[Bladder and sphincter disorders in multiple sclerosis. Clinical, urodynamic and neurophysiological study of 225 cases]

Abstract

Two hundred and twenty-five patients with multiple sclerosis and bladder dysfunction were evaluated. 72% had urinary incontinence, 46% dysuria and 24% urinary retention. Detrusor hyperreflexia was the most common finding on cystometry (70%) and 9% of patients had areflexia. Coaxial needle electromyography was performed on all patients and 82% had detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia. Cortical evoked potentials following stimulation of the pudendal nerve were delayed in 72% and sacral evoked latency in 16% especially in patients with incontinence secondary to overactive bladder (25%), suggesting a conus medullaris lesion in these cases. Urologic complications were noted in 40%, with benign lesions in 24% (diverticula, urinary infections) and serious lesions in 16% (hydronephrosis, pyelonephritis, renal reflux). The most common treatment was anticholinergic drugs (efficacy in 92%), alphablockers agents (efficacy in 60%) and autocatheterism in 28%.