An evaluation of contractility parameters determined from isometric contractions and micturition studies

In a group of 110 patients of mixed pathology 218 micturitions were investigated. Using an on-line computer, two contractility parameters were calculated: the parameter U/l, which is derived from the isometric pressure rise in the detrusor before micturition actually started, and the parameter wmax, which is derived from flow and pressure during micturition. It was found that neither of the parameters conforms to the definition of an ideal contractility parameter. Both parameters are subject to the influence of the urethral resistance or the degree of neurogenic stimulation of the bladder, and both measure to some degree the actual performance of the detrusor during a given micturition instead of its myogenic properties. Nevertheless, by dividing patients into groups according to these two measured values, it was shown that clinically relevant types of detrusor behaviour can be distinguished.