Clean intermittent catheterization rates after initial and subsequent treatments with onabotulinumtoxinA for non-neurogenic overactive bladder in real-world clinical settings

Variation in the Definitions of Urinary Retention in Studies of Intravesical Botulinum Toxin for Idiopathic Overactive Bladder: A Narrative Systematic Review

PURPOSE

To categorise and quantify definitions of urinary retention reported in studies assessing botulinum toxin (BoNT) injections for idiopathic overactive bladder (iOAB) syndrome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A narrative systematic review was conducted using three databases: EMBASE (via Ovid), PubMed, and SCOPUS. Inclusion criteria comprised studies published as full-text articles in English involving adults receiving BoNT injections (any formulation) for iOAB syndrome, where urinary retention was reported as an outcome.

RESULTS

From 1986 screened studies, 135 were assessed, and 57 met the eligibility criteria for the narrative systematic review. Reported rates of urinary retention varied widely, ranging from 0% to 42.6%. A definition of urinary retention was provided in 33 studies (57.9%), which were broadly categorised as follows. 1. Post-void residual (PVR) volume threshold: 14 studies (21.5%). 2. Inability to void: 6 studies (9.2%). 3. Initiation of clean intermittent catheterisation (CIC): 6 studies (9.2%). 4. PVR volume threshold and initiation of CIC/indwelling catheterisation (IDC): 6 studies (9.2%). 5. Bladder symptoms and PVR volume threshold and initiation of CIC/IDC: 6 studies (9.2%). 6. Bladder symptoms and PVR volume threshold: 3 studies (4.6%). Notably, 24 studies (42.1%) omitted a definition altogether.

CONCLUSIONS

Urinary retention rates varied significantly between studies, likely due to the heterogeneous definitions used. The omission of definitions in nearly half of studies further complicates efforts to accurately inform and consent patients regarding the risk of urinary retention and the need for CIC/IDC after intravesical BoNT injection. Standardised definitions are urgently needed to enhance research, improve clinical practice, and support informed patient counselling.

Variation in Defining Retention After Onabotulinum Toxin A for Overactive Bladder: A Systematic Review

IMPORTANCE

Urinary retention is a common adverse effect after intravesical injection of onabotulinum toxin A (BTX) for overactive bladder (OAB). Reported retention rates range from 1.6% to more than 40%. This variation may be due to varying definitions of retention in the literature.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to assess the variation in definitions of urinary retention across studies of BTX for the treatment of OAB.

STUDY DESIGN

We performed a systematic review of studies of BTX for OAB by querying MEDLINE and EMBASE according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We included original research studies on adults with overactive bladder treated with BTX and urinary retention reported as an outcome from January 2000 to December 2020.

RESULTS

From 954 results, we identified 53 articles that met inclusion criteria. There were 6 definitions for urinary retention. The majority of studies (60.4%) reported initiating clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) as the metric for retention. Five (9.5%) studies provided no definition despite reporting retention as an adverse event. Twenty studies (37.7%) specified a postvoid residual volume (PVR) threshold for initiating CIC in asymptomatic patients; 19 (35.8%) specified a PVR threshold for CIC in symptomatic patients. The PVR thresholds ranged from 100 to 400 mL. Twenty-three studies (43.4%) did not address asymptomatic elevation of PVR, and 22 (41.5%) did not address how symptomatic patients were managed.

CONCLUSIONS

Urinary retention after BTX injection is inconsistently defined in the literature. Lack of standardization in reporting retention after intravesical BTX prevents accurate assessment of the risk of urinary retention and comparison of outcomes between studies.

Efficacy and safety of an alternative onabotulinumtoxinA injection paradigm for refractory overactive bladder

AIMS

In studies utilizing a 20-injection-site paradigm of onabotulinumtoxinA treatment for overactive bladder (OAB), some patients performed clean intermittent catheterization (CIC). An alternative injection paradigm of fewer injections targeting the lower bladder may reduce the need for CIC by maintaining upper bladder function. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of an unapproved alternative 10-injection-site paradigm targeting the lower bladder.

METHODS

In this phase 4, double-blind, parallel-group study, patients with OAB and urinary incontinence (UI) for ≥6 months with ≥3 episodes of urinary urgency incontinence (no more than 1 UI-free day) and ≥8 micturitions per day over 3 days during screening were randomized 2:1 to onabotulinumtoxinA 100 U or placebo injected at 10 sites in the lower bladder.

RESULTS

Of 120 patients, 78 in the onabotulinumtoxinA group and 39 in the placebo group had efficacy assessments. In the double-blind phase, mean change from baseline at week 12 in daily frequency of UI episodes was greater with onabotulinumtoxinA (-2.9) versus placebo (-0.3) (least squares mean difference [LSMD]: -2.99, p < 0.0001). Achievement of 100% (odds ratio [OR]: 6.15 [95% confidence interval, CI: 0.75-50.37]), ≥75% (OR: 7.25 [2.00-26.29]), and ≥50% improvement (OR: 4.79 [1.87-12.28]) from baseline in UI episodes was greater with onabotulinumtoxinA versus placebo. Reductions from baseline in the daily average number of micturitions (LSMD: -2.24, p < 0.0001), nocturia (LSMD: -0.71, p = 0.0004), and urgency (LSMD: -2.56, p < 0.0001) were greater with onabotulinumtoxinA than with placebo. Treatment benefit was improved or greatly improved in the onabotulinumtoxinA group (74.0% of patients) versus placebo (17.6%) (OR: 13.03 [95% CI: 3.23-52.57]). Mean change from baseline in Incontinence Quality of Life score was greater with onabotulinumtoxinA versus placebo (LSMD: 24.2, p = 0.0012). Two of 78 (2.6%) patients in the onabotulinumtoxinA group used CIC during the double-blind period; no females used CIC during the double-blind period. Commonly reported adverse events (≥5%) were urinary tract infection (UTI), dysuria, and productive cough for both groups; rate of UTI was higher with onabotulinumtoxinA versus placebo.

CONCLUSION

In patients treated with onabotulinumtoxinA for OAB with UI, an unapproved alternative injection paradigm targeting the lower bladder demonstrated efficacy over placebo, with a low incidence of CIC.

The Effects of Age, Gender, and Postvoid Residual Volume on Catheterization Rates After Treatment with OnabotulinumtoxinA for Overactive Bladder

Background

Transient increases in postvoid residual urine volume (PVR) requiring clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) have occurred with onabotulinumtoxinA treatment for overactive bladder (OAB).

Objective

To evaluate onabotulinumtoxinA safety and the effect of age, gender, and maximum PVR (PVRmax) on CIC initiation in adults with OAB and urinary incontinence (UI).

Design setting and participants

This was a pooled post hoc analysis of four placebo-controlled, multicenter randomized trials that included adults with idiopathic OAB after first onabotulinumtoxinA treatment (NCT00910845, NCT00910520, NCT01767519, NCT01945489). Patients had at least three urgency UI episodes over 3 d and at least eight micturitions per day, had inadequate management with at least one anticholinergic agent, and were willing to use CIC.

Outcome measurements and statistical analysis

We measured the following outcomes: PVRmax within 12 wk after first treatment; CIC incidence; estimated functional capacity; PVR ratio (PVR/estimated functional capacity).

Results and limitations

Of 1504 patients, 87.7% were women and 88.8% were White. The mean age was 60.5 yr across 10-yr age groups, baseline PVR was 13.8-35.0 ml, and estimated functional capacity was 293.5-475.7 ml. Mean baseline PVR was 21.3 ml overall versus 34.0 ml in the group that started CIC. The CIC incidence was 6.2% for women (range 1.1-8.4%) and 10.5% for men (range 0-14.6%). Higher CIC rates were observed for PVRmax >350 ml (women 91.9%, men 84.6%) in comparison to PVRmax of 201-350 ml (women 32.5%, men 17.4%) and PVRmax <200 ml (women 1.2%, men 1.6%). Overall, 2/1504 patients (both women) were unable to void spontaneously. The mean PVR ratio was highest at week 2. Some subgroups had small sample sizes.

Conclusions

CIC incidence was low overall, was less frequent for women, was rare with PVRmax ≤200 ml, and did not appear to correlate with baseline PVR.

Patient summary

After onabotulinumtoxinA treatment for OAB, patients sometimes insert a catheter to help in emptying their bladder after urinating. In this study, few patients needed a catheter, especially when less urine volume remained after urination.

Current and Emerging Pharmacological Targets and Treatments of Urinary Incontinence and Related Disorders

Overactive bladder syndrome with and without urinary incontinence and related conditions, signs, and disorders such as detrusor overactivity, neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction, underactive bladder, stress urinary incontinence, and nocturia are common in the general population and have a major impact on the quality of life of the affected patients and their partners. Based on the deliberations of the subcommittee on pharmacological treatments of the 7th International Consultation on Incontinence, we present a comprehensive review of established drug targets in the treatment of overactive bladder syndrome and the aforementioned related conditions and the approved drugs used in its treatment. Investigational drug targets and compounds are also reviewed. We conclude that, despite a range of available medical treatment options, a considerable medical need continues to exist. This is largely because the existing treatments are symptomatic and have limited efficacy and/or tolerability, which leads to poor long-term adherence. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Urinary incontinence and related disorders are prevalent in the general population. While many treatments have been approved, few patients stay on long-term treatment despite none of them being curative. This paper provides a comprehensive discussion of existing and emerging treatment options for various types of incontinence and related disorders.

Treating Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Older Adults: Intravesical Options

This article provides an overview of the diagnosis and the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms in older adults complicated by the neurodegenerative changes in the micturition reflex and further confounded by age-related decline in hepatic and renal clearance raising the propensity of adverse drug reactions. The first-line drug treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms, orally administered antimuscarinics, fails to reach the equilibrium dissociation constant of muscarinic receptors even at their maximum plasma concentration and tends to evoke a half-maximal response at a muscarinic receptor occupancy of just 0.206% in the bladder with a minimal difference from exocrine glands, which raises the adverse drug reaction risk. On the contrary, intravesical antimuscarinics are instilled at concentrations 1000-fold higher than the oral maximum plasma concentration and the equilibrium dissociation constant erects a downhill concentration gradient that drives passive diffusion and achieves a mucosal concentration around ten-fold lower than the instilled concentration for a long-lasting occupation of muscarinic receptors in mucosa and sensory nerves. A high local concentration of antimuscarinics in the bladder triggers alternative mechanisms of action and is supposed to engage retrograde transport to nerve cell bodies for neuroplastic changes that underlie a long-lasting therapeutic effect, while an intrinsically lower systemic uptake of the intravesical route lowers the muscarinic receptor occupancy of exocrine glands to lower the adverse drug reaction relative to the oral route. Thus, the traditional pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of oral treatment are upended by intravesical antimuscarinics to generate a dramatic improvement (~ 76%) noted in a meta-analysis of studies enrolling children with neurogenic lower urinary tract symptoms on the primary endpoint of maximum cystometric bladder capacity as well as the secondary endpoints of filling compliance and uninhibited detrusor contractions. The therapeutic success of intravesical multidose oxybutynin solution or oxybutynin entrapped in the polymer for sustained release in the pediatric population bodes well for patients with lower urinary tract symptoms at the other extreme of the age spectrum. Though generally used to predict oral drug absorption, Lipinski's rule of five can also explain the ten-fold lower systemic uptake from the bladder of positively charged trospium over oxybutynin, a tertiary amine. Chemodenervation by an intradetrusor injection of onabotulinumtoxinA is merited for patients with idiopathic overactive bladder discontinuing oral treatment because of a lack of efficacy. However, age-related peripheral neurodegeneration potentiates the adverse drug reaction risk of urinary retention that motivates the quest of liquid instillation, delivering larger fraction of onabotulinumtoxinA to the mucosa as opposed to muscle by an intradetrusor injection can also probe the neurogenic and myogenic predominance of idiopathic overactive bladder. Overall, the treatment paradigm of lower urinary tract symptoms in older adults should be tailored to individual's overall health status and the risk tolerance for adverse drug reactions.

The Correlation of Diabetes Mellitus and Urinary Retention From Intravesical OnabotulinumtoxinA Injection for Overactive Bladder

IMPORTANCE AND OBJECTIVES

The objective was to determine whether patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) treated with intravesical onabotulinumtoxinA (BoNT) injection for overactive bladder (OAB) had increased urinary retention requiring clean intermittent catheterization (CIC), as well as the impact of disease duration and severity. We hypothesize that patients with DM will have higher rates of retention after BoNT injection.

STUDY DESIGN

We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of women in the Kaiser Permanente Southern California Health System who underwent BoNT injection for OAB, excluding women with a history of urinary retention or neurogenic bladder.

RESULTS

We identified 565 patients, 410 in the control group and 155 in the DM group. No significant difference was found in the rate of CIC (9% in the control group versus 5.8% in the DM group, P = 0.2), voiding dysfunction, and peak postprocedure postvoid residual volume (PVR). Patients with diabetes had a significantly increased rate of postprocedure urinary tract infection (UTI; 27.6% versus 38.1%, P = 0.02). Urinary tract infection was significantly associated with urinary retention (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 2.26; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02-4.99; P = 0.045) and peak PVR ≥200 mL (adjusted OR, 2.42; 95% CI, 1.15-5.06; P = 0.019). Diabetic disease duration and severity were not a predictor of urinary retention, elevated PVR, or voiding dysfunction; however, the presence of ≥1 disease-related complication was a predictor of UTI (adjusted OR, 2.81; 95% CI, 1.34-5.91; P = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

Diabetic patients had a similar rate of urinary retention requiring CIC after BoNT injection for OAB compared with nondiabetic patients. Diabetic patients had an increased risk of UTI based on disease severity.

The Effect of Symptomatic Stress Urinary Incontinence on Catheterization Rates After Intradetrusor OnabotulinumtoxinA Injections

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether catheterization rates after intradetrusor onabotulinumtoxinA injection for nonneurogenic overactive bladder and urgency incontinence differ between women with urgency urinary incontinence only and women with urgency-predominant mixed urinary incontinence.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of patients that underwent intradetrusor onabotulinumtoxinA injection of 100 U for nonneurogenic urgency urinary incontinence. The primary outcome was the difference in catheterization rates between women with urgency urinary incontinence alone compared with women with urgency-predominant mixed urinary incontinence. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed.

RESULTS

Of the 177 women included in the final analysis, 105 had urgency urinary incontinence and 72 had urgency-predominant mixed urinary incontinence. The overall catheterization rate after onabotulinumtoxinA injection was 11.3%, with significantly fewer women with mixed urinary incontinence requiring catheterization when compared with women with urgency urinary incontinence alone (4.2% vs 16.2%; P = 0.03), despite an older population (P = 0.02). Patient-reported improvement (P = 0.37) and decision to continue onabotulinumtoxinA treatments (P = 0.89) were similar between groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that women with mixed urinary incontinence had significantly lower odds of requiring catheterization after onabotulinumtoxinA injections than women with urgency urinary incontinence alone (odds ratio, 0.16; 95% confidence interval, 0.04-0.67; P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Findings suggest that the presence of symptomatic stress urinary incontinence is associated with lower rates of catheterization after intradetrusor onabotulinumtoxinA, but does not compromise efficacy of treatment for urgency-predominant mixed urinary incontinence.

Diagnosis and management of overactive bladder: A review

AIM

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a common and troublesome condition that can significantly impair quality of life. This review aims to educate providers of obstetrics and gynecology services about available therapies for OAB and what to expect following treatment.

METHODS

Here, we review published data from studies that have evaluated available treatments for OAB. Relevant articles published over the past 2 decades, including large multicenter trials, were identified through a literature search using PubMed.gov, and the references in those articles were also manually searched to find additional articles. Treatment guidelines and product labels were also reviewed.

RESULTS

Behavioral therapy is recommended as a first choice for OAB management; pharmacologic treatment (anticholinergics, β₃ -adrenoceptor agonists) as second-line treatment; and onabotulinumtoxinA, peripheral tibial nerve stimulation, and sacral nerve stimulation as third-line therapy for patients refractory or intolerant to first- and second-line treatments. A stepwise approach to treatment through first-, second-, and third-line therapies is recommended, recognizing this may not be appropriate for all patients.

CONCLUSIONS

To optimize symptom control and set realistic expectations, patients should be carefully monitored and counseled appropriately on available treatment options.

Predictors of Poor Response and Adverse Events Following Botulinum Toxin A for Refractory Idiopathic Overactive Bladder: A Systematic Review

CONTEXT

Botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) injections are effective in managing refractory overactive bladder (OAB). However, some patients exhibit a poor response and/or experience adverse events (AEs) such as voiding dysfunction necessitating clean intermittent self-catheterisation (CISC) and urinary tract infections (UTIs).

OBJECTIVE

To systematically evaluate whether poor response/AEs to BTX-A for idiopathic OAB are predictable.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Google Scholar database were searched in March 2020. Studies reporting predictive factors for poor response or AEs were included. Two reviewers independently screened articles, searched references, and extracted data. Risk of bias (Quality in Prognosis Studies [QUIPS]) and quality of evidence (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation [GRADE]) tools were utilised.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Of 1579 articles, 17 met the inclusion criteria. These were cohort studies with predominantly level 3 evidence. Factors including male gender, frailty, comorbidity, increasing age, smoking, baseline leakage episodes, and various urodynamic parameters (bladder outlet obstruction index [BOOI], high pretreatment maximum detrusor pressure, and poor bladder compliance) were proposed as predictors of nonresponse. In predicting CISC use, male gender, comorbidity, increasing age, number of vaginal deliveries, hysterectomy, and urodynamic parameters (bladder capacity, postvoid residual volume, projected isovolumetric pressure value, bladder contractility index, and BOOI) were implicated. Female gender, males with their prostates in situ, and CISC were suggested to increase UTIs after BTX-A.

CONCLUSIONS

This review has identified factors that may predict poor response/AEs following bladder BTX-A and help in counselling of patients. Overall, the quality of individual studies included was poor, limiting the certainty of evidence reported. Larger-scale, better-designed trials with uniform definitions of poor response are required to confirm these preliminary findings.

PATIENT SUMMARY

This review assessed whether we could predict poor response or side effects to bladder botulinum toxin A injections in managing overactive bladder. Many different factors based on the patient, medical conditions, previous surgery, and pretreatment investigations were identified. However, the quality of included studies was generally poor, limiting their conclusions.

Complications of Botox and their Management

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Adherence to anticholinergic medications is known to be a problem in patients with overactive bladder, with only 13.2% of patients continuing anticholinergic therapy beyond 1 year D'Souza et al. (J Manag Care Pharm. 14:291-301, 2008).

RECENT FINDINGS

Prior to the advent of third line therapies such as onabotulinumtoxin A, refractory overactive bladder (OAB) was managed with augmentation cystoplasty, a lengthy surgery with associated side effects including lifetime need for self-catheterization, ileus, and metabolic disturbances. The advent of onabotulinumtoxin A has drastically reduced the rates of augmentation cystoplasties being performed for refractory OAB. However, all procedures are associated with side effects which should be relayed to the patient prior to beginning therapy, as well as their management. In the current review, we summarize the common complications following onabotulinumtoxin A injection as well as their management.