Neuro-urological Outcome After Spinal Cord Injury

• secondary complications [ Time Frame: 5 years after SCI, yearly thereafter (participants are followed until death) ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  recurrent tract infection, detoriation of the upper urinary tract
• imaging of the upper urinary tract [ Time Frame: 5 years after SCI, yearly thereafter (participants are followed until death) ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  videocystography, ultrasound

Most patients with spinal cord injury suffer from bladder dysfunction which may - especially in the long-term - impair renal function. Improved treatment during the last decades improved life expectancy and quality of life. This study evaluates the bladder function in the long-term after spinal cord injury.

Bladder dysfunction is a common consequence of spinal cord injury and depends on the completeness and the level of the lesion. Patients with suprasacral injury usually suffer from neurogenic detrusor overactivity mostly combined with detrusor sphincter dyssynergia. Without adequate treatment, this adverse combination puts the upper urinary tract at risk due to high intravesical pressure often causing vesico-ureteral reflux. Based on improved therapeutic options in the last decades, life expectancy and quality of life constantly increased in spinal cord injury patients. The investigators aim to evaluate the bladder function in the long-term after spinal cord injury.

Ages Eligibility: minimum 18 years old Genders Eligibility: female and male

Inclusion Criteria:

• Spinal cord injury for at least 5 years
• Neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction
• Written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Lower urinary tract dysfunction due to other causes than spinal cord injury