Overactive bladder (OAB) is a symptom complex which is present in approximately 17 % of the European population.
It is observed in the presence or absence of incontinence (wet or dry) and is associated with a high degree of psychological stress as well as high costs for the healthcare system. Myogenic, urothelial and neurogenic factors lead to frequently unknown changes of muscular, neural and connective tissue. For the definition, etiology and diagnostics of the disease the previous continuing medical education (CME) article "Diagnosis of overactive bladder (OAB)" should be consulted. In recent years some improvements have been made in OAB-related research, in terms of pathophysiological models and new pharmacological approaches with the development of new therapeutic agents. Besides classical substances, recently approved agents are increasingly being used for the therapy of OAB. Furthermore, non-pharmaceutical approaches and surgical techniques still play an important role in the therapy of OAB.
Written by:
Kurosch M, Mager R, Gust K, Brandt M, Borgmann H, Haferkamp A. Are you the author?
Klinik für Urologie und Kinderurologie, Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Deutschland.
Reference: Urologe A. 2015 Mar 12. Epub ahead of print.
doi: 10.1007/s00120-015-3770-y
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 25758236
Article in German.