A randomized, controlled trial of transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation to treat overactive bladder and neurogenic bladder patients

Comparative Efficacy of Neuromodulation Technologies for Overactive Bladder in Adults: A Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the comparative efficacy of neuromodulation technologies for overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome in adults.

DATA SOURCES

A computerized search was conducted of Cochrane Library, EMBASE, MEDLINE (via PubMed), Web of Science, CNKI, Wan Fang Data, and ClinicalTrials.gov up to April 21, 2022.

STUDY SELECTION

The search selected clinical trials with random allocation to percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS), transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS), vaginal electrical stimulation (VES), sacral neuromodulation (SNM), parasacral stimulation (PS), pudendal neuromodulation, or placebo.

DATA EXTRACTION

The main outcomes were the voiding diary, OAB-related quality of life, and positive response rate. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool (RoB 2.0) was used to assess the risk of bias of each included study, and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation tool was used to evaluate the overall evidence quality of key outcomes.

DATA SYNTHESIS

The study included 21 randomized controlled trials involving 1433 participants, and all trials were used for the meta-analysis. In the network meta-analyses, five of six neuromodulation technologies, including PTNS, TTNS, VES, SNM, and PS, were related to higher efficacy than the placebo. Ranking probability showed that SNM was the most efficacious therapy for improving OAB-related quality of life, urinary episodes, and urinary frequency. For urgency incontinence episodes and the number of pads, PTNS and TTNS were the most efficacious modalities, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Neuromodulation technologies, including PTNS, TTNS, VES, SNM, and PS, may be effective and safe solutions for OAB syndrome in adults. Moreover, SNM is the most efficacious regimen for OAB-related quality of life, urinary episodes, and urinary frequency. PTNS and TTNS are the most efficacious modalities for reducing urgency incontinence episodes and the number of pads, respectively. Future studies should pay more attention to the quality of study design and report, patients who may benefit the most from neuromodulation, and the long-term effect, cost-effectiveness, and satisfaction of neuromodulation.

The effectiveness and safety of oral medications, onabotulinumtoxinA (three doses) and transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation as non or minimally invasive treatment for the management of neurogenic detrusor overactivity in adults: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Oral medications, onabotulinumtoxinA injections, and transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS) are recommended by the American Urological Association/Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine and Urogenital Reconstruction guidelines as non or minimally invasive treatments for patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) without treatment hierarchy.

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to compare and rank the effectiveness and safety of oral medications, three doses of onabotulinumtoxinA, and TTNS on improving urodynamic outcomes in patient-reported outcomes and safety outcomes in patients with NDO.

METHODS

The authors searched PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Medicine, and clinicaltrials.gov, from their inception to October 2022 and included randomized controlled studies on the drug, onabotulinumtoxinA, and TTNS for the treatment of patients with NDO. Outcomes included urodynamic parameters, voiding diary, quality of life changes, adverse event rate and postvoid residual.

RESULTS

A total of 26 articles and 2938 patients were included in the statistics. Regarding effectiveness, all interventions except TTNS and α-blockers were statistically different for the placebo group. The urodynamic outcome and patient-reported outcome suggested that onabotulinumtoxinA injection (urodynamic outcome: onabotulinumtoxinA 200 U, the mean surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA): 87.4; patient-reported outcome: onabotulinumtoxinA 100 U, mean SUCRA: 89.8) was the most effective treatment, and the safety outcome suggested that TTNS (SUCRA: 83.3) was the safest. Cluster analysis found that antimuscarinics and β3-adrenoceptor-agonists possessed good effectiveness and safety.

CONCLUSION

OnabotulinumtoxinA injection is probably the most effective way to treat patients with NDO, with increasing effectiveness but decreasing safety as the dose rises. The effectiveness of α-blockers and TTNS was not statistically different from the placebo group. Antimuscarinics and β3-adrenoceptor-agonists have good effectiveness and safety.

Efficacy of Tibial Nerve Stimulation in Neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction Among Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This study was performed to systematically review the current literature on the effects of transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation and percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation on multiple sclerosis-induced neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Medical databases including PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science were systematically searched from inception to September 2022. Metaanalysis was carried out using the comprehensive meta-analysis tool.

RESULTS

Our inclusion criteria were met by 12 studies evaluating the effects of percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation/transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation on multiple sclerosis-induced neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction. Comparing the postintervention results to the baseline showed that the rate of frequency was decreased in both percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation and transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation groups after intervention. The overall mean change of tibial nerve stimulation on frequency was -2.623 (95% CI: -3.58, -1.66; P < .001, I 2 : 87.04) among 6 eligible studies. The post-void residual was decreased after treatment in both methods of tibial nerve stimulation, with an overall mean difference of -31.13 mL (95% CI: -50.62, -11.63; P=.002, I 2 : 71.81). The other urinary parameters, including urgency (mean difference: -4.69; 95% CI: -7.64, -1.74; P < .001, I 2 : 92.16), maximum cystometric capacity (mean difference: 70.95; 95% CI: 44.69, 97.21; P < .001, I 2 : 89.04), and nocturia (mean difference: -1.41; 95% CI: -2.22, 0.60; P < .001, I 2 : 95.15), were improved after intervention, too. However, the results of subgroup analysis showed no effect of transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation on urinary incontinence (mean difference: -2.00; 95% CI: -4.06, 0.06; P=.057, I 2 : 95.22) and nocturia (mean difference: -0.39; 95% CI: -1.15, 0.37; P=.315, I 2 : 84.01). In terms of mean voided volume, the evidence was related to only percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation with a mean change of 75.01 mL (95% CI: -39.40, 110.61; P < .001, I 2 : 85.04).

CONCLUSION

Although the current literature suggests that tibial nerve electrostimulation might be an effective method for treating neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction, the evidence base is poor and derived from small, mostly nonrandomized trials with a high risk of bias and confounding.

Feasibility and acceptability of transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation for the treatment of bladder storage symptoms among people with multiple sclerosis

Background

Neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction is an abnormality in the presence of underlying neurologic disease. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrated that storage phase symptoms are the predominant symptoms among people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). Transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS) is a non-invasive treatment for bladder storage symptoms; however, the potential efficacy of stimulation among PwMS is based on a small number of studies with the absence of high-quality evidence. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and safety of TTNS in PwMS using an affordable transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit.

Methods

A total of 23 participants with MS enrolled in the study. The primary outcomes included recruitment/retention rate, completion of the outcomes and the intervention, adherence to the protocol, adverse events, and acceptability of the intervention. The primary outcomes were assessed using diaries and a satisfaction questionnaire. The secondary outcomes included changes in urinary symptoms and quality of life assessed using a set of validated outcome measures including a 3-day bladder diary, PPIUS, ICIQ-OAB, and KHQ at baseline and post-intervention.

Results

Twenty participants completed the study. Three participants (13.04%) withdrew. All 20 participants completed the 6-week intervention and all the outcome measures (100%), with no reported adverse events. Participants were satisfied and found the unit acceptable. Three-day bladder diary showed changes in urinary frequency from a daily median of 10 times to 8 times and daily median urgency changed from 6 times at baseline to 2 times post-intervention. PPIUS showed changes in daily median sever urgency from 3 points (IQR=4) to 1 point (IQR=1) post-intervention. ICIQ-OAB total scores changed from 8 points (IQR=2.25) to 4 points (IQR=2.5) post-intervention. Median and mean scores of KHQ showed a clinical meaningful change of QoL in part-two and part-three of the questionnaire.

Conclusions

TTNS is feasible, safe, and acceptable for PwMS. Changes of urinary symptoms scores and QoL post-intervention suggested improvements. Future implications need to consider the treatment protocol including frequency of treatment sessions, duration of treatment, and the electrical stimulation parameters as well as the outcome measures followed in the current study for the implementation of the future pilot RCT.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04528784. Registered on 27 August 2020. https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/prs/app/action/LoginUser?ts=1&cx=-jg9qo4.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40814-022-01120-1.

Neuromodulation for Storage Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Parkinson Disease: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Bladder symptoms are common in Parkinson disease (PD), affecting quality of life. Medications commonly used such as antimuscarinics can cause frequently intolerable side effects, and therefore, new, better tolerated approaches are needed. Neuromodulation techniques have an established role in urologic disorders; these techniques include tibial nerve stimulation (TNS) and sacral neuromodulation (SNM), which are localized therapies lacking the side effects associated with medication.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to undertake a systematic review of the literature reporting the use of neuromodulation techniques for the treatment of bladder symptoms in PD and related conditions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic search of data bases was conducted including MEDLINE, CENTRAL, and Web of Science. Studies were required to present specific outcomes for individuals with PD for neuromodulation interventions.

RESULTS

Ten primary studies were identified concerning detailed outcomes of neuromodulation on bladder symptoms in PD, including seven for TNS, one for SNM, and one using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Two further mixed cohort studies documented minimal data on individuals with PD. All studies demonstrated benefit in a range of outcome measures following neuromodulation. Two randomized sham-controlled studies were carried out using TNS, with one clearly demonstrating superiority over sham, although difficulties with achieving believable yet ineffective sham treatment are highlighted. Further studies reported limited, uncontrolled outcomes of SNM in patients with PD, demonstrating benefit.

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence from case series suggests benefit from TNS in PD, with limited literature on SNM or TMS. Placebo effect from neuromodulation is a concern, and only limited controlled data exist. Future well-designed and sham-controlled studies need to be completed to provide definitive data on the benefit of neuromodulation in PD. Definitively proving the utility of a neuromodulation modality will allow better treatment of bladder symptoms without the need for pharmacologic measures that cause side effects.

Comparison of transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS) protocols for women with refractory overactive bladder (OAB): A prospective randomised trial

OBJECTIVES

Transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS) is a noninvasive method used in OAB treatment. Purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness of the TTNS procedure applied once a week and three times a week in women diagnosed with wet type refractory OAB.

METHODS

A total of 60 patients diagnosed with wet type OAB that was refractory to medical treatment were included in the study. Participants were equally and randomly divided into two groups: TTNS treatment was performed with a duration of 30 minutes for 12 weeks, once a week to Group I and three times a week to Group II. Pretreatment and posttreatment OAB-V8/ICIQ-SF scores and voiding frequencies recorded in the bladder diary were compared between groups.

RESULTS

Four patients in Group 1 and eight in Group 2 left the study without completing the treatment. TTNS was performed in both groups for 12 weeks. There was a significant decrease in the voiding frequency, OAB-V8, ICIQ-SF scores in both group 1 and group 2 (P < .001). A significant decrease in the OAB-V8 score was observed in the 5th week in Group 1, and in the 3rd week in Group 2. Complete response was observed in 6 patients (23.1%) in Group 1 after 12 weeks of TTNS procedure. In Group 2, 10 patients (45.5%) had a complete response. After the 12-week TTNS procedure, no significant difference was observed between the groups in terms of treatment response.

CONCLUSION

TTNS can be safely used before invasive treatments in resistant OAB. TTNS procedure three times a week seems more effective than performing it once a week. What's known TTNS is one of the effective alternative treatments in resistant OAB treatment. What's new As the number of sessions is increased in TTNS treatment, the success of the treatment can increase.

Percutaneous versus Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation of the Posterior Tibial Nerve in Idiopathic Overactive Bladder Syndrome with Urinary Incontinence in Adults: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous electrical stimulation and transcutaneous electrical stimulation (PTNS and TTNS) of the posterior tibial nerve are internationally recognized treatment methods that offer advantages in terms of treating patients with overactive bladder (OAB) who present with urinary incontinence (UI). This article aims to analyze the scientific evidence for the treatment of OAB with UI in adults using PTNS versus TTNS procedures in the posterior tibial nerve.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted, between February and May 2021 in the Web of Science and Scopus databases, in accordance with the PRISMA recommendations.

RESULTS

The research identified 259 studies, 130 of which were selected and analyzed, with only 19 used according to the inclusion requirements established. The greatest effectiveness, in reducing UI and in other parameters of daily voiding and quality of life, was obtained by combining both techniques with other treatments, pharmacological treatments, or exercise.

CONCLUSIONS

TTNS has advantages over PTNS as it is more comfortable for the patient even though there is equality of both therapies in the outcome variables. More research studies are necessary in order to obtain clear scientific evidence.

Tibial nerve stimulation compared with sham to reduce incontinence in care home residents: ELECTRIC RCT

BACKGROUND

Urinary incontinence is prevalent in nursing and residential care homes, and has a profound impact on residents' dignity and quality of life. Treatment options are limited in these care contexts and care homes predominantly use absorbent pads to contain incontinence, rather than actively treat it. Transcutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation is a non-invasive, safe, low-cost intervention that is effective in reducing urinary incontinence in adults.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the clinical effectiveness of transcutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation to treat urinary incontinence in care home residents and to determine the associated costs of the treatment.

DESIGN

A multicentre, pragmatic, participant and outcome assessor-blind, randomised placebo-controlled trial.

SETTING

A total of 37 UK residential and nursing care homes.

PARTICIPANTS

Care home residents with at least weekly urinary incontinence that is contained using absorbent pads and who are able to use a toilet/toilet aid with or without assistance.

INTERVENTIONS

Residents were randomised (1 : 1) to receive 12 30-minute sessions of transcutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation or sham stimulation over a 6-week period.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Primary outcome - change in volume of urine leaked over a 24-hour period at 6 weeks. Secondary outcomes - number of pads used, Perception of Bladder Condition, toileting skills, quality of life and resource use.

RESULTS

A total of 408 residents were randomised (transcutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation, n = 197; sham stimulation, n = 209); two exclusions occurred post randomisation. Primary outcome data were available for 345 (85%) residents (transcutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation, n = 167; sham stimulation, n = 178). Adherence to the intervention protocol was as follows: 78% of the transcutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation group and 71% of the sham group received the correct stimulation. Primary intention-to-treat adjusted analysis indicated a mean change of -5 ml (standard deviation 362 ml) urine leakage from baseline in the transcutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation group and -66 ml (standard deviation 394 ml) urine leakage in the sham group, which was a statistically significant, but not clinically important, between-group difference of 68-ml urine leakage (95% confidence interval 0 to 136 ml; p = 0.05) in favour of the sham group. Sensitivity analysis supported the primary analysis. No meaningful differences were detected in any of the secondary outcomes. No serious adverse events related to transcutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation were reported. Economic evaluation assessed the resources used. The training and support costs for the staff to deliver the intervention were estimated at £121.03 per staff member. Estimated costs for delivery of transcutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation during the trial were £81.20 per participant. No significant difference was found between participants' scores over time, or between transcutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation and sham groups at any time point, for resident or proxy quality-of-life measures.

CONCLUSIONS

The ELECTRIC (ELECtric Tibial nerve stimulation to Reduce Incontinence in Care homes) trial showed, in the care home context (with a high proportion of residents with poor cognitive capacity and limited independent mobility), that transcutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation was not effective in reducing urinary incontinence. No economic case for transcutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation was made by the cost-consequences analysis; however, the positive reception of learning about urinary incontinence for care home staff supports a case for routine education in this care context.

LIMITATIONS

Completing 24-hour pad collections was challenging for care home staff, resulting in some missing primary outcome data.

FUTURE WORK

Research should investigate transcutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation in residents with urgency urinary incontinence to determine whether or not targeted stimulation is effective. Research should evaluate the effects of continence training for staff on continence care in care homes.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN98415244 and ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03248362.

FUNDING

This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 25, No. 41. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation for Neurogenic Bladder Dysfunction Following Spinal Cord Injury: Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

OBJECTIVES

To assess the efficacy of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for neurogenic bladder dysfunction secondary to spinal cord injury (SCI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane libraries up to February 2021 was performed using PRISMA methodology. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that studied TENS for neurogenic bladder in a SCI population were included. The primary outcomes of interest were maximum cystometric capacity (MCC) and maximum detrusor pressure (Pdet). Meta-analysis was conducted with RevMan v5.3.

RESULTS

Six RCTs involving 353 participants were included. Meta-analysis showed that TENS significantly increased MCC (standardized mean difference 1.11, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.08-2.14, p = 0.03, I²  = 54%) in acute SCI. No benefits were seen for maximum Pdet. TENS was associated with no major adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

TENS may be an effective, safe intervention for neurogenic bladder dysfunction following SCI. Further studies are essential to confirm these results and more work is required to determine optimal stimulation parameters and duration of the treatment.

Superficial peroneal neuromodulation of persistent bladder underactivity induced by prolonged pudendal afferent nerve stimulation in cats

The purpose of this study is to determine whether superficial peroneal nerve stimulation (SPNS) can reverse persistent bladder underactivity induced by prolonged pudendal nerve stimulation (PNS). In 16 α-chloralose-anesthetized cats, PNS and SPNS were applied by nerve cuff electrodes. Skin surface electrodes were also used for SPNS. Bladder underactivity consisting of a significant increase in bladder capacity to 157.8 ± 10.9% of control and a significant reduction in bladder contraction amplitude to 56.0 ± 5.0% of control was induced by repetitive (4-16 times) application of 30-min PNS. SPNS (1 Hz, 0.2 ms) at 1.5-2 times threshold intensity (T) for inducing posterior thigh muscle contractions was applied either continuously (SPNSc) or intermittently (SPNSi) during a cystometrogram (CMG) to determine whether the stimulation can reverse the PNS-induced bladder underactivity. SPNSc or SPNSi applied by nerve cuff electrodes during the prolonged PNS inhibition significantly reduced bladder capacity to 124.4 ± 10.7% and 132.4 ± 14.2% of control, respectively, and increased contraction amplitude to 85.3 ± 6.2% and 75.8 ± 4.7%, respectively. Transcutaneous SPNSc and SPNSi also significantly reduced bladder capacity and increased contraction amplitude. Additional PNS applied during the bladder underactivity further increased bladder capacity, whereas SPNSc applied simultaneously with the PNS reversed the increase in bladder capacity. This study indicates that a noninvasive superficial peroneal neuromodulation therapy might be developed to treat bladder underactivity caused by abnormal pudendal nerve somatic afferent activation that is hypothesized to occur in patients with Fowler's syndrome.