Clinical and economic consequences of volume- or time-dependent intermittent catheterization in patients with spinal cord lesions and neuropathic bladder.
METHODS
Open comparative study.


OBJECTIVE
To compare the impact of volume-dependent intermittent catheterization (VDIC) and time-dependent intermittent catheterization (TDIC) on financial burden and clinical outcomes in patients with spinal cord lesions (SCL).


METHODS
Department of Spinal Rehabilitation, Loewenstein Rehabilitation Hospital, Israel.


METHODS
Economic and clinical outcomes were examined in 13 SCL patients treated with VDIC following bladder volume measurement by a portable ultrasound device (the study group), and in 11 patients treated with TDIC (the control group). Patients were followed for 12-30 days. Costs were calculated according to December 2003 prices at Loewenstein Hospital. The t-test and the Fisher's Exact Test were employed for comparisons between the groups.


RESULTS
The number of catheterizations per patient per day, the time required to perform volume measurements and catheterizations, and their total cost, were approximately 44, 49, and 46% lower in the study group than in the control group. SCIMU (representing bladder management functioning) increased during the study in both groups, and the increase was 31% higher in the study group than in the control group. Urinary infection was found in three patients in the control group and in none in the study group.


CONCLUSIONS
VDIC has economic and probably also clinical advantages over TDIC.
Polliack
T
T
Loewenstein Rehabilitation Hospital, Raanana, Israel.
Bluvshtein
V
V
Philo
O
O
Ronen
J
J
Gelernter
I
I
Luttwak
Z P
ZP
Hart
J
J
Catz
A
A
D000328:Adult; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000191:economics* / Q000628:therapy; D013997:Time Factors; D001750:Urinary Bladder, Neurogenic / Q000191:economics* / Q000628:therapy; D014546:Urinary Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics* / Q000379:methods; D014552:Urinary Tract Infections / Q000209:etiology