Objective: Overactive bladder (OAB) significantly impacts the quality of life, affecting
individuals across various age groups irrespective of gender. While conventional treatments
exist, they often fall short for patients with moderate functional impairment, marked by an
Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Score (ECOG PS3). Intravesical botulinum
toxin therapy has emerged as a promising alternative, especially for those unresponsive to
traditional pharmacotherapy.
Material and Methods: In this retrospective study from 2020 to 2023, we analyzed data from
patients treated with botulinum toxin therapy for OAB. ECOG PS3 patients with a bladder
capacity of at least 200 milliliters were included. Data collected included medical histories,
voiding diary, and quality of life scores (ICIQ-SF and I-QOL).
Results: The research featured 46 individuals and demonstrated a statistically substantial
advancement in quality-of-life following treatment. The parameters of incontinence episodes
and voiding diary scores exhibited statistically significant enhancements. Notably, there was no
observable increase in residual urine or urinary tract infections subsequent to treatment.
Conclusion: Intravesical botulinum toxin therapy has demonstrated a marked improvement
in the quality of life for patients suffering from OAB and exhibiting moderate functional
impairment. Nevertheless, further research is required in multicenter randomized trials to
substantiate the findings and maintain their credibility.
Keywords: botulinum toxins, type A, overactive bladder, quality of life, urinary incontinence,
urinary retention
Abstract
Objective: Overactive bladder (OAB) significantly impacts the quality of life, affecting
individuals across various age groups irrespective of gender. While conventional treatments
exist, they often fall short for patients with moderate functional impairment, marked by an
Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Score (ECOG PS3). Intravesical botulinum
toxin therapy has emerged as a promising alternative, especially for those unresponsive to
traditional pharmacotherapy.
Material and Methods: In this retrospective study from 2020 to 2023, we analyzed data from
patients treated with botulinum toxin therapy for OAB. ECOG PS3 patients with a bladder
capacity of at least 200 milliliters were included. Data collected included medical histories,
voiding diary, and quality of life scores (ICIQ-SF and I-QOL).
Results: The research featured 46 individuals and demonstrated a statistically substantial
advancement in quality-of-life following treatment. The parameters of incontinence episodes
and voiding diary scores exhibited statistically significant enhancements. Notably, there was no
observable increase in residual urine or urinary tract infections subsequent to treatment.
Conclusion: Intravesical botulinum toxin therapy has demonstrated a marked improvement
in the quality of life for patients suffering from OAB and exhibiting moderate functional
impairment. Nevertheless, further research is required in multicenter randomized trials to
substantiate the findings and maintain their credibility.
Keywords: botulinum toxins, type A, overactive bladder, quality of life, urinary incontinence,
urinary retention