Characteristics of female overactive bladder syndrome: Results from a large retrospective cohort spanning 15 years

Objectives

This study analyzed subgroups of women with overactive bladder syndrome or mixed urinary incontinence to assess treatment success, time to success, therapy adherence, and demographic and clinical characteristics.

Study design

This retrospective cohort study was conducted with 1688 female patients diagnosed with overactive bladder or mixed incontinence. Data on patient demographics, clinical characteristics, treatment modalities, and outcomes were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis.

Main outcome measures

Treatment success levels were categorized into no success, partial success, and complete success. Time to success was assessed using Kaplan-Meier curves. Demographic and clinical characteristics influencing outcomes were evaluated.

Results

Patients with mixed incontinence were younger, had a higher body mass index (BMI), had more comorbidities, and had more severe symptoms than those with isolated overactive bladder. Patients with overactive bladder were more often postmenopausal and had better early treatment success. Most patients improved early, though some required long-term follow-up. Significant differences in treatment utilization and outcomes were observed between subgroups. Polypharmacy, obesity, nocturia, and a diagnosis of mixed incontinence were associated with lower rates of success. Local estrogen, subtype of overactive bladder, and fewer medications predicted better outcomes and earlier response.

Conclusions

Personalized treatment strategies tailored to patient demographics and treatment history are crucial in managing overactive bladder and mixed incontinence effectively. The findings underscore the importance of long-term adherence to therapy and highlight areas for refining therapeutic interventions to optimize patient outcomes.