Bladder Voiding Research Articles

Dual diagnosis of Ochoa syndrome and Niemann-Pick disease type B in a consanguineous family

Ochoa syndrome (UFS1; Urofacial syndrome-1) is a very rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the HPSE2 gene that results bladder voiding dysfunction and somatic motor neuropathy affecting the VIIth cranial nerve. Niemann-Pick disease is a rare autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder with systemic involvement resulting from sphingomyelinase deficiency and generally occurs via mutation in the sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase-1 gene (SMPD1). Here, we report a 6-year-old girl with symptoms such as urinary incontinence, recurrent urinary tract infections, peculiar facial expression, mainly when smiling, hypertelorism, constipation, incomplete closure of eyelids during sleep and splenomegaly. Homozygote mutations in two different genes responsible for two distinct syndromes were detected in the patient. Homozygous NM_000543.5:c.502G>A (p.Gly168Arg) mutation was found in the SMPD1 gene causing Niemann-Pick disease. In addition, some of the clinical features were due to a novel homozygous mutation identified in the HPSE2 gene, NM_021828.5:c.755delA (p.Lys252SerfsTer23). Here, we discuss about the importance of considering dual diagnosis in societies where consanguineous marriages are common. Accurate diagnosis of the patient is very important for the management of the diseases and prevention of complications.

A general framework for automatic closed-loop control of bladder voiding induced by intraspinal microstimulation in rats

Individuals with spinal cord injury or neurological disorders have problems in voiding function due to the dyssynergic contraction of the urethral sphincter. Here, we introduce a closed-loop control of intraspinal microstimulation (ISMS) for efficient bladder voiding. The strategy is based on asynchronous two-electrode ISMS with combined pulse-amplitude and pulse-frequency modulation without requiring rhizotomy, neurotomy, or high-frequency blocking. Intermittent stimulation is alternately applied to the two electrodes that are implanted in the S2 lateral ventral horn and S1 dorsal gray commissure, to excite the bladder motoneurons and to inhibit the urethral sphincter motoneurons. Asynchronous stimulation would lead to reduce the net electric field and to maximize the selective stimulation. The proposed closed-loop system attains a highly voiding efficiency of 77.2–100%, with an average of 91.28 ± 8.4%. This work represents a promising approach to the development of a natural and robust motor neuroprosthesis device for restoring bladder functions.

Erratum: Development and Validation of Symptom Score for Total Bladder-Bowel Dysfunction: Subscales for Overactive Bladder and Dysfunctional Voiding.

Erratum: Development and Validation of Symptom Score for Total Bladder-Bowel Dysfunction: Subscales for Overactive Bladder and Dysfunctional Voiding.

Spinal cord injury regeneration using autologous bone marrow-derived neurocytes and rat embryonic stem cells: A comparative study in rats.

BACKGROUNDSpinal cord injury (SCI) is an important cause of traumatic paralysis and is mainly due to motor vehicle accidents. However, there is no definite treatment for spinal cord damage.AIMTo assess the outcome of rat embryonic stem cells (rESC) and autologous bone marrow-derived neurocytes (ABMDN) treatment in iatrogenic SCI created in rats, and to compare the efficacy of the two different cell types.METHODSThe study comprised 45 male Wistar rats weighing between 250 and 300 g, which were divided into three groups, the control, rESC and ABMDN groups. The anesthetized animals underwent exposure of the thoracic 8th to lumbar 1st vertebrae. A T10-thoracic 12th vertebrae laminectomy was performed to expose the spinal cord. A drop-weight injury using a 10 g weight from a height of 25 cm onto the exposed spinal cord was conducted. The wound was closed in layers. The urinary bladder was manually evacuated twice daily and after each evacuation Ringer lactate 5 mL/100 g was administered, twice daily after each bladder evacuation for the first 7 postoperative days. On the 10th day, the rats underwent nerve conduction studies and behavioral assessment [Basso, Beattie, Brenham (BBB)] to confirm paraplegia. Rat embryonic stem cells, ABMDN and saline were injected on the 10th day. The animals were euthanized after 8 wk and the spinal cord was isolated, removed and placed in 2% formalin for histopathological analysis to assess the healing of neural tissues at the axonal level.RESULTSAll the animals tolerated the procedure well. The BBB scale scoring showed that at the end of the first week no recovery was observed in the groups. Post-injection, there was a strong and significant improvement in rats receiving rESC and ABMDN as compared to the control group based on the BBB scale, and the Train-of-four-Watch SX acceleromyography device exhibited statistically significant (P < 0.0001) regeneration of neural tissue after SCI. Histological evaluation of the spinal cord showed maximum vacuolization and least gliosis in the control group compared to the rESC and ABMDN treated animals. In the ABMDN group, limited vacuolization and more prominent gliosis were observed in all specimens as compared to the control and rESC groups.CONCLUSIONThis study provided strong evidence to support that transplantation of rESC and ABMDN can improve functional recovery after iatrogenic SCI. The transplanted cells showed a beneficial therapeutic effect when compared to the control group.

Intraspinal stimulation with a silicon-based 3D chronic microelectrode array for bladder voiding in cats

Objective. Bladder dysfunction is a significant and largely unaddressed problem for people living with spinal cord injury (SCI). Intermittent catheterization does not provide volitional control of micturition and has numerous side effects. Targeted electrical microstimulation of the spinal cord has been previously explored for restoring such volitional control in the animal model of experimental SCI. Here, we continue the development of the intraspinal microstimulation array technology to evaluate its ability to provide more focused and reliable bladder control in the feline animal model. Approach. For the first time, a mechanically robust intraspinal multisite silicon array was built using novel microfabrication processes to provide custom-designed tip geometry and 3D electrode distribution. Long-term implantation was performed in eight spinally intact animals for a period up to 6 months, targeting the dorsal gray commissure area in the S2 sacral cord that is known to be involved in the coordination between the bladder detrusor and the external urethral sphincter. Main results. About one third of the electrode sites in the that area produced micturition-related responses. The effectiveness of stimulation was further evaluated in one of eight animals after spinal cord transection (SCT). We observed increased bladder responsiveness to stimulation starting at 1 month post-transection, possibly due to supraspinal disinhibition of the spinal circuitry and/or hypertrophy and hyperexcitability of the spinal bladder afferents. Significance. 3D intraspinal microstimulation arrays can be chronically implanted and provide a beneficial effect on the bladder voiding in the intact spinal cord and after SCT. However, further studies are required to assess longer-term reliability and safety of the developed intraspinal microstimulation array prior to eventual human translation.

This Month in Pediatric Urology

You have accessJournal of UrologyThis Month in Pediatric Urology1 Dec 2020This Month in Pediatric Urology Stacy T. Tanaka Stacy T. TanakaStacy T. Tanaka More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000001267AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail Three articles in this issue of The Journal focus on common pediatric urological diagnoses: bladder-bowel dysfunction (BBD), febrile urinary tract infection (fUTI) in infants and distal hypospadias. These authors paused while seeing these everyday cases to ask how we can improve care for patients with these routine diagnoses. Development and Validation of Symptom Score for Total Bladder-Bowel Dysfunction: Subscales for Overactive Bladder and Dysfunctional Voiding Because bladder-bowel dysfunction encompasses such a wide range of symptoms, including infrequent voiding, genital pain and urinary frequency, many clinicians take an “I know it when I see it” approach to clinical assessment. BBD negatively affects outcomes in children with vesicoureteral reflux and recurrent urinary tract infections. However, research studies on these topics are limited unless we have a standardized assessment method. Sillén et al (1333) from Sweden present a validated BBD symptom score for children 3 to 16 years old.1 Children with monosymptomatic enuresis, which is not included in the definition of BBD, were excluded. This instrument improves on existing pediatric questionnaires. It is able to distinguish between storage and emptying dysfunction, and it can assess treatment response. Currently the questionnaire has only been validated in Swedish. Use of a standardized BBD questionnaire across research studies should be a common goal of the pediatric urology community. Impact of Long-Term Low Dose Antibiotic Prophylaxis on Gut Microbiota in Children Following febrile urinary tract infection antibiotic prophylaxis is routinely started in infants with vesicoureteral reflux. There has been concern that altering the microbiome can increase the risk of obesity and pediatric allergic diseases. Akagawa et al (1320) from Japan performed 16S ribosomal gene sequencing on stool samples of infants treated for fUTI before, during and 5 to 6 months after antibiotic treatment.2 Continuous antibiotic prophylaxis with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole was started in those infants diagnosed with vesicoureteral reflux, while those without reflux served as controls. Although gut microbiota diversity initially decreased after treatment of fUTI, diversity recovered 1 to 2 months after treatment and was maintained in both groups. Antibiotic resistance could not be measured by this methodology. The results from this small study are reassuring and offer novel insights regarding the many infants who are started on antibiotic prophylaxis. Competency in Tubularized Incised Plate Repair for Distal Hypospadias: Cumulative Sum Learning Curve Analysis of a Single Surgeon Experience Distal hypospadias repair is a common pediatric urological procedure. Zu’bi et al (1326) from Canada and Madison, Wisconsin asked the question “How long does it take after establishing independent practice for a single surgeon to become competent and proficient?”3 They found that the complication rate and operative time started to decrease after the 234th case. The study has limitations because complications can continue to arise long after the initial procedure. Although the results are not surprising, the study prompts frank discussion of the importance of tracking our own complication rates, whether just starting or in practice for many years, and the technical modifications we can make to lower them.

A pilot study of bladder voiding with real-time MRI and computational fluid dynamics.

Lower urinary track symptoms (LUTS) affect many older adults. Multi-channel urodynamic studies provide information about bladder pressure and urinary flow but offer little insight into changes in bladder anatomy and detrusor muscle function. Here we present a novel method for real time MRI during bladder voiding. This was performed in a small cohort of healthy men and men with benign prostatic hyperplasia and lower urinary tract symptoms (BPH/LUTS) to demonstrate proof of principle; The MRI urodynamic protocol was successfully implemented, and bladder wall displacement and urine flow dynamics were calculated. Displacement analysis on healthy controls showed the greatest bladder wall displacement in the dome of the bladder while men with BPH/LUTS exhibited decreased and asymmetric bladder wall motion. Computational fluid dynamics of voiding showed men with BPH/LUTS had larger recirculation regions in the bladder. This study demonstrates the feasibility of performing MRI voiding studies and their potential to provide new insight into lower urinary tract function in health and disease.

Prostate-Specific Deletion of Cdh1 Induces Murine Prostatic Inflammation and Bladder Overactivity.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is an age-related debilitating prostatic disease that is frequently associated with prostatic inflammation and bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Animal models have shown that formalin- and bacterial-induced prostatic inflammation can induce bladder dysfunction; however, the underlying mechanisms contributing to prostatic inflammation in BPH and bladder dysfunction are not clear. We previously reported that E-cadherin expression in BPH is downregulated in hyperplastic nodules compared with expression in adjacent normal tissues. Here, we explored the potential consequences of prostatic E-cadherin downregulation on the prostate and bladder in vivo using an inducible murine model of prostate luminal epithelial-specific deletion of Cdh1. The prostate-specific antigen (PSA)-CreERT2 transgenic mouse strain expressing tamoxifen-inducible CreERT2 recombinase driven by a 6-kb human PSA promoter/enhancer was crossed with the B6.129-Cdh1tm2Kem/J mouse to generate bigenic PSA-CreERT2/Cdh1-/- mice. Deletion of E-cadherin was induced by transient administration of tamoxifen when mice reached sexual maturity (7 weeks of age). At 21 to 23 weeks of age, the prostate, bladder, and prostatic urethra were examined histologically, and bladder function was assessed using void spot assays and cystometry. Mice with Cdh1 deletion had increased prostatic inflammation, prostatic epithelial hyperplasia, and stromal changes at 21 to 23 weeks of age, as well as changes in bladder voiding function compared with age-matched controls. Thus, loss of E-cadherin in the murine prostate could result in prostatic defects that are characteristic of BPH and LUTS, suggesting that E-cadherin downregulation could be a driving force in human BPH development and progression.

Suppression of adenosine A2a receptors alleviates bladder overactivity and hyperalgesia in cyclophosphamide-induced cystitis by inhibiting TRPV1

Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is a type of chronic bladder inflammation characterized by increased voiding frequency, urgency and pelvic pain. The sensitization of bladder afferents is widely regarded as one of the pathophysiological changes in the development of IC/BPS. There is evidence that adenosine A2a receptors are involved in regulating the sensitization of sensory afferents. However, the effect of adenosine A2a receptors on cystitis remains unknown. In the present study, a rat model of chronic cystitis was established by intraperitoneal injection with cyclophosphamide (CYP). Cystometry and behavioral tests were performed to investigate bladder micturition function and nociceptive pain. The rats with chronic cystitis showed symptoms of bladder overactivity, characterized by an increase in bladder voiding frequency and voiding pressure. CYP treatment significantly increased the expression of the A2a receptor in bladder afferent fibers and dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. The A2a receptor antagonist ZM241385 prevented bladder overactivity and hyperalgesia elicited by CYP-induced cystitis. In addition, the A2a receptor and TRPV1 were coexpressed on DRG neurons. The TRPV1 antagonist capsazepine blocked bladder overactivity induced by the A2a receptor agonist CGS21680. In contrast, ZM241385 significantly inhibited the capsaicin-induced increase in intracellular calcium concentration in DRG neurons. These results suggest that suppression of adenosine A2a receptors in bladder afferents alleviates bladder overactivity and hyperalgesia elicited by CYP-induced cystitis in rats by inhibiting TRPV1, indicating that the adenosine A2a receptor in bladder afferents is a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of IC/BPS.

Infra-vesical Obstructive Uropathy Secondary to Benign Prostatic Enlargement

Background: Urinary tract obstruction is a common clinical problem. The obstruction of the urinary flow may be acute or chronic, partial or complete, unilateral or bilateral, and may occur at any site of the urinary tract. Aim: Imaging of complication of obstructive uropathy below the level of urinary bladder in adult male patient with enlarged prostate. We put urethral catheter to relief symptoms. Serum creatinine, PSA & urine analysis were within normal & the general condition was stabilized. Methods: Bedside ultrasound is used to scan the upper & lower urinary tract. We report a case of a male patient aged 50 y old, diabetic & hypertensive & complained of sudden onset of bilateral flank pain & urine retention. It is preceded by LUTS including: frequency, nocturia, dysuria & incomplete evacuation of bladder since 1 month. No previous surgical operation. No family history of renal stones. Results: Ultrasound is a valuable diagnostic tool in obstructive uropathy. Conclusion: Scan of pre-voiding & post-voiding renal tract is very important to realize the etiology & the level of urinary tract obstruction.

Çocukluk Dönemi İşeme Bozuklukları İle Erişkin Dönemdeki Aşırı Aktif Mesane İlişkisi

Objective : Overactive bladder (OAB) and childhood voiding disorders are important and common health problems. In the literature, childhood voiding disorders have been shown to be an important risk factor for OAB in adulthood. We aimed to reveal the factors that facilitate the emergence of AAM in adulthood in patients with childhood voiding disorders. Material and Methods : 144 patients with voiding disorders in childhood were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups as those with OAB (Group 1) and those without OAB (Group 2). Demographic data and eating habits of all patients were determined with a questionnaire. Results : In the group 1, 44 women (59.5%) and 30 men (39.5%), in the second group, 31 women (44.3%) and 39 men (55.7%) were included.. The mean body mass index of the group 1 (26.0±5.2) was higher than the group 2 (24.4±3.4) (p=0.034). There was no difference between eating habits between daily water, tea and coffee consumption. Hot chilli consumption was significantly higher in Group 1 than Group 2 (p=0.003). There was no significant difference in cigarette consumption between the groups (p=0.796). Alcohol consumption was higher in Group 1 but there was no statistically significant difference (p=0.591). Conclusion : We found that obesity and hot chilli consumption may be risk factors for OAB in adulthood in patients with voiding disorders in childhood.

Urodynamic Studies for the Diagnosis of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms: Experience in BSMMU

Objectives: The aim of urodynamic testing is to obtain objective information regarding urinary bladder storage and voiding function. This investigation provides information of the underlying causes depending on the individual situation and findings. Materials and Methods: This Retrospective study of the UDS was conducted at Urology department of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka from January 2012 to April 2017. A total of 403 cases of urodynamic studies done. Patient age range was 10-85 years. Female Patient was only 41 and post operative cases was only six. Bladder dairy, Ultrasonography of Kidney, ureter, bladder with maximum cystometric capacity (MCC)and post void residue (PVR), Urine culture were done for most of the patient. Patient with indwelling catheter was remove and clean intermittent catheterization was demonstrated. There was no patient with pace maker or valve replacement. We didn’t use routine prophylactic antibiotics, Patients was advice to contact to UDS room physically or over telephone if they feel fever, retention, and other complications. Urodynamic tests include uroflowmetry, postvoid residual measurement, cystometric test, leak point pressure measurement, pressure flow study, and few cases with electromyography. Results: Among them most cases are equivocal and obstructive cases are ranked second about 68 cases (16.87 These were Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), stricture urethra, atonic bladder, and dysfunctional voiding. Only five patients had urinary tract infections (1.2%) with rise of temperature but only two had cultural positive and treated with sensitive antibiotics. Organism were streptococcus aureus and pseudomonus. One female and one male patient develop retention and relived by continuous catheterisation and after 7 days removed catheter. Conclusions: Urodynamics could help most diagnosis of LUTSs in most of the cases. We are not yet in using video urodynamics instead urethrocystoscopy may help in assessing the urethra and bladder neck. Bangladesh Journal of Urology, Vol. 21, No. 1, January 2018 p.8-13

The effect of stroke on micturition associated brain activity: A pilot fMRI study.

Cerebral stroke is a unique model for studying the role of the brain in lower urinary tract (LUT) control. By its nature, stroke must change the activity of the brain to cause LUT dysfunction. The objective of this study was to describe changes in micturition-related brain activity in patients who develop LUT symptoms (LUTS) after a cerebral stroke. Healthy controls (HC, n = 10) and patients who developed storage LUTS after a cerebral stroke (n = 7) were recruited. Functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to assess brain activity in each subject. In the task-based block design, blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) signal was detected during rest, active bladder filling, and bladder voiding. BOLD signal intensity was compared between HCs and stroke subjects during bladder filling, voiding, and voiding initiation. Stroke subjects exhibited higher activity in the periaqueductal gray and cerebellum during bladder filling and bladder voiding. HCs exhibited more intense activity in higher centers, such as the cingulate cortex, motor cortex, and the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in each of the phases examined. Subjects with stroke-related LUTS exhibit a specific pattern of brain activity during bladder filling and voiding. There appears to be a greater reliance on primitive centers (cerebellum, midbrain) than in healthy controls during both phases of the micturition cycle. We hypothesize that these findings may reflect loss of connectivity with higher brain centers after a stroke.

Combined vaginal-laparoscopic approach vs. laparoscopy alone for prevention of bladder voiding dysfunction after removal of large rectovaginal endometriosis.

To assess whether the combined vaginal-laparoscopic route may reduce the risk of postoperative bladder atony, when compared to an exclusively laparoscopic approach, in patients presenting with deeply infiltrating rectovaginal endometriosis with extensive vaginal infiltration. Retrospective comparative cohort study using data prospectively recorded in the CIRENDO database. Academic Tertiary Care Centre. One hundred and thirty-two consecutive patients who underwent surgery of rectovaginal endometriosis with vaginal infiltration measuring greater than 3cm diameter. Combined vaginal-laparoscopic versus laparoscopic approach. Sixty-two patients underwent excision of endometriosis via a combined vaginal-laparoscopic approach (study group, or cases), while 71 patients underwent surgery via an exclusively laparoscopic route (controls). Rates of preoperative cyclical voiding difficulty and sensation of incomplete bladder emptying were comparable between the two groups. Preoperative urodynamic assessment was carried out in 18% of cases and 38% of controls, with abnormal results in 27.3% and 11.1% of cases and controls respectively. Early postoperative voiding difficulty (post-void residual>100mL) occurred in 14.7% and 24.3% of cases and controls respectively. There was a significant reduction in risk of intermittent self-catheterisation of 13% at time of discharge in the study cases. Three months postoperatively, one case and 6 controls had persistent voiding dysfunction requiring prolonged self-catheterisation. The combined vaginal-laparoscopic approach for large rectovaginal endometriotic nodules could reduce the risk of postoperative bladder dysfunction, when compared to an exclusively laparoscopic approach, most likely due to a reduced risk of damage to the pelvic splanchnic nerves at the paravaginal level.

Surgery-related complications and long-term functional morbidity after segmental colo-rectal resection for deep infiltrating endometriosis (ENDO-RESECT morb).

Segmental resection has been generally associated with increased peri-operative risk of major complications. While major complications are widely acknowledged, minor complications, such as slight, to moderate infections, peripheral sensory disturbances, bladder voiding dysfunction, postoperative urinary obstruction, and sexual disorders are less reported. The aim of this study is to investigate the surgery-related complications and functional disorders, as well as to evaluate their persistence after long-term follow-up in women undergone segmental resection for deep infiltrating endometriosis. Special attention is given to evaluating impairments of bowel, bladder, and sexual function. All clinical data obtained from medical records of women who underwent segmental resection for intestinal endometriosis between October 2005, and November 2017, in Catholic University Institutions. Perioperative morbidity was classified by Extended Clavien-Dindo classification. Postoperative intestinal, voiding, and sexual morbidity was estimated by the compilation of specific questionnaires. Fifty women were included in the study. Forty-three high colorectal resections (86%), 6 low resections (12%), and 1 ultra-low resection (2%) were performed, while in 3 cases (6%) multiple resections were needed. The overall complication rate was 44%. Nineteen women (38%) experienced early complications and 3 women (6%) late complications. Long-term functional postoperative complications were composed of intestinal in 30%, urinary in 50%, and sexual in 64% of the study population. Median follow-up was 55.5months. Segmental resection, when indicated, offers a radical and feasible approach for bowel deep infiltrating endometriosis, resulting in an improved general quality of life. The bowel and bladder complications appear to be acceptable and often reversible. Postoperative sexual dysfunctions, such as anorgasmia and insufficient vaginal lubrication, appear to persist over time. Surgeons and women have to be aware of the incidence of this kind of complications.

Should we routinely assess psychological morbidities in idiopathic lower urinary tract dysfunction: ICI-RS 2019?

Psychological morbidities play a major role in idiopathic lower urinary tract dysfunction (iLUTD). The aim of the Think Tank (TT) was to discuss the relevance of psychological morbidities in idiopathic LUTD over the life span, including overactive bladder (OAB) or dysfunctional voiding (DV) and methods of assessment. The paper is based on a selective review of the literature and in-depth discussions, leading to research recommendations regarding the assessment of psychological morbidities in iLUTD on children and adults held during the TT of the International Consultation on Incontinence Research Society in 2019. Psychological comorbidities affect the health behaviors and treatment outcomes in patients with iLUTD. Both clinically relevant comorbid mental disorders, as well as subclinical psychological symptoms have a major impact and negatively influence incontinence treatment. Research is needed to elucidate mechanisms underlying iLUTD and psychological comorbidities. Clinical studies are needed to determine how perception generation and cognition impacts on the relationship of urinary perceptions, symptoms, and objective urodynamic function. Due to high psychological comorbidity rates, screening with validated, generic questionnaires for emotional and behavioral disorders in children with nocturnal enuresis, daytime urinary incontinence, and fecal incontinence is recommended. Brief screening is recommended for all adults with iLUTD, especially with OAB and DV, who are refractory to treatment. Due to the high rate and relevance in clinical practice, screening for psychological comorbidities is recommended for all age groups. The research recommendations of this TT may be followed to improve the assessment of psychological morbidities in iLUTD.

Four-hour voiding observation with provocation test reveals significant abnormalities of bladder function in newborns with spinal dysraphism

Four-hour voiding observation with provocation test (VOP) using a scale, a damp detector and ultrasound for determination of residuals, is an easily performed non-invasive method for the evaluation of bladder function in newborns. Neonatal bladder function evaluated with VOP has been described for healthy newborns (HN) but not for children with spinal dysraphism (SD), for whom early bladder evaluation is essential for decisions regarding Clean Intermittent Catheterization and follow-up. The aim of the present study was to describe voiding observation with provocation test in newborns with spinal dysraphism and compare with corresponding data for healthy newborns. At a tertiary hospital, a 4h voiding observation with provocation (VOP) was performed in 50 neonates (22 girls, 28 boys) with spinal dysraphism (37 open SD, 13 closed SD) consecutively evaluated for possible neurogenic bladder-sphincter dysfunction (1998-2019). All newborns with open SD and 4/13 with closed SD had been through postnatal neurosurgery before the test. Mean age was 10 days. Voiding observation was performed during 4h with visual observation the fourth hour recording behavior and urinary flow (e.g. stream, dribbling). Finally, bladder provocations (e.g. suprapubic compression) were performed, and any leakage was noted. Findings were compared to those of 50 healthy newborns (HN) earlier published (Gladh etal., 2002). There were no significant differences in background data such as gender, age or diuresis between newborns with SD and HN. Voiding observation with provocation test of children with SD revealed significant differences compared to HN see summary table. Some children with SD had frequent small voids/leakages and low bladder volumes while three had no voiding and high volumes. Leakage during bladder provocation test and not voiding with a stream was not seen in HN but were common in newborns with SD (69% resp. 74%) (p<0.01). A child with these findings should thus be investigated further. Identifying children needing Clean Intermittent Catheterization is important as well as being able to postpone or refrain from invasive urodynamic studies if not strongly indicated. VOP may give valuable information for these judgements. Newborns with spinal dysraphism differ from healthy newborns in many aspects of bladder function. Bladder function varies between newborns with closed and open spinal dysraphism. Many newborns with spinal dysraphism leak at bladder provocation and void without a stream but healthy newborns do not. Early determination of post-void residuals is mandatory in children with spinal dysraphism and non-invasive VOP gives this information in a standardized way, also adding information on frequency, voiding with a stream and leakage at provocation.

Minimal required PDT light dosimetry for nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer.

.Significance: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) could become a treatment option for nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer when the current high morbidity rate associated with red light PDT and variable PDT dose can be overcome through a combination of intravesical instillation of the photosensitizer and the use of green light creating a steep PDT dose gradient.Aim: To determine how a high PDT selectivity can be maintained throughout the bladder wall considering other efficacy determining parameters, in particular, the average optical properties of the mucosal layer governing the fluence rate multiplication factor, as well as the bladder shape and the position of the emitter in relationship to the bladder wall.Approach: We present three irradiance monitoring systems and evaluate their ability to enable selective bladder PDT considering previously determined photodynamic threshold values for the bladder cancer, mucosa and urothelium in a preclinical model, and the photosensitizer’s specific uptake ratio. Monte Carlo-based light propagation simulations performed for six human bladders at the time of therapy for a range of tissue optical properties. The performance of one irradiance sensing device in a clinical phase 1B trial is presented to underline the impact of irradiance monitoring, and it is compared to the Monte Carlo-derived dose surface histogram.Results: Monte Carlo simulations showed that irradiance monitoring systems need to comprise at least three sensors. Light scattering inside the bladder void needs to be minimized to prevent increased heterogeneity of the irradiance. The dose surface histograms vary significantly depending on the bladder shape and bladder volume but are less dependent on tissue optical properties.Conclusions: We demonstrate the need for adequate irradiance monitoring independent of a photosensitizer’s specific uptake ratio.

Development and Validation of Symptom Score for Total Bladder-Bowel Dysfunction: Subscales for Overactive Bladder and Dysfunctional Voiding.

Bladder-bowel questionnaires are an important tool in diagnosing nonneurogenic bladder-bowel dysfunction in children. We report the validity and reliability of a bladder-bowel questionnaire that has been in clinical use at our institution for decades. The bladder-bowel questionnaire contains 13 questions, with answers ranging from never (score of 0) to daily (3). The questionnaire was answered by 139 healthy controls and 134 children 3 to 16 years old diagnosed with bladder-bowel dysfunction by a pediatric urologist/urotherapist. A subdiagnosis of overactive bladder or dysfunctional voiding was made in each patient. Bladder-bowel questionnaire scales were developed and evaluated against hypotheses of validity (known groups/convergent/discriminating) and reliability (internal consistency/retest reliability), sensitivity and specificity. Responsiveness was tested in 80 patients who answered the bladder-bowel questionnaire after treatment. A total bladder-bowel dysfunction score scale demonstrated the ability to discriminate between patients with bladder-bowel dysfunction and healthy subjects. It resulted in a ROC curve with AUC of 0.96. The maximized sensitivity was 94% and specificity was 89% for a cutoff score of 7. Two subscales were identified referring to 6 filling phase items and 3 voiding phase items. When tested in patients with overactive bladder and dysfunctional voiding, respectively, multivariable scales performed sufficiently to discriminate between those with and without overactive bladder, and those with and without dysfunctional voiding. All of these scales fulfilled the evaluated requirements for validity and reliability. At 1 year after treatment all scale scores corresponded to patient improvement (p <0.0001), suggesting the bladder-bowel questionnaire can detect clinical change over time. The bladder-bowel questionnaire is valid and reliable for diagnosing bladder-bowel dysfunction in pediatric patients, and overactive bladder and dysfunctional voiding in those with bladder-bowel dysfunction.

Neurophysiological control of urinary bladder storage and voiding-functional changes through development and pathology.

The effective storage of urine and its expulsion relies upon the coordinated activity of parasympathetic, sympathetic, and somatic innervations to the lower urinary tract (LUT). At birth, all mammalian neonates lack the ability to voluntary regulate bladder storage or voiding. The ability to control urinary bladder activity is established as connections to the central nervous system (CNS) form through development. The neural regulation of the LUT has been predominantly investigated in adult animal models where comparatively less is known about the neonatal and postnatal neurophysiological development that facilitate urinary continence. Furthermore, congenital neurological or anatomical defects can adversely affect both storage and voiding functions through postnatal development and into adulthood, leading to secondary conditions including vesicoureteral reflux, chronic urinary tract infections, and end-stage renal disease. Therefore, the aim of the review is to provide the current knowledge available on neurophysiological regulation of the LUT through pre- to postnatal development of human and animal models and the consequences of congenital anomalies that can affect LUT neural function.