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BOTULINUM TOXIN, TREATMENT OPTION FOR NEUROGENIC DETRUSOR OVERACTIVITY

CRISTIAN PERSU 1, DAVID MANUEL CASTRO-DIAZ 2, VIOREL JINGA 1, NARCIS CHIRCA 1*,
IRINA CIOFU 1

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Botulinum toxin is a potent neurotoxin that inhibits acetylcholine neurotransmitter release into the synaptic cleft of the neuromuscular junction. This leads to flaccid paralysis of the affected muscles. Neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) patients benefit from this treatment because it reduces or abolishes urinary incontinence episodes and improves bladder capacity. Neurogenic detrusor overactivity is the underlying condition of the overactive bladder in neurologic patients. Its management includes medical treatment but when it fails to improve urodynamic parameters and the patient’s quality of life, minimally invasive treatment with botulinum toxin injected in the detrusor is a safe and effective option. This paper aims to review important information regarding pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, the safety profile, and the mechanism of action of botulinum toxin, its medical uses, and its results when used for NDO.