Urodynamic Characteristics of Chronic Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Women with Hypothyroidism

Abstract

Background: Hypothyroidism, and neuropathy and myopathy caused by it, can have a significant impact on the performance of the lower urinary tract; because, the bladder muscle activity and proper function of sphincters are strongly controlled by autonomic and somatic reflexes, and are vulnerable to any kind of neuropathy. It is important that despite the high prevalence of hypothyroidism in reports, limited extent of urodynamic pattern in these patients (case report) are available. Methods: Between April 2010 and April 2013, among all female patients visited the urology clinics of Alzahra and Noor Hospitals, Isfahan, Iran, 1058 patients had complains of chronic urinary symptoms. Approximately, 68 patients had hypothyroidism and urodynamic test was performed for 43 patients whose results were analyzed. Findings: Reduced urination rate (Qmax) was observed in 37.2% of the patients. In 21.3%, bladder outlet obstruction was existed. Bladder sensory impairment was observed in 33.3% of patients and 37.2% were with residual urine (post-void residual or PVR) of higher than normal. Conclusion: The most common disorders of unloading phase (voiding phase) were reduced power of drain, increase remained urine (PVR), and bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). Reduced bladder sensation (hyposensitivity) and overactive bladder (OAB) were the most common problems of filling phase.

Keywords

• Hypothyroidism
• Neuropathy
• Urodynamic tests
• Lower urinary tract symptoms