Impact of Bladder Wall Thickness on the Outcomes of Antimuscarinic Treatment in Women with Overactive Bladder

Abstract

<b><i>Aim:</i></b> This study aimed to evaluate the effect of bladder wall thickness (BWT) (using transabdominal ultrasound) on the outcomes of antimuscarinic treatment in women with overactive bladder. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A total of 102 female patients with symptoms of OAB were recruited. All patients completed the Overactive Bladder version 8 (OAB-V8) (Arabic validation) and the International Consultation of Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ-SF). Patients completed the urodynamic study (UDS) including uroflowmetry and PVR and measures of BWT by transabdominal ultrasound. The patients were classified into 2 major groups: G1 (patients with BWT <5 mm) and G2 (patients with BWT ≥5 mm). The patients were re-evaluated after 3-month medication with solifenacin 10-mg oral tablet. <b><i>Results:</i></b> At baseline, the results of OAB-V8 and ICIQ-SF were significantly higher in G2 than G1 (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Regarding UDS, volume at 1st desire to void, volume at strong desire to void, and MBC were significantly higher in group 1 compared to group 2 (<i>p</i> = 0.001). Intravesical pressure at strong desire and patients’ number of DO were significantly increased in G2 (<i>p</i> < 0.05 and <i>p</i> = 0.001, respectively). After treatment, there was an improvement in both groups regarding OAB-V8, ICIQ-SF, bladder volume at 1st desire to void, bladder volume at strong desire to void, bladder volume at DO, MBC, intravesical pressure at strong desire, and the patients’ number with DO (decreased), and these improvements were statistically significant in group 1 compared to group 2 (<i>p</i> < 0.05). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> BWT showed a significant association with both OAB symptom scores and UDS parameters. The decrease in BWT is associated with a significantly higher response to solifenacin therapy regarding the UDS results.

Does bladder wall thickness have a place in the evaluation of male patients with lower urinary tract symptoms?

“…The relationship between bladder wall thickness and LUTS was also investigated in other patient groups, such as female patients with symptoms of overactive bladder and pediatric patients with spina bifida. (14,15). Blatt et al included both genders in their study.…”