Urinary Disorders and Sexual Dysfunction in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Fatemeh Abdi, Zahra Atarodi Kashani, Reza Pakzad, Farzane Alidost
Abstract
Background This study evaluated the prevalence and symptoms of sexual and urinary disorders in patients with multiple sclerosis. Methods: MEDLINE, ISI Web of Science, PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, ProQuest, and Science Direct were searched to find the articles published during 2000–2018.The quality of the selected studies was determined based on STROBE checklist. Moreover, I2 and Cochrane Q-test were used to determine heterogeneity. Also, fixed effects and/or random effects models were applied to estimate pooled prevalence. The effects of variables were then assessed through subgroup analysis and meta-regression. Results: The pooled prevalence of sexual and urinary disorders was 52.2% (95% CI [44.2–60.1]) and 49.5% (95% CI [25.3–73.8]), respectively. Notably, the pooled prevalence of sexual disorders was found to be 47.1% (95% CI [36.0–58.3]) in women and 48.4% (95% CI [37.8–59.0]) in men. Conclusion: Supportive measures, counseling, and education, should be incorporated into the routine healthcare programs for patients with MS.