Are falls in people with multiple sclerosis related to the severity of urinary disorders? - 29/07/21
Highlights |
• | Among 154 patients with multiple sclerosis and urinary disorders (UDs), 63 reported 1 or more falls during the past 3 months, 9 on the way to the bathroom. |
• | No link was found between falls during the past 3 months and severity of UDs. |
• | Overactive bladder and nocturia were linked with falls on the way to the bathroom. |
• | A high 12-Item Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale score and a high Time to be Ready to Void test score were associated with falls. |
Abstract |
Background |
Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTSs), especially overactive bladder, are frequent in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). Urinary urgency and urge urinary incontinence could lead to precipitation and thus could increase the risk of falling in these individuals.
Objective |
We aimed to assess the association between severity of LUTSs and risk of falling in PwMS.
Methods |
PwMS with LUTSs were recruited in a neuro-urology department. Participants were asked about the number of falls in the past 3 months and their circumstances. Severity of LUTSs was assessed by the Urinary Symptoms Profile (USP) score, and individuals were classified as with or without urinary incontinence.
Results |
This cross-sectional study included 154 patients (69% women); the mean (SD) age was 50.1 (11.5) years and median EDSS was 5 (interquartile range 3–6). Overall, 20 (13%) patients reported one fall during the past 3 months, and 43 (28%) reported at least 2 falls. Only 9 (6%) patients reported a fall on the way to the toilet, 6 during a urinary urgency. No link was found between falls and urinary incontinence (P=0.71), type or severity of urinary symptoms (overactivity, voiding dysfunction or stress incontinence, P>0.05). Falls on the way to the bathroom was associated with high USP score related to overactive bladder (P=0.03) and severe nocturia (>2 nocturnal micturitions) (P<0.01). Falling at night was also associated with severe nocturia (P<0.001).
Conclusions |
The severity of LUTSs and presence of urinary incontinence do not appear related to the risk of falling in PwMS and urinary disorders but rather to the specific risk of falling on the way to the bathroom. Severe nocturia increases the risk of falling at night. Further studies are needed to assess the impact of LUTS treatment on the risk of falling. ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04338646).
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Keywords : Fall, Multiple sclerosis, Lower urinary tract symptoms, Overactive bladder
Plan
Vol 64 - N° 4
Article 101452- juillet 2021 Retour au numéroBienvenue sur EM-consulte, la référence des professionnels de santé.