神经根刺激器在治疗脊髓损伤所致神经原性膀胱功能障碍的应用价值

【摘要】〓目的〓探讨神经根刺激器在治疗脊髓损伤所致神经原性膀胱功能障碍(NBD)的应用价值。方法〓选取2009年3月至2013年5月期间我院确诊治疗的脊髓损伤所致NBD患者72例,分刺激组和对照组,两组患者均给予每天2次口服托特罗定(2 mg/次)治疗,刺激组患者在此基础上给予神经根刺激治疗,其中刺激组依据治疗方法又分为骶神经电刺激(SNS)治疗组和神经肌肉电刺激(NES)治疗组,对所有患者进行为期3个月的随访,观察患者尿流动力学、尿道压力和日均排尿次数。结果〓在尿流动力学方面,NES组残余尿量和最大膀胱容量明显优于SNS组(P<0.017),而SNS组残余尿量与最大膀胱容量明显优于对照组(P<0.017);在逼尿肌压力水平与日均排尿次数方面,治疗后60 d,NES组明显优于对照组(P<0.017);治疗后120 d,NES组明显优于SNS组与对照组,SNS组明显优于对照组(P<0.017)。结论〓神经根刺激治疗有利于改善脊髓损伤所致NBD患者膀胱功能。     

Pudendal nerve stimulation evokes reflex bladder contractions in persons with chronic spinal cord injury

AIMS: Although electrical stimulation of the pudendal nerve has been shown to evoke reflex micturition-like bladder contractions in both intact and spinalized cats, there is little evidence to suggest that an analogous excitatory reflex exists in humans, particularly those with spinal cord injury (SCI). We present two cases where electrical activation of pudendal nerve afferents was used to evoke excitatory bladder responses. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A percutaneously placed catheter electrode was used to electrically stimulate the pudendal nerve trunk in two males with SCI. The response was quantified with recorded changes in detrusor pressure and EMG activity of the external anal sphincter. RESULTS: In both individuals, frequency specific (f = 20-50 Hz) activation of the pudendal nerve trunk evoked excitatory bladder contractions that also depended on the stimulus amplitude and bladder volume. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that selective activation of the perineal branches of the pudendal nerve may further augment the excitatory reflex evoked by electrical stimulation.     

Electrical Stimulation of the Urethra Evokes Bladder Contractions in a Woman With Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract

Objective: Electrical stimulation of pudendal urethral afferents generates coordinated micturition in animals and bladder contractions in men after spinal cord injury (SCI), but there is no evidence of an analogous excitatory urethra-spinal-bladder reflex in women. The objective of this study was to determine whether electrical stimulation of the urethra could evoke bladder contractions in a woman with SCI.

Case Report: A 38-year-old woman with a C6 ASIA A SCI who managed her bladder with clean intermittent catheterization and oxybutynin demonstrated neurogenic detrusor overactivity on urodynamics. Oxybutynin was discontinued 2 days prior to urodynamic testing with a custom 12F balloon catheter mounted with ring-shaped electrodes located in the bladder neck, mid urethra, and distal urethra. The inflated balloon was placed against the bladder neck to stabilize the catheter electrodes in place along the urethra. However, the balloon limited emptying during contractions. Urodynamics were performed at a filling rate of 25 mL/minute until a distention-evoked bladder contraction was observed. The urethra was stimulated over a range of bladder volumes and stimulus parameters to determine whether electrical stimulation could evoke a bladder contraction.

Findings: Electrical stimulation via urethral electrodes evoked bladder contractions that were dependent on bladder volume (>70% capacity) and the intensity of stimulation.

Conclusions: This is the first report of an excitatory urethra-spinal-bladder reflex in a woman with SCI. Future studies will determine whether this reflex can produce bladder emptying.     

Electrical Stimulation of the Urethra Evokes Bladder Contractions in a Woman With Spinal Cord Injury

Objective:

Electrical stimulation of pudendal urethral afferents generates coordinated micturition in animals and bladder contractions in men after spinal cord injury (SCI), but there is no evidence of an analogous excitatory urethra-spinal-bladder reflex in women. The objective of this study was to determine whether electrical stimulation of the urethra could evoke bladder contractions in a woman with SCI.

Case Report:

A 38-year-old woman with a C6 ASIA A SCI who managed her bladder with clean intermittent catheterization and oxybutynin demonstrated neurogenic detrusor overactivity on urodynamics. Oxybutynin was discontinued 2 days prior to urodynamic testing with a custom 12F balloon catheter mounted with ring-shaped electrodes located in the bladder neck, mid urethra, and distal urethra. The inflated balloon was placed against the bladder neck to stabilize the catheter electrodes in place along the urethra. However, the balloon limited emptying during contractions. Urodynamics were performed at a filling rate of 25 mL/minute until a distention-evoked bladder contraction was observed. The urethra was stimulated over a range of bladder volumes and stimulus parameters to determine whether electrical stimulation could evoke a bladder contraction.

Findings:

Electrical stimulation via urethral electrodes evoked bladder contractions that were dependent on bladder volume (>70% capacity) and the intensity of stimulation.

Conclusions:

This is the first report of an excitatory urethra-spinal-bladder reflex in a woman with SCI. Future studies will determine whether this reflex can produce bladder emptying.     

Electrical stimulation of sacral nerves and roots for control of the neurogenic bladder and bowel

After damage to the spinal cord, some of the most frequent and severe complications are due to the neurogenic bladder and bowel, in spite of a variety of methods of management.Bladder and bowel emptying is usually impaired, but electrical stimulation of nerves surviving after spinal cord injury can produce controlled contraction of muscle, including the smooth muscle of the bladder and lower bowel, and this can be used to produce safe and effective bladder emptying on demand without catheters. It can also aid emptying of the bowel and reduce constipation. Hyper-reflexia of the bladder and lower bowel after spinal cord injury can produce reflex incontinence of urine and stool, and while this can sometimes be reduced by neuromodulation, it can be more predictably reduced by rhizotomy of the sacral sensory roots, while preserving the motor roots for stimulation. This combination of electrical stimulation and rhizotomy has restored bladder and bowel emptying and continence to several thousand patients, with reduced complications and improved quality of life over many years.     

Genital nerve stimulation increases bladder capacity after SCI: A meta-analysis

Background: Neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) often results in decreased bladder capacity, urinary incontinence, and vesico-ureteral reflux. NDO can trigger autonomic dysreflexia and can impair quality of life. Electrical stimulation of the genital nerves (GNS) acutely inhibits reflex bladder contractions and can increase bladder capacity. Quantifying the effect of GNS on bladder capacity and determining what study factors and subject factors influence bladder capacity improvements will inform the design of clinical GNS interventions.

Methods: We measured bladder capacity in 33 individuals with NDO, with and without GNS. These data were combined with data from seven previous GNS studies (n=64 subjects). A meta-analysis of the increase in bladder capacity and potential experimental factors was conducted (n=97 subjects total).

Results: Bladder capacity increased 131±101?ml with GNS across subjects in all studies. The number of individuals whose bladder capacity was greater than 300?ml increased from 24% to 62% with GNS. Stimulus amplitude was a significant factor predicting bladder capacity gain. The variance of the bladder capacity gain significantly increased with increasing infusion rate. Other factors did not contribute to bladder capacity gain.

Conclusion: GNS acutely increases bladder capacity in individuals with NDO. The consistent increase in magnitude of bladder capacities across the eight studies, and the lack of dependence on individual-specific factors, provide confidence that GNS could be an effective tool for many individuals with NDO. Studies of the chronic effect of GNS on bladder control, with clinical measures such as urinary continence, are needed.     

Genital nerve stimulation is tolerable and effective for bladder inhibition in sensate individuals with incomplete SCI

Background: Neurogenic detrusor overactivity after spinal cord injury (SCI) causes urinary incontinence and reduces bladder capacity. Surface electrical genital nerve stimulation (GNS) acutely inhibits reflex bladder contractions. The stimulation amplitude selected for GNS is typically twice the amplitude that is required to evoke the pudendal-anal reflex. There is concern about the ability of persons with sensation to comfortably tolerate effective levels of GNS. The objective of this work is to determine if persons with incomplete SCI are able to tolerate acute GNS for bladder inhibition.

Methods: Twenty-four subjects with neurogenic detrusor overactivity, SCI, and pelvic sensation were enrolled in this case series. The setting was the Spinal Cord Injury Service of a Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Primary outcome measures were sensation threshold and tolerable stimulation amplitude; secondary outcome measures were bladder capacity and bladder contraction inhibition.

Results: GNS was tolerable up to 30±16?mA (range 8?mA to ≥60?mA) at amplitudes greater than twice the pudendal-anal (PA) reflex threshold, which was 8±5?mA (range 4?mA to 20?mA). Twelve subjects tolerated GNS at greater than twice the PA, six tolerated 1–1.5 times the PA, and five had no identifiable PA. GNS at tolerable amplitudes inhibited reflexive bladder contractions or increased bladder capacity 135±109?mL (n=23). GNS did not cause autonomic dysreflexia or intolerable spasticity.

Conclusions: GNS is tolerable at amplitudes that effectively inhibit neurogenic detrusor overactivity in individuals with pelvic sensation. GNS therefore is a tool with potential clinical applications for persons with preserved sensation.     

Percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation for treatment of shoulder pain after spinal cord injury: A case report

Context: This describes the first person with spinal cord injury (SCI) treated with percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation for chronic shoulder pain.

Findings: From baseline to one-week after treatment, the subject's worst pain in the last week, rated on a 0–10 numerical rating scale (BPI-SF3), decreased by 44%. Pain interference decreased and remained below baseline 12 weeks after the end of treatment. There was an associated improvement in the mental component of quality of life.

Conclusion: This case demonstrates the feasibility of treating shoulder pain in patients with SCI with percutaneous PNS. To demonstrate efficacy further studies are required.     

Electrical stimulation for the treatment of lower urinary tract dysfunction after spinal cord injury

Electrical stimulation for bladder control is an alternative to traditional methods of treating neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) resulting from spinal cord injury (SCI). In this review, we systematically discuss the neurophysiology of bladder dysfunction following SCI and the applications of electrical stimulation for bladder control following SCI, spanning from historic clinical approaches to recent pre-clinical studies that offer promising new strategies that may improve the feasibility and success of electrical stimulation therapy in patients with SCI. Electrical stimulation provides a unique opportunity to control bladder function by exploiting neural control mechanisms. Our understanding of the applications and limitations of electrical stimulation for bladder control has improved due to many pre-clinical studies performed in animals and translational clinical studies. Techniques that have emerged as possible opportunities to control bladder function include pudendal nerve stimulation and novel methods of stimulation, such as high frequency nerve block. Further development of novel applications of electrical stimulation will drive progress towards effective therapy for SCI. The optimal solution for restoration of bladder control may encompass a combination of efficient, targeted electrical stimulation, possibly at multiple locations, and pharmacological treatment to enhance symptom control.     

An unresolved relationship: the relationship between lesion severity and neurogenic bladder in patients with spinal cord injury

Objectives

We aimed to investigate the relationship between the severity of the spinal lesion and urodynamic findings, bladder drainage method at discharge, and incidence of renal calculi in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI).

Studydesign

Retrospective.

Setting

In-patient rehabilitation unit of a tertiary research hospital.

Methods

A total of 131 patients who were admitted to our clinic with a diagnosis of SCI and placed into a rehabilitation program were included in the study. The severity of the lesion was determined according to the American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS). We evaluated the relationship between the severity of the lesion and the detrusor hyperactivity and compliance as determined by urodynamic investigation, the bladder drainage method used at discharge, and the renal calculi rate as determined by ultrasonography.

Results

While no difference was found between the patients with complete and incomplete injuries in terms of age, sex, disease duration, detrusor hyperactivity and compliance, the bladder drainage method was found to show a significant change according to the severity of the lesion. None of the patients were found to have hydronephrosis and the rate of renal calculi showed no statistically significant difference according to the severity of the lesion.

Conclusions

We concluded that urodynamic examination is required in each patient with SCI as the severity of the lesion is not sufficient to determine the bladder type, and patients with complete and incomplete injuries should be monitored with the same sensitivity in terms of complications.     

膀胱壁内注射A型肉毒毒素治疗脊髓损伤患者神经原性膀胱的初步临床观察

目的：观察膀胱壁内注射A型肉毒毒素治疗脊髓损伤患者神经原性膀胱的临床效果。方法：78例脊髓损伤后神经原性膀胱患者，男59例，女19例，平均年龄38．9岁。将300单位A型肉毒毒素溶解于15ml生理盐水，使用膀胱镜注射针分30个点注射于膀胱壁，0．5ml／点。治疗前后均记录患者排尿日记，并观察药物毒副作用。结果：78例患者经第1次治疗后平均尿失禁次数由13．5次／d降至2．7次／d、平均导尿量由131ml／次增至389ml／次，平均尿失禁量由1690ml／d降至281ml／d，起效的平均时间为7．6d。10例患者在第1次注射8,9个月后接受第2次注射，平均尿失禁次数由9．7次/d降至3．7次/d，平均导尿量由108ml／次增至387ml／次。6例患者在第2次注射后5．8个月接受第3次注射，平均尿失禁次数由9．2次／d降至3．9次／d，平均导尿量由116ml／次增至364ml／次。随访期间未观察到任何毒副作用。结论：经尿道膀胱壁内A型肉毒毒素注射是治疗脊髓损伤患者神经原性膀胱的有效、安全、可多次重复应用的微创方法。     

Comparison of extraperitoneal and intraperitoneal augmentation enterocystoplasty for neurogenic bladder in spinal cord injury patients

Objectives  Augmentation enterocystoplasty is the standard treatment for patients with neurogenic bladder who have failed medical management. Our “extraperitoneal” approach involves a small peritoneotomy to obtain the segment of bowel for augmentation, and a standard “clam” enterocystoplasty. We compared operative and postoperative parameters and clinical outcomes of this technique with the standard intraperitoneal technique. Methods  We retrospectively reviewed charts of 73 patients with neurogenic voiding dysfunction refractory to medical management who underwent augmentation enterocystoplasty alone or in conjunction with additional procedures. A total of 49 patients underwent extraperitoneal augmentation and 24 patients underwent intraperitoneal augmentation. Operative and postoperative parameters including time of surgery, estimated blood loss, need for blood transfusion, time for return of bowel function, and length of hospital stay were examined. Clinical outcomes including early and late postoperative complications, and continence status were also analyzed. Results  Median follow-up was 2.5 years. Patients in the extraperitoneal group had significantly shorter operative time (3.9 vs. 5.6 h, P < 0.0001); shorter hospital stay (8.0 vs. 10.5 days, P = 0.009); and shorter time to return of bowel function (3.5 vs. 4.9 days, P = 0.0005). There was no significant difference in complication rates. Postoperative continence was equally improved in both groups. When only patients with no prior abdominal surgery were compared, the findings were analogous: shorter operative time, shorter length of stay, sooner return of bowel function, and no difference in complication rate. Conclusions  The extraperitoneal technique provides an equally effective method of bladder augmentation to the standard technique with easier early postoperative recovery.     

The comparison of recovery patterns between ischemic spinal cord injury and traumatic spinal cord injury from acute to chronic phase

Objective: To investigate the neurological and functional recovery patterns of ischemic spinal cord injury (ISCI) compared with traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) in the acute to chronic phase.Design: Retrospective cohort study.Settings: Department of Neurology, Neurosurgery, Rehabilitation Medicine at a tertiary hospital.Participants: Fifty-four patients with ISCI and 86 patients with TSCI.Interventions: Not applicable.Outcome measures: MRI findings, American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS), modified Rankin Scale (mRS), Korean Spinal Cord Independence Measure (KSCIM), ambulatory status, and bladder status were reviewed. The functional outcomes were measured at admission, discharge, and >6 months after discharge.Results: AIS classification did not significantly change after 6 months in both ISCI and TSCI groups. Between admission and discharge, the proportion of patients needing a wheelchair or assistive device to ambulate decreased more in the ISCI group compared with the TSCI group [odds ratio (OR) 0.40, P = 0.04]. In addition, the proportion of catheterized voiding in the ISCI group was significantly higher than in the TSCI group at all time points (OR 5.12, P < 0.001). Lastly, both groups showed that functional improvement was the greatest between admission and discharge. In addition, the proportion of catheterized voiding decreased (Diff = −0.12, P = 0.019) and mRS score decreased (Diff=−0.48, P < 0.001) significantly in the ISCI group at >6 months post discharge.Conclusion: The ISCI group showed better recovery of mobility during inpatient rehabilitation period and worse recovery of bladder function as demonstrated by higher number of patients requiring bladder catheterization at all time points when compared with the TSCI group.     

Transcutaneous electrical stimulation of urinary bladder in patients with spinal cord injuries

Introduction  The treatment of neurogenic dysfunctions of micturition, both surgical and conservative, aims primarily to protect upper urinary tract function. This goal can be achieved by lowering intravesical pressure and increasing urinary bladder capacity in the urine collection phase or by facilitating bladder emptying. Objective  The objective of this paper was to assess the outcome of transcutaneous stimulation of the urinary bladder in the treatment of neurogenic disorders of micturition. Materials and methods  The effect of urinary bladder stimulation was assessed in 22 patients (4 females, 18 males) with spinal injuries (19 with injuries to the lumbo-sacral spine and 3 with cervical spine injuries) treated at the Department of Rehabilitation of the Military Hospital in Bydgoszcz, Poland, in 2006 and 2007. The treatment consisted of 30 procedures of transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the urinary bladder. A pulsed sinusoid current was used with a pulse duration of 200 ms, break duration of 1,000 ms, intensity of 15–20 mA, frequency of 50 Hz, and duration of stimulation of 15 min. A urodynamic study was carried out in each patient at baseline and on completion of the electrical stimulation therapy (immediately and after 2 months). Results  Electrical stimulation of the neurogenic urinary bladder produced increases in the cystometric bladder capacity and reduction in the amount of residual urine (72% of patients), with reduction of intravesical pressure at peak urine flow (59% of the patients). The dynamic aspects of micturition also improved with increased peak voiding velocity in 77.3% of the patients. More than half of the patients (57%) still had elevated intravesical pressures during micturition that posed a risk to the function of the upper urinary tract despite significant decreases following the stimulation therapy. Micturition, which was absent at baseline, was restored in three patients. No local complications were observed. Conclusions  Transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the urinary bladder in patients with neurogenic bladder dysfunction improves lower urinary tract function. Urodynamic studies executed 2 months after finishing TES show persistent results.     

At-home genital nerve stimulation for individuals with SCI and neurogenic detrusor overactivity: A pilot feasibility study

Objective: Neurogenic bladder dysfunction, including neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) is one of the most clinically significant problems for persons with spinal cord injury (SCI), affecting health and quality of life. Genital nerve stimulation (GNS) can acutely inhibit NDO-related reflex bladder contractions and increase bladder capacity. However, it is unknown if GNS can improve urinary continence or help meet individuals’ bladder management goals during sustained use, which is required for GNS to be clinically effective.

Design: Subjects maintained voiding diaries during a one-month control period without stimulation, one month with at-home GNS, and one month after GNS. Urodynamics and quality of life assessments were conducted after each treatment period, and a satisfaction survey was taken at study completion.

Setting: Subject screening and clinical procedures were conducted at the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center. Stimulation use and voiding diary entries were conducted in subjects’ homes.

Participants: Subjects included five men with SCI and NDO.

Interventions: This study tested one month of at-home portable non-invasive GNS.

Outcome Measures: The primary outcome measure was leakage events per day. Secondary outcome measures included self-reported subject satisfaction, bladder capacity, and stimulator use frequency.

Results: GNS reduced the number of leakage events from 1.0?±?0.5 to 0.1?±?0.4 leaks per day in the four subjects who reported incontinence data. All study participants were satisfied that GNS met their bladder goals; wanted to continue using GNS; and would recommend it to others.

Conclusions: Short term at-home GNS reduced urinary incontinence and helped subjects meet their bladder management goals. These data inform the design of a long-term clinical trial testing of GNS as an approach to reduce NDO.     

骶神经根功能性磁刺激对脊髓损伤后神经源性膀胱过度活动症的作用

目的:观察骶神经根功能性磁刺激(functional magnetic stimulation,FMS)对脊髓损伤患者神经源性膀胱过度活动症(overactive bladder,OAB)治疗的效果。方法:将40例脊髓损伤后OAB患者按随机数字表法分为治疗组(20例)和对照组(20例)。两组患者均给予常规的膀胱功能干预,治疗组在此基础上给予骶神经根FMS(强度为70%～100%最大输出强度,频率15Hz,每分钟刺激5s,共刺激30min,每日1次,每周5次,共治疗8周),对照组则给予相同参数FMS(刺激线圈与治疗部位垂直,无刺激作用)。两组患者均于治疗前和8周后比较尿流动力学指标(初尿意时膀胱容量、最大膀胱测压容量、残余尿量)、排尿日记指标(单次尿量、排尿次数和最大排尿量)及因排尿不良而引起生活质量评分变化。结果:治疗8周后,两组患者尿流动力学及排尿日记指标较术前均显著改善。初尿意时膀胱容量(对照组65.25±6.41ml、治疗组78.44±9.52ml)增加(P0.05),最大膀胱测压容量(对照组339.55±36.75ml、治疗组394.46±36.68ml)显著增加(P0.05),残余尿量(对照组120.22±40.35ml、治疗组88.25±33.61ml)明显减少(P0.05);日均单次排尿量(对照组120.06±23.23ml、治疗组150.28±24.24ml)增加(P0.05),24h平均排尿次数(对照组12.28±3.31、治疗组9.44±3.95)减少(P0.05),最大排尿量(对照组233.58±47.14ml、治疗组274.51±30.18ml)显著改善(P0.05);因排尿症状而引起生活质量评分均明显降低;与组内治疗前比较,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05),且治疗组改善情况均显著优于对照组(P0.05)。结论:FMS可改善神经源性膀胱过度活动症患者的膀胱功能和提高患者的生存质量。     

Recommendations for evaluation of neurogenic bladder and bowel dysfunction after spinal cord injury and/or disease

Objective: To provide an overview of clinical assessments and diagnostic tools, self-report measures (SRMs) and data sets used in neurogenic bladder and bowel (NBB) dysfunction and recommendations for their use with persons with spinal cord injury /disease (SCI/D).

Methods: Experts in SCI/D conducted literature reviews, compiled a list of NBB related assessments and measures, reviewed their psychometric properties, discussed their use in SCI/D and issued recommendations for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) Common Data Elements (CDEs) guidelines.

Results: Clinical assessments included 15 objective tests and diagnostic tools for neurogenic bladder and 12 for neurogenic bowel. Following a two-phase evaluation, eight SRMs were selected for final review with the Qualiveen and Short-Form (SF) Qualiveen and the Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction Score (NBDS) being recommended as supplemental, highly-recommended due to their strong psychometrics and extensive use in SCI/D. Two datasets and other SRM measures were recommended as supplemental.

Conclusion: There is no one single measure that can be used to assess NBB dysfunction across all clinical research studies. Clinical and diagnostic tools are here recommended based on specific medical needs of the person with SCI/D. Following the CDE for SCI studies guidelines, we recommend both the SF-Qualiveen for bladder and the NBDS for bowel as relatively short measures with strong psychometrics. Other measures are also recommended. A combination of assessment tools (objective and subjective) to be used jointly across the spectrum of care seems critical to best capture changes related to NBB and develop better treatments.     

Management of bladder dysfunction and satisfaction of life after spinal cord injury in Norway

Background

There is limited knowledge about bladder dysfunction and bladder management in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) after discharge from the hospital in Norway. The impact of bladder dysfunction on satisfaction of life has been rarely explored.

Setting

Community-based survey from Norway.

Methods

An anonymous cross-sectional postal survey. A questionnaire was sent to the registered members of the Norwegian Spinal Cord Injuries Association. A total of 400 participants, with traumatic or non-traumatic SCI, received the questionnaire.

Results

A total of 248 subjects (62%), 180 men and 68 women, answered the questionnaire. Mean age was 54 years and mean time since injury 13.4 years. A total of 164 participants (66.1%) used intermittent catheterization for bladder emptying (48.5% women versus 72.8% men); more paraplegics than tetraplegics (77.2% versus 55.7%). Recommendations given at the Spinal Cord Units were thoroughly followed by persons who had used catheters more than 5 years. Use of incontinence pads were associated with reduced satisfaction of life.

Conclusions

The most common method of management of bladder dysfunction is clean intermittent catheterization in Norway. Recommendations were followed more thoroughly by persons who have used intermittent catheterization for more than 5 years. Spinal Cord Units are important source for information and guidance.     

Management of bladder dysfunction and satisfaction of life after spinal cord injury in Norway

Abstract

Background

There is limited knowledge about bladder dysfunction and bladder management in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) after discharge from the hospital in Norway. The impact of bladder dysfunction on satisfaction of life has been rarely explored.

Setting

Community-based survey from Norway.

Methods

An anonymous cross-sectional postal survey. A questionnaire was sent to the registered members of the Norwegian Spinal Cord Injuries Association. A total of 400 participants, with traumatic or non-traumatic SCI, received the questionnaire.

Results

A total of 248 subjects (62%), 180 men and 68 women, answered the questionnaire. Mean age was 54 years and mean time since injury 13.4 years. A total of 164 participants (66.1%) used intermittent catheterization for bladder emptying (48.5% women versus 72.8% men); more paraplegics than tetraplegics (77.2% versus 55.7%). Recommendations given at the Spinal Cord Units were thoroughly followed by persons who had used catheters more than 5 years. Use of incontinence pads were associated with reduced satisfaction of life.

Conclusions

The most common method of management of bladder dysfunction is clean intermittent catheterization in Norway. Recommendations were followed more thoroughly by persons who have used intermittent catheterization for more than 5 years. Spinal Cord Units are important source for information and guidance.