Share thisBotox® may help spinal cord-injured or multiple sclerosis patients with overactive bladder
HOUSTON -- (September 13, 2007) --
Botox® may help patients who suffer from spinal cord injuries and multiple sclerosis have better control of their overactive bladders, said a physician-scientist at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.
Dr. Christopher Smith, assistant professor of urology at BCM, said an international multi-center study using Botox® to treat these patients is currently ongoing. He will direct the BCM part of the study.
"People with spinal cord injuries or multiple sclerosis are particularly prone to developing overactive bladder because the normal nerve pathways between the bladder and brain become interrupted," said Smith. "In these conditions, the bladder becomes overactive leading to urinary symptoms of frequency, urgency and possibly incontinence."
Botox® is a commercial preparation of botulinum toxin A that works by preventing nerve impulses from reaching the muscle.
"Botox® is the most potent drug known to man," said Smith. "It's amazing how medicine can utilize such an agent for therapeutic benefit. If you focally inject it in small quantities within the bladder, one can reduce overactive bladder symptoms without side effects associated with oral medications."
Botox® is advantageous because it is a durable yet reversible treatment, with symptom relief lasting between six to 12 months.
"Before Botox®, the only option left for a patient with refractory overactive bladder symptoms was to undergo extensive abdominal surgery, using the intestines to enlarge the bladder. This treatment requires a prolonged recovery period and, for the most part, is considered irreversible," said Smith. "Patients often prefer the reversible and less invasive option of Botox® injection."
Past studies show the drug is effective, but results from treatment in more patients are needed. Those interested in taking part in this study can contact Sebrina Tello at stello@bcm.edu or 713-798-8106.
The study will be funded by Allergan, Inc., Irvine, CA. For more information on urology trials, visit http://www.bcm.edu/urology/?PMID=4989.
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