The Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction score (NBD) is not suitable for patients with multiple sclerosis

Study design: Retrospective cohort study.

Objective: Bowel and anorectal dysfunctions are common in patients with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). The use of validated questionnaires is recommended in the initial assessment and patient's follow-up. The Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction (NBD) score is the most used questionnaire but has been developed in spinal cord injured patients and has never been validated in other neurological diseases. We aimed to assess NBD's relevance in pwMS.

Settings: Monocentric study in a tertiary neuro-urology department.

Methods: A retrospective study in pwMS consulting for the first time in our department, that fulfilled the NBD questionnaire between 2010 and 2021 was performed. Qualitative and quantitative answers for each question were analyzed. Content validity and internal consistency were evaluated.

Results: One hundred thirty-five pwMS (mean age 47.1, 58% of women) fulfilled the NBD questionnaire. Mean NBD score was 6.0 (SD 6.1) and 75% of patients had a score <9. Content validity analysis revealed 4 items not appropriate, 1 item with irrelevant calibration, and omission of some treatment widely used in pwMS. Internal consistency was appreciated with Cronbach's alpha = 0.48 IC 95% [0.31; 0.6].

Conclusion: NBD questionnaire lacks content validity and presents a weak internal consistency in pwMS. A specific questionnaire is therefore required in pwMS to optimize bowel management and follow-up.