Urodynamics (UDS) is often indicated for multiple sclerosis (MS) patients either at presentation to specialized medical centers or after failure of conservative management of lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD). However, the ideal moment and context to indicate this exam in this group of patients remain controversial. We aimed to establish a consensus panel to address the role of UDS in MS patients.
A panel representing urology, rehabilitation medicine, and neurology skilled in neuro-urology participated in a consensus-forming project using a Delphi method to reach consensus on the role of UDS in MS patients.
In total, five experts participated. All panelists participated in the four phases of the consensus process. Consensus was reached if ≥70% of the experts agreed on recommendations. To facilitate a common understanding among all experts, a face-to-face consensus meeting was held in Florence in September 2017 and then with a follow-up teleconference in March 2018. By the end of the Delphi process, formal consensus was achieved for 100% of the items and an algorithm was then developed in a face-to-face meeting in Philadelphia in August 2018. The final expert opinion recommendations were approved by the unanimous consensus of the panel.
UDS represents an important diagnostic tool for MS patients and is particularly useful to evaluate the pattern of LUT dysfunction in high-risk patients. There is a lack of high-evidence level studies to support an optimal urodynamic long-term follow-up protocol.