Urethral sensitivity in incontinent women.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to ascertain whether frequent voiding and urge incontinence are associated with supersensitivity to electrical stimulation in the posterior urethra.


METHODS
Current perception thresholds (CPT) were tested at four stimulus frequencies (1, 3, 20, and 100 Hz; duration 0.5 ms) using a square-wave constant current electrical stimulator connected to ring electrodes on a urethral catheter. The strength of the current at the first tingling sensation was regarded as the CPT. CPT analysis and cystometry were performed on 61 women (ages 28-89 years).


RESULTS
CPTs were significantly higher at lower than at elevated stimulus frequencies, and they were also generally higher in old than in younger patients. Seven women repeated the CPT test after two months, and the thresholds were unchanged. There were no significant differences in sensitivity between patient groups with stress incontinence, urge, or mixed symptoms. Moreover, CPT was not significantly related to bladder volume at first sensation of filling.


CONCLUSIONS
Measuring CPT is an easy and reproducible method of testing urethral sensibility, but our results do not support the suspicion that urethral hypersensitivity is involved in increased voiding frequency and urge incontinence.
Kinn
A-C
AC
Department of Surgical Science, Division of Urology, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. annecharlotte@kinn.se
Nilsson
B Y
BY
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012677:Sensation / Q000502:physiology*; D012684:Sensory Thresholds; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D014521:Urethra / Q000294:innervation / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014563:Urodynamics / Q000502:physiology