Urodynamics in women from menopause to oldest age: what motive? what diagnosis?

Urodynamic Values Role For Females With Different Types Of Urinary Incontinence

Aim — The aim of this study was to analyse how conventional urodynamic values differ between females with specific types of urinary incontinence (UI). Material and Methods — Cross-sectional study enrolled 666 females with UI. Based on patient history and questionnaires they were divided into three groups: stress (SUI), mixed (MixUI) and urgency (UUI). Physical investigation and urodynamics were performed. The continuous factors: age and urodynamic data were evaluated using Multinomial regression and ANOVA test using SUI, MixUI, UUI as outcome groups. Results — Analysing urodynamic parameters significant difference between at least two groups was shown by the cystometric capacity and maximum flow rate: both highest in the SUI group; residual urine, opening detrusor pressure, maximum urethral closure pressure at rest, functional urethral length at rest: all highest in the UUI group. Mainly all urodynamic data showed significant difference between SUI/UUI, and MixUI/UUI groups, while difference between SUI/MixUI were not significant. Conclusions — Most of urodynamic data for MixUI group patients do not differ from SUI group. UDS parameters like: maximum flow rate, residual urine, opening detrusor pressure, maximum urethral closure pressure at rest, functional urethral length at rest can help to distinguish SUI and MixUI groups from UUI group.

Sarcopenia and Visceral Obesity are Significantly Related to Severe Storage Symptoms in Geriatric Female Patients

Purpose

This study aimed to elucidate the relationship of psoas muscle atrophy and visceral obesity with lower urinary tract symptoms in geriatric female patients.

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of female patients aged ≥65 years. The psoas muscle index was defined, using computed tomography, as the cross-sectional area of the psoas muscle at the third lumbar vertebral level divided by the body surface area. We also measured visceral fat area at the umbilical level using computed tomography. We used logistic regression analysis to examine the relationships between the International Prostate Symptom Score (total score, voiding subscore, and storage subscore) and variables, such as age, body mass index, psoas muscle index, and visceral fat area. The International Prostate Symptom Score was categorized as mild, moderate, or severe.

Results

One hundred thirty-nine patients were included in our study. In the logistic regression analysis, we found statistically significant relationships between severe (versus mild-to-moderate) International Prostate Symptom Score storage subscore and variables, including low and high levels of psoas muscle index and visceral fat area, respectively. We could not find any significant relationships between the International Prostate Symptom Score total score and voiding subscore and the variables.

Conclusion

Psoas muscle atrophy and visceral fat accumulation are potential risk factors for severe storage symptoms in female patients aged ≥65 years.

Defining Voiding Dysfunction in Women: Bladder Outflow Obstruction versus Detrusor Underactivity

Purpose

We aimed to develop urodynamic criteria for more accurate diagnosis of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) and detrusor underactivity (DU) in women with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).

Methods

Initially, in a group of 68 consecutive women with LUTS and increased post-void residual who had undergone urodynamic investigation we examined the level of agreement between operating physician's diagnosis of BOO or DU and diagnosis according to urodynamic nomograms/indices, including the Blaivas-Groutz (B-G) nomogram, Urethral Resistance Association (URA), Bladder Outlet Obstruction Index (BOOI) and Bladder Contractility Index (BCI). Based on the initial results, we categorized 160 women into four groups using B-G nomogram and URA (Group 1: severe-moderate BOO, Group 2: mild BOO and URA≥20, Group 3: mild BOO and URA<20 and Group 4: non-obstructed) and compared urodynamic parameters. Finally, we redefined women as obstructed (group 1+2) and non-obstructed (group 3+4) for sub-analysis.

Results

The agreement between B-G nomogram and physician's diagnosis was poor in the mild obstruction zone (kappa=0.308, p=0.01). Adding URA (cutoff value 20), an excellent level of agreement was reached (kappa=0.856, p<0.001). Statistically significant differences were found between the four groups (ANOVA) in maximum flow (Qmax) (p<0.0001), voided volume (VV) (p=0.042), post void residual (PVR) (p=0.032), BOOI (p<0.0001) and BCI (p<0.0001) with a positive linear trend for Qmax and VV and negative linear trend for PVR and BOOI from group 1 to 4. In the subanalysis all parameters were statistically different between obstructed and nonobstructive women except BCI (Qmax: p=0.0001, VV: p=0.0091, PVR: p=0.0005, BOOI: p=0.0001).

Conclusions

The combination of B-G nomogram with the URA parameter increases the accuracy of diagnosing BOO among women with LUTS. Based on this combination, most women in the mild obstruction zone of the B-G nomogram would be considered underactive rather than obstructed.

Is Nocturia Associated With Detrusor Underactivity?

OBJECTIVES

Detrusor underactivity (DU) is diagnosed using urodynamic testing. We hypothesized that nocturia is associated with detrusor underactivity.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective chart review of all women who underwent urodynamic testing at our institution between 2016 and 2018. Uroflowmetry and pressure-flow study parameters were compared between women with nocturia (≥2 voids/night) and without nocturia (0-1 void/night). Detrusor underactivity was diagnosed using 3 different criteria: (1) bladder voiding efficiency (BVE) of <90%, (2) bladder contractility index of <100, and (3) a composite of three urodynamic measures (Gammie criteria).

RESULTS

Of 358 women, 172 (48%) were in the nocturia group and 186 (52%) were in the no nocturia group. On uroflowmetry, median postvoid residual volume was similar (20 mL) in both groups. Median maximum flow rate (15 vs 17 mL/s, P < 0.05) and average flow rate (6 mL/s vs 7 mL/s, P < 0.05) were significantly lower in the nocturia group compared with the no nocturia group. During pressure-flow study, a significantly greater proportion of women with nocturia were unable to void around the catheter (30% vs 27%, P < 0.01). The overall rate of DU varied with the criteria used: BVE (54%), bladder contractility index (41%), and Gammie criteria (7%). The rate of DU using the BVE criteria was significantly higher in the nocturia group (63% vs 48%, P < 0.01), but no significant differences were noted using the other criteria.

CONCLUSIONS

Nocturia is associated with reduced voiding efficiency in women. The diagnosis of DU using urodynamics is challenging.

Underactive bladder: A review of the current treatment concepts

According to the International Continence Society standardization reports, underactive bladder (UAB) is a decrease in detrusor contraction and/or shortening of the contraction time, resulting in an incomplete and/or prolongation of the bladder emptying within the normal time frame. It has been indicated that idiopathic, neurogenic, myogenic, and iatrogenic factors play a role in the etiology. To make a diagnosis, it is absolutely necessary to perform a pressure-flow study. Treatment alternatives are generally based on the evacuation of the lower urinary tract, independent of the etiology. UAB treatments are listed under the headings of conservative methods and clean intermittent catheterization, pharmacotherapy (alpha-blockers, cholinesterase inhibitors, muscarinic agonists, prostaglandin E2, and acotiamide), surgical treatments (sacral nerve stimulation-electrical stimulation, injections into the external sphincter, surgeries to be performed for bladder outlet obstruction, reduction cystoplasty, and latissimus dorsi detrusor myoplasty), and stem cell and gene therapies. It is still controversial whether satisfactory success is achieved in the treatment of patients with UAB. Owing to the better understanding of the pathophysiology, future developments in the pharmaceutical industry, gene therapy, and biomedical applications are expected to close the gap in the treatment.

Investigation of the relationship between bladder function and sarcopenia using pressure flow studies in elderly male patients

AIMS

Although detrusor underactivity is often encountered in elderly patients, the etiology remains unclear. We have hypothesized that sarcopenia was associated with impaired bladder contractility. Therefore, we have evaluated the relationship between bladder contractility and clinical parameters including sarcopenia markers in elderly male patients.

METHODS

This retrospective, single-centre study included male patients over 65 years of age who underwent a pressure flow study (PFS). We excluded patients with any previous medical histories that could affect bladder function, currently on urinary medication, and with no available data of abdominal CT scan. The psoas muscle area (PMA) (cm² /m² ) was measured as a surrogate for psoas muscle mass on computed tomography. PMA, serum CRP, and albumin are known as sarcopenia markers. Correlation and multiple regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association of bladder contractility index (BCI) with the following parameters: age, body mass index (BMI), prostate volume, bladder outlet obstruction index (BOOI), serum C-reactive protein (CRP), serum albumin, and PMA.

RESULTS

Out of 558 male patients identified in our PFS database, 119 patients were enrolled. In the correlation analysis, age, prostate volume, serum albumin, BOOI, and PMA significantly correlated with BCI. However, no significant correlation of BCI with CRP or BMI was observed. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that serum albumin, BOOI, and PMA were significantly associated with BCI.

CONCLUSIONS

We have demonstrated that serum albumin and PMA were significantly positively associated with detrusor contractility. It is possible that sarcopenia is associated with impaired detrusor contractility.

Female underactive bladder - Current status and management

Underactive bladder (UAB) is defined by the International Continence Society as a symptom complex characterized by a slow urinary stream, hesitancy, and straining to void, with or without a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying sometimes with storage symptoms. Until recently, the topic has received little attention in the literature probably due to a lack of consistent definitions and diagnostic criteria. We performed a literature review to identify articles related to the diagnosis and management of UAB, specifically in female patients. UAB is a common clinical entity, occurring in up to 45% of females depending on definitions used. Prevalence increases significantly in elderly women and women who live in long-term care facilities. The exact etiology and pathophysiology for developing UAB is unknown, though it is likely a multifactorial process with contributory neurogenic, cardiovascular, and idiopathic causes. There are currently no validated questionnaires for diagnosing or monitoring treatment for patients with UAB. Management options for females with UAB remain limited, with clean intermittent catheterization, the most commonly used. No pharmacotherapies have consistently been proven to be beneficial. Neuromodulation has had the most promising results in terms of symptom improvement, with newer technologies such as stem-cell therapy and gene therapy requiring more evidence before widespread use. Although UAB has received increased recognition and has been a focus of research in recent years, there remains a lack of diagnostic and therapeutic tools. Future research goals should include the development of targeted therapeutic interventions based on pathophysiologic mechanisms and validated diagnostic questionnaires.

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.

Is urodynamic study is a necessity for evaluation of lower urinary tract symptoms in postmenopausal female patients? Result of a prospective observational study

AIM

The aim of this study is to evaluate the causes of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in postmenopausal female patients (PMFP) and correlate their symptoms with their urodynamic study (UDS) findings.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective observational study analyzing the clinical and UDS findings of PMFP presenting with LUTS. A detailed history including history of diabetes, neurological disease, drug history, and pelvic surgeries was taken, followed by physical examination and urodynamic assessment.

RESULTS

A total of 100 patients were classified according to their predominant symptoms into three categories: (1) voiding dysfunction (45 patients), (2) storage symptoms (30 patients), and (3) urinary incontinence (25 patients). The patients with voiding LUTS could be categorized urodynamically into three grades of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO): (a) early (37.8%) (maximal flow [Qmax] >15 mL/s and detrusor pressure at maximal flow [PdetQmax] >30 cm of water), (b) compensated (31.1%) (Qmax <15 mL/s and PdetQmax >30 cm of water), and (c) late (31.1%) (Qmax <15 mL/s and PdetQmax <30 cm of water). The patients with storage symptoms could be categorized into two with either the presence of demonstrable idiopathic detrusor contractions (53.3%) or not (46.7%). The patients with incontinence were of three types: (a) stress incontinence (44%), (b) urge incontinence (28%), and (c) mixed incontinence (28%). UDS showed no demonstrable leak in nine patients (36%) and the rest had UDS findings corroborative to their symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Thus, the major LUTS in PMFP were BOO, storage symptoms, and incontinence. Proper evaluation of LUTS necessitates UDS and along with good physical examination can help us in reaching a correct diagnosis and plan respective treatment.

Underactive Bladder

Underactive bladder (UAB) is a very common condition leading to disabling lower urinary tract symptoms. There has been an increasing interest in this condition as there is no effective treatment currently available. UAB has been described in many ways, but there is no agreed upon consensus on its terminology. The prevalence of UAB may be underestimated. This review focuses on the terminology, pathophysiology, common causes, its treatment, and future areas of research.

The challenges in the diagnosis of detrusor underactivity in clinical practice: A mini-review

Objective

To review the current definitions, terminology, epidemiology and aetiology of detrusor underactivity (DU), with specific attention to the diagnostic criteria in use. In addition, we address the relation and the overlap between DU and bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). In this mini-review, we hope to help identify DU patients and facilitate structured clinical evaluation and research.

Methods

We searched the English literature using ScienceDirect and PubMed for relevant articles. We used the following terms: ‘detrusor underactivity’, ‘underactive bladder’, ‘post voiding residual’, ‘post micturition residual’, ‘acontractile bladder’, ‘detrusor failure’, and ‘detrusor areflexia’.

Result

DU is one of the most common conditions causing lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Unfortunately, it is also the most poorly understood bladder dysfunction with scant research. To our knowledge there is no clear definition and no non-invasive method to characterise this important clinical condition. DU may result from the normal ageing process; however, it has multiple aetiologies including neurogenic and myogenic dysfunction. In many cases the symptoms of DU are similar to those of BOO and it usually requires invasive urodynamic study (UDS) for diagnosis to differentiate the two diagnoses. A number of diagnostic tests may be used including: UDS testing, the Schafer pressure/flow nomogram, linear passive urethral resistance relation, Watts factor, and the bladder contractility index. Of these, UDS testing is the most practical as it determines both the maximum urinary flow rate and the pressure exerted by the detrusor muscle relative to the maximal flow of urine, allowing for precise characterisation of detrusor function.

Conclusion

Currently, the diagnosis of DU is based on invasive urodynamic parameters as defined by the International Continence Society in 2002. There is no consensus for the definition of DU prior to 2002. As there is significant overlap between the symptoms of DU and BOO, it is difficult to diagnose DU clinically.

Underactive bladder in women: is there any evidence?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Underactive bladder (UAB) is a clinical symptom complex only recently gaining recognition as a clinical diagnosis. Lack of consensus agreement on a definition of UAB has limited its recognition and diagnosis in clinical practice. The purposes of this review are to: present existing definitions of UAB, review recent data regarding clinical and urodynamic diagnosis of the condition, and examine up-to-date hypotheses regarding its pathophysiology, with a focus on women.

RECENT FINDINGS

The process to develop a consensus definition for UAB as a clinical symptom complex is ongoing. Symptoms associated with UAB, such as weak stream, straining to void, and history of urinary retention are well correlated to detrusor underactivity on urodynamics, which frequently develops in elderly women. In addition to aging, UAB may be the end stage of a variety of contributing pathologic conditions such as diabetes and ischemic disease. In some women, UAB may result from a progression from overactive bladder to UAB.

SUMMARY

Existing evidence supports UAB in women as a symptom complex with a clinical and pathophysiologic profile distinguishable from other lower urinary tract-associated clinical conditions. Consensus definitions of clinical and urodynamic diagnostic parameters will be essential to more widespread recognition of UAB.

Research Findings on Overactive Bladder

Several physiopathologic conditions lead to the manifestation of overactive bladder (OAB). These conditions include ageing, diabetes mellitus, bladder outlet obstruction, spinal cord injury, stroke and brain injury, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, interstitial cystitis, stress and depression. This review has discussed research findings in human and animal studies conducted on the above conditions. Several structural and functional changes under these conditions have not only been observed in the lower urinary tract, but also in the brain and spinal cord. Significant changes were observed in the following areas: neurotransmitters, prostaglandins, nerve growth factor, Rho-kinase, interstitial cells of Cajal, and ion and transient receptor potential channels. Interestingly, alterations in these areas showed great variation in each of the conditions of the OAB, suggesting that the pathophysiology of the OAB might be different in each condition of the disease. It is anticipated that this review will be helpful for further research on new and specific drug development against OAB.

Contemporary concepts in the aetiopathogenesis of detrusor underactivity

Detrusor underactivity (DUA) is a poorly understood, yet common, bladder dysfunction, referred to as underactive bladder, which is observed in both men and women undergoing urodynamic studies. Despite its prevalence, no effective therapeutic approaches exist for DUA. Exactly how the contractile function of the detrusor muscle changes with ageing is unclear. Data from physiological studies in animal and human bladders are contradictory, as are the results of the limited number of clinical studies assessing changes in urodynamic parameters with ageing. The prevalence of DUA in different patient groups suggests that multiple aetiologies are involved in DUA pathogenesis. Traditional concepts focused on either efferent innervation or myogenic dysfunction. By contrast, contemporary views emphasize the importance of the neural control mechanisms, particularly the afferent system, which can fail to potentiate detrusor contraction, leading to premature termination of the voiding reflex. In conclusion, the contemporary understanding of the aetiology and pathophysiology of DUA is limited. Further elucidation of the underlying mechanisms is needed to enable the development of new and effective treatment approaches.

Voiding dysfunction due to detrusor underactivity: an overview

Detrusor underactivity (DUA) is defined as a voiding contraction of reduced strength and/or duration, which prolongs urination and/or prevents complete emptying of the bladder within a 'normal' period of time. This issue is associated with voiding and postmicturition urinary symptoms, and can predispose to urinary infections and acute urinary retention. The aetiology of DUA is influenced by multiple factors, including ageing, bladder outlet obstruction, neurological disease, and autonomic denervation. The true prevalence of this condition remains unknown, as most data come from referral populations. Urodynamic testing is used to diagnose the condition, either by assessing the relationship between bladder pressures and urinary flow, or by interrupting voiding to measure detrusor pressure change under isovolumetric conditions. Current treatments for DUA have poor efficacy and tolerability, and often fail to improve quality of life; muscarinic receptor agonists, in particular, have limited efficacy and frequent adverse effects. Bladder emptying might be achieved through Valsalva straining, and intermittent or indwelling catheterization, although sacral nerve stimulation can reduce dependency on catheterization. Novel stem-cell-based therapies have been attempted; however, new drugs that increase contractility are currently largely conceptual, and the complex pathophysiology of DUA, difficulty achieving organ specificity of treatment, the limited availability of animal models, and the subjective nature of current outcome measures must be addressed to facilitate the development of such agents.

Detrusor underactivity and the underactive bladder: a new clinical entity? A review of current terminology, definitions, epidemiology, aetiology, and diagnosis

CONTEXT

Detrusor underactivity (DU) is a common cause of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in both men and women, yet is poorly understood and underresearched.

OBJECTIVE

To review the current terminology, definitions, and diagnostic criteria in use, along with the epidemiology and aetiology of DU, as a basis for building a consensus on the standardisation of current concepts.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

The Medline and Embase databases were searched for original articles and reviews in the English language pertaining to DU. Search terms included underactive bladder, detrusor underactivity, impaired detrusor contractility, acontractile detrusor, detrusor failure, detrusor areflexia, raised PVR [postvoid residual], and urinary retention. Selected studies were assessed for content relating to DU.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

A wide range of terminology is applied in contemporary usage. The only term defined by the standardisation document of the International Continence Society (ICS) in 2002 was the urodynamic term detrusor underactivity along with detrusor acontractility. The ICS definition provides a framework, considering the urodynamic abnormality of contraction and how this affects voiding; however, this is necessarily limited. DU is present in 9-48% of men and 12-45% of older women undergoing urodynamic evaluation for non-neurogenic LUTS. Multiple aetiologies are implicated, affecting myogenic function and neural control mechanisms, as well as the efferent and afferent innervations. Diagnostic criteria are based on urodynamic approximations relating to bladder contractility such as maximum flow rate and detrusor pressure at maximum flow. Other estimates rely on mathematical formulas to calculate isovolumetric contractility indexes or urodynamic "stop tests." Most methods have major disadvantages or are as yet poorly validated. Contraction strength is only one aspect of bladder voiding function. The others are the speed and persistence of the contraction.

CONCLUSIONS

The term detrusor underactivity and its associated symptoms and signs remain surrounded by ambiguity and confusion with a lack of accepted terminology, definition, and diagnostic methods and criteria. There is a need to reach a consensus on these aspects to allow standardisation of the literature and the development of optimal management approaches.

Comparison of lower urinary tract symptoms between women with detrusor overactivity and impaired contractility, and detrusor overactivity and preserved contractility

PURPOSE

We compared symptoms in women with detrusor overactivity with impaired contractility and women with detrusor overactivity who had preserved contractility.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included 359 consecutive women with detrusor overactivity who underwent multichannel urodynamics at our department between 2009 and 2011. The women were divided into 2 groups, including 151 (42%) with detrusor overactivity and impaired contractility, and 208 (58%) with detrusor overactivity and preserved contractility. We compared the 2 groups.

RESULTS

Women with detrusor overactivity and impaired contractility were older (mean ± SD age 73.2 ± 17.3 vs 54.1 ± 20.7 years) with a higher frequency of diabetes mellitus (49% vs 31%, each p <0.001). The prevalence of previous urinary retention and recurrent cystitis was significantly higher in women with impaired contractility (7% vs 1%, p <0.01 and 22% vs 7%, p <0.001, respectively). Mean post-void residual urine was greater in the group with impaired contractility (89 ± 42 vs 21 ± 18 ml) and the mean maximal flow rate was lower (11 ± 6 vs 23 ± 5 ml per second, each p <0.001). The frequency of storage symptoms was similar in the 2 groups. However, voiding symptoms were more common in women with impaired contractility, including a slow stream in 69% vs 42%, an intermittent stream in 72% vs 26%, hesitancy in 35% vs 22%, straining in 84% vs 26%, terminal dribbling in 73% vs 42% and incomplete emptying in 71% vs 49% (p <0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Women with detrusor overactivity and impaired contractility are older than women with detrusor overactivity and preserved detrusor contractility. Urinary retention and recurrent cystitis are more frequent in women with detrusor overactivity and impaired contractility, and voiding symptoms are significantly more common.