The urodynamic characteristics of multiple sclerosis

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Urology
• Medical Science

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease affecting the central nervous system.
• Urinary dysfunction is a common and often debilitating symptom in MS patients.
• Understanding the urodynamic profile of MS-related bladder issues is crucial for management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the urodynamic findings in patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis presenting with urinary symptoms.
• To identify the prevalence of bladder instability and detrusor sphincter dyssynergia in this cohort.

Main Methods:

• Urodynamic assessment, including filling cystometry, was conducted on 52 patients with MS and urinary symptoms.
• Sphincter electromyography and synchronous cineradiography of voiding were performed on a subset of patients.

Main Results:

• Fifty-one out of 52 patients exhibited bladder instability during filling cystometry.
• One patient presented with inappropriate urethral sphincter relaxation at low bladder capacity and pressure.
• Detrusor sphincter dyssynergia was identified in a significant number of patients based on electromyography and cineradiography.
• No correlation was found between urodynamic parameters and the severity of physical disability in MS patients.

Conclusions:

• Bladder instability is highly prevalent in MS patients with urinary symptoms.
• Detrusor sphincter dyssynergia is a common urodynamic finding in this population.
• Urodynamic parameters do not correlate with the physical disability level in MS patients, suggesting distinct pathophysiological pathways for bladder and motor symptoms.