FOWLER'S SYNDROME OF URINARY RETENTION: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF CO-MORBIDITY. Issue 11 (14th October 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hoeritzauer, Ingrid; Stone, Jon; Fowler, Clare; Elneil, Sohier; Carson, Alan; Panicker, Jalesh
• Is Part Of: Journal of neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry. Volume 86:Issue 11(2015)
• Page Start: e4
• Page End: e4
• Publication Date: 2015-10-14
• Subjects: Neurology -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2015-312379.165
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-3050

Abstract

Abstract : Aims: To study the frequency of pain, psychological or functional disorders in patients with Fowler's syndrome. Methods: We carried out a retrospective chart review of patients with a diagnosis of Fowler's syndrome attending the Uro-Neurology centre at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery between 2009–2013 looking at triggering events, physical and psychological comorbidities. Results: Of 62 patients with clinical and electromyographic diagnosis of Fowler's syndrome, 31 (50%) had unexplained chronic pain syndromes, 12 (19%) of these were taking opiates. 15 (24%) had 'functional' neurological symptoms. Abdominopelvic surgery with general anaesthesia was the leading trigger (n=21, 35%). Conclusions: We found high levels of co-morbidity with patients having some form of pain (50%), a probable functional disorder (24%) or psychological symptoms (31%). There are several potential explanations for this association including the effect of developing an apparently unexplained distressing condition, confounding effect of opiate use or referral bias. The findings suggest a need for prospective systematic study of comorbidity for this disabling condition.