Voiding dysfunction due to multiple sclerosis: a large scale retrospective analysis.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Urology
• Medical Science

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) frequently causes neurological deficits impacting bladder function.
• Voiding dysfunction is a common and often debilitating symptom in MS patients.
• Understanding the urological manifestations is key to managing MS patient quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the outcomes of urologic assessments in patients with multiple sclerosis-related voiding dysfunction.
• To explore correlations between neurological status and urological parameters in MS patients.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 249 multiple sclerosis patients referred for urologic evaluation.
• Analysis of patient demographics, neurological status (Expanded Disability Status Scale), and urological findings.
• Assessment of lower urinary tract symptoms using the Boyarsky symptom index and urodynamic evaluations.

Main Results:

• The majority of MS patients presented with lower urinary tract symptoms, predominantly mixed symptoms (70%).
• Total, storage, and voiding symptom scores correlated with Expanded Disability Status Scale scores.
• Detrusor overactivity and detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia were common urodynamic findings (75%), but upper urinary tract deterioration was rare (5%).

Conclusions:

• Mixed voiding symptoms are more prevalent than isolated storage or voiding symptoms in multiple sclerosis patients.
• While urodynamic abnormalities are frequent, significant upper urinary tract deterioration is uncommon.
• Urologic evaluation is essential for characterizing voiding dysfunction in MS, but upper tract risks appear low.