Urodynamics: effect of urinary tract infection on urethral and bladder function

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are common.
• Urodynamic studies are used to diagnose LUTS.
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can affect LUTS and urodynamic results.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of unsuspected lower urinary tract infection on urodynamic study accuracy.
• To determine if bladder function normalizes after UTI treatment.

Main Methods:

• Urodynamic studies were performed on patients with LUTS and UTI.
• Studies were repeated 2 and 4 weeks after successful UTI treatment.
• Changes in bladder stability and stress incontinence were analyzed.

Main Results:

• 45% of patients initially showed bladder instability due to UTI.
• 60% of these patients regained bladder stability post-treatment.
• 30% of stress incontinent patients became continent after UTI treatment.

Conclusions:

• Urodynamic studies performed during UTI can yield false-positive results.
• Treatment of UTI is crucial before definitive LUTS management.
• Repeating urodynamic studies after UTI treatment ensures accurate diagnosis and treatment planning for persistent LUTS.