Video urodynamic findings in men with the central cord syndrome

PURPOSE: The central cord syndrome reportedly has a favorable prognosis and rehabilitation outcome. However, to our knowledge the status of the lower urinary tract in patients with the central cord syndrome is unclear. We report on 22 men with the central cord syndrome who were evaluated by video urodynamics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 1986 to the present we identified 22 men with a mean age of 51 years who had the central cord syndrome and were included in the Houston Veterans Affairs spinal cord registry. All patients underwent video urodynamic evaluation a mean of 34.5 months after injury. RESULTS: Video urodynamic testing for vesicourethral dysfunction was normal in 3 patients, while it showed bladder outlet obstruction secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia in 2, detrusor areflexia in 4, external detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia in 11, detrusor hyperreflexia with a synergistic external urethral sphincter in 1 and detrusor hypocontractility in 1. Urinary tract infection recurred in 3 patients with external detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia and urolithiasis developed in 2. CONCLUSIONS: Urodynamic testing revealed a high incidence of external detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia in men with the central cord syndrome. Due to the potential for upper tract deterioration all patients with the central cord syndrome should undergo baseline urodynamic studies. Those at high risk for upper tract deterioration with external detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia or a loss of compliance should be treated more aggressively with clean intermittent catheterization and anticholinergic medication when possible.     

脊髓栓系患者的尿动力学评估和治疗对策

目的　探讨脊髓栓系对膀胱尿道功能的影响。　方法　采用影像尿动力学检查评估36例脊髓栓系患者的膀胱尿道功能 ;以膀胱顺应性和有无膀胱输尿管返流评估膀胱的储尿功能 ;以排尿期逼尿肌压力评估逼尿肌排尿功能 ;结合膀胱尿道透视和尿动力学检查了解有无逼尿肌 外括约肌的协同性 ,并结合压力 流率曲线了解尿道的控尿功能。采用 χ2 检验比较各组参数异常发生的频数。　结果　脊髓栓系后神经源性膀胱的类型主要为逼尿肌反射不能伴低顺应性膀胱 ,占 5 0 % (18/36 ) ;逼尿肌反射亢进占 2 2 % (8/ 36 )。逼尿肌反射不能伴低顺应性膀胱者其肾功能损害的发生率83% (15 / 18) ,明显高于逼尿肌反射亢进者 (38% ,3/ 8,P <0 .0 5 )。膀胱顺应性减低者肾功能异常占81% (17/ 2 1) ,明显高于顺应性正常者 (7% ,1/ 15 ,P <0 .0 1)。顺应性减低者膀胱输尿管返流发生率6 7% (14 / 2 1) ,明显高于顺应性正常者 (7% ,1/ 15 ,P <0 .0 1)。　结论　脊髓栓系所致的神经源性膀胱类型各异 ,治疗方案的制定应以尿动力学结果为依据。顺应性减低可能是造成肾功能损害和膀胱输尿管返流的主要原因 ,泌尿外科治疗目的在于创建一低压、足够容量和控尿的膀胱以保护上尿路功能     

Effect Of Controlled-Release Oxybutynin On Neurogenic Bladder Function In Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract

Objective: This study evaluated the effects and tolerability of extended-release oxybutynin chloride on the frequency of voiding and catheterization and urodynamic capacity in spinal cord injury (SCI) patients with defined detrusor hyperreflexia.

Methods: This was a 1 2-week, prospective, dose-titration study of extended-release oxybutynin (oxybutynin XL) . SCI patients with urodynamically defined detrusor hyperreflexia were recruited for this study. Following a 7 -day washout period, patients were evaluated via video-urodynamic study and then treatment was initiated at a dosage of 1 0 mg per day. Dosage was increased in weekly intervals to a maximum of 30 mg per day. Micturation frequency diaries and urodynamics were completed at baseline and repeated at week 1 2. Tolerability information was collected at each follow-up visit.

Results: Ten patients (mean age = 49 years) with complete or incomplete SCI were enrolled. Participants reported clinical improvement (decreased urinary frequency and fewer incontinence episodes) with oxybutynin therapy following titration to 30 mg per day. All patients chose a final effective dosage of greater than 1 0 mg, with 4 patients taking the maximum of 3 0 mg per day. Mean cystometric bladder capacity increased from 2 7 4 mL to 3 80 mL (P = 0.008). No patient experienced serious adverse events during the 12-week study.

Conclusion: Oxybutynin XL is safe and effective in patients with detrusor hyperreflexia secondary to SCI. The onset of clinical efficacy occurs within 1 week, and daily dosages up to 30 mg are well tole rated.     

Micturition urodynamic flow studies in children.

Voiding abnormalities are encountered frequently in pediatric patients. Symptoms of daytime incontinence, frequency and nocturnal enuresis in any combination may indicate underlying neurophysiologic detrusor imbalance. Incomplete evaluation of these symptoms can result in inappropriate medical therapy or even ineffective operations. Within the preceding 7 months 34 children with hard-core voiding abnormalities were evaluated with urodynamic techniques. Several categories of abnormal voiding patterns were identified, including the hyperactive external sphincter, uninhibited pediatric neurogenic bladder, detrusor hyperreflexia secondary to chronic cystitis, hyperactive external sphincter with hypotonic bladder and the hyperactive external sphincter with detrusor irritability. All patients received specific pharmacotherapy based on presenting signs and symptoms, and voiding pattern abnormality. Of the 24 patients who have been treated in this manner and were evaluated 83.5% have had complete remission of symptoms while on therapy, the remainder being improved but still having occasional symptoms. The technique and data demonstrate that children with hard-core voiding abnormalities can achieve rehabilitation with urodynamic assessment.     

Micturitional disturbance in a patient with a spinal cavernous angioma

A 58-year-old woman had a 3-year history of numbness in the right leg, which developed into thoracic transverse myelopathy and urinary retention. After referral to our department, MRI scans revealed a lesion with a target appearance at the T10-11 spinal cord with multiple silent cerebral lesions, which confirmed the diagnosis of cavernous angioma. Gamma-knife surgery was not indicated, considering the risk of adverse effects. The patient gradually became able to urinate, but had urge urinary incontinence. The first urodynamic studies (conducted 3 months after full clinical manifestations of transverse myelopathy) showed detrusor hyperreflexia (DH), decreased bladder sensation during bladder filling, detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia (DSD), and weak detrusor on voiding. However, urinary retention appeared again without change of neurologic signs. The second urodynamic studies (conducted 2 months later) showed less marked DH during bladder filling, and equivocal DSD but marked weak detrusor on voiding. The patient started taking oral prazosin hydrochloride (6 mg/day), which gradually ameliorated her voiding difficulty. Lesions in the lateral and dorsal columns of the spinal cord seem to be responsible for the micturitional disturbance in our patient with spinal cavernous angioma.     

Neurogenic Bladder: Past,Present, and Future

Abstract

Summary: The foundation of the management of neuragenie bladder can be attributed to a pioneer in spinal cord injury medicine. Dr. Donald Munro, a neurosurgeon, who also had experience in urologic surgery, established the firstSpinal Cord lnjury Service of 1 0 beds in the Boston Cityhospital in the 1 930s. He later became adviser to the US Army and the Veterans Administration (VA). On his recommendation, paraplegic centers were created in US army hospitals and later in the VA hospitals from 1 943 to 1945. This article reviews the evolution of the management of neuragenie bladder in patients with spinal cord injuries from the past century to the present. The role of urodynamics in defining neurologic lesions is critical to the appropriate management of the voiding dysfunction. Key advances, such as the diagnosis of detrusor sphincter dyssynergia (DSD), recognition of its association with autonomic dysreflexia, and its definitive management, have been emphasized. The role of transrectallinear array sonography using a rectal probe was found useful for defining bladder outlet dysfunction du ring urodynamics. lt also helped to recognize secondary bladder neck obstruction and diagnose false passages in the urethra. Clean technique intermittent catheterization (IC) was evaluated and recommended. ln about 28'7'o patients with DSD that led to secondary bladder neck obstruction, a consequence of IC was reported. Transurethrallaser sphincterotomy (TURS) was first reported by mein 1 991, and later, durable 7 -yearfollow-up results were reported in 78'7'o of the first 99 patients. We reported a surgical technique to lengthen the penis. We also reported the long-term success with semirigid implants in 92'7'o of patients with SCI. This technique helped maintain external condom drainage on a small phallus and improved the sex life of patients, as weil as their quality of life. The author's pertinent areas of interest in the past one-half century were aimed at recognizing specific urologic problems associated with neurologic impairment. Management was aimed at preventive care, early recognition, and timely management to reduce secondary complications and enhance quality of life.     

经尿道膀胱壁A型肉毒毒素注射治疗脊髓损伤患者逼尿肌反射亢进及神经原性尿失禁

目的　评估逼尿肌A型肉毒毒素注射治疗脊髓损伤患者逼尿肌反射亢进和神经原性尿失禁的临床效果。　方法　损伤平面在骶髓以上的完全性脊髓损伤患者 31例 ,男 2 0例、女 11例 ,平均年龄 30岁。均表现为肾积水、输尿管返流及严重尿失禁。将 30 0UA型肉毒毒素溶解于 15ml生理盐水 ,使用膀胱镜注射针分 30个点注射于三角区以外的膀胱壁 ,0 .5ml/点。治疗前后记录排尿日记、行尿动力学检查 ,并观察毒副作用。　结果　治疗后第 3周 ,31例平均尿失禁次数由 14 .2次 /d降至 2 .5次 /d ,平均导尿量由 12 4ml/次增至 4 95ml/次 ,尿动力学结果表明平均最大膀胱测压容积由 133ml增至 4 75ml、平均充盈末逼尿肌压力由 6 2 .7cmH2 O(1cmH2 O =0 .0 98kPa)降至 17.1cmH2 O。起效平均时间为 6 .8d(3～ 14d) ,6 .5 % (2 /31)患者因治疗后症状无改善改用其它方法 ,12 .9% (4 /31)患者因症状再次加重而接受第 2次肉毒素治疗 ,12 .9% (4 /31)患者因症状改善有限而同时服用托特罗定治疗。随访 1～ 15个月 ,平均 8.5个月。随访期未观察到任何毒副作用。　结论　逼尿肌A型肉毒毒素注射是一种治疗脊髓损伤患者逼尿肌反射亢进和神经原性尿失禁的有效、安全、可行、可重复的微创方法。     

Botulinum Toxin Injections for Voiding Dysfunction Following SCI

Abstract

Botulinum toxin (BT) injections have been used successfully to treat spastic muscle conditions, including detrusor- sphincter dyssynergia (DSD) seen in spinal cord injury (SCI) patients. In our urology clinic, we used BT to treat three SCI patients who had voiding dysfunction, using a transperineal needle with electromyographic (EMG) monitoring. Two of the patients reported excellent results following the treatment. One patient, with whom the staff had difficulty doing intermittent catheterization (IC), improved significantly. The other patient had improved voiding with an external catheter and minimal urinary residual. The third patient had no improvement of leg spasms with his voiding dysfunction and required a sphincterotomy. Although patients may need repeat injections, BT is minimally invasive and easy to administer with no side effects. Overall, BT injection is an excellent method of managing voiding in SCI patients, especially those on continuous external catheters and with IC management who refuse or are not good candidates for surgery.     

The urodynamic aspects of the Guillain-Barré syndrome

A total of 7 patients with the Guillain-Barré syndrome and voiding dysfunction, large post-voiding residuals or urinary retention underwent urodynamic evaluation. Of the patients 4 had detrusor areflexia with a positive bethanechol supersensitivity test, including 3 with electromyographic evidence suggestive of neuropathy. This is the expected pattern in the Guillain-Barré syndrome. However, 3 patients had detrusor hyperreflexia with appropriate sphincteric relaxation, which was associated with Babinski's sign in 2. The presence of detrusor hyperreflexia suggests the possibility of Guillain-Barré pathological conditions involving the central nervous system, although the Guillain-Barré syndrome typically is a disease of the peripheral nervous system. Long-term urodynamic studies may help clarify such issues in future patients.     

Early predictors of bladder recovery and urodynamics after spinal cord injury

Our purpose was to determine if intact perianal (S4–5) pin sensation (PPS) and bulbocavernosus (S2–4) reflex (BCR) shortly after spinal cord injury (SCI) are predictive of bladder function recovery. Twenty-eight SCI patients (aged 18–68 years, Frankel Classification A–D, spinal injury level C4–T12), admitted within 72 hours of injury, underwent evaluation of initial PPS and BCR. The presence of intact PPS and BCR were correlated with the patient's voiding function and urodynamic evaluation results 1 year postinjury. Of the 28 patients within 72 hours of SCI, PPS was intact in 17 (60%) and absent in 11 (40%), while 15 patients (54%) demonstrated a positive BCR and 13 (46%) did not. One year after SCI, no patient with absent PPS voided unassisted, while of the 17 patients with preserved PPS, 11 (65%) were voiding spontaneously. Of these 11 patients, urodynamic evaluation revealed detrusor areflexia in 1 (9%), normal detrusor function in 2 (18%), and detrusor hyperreflexia in 8 (73%), with 3 of these 8 patients (38%) also demonstrating detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia. At 1 year postinjury, only 2 of 13 patients (15%) with an absent BCR voided spontaneously, while 9 of 15 patients (60%) with an intact BCR were able to void. Although PPS and BCR are moderately sensitive in predicting the return of spontaneous voiding, they cannot predict detrusor hyperreflexia and sphincter dyssynergia. Therefore, urodynamic study remains an essential component of initial urologic evaluation after SCI. Neurourol. Urodynam. 17:25–29, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Adjuvant drug therapy: A review of 30 cases of sacral anterior root stimulator

Implantation of a sacral anterior root stimulator in spinal cord injured patients must achieve two main goals to maintain a vesicosphincteral balance: complete bladder voiding and correct continence. During the postoperative period, difficulties may arise or persist with either an incontinence due to an insufficient deafferentation with bladder hyperreflexia or an incomplete voiding because of an insufficient contraction of detrusor and/or too high urethral resistances (vesicosphincteral dyssynergia). A third of our patients required specific therapies after implantation to promote interstimulation continence and complete bladder voiding. Regarding continence, adjuvant therapies are effective for bladder hyperreflexia in connection with a too-partial deafferentation. On the other hand, these therapies have little effect on low bladder compliance. In regard to bladder voiding, nonsurgical treatments are equally effective. These treatments (parasphincteral infiltrations, alpha-blockers) must not be permanent, but allow a reharmonizing between expulsive strengths and urethral resistances. Eighty percent of our patients who required adjuvant therapies have been improved significantly. This confirms the efficiency of adjuvant therapy and speaks for patience.     

Clinical studies of autonomic hyperreflexia

Autonomic hyperreflexia in 25 patients with spinal cord injury has been clinically analyzed. Nineteen of the patients (76%) suffered from neurogenic lesions above Th-5 and the rest (24%) below Th-6. The most frequent subjective symptom was sweating (22 patients), followed by headache, nausea and so forth. These symptoms were encountered mostly in patients with poor voiding efficiency and developed less than one year after the spinal cord injury. Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure elevated with the distension of the bladder. At the maximum bladder capacity both systolic and diastolic pressure were 39% higher than that observed in the empty bladder. Regitin, 10 mg, given intravenously suppressed this elevation by two-thirds compared to the control. The treatment modality consisted of clean intermittent catheterization and external sphincterotomy, to prevent the over-stretching of the detrusor muscle, together with administration of alpha-adrenergic blockers and ganglionic blocking agent, which interrupt the efferent impulse. Twenty two of the patients (88%) were successfully controlled.     

Donald Munro Lecture 2003. Neurogenic bladder: past, present, and future

The foundation of the management of neurogenic bladder can be attributed to a pioneer in spinal cord injury medicine. Dr. Donald Munro, a neurosurgeon, who also had experience in urologic surgery, established the first Spinal Cord Injury Service of 10 beds in the Boston City hospital in the 1930s. He later became adviser to the US Army and the Veterans Administration (VA). On his recommendation, paraplegic centers were created in US army hospitals and later in the VA hospitals from 1943 to 1945. This article reviews the evolution of the management of neurogenic bladder in patients with spinal cord injuries from the past century to the present. The role of urodynamics in defining neurologic lesions is critical to the appropriate management of the voiding dysfunction. Key advances, such as the diagnosis of detrusor sphincter dyssynergia (DSD), recognition of its association with autonomic dysreflexia, and its definitive management, have been emphasized. The role of transrectal linear array sonography using a rectal probe was found useful for defining bladder outlet dysfunction during urodynamics. It also helped to recognize secondary bladder neck obstruction and diagnose false passages in the urethra. Clean technique intermittent catheterization (IC) was evaluated and recommended. In about 28% patients with DSD that led to secondary bladder neck obstruction, a consequence of IC was reported. Transurethral laser sphincterotomy (TURS) was first reported by me in 1991, and later, durable 7-year follow-up results were reported in 78% of the first 99 patients. We reported a surgical technique to lengthen the penis. We also reported the long-term success with semirigid implants in 92% of patients with SCI. This technique helped maintain external condom drainage on a small phallus and improved the sex life of patients, as well as their quality of life. The author's pertinent areas of interest in the past one-half century were aimed at recognizing specific urologic problems associated with neurologic impairment. Management was aimed at preventive care, early recognition, and timely management to reduce secondary complications and enhance quality of life.     

A urodynamic study of detrusor hyperreflexia in benign prostatic hypertrophy

Urodynamic study was performed on 48 patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy. Twenty six of the patients had detrusor hyperreflexia. The mean age of the patients with detrusor hyperreflexia was higher, the mean value of urinary frequency was greater, the mean value of bladder capacity was smaller and the mean value of maximum voiding pressure was higher than those of patients without detrusor hyperreflexia. Small bladder capacity and high voiding pressure of patients with detrusor hyperreflexia were improved 3 months postoperatively. Eight of the 14 patients with detrusor hyperreflexia had normal bladder function, but detrusor hyperreflexia of the resting 6 patients was persisting. The mean value of posterior urethral length on the urethral pressure profile of patients with persisting detrusor hyperreflexia was shorter than that of patients with improved detrusor hyperreflexia. This suggested that the shorter length of posterior urethra may be a causative factor for persisting detrusor hyperreflexia.     

Feasibility of Urodynamic Study (Combined Cystometry and Electromyography of the External Urethral Sphincter) under General Anesthesia in Children

Background To assess the feasibility of urodynamic study under general anesthesia (GA) we performed electromyography of the external urethral sphincter (EUS-EMG) on 73 children and cystometry (CM) alone on 10 children.
Methods Subjects were divided into 3 groups. Those in groups I and II were suspected of having voiding dysfunction with (group I) or without (group II) overt neurospinal defects, while those in group III were thought to be functionally normal. EUS-EMG was performed under light anesthesia following cystourethroscopy to examine structural abnormalities. Atropine sulfate premedication was not used for the anesthetic procedure; muscle relaxants were used only for tracheal intubation.
Results Voiding was observed in 83% of the patients. Among patients who voided, detrusor-external sphincter dyssynergia (DSD) was noted in 7 (38%) group I patients and 6 (19%) group II patients; in group III, voiding was synergic in all patients. In 10 cases, CM alone was carried out both under anesthesia and in the waking state; anesthesia suppressed detrusor hyperreflexia (DH) in all 9 patients but produced no change in bladder compliance.
Conclusions In children with urinary disorders, urodynamic study under GA following cystourethroscopy is a feasible method for assessing EUS function and documenting DSD; DH is not evaluable, however. Stratifying urinary management on the basis of these examinations resulted in satisfactory clinical outcomes.     

Relationship of bladder dysfunction to lesion site in multiple sclerosis

PURPOSE: We investigated the relationship of voiding dysfunction type and the lesion site in patients with multiple sclerosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Voiding dysfunction was evaluated in 32 patients with multiple sclerosis using the International Prostate Symptom Score and urodynamic tests. Lesion sites were determined by combined neurological examination and magnetic resonance imaging findings. RESULTS: Compared with reports from Western countries the ratio of emptying-to-filling symptoms was high in Japan. Of urinary symptoms only filling correlated with disability status and disease duration. Urinary symptoms were not related to lesion sites. Urodynamic evaluation revealed detrusor hyperreflexia in 14 of 32 patients, hyporeflexia or areflexia in 12, detrusor hyperreflexia with impaired contractile function in 4, a low compliance bladder in 1 and normal function in 1. Of 14 patients with hyperreflexia 13 had overactive sphincter concurrently. Incompetent sphincter was identified in 2 patients who had detrusor hyperreflexia with impaired contractility and in 1 with a low compliance bladder. A significant correlation was noted for a pontine lesion and detrusor hyporeflexia, and for a cervical cord lesion and detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia. CONCLUSIONS: Detrusor hyporeflexia and detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia are indicative of a pontine and cervical spinal cord lesion, respectively. Thus, the lesion site in the central nervous system may be a major determinant of the type of bladder and urethral sphincter dysfunction. The high prevalence of emptying symptoms in Japanese patients may reflect the prevalence of detrusor hyporeflexia and detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia.     

Effect of controlled-release oxybutynin on neurogenic bladder function in spinal cord injury

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the effects and tolerability of extended-release oxybutynin chloride on the frequency of voiding and catheterization and urodynamic capacity in spinal cord injury (SCI) patients with defined detrusor hyperreflexia. METHODS: This was a 12-week, prospective, dose-titration study of extended-release oxybutynin (oxybutynin XL). SCI patients with urodynamically defined detrusor hyperreflexia were recruited for this study. Following a 7-day washout period, patients were evaluated via video-urodynamic study and then treatment was initiated at a dosage of 10 mg per day. Dosage was increased in weekly intervals to a maximum of 30 mg per day. Micturation frequency diaries and urodynamics were completed at baseline and repeated at week 12. Tolerability information was collected at each follow-up visit. RESULTS: Ten patients (mean age = 49 years) with complete or incomplete SCI were enrolled. Participants reported clinical improvement (decreased urinary frequency and fewer incontinence episodes) with oxybutynin therapy following titration to 30 mg per day. All patients chose a final effective dosage of greater than 10 mg, with 4 patients taking the maximum of 30 mg per day. Mean cystometric bladder capacity increased from 274 mL to 380 mL (P = 0.008). No patient experienced serious adverse events during the 12-week study. CONCLUSION: Oxybutynin XL is safe and effective in patients with detrusor hyperreflexia secondary to SCI. The onset of clinical efficacy occurs within 1 week, and daily dosages up to 30 mg are well tolerated.     

Capsaicin and neurogenic detrusor hyperreflexia: A double-blind placebo-controlled study in 20 patients with spinal cord lesions

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and tolerance of capsaicin, a neurotoxin for C-fiber afferents, applied intravesically in the treatment of detrusor hyperreflexia. Eleven male and nine female patients who had spinal cord lesions caused by multiple sclerosis (12) or trauma (eight) resulting in detrusor hyperreflexia with urge incontinence and pollakiuria were randomized to receive one intravesical instillation of either 30 mg capsaicin in 100 ml 30% ethanol or 100 ml 30% ethanol alone. The patients were evaluated clinically (voiding diary) and urodynamically (maximum cystometric capacity, maximum detrusor pressure, first and normal desire to void) before and 30 days after the instillation. On day 30, the 10 patients who received capsaicin had significant decreases in 24-h voiding frequency from 9.3 ± 6.1 to 6.7 ± 3.8 (P = 0.016) and leakages from 3.9 ± 1.6 to 0.6 ± 0.8 (P = 0.0008); their maximum cystometric capacity increased from 169 ± 68 to 299 ± 96 ml (P = 0.01) and maximum detrusor pressure decreased from 77 ± 24 to 53 ± 27 cm H₂O. There were no significant changes in the control group. In seven subjects in each group, instillation triggered immediate side effects (suprapubic pain, sensory urgency, flushes, hematuria, autonomic hyperreflexia) that resolved within 2 weeks. Intravesical capsaicin significantly improves clinical and urodynamic parameters of detrusor hyperreflexia in spinal cord–injured patients. Side effects are frequent, tolerable, and identical to those induced by 30% ethanol alone. Neurourol. Urodynam. 17:513–524, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

The Role of Urodynamics in the Evaluation of Voiding Dysfunction in Men after Cerebrovascular Accident

Purpose

The etiology of voiding dysfunction was determined in men after a cerebrovascular accident who were at risk for obstructive uropathy to evaluate whether the cause of voiding dysfunction could be predicted by the type (obstructive or irritative) or onset of symptoms.

Materials and Methods

We evaluated 38 men with complaints of voiding dysfunction following a cerebrovascular accident. All patients were of the age when bladder outlet obstruction secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia would otherwise be prevalent. After a comprehensive history and physical examination, all patients underwent multichannel urodynamic studies at a medium fill rate (20 to 50 ml. per minute). Findings were classified by the Abrams-Griffiths nomogram as obstruction, no obstruction or equivocal.

Results

Mean patient age was 70 years (range 54 to 87). Patients were grouped according to the presenting voiding complaints (purely irritative in 42 percent, purely obstructive in 34 percent or mixed in 24 percent). In 34 patients (89 percent) the onset of symptoms paralleled the occurrence of the cerebrovascular accident. Detrusor hyperreflexia was noted in 82 percent of the patients. There was no statistically significant difference in the occurrence of detrusor hyperreflexia among the 3 symptom groups (Fisher's exact test). Pressure-flow analysis clearly showed obstruction in 24 patients (63 percent), no obstruction in 9 (24 percent) and equivocal results in 5 (13 percent) according to the nomogram. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of obstruction among the 3 symptom groups (Fisher's exact test).

Conclusions

Presenting symptoms did not predict the urodynamic findings of bladder outlet obstruction or detrusor hyperreflexia. The significant incidence of onset of symptoms after stroke suggests that the cerebrovascular accident induced voiding dysfunction in the face of preexisting bladder outlet obstruction may exacerbate the symptoms of the latter condition or vice versa.     

Effects of acute bolus and chronic continuous intrathecal baclofen on genitourinary dysfunction due to spinal cord pathology.

A prospective, blinded study was done to examine the effects of acute bolus and chronic continuous intrathecal baclofen on genitourinary function in 10 patients with severe spasticity due to spinal cord pathology. Genitourinary function was assessed by symptom questionnaires and urodynamic studies performed after a bolus dose of baclofen and 6 to 12 months after continuous intrathecal baclofen. Results were compared to placebo for acute bolus testing or to pre-continuous intrathecal baclofen values. In all patients with irritative voiding and urge incontinence uninhibited bladder contractions were eliminated. Of 3 patients with an indwelling urethral catheter for incontinence due to detrusor hyperreflexia 1 was converted to intermittent self-catheterization. Whereas bladder capacity, compliance, sensation and voiding pressures were not different after continuous intrathecal baclofen, when a mean of all patients was compiled, a 72% increase in capacity and 16% improvement in compliance were observed in subjects without cervical spinal cord pathology. Detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia was abolished in 40% of the patients. Continuous intrathecal baclofen may represent a novel approach to the management of patients with a neurogenic bladder who have decreased bladder compliance and detrusor hyperreflexia not controlled by oral medications.