Association between neurogenic bladder symptom score and disability status in multiple sclerosis patients

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Urology

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease impacting over 75% of patients with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD).
• Urinary symptoms significantly diminish the quality of life for individuals with MS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlation between urinary symptom severity and neurological disability in MS patients.
• To evaluate the utility of the Neurogenic Bladder Symptom Score (NBSS) in assessing urinary dysfunction in MS.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 117 MS patients.
• Administration of the Neurogenic Bladder Symptom Score (NBSS) and collection of clinical data, including the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS).
• Spearman correlation and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were employed.

Main Results:

• A weak but significant positive correlation was observed between NBSS and EDSS (r=0.274, P=0.003).
• Patients with higher EDSS scores (≥5) reported more severe urinary symptoms (higher NBSS).
• An NBSS cutoff of 18 effectively distinguished between lower and higher disability levels (EDSS <5 vs. ≥5).

Conclusions:

• Urinary symptom severity in MS patients increases with neurological disability.
• The NBSS is a valuable tool for assessing urinary dysfunction and disability severity in MS.
• The findings support the use of NBSS as a complementary measure in managing MS-related urinary issues.