Urodynamic findings in female diabetic patients with and without overactive bladder symptoms

The purpose was to analyze urodynamic findings in female diabetic patients with OAB symptoms.

Data from 94 female diabetic patients who underwent urodynamic studies in evaluation of various LUTS were retrospectively reviewed. Urodynamic findings, demographic data, and clinical symptoms were compared between patients with and without OAB.

Among the 94 subjects analyzed, 34 (36.2%) were diagnosed as OAB. Demographic data were similar between the patients with and without OAB. In the OAB group, patients had significantly higher storage symptom scores and marginally higher voiding symptom scores. On cystometry, the OAB group had a higher percentage of increased bladder sensation (41.2% vs 11.7%, P = 0.001) and detrusor overactivity (29.4% vs 10.0%, P = 0.023). The OAB group had lower peak flow rate (16.2 +/- 5.9 vs 19.3 +/- 6.3 ml/s, P = 0.023), greater PVR volume (60.3 +/- 29.4 vs 45.0 +/- 25.1 ml, P = 0.009), and lower bladder voiding efficiency (BVE, 75.2 +/- 2.8 vs 81.5 +/- 2.9%, P < 0.001). On pressure-flow studies, the OAB group had a higher percentage of BOO (26.5% vs 6.7%, P = 0.008).

Our study shows that the most frequent urodynamic finding of OAB in female diabetic patients is increased bladder sensation, followed by detrusor overactivity. Compared to those without OAB, female diabetic patients with OAB are more likely to have impaired voiding function, characterized by lower peak flow rate, greater PVR volume, lower BVE, and a higher percentage of BOO. In these patients, BOO not only causes voiding difficulty but may also contribute to the development of OAB.