Shifting to 4 × 1 intermittent catheterization without an early follow-up urodynamic study is possible in most patients with subacute spinal cord injury

This study investigates whether patients with subacute spinal cord injury (SCI), who initially use intermittent catheterization (IC) six times a day and take anticholinergic medication, can safely reduce catheterization to four times a day without needing a second urodynamic study. The study found that most patients could switch to four times a day catheterization after about 45 days of treatment with anticholinergic drugs, suggesting that a follow-up urodynamic study might not always be necessary. Avoiding an additional urodynamic evaluation could reduce costs, minimize patient burden, save healthcare staff time, and lower the risk of complications like urinary tract infections.

• 1
  In 25 of 27 patients, bladder capacity reached 400 ml or more within 45 days of anticholinergic treatment, allowing a shift to 4/day IC.
• 2
  There was a significant increase in bladder capacity after anticholinergic treatment (293 ± 39 ml pre-treatment to 531 ± 81 ml post-treatment).
• 3
  The mean increase in bladder capacity was 237.6 ± 79.5 ml (83.5 ± 32.1%).