Detrusor underactivity (DU) is diagnosed using urodynamic testing. We hypothesized that nocturia is associated with detrusor underactivity.
We performed a retrospective chart review of all women who underwent urodynamic testing at our institution between 2016 and 2018. Uroflowmetry and pressure-flow study parameters were compared between women with nocturia (≥2 voids/night) and without nocturia (0-1 void/night). Detrusor underactivity was diagnosed using 3 different criteria: (1) bladder voiding efficiency (BVE) of <90%, (2) bladder contractility index of <100, and (3) a composite of three urodynamic measures (Gammie criteria).
Of 358 women, 172 (48%) were in the nocturia group and 186 (52%) were in the no nocturia group. On uroflowmetry, median postvoid residual volume was similar (20 mL) in both groups. Median maximum flow rate (15 vs 17 mL/s, P < 0.05) and average flow rate (6 mL/s vs 7 mL/s, P < 0.05) were significantly lower in the nocturia group compared with the no nocturia group. During pressure-flow study, a significantly greater proportion of women with nocturia were unable to void around the catheter (30% vs 27%, P < 0.01). The overall rate of DU varied with the criteria used: BVE (54%), bladder contractility index (41%), and Gammie criteria (7%). The rate of DU using the BVE criteria was significantly higher in the nocturia group (63% vs 48%, P < 0.01), but no significant differences were noted using the other criteria.
Nocturia is associated with reduced voiding efficiency in women. The diagnosis of DU using urodynamics is challenging.
Female pelvic medicine & reconstructive surgery. 2021 Feb 25 [Epub ahead of print]
Hannah T Ryles, Stephanie A Sansone, Pamela J Levin, Uduak U Andy, Heidi S Harvie, Lily A Arya
From the Division of Urogynecology and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA Division of Urogynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY.