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Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Myasthenia Gravis
Fuyuki Tateno1, Ryuji Sakakibara1,2, Yosuke Aiba1
1Neurology, Internal Medicine, Sakura Medical Center, Toho University, Sakura, Japan.
Case Reports in Neurology
|August 20, 2021
Summary
Myasthenia gravis (MG) patients experience significantly more lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), including daytime frequency and urinary incontinence, compared to healthy individuals. This impacts their quality of life, highlighting the need for LUTS management in MG care.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Urology
Background:
- Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder affecting neuromuscular junctions.
- The comorbidity of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in MG patients is not well-established.
- Neurogenic pelvic organ dysfunction can manifest as LUTS.
Observation:
- A prospective study compared LUTS prevalence and quality of life (QOL) in 21 MG patients and 235 healthy controls.
- A questionnaire assessed LUTS including daytime frequency, nocturia, and urinary incontinence.
- MG patients reported significantly higher frequencies of daytime frequency (43%) and nocturia (24%).
Findings:
- MG patients exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of LUTS compared to the control group.
- Urinary incontinence was reported by 43% of MG patients, a significantly higher rate than controls.
- MG patients reported a significantly worse LUTS-related QOL index.
Implications:
- LUTS, particularly overactive bladder symptoms, are a significant comorbidity in myasthenia gravis.
- Addressing LUTS in MG patients is crucial for improving their overall quality of life.
- Further research may explore the neurogenic basis of LUTS in MG and targeted interventions.
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