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Effect of phenylpropanolamine on incontinence in children with neurogenic bladders. A double-blind crossover study

P Amark1, O Beck

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.

Insights

Phenylpropanolamine, an alpha-adrenoceptor agonist, helped reduce detrusor hyperactivity and improve continence in children with neurogenic bladder due to myelodysplasia. However, it did not fully restore bladder control.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Urology
  • Neurogenic Bladder Dysfunction
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • In children with myelodysplasia and sacral spinal cord lesions, detrusor hyperactivity and dyssynergic urethral function are primary causes of incontinence.
  • Current pharmacological treatments for neurogenic bladder dysfunction primarily involve anticholinergics and alpha-adrenoceptor antagonists.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of phenylpropanolamine, an alpha-adrenoceptor agonist, on urodynamic parameters and incontinence in children with myelodysplasia.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of phenylpropanolamine in managing neurogenic bladder incontinence.

Main Methods:

  • A double-blind crossover trial was conducted involving 10 pediatric patients.
  • Urodynamic parameters and incontinence were assessed.
  • Plasma concentrations of phenylpropanolamine were measured using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Main Results:

  • Phenylpropanolamine demonstrated a reduction in detrusor hyperactivity.
  • Improvements in continence were observed in the patients treated with phenylpropanolamine.
  • The observed effect on continence was not sufficient to achieve complete dryness.

Conclusions:

  • Phenylpropanolamine shows potential as a treatment for reducing detrusor hyperactivity in pediatric neurogenic bladder.
  • While phenylpropanolamine can improve continence, further therapeutic strategies may be needed for complete incontinence management in this population.

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