[Multiple sclerosis and pelviperineology: Urinary and sexual dysfunctions and pregnancy]

Classification and management of sexual dysfunctions in multiple sclerosis patients: A review of current literature

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most frequent neurological disease in young adults, with the greatest incidence between age of 30 and 35 years. Sexual dysfunctions (SDs) are frequent, but are often underestimated in patients with MS, and can have a significantly high impact on patient's quality of life. Aim of this review is to summarize sexual dysfunctions in male and female MS patients and to illustrate current and emerging therapeutic options for treatment.

Expectations about the management of sexual dysfunction in women with multiple sclerosis and association with clinical characteristics

BACKGROUND

Sexual dysfunction (SD) is common in women with multiple sclerosis (MS) and affects their quality of life.

OBJECTIVES

The primary aim is to assess their expectations concerning SD management. The secondary aim is to identify if expectations were associated with specific patient's characteristics.

METHODS

All women with MS who underwent a urodynamic assessment in a neuro-urology clinic and had a standardized assessment of SD expectations between June 2020 and November 2022 were retrospectively screened. Demographic data and assessment of bladder, bowel, and sexual dysfunctions with validated questionnaires were collected.

RESULTS

One hundred and sixty-seven patients were included in the study (mean age 47.9 ± 12.5 years). Expectations on SD information or management were reported by 112 (67.1%) patients. Interest in SD information and management was less frequent after menopause (56% vs 80%, p = 0.004), and in those with EDSS>6 (49% vs 74%, p = 0.03) and progressive type of MS (54% vs 71% p = 0.003). In multivariate analysis, the progressive type of MS was the only criterion related to a lack of interest (OR=2.9 IC95% [1.09; 7.72]).

CONCLUSIONS

Women with MS have high expectations on treatment and information about SD. A systematic screening of SD expectations should be encouraged.

Sexual Dysfunction in Women With Multiple Sclerosis: Expectations Regarding Treatment and Information, and Utility of the SEA-MS-F Questionnaire

Introduction

Sexual dysfunction is a common complaint in female with multiple sclerosis (MS), however this problem is not often considered in the medical and psychological care.

Aim

To evaluate expectations regarding treatment and information for sexual dysfunction in women with multiple sclerosis using the SEA-MS-F (Sexual Dysfunction Management and Expectations Assessment in Multiple sclerosis - Female) questionnaire, and to gain an understanding of the relationship between their expectations, demographic factors and medical factors known to promote sexual dysfunction.

Methods

A prospective epidemiological, descriptive, analytical, multicentre study was carried out over 15 months on adult women suffering from MS. The SEA-MS-F was used to evaluate expectations regarding their sexuality and sexual activity.

Main Outcome

Measure 87 women were included. Mean age was 47 years and the mean time since MS diagnosis was 14 years.

Results

59.8% reported sexual dysfunction, but only 22.4% of the participants had raised the subject with a professional. With regards to expectations, 68% of the women wanted information about sexual dysfunction and 80% of women with sexual difficulties wanted treatment. High expectations correlated with the presence of sexual dysfunction, a regular sexual partner and with milder ambulatory handicap. There were no correlations between expectations and age, time since MS diagnosis, fatigue or being postmenopausal. The SEA-MS-F questionnaire was perceived as useful by 63.4% of the women and 90% felt that it could help doctors to treat sexual dysfunction.

Conclusion

To date, the SEA-MS-F is the only questionnaire validated in women with MS for the evaluation of sexual expectations and in the present study the women felt strongly that it represented a useful way for them to introduce and then discuss the subject of their sexual dysfunction with their doctor.

Audrey S-B, Marion R, Béatrice M, et al. Sexual Dysfunction in Women With Multiple Sclerosis: Expectations Regarding Treatment and Information, and Utility of the SEA-MS-F Questionnaire. Sex Med 2022;10:100502.

Lower urinary tract disorders in multiple sclerosis patients: prevalence, clinical features, and response to treatments

Aims

Lower urinary tract symptoms are common in multiple sclerosis (MS) and have a great impact on quality of life. We evaluated prevalence and characteristics of urological symptoms in a cohort of patients with MS.

Methods

This is a cross‐sectional study conducted on consecutive patients with MS attending our Center in 2018. We evaluated prevalence, clinical features, and response to symptomatic treatments of lower urinary tract disorders; we investigated the relationship between them and clinical and demographic features. Data of urodynamic studies were also collected.

Results

In our cohort of 806 patients, the overall prevalence of urological symptoms was 52.9% and urgency was the most frequent symptom (59.4%). Symptomatic patients had a higher disability, a longer disease duration, a later age at onset, and a greater mean age at the time of evaluation. Urinary disorders were more frequent in patients with progressive disease and in women. About 41.8% of patients were under treatment for the urological disorder and 81.5% of them reported an improvement of symptoms.

Conclusion

Urinary disorders in patients with MS have a high prevalence. An early and correct characterization of types of symptoms and an early and targeted therapeutic strategy are essential to improve the patient's quality of life and avoid future complications.

Treatment of Women with Multiple Sclerosis Planning Pregnancy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

We review data available for treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) before, during, and after pregnancy. We present recent data on disease-modifying therapies (DMT) before/during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, with treatment recommendations.

RECENT FINDINGS

Observational data support the safety of injectable DMTs (glatiramer acetate, interferon-beta) for use in pregnancy, while some oral DMTs might be associated with fetal risk. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) before pregnancy such as rituximab or natalizumab likely do not pose significant fetal risks, but can cross the placenta with neonatal hematological abnormalities if given in the second trimester or later. Breastfeeding is associated with decreased risk of postpartum relapses. Finally, injectables and mAbs likely have low transfer into breastmilk.

SUMMARY

Many women with MS do not require DMTs during pregnancy, although injectables could be continued. For women with highly active MS, cell-depleting therapies could be given before conception, or natalizumab could be continued through pregnancy, with monitoring of the fetus. Women should be encouraged to breastfeed, and those with higher relapse risk could consider injectables or mAbs while breastfeeding. Further data on safety of DMTs around pregnancy are needed. Maximizing function through non-pharmacologic approaches is complementary to DMTs. Special considerations for pregnancy and DMTs during the COVID-19 pandemic are needed.

Short-term reproducibility of cystometry in multiple sclerosis patients

OBJECTIVE

To assess the reproducibility of detrusor activity cystometric pattern in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, which is poorly documented in the medical literature, by means of successive filling.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective study in MS patients; cystometry was repeated twice at 5minutes of interval if a detrusor overactivity before 300mL of filling was observed. Thus, 3 successive cystometries were analysed. The following characteristics were recorded: detrusor maximum pressure (Pmax), volume at the first involuntary detrusor contraction (IDC), maximum cystometric capacity (MCC), pressure at the first IDC, the existence of an overactive detrusor classified as phasic or terminal.

RESULTS

We included 31 patients (19 women and 12 men); only 6 patients were naïve-treatment, the mean EDSS was: 5.3 (±1.6) and the mean age was 48.4 (±12.5) years. All the patients had an overactive detrusor for each cystometry. The reproducibility was good for all the parameters (range ICC between 0.7 and 0.83).

CONCLUSION

Quantitative and qualitative cystometric data have a good reproducibility in MS patients with detrusor overactivity before 300mL of filling.

LEVEL OF PROOF

3.

[Multiple sclerosis and intermittent self-catheterization]

INTRODUCTION

Lower urinary tract dysfunctions are frequent in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). These disorders impair quality of life and can cause urological complications. In cases of urinary retention or incomplete bladder emptying, clean intermittent self-catheterization is the preferred option where possible.

OBJECTIVE

To identify data concerning the use of intermittent self-catheterization by patients with MS.

BIBLIOGRAPHIC SOURCE

A review was done using Medline/Pubmed with selection of articles in either English or French. The key words were: « multiple sclerosis and intermittent catheterization, self-catheterization, neuro-urology/urinary guidelines, continent stoma, continent vesicostomy».

STUDY SELECTION

Studies were selected if they concerned either multiple sclerosis exclusively or with a majority of cases concerning MS.

RESULTS

Intermittent self-catheterization is recommended and commonly used in patients with MS. Studies are rare in this specific population. Questions still remain about indications and practicalities in this disease. Indications must be individually evaluated according to symptoms and complications. The use of self-catheterization can improve symptomatology or quality of life, however, global urinary management is necessary. Urinary infection is the most frequently reported side effect. The teaching of self-catheterization should take into account physical and cognitive impairment. Due to the developing nature of the pathology, indications and the patients' ability to carry out self-catheterization should be regularly assessed.

LIMITATIONS

The search was limited to a single bibliographic source and studies are rare.

CONCLUSION

Further studies are necessary to increase knowledge of self-catheterization specificities in MS patients compared to other neurogenic patients.

Sex effects across the lifespan in women with multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune inflammatory demyelinating central nervous system disorder that is more common in women, with onset often during reproductive years. The female:male sex ratio of MS rose in several regions over the last century, suggesting a possible sex by environmental interaction increasing MS risk in women. Since many with MS are in their childbearing years, family planning, including contraceptive and disease-modifying therapy (DMT) counselling, are important aspects of MS care in women. While some DMTs are likely harmful to the developing fetus, others can be used shortly before or until pregnancy is confirmed. Overall, pregnancy decreases risk of MS relapses, whereas relapse risk may increase postpartum, although pregnancy does not appear to be harmful for long-term prognosis of MS. However, ovarian aging may contribute to disability progression in women with MS. Here, we review sex effects across the lifespan in women with MS, including the effect of sex on MS susceptibility, effects of pregnancy on MS disease activity, and management strategies around pregnancy, including risks associated with DMT use before and during pregnancy, and while breastfeeding. We also review reproductive aging and sexual dysfunction in women with MS.

[Female sexual dysfunction and multiple sclerosis: A case-control study]

OBJECTIVES

To compare the scores of the different dimensions of sexual function of women with multiple sclerosis to a group of control women and to identify possible factors associated with sexual dysfunction in women with multiple sclerosis.

METHODS

This is a descriptive and analytical case-control study. Twenty-six women with multiple sclerosis were compared to 26 control women matched for age and socioeconomic status. The evaluation focused on demographic and clinical data. Patients with multiple sclerosis were evaluated by Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) for functional status, by Female Sexual Function Inventory (FSFI) for sexual function and by Beck Depression Inventory-Short Form (BDI-DF) for severity of depression.

RESULTS

Our results confirmed the high prevalence of sexual dysfunction among patients with multiple sclerosis (69.2%) compared to controls (26.9%) (P=0.002). Sexual desire, arousal and orgasm were the most altered sexual phases in our study. Total FSFI, and FSFI subscale scores (sexual desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm and satisfaction) were lower in women with multiple sclerosis compared with controls. The analytical study showed that in women with multiple sclerosis, the total FSFI score was correlated with age (r_s=-0.68; P<0.001), duration of marriage (r_s=-0.57; P=0.002), level of disability (r_s=-0.45; P=0.021) and BDI-SF score (r_s=-0.51; P=0.008). FSFI score was also associated to low education level (P=0.02) and urinary dysfunction (P=0.04).

CONCLUSION

Our study highlighted the importance of sexual dysfunction in women with multiple sclerosis. The inclusion of this aspect in the clinical assessment will improve the quality of life of these patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

[Sexuality of patients with neurological disability: Perception of healthcare professionals of a neurologic rehabilitation hospital unit]

Sexual disorders are common after neurological diseases. The reconstruction of sexuality is a major issue after neurologic disability. Why is this topic not covered in rehabilitation medicine except specialized service? The aim of this pilot study was to assess the perception of the healthcare professionals (HCPs) and to understand why this topic was not addressed. We conducted a pilot, observational, monocentric study from February to March 2016 in HCPs from a neurologic rehabilitation hospital unit.

RESULTS

The sexuality was essential for 14/28 (50%) HCPs in general and for 7/28 (25%) in neurologic disability. The hospital inhibits sexuality rebuilding in 21/28 (75%). The question of exercise of sexuality in hospital was considered as legitimate question for 13/28 (46%). Twenty-third (82%) have talked about sexuality with patients or colleagues, 5/19 (27%) thought that their response was satisfactory when patient asked about it. The question of sexuality had been managed for 10/28 (36%) during their training; 22/28 (79%) considered it was a prime importance for their job.

CONCLUSION

In this monocentric study, sexuality was often poorly managed in rehab center. The professionals did not dare talking about it with patients and answered with difficulties when they are asked about sexual disorders. They were not trained for this topic. A specialized medical education in hospital and during studies would be of great value to improve neurologic rehabilitation of these patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4.

Stress Urinary Incontinence in Women With Multiple Sclerosis

Purpose

To report the prevalence and risk factors of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and the prevalence of intrinsic sphincter deficiency in women with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study. Female patients with MS, followed for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) during a 15-year period were included. Demographic data, MS history, expanded disability status scale (EDSS) score at the urodynamic visit, obstetrical past, birth weight, LUTS, and urodynamic findings were collected. SUI was defined as incontinence during cough, or any effort. A maximum urethral closure pressure less than 30 cm H₂O defined intrinsic sphincter deficiency.

Results

We included 363 women with a mean age of 46.7±10.8 years and a mean disease duration of 12.9±8.7 years. The incidence of relapsing remitting MS, a secondary progressive form, and a primary progressive form was 60.6%, 32.8%, and 6.6%, respectively. The prevalence of SUI was 31.4%. The prevalence of intrinsic sphincter deficiency was 1.4% and 0.8% of these patients had a SUI (P=0.300). In a multivariate analysis, women with a SUI had significantly higher birth weight (P=0.030), a pelvic organ prolapse (P=0.021), urgent urinary incontinence (P=0.006), a lower EDSS score (P=0.019), and a weaker containing effort (P<0.001).

Conclusions

The prevalence of SUI in women with MS was 31.4%. This symptom could affect the quality of life of women with MS.