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Published on: March 4, 2014
Urinary disorders in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis subjects
Maria Laura Lopes de Carvalho1, Roberta Motta, Mario Alberto Battaglia
1Italian MS Society , AISM Rehabilitation Centre, Genova , Italy.
Summary
Urinary dysfunction is common in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) patients, often linked to pelvic floor spasticity. Early urological evaluation is recommended for ALS patients experiencing significant spasticity.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Urology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease.
- Urinary dysfunction is not commonly associated with ALS.
- Pelvic floor musculature spasticity may contribute to urinary issues in ALS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of urinary dysfunction in ALS patients.
- To explore the relationship between urinary symptoms, post-void residual (PVR) volume, and ALS severity.
Main Methods:
- Data collected from 54 ALS patients.
- Evaluated using the ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS) and Modified Ashworth Scale (M-Ashworth) for lower limbs.
- Post-void residual (PVR) volume assessed via bladder scan.
Main Results:
- 41% of ALS patients reported urinary symptoms.
- 35% had a PVR exceeding 50 ml.
- Significant linear correlations found between PVR and ALSFRS (R²=0.95, p=0.025) and PVR and lower limb M-Ashworth scores.
Conclusions:
- Urinary retention is a common finding in ALS patients.
- Urological assessment is indicated for ALS patients, particularly those with pronounced spasticity.
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