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Biomedical subjects

L Brubaker

Publications and source records attributed to L Brubaker.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Urodynamic prolapse reduction alters urethral pressure but not filling or pressure flow parameters.

PURPOSE: To test the hypothesis that advanced stages of pelvic organ prolapse can result in a functional obstruction of the urethra, we studied the effects of manual prolapse reduction on urodynamic and urethral electromyographic parameters in women with stage III and IV pelvic organ prolapse. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Women with advanced pelvic organ prolapse undergoing clinical multichannel urodynamics with concentric needle electromyography of the urethra were invited to participate in this institutional review board approved study. Women underwent filling cystometry and electromyography with prolapse everted and with prolapse reduced. Women were randomized to cystometry order (reduced vs everted). All subjects underwent a third study with prolapse reduction. Maximum urethral closure pressure and quantitative electromyography of the striated urethral sphincter were determined at maximum cystometric capacity. During the pressure flow study voiding parameters, including urethral electromyography quieting, were determined. The nonparametric paired sign test was used to evaluate differences in urodynamic parameters and quantitative electromyography with pelvic organ prolapse reduced and unreduced. Results were considered significant at the 5% level. RESULTS: The 31 participants had mean age of 60 years (range 36 to 78) and 83% were white. There were no clinically significant differences in maximum cystometric capacity, voided volume, maximal flow and detrusor pressure at maximal flow or time to maximal flow between the reduced and everted prolapse states. Prolapse reduction resulted in a clinically and statistically significant decrease in maximum urethral closure pressure (-31%) but it had no impact on quantitative urethral electromyography. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate that, although prolapse reduction significantly decreases maximum urethral closure pressure, it does not alter intrinsic neuromuscular activity of the striated urethral sphincter. Prolapse reduction does not alter any other filling or pressure flow parameter.

Adult↗

Malignancy-associated vessel tortuosity: a computer-assisted, MR angiographic study of choroid plexus carcinoma in genetically engineered mice.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The ability to assess tumor malignancy and monitor treatment response noninvasively would be of value to both clinicians and animal investigators. This report describes the MR imaging characteristics of a genetically engineered mouse model of choroid plexus carcinoma (CPC) during tumor growth and progression to malignancy. We assess the ability of vessel tortuosity measurements, as calculated from high-resolution MR angiographic (MRA) images, to detect emerging CPC cancers. METHODS: MR images of 9 healthy mice and of 20 CPC mice with precancerous choroid dysplasia or with cancer over a wide range of sizes were analyzed. Two vessel tortuosity measures and a measure of vessel attenuation (vessel count) were calculated from MRA images. Malignancy assessment was based upon a statistical analysis of vessel tortuosity, by using an equation derived from an earlier study of human brain tumor patients. RESULTS: Choroid dysplasia was correctly judged nonmalignant. On the basis of vessel count, neoangiogenesis could not be detected until cancers were full-blown and had reached a volume of approximately 80 mm3. Vessel tortuosity measurements, however, correctly identified emerging malignancy in lesions larger than 0.3 mm3. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this report provides the first description of in vivo, MR imaging characteristics of genetically engineered CPC mice during the progression from dysplasia to cancer. Vessel tortuosity measurements offer promise of correctly defining even tiny tumors as malignant.

Animals↗

Clinical advances in urogynecology.

Women with pelvic floor disorders can look forward to improved care with less morbidity over the next several years. Significant research efforts are underway to improve our understanding of an appropriate evaluation for women with all pelvic floor disorders, especially urinary incontinence and/or pelvic organ prolapse. More than ever before, research has contributed meaningful developments in treatment outcomes, including patient-reported outcomes. These advances have come largely due to the efforts of an increasing number of clinician-scientists, who design and conduct high-quality clinical trials. In addition, significant governmental resources have been committed to developing and supporting pelvic floor research networks. Population based research efforts have provided a broad understanding of the pelvic floor changes that women may experience over their lifetime, including an understanding of pelvic support over the decades. This work is augmented by the increasing number of studies that clarify the pelvic floor changes associated with pregnancy and delivery. In addition to learning more about basic pathophysiology, significant technical advances have occurred and have offered excellent treatment efficacy with reduced morbidity. New modalities of treatment are being evaluation, including botulinum toxin, for women with refractory urge incontinence due to detrusor overactivity. This work has been facilitated by the efforts of multidisciplinary teams composed of a widening group of pelvic floor specialists, including radiologists, physiotherapists and gastrointestinal specialists. A small, but extremely important, group of basic science investigators are contributing knowledge about pathophysiology using animal models, material testing and analyses of native tissue structures. The clinical advances in urogynecology are on a steep uprise and can be expected to significantly improve the well-being of women who suffer from pelvic floor disorders.

Female↗

What is the pain of interstitial cystitis like?

To describe the characteristics of pain experienced by patients with interstitial cystitis (IC) in terms of pain site, severity, and character, we performed a secondary analysis of data from the IC database (ICDB), which was a prospective, longitudinal, cohort study of IC patients. We analyzed the cross-sectional baseline data from 629 patients who had a completed baseline symptom questionnaire. Patients answered questions about whether they had pain or discomfort associated with urinary symptoms over the past 4 weeks and if so, about the location, characteristics, intensity, and frequency of their pain. Logistic regression examined associations between pain location and the presence of urinary symptoms. Analyses were performed using SAS version 8.2 (SAS Institute, Cary, NC, USA) and considered significant at the 5% level. Five hundred and eighty-nine (94%) patients with a mean age of 45 years (SD 14 years) reported baseline pain or discomfort associated with their urinary symptoms. The most common baseline pain site was lower abdominal (80%), with urethral (74%) and low back pain (65%) also commonly reported. The majority of patients described their pain as intermittent, regardless of the pain site. Most patients reported moderate pain intensity, across all pain sites. There was a statistically significant link between pain in the urethra, lower back, and lower abdomen, and urinary symptoms. Patients with IC report pain at several sites other than the bladder, possibly arising from the previously well-described myofascial abnormalities of pelvic floor and abdominal wall present in patients with IC and other chronic pelvic pain syndromes.

Cystitis, Interstitial↗

Gender differences in 24-hour urinary diaries of asymptomatic North American adults.

PURPOSE: Two previously published studies from our center have described the urinary habits of asymptomatic men (284) and women (300) as revealed by 24-hour urinary diaries. Those gender specific studies found that urinary diary variables are affected by age and race. By comparing the data from those studies we determined the effect of gender on voiding habits. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this secondary analysis we matched each female urinary diary to that of a male of similar age and race. Diary variables were compared using paired sign tests with results considered significant at the 5% level. RESULTS: A total of 141 matched pairs were studied. The population age ranged from 18 to 68 years and was racially diverse (56% black, 31% white, 7% Hispanic and 6% Asian). Men had higher total fluid intake and mean voided volume than women (p <0.001 and 0.04, respectively). Women voided more frequently than men (p = 0.006) and had more voids per liter of fluid intake (p <0.001). No gender differences were found for body mass index, nighttime or daytime diuresis rates, total urine volume, maximum voided volume or rates of nocturia. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis suggests that there are significant gender effects on 24-hour diary variables, with females tending to void more often and at lower mean volumes. The results of our study may be useful in the design of research studies or for patient counseling.

Adolescent↗

Validation of the clinical bulbocavernosus reflex.

AIMS: To validate the clinically obtained bulbocavernosus reflex (BCR) by comparing it to the results of clitoroanal reflex (CAR) electrodiagnostic testing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty three women with detrusor overactivity underwent clinical examination and electrodiagnostic testing including evaluation of CAR latency using a Nicolet Viking IIe electrodiagnostic instrument, stimulating the paraclitoral area on each side in turn with paired stimuli while recording anal sphincter compound muscle action potentials bilaterally using surface patch electrodes. The results of clinical and electrodiagnostic testing were compared. RESULTS: The BCR was clinically present on at least one side in 26 (79%) women, and thought to be clinically bilaterally absent in 7 (21%). Electrophysiologic testing revealed CARs to be at least unilaterally present in 30 (91%) patients. When the BCR was clinically present, a CAR was recorded in 92% of patients. Of the seven women with clinically absent BCR, just one had absent CARs. CONCLUSIONS: In this sample of women with detrusor overactivity, the clinical BCR did not have strong correlation with the electrically obtained reflex.

Action Potentials↗

Effects of IGF-I gene therapy on the injured rat pudendal nerve.

Injured nerves and their motor units may undergo enhanced recovery when exposed to recombinant human insulin-like growth factor-I (rhIGF-I). The external anal sphincter muscle in the female rat was denervated to model incontinence. The treatment-group muscle was injected with rhIGF-1 plasmid, whereas in the control group the plasmid lacked the cDNA insert and the normal group received neither surgery nor treatment. Electromyography data at 56 days post surgery indicated more reinnervation without fibrillation potentials in the treatment group (2 of 6) than in the control group (0 of 6). The histology of the regenerated axons in the pudendal nerve distal to the crush site also suggested an improved recovery in the treatment group. The number of motor neurons retrogradely labeled with horseradish peroxidase was decreased by 50% following pudendal nerve crush in both experimental groups compared to the normal group. We conclude from these preliminary results that rhIGF-I gene therapy may improve the distal recovery of structure and function.

Anal Canal↗

Variability of 24-hour voiding diary variables among asymptomatic women.

PURPOSE: We determine whether urinary diary values are stable over time among women without lower urinary tract symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Women without lower urinary tract symptoms completed a 24-hour log of fluid intake and volumes voided during June/July 2001 and again during February/March 2002. Initial and repeat diaries were compared using Wilcoxin signed rank tests, considered significant at the 5% level. RESULTS: A total of 137 subjects completed both diaries. Subjects voided a median of 8 times per 24 hours during the first and 7 per 24 hours during the second diary with 95% of subjects recording fewer than 13 voids per 24 hours during both diaries. Nighttime voids were recorded by 59 (43%) subjects during the first and 54 (39%) during the second diary. Urinary frequency and total urine volume were significantly greater during the first than second diary (Z = 2.1, p = 0.03 and Z = 3.3, p = 0.001, respectively). No significant differences in mean voided volume, maximum voided volume, voids per liter intake, total intake, or daytime or nighttime diuresis rates were found when the groups were compared. However, there were large individual differences in all diary variables. CONCLUSIONS: While there is large individual variation in diary values, pooled data from 24-hour urinary diaries concerning voids per liter intake, and mean and maximum voided volumes remain stable. Pooled data concerning raw urinary frequency and urine volumes may vary significantly without any treatment. When urinary frequency is of interest, the number of voids per liter intake may represent the most stable measure.

Adolescent↗

Tolterodine is equally effective in patients with mixed incontinence and those with urge incontinence alone.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the efficacy of tolterodine, an antimuscarinic agent with a bladder-selective profile, in patients with mixed incontinence (MI, stress and urge) compared with patients with urge incontinence (UI) alone. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 239 patients with MI (urge predominating) and 755 with urge incontinence alone from a single-blind, multicentre trial of 1380 patients (80% female) with an overactive bladder. Those completing the trial were analysed 'per-protocol'. After a 7-day washout and a 3-day run-in to collect baseline information, patients were treated with tolterodine twice daily for 16 weeks. The two groups were compared for incontinence episodes/24 h, voiding frequency, nocturia episodes and pad usage after 16 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: After 16 weeks the median changes from baseline for all voiding variables were statistically significant for the MI and the UI groups (P < 0.001), with no apparent significant between-group differences. The median percentage reduction in incontinence episodes from baseline was 67% for the MI and 75% for the UI groups (P = 0.39). 'Dry' rates for the MI and UI groups at the end of the study were 39% (66/171) and 44% (243/552), respectively, whilst 24% of patients in each group (MI 40/170; UI 130/551) achieved a voiding pattern of < 8 voids/24 h. 'Cure' rates for nocturia and the reduction in the number of patients not using pads used were also similar between the groups. CONCLUSION: Tolterodine is as effective in reducing leakage and other symptoms of an overactive bladder in patients with MI as it is in patients with UI alone.

Adult↗

Bother arising from urinary frequency in women.

Patients commonly express bother with the symptom of frequent urination. The relationship between actual voiding frequency and this symptom is undocumented. We reviewed records of 200 women who had completed 24-hour frequency-volume charts, and had indicated their degree of bother with urinary frequency utilizing the short form of the Urogenital Distress Inventory. The degree of bother was correlated with daytime and nighttime voiding frequency, maximum functional capacity, mean voided volume, and demographic variables. Among 200 women, 180 (90%) indicated at least a minor degree of bother with urinary frequency. A voiding frequency of eight or more times in 24 hours was reported by 166 (83%) of women. Among the 34 women voiding fewer than eight times/24 hours, 26 (76%) reported bother with urinary frequency. There was large variation in the degree of bother reported at a given voiding frequency. Postmenopausal women without hormone replacement therapy (HRT) recorded more nighttime voids than those on HRT. Among postmenopausal women without HRT, mean voided volume and maximum functional capacity were inversely related to patient age. Our study suggests that the currently utilized cutoff value of eight daily voids to define urinary frequency, may not be helpful in the management of women in this country. A racially diverse study of the voiding habits of asymptomatic North American women is mandated.

Adult↗

Urinary habits among asymptomatic women.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine normal ranges for voiding diary variables for a racially diverse sample of women without lower urinary tract symptoms in the United States. STUDY DESIGN: Three hundred women without lower urinary tract symptoms completed a 24-hour log of fluid intake and volumes voided. We used linear regression to analyze diary data according to patient characteristics, which included race, age, body mass index, and parity. RESULTS: The following races were represented: black, 118 women (39%); white, 117 women (39%); Hispanic, 36 women (12%); Asian, 28 women (9%); and mixed race, 1 woman (<1%). Subjects voided a median of 8 times in 24 hours; 95% of the subjects recorded fewer than 13 voids per 24 hours. Subjects recorded a median of 4 voids per liter of fluid intake (95% recorded fewer than 9 voids per liter intake) and a median of 5 voids per liter urine output (95% recorded fewer than 12 voids per liter output). Nighttime voids were recorded by 133 subjects (44%). According to current definitions, polyuria was present in 54 subjects (18%). Linear regression showed that the number of voids per 24 hours was related to patient age (beta =.2, P <.001) and fluid intake (beta =.39, P <.001). Mean (beta = -.31, P <.001) and maximum (beta = -.2, P =.003) voided volumes were lower among black women. Voids per liter of fluid intake varied with age (beta =.19, P =.002) and were higher among parous women (beta =.12, P =.003) and Asian women (beta =.17, P =.002). Voids per liter output were lower among black women (beta =.34, P <.001). The number of nighttime voids depended only on patient age (beta =.23, P <.001). CONCLUSION: The results of this multiracial study differ materially from other studies of asymptomatic women. It is probably inappropriate to apply a single set of normative values to all women in the United States because of the significant variability in regional climates and populations.

Adult↗

The etiology of urinary retention after surgery for genuine stress incontinence.

Transient postoperative urinary retention after stress incontinence surgery is common, and there is no widely accepted method of hastening the return to normal voiding. The etiology of this retention is poorly understood. Failure of the relaxation of the striated external urethral sphincter has been proposed as an etiologic agent, but has not been documented. Ten patients about to undergo a Burch colposuspension or sub-urethral sling, who demonstrated normal preoperative voiding, were recruited to a study of postoperative retention. Hook-wire electromyographic (EMG)probes were placed into the external urethral sphincter while the patients were under anesthesia, and a suprapubic catheter was placed. We performed instrumented voiding trials 1 or 2 days after surgery while continuously recording urethral EMG and intravesical pressure. Two patients demonstrated normal voiding. Two patients were able to void but demonstrated no EMG silencing. Six patients were unable to void and demonstrated persistent EMG activity. Four of these demonstrated no detrusor contraction, whereas two demonstrated detrusor contractions. All patients resumed normal voiding by clinical parameters within 14 days of surgery. Our study supports other research that suggests that failure of relaxation of the striated urethral sphincter contributes to postoperative urinary retention.

Aged↗

Myosin isoforms in female human detrusor.

The aim of this study was to document the relative proportions of two isoforms of myosin heavy chain in detrusor smooth muscle of women with detrusor overactivity and in asymptomatic controls. Women aged 35-65 with documented detrusor overactivity and without a history of neurologic disease, prior incontinence surgery, elevated post-void residual urine volume, or indwelling urinary catheter were eligible for the study. Full-thickness biopsies of extraperitoneal bladder dome were obtained at the time of laparotomy in six patients with documented detrusor overactivity and in a control group of eight continent patients. Biopsies were frozen in liquid nitrogen, crushed with a frozen mortar and pestle at -80 degrees C, and homogenized in buffer, and the extracts were electrophoresed on 6% polyacrylamide sodium dodecyl sulfate gels and stained with Coomassie blue. The gels were de-stained and then the protein bands were scanned with a densitometer. The mean patient age was 48 years (range, 36-59). Seven patients were Caucasian and seven patients were African American. Detrusor smooth muscle contains a mean of 34% (range, 27-43%) SM1 and 66% (range, 57-73%) SM2 isoforms. There was no difference in isoform composition when patients were compared according to urogynecologic diagnosis or according to race. In detrusor biopsies from women, approximately 34% of myosin is of the SM1 isoform and approximately 66% is of the SM2 isoform. This ratio is relatively constant in the two races studied and unchanged in women with detrusor overactivity. Animal models utilizing outlet obstruction of the bladder to provoke detrusor instability and detrusor hypertrophy are known to alter myosin isoform distribution and may not be appropriate models of detrusor instability in human females.

Adult↗

The standardization of terminology for researchers in female pelvic floor disorders.

The lack of standardized terminology in pelvic floor disorders (pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence, and fecal incontinence) is a major obstacle to performing and interpreting research. The National Institutes of Health convened the Terminology Workshop for Researchers in Female Pelvic Floor Disorders to: (1) agree on standard terms for defining conditions and outcomes; (2) make recommendations for minimum data collection for research; and (3) identify high priority issues for future research. Pelvic organ prolapse was defined by physical examination staging using the International Continence Society system. Stress urinary incontinence was defined by symptoms and testing; 'cure' was defined as no stress incontinence symptoms, negative testing, and no new problems due to intervention. Overactive bladder was defined as urinary frequency and urgency, with and without urge incontinence. Detrusor instability was defined by cystometry. For all urinary symptoms, defining 'improvement' after intervention was identified as a high priority. For fecal incontinence, more research is needed before recommendations can be made. A standard terminology for research on pelvic floor disorders is presented and areas of high priority for future research are identified.

Fecal Incontinence↗

Risk factors for an elevated postvoid residual urine volume in women with symptoms of urinary urgency, frequency and urge incontience.

The aim of this study was to identify factors in patients with symptoms of urgency/frequency or urge incontinence that predict that the postvoid residual urine volume (PVR) will be elevated. A restrospective chart review was carried out of all patients new to our urogynecology practice between June 1998 and May 1999, with symptoms of urgency, frequency and/or urge incontinence. Demographic variables, symptoms and physical findings were correlated with the presence of an elevated PVR (>100 ml) using logistic regression analysis. An elevated PVR was found in 10% (33/336) of patients with urge incontinence (UI). and in 5% (3/57) of patients with urgency/frequency without UI. In patients with UI the presence of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) > or = stage II, symptoms of voiding difficulty and the absence of the symptom of stress incontinence, predicted 82% of patients with an elevated PVR.

Adolescent↗

Donor fascia in urogynaecological procedures: a canine model.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the in vivo characteristics of donor fascia used in urogynaecological procedures, in a canine model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two experiments were conducted. In the first, donor fascia grafts were obtained from 12 dogs, the grafts freeze-dried and half were irradiated. The grafts were used for sacrocolpopexy and suburethral slings in each of five dogs. The dogs were killed at 2, 6 and 12 weeks after graft implantation, the grafts retrieved and assessed using tensilometry. In the second experiment, unirradiated sacrocolpopexy grafts were implanted in eight dogs; four grafts were placed under no tension and four under moderate tension. At 8 weeks, the grafts were retrieved and assessed by tensilometry. Measures of strength in both experiments included the ultimate tensile strength, ultimate strain and stiffness. All measures were compared using Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric tests in both studies. RESULTS: In the first experiment, a significant minority (23%) of grafts had complete loss of strength. Measures of graft strength did not vary when analysed according to donor dog, host dog, history of graft irradiation, duration of implantation or location of graft. In the second experiment, grafts placed under no tension tended to have lower tensile strength (chi2(1) = 3.125, P = 0.077), lower stiffness (chi2(1) = 3.125, P = 0.077) and lower ultimate strain (chi 2(1) = 3.182, P = 0.074). CONCLUSION: Graft irradiation as an isolated variable did not predispose grafts to failure in vivo. Biomechanical factors at the implantation site are likely to play a critical role in determining ultimate graft strength.

Animals↗

Responsiveness of quality of life measurements to change after reconstructive pelvic surgery.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine whether Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7) and Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6) scores are sensitive to changes in clinical status after surgery for genuine stress incontinence (GSI) or pelvic organ prolapse (POP). STUDY DESIGN: Patients were included in this study if they had completed the IIQ-7 and UDI-6 scales and had undergone urodynamic testing before and 3 months after surgery for GSI or POP. Kruskal-Wallis tests and logistic regression were used to compare IIQ-7 and UDI-6 scores according to the outcome of surgery. RESULTS: Among 55 patients satisfying inclusion criteria for the study, 34 (62%) underwent Burch colposuspension, and 21 (38%) underwent suburethral sling procedures for GSI; 44 (80%) patients were subjectively continent after surgery. Thirty-four (62%) patients underwent surgical treatment of their POP; 31 (90%) were subjectively cured of their POP symptoms. Mean IIQ-7 and UDI-6 scores were lower in patients who were subjectively continent, and UDI-6 scores were lower in patients who were objectively cured of GSI. CONCLUSION: UDI-6 and IIQ-7 scores change after surgery for GSI and POP, with patients who are subjectively continent having lower postoperative scores on both scales.

Adult↗

Role of urethral electromyography in predicting outcome of Burch retropubic urethropexy.

OBJECTIVE: To establish preoperative urethral electromyographic parameters that predict which women are unlikely to be cured of genuine stress incontinence by Burch retropubic urethropexy procedures. STUDY DESIGN: Eighty-nine women who underwent preoperative urodynamic testing with urethral electromyography and retropubic urethropexy for genuine stress incontinence were prospectively studied. Raw electromyographic signals were processed by an electromyographic instrument equipped with automated motor unit analysis software programs. Quantitative electromyographic software was used to analyze the electrical activity of the urethral sphincter with use of mean rectified voltage (MRV)-mean amplitude calculated over the entire tracing after the waveform is rectified-with women at rest and during voluntary urethral squeezing, repetitive coughing, and bladder filling. Objective outcomes were determined 3 months after the operation with single-channel cystometrograms performed while subjects were standing. Nonparametric statistical analyses included the chi(2) test of association for nominal data and the Mann-Whitney test for comparison of population medians. RESULTS: All women had urethral hypermobility and met our standard clinical criteria for retropubic urethropexy. Fifteen women had incomplete follow-up data and were excluded from final analysis. Fifty-nine of 74 women (80%) were objectively cured, and 15 women had persistent genuine stress incontinence. Women who were cured did not differ from those who were not cured in age, parity, menopausal status, maximum urethral closure pressure, Valsalva leak point pressure, maximum cystometric capacity, detrusor instability, or prolapse stage. Women with persistent genuine stress incontinence were more likely to have had previous pelvic operations (P =.01). There were no differences in any electromyographic parameters at rest, with urethral squeezing, or during bladder filling between the groups. Women who were objectively cured had larger MRV values with repetitive coughing (P =.05) and larger increases from resting MRV values (DeltaMRV) with repetitive coughing (P =.04). Twenty-seven of 30 women with MRV values > or =25 microV with repetitive coughing were cured (positive predictive value [PPV] = 90%; negative predictive value [NPV] = 32%), and 22 of 24 women with more than a 10-microV increase in resting MRV values with repetitive coughing (DeltaMRV > 10 microV) were cured (PPV = 92%; NPV = 29%). If women had both an MRV value > or =25 microV and a DeltaMRV value >10 microV, the PPV was 100%; however, the NPV remained at 30%. CONCLUSION: Women who were cured of genuine stress incontinence with Burch retropubic urethropexy procedures had better motor unit action potential activation with repetitive coughing than women with persistent genuine stress incontinence. Urethral electromyography may be used to assess the neuromuscular integrity of the striated urethral sphincter and to help predict which women will have successful retropubic urethropexy procedures.

Adult↗