Abnormal resting-state inter-network coupling in patients with non-neurogenic overactive bladder

Hypothesis / aims of study Recent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies using urinary bladder filling tasks demonstrated alterations in the supraspinal bladder control network in women with impaired bladder function and urinary incontinence, particularly regarding network connectivity and white matter changes [1]. However, it is still unclear if patients with overactive bladder (OAB) show altered supraspinal responses during empty bladder conditions. Especially, it is not known if resting-state (RS) activity is altered by catheterization usually require for bladder filling tasks. Thus, we applied a functionally-motivated network approach, using RS functional network connectivity (RS-FNC) analysis [2], to examine RS related network interactions in age-matched controls and patients with OAB during the conditions "empty bladder without catheter" and "empty bladder with catheter". Based on previous publications we hypothesize lower FNC in OAB patients.