Monitoring bladder filling in patients with neurogenic urination disorders: the role of wearable hardware and software systems. Literature review

Introduction. The use of wearable hardware and software systems to control bladder filling is considered one of the most important technologies for remote monitoring in patients with neurogenic urinary disorders. Materials and methods. A search, analysis and systematization of literature was carried out in the PubMed, e-library and Google Scholar databases using the keywords «neurogenic urination disorders», «neurogenic bladder», «ultrasound diagnostics», «ultrasound examination», «monitoring», «monitoring» - total 211 sources, from which 46 were selected for writing the article. Theses and their abstracts, as well as conference abstracts were excluded from the analysis. Results. Ultrasound monitoring and bioimpedansometry, or a combination of both, allows for a non-invasive assessment of bladder volume, and the use of modern technologies, such as wireless communications and smartphone applications, allows the patient to maximize the individualization of the bladder emptying rhythm. Complicating moments in the use of these technologies are the conservatism of doctors, patient compliance, the lack of methodological developments and recommendations for the use of these monitoring technologies. Discussion. The monitoring of bladder filling allows to avoid unnecessary catheterizations reducing the risk of urinary tract infections. Also it allows forming a wake-up reflex in a child with enuresis when he or she feels an urge to urinate. These technologies are currently considered experimental. Additional research is required before introducing them into clinical practice. Conclusions. The use of wearable hardware and software systems for monitoring bladder filling and special applications in smartphones in patients with neurogenic urinary disorders is an important step in finding solutions for each individual patient. Clinical monitoring studies are needed in routine urological practice.