Urinary Symptoms in Multiple Sclerosis: Relation with Urodynamic Findings and Impact on Patient's Quality of Life

Objective: We aimed to investigate the correlations of urinary symptoms with urodynamic findings in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and their effects on quality of life. Methods: Nineteen MS patients with urinary symptoms were included. The data were obtained from files or with face-to-face interviews. Symptom types of patients were categorized as irritative, obstructive, and mixed. The Incontinence Quality of Life Scale, the King's Quality of Life Questionnaire (KQL) and the International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire-Short Form were used to determine the effect of urinary symptoms on quality of life. The Extended Disability Status Scale (EDSS) was used to assess disability. All patients underwent urodynamic examination. Results: Of the 478 patients, 34.5% had visited a psychiatrist once in their lifetime, 13.6% were diagnosed with depression, and 13.8% did not know the diagnosis of mental disease; 32.2% were suggested medication by their doctor, 16.7% did not know the name of this medication, and 13.2% stated that the suggested drug was antidepressant. Moreover, 24.9% of the patients were known to use antidepressant at least once in their lifetime, and 16.3% were still using antidepressants. Among patients using antidepressants, 32% continued using this drug upon doctor's recommendation and 13.6% continued with the diagnosis of depression. Conclusion: The urinary symptoms significantly affect the quality of life in MS patients. Since symptoms do not always correlate with the underlying pathology, it is more appropriate to give the treatment based on the bladder type in urodynamic testing.