The aim of this study was to evaluate the relaxant effect of two preparatio
ns (BOTOX(R) versus Dysport(R)) of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) on the ex
ternal urethral sphincter in patients with neurogenic voiding disorders. Te
n male spinal cord injury patients with detrusor-external urethral sphincte
r dyssynergia (DSD) were clinically assessed before, and 4-6 weeks after, t
ransurethral or transperineal BTX-A injections (BOTOX(R) 100 U or Dysport(R
) 250 U) into the external urethral sphincter. Patients with persistent dif
ficulties in voiding or high post-void residual volumes were re-injected wi
th the same product up to three times. All patients were urodynamically exa
mined within 120 days of injection. In total, 30 BTX-A injection cycles (on
e to three injections) were administered, Significant (P < 0.05) reductions
in the DSD duration post-injection, the time interval between the start of
bladder contractions and voiding, and DSD severity post-treatment were obs
erved. All patients who presented with a residual volume pre-treatment show
ed a marked decrease post-treatment. These effects lasted greater than or e
qual to 6 months. Improvements in urodynamic parameters were significantly
better following BOTOX(R) than Dysport(R) treatment (P < 0.05), although th
e Dysport(R) dose used is now considered less potent than that of BOTOX(R).
Thus, injections of BTS-A into the external urethral sphincter are a valua
ble treatment option for DSD in spinal cord injury patients. Treatment succ
ess appears to depend on the severity of DSD before treatment. Eur J Neurol
6 (suppl 4):S83-S89 (C) Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.