Reduced-dose onabotuLinumtoxinA for Urgency Incontinence Among Elder Females (RELIEF): A Randomized Controlled Comparative Effectiveness Trial With Embedded Qualitative and Costing Analyses
The purpose of this study is to study the treatment of urgency urinary incontinence (UUI), specifically among women 70 years and older, by comparing reduced versus standard dose of onabotulinumtoxinA (BTX; trade name BOTOX(c)) injection in the bladder.
• Adult female at least 70 years old at date of enrollment
• Urgency urinary incontinence (urge incontinence \> stress incontinence per screening criteria)
• On average 2 or more urgency or insensible incontinence episodes per day per patient report
• Refractory urinary urgency incontinence, defined as
‣ Persistent symptoms despite trial of one or more conservative treatments (e.g. behavioral therapy, physical therapy, home Kegel exercises); participants not required to have attempted first line therapies if deemed not feasible or appropriate by provider with input of participant/caregiver.
⁃ Persistent symptoms despite the use of anticholinergic and/or beta-3 agonist medication; or inability to tolerate medication due to side effects, or has a contraindication to taking medication, or is unable to afford the cost of the medication.
• Currently not on an anticholinergic or beta-3 agonist medication or is willing to stop medication for 3 weeks prior to completing baseline bladder tally, with plan to remain off medication through duration of the study. Currently not actively using sacral neuromodulation therapy (either has not tried, or unit has been off for 4 weeks prior to baseline bladder tally and will remain turned off for the duration of the study). It is permissible for participants to continue self-led conservative therapies during participation in the study, including Kegel exercises, avoidance of bladder irritants, and urge suppression.
• Willing and able to complete all study-related items, with assistance of caregiver(s) if needed.
• Demonstrates awareness of possible need for catheterization in event of post-injection urinary retention \& acknowledges risks of catheterization. Participant does not need to demonstrate ability to perform self-catheterization.
• Grossly neurologically normal on exam and no gross systemic neurologic conditions believed to affect urinary function. Patients with a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease or diabetes may be eligible provided they have a grossly normal neurologic exam and otherwise fulfill the inclusion/exclusion criteria.