Neurogenic detrusor overactivity: comparison between complete and incomplete spinal cord injury patients

To compare leak-point intravesical pressure and cystometric capacity in complete and incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI) patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO).

Retrospective study of filling cystometry at non-physiological filling rate in 80 SCI patients at rehabilitation or annual check-up using Dantec Etude urodynamic machine.

Fifty neurologically complete (ASIA (American Spinal Injury Association) A) and 30 incomplete (ASIA B-E) were diagnosed with neurogenic detrusor overactivity, all with suprasacral level of injury. Mean Pves leak-point pressure (Pves LPP) at cystometric capacity for ASIA A group was 79 +/- 30 cmH(2)O (range 26-140) and mean Pves LPP for ASIA B-E group was 70 +/- 29 cmH(2)O (range 25-130). There was no significant difference between groups (P = 0.234). Mean CC (cystometric capacity) for ASIA A group was 239 +/- 107 ml (range 47-526) and mean CC for ASIA B-E group was 227 +/- 125 ml (range 42-500). Again, no significant difference was found (P = 0.655).

No difference in cystometric capacity and intravesical leak point pressure at terminal detrusor overactivity was shown between complete and incomplete spinal cord injury patients in our survey, that is, represented findings are equally unfavorable for both groups. Incomplete SCI patients with NDO should be tested with cystometry and observed with same caution as we proceed in complete SCI patients.