Suprapubic catheter insertion in people with multiple sclerosis: long-term complications and survival in a retrospective cohort study

Objective: To evaluate complications and survival following radiologically guided suprapubic catheter insertion in people with multiple sclerosis.

Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Subjects/Patients: All patients with multiple sclerosis who underwent radiologically guided suprapubic catheter insertion at a tertiary regional multiple sclerosis centre in the United Kingdom between 2014 and 2020.

Methods: Clinical and demographic data were obtained from medical records. Immediate complications occurring within 30 days and delayed complications occurring after 30 days were recorded. Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analyses were performed to assess survival predictors.

Results: Fifty-five patients underwent suprapubic catheter insertion. At the time of insertion, mean age was 62 years (standard deviation 11) and median duration of multiple sclerosis was 17.5 years (1st quartile = 12.0; 3rd quartile = 25.8). Immediate and delayed complication rates were 16% (9) and 27% (15), respectively. Five-year survival was 73%. Older age, higher disability scores, longer disease duration, and discharge to residential care were associated with poorer survival. Complications, sex, and mobility status were not associated with mortality.

Conclusion: Radiologically guided suprapubic catheter insertion was associated with moderate complication rates and long-term survival in people with multiple sclerosis. These findings may allow better understanding of the potential complications of suprapubic catheterization in advanced multiple sclerosis.