Examining nighttime urinary symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis

This study examined nocturia (waking up in the night to pass urine) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Researchers concluded that nocturia with or without incontinence is common in patients with MS. MS patients with bladder muscle overactivity are more likely to experience nocturia.

Nocturia refers to the need to wake up in the night to urinate. It is one of the most bothersome urinary symptoms reported. Nocturia may be isolated or associated with an episode of incontinence. Nocturia is common in patients with overactive bladders.

Bladder disorders such as overactive bladders are a frequent problem for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), a neurological condition that affects the control of muscles and other functions. Nocturia has not been fully studied among MS patients.

The aim of this study was to describe nocturia in MS patients.

The records of 309 MS patients were analyzed. All patients had daytime urinary symptoms associated with MS. 53.3% of MS patients had nocturia. 46.6% of MS patients did not have nocturia (control group). Urinary function was compared between those with nocturia and the control group.

General urinary symptoms were on average more severe for patients with nocturia compared to patients in the control group. They also reported more severe urinary symptoms associated with an overactive bladder. The risk of developing nocturnal urinary symptoms was 8.32 times higher for patients reporting more severe urinary symptoms. No significant differences in MS severity were noted between patients with nocturia and those without.

Of the patients with nocturia, 35.7% experienced nocturia with incontinence. The risk of nocturia with incontinence was increased by up to 3.54 times for patients with severe MS symptoms. This risk was increased 6.44-fold for patients reporting severe urinary symptoms associated with an overactive bladder.

77% of patients with nocturia had overactive bladder syndrome. This was significantly higher for patients experiencing nocturia with incontinence (91.5%). Detrusor (the main bladder muscle) overactivity was observed in 61.5% of patients experiencing nocturia with incontinence and in 56% of patients with isolated nocturia.

Researchers concluded that nocturia with or without incontinence is common in patients with MS. MS patients with bladder muscle overactivity are more likely to experience nocturia.