Complications and urologic risks of neurogenic bladder in veterans with traumatic spinal cord injury

This observational study aimed to determine the types of urological lesion encountered in veterans with traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) with neurogenic bladder (NGB), and the usage of bladder management programs to deal with NGB.

NGB (detrusor muscle and urethral sphincter dysfunction with loss of bladder sensation to void) is common in daily practice; however, information on types of urological lesions encountered in these veterans with NGB and how best to manage their NGB is limited.

We retrospectively reviewed the electronic charts of veterans with SCI enrolled in our program and regularly followed in our SCI clinic. Demographic data collected included: age, gender, ethnicity and age, level, severity and cause of spinal injury. Also noted was presence of NGB, episodes of urinary tract infection (UTI), bladder program followed and urological lesions found on renal nuclear scans, renal ultrasounds and cystoscopies.

Of the 161 veterans with SCI, symptoms of NGB was present in 133 (82.6%). Veterans with NGB had more severe spinal injury and more frequent UTI (P<0.05). Renal atrophy and hydronephrosis were the most common urological lesions seen in patients with UTI. Clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) was the most frequently used bladder program resulting in less frequent occurrence of UTI.

Renal atrophy and hydronephrosis were the most common urological lesions encountered in veterans with NGB especially in those with UTI. CIC was the most frequently used bladder management program with the least risk for UTI.