Systematic Review of LUTD Management Methods in MS
A systematic review assessed 34 studies on various management methods for lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) in multiple sclerosis (MS). Notably, pelvic floor muscle training and tibial nerve stimulation showed preliminary efficacy and safety, while other methods like alpha-blockers and botulinum toxin A were flagged for considerable side effects. However, the overall evidence quality was low due to insufficient randomized controlled trials.
- Tags
- #Other
- Most relevant to
- —
- Human efficacy
- Not yet assessed
- Mechanism
- Not yet assessed
- Evidence strength
- Not yet assessed
- Outcome
- Not yet assessed
Why it matters
This review highlights the inadequate evidence regarding LUTD management in MS, pointing to the need for more rigorous research to develop effective and individualized treatment approaches.
What this does not prove
The study indicates a poor evidence basis for managing LUTD due to a lack of well-designed randomized controlled trials, rendering the findings inconclusive.
Next milestone
No next milestone was established from the available source.
Study facts
- Study design
- Systematic review
- Participants / samples
- 34 · 34 systematic reviews included in the analysis
- Randomised
- No
- Controlled
- Not reported
- Primary endpoint met
- Not reported
- Relevant MS type
- Not reported
- Publication date
- 2026-10-16
- Evidence reviewed
- Abstract only
- Regulatory approval
- Not reported
- Research areas
- Other
Original sources
- Primary evidenceManagement of Urinary Symptoms in Multiple Sclerosis: An Umbrella Review. ↗DOI: 10.1002/nau.70492
Supporting passages (10)
study designSystematic review studies that reported the efficacy of any management method for LUTD in MS are considered for inclusion.
sample sizeOut of 342 screened records, 34 systematic reviews were included.
sample size basisRESULTS: Out of 342 screened records, 34 systematic reviews were included.
randomizedDespite the appropriate efficacy, anticholinergics, desmopressin, intradetrusor injections of botulinum toxin A, vanilloids, and catheterization were found to cause considerable side effects.
research categoriesPreliminary efficacy and safety of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) and tibial nerve stimulation (TNS), as well as the potential of alpha-blockers, cannabinoids, mirabegron, spinal cord stimulation, sacral neuromodulation, transcranial neuromodulations, vaginal/rectal and clitoral/penile stimulation, foot reflexology, craniosacral therapy, and stem cell therapy were suggested.
publication date2026-10-16
interventionPreliminary efficacy and safety of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) and tibial nerve stimulation (TNS), as well as the potential of alpha-blockers, cannabinoids, mirabegron, spinal cord stimulation, sacral neuromodulation, transcranial neuromodulations, vaginal/rectal and clitoral/penile stimulation, foot reflexology, craniosacral therapy, and stem cell therapy were suggested.
primary endpointThis study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of different methods in the management of MS-related LUTD.
findingsPreliminary efficacy and safety of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) and tibial nerve stimulation (TNS), as well as the potential of alpha-blockers, cannabinoids, mirabegron, spinal cord stimulation, sacral neuromodulation, transcranial neuromodulations, vaginal/rectal and clitoral/penile stimulation, foot reflexology, craniosacral therapy, and stem cell therapy were suggested.
limitationsDISCUSSION: Despite a high prevalence of LUTDs in MS patients, evidence basis of the management methods is still poor and there is lack of well-designed randomized controlled trials, which makes evidence inconclusive.
AI assessment, not yet reviewed by a person · version 1 · Community votes are separate from evidence review.