Perspectives on urological care in multiple sclerosis patients

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Urology
• Immunology

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic central nervous system autoimmune disease.
• MS frequently causes lower urinary tract dysfunction, impacting storage, voiding, or both.
• Urologic issues significantly affect the quality of life for MS patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the epidemiology, pathogenesis, risk factors, and clinical manifestations of MS.
• To detail diagnostic approaches for MS-related urologic conditions.
• To summarize current and emerging therapeutic strategies for MS and its urologic complications.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of MS, focusing on urologic outcomes and therapies.
• Analysis of diagnostic evaluations including urodynamic studies and imaging.
• Synthesis of treatment guidelines for storage and voiding dysfunctions.

Main Results:

• Urinary dysfunction in MS encompasses storage problems (treated with antimuscarinics, CIC, or botulinum toxin A) and voiding issues (managed with CIC and alpha-blockers).
• Sexual dysfunction, particularly erectile dysfunction, is common and treated with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors.
• Management strategies are tailored to specific urologic symptoms and disease severity.

Conclusions:

• Effective management of urologic dysfunction is crucial for improving the quality of life in MS patients.
• A multidisciplinary approach combining neurological and urological care is recommended.
• Further research into novel therapies for MS-related urologic complications is warranted.