Objective: Our objective was to demonstrate the efficacy and impact on quality of life of detrusor injections of botulinum neurotoxin type A in the treatment of bladder dysfunction in patients with multiple sclerosis.
Methods: Forty-three patients with multiple sclerosis suffering from severe urgency incontinence were treated with detrusor injections of botulinum neurotoxin type A. Data from cystometric assessment of the bladder, voiding diaries, quality-of-life questionnaires, and procontinence medication usage were collected before treatment and 4 and 16 weeks after injection. The same data were also collected after repeat treatments.
Results: Highly significant improvements (p < 0.0001) in incontinence episodes and urinary urgency, daytime frequency and nocturia, were the symptomatic reflection of the significant improvements in urodynamically demonstrated bladder function. Although 98% of patients had to perform self-catheterization after treatment, there were sustained improvements in all quality-of-life scores. The mean duration of effect was 9.7 months. Similar results were seen with repeat treatments.
Interpretation: Minimally invasive injections of botulinum neurotoxin type A have been shown to be exceptionally effective in producing a prolonged improvement in urinary continence in patients with multiple sclerosis. This treatment is likely to have a major impact on future management.