Next Article in Journal
New Isolated Metschnikowia pulcherrima Strains from Apples for Postharvest Biocontrol of Penicillium expansum and Patulin Accumulation
Next Article in Special Issue
Botulinum Toxin Injection for Medically Refractory Neurogenic Bladder in Children: A Systematic Review
Previous Article in Journal
Concentration of Zearalenone, Alpha-Zearalenol and Beta-Zearalenol in the Myocardium and the Results of Isometric Analyses of the Coronary Artery in Prepubertal Gilts
Previous Article in Special Issue
Therapeutic Effects of Urethral Sphincter Botulinum Toxin A Injection on Dysfunctional Voiding with Different Videourodynamic Characteristics in Non-Neurogenic Women
 
 
Font Type:
Arial Georgia Verdana
Font Size:
Aa Aa Aa
Line Spacing:
Column Width:
Background:
Article

Therapeutic Efficacy of Urethral Sphincteric Botulinum Toxin Injections for Female Sphincter Dysfunctions and a Search for Predictive Factors

1
Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan
2
Department of Urology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan
3
Department of Urology, Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Chiayi 622, Taiwan
4
Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, National Cheng Kung University Hospital Dou-Liou Branch, Yunlin 640, Taiwan
5
Department of Urology, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation and Tzu Chi University, Hualien 970, Taiwan
6
Research Center of Clinical Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan
*
Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Toxins 2021, 13(6), 398; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins13060398
Submission received: 26 April 2021 / Revised: 25 May 2021 / Accepted: 31 May 2021 / Published: 2 June 2021

Abstract

:
External urethral sphincter (EUS) dysfunction is a common, bothersome female voiding dysfunction. This study aims to analyze the characteristics of different types of female EUS dysfunction, as well as to determine the outcome predictors of sphincteric botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) injection. Women receiving sphincteric BoNT-A injections for refractory EUS dysfunction were retrospectively reviewed. A comparison of the baseline clinical, urodynamic parameters and the treatment responses were made for patients with different EUS dysfunctions. A total of 106 females were included. Significantly increased detrusor overactivity, detrusor contracting pressure and the bladder outlet obstruction index with decreased urge sensation were noted in patients diagnosed with dysfunctional voiding or detrusor sphincter dyssynergia comparing to those diagnosed with poor relaxation of the external urethral sphincter. The average subjective improvement rate was 67% for the injection. The therapeutic effect was not affected by the type of EUS dysfunction. The multivariate analysis revealed that bladder neck narrowing and catheterization history were predictive of negative outcomes. There is a distinct urodynamic presentation for each type of female EUS dysfunction. Sphincteric BoNT-A injection provides a good therapeutic outcome for refractory EUS dysfunction. A narrowing bladder neck and a history of catheterization suggest poor therapeutic outcomes.
Key Contribution: Sphincteric BoNT-A injection provides comparative subjective responses among different types of female EUS dysfunction. A narrowing bladder neck and a history of catheterization predicts poor therapeutic outcomes.

1. Introduction

Voiding dysfunction (VD) is defined as slow and/or incomplete micturition, which is based on slow urine flow rates and/or high post-void residual (PVR) urine [1]. It is a common bothersome problem for women and represents 7.2%~12.8% of female lower urinary tract symptoms in urology clinics [2]. Detrusor contractility and bladder outlet resistance are two fundamental etiologies of female VD. External urethral sphincter (EUS) dysfunction has been reported to be the most common cause of female bladder outlet obstructions [3]. Among females with VD who are refractory to traditional medications, a large proportion has been found to have EUS dysfunction in video-urodynamic studies (vUDS) [4].
EUS dysfunction can be classified into specific types. Detrusor sphincter dyssynergia (DSD) commonly refers to a condition in which the detrusor contraction is synchronous with contraction of the EUS-striated muscle due to a neurological abnormality [5]. Similar involuntary intermittent contractions of EUS-striated muscles during voiding in neurologically normal patients are defined as dysfunctional voiding (DV) [5]. In addition to DSD and DV, poor relaxation of the external urethral sphincter (PRES) is another subtype of EUS dysfunction. It is characterized by non-relaxed surface electromyography (EMG) activity with narrowing of the distal urethra in the voiding phase of vUDS [4].
Botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) is a neurotoxin that blocks acetylcholine release from presynaptic nerve terminals and results in a chemo-denervation effect on the skeletal muscle [6]. Sphincteric BoNT-A injection directly blocks the acetylcholine release from the pudendal nerve terminals, resulting in sphincter relaxation in patients with EUS dysfunction. It has served as an option for DSD that is refractory to conservative treatment [7,8]. However, data on the therapeutic effects of sphincteric BoNT-A injection among different types of EUS dysfunction are scarce [9,10]. Most of such data has included gender-mixed populations. Since there is a distinct difference in the lower urinary tract anatomy and function between males and females, it may thus be better to evaluate them separately. This study retrospectively reviews the characteristics of different types of female EUS dysfunctions and their response to sphincteric BoNT-A injections. Additional effort is made to determine the predictive factors related to treatment outcomes.

2. Results

A total of 106 females received sphincteric BoNT-A injections during the study period. The mean age at injection was 61.8 ± 19.7 years old; 56 of them had EUS dysfunction without concomitant neurogenic underlying disease, while the others had either central or peripheral neurogenic disorders. Table 1 shows the clinical parameters for female EUS dysfunction before receiving sphincteric BoNT-A injections. Common urodynamic acronyms were listed in the Appendix A Table A1. In patients with idiopathic EUS dysfunction, 23 and 33 patients were diagnosed as DV and PRES, respectively. Patients with DV had significantly higher percentages of DO (83% vs. 0%, p < 0.001), higher Pdet (56.3 mL vs. 13.7 cm H2O, p < 0.001) and BOOI (44.8 vs. 2.1 mL/s, p < 0.001), but lower percentages of detrusor underactivity (4% vs. 61%, p < 0.001), a lower volume of FS (118.4 vs. 244.8 mL, p = 0.016) and US (218.3 vs. 283.5 mL, p = 0.032) as compared to patients with PRES.
Among patients with neurogenic EUS dysfunction, 20 were classified as DSD, and 30 were classified as PRES. Similar to subjects with DV, those with DSD had significantly higher percentages of DO (75% vs. 10%, p < 0.001), higher Pdet (37.6 mL vs. 12.1 cm H2O, p < 0.001), BOOI (25.4 vs. 5.5 mL/s, p = 0.006) and VE (0.44 vs. 0.19 mL/s, p < 0.001), but lower percentages of detrusor underactivity (15% vs. 70%, p < 0.001), a lower volume in FSF (106.7 vs. 159.4 mL, p = 0.045), US (106.7 vs. 159.4 mL, p = 0.045), and PVR (182.2 vs. 296.3 mL, p = 0.026) compared to patients with PRES.
Table 2 shows the therapeutic outcomes and urodynamic parameters in female patients with EUS dysfunction after receiving sphincteric BoNT-A injections. The rates of subjective and objective good outcomes ranged between 50 to 75% for each type of EUS dysfunction without obvious statistical differences. In patient with idiopathic EUS dysfunction, both DV and PRES showed improved Qmax (DV: 7.3 to 10.2 mL/s, p = 0.004; PRES: 7.4 to 10.2 mL/s, p = 0.030) and VE (DV: 0.47 to 0.59 mL/s, p = 0.006; PRES: 0.43 to 0.60 mL/s, p = 0.008) after the injections. Significantly decreased FS (170.0 vs. 245.9 mL, p = 0.023), US (189.3 vs. 286.2 mL, p = 0.004) and CBC (307.3 vs, 427.1 mL, p = 0.044) were noted in the DV group as compared to the PRES group after the injections. In patients with neurogenic EUS dysfunction, improved Qmax (5.4 to 9.1 mL/s, p = 0.002), VE (0.31 to 0.52 mL/s, p = 0.001) in UFR and VE (0.14 to 0.31 mL/s, p = 0.042) in vUDS were noted in the PRES group after the injections. Trends of improvement in the above parameters were also noted in patients with DSD.
Table 3 shows the baseline clinical characteristics for the patients with subjective good and poor outcomes after the sphincteric BoNT-A injections. Those with a history of catheterization to empty their bladder (61% vs. 28%, p = 0.001), narrow BN (81% vs. 9%, p < 0.001), PVR ≥230 mL (56% vs. 24%, p = 0.001) or CBC ≥350 mL (61% vs. 30%, p = 0.002) before the injections had significantly higher poor outcome rates. There were no differences among the patients with different types of EUS dysfunction. The baseline clinical characteristics stratified by objective good and poor outcomes after the sphincteric BoNT-A injections were shown in the Appendix A Table A2. Catheterization history and narrow BN also demonstrated trends of poorer outcomes. The multivariate analysis revealed that a history of catheterization (OR: 0.20, p = 0.029) and narrow BN (OR: 0.02, p < 0.001) were the significant predictors of poor outcomes after sphincteric BoNT-A injections (Table 4).

3. Discussion

Among different types of female EUS dysfunction, significant differences in the image and pressure-flow characteristics were found in our study. Patients diagnosed with DV and DSD presented STU under fluoroscopy, with higher Pdet, BOOI and more frequent DO. On the other hand, patients with PRES were absent of STU and had a higher percentage of DU regardless of whether the neurological underlying disease was present. These distinct findings may imply different underlying pathophysiology. As for the therapeutic effect of sphincteric BoNT-A injection, there was no remarkable difference among types of EUS dysfunction, and the average subjective response rate was 67.0%. Nevertheless, patients with pre-operative BN narrowing or previous usage of catheterization for emptying bladder entailed poor subjective response after receiving sphincteric BoNT-A injection. Patients with pre-operative BN narrowing or previous use of catheterization to empty their bladder gave poor subjective responses after receiving a sphincteric BoNT-A injection.
Female EUS dysfunction has been traditionally classified into DSD or DV based on the presence or absence of neurological abnormalities [5]. PRES was first proposed by Kuo in 2000 [11] as a subtype of DV in men. In the case of women, PRES is characterized as non-relaxed surface EMG activity of the EUS combined with a narrow distal urethra during the voiding phase in the vUDS [4]. There is a lack of reports providing comparisons of these EUS dysfunctions. One previous study found DV to have a poor storage function, including frequent DO, lower FSF, US, CBC and higher Pdet comparing to PRES in patients with bladder pain syndrome [12]. Our studies showed that not only the DV but also the DSD had characteristics of bladder outlet obstruction combined with a decreased storage function compared to PRES in these women after stratifying by the presence of an underlying neurological disease.
The pathophysiology of PRES is believed to be distinct from DV and DSD [8] due to the prominent difference in the urodynamic parameters between them. For DV and DSD patients, the bladder outlet obstruction, induced by the dyssynergic EUS activity during detrusor contraction, is responsible for a high-pressure, low-flow pattern with proximal urethral dilatation [13]. In contrast, poorly relaxed EUS activity caused by an incompletely reversed guarding reflex may have a reflex effect inhibiting the contraction of the detrusor muscle [14,15,16], which may explain the low-pressure low-flow pattern without STU in patients diagnosed with PRES. The hypothesis of a EUS-induced inhibitory effect on the micturition reflex [17] in PRES is supported by the finding of an increased recovery rate of detrusor contractility in patients with DU with concomitant PRES after sphincteric BoNT-A injections [18]. Further basic laboratory research is needed to confirm these assumptions.
Urethra BoNT-A injection has served as an option for refractory voiding dysfunction due to EUS malfunction since 1988 [19]. Many of these studies focused on patients with DSD, but only a handful of them discussed DV and PRES patients. The rates of subjective improvement were around 70%–87%, 61%–88%, and 79%–96% for DV, DSD, and PRES after the sphincteric BoNT-A injection [16] among gender-mixed patients, respectively. These reported outcomes were similar to the results in the present study, where the subjective and objective improvement rates were 65%/74%, 75%/50% for DV, DSD, and 65%/68% for PRES, respectively, in female patients. There was no significant difference in subjective (p = 0.699) or objective (p = 0.317) outcome among difference sphincter dysfunction in our results. Few studies have directly compared the response to urethra BoNT-A injections among the various types of EUS dysfunction. Jiang and his colleagues reported no difference in the rate of satisfactory outcomes between neurogenic and non-neurogenic urethral sphincter hyperactivity after a sphincteric BoNT-A injection [8]. Lee and Kuo demonstrated no significant difference in sphincteric BoNT-A effects among DV, DSD and PRES in a gender-mixed sample [10]. With a larger cohort focusing specifically on females, the present study confirmed that the type of EUS dysfunction does not affect the therapeutic effects of sphincteric BoNT-A injections.
Several predictors of the outcomes for sphincteric BoNT-A injections have been explored. The synergy of BN, detrusor contractility and EUS tone were the most commonly reported ones [20,21]. In the present study, BN narrowing and urethra catheterization pre-operatively was found to be the two main negative therapeutic predictors of subjective outcome in the multivariate analysis. Our data, as a previous study [22], have shown some inconsistencies between subjective satisfaction and objective urodynamic improvements under sphincteric BoNT-A injections. However, the subjective response may be more important than objective results for the patients from their own perspectives. Therefore, we lay emphasis on analyzing subjective outcomes rather than objective ones. A narrowing BN might imply a secondary etiology to the patient’s VD, which leads to a decreased response to a sphincteric BoNT-A injection. Patients who need catheterization pre-operatively may have more complicated etiologies, including poor detrusor contractility, a spastic EUS or psychogenic inhibitory effects that could compromise therapeutic effects. Clinicians should carefully investigate the history and vUDS of patients with refractory VD. With a proper candidate selection and clear explanation before a sphincteric BoNT-A injection, unrealistic expectations could be avoided, and satisfactory outcomes could be achieved.
There are some limitations to this study. First, we did not use validated questionnaires to measure the patient-reported outcomes. However, our subjective response retrieved from medical records may be reliable since it correlated well with the objective urodynamic response and shared similar efficacy to the previously reported data. Second, EUS dysfunction was defined by the image characteristics of vUDS during the voiding phase. A combined needle EMG may be better in terms of assessing EUS activity. However, this procedure would increase the suffering of the patients undergoing the procedure. Third, this was a retrospective study with a relatively small patient number. Nevertheless, we provide a considerable number of patients focusing specifically on female VD compared to recently published data. We also attempted to correct for potential bias by adjusting the significant variables in the statistics. A large prospective study with comprehensive data collection is required for further evaluation of the efficacy of the use of sphincteric BoNT-A injections in different types of female EUS dysfunction.

4. Conclusions

Compared to DV and DSD, PRES has distinct urodynamic characteristics that may involve different pathophysiology. Sphincteric BoNT-A injections provide a 67% subjectively good response in general, with similar efficacy among different types of female EUS dysfunction. Narrowing BN and urethra catheterization history were predictors of poor treatment outcomes.

5. Materials and Methods

This study was commenced after approval of the Institutional Review Board of the Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital, a tertiary medical center in east Taiwan. (IRB 105-151-B). From April 2002 to February 2019, all women who had received urethral sphincteric BoNT-A injections due to refractory VD caused by EUS dysfunction were retrospectively reviewed. EUS dysfunction was diagnosed using vUDS performed in accordance with the International Continence Society (ICS) recommendations [23]. Patients with complicated clinical conditions such as a history of lower urinary tract reconstruction or urethra stenosis were excluded.
Baseline urinary function assessments of each patient were derived from the uroflowmetry (UFR), PVR and vUDS of each patient before the urethra BoNT-A injection. The UFR parameters included voiding volume (VV), maximal flow rate (Qmax), cystometric bladder capacity (CBC), and voiding efficiency (VE). CBC was calculated as the VV plus the PVR. VE was defined as the VV divided by the CBC. The vUDS parameters included the first sensation of filling (FSF), full sensation (FS), urge sensation (US), compliance in the storage phase, the detrusor pressure at the maximal flow rate (Pdet), Qmax, the bladder outlet obstruction index (BOOI), and the PVR, CBC and VE in the voiding phase. The BOOI was calculated as Pdet—2 × Qmax. Major comorbidities (including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive lung disease and coronary artery disease), a history of a neurogenic disease, a history of catheterization (including Foley, clean intermittent catheterization or suprapubic indwelling) to empty the bladder were collected from the subjects’ medical records.
The types of female VD were determined using vUDS images and the history of the neurogenic disease. DV was defined as contrast stasis at the level of the EUS and presenting with a typical “spinning top” urethra (STU) feature [13] during the voiding phase of the vUDS under conditions without underlying neurological disease. Similar image characteristics combined with a positive neurological underlying disease were defined as DSD. Poor relaxation of the external sphincter (PRES) was defined as narrowing of the distal urethra without the STU feature combined with a non-relaxed surface EMG activity in the voiding phase of the vUDS [4]. The bladder neck (BN) was characterized as narrow if it did not open to a funnel shape during the vUDS voiding phase.
All patients received 100 units of BoNT-A (Allergan, Irvine, CA, USA), which is the most frequent dosage in contemporary publications [16], injected in the EUS after the clinical evaluation. The BoNT-A (100 U) was diluted in 5 mL of normal saline, which created a total of five injections with 27-gauge 1 mL syringe needles. The injections were performed circumferentially (except at the 6 o’clock position) into the urethral sphincter via a perineal route in the operating room under general anesthesia. Detailed techniques used in a urethral injection were described in a previous series [24]. The subjective outcomes were graded as “good” or “poor” according to the patient’s perceptions of VD improvement as expressed in the medical records. Objective outcomes were graded as “good” if there was a 50% improvement in the Qmax or PVR after the injection. Both subjective and objective outcomes were assessed 1 month after the injections. Baseline and post-treatment urodynamic parameters were further analyzed for the treatment effects of the sphincteric BoNT-A injection.
Continuous and categorical variables were expressed as the mean ± standard deviation and number (percentage), respectively. Between-group differences were examined with an independent t-test on the continuous variables and a Chi-square test on the categorical variables. Fisher’s Exact Test was applied if more than 20% of the expected frequencies were less than five. The changes in the variables after treatment compared to the within-group baseline were tested separately with a paired sample t-test and the McNemar test for the continuous and categorical variables. Between-group differences in the variables after treatment adjusted under the pre-treatment condition were evaluated with an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and a univariate logistic regression for the continuous and categorical variables, respectively. Variables demonstrating significant differences between subjective good and poor outcomes were further analyzed with a multivariate logistic regression to discern the predictors of the subjective outcomes. All analyses were performed through SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 17.0. Chicago: SPSS Inc. Two-sided p-values less than 0.05 were considered significant.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, H.-C.K.; Data curation, Y.-C.O., K.-H.H., H.-C.J. and Y.-L.K.; Formal analysis, Y.-L.K.; Investigation, Y.-C.O.; Methodology, Y.-L.K.; Project administration, K.-J.T.; Resources, H.-C.K.; Supervision, K.-J.T.; Visualization, Y.-C.O. and Y.-L.K.; Writing—original draft, Y.-C.O.; Writing—review and editing, Y.-L.K. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

The work was supported by grants from the National Cheng Kung University Hospital (NCKUH-11006021 and NCKUH-11003038).

Institutional Review Board Statement

The study was conducted according to the guidelines of the Declaration of Helsinki and approved by the Institutional Review Board of the Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital (IRB 105-151-B).

Informed Consent Statement

Patient consent was waived due to the retrospective study design.

Data Availability Statement

Not applicable.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Appendix A

Table A1. Acronyms of common urodynamic parameters.
Table A1. Acronyms of common urodynamic parameters.
BNBladder neckBOOIBladder outlet obstruction index
CBCCystometric bladder capacityDHICDetrusor hyperactivity with impaired contractility
DODetrusor over-activityDSDDetrusor sphincter dyssynergia
DUDetrusor under-activityDVDysfunctional voiding
FSFull sensationFSFThe first sensation of filling
PdetDetrusor pressure at the maximum flow ratePRESPoor relaxation of the external sphincter
PVRPost-void residual volumeQmaxMaximal flow rate
UFRUroflowmetryUSUrge sensation
VEVoiding efficiencyvUDSVideo-urodynamic studies
VVVoiding volume
Table A2. Baseline clinical characteristics stratified by objective outcomes.
Table A2. Baseline clinical characteristics stratified by objective outcomes.
Good Outcome (N = 71)Poor Outcome (N = 35)p
Age62.6 ± 18.860.2 ± 21.80.553
HT30 (42%)11 (31%)0.282
DM23 (32%)8 (23%)0.310
CKD3 (4%)3 (9%)0.362
COPD0 (0%)3 (9%)0.034 *
CAD6 (9%)1 (3%)0.421
Neurogenic history a 31 (44%)18 (51%)0.451
Catheterization b24 (34%)18 (51%)0.081
DV17 (24%)6 (17%)0.404
DSD10 (14%)9 (26%)0.152
PRES43 (61%)20 (57%)0.673
DO27 (38%)11 (31%)0.505
DU30 (42%)15 (43%)0.953
DHIC11 (16%)3 (9%)0.379
Narrow BN19 (27%)16 (46%)0.051
UFR parameters
Qmax6.5 ± 4.67.6 ± 4.80.241
Voiding volume112.3 ± 94.7145.5 ± 103.20.104
PVR (≥230 mL)27 (38%)10 (29%)0.337
CBC (≥350 mL)29 (41%)14 (40%)0.934
VE0.36 ± 0.250.50 ± 0.280.015 *
vUDS parameters
FSF145.8 ± 93.3123.8 ± 56.30.202
FS218.9 ± 109.2188.1 ± 78.90.139
US254.3 ± 123.1209.5 ± 92.50.060
Compliance79.0 ± 116.158.6 ± 73.10.345
Pdet28.5 ± 29.224.1 ± 25.40.445
Qmax5.4 ± 4.64.8 ± 5.00.560
BOOI17.7 ± 29.714.5 ± 28.00.588
PVR276.1 ± 196.0181.7 ± 139.70.005 *
CBC379.8 ± 172.0294.4 ± 180.10.020 *
VE0.32 ± 0.280.34 ± 0.270.679
BN: bladder neck, BOOI: bladder outlet obstruction index, CAD: coronary artery disease, CBC: cystometric bladder capacity, CKD: chronic kidney disease, COPD: chronic obstructive lung disease, DM: diabetes mellitus, DO: detrusor overactivity, DHIC: detrusor hyperactivity with impaired contractility, DSD: detrusor sphincter dyssynergia, DU: detrusor underactivity, DV: dysfunctional voiding, HT: hypertension, FS: full sensation, FSF: the first sensation of filling, Pdet: detrusor pressure at the maximum flow rate, PRES: poor relaxation of the external sphincter, PVR: post-void residual volume, Qmax: maximal flow rate, UFR: uroflowmetry, US: urge sensation, VE: voiding efficiency, vUDS: video-urodynamic studies. a Diabetes was included in neurogenic history. b Catheterization included clean intermittent catheterization, Foley, or cystostomy. * p < 0.05.

References

  1. Haylen, B.T.; Maher, C.F.; Barber, M.D.; Camargo, S.; Dandolu, V.; Digesu, A.; Goldman, H.B.; Huser, M.; Milani, A.L.; Moran, P.A.; et al. An International Urogynecological Association (IUGA)/International Continence Society (ICS) joint report on the terminology for female pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Int. Urogynecol. J. 2016, 27, 165–194. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  2. Choi, Y.S.; Kim, J.C.; Lee, K.S.; Seo, J.T.; Kim, H.J.; Yoo, T.K.; Lee, J.B.; Choo, M.S.; Lee, J.G.; Lee, J.Y. Analysis of female voiding dysfunction: A prospective, multi-center study. Int. Urol. Nephrol. 2013, 45, 989–994. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  3. Malde, S.; Solomon, E.; Spilotros, M.; Mukhtar, B.; Pakzad, M.; Hamid, R.; Ockrim, J.; Greenwell, T. Female bladder outlet obstruction: Common symptoms masking an uncommon cause. Low. Urin. Tract Symptoms 2019, 11, 72–77. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  4. Hsiao, S.M.; Lin, H.H.; Kuo, H.C. Videourodynamic Studies of Women with Voiding Dysfunction. Sci. Rep. 2017, 7, 6845. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  5. Haylen, B.T.; de Ridder, D.; Freeman, R.M.; Swift, S.E.; Berghmans, B.; Lee, J.; Monga, A.; Petri, E.; Rizk, D.E.; Sand, P.K.; et al. An International Urogynecological Association (IUGA)/International Continence Society (ICS) joint report on the terminology for female pelvic floor dysfunction. Neurourol. Urodyn. 2010, 29, 4–20. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  6. Mahfouz, W.; Corcos, J. Management of detrusor external sphincter dyssynergia in neurogenic bladder. Eur. J. Phys. Rehabil. Med. 2011, 47, 639–650. [Google Scholar]
  7. Dykstra, D.D.; Sidi, A.A. Treatment of detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia with botulinum A toxin: A double-blind study. Arch. Phys. Med. Rehabil. 1990, 71, 24–26. [Google Scholar]
  8. Jiang, Y.H.; Chen, S.F.; Jhang, J.F.; Kuo, H.C. Therapeutic effect of urethral sphincter onabotulinumtoxinA injection for urethral sphincter hyperactivity. Neurourol. Urodyn. 2018, 37, 2651–2657. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  9. Kuo, H.C. Botulinum A toxin urethral injection for the treatment of lower urinary tract dysfunction. J. Urol. 2003, 170, 1908–1912. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  10. Lee, Y.K.; Kuo, H.C. Therapeutic Effects of Botulinum Toxin A, via Urethral Sphincter Injection on Voiding Dysfunction Due to Different Bladder and Urethral Sphincter Dysfunctions. Toxins 2019, 11, 487. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  11. Kuo, H.C. Pathophysiology of lower urinary tract symptoms in aged men without bladder outlet obstruction. Urol. Int. 2000, 64, 86–92. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  12. Kuo, Y.C.; Kuo, H.C. Videourodynamic characteristics of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome-The role of bladder outlet dysfunction in the pathophysiology. Neurourol. Urodyn. 2018, 37, 1971–1977. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  13. Austin, P.F.; Bauer, S.B.; Bower, W.; Chase, J.; Franco, I.; Hoebeke, P.; Rittig, S.; Walle, J.V.; von Gontard, A.; Wright, A.; et al. The standardization of terminology of lower urinary tract function in children and adolescents: Update report from the standardization committee of the International Children’s Continence Society. Neurourol. Urodyn. 2016, 35, 471–481. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  14. Chancellor, M.B.; Yoshimura, N. Neurophysiology of stress urinary incontinence. Rev. Urol. 2004, 6 (Suppl. 3), S19–S28. [Google Scholar]
  15. De Groat, W.C.; Fraser, M.O.; Yoshiyama, M.; Smerin, S.; Tai, C.; Chancellor, M.B.; Yoshimura, N.; Roppolo, J.R. Neural control of the urethra. Scand. J. Urol. Nephrology. Suppl. 2001, 35, 35–43, discussion 106–125. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  16. Kao, Y.L.; Huang, K.H.; Kuo, H.C.; Ou, Y.C. The Therapeutic Effects and Pathophysiology of Botulinum Toxin A on Voiding Dysfunction Due to Urethral Sphincter Dysfunction. Toxins 2019, 11, 728. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed] [Green Version]
  17. Fowler, C.J.; Dasgupta, R. Electromyography in urinary retention and obstructed voiding in women. Scand. J. Urol. Nephrology. Suppl. 2002, 36, 55–58. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  18. Kuo, H.C. Recovery of detrusor function after urethral botulinum A toxin injection in patients with idiopathic low detrusor contractility and voiding dysfunction. Urology 2007, 69, 57–61, discussion 61–52. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  19. Dykstra, D.D.; Sidi, A.A.; Scott, A.B.; Pagel, J.M.; Goldish, G.D. Effects of botulinum A toxin on detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia in spinal cord injury patients. J. Urol. 1988, 139, 919–922. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  20. Huang, M.; Chen, H.; Jiang, C.; Xie, K.; Tang, P.; Ou, R.; Zeng, J.; Liu, Q.; Li, Q.; Huang, J.; et al. Effects of botulinum toxin A injections in spinal cord injury patients with detrusor overactivity and detrusor sphincter dyssynergia. J. Rehabil. Med. 2016, 48, 683–687. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  21. Liao, Y.M.; Kuo, H.C. Causes of failed urethral botulinum toxin A treatment for emptying failure. Urology 2007, 70, 763–766. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  22. Kuo, H.C. Therapeutic outcome and quality of life between urethral and detrusor botulinum toxin treatment for patients with spinal cord lesions and detrusor sphincter dyssynergia. Int. J. Clin. Pract. 2013, 67, 1044–1049. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  23. Chapple, C. International Continence Society guidelines on urodynamic equipment performance. Neurourol. Urodyn. 2014, 33, 369. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  24. Jiang, Y.H.; Wang, C.C.; Kuo, H.C. OnabotulinumtoxinA Urethral Sphincter Injection as Treatment for Non-neurogenic Voiding Dysfunction—A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Sci. Rep. 2016, 6, 38905. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed] [Green Version]
Table 1. Basic clinical parameters for female patients with sphincter dysfunction before receiving sphincteric botulinum toxin A injections.
Table 1. Basic clinical parameters for female patients with sphincter dysfunction before receiving sphincteric botulinum toxin A injections.
Idiopathic Sphincter Dysfunction (N = 56)Neurogenic Sphincter Dysfunction (N = 50)
DV (N = 23)PRES (N = 33)pDSD (N = 20)PRES (N = 30)p
HT4(17%)17(52%)0.012 *8(40%)12(40%)1.000
DM4(17%)8(24%)0.7439(45%)11(37%)0.556
CKD0(0%)2(6%)0.5071(5%)3(10%)0.641
COPD1(4%)0(0%)0.4112(10%)0(0%)0.155
CAD0(0%)4(12%)0.1362(10%)1(3%)0.556
Cathterization a12(52%)9(27%)0.0588(40%)13(43%)0.815
Baseline UFR Parameters
VV 139.7±94.3130.5±125.60.770107.9±68.5109.4±85.30.946
Qmax7.3±3.27.4±5.40.9417.6±5.95.4±3.70.156
PVR160.8±98.5188.1±147.50.443208.9±196.3258.5±151.10.318
CBC300.4±135.4318.7±127.80.617316.7±195.3367.9±167.20.326
VE0.47±0.230.43±0.320.6110.44±0.260.31±0.220.067
Baseline vUDS Parameters
DO19(83%)0(0%)<0.001 *15(75%)3(10%)<0.001 *
DU1(4%)20(61%)<0.001 *3(15%)21(70%)<0.001 *
DHIC2(9%)6(18%)0.4490(0%)6(20%)0.069
Narrow BN6(26%)12(36%)0.4184(20%)12(40%)0.137
FSF 117.8±82.5154.7±67.60.072106.7±52.5159.4±106.00.045 *
FS184.4±86.0244.8±92.00.016 *166.8±101.8217.7±107.50.101
US218.3±108.2283.5±109.20.032 *183.0±114.2249.5±110.00.045 *
CBC335.5±119.0390.6±208.00.257280.0±202.0365.8±157.10.098
Compliance82.8±113.181.3±84.10.95359.8±118.662.3±109.60.940
BN: bladder neck, BOOI: bladder outlet obstruction index, CAD: coronary artery disease, CBC: cystometric bladder capacity, CKD: chronic kidney disease, COPD: chronic obstructive lung disease, DM: diabetes mellitus, DO: detrusor overactivity, DHIC: detrusor hyperactivity with impaired contractility, DSD: detrusor sphincter dyssynergia, DU: detrusor underactivity, DV: dysfunctional voiding, HT: hypertension, FS: full sensation, FSF: the first sensation of filling, Pdet: detrusor pressure at a maximum flow rate, PRES: poor relaxation of the external sphincter, PVR: post-void residual volume, Qmax: maximal flow rate, UFR: uroflowmetry, US: urge sensation, VE: voiding efficiency, vUDS: video-urodynamic studies, VV: voiding volume. a Catheterization included clean intermittent catheterization, Foley or cystostomy. * p < 0.05.
Table 2. Therapeutic outcomes and urodynamic parameters in female patients with sphincter dysfunction receiving sphincteric botulinum toxin A injections.
Table 2. Therapeutic outcomes and urodynamic parameters in female patients with sphincter dysfunction receiving sphincteric botulinum toxin A injections.
Idiopathic Voiding Dysfunction (N = 56)Neurogenic Voiding Dysfunction (N = 50)
DV (N = 23)PRES (N = 33)paDSD (N = 20)PRES (N = 30)pa
Good sub. Outcome15(65%)21(64%)0.90315(75%)20(67%)0.529
Good obj. Outcome17(74%)22(67%)0.56210(50%)21(70%)0.220
UFR Parameters
Qmax B7.3±3.27.4±5.40.9808.3±5.95.4±3.70.800
P10.2 **±5.710.2 *±7.710.8±8.69.1 **±7.2
VVB139.7±94.3130.5±125.60.559109.7±69.9109.4±85.30.921
P174.7±104.7190.9±124.6125.1±73.7122.8±80.7
PVRB160.8±98.5188.1±147.50.657209.7±201.6258.5±151.10.802
P134.1±99.4171.0±221.8144.5±142.3176.9±191.6
CBCB300.4±135.4318.7±127.80.328319.4±200.3367.9±167.20.831
P308.8±118.9360.4±203.5269.6±161.7299.6±188.1
VEB0.47±0.230.43±0.320.6160.45±0.260.31±0.220.579
P0.59 **±0.300.60 **±0.320.53±0.270.52 **±0.31
vUDS Parameters
FSFB117.7±89.6164.4±74.30.086109.4±49.7142.9±61.00.710
P110.4±69.8151.8± 72.4117.5±56.7134.2±48.5
FSB191.7±90.9250.3± 108.30.023180.4±116.5200.7±68.50.700
P163.3±77.4251.7± 109.8170.8±56.6183.0±75.7
USB228.9±111.9286.3± 127.00.004195.3±129.4237.8±80.30.600
P180.3±83.4293.8±114.1187.4±65.6208.6±92.1
ComplianceB92.4±125.474.4±87.50.19475.8±151.649.3±66.90.540
P44.5±35.665.5±66.435.6±21.929.0±19.6
PdetB53.6±29.013.0±11.90.13642.1±23.58.3±11.60.635
P51.1±31.211.9±15.431.2±15.417.3±19.1
QmaxB5.8±2.54.2±5.40.3346.3±5.42.6±3.50.809
P6.3±4.36.7±6.67.5±10.35.1±6.1
BOOIB41.9±30.84.6±11.30.11629.4±29.83.2±13.50.421
P38.5±33.0-1.5±15.916.2±19.87.2±24.8
PVRB217.2±128.2314.3±248.60.118249.2±235.5306.2±150.30.970
P174.4±135.9305.2±263.1248.3±209.4275.7±196.8
CBCB340.5±126.7402.8±237.10.044347.8±222.3366.4±165.70.264
P303.9±141.6430.0±198.3323.1±183.9393.0±169.8
VEB0.40±0.220.22±0.270.7690.34±0.260.14±0.180.676
P0.47±0.330.39±0.380.35±0.370.31 *±0.37
B: before injection, BOOI: bladder outlet obstruction index, CBC: cystometric bladder capacity, DSD: detrusor sphincter dyssynergia, DV: dysfunctional voiding, FS: full sensation, FSF: the first sensation of filling, obj.: objective, P: post-injection, Pdet: detrusor pressure at maximum flow rate, PRES: poor relaxation of the external sphincter, PVR: post-void residual volume, Qmax: the maximal flow rate, sub.: subjective, UFR: uroflowmetry, US: urge sensation, VE: voiding efficiency, vUDS: video-urodynamic studies, VV: voiding volume. a Between-group differences after treatment adjusting by the pre-treatment condition. * Within-group differences in changes after treatment < 0.05. ** Within-group differences in changes after treatment < 0.01.
Table 3. Baseline clinical characteristics stratified by subjective outcomes.
Table 3. Baseline clinical characteristics stratified by subjective outcomes.
Good Outcome (N = 71)Poor Outcome (N = 35)p
Age61.5 ± 18.962.4 ± 21.30.814
HT28 (39%)14 (39%)0.956
DM24 (34%)8 (22%)0.216
CKD4 (6%)2 (6%)1.000
COPD2 (3%)1 (3%)1.000
CAD5 (7%)2 (6%)1.000
Neurogenic history a 35 (49%)15 (42%)0.455
Catheterization b20 (28%)22 (61%)0.001 *
DV15 (21%)8 (23%)0.839
DSD15 (21%)5 (14%)0.397
PRES41 (58%)22 (63%)0.614
DO26 (37%)12 (33%)0.737
DU29 (41%)16 (44%)0.722
DHIC9 (13%)5 (14%)1.000
Narrow BN6 (9%)29 (81%)<0.001 *
UFR parameters
Qmax7.3 ± 4.75.8 ± 4.40.096
Voiding volume129.5 ± 103.7109.5 ± 85.30.327
PVR (≥230 mL)17 (24%)20 (56%)0.001 *
CBC (≥350 mL)21 (30%)22 (61%)0.002 *
VE0.44 ± 0.260.35 ± 0.270.089
vUDS parameters
FSF148.4 ± 92.2118.7 ± 56.70.080
FS218.7 ± 107.0187.6 ± 84.00.130
US251.4 ± 120.9215.8 ± 99.40.130
Compliance78.6 ± 116.358.1 ± 72.00.335
Pdet28.9 ± 29.622.8 ± 24.00.285
Qmax5.7 ± 5.14.2 ± 3.70.095
BOOI17.6 ± 30.714.4 ± 25.60.567
PVR226.8 ± 178.5279.4 ± 190.20.162
CBC339.9 ± 172.1372.2 ± 189.30.376
VE0.35 ± 0.300.27 ± 0.220.090
BN: bladder neck, BOOI: bladder outlet obstruction index, CAD: coronary artery disease, CBC: cystometric bladder capacity, CKD: chronic kidney disease, COPD: chronic obstructive lung disease, DM: diabetes mellitus, DO: detrusor overactivity, DHIC: detrusor hyperactivity with impaired contractility, DSD: detrusor sphincter dyssynergia, DU: detrusor underactivity, DV: dysfunctional voiding, HT: hypertension, FS: full sensation, FSF: the first sensation of filling, Pdet: detrusor pressure at the maximum flow rate, PRES: poor relaxation of the external sphincter, PVR: post-void residual volume, Qmax: the maximal flow rate, UFR: uroflowmetry, US: urge sensation, VE: voiding efficiency, vUDS: video-urodynamic studies. a Diabetes was included in neurogenic history. b Catheterization included clean intermittent catheterization, Foley, or cystostomy. * p < 0.05.
Table 4. Logistic regression for predictors of good subjective outcomes before sphincteric botulinum toxin A injection.
Table 4. Logistic regression for predictors of good subjective outcomes before sphincteric botulinum toxin A injection.
Univariate AnalysisMultivariate Analysis
OR95% CI95% CIpOR95% CI95% CIp
Age0.990.981.020.812
Neurogenic history a 1.3610.613.060.455
Catheterization b0.250.110.580.001 *0.200.050.850.029 *
DV0.900.342.390.839
DSD1.610.534.850.400
PRES0.810.351.860.615
Narrow BN0.020.010.07<0.001 *0.020.000.07<0.001 *
PVR (≥230 mL)0.250.110.590.002 *0.330.052.240.254
CBC (≥350 mL)0.270.120.620.002 *0.880.155.330.888
BN: bladder neck, CBC: cystometric bladder capacity, DSD: detrusor sphincter dyssynergia, DV: dysfunctional voiding, PRES: poor relaxation of the external sphincter, PVR: post-void residual volume. a Diabetes was included in neurogenic history. b Catheterization included clean intermittent catheterization, Foley, or cystostomy. * p < 0.05.
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Share and Cite

MDPI and ACS Style

Ou, Y.-C.; Huang, K.-H.; Jan, H.-C.; Kuo, H.-C.; Kao, Y.-L.; Tsai, K.-J. Therapeutic Efficacy of Urethral Sphincteric Botulinum Toxin Injections for Female Sphincter Dysfunctions and a Search for Predictive Factors. Toxins 2021, 13, 398. https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins13060398

AMA Style

Ou Y-C, Huang K-H, Jan H-C, Kuo H-C, Kao Y-L, Tsai K-J. Therapeutic Efficacy of Urethral Sphincteric Botulinum Toxin Injections for Female Sphincter Dysfunctions and a Search for Predictive Factors. Toxins. 2021; 13(6):398. https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins13060398

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ou, Yin-Chien, Kuan-Hsun Huang, Hau-Chern Jan, Hann-Chorng Kuo, Yao-Lin Kao, and Kuen-Jer Tsai. 2021. "Therapeutic Efficacy of Urethral Sphincteric Botulinum Toxin Injections for Female Sphincter Dysfunctions and a Search for Predictive Factors" Toxins 13, no. 6: 398. https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins13060398

APA Style

Ou, Y. -C., Huang, K. -H., Jan, H. -C., Kuo, H. -C., Kao, Y. -L., & Tsai, K. -J. (2021). Therapeutic Efficacy of Urethral Sphincteric Botulinum Toxin Injections for Female Sphincter Dysfunctions and a Search for Predictive Factors. Toxins, 13(6), 398. https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins13060398

Note that from the first issue of 2016, this journal uses article numbers instead of page numbers. See further details here.

Article Metrics

Back to TopTop