NEUROLOGICAL EXAMINATION AND TREATMENT OF CHILDREN OPERATED ON FOR SPINAL HERNIA

Among the most severe consequences of spinal hernia surgery (SHG) are spinal neurogenic bladder (SNGB) and impaired bowel movement. SNGB, in addition to its main manifestations in the form of violations of the accumulative function of the bladder and the function of emptying, is dangerous for the development of complications – vesicoureteral reflux, ascending infection of the urinary system and chronic kidney disease. Clinical manifestations of SNGB do not always accurately indicate a variant of bladder dysfunction. The authors presented variants of the results of urodynamic studies in children operated on for SHG SHG. The state of the detrusor – hyperactivity or atony and the sphincter – insufficiency or hyperactivity and the selection of a pathogenetically justified treatment option are described.

Hyperactive bladder: concept of disease and paradigms in the treatment

World studies have shown that the mean prevalence of overactive bladder (OAB) ranges today from 11 to 16% of the global population and is common in both men and women. In addition, OAB is a diagnosis by exclusion. The article discusses two large groups of the causes of pathology: neurological and non-neurological. The former includes various diseases and conditions that lead to a complex abnormality in the urinary mechanism, namely, involuntary detrusor contractions and increased intravesical pressure. Spinal trauma, brain strokes and spinal strokes, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, etc. are the most common of them. Unidentified factors constitute the second group of causes resulting in urgent frequent urination, and what is meant here is idiopathic detrusor hyperactivity (IDH). In this case, a patient may have these symptoms amidst full health without any neurological history. According to the available current guidelines, the treatment of OAB includes a three-step algorithm and suggests lifestyle changes, drug therapy and, finally, minimally invasive methods of treatment. Historically, M-anticholinergics are the main drugs for the treatment of OAD symptoms. However, administration of drugs from this group may often be impossible due to prominent side effects, which are more commonly reported among elderly patients. Unlike M-anticholinergics, Mirabegron is the only β3-adrenergic receptor agonist today that has shown a high efficacy and safety profile based on the results of large-scale placebo-controlled clinical trials.

Use of Botulinum Neurotoxin in Parkinson’s Disease: A Critical Appraisal

For well over 30 years, the botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) has been used for a large number of indications, some of which however have not been licensed. Admittedly, approval varies in many countries and this permits a large spectrum for evaluation. Thus, BoNT is used for patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and other Parkinson’s syndromes (PS) in varying degrees of frequency. We have to distinguish between (1) indications that are either approved or (2) those not approved, (3) indications that might be a result of PS and (4) finally those which appear independent of PS. The most important indication for BoNT in PS patients is probably sialorrhea, for which approval has been granted in the majority of countries. Cervical dystonia is a frequent symptom in PS, with anterocollis as a specific entity. A further indication is blepharospasm in the different forms, especially the inhibition of eyelid opening in atypical PS. The use of BoNT in cases of camptocormia, the Pisa syndrome and neck rigidity is still a matter of debate. In dystonia of the extremities BoNT can be recommended, especially in dystonia of the feet. One well-known indication, for which however sufficient data are still lacking, involves treating tremor with BoNT. As to autonomic symptoms: Focal hyperhidrosis and detrusor hyperactivity can be mentioned, in this last case BoNT has already been approved. A number of further but rare indications such as freezing-of-gait, dyskinesia, and dysphagia will be discussed and evaluated.

Possible “Premotor” Multiple System Atrophy-Cerebellar Form

We report the case of a 52-year-old Japanese man who, while he had no cerebellar ataxia or parkinsonism, was revealed to have silent cerebellar hypoperfusion/mild cerebellar atrophy and sacral autonomic disorder. His sacral autonomic disorder was urinary retention without marked prostate hyperplasia. Urodynamics-sphincter electromyography revealed detrusor hyperactivity with impaired contraction and neurogenic changes of the sphincter motor unit potentials. Although he did not have a motor disorder, these features suggested possible multiple system atrophy-cerebellar (MSA-C) form. The present case report suggests that neuroimaging helps in diagnosing “premotor” MSA-C form in situ.

Intravesical Oxybutynin for Urgent Bladder Rescue in a Newborn with Posterior Urethral Valves

Posterior urethral valves are the most common cause of bladder outlet obstruction in male newborns. Initial catheter drainage alleviates the urethral obstruction before definitive management by valve ablation. Newborns with posterior urethral valves often present with hypercontractile bladders that may inhibit upper tract drainage despite bladder catheterization. Anticholinergic agents are commonly used to treat detrusor hyperactivity, with oxybutynin being the most commonly used. We report the first case of a newborn with posterior urethral valves and ureterovesical junction obstruction caused by detrusor hypertrophy who underwent urgent intravesical instillation of oxybutynin at high doses in an attempt to avoid a diversion procedure.