Efficacy of extended‐release tolterodine for the treatment of neurogenic detrusor overactivity and/or low‐compliance bladder

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of extended‐release (ER) tolterodine 4 mg/day for the treatment of neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) and/or low‐compliance bladder by assessing urodynamic parameters. Methods: Forty‐six patients (25 male, 21 female; mean age 57.6 ± 20.7 years) with NDO (n = 39) and/or low‐compliance bladder (n = 7) were included in this 12‐week single‐arm study. Twenty‐one patients (46%) were on clean intermittent catheterization and other patients could void on their own. A video urodynamic study was performed before and at 3 months after treatment. Changes in Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS), International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire–Short Form (ICIQ‐SF), and King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ) as well as changes in number of voids, amount of each void, and number of leaks in 24 h according to the 3‐day voiding diary were also evaluated before treatment and at weeks 4 and 12 after treatment. Results: Bladder capacity at first sensation and maximum cystometric capacity increased significantly, by an average of 36.8 mL (P = 0.0402) and 82.3 mL (P < 0.0001), respectively. Maximum cystometric capacity increased by more than 50 mL in 19 patients (49%) following treatment. Detrusor overactivity disappeared in three of 32 patients (9%), bladder capacity at first involuntary contraction increased significantly (P = 0.0009), and amplitude of detrusor overactivity decreased significantly (P = 0.0025). In patients with low‐compliance bladder, bladder compliance increased significantly (P = 0.0156). Overactive bladder symptom score, International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire–Short Form score, number of voids (per 24 h and night‐time), number of urgency episodes in 24 h, number and amount of leaks in 24 h, and amount of mean and maximum voided volumes all decreased significantly after treatment. Conclusion: Tolterodine is effective and well tolerated for the treatment of NDO and/or low‐compliance bladder in patients with neurogenic bladder.