Prevalence of nocturia after brain injury: a cross-sectional study in a single rehabilitation center

Aim: to analyze the prevalence of nocturia and its possible neuro-urological correlations in patients with a history of acquired brain injury (ABI).Methods: a single-centre population-based prospective study involving outpatients who were previously admitted to our Rehabilitation Hospital for acute ABI ≥ 18 months and ≤2 years prior. Impact of nocturia on QoL was evaluated by the standardized International Consultation on Incotinence Nocturia Quality of Life (ICIQ N-QoL). All participants were given a three-day frequency chart. Probability value <0.05 was statistically significant.Results: 48/138 subjects (35%) showed nocturia at 2-year follow-up visit. No, significant differences in age, gender, duration of coma, state of consciousness, disability, cognitive impairment and stroke severity were found in patients with or without nocturia. Subarachnoid haemorrhage (ESA) was the main reason for ABI in subjects showing nocturia (p = .037). The overall ICIQ N-QOL score ranged from 12 to 50 (mean 30.12 ± 8.87). Of them, 75% showed a total score >26. Increased diurnal frequency and small bladder capacity was statistically significantly associated with nocturia (p < .05).Conclusions: the rate of nocturia 2 years following ABI was lower compared to other neurological populations, although it was significantly associated with other storage urinary symptoms.