Treatment of detrusor hyperreflexia in multiple sclerosis: a double-blind, crossover clinical trial comparing methantheline bromide (Banthine), flavoxate chloride (Urispas) and meladrazine tartrate (Lisidonil)

Detrusor relaxing agents for neurogenic detrusor overactivity: a systematic review, meta-analysis and network meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the evidence regarding the therapeutic benefits and safety of oral detrusor relaxing agents (DRAs) in treating neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO).

METHODS

A comprehensive search was performed on 1 September 2022. Two authors independently reviewed the articles to extract data using a pre-designed form. The meta-analysis was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. A common-effect or random-effects model was used based on the heterogeneity among studies. Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA) was further performed to make indirect comparisons of antimuscarinics and mirabegron.

RESULTS

A total of 23 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comprising 1697 patients were included in our analysis. Compared to placebo, the clinical benefits of oral DRAs, along with more adverse events (AEs), were demonstrated in the treatment of NDO. In the subgroup analysis, antimuscarinics significantly improved both urodynamic and bladder diary outcomes (including urinary incontinence episodes, urinary frequency, and residual volume), with a higher rate of AEs, such as xerostomia. Mirabegron improved some of the parameters and had fewer bothersome side-effects in patients with NDO. The NMA showed that none of the antimuscarinics or mirabegron was superior or inferior to the other.

CONCLUSIONS

Detrusor relaxing agents are associated with improved outcomes in patients with NDO and our analysis has added new evidence regarding antimuscarinics. Evidence concerning mirabegron as first-line therapy for NDO is still limited. Well-designed RCTs are still required in this specific population.

Efficacy of overactive neurogenic bladder treatment: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms of frequency, urgency and urge incontinence are frequently associated with known neurological diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS), spinal cord injury (SCI), Parkinson's disease (PD), stroke.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of our study was to review the efficacy of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments for neurogenic overactive bladder.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We searched two electronic databases (PubMed and EMBASE) for randomized controlled trials focusing on pharmacological and non-pharmacological medical treatments for overactive bladder symptoms associated with neurological diseases published up to 30 April 2022.

RESULTS

A total of 157 articles were retrieved; 94 were selected by title and abstract screening; after removal of 17 duplicates, 77 records were evaluated by full-text examination. Sixty-two studies were finally selected. The articles selected for review focused on the following interventions: anticholinergics (n = 9), mirabegron (n = 5), comparison of different drugs (n = 3), cannabinoids (n = 2), intravesical instillations (n = 3), botulinum toxin (n = 16), transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS) (n = 6), acupuncture (n = 2), transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation TENS (n = 4), pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) (n = 10), others (n = 2). Anticholinergics were more effective than placebo in decreasing the number of daily voids in patients with PD (mean difference [MD]- 1.16, 95 % CI - 1.80 to - 0.52, 2 trials, 86 patients, p < 0.004), but no significant difference from baseline was found for incontinence episodes and nocturia. Mirabegron was more effective than placebo in increasing the cystometric capacity in patients with MS (mean difference [MD] 89.89 mL, 95 % CI 29.76 to 150.01, 2 trials, 98 patients, p < 0.003) but no significant difference was observed for symptom scores and bladder diary parameters. TTNS was more effective than its sham-control in decreasing the number of nocturia episodes (MD -1.40, 95 % CI -2.39 to -0.42, 2 trials, 53 patients, p < 0.005) but no significant changes of OAB symptom scores were reported. PFMT was more effective than conservative advice in decreasing the ICIQ symptom score (MD, -1.12, 95 % CI -2.13 to -0.11, 2 trials, 91 patients, p = 0.03), although the number of incontinence episodes was not significantly different between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the meta-analysis demonstrate a moderate efficacy of all considered treatments without proving the superiority of one therapy over the others. Combination treatment using different pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies could achieve the best clinical efficacy due to the favorable combination of the different mechanisms of action. This could be associated with fewer side effects due to drug dosage reduction. These data are only provisional and should be considered with caution, due to the few studies included in metaanalysis and to the small number of patients.

WITHDRAWN: Anticholinergics for urinary symptoms in multiple sclerosis

This review has been withdrawn for the following reasons:

‐ a review author contravenes Cochrane's Commercial Sponsorship Policy. This policy ensures the independence of Cochrane reviews by making sure that there is no bias associated with commercial conflicts of interest in the conduct of Cochrane reviews. The author was employed by the biopharmaceutical company AstraZeneca and cannot say with certainty that the company did not produce or have any financial interest in the interventions in this review

‐ the review is substantially out of date

To view the published versions of this article, please click the 'Other versions' tab.

The editorial group responsible for this previously published document have withdrawn it from publication.

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

GOAL

The aim was to review the literature on genito-urinary dysfunction in multiple sclerosis (MS).

MATERIAL

A literature review through the PubMed library until August, 31 2013 was carried out using the following keywords: multiple sclerosis and neurogenic bladder, neuropathic bladder, bladder, management, follow-up, urological complications, urological treatment, sexual dysfunction, female sexual function, male sexual function, erectile dysfunction, anorectal, faecal, constipation, bowel, pregnancy, parturition, delivery, breast-feeding.

RESULTS

Genito-urinary dysfunction is frequent in MS (35-90%) and may happen soon in the disease. Urinary symptoms (10-90%) are manifold resulting in a quality of life alteration and the onset of complications in 30% of the cases requiring a long-term follow-up. Sexual dysfunctions (35-87%) are also manifold affecting all the sexuality domains in men and women. Except the phosphodiesterase V inhibitors, few treatments have been assessed in this population. Pregnancy is nowadays considered as beneficial resulting in a disease slow-down and the lack of disease worsening despite an increase in disease relapse during the post-partum first quarter. It seems to be better to consider getting pregnant after at least one year without any relapse and to emphasize an exclusive breast-feeding.

CONCLUSION

Urinary and sexual dysfunctions are frequent in MS. A transdisciplinary approach including the neurologist and pelviperineology specialists facilitates a disability adapted early management.

Complication rate of neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction after spinal cord injury in Taiwan

PURPOSE

In view of the limited information on neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) after spinal cord injury (SCI) in the literature, this study aimed to investigate the complication rate of NLUTD after SCI and to describe the clinical management of NLUTD in Taiwan.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted using the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan from which patients newly diagnosed with SCI during 2006-2008 were extracted. Records of diagnosis, prescriptions, and procedures for patients were retrieved to identify NLUTD cases. The utilization of medical treatments including pharmacotherapy and procedures such as intermittent and indwelling catheters was analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 941 eligible SCI patients were identified, with a mean age of 48.4 (±18.5), of which 575 (61.1 %) were male, and 500 (53.1 %) were with cervical SCI. By the end of 1-year follow-up, 165 (17.5 %) had developed NLUTD. The characteristics were mostly similar between the NLUTD and non-NLUTD groups except in age and length of stay (LOS) in hospitals, where patients with NLUTD were 7.5 years old and had 2.15-month-longer LOS. Over 80 % of NLUTD patients received urinary catheterization, with approximately half also receiving pharmacotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study using nationwide datasets to evaluate the overall complication rate of NLUTD associated with SCI, which is shown to be lower than previously reported. While various treatment options are available, urinary catheterization is the most common treatment for NLUTD.

Management of lower urinary tract dysfunction in multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and Turkish consensus report

AIMS

Since lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) related to multiple sclerosis (MS) has a different behavior pattern than other types of neurogenic voiding dysfunction, we aimed to prepare a national consensus report for the management of LUTD due to multiple sclerosis in light of available literature.

METHODS

A search of available databases yielded an evidence base of 125 articles after the application of inclusion/exclusion criteria. When sufficient evidence existed, recommendations A (high), B (moderate), or C (low) were made according to the strength of evidence; recommendation D was provided when insufficient evidence existed.

RESULTS

Available data did not support the use of invasive urodynamics in the initial evaluation of patients with MS and LUTD. Clinical studies on the safety and efficacy of antimuscarinics and alpha-blockers in these patients were scarce and low quality. Desmopressin could be used in MS-related overactive bladder symptoms owing to its short-term effects as an adjunctive treatment. Intravesical botulinum toxin type A treatment in patients with MS and detrusor overactivity was recommended in cases of medical treatment failure or severe side effects due to antimuscarinics. Pelvic floor rehabilitation together with neuromuscular electrical stimulation was also recommended as it increased symptomatic treatment success. This systematic review was not able to find any evidence-based cut off post-void residual value for the recommendation to start clean intermittent catheterization in MS-related LUTD.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with MS and LUTD could be best managed through the use of this consensus report.

Relative bioavailability and pharmacodynamic effects of methantheline compared with atropine in healthy subjects

OBJECTIVES

Methantheline is a strong muscarinic receptor blocking drug used in the treatment of overactive bladder syndrome, hypersalivation and hyperhidrosis. To provide basic information on the pharmacokinetics, magnitude of pharmacodynamic (PD) effects and their correlations with plasma concentrations, we performed a clinical study in 12 healthy subjects receiving methantheline as immediate-release coated tablets (IR) or in watery solution (SOL) in comparison with atropine and placebo tablets.

METHODS

The pharmacokinetics and influence of methantheline, atropine and placebo on salivation and accommodation and pupil function (pupillometry: diameter, response to light flash) were studied in a randomized, controlled study after the administration of 100 mg methantheline bromide as IR and in SOL (phase 1) and 1.0 mg atropine sulphate and placebo (phase 2).

RESULTS

Methantheline reached maximum plasma concentrations of approximately 25 ng/ml after 2.5-3 h and was eliminated at an apparent half-life of approximately 2 h. There was no pharmacokinetic (PK) bioequivalence of methantheline IR and SOL. The ratio IR/SOL (90 % confidence interval) were 0.892 (0.532-1.493) for AUC(0-∞) and 0.905 (0.516-1.584) for maximum plasma concentration. The PD effects of both forms were nearly equivalent with a IR/SOL ratio of 1.015 (0.815-1.262) for salivation, which is the most susceptible characteristic. Methantheline reduced salivation at a potency (methantheline concentration at half maximum effects, EC₅₀) of 5.5 ng/ml in accordance with it plasma concentration. The antimuscarinic effects observed after methantheline administration were stronger and persisted longer than those following the administration of atropine.

CONCLUSIONS

Methantheline is slowly absorbed but rapidly eliminated in humans, and it exerts a strong effect on salivation which is closely associated with its plasma concentrations following a standard sigmoid PD model. Immediate-release tablets and a watery solution of methantheline are equivalent in terms of major PD effects (salivation, pupil function, heart rate) despite its high PK variability.

Bladder symptoms in multiple sclerosis: a review of pathophysiology and management

IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD

The use of anticholinergic medication in bladder dysfunction such as overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) is widespread. However, the benefits and risks of anticholinergics in multiple sclerosis (MS) are unclear because in MS the damage to normal urinary function is both more diffuse and increases with disease progression, and the risk of CNS side effects is higher.

AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW

The pathophysiology of urinary dysfunction in MS and the efficacy and side effects of anticholinergics is assessed. The review analyzed randomized controlled trials and observational studies using anticholinergics involving persons with a confirmed diagnosis of MS having urinary symptoms. Finally a pragmatic approach to managing urinary symptoms in MS is discussed.

WHAT THE READER WILL GAIN

The published data provide limited evidence for the efficacy of anticholinergics in MS. The complexity of treating urinary symptoms in the context of other therapies and the changing neurological background seen in MS is comprehensively analyzed.

TAKE HOME MESSAGE

Anticholinergics could be helpful in particular phases of MS. However, there is inadequate evidence currently available on the use of anticholinergics in MS, and further research on the management of the MS neuropathic bladder is warranted.

Pharmacologic therapy for the neurogenic bladder

This article is a review of the current and past literature on medical management of the neurogenic bladder, with a particular focus on spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis. The use of antimuscarinics, αα-blocker, and tricyclic antidepressants and their combined use are discussed along with new therapies in human and animal trials.

Anticholinergics for urinary symptoms in multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is the commonest physically disabling chronic neurological disease affecting young people. Urinary symptoms are present in about 68% of people with MS but their basis has a number of potential aetiologies that can change with time.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the absolute and comparative efficacy, tolerability and safety of anticholinergic agents in MS patients.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Multiple Sclerosis Group Specialised Trials Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library 2008, Issue1), MEDLINE (January 1966 to January 2008), EMBASE (January 1974 to January 2008), supplemented with search of reference lists, personal communication with authors and relevant drug manufacturers.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised trials and cross-over trials (blinded and unblinded) that are either placebo-controlled or comparing two or more treatments.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

All four review authors independently assessed eligibility and trial quality, and extracted data. Data were processed as described in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions.

MAIN RESULTS

Our search strategy identified 33 articles of which thirty were excluded. Three single centre trials were included. No details were given regarding randomisation and blinding in the first two trials but side effects were frequent with all treatments.The first (Hebjorn 1977) was a double blind randomised crossover trial. Thirty four persons with MS received three drugs Methantheline Bromide, Flavoxate Chloride and Meladrazine Tartrate each for 14 days, washout periods were not mentioned. Median volume measurements at the first bladder contraction were statistically significant at a 5% level for Methantheline Bromide only compared to no treatment.The second (Gajewski 1986) was a prospective parallel group randomised study. Thirty four persons with MS were treated for 6-8 weeks with Oxybutynin (19 subjects) or Propantheline (15 subjects). For frequency, nocturia, urgency, and urge incontinence differences in symptom grade in favour of Oxybutynin were found. However, only for frequency the difference was statistically significant at 5% level.The third (Fader 2007) was a double blind crossover trial. Sixty four persons with MS received oral Oxybutynin or intravesical Atropine for 14 days. Details of randomisation and blinding were given. There was no significant difference between the two treatments in any efficacy outcome measure. Side effects and QOL scores showed significant differences in favour of atropine.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

From the available evidence we cannot advocate the use of anticholinergics in MS.

Managing the symptoms of multiple sclerosis: a multimodal approach

BACKGROUND

Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) may experience numerous symptoms, including spasticity, fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, depression, bladder dysfunction, bowel dysfunction, sexual dysfunction, and pain.

OBJECTIVE

This article reviews the pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions used to manage the symptoms of MS and discusses how interventions for a particular MS symptom may have an impact on other symptoms.

METHODS

The English-language literature was reviewed through November 2005 using MEDLINE and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, with no restriction on year. The search terms included multiple sclerosis, disease-modifying therapies, adverse events, and combinations of multiple sclerosis with terms such as spasticity, fatigue, depression, mood disorders, pain, bladder dysfunction, bowel dysfunction, sexual dysfunction, cognitive dysfunction, and quality of life.

RESULTS

The numerous options for the treatment of MS symptoms have shown varying degrees of efficacy and tolerability. Certain symptoms, if left untreated, may precipitate exacerbation of others. For example, spasticity may lead to pain and bladder and bowel dysfunction, whereas fatigue can compromise cognitive function. Similarly, the adverse effects of treatments for certain symptoms may further compromise other aspects of function. For example, the use of antidepressants may lead to sexual dysfunction, and treatments for spasticity and pain may cause sedation, which can worsen fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, and depressed mood.

CONCLUSIONS

MS is associated with numerous symptoms that can be adversely affected by each other and by therapeutic interventions. Careful clinical monitoring and individualization of pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic therapies are recommended to manage the symptoms of MS, with the goals of improving or maintaining function and preserving the patient's quality of life.

Methantheline improves the reactivation by HI 6 of human erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase inhibited by soman in vitro

The effect of methantheline, a quaternary ammonium compound, on the reactivation by HI 6 of soman-inhibited human erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was investigated in vitro using purified human erythrocyte AChE or washed human erythrocytes. Methantheline itself was found to be a mixed competitive/non-competitive inhibitor of AChE (Kii 360 +/- 70 mumol/l; Ki 240 +/- 10 mumol/l). In all experiments the enzyme was first inhibited by soman for 30 min under conditions preventing ageing (pH 10.0 degrees C) and then ageing was allowed by changing the pH to 7.3 and the temperature to 37 degrees C. Methantheline addition (0.36 or 3.6 mmol/l) at the start of ageing increased the portion of AChE which could be reactivated by HI 6 (0.32 mmol/l) added 5 min later, from 24.6 +/- 1.0% (mean +/- SEM) of the original activity to 42.1 +/- 1.8% or 45 +/- 2.9%, respectively. With HI 6 alone, the portion of AChE activity which could be reactivated 25 min after the start of ageing decreased rapidly with the delay of the oxime addition (100% of the original activity at immediate addition), the half-life being approximately 2.5 min. With methantheline alone (0.36 mmol/l) the AChE activity was lower after immediate addition (37% of the original value), but the loss of activity due to the increasing delay of methantheline addition exhibited a similar half-life as with HI 6. Finally, when methantheline (0.36 mmol/l) was added at the start of ageing and HI 6 at various intervals thereafter the half-life of AChE activity loss due to the delay of HI 6 addition at least doubled, compared to incubations without methantheline.

A calcium blocking and anticholinergic agent (terodiline) in the treatment of detrusor hyperreflexia: a placebo-controlled, cross-over trial

In 25 neurological patients with detrusor hyperreflexia terodiline reduced the number of total micturitions during daytime. Bladder capacity was increased and amplitude of the bladder contractions was reduced. An increase in residual urine was also observed. Mild anticholinergic side-effects were measured on pupillary motility and on heart rate variation. It is concluded that terodiline is a useful alternative in treatment of patients with detrusor hyperreflexia.

Oxybutynin versus propantheline in patients with multiple sclerosis and detrusor hyperreflexia

Hyperreflexia is the most common urological finding in patients with multiple sclerosis. A prospective randomized study was done to compare the effectiveness of 2 commonly used drugs, oxybutynin and propantheline. Of the 34 patients entered into the trial 19 were treated with oxybutynin and 15 with propantheline. The urological symptoms (frequency, nocturia, hesitancy, urgency and urge incontinence) were graded according to severity from 0 to 3. Patients with urinary infection were excluded. Urodynamic examination, consisting of cystometrography and electromyography, was performed in all patients before treatment. Both groups of patients had comparable neurological, urological and urodynamic status before treatment. In 4 patients (21 per cent) treated with oxybutynin and in 4 (27 per cent) treated with propantheline side effects were so severe that the treatment had to be discontinued. Symptomatic response to oxybutynin was good in 10 patients (67 per cent), fair in 2 (13 per cent) and poor in 3 (20 per cent). Propantheline produced good symptomatic results in 4 patients (36 per cent), fair in 1 (9 per cent) and poor in 6 (55 per cent). The mean increase in maximum cystometric capacity on cystometrography was significantly larger in the oxybutynin group than in the propantheline group (144 +/- 115 versus 35 +/- 101). Our results indicate that oxybutynin is more effective than propantheline in the treatment of detrusor hyperreflexia in patients with multiple sclerosis.

The effects of terodiline and meladrazine on severe motor urge incontinence in geriatric patients

Twenty-five geriatric patients with severe motor urge incontinence were treated with terodiline and meladrazine separately and in combination. Because of poor general state of health and serious concomitant diseases the frequency of dropouts was high. Separate administration of the drugs improved the majority of the patients subjectively, but not sufficient for complete continence. Urodynamically, however, significant improvement was found only with terodiline. On combined administration with both drugs, seven of 15 patients became completely continent, seven were improved, and one remained unchanged, but additional urodynamic improvement was not demonstrated. Meladrazine caused a high incidence of side effects; therefore, treatment with terodiline separately is recommended for geriatric patients who have severe motor urge incontinence.