Use of onabotulinum toxin A in patients with idiopathic overactive bladder and a lack of efficacy, intolerance or contraindication with anticholinergics

Abstract

Objective To assess the efficacy and safety of onabotulinum toxin A in patients with idiopathic overactive bladder inadequately managed with anticholinergics.Materials and Methods A prospective, open-label, single centre, and interventional study was conducted, from 2008 to 2013, on consecutive patients with idiophatic overactive bladder that showed lack of efficacy or intolerance to anticholinergic agents.Results The study included 73 female patients aged 58.9 ± 12.9 years. A dose of 100 and 200 units of toxin were administered in 89 and 5 cases, respectively. Nineteen patients received a second injection, 8 patients received 3, and one patient was treated 4 times. Clinically, it was observed that 98% patients had urge urinary incontinence at baseline, as compared with 42% under treatment. Similar results were obtained regarding the number of pads used per day, from 2.8 at baseline to 0.5 after treatment as regards the urodynamic parameters, the first desire to void volume improved from 97 ± 63 mL to 139 ± 81 mL. Similar results were obtained as regards cystometric capacity and the volume of the first involuntary detrusor contraction. One patient had a positive urine culture resolved using a conventional oral antibiotic regimen. Intermittent catheterisation was required in 5 patients during the first week.Conclusions Onabotulinum toxin A injections significantly improved, not only the clinical symptoms, but also the urodynamic parameters in patients with idiopathic overactive bladder inadequately managed with anticholinergic drugs. This is a simple technique with minimal adverse effects and generally well tolerated.