Prevalence of stress urinary incontinence in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Introduction: Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may be prone to stress urinary incontinence (SUI) due to the repetitive stresses induced by coughing on the pelvic floor. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of incontinence in these patients. Method: Cross-sectional study carried out on 60 COPD subjects aged over 18 recruited in five hospitals in Brussels. Two questionnaires were completed to assess respiratory and pelvic parameters. Results: To compare the characteristics of patients with or without SUI, the sample was divided into two groups: a COPD group with symptoms of SUI (n = 17) and a COPD group without symptoms of SUI (n = 43). Subjects in the groups had equivalent characteristics. The prevalence of urinary incontinence was 28.3% with 58.82% of women and 41.18% of men. Conclusion: It is important for healthcare professionals to include a questioning of UI in the assessment of COPD patients with the aim of overall management. Level of evidence: 3.