In a nutshell
This article investigated the factors that can predict treatment success of percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) for overactive bladder (OAB). The authors concluded that a history of depression/anxiety and severe urgency urinary incontinence (UUI; needing to urinate urgently) before treatment predicted a higher chance of treatment success.
Some background
OAB is a condition where there is a frequent feeling of needing to urinate. OAB is currently treated with medication and bladder exercises. If these fail, PTNS (provides electrical stimulation to the nerves responsible for bladder and pelvic floor function) is offered. Although it works for most patients, there are still some people who do not respond to PTNS.
The factors that can predict the success of PTNS are still under investigation.
Methods & findings
The study involved 162 female patients. They all completed 12 weekly sessions of PTNS. Questionnaires were used to evaluate patients' symptoms.
There was an improvement in both night time and day time urine leakage after PTNS. These patients also had significant improvements in the time between urinations.
An improvement of 50% and more, was associated with a history of anxiety and depression. A higher severity of UUI was also linked to a higher likelihood of PTNS success.
Patients that reported no improvement, were more likely to have a history of high blood pressure. they also had previous bladder injections with onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox) and sacral nerve stimulation (involves a surgically implanted device that delivers current to the bladder).
The bottom line
The authors concluded that a history of depression/anxiety and severe UUI before treatment predicted PTNS success.
Published By :
International urogynecology journal
Date :
Nov 29, 2018
