1. The frequency of bowel and bladder problems in multiple sclerosis and its relation to fatigue: A single centre experience.
- Author
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Lin SD, Butler JE, Boswell-Ruys CL, Hoang P, Jarvis T, Gandevia SC, and McCaughey EJ
- Subjects
- Adult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Australia, Fatigue complications, Fecal Incontinence etiology, Fecal Incontinence physiopathology, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Multiple Sclerosis complications, Quality of Life, Surveys and Questionnaires, Fatigue physiopathology, Intestines physiopathology, Multiple Sclerosis physiopathology, Urinary Bladder physiopathology
- Abstract
Background: Bowel and bladder problems affect more than 50% of people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). These problems have a large impact on quality of life and place a significant burden on health systems., Objectives: This study aimed to ascertain the frequency of bladder and bowel problems in a select Australian MS cohort and to investigate the relationships between level of disability, bladder and bowel problems, and fatigue., Methods: Questionnaires on the nature and severity of MS symptoms were distributed to clients attending an Australian MS centre. Log-binomial regression and multiple linear regression models were used to investigate relationships between disability, fatigue, and bladder and bowel problems., Results and Conclusions: Of 167 questionnaires distributed, 136 were completed. Bladder problems were reported by 87 (74.4%) respondents, whilst 66 (48.9%) experienced functional constipation and 43 (31.9%) faecal incontinence. This frequency in our select Australian MS population is similar to that reported globally. There was a significant correlation between level of disability and: bladder problems (p = 0.015), faecal incontinence (p = 0.001), fatigue (p<0.001) and constipation (p = 0.016, relative risk: 1.16). Further investigation into the causal relationships between various MS symptoms may be beneficial in the development of novel therapeutic strategies for people with MS., Competing Interests: PH and TJ are employees of MS Limited. This does not alter our adherence to PLOS ONE policies on sharing data and materials.
- Published
- 2019
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