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Clinical profile and lower urinary tract symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis: a descriptive study from a tertiary care center in Mexico
Clinical profile and lower urinary tract symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis: a descriptive study from a tertiary care center in Mexico
Ana S. Vidal-Brandt 1 
, Alejandro Rivera-Chairez 2 , Blayne Welk 3, Karina Villaseñor-Álvarez 4 , Frida S. Teran-Amaya 5 , Jorge Moreno-Palacios 6
1 Department of Urology, Centro Médico ABC, Campus Santa Fe, Mexico City, Mexico; 2 Medicine Faculty, Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila, Unidad Torreón, Torreon, Coahuila, Mexico; 3 Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Western University, Ontario, Canada; 4 Department of Urology, Hospital Regional No.1 Charo Morelia, Morelia, Michoacan, México; 5 Department of Urology, Unidad Médica de Alta Especiaslidad, Hospital de Especialidades Dr. Bernardo Sepúlveda Gutiérrez, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City. Mexico; 6 Division of Research. Unidad Médica de Alta Especiaslidad, Hospital de Especialidades Dr. Bernardo Sepúlveda Gutiérrez, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City, Mexico
*Correspondence: Jorge Moreno-Palacios. Email: jorgemorenomd@gmail.com
Abstract
Background: Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are common in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and significantly impact quality of life. However, data describing urinary symptom profiles in Mexican populations remain limited. Objectives: The objective of the study was to describe the clinical characteristics and urinary symptom profile in patients with MS, including differences according to sex. Material and methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in patients with MS and LUTS evaluated at a tertiary care center. Demographic and clinical variables, including age, sex, disease duration, expanded disability status scale (EDSS), and neurogenic bladder symptom score (NBSS), were collected. Urinary symptoms were analyzed descriptively, and comparisons according to sex were performed using non-parametric tests. Results: A total of 117 patients were included; 67% were women and 33% were men, with a median age of 40 years. The median NBSS total score was 18. Storage and voiding symptoms were the most frequently reported. Most patients (94%) reported spontaneous voiding. Female patients showed a higher symptom burden than males, with higher NBSS total scores (23 vs. 13; p = 0.047) and higher incontinence and consequences domain scores. A weak positive correlation between NBSS and EDSS was observed (r = 0.27; p = 0.003). Conclusion: LUTS are highly prevalent in MS and represent a significant clinical burden. Sex-related differences were observed, with greater symptom burden in women.
Keywords: Multiple sclerosis. Neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction. Lower urinary tract symptoms. Questionnaires.
