Voiding Dysfunction in Multiple Sclerosis

Objective: To determine the relationships between urological features of multiple sclerosis (MS) and various disease parameters. Material and Methods: Forty-three patients with MS were evaluated. Urinary complaints, disease duration, urologic symptom duration, time elapsed till urologic symptom, expanded disability status score (EDSS), and bladder functional score (BFS) for each patient were collected. Uroflowmetry, postvoiding residual urine (PVR) measurement, and cystometry was performed. Results: Urinary symptoms frequently occurred in 4 years after diagnosis. Urgency was the most commonly seen symptom. Mean EDSS was 3.14 while mean BFS was 1.81. 50% and 56% of patients had abnormal Qmax and PVR respectively. Cystometric abnormality was present in 84% of patients, and the most frequent abnormality was hyperactivity. EDSS was well correlated with both BFS and PVR. There was also a positive relationship between BFS and disease duration. Correlations between EDSS and disease duration, and BFS and Qmax were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Urinary complaints are bothersome symptoms of patients suffering from MS. Urodynamic studies and urologic counseling are therefore critical in evaluation and planning treatment in these patients.