Efficacy of botulinum-A toxin bladder injections for the treatment of neurogenic detrusor overactivity in multiple sclerosis patients: an objective and subjective analysis.
OBJECTIVE
We studied the use of botulinum-a toxin (BTX-A) injections into the bladder as an alternative approach in patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity due to multiple sclerosis (MS) with drug-refractory overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms.


METHODS
Sixteen MS patients--11 women, 5 men; mean age 48.6 years--with refractory OAB symptoms were included in a one-center prospective study. For outcome analysis, we used a bladder diary, a complete urodynamic study, and validated questionnaires for subjective assessment. We injected 300 U of BTX-A (Botox) into the bladder and into the external sphincter muscle to reduce the probability of posttreatment urine retention.


RESULTS
There was an increase in residual volume from 81.3 +/- 23.8 to 126.3 +/- 32.9 ml after 4 weeks. In one woman, transient self-catheterization was unavoidable. Four weeks and 3 and 6 months after BTX-A injection, the significant results were as follows: daytime frequency was reduced by 29%, 44%, and 30%, respectively. Nocturia diminished by 33%, 72%, and 40%. Use of pads was be reduced by 38% after 4 weeks and by 64% after 3 months. Urodynamically, reflex volume and maximal cystometric bladder capacity increased by 73%, 77%, and 58% (at 6 months, the increase was not significant) and by 36%, 27%, and 36% (not significant). Maximal detrusor pressure decreased by 35%, 22%, and 57%. Subjective outcome indicated significant improvement of symptoms at 4 weeks and 3 months, but not at 6 months. Patient satisfaction with the therapy was very high.


CONCLUSIONS
BTX-A detrusor injections are very effective in the treatment of drug-resistant OAB symptoms in MS patients as reflected in urodynamic measurements and in patient satisfaction. Build up of residual urine remains a problem of which patients must be informed.
Schulte-Baukloh
H
H
Department of Urology, St. Hedwig Hospital, Academic Teaching Hospital of Charité University Hospital, Berlin, Germany. hschultebaukloh@hotmail.com
Schobert
J
J
Stolze
T
T
Stürzebecher
B
B
Weiss
C
C
Knispel
H H
HH
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications*; D009465:Neuromuscular Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D001750:Urinary Bladder, Neurogenic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology*; D014563:Urodynamics / Q000187:drug effects
D009465:Neuromuscular Agents; D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A