E-Posters-A 10-year Longitudinal Analysis of Urologic Symptom Onset in Women with Multiple Sclerosis

A 10-year Longitudinal Analysis of Urologic Symptom Onset in Women with Multiple Sclerosis - Sarah Hubner, MD

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This study aimed to investigate the onset and characterization of urologic symptoms in women with multiple sclerosis (MS). Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are common in women with MS, including urgency, frequency, incontinence, and retention. The study analyzed data from the Judith Jaffe Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Database, which has been collecting information on MS patients since 2009.<br /><br />Results showed that almost 40% of women with MS develop urologic symptoms within the first 10 years of diagnosis, and a substantial number experience them early in the disease. It is recommended that newly diagnosed patients are screened immediately for urologic symptoms and referred to urology or urogynecology for timely treatment. Close monitoring of urologic symptoms is important to prevent upper urinary tract injury.<br /><br />The study included 346 women with MS, with an average age of 35 years at the onset of MS symptoms. The average follow-up time was 6.9 years. The development of LUTS was significantly associated with older patient age.<br /><br />Of the patients with urologic symptoms, 68.4% reported onset within the first two years of MS. The cumulative incidence of urologic symptoms over the study duration was 39.7%. The estimated mean time of LUTS onset was 8.4 years after the sentinel MS symptom.<br /><br />In conclusion, urologic symptoms are common in women with MS, and timely screening and referral to specialized care are important. Monitoring the progression of urologic symptoms is crucial to prevent complications.

Keywords

urologic symptoms

women with multiple sclerosis

lower urinary tract symptoms

onset of symptoms

characterization of symptoms

Judith Jaffe Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Database

diagnosis of MS

screening for urologic symptoms

timely treatment

upper urinary tract injury