Could a better understanding of the underlying pathophysiologies lead to more informed treatment choices in patients with lower urinary tract dysfunction due to an acontractile or underactive detrusor? ICI-RS 2023.

Abstract

Introduction: The underlying pathophysiology behind a diagnosis of acontractile or underactive detrusor at invasive urodynamics is very heterogeneous. Lack of etiological classification currently limits the possibility of stratifying therapy.

Methods: This subject was discussed at a think-tank on the subject at the International Consultation on Incontinence-Research Society held in Bristol, June 2023. This manuscript is a result of those deliberations and the subsequent discussions of the think-tank.

Results: There are challenges in defining abnormalities of detrusor contraction with resultant implications for available evidence. Pathology at any level of the neuromuscular pathway can impair or prevent a detrusor voiding contraction. Attempts have been made to identify clinical markers that might predict an underactive detrusor but strong supporting evidence is lacking. Hence, a holistic approach to phenotyping requires specialized neuro-imaging as well as physiological investigations. Several general measures can help individuals with an abnormal detrusor contraction. The search for a molecule to enhance the detrusor voiding contraction remains elusive but there are promising new candidates. Neuromodulation can help select individuals but data is not well stratified by underlying etiology. Manipulation of central neurotransmitters might offer an alternate therapeutic option.

Conclusions: A better understanding of the underlying pathophysiologies behind an abnormality of the detrusor voiding contraction is needed for improving management. Towards this goal, the think-tank proposes a classification of the underactive detrusor that might help in selecting and reporting more well-defined patient cohorts.