Comparative Neuroexcitation Patterns Using fNIRS in Women With Overactive Bladder.

Importance: Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a noninvasive technique used to quantify prefrontal cortex (PFC) neuroexcitation. The PFC is involved in the decision to void, and dysfunction in the region has been associated with overactive bladder (OAB). This study demonstrates neuroexcitation differences in the brain region associated with the decision to void (prefrontal cortex) using noninvasive fNIRS.

A Review for Clinical Practice in the Treatment and Prevention of Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections in Women over Age 65.

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a pervasive, costly, and dangerous cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, which can lead to further complications if they become recurrent or progress to urosepsis. Recurrent UTI is a particular concern among postmenopausal females because of increased risk factors and decreased estrogen levels, leading to changes in the urogenital epithelium and subsequently causing alterations in the urogenital microbiome. Prevention strategies for recurrent UTIs are often incorporated into patient-centered care plans, but finding the right management can be difficult for older women since many of the common treatment options have contraindications and adverse side effects.

Steps toward identification of a novel cue-positive overactive bladder phenotype in women with high-bother urinary urgency.

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between situational cues (running water, stress, cold, etc.) and overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms.

Methods: Women scheduled for urodynamic studies for clinical indications completed surveys to characterize OAB (ICIQ-OAB and OAB-V3) and responses to situational cues (validated long-form cues survey and a novel short-form cues survey).

Ultrasound Urodynamics: A Review of Ultrasound Imaging Techniques for Enhanced Bladder Functional Diagnostics.

Purpose Of Review: Invasive urodynamics are currently used to diagnose disorders of bladder function. However, due to patient discomfort as well as artifacts induced by catheters and non-physiologic filling, less invasive screening tools that can improve diagnostic information, such as ultrasound are required. The purpose of this review is to assess different modalities of ultrasound as applied to functional bladder imaging.

A stepwise approach for functional near infrared spectroscopy measurement during natural bladder filling.

Background: Functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a versatile, noninvasive, and inexpensive tool that can be used to measure oxyhemoglobin (OHb) changes in the cortical brain caused by increasing bladder sensation during filling in upright posture. This study's purpose is to provide a rigorous methodologic template that can be implemented for comparative studies of fNIRS in the diagnosis and management of lower urinary tract symptoms including overactive bladder (OAB) and other forms of lower urinary tract dysfunction.

Methods: Participants without any urologic conditions completed a validated oral hydration protocol facilitating and equilibrating natural bladder filling.