The Journal of the American Paraplegia Society
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J Am Paraplegia Soc · Oct 1993
Clinical effect of alpha-1 antagonism by terazosin on external and internal urinary sphincter function.
The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effectiveness of alpha-1 blockade in the treatment of bladder outlet obstruction in the spinal cord injured (SCI) patient. We evaluated terazosin, a selective alpha-1 blocker, in 15 normotensive SCI patients. Detrusor-external sphincter dyssynergia (DESD), without obstruction of the bladder neck or prostate, was documented in all patients using video-urodynamic evaluation. ⋯ The four patients who failed to improve were documented to have an open bladder neck but obstruction at the level of the external sphincter. Our data show that alpha-1 sympathetic blockade has no effect on external sphincter function and does not significantly relieve functional obstruction caused by DESD. It was also noted that terazosin is helpful in diagnosing and treating internal sphincter (bladder neck and prostate) obstruction especially in patients who have persistent difficulty voiding after external sphincterotomy.
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J Am Paraplegia Soc · Jan 1993
Bladder neck closure with continent augmentation or suprapubic catheter in patients with neurogenic bladders.
Twenty-four patients, with various combinations of non-healing decubitus ulcers, urethral fistulae, incontinence, and penile skin breakdown were candidates for proximal urinary diversion, having failed intermittent, external, and indwelling catheterization combined with pharmacologic therapy. Seventeen patients underwent bladder neck closure, including seven with multiple sclerosis and ten with spinal cord injury, and because they were unable or unwilling to do catheterization, had their urine diverted by suprapubic catheter. ⋯ When ureteral reflux and obstruction are absent, the patient's bladder was used which spared the added risk of ureteral implantation and possible ureteral stricture while increasing total bladder capacity. In a select group of patients with intractable incontinence, perineal and penile skin breakdown, or urethral fistulae, bladder neck closure and urinary diversion by suprapubic catheter or continent augmentation has proven to be a reliable and effective alternative to an ileal conduit.
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J Am Paraplegia Soc · Jul 1992
ReviewThe prevention and management of urinary tract infections among people with spinal cord injuries. National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research Consensus Statement. January 27-29, 1992.
The Urinary Tract Infection Consensus Conference brought together researchers, clinicians, and consumers to arrive at consensus on the best practices for preventing and treating urinary tract infections in people with spinal cord injuries; the risk factors and diagnostic studies that should be done; indications for antibiotic use; appropriate follow-up management; and needed future research. Urinary tract infection (UTI) was defined as bacteriuria (102 bacteria/ml of urine) with tissue invasion and resultant tissue response with signs and/or symptoms. Asymptomatic bacteriuria represents colonization of the urinary tract without symptoms or signs. ⋯ A common concern among people with spinal cord injuries is that physicians will alter bladder management programs without regard to lifestyle needs. Social/vocational flexibility may be more important to them than a state-of-the-art bladder management program. Future research should focus on obtaining more representative samples and investigate psycho-social-vocational implications as well as additional clinical-medical factors.
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Autonomic hyperreflexia occurs in up to 85 percent of individuals with spinal cord injuries above the major splanchnic sympathetic outflow. In such cases, paroxysmal reflex sympathetic activity develops in response to noxious stimuli below the level of the neurologic lesion. The clinical features of autonomic hyperreflexia are due largely to reflex sympathetic adrenergic and cholinergic discharges with dysfunctional supraspinal regulatory control. ⋯ Although a variety of stimuli can provoke autonomic responses of variable magnitudes, bladder and bowel distention continue to account for most episodes. Removal of the offending stimulus is important to restoring the autonomic nervous system to its baseline activity. Current understanding of the pathophysiology, clinical features, and medical management of this fascinating but potentially serious complication of spinal cord injury are reviewed.
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J Am Paraplegia Soc · Oct 1991
ReviewA physiological basis for the development of rehabilitative strategies for spinally injured patients.
After a decade of studies using animal models, there is sufficient information to encourage a reassessment of the potential for recovery of motor function following spinal cord injury in humans. This review focuses on the response of the lumbosacral motor system following spinal cord injury and the effects of rehabilitative strategies such as weight support, loading, and administration of specific pharmacological agonists and antagonists on the maintenance and/or recovery of motor function. Based on clinical experience and review of related studies, the authors suggest a list of eight strategies for the improvement of rehabilitative protocols.