Prevalence and Risk of Urinary Dysfunction in Cervical and Lumbar Degenerative Spinal Disease: A Large-Scale...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Neurology
• Urology

Background:

• Degenerative spinal disease is a major cause of disability in the elderly, with rising global prevalence.
• Urinary dysfunction is a known complication, but its prevalence and risk factors in large populations remain under-evaluated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically evaluate the prevalence and risk of urinary dysfunction in patients with degenerative cervical and lumbar spinal disease.
• To assess the independent and combined effects of cervical and lumbar disease on urinary dysfunction risk.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective observational study using eight years of national health insurance data (2009-2016) from South Korea.
• Patients were grouped into cervical, lumbar, combined degenerative spinal disease, and control cohorts.
• Meta-analysis and multivariable logistic regression were used to determine pooled prevalence and adjusted odds ratios for urinary dysfunction.

Main Results:

• The prevalence of urinary dysfunction was 8.7% (cervical), 9.1% (lumbar), and 13.7% (combined), compared to 5.2% in controls.
• Adjusted odds ratios for urinary dysfunction were 1.58 (cervical), 1.49 (lumbar), and 2.24 (combined disease).
• Both cervical and lumbar degenerative spinal diseases were independently associated with increased urinary dysfunction risk.

Conclusions:

• Degenerative spinal disease in the cervical and lumbar regions is independently linked to a higher risk of urinary dysfunction.
• Patients with combined cervical and lumbar degenerative spinal disease exhibit the greatest risk.
• Healthcare providers should monitor for urinary symptoms in patients with degenerative spinal disease, especially those with combined regional involvement.