Treatment of urinary incontinence after stroke in adults

Abstract

Background:
Urinary incontinence can affect 40-60% of people admitted to hospital after a stroke, with 25% still having problems on hospital discharge and 15% remaining incontinent at one year.

Objectives:
To determine the optimal methods for treatment of urinary incontinence after stroke in adults.

Search methods:
We searched the Cochrane Incontinence and Stroke Groups specialised registers (searched 15 March 2007 and 5 March 2007 respectively), CINAHL (January 1982 to January 2007), national and international trial databases for unpublished data, and the reference lists of relevant articles.

Selection criteria:
Randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials evaluating the effects of interventions designed to promote continence in people after stroke.

Data collection and analysis:
Data extraction and quality assessment were undertaken by two reviewers working independently. Disagreements were resolved by a third reviewer.

Main results:
Twelve trials with a total of 724 participants were included in the review. Participants were from a mixture of settings, age groups and phases of stroke recovery.
Behavioural interventions Three trials assessed behavioural interventions, such as timed voiding and pelvic floor muscle training. All had small sample sizes and confidence intervals were wide.