Bladder infections in MS; what can we do about them? #MSBlog #MSResearch
Bladder dysfunction is common
in MS. Around 50-90% of MSers will develop overactive bladder, which can lead
to incomplete emptying of the bladder and in severe cases, retention of urine.
Some MSers will need to use urinary catheters to empty their bladder, which
together with stasis of urine leaves MSers susceptible to recurrent urinary
tract infections (UTIs).
Infection, particularly
recurrent infection can influence progression of disease in multiple sclerosis.
We know that around the time of an infection, MSers are at greater risk of
developing a relapse. Not only this, relapses can be more severe and of longer
duration in the context of infection. Having more relapses, particularly in the
early stages of multiple sclerosis may lead to worse long term outcomes.
Despite this, management of
these infections particularly of UTIs remains an area for improvement. Recent
data has shown that the most common cause of hospital admission in MSers is due
to UTI. So what can we do to improve?
In other conditions such as
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (a condition affecting the lungs leading
to progressive shortness of breath and often recurrent chest infections),
community teams have worked together in order to ensure early treatment of
chest infections. Patients are taught how to recognize early signs of
infection. They are provided with rescue pack antibiotics and are encouraged to
take these should they suspect infection. This has been shown to reduce rates
of hospital admission and have a positive effect of quality of life.
Could this model be applied
to UTI treatment in MS?
Do you think that a self management tool could help MSers
confidently recognize signs of early infection and initiate treatment independently
at home in order to prevent subsequent relapses, hospital admission and
ultimately disease progression?
Please take a few minutes to
answer my short survey.