Impact of the suspension of neurogenic detrusor overactivity treatment with botulinum toxin due to the COVID-19 pandemic

Urologia Journal, 2023 · DOI: 10.1177/03915603221113943 · Published: April 1, 2023

Simple Explanation

This study evaluates the impact of suspending Botulinum Toxin (BONT-A) treatment for neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) in patients with spinal cord injuries due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The study found that suspending BONT-A treatment led to a significant increase in urinary loss and urgency, a decrease in catheterization intervals, and an increase in medication dosage for these patients. The findings suggest that consistent BONT-A treatment is crucial for managing NDO in spinal cord injury patients, and interruptions should be avoided to prevent clinical deterioration.

Study Duration

March to June 2021

Participants

21 patients with spinal cord injury and NDO

Evidence Level

Cross-sectional study

Key Findings

1
A significant increase in involuntary urinary loss was observed when BONT-A treatment was suspended.
2
Urgency significantly increased in patients when BONT-A treatment was suspended due to the pandemic.
3
Catheterization intervals decreased significantly during the suspension of BONT-A treatment.

Research Summary

The study assessed the impact of suspending intravesical BONT-A treatment for NDO in spinal cord injury patients due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings revealed a significant worsening of clinical symptoms, including increased urinary loss and urgency, decreased catheterization intervals, and increased medication dosage during treatment suspension. The research highlights the importance of consistent BONT-A treatment for NDO in this patient population and suggests avoiding interruptions to prevent clinical deterioration and maintain quality of life.

Practical Implications

Maintain Consistent Treatment

Healthcare providers should prioritize maintaining consistent BONT-A treatment schedules for NDO patients with spinal cord injuries, even during public health crises, to avoid clinical deterioration.

Telemedicine and Alternative Strategies

Explore telemedicine and alternative treatment strategies to ensure continuous care for these patients when in-person BONT-A administration is not possible.

Resource Allocation

Healthcare systems should allocate resources to minimize disruptions in essential treatments for chronic conditions like NDO during pandemics or other crises.

Study Limitations

1
Small sample size (21 patients) limits statistical power.
2
Non-comparative study design restricts result interpretation.
3
Urodynamic study was not repeated, limiting analysis to clinical manifestations.

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