Abstract
Neurogenic bladder sphincter dysfunction (NBSD) can cause severe and irreversible renal damage and bladder-wall destruction years before incontinence becomes an issue. Therefore, the first step in adequate management is to recognize early the bladder at risk for upper- and lower-tract deterioration and to start adequate medical treatment proactively. Clean intermittent catheterization combined with anticholinergics (oral or intravesical) is the standard therapy for NBSD. Early institution of such treatment can prevent both renal damage and secondary bladder-wall changes, thereby potentially improving long-term outcomes. In children with severe side effects or with insufficient suppression of detrusor overactivity despite maximal dosage of oral oxybutynin, intravesical instillation is an effective alternative. Intravesical instillation eliminates systemic side effects by reducing the first-pass metabolism and, compared with oral oxybutynin, intravesical oxybutynin is a more potent and long-acting detrusor suppressor. There is growing evidence that with early adequate treatment, kidneys are saved and normal bladder growth can be achieved in children so they will no longer need surgical bladder augmentation to achieve safe urinary continence in adolescence and adulthood.
Highlights
Neurogenic bladder sphincter dysfunction (NBSD) can develop as a result of a lesion at any level in the nervous system, including the cerebral cortex, spinal cord, or peripheral nervous system
After describing the pathophysiology of NBSD and its possible consequences, this paper focuses on diagnosis, treatment goals, treatment tools, and practical management of NBSD
In 1984, detrusor external sphincter dyssynergia (DSD) was identified as an important factor leading to functional obstruction, and intravesical pressure was recognized as the pathophysiological mechanism of subsequent upper urinary tract deterioration [3]
Summary
Neurogenic bladder sphincter dysfunction (NBSD) can develop as a result of a lesion at any level in the nervous system, including the cerebral cortex, spinal cord, or peripheral nervous system. Neurologic conditions in children leading to neurogenic bladder dysfunction are predominantly congenital neural tube defects (including myelomeningocele, lipomeningocele, sacral agenesis, and occult lesions causing tethered cord). Acquired causes such as spinal cord tumors or trauma or sequelae of transverse myelitis are less frequent. There is growing evidence that management decisions made during infancy, which prevent both renal damage and secondary bladder-wall changes, potentially impact long-term outcomes for renal function and safe urinary continence. After describing the pathophysiology of NBSD and its possible consequences, this paper focuses on diagnosis (including early identification of patients at risk), treatment goals, treatment tools, and practical management of NBSD
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