Evolution of the management of acquired neurogenic bladder in children using intradetrusor botulinum toxin type A injections: 5-year experience and perspectives

Abstract Objective To report the clinical and urodynamic results of repeated intradetrusor botulinum toxin type A injections in children with an acquired neurogenic bladder. Patients and method We reviewed the data of 8 patients presenting an acquired neurogenic bladder treated between 2005 and 2010. Their mean age was 12.4 years old (range: 5–18). They were all on clean intermittent catheterization. All patients presented detrusor overactivity resistant to oral anticholinergic treatment. They received between 2 and 6 injections at a dose of 12 botulinum toxin units (BU)/kg (maximum 300 BU). Cystometry was performed 4–8 weeks after treatment. Results Five patients became completely dry, 2 were only rarely wet, and data are lacking for 1 patient. Febrile urinary tract infections ceased after 1 or 2 injections. The mean maximal detrusor pressure decreased below 40 cmH 2 O after 1, 2 and 3 injections. The normalized safe capacity rose significantly after 1, 2 and 3 injections. The normalized maximal bladder capacity rose similarly after 1, 2 and 3 injections although not always significantly. Conclusion Intradetrusor botulinum toxin-A injections significantly reduce detrusor pressure and can be repeated with efficacy. They have their place in between anticholinergic treatment and surgery. The procedure could be simplified and the dosage reduced.