Prevalence of bladder dysfunction in Parkinsons disease

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Urology
• Gerontology

Background:

• Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) affect a significant portion of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients, with reported prevalence ranging from 27%-39%.
• Existing validated questionnaires may not fully capture the degree of bother associated with LUTS in PD.
• Understanding LUTS in PD is crucial for improving patient quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To estimate the prevalence and severity of LUTS in patients with PD.
• To measure post-micturitional residual urine volume in PD patients.
• To compare LUTS in PD patients with non-PD patients undergoing urological evaluation.

Main Methods:

• One hundred seven PD patients were assessed using the Dan-PSS and IPSS validated questionnaires for LUTS.
• Post-micturitional residual urine (PMV) was measured in all participants.
• A control group of 61 non-PD patients was included for comparison.

Main Results:

• Bothersome LUTS, measured by Dan-PSS, significantly correlated with the Hoehn and Yahr stage of PD (P = 0.02).
• Nocturia (86%), frequency (71%), and urgency (68%) were the most common symptoms reported via IPSS.
• Urgency (61%), nocturia (50%), and urge incontinence (44%) were the most bothersome symptoms reported via Dan-PSS.

Conclusions:

• The prevalence of severe LUTS in PD is consistent with previous studies.
• The correlation of bothersome LUTS (Dan-PSS) with PD stage suggests symptoms become more impactful as the disease progresses.
• Increased symptom bother may be linked to gait difficulties or sensory integration issues in PD patients.