Published in:
01-01-2019 | Original Communication
Urinary symptoms, quality of life, and patient satisfaction in genetic and sporadic hereditary spastic paraplegia
Published in: Journal of Neurology | Issue 1/2019
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Background
Urinary involvement is common in hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSPs), but has rarely been assessed systematically.
Methods
We characterized urinary complaints in 71 German HSP patients (mean age 55.4 ± 13.9 years; mean disease duration 20.7 ± 14.3 years; 48% SPG4-positive) using validated clinical rating scales (SCOPA-AUT, ICIQ-SF, ICIQ-LUTSqol). Treatment history and satisfaction with medical care was also assessed.
Results
74.6% of patients had one or more urological problems, most commonly nocturia and urgency. Incontinence was more severe in women, correlating with SCOPA-AUT. Female gender and SPG4 mutations were associated with higher urinary frequency and severity of urological involvement. QoL was overall reduced, more in women and in SPG4 mutation carriers. Almost 90% consulted a medical specialist; more than half were largely satisfied. 43.4% received oral medication and 5.7% received intravesical botulinum toxin. However, more than one-third of patients remained untreated.
Conclusion
Urinary complaints are common in HSP and should be addressed and treated.