Botulinum toxin A for the treatment of neurogenic detrusor overactivity in multiple sclerosis patients

Perspectives on urological care in multiple sclerosis patients

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. Lower urinary tract dysfunction due to MS includes a dysfunction of the storage phase or dysfunction of the voiding phase or a detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia. Baseline evaluation includes a voiding chart, an ultrasound scan of the urinary tract, urine culture, and an urodynamic study. For storage symptoms, antimuscarinics are the first-line treatment, and clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) is indicated if there is concomitant incomplete bladder emptying. Intradetrusor injections with botulinum toxin A (BTX-A), are recommended for refractory cases. Urinary diversion is rarely indicated. For patients with voiding symptoms, CIC and alpha-blockers are usually offered. Sexual dysfunction in patients with MS is multifactorial. Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors are first-line therapies for MS-associated erectile dysfunction in both male and female patients. This review summarizes the epidemiology, pathogenesis, risk factors, genetic, clinical manifestations, diagnostic tests, and management of MS. Lastly, the urologic outcomes and therapies are reviewed.

Urodynamics in patients with multiple sclerosis: A consensus statement from a urodynamic experts working group

AIMS

Urodynamics (UDS) is often indicated for multiple sclerosis (MS) patients either at presentation to specialized medical centers or after failure of conservative management of lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD). However, the ideal moment and context to indicate this exam in this group of patients remain controversial. We aimed to establish a consensus panel to address the role of UDS in MS patients.

METHODS

A panel representing urology, rehabilitation medicine, and neurology skilled in neuro-urology participated in a consensus-forming project using a Delphi method to reach consensus on the role of UDS in MS patients.

RESULTS

In total, five experts participated. All panelists participated in the four phases of the consensus process. Consensus was reached if ≥70% of the experts agreed on recommendations. To facilitate a common understanding among all experts, a face-to-face consensus meeting was held in Florence in September 2017 and then with a follow-up teleconference in March 2018. By the end of the Delphi process, formal consensus was achieved for 100% of the items and an algorithm was then developed in a face-to-face meeting in Philadelphia in August 2018. The final expert opinion recommendations were approved by the unanimous consensus of the panel.

CONCLUSIONS

UDS represents an important diagnostic tool for MS patients and is particularly useful to evaluate the pattern of LUT dysfunction in high-risk patients. There is a lack of high-evidence level studies to support an optimal urodynamic long-term follow-up protocol.

[Non continent urinary diversion and other bladder managements in patients with multiple sclerosis]

INTRODUCTION

To compare non-continent urinary diversion (NCUD) and other bladder managements in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), in terms of satisfaction and burden of care.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

All patients with MS that were proposed a NCUD in our center for refractory lower urinary tract disorders between January 2005 and March 2018 were eligible. Patients were attributed to two distinct groups: "NCUD" and "Other bladder management". The primary endpoint was the satisfaction related to the bladder management quoted by a numerical rating scale (NRS) from 0 to 10. The secondary endpoints included, among other things, the evaluation of the burden of care associated with the bladder management.

RESULTS

Twenty-three patients were included in the "NCUD" group and 11 in the "Other bladder management" group, with 4 patients pursuing with spontaneous voiding, 3 with intermittent catheterization, 2 that have undergone a sphincterotomy, 1 still performing self-intermittent catheterization and 1 with a supra-pubic catheter. The "NCUD" group had a significant higher NRS than the "Other bladder management" group (8.22±1.78 vs. 6.27±2.45; P=0.0056). The daily average duration of care was 16.42minutes in the "NCUD" group and 35.6minutes in the "Other bladder management" group (P=0.1111) CONCLUSION: This exploratory study, even if not conclusive, brings to light the preliminary results needed to elaborate a high level of evidence protocol regarding the satisfaction and the burden of care associated with NCUD in MS patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4.

[Long-term outcomes of intradetrusor botulinum toxin A in multiple sclerosis patients]

INTRODUCTION

The objective of this study was to analyze the long-term efficiency and tolerance of TB in the management of anticholinergic refractory hyperactive bladder in patients with MS.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Retrospective mono-centric cohort study of all patients with MS who had a TB injection for anticholinergic refractory hyperactivity from 2005 to 2015. The primary endpoint was clinical efficiency based on the frequency of urinary leakage and symptomatic urinary tract infections.

RESULTS

One hundred and nineteen patients received the first injection. Median follow-up was 26.5 months. After an injection, there was a significant decrease in the number of leaks, with 69.7% of patients without leaks and 93.3% of patients without urinary tract infections. After 7 injections 44% of the patients were still dry and 62.07% had no symptomatic urinary tract infections. The failure rate was 24.37%, the average duration before discharge was 34.7 months. 19 (66%) patients stop treatment for loss of efficacy, 9 (31%) for disease progression and 1 (3%) for cessation of treatment without cause. Of the 774 injections performed, there were complications for 26 of them (3.35%).

CONCLUSION

Botulinum toxin remains the second-line reference treatment for detrusor overactivity of neurological origin. There is, at least in the short term, a good answer in a large number of cases. This response can be maintained for many years, especially if patients use intermittent catheterization, with excellent tolerance.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4.

Botulinum toxin in spinal cord injury patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity

Evidence for the efficacy and safety of intravesical onabotulinum toxin A (onabotA) injections has led to them being licensed in many countries, including Korea, for the treatment of patients with urinary incontinence due to neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) resulting from spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis who are refractory or intolerant to anticholinergic medications. OnabotA injections have an inhibitory effect on acetylcholine release for up to 10 months, with a recommended dose of 200 U. OnabotA treatment has a beneficial effect not only on urinary symptoms, but also on quality of life. Several clinical studies have shown onabotA to have better effects than placebo in achieving continence, reducing incontinence episodes, improving urodynamic parameters, and improving health-related quality of life. Urinary tract infections and postvoid residual volume are the most prevalent side effects. In patients with residual volume, clean intermittent catheterization may be necessary. In patients with spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis, it is recommended to evaluate physical and cognitive function before intravesical onabotA injection to ensure that the patient and caregiver are able to perform catheterization if necessary. Further controlled trials should assess the optimal dose, injection technique, long-term safety of repeated injections, and optimal timing of onabotA treatment in the treatment of NDO.

Efficacy of peripheral lidocaine application (neural therapy) in the treatment of neurogenic detrusor overactivity in multiple sclerosis patients

AIMS

Many agents and treatments are used in the treatment of neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) in MS patients, but no study has been conducted on the use of peripheric lidocaine (neural therapy-NT) on MS patients. We evaluated the effects of local administration of lidocaine on NDO in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients.

METHODS

For each patient local anesthetic lidocaine was injected at each session. Sessions were held once a week for 5 weeks. At each session, Th 10-L1, urogenital segment intradermal injections, Frankenhauser, and sacral epidural injections were given. The patients had clinical and urodynamic assessment 1 month before and 3, 9, and 12 months after NT. In addition, multiple sclerosis quality of life inventory (MSQL-54) and bladder control scale (BLCS) was performed for patients.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight patients were included in the study (8 males, 20 females). The patients' average age was 31.7 ± 8.1 years. The injection therapy significantly improved volume at first involuntary bladder contraction (FCV), maximal detrusor pression during filling (P det. max.), maximal cystometric bladder capacity (MCC) after 3 months. Also, the MSQL-54 and BLCS scores were improved with treatment. However, these improvements reached a maximum 3 months after treatment, but from the 9 month a regression was seen in the parameters, and after 12 months the findings were seen to be slightly above their basal levels.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that NDO treatment in MS patients could be an effective treatment which is easy and has very few side effects, and is cost effective.

Secondary and tertiary treatments for multiple sclerosis patients with urinary symptoms

Multiple sclerosis patients with refractory urinary symptoms after treatment with behavioral therapy and medications still have treatment options. Prior to starting treatments, baseline symptoms should be assessed and treatment goals thoroughly discussed. Catheterization, botulinum toxin, and reconstructive surgery all can play a role in improving both safety and quality of life for these patients. Newer modalities, such as neuromodulation, may also have an increasing role in the future as more data develop regarding efficacy. Risks need to be weighed against any perceived benefit and disease status before more aggressive therapy is initiated.

Management of neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction in multiple sclerosis patients

Multiple sclerosis (MS) can be a debilitating neurological condition that attributes significant morbidity to bladder dysfunction. Although many effective treatment options exist, symptomatic patients are often underdiagnosed and undertreated. The purpose of this article is to give an overview of the current literature including new screening tools to identify symptomatic patients and updates on treatment options including medications, botulinum toxin, and neuromodulation.

Autonomic Dysregulation in Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, progressive central neurological disease characterized by inflammation and demyelination. In patients with MS, dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system may present with various clinical symptoms including sweating abnormalities, urinary dysfunction, orthostatic dysregulation, gastrointestinal symptoms, and sexual dysfunction. These autonomic disturbances reduce the quality of life of affected patients and constitute a clinical challenge to the physician due to variability of clinical presentation and inconsistent data on diagnosis and treatment. Early diagnosis and initiation of individualized interdisciplinary and multimodal strategies is beneficial in the management of autonomic dysfunction in MS. This review summarizes the current literature on the most prevalent aspects of autonomic dysfunction in MS and provides reference to underlying pathophysiological mechanisms as well as means of diagnosis and treatment.

OnabotulinumtoxinA and multiple sclerosis

Lower urinary tract dysfunction is present in two of three patients with multiple sclerosis five years after the diagnosis. Most frequent symptoms are related to neurogenic detrusor overactivity, often associated with detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia. From the end of the 1990s, there is growing evidence that neurogenic detrusor overactivity can be effectively managed by intradetrusorial injections of botulinum toxin type A. This treatment has shown, in different randomised placebo-controlled trials, to be safe and effective on clinical and urodynamic parameters with significant improvement in quality of life. The median duration of effect is in mean nine months. The vast majority of studies have been conducted with onabotulinumtoxinA. The dose of onabotulinumtoxinA commonly used to treat neurogenic detrusor overactivity in patients with multiple sclerosis is 200 UI, even if in selected patients lower doses can be preferred. To be considered eligible for treatment, all patients should accept and be instructed to perform clean intermittent self-catheterisation, since the risk of increased post-void residual volume and/or urinary retention after injection is high, especially with 200 UI of onabotulinumtoxinA. However, quality of life and patient satisfaction seem not to be affected by the need of intermittent catheterisation. The risk of urinary infection after the procedure is to be kept in mind, mainly in patients with multiple sclerosis, so that adequate antibiotic prophylaxis is highly recommended.

Current and future drugs for treatment of MS-associated bladder dysfunction

A majority of patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) will develop lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) during the course of the disease. Even if antimuscarinic (anticholinergic) treatment is currently the mainstay of conservative treatment of neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO), including MS-induced NDO, extensive data regarding their effectiveness and safeness are lacking. When antimuscarinic medications fail to prove efficacious, a further option is intradetrusor injections of onabotulinumtoxin A. In several studies, more than half (and up 76%) of the patients treated with onabotulinumtoxin A experienced significant improvement in symptoms or even achieved complete continence. Cannabis extracts have shown some promise but has still not gained wide acceptance as an effective treatment. Over the last few years many new disease-modifying drugs that have been approved and introduced for treatment of MS. These drugs may have effects not only on the MS disease process, but also on the disease symptoms, including LUTS. However, MS is not primarily a bladder disease and treatment of the underlying pathophysiology should be the main goal of treatment. Since most of the urology drugs are targeting LUTS, these drugs should be regarded as "adds on" to treatments modifying the underlying disorder. Considering that most of these drugs have not been studied specifically with respect to efficacy on LUTS, and since they are not without significant side effects, it seems important that if and when they are going to be used for treatment of bladder symptoms should be a joint decision between the neurologist and urologist taking care of the patient.

Efficacy and safety of botulinum toxin A intradetrusor injections in adults with neurogenic detrusor overactivity/neurogenic overactive bladder: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Botulinum toxin A (BoNTA) is increasingly used for therapy of neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) refractory to antimuscarinics or where patients are experiencing antimuscarinic-related side effects.

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to compare and critically discuss the reported efficacy and safety of BoNTA in adults with neurogenic bladder dysfunction.

DATA SOURCES

Studies published between January 1985 and July 2012 were identified in the MEDLINE (PubMed) and SCOPUS databases.

STUDY SELECTION, STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS

A search for studies with onabotulinumtoxinA--the only formulation of BoNTA approved by the US FDA in adults with NDO--was performed. Exclusion criteria were urethral sphincter injection, no separate analysis between onabotulinumtoxinA and other formulations of BoNTA, mean follow-up ≤ 4 weeks and studies with ten or fewer patients. Clinical and urodynamic parameters for efficacy, adverse events (AEs) and tolerability were reviewed to offer recommendations for practice and future research.

RESULTS

A total of 28 included studies revealed superior effects of onabotulinumtoxinA compared with placebo in achieving continence, reducing incontinence episodes, improving urodynamic parameters and health-related quality of life. The most frequently reported AEs were de novo intermittent catheterization, urinary retention and asymptomatic urinary infection.

LIMITATIONS

Limitations of this review are the inclusion of studies with the level-3 evidence (22/28 studies), the heterogenicity of outcome parameters and time points chosen for follow-up reported in the reviewed studies.

CONCLUSIONS

OnabotulinumtoxinA therapy is effective, safe and well tolerated in adults with neurogenic bladder dysfunction. Further high-quality prospective trial data are required to determine the optimal dose, injection technique, long-term safety, favourable timing, indications for re-injections, and the impact of concomitant antimuscarinics on onabotulinumtoxinA therapy.

Use of botulinum toxin in individuals with neurogenic detrusor overactivity: state of the art review

BACKGROUND

Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) injection into the bladder wall has been shown to be an effective alternative to anticholinergic (antimuscarinic) medications and more invasive surgery in those with multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury with neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) and urinary incontinence who are not tolerating anticholinergic medications. In August 2011, Botox(®) (onabotulinumtoxinA) received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for this use. Clinically, intradetrusor injection of BoNT has been found to decrease urinary incontinence and improve quality of life. Its impact on urodynamic parameters is an increase in the maximum cystometric (bladder) capacity and decrease in the maximum detrusor pressures. The most common side effects are urinary tract infections and urinary retention. There have been rare reports and a black box warning of distant spread of BoNT. BoNT has gained popularity because of its effectiveness and long duration of action, relative ease of administration, easy learning curve, reproducibility of results on repeated administration, and low incidence of complications.

OBJECTIVE

To discuss the structure and function, mechanisms of action, clinical and urodynamic studies, injection technique, potential beneficial and adverse effects, and potential areas of research of BoNT.

METHODS

Literature search focused on botulinum toxin in MEDLINE/PubMed. Search terms included botulinum toxin, neurogenic bladder, NDO, botox bladder, botox spinal cord injury, botox, FDA, botox side effects. All papers identified were English language, full-text papers. In addition, English abstracts of non-English papers were noted. The reference list of identified articles was also searched for further papers.

CONCLUSION

Botulinum toxin is an alternative treatment for individuals with NDO who fail to tolerate anticholinergic medications. Its popularity has increased because of the literature, which has supported its effectiveness, safety, easy use and learning curve, reproducibility of results on repeated use, and recent FDA approval of Botox(®) (onabotulinumtoxinA).

The use of botulinum toxin for the treatment of overactive bladder syndrome

Over the last 50 years, botulinum toxin has been transformed from a cause of life-threatening disease to an effective medical therapy. It has been used in a variety of specialties for different indications, significantly improving patient quality of life. A recent growing body of evidence suggests that intra-detrusor injection of botulinum toxin may have beneficial effects in patients with medication refractory detrusor overactivity and may offer a new minimally invasive alternative to patients with severe overactive bladder symptoms. To review current data regarding the effects of botulinum toxin in patients with overactive bladder, a MEDLINE^®/PubMed^® literature search was carried out. The mechanism of action, clinical usage, adverse effects, and treatment efficacy were reviewed and the results are presented in this paper.

The treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis: a systematic review

This is a systematic review on the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The heterogeneity of the outcome criteria did not allow a meta-analysis of the published evidence. In the last few decades, the therapeutic options for neurogenic bladder dysfunction have broadened. Despite this, no consensus has been reached as to the management of LUTD and LUTS in patients with MS, and the subject remains controversial. Bladder dysfunction is common in MS, affecting 80 %-100 % of patients during the course of the disease. Several studies have shown that urinary incontinence has a severe effect on patients' quality of life, with 70 % of patients classifying the impact bladder symptoms had on their life as "high" or "moderate." Moreover, the progressive feature of MS makes its treatment complex, since any achieved therapeutic result may be short-lived, with the possibility that symptoms will recur or develop de novo.