Sexual and urinary dysfunctions among patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD): A systematic review

Abstract

Background: Sexual dysfunctions (SD) and urinary dysfunctions (UD) are noteworthy and common disorders among patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) that can lead to many negative impacts on different aspects of life including lower quality of life (QOL) and relationships, social and emotional problems, and lower physical functioning. Aim: We aimed to systematically review the UD and SD that occurred among patients with NMOSD.Method: In order to conduct this research, we searched four databases: PubMed (Medline), Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase, from 1970 to May 2022. As part of the investigation, we also reviewed the gray literature, which includes conference abstracts, reviews, and references. We included studies that reported SD and UD among NMOSD patients. Results: A total of 1259 articles were originally included, 730 remained after duplicates had been removed, and the title and abstract then was reviewed. The final result was that 40 papers met our criteria to enter this systematic review. Conclusion: Due to the frequency of SD and UD among NMOSD patients as well as their negative impacts on the quality of patients’ lives as a sustained burden for them, physicians and practitioners should pay more attention to better check these disorders among NMOSD patients visit to visit.

Keywords

• Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder
• Sexual Dysfunction
• Urinary Dysfunction
• Sexual Symptoms
• Urinary Symptoms