Clinical Research Directory

Bilateral Comparison of Unilateral Sacral Neuromodulation Test Stimulation in the Treatment of Neurogenic Bladder

Neurogenic bladder (NB) is a general term for a series of lower urinary tract symptoms and complications caused by bladder and/or urethral dysfunction caused by nervous system lesions. Neurogenic bladder brings physical and psychological pain to patients, affects interpersonal relationships, and seriously reduces the quality of life of patients. Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is an effective method for the treatment of refractory lower urinary tract dysfunction. A previous study analyzed bilateral peripheral nerve evaluation (PNE) in 62 patients with idiopathic and neurogenic bladder. The results of this clinical study showed that 51.6% of the patients (32 cases) achieved symptomatic improvement. Although a prospective controlled study was not performed, the authors suggest that bilateral treatment may improve symptoms in patients with idiopathic and neurogenic bladder compared with unilateral treatment, compared with remission rates in other previous clinical studies. At present, there are few reports on the application of bilateral sacral neuromodulation stimulation in the treatment of voiding dysfunction, and it is still controversial whether the efficacy of bilateral stimulation is better than unilateral stimulation. Therefore, we intend to conduct a prospective, randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of bilateral sacral neuromodulation test stimulation in the treatment of neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction.

Neuromodulating Cortical Regions Involved in Neurogenic Bladder in MS

Neurogenic overactive bladder (NOAB), characterized by urinary frequency, urgency or urgency incontinence symptoms occurring during the storage phase of the bladder, is the most common urinary complaint in multiple sclerosis (MS). Current management options for NOAB in MS have limited efficacy and considerable adverse effects, which underscores the significance of this study and highlights the need for better, less invasive therapies. This novel study investigates brain therapeutic targets that could shift the focus of NOAB management in MS from a bladder-centric focus to brain restoration; specifically modulating the brain regions identified in the prior functional magnetic resonance imagining studies. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a noninvasive brain stimulation that can modulate neurons (excite or inhibit) to improve the connectivity of the regions of interest (ROI). The preliminary data demonstrate, for the first time, significant improvement in bladder symptoms in ten women with MS who have voiding dysfunction following multifocal transcranial magnetic stimulation without any treatment-related adverse effects. This randomized double-blind, sham-controlled single center clinical trial with an optional open-label extension (OLE) phase is designed to evaluate the effects of targeted rTMS in women with MS and NOAB by investigating restorative reorganization of brain function The main purpose of this study is to determine the effects of individualized repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) for improving overactive bladder symptoms such as urinary frequency and urgency with or without incontinence in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). Patients will undergo initial screening that includes a demographics information, physical exam, past medical and surgical history, medication list, urine pregnancy test (female subjects with childbearing potential), and completion of questionnaires to confirm the eligibility of patients. All eligible patients will be required to complete a functional MRI scan followed by locating the regions of interest through neural navigation system and finally receiving 10 treatment sessions. Since this is a randomized trial, some patients will receive active treatment/ therapy sessions while others will only receive sham or placebo treatments. The total duration to complete all treatment sessions and follow up visits is approximately 4-5 months.

Assess the Efficacy of OM-89 vs Placebo in Reducing Antibiotic Consumption Associated With the Treatment of Urinary Tract Infections in Patients With Neurogenic Bladder

Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) in patients with a neurogenic bladder using clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) are a major problem. In this population, urinary tract infections are the most frequent cause of morbidity and the second leading cause of mortality (Buzzell A, Spinal Cord, 2020). It is also the leading cause of healthcare use and consumption (A. Dinh, MMI 2019). In addition, multidrug-resistant bacteria (MRB) are frequently implicated, accounting for up to 50% of cases (Samal V BMC Infect Dis 2022, A. Dinh Spnal cord 2016), due to high exposure to antibiotics and frequent and prolonged hospitalisations. The very frequent recurrence of urinary tract infections encourages exposure to antibiotics, so prevention is of vital importance. Prevention based on treatments other than antibiotics (non-antibiotic prophylaxis) is of the greatest interest, not only to prevent UTIs, but also to reduce exposure to antibiotics and the ecological pressure they exert. However, few strategies are available, and very few have been well evaluated in high-risk populations. Bacterial lysates such as Escherichia Coli extract (OM-89), an immunoactive prophylaxis, are an original and innovative strategy that has been developed for the prevention of recurrent UTIs, and could constitute a therapeutic option in particularly at-risk populations. In vivo studies have shown that OM-89 : * increases IgA levels in intestinal secretions and in the urine of mice (Bosh AV Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 1988; Baier W Arzneim Forsch Drug Res 1997), * stimulates the production of serum IgG and IgA recognising a number of bacteria isolated from patients with urinary tract infections and enterohaemorrhagic E. coli infections (Huber M, Int J immunopharmacol 2000), * stimulates the killing capacity of rabbit polymorphonuclear leukocytes against E. coli and S. aureus (Nauck M, Int J Exp Clin Chemother 1991), * protects against acute infection with E. coli or P. aeruginosa, * and inhibits inflammation associated with lipopolysaccharide-induced cystitis in mice (Lee SJ, World J Urol 2006). Clinically, certain studies in patients with recurrent UTIs have shown a significant reduction in the number of urinary tract infections with OM-89 compared to placebo or an antibiotic (Bauer Eur Urol 2005; Naber KG Int J Antimicrob Agents 2009; Wade DT, Clin Rehabil 2020). However, these promising results suffer from methodological limitations and need to be confirmed by a high-quality trial carried out on a sample appropriate to the research question and in a homogeneous patient population. Patients with spinal cord injuries are a population at high risk of recurrent UTIs, and prevention is a major issue, given the incidence of MRBs in this population. It is therefore important in this high-risk population not only to rigorously evaluate the efficacy of OM-89 in reducing antibiotic consumption for UTIs, but also to assess its impact on bacterial resistance and on the microbiota (urinary and digestive). These patients could therefore see significant benefits: less frequent urinary tract infections and reduced antibiotic use. In addition, this population could serve as a model for other populations with or without neurological impairment suffering from recurrent UTIs

Antibiotic Prophylaxis for Neurogenic Bladder Botox

Injection of Botox into the bladder is a procedure used to treat neurogenic overactive bladder at the Dianne and Irving Kipnes Urology Centre in the Kaye Edmonton Clinic. A common complication following bladder Botox is bladder infection. There are no well-studied preventative antibiotics given at the time of bladder Botox for the reduction of post-operative bladder infection. We are proposing a research study that will randomize participants into two groups - one receiving antibiotics and the other receiving placebo pills following bladder Botox. The main goal of our study is to determine if preventative antibiotics at the time of bladder Botox injection reduces post-operative bladder infection. It will provide a valuable learning opportunity for a trainee starting their academic career through working closely with established researchers across two disciplines. We hope the results of our study can ultimately be used to improve outcomes and safety for a common Urologic procedure. In addition, findings from our study could help reduce unnecessary use of antibiotics resulting in cost savings in the health care system and reduction in the risk of antibiotic resistance.

Patient and Caregiver Perspectives on Intravesical Instillations for Urinary Symptoms

The goal of this observational qualitative study is to learn about the experiences and perspectives of patients with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) and their caregivers regarding different types of intravesical instillations used for urinary health. The study aims to understand the perceived benefits, challenges, and opportunities related to Lactobacillus-only, gentamicin-only, and combined gentamicin-Lactobacillus instillations. The main question this study seeks to answer is: 1\. Determine patient and caregivers' preferences, and overall experiences regarding intravesical therapeutics for urinary symptoms and UTI Researchers will compare responses from four groups: participants who have used Lactobacillus-only instillations, gentamicin-only instillations, combined gentamicin-Lactobacillus instillations, and caregivers who have experience supporting instillations. Participants will take part in a one-hour semi-structured interview and may be contacted for brief follow-up discussions to clarify findings. Interviews will be audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using qualitative data software to identify themes related to treatment preferences and acceptability.

A Randomized, Placebo-controlled Trial of Nitrous Oxide During In-office Bladder Botox Injections

The goal of this clinical trial is to assess if a mix of nitrous oxide and oxygen can improve pain control during bladder Botox injections. The primary question it aims to answer is: Does using nitrous oxide lower the overall level of pain during the procedure? Researchers will compare a 50:50 nitrous oxide/oxygen mixture (administered with the Pro-Nox system) plus standard care (with lidocaine in the bladder) to sham mask plus standard care to see if nitrous oxide works better for lowering pain. Participants will: * Receive their bladder Botox injection in the office setting * Either use nitrous oxide/oxygen plus standard care during the procedure, or sham mask plus standard care * Answer brief questions about pain, anxiety, satisfaction, and willingness to repeat the procedure

Qualitative Assessment of the Impact of TTNS on QOL and Participation

This study through the use of semi-structured interviews or focus groups will explore the lived experience with Transcutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (TTNS) with Neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction to generate user-defined themes regarding bladder function and catheter-related barriers and the daily impacts on one's life.

Vascularized Composite Bladder Allograft Transplantation

This phase 0 trial tests the feasibility, functionality, and sustainability of vascularized composite bladder allograft transplantation in treating patients with terminal bladder pathology. A vascularized bladder allograft transplantation may provide a more durable and better-tolerated alternative to standard urinary diversion, which employs bowel. A robotic surgical approach will be employed.

Intravesical Lactobacillus Crispatus: Clinical Safety and Microbiome Evaluation

The goal of this clinical trial is to determine whether Lactobacillus crispatus strains isolated from the lower urinary tracts of adult women can be used as an antibiotic-sparing treatment for urinary symptoms and urinary tract infection (UTI) among adults with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD). The main question\[s\] it aims to answer are: 1. To identify soluble bactericidal compounds produced by urinary isolates of L. crispatus that kill uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC). 2. To determine if intravesical instillation of L. crispatus is safe and well tolerated in adults with NLUTD due to SCI who use intermittent catheterization (IC). If there is a comparison group: Researchers will compare L. Crispatus to standard care saline to see if there is a difference in urinary symptoms and urinary microbiome. Participants will be asked to complete daily symptom surveys, complete 2 bladder instillations, and collect, freeze, and return 14 urine samples.

Efficacy Of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy On Neurogenic Bladder in Children With Myelomeningocele

This study was conducted to assess the efficacy of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy on neurogenic bladder in children with myelomeningocele .Intervention: A pretest-post test controlled study was conducted in out-patient clinic in faculty of physical therapy Cairo university.

The Role of Preoperative Immunonutrition on Morbidity and Immune Response After Cystectomy (INCyst Trial)

The goal of this clinical trial research study is to evaluate the impact of preoperative oral immunonutrition (IN) on post-operative complications in patients undergoing a cystectomy. As a secondary focus, this study will aim to develop a signature that would identify patients that would benefit the most from IN. This is a multicentric (Swiss: N=3), prospective, controlled, pragmatic, parallel-group comparative study with block randomization stratified by centers.

Intravesical Lactobacillus for Urinary Symptoms Among People With NLUTD Who Use Indwelling Catheters

The objectives of the proposed research among this population are: 1) to define clinically meaningful change (i.e. differentiating states of health and illness) with respect to urinary symptoms, urine inflammation, cultivable bacteria, and the urine ecosystem; and 2) to determine the optimal intravesical Lactobacillus RhamnosusGG (LGG®) dose to be used to reduce urinary symptoms in a future clinical trial.

Intravesical LGG VS Saline Bladder Wash RCT

This is the first ever comparative effectiveness study of an antibiotic-sparing novel self-management intervention to prevent complicated urinary tract infection (UTI).

Electrical Stimulation for Continence After Spinal Cord Injury

This study aims to improve continence and voiding of patients with spinal cord injury using electrical stimulation. The Finetech Vocare Bladder System is an implantable sacral nerve stimulator for improving bladder and bowel function in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). It has been commercially available in Britain and other countries since 1982, and has been used in thousands of patients with SCI to improve bladder, bowel and sexual function. It received FDA approval in 1998 under Humanitarian Device Exemption H980005 and H980008 for providing urination on demand and to aid in bowel evacuation. Electrical stimulation to produce bladder contraction and improve bladder voiding after spinal cord injury has usually been combined with cutting of sensory nerves to reduce reflex contraction of the bladder, which improves continence. However, cutting these nerves has undesirable side effects. This study will not cut any sensory nerve. This study is testing the use of the stimulator for inhibiting bladder contraction by stimulating sensory nerves to improve continence after spinal cord injury, and for blocking sphincter contraction to improve voiding.

Concomitant Renal and Urinary Bladder Allograft Transplantation

The purpose of this study is to establish if concomitant renal and vascularized urinary bladder allograft transplantation is feasible.

Effect of Chlorhexidine Gluconate Bladder Instillations in Patients With Chronic Suprapubic Catheters on Unplanned Healthcare Encounters and Quality of Life

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the feasibility and tolerability of 0.05% Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CGH) bladder instillations in an outpatient setting at the time of suprapubic catheter (SPC) exchange in patients with history of recurrent urinary tract infections (UTI). The main questions are: 1. is instillation of 150mL of CGH for five-minute duration at the time of SPC exchange feasible in an outpatient setting and tolerable for patients. 2. does this protocol decrease the rate of unplanned health care visits and improve patient quality of life. Patients will undergo the treatment protocol during their routine suprapubic catheter exchanges.

Continence Care Registry

This observational research study aims to build a multinational electronic patient-reported outcomes (ePRO) registry of adult end users in outpatient and community settings using intermittent catheter(s) to void via the urethra to manage urinary retention and incomplete bladder emptying. Research participants will be asked to self-report on various attributes of their currently prescribed intermittent catheters and other various aspects of using an intermittent catheter.

Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction Database

Patients with neurological disease/injury often suffer from lower urinary tract symptoms, which frequently have a negative impact on the patients' health related quality of life. The prevalence of lower urinary tract dysfunction is high and the treatment is a challenge because available treatments may fail. In this study data of patients with lower urinary tract dysfunction treated at the University of Zürich, are prospectively and systematically collected in a database.

Improving Pelvic Rehabilitation Using Epidural Stimulation After Spinal Cord Injury

The investigators will recruit up to 20 volunteers with chronic, supra-sacral SCI. Following screening, eligible participants will enter 'Phase I', they will complete baseline outcome measures and then have the epidural spinal cord stimulator (eSCS) implanted with either percutaneous or paddle electrodes. Preoperative and intraoperative testing will determine exact location of electrodes. Mapping and optimisation of stimulation parameters will be performed simultaneously with urodynamic investigations of bladder function, and anorectal physiology investigations of bowel function. The acute effects of eSCS to suppress bladder overactivity, facilitate voiding, prevent unwanted reflex sphincter activity, and pelvic floor function will guide development of eSCS programmes for use at home. In 'Phase II', participants will use eSCS at home for 12-weeks. Participants will also be taught how to perform bladder and pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) in combination with eSCS. Outcome measures assessing bladder, bowel, sexual function, quality of life, motor function and spasticity will be captured prior to and following the 12-week intervention, and at 3 and 6 month follow up.

Optimal Intravesical Lidocaine Volume for Pain Relief During Office Intra-detrusor Onabotulinum Toxin a Injections

The purpose of our study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of different volumes of bladder-numbing medication for pain relief at the time of office bladder Botox injections. This is a randomized prospective, double-blind superiority trial comparing 200 ml 2% lidocaine versus 30 ml 2% lidocaine for office Botox injections.

Motor & Autonomic Concomitant Health Improvements With Neuromodulation & Exercise Training: An SCI RCT

Spinal cord injury (SCI) disrupts many aspects of life, including the loss of volitional movement and involuntary control of bodily functions; both crucial functional recovery priorities for this population. Mobility impairments and secondary complications limit an individual's ability to exercise, a behavior known to have wide-ranging functional and health benefits. This trial will investigate whether activity-based therapy (ABT), using body-weight-supported treadmill training (BWSTT), can change the strength of signals from the brain that control volitional movement, leading to improvements in seated balance as well as other important involuntary bodily (i.e. cardiovascular, urinary tract, bowel and sexual) functions. The investigators aim to determine whether these improvements can be augmented with the addition of non-invasive transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (TSCS). This therapy has been shown to re-awaken dormant spinal circuits. In this randomized controlled trial, TSCS with ABT, using BWSTT (three sessions/week for twelve weeks), will be compared to ABT+SHAM in individuals with chronic motor-complete spinal cord injury (SCI). Those in the ABT+SHAM group will be given the option to complete an ABT+TSCS open-label follow-up. Before and after training, the following outcomes will be assessed by validated methods: corticospinal excitability, motor function, and seated balance (Hypothesis 1 - Motor Function); severity and frequency of blood pressure instability, urinary tract, bowel, and sexual dysfunctions (Hypothesis 2 - Autonomic Functions); and general health (Hypothesis 3 - Quality of Life). This collaborative project is between consumers with SCI and clinicians/scientists with expertise in SCI care (kinesiologists, physiotherapists, physiatrists, sexual health clinicians). Compared to ABT alone, the investigators anticipate that ABT+TSCS will result in superior improvements in motor and autonomic functions in individuals with SCI.

Below the Belt: Non-invasive Neuromodulation to Treat Bladder, Bowel, and Sexual Dysfunction Following Spinal Cord Injury

Recent findings have demonstrated that electrical stimulation to the spinal cord (i.e. implanted electrodes) can significantly recover bladder, bowel, and sexual function after injury. While promising, a major drawback is that individuals must undergo a highly invasive and expensive surgical procedure to implant the stimulator on top of the spinal cord. Moreover, the inability to re-position the implanted stimulator considerably limits the flexibility of this procedure. In this project, the investigators propose a comprehensive clinical study examining the effects of TCSCS in promoting recovery of these crucial functions in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). This non-invasive therapeutic modality uses electrodes applied over the skin to deliver electrical stimulation. It is based on the same principles of ground-breaking work from the investigator's group and others, showing that stimulation of the spinal cord can promote motor and autonomic (cardiovascular, bladder, bowel) recovery in individuals with chronic SCI.

Dorsal Genital Nerve Stimulation for Bladder Management After SCI

Following spinal cord injury signals between the brain and the bladder are disrupted. As a result the bladder often becomes overactive which can lead to the need for frequent trips to the toilet, regular incontinence episodes and a decreased quality-of-life. Neuromodulation is a therapy that aims to target the nerves that become overactive controlling the bladder, stopping the bladder overactivity on demand using an external (non-invasive) nerve stimulation box and sticker electrodes placed on the penis or clitoris. This study is a pilot study that aims to investigate neuromodulation for improving symptoms of bladder overactivity when used by 10 people over eight weeks at home. We will assess whether using the device improves bladder capacity, incontinence, frequency of needing the toilet and whether there are any longer lasting changes after 8 weeks. Finally, the study will aim to find out the acceptability of using this type of therapy for participants and the acceptability of the device we are using. Participants in this trial will participate over 13 weeks and need to visit our centre in Stanmore to have urodynamics tests in the 1st, 9th and 13th week. At home they will use a small stimulation device on a daily basis for 8 weeks to control overactivity in the bladder. Whilst at home they will record relevant outcomes in several three-day diaries and questionnaires. They will record baseline data before starting stimulation and for 4 weeks after.

Pediatric Locomotor Training Bladder Study

Bladder dysfunction is one of the most important factors influencing duration and quality of life in children with spinal cord injury. Effective bladder control comprises a major aspect of a child's life with SCI and is especially challenging due to the rapid changes in a child's physical and cognitive development. Urological consequences secondary to a neurogenic bladder are responsible for many clinical complications post-spinal cord injury, including repeated urinary tract infections, autonomic dysreflexia, lifelong urologic care, and many hospitalizations. Alternative approaches to bladder management that focus on recovery of function and age-appropriate independence are needed. Prior research findings in our lab in adult participants indicate a benefit of locomotor training on bladder function. The purpose of this study is to determine with quantitative unbiased urodynamic outcome measures if locomotor training, provided to children with spinal cord injury, impacts the developing urinary system.