In a nutshell
This article investigated the safety and effectiveness of abobotulinumtoxin A (Dysport) for non-responsive overactive bladder (OAB).
The authors concluded that abobotulinumtoxin A (AboA) is a safe and effective treatment option for these patients.
Some background
OAB is a condition where there is a frequent feeling of needing to urinate urgently. This can have a very negative effect on a person’s life. OAB is currently managed with lifestyle modifications (avoiding caffeine), bladder training (exercises to help reduce the need to urinate) and medication. Unfortunately, some patients still have OAB despite these options.
An alternative is AboA (a medication which inhibits bladder muscle contraction). Its safety and effectiveness in patients with unresponsive OAB remain under investigation.
Methods & findings
The study involved 170 patients with unresponsive OAB. They received AboA injections into the bladder every 21 months for 9 years. OAB symptoms (increased urination during day and night, urgency, involuntary leakage of urine) and quality of life were the outcomes measured.
OAB symptoms improved by 35% and QOL by 41% at follow up. In 26% of patients, OAB was stopped completely. In 44% incontinence (involuntary leakage of urine) was reduced. After 10 months, medications for OAB were restarted.18.2% of patients had to have catheters (a thin tube which drains urine) placed as they had high volumes of urine remaining in their bladder after urination.
The bottom line
The authors concluded that abobotulinumtoxin A is a safe and effective treatment option for the symptoms of unresponsive OAB.
Published By :
Urology
Date :
Apr 25, 2019
