A Randomized Study of b3 Agonists versus Anticholinergics Administration in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis and Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction

Abstract

Abstract Introduction and Objective: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most frequent autoimmune demyelinating disease of the central nervous system usually affecting lower urinary tract function. In the present study, we compare the efficacy and safety of either a b3 agonist (mirabegron) or anticholinergics in treating MS patients with lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) and assess the LUTD symptom improvement. Evidence Acquisition: A multi-center, single-blinded, comparative study was designed, including MS patients with LUTD. Patients were administered either mirabegron or anticholinergics in combination with standard MS treatment. All cases underwent clinical examination and completed urination diaries and validated questionnaires (Neurogenic Bladder Symptom Score and MS International Quality of Life). Furthermore, urine test analysis, as well as abdominal ultrasound imaging examination, was performed. Data on several clinical and imaging parameters were collected between the two groups at the first visit and after 3 months of treatment. Evidence Synthesis: A total of 61 patients with LUTD participated in the survey. An improvement regarding LUTD was noted in all patients. However, no statistical difference was recorded between the mirabegron and the anticholinergic group. Medical treatment was well tolerated, and no patient discontinued medication due to side effects. Conclusions: Both mirabegron and anticholinergic therapy can be administered for LUTD in MS patients. In terms of drug efficacy, no statistical difference was noted between the two cohorts at 3 months.