Morphological and functional factors predicting bladder deterioration after spinal cord injury.

PURPOSE: We investigated factors predictive of morphological and functional deterioration of the bladder in patients with spinal cord injury.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Urological evaluation, including excretory urography and urodynamic studies, was performed once a year in 66 patients. Bladder compliance was used as an index of bladder function.

RESULTS

Mean age of the patients with worsening bladder form and function was significantly greater than that of those with no change. In patients with worsening bladder function intermittent catheterization was performed less frequently and mean catheterization volume was greater compared to those with improvement and no change. Catheterization was less frequent and at long intervals in patients with a high urethral closure pressure.

CONCLUSIONS

High storage pressure due to a high urethral closure pressure is believed to cause deterioration of bladder form and function.