Possible association of urinary incontinence with post-COVID-19: a report of three cases

Abstract

Introduction: The disorder denominated urinary incontinence (UI) has been diagnosed amongst 25–45% of women worldwide. Muscle weakness is one of the more notable symptoms, which is exhibited in the acute form of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that compromises the respiratory musculature. Accordingly, this report aims to delineate three cases in women with UI possibly associated with post-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection.

Case reports: Three elderly Brazilian women expressed UI symptomology post-COVID-19 recovery. In the investigation reports, there was no documented acute impairment or hospitalization post-COVID-19. Nevertheless, some form of UI derived from muscle weakness was detected and treated by physiotherapy in these patients. The patient 1 (P1) was classified as mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) based on the presented symptomology during the filling phase and urinary leakage on exertion. Intravaginal probing suggested neural integrity. The P2 and P3 were classified as stress urinary incontinence (SUI), related to increased abdominal pressure. In all the three cases, there were benefits from physical therapy treatment.

Conclusions: This case report is relevant in improving our understanding and lead to future research about the possibility of clinical variations as UI after infection by SARS COV 2 contributing to greater awareness in the diagnostic workup and allowing for earlier treatment and management. It is concluded that the surveillance of the distinct symptomologies associated with the SARS-CoV-2 infection is fundamental, because there is no adequate corroboratory evidence in the scientific literature, for the cases of pelvic floor muscles weakness that causes UI.