Does Post-Void Residual Volume Predict Worsening Urological Symptoms in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis?

Our goal was to examine how post-void residual urine volume relates to urinary symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis.

We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients with multiple sclerosis who had lower urinary tract symptoms and presented to a tertiary neurourology clinic. Patients for whom post-void residual volume was recorded at the initial urological assessment were included in our analysis. Results of the AUA (American Urological Association) SI (Symptom Index) and the M-ISI (Michigan Incontinence Symptom Index) completed at this visit were analyzed to assess the severity of lower urinary tract symptoms and incontinence. A chart review was performed to obtain information on demographics and documented urinary tract infections.

Between 2014 and 2017, 110 patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis underwent post-void residual volume measurement at our clinic. Average post-void residual volume was 123.4 cc (range 0 to 650 cc). The mean AUA symptom score was 19.1 with an average bother score of 4.1. Analysis of post-void residual volume as a continuous variable did not show an association between increasing post-void residual volume and an increasing AUA SI or bother score (p = 0.53 and 0.44, respectively). When evaluated by post-void residual volume tertile, no relationship was found between post-void residual volume, and the AUA SI and the M-ISI (p = 0.54 and 0.57, respectively). No correlation was also found between increasing post-void residual volume and a recent history of recurrent urinary tract infections (p = 0.27).

Post-void residual volume was not associated with worsening obstructive lower urinary tract symptoms as assessed by the AUA SI, worsening incontinence as measured by the M-ISI score or an increased risk of recurrent urinary tract infections in select patients with multiple sclerosis and lower urinary tract symptoms.