Prevalence of urinary incontinence and other pelvic floor disorders in women with myotonic dystrophy type 1.

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a neuromuscular disease that can affect the pelvic floor muscles but few studies have investigated pelvic floor disorders, including urinary incontinence. The main purpose of this study was to document the prevalence, characteristics, and impacts of urinary incontinence and other pelvic floor disorders in women with DM1. Associations between pelvic floor disorders and phenotypes, considering age and parity, were explored. Eighty adult women aged 47,1±13,7 years old participated in a cross-sectional study using validated questionnaires, including the International Consultation Incontinence Questionnaire - Urinary Incontinence short form (ICIQ-UI-SF)), the Pelvic Floor Disorder Inventory (PFDI), and the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire short form (PFIQ-SF). The mean score for the ICIQ-UI-SF was 4.3. The mean scores for the subscales of the PFDI were 36.8 for the urinary distress inventory, 74.1 for the colorectal-anal distress inventory, and 43.8 for the pelvic organ prolapse distress inventory. A total of 60% of women reported urinary incontinence and 56.3% anal incontinence. Pelvic prolapse symptoms (>1 symptom) were reported by 25% of women. Findings reveal high prevalence and significant related impacts of these disorders. This provides evidence regarding the importance of screening for these disorders in a clinical setting and the need to explore treatment approaches.

Genitourinary and lower gastrointestinal conditions in patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1: A systematic review of evidence and implications for clinical practice.

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a progressive neuromuscular disease affecting both smooth and striated muscles. It has been suggested that this multisystemic disease also impairs the genitourinary and lower gastrointestinal systems, but information is scattered and no systematic review has been conducted. The objectives of this systematic review were to document (1) symptoms and signs associated with genitourinary and lower gastrointestinal systems in the DM1 population; (2) impacts on quality of life and participation; and (3) efficacy of treatments available to treat those conditions. Among the 75 studies included, 30 articles presented genitourinary outcomes and 67, lower gastrointestinal outcomes. A wide range of symptoms was reported for both systems but most studies were of poor quality, using medical chart reviews without the use of standardized questionnaires. Urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, anal incontinence, constipation, diarrhea and abdominal pain were the most described symptoms. Smooth and striated muscle impairment has been documented in small sample size studies. No experimental study evaluated the efficacy of treatments for these conditions. Few descriptive studies described altered quality of life or participation related to these conditions. Further studies should use standardized questionnaires, provide a clear definition of symptoms and investigate treatment options.