[Neurologic changes in patients with multiple sclerosis].

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the presence of urinary symptoms in 77 patients with multiple sclerosis.

METHODS

The neurological compromise and the degree of functional disability were evaluated through the Minimum Dossier of Disability for Multiple Sclerosis. The pertinent data for the urinary symptoms were collected through a directed survey. A urodynamic study was performed to evaluate bladder function.

RESULTS

81.8% of the patients had urinary symptoms, the most prevalent being the mixed syndrome (52%). Neurological involvement and functional disability were greater in the male patients and there was a higher incidence of urinary symptoms (91%). Urgency (66.6%), frequency (60.3%) and dysuria (53.8%) were the most common urinary symptoms. The complication rate was low; infection was the most common complication (14.28%) and was more prevalent in the females. Detrusor hyperreflexia (60%) was the most frequent urodynamic finding.

CONCLUSIONS

Urinary symptoms are frequent in multiple sclerosis (81.8%), the most prevalent being the mixed syndrome. Neurological involvement and functional disability are greater in the male patients and there is a higher incidence of urinary symptoms. There is a significant correlation between the severity of neurological compromise (pyramidal and cerebellar) and the degree of functional disability and the presence of urinary symptoms.