Introduction to sacral neuromodulation therapy for urinary bladder dysfunction using an InterStim system

Sacral neuromodulation is an internationally endorsed therapy recognised by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence for patients who have refractory overactive bladder symptoms and/or idiopathic non-obstructive urinary retention when conservative treatments have failed or when patients have been unable to tolerate them. The Medtronic InterStim System used at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham received CE mark approval in 1995 for bladder indications. To date, over 300 000 patients worldwide have been treated, with 61–90% reporting satisfaction with treatment ( Sutherland et al, 2007 ; Leong et al, 2011 ). It is a safe and effective intervention that can positively impact upon the management of both of these conditions, in particular overactive bladder. This highly prevalent condition is distressing to the individual and has an economic burden to society comparable in magnitude with that of breast cancer and osteoporosis ( Hu and Wagner, 2005 ).

CoQ10 ameliorates monosodium glutamate-induced alteration in detrusor activity and responsiveness in rats via anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and channel inhibiting mechanisms

Background Competent detrusor muscles with coordinated contraction and relaxation are crucial for normal urinary bladder storage and emptying functions. Hence, detrusor instability, and subsequently bladder overactivity, may lead to undesirable outcomes including incontinence. Multiple mechanisms may underlie the pathogenesis of detrusor overactivity including inflammation and oxidative stress. Herein, we tested the possibility that CoQ10 may have a potential therapeutic role in detrusor overactivity. Methods Forty adult male Wistar albino rats weighing 100-150 g were used in the present study. Rats were divided (10/group) into control (receiving vehicles), monosodium glutamate (MSG)-treated (receiving 5 mg/kg MSG daily for 15 consecutive days), MSG + OO-treated (receiving concomitantly 5 mg/kg MSG and olive oil for 15 consecutive days), MSG + CoQ10-treated (receiving concomitantly 5 mg/kg MSG and 100 mg/kg CoQ10 daily for 15 consecutive days) groups. Results MSG resulted in significant increase in bladder weight and sensitised the bladder smooth muscles to acetylcholine. MSG has also resulted in significant increase in bladder TNF-α, IL-6, malondialdehyde, nerve growth factor and connexion 43, with significant decrease in the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase. Olive oil had no effect on MSG induced alterations of different parameters. Treatment with CoQ10 has resulted in a significant restoration of all the altered parameters. Conclusion Taken together, our results suggest that CoQ10 antagonizes the deleterious effects of MSG on detrusor activity. We propose that CoQ10 could be a therapeutic strategy targeting urinary bladder dysfunction.

The Level of Independence Among Seniors with a History of Ischemic Stroke

Introduction. Stroke is currently among the most dangerous civilization diseases and the most common cause of death and secondary disability in people over 65 years of age. Disease-related disability significantly affects all spheres of human functioning, leading to dependence on third parties’ assistance. One of the most important activities to be undertaken in relation to a disabled patient is diagnosing the level of disability and implementing active efforts for the patient to regain optimal performance and/or accept the disability. Limitation in daily activities is a considerable stress factor that has a negative effect on the seniors’ recovery and becomes a cause of institutionalization. Aim. To investigate the impact of ischemic stroke on the level of independence in elderly people. Material and Methods. Medical records of 186 patients of a neurological ward were analysed. The majority of participants were women (55.91%), seniors aged 76–85 (36.02%), living in a city (55.38%) and being widowed (41.93%). The standardized Norton and Tinetti scales were applied in the analyses. Results. The most important factors influencing the incidence and course of stroke were the patient’s age and the presence of concomitant diseases: diabetes (81.72%) and arterial hypertension (73.65%). Among the stroke complications, the majority of patients presented aphasia (76.88%), hemiparesis (67.20%), dysphagia (63.44%) and urinary bladder dysfunction (60.21%). The study subjects were predominantly (86.56%) classified in the third category of care; 38.17% were referred for further rehabilitation in a post-hospital rehabilitation unit, 19.89% were referred to a medical care and treatment institution, and 19.36% died. The majority of the respondents achieved less than 14 points (77.96%) in the Norton scale and less than 19 points (34.41%) in the Tinetti scale. Conclusions. Ischemic stroke reduces or completely terminates the patient’s ability to function independently. The patient’s age is of greatest significance for the level of his independence and functioning immediately after ischemic stroke. (JNNN 2019;8(3):112–118) Key Words: ischemic stroke, disability, elderly people