Urodynamic Findings in Adults With Moderate to Severe Cerebral Palsy

To determine urodynamic studies (UDS) findings in adult cerebral palsy (CP) patients. CP patients may suffer from voiding dysfunction. UDS in children with CP has consistently shown an upper motor neuron bladder with detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia.

We included adult CP patients seen at Gillette Transitional Urology Clinic who underwent UDS for voiding dysfunction between 2011 and 2014. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize findings.

There were 49/211 CP patients who underwent UDS. Average age was 30 years; 55% were men. Ninety-eight percent had moderate to severe CP. UDS was initiated for irritative symptoms in 55%, obstructive voiding symptoms in 25%, hydronephrosis in 18%, and other reasons in 2%. Incontinence was reported in 57%. Detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia was seen in 12%, detrusor overactivity in 30%, and detrusor leak point pressure (DLPP) >40 cmH2O in 51%. Median compliance was 18 mL/cmH2O (0.78-365). Maximum cystometric capacity (MCC) was 80-1400 mL and was <300 mL in 27%. Sixteen percent had an MCC <300 mL and a compliance <20 mL/cmH2O. Twelve percent had an MCC <300 mL and a DLPP >40 cmH2O.

UDS findings in symptomatic adult CP patients are varied. Fifty-one percent had upper motor neuron bladder findings, similar to that seen in the pediatric literature, but 6% had large flaccid bladders. Half of the patients had concerning findings, such as compliance <20 or DLPP >40 cmH2O. Our results emphasize the need to thoroughly investigate voiding dysfunction in those with CP. Further characterization of this population is needed to correlate these UDS findings with clinical outcomes.