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.