Study shows stress incontinence patch improves quality of life

By LOIS BAKER
News Services Editor

Patricia A. Burns, professor in the UB School of Nursing, recently reported results of a 12-center study at a symposium, "Alternative Approaches to the Treatment of Female Incontinence," held in Paris by its manufacturer, Uromed Corp.

Burns, principal investigator of the UB trial center and a recognized expert in the field of female incontinence, said the patch should appeal to women with stress incontinence.

"It's aesthetically appealing, it's not bulky and it's very convenient," she said. "Women like it for those reasons. And for most women, it provided significant protection."

Stress incontinence is the involuntary escape of a small amount of urine during a cough, laugh, athletic activity or related circumstances. It is very common in women, prompted by childbirth and/or aging. The one-inch funnel-shaped adhesive foam patch acts as a barrier to urine loss.

The 21-week trial involved 346 women. It consisted of a 1-week qualifying period, a 4-week control period when participants used their usual protection for the condition, 12 weeks of device use and 4 weeks of follow-up.

Results showed that 79 percent of participants reported at least a 50 percent improvement in their quality of life, characterized by an enhanced sense of well-being and a greater ability to go about their daily activities without interruption.

Forty-six percent reported no leakage when using the patch, while 82 percent said the product worked better than their usual method. Eighty-five percent of the women said the patch was comfortable and 97 percent were able to apply it properly, results showed.

The women were monitored once a month for adverse reactions to the patch. Burns said no significant complications developed. There was no increase in vaginal or urinary-tract infections, and only eight of the users reported skin irritation.

Burns said the product, currently available in the U.S. only by prescription, works only for women with mild to moderate stress incontinence.