A new tool to screen for overactive bladders

We are not all equal before the filling capacity of our bladder. Researchers at the University of Portsmouth (UK) have not only identified chemicals specific to overactive bladder, but have also developed an object similar to a pregnancy test to check for the presence of these markers. chemical. This new tool could save millions of people currently experiencing incontinence problems. The results of their research have been published in the journal Scientific Reports.

According to the researchers, 20% of the world’s population is unable to hold back their urination and at least one in three suffer from it before the age of 50; this urinary tract disorder is called an overactive bladder. People who suffer from it need to go to the bathroom frequently (eight times a day), also get up at night to get relief, have accidental leakage, have to use sanitary pads or disposable underwear. In some cases, people even isolate themselves and stay at home to avoid being embarrassed.

80% success thanks to this test

For the purposes of their study, the scientists called on 113 participants. Of these, ten were diagnosed with hematuria (blood in the urine) and four had the main symptoms of overactive bladder. By doing an analysis of some of their biomarkers, the researchers found that their predictions of overactive bladders worked 80% on the participants.

According to John Young, a doctoral student at the Portsmouth School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences who led the research, “the first step was to identify chemicals in the urine that are specific to the overactive bladder. The next step is to develop a gadget for general practitioners, pharmacies and retirement or care homes that is precise, simple to use and does not need to be sent to a laboratory to be treaty. If successful, it would save millions of patients painful procedures and long waits for a diagnosis. It is the first step to transforming the lives of millions of people who suffer in silence, too embarrassed to go out or even to talk about their condition. It is not too strong to say that this could be a game-changer.“

However, scientists at the University of Portsmouth believe it will take between 12 and 24 months to develop a tool that can be used in clinical trials to determine chemical markers. Once this tool is approved by clinical trials, it will contribute to the early diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

Give a precise result quickly

Currently, diagnosing an overactive bladder is a long and costly process. Before establishing that it is an overactive bladder, clinicians should perform a wide range of tests to rule out the possibility of other illnesses, including certain cancers, type 2 diabetes, cystitis, and infection. urinary tract, which have similar symptoms. As the treatment of each of these conditions varies, it is important to carry out all the tests, even if some would be invasive, painful and expensive. Since the diagnosis is a complex procedure, it sometimes leads to delays during which the patients’ condition worsens.

According to John Young, “it would be as simple as a pregnancy test and would promote effective and early treatment. If left untreated, the bladder can change. Nerves, blood vessels and additional cells develop, leaving it smaller than before. It is not possible that so many millions of people feel compelled to isolate themselves at home, avoiding any social interaction, with a condition which, if detected early, can be treated. “

The new gadget developed by John Young and his team of researchers would cost around £ 10 (around £ 12) and would only take a few minutes to give an accurate result. With this new device, once the diagnosis has been made, it would be possible for a healthcare professional to start treatment immediately.

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