Botulinum toxin A effectively treats symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB) with high rates of patient satisfaction, according to questionnaire study from a UK centre.
A total of 60 women (median age 59 years) with OAB treated at University Hospital of North Staffordshire received botulinum toxin injections into the detrusor muscle. All had been unsuccessfully treated with urinary incontinence medications and most had received physiotherapy.
According to results of a questionnaire sent after botulinum toxin treatment, 50% of the patients experienced improved symptoms within one week, with a further 30% showing improvement between two weeks and four months after the procedure. Symptom improvement lasted between zero and nine months for 53% of the patients. Three-quarters of the patients noted that the botulinum toxin injections were “very effective, effective or moderately effective” in treating their symptoms.
Patients also expressed high satisfaction, with 73% commenting that the injection exceeded or met their expectations and 80% saying they would repeat the treatment if required.
ACTION
These results suggest that botulinum toxin A may provide a valuable alternative treatment for OAB. Current NICE guidance advises that botulinum toxin A should be only used in women who have not responded to lifestyle interventions, bladder retraining and pharmacological treatment and who are willing and able to self-catheterise.
References
Rigby J et al. Int J Gynecol Obst 2012:119(Suppl 3): S463 (A0573)
NICE guidelines on the management of urinary incontinence in women. October 2006. http://www.nice.org.uk/nicemedia/live/10996/30282/30282.pdf
