Change in urodynamic pattern and incidence of urinary tract infection in patients with traumatic spinal cord injury practicing clean self-intermittent catheterization.

OBJECTIVE: To observe changes in cystometric parameters in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) with neurogenic bladder practicing clean intermittent self-catheterization (CIC) and incidence of urinary tract infection (UTI) in such patients.

DESIGN: Prospective, observational study.

SETTING: Tertiary Urban Rehabilitation Hospital.

PARTICIPANTS: Persons with neurogenic bladder caused by traumatic SCI and practicing CIC.

INTERVENTIONS: Clinical evaluation, complete urine analysis, urine culture and sensitivity, ultrasonography of the abdomen and urodynamic study were evaluated at baseline and at follow-up (6 months to 1 year).

OUTCOME MEASURES: Detrusor pattern, cystometric capacity, detrusor compliance, detrusor leak point pressure, residual urine, incidence of UTI.

RESULTS: Thirty-one participants were included in the study. The baseline cystometric study showed that 15 had overactive detrusor and 16 had detrusor areflexia. The mean cystometric capacity decreased significantly between baseline and follow-up in both the groups but remained within the normal threshold limit, decline being more marked in the overactive detrusor group, who also had more marked decrease in compliance. Mean detrusor leak point pressure was below 40 cm H2 O in all participants in both groups at baseline and follow-up. Mean residual urine improved at follow-up in both groups. Incidence of UTI was 2.29 episodes per patient per year, and more frequent in the overactive detrusor group. Escherichia coli was the causative agent in 45%.

CONCLUSION: The cystometric capacity and compliance decreased significantly though patients were doing regular CIC and managed on antimuscarinics for detrusor overactivity (DO). UTI is more common in individuals with SCI with DO and E. coli is the most common cause of UTI.