What question did this study set out to answer?

To evaluate the frequency of overactive bladder syndrome in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and its relationship with clinical parameters and central sensitization.

April 4, 2026Open Access

Evaluation of the prevalence of overactive bladder syndrome in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

DCDerya CirakogluOrdu University AYAhmet YuceOrdu University

Key Points

To evaluate the frequency of overactive bladder syndrome in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and its relationship with clinical parameters and central sensitization.
Cross-sectional study design
Assessment of OAB using the Overactive Bladder Questionnaire–Version 8
Evaluation of pain intensity with Visual Analog Scale
Analysis of disease activity and functional status using established scoring systems
Multivariable logistic regression to assess associations between RA and OAB
54.7% of RA patients had OAB compared to 17.9% in the control group
RA was independently associated with OAB (adjusted OR: 5.37)
Significant associations found between OAB symptoms and pain intensity, functional status, and quality of life
Central sensitization was also independently associated with OAB in RA patients

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and its relationship with clinical parameters and central sensitization (CS). This cross-sectional study included 95 patients diagnosed with RA according to the 2010 ACR/EULAR criteria and 95 healthy controls. OAB symptoms were assessed using the Overactive Bladder Questionnaire–Version 8 (OAB-V8). Pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), disease activity using the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS-28), functional status using the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ-DI), quality of life using the Quality of Life–Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA-QoL), and CS Central Sensitivity Inventory Section A (CSI-A). OAB was detected in 54.7% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, while this rate was 17.9% in the control group (p < 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that RA was independently associated with OAB after adjustment for age, BMI, and smoking status (adjusted OR: 5.37, 95% CI: 2.75–10.53, p < 0.001). When RA patients were evaluated according to the presence of OAB, age (p = 0.019), education level (p = 0.007), pain intensity (VAS) (p = 0.046), functional status (HAQ-DI) (p = 0.002) and CS scores (p < 0.001) were significantly higher in patients with OAB. Correlation analyses showed significant associations between OAB-V8 scores and pain (p < 0.001), functional status (p = 0.001), quality of life (p = 0.021), and CS scores (p < 0.001). In the regression analysis performed among RA patients, CS was independently associated with OAB (OR: 1.048, 95% CI: 1.009–1.089, p = 0.017). The prevalence of OAB is significantly higher in patients with RA. CS appears to be independently associated with OAB in this population, suggesting that mechanisms related to central sensitization may contribute to bladder symptoms in RA. Therefore, OAB and CS should be evaluated together in RA patients regardless of disease duration or disease activity.

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