[Clinical impact of idiopathic bladder instability]

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Urodynamics

Context:

• Idiopathic vesical instability (I.V.I.) is a urodynamic diagnosis of unknown origin.
• It is associated with diverse clinical conditions including urinary incontinence, urgency-frequency syndrome, vesicoureteral reflux, and recurrent urinary infections.
• I.V.I. can also be implicated in upper urological diseases secondary to pseudo-obstruction and morphological changes.

Purpose:

• To determine the prevalence of I.V.I. in a large cohort of patients undergoing urodynamic examination.
• To analyze the association of I.V.I. as a singular diagnosis in various urological conditions.

Summary:

• A total of 2500 patients were urodynamically examined between January 1988 and January 1994.
• Vesical instability was diagnosed in 24% of cases, with 72% of these identified as I.V.I.
• I.V.I. was found as a sole diagnosis in 53% of post-prostatectomy incontinence, 71% of enuresis cases, 11% of stress incontinence, 46% of non-specific incontinence, 16% of prostatism evaluations, 55% of vesicoureteral reflux, and 59% of recurrent urinary infections.

Impact:

• This study quantifies the significant presence of I.V.I. across a spectrum of urological conditions.
• Findings underscore the importance of urodynamic assessment for diagnosing I.V.I. in patients with unexplained urinary symptoms.
• Understanding I.V.I. prevalence aids in better diagnosis and management of associated urinary disorders.