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Epidemiology and demographics of the underactive bladder: a cross-sectional survey

  • Urology - Original Paper
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Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and awareness of symptoms suggestive of underactive bladder (UAB) in a heterogeneous, non-specific population to garner additional epidemiologic information about UAB. After IRB approval, an 18-item survey was mailed to 5,000 people living in metro Detroit to collect demographic data and questions regarding clinical urinary symptoms and familiarity with UAB. A total of 633 subjects (13; 54 % men, 46 % women) returned the survey. Nearly one quarter (23 %, n = 137) of respondents reported difficulty emptying his/her bladder, yet only 11 % (n = 70) had ever heard of UAB. The study results indicated that patient-reported bladder emptying symptoms are prevalent, as common in women as men, and significantly associated with comorbidity and poor self-reported health. The results suggest that the burden and impact of UAB might be significant and that a syndromic concept of UAB warrants research to determine the true burden of disease, increase awareness, and broaden efforts to investigate therapeutic directions.

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Abbreviations

BOO:

Bladder outlet obstruction

DESx:

Difficulty emptying bladder symptoms

DU:

Detrusor underactivity

ICS:

International Continence Society

IDC:

Impaired detrusor contractility

LUTS:

Lower urinary tract symptoms

UAB:

Underactive bladder

UAB-q:

Underactive bladder questionnaire

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Acknowledgments

Funding for this conference was made possible (in part) by 1R13AG047010 from the National Institute on Aging. The views expressed in written conference materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the NIH; nor does mention by trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the US Government.

Conflict of interest

Michael B Chancellor has conflicts of interest related to Allergan, Astellas, Cook, Lipella, Medtronic, Pfizer, Targacept. There are no conflicts of interest for Sara Valente, Catherine DuBeau, David Chancellor, Justin Okonski, Andrew Vereecke, Florence Doo, Michelle Lajiness, and Ananias Diokno.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA

    Sara Valente & Catherine DuBeau

  2. Underactive Bladder Foundation, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

    David Chancellor & Justin Okonski

  3. Beaumont Health System, Royal Oak, MI, USA

    Andrew Vereecke, Michelle Lajiness, Ananias Diokno & Michael Chancellor

  4. Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, MI, USA

    Florence Doo

Authors
  1. Sara Valente
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  2. Catherine DuBeau
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  3. David Chancellor
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  4. Justin Okonski
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  5. Andrew Vereecke
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  6. Florence Doo
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  7. Michelle Lajiness
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  8. Ananias Diokno
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  9. Michael Chancellor
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Michael Chancellor.

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Valente, S., DuBeau, C., Chancellor, D. et al. Epidemiology and demographics of the underactive bladder: a cross-sectional survey. Int Urol Nephrol 46 (Suppl 1), 7–10 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11255-014-0811-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11255-014-0811-1

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