The impact of urodynamics on treatment and outcomes in women with an overactive bladder: a longitudinal prospective follow-up study

Introduction and hypothesis The aim of this study was to establish if the management of women with overactive bladder (OAB) and patient-reported outcomes differed based on the findings of urodynamics (UDS). Methods A prospective, longitudinal observational study conducted in urogynaecology clinics in 22 UK hospitals participating in the Diagnostic Accuracy of Bladder Ultrasound Study (BUS). A total of 687 women with OAB symptoms or urgency-predominant mixed urinary incontinence were recruited into a diagnostic study that used UDS as the reference standard. Detailed clinical history and International Consultation on Incontinence OAB Short Form (ICIQ-OAB sf) questionnaire responses were obtained before the UDS test was carried out. These questionnaires were subsequently collected at a mean of 7 and 20 months, along with patient global impression of improvement and details on medical and surgical treatments. The relationship between UDS diagnosis and treatment was examined using a multinomial regression model; logistic and repeated measures regressions were used to examine other outcomes. Results We recruited 687 women and the response rate was 69% at 20 months. Treatment subsequent to UDS was highly associated with diagnosis ( p