Is the beneficial effect of antimuscarinics related to motor or sensory changes in the bladder?
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to assess the sensory and motor effects of antimuscarinic treatment on the bladder in women with overactive bladder, detrusor overactivity demonstrated on urodynamics and a mean bladder wall thickness (BWT) greater than 5 mm.


METHODS
Fifty-eight women underwent treatment with antimuscarinics in 12 weeks. Before treatment and at 1, 2, 6 and 12 weeks of treatment, women completed the patient perception of bladder condition (PPBC) single-item global questionnaire, indicated the severity of their urgency on a visual analogue scale (VAS) and underwent transvaginal ultrasound to determine mean bladder wall thickness (BWT).


RESULTS
PPBC and VAS scores for urgency declined throughout the treatment course whereas mean BWT declined during the first 6 weeks of treatment and then reached a plateau after falling to below 5 mm.


CONCLUSIONS
The mechanism of action of antimuscarinics appears to be a complex interaction of sensory and motor components.
Panayi
Demetri C
DC
Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, South Kensington Campus, London, UK. drpanayi@gmail.com
Tekkis
Paris
P
Fernando
Ruwan
R
Khullar
Vikram
V
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D018727:Muscarinic Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000187:drug effects; D012677:Sensation / Q000187:drug effects; D001743:Urinary Bladder / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D053201:Urinary Bladder, Overactive / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology
D018727:Muscarinic Antagonists