Addressing bladder and bowel challenges in dutch multiple sclerosis patients: Symptom prevalence and patient referral pathways

PLoS ONE, 2024 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0310691 · Published: October 21, 2024

Simple Explanation

Multiple sclerosis (MS) can cause nerve and spinal cord damage, leading to bladder and bowel problems. This study aimed to understand how common these problems are in Dutch MS patients and how they seek medical help. The study found that bladder and bowel issues are highly prevalent in Dutch MS patients and significantly impact their quality of life. Many patients are unaware that these symptoms can be related to MS. Patients often consult multiple healthcare providers before finding a satisfactory solution, indicating a need for better-coordinated care and increased awareness among healthcare professionals.

Study Duration

6 weeks

Participants

1,082 validated respondents (81.5% female)

Evidence Level

Cross-sectional study

Key Findings

1
91% of respondents experienced bladder problems, and 73% had bowel problems.
2
42% and 47% of respondents with bladder and bowel problems, respectively, were unaware of the connection between these issues and MS.
3
A significant proportion of patients expressed dissatisfaction with the time it took to resolve their bladder and bowel problems, and many had not yet found a satisfactory solution.

Research Summary

This nationwide cross-sectional study in the Netherlands investigated the prevalence of bladder and bowel problems among individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) and their referral pathways to various healthcare professionals. The study revealed a high prevalence of bladder (91%) and bowel (73%) symptoms among respondents, with a significant lack of awareness regarding the connection between these issues and MS. The findings underscore the need for increased awareness and improved treatment strategies to address bladder and bowel problems in MS patients, highlighting the importance of educating both patients and healthcare professionals.

Practical Implications

Increased Awareness

Raising awareness among MS patients and healthcare professionals about the connection between bladder/bowel issues and MS can lead to earlier recognition and intervention.

Improved Referral Pathways

Streamlining referral pathways to specialists, such as urologists and gastroenterologists, can reduce the time it takes for patients to receive appropriate treatment.

Enhanced Treatment Strategies

Developing and implementing optimal treatment strategies for bladder and bowel problems in MS is crucial to improve patients' quality of life.

Study Limitations

1
Possibility of selection bias due to the online survey format, potentially excluding patients with limited digital literacy.
2
Potential for recall bias, especially when the number of respondents is relatively small.
3
The cross-sectional design limits the ability to establish causal relationships between MS and bladder/bowel problems.

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