Biomarcadores na bexiga hiperativa: artigo de revisão / Biomarkers in overactive bladder: review article

A bexiga hiperativa caracteriza-se pela urgência miccional, geralmente acompa- nhada de noctúria e aumento da frequência urinária. Trata-se de afecção preva- lente, com enorme comprometimento da qualidade de vida, em todos os seus as- pectos. Diversos biomarcadores vêm sendo estudados para melhor caracterização dos diferentes fenótipos da afecção, entre eles as neurotrofinas urinárias, o ATP, a genômica e a microbiota urinária. Acredita-se que tal caracterização poderá ter implicações para prevenção, fisiopatologia e individualização do tratamento.(AU)

The overactive bladder is characterized by urinary urgency, usually accompanied by nocturia and increased urinary frequency. It is a prevalent condition, with enormous impairment of quality of life, in all its aspects. Several biomarkers have been studied to better characterize the different phenotypes of the condition, including urinary neurotrophins, ATP, genomics and urinary microbiota. It is believed that such charac- terization may have implications for prevention, pathophysiology and individualiza- tion of treatment.(AU)

Transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation versus parasacral stimulation in the treatment of overactive bladder in elderly people: a triple-blinded randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS) and transcutaneous parasacral stimulation on the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB) in elderly people and to compare the final results between groups. METHODS: Fifty female volunteers, mean age 68.62 (±5.9) years, were randomly allocated into two groups: those receiving TTNS (G1, N=25) and those receiving transcutaneous parasacral stimulation (G2, N=25). The primary outcome was the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ-OAB) score, and secondary outcomes were the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - short form (ICIQ-SF) score and 3-day bladder diary measurements. Volunteers were assessed before and after the treatment. Clinical Trials (ReBeC): RBR-9Q7J7Y. RESULTS: Both groups' symptoms improved as measured by the ICIQ-OAB (G1 = <0.001; G2 = <0.001) and ICIQ-SF (G1 = <0.001; G2 = <0.001). In the 3-day bladder diary assessments after treatment, G1 showed a reduced number of nocturia (p<0.001), urgency (p<0.001) and urge urinary incontinence episodes (p<0.001), whereas G2 showed only a reduced number of nocturia episodes (p<0.001). No difference between groups was found. CONCLUSION: Both of the proposed treatments were effective in the improvement of OAB symptoms, but TTNS showed a reduction in a greater number of symptoms as measured by the 3-day bladder diary. No differences were found between groups.

A Korean Postmarketing Study Assessing the Effectiveness of OnabotulinumtoxinA for the Treatment of Neurogenic Detrusor Overactivity or Idiopathic Overactive Bladder Using a Validated Patient-Reported Outcome Measure / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

PURPOSE: OnabotulinumtoxinA has demonstrated efficacy and safety in the treatment of urinary incontinence (UI) associated with neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) and idiopathic overactive bladder (OAB); however, real-world evidence is limited. This postmarketing surveillance study aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of onabotulinumtoxinA in Korean patients with UI associated with NDO or OAB with an inadequate response or intolerance to anticholinergics. METHODS: Patients received 200 U (NDO) or 100 U (OAB) of onabotulinumtoxinA. Effectiveness (assessed using the validated International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form [ICIQ-SF]) and safety were assessed for 1–4 months after onabotulinumtoxinA administration. RESULTS: Overall, 686 patients (NDO, 161; OAB, 525) comprised the safety population; of these, 612 patients were analyzed for effectiveness. There was a significant decrease (P5 points from baseline in the ICIQ-SF score was observed in 64.9% and 47.3% of patients in the NDO and OAB groups, respectively. Following treatment, 59.9% in the NDO group and 43.0% in the OAB group were dry. There was no effect of age on effectiveness in either group. Only 10 adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were reported in 5.6% of NDO patients and 20 ADRs in 3.2% of OAB patients. Most ADRs in both groups were related to the lower urinary tract such as dysuria (NDO, 1.2%; OAB, 0.6%) and urinary retention (NDO, 0.6%; OAB, 1.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Effectiveness and safety of onabotulinumtoxinA in Korea in a real-world setting was demonstrated.

Constipação funcional e bexiga hiperativa em mulheres: um estudo de base populacional / Functional constipation and overactive bladder in women: a population-based study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: An association between urinary disorders and functional constipation has been registered in children and adults, with functional constipation being a common complaint in individuals with overactive bladder. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of functional constipation, overactive bladder and its dry/wet subtypes in women and to determine which bowel symptoms predict overactive bladder. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of women randomly approached in public spaces. Exclusion criteria: neurological/anatomical abnormalities of the bowel or urinary tract. Constipation was defined as ≥2 positive symptoms of those listed in the Rome criteria. Urinary abnormalities (frequent urination, urgency, incontinence, nocturia) were defined by a score ≥2 in the respective item of the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Overactive Bladder. Dry overactive bladder was defined as urgency without incontinence, while wet overactive bladder included incontinence. RESULTS: A total of 516 women with a mean age of 35.8±6 years were interviewed. Rates of functional constipation, overactive bladder, dry overactive bladder and wet overactive bladder were 34.1%, 15.3%, 8.9% and 6.4%, respectively. Functional constipation was associated with overactive bladder and dry overactive bladder, with functional constipation predicting dry overactive bladder (OR=2.47). Quality of life was poorer in constipated women compared to non-constipated and even worse in constipated women with wet overactive bladder (median 22.5; 95%CI: 17.25-35.25). Manual maneuvers were significantly associated with both overactive bladder subtypes. Independent predictive factors for overactive bladder were manual maneuvers (OR=2.21) and <3 defecations/week (OR=2.18), with the latter being the only predictive factor for dry overactive bladder (OR=3.0). CONCLUSION: Functional constipation is associated with overactive bladder and its dry subtype, particularly in the younger population. In addition, this association is responsible for lower quality of life scores, especially when urinary incontinence is present. The presence of manual maneuvers and less than three defecations per week should direct us to look for overactive bladder.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: A associação entre distúrbios urinários e constipação funcional vem sendo observada em crianças e adultos, sendo a constipação funcional uma queixa comum em indivíduos com bexiga hiperativa. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a prevalência de constipação funcional, bexiga hiperativa e seus subtipos seco/úmido em mulheres e determinar quais os sintomas intestinais estão mais associados e são preditores de bexiga hiperativa. MÉTODOS: Estudo de corte transversal com mulheres abordadas aleatoriamente em locais públicos. Os critérios de exclusão foram: anormalidades neurológicas/anatômicas do intestino ou do trato urinário documentadas. A constipação foi definida como ≥2 sintomas positivos daqueles listados nos critérios de Roma. Alterações urinárias (frequência urinária aumentada, urgência, incontinência e noctúria) foram definidas por um escore ≥2 no respectivos itens do Questionário Internacional de Consulta sobre Incontinência - Bexiga Hiperativa. Foi denominada de bexiga hiperativa seca a presença de sintomas de urgência sem incontinência urinária e bexiga hiperativa úmida quando a urgência estava associada a incontinência urinária. RESULTADOS: Foram entrevistadas 516 mulheres com idade média de 35,8±6 anos. As taxas de constipação funcional, bexiga hiperativa, bexiga hiperativa seca e bexiga hiperativa úmida na amostra estudada foram de 34,1%, 15,3%, 8,9% e 6,4%, respectivamente. Foi observada associação entre constipação funcional e bexiga hiperativa / bexiga hiperativa seca, sendo a constipação funcional fator preditor para esse subtipo de bexiga hiperativa (OR=2,47). O escore de qualidade de vida foi pior nas mulheres com constipação funcional em comparação com as não constipadas e ainda pior nas mulheres com constipação funcional associada a bexiga hiperativa úmida (mediana 22,5; IC 95%: 17,25-35,25). A presença de manobras manuais estava significativamente associada aos dois subtipos de bexiga hiperativa. Os fatores preditivos independentes para bexiga hiperativa foram manobras manuais (OR=2,21) e <3 defecações/semana (OR=2,18), sendo este último o único fator preditivo para bexiga hiperativa seca (OR=3,0). CONCLUSÃO: Em mulheres, a constipação funcional está associada a bexiga hiperativa e seu subtipo seco, particularmente na população mais jovem. Além disso, essa associação é responsável por piores escores de qualidade de vida, principalmente quando a incontinência urinária está presente. A presença de manobras manuais e menos de três defecações por semana em mulheres devem nos direcionar a procurar por bexiga hiperativa.

Interface da diretriz terapêutica do autocateterismo vesical na perspectiva legal / Interface of therapeutic guideline for self-catheterization in the legal perspective / Interfaz de la directriz terapéutica del autocateterismo vesical en la perspectiva legal

Objetivo: identificar as diretrizes terapêuticas do autocateterismo em pacientes acometidos por bexiga neurogênica na perspectiva legal, confrontando a proteção constitucional do direito à vida com os postulados de ordem ética e social do Enfermeiro. Método: trata-se de um ensaio teórico-reflexivo, realizado no período de maio de 2016 a janeiro de 2017, a partir de atividades de campo prático da residência multiprofissional da Universidade Federal do Amazonas. Resultados: o profissional enfermeiro desempenha um papel de grande importância em relação à assistência desde os cuidados de promoção de saúde em situações aguda e crônica da lesão medular. Com o avanço da tecnologia, o status de cuidar e as práxis de enfermagem vêm sofrendo mudanças significativas, exigindo assim novas diretrizes, ações e orientações. Considerações Finais: entende-se que a prática de autocateterismo pode ocasionar lesão na estrutura uretrovesical. Logo, higiene, conforto físico, e a reeducação vesical são imprescindíveis para a prevenção de sequelas no paciente e promoção de bem-estar. A enfermagem vem ao logo do tempo construindo e fortalecendo os seus cenários de atuações, diante disso precisamos de um novo estado reflexivo e transformador para a profissão.

Objective: to identify the therapeutic guidelines of self-catheterization in patients affected by neurogenic bladder from a legal perspective, confronting the constitutional protection of the right to life with the ethical and social postulates of a nursing. Methods: theoretical-reflexive essay, carried out in the period from May 2016 to January 2017, from practical field activities of the multiprofessional residence of the Federal University of Amazonas. Results: the nursing professional plays a very paramount importance in relation to patient's assistance as healthcare promotion in acute and chronic spinal cord injury. With the advancement of technology, the care status and nursing praxis have undergone significant changes, therefore requiring new guidelines, actions and guidance designed for the new scenario. Final Considerations: it is understood that the practice of self-catheterization can cause damage to the urethrovesical structure. Thereby, hygiene, physical comfort, and bladder re-education are essential for prevention of sequelae in the patient and promotion of well-being. Nursing comes over time by building and strengthening their performance scenarios and in front of this we need a new reflective and transforming state for the profession.

Objetivo: identificar las directrices terapéuticas del autocateterismo en pacientes acometidos por vejiga neurogénica en la perspectiva legal, confrontando la protección constitucional del derecho a la vida con los postulados de orden ético y social del enfermero. Método: se trata de un ensayo teórico-reflexivo, realizado en el período de mayo de 2016 a enero de 2017, a partir de actividades de campo práctico de la residencia multiprofesional de la Universidad Federal del Amazonas. Resultados: el profesional enfermero desempeña un papel de gran importancia en relación a la asistencia desde los cuidados de promoción de salud en situaciones aguda y crónica de la lesión medular. Con el avance de la tecnología, el status de cuidar y las praxis de enfermería vienen sufriendo cambios significativos, exigiendo así nuevas directrices, acciones y orientaciones. Consideraciones Finales: se entiende que la práctica de autocateterismo puede ocasionar lesión en la estructura uretrovesical. Por lo tanto, la higiene, el confort físico, y la reeducación vesical son imprescindibles para la prevención de secuelas en el paciente y la promoción del bienestar. La enfermería viene al momento del tiempo construyendo y fortaleciendo sus escenarios de actuaciones, ante eso necesitamos un nuevo estado reflexivo y transformador para la profesión.

Clinical Efficacy of Solifenacin in the Management of Diabetes Mellitus-Associated Versus Idiopathic Overactive Bladder Symptoms: A Multicenter Prospective Study / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

PURPOSE: To compare the clinical efficacy of anticholinergics for managing diabetes mellitus-associated overactive bladder (DM OAB) versus idiopathic overactive bladder (OAB) in Korean women. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter, prospective, parallel-group, open-label, 12-week study. Women (20–65 years old) with OAB symptoms for over 3 months were assigned to the DM OAB and idiopathic OAB groups. Changes in the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS), urgency, urinary urgency incontinence, nocturia, daytime frequency according to a voiding diary, uroflowmetry, and postvoid residual urine volume (PVR) at the first visit (V1), week 4 (V2), and week 12 (V3) were compared. RESULTS: No significant difference was found between the baseline patient characteristics of the DM OAB and idiopathic OAB groups. Treatment with solifenacin was associated with improvements in urgency, urinary urgency incontinence, nocturia, frequency according to a voiding diary, and the total OABSS between V1 and V2 and between V1 and V3. Moreover, a significant improvement in urgency and urge incontinence was found between V2 and V3 in the DM OAB group. However, no significant changes were found in any other parameters. There were no significant differences between the DM OAB group and the idiopathic OAB group except for urgency and urge incontinence at V2 (3.71 vs. 2.28 and 0.47 vs. 0.32, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The patients who received solifenacin demonstrated improved urgency, urinary urgency incontinence, nocturia, frequency according to a voiding diary, and total OABSS. Management with solifenacin was equally effective for both DM-related OAB and idiopathic OAB.

Predictors of Nerve Stimulator Success in Patients With Overactive Bladder / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

PURPOSE: To identify factors associated with successful sacral nerve stimulator (SNS) trial after SNS implantation for the treatment of medication refractory overactive bladder (OAB). METHODS: Patients undergoing treatment for OAB at Lahey Hospital and Medical Center between 2004 and 2016 were identified. Patients undergoing SNS placement were identified; SNS success was defined as permanent implantation of the SNS. Demographic, clinical and treatment data were extracted from patient charts; uni- and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with SNS treatment success. RESULTS: A total of 128 patients were included. On univariate analysis, male sex, prior diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia, and lower volume at first urge on urodynamics (UDS) were associated with unsuccessful SNS trial. On multivariate analysis, male sex (odds ratio [OR], 0.145; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.036–0.530) and lower volume at first urge on UDS (OR, 0.982; 95% CI, 0.967–0.995) were associated with unsuccessful SNS trial. A threshold value of 100 mL at first urge during preoperative UDS had a specificity of 0.86 in predicting SNS success in men. CONCLUSIONS: SNS is frequently successful at relieving OAB symptoms. Male patients and those with lower volumes at first urge on UDS, particularly below 100 mL, are more likely to have an unsuccessful SNS trial. Patients in these groups should be counseled on the lower likelihood of SNS success.

Overactive Bladder is a Distress Symptom in Heart Failure / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

The prevalence of Heart failure (HF) is expected to increase worldwide with the aging population trend. The numerous symptoms of and repeated hospitalizations for HF negatively affect the patient's quality of life and increase the patient's economic burden. Up to 50% of patients with HF suffer from urinary incontinence (UI) and an overactive bladder (OAB). However, there are limited data about the relationship between UI, OAB, and HF. The association between HF and urinary symptoms may be directly attributable to worsening HF pathophysiology. A comprehensive literature review was conducted for all publications between January 2000 and November 2017 using the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases. HF represents a major and growing public health problem, with an increased risk of UI and an OAB as comorbidities. Possible effects of HF on urinary problems may be mediated by the prescription of medications for symptomatic relief. Although diuretics are typically used to relieve congestion, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers improve survival, these classes of drugs have been suggested to worsen urinary symptoms in the presence of HF. Further research is required to understand the impact of UI and an OAB on the HF illness trajectory.

The association of pelvic organ prolapse severity and improvement in overactive bladder symptoms after surgery for pelvic organ prolapse

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) repair on overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms in women with POP and the effect of baseline POP severity on improvement in OAB after surgical repair of POP. And we also tried to identify any preoperative factors for persistent postoperative OAB symptoms. METHODS: A total of 87 patients with coexisting POP and OAB who underwent surgical correction of POP were included and retrospectively analyzed and postoperative data was obtained by telephone interview. OAB was defined as an affirmative response to item no. 15 (urinary frequency) and item no. 16 (urge incontinence) of the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory. POP severity was dichotomized by Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification stage 1 to 2 (n=22) versus stage 3 to 4 (n=65). RESULTS: OAB symptoms were significantly improved after surgical treatment (P<0.001). But there was no significant differences in postoperative improvement of frequency and urge incontinence between stage 1 to 2 group versus stage 3 to 4 group. Preoperative demographic factors (age, parity, and POP stage) were not significantly related to persistent postoperative OAB symptoms. CONCLUSION: Women with coexisting POP and OAB who undergo surgical repair experience significant improvement in OAB symptoms after surgery, but severity of POP had no significant difference in improvement of OAB symptoms. Postoperative persistent OAB symptoms were not related to age, parity, body mass index, and POP stage.

Overactive Bladder Successfully Treated with Duloxetine in a Female Adolescent

Overactive bladder (OAB) is defined as urgency, usually with frequency and nocturia, and with or without urge incontinence. Duloxetine, an antidepressant that inhibits reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, is indicated for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence in Europe. In this paper, we present a case of a 17-year-old female patient with OAB and depressive symptoms who was successfully treated with duloxetine. This case suggests duloxetine can be an option for patient with OAB, and it also highlights the need for further studies of duloxetine's use in the treatment of OAB.

Efficacy and Tolerability of Anticholinergics in Korean Children with Overactive Bladder: A Multicenter Retrospective Study

We investigated the efficacy and tolerability of various anticholinergics in Korean children with non-neurogenic overactive bladder (OAB). A total of 326 children (males:females= 157:169) aged under 18 yr (mean age 7.3+/-2.6 yr) who were diagnosed with OAB from 2008 to 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. The mean duration of OAB symptoms before anticholinergic treatment was 16.9+/-19.0 months. The mean duration of medication was 5.6+/-7.3 months. Urgency urinary incontinence episodes per week decreased from 1.9+/-3.1 to 0.4+/-1.5 times (P<0.001). The median voiding frequency during daytime was decreased from 9.2+/-5.4 to 6.3+/-4.2 times (P<0.001). According to 3-day voiding diaries, the maximum and average bladder capacity were increased from 145.5+/-66.9 to 196.8+/-80.3 mL and from 80.8+/-39.6 to 121.8+/-56.5 mL, respectively (P<0.001). On uroflowmetry, maximum flow rate was increased from 17.6+/-8.4 to 20.5+/-8.2 mL/sec (P<0.001). Adverse effects were reported in 14 (4.3%) children and six children (1.8%) discontinued medication due to adverse effects. Our results indicate that anticholinergics are effective to improve OAB symptoms and tolerability was acceptable without severe complications in children.

Clinical Outcome in Male Patients With Detrusor Overactivity With Impaired Contractility / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

PURPOSE: To review the clinical outcomes of patients with voiding dysfunction who have detrusor overactivity with impaired contractility (DOIC) diagnosed with urodynamic studies. METHODS: Urodynamic reports from 2005 to 2009 were reviewed, and 54 male patients had findings consistent with DOIC. Patients with acontractile or neuropathic bladders were excluded. Clinical outcomes were obtained from patient records. RESULTS: Of 54 men, 8 presented with voiding symptoms, 17 had storage symptoms, and 29 had mixed symptoms. Twenty-two had a previous transurethral resection of the prostate. The median follow-up was 12 months. Four patients received no intervention. Two patients were taught intermittent self-catheterization. Five patients underwent surgery to reduce outlet resistance and all reported improvement. Forty-three patients were started on pharmacotherapy; symptomatic improvement was reported by 9 of 16 patients commenced on anticholinergics alone, 6 of 16 on alpha-blockers alone, and 4 of 5 treated with a combination of alpha-blockers and anticholinergics. Eleven patients experienced no difference on pharmacotherapy and 2 reported deterioration. One patient developed acute urinary retention (18 months after commencing treatment with alpha-blockers). No patient had urosepsis. CONCLUSIONS: Anticholinergics and alpha-blockers appear to be safe in patients with DOIC. The risk of urinary retention and sepsis is low. The majority of patients report symptomatic benefit from either drugs or surgical treatment.

Association of Urinary Urgency and Delay Time of Micturition in Women With Overactive Bladder / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

PURPOSE: Accurately measuring urinary urgency is important for diagnosing overactive bladder (OAB) and quantifying improvements in treatment outcome. Various methods have been recommended for evaluating urinary urgency, but these methods assess individual perceptions and preferences. To overcome the subjectivity in measuring urinary urgency, we evaluated the relationship between uroflowmetric parameters and urinary urgency in women with OAB. METHODS: Consecutive female patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (n=110) were prospectively enrolled in this study between April 2011 and September 2012. Individuals with a history of using medications that are known to affect bladder function were excluded. All enrolled patients completed uroflowmetry with a delayed time to voiding (T2V). After urination was completed, patients were asked whether they experienced any urinary hesitancy or urgency at that time. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 56.1 years; 70 out of 110 patients reported some degree of urinary urgency. T2V decreased with increased urgency. Several uroflowmetric parameters were observed to have a significant correlation with urinary urgency. T2V had a meaningful correlation coefficient for individuals with urgency, regardless of the voided volume. There was no significant correlation between the presence of urinary hesitancy and T2V. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that T2V would be a complementary tool for diagnosing and determining the degree of urinary urgency in women with OAB.

Treatment of Bladder Dysfunction Using Stem Cell or Tissue Engineering Technique

Tissue engineering and stem cell transplantation are two important options that may help overcome limitations in the current treatment strategy for bladder dysfunction. Stem cell therapy holds great promise for treating pathophysiology, as well as for urological tissue engineering and regeneration. To date, stem cell therapy in urology has mainly focused on oncology and erectile dysfunction. The therapeutic potency of stem cells (SCs) was originally thought to derive from their ability to differentiate into various cell types including smooth muscle. The main mechanisms of SCs in reconstituting or restoring bladder function are migration, differentiation, and paracrine effects. Nowadays, paracrine effects of stem cells are thought to be more prominent because of their stimulating effects on stem cells and adjacent cells. Studies of stem cell therapy for bladder dysfunction have been limited to experimental models and have been less focused on tissue engineering for bladder regeneration. Bladder outlet obstruction is a representative model. Adipose-derived stem cells, bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs), and skeletal muscle-derived stem cells or muscle precursor cells are used for transplantation to treat bladder dysfunction. The aim of this study is to review stem cell therapy and updated tissue regeneration as treatments for bladder dysfunction and to provide the current status of stem cell therapy and tissue engineering for bladder dysfunction including its mechanisms and limitations.

Neural Mechanisms Underlying Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction

This article summarizes anatomical, neurophysiological, and pharmacological studies in humans and animals to provide insights into the neural circuitry and neurotransmitter mechanisms controlling the lower urinary tract and alterations in these mechanisms in lower urinary tract dysfunction. The functions of the lower urinary tract, to store and periodically release urine, are dependent on the activity of smooth and striated muscles in the bladder, urethra, and external urethral sphincter. During urine storage, the outlet is closed and the bladder smooth muscle is quiescent. When bladder volume reaches the micturition threshold, activation of a micturition center in the dorsolateral pons (the pontine micturition center) induces a bladder contraction and a reciprocal relaxation of the urethra, leading to bladder emptying. During voiding, sacral parasympathetic (pelvic) nerves provide an excitatory input (cholinergic and purinergic) to the bladder and inhibitory input (nitrergic) to the urethra. These peripheral systems are integrated by excitatory and inhibitory regulation at the levels of the spinal cord and the brain. Therefore, injury or diseases of the nervous system, as well as disorders of the peripheral organs, can produce lower urinary tract dysfunction, leading to lower urinary tract symptoms, including both storage and voiding symptoms, and pelvic pain. Neuroplasticity underlying pathological changes in lower urinary tract function is discussed.

Effect of Improvement in Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms on Sexual Function in Men: Tamsulosin Monotherapy vs. Combination Therapy of Tamsulosin and Solifenacin

PURPOSE: To evaluate how much the improvement of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) affects sexual function and which storage symptoms or voiding symptoms have the greatest effect on sexual function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 187 patients were enrolled in this study. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either tamsulosin 0.2 mg (group A) or tamsulosin 0.2 mg and solifenacin 5 mg (group B). At 4 weeks and 12 weeks, the LUTS and sexual function of the patients were evaluated by use of the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF5), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS) questionnaire, uroflowmetry, and bladder scan. RESULTS: Both groups A and B showed statistically significant improvements in IPSS, OABSS, and quality of life (QoL). Group A showed improved maximum flow rate, mean flow rate, and residual urine volume by time. Group B did not show an improvement in flow rate or residual urine volume but total voiding volume increased with time. The IIEF5 score was not improved in either group. In group A, the IIEF5 score dropped from 13.66+/-4.97 to 11.93+/-6.14 after 12 weeks (p=0.072). Group B showed a decline in the IIEF5 score from 13.19+/-5.91 to 12.45+/-6.38 (p=0.299). Although group B showed a relatively smaller decrease in the IIEF5 score, the difference between the two groups was not significant (p=0.696). CONCLUSIONS: Tamsulosin monotherapy and combination therapy with solifenacin did not improve erectile function despite improvements in voiding symptoms and QoL. The improvement in storage symptoms did not affect erectile function.

Effect of Improvement in Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms on Sexual Function in Men: Tamsulosin Monotherapy vs. Combination Therapy of Tamsulosin and Solifenacin

PURPOSE: To evaluate how much the improvement of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) affects sexual function and which storage symptoms or voiding symptoms have the greatest effect on sexual function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 187 patients were enrolled in this study. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either tamsulosin 0.2 mg (group A) or tamsulosin 0.2 mg and solifenacin 5 mg (group B). At 4 weeks and 12 weeks, the LUTS and sexual function of the patients were evaluated by use of the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF5), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS) questionnaire, uroflowmetry, and bladder scan. RESULTS: Both groups A and B showed statistically significant improvements in IPSS, OABSS, and quality of life (QoL). Group A showed improved maximum flow rate, mean flow rate, and residual urine volume by time. Group B did not show an improvement in flow rate or residual urine volume but total voiding volume increased with time. The IIEF5 score was not improved in either group. In group A, the IIEF5 score dropped from 13.66+/-4.97 to 11.93+/-6.14 after 12 weeks (p=0.072). Group B showed a decline in the IIEF5 score from 13.19+/-5.91 to 12.45+/-6.38 (p=0.299). Although group B showed a relatively smaller decrease in the IIEF5 score, the difference between the two groups was not significant (p=0.696). CONCLUSIONS: Tamsulosin monotherapy and combination therapy with solifenacin did not improve erectile function despite improvements in voiding symptoms and QoL. The improvement in storage symptoms did not affect erectile function.

Clinical Factors Associated With Dose Escalation of Solifenacin for the Treatment of Overactive Bladder in Real Life Practice / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

PURPOSE: To determine the baseline clinical characteristics associated with dose escalation of solifenacin in patients with overactive bladder (OAB). METHODS: We analyzed the data of patients with OAB (micturition frequency > or =8/day and urgency > or =1/day) who were treated with solifenacin and followed up for 24 weeks. According to our department protocol, all the patients kept voiding diaries, and OAB symptom scores (OABSS) were monitored at baseline and after 4, 12, and 24 weeks of solifenacin treatment. RESULTS: In total, 68 patients (mean age, 60.8+/-10.0 years) were recruited. The dose escalation rate by the end of the study was 41.2%, from 23.5% at 4 weeks and 17.6% at 12 weeks. At baseline, the dose escalator group had significantly more OAB wet patients (53.6% vs. 20.0%) and higher total OABSS (10.2+/-2.4 vs. 7.9+/-3.5, P=0.032) than the nonescalator group. OAB wet (odds ratio [OR], 4.615; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.578-13.499; P<0.05) and total OABSS (OR, 1.398; 95% CI, 1.046-1.869; P<0.05) were found to be independently associated with dose escalation. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who have urgency urinary incontinence and high total OABSS have a tendency for dose escalation of solifenacin.

Maintenance of the Therapeutic Effect of Two High-Dosage Antimuscarinics in the Management of Overactive Bladder in Elderly Women / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

PURPOSE: To improve the long-term efficiency of the pharmacologic management of overactive bladder (OAB) in elderly women. METHODS: The study comprised 229 women (mean age, 66.3 years; range, 65-77 years) with urodynamically and clinically confirmed OAB. All patients received the most effective treatment regimen based on the data obtained in the initial part of the study (trospium 60 mg/day + solifenacin 40 mg/day, for 6 weeks), and positive results similar to those in the first phase were obtained. They were then divided into four groups, based on the maintenance therapy: group A (59 women), trospium (60 mg/day) + solifenacin (40 mg/day) for 1 month; group B (51 women), electrical stimulation of the detrusor muscle for 1 month; group C (63 women), laser puncture for 1 month; group D (56 women), placebo. Maintenance therapy was administered 2.5 months after completion of primary treatment. The patients' condition was monitored through the OAB questionnaire for 1 year and by urodynamic examination at months 6 and 7 from the start of the study. RESULTS: In group A, the clinical and urodynamic results achieved after the initial + main treatment phase (two high-dosage antimuscarinics of different generations, trospium and solifenacin, for a total of 2.5 months) were maintained for at least 7 months. Electrical stimulation of the urinary bladder as a method of maintenance therapy proved to be less effective. In groups C and D, deterioration in results was observed at 6-8 months, which led us to conclude that laser puncture was an inefficient method of maintenance therapy in elderly women with OAB. CONCLUSIONS: Maintenance treatment of OAB in elderly women with a combination of high-dosage antimuscarinics is an effective method for reducing the risk of recurrence of the disease.

Effect of Long-term Exercise on Voiding Functions in Obese Elderly Women / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

PURPOSE: An overactive bladder (OAB) may be defined as urgency that is a sudden, compelling, difficult to defer desire to pass urine that is usually accompanied by frequency and nocturia and possibly by incontinence. Obesity and old age are two factors in various causes of OAB. Several epidemiologic studies have identified positive associations among obesity, old age, urinary incontinence, and OAB. However, although exercise has been known to improve obesity and reduce incontinent urine loss, little research has been done in elderly women. Therefore, we investigated the effects of exercise on obesity-related metabolic factors, blood lipid factors, and OAB symptoms in elderly Korean women. METHODS: Twenty-one women aged between 69 and 72 years were recruited from the Seoul senior towers in Korea. All subjects worked out on a motorized treadmill and stationary cycle for 40 minutes, respectively, and performed resistance exercise for 30 minutes once a day for 52 weeks. Body composition, blood pressure, blood lipids, OAB symptom score, and King's health questionnaire were investigated and analyzed. RESULTS: Before performing physical exercise, all subjects showed increased OAB symptoms in association with enhanced body mass index (BMI), percentage fat, and blood lipid profiles. However, physical exercise for 52 weeks suppressed BMI, percentage fat, and blood lipid profiles and thus improved OAB symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that long-term physical exercise can be a valuable tool for remarkable improvement of OAB.