In Patients with Neurogenic Detrusor Overactivity and Hinman’s Syndrome: Would Intravesical Botox Injections Decrease the Incidence of Symptomatic Urinary Tract Infections

PURPOSE: To study the effect of intravesical Botox injection on the incidence of recurrent symptomatic UTI in neurogenic bladder patients with detrusor overactivity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study for patients who received Botox intravesical injection. We included patients with neurogenic bladder with detrusor overactivity and symptomatic recurrent UTI. We compared the number of symptomatic UTIs at six months pre- and post-intravesical Botox injection. Patient files were reviewed for diagnosis, vesico-uretric reflux, hydronephrosis, urodynamic findings pre- and post-injection, and dose of Botox used. Patients were followed for the number of symptomatic UTIs post-Botox injection. RESULTS: There were 93 patients diagnosed with neurogenic detrusor overactivity and symptomatic recurrent UTI. Patients were categorized into three categories: Group 1 – adults, Group 2 – pediatrics, Group 3 – non-neurogenic neurogenic bladder (Hinman’s syndrome). Spina bifida was diagnosed in 22 adults (Group 1) and 32 pediatric patients (Group 2). After receiving Botox injection, 75% of all patients (70) had a significant decrease in number of symptomatic UTIs. Urodynamic tests post-injection showed an improvement in bladder capacity, compliance, and detrusor pressure versus baseline in all three groups. Correlation analysis showed significant correlation between decreased symptomatic UTI post-Botox injection and detrusor pressure post-injection as well as bladder compliance; p-value=0.01 and p=0.021, respectively. CONCLUSION: Intravesical Botox injection may decrease incidence of symptomatic UTI in neurogenic detrusor overactivity. This effect seemed to be related to better bladder management.