Medical and psychosocial complications associated with method of bladder management after traumatic spinal cord injury

Impact of Bladder Management Strategies on Autonomic Dysreflexia Severity in People With Spinal Cord Injuries

PURPOSE

We investigated whether severity of autonomic dysreflexia (AD) was associated with more patient-reported bladder and bowel symptoms and compared AD severity by bladder management strategy in people with spinal cord injury (SCI).

METHODS

The Neurogenic Bladder Research Group SCI Registry is a prospective study which evaluated quality of life after SCI. Bladder and bowel symptoms were assessed through Neurogenic Bladder Symptom Score and Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction score, respectively. AD severity was assessed with the Autonomic Dysreflexia Following Spinal Cord Injury (ADFSCI) instrument. Bladder management was classified as volitional voiding, clean intermittent catheterization (CIC), indwelling catheter (IDC), and surgery (augmentation and diversion).

RESULTS

AD scores were identified for 1473 people. The mean age was 45. Bladder management was CIC in 754 (51%), IDC in 271 (18%), surgery in 195 (13%) and voiding in 259 (18%). On univariate analysis, higher ADFSCI scores occurred with complete injuries (3.1 vs 3.4, p = 0.03), cervical/thoracic injuries (3.8 vs 1.5, p < 0.0001), and chronic pain (3.9 vs 2.9, p = 0.0004). IDC (5.2) and surgery (4.5) had higher ADFSCI scores than CIC (3.0) and volitional voiding (2.8) (p < 0.0001). Sub-analysis showed bladder augmentation had significantly higher ADSCI scores than diversion (4.7 vs 3.7, p = 0.03). On multivariate analysis, level of injury, bladder management, and bowel and bladder symptoms remained associated with worse AD.

CONCLUSION

Level of injury, age, worse bowel and bladder symptoms and bladder management type were associated with higher AD scores. Bladder management with surgery, particularly bladder augment, and IDC had associated greater AD symptoms compared to CIC or voiding.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

clinicaltrials.gov NTC06216081 and HSRP20153564, U.S. National Library of Medicine, wwwcf.nlm.nih.gov.

Impact of urinary catheters including reusable catheters on quality of life and work productivity in persons with spinal cord lesion

While preventing renal damage and symptomatic urinary tract infection are of paramount importance to persons with a spinal cord lesion (SCL), patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are receiving much more attention than ever before. We performed a cross-sectional internet survey of 282 adult members of SCL patient advocacy groups and investigated, for the first time, the impact of different types of urinary catheter, including a Japanese reusable silicone catheter and a reusable intermittent balloon catheter, on PROs of persons with SCL. Intermittent self-catheterization (ISC) did not surpass continuous indwelling catheterization in terms of a disease-specific urinary quality of life. Urinary incontinence, regular ISC, and performing ISC away from home confronted these individuals. Work productivity and regular activities correlated fairly well with the disease-specific urinary quality of life. Bowel management problems affected all PROs evaluated. The absence of differences in PROs among the types of catheter used for ISC implies that Japanese reusable catheters have the potential to benefit selected persons with SCL. Further research is warranted to develop measures for maximizing work productivity by overcoming urinary as well as bowel problems.

Bladder-Related Quality of Life After Spinal Cord Injury: Findings from the Neurogenic Bladder Research Group Spinal Cord Injury Registry

The Neurogenic Bladder Research Group (NBRG) was formed with the mission to optimize quality of life (QoL), surgical outcomes, and clinical care of patients with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction. One of the original priorities of the organization was to support creation of the NBRG Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Registry. The aim of this Registry was to establish a prospective database, in order to study bladder-related QoL after SCI. The study enrolled close to 1500 participants from across North America over an 18 month time-period (January 2016-July 2017).

Quality of life aspects of intermittent catheterization in neurogenic and non-neurogenic patients: a systematic review on heterogeneity in the measurements used

Background

Clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) is the golden standard in patients with lower urinary tract dysfunction, leading to bladder emptying problems, due to neurogenic or non-neurogenic causes. CIC affects patient Quality of Life (QoL) both positively and negatively.

Objectives

The aim of this systematic review is to determine which measurements are used to report on the QoL of patients who are on CIC in the currently available literature, to determine the overall QoL of patients who are on CIC and lastly, to determine whether QoL in patients who are on CIC is dependent on the underlying cause (neurogenic vs non-neurogenic).

Design

This systematic review was conducted following the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement.

Data sources and methods

The Embase, Medline, Web of Science Core Collection, CINAHL, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane CENTRAL register of trials databases were systematically searched for relevant publications until March 2023.

Results

A total of 4430 abstracts were screened and 43 studies were included. Studies were published between 1993 and 2022 and consisted of only neurogenic patients in 22 studies, the others included a mixed population. The included patient populations and the used measurements/tools were heterogeneous. There were 21 measurements/tools used to measure QoL, of which 3 were not validated. One questionnaire was developed to measure QoL in patients on CIC (intermittent self-catheterization questionnaire). Other measurements were suitable for general health-related QoL, to evaluate neurogenic bladder symptoms or incontinence oriented.

Conclusion

The 43 included studies showed a great variety of used tools to measure QoL in patients on CIC due to neurogenic and non-neurogenic causes. Because of lacking uniformity of the measured aspects of QoL, the different included studies could not be compared and subgroup analysis was not performed. Recommendations for future research and practice are provided.

Trial registration

This systematic review was registered and published beforehand at Prospero (CRD42020181777; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero).

Changes in bladder emptying during inpatient rehabilitation after spinal cord injury and predicting factors: data from the Dutch Spinal Cord Injury Database

STUDY DESIGN

Secondary analysis of multicentre prospective observational data.

OBJECTIVES

To describe methods of bladder emptying at admission and discharge in patients with recently acquired spinal cord injury (SCI) and to describe predictors of bladder emptying methods at discharge.

SETTING

First inpatient rehabilitation in specialised rehabilitation centres in the Netherlands.

METHODS

Data from the Dutch Spinal Cord Injury Database collected between 2015 and 2019 were used. McNemar-Bowker test was used to evaluate if bladder emptying methods differed over time; One-Way ANOVA and Chi-Square tests to see if bladder emptying methods differed by demographic and injury-related characteristics. Binary logistic regression was used to predict the type of bladder emptying at discharge with demographic and injury-related characteristics measured at admission.

RESULTS

Of 1403 patients, 44.1% had cervical, 38.4% thoracic and 17.5% lumbosacral lesions at admission. AIS classification was mostly D (63.8%). The method of bladder emptying changed significantly (p < 0.001) from admission to discharge: decrease of clean intermittent assisted catheterisation (17.1% to 4.1%) and indwelling catheter (33.4% to 16.3%) and increase in clean intermittent self-catheterisation (CISC, 7.8% to 22.2%) and normal voiding (40.2% to 56.1%). Age, sex, SCI level, AIS classification and level of independence predicted the method of bladder emptying at discharge (all p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

During first inpatient rehabilitation, the method of bladder emptying changed resulting in more patients discharged with normal voiding and CISC. Age, sex, SCI level, AIS classification and level of independence in self-care were all confirmed as factors playing a role in this change.

Patient Support Program and Healthcare Resource Utilization in Patients Using Clean Intermittent Catheterization for Bladder Management

The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of a patient-centered, chronic care self-management support program of clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) on emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations within the first 30 days of starting CIC. Secondary research objectives were to compare reuse of catheters, adherence to healthcare provider–instructed frequency of CIC, and reasons for nonadherence.

Locomotor Exercise Enhances Supraspinal Control of Lower-Urinary-Tract Activity to Improve Micturition Function after Contusive Spinal-Cord Injury

The recovery of lower-urinary-tract activity is a top priority for patients with spinal-cord injury. Historically, locomotor training improved micturition function in both patients with spinal cord injury and animal models. We explore whether training augments such as the supraspinal control of the external urethral sphincter results in enhanced coordination in detrusor-sphincter activity. We implemented a clinically relevant contusive spinal-cord injury at the 12th thoracic level in rats and administered forced wheel running exercise for 11 weeks. Awake rats then underwent bladder cystometrogram and sphincter electromyography recordings to examine the micturition reflex. Subsequently, pseudorabies-virus-encoding red fluorescent protein was injected into the sphincter to trans-synaptically trace the supraspinal innervation of Onuf's motoneurons. Training in the injury group reduced the occurrence of bladder nonvoiding contractions, decreased the voiding threshold and peak intravesical pressure, and shortened the latency of sphincter bursting during voiding, leading to enhanced voiding efficiency. Histological analysis demonstrated that the training increased the extent of spared spinal-cord tissue around the epicenter of lesions. Compared to the group of injury without exercise, training elicited denser 5-hydroxytryptamine-positive axon terminals in the vicinity of Onuf's motoneurons in the cord; more pseudorabies virus-labeled or c-fos expressing neurons were detected in the brainstem, suggesting the enhanced supraspinal control of sphincter activity. Thus, locomotor training promotes tissue sparing and axon innervation of spinal motoneurons to improve voiding function following contusive spinal-cord injury.

Multicenter urethroplasty outcomes for urethral stricture disease for patients with neurogenic bladder or bladder dysfunction requiring clean intermittent catheterization

BACKGROUND

Our objective is to better comprehend treatment considerations for urethral stricture disease (USD) in patients requiring long-term clean intermittent catheterization (CIC). Patient characteristics, surgical outcomes and complications are unknown in this population.

METHODS

Six members of the Trauma and Urologic Reconstruction Network of Surgeons (TURNS) participated in a prospective (2009 to present) and retrospective (prior to 2009) database recording patient demographics, surgical approach and outcomes. We included all patients undergoing urethroplasty who perform CIC. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze results.

RESULTS

A total of 37 patients with 39 strictures were included. Bladder dysfunction was characterized as detrusor failure in 35% and neurogenic etiology in 65%. Median stricture length was 3 cm (IQR: 1.5-5.5) with 28% repaired with dorsal onlay buccal mucosal graft, 26% excision and primary anastomosis, 8% dorsal inlay, 8% ventral and dorsal, 8% flap based 8% non-transecting and 15% other. Functional success was 90%: 4 patients required DVIU or dilation due to recurrence, with 2 of those ultimately requiring repeat urethroplasty. 86% of patients returned to CIC; no patients reported new pad use for urinary leakage after urethroplasty. During a median follow-up period of 3.1 years (IQR: 1.0-5.3), no patients underwent urinary diversion.

CONCLUSIONS

Urethroplasty is suitable, safe and effective for patients dependent on CIC suffering from USD. The effect of continual CIC on long-term outcomes remains uncertain.

Improvements in Bladder Function Following Activity-Based Recovery Training With Epidural Stimulation After Chronic Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in profound neurologic impairment with widespread deficits in sensorimotor and autonomic systems. Voluntary and autonomic control of bladder function is disrupted resulting in possible detrusor overactivity, low compliance, and uncoordinated bladder and external urethral sphincter contractions impairing storage and/or voiding. Conservative treatments managing neurogenic bladder post-injury, such as oral pharmacotherapy and catheterization, are important components of urological surveillance and clinical care. However, as urinary complications continue to impact long-term morbidity in this population, additional therapeutic and rehabilitative approaches are needed that aim to improve function by targeting the recovery of underlying impairments. Several human and animal studies, including our previously published reports, have documented gains in bladder function due to activity-based recovery strategies, such as locomotor training. Furthermore, epidural stimulation of the spinal cord (scES) combined with intense activity-based recovery training has been shown to produce volitional lower extremity movement, standing, as well as improve the regulation of cardiovascular function. In our center, several participants anecdotally reported improvements in bladder function as a result of training with epidural stimulation configured for motor systems. Thus, in this study, the effects of activity-based recovery training in combination with scES were tested on bladder function, resulting in improvements in overall bladder storage parameters relative to a control cohort (no intervention). However, elevated blood pressure elicited during bladder distention, characteristic of autonomic dysreflexia, was not attenuated with training. We then examined, in a separate, large cross-sectional cohort, the interaction between detrusor pressure and blood pressure at maximum capacity, and found that the functional relationship between urinary bladder distention and blood pressure regulation is disrupted. Regardless of one's bladder emptying method (indwelling suprapubic catheter vs. intermittent catheterization), autonomic instability can play a critical role in the ability to improve bladder storage, with SCI enhancing the vesico-vascular reflex. These results support the role of intersystem stimulation, integrating scES for both bladder and cardiovascular function to further improve bladder storage.

A comparison of urodynamic findings between patients with complete and incomplete traumatic spinal cord injuries

Objective: To compare urodynamic findings between patients with complete and incomplete traumatic spinal cord injuries (SCI) and to determine whether it is important to test with urodynamic study in patients with incomplete SCI. Design: Retrospective study Setting: Ankara Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey Participants: A total of 66 patients with 36 complete and 30 incomplete traumatic SCI were included in the study, from July 2012 to September 2014. Interventions: Urodynamic study Outcome Measures: Maximum cystometric capacity (MCC) , vesicle pressure at MCC, detrusor function (detrusor overactivity or not), bladder complience, bladder storage and emptying disorders, post-void residual volume (PVR) and bladder emptying method were recorded. It was also recorded whether the patients used anticholinergic drugs before urodynamic study. Results: In urodynamic findings MCC, vesicle pressure at MCC, PVR, there was no statistically significant difference between complete and incomplete traumatic SCI patients. Also there was no statistically significant difference in low-compliance of detrusor frequency and bladder storage and emptying disorder frequency. Clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) was the most commonly recommended method after urodynamic studies in both groups of patients with SCI. Conclusions: In urodynamic study findings, there was no statistical difference between complete and incomplete traumatic SCI patients. The present study demonstrate that even if patients with incomplete SCI appear to be functionally better than the patients with complete SCI, urodynamic studies should still be performed in patients with incomplete SCI to identify bladder characteristics and to identify appropriate treatment.

Ultracompliant Carbon Nanotube Direct Bladder Device

The bladder, stomach, intestines, heart, and lungs all move dynamically to achieve their purpose. A long-term implantable device that can attach onto an organ, sense its movement, and deliver current to modify the organ function would be useful in many therapeutic applications. The bladder, for example, can suffer from incomplete contractions that result in urinary retention with patients requiring catheterization. Those affected may benefit from a combination of a strain sensor and electrical stimulator to better control bladder emptying. The materials and design of such a device made from thin layer carbon nanotube (CNT) and Ecoflex 00-50 are described and demonstrate its function with in vivo feline bladders. During bench-top characterization, the resistive and capacitive sensors exhibit stability throughout 5000 stretching cycles under physiology conditions. In vivo measurements with piezoresistive devices show a high correlation between sensor resistance and volume. Stimulation driven from platinum-silicone composite electrodes successfully induce bladder contraction. A method for reliable connection and packaging of medical grade wire to the CNT device is also presented. This work is an important step toward the translation of low-durometer elastomers, stretchable CNT percolation, and platinum-silicone composite, which are ideal for large-strain bioelectric applications to sense or modulate dynamic organ states.

Contextualizing the lived experience of quality of life for persons with spinal cord injury: A mixed-methods application of the response shift model

Objective: The objective of this study was to gain greater insight into individuals' quality of life (QOL) definitions, appraisals, and adaptations following spinal cord injury (SCI). Design: A mixed-methods design, applying the Schwartz and Sprangers response shift (RS) model. RS is a cognitive process wherein, in response to a change in health status, individuals change internal standards, values, or conceptualization of QOL Setting: Community-dwelling participants who receive medical treatment at a major Midwestern medical system and nearby Veterans' Affairs hospital. Participants: A purposive sample of participants with SCI (N = 40) completed semi-structured interviews and accompanying quantitative measures. Interventions: Not applicable. Outcome Measures: Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis to identify themes. Analysis of variance were performed to detect differences based on themes and QOL, well-being, and demographic and injury characteristics. Results: Four RS themes were identified, capturing the range of participant perceptions of QOL. The themes ranged from complete RS, indicating active engagement in maintaining QOL, to awareness and comparisons redefining QOL, to a relative lack of RS. Average QOL ratings differed as a function of response shift themes. PROMIS Global Health, Anxiety, and Depression also differed as a function of RS themes. Conclusion: The RS model contextualizes differences in QOL definitions, appraisals, and adaptations in a way standardized QOL measures alone do not.

Patient subjective assessment of urinary tract infection frequency and severity is associated with bladder management method in spinal cord injury

STUDY DESIGN

The Neurogenic Bladder Research Group (NBRG) registry is a multicenter prospective observational study. This manuscript is retrospective based on a cross-sectional survey.

OBJECTIVES

To assess patient subjective assessment of urinary tract infection (UTI) frequency and severity are associated with the degree of use of catheters or incontinence products.

SETTING

Multiple hospitals across the United States.

METHODS

Eligibility included: age > 18 years and acquired SCI. Over 1.5 years, 1479 eligible participants were enrolled. We excluded those with surgical reconstruction or diversion of the bladder. In total, 1282 participants were grouped by bladder management: (1) indwelling catheter (IDC), (2) clean intermittent catheterization (CIC), (3) external devices (pads/condom), and (4) volitional voiding (Void). UTI frequency was classified as 0, 1-3, 4-6, or > 6 over the prior year. UTI severity was determined by hospitalization for UTI in the prior year. Multivariate regression compared these factors across groups.

RESULTS

UTIs were least frequent in Void followed by pads/condom, CIC, and IDC (all p ≤ 0.001). UTI severity followed a similar pattern. Controlling for covariates, the adjusted odds of UTI frequency (Void = reference) were 2.28 (1.38-3.76) for pads/condom, 3.42 (2.25-5.18) for CIC, and 4.3 (2.59-6.70) for IDC (all p ≤ 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Patient subjective assessment of UTI frequency is highest with IDC, followed by CIC, pads/condom, and lowest with spontaneous voiding. The odds of hospitalization for UTI were three times higher for IDC than spontaneous voiding. UTI risk should be considered when counseling patients about bladder management options. These associations do not imply causation but warrant further investigation in a prospective manner.

SPONSORSHIP

Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) Award (CER14092138).

Bladder management experiences among people living with neurologic disease: A systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative research

AIM

To systematically review the qualitative literature on neurogenic bladder management to better understand the relevant psychosocial issues.

METHODS

We used two reviewers to systematically review EMBASE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO for qualitative studies that included a neurogenic bladder patient population and were relevant to bladder management. We used a meta-ethnography technique to summarize and synthesize the data.

RESULTS

We found 13 studies that were relevant. When choosing a bladder management technique (three studies), there were two major themes (bladder management decision makers, and characteristics and risks) that impacted the process. For studies evaluating life with a urinary catheter (five about intermittent catheters, and five about indwelling catheters), relevant themes could be arranged into three consecutive periods: First, a changed life (the initial stage of selecting and using a catheter: coping, teaching and technical challenges, and control and independence). Second, learning to live with a catheter (the practical skill and knowledge that goes into using a catheter: knowledge, adjustments, and normalization). Third, a new life (the acceptance and integration of a catheter into a person's life: problems and benefits, unpredictability, travel and social activities, intimacy and relationships, and dealing with negative emotions). Themes were generally consistent across studies. Conclusions Several important themes were identified from the existing qualitative literature; these can provide insight into how neurogenic bladder patients select a bladder management method, and how physicians can optimize their counseling and the long-term management of these patients.

The impact of different scenarios for intermittent bladder catheterization on health state utilities: results from an internet-based time trade-off survey

AIMS

Intermittent catheterization (IC) is the gold standard for bladder management in patients with chronic urinary retention. Despite its medical benefits, IC users experience a negative impact on their quality of life (QoL). For health economics based decision making, this impact is normally measured using generic QoL measures (such as EQ-5D) that estimate a single utility score which can be used to calculate quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). But these generic measures may not be sensitive to all relevant aspects of QoL affected by intermittent catheters. This study used alternative methods to estimate the health state utilities associated with different scenarios: using a multiple-use catheter, one-time-use catheter, pre-lubricated one-time-use catheter and pre-lubricated one-time-use catheter with one less urinary tract infection (UTI) per year.

METHODS

Health state utilities were elicited through an internet-based time trade-off (TTO) survey in adult volunteers representing the general population in Canada and the UK. Health states were developed to represent the catheters based on the following four attributes: steps and time needed for IC process, pain and the frequency of UTIs.

RESULTS

The survey was completed by 956 respondents. One-time-use catheters, pre-lubricated one-time-use catheters and ready-to-use catheters were preferred to multiple-use catheters. The utility gains were associated with the following features: one time use (Canada: +0.013, UK: +0.021), ready to use (all: +0.017) and one less UTI/year (all: +0.011).

LIMITATIONS

Internet-based survey responders may have valued health states differently from the rest of the population: this might be a source of bias.

CONCLUSION

Steps and time needed for the IC process, pain related to IC and the frequency of UTIs have a significant impact on IC related utilities. These values could be incorporated into a cost utility analysis.

Study protocol: patient reported outcomes for bladder management strategies in spinal cord injury

Background

The majority of spinal cord injury (SCI) patients have urinary issues, such as incontinence, retention, and frequency. These problems place a significant burden on patients’ physical health and quality of life (QoL). There are a wide variety of bladder management strategies available to patients with no clear guidelines on appropriate selection. Inappropriate bladder management can cause hospitalizations and serious complications, such as urosepsis and renal failure. Patients believe that both independence and ability to carry out daily activities are just as important as physical health in selecting the right bladder-management strategy but little is known about patient’s QoL with different bladder managements. Our study’s aim is to assess patient reported QoL measures with various bladder managements after SCI. This manuscript describes the approach, study design and common data elements for our central study.

Methods

This is a multi-institutional prospective cohort study comparing three different bladder-management strategies (clean intermittent catheterization, indwelling catheters, and surgery). Information collected from participants includes demographics, past medical and surgical history, injury characteristics, current and past bladder management, and SCI /bladder-related complications. Patient reported outcomes and QoL questionnaires were administered at enrollment and every 3 months for 1 year. Aims of this study protocol are: (1) to assess baseline QoL differences between the three different bladder-management strategies; (2) determine QoL impact when those using either form of catheter management undergo a surgery over the 1 year of follow-up among patients eligible for surgery; (3) assess the effects of changes in bladder management and complications on QoL over a 1-year longitudinal follow-up.

Discussion

By providing information about patient-reported outcomes associated with different bladder management strategies after SCI, and the impact of bladder management changes and complications on QoL, this study will provide essential information for shared decision-making and guide future investigation.

Trial registration

Trial registration number: www.clinicaltrials.gov: Identifier: NCT0261608; U.S. National Library of Medicine, wwwcf.nlm.nih.gov: Identifier: HSRP20153564.

New device for intermittent emptying of the bladder in female children and adolescents: A pilot study

INTRODUCTION

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a challenging problem for the urological community. Clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) is the most commonly used method to restore bladder emptying to the state close to the physiological condition. This procedure can cause negative aspects such as pain and possible urethral injury. In addition, there is a negative impact on self-image and decline in quality of patient's life. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a new intraurethral self-retaining device (ISRD), in female children and adolescents, as an attractive alternative to CIC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective clinical pilot study was performed, in a single-institution, including female children and adolescent patients with urinary incontinence secondary to myelomeningocele who were already in an intermittent bladder catheterization program. Assessments included the use of a visual analogue scale in diagnosis of UI, reported adverse events, and the King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ) to evaluate quality of life, which was answered by patients and the caregivers of younger patients before and 6 months after enrolment.

DISCUSSION

The device was efficient and well tolerated by most patients (84%). The ISRD significantly improved quality of life in children and adolescents (p<0.0001 for both) (Table). The safe insertion and removal of the ISRD can be considered an advantage compared with CIC as eventual urethral trauma is significantly minimized. It was found that one of the main advantages of the ISRD is the possibility of management as an outpatient procedure both for initial insertion and replacement. The autonomy of patients to perform the bladder emptying process by themselves indicates the importance of this study, especially for school life and social interaction. ISRD use showed a tendency to improve the QoL.

CONCLUSIONS

This new bladder-draining device (ISRD) was effective and secure in terms of insertion technique, and improved QoL of patients with urinary retention and incontinence, according to domains evaluated in the KHQ.

Identifying and classifying quality of life tools for neurogenic bladder function after spinal cord injury: A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To identify and classify quality of life (QoL) tools for assessing the influence of neurogenic bladder after spinal cord injury/disease (SCI).

DESIGN

Systematic Review Methods: Medline/Pubmed, CINAHL, and PsycInfo were searched using terms related to SCI, neurogenic bladder and QoL. Studies that assessed the influence neurogenic bladder on QoL (or related construct) in samples consisting of ≥50% individuals with SCI were included. Two independent reviewers screened titles and abstracts of 368 identified references; 118 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility, and 42 studies were included. Two reviewers independently classified outcomes as objective (societal viewpoint) or subjective (patient perspective) using a QoL framework.

RESULTS

Ten objective QoL measures were identified, with the Medical Outcomes Short Form (SF-36/SF-12) used most frequently. Fourteen subjective QoL measures were identified; 8 were specific to neurogenic bladder. Psychometric evidence for SCI-specific neurogenic bladder QoL tools was reported for the Quality of Life Index (QLI), Qualiveen, Bladder Complications Scale, Spinal Cord Injury-Quality of Life (SCI-QOL) Bladder Management Difficulties, and the SCI-QOL Bladder Management Difficulties-Short Form. The QLI and Qualiveen showed sensitivity to neurogenic bladder in experimental designs.

CONCLUSION

Several objective and subjective tools exist to assess the influence of neurogenic bladder on QoL in SCI. The QLI and Qualiveen, both subjective tools, were the only validated SCI-specific tools that showed sensitivity to neurogenic bladder. Further validation of existing subjective SCI-specific outcomes is needed. Research to validate objective measures of QoL would be useful for informing practice and policy related to resource allocation for bladder care post-SCI.

Feasibility of a Web-Based Self-management Intervention for Intermittent Urinary Catheter Users With Spinal Cord Injury

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a new Web-based intermittent catheter self-management intervention.

DESIGN

We tested the acceptability and usability of intervention components, which included multiple Web-based materials (an online urinary diary adapted for mobile phone use and an educational booklet), 3 phone calls with a nurse, and a peer-led discussion forum.

SUBJECTS AND SETTING

Thirty adults with spinal cord injury using intermittent catheterization for bladder drainage were enrolled; 26 participants received the nurses' phone-based consultations.

METHODS

Preliminary effectiveness of new self-efficacy and self-management scales were evaluated using baseline and 3-month online surveys. Participants' perceived value of the intervention components, self-management changes, and suggestions were assessed with data from the 3-month surveys, followed by brief tape-recorded interviews.

RESULTS

Several catheter practices improved somewhat over 3 months. The frequency of catheterizations every 4 to 6 hours increased from 71% to 77%. Self-management of neurogenic bladder dysfunction increased significantly (P = .032); participant comments indicated that fluid intake was the biggest change. Catheter-related self-efficacy and quality-of-life scores increased but not significantly. The frequency of urinary tract infection and pain did not change significantly. For feasibility, intervention components, with the exception of the forum, were rated highly by the majority of participants for usefulness, satisfaction (desired information), and Web-based usability.

CONCLUSION

Further testing of this intervention is recommended in a multisite randomized clinical trial.

Social activity and relationship changes experienced by people with bowel and bladder dysfunction following spinal cord injury

STUDY DESIGN

Exploratory qualitative.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to describe the experiences of bowel and bladder dysfunction on social activities and relationships in people with spinal cord injury living in the community.

SETTING

People living with spinal cord injury experiencing bowel and bladder dysfunction.

METHODS

Participants were recruited through the Australian Quadriplegic Association Victoria. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were undertaken with purposively selected participants to ensure representation of age, gender, spinal cord injury level and compensation status. A thematic analysis was performed to interpret patient experiences.

RESULTS

Twenty-two participants took part in the study. Bladder and bowel dysfunction altered relationships because of issues with intimacy, strained partner relationships and role changes for family and friends. A lack of understanding from friends about bladder and bowel dysfunction caused frustration, as this impairment was often responsible for variable attendance at social activities. Issues with the number, location, access and cleanliness of bathrooms in public areas and in private residences negatively affected social engagement. Social activities were moderated by illness, such as urinary tract infections, rigid and unreliable bowel routines, stress and anxiety about incontinence and managing the public environment, and due to continuous changes in plans related to bowel and bladder issues. Social support and adaptation fostered participation in social activities.

CONCLUSION

Tension exists between managing bowel and bladder dysfunction and the desire to participate in social activities. Multiple intersecting factors negatively affected the social relationships and activities of people with spinal cord injury and bowel and bladder dysfunction.

External Collection Devices as an Alternative to the Indwelling Urinary Catheter: Evidence-Based Review and Expert Clinical Panel Deliberations

Multiple evidence-based guidelines have suggested clinicians consider external collection devices (ECD) as alternatives to indwelling catheters. Nevertheless, there is a dearth of evidence-based resources concerning their use. An expert consensus panel was convened to review the current state of the evidence, indications for ECDs as an alternative to an indwelling urinary catheter, identify knowledge gaps, and areas for future research. This article presents the results of the expert consensus panel meeting and a systematic literature review regarding ECD use in the clinical setting.

Urinary tract infections, urologic surgery, and renal dysfunction in a contemporary cohort of traumatic spinal cord injured patients

AIMS

The objective of this study was to measure the incidence of urinary tract infections (UTIs), urologic reconstruction/urinary diversion, and renal dysfunction after a traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI).

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study using administrative data from Ontario, Canada. All incident adult TSCI patients (2002-2013) admitted to a rehabilitation center were included. The impact of lesion level on each outcome was assessed. The rate of outcomes was further compared to an age and sex matched sample from the general population.

RESULTS

A total of 2,023 incident TSCI patients were identified (median follow-up of 4.8 years). Most patients (73%) were male and median age was 50 years. Lesion level included cervical (39%), thoracolumbar (44%), and unknown (17%). The incidence of serious UTIs (requiring emergency room visit or hospital admission) was 40%. Thoracolumbar lesion TSCI patients had significantly greater risk of serious UTIs (HR 1.3, 95%CI 1.1-1.7, P < 0.01) compared to those with a cervical lesion. Urologic reconstruction/urinary diversion was carried out on 2.4% of patients. New onset renal dysfunction was identified in 4.2% (84) TSCI patients. The rate ratios for serious UTIs (10.59, 95%CI 8.71-12.89), urologic reconstruction/urinary diversion (6.48, 95%CI 3.07-13.68), and renal dysfunction (2.55, 95%CI 1.70-3.83) were significantly increased among TSCI patients compared to matched controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Urologic disease is still an important source of morbidity for contemporary TSCI patients, and is more common compared to the general population. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:640-647, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Bladder management in individuals with chronic neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective investigation.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the association of patient and injury characteristics with bladder evacuation by indwelling catheterization in patients with chronic neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD).

SETTING

Tertiary urologic referral center.

METHODS

The patient database was screened for patients with chronic (>12 months) NLUTD. Patient characteristics and bladder management details were collected. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the effects of the investigated factors on bladder evacuation by indwelling catheterization.

RESULTS

The data of 1263 patients with a median age of 47 years (range 11-89 years) and a median NLTUD duration of 15.2 years (range 1.0-63.4 years) were investigated. The most common bladder evacuation method was intermittent catheterization (IC; 41.3%) followed by triggered reflex voiding (25.7%), suprapubic catheterization (11.8%), sacral anterior root stimulation (7.3%), spontaneous voiding (7.0%), abdominal straining (5.7%) and transurethral catheterization (1.3%). Female gender, tetraplegia, an age older than 45 years and injury duration were significant (<0.001) predictors of indwelling catheterization. The odds of bladder evacuation by indwelling catheterization were increased ~2.5, 3 and 4 times in women, patients older than 45 years and tetraplegics, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

IC is the most common bladder evacuation method. However, the majority of individuals with NLUTD are using other evacuation methods, because factors such as functional deficiencies, mental impairment or the social situation are relevant for choosing a bladder evacuation method. Individuals at risk of indwelling catheterization can be identified based on female gender, age, injury severity and injury duration.

Urological Surveillance and Medical Complications after Spinal Cord Injury in the United States

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the national patterns of urologic follow up after spinal cord injury (SCI) and the occurrence and predictors of urological complications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective cohort study used a 5% sample of Medicare data 2007-2010. The minimum adequate urologic surveillance was defined as a urologist visit, serum creatinine evaluation, and upper urinary tract imaging study within the 2-year period. Patients were classified to their most severe complication in a multivariate linear regression model.

RESULTS

Among the 7162 patients with SCI, the majority were functionally paraplegic (82.4%) and Caucasian (80.9%). Among them, 4.9% received no screening studies over the 2-year period; 70.5% received some, but not all screening; and 24.6% received all three screening tests. Patients traveled a mean of 21.3 ± 27.5 miles to receive care. A total of 35.7% of patients saw a urologist during the 2-year period; 48.6% had some form of upper tract evaluation, with the majority being computed tomography scans; and 90.7% had serum creatinine evaluation. Of all patients, 35.8% had a minor complication during their 2-year follow up, 17.1% had a moderate complication, and 8.0% had a severe complication. In our prediction model, patient factors that correlated with increased complications included male gender, African American race, paraplegia, and receiving some or all of the neurogenic bladder recommended screening. Patients' distance of travel to their treating physician (urologist or physiatrist) did not affect the rate of complications.

CONCLUSION

Urological complications are common in patients with SCI who receive Medicare. Most of these patients with SCI are not receiving even the minimum recommended surveillance for these urological complications.

Management and rehabilitation of neurologic patients with lower urinary tract dysfunction

Diverse lower urinary tract problems arise in neurologic disease, caused by dysfunctions of the bladder and outlet, both during urine storage and voiding. Most neurologic diseases cause some lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD), and the type of dysfunction is related to the location of the nervous system lesion. Clinical evaluation requires identification of risk factors for major morbidity, particularly renal dysfunction, and mechanisms underlying symptoms. A holistic approach is needed to cover influential aspects (e.g., cognitive function, mobility, and urinary tract infections) and related issues (e.g., sexual function, bowel function, and autonomic dysreflexia), requiring a multidisciplinary team. Comprehensive history and examination are supported by a bladder diary, urinalysis, and renal assessment, supplemented by urodynamic tests. The simplest classification of neurogenic LUTD describes both bladder and sphincter function, cataloging each structure as normal, overactive, or underactive. Treatment aims to protect life expectancy and improve quality of life, noting the possibility of neurologic disease progression and comorbid disorders. Conservative measures include fluid advice and assessment of suitable containment products. Urine storage can be improved with antimuscarinic medications, bladder injections with botulinum neurotoxin A, and less established methods such as nerve stimulation, intravesical instillations, and beta-3 agonist. For severe storage dysfunction, sacral neuromodulation or surgery to improve reservoir function, increase outlet resistance, or divert the urinary tract may be needed. Voiding is usually replaced by intermittent or indwelling catheterization, which has largely superseded triggered reflex voiding, bladder expression, or sphincterotomy. Treatment selection is hampered by a limited, low-quality evidence base.

Development and psychometric characteristics of the SCI-QOL Bladder Management Difficulties and Bowel Management Difficulties item banks and short forms and the SCI-QOL Bladder Complications scale

OBJECTIVE

To describe the development and psychometric properties of the Spinal Cord Injury--Quality of Life (SCI-QOL) Bladder Management Difficulties and Bowel Management Difficulties item banks and Bladder Complications scale.

DESIGN

Using a mixed-methods design, a pool of items assessing bladder and bowel-related concerns were developed using focus groups with individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) and SCI clinicians, cognitive interviews, and item response theory (IRT) analytic approaches, including tests of model fit and differential item functioning.

SETTING

Thirty-eight bladder items and 52 bowel items were tested at the University of Michigan, Kessler Foundation Research Center, the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, the University of Washington, Craig Hospital, and the James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY.

PARTICIPANTS

Seven hundred fifty-seven adults with traumatic SCI.

RESULTS

The final item banks demonstrated unidimensionality (Bladder Management Difficulties CFI=0.965; RMSEA=0.093; Bowel Management Difficulties CFI=0.955; RMSEA=0.078) and acceptable fit to a graded response IRT model. The final calibrated Bladder Management Difficulties bank includes 15 items, and the final Bowel Management Difficulties item bank consists of 26 items. Additionally, 5 items related to urinary tract infections (UTI) did not fit with the larger Bladder Management Difficulties item bank but performed relatively well independently (CFI=0.992, RMSEA=0.050) and were thus retained as a separate scale.

CONCLUSION

The SCI-QOL Bladder Management Difficulties and Bowel Management Difficulties item banks are psychometrically robust and are available as computer adaptive tests or short forms. The SCI-QOL Bladder Complications scale is a brief, fixed-length outcomes instrument for individuals with a UTI.

Who decides? A qualitative study on the decisional roles of patients, their caregivers and doctors on the method of bladder drainage after spinal cord injury

STUDY DESIGN

Qualitative study using individual in-depth interviews.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the roles of patients, their caregivers and doctors when making decisions on the method of bladder drainage after spinal cord injury (SCI).

SETTING

Five public hospitals in Malaysia.

METHODS

Semistructured (one-to-one) interviews with 17 male patients with SCI, 4 caregivers and 10 rehabilitation professionals.

RESULTS

Eight themes describing the respective decisional roles of patients, their caregivers and doctors emerged from the analysis: patient's right and responsibilities, patient as an informed decision maker, forced to accept decision; surrogate decision maker, silent partner; doctor knows best, over-ride patient's decision, or reluctant decision maker. Both patients and doctors acknowledged the importance of patient autonomy but not all patients had the chance to practice it. Some felt that they were forced to accept the doctor's decision and even alleged that the doctor refused to accept their decision. Doctors considered the caregiver as the decision maker in cases that involved minors, elderly and those with tetraplegia. Some patients considered bladder problems an embarrassing subject to discuss with their caregivers and did not want their involvement. Doctors were described as knowledgeable and were trusted by patients and their caregivers to make the most appropriate option. Some doctors were happy to assume this role whereas some others saw themselves only as information providers.

CONCLUSIONS

A paternalistic model is prevalent in this decision-making process and there is a discrepancy between patients' preferred and actual decisional roles.

Neurogenic bladder following myelopathies: Has it any correlation with neurological and functional recovery?

OBJECTIVES

To observe neurogenic bladder pattern in patients with myelopathy by performing urodynamic study (UDS) and to observe whether it has any correlation with functional and neurological recovery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This prospective study was conducted with 90 patients with myelopathy, both traumatic and non-traumatic (males = 65) in a university tertiary research hospital in India between January 2011 and December 2013. Mean age was 33.5 ± 13.2 years (range 15-65 years), mean duration of injury was 82.63 ± 88.3 days (range 14-365 days) and mean length of stay (LOS) in the rehabilitation unit 42.5 ± 23.3 days (range 14-130 days). The urodynamic study was performed in all the patients to assess the neurogenic bladder pattern. Management was based on the UDS findings. Functional recovery was assessed using Barthel index (BI) scores and spinal cord independence measures (SCIM) scores. Neurological recovery was assessed using ASIA impairment scale (AIS). We tried to correlate neurogenic bladder patterns with recovery.

RESULTS

Fifty patients (55.6%) had overactive detrusor with 25 each had detrusor sphincter dyssynergia (DSD) and synergic sphincter. Thirty-eight patients had hypoactive/acontractile detrusor and two had normal studies. No significant correlation observed between neurogenic bladder pattern and change in BI scores (P = 0.696), SCIM scores (P = 0.135) or change in ASIA status (P = 0.841) in the study.

CONCLUSIONS

More than half of the patients with myelopathies had overactive detrusor with or without dyssynergic sphincter according to the urodynamic study. Neurogenic bladder patterns had no significant correlation with functional and neurological recovery in these patients.

Patient reported outcomes measures in neurogenic bladder and bowel: A systematic review of the current literature

AIM

To describe existing bladder and bowel specific quality of life (QoL) measurement tools, QoL in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), spinal cord injury (SCI), Parkinson's Disease (PD), stroke, or spina bifida (SB) affected by bladder or bowel dysfunction, and the impact of specific bladder and bowel management on QoL.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review in PubMed/Medline databases in accordance with the PRISMA statement for English publications between January 1, 2000 and January 1, 2014. Articles were first screened based on their abstract and select full-text articles were then reviewed for eligibility. Articles with no QoL or PROM assessing urinary or bowel dysfunction were excluded. Risk of bias assessment included randomization, incomplete outcomes data, selective outcomes reporting, and other biases. All articles were graded using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system as per the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions.

RESULTS

The most common QoL measurement tool for urinary and bowel dysfunction was the Medical Outcomes Study SF-36. Twelve (24%) studies used only non-validated QoL questionnaires. Only three urinary or bowel specific QoL measures were found: the Qualiveen questionnaire, the FICQoL, and the QoL-BM. Several studies identified instances were clinical and patient-reported outcomes were inconsistent particularly with indwelling urinary catheter usage and reconstructive surgery. Additionally, certain clinical outcomes surrogates commonly used as primary outcomes measures may not correlate with the patient reported outcomes (PRO).

CONCLUSIONS

Current PRO measures (PROM) and QoL assessments are heterogeneous and several inconsistencies in clinical and PRO for various management options exist. Standardized PROM will help identify optimal bladder and bowel management for patients with neurologic conditions.

Pyonephrosis and urosepsis in a 41-year old patient with spina bifida: Case report of a preventable death

Background

Urological complications are the major cause of ill health in patients with spina bifida. Urinary sepsis accounted for the majority of admissions in patients with spina bifida. As the patient grows older, changes occur in the adult bladder, leading to increases in storage pressure and consequent risk of deterioration of renal function, which may occur insidiously.

Case presentation

A 34-year-old male spinal bifida patient had been managing neuropathic bladder by penile sheath. Intravenous urography revealed normal kidneys. This patient was advised intermittent catheterisations. But self-catheterisation was not possible because of long, overhanging prepuce and marked spinal curvature. This patient developed repeated urine infections. Five years later, ultrasound examination of urinary tract revealed hydronephrotic right kidney with echogenic debris within the collecting system. There was no evidence of dilatation of the ureter near the vesicoureteric junction. The left kidney appeared normal. There was no evidence of calculus disease seen in either kidney. Indwelling urethral catheter drainage was established.

Two years later, MAG-3 renogram revealed normal uptake and excretion by left kidney. The right kidney showed little functioning tissue. Following a routine change of urethral catheter this patient became unwell. Ultrasound examination revealed hydronephrotic right kidney containing thick hyper-echoic internal septations and debris in the right renal pelvis suspicious of pyonephrosis. Under both ultrasound and fluoroscopic guidance, an 8 French pig tail catheter was inserted into the right renal collecting system. 150 ml of turbid urine was aspirated immediately. This patient developed large left pleural effusion, collapse/consolidation of the left lower lobe, a large fluid collection in the abdomen extending into the pelvis and expired twenty days later because of sepsis and respiratory failure.

Conclusion

Although penile sheath drainage may be convenient for a spina bifida patient and the carers, hydronephrosis can occur insidiously. With recurrent urine infections, hydronephrotic kidney can become pyonephrosis, which is life-threatening. Therefore, every effort should be made to carry out intermittent catheterisations along with antimuscarinic drug therapy.

Neurogenic detrusor overactivity in patients with spinal cord injury: evaluation and management

Lower urinary tract dysfunction can have a significant impact on patients with spinal cord injury. Over the years, many treatment options have become available. This article reviews the assessment and management of neurogenic detrusor overactivity, with a particular focus on articles from the recent literature. Recent guidelines on the subject will be discussed. Management options include antimuscarinics and bladder emptying measures, botulinum toxin A, and neuromodulation in refractory cases and surgery for intractable cases. Recent and relevant publications in these areas will be summarized and discussed.

Current research outcomes from the spinal cord injury model systems

This article serves as an introduction to this issue of the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation that is devoted to current research findings of the Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems (SCIMS) program. The SCIMS program began in 1970, with funding from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research in the U.S. Department of Education, to demonstrate a comprehensive care system for spinal cord injury (SCI) and also to conduct research to improve the health and quality of life of persons with SCI. Over the last 20 years, similar collaborative efforts for the dissemination of SCIMS research outcomes have produced conference proceedings in 1990, a book in 1995, and dedicated journal issues in 1999 and 2004. The collection of 24 articles in this issue shows the depth and breadth of work being carried out by the SCIMS investigators, from descriptive epidemiology to a randomized controlled trial, from neurologic recovery to community reintegration, and from health services utilization to assistive technology for mobility. Herein, we provide a brief overview of the SCIMS program, highlight the research initiatives currently underway, and describe the important findings of the original research articles contained in this issue.