Overactive bladder and mental health symptoms in recently deployed female veterans

Mechanisms of oxidative stress in interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome

Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is characterized by bladder and/or pelvic pain, increased urinary urgency and frequency and nocturia. The pathophysiology of IC/BPS is poorly understood, and theories include chronic inflammation, autoimmune dysregulation, bacterial cystitis, urothelial dysfunction, deficiency of the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) barrier and urine cytotoxicity. Multiple treatment options exist, including behavioural interventions, oral medications, intravesical instillations and procedures such as hydrodistension; however, many clinical trials fail, and patients experience an unsatisfactory treatment response, likely owing to IC/BPS phenotype heterogeneity and the use of non-targeted interventions. Oxidative stress is implicated in the pathogenesis of IC/BPS as reactive oxygen species impair bladder function via their involvement in multiple molecular mechanisms. Kinase signalling pathways, nociceptive receptors, mast-cell activation, urothelial dysregulation and circadian rhythm disturbance have all been linked to reactive oxygen species and IC/BPS. However, further research is necessary to fully uncover the role of oxidative stress in the pathways driving IC/BPS pathogenesis. The development of new models in which these pathways can be manipulated will aid this research and enable further investigation of promising therapeutic targets.

Association between overactive bladder and depression in American adults: A cross-sectional study from NHANES 2005-2018

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Overactive bladder (OAB) and depression are both common disorders and there is research suggesting an association between the two, but there is a lack of studies with large samples. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between OAB and depressive symptoms.

METHODS

We used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database for the period 2005 to 2018. OAB was characterized by the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS, score > 3) and depression was diagnosed by the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9, score ≥ 10). There were three models employed in our analysis: (1) Crude model was unadjusted; (2) Model 1 was adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, educational level, and marital status; (3) Model 2 was adjusted for factors in Model 1 plus the remained potential covariates. We used survey-weighted logistic regression models to assess the association between OAB and depression. Subsequently, subgroup analyses and smoothed curve analyses were used to evaluate the reliability of the findings.

RESULTS

Finally, a total of 6612 participants were included in our study, consisting of 1005 participants with diagnosis of OAB and 5607 participants without diagnosis of OAB. After adjusting for all covariates, there was a significant positive association between OAB and depression (OR: 2.89, 95 % CI: 1.91, 4.37). The severity of OAB was also positively associated with depression. Compared to participants without OAB, the fully adjusted ORs for depression were 2.76 (95 % CI: 1.64, 4.65) for those with mild OAB, 3.79 (95 % CI: 1.68, 8.55) for those with moderate OAB, and 5.21 (95 % CI: 1.39, 19.53) for those with severe OAB.

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed a strong association between OAB and depression and a progressive increase in the risk of depression as the severity of OAB (mild, moderate, and severe) increased. Therefore, it is important for clinicians to recognize the assessment of OAB symptoms in patients who are at risk for or have developed depressive symptoms, as well as the mental health of patients with OAB.

Sex differences in the association between (sexual) abuse and lower urinary tract symptoms

OBJECTIVES

To study the possible association between (sexual) abuse and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men and women. To study the differences in this association between men and women, and between the timing of the abuse.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A Dutch observational population-based cross-sectional study was used, based on self-administered questionnaires. Respondents were included if they had answered all questions about abuse and LUTS. Logistic regression was used to analyse the data.

RESULTS

Included were 558 men and 790 women, of whom 29% and 37%, respectively, reported a history of one of more types of abuse. Abuse was significantly associated with LUTS in both men (odds ratio [OR] 1.7; 1.2-2.5) and women (OR 1.4; 1.1-2.1). This association, testing by two-way interaction, was significantly stronger in men. No association was found between childhood abuse or adulthood abuse and LUTS, in men or women. The association of sexual abuse with LUTS was significant in both men (2.7; 1.4-5.2) and in women (1.5; 1.1-2.2), and this association (testing by two-way interaction) was significantly much stronger in men.

CONCLUSION

In men more than in women, a history of any type of abuse is associated with LUTS, regardless of whether the abuse occurred during childhood or adulthood. In both sexes, a history of sexual abuse is also associated with experiencing LUTS, with a much stronger association in men than in women. Patients, in particular male patients, presenting with LUTS should therefore be asked about sexual abuse in the past.

Depressive feelings as mediator in the relation between adverse childhood events and lower urinary tract symptoms in males and females

BACKGROUND

Adverse childhood events (ACEs) are prevalent and lead to well-established adverse health sequelae in adulthood. Recent literature has claimed that exposure to trauma in early life may worsen lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) because emotion can alter the perception of bodily distress in the brain. Specifically, depressive symptoms might influence the association between ACEs and LUTS. We aimed to describe the associations between ACEs and LUTS among males and females and to determine whether depressive symptoms mediated these associations.

METHODS

This study was a secondary analysis of the Coevorden observational cohort study (n = 1691, age ≥16 years). For this observational study participants filled in the male or female modules of the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire for LUTS (ICIQ-MLUTS and ICIQ-FLUTS, respectively), the NEMESIS Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (emotional neglect, psychological abuse, physical abuse, and sexual abuse within the family), and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) for depression.

RESULTS

Overall, 564 males and 811 females answered all required items related to LUTS and ACEs. A series of regression models were then estimated to test for mediation: LUTS on ACEs, depression on ACEs, and LUTS on both ACEs and depression. The models were also adjusted for the following covariates: age, body mass index, diabetes mellitus, current smokers, educational level, and vaginal delivery (if female). Depressive symptoms were shown to mediate the association between ACEs and LUTS in both males and females.

CONCLUSION

Childhood adversity and depression are areas of interest during the clinical assessment of patients with LUTS. Early detection of these conditions might help to manage risk, aid in the prevention of LUTS, and facilitate trauma-informed care.

The brain, gut, and bladder health nexus: A conceptual model linking stress and mental health disorders to overactive bladder in women

OBJECTIVE

A small, but growing literature links stressors and mental health disorders (MHDs) across the life course to overactive bladder (OAB) and urinary incontinence symptoms. Mechanisms by which stressors and MHDs may impact bladder health are not fully understood, limiting novel prevention and treatment efforts. Moreover, potential biopsychosocial mechanisms involving the brain and gut have not been considered in an integrated, comprehensive fashion.

METHODS

Members of the prevention of lower urinary tract symptoms Research Consortium developed conceptual models to inform research on biopsychosocial mechanisms through which stress and MDHs may impact bladder health among girls and women, focusing on brain and gut physiology.

RESULTS

Two conceptual models were developed-one to explain central (brain-based) and peripheral (gut-based) mechanisms linking stressors and MHDs to OAB and bladder health, and one to highlight bidirectional communication between the brain, gut, and bladder. Traumatic events, chronic stressors, and MHDs may lead to a maladaptive stress response, including dysregulated communication and signaling between the brain, gut, and bladder. Gut bacteria produce molecules and metabolites that alter production of neurotransmitters, amino acids, short-chain fatty acids, and inflammatory immune response molecules that mediate communication between the gut and brain. Microbiota signal neurogenesis, microglia maturation, and synaptic pruning; they also calibrate brain-gut-bladder axis communication through neurotransmission and synaptogenesis, potentially influencing bladder symptom development. Life course trajectories of risk may be prevented or interrupted by central and peripheral resources for neuropsychological resilience.

CONCLUSIONS

Depicted pathways, including brain-gut-bladder communication, have implications for research and development of novel prevention and treatment approaches.

Smooth muscle contraction of the fundus of stomach, duodenum and bladder from mice exposed to a stress-based model of depression

Several reports have demonstrated that depressive disorder is related to somatic symptoms including gastrointestinal or genitourinary alterations. The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the gastrointestinal or genitourinary alterations associated with the depression are still not fully understood. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the motor activity of gastrointestinal (fundus of stomach and duodenum) and genitourinary tract (bladder) in a stress-based animal model of depression. Adult male mice were submitted to uncontrollable and unpredictable stress (learned helplessness model), controllable stress and non-stressful situations (control). Then, animals were euthanized and the fundus of stomach, duodenum segments or whole bladder were isolated and mounted in a standard organ bath preparation. We evaluated the contractile effects induced by KCl 80 mM for 5 min or carbachol (acetylcholine receptor agonist). The relaxant effects of isoproterenol (β-adrenoceptor agonist) were also checked. Animals submitted to the learned helplessness model developed a helpless (depressive-like behavior) or resilient (does not exhibit depressive-like behavior) phenotype. The contractions induced by carbachol were diminished in fundus of stomach isolated from helpless and resilient animals. The isoproterenol-induced fundus of stomach relaxation was reduced in resilient but not helpless mice. The contractions/relaxation of duodenum segments isolated from helpless or resilient animals were not altered. Both helpless and resilient animals showed an increase in the bladder contractions induced by carbachol while the relaxant effects of isoproterenol were reduced when compared to control. Conversely, mice underwent a controllable stress situation did not exhibit alterations in the fundus of stomach or duodenum contraction/relaxation induced by pharmacological agents although a decrease in the bladder contraction induced by carbachol was found. In conclusion, incontrollable and unpredictable stress and not depressive phenotype (helpless animals) or controllable stress could be related to the alterations in motor activity of the fundus of stomach and bladder.

Efficacy of KPR-5714, a selective transient receptor potential melastatin 8 antagonist, on chronic psychological stress-induced bladder overactivity in male rats

AIMS

Chronic psychological stress aggravates lower urinary tract symptoms. Among others, water avoidance stress is a chronic psychological stressor that plays a causal role in the exacerbation and development of bladder dysfunction in rats. In this report, the effects of KPR-5714, which is a selective transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8) antagonist, on bladder overactivity induced by water avoidance stress were examined.

METHODS

Male rats were subjected to water avoidance stress for 2 h per day for 10 consecutive days. The effects of water avoidance stress on voiding behavior using metabolic cages and histological bladder changes were investigated in rats. The involvement of bladder C-fiber afferent on voiding frequency in rats exposed to water avoidance stress was assessed using capsaicin. The effects of KPR-5714 on storage dysfunction in rats subjected to water avoidance stress were examined.

RESULTS

In voiding behavior measurements, water avoidance stress-induced storage dysfunction, causing a decrease in the mean voided volume and increasing voiding frequency. A comparison of bladders from normal rats and rats exposed to water avoidance stress showed no histological differences. Water avoidance stress-induced bladder overactivity was completely inhibited by pretreatment with capsaicin. KPR-5714 showed a tendency to increase the mean voided volume and significantly decreased the voiding frequency without affecting the total voided volume in these rats.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that KPR-5714 is a promising option for treating chronic psychological stress-induced bladder overactivity.

Systematic review exploring the relationship between sexual abuse and lower urinary tract symptoms

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Patients presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) may report a history of sexual abuse (SA), and survivors of SA may report LUTS; however, the nature of the relationship is poorly understood. The aim of this review is to systematically evaluate studies that explore LUT dysfunction in survivors of SA.

METHODS

A systematic literature search of six databases, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED, and PsycINFO, was performed. The last search date was June 2021 (PROSPERO CRD42019122080). Studies reporting the prevalence and symptoms of LUTS in patients who have experienced SA were included. The literature was appraised according to the PRISMA statement. The quality of the studies was assessed.

RESULTS

Out of 272 papers retrieved, 18 publications met the inclusion criteria: studies exploring LUTS in SA survivors (n=2), SA in patients attending clinics for their LUTs (n=8), and cross-sectional studies (n=8). SA prevalence ranged between 1.3% and 49.6%. A history of SA was associated with psychosocial stressors, depression, and anxiety. LUTS included urinary storage symptoms, voiding difficulties, voluntary holding of urine and urinary tract infections. Most studies were of moderate quality. Assessment of SA and LUTS lacked standardisation.

CONCLUSIONS

The review highlights the need for a holistic assessment of patients presenting with LUTS. Although most of the studies were rated as being of 'moderate' quality, the evidence suggests the need to provide a "safe space" in clinic for patients to share sensitive information about trauma. Any such disclosure should be followed up with further assessment.

Pathophysiological Mechanisms Involved in Overactive Bladder/Detrusor Overactivity

Purpose of Review

To examine the latest published findings on the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the development of overactive bladder (OAB) and detrusor overactivity (DO), and to identify common pathways linked to the risk factors associated with these conditions.

Recent Findings

Evidence is accumulating, both clinical and experimental, that many of the factors linked to the development of OAB/DO, including ageing, bladder outlet obstruction, psychological stress, and obesity are associated with reduced bladder blood flow. This induces local tissue inflammation with cytokine release and enhanced oxidative stress, ultimately resulting in altered detrusor sensitivity, detrusor hypertrophy and fibrosis, together with afferent hypersensitivity. These mechanisms would explain the symptoms of urgency and frequency observed in OAB patients. Although not a characteristic of OAB, undetected low level bacterial infections of the bladder have been proposed to explain the OAB symptoms in patients resistant to standard treatments. In this condition, inflammatory responses without reductions in perfusion activate the inflammatory pathways.

Summary

Evidence is mounting that poor bladder perfusion and local inflammatory responses are central mechanisms involved in the development of OAB/DO. As our understanding of these pathophysiological mechanisms advances, new avenues for drug development will be identified and ultimately treatment may become more individualized depending on the particular pathway involved and the drugs available.

Daily symptom associations for urinary urgency and anxiety, depression and stress in women with overactive bladder

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Women with overactive bladder (OAB) report psychological distress, anxiety and depression, but short-term associations between these symptoms are poorly studied. Our objectives were to study daily associations between OAB symptoms and psychological symptoms and test whether these associations were stable when reassessed after 3 months. We hypothesized that OAB symptoms are positively associated with anxiety and depression symptoms over a short-term (daily) basis.

METHODS

Female patients with OAB [bothersome urgency and/or urgency urinary incontinence (UUI)] assessed OAB and mood symptoms at baseline and 3 months using a 3-day bladder diary and visual analog scale (VAS) ratings (0-100 mm) for anxiety, depression and stress. Daily OAB and mood symptom associations were tested using Spearman correlations. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) models tested associations between daily urgency scores and each psychological rating adjusting for covariates, time and a time-symptom interaction term.

RESULTS

Participants (n = 69) had mean (SD) age 63.3 (13.4) years. Baseline diary outcomes [median (IQR)/day] included day voids 8 (7-11), nocturia 0 (0-1), UUI episodes 1 (0-3) and urgency score 1.75 (1-2.25). Anxiety and depression diagnoses (dx) and treatment (tx) were common (anxiety dx 30.4%, tx 21.7%; depression dx 47.8%, tx 37.7%), but daily anxiety, depression and stress ratings were low [median (IQR) mm 10 (3-35), 5 (1-16), and 16 (4-39), respectively]. Daily urgency scores correlated with anxiety (r = 0.30-0.40, days 1-3, p ≤ 0.01 for all), depression (r = 0.24-0.35, p ≤ 0.05 all) and stress (r = 0.27-0.34, p ≤ 0.03 all). GEE models indicated no significant change in these associations between baseline and 3 months, and OAB treatment did not impact the associations.

CONCLUSIONS

Urgency scores were positively associated with same-day ratings of anxiety, depression and stress in OAB patients.

The Effect of Chronic Psychological Stress on Lower Urinary Tract Function: An Animal Model Perspective

Chronic psychological stress can affect urinary function and exacerbate lower urinary tract (LUT) dysfunction (LUTD), particularly in patients with overactive bladder (OAB) or interstitial cystitis–bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS). An increasing amount of evidence has highlighted the close relationship between chronic stress and LUTD, while the exact mechanisms underlying it remain unknown. The application of stress-related animal models has provided powerful tools to explore the effect of chronic stress on LUT function. We systematically reviewed recent findings and identified stress-related animal models. Among them, the most widely used was water avoidance stress (WAS), followed by social stress, early life stress (ELS), repeated variable stress (RVS), chronic variable stress (CVS), intermittent restraint stress (IRS), and others. Different types of chronic stress condition the induction of relatively distinguished changes at multiple levels of the micturition pathway. The voiding phenotypes, underlying mechanisms, and possible treatments of stress-induced LUTD were discussed together. The advantages and disadvantages of each stress-related animal model were also summarized to determine the better choice. Through the present review, we hope to expand the current knowledge of the pathophysiological basis of stress-induced LUTD and inspire robust therapies with better outcomes.

Validation of the Croatian Version of the 8-Item Overactive Bladder Questionnaire (OAB-V8)

OBJECTIVES

The present study was conducted with the aim to translate, adapt, and validate the 8-item Overactive Bladder Questionnaire (OAB-V8) in Croatia.

METHODS

This study included a total of 58 female patients with OAB and 66 healthy women. The translation to Croatian followed standardized procedure. All eligible participants completed OAB-V8 at inclusion and 2 weeks after to assess test-retest reliability. Cronbach α coefficient was calculated to assess internal consistency.

RESULTS

Our study demonstrated high internal consistency for all items at both visits (Cronbach α between 0.799 and 0.847), with stable internal consistency reliability across items during the 2-week period. However, the exception is the item "waking up at night to urinate," which significantly changed during the 2-week period. Intraclass correlation for OAB-V8 items ranged from 0.810 to 1.0, with Spearman correlations greater than 0.9 for all items (P < 0.01). There were strong significant correlations between frequency of urination during daytime and uncomfortable and sudden urge to urinate, and between nocturia and waking up at night. Discriminative validity showed statistically significant score differences between patients and the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

The Croatian version of the OAB-V8 was successfully translated, adapted, and validated so the questionnaire is now ready for use as a reliable tool for initial screening and assessing patients with OAB in everyday Croatian clinical practice.

Psychological stress induced bladder overactivity in female mice is associated with enhanced afferent nerve activity

Psychological stress has been linked to the development and exacerbation of overactive bladder symptoms, as well as afferent sensitisation in other organ systems. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effects of water avoidance stress on bladder afferent nerve activity in response to bladder filling and pharmaceutical stimulation with carbachol and ATP in mice. Adult female C57BL/6J mice were exposed to either water avoidance stress (WAS) for 1 h/day for 10 days or normal housing conditions. Voiding behaviour was measured before starting and 24-h after final stress exposure and then animals were euthanised to measure afferent nerve activity in association with bladder compliance, spontaneous phasic activity, contractile responses, as well as release of urothelial mediators. WAS caused increased urinary frequency without affecting urine production. The afferent nerve activity at low bladder pressures (4-7 mmHg), relevant to normal physiological filling, was significantly increased after stress. Both low and high threshold nerves demonstrated enhanced activity at physiological bladder pressures. Urothelial ATP and acetylcholine release and bladder compliance were unaffected by stress as was the detrusor response to ATP (1 mM) and carbachol (1 µM). WAS caused enhanced activity of individual afferent nerve fibres in response bladder distension. The enhanced activity was seen in both low and high threshold nerves suggesting that stressed animals may experience enhanced bladder filling sensations at lower bladder volumes as well as increased pain sensations, both potentially contributing to the increased urinary frequency seen after stress.

Chronic psychological stress and lower urinary tract symptoms

It is well established that lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), particularly urinary urgency and incontinence, cause stress and anxiety for patients. However, there is mounting evidence that the relationship between these two factors is bidirectional and that chronic psychological stress itself can result in the development of symptoms such as urinary frequency, urgency, incontinence, and pelvic pain. This review considers the evidence that such a relationship exists and reviews the literature from clinical and animal studies to identify some of the mechanisms that might be involved. Inflammatory responses induced by chronic stress appear to offer the strongest link to bladder dysfunction. There is overwhelming evidence, both in patients and animal models, for a release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines during periods of chronic stress. Furthermore, cytokines have been shown to cause bladder dysfunction and pain via actions in the central nervous system and locally in the bladder. In the brain and spinal cord, pro-inflammatory cytokines influence the regulation of micturition pathways by corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and its receptors, while peripherally cytokines affect bladder function, directly causing detrusor hypertrophy and afferent nerve hypersensitivity. There is little information on which treatments may have most benefit for stressed/anxious patients with LUTS, but animal studies suggest traditional drugs for overactive bladder (solifenacin, mirabegron) are more effective on LUTS than anxiolytic drugs (fluoxetine, imipramine). The preliminary preclinical data for CRF receptor antagonists is not consistent. A clearer understanding of the mechanisms involved in stress-induced LUTS should provide a basis for improved treatment of this condition.

Prevalence of childhood trauma and its association with lower urinary tract symptoms in women and men in the LURN study

AIMS

To describe the association between childhood traumas (death of a family member, severe illness, sexual trauma, parental separation) reported by women and men and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).

METHODS

In this secondary analysis of the Lower Urinary Tract Research Network Observational Cohort Study, participants completed the LUTS tool, childhood trauma events scale (CTES), PROMIS depression and anxiety and perceived stress scale. LUTS tool responses were combined to quantify urinary urgency, frequency, incontinence, and overall LUTS severity. Multivariable linear regression tested associations between trauma and LUTS; mental health scores were tested for potential mediation.

RESULTS

In this cohort (n = 1011; 520 women, 491 men), more women reported experiencing at least one trauma (75% vs. 64%, p < .001), greater than three traumas (26% vs. 15%, p < .001), and childhood sexual trauma (23% vs. 7%, p < .001), and reported higher impact from traumatic events compared with men (median [interquartile rnage] CTES score = 10 [5-15] vs. 6 [4-12], p < .001). The number of childhood traumatic events was not associated with severity of overall LUTS (p = .79), urinary frequency (p = .75), urgency (p = .61), or incontinence (p = .21). Childhood sexual trauma was significantly associated with higher incontinence severity (adjusted mean difference 4.5 points, 95% confidence interval= 1.11-7.88, p = .009). Mental health was a mediator between trauma and LUTS among those with at least one childhood trauma.

CONCLUSION

Although total childhood trauma is not associated with LUTS, childhood sexual trauma is associated with urinary incontinence severity. For patients with childhood trauma, half of the effect of CTE Impact score on overall LUTS severity is mediated through the association between trauma and the patient's mental health.

Clinical Complexity in Women Veterans: A Systematic Review of the Recent Evidence on Mental Health and Physical Health Comorbidities

A recent evidence map focused on women veterans underscored the limited number of articles published on mental health comorbid with physical health conditions in this population. The quality of this small body of research has yet to be evaluated. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate and synthesize research published between 2008 and 2015 and identified in the Women Veterans' Health Research Evidence Map as related to mental and physical health comorbidities among women veterans. Following PRISMA guidelines, 23 published studies were identified and 21 were included in the review. In general, significant associations between several mental health conditions (e.g., depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, substance use disorders) and physical health disorders (e.g., cardiovascular disease, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, hypertension, obesity, pain, and urinary symptoms) and health behaviors (e.g., preventative care and treatment adherence) were noted. The majority of studies were rated as low risk of bias, with selection and detection bias most frequently observed across studies. Additionally, gaps in the recent literature were observed, including the need for further investigation of the role of medical conditions in complicating mental health symptoms and care provision. Results underscore the importance of healthcare providers attending to women veterans' mental and physical health simultaneously and irrespective of setting. Further, while the Department of Veterans Affairs continues to make sizable gains in its focus on women veterans' health, continued research on several health domains is needed to ensure adequate understanding of the health needs of women veterans.

Bladder overactivity induced by psychological stress in female mice is associated with enhanced bladder contractility

AIMS

To investigates the effects of water avoidance stress on voiding behaviour and functional bladder responses in mice.

MAIN METHODS

Mice in the Stress group were exposed to water avoidance stress (WAS) for 1 h/day for 10 days, Controls were age-matched and housed normally. Voiding behaviour was measured periodically throughout the stress protocol and bladders were isolated 24-h after final stress exposure to measure bladder compliance, spontaneous phasic activity, contractile responses, and release of urothelial mediators.

KEY FINDINGS

Repeated stress exposure induced a significant increase in plasma corticosterone levels in the WAS group compared to control. An overactive bladder phenotype was observed in WAS mice, causing a significant increase in the number of voiding events observed from as early as day-3, and a 7-fold increase following 10-days' stress. This increase in voiding frequency was associated with a significant decrease in void size, an increase in the number of small voids, but no change in total voided volume. Bladders from stressed mice showed a significant increase in the maximum responses to the muscarinic agonist carbachol (p < 0.01), in addition to enhanced pressure responses to the purinergic agonists ATP (p < 0.05) and αβ-mATP (p < 0.05), and non-receptor mediated contractions to KCl (p < 0.05) compared to controls. Nerve-mediated bladder contractions to electric field stimulation were not significantly affected by stress, nor were spontaneous phasic contractions or release of urothelial ATP and acetylcholine.

SIGNIFICANCE

Repeated exposure to water avoidance stress produced an overactive bladder phenotype, confirmed by increased voiding frequency, and associated with enhanced bladder contractile responses.

Voiding Behavior and Efferent Bladder Function Altered in Mice Following Social Defeat but Not Witness Trauma

Psychological stress is associated with bladder dysfunction, however, the local bladder mechanisms affected are not well understood. This study aimed to determine how psychological stress, caused by social defeat or witness trauma, affects voiding behavior and bladder function. Pairs of male C57Bl/6J mice were placed in a custom-made plexiglass chamber with an aggressor ARC(S) mouse for 1 h/day for 10 days. The social defeat mouse was in physical contact with the aggressor, while the witness was physically separated but could observe interactions between its cage-mate and the aggressor. Age matched control pairs were used for comparison. Voiding analysis was conducted periodically over the 10 days. An ex vivo whole bladder preparation was used to assess functional changes after the period of stress. Plasma corticosterone levels were significantly increased by both social defeat and witness trauma stress when compared to unstressed controls. Voiding analysis revealed a significant decrease in voiding frequency in the social defeat group compared to control animals, indicating an altered voiding phenotype. Witness trauma did not alter voiding behavior. Bladder contractile responses to cholinergic stimulation were not significantly altered in either stress group, nor was relaxation to the beta-adrenoceptor agonist isoprenaline. However, nerve evoked contractile responses were significantly increased at all frequencies in bladders from social defeat but not witness trauma mice. Purinergic contractile responses were also significantly enhanced in this group. Social defeat also resulted in increased urothelial acetylcholine release during bladder distension, with no change in ATP release. In conclusion, functional bladder changes are dependent upon stressor type. Enhanced urothelial acetylcholine may desensitize bladder sensory nerves, which, coupled with more efficient voiding contractions due to enhanced nerve-mediated and purinergic detrusor responses, may account for the altered voiding phenotype observed. This study reports a male model of social defeat stress with reduced urinary frequency, with no voiding changes observed in the witness.

Interpersonal Trauma as a Marker of Risk for Urinary Tract Dysfunction in Midlife and Older Women

OBJECTIVE

To examine relationships between interpersonal trauma exposures and urinary symptoms in community-dwelling midlife and older women.

METHODS

We analyzed cross-sectional data from a multiethnic cohort of women aged 40-80 years enrolled in an integrated health care system in California. Lifetime history of intimate partner violence (IPV) and sexual assault, current posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, and current urinary symptoms were assessed using structured-item questionnaires. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models examined associations between traumatic exposures and PTSD symptoms with any weekly urinary incontinence, stress-type incontinence, urgency-type incontinence, and nocturia two or more times per night.

RESULTS

Of the 1,999 participants analyzed, 21.7% women reported lifetime emotional IPV, 16.2% physical IPV, 19.7% sexual assault, and 22.6% reported clinically significant PTSD symptoms. Overall, 45% reported any weekly incontinence, 23% stress-type incontinence, 23% urgency-type incontinence, and 35% nocturia. Exposure to emotional IPV was associated with any weekly incontinence (odds ratio [OR] 1.33, 95% CI 1.04-1.70), stress-type incontinence (OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.00-1.65), urgency-type incontinence (OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.00-1.70), and nocturia (OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.36-2.19). Physical IPV exposure was associated with nocturia (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.04-1.77), but not incontinence. Sexual assault history was not associated with weekly incontinence of any type or nocturia. Symptoms of PTSD were associated with all urinary symptoms assessed, including any weekly incontinence (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.15-1.85), stress-type incontinence (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.32-2.20), urgency-type incontinence (OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.24-2.06), and nocturia (OR 1.95, 95% CI 1.55-2.45).

CONCLUSION

More than 20% of women in this multiethnic, community-based cohort reported a history of IPV, PTSD symptoms, or both, which were associated with symptomatic urinary tract dysfunction. Findings highlight the need to provide trauma-informed care of midlife and older women presenting with urinary symptoms.

A Review of Hypnotherapy for Overactive Bladder

This review examines the effectiveness of hypnotherapy for the relief of overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms. Ten studies examining outcomes of hypnotherapy for OAB were located from searches of electronic databases. Most reports were case studies or observational, but there were two randomized, controlled trials. Hypnotherapeutic treatment regimens were idiosyncratic and tailored to individual patients. All studies suggested benefits from hypnotherapy as an adjunct treatment for OAB, especially in terms of subjective reports of symptoms and increasing self-efficacy. These benefits suggest hypnotherapy increases patients' abilities to engage in relaxation, reduces condition-associated anxiety, and improves patients' perceptions of their symptom-coping abilities. Although strong objective evidence of improvement in OAB symptoms is lacking, these subjective improvements, combined with increasing use and acceptance of hypnotherapy in obstetric and gynecological settings, suggest the utility of hypnotherapy as a psychological adjunctive procedure in the treatment of OAB.

Interpersonal trauma and aging-related genitourinary dysfunction in a national sample of older women

BACKGROUND

Among reproductive-aged women, exposure to interpersonal trauma is associated with genitourinary symptoms. Little is known about the relationship between these exposures and the genitourinary health of older women, who tend to experience different and more prevalent genitourinary symptoms because of menopause and aging.

OBJECTIVES

In this study, we examined relationships between common types of interpersonal trauma and aging-related genitourinary dysfunction among older women.

STUDY DESIGN

We analyzed data from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project, a national area probability sample of older community-dwelling adults born between 1920 and 1947. We used cross-sectional data from home-based study visits conducted in 2005-2006 to examine interpersonal violence exposures (any lifetime sexual assault, past-year emotional and physical abuse), and past-year genitourinary symptoms (urinary incontinence, other urinary problems, and vaginal pain/lubrication problems with sexual intercourse) among women participants. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to relate interpersonal violence and genitourinary symptoms, adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, body mass index, education, marital status, parity, hormone therapy, depressive and anxiety symptoms, and self-reported health. In exploratory models, we further adjusted for vaginal maturation, a tissue-specific marker of aging-related urogenital atrophy obtained from vaginal self-swabs.

RESULTS

In this national sample of 1551 older women (mean age 69 ± 2 years), 9% reported sexual assault, 23% reported emotional abuse, and <1% reported physical abuse. Urinary incontinence and other urinary problems were reported by 42% and 17%, respectively, and 42% of sexually active women (n = 527) reported vaginal symptoms with intercourse. In multivariable regression analyses adjusted for age, race/ethnicity, education, marital status, parity, hormone therapy, anxiety, depressive symptoms, and self-reported health, women with any lifetime history of sexual assault had 2.5 times the odds (95% confidence interval, 1.0-6.3) of vaginal symptoms, while women who reported past-year emotional abuse had higher odds of urinary incontinence (odds ratio, 1.7, 95% confidence interval, 1.2-2.4) and other urinary problems (odds ratio, 1.8, 95% confidence interval, 1.2-2.8). Among women who provided vaginal self-swabs (n = 869), adjustment for vaginal maturation-attenuated associations with other urinary problems (odds ratio, 1.6, 95% confidence interval, .9-2.6) and vaginal symptoms (odds ratio, 2.2, 95% confidence interval, 0.8-5.8).

CONCLUSION

Sexual assault and emotional abuse may play a role in the development or experience of aging-related genitourinary dysfunction in older women. Clinicians caring for older women should recognize the prevalence and importance of traumatic exposures in health related to menopause and aging.

Risk of psychiatric disorders in overactive bladder syndrome: a nationwide cohort study in Taiwan

Population-based cohort study investigating the risk of depression and other psychiatric disorders for patients with overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome is unavailable. This study investigated the subsequent risk of psychiatric disorders among patients with OAB in an Asian population. Using data from the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan, we established a cohort with 811 patients in an exposed group with OAB between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2000, and a non-exposed group, without OAB, of 2433 patients without OAB matched by age and year of diagnosis. The occurrence of psychiatric disorders and Cox regression model measured adjusted HRs (aHR) were monitored until the end of 2013. The overall incidence of psychiatric disorders was 41.7% higher in the exposed group with OAB than in the non-exposed group without OAB (14.2% vs 10.1%, p<0.001), with an aHR of 1.34 (95% CI 1.12 to 1.80, p<0.001) for the OAB cohort. OAB was associated with the increased risk of dementia, anxiety, depressive, sleep, and psychotic disorders, with aHRs as 1.53 (p=0.040), 1.61 (p<0.001), 2.10 (p<0.001), 1.43 (p<0.001), and 2.49 (p=0.002), respectively. The risk of psychiatric disorders, including depression and anxiety, is significantly higher in patients with OAB than in those without OAB. Evaluation of psychiatric status in patients with OAB is strongly recommended.

Nursing Care of Women Veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars

The Iraq and Afghanistan wars are unlike earlier wars, and the women veterans who have served in them are unlike veterans of earlier wars. Now these veterans are presenting with distinctive general, genitourinary, reproductive, and behavioral health issues. When seeking health care after deployment, they may be accessing multiple health care providers across numerous sites, including the Veterans Health Administration and civilian facilities. Enhanced levels of understanding, respect, and concern for the many combat-related health challenges experienced by these veterans will help civilian nurses and other clinicians provide optimum care. Provision of health care to women veterans should be multidisciplinary and effectively coordinated among various health care providers and facilities to ensure that their post-deployment health and wellness needs are met.

An Evidence Map of the Women Veterans' Health Research Literature (2008-2015)

BACKGROUND

Women comprise a growing proportion of Veterans seeking care at Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare facilities. VA initiatives have accelerated changes in services for female Veterans, yet the corresponding literature has not been systematically reviewed since 2008. In 2015, VA Women's Health Services and the VA Women's Health Research Network requested an updated literature review to facilitate policy and research planning.

METHODS

The Minneapolis VA Evidence-based Synthesis Program performed a systematic search of research related to female Veterans' health published from 2008 through 2015. We extracted study characteristics including healthcare topic, design, sample size and proportion female, research setting, and funding source. We created an evidence map by organizing and presenting results within and across healthcare topics, and describing patterns, strengths, and gaps.

RESULTS

We identified 2276 abstracts and assessed each for relevance. We excluded 1092 abstracts and reviewed 1184 full-text articles; 750 were excluded. Of 440 included articles, 208 (47%) were related to mental health, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder (71 articles), military sexual trauma (37 articles), and substance abuse (20 articles). The number of articles addressing VA priority topic areas increased over time, including reproductive health, healthcare organization and delivery, access and utilization, and post-deployment health. Three or fewer articles addressed each of the common chronic diseases: diabetes, hypertension, depression, or anxiety. Nearly 400 articles (90%) used an observational design. Eight articles (2%) described randomized trials.

CONCLUSIONS

Our evidence map summarizes patterns, progress, and growth in the female Veterans' health and healthcare literature. Observational studies in mental health make up the majority of research. A focus on primary care delivery over clinical topics in primary care and a lack of sex-specific results for studies that include men and women have contributed to research gaps in addressing common chronic diseases. Interventional research using randomized trials is needed.

Urinary Microbiome and Psychological Factors in Women with Overactive Bladder

Objectives: Emerging evidence indicates that alterations to the urinary microbiome are related to lower urinary tract symptoms. Overactive bladder (OAB) is a common disorder with complex etiologies and usually accompanied by psychological diseases. More information concerning the urinary microbiome and psychological factors in OAB is required. The aim of this study was to characterize the female urinary microbiome associated with OAB and investigate the relationships between urinary microbiome and psychological factors.

Methods: Thirty women with OAB and 25 asymptomatic controls were recruited and asked to finish the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score, Self-Rating Anxiety Scale and Self-Rating Depression Scale. Urine specimens were collected by transurethral catheterization and processed for 16S rRNA gene sequencing using Illumina MiSeq. Sequencing reads were processed using QIIME. LEfSe revealed significant differences in bacterial genera between controls and OAB patients. The relationships between the diversity of the urinary microbiome and psychological scores were identified by Pearson's correlation coefficient.

Results: We found that bacterial diversity (Simpson index) and richness (Chao1) were lower in OAB samples compared to controls (P both = 0.038). OAB and control bacterial communities were significantly different (based on weighted UniFrac distance metric, R = 0.064, P = 0.037). LEfSe demonstrated that 7 genera were increased (e.g., Proteus and Aerococcus) and 13 were reduced (e.g., Lactobacillus and Prevotella) in OAB group compared to controls. There were negative correlations between scores on Self-Rating Depression Scale and both richness (Chao1, r = −0.458, P = 0.011) and diversity (Shannon index, r = −0.516, P = 0.003) of urinary microbiome in OAB group. Some bacterial genera of OAB women with anxiety or depression were significantly different from those without.

Conclusions: The aberrant urinary microbiome with decreased diversity and richness may have strong implications in pathogenesis and treatment of OAB. Psychological conditions were correlated with characteristics of urinary microbiome in women with OAB. Further research is needed to understand the connection between central nervous system and urinary microbiome.

Overactive Bladder Symptoms in Female Health Profession Students: Bladder Diary Characteristics and Impact of Symptoms on Health-Related Quality of Life

INTRODUCTION

There is limited information on overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms, their association with bladder irritants, or the effect of OAB on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in young women. We evaluated these issues in a group of young female health profession students.

METHODS

All female students (n = 964) attending a university in the Pacific Northwest were recruited via email or an in-person informational meeting to participate in this descriptive cross-sectional study. Outcome measures included the OAB-questionnaire, a 4-day bladder diary, and a demographic questionnaire. OAB was diagnosed if a participant reported an average of at least one episode of urgency per day on the bladder diary. Participant characteristics, bladder diary results, and HRQoL were compared using chi square, Fisher's exact test, and t-tests.

RESULTS

With a response rate of 21.2%, the average participant age was 25.5 years and 21.7% of participants were identified as having OAB. Participants with OAB consumed more caffeine (mean [standard deviation [SD] 2.0 [1.5] vs. 1.5 [1.2], p = 0.016), more carbonated beverages (mean [SD] 0.5 [0.6] vs. 0.3 [0.5], p = 0.047), more total units of bladder irritants (mean [SD] 3.1 [2.0] vs. 2.1 [1.6], p = 0.002), and had significantly worse HRQoL (p = 0.001) than those without OAB. No differences were found for other parameters measured.

CONCLUSION

Participants with OAB consumed more bladder irritants than participants without OAB. Future research should address larger groups of young women from different backgrounds, as well as other factors or characteristics that could be associated with OAB.

Urologic Diseases in Korean Military Population: a 6-year Epidemiological Review of Medical Records

We sought to describe the incidence rate of the urologic disease in the Korean military by reviewing diagnoses made in active duty soldiers from 2008 to 2013. A total of 72,248 first visits were generated in the Defense Medical Statistics Information System (DMSIS) with its gradually increasing trend over 6 years. A sharp increase of first visit was observed after implementation of the regular health check-up for all conscripted soldiers since 2013. Urolithiasis, prostatitis, epididymoorchitis, urethritis, and varicocele were prevalent. Prostatitis was the highest diagnosis made in the outpatient service, while varicocele was ranked the highest in the inpatient service. The incidence rates of urologic disease varied from 12.3 to 34.2 cases per 1,000 person-years. The urologic disease in conscripted men showed different distribution when we separated the population into conscripted and professional soldiers. Epididymoorchitis was the highest disease followed by urolithiasis, dysuresia, and balanoposthitis in 2013. This study underscores that the urologic disease has spent significant amount of health care resources in the Korean military. This calls for further study to find any significant difference and contributing factors of the urologic disease in the military and the civilian population.

The Relationship Between Anxiety and Overactive Bladder or Urinary Incontinence Symptoms in the Clinical Population

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between anxiety and overactive bladder (OAB) or urinary incontinence symptoms among clinical population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients who were diagnosed with OAB and age-matched control subjects without OAB were enrolled. Anxiety symptoms were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-A). OAB or incontinence symptoms were assessed using the International Consultation on Incontinence-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI), ICIQ-OAB, Urogenital Distress Inventory Short Form (UDI-6), Incontinence Impact Questionnaire Short Form (IIQ-7), and OAB-q. Other psychosocial factors were also assessed.

RESULTS

About half of the OAB subjects (48%) had anxiety symptoms, and one quarter of OAB subjects (24%) had moderate to severe anxiety. OAB subjects reported significantly higher anxiety symptoms compared to age-matched controls (HADS-A: 7.5 ± 4.5 vs 3.3 ± 3.6, P < .001). OAB subjects with anxiety reported more severe OAB or incontinence symptoms, and greater bother and impact on quality of life compared to OAB subjects without anxiety (ICIQ-UI, ICIQ-OAB, UDI-6, IIQ-7, OAB-q, P values all <.05). OAB subjects with anxiety also have more psychosocial difficulties (eg, more depression, higher stress levels). Among OAB subjects, there were positive correlations between the severity of anxiety symptoms and the severity of OAB/incontinence symptoms (Spearman's correlation coefficients 0.29 to 0.47, P < .05). OAB subjects with both anxiety and depression reported higher ICIQ-UI and IIQ-7 scores than those who had anxiety but no depression (P = .014, .025 respectively).

CONCLUSION

OAB patients reported higher anxiety symptoms compared to controls. OAB patients with anxiety reported more severe OAB or incontinence symptoms, worse quality of life, and more psychosocial difficulties compared to OAB patients without anxiety. There are positive correlations between the severity of anxiety symptoms and OAB or incontinence symptoms.

Urogenital tract disorders in children suspected of being sexually abused

INTRODUCTION

Child sexual abuse (CSA) is generally defined as child exploitation that leads to achievement of sexual satisfaction. According to data from European countries, sexual abuse of children affects 10-40% of girls and 5-20% of boys.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The Medline, and Web of Science databases were searched with no date limitation on May 2015 using the terms 'child abuse' in conjunction with 'urinary tract', 'urologist', 'urological dysfunction', 'urologic symptoms', 'LUTS' or 'urinary infection'.

RESULTS

Awareness of the CSA problem among paediatricians and urologists is very important, because they are often the only physicians who are able to recognize the problem. CSA diagnosis is possible only through the proper collection of a medical history and a thorough physical examination. Urologists have to remember that children exposed to sexual abuse rarely exhibit abnormal genital findings. In fact, absence of genital findings is the rule rather than the exception. In most cases, the final diagnosis of sexual abuse is based on the child's history and behavior, along with the onset and exacerbation of urologic symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

In this article, we present a review of studies and literature concerning urinary symptoms in sexually abused children to clarify the problem for a broad group of urologists. We present common symptoms and premises that can point to the right diagnosis and basic guidelines of proceeding after suspicion of abuse.

Basal and stress-activated hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis function in postmenopausal women with overactive bladder

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

The aim of this study was to measure physiologic and psychologic stress reactivity in women with overactive bladder (OAB). There is growing evidence in preclinical models that central nervous system dysregulation, particularly in response to psychological stress, may contribute to lower urinary tract symptoms in women with OAB.

METHODS

Postmenopausal women with OAB and healthy controls underwent Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I disorders (SCID) to identify those without identifiable psychiatric disease. Eligible participants underwent physiologic measures including basal (cortisol-awakening response; CAR) and stress-activated salivary cortisol levels, heart rate (HR), urinary metanephrines and neurotrophins, as well as validated symptom assessment for stress, anxiety, depression, and bladder dysfunction at baseline and during, and following an acute laboratory stressor, the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST).

RESULTS

Baseline measures of cortisol reactivity measured by CAR showed blunted response among women with OAB (p = 0.015), while cortisol response to the TSST was greater in the OAB group (p = 0.019). Among OAB patients, bladder urgency as measured by visual analog scale (VAS) increased from pre- to post-TSST (p = 0.04). There was a main effect of TSST on HR (p < 0.001), but no group interaction.

CONCLUSIONS

Preliminary findings suggest that women with OAB have greater physiologic and psychologic stress reactivity than healthy controls. Importantly for women with OAB, acute stress appears to exacerbate bladder urgency. Evaluation of the markers of stress response may suggest targets for potential diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.

Impact of childhood and recent traumatic events on the clinical presentation of overactive bladder

AIMS

(1) To describe the Prevalence of childhood and recent trauma in patients with overactive bladder (OAB), and (2) assess the impact of traumatic events on the clinical presentation and the severity of OAB symptoms, quality of life, and psychosocial health.

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with OAB (n = 51) and age-matched healthy controls (n = 30) were administered the Childhood Traumatic Events Scale and Recent Traumatic Events Scale, assessing exposure and perceived impact of common traumatic events. Among OAB patients, validated instruments were administered to correlate traumatic exposure to evaluate adult urinary symptoms (ICIQ-UI, ICIQ-OAB, OAB-q, UDI-6, IIQ-7, USS), mood dysregulation (HADS), sleep and fatigue (PROMIS), and Psychological stress (PSS).

RESULTS

Childhood sexual trauma was more prevalent in patients with OAB compared to controls (29.4% vs. 6.7%, P = 0.041). OAB patients also rated their childhood sexual exposure as more traumatic compared to controls (mean ratings of 1.7 vs. 0.4, P = 0.050). There was no difference in childhood deaths (P = 0.24), parental upheaval (P = 0.87), violence (P = 0.099), illness/injury (P = 0.683), or any recent traumatic events between OAB and control subjects. Childhood trauma predicted worse bladder pain (P = 0.005), worse non-urologic pain (P = 0.017), poorer mood (P = 0.001), higher anxiety (P = 0.029), higher physical symptom burden (P < 0.001), and higher psychological stress (P < 0.039). However, childhood trauma did not correlate with the severity of OAB symptoms (urgency, frequency, incontinence).

CONCLUSIONS

Thirty percent of OAB patients reported childhood sexual trauma. These patients report more pain symptoms, poorer mood, and greater somatic burden. These data highlight the potentiating role of psychosocial stressors from childhood in the adult suffering from OAB. Neurourol. Urodynam. 35:1017-1023, 2016. © 2015 Wiley periodicals, Inc.