Lower urinary tract symptoms and hematuria in Rheumatoid arthritis (LUTH-RA) study

To determine the frequency of hematuria and lower urinary tract problems in rheumatoid arthritis cohort.

This cross sectional prospective study was conducted at department of Rheumatology Indus Medical College Tando Mohammad Khan from August 1, 2022 to March 3, 2023. Total 229 patients were selected after written and informed consent; demographic details were taken. Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Questionaries' (BFLUTS) was filled and all male participants were asked for ultrasound scan of prostate and freshly voided midstream urine was collected for microscopic hematuria.

In this study the prevalence of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) was (77.3%) and microscopic hematuria (34.5%). Major symptoms of LUTS were: nocturia (69%), bladder pain (35.4%), leaking before going to toilet (40.6%), frequency of incontinence (24.5%), nocturnal incontinence (27.9%), sex life spoiled due to urinary symptoms (22.7%), avoid situation where no toilet (30.1%) and overall interference of life (32.8%) cases. A significant association of DAS-28 with LUTS and microscopic hematuria was seen (p<0.01).

Lower urinary tract problems and microscopic hematuria are common in both genders, and severity of RA, increases LUTS and affects quality of life.