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Quality of life in women with multiple sclerosis and overactive bladder syndrome

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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.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Urology, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy

    Giuseppe Quarto, Riccardo Autorino, Marco De Sio, Massimo D’Armiento & Sisto Perdonà

  2. Division of Neurology, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy

    Antonio Gallo

  3. Division of Urology, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Campus di Germaneto, 88100, Catanzaro (CZ), Italy

    Rocco Damiano

Authors
  1. Giuseppe Quarto
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  2. Riccardo Autorino
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  3. Antonio Gallo
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  4. Marco De Sio
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  5. Massimo D’Armiento
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  6. Sisto Perdonà
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  7. Rocco Damiano
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Rocco Damiano.

Appendices

Appendix 1: Diagnostic criteria for MS

Clinically definite MS

  • Two attacks plus clinical evidence of two lesions

  • Two attacks plus clinical evidence of one lesion and paraclinical evidence of another lesion

Laboratory-supported MS

  • Two attacks with clinical or paraclinical evidence of one lesion and cerebrospinal fluid analysis abnormalities

  • One attack, clinical evidence of two separate lesions plus oligoclonal bands and evidence of elevated IgG index

  • One attack, one lesion, paraclinical evidence of another lesion and oligoclonal bands with elevated IgG index

Appendix 2: Kings Health Questionnaire

Part 1

General health perception

1. How would you describe your health at present?

Incontinence impact

2. How much do you think your bladder problem affects your life?

Part 2

Role limitations

3a. To what extent does your bladder problem affect your household tasks (e.g. cleaning and shopping)?

3b. Does your bladder problem affect your job or your normal daily activities outside the home?

Physical limitations

4a. Does your bladder problem affect your physical activities (e.g., going for a walk, run, sport, and gym)?

4b. Does your bladder problem affect your ability to travel?

Social limitations

4c. Does your bladder problem restrict your social life?

4d. Does your bladder problem limit your ability to see/visit friends?

Personal relationship

5a. Does your bladder problem affect your relationship with your partner?

5b. Does your bladder problem affect your sex life?

5c. Does your bladder problem affect your family life?

Emotions

6a. Does your bladder problem make you feel depressed?

6b. Does your bladder problem make you feel anxious or nervous?

6c. Does your bladder problem make you feel bad about yourself?

Sleep/Energy

7a. Does your bladder problem affect your sleep?

7b. Does your bladder problem make you feel worn out or tired?

Severity measures

Do you do any of the following? If so, how much?

8a. Wear pads to keep dry

8b. Being careful how much fluid I drink

8c. Change underclothes when they get wet

8d. Worry in case you smell

8e. Get embarrassed because of my bladder problem

Part 3

We would like to know what your bladder problems are and how much they affect you. From the list below, choose only those problems that you have at present. Leave out those that do not apply to you.

Table 3
Full size table

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Quarto, G., Autorino, R., Gallo, A. et al. Quality of life in women with multiple sclerosis and overactive bladder syndrome. Int Urogynecol J 18, 189–194 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-006-0131-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-006-0131-9

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