Worsening disability status in multiple sclerosis predicts urologic complications

Purpose Multiple sclerosis (MS) causes voiding dysfunction and might predispose to urologic complications. However, long-term complications and risk factors for complications are unknown. We aim to assess long-term changes in voiding function and to determine risk factors for urologic complications during MS follow-up. Methods We analyzed the records of MS patients and recorded baseline and follow-up voiding symptoms, urodynamic (UDS) findings, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), serum blood studies, imaging, and complications. T test and Chi-square test were used to determine statistical significance using a two-tailed p value < 0.05. We assessed complication-free survival using Kaplan–Meier curves and performed multiple variable Cox proportional hazard models to estimate hazard ratios predicting complications for various independent variables. Results 126 women and 35 men with MS were followed for a median of 9.7 years (IQR 4.3–13). Mean age at MS diagnosis was 36.7 with a mean EDSS of 3.2. During follow-up, EDSS progressed to a mean of 5.5. In addition, at least one complication occurred in 60.2% and major complications were present in 16.7%. After multivariable analysis, EDSS progression ≥ 2.0 ( p = 0.003), follow-up EDSS ≥ 6.0 ( p = 0.01), use of intermittent catheterization ( p < 0.001) and urinary reconstruction with continent catheterizable stoma ( p = 0.009) were significantly related to an increased hazard for any complications. Conclusion Upper tract changes and other major complications were uncommon. Complications were related to MS progression, resultant increase in total disability, and the need for intervention to maintain functional continence. Lower tract infections occurred more frequently in patients with the need for catheterization.