MP11-04: Pelvic organ prolapse is not uncommon among women with spina bifida

Joshua Roth*, Rosalia Misseri, Devon Hensel, Indianapolis, IN, Susan Ernst, Ann Arbor, MI, Melissa Kaufman, Nashville, TN, Raimund Stein, Mannheim, Germany, John Weiner, Durham, NC, Konrad Szymanski, Indianapolis, IN

Introduction: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common problem for women as they age. Our aim was to determine the prevalence and nature of POP among women with SB.

Methods: An international online survey of adults with SB was administered over 12-months. Collected data included demographic and clinical variables. Data on presence of a vaginal bulge, symptoms associated with the bulge (trouble catheterizing, urinary incontinence, urinary tract infections (UTIs), trouble with bowels, abdominal/pelvic pain, trouble with periods, trouble with sexual intercourse, vaginal bleeding/discharge, vaginal pressure/pain), and treatment (pessary, medical, surgical) were collected

Results: Median age of 239 women participating was 34 years old (49.0% community ambulators, 48.5% shunted). Twenty-eight (11.7%) reported that they noticed or have been told they have a bulge in their vagina with 25 (89.3%) reporting at least one symptom associated with the bulge. Those with a bulge were older than those without (42 vs. 34, p=0.004). Symptoms included trouble catheterizing (14/17, 82.4%), urinary incontinence (17/28, 60.7%), vaginal pressure/pain (17/28, 60.7%), trouble with bowels (14/28 50%), abdominal/pelvic pain (11/28 39.3%), UTIs (10/28, 35.7%), trouble with periods (10/28, 35.7%), trouble with sexual intercourse (10/28 35.7%), and vaginal bleeding/discharge (9/28, 32.1%). Nine (32.1%) sought treatment, with 6 (66.7%) having surgery, 3 (33.3%) having a pessary, and 1 (11.1%) being managed with medicine. One patient reported having a pessary after surgery.

Conclusions: Women with SB are more likely to have POP as they age. This is symptomatic in the vast majority of women with SB.

Source of Funding: None