Central neural control of lower urinary tract function - V1.00
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A magnetic resonance imaging study evaluating the central neural correlates of lower urinary tract function and dysfunction in neurogenic and idiopathic bladder conditions
IRAS ID
138575
Contact name
Jalesh N. Panicker
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University College London
Research summary
Normal bladder functioning is essential for daily life in terms of health, comfort and self-esteem. This is controlled at various levels of the nervous system such as the brain and spinal cord. Damage to the nervous system, as what happens in neurological disease, can lead to severe problems of the lower urinary tract (LUT). Individuals may suffer from storage (overactive bladder) symptoms such as urinary urgency, incontinence, and frequent visits to pass urine, which can be a source of considerable distress, affecting quality of life. Some individuals rather experience problems in emptying their bladder, having to strain to pass urine, a poor urine stream or inadequately emptying the bladder. While a wide range of neurological diseases are associated with neurogenic LUT disorder, a large group of patients without an underlying neurological disorder suffer from the same symptoms, i.e. idiopathic LUT disorder. However, the relevant neural structures, networks and exact pathomechanism remain to be elucidated. The purpose of this project is to investigate the role of the brain and spinal cord in controlling bladder functions, thereby uncovering the neural basis for bladder problems, and better understand why individuals may present with different types of symptoms. Using advanced, but clinically feasible functional and structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques, two distinct protocols - one for studying the brain and the other for the spinal cord – will be established. These techniques will be used to further investigate the entire neural networks controlling LUT function and to find useful diagnostic and therapeutic biological indicators (biomarkers) for distinct LUT problems. In the longer term, this research will also help to better understand how successful treatments work and predict how a given individual may respond to a specific treatment. Ultimately, this will result in better awareness of bladder problems and more effective management.
REC name
London - Bromley Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/LO/1636
Date of REC Opinion
20 Oct 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion