Catheterization is a therapy form with a long history, and its use for instant relief of urinary retention is not disputed. The classic case of urinary retention is often seen among men with an enlarged prostate. Less known is the prevalence of urinary retention among women.
However, a new study investigates this in a US setting and identifies a notable prevalence of 1532 cases per 100 000 women. There is a general consensus that indwelling catheters and catheterization should be avoided in favor of intermittent use. This reduces the risk of urinary tract infection (UTI).
Intermittent catheterization is also central for long-term follow-up of a neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD). This method also helps to maintain urethral health and lowers the risk of UTI. The latter is central as recurrent UTI has again been identified as the most common complication in long-term urological management after spinal cord injury. In fact, studies of individuals with spinal cord injury for 45 years suggest that all patients are affected by UTI at some point.
If patients are properly instructed and gain the necessary self-confidence, intermittent catheterization can offer help in urethral stricture management. A recent conference abstract showed that intermittent catheterization seems effective in preventing recurrence of urethral strictures and that it may prevent the need for further surgery.
Urinary retention and catheter use among U.S. female Medicare beneficiaries: Prevalence and risk factors.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28267877
Author and Origin
Cohn JA, Ni S, Kaufman MR, Graves AJ, Penson DF, Dmochowski RR, Reynolds WS. US
Summary
Observational study of point prevalence (for the year 2012) of urinary retention and catheterization among women in the US.
Conclusions
Prevalence was 1532 cases per 100 000 women. An estimated 160 per 100 000 women underwent short term catheterization (≥ 1 per 30 days) and 108 per 100 000 underwent chronic catheterization (multiple 30 day periods per year).
Comments
Study highlighting the widespread prevalence of urinary retention in women.
Urologic Management and Complications in Spinal Cord Injury Patients: a 40- to 50-year Follow-up Study.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28322903
Author and Origin
Gao Y, Danforth T, Ginsberg DA. US
Summary
Observational retrospective study of long-term (45 years) urological management in 43 patients with spinal cord injury (SCI).
Conclusions
Urinary tract infection (UTI) was the most common complication, observed in all patients and most associated with male gender, cervical injury, and condom catheter use. Bladder stone (49%), hydronephrosis (47%), and re ux (33%) were also common.
Comments
Study identifying long-term urological complications relevant for people with SCI, and recommending regular follow-up and surveillance.
Treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms in multiple sclerosis patients: Review of the literature and current guidelines.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28360957
Author and Origin
Aharony SM, Lam O, Corcos J. Israel/Canada
Summary
Review of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Conclusions
LUTS are common among MS patients and approximately 90% show symptoms 6-8 years after diagnosis. Treatment aims to avoid urological complications and in- crease quality of life, and a customized approach is recommended.
Comments
Study highlighting urological complications and treatment alternatives in people with MS. Anticholinergics, with or without intermittent catheterization, form the basis of treatment.
Efficacy of clean intermittent selfcatheterization (CISC) in preventing recurrence of urethral strictures.
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bju.2016.118.issue-S4/issuetoc
Author and Origin
Khor HY, Lee SB, Teoh BW. Malaysia
Summary
Observational retrospective study of patients practicing intermittent catheterization/ urethral dilatation for preventing recurrence of urethral strictures.
Conclusions
Intermittent catheterization seems effective in preventing recurrence of urethral strictures and may prevent the need for further surgery.
Comments
Conference abstract studying the use of intermittent catheterization in preventing urethral strictures.
Validation of self-confidence scale for clean urinary intermittent self - catheterization for patients and health - Caregivers.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28338311
Author and Origin
Biaziolo CF, Mazzo A, Martins JC, Jorge BM, Batista RC, Tucci SJ Júnior. Brazil
Summary
Study identifying and validating the “Self-Confident Scale for Clean Intermittent Self-catheterization” (SCSCISC) questionnaire in 122 patients and 119 healthcare professionals.
Conclusions
The tool showed high validity, justifying its use for evaluation of self-confidence during intermittent catheterization.
Comments
Study evaluating a new tool for assessing self-confidence in intermittent catheterization.
This blog post is an extract of the Science Alert from April 2017 (76070-USX-1704)
