title: Quality of life in women with multiple sclerosis and overactive bladder syndrome.
abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of symptoms of overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) on the quality of life (QoL) in female patients with or without multiple sclerosis (MS) and their correlation with findings from urodynamics (UDS). We enrolled 107 female patients with clinically definite MS and urinary symptoms of OAB. One-hundred female patients with similar OAB symptoms were used as a control group. Data on OAB symptoms, onset and progression, and results of any previous investigation were obtained, and any urinary complications were documented. A complete UDS investigation was performed. Health status assessment was obtained using the Kings Health Questionnaire. Results showed that urinary symptoms had a greater impact on the QoL in patients with MS. Nevertheless, the perception of the severity of these symptoms was minor in the MS group compared to the control group. No significant correlations were found between the dysfunctions as detected by UDS and the OAB symptoms in both groups. Recurrent urinary tract infections represented the main complication in the study population. In conclusion, OAB symptoms have a major impact on the QoL in patients with MS, even if their perception of QoL impairment remains limited. Optimal management in these subjects should include a complete UDS assessment.
authors.affiliation: Division of Urology, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Quarto
authors.forename: Riccardo
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Autorino
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gallo
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: De Sio
authors.forename: Massimo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: D'Armiento
authors.forename: Sisto
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Perdonà
authors.forename: Rocco
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Damiano
mesh_terms: D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D011704:Pyelonephritis / Q000453:epidemiology; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D053201:Urinary Bladder, Overactive / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*; D014552:Urinary Tract Infections / Q000453:epidemiology; D014563:Urodynamics