Utilizing Bladder Diaries to Prevent Unnecessary Treatment in Patients With Storage Dysfunction: A Retrospective Study.

Introduction A frequency volume chart (FVC) or bladder diary (BD) is used to diagnose lower urinary tract symptoms and to determine the effectiveness of treatment. In outpatient practice, patients who use an FVC or BD may experience improvement in storage symptoms and not desire further treatment. The aim of this study was to determine the characteristics of patients who did not desire treatment after BD recording and to assess the changes in storage symptoms after BD recording. Methods This was a retrospective study. Patients who completed a three-day BD record were included. The patients were divided into two groups: those whose symptoms improved after using a BD and no longer desired treatment, and those who desired treatment. We compared endpoints including patient background, BD, Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS), and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF) score. Results We recruited 79 patients. Four patients were excluded (two were minors and two due to cognitive impairment). Thus, 75 patients were included in the analysis. Of these, 27 (36.0%) did not desire treatment for storage symptoms after BD recording. Compared with the group of patients who desired treatment, those who did not desire treatment had significantly lower daytime and nighttime frequency and number of leaks recorded in their BD, and there were fewer patients with nocturia and habitual caffeine consumption. Baseline OABSS and ICIQ-UI SF scores were lower and there were no significant changes in storage symptoms after BD recording. The cut-off value for the baseline total score of OABSS that did not desire treatment for storage symptoms after BD recording was 6 points. Conclusion In this study, 36.0% of patients no longer desired treatment for storage symptoms after using a BD. These patients initially exhibited a normal daily urinary frequency and mild storage symptoms. These findings suggest that among patients presenting to the outpatient clinic with storage symptoms, those with mild symptom severity and a total OABSS of 6 points or less may be able to avoid unnecessary treatment through BD recording.

Impact of Antibiotic Choice at the Time of Sacral Neuromodulation Implantation on Rates of Surgical Site Infection.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of specific antibiotic regimens in preventing infection following sacral neuromodulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study utilizing the Premier Healthcare Database. Patients who underwent sacral neuromodulation placement between January 2016 and March 2020. The patients were grouped by those who received dual antibiotic therapy per 2019 AUA guidelines (Gram positive + broad Gram negative coverage), first- or second-generation cephalosporins or any other regimen. Comparison between groups was performed using Kruskal-Wallis and χ2 tests for continuous and categorical variables, respectively. Inverse probability of treatment weighted (IPTW) analysis was used to estimate the average treatment effect of AUA guidelines regimens versus the use the first- or second-generation cephalosporins alone. RESULTS: The sample included 14 179 patients, with 2211 patients receiving prophylaxis that followed the AUA guideline recommendations. There was no significant difference in surgical site infection rates within 3 months (p = 0.28) or within 12 months (p = 0.53) between the groups. On IPTW, the probability of an infection at 3 months was lower with the AUA guideline regimens compared to those who received first- or second-generation cephalosporins alone, but this difference was not statistically significant (OR = 0.73, 95% CI: [0.43, 1.24]). CONCLUSIONS: In the absence of allergies to cephalosporins or penicillin, first- or second-generation cephalosporins alone may be a sufficient preoperative antibiotic regimen for prevention of infection at the time of sacral neuromodulation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable due to being a database study.

Discrete Mathematics in Dynamic Network Analysis: Long-Term Efficacy Evaluation of Fotona Laser Therapy for Overactive Bladder Syndrome Using Clustering-Based Patient Subgroup Identification.

Dynamic network analysis, a state-of-the-art application of discrete mathematics, offers unprecedented insight into complex, time-evolving clinical data. This technical report demonstrates the value of evaluating the long-term efficacy of Fotona laser therapy (Fotona d.o.o., Ljubljana, Slovenia) in overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome. We analyzed data from 101 female patients aged ≥60 years who underwent Fotona laser treatment, including Vaginal Erbium Laser (VEL) and Urethral Erbium Laser (UEL), between 2020 and 2022. OAB symptom scores (OABSS) were collected at baseline (T0) and at six, 12, 18, and 24 months post treatment. Network graphs were constructed, representing patients as nodes, and symptom similarities as edges. Clustering techniques identify patient subgroups, whereas principal component analysis reduces dimensionality. The dynamic evolution of patient clusters was visualized through changes in average degree centrality over time. This approach revealed three distinct patient clusters with unique treatment response patterns. The results showed a progressive reduction in OABSS, with the total score decreasing by 2.82 ± 3.03 at 24 months. Our method provides novel visualization and analysis of complex longitudinal clinical data, offering insights into personalized treatment strategies for OAB. This report presents one of the first applications of discrete mathematics and dynamic network analysis to evaluate the long-term outcomes of Fotona laser therapy for OAB and introduces an innovative perspective for clinical decision-making in urogynecology.

Boys with bladder dysfunction may have posterior urethral valves - A simple framework to aid investigation.

BACKGROUND: Bladder dysfunction (BD) is a common presenting complaint to paediatric urology outpatient clinics, accounting for up to 47% of referrals and affecting one in ten children of toilet training age. Boys with bladder dysfunction have been shown to have higher rates of posterior urethral valves (PUV) however when to consider cystourethroscopy in this group is unclear. OBJECTIVE: Our primary aim was to assess the likelihood of detecting PUV in a cohort of boys of toilet training age presenting to a paediatric urologist with symptoms of bladder dysfunction. Our secondary aim was to assess whether resection of PUV was associated with improved clinical outcome. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review of male patients aged 4-16 (January 2007 to December 2023), referred to paediatric urologist in an Australian outpatient clinic with BD undergoing cystourethroscopy. Those with known renal tract or spinal pathology were excluded. Patients were divided into four groups according to their symptoms/investigation results. Patients were followed up to assess improvement in symptoms following resection of PUV. RESULTS: 247 boys were included in this study with a median age of 8.1 years. 81/247 (32.8%) had PUV on cystourethroscopy. The highest incidence of PUV 13/25 (52%) was in those patients with BD, haematuria or UTI and ultrasound (USS) changes. There was no difference in outcome improvement in those who underwent resection of PUV when compared with those without PUV. DISCUSSION: Our study findings concur with results from previous literature identifying higher rates of PUV in older boys with bladder dysfunction. We have utilised straightforward clinical criteria to provide a targeted framework for screening with cystourethroscopy. There was no difference in outcomes when PUV was resected, compared to those without PUV. Limitations of this study include the retrospective nature, possible selection and reporting biases. CONCLUSION: The likelihood of detecting PUV in our cohort of boys aged 4-16 with bladder dysfunction was 32.8%. The four groups provide clinicians with guidance on who may benefit from cystoscopy. This study provides future scope for a prospective interventional study of PUV in boys with BD.

Steps toward identification of a novel cue-positive overactive bladder phenotype in women with high-bother urinary urgency.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between situational cues (running water, stress, cold, etc.) and overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms. METHODS: Women scheduled for urodynamic studies for clinical indications completed surveys to characterize OAB (ICIQ-OAB and OAB-V3) and responses to situational cues (validated long-form cues survey and a novel short-form cues survey). Participants were divided into two groups (Low-Bother urgency vs. High-Bother urgency), and OAB and cue survey responses were compared. RESULTS: A total of 47 participants were enrolled in the study with 36 meeting inclusion criteria (15 Low-Bother and 21 High-Bother) with an overall mean age of 60.0 ± 10.0 years. The High-Bother urgency group scored significantly higher on multiple cue items in the long-form (P<0.05) and only "running water" in the short-form cues survey (P<0.05). In addition, "running water" was the only cue that was scored higher in both surveys (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that patients with High-Bother urgency may have increased symptom responses to environmental, mood, and cognitive cues. These findings suggest increased sensitivity to cues, especially "running water" in participants with bothersome OAB and the potential presence of a cue-specific OAB phenotype.

Assessing the Use of BotulinumtoxinA for Hyperactive Urinary Tract Dysfunction a Decade after Approval: A Single-Blind Study to Evaluate the Reduction in Pain in OnabotulinumtoxinA Detrusor Injection Using Different Injection Needles.

Overactive bladder (OAB) has a significant impact on the quality of life; thus, it requires treatment that can be adhered to over a long period without undue side effects. The current treatment which uses an anticholinergic or ß-3 agonist may fail to improve symptoms and has side effects, leading to high discontinuation rates. OnabotulinumtoxinA (OnabotA) detrusor injection has been approved for idiopathic OAB as a second-line treatment with good effectiveness and tolerability. This study used a visual analog scale (VAS) to assess the impact of the type of needle used for OnabotA detrusor injections under local anesthesia on the pain levels after each injection. This study included 68 female patients. We used three different needles with thicknesses ranging from 22 to 27 gauge, lengths between 4 and 5 mm, and different cuts. The sensation of pain was rated at each standardized injection location. Regardless of the needle used, the patients' perceptions of pain at the beginning of the procedure were rated as being less than the subsequent injections. Most pain sensations were rated as low to moderate. The mean pain sensation on the VAS was 2.5 ± 0.3 overall, i.e., for all patients and needles used. Statistically significant differences in pain sensation were rated only at some locations of the bladder (on the back wall and the right side of the bladder). The single needles averaged the following pain scores: 2.8 ± 0.3 for needle A (20 G, 4 mm), 2.1 ± 0.3 for needle B (27 G, 5 mm), and 2.6 ± 0.4 for needle C (20 G, 4 mm, sharp cut 15°). The 27-gauge needle caused significantly less pain, and it had no negative impact due to its length, which was 1 mm longer than the other needles. Thus, the needle thickness was a decisive factor in the patients' perceptions of pain.

Associations of overactive bladder (OAB) with suicidal ideation incidence and all-cause mortality among the U.S. population.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have explored the correlation between overactive bladder (OAB) and suicidal ideation. This study aims to investigate the association between OAB and suicidal ideation, as well as the relationship between OAB and all-cause mortality among individuals with suicidal ideation. METHODS: Data from the 2005-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were analyzed using cross-sectional and cohort study designs. Weighted multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine the association between OAB and suicidal ideation. Kaplan-Meier curves and weighted multivariable Cox proportional hazards models assessed the relationship between OAB and all-cause mortality among those with suicidal ideation. Interaction analyses on subgroups were conducted to validate the findings. Mediation analysis was performed to examine the effect of depression on the relationship between OAB and suicidal ideation. RESULTS: Among 33,426 participants aged ≥ 20 years, 1,290 (3.8%) reported suicidal ideation. After adjusting for potential confounders, participants with OAB were 2.57 times more likely to have suicidal ideation (P < 0.001). Over an average follow-up of 87 months, 197 participants with suicidal ideation died. The Cox model revealed that participants with OAB had a 3.08 times higher risk of death (P = 0.006). Kaplan-Meier curves indicated higher survival rates for non-OAB participants. Mediation analysis indicates that depression significantly mediates the relationship between OAB and suicidal ideation, with a mediation proportion of 75.25% (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: OAB is positively associated with the incidence of suicidal ideation and all-cause mortality among participants with suicidal ideation. Additionally, the association between OAB and suicidal ideation is mediated by depression.

Association of Smoking Status and Pack Year History With Urinary Urgency Symptoms.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Overactive bladder and its hallmark symptom, urgency, are thought to be multifactorial in pathogenesis. Smoking is a particularly important risk factor to understand because it is modifiable; studies evaluating an association between smoking and urgency have been inconclusive. We therefore sought to rigorously assess the relationship between smoking and urgency in terms of both a temporal and quantitative pack year history of smoking while controlling for other possible confounding factors. METHODS: Community-based adult women were recruited using the ResearchMatch website to participate in an online survey of bladder health which included questions to assess urgency symptoms, medical comorbidities, and detailed smoking history. Smoking history was studied as the independent variable in three different formulations: smoking status (never vs. former vs. current), continuous pack year history, and categorical pack year history. The outcomes studied included urgency (any urgency in the past 7 days), moderate urgency (urgency at least half the time), and urgency urinary incontinence (UUI). Chi-square tests were performed to detect associations between smoking and these outcomes, and multivariate regression was then performed to control for possible confounders and to help determine the comparative influence of temporality versus quantity of smoking history. RESULTS: In 1720 women who completed the questionnaire, current smoking status was associated with a 23% increase in the risk of experiencing urgency (RR 1.23) and a 78% increase in the risk of experiencing moderate urgency (RR 1.78) relative to never smokers. The risk of experiencing UUI was 40% higher (RR 1.40). Lifetime pack year history was also significantly associated with urgency outcomes, although only in smokers/former smokers who had a 20+ pack year history (RR 1.15, 1.60, and 1.25 for urgency, moderate urgency, and UUI, respectively). The presence of former smoking history was not significantly associated with urgency outcomes, even when controlling for cumulative pack years. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis of a large cross-sectional database of women suggests a strong, consistent link between current smoking status and urinary urgency and UUI. By contrast, no increased risk of urgency was attributed to former smoking status. Analysis of pack year history suggests a dose-response relationship wherein ≥ 20 pack years was significantly associated with a higher risk of all urgency outcomes. In models controlling for pack year history, the association of current smoking with urgency remained significant and former smoking remained nonsignificant. Taken together, this supports greater attention being given to the contribution of current smoking to urgency symptoms, and to the need for further longitudinal work to determine if smoking cessation can be a strategy to treat urgency.

Causal effects of gut microbiota on risk of overactive bladder symptoms: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study.

Background: Clinical observations indicate a correlation between the gut microbiota and overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms. Nevertheless, the causal relationship and mechanisms between gut microbiota and OAB symptoms remain elusive. Methods: Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were performed to assess the association between gut microbiota and OAB symptoms, including urinary incontinence (UI). Data were obtained from the MiBioGen International Consortium genome-wide association studies (GWAS) dataset and the IEU GWAS database. The inverse variance weighted method was used as the primary approach in the MR analysis, with the weighted median, MR-Egger, and weighted mode methods as supplementary approaches. Sensitivity analyses were employed to assess potential violations of the MR assumptions. Results: Our analysis identified seven gut bacterial taxa with a causal relationship to OAB and nine gut bacterial taxa associated with UI. Genera Eubacteriumfissicatenumgroup, LachnospiraceaeNK4A136group, and Romboutsia were identified as protective factors against OAB, while genera Barnesiella, FamilyXIIIAD3011group, Odoribacter, and RuminococcaceaeUCG005 were associated with an increased risk of OAB. A higher abundance of the genus Coprococcus3, order Burkholderiales, and phylum Verrucomicrobia predicted a lower risk of UI. Conversely, the class Mollicutes, genus Ruminococcus gauvreauii group, order Mollicutes RF9, and phylum Firmicutes and Tenericutes were positively correlated with UI risk. The sensitivity analysis excluded the influence of potential heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy. Conclusion: This study revealed a causal relationship between gut microbiota and OAB symptoms, providing new insights and a theoretical foundation to identify biomarkers and therapeutic targets for patients with OAB symptoms.

Mirabegron 50†mg once daily, long-term treatment maximizes benefit in middle-aged and older people with overactive bladder syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of nine phase II/III, randomized, double-blind, parallel-design, placebo-controlled, multicenter, and multinational trials.

The prevalence and severity of overactive bladder increase with age, and mirabegron is an approved treatment for this condition. This meta-analysis systematically evaluated the efficacy and safety of mirabegron compared with placebo for overactive bladder treatment. We searched PubMed and the Cochrane Library (30 October 2023) for relevant articles (source: MEDLINE, EMBASE, ClinicalTrials.gov, ICTRP, CINAHL). We included randomized controlled trials involving adults with overactive bladder syndrome that compared mirabegron with placebo treatment. Data were analyzed according to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions [Review Manager (computer program) Version 5.4]. Nine parallel-group trials (10 articles) were included. The evaluation included a total of 8,527 adults, including 6,445 women and 2,082 men, of whom 5,726 were White, 2,462 were Asian, and 161 were Black. The mean age of the participants ranged from 53.4 to 60.3 years. This evaluation involved three specifications of mirabegron: 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg. In all trials, patients were enrolled in a 12-week double-blind treatment period, and the dose was once daily. The review of trials found that on average, people taking mirabegron had about 13 ml more volume voided per micturition, five fewer micturitions, and four fewer incontinence episodes every week, with moderate improvements in quality of life. About one in five people taking the drug reported TRAEs. Mirabegron treatment is well tolerated, with the risk of adverse events similar to that of a placebo. For best results, a dose of 50 mg once daily is recommended for long-term use. It is unclear whether any benefits are sustained after treatment discontinuation. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, PROSPERO (CRD42023430737).

Association analysis of ADRB3:rs4994 with urodynamic outcome, six months after a single intra-detrusor injection of botulinum toxin, in women with overactive bladder.

BACKGROUND: Intra-detrusor injection of botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT/A) is recommended as a possible treatment for patients with overactive bladder (OAB) in whom first-line therapies have failed. The c.190T > C (rs4994) polymorphism in the gene encoding the beta-3 adrenergic receptor (ADRB3) has been suggested to be associated with predisposition to OAB or with response to OAB treatment via a cholinergic muscarinic receptor antagonist. This prospective study aimed to use a urodynamic parameter-based assessment of response, six months after a single intra-detrusor injection of BoNT/A in female OAB patients, to elucidate possible association with the ADRB3 polymorphism. METHODS: The study group consisted of 138 consecutive, Polish, adult, female OAB patients. Urodynamic parameters were recorded before injection of BoNT/A and at six months after administration. ADRB3:rs4994 variants were identified by the sequencing of genomic DNA extracted from buccal swabs. RESULTS: Apart from baseline, and relative, increase in Maximum Cystometric Capacity (MCC) six months after BoNT/A injection, no significant differences were found in urodynamic parameters between reference TT homozygotes and women with at least one C allele. CONCLUSIONS: Our results do not exclude that ADRB3:rs4994 variants are associated with a positive urodynamic test-based response to intra-detrusor injection of BoNT/A in females with OAB.

Association between weight-adjusted waist index and overactive bladder: a cross-sectional study based on 2009-2018 NHANES.

Background: The weight-adjusted waist index (WWI) is a novel obesity indicator that appears to outperform the body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) in assessing both overweight and obesity. Studies have demonstrated the relationship between obesity and overactive bladder (OAB). The purpose of this study is to examine the correlation between WWI and OAB. Methods: This research utilizes data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) collected between 2009 and 2018. Each participant's WWI was calculated as their WC in centimeters by the square root of weight in kilograms. The Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS) questionnaire is used to determine whether a participant has OAB. Multivariate logistic regression and generalized additive model analysis were employed to investigate the relationship between WWI and OAB. We used smoothing curve fitting to explore non-linear relationships. Additionally, subgroup analysis and interaction tests are conducted. Results: In this cross-sectional study involving 35,950 subjects, we found that individuals with a higher WWI have a higher risk of OAB (OR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.02-1.74). Subgroup analysis and interaction testing showed that the relationship between WWI and OAB is consistent across various population characteristics. Smoothing curve fitting reveals a positive non-linear relationship between WWI and OAB. Furthermore, the association between WWI and OAB is stronger than that of other obesity-related indicators. Conclusion: Weight-adjusted waist index may be able to predict the incidence of OAB and that WWI-based obesity management may help to reduce the risk of OAB.

Screening of overactive bladder syndrome and its relation with insomnia: A public health experience.

Background: Overactive bladder (OAB) syndromes are a vital global issue linked to sleep disturbances and insomnia. This survey explores the relationship between these health burden issues and their risk factors. Methodology: A survey-based study was conducted among Makkah city citizens' in April 2023. A standardized tool of OAB symptom score and Insomnia Severity Index was used to screen participants. The collected data were statistically analyzed using SPSS. Results: Overall, 529 participants were enrolled in this survey with mean = 37.3 and standard deviation = 13.7. Most participants had mild OAB 74.67%, while insomnia represents no clinically significant subtype among the majority 55.39%. About 25.33% of participants had clinical OAB (moderate and severe), while approximately 44.61% had insomnia. Similarly, participants with the mild subtype of OAB show a significant correlation with no clinically significant subtype of insomnia (P ˃ 0.001). Furthermore, participants with moderate OAB were statistically associated with subthreshold insomnia (P ˃ 0.001). Conclusion: Medical attention and public awareness are mandatory for the early detection of OAB and insomnia.

Outcomes of sacral neuromodulation in male patients with overactive bladder, chronic pelvic pain, and fecal incontinence.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the growing body of literature on sacral neuromodulation (SNM) outcomes, research focusing on male patients remains limited and often represented by small cohorts nested within a larger study of mostly women. Herein, we evaluated the outcomes of SNM in a male-only cohort with overactive bladder (OAB), fecal incontinence (FI), chronic bladder pain, and neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 64 male patients who underwent SNM insertion between 2013 and 2021 at a high-volume tertiary center. Indications for SNM therapy included OAB, FI, chronic pelvic pain, and NLUTD. Descriptive statistics, Fisher's and t-test were used in analysis. RESULTS: The mean age was 57.7 ± 13.4 years, and the most frequent reason for SNM insertion was idiopathic OAB (72%), FI (16%), pelvic pain (11%), and NLUTD (11%). A majority (84%) of men received treatment prior to SNM insertion. 84% reported satisfaction and 92% symptom improvement within the first year, and these improvements persisted beyond 1 year in 73% of patients. Mean follow up was 52.7 ± 21.0 months. The complication rate was 23%, and the need for adjunct treatments was significantly reduced (73% to 27%, p < 0.001). Treatment outcomes did not differ significantly between various indications for SNM therapy or the presence of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). CONCLUSION: SNM is an effective and safe procedure for male patients with neurogenic and non-neurogenic OAB, pelvic pain, and FI. Over 70% of patients experienced symptomatic improvement and remained satisfied in the mid to long term follow up. BPH does not seem to hinder treatment outcomes.

An update on the cognitive safety of antimuscarinics in the treatment of overactive bladder.

INTRODUCTION: Antimuscarinics are often the first-choice medications used to treat overactive bladder (OAB), a condition that increasingly affects the aging population. However, concerns regarding their potential impact on cognitive function have persisted for more than a decade. AREAS COVERED: This review was conducted to update the literature on the cognitive safety profiles of various antimuscarinics, integrating findings from both recent and earlier studies to present an updated and comprehensive analysis. A search of English-language publications, including electronic databases and gray literature, focused on the cognitive impacts of antimuscarinics, resulting in a review and assessment of diverse studies and their associated outcomes. EXPERT OPINION: Oxybutynin requires caution due to potential adverse effects, suggesting a need to consider alternative therapies. Darifenacin, while promising in preserving cognitive function, warrants further investigation for use in dementia patients. Fesoterodine has shown tolerance without cognitive decline in controlled trials. However, Tolterodine and Solifenacin present conflicting evidence regarding cognitive impairment and dementia risk, respectively, necessitating additional research to ascertain their safety profiles. Careful monitoring and treatment of patients taking these medications for cognitive impairment are essential. Further research, particularly in vulnerable populations, is crucial to establish cognitive safety profiles of various antimuscarinics and inform optimal OAB treatment strategies.

Association between weight-adjusted waist index and overactive bladder syndrome among adult women in the United States: a cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: The weight-adjusted waist index (WWI) is a recently developed index for measuring obesity. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between WWI levels and overactive bladder (OAB) in a nationally representative population. METHODS: This cross-sectional study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database between 2007 and 2016. OAB was defined as the Overactive Bladder Syndrome Symptom Score (OABSS, score ≥ 3). The WWI index was calculated as the square root of waist circumference (WC, cm) divided by body weight (kg). We used weighted logistic regression models to assess the relationship between the WWI index and OAB in adult women. The reliability of the findings was assessed using restricted cubic spline, subgroup analysis. RESULTS: A total of 10,563 individuals were included in the study, and the prevalence of OAB was 18.6%. Higher WWI was associated with an increased risk of overactive bladder syndrome. In model 1 with unadjusted variables (OR = 1.148; 95% CI = 1.148-1.149, p < 0.001), model 2 (OR = 1.253; 95% CI = 1.253-1.254, p < 0.001) and model 3 with fully adjusted variables (OR = 1.215; 95% CI = 1.214-1.215, p < 0.001) in which the association was significant. The results of the subgroup analyses showed that age stratification and stroke status could modify this association between WWI and OAB. Restricted cubic spline showed a nonlinear relationship between WWI and OAB (p for nonlinear < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Weight-adjusted waist circumference index (WWI) values are positively associated with the risk of developing OAB in adult women in the United States, but further studies are needed to elucidate the causal relationship between WWI and OAB.

Activation of Piezo1 channels enhances spontaneous contractions of isolated human bladder strips via acetylcholine release from the mucosa.

Enhanced spontaneous bladder contractions (SBCs) have been thought one of the important underlying mechanisms for detrusor overactivity (DO). Piezo1 channel has been demonstrated involved in bladder function and dysfunction in rodents. We aimed to investigate the modulating role of Piezo1 in SBCs activity of human bladder. Human bladder tissues were obtained from 24 organ donors. SBCs of isolated bladder strips were recorded in organ bath. Piezo1 expression was examined with reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence staining. ATP and acetylcholine release in cultured human urothelial cells was measured. Piezo1 is abundantly expressed in the bladder mucosa. Activation of Piezo1 with its specific agonist Yoda1 (100 nM-100 µM) enhanced the SBCs activity in isolated human bladder strips in a concentration-dependent manner. The effect of Yoda1 mimicked the effect of a low concentration (30 nM) of carbachol, which can be attenuated by removing the mucosa, blocking muscarinic receptors with atropine (1 µM), and blocking purinergic receptors with pyridoxal-phosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulfonate (PPADS, 30 µM), but not by tetrodotoxin (1 µM). Activation of urothelial Piezo1 with Yoda1 (30 µM) or hypotonic solution induced the release of ATP and acetylcholine in cultured human urothelial cells. In patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia, greater Piezo1 expression was observed in bladder mucosa from patients with DO than patients without DO. We conclude that upregulation and activation of Piezo1 may contribute to DO generation in patients with bladder outlet obstruction by promoting the urothelial release of ATP and acetylcholine. Inhibition of Piezo1 may be a novel therapeutic approach in the treatment of overactive bladder.

Using Urine Biomarkers to Differentiate Bladder Dysfunctions in Women with Sensory Bladder Disorders.

Sensory bladder disorders encompass several distinct conditions with overlapping symptoms, which pose diagnostic challenges. This study aimed to evaluate urine biomarkers for differentiating between various sensory bladder disorders, including non-Hunner's interstitial cystitis (NHIC), detrusor overactivity (DO), hypersensitive bladder (HSB), and urodynamically normal women. A retrospective analysis of 191 women who underwent a videourodynamic study (VUDS) was conducted, with some also receiving cystoscopic hydrodistention to confirm the presence of NHIC. Participants were categorized into four groups: DO (n = 51), HSB (n = 29), NHIC (n = 81), and normal controls (n = 30). The urine levels of inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers were measured. The DO patients exhibited elevated IP-10 levels, while the HSB patients had decreased TAC and 8-OHdG levels. The NHIC patients showed lower IL-2 and higher TNF-α levels. A TNF-α ≥ 1.05 effectively identified NHIC, with an AUROC of 0.889, a sensitivity of 98.8%, and a specificity of 81.3%. An IP-10 ≥ 6.31 differentiated DO with an AUROC of 0.695, a sensitivity of 56.8%, and a specificity of 72.3%. An 8-OHdG ≤ 14.705 and a TAC ≤ 528.7 identified HSB with AUROCs of 0.754 and 0.844, respectively. The combination of 8-OHdG and TAC provided an AUROC of 0.853 for HSB. These findings suggest that TNF-α, IP-10, TAC, 8-OHdG, and IL-2 are promising non-invasive biomarkers for distinguishing between these conditions, which may improve diagnosis and management.

Botulinum Neurotoxin Type A in paediatric non-neurogenic therapy resistant overactive bladder: a cohort study.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Intradetrusor Botulinum Neurotoxin Type A (BoNT-A) is an increasingly applied treatment modality for overactive bladder (OAB) in children with refractory urinary incontinence. Despite that, evidence is sparse, and the potential not fully understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of intradetrusor injection in children with refractory functional OAB and urinary incontinence. Furthermore, we aimed to identify predictors of efficacy and side effects to BoNT-A treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a cohort study of children with OAB and urinary incontinence who received intradetrusor injection of BoNT-A in the period 01.01.2016 to 31.12.2020 at our centre. All patients were refractory to standard urotherapy, anticholinergics, mirabegron and the combination of these treatments. Patients with neurogenic bladder were excluded. Primary endpoint was the reduction on the frequency of urinary incontinence episodes from baseline. Secondary endpoints included urodynamic parameters and uroflowmetry characteristics as well as side effects. RESULTS: Forty-three children (mean age at first treatment 10.7 ± 1.8, 30 males) were included. After first treatment, a reduction of ≥ 50% in incontinence episodes was seen in 58% of patients with daytime urinary incontinence (DUI) and 47% of patients with nocturnal enuresis (NE). Adverse events, mainly urinary tract infections (UTI), were reported by 16% of patients after first treatment. Our analysis identified normal cystometric compliance as a significant predictor of treatment effect We estimated the mean duration of effect to be approximately 7 months. CONCLUSIONS: Intradetrusor BoNT-A injection appears to be a safe and effective option in treating refractory urinary incontinent children with overactive bladder. We identified cystometric compliance as a predictor of response. Most children necessitate repeated treatments. Further prospective and controlled studies are necessary in order to fully identify predictors and potential of treatment.

Effectiveness of Electrical Stimulation Combined with Pelvic Floor Muscle Training on Female Sexual Dysfunction with Overactive Bladder: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

(1) Background: Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) and overactive bladder (OAB) are prevalent disorders that significantly impair women's quality of life. While pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is a well-established treatment for OAB, its effectiveness for FSD remains uncertain. Recent studies suggest that intravaginal electrical stimulation (IVES) may enhance the effects of PFMT. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of combining IVES with PFMT to improve sexual function and bladder control in women with OAB and FSD. (2) Methods: A total of 40 women with FSD and OAB as determined by the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS) were randomized into two groups: group 1, the intravaginal electrical stimulation group (IVESG) (n = 20), and group 2, the placebo control group (CG) (n = 20). Patients in both groups received PFMT during the trial, and the IVESG underwent 10 weeks of electrical stimulation. The primary outcome was the change in the FSFI score from baseline to week 4 and week 10. The secondary outcome was a comparison of the OABSS values at week 4 and week 10 of the trial. (3) Results: After treatment, the IVESG scores for the total FSFI, sexual arousal and orgasm, increased significantly (p < 0.05). After 10 weeks of treatment, the OABSS values for IVESG were significantly lower (p < 0.01). After 10 weeks of treatment, the percentage of patients with mild OAB in the IVESG and CG increased by 53.33% and 60%, respectively, while the percentage of patients with both moderate and severe OAB decreased, especially in the IVESG, where patients with severe OAB were non-existent after 10 weeks of treatment. (4) Conclusions: IVES combined with PFMT improved objective and subjective measures of FSD and OAB. There was a significant improvement in FSD (including arousal and orgasmic domain scores). This study concludes that IVES is an effective conservative treatment.