OP13.02: Are overactive bladder symptoms better objectively measured using mean bladder wall thickness?

Abstract

Objectives: Overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms and objective assessment of a these symptoms is complex. A mean bladder wall thickness (BWT) of greater than 5mm is associated with detrusor overactivity but its application as a screening tool is not proved. There are no studies assess urinary symptoms and BWT. The aim of this study was to assess BWT and patient’s symptoms. Methods: One hundred and eighty two women participated. Women completed a HRQoL questionnaire and completed a 4 day bladder diary, and a visual analogue scale for urgency. Women were scanned transvaginally for bladder wall thickness with an empty bladder ( once per night had a mean BWT of 5.3mm (95% CI 5.0–5.5) whereas women with night time frequency of one or less had a mean BWT of 4.3mm (95% CI 4.0–4.7). Women with a VAS urgency score of less than or equal to 2 had a mean BWT of 4.2mm (SD:0.5). Women with a VAS urgency score of > 2 had a mean BWT of 5.2mm (SD 0.77) (p <0.05, Mann Whitney U test). Conclusions: Mean BWT shows a strong association with womens’ OAB symptoms with 85% of the women in our study with OAB having an elevated mean BWT. Elevated mean BWT was associated with increased severity of urgency by VAS, and increased night time frequency. There was no association of mean BWT and daytime frequency. Mean BWT is closely related to both symptoms and diary data. It may be a useful tool in symptom assessment and an objective measure of bladder dysfunction.