108 PREVALENCE OF LOWER URINARY TRACT SYMPTOMS AMONG PATIENTS WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

Abstract

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Although the presence of bladder dysfunction in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) has been well established, the prevalence of specific lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS)in this population is not well-documented. The purpose of this study was to assess the self-reported prevalence of all LUTS according to International Continence Society (ICS) definitions in MS patients. METHODS: An online cross-sectional survey was administered to a convenience sample of US-residing participants with MS who were recruited through web-based patient advocacy organizations. Participants responded to questions pertaining to demographics, disease history, productivity, urinary symptoms, and health-related quality of life. LUTS were assessed using the LUTS Tool, a validated questionnaire that assesses the presence of these symptoms. RESULTS: A total of 1052 MS participants completed the survey. Eighty one percent were women and the mean age 48 years (SD 10.6). The mean duration of MS was 8.5 years (SD 7.8). The most commonly reported LUTS was post-micturition dribble (64.9%), followed by urinary urgency (61.7%) and incomplete emptying (60.7%). The most common type of urinary incontinence (UI) reported was urgency incontinence (UUI) (52.6%), followed by stress incontinence (45.3%). Of the 551 participants with UUI, the majority (79%) had mixed UI. Univariate logistic regression showed that compared to participants with normal or mild disability, participants with moderate disability or some gait disability were 2.4 times more likely to report UUI (p 0.01), while those requiring the assistance of a cane were 5.1 times more likely to report UUI (p 0.01). Participants reporting the need for bilateral assistance or a wheelchair or scooter to traverse 25 feet were 4.9 times more likely to report UUI (p 0.01). There was no increased likelihood of having stress incontinence across increasing levels of self-reported disability status. CONCLUSIONS: The majority (88%) of participants with MS reported having a variety of LUTS. Participants with greater disability due to their MS are more likely have symptoms of urgency and UUI.