PURPOSE: To estimate the timepoint of onset of the lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) over the course of multiple sclerosis (MS), determine which of the LUTS typically appears first, and identify risk factors for early development of LUTS in patients with MS (PwMS). METHODS: This observational study included 1167 PwMS. The participants were predominantly women (72%), median age was 45 (IQR 36;53) years, and median disease duration was 11 (IQR 6;16) years. Inclusion criteria were age over 18 years, proven MS diagnosis according to McDonald´s criteria (2017), and complete medical records since establishment of MS diagnosis. A structured in-person interview addressing the study objectives was performed during routine follow-up visit. The data were cross-checked with the medical records. RESULTS: Median LUTS-free survival time after MS diagnosis has been made, was 8 (IQR 7;10) years. Storage, voiding and postmicturition symptoms were identified as a first LUTS in 549/709 (77%), 130/709 (18%), and 30/709 (4.2%) PwMS, respectively. Most frequently reported first LUTS was urgency 360 (51%). Using multivariate analysis, higher age, higher degree of disability, and presence of cerebellar and/or pyramidal symptoms at the time of MS diagnosis were significantly associated with shorter LUTS-free survival. No significant relationship between LUTS-free survival and sex or type of MS was found. CONCLUSIONS: Our data show, that LUTS occur after median time of 8 years after MS diagnosis, with urgency being the most frequently reported first LUTS.

Department of Applied Mathematics Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science VSB Technical University Ostrava Czech Republic

Department of Clinical Neurosciences Ostrava University Ostrava Czech Republic

Department of Neurology University Hospital Ostrava Czech Republic

Department of Regional Health Research University of Southern Denmark Odense Denmark

Department of Surgical Studies Ostrava University Ostrava Czech Republic

Department of the Deputy Director for Science Research and Education University Hospital Ostrava Czech Republic

Department of Urology Odense University Hospital Odense Denmark

Department of Urology University Hospital Tř 17 listopadu 1790 Ostrava 708 52 Czech Republic

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