Factors involved in the persistence of stress urinary incontinence from pregnancy to 2 years post partum.

Abstract

Objective: our aim was to identify factors involved in the persistence of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) from pregnancy to two years postpartum. Severity of incontinence and impact of SUI on quality of life were evaluated. Method: a longitudinal cohort study was undertaken on 458 primigravid women. SUI was diagnosed using the 2002 ICS definitions. Severity was assessed with the Incontinence Severity Index (ISI) and impact on quality of life using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ-UI SF). The statistical analysis included comparison of means (Student´s t-test and analysis of variance) and percentages (Chi square and Fisher´s exact tests). Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed using variables that were significant or close to significance in the univariate analysis (p <0.2). Results: two years postpartum 26 (9.5%) women reported persistent SUI since pregnancy. Incontinence severity was slight or moderate in most cases and the impact on quality of life was low. Higher BMI in pregnant women at term was the only factor associated with persistent SUI from pregnancy to two years postpartum (OR: 1.19; 95%CI: 1.08-1.32). Conclusion: Higher BMI in pregnant women at term is an independent risk factor for the persistence of SUI from pregnancy to two years postpartum.