Does sex matter? A matched pairs analysis of neuromodulation outcomes in women and men

• Published in: International urology and nephrology 2018-05, Vol.50 (5), p.825-832
• Main Authors: Nguyen, Laura N., Bartley, Jamie, Killinger, Kim A., Gupta, Priyanka, Lavin, John, Khourdaji, Ayad, Gilleran, Jason, Gaines, Natalie, Boura, Judith A., Peters, Kenneth M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cystitis; Diaries; Electric stimulation therapy; Lead; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Nephrology; Neuromodulation; Quality of life; Statistical analysis; Urinary bladder; Urology; Urology - Original Paper; Women
• ISSN: 0301-1623; 1573-2584
• DOI: 10.1007/s11255-018-1843-8

Aims To evaluate whether baseline symptoms and outcomes are influenced by gender in a matched cohort undergoing neuromodulation. Methods Patients in our prospective neuromodulation database that had a tined lead placed were reviewed. Those that had implantable pulse generator (IPG) placed were matched on age and urologic diagnosis. History, voiding diaries, satisfaction, Interstitial Cystitis Symptom/Problem Index (ICSIPI), and overactive bladder symptom severity (OABq ss)/health-related quality of life (HRQOL) preimplant and over 3 years were evaluated using descriptive statistics, repeated measures, and matched pair GEE or mixed analyses. Results Of 590 patients in the database, more women than men received an IPG (450/488; 92.2 vs. 84/102; 82.4%; p  = 0.0011). Eighty matched pairs ( n  = 160; 81% ≥ 50 years old; 56.25% had urgency/frequency with urge incontinence—UI) were identified and evaluated. On voiding diaries, volume/void was greater in women only at baseline ( p  = 0.040); both groups improved over time ( p