Use of alpha-adrenergic antagonists for lower urinary tract symptoms is not associated with worsening cognitive function.

INTRODUCTION: Alpha-adrenergic antagonists are widely prescribed for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), however there has been a report that their use is associated with dementia. Our objective was to investigate if new users of alpha-adrenergic antagonists with varying levels of cognitive impairment had an increased risk of cognitive decline compared to non-users. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study, utilizing data from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center (NACC) data set. After applying relevant exclusion criteria, 916 people who were newly using alpha-antagonist medications were matched with a propensity score to 916 who were not using these medications. The primary outcome was a clinically relevant cognitive decline measured by the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) Dementia Staging Instrument or the mini mental state examination (MMSE). Secondary outcomes included scores from other cognitive assessment tools. RESULTS: The matched cohorts did not differ significantly in baseline characteristics. There were no statistically significant differences in baseline or follow-up cognitive scores between those exposed and nonexposed to alpha-adrenergic antagonists. Clinically significant cognitive decline (as defined by the CDR) occurred in 9.72% of the exposed group and 8.19% of the nonexposed group. There was no observed effect of alpha-adrenergic antagonists on cognitive decline, as measured with the CDR (odds ratio [OR] 1.34, p = 0.14) or the MMSE (OR 0.98, p = 0.92). Stratified analyses by cognitive status and apolipoprotein E genotype interaction assessment also demonstrated no significant associations. CONCLUSION: Alpha-adrenergic antagonists for LUTS do not appear to increase the risk of cognitive decline, offering reassurance to clinicians and patients.

The impact of anticholinergics on cognitive function in patients with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction: A narrative review.

This narrative review discusses the relationship between anticholinergic medications and cognitive change specifically in patients with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD). NLUTD is prevalent in various conditions, including spinal cord injury (SCI), spina bifida (SB), multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's, stroke, and dementia and often requires anticholinergic overactive bladder (OAB) medications. In the general population, and among those with OAB, several studies have found a significant association between this class of medications and cognitive side effects, mostly when used for > 90 days. These cognitive side effects may be particularly relevant to people with NLUTD due to their higher baseline risk of cognitive impairment. Two studies (one in people with SCI and another in MS) found evidence of cognitive impairment with the use of OAB anticholinergics (specifically oxybutynin and tolterodine). People with dementia commonly use OAB anticholinergics, and there is evidence that oxybutynin and tolterodine may impair cognition in this population. Two recent studies in children with SB studied 12 months of solifenacin and 6 months of fesoterodine/oxybutynin and found there was no significant change in neuropsychological testing. Clinical studies in people with Parkinson's disease and prior stroke have not shown that trospium, darifenacin, or fesoterodine have a significant impact on cognitive measures. In summary, oxybutynin and tolterodine may pose a higher risk of cognitive impairment than newer OAB anticholinergics in people with NLUTD; there is no evidence that children with SB experience cognitive impairment with OAB anticholinergics. Further study is necessary to confirm cognitive safety, particularly as the NLUTD population may have a high exposure to OAB anticholinergics. Advocating for potentially safer OAB medications is necessary if there is concern about cognitive risks.

Questionnaires for Neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction.

The evaluation of people with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) often involves objective parameters, however quality of life (QOL) assessments are crucial for patient-centered care. This article discusses how to measure QOL and urinary symptoms in NLUTD and highlights various questionnaires such as the Qualiveen, Neurogenic Bladder Symptom Score (NBSS), and the Incontinence Quality of Life Questionnaire (I-QOL). These questionnaires focus on bladder-related QOL or symptoms and have been validated in multiple NLUTD populations. These tools are important for advancing research and the clinical care of NLUTD patients, and have the potential to impact decision-making and improve patient outcomes.

Identifying Bladder Phenotypes After Spinal Cord Injury With Unsupervised Machine Learning: A New Way to Examine Urinary Symptoms and Quality of Life.

PURPOSE: Patients with spinal cord injuries (SCIs) experience variable urinary symptoms and quality of life (QOL). Our objective was to use machine learning to identify bladder-relevant phenotypes after SCI and assess their association with urinary symptoms and QOL. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used data from the Neurogenic Bladder Research Group SCI registry. Baseline variables that were previously shown to be associated with bladder symptoms/QOL were included in the machine learning environment. An unsupervised consensus clustering approach (k-prototypes) was used to identify 4 patient clusters. After qualitative review of the clusters, 2 outcomes of interest were assessed: the total Neurogenic Bladder Symptom Score (NBSS) and the NBSS-satisfaction question (QOL). The NBSS and NBSS-satisfaction question at baseline and after 1 year were compared between clusters using analysis of variance and linear regression. RESULTS: Among the 1263 included participants, the 4 identified clusters were termed "female predominant," "high function, low SCI complication," "quadriplegia with bowel/bladder morbidity," and "older, high SCI complication." Using outcome data from baseline, significant differences were observed in the NBSS score, with the female predominant group exhibiting worse bladder symptoms. After 1 year, the overall bladder symptoms (NBSS Total) did not change significantly by cluster; however, the QOL score for the high function, low SCI complication group had more improvement (ß = -0.12, P = .005), while the female predominant group had more deterioration (ß = 0.09, P = .047). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the utility of machine learning in uncovering bladder-relevant phenotypes among SCI patients. Future research should explore cluster-based targeted strategies to enhance bladder-related outcomes and QOL in SCI.

The AUA/SUFU Guideline on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Idiopathic Overactive Bladder.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this guideline is to provide evidence-based guidance to clinicians of all specialties on the evaluation, management, and treatment of idiopathic overactive bladder (OAB). The guideline informs the reader on valid diagnostic processes and provides an approach to selecting treatment options for patients with OAB through the shared decision-making process, which will maximize symptom control and quality of life, while minimizing adverse events and burden of disease. METHODS: An electronic search employing OVID was used to systematically search the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases, as well as the Cochrane Library, for systematic reviews and primary studies evaluating diagnosis and treatment of OAB from January 2013 to November 2023. Criteria for inclusion and exclusion of studies were based on the Key Questions and the populations, interventions, comparators, outcomes, timing, types of studies and settings (PICOTS) of interest. Following the study selection process, 159 studies were included and were used to inform evidence-based recommendation statements. RESULTS: This guideline produced 33 statements that cover the evaluation and diagnosis of the patient with symptoms suggestive of OAB; the treatment options for patients with OAB, including non-invasive therapies, pharmacotherapy, minimally invasive therapies, invasive therapies, and indwelling catheters; and the management of patients with BPH and OAB. CONCLUSION: Once the diagnosis of OAB is made, the clinician and the patient with OAB have a variety of treatment options to choose from and should, through shared decision-making, formulate a personalized treatment approach taking into account evidence-based recommendations as well as patient values and preferences.

An individual participant meta-analysis of mirabegron in multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury.

INTRODUCTION: Our objective was to conduct an individual patient data meta-analysis (IPDMA) of the two published randomized placebo-controlled trials of mirabegron in people with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) due to spinal cord injury (SCI) or multiple sclerosis (MS). METHODS: We identified two randomized, placebo-controlled trials. We extracted individual patient data from the trials and evaluated two primary outcomes: change in maximum cystometric capacity and change in the patient perception of bladder condition (PPBC). We also evaluated several secondary outcomes related to urodynamic function and quality of life. We conducted three exploratory analyses to test hypotheses based on our clinical experiences with mirabegron in NLUTD. Analysis of covariance with adjustment for baseline values was used for the statistical analysis. RESULTS: Our IPDMA included 98 patients from the two trials. The results showed that mirabegron was associated with a significant improvement in maximum cystometric capacity (+41 mL, p = 0.04) and in the PPBC (-0.8, p < 0.01) compared to placebo. Secondary outcomes including peak neurogenic detrusor overactivity pressure (-20 cm H2O, p < 0.01), incontinence-QOL score (+12, p < 0.01), and 24 h pad weights (-79 g, p = 0.04) also improved significantly compared to placebo. Exploratory analyses found similar improvements in people with MS and SCI; some outcomes improved to a greater degree among people with incomplete SCI, or SCIs that were below T7. CONCLUSIONS: Our IPDMA provides evidence supporting the use of mirabegron in patients with NLUTD due to SCI or MS. Further work evaluating differential responses in people with different SCI lesion characteristics may be warranted.

Predictors of Undergoing Revision Within 5 Years of Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Population-Based Study.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to identify the rate and risk factors for revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) within the first 5 years postoperative. Our secondary objective was to identify the rate of additional surgical procedures and death. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study among patients in Ontario, Canada who underwent an elective, primary TKA between April 1, 2007, and March 31, 2014, for osteoarthritis. We excluded patients under 40 years and who had undergone a TKA within the previous 15 years. Our final study cohort included 94,193 patients. We reported the proportion of the study cohort who experienced revision surgery within 2 and 5 years of the primary TKA; secondary surgery within 5 years. We conducted Cochran-Armitage tests for trends to assess changes in the proportion of patients who experienced each of the study outcomes, and multivariable logistic regressions to evaluate predictors of a revision TKA. RESULTS: There were 3,112 (3.3%) patients who had a revision within 5 years, and 1,866 (2.0%) within 2 years of their primary TKA. 3,316 (3.5%) had a secondary surgery (0.6% patellar resurfacing; 1.6% manipulation; 1.3% synovectomy; 0.5% washout; 0.9% debridement). Lower age, men, lower income, higher comorbidity score, depression, previous arthroscopy, lower surgeon volume, and general anesthesia were all significant positive predictors of revision. CONCLUSIONS: In our study cohort, 2.0% of patients had a revision TKA within 2 years, and 3.3% within 5 years of their primary TKA. Preoperative identification of risk factors may reduce the future prevalence of revision TKAs.

Bladder management is the top health concern among adults with a spinal cord injury.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) commonly experience secondary complications though it is not known how they prioritize these different health domains. Using the Neurogenic Bladder Research Group (NBRG) SCI registry, our objective was to identify the top health concerns of individuals with SCI and identify factors that may be associated with these choices with particular focus on urologic issues that participants face. METHODS: Participants in the NBRG registry were asked: "What are the top 3 problems that affect you on a daily basis?" Urinary symptoms and QoL were assessed with the Neurogenic Bladder Symptom Score (NBSS). Multivariate regression was used to identify factors related to selecting a top ranked health issue. RESULTS: Among our 1461 participants, 882 (60.4%) were men and the median age was 45.1 years (IQR 25.3-64.9). Bladder management was the most commonly top ranked primary issue (39%) followed by pain (16.4%) and bowel management (11.6%). Factors associated with ranking bladder management as the primary concern included years since injury (OR 1.01 [1.00-1.02], p = 0.042), higher (worse) total NBSS (OR 1.05 [1.03-1.06], p < 0.001), and higher (worse) NBSS QoL (OR 1.25 [1.12-1.41], p < 0.001). Reporting chronic pain on a daily basis was associated with ranking pain as the primary health concern (OR 41.7 [15.7-170], p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort, bladder management was ranked as the top health issue and increasing time from injury was associated with increased concern over bladder management. More bladder symptoms were also associated with ranking bladder management as a primary concern while bladder management method and urinary tract infections rate were not.

Association Between Complications after Vascular Surgery and Prolonged Postoperative Opioid Use.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have looked at the long-term risk of opioid use following major vascular surgery and no study has investigated the potential association between major complications and prolonged opioid use. We analyzed a population-based database linked to a prescription database to investigate factors associated with prolonged opioid use following major vascular surgery. METHODS: This population-based cohort study included all adults who underwent open lower extremity revascularization (LER) or nonruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (open [AAA] and endovascular [EVAR]) in the province of Ontario, Canada, between 2013 and 2018. Prolonged opioid use was defined as 2 or more opioid prescriptions filled 6-12 months following surgery. Potential predictors of prolonged use were explored using modified Poisson regression with a generalized estimating equation approach to account for the clustering of patients within physicians and institutions. RESULTS: This study included a total of 11,104 patients with 5,652 patients undergoing open LER, 3,285 patients undergoing EVAR, and 2,167 patients undergoing AAA. The rates of prior opioid use were 35.4% for LER, 15.8% for AAA and 14.3% for EVAR. Major complication rates following each procedure were 59.5% for AAA, 35.1% for LER, and 21.0% for EVAR. Following surgery, prolonged opioid use was identified in 26.1% of LER, 13.2% of AAA, and 11.6% of EVAR patients. The strongest predictor of prolonged opioid use was prior use with an odds ratio (OR) of 13.27 (95% CI: 10.63-16.57) for AAA, 11.24 (95% CI: 9.18-13.75) for EVAR, and 4.69 (95% CI: 4.16-5.29) for LER. The occurrence of a major complication was only associated with prolonged opioid use for patients undergoing LER (OR 1.10; 95% CI: 1.03-1.19), while it had a protective effect on patients undergoing EVAR (OR 0.83; 95% CI: 0.69-0.99) and no association for patients undergoing open AAA repair (OR 1.11; 95% CI: 0.95-1.29). Older age was also protective with a reduced rate of prolonged opioid use for every 10 years of age increase: AAA (OR 0.87; 95% CI: 0.77-0.99); EVAR (OR 0.83; 95% CI: 0.76-0.91); and LER (OR 0.91; 95% CI: 0.87-0.94). CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged opioid use is common following major vascular surgery, occurring in over 10% of patients undergoing either open or endovascular aneurysm repair and over 25% of patients undergoing open LER. Prior opioid use is the strongest predictor for prolonged use, while the occurrence of postoperative complications is associated with a slight increased risk of prolonged use in patients undergoing LER. These patient populations should be targeted for multimodal methods of opioid reduction following their procedures.

A prospective assessment of the validity of the CUA neurogenic bladder guideline.

INTRODUCTION: The Canadian Urological Association (CUA) neurogenic bladder guideline surveillance strategy for neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) has not been formally evaluated. Our objective was to evaluate the validity of the risk stratification suggested in these guidelines. METHODS: This was a prospective, observational cohort study of adult NLUTD patients with spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, or spina bifida who required urodynamics. Patients with a requirement for immediate bladder surgery (not suitable for surveillance) were excluded. Patients completed standardized medical history/questionnaires, baseline urodynamics, renal imaging, and creatinine tests. The primary outcome was the need for different types of urological management between the high-risk and moderate-risk groups. RESULTS: We enrolled 68 patients; most commonly, these were spinal cord injury patients, and most people were using intermittent catheters. At baseline, 62% (40/68) were classified as high-risk. In this group, there was a numerically greater proportion who received a recommendation for a new urological medication (48% vs. 25%, p=0.06) or a change to their bladder management (45% vs. 36%, p=0.44). A total of 26 high-risk and 23 medium-risk NLUTD patients had a one- year followup visit. A larger proportion of the high-risk patients had a recommendation for a new bladder medication (15.4% vs. 8.7% p=0.47), intravesical onabotulinum toxin (34.6% vs. 13% p=0.08), or an alternate method of bladder management (15.4% vs. 4.3%, p=0.2). Mean creatinine change was slightly greater in the high-risk group (+6.1 vs. +0.4 umol/L, p=0.05). Approximately 1/3 of both high-risk and moderate-risk patients didn't accept the recommended interventions. CONCLUSIONS: A higher proportion of high-risk NLUTD patients had urology-relevant interventions recommended, both at baseline and at their one-year followup visit. This supports the general concept of risk stratification and the variables used to define high-risk in the CUA's neurogenic bladder guideline.

The Reduction of Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Is Associated With a Decreased Risk of Death.

PURPOSE: Male lower urinary tract symptoms have been correlated with an increased risk of death; however, it is unclear if treatment will reduce this risk. Our objective was to determine whether a reduction in lower urinary tract symptoms is associated with a reduced risk of mortality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a secondary analysis of the MTOPS (Medical Treatment of Prostate Symptoms) randomized trial of placebo, doxazosin, finasteride, or doxazosin and finasteride. Men in the United States between 1993 and 1998 who were >50 years of age with moderate to severe lower urinary tract symptoms were included. We used various Cox regression models to assess the relationship between AUA Symptom Score (modeled as a time-varying exposure) and death. RESULTS: A total of 3,046 men (median age 62, quartiles 57-68) were randomized and had a baseline AUA Symptom Score. For each 1-point improvement in the AUA Symptom Score, the hazard ratio for death was 0.96 (0.94-0.99, P = .01). Our sensitivity analyses found a similar significant reduction in the hazard ratio for death within men who had active treatment, but not among men who were randomized to the placebo arm; our results did not change when men were censored at the time of transurethral prostate resection, with adjustment for potential confounders, or with a shorter observation period after the last study visit. A comparable significant reduction in death was seen with 1-point improvements in the storage (HR 0.94, 95% CI 0.88-0.99, P = .04) and voiding (HR 0.95, 95% CI 0.91-0.99, P = .03) subscales individually. CONCLUSIONS: Improvement in male lower urinary tract symptoms was associated with a reduced risk of death. Further study is warranted to determine if the male treatment paradigm should shift toward symptom treatment independent of bother.

A population-based retrospective cohort study of surgical trends and outcomes of pediatric urolithiasis in Ontario, Canada (2002-2019).

INTRODUCTION: The worldwide incidence of pediatric urinary stone disease (PUSD) is increasing. However, there is no commensurate data on whether this translates to an increasing need for surgical intervention for PUSD, given the role of conservative management. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the trends and outcomes of clinically significant PUSD, using administrative databases to identify patients surgically treated for PUSD. STUDY DESIGN: This retrospective population-based cohort study assessed the incidence and trends of surgically treated PUSD and outcomes in Ontario, Canada in patients <18 years of age who underwent their first PUSD procedure between 2002 and 2019 utilizing administrative databases held at the Institute of Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES). We assessed the incidence of surgically treated PUSD, demographics, initial surgical treatment and imaging modality, and risk factors for repeat intervention within 5 years. Statistical analyses summarized demographics, surgical trends, and logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for repeat surgical intervention. RESULTS: We identified 1149 patients (mean age 11.3 years), with 59.6% older than 12 years. There was a decrease in the number of PUSD procedures performed per year that was close to statistical significance (p = 0.059) and a trend towards increased utilization of ureteroscopy (URS) compared with Shockwave Lithotripsy (SWL). In addition, there was a significant increase in the proportion of females surgically treated with PUSD (p = 0.001). In the 706 patients followed for 5 years, 17.7% underwent a repeat procedure within 6 months, while 20.4% underwent a repeat procedure from 6-months to 5 years. Renal stone location (OR 2.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.62-4.80, p = 0.0002) and index SWL (OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.20-2.31, p = 0.0025) were risk factors for repeat surgical intervention within the first 6-months. There was an increasing utilization of ultrasound (US) compared to computerized tomography (CT) (p = 0.0008). DISCUSSION: Despite the literature reporting increasing PUSD incidence, we observed a non-significant decrease in the number of surgical PUSD procedures performed. Exclusion of those treated conservatively may explain our results. The increase in the proportion of females treated reflects the narrowing gender gap in stone disease. A trend towards increased URS utilization was observed and re-intervention rates were similar to previous studies. CONCLUSION: The overall rate of surgically treated PUSD did not show an increasing trend in Ontario, Canada from 2002 to 2019. URS was the most common surgical treatment modality, with a corresponding decline in SWL rates. PUSD was associated with a high surgical re-intervention rate within 6 months.

The assessment and management of voiding dysfunction in adults living with cerebral palsy.

PURPOSE: Improvements in life expectancy have resulted in an increasing number of adults with cerebral palsy, of which over a third will have neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD). This review explores urinary dysfunction in adults with cerebral palsy. METHODS: Relevant literature on NLUTD in adults with cerebral palsy was identified using an unrestricted search of PubMed. RESULTS: Urinary incontinence is the most common complaint, often accompanied by frequency and urgency. Special consideration should be given to women and in those with worse motor or cognitive dysfunction as they have been shown to have more severe urologic symptoms. NLUTD can have significant morbidity and impact quality of life. Hospital admission, urinary tract infections, and hydronephrosis are common urologic complications, with poor urinary function associated with decreased quality of life (QOL). Neurogenic detrusor overactivity is the most common urodynamic abnormality, with elevated detrusor leak point pressure and reduced bladder capacity. Detrusor sphincter dyssynergy is present in some patients and maybe secondary to generalized spasticity or incomplete upper motor neuron injury. Elevated bladder capacity is also present in a portion of patients, and becomes particularly relevant in adults as a result of increased spasticity of the urinary sphincter. Conservative management like functional toileting strategies, medications, and incontinence aids are successful in most patients. Medical management with anticholinergics is well described, and frequently the only intervention required, particularly in children. Intermittent clean catheterization has mixed results with this population, as its efficacy is limited by pelvic spasticity and patient factors. Surgical intervention, while often successful, should be restricted to select patients, as it is associated with significant morbidity in this population. CONCLUSION: Management of NLUTD in adults with CP involves conservative management, medications, and in rare cases surgical intervention.

Sex Differences in Bladder Management, Symptoms, and Satisfaction After Spinal Cord Injury.

PURPOSE: We sought to characterize sex-stratified differences in bladder management and bladder symptoms and satisfaction after spinal cord injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a prospective, cross-sectional, observational study; eligibility included: age ≥18 years and acquired spinal cord injury. Bladder management was grouped as (1) clean intermittent catheterization, (2) indwelling catheter, (3) surgery, and (4) voiding. Primary outcome was Neurogenic Bladder Symptom Score. Secondary outcomes were subdomains of the Neurogenic Bladder Symptom Score and bladder-related satisfaction. Multivariable regression was used in sex-stratified models to establish associations between participant characteristics and outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 1,479 participants enrolled in the study. Of the patients 843 (57%) were paraplegic and 585 (40%) were women. Median age and time from injury were 44.9 (IQR 34.3, 54.1) and 11 (IQR 5.1, 22.4) years. Women utilized clean intermittent catheterization at a lower rate (42.6% vs 56.5%) and surgery at a higher rate (22.6% vs 7.0%), especially catheterizable channel creation with or without augmentation cystoplasty (11.0% vs 1.9%). Women had worse measures of bladder symptoms and satisfaction across all outcomes. In adjusted analyses, women and men utilizing indwelling catheters had fewer associated overall symptoms (Neurogenic Bladder Symptom Score), less incontinence, and fewer storage and voiding symptoms. Surgery was associated with fewer bladder symptoms (Neurogenic Bladder Symptom Score) and less incontinence in women, and was also associated with better satisfaction in both sexes. CONCLUSIONS: There are significant sex-stratified differences in bladder management after spinal cord injury, which included a much higher use of surgery. Bladder symptoms and satisfaction are worse across all measurements in women. Women have a substantial associated benefit with surgery, while both sexes have fewer bladder symptoms with indwelling catheters compared to clean intermittent catheterization.

The Incidence and Risk Factors for Emergency Department Imaging in Acute Renal Colic.

Objective: To determine the incidence of and risk factors for imaging in patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with renal colic. Subject/Patients and Methods: We conducted a population-based cohort study in the province of Ontario, utilizing linked administrative health data. Patients who presented to an ED with renal colic between April 1, 2010, and June 30, 2020, were included. The rate of initial imaging (CT scans and ultrasound [U/S]) and repeat imaging within 30 days was determined. Generalized linear models were utilized to evaluate patient and institutional-level characteristics associated with imaging, and specifically CT vs U/S. Results: There were 397,491 index renal colic events, of which 67% underwent imaging (CT 68%, U/S 27%, and CT+U/S same day 5%). Repeat imaging was performed in 21% of events (U/S in 12.5%, CT in 8.4%) at a median of 10 days. Of those with an initial U/S, 28% had repeat imaging compared with 18.5% for those with an initial CT. Undergoing an initial CT was associated with being male, urban residence, later year of cohort entry, history of diabetes mellitus and inflammatory bowel disease, and presentation to nonacademic hospitals of larger size, or with a higher volume of ED visits. Conclusion: Two-thirds of renal colic patients underwent imaging, and CT was the most utilized modality. Patients undergoing an initial CT had a lower likelihood of repeat imaging within 30 days. The utilization of CT increased over time and was more common in males and those presenting to nonacademic hospitals of larger size, or with higher ED volumes. Our study highlights the patient- and institution-level factors that need to be targeted with prevention strategies to reduce the utilization of CT scans, when possible, for cost reduction and to minimize patient exposure to ionizing radiation.

Internal and External Barriers to Bladder Management in Persons with Neurologic Disease Performing Intermittent Catheterization.

People living with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) often have to use clean intermittent catheters (CIC) to manage their bladder function. The use of catheters presents multiple unique challenges, based on both the person's inherent characteristics and on the external limitations imposed by public toilets. We review the impact of age, sex, upper limb function, caregiver assistance, time required to perform CIC, and urinary incontinence on CIC in NLUTD, with special reference to their interaction with societal and public health factors. Public toilet limitations, such as lack of availability, adequate space and special accommodation for CIC, cleanliness, and catheter design are also reviewed. These potential barriers play a significant role in the perception and performance of bladder care in people living with NLUTD.