Renal deterioration in multiple sclerosis patients with neurovesical dysfunction

Our aims were to determine the prevalence of renal ultrasound (RUS) abnormalities over time in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).

Data were examined retrospectively from MS patients with LUTS, from 2000-2009. Study inclusion requirements were both baseline urodynamics (UD) and RUS data, with followup RUS at ≥ 12 months. Age, time since diagnosis (TSD), MS subtype and the UD/RUS results were evaluated for associations.

At presentation, 173 subjects underwent UD and RUS, but only 89 had a repeat RUS at ≥ 12 months. Median followup was 61 months. Initial RUS abnormalities were found in 10 (5.8%) subjects. At followup, upper urinary tract (UUT) abnormalities were seen in 11 (12.4%) subjects. Patients > 49 years old were more likely to have an abnormality (OR 0.181, 95% CI 0.037-0.892, p = 0.04). Patients with abnormal compliance were also more likely to have an abnormal followup RUS (OR 0.185, 95% CI 0.037-0.924, p = 0.04). No other demographic or UD factor was associated with RUS abnormalities.

The development of structural UUT changes is low in MS patients. Urodynamic studies are useful for LUTS treatment strategies in complicated patients, but UD does not appear to have much impact with regard to upper tract changes.