continence pads during the day was 4.2, 5.4 and 10.2 years in grades 1, 2 and 3, respectively (p = 0.0002). The number of patients using continence pads in and outside the home, as compared to outside only, was: grade 1 – 44.6 % vs. 28.6 %, grade 2 – 77.6 % vs. 13.4 %, and grade 3 – 86.4 % vs. 9.1 % (p = 0.004). Mean use of continence pads at night was 3.3, 6.1, and 9.1 years in grades 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The differences were not statistically significant. Protective continence products were used at night by 26.7 % of the SUI patients: 16.1 %, 25 % and 59.1 % in grades 1, 2 and 3, respectively (p = 0.004).

Conclusions

Women with SUI delay seeking medical help for over a decade. The severity of SUI is associated with duration and increased use of continence pads.

Clinical validation of the Bladder Health Survey for urinary incontinence in a population sample of women

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Our aim was to clinically validate the Bladder Health Survey (BHS) for detecting urinary incontinence (UI) in population-based surveys.

METHODS

A random sample of women ≥40 years was recruited from primary care practices. We assessed the BHS content validity with an expert advisory board. Test-retest reliability of UI questions was measured. BHS UI definitions included noncases, active (more than three symptoms in the prior 6 months), inactive (past but no current symptoms), and incident (new onset over the past 2 years) cases. To assess criterion validity, we compared BHS diagnosis to an expert clinical diagnosis using structured history, pelvic exam, voiding diary, and urodynamics (if needed). Construct validity was assessed comparing the BHS UI score and case status to Sandvik's score.

RESULTS

Among 322 patients, the BHS identified 17 % as noncases, 70 % as active, 10 % as inactive, and 3 % as incident cases. Using the clinical diagnosis as the gold standard, the percent of true-positive UI cases was 98 % (active), 84 % (inactive), and 80 % (incident). A total of 75 % of BHS noncases were true negatives. The receiver operating characteristic c-statistic was 0.86. Sensitivity and specificity of the BHS were 91 % and 84 %, respectively. The Sandvik score for active cases (median = 4) was significantly greater than it was for inactive (median = 1), incident (median = 1), and noncases (median = 0) (p < 0.001). The BHS UI score was significantly correlated with the Sandvik severity score (r = 0.68, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The BHS is highly reliable, with robust content and construct validity for detecting UI for use in population samples.

Postmenopausal overactive bladder

Bladder storage symptoms have a severe impact on many areas as regards the quality of life including health-related, social, psychological and working functions. Pharmacotherapy of lower urinary tract stores (LUTS) has been developed to optimize neural control of the lower urinary tract in pathologic states. The bladder can be overactive or underactive. Overactive bladder (OAB) is highly prevalent and is associated with considerable morbidity, especially in aging population. Therefore, an effective treatment of OAB must result in a meaningful reduction in urinary symptoms. Pharmacotherapy for the OAB must be individualized based on the degree of bother, medication side-effect profile, concomitant comorbidities and current medication regimen. Antimuscarinic agents will continue to represent the current gold standard for the first-line pharmacological management of OAB. Alternatively to antimuscarinic therapy, β3-adrenergic receptor agonists, due to their efficacy and favorable adverse event profile, are a novel and attractive option of pharmacological treatment of overactive bladder symptoms. A combination of selective antimuscarinic and β3-adrenergic receptor agonists, agents with the different mechanism of action, gives a new treatment option for the patient with OAB according to its harms profile. A number of putative novel therapeutic agents is under clinical evaluations that may ultimately provide alternative or combination treatment options for OAB in the nearest future.

Update summarising the conclusions of the international consultation on male lower urinary tract symptoms

The International Consultation on Urological Disease have recently published comprehensive conclusions, based on evidence reviewed by eight committees, on aspects of male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). In this review, we summarise the conclusions from four of the committees, namely, the evidence regarding the epidemiology of male LUTS, patient assessment, nocturia and medical management. It is indisputable that with an expanding and ageing global population the prevalence of male LUTS is likely to increase. Therefore symptom prevention and preservation of quality of life (QoL) feature highly in the guidelines. There are now a number of different medical options, proven to lead to significant improvements in symptom scores, flow rate and QoL available to men with LUTS. Meta-analyses have shown the benefits for alpha blockers, antimuscarinics, 5-α reductase and phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors. High level evidence also exists for combinations of all of the above with alpha blockers and so men with concomitant storage symptoms, prostate volume > 30 mL, PSA > 1.4 or erectile dysfunction may be considered for combination treatment of an alpha blocker with an antimuscarinic, 5-α reductase inhibitor or phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor respectively. In an era of personalised medicine, appropriate patient selection is likely to provide the key to the most effective clinical management strategy.