Bladder symptoms in multiple sclerosis (MS) are common and distressing but also highly amenable to treatment. A meeting of stakeholders involved in patients' continence care, including neurologists, urologists, primary care, MS nurses and nursing groups was recently convened to formulate a UK consensus for management. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) criteria were used for producing recommendations based on a review of the literature and expert opinion. It was agreed that in the majority of cases, successful management could be based on a simple algorithm which includes using reagent sticks to test for urine infection and measurement of the post micturition residual urine volume. This is in contrast with published guidelines from other countries which recommend cystometry. Throughout the course of their disease, patients should be offered appropriate management options for treatment of incontinence, the mainstay of which is antimuscarinic medications, in combination, if necessary, with clean intermittent self-catheterisation. The evidence for other measures, including physiotherapy, alternative strategies aimed at improving bladder emptying, other medications and detrusor injections of botulinum toxin A was reviewed. The management of urinary tract infections as well as the bladder problems as part of severe disability were discussed and recommendations agreed.

BackgroundLow cost, non-invasive alterations in lifestyle are frequently recommended by healthcare professionals or those presenting with incontinence. However, such recommendations are rarely based on good evidence. ObjectivesThe objective of the review was to determine the effectiveness of specific lifestyle interventions (i.e. weight loss; dietary changes; fluid intake; reduction in caffeinated, carbonated and alcoholic drinks; avoidance of constipation; stopping smoking; and physical activity) in the management of adult urinary incontinence. Search methodsWe searched the Cochrane Incontinence Group Specialised Register, which contains trials identified from the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE and MEDLINE in process, and handsearching of journals and conference proceedings (searched 3 July 2013), and the reference lists of relevant articles. We incorporated the results of these searches fully in the review. We undertook an updated search of the Specialised Register, which now includes searches of ClinicalTrials.gov and WHO ICTRP, on 27 October 2014; potentially eligible studies from this search are currently awaiting classification. Selection criteriaRandomised and quasi-randomised studies of community-based lifestyle interventions compared with no treatment, other conservative therapies, or pharmacological interventions for the treatment of urinary incontinence in adults. Data collection and analysisTwo authors independently assessed study quality and extracted data. We collected information on adverse effects from the trials. Data were combined in a meta-analysis when appropriate. We assessed the quality of the evidence using the GRADE approach. 1 Lifestyle interventions for the treatment of urinary incontinence in adults (Review)

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