Voiding dysfunction in children. Pelvic-floor exercises or biofeedback therapy: a randomized study

Evaluating the Benefits of Pelvic Floor Muscles Exercises Combined With Biofeedback Therapy for Improving Functional Urinary Incontinence in Children

BACKGROUND

Pelvic floor muscles training (PFMT), with or without biofeedback (BF), is widely utilized as an alternative treatment for various refractory lower urinary tract dysfunctions in adults and children. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of PFMT alone versus in combination with BF on functional urinary incontinence (UI) in children.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Medical records of children who had undergone pelvic floor rehabilitation for non-neuropathic intermittent UI from 2018 to 2022 were retrieved. Patients were categorized based on their treatment regimen. Group I had undergone standard urotherapy and PFMT, twice weekly for 5 weeks. Group II had undergone a similar 5-week treatment with addition of 10 BF sessions conducted at the end of each appointment. All children had been evaluated with kidney and bladder ultrasounds, uroflowmetry/EMG, and a 7-day voiding and bowel diary before and after treatment. Response to treatment was defined according to International Children's Continence Society (ICCS) protocols.

RESULTS

A total of 32 patients (71.9% female) with a mean age of 8.4 ± 2.1 (range: 5-13) years were included in the analyses (each group N = 16). In group I, nine (56.2%) and two (12.5%) patients demonstrated complete (100% reduction in UI episodes) and partial (50%-100% reduction in UI episodes) clinical response, respectively. In group II, 11 (68.7%) and 3 (18.8%) patients showed complete and partial response, respectively. The two groups were not significantly different with regard to clinical response (p = 0.430). No significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of enuresis, urgency, constipation, and uroflowmetry parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

PFMT under the supervision of an expert physical therapist appears to be as effective as combined PFMT and BF in improving UI in children without underlying neurologic disease.

The Role of Secondary Conservative Management Strategies in Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

We sought to determine the effect of secondary management strategies in addition to urotherapy on bowel bladder dysfunction outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN

The review protocol was prospectively registered (CRD42023422168). MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL, and Scopus (database initiation until June 2023) were searched. Comparative studies of secondary management strategies vs conventional urotherapy alone were included. Two authors independently screened titles, abstracts, and reviewed full-text articles. Two authors extracted data related to study characteristics, methodology, subjects, and results.

RESULTS

In this systematic review and meta-analysis of 18 studies and 1228 children, secondary management strategies (home-based education, biofeedback, and physical therapy) were associated with reduced symptom burden, fewer recurrent urinary tract infections, and improved uroflowmetry findings than children treated solely with urotherapy for conservative management.

CONCLUSIONS

Although there is significant reporting heterogeneity, secondary conservative management strategies such as home education, biofeedback or cognitive behavioral therapy, and physiotherapy-based education are associated with less urinary incontinence, fewer infections, and fewer abnormal uroflowmetry findings.

The effect of biofeedback on nonneurological dysfunctional voiding in children: A meta-analysis and systematic review

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of biofeedback (BF) on the rehabilitation of children with nonneurological dysfunctional voiding (NDV).

METHODS

RCTs were retrieved from various databases (published from inception to February 29, 2024). The effects of the BF and non-BF treatments were compared. A random-effects model was used to evaluate the combined data.

RESULTS

Meta-analysis revealed that BF increased the maximum urinary flow rate (SMD = 3.78, 95% CI 1.33∼6.22), improved urination time (SMD = 5.88, 95% CI 3.75∼8.01), and reduced the postvoid residual (SMD = -19.18, 95% CI -27.03∼-11.33) and urinary tract infection incidence (RR = 0.43, 95% CI 0.21∼0.87). Electromyogram activity (RR = 0.46, 95% CI 0.25∼0.84) and abnormal urination patterns (RR = 0.51, 95% CI 0.35∼0.74) improved, with effects persisting for more than 1 year. However, the effect of BF on the mean urinary flow rate in children with NDV was significant only after 1 year of follow-up (SMD = 1.90, 95% CI 0.87∼2.92).

CONCLUSION

Existing evidence indicates that BF can enhance urinary parameters and patterns in children with NDV. However, its effectiveness in addressing constipation, daytime urinary incontinence, and nocturnal urinary incontinence is not substantial. High-quality randomized controlled trials can offer additional insights.

[Functional (Nonorganic) Enuresis and Daytime Urinary Incontinence in Children and Adolescents: Clinical Guideline for Assessment and Treatment]

Functional (Nonorganic) Enuresis and Daytime Urinary Incontinence in Children and Adolescents: Clinical Guideline for Assessment and Treatment Abstract: Objective: Enuresis and daytime urinary incontinence are common disorders in children and adolescents and are associated with incapacitation and a high rate of comorbid psychological disorders. This interdisciplinary guideline summarizes the current state of knowledge regarding somatic and psychiatric assessment and treatment. We formulate consensus-based, practical recommendations. Methods: The members of this guideline commission consisted of 18 professional associations. The guideline results from current literature searches, several online surveys, and consensus conferences based on standard procedures. Results: According to the International Children's Continence Society (ICCS), there are four different subtypes of nocturnal enuresis and nine subtypes of daytime urinary incontinence. Organic factors first have to be excluded. Clinical and noninvasive assessment is sufficient in most cases. Standard urotherapy is the mainstay of treatment. If indicated, one can add specific urotherapy and pharmacotherapy. Medication can be useful, especially in enuresis and urge incontinence. Psychological and somatic comorbid disorders must also be addressed. Conclusions: The recommendations of this guideline were passed with a high consensus. Interdisciplinary cooperation is especially important, as somatic factors and comorbid psychological disorders and symptoms need to be considered. More research is required especially regarding functional (nonorganic) daytime urinary incontinence.

State of the Art Bowel Management for Pediatric Colorectal Problems: Functional Constipation

BACKGROUND

Functional constipation (FC) affects up to 32% of the pediatric population, and some of these patients are referred to pediatric surgery units to manage their constipation and/or fecal incontinence. The aim of the current paper is to report the recent updates on the evaluation and management of children with FC as a part of a manuscript series on bowel management in patients with anorectal malformations, Hirschsprung disease, spinal anomalies, and FC.

METHODS

A literature search was performed using Medline/PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane, and EMBASE databases and focusing on the manuscripts published within the last 5-10 years.

RESULTS

The first step of management of children with FC is to exclude Hirschsprung disease with a contrast study, examination under anesthesia, anorectal manometry (AMAN). If AMAN shows absent rectoanal inhibitory reflex, a rectal biopsy is performed. Internal sphincter achalasia or high resting pressures indicate botulinum toxin injection. Medical management options include laxatives, rectal enemas, transanal irrigations, and antegrade flushes. Those who fail conservative treatment require further assessment of colonic motility and can be candidates for colonic resection. The type of resection (subtotal colonic resection vs. Deloyer's procedure) can be guided with a balloon expulsion test.

CONCLUSION

Most of the patients with FC referred for surgical evaluation can be managed conservatively. Further studies are required to determine an optimal strategy of surgical resection in children unresponsive to medical treatment.

Home pelvic floor exercises in children with non-neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms: Is fitball an alternative to classic exercises?

INTRODUCTION

Biofeedback with home pelvic floor exercises were recommended as non-pharmacologic treatment for non-neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) in children. Fitball is recommended to improve all-over flexibility, balance, and coordination, especially for pelvic floor. Aim of the study was to investigate efficacy of standard home pelvic floor exercises versus exercises using fitball.

METHODS

From April 2021 to February 2022 to all children arrived in our clinic with non-neurogenic LUTS nonresponder at urotherapy, our pelvic floor rehabilitative program was proposed. During the rehabilitation children performed: standard urotherapy, pelvic floor animated biofeedback therapy and pelvic floor exercises in a standard way and using a fitball. After the first session, patients received prescription to repeat at home the same exercises performed at hospital. Children who chose classic exercises were enrolled in group A and they who chose fitball in group B. Continence rate, pelvic floor muscles activity, adherence and satisfaction were evaluated by means of bladder diary, external pubococcygeus test and Likert-type psychometric scale (from 1 = very unsatisfied to 5 = very satisfied) respectively.

RESULTS

Twenty-six children affected by LUTS were enrolled: 13 in group A and 13 in B. At 4th control urinary incontinence was reduced by 72,5% in A and 71.4% in B. Pubococcygeus test increased in both groups. Adherence at home was 92% in group A and 62% in group B. Satisfaction with the treatment (4 or 5 points) was 95% in both groups. Four patients of group A and all of group B decided to maintain home exercises including fitball.

CONCLUSIONS

Our preliminary study shows that efficacy of home exercises, with or without fitball, is comparable. Satisfaction with fitball is high, regardless results obtained, because parents and children have learned a new, interesting and stimulating way to manage urinary problems. The opportunity to perform these exercises using fitball, it's an important finding for pediatric population.

Contemporary Management of Urinary Tract Infections in Children

Purpose of Review

Urinary tract infection (UTI) in children is a major source of office visits and healthcare expenditure. Research into the diagnosis, treatment, and prophylaxis of UTI has evolved over the past 10 years. The development of new imaging techniques and UTI screening tools has improved our diagnostic accuracy tremendously. Identifying who to treat is imperative as the increase in multi-drug-resistant organisms has emphasized the need for antibiotic stewardship. This review covers the contemporary management of children with UTI and the data-driven paradigm shifts that have been implemented into clinical practice.

Recent Findings

With recent data illustrating the self-limiting nature and low prevalence of clinically significant vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), investigational imaging in children has become increasingly less frequent. Contrast-enhanced voiding urosonogram (CEVUS) has emerged as a useful diagnostic tool, as it can provide accurate detection of VUR without the need of radiation. The urinary and intestinal microbiomes are being investigated as potential therapeutic drug targets, as children with recurrent UTIs have significant alterations in bacterial proliferation. Use of adjunctive corticosteroids in children with pyelonephritis may decrease the risk of renal scarring and progressive renal insufficiency. The development of a vaccine against an antigen present on Escherichia coli may change the way we treat children with recurrent UTIs.

Summary

The American Academy of Pediatrics defines a UTI as the presence of at least 50,000 CFU/mL of a single uropathogen obtained by bladder catheterization with a dipstick urinalysis positive for leukocyte esterase (LE) or WBC present on urine microscopy. UTIs are more common in females, with uncircumcised males having the highest risk in the first year of life. E. coli is the most frequently cultured organism in UTI diagnoses and multi-drug-resistant strains are becoming more common. Diagnosis should be confirmed with an uncontaminated urine specimen, obtained from mid-stream collection, bladder catheterization, or suprapubic aspiration. Patients meeting criteria for imaging should undergo a renal and bladder ultrasound, with further investigational imaging based on results of ultrasound or clinical history. Continuous antibiotic prophylaxis is controversial; however, evidence shows patients with high-grade VUR and bladder and bowel dysfunction retain the most benefit. Open surgical repair of reflux is the gold standard for patients who fail medical management with endoscopic approaches available for select populations.

The effect of biofeedback treatment for children with non-neurogenic voiding dysfunction: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Children's non-neurogenic voiding dysfunction (NVD) is a syndrome characterized by lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTs) because of the inability to relax the external sphincter. Patients with NVD always suffer from urinary tract infections (UTI), incontinence, constipation. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of biofeedback treatment for children's NVD.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library database were searched for all relevant studies. Two independent reviewers decided whether to include the study, conducted quality evaluation, and extracted article data. A random-effects model was used to calculate overall effect sizes. Risk ratio (RR) and mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) served as the summary statistics for meta-analysis. And sensitivity analysis was subsequently performed.

RESULTS

Fifteen studies and 1274 patients were included in the systemic review, seven RCTs and 539 patients were included in meta-analysis. Meta-analysis showed efficacy of biofeedback treatment in following aspects, (1) relieving UTI (RR: 1.71, 95% CI: 1.11 to 2.64), (2) reducing PVR (MD: 9.51, 95% CI: 2.03 to 16.98), (3) increasing maximum urine flow rate (MD: 4.28, 95% CI: 2.14 to 6.42) and average urine flow rate (MD: 1.49, 95% CI: 0.53 to 2.46), (4) relieving constipation (RR: 1.59, 95% CI: 1.12 to 2.26)，(5) improving abnormal voiding pattern (RR: 1.75, 95% CI: 1.30 to 2.36) and abnormal EMG during voiding (RR: 1.55, 95% CI: 1.25 to 1.91). The improvement of UTI symptoms, maximum urine flow rate and average urine flow rate took a longer time (12 months). In terms of daytime incontinence (RR: 1.20, 95% CI [0.96, 1.50], p = 0.11), nighttime incontinence (RR: 1.20, 95% CI [0.62, 2.32], p = 0.58), no significant difference was found between biofeedback treatment and standard urotherapy. The qualitative analysis showed that biofeedback treatment was beneficial for NVD.

CONCLUSION

Compared with standard urotherapy, biofeedback treatment is effective for some symptoms, such as UTI and constipation, and can improve some uroflowmetric parameters, such as PVR. Biofeedback treatment seems to have a better long-term effect.

The efficacy of physiotherapeutic intervention with biofeedback assisted pelvic floor muscle training in children with dysfunctional voiding

INTRODUCTION

Dysfunctional voiding (DV) in children is a common issue, which can be found in up to 30% of children with wetting problems. Biofeedback assisted pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is an established nonpharmacological method to treat DV. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of physiotherapeutic intervention with biofeedback assisted PFMT in children with DV.

STUDY DESIGN

Children referred with DV, unresponsive to standard urotherapy were included in this study. All children underwent biofeedback assisted PFMT sessions with a physiotherapist. Uroflowmetries and measurements of post-void residual (PVR) urine were performed before and after the treatment, and the following parameters were registered; daytime incontinence (DI), nocturnal enuresis (NE), constipation, faecal incontinence (FI), and recurrent urinary tract infections (UTI). Other concomitant treatments were noted. The primary outcomes were the resolution of DV evaluated by uroflow curve configuration and PVR. Secondary outcomes were the resolution of DI, NE and the reduction of recurrent UTIs.

RESULTS

Forty-six children (mean age 9.6 ± 2.4 years, 38 girls) were included in the analysis. The median period of treatment was 9.0 ± 8.5 months (2-9 visits). Twenty-seven (59%) children responded to treatment according to one or both primary outcomes; uroflow configuration (50%) and PVR (28%). DI resolved in 12 (26%) children and 27 of the 32 children, who prior to the treatment had recurrent UTIs experienced no UTIs during the follow up period. The use of anticholinergics was a significant negative predictor for response to treatment. We found that almost half of the responders (48%) reached effect prior to the fourth visit.

DISCUSSION

Biofeedback assisted PFMT can improve the symptoms in children with DV. When comparing to existing literature we find a less pronounced effect of the intervention. A possible explanation may be that the children enrolled in this study were recruited from a tertiary referral centre and were all refractory to standard urotherapy. Moreover, the difference in patient characteristics and treatment protocols between different studies make direct comparisons of efficacy difficult.

CONCLUSION

Physiotherapeutic intervention with biofeedback assisted PFMT seems to lead to better uroflow patterns in approximately 60% of cases in DV improving the uroflow curves and PVR, however improvement in uroflowmetry patterns is not necessarily reflected in the resolution of incontinence or UT symptoms. The use of anticholinergics seems to be a negative predictor for response to treatment.

Dysfunctional voiding: update on evaluation and treatment

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review will be covering dysfunctional voiding, its diagnosis, and treatment options. This will focus primarily on dysfunctional voiding rather than all lower urinary tract dysfunction and we will focus on some of the newer findings and progress within this disease.

RECENT FINDINGS

Dysfunctional voiding is the inappropriate sphincter and pelvic floor constriction during voiding in an otherwise neurologically normal child. This has a wide spectrum of symptoms and can lead to a number of complications such as chronic kidney disease and poor quality of life if not appropriately addressed. Dysfunctional voiding is diagnosed with a careful examination and history with further imaging including a renal ultrasound and uroflowmetry to confirm the diagnosis. Urotherapy and biofeedback are the first and second-line treatments respectively and lead to significant improvement or cure in the majority of patients. For refractory patients, additional therapy options include use of α-blockers, botulinum injection, and electroneurostimulation, though the majority of the literature surrounding the use of these therapies consists of small studies with heterogenous causes of voiding dysfunction.

SUMMARY

Dysfunctional voiding is a common urologic complaint that has many excellent options for improving the patient's voiding issues and should be considered in patients with voiding dysfunction.

Does biofeedback therapy improve quality of life in children with lower urinary tract dysfunction: parents' perspective

INTRODUCTION

Lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) is a situation that often disrupts the quality of life (QoL) of both the child and the family with daytime and nighttime incontinence. Although the first-line treatment option for children with LUTD is standard urotherapy, biofeedback therapy can be performed in children in which standard urotherapy failed.

OBJECTIVE

We studied the biofeedback success in children with LUTD according to parents' expressions.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed our hospital records of children who were diagnosed with LUTD between 2005 and 2017. In total, 281 patients, refractory to standard urotherapy were included into the study and directed to biofeedback treatment. Their parents completed the dysfunctional voiding symptom scores (DVSS) before and after biofeedback therapy.

RESULTS

At the end of the six-month follow-up period, all voiding disorders and voiding patterns were evaluated. According to DVSS, QoL tools before biofeedback treatment 48 (17%) parents appraised that LUTD caused no effect in their children's daily life, 104 (37.8%) expressed little effect, 89 (31%) moderate effect, and 40 (14.2%) serious effect. And, 120 (43%) parents expressed no effect, 95 (34%) little effect, 51 (18%) moderate effect, and 15 (5%) serious effect (P = 0.001) after biofeedback therapy. Biofeedback therapy affected positively the daily life of LUTD's family. The less serious the effect of LUTD on these children's family, the more success rate of biofeedback therapy. The effect of biofeedback therapy was less successful in moderated and serious affected families.

CONCLUSIONS

Biofeedback treatment is a non-invasive and effective treatment modality for improving the QoL for LUTD families who were less suffered from LUTD.

Pelvic floor rehabilitation in children with functional LUTD: does it improve outcome?

INTRODUCTION

If children do not experience satisfactory relief of lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) complaints after standard urotherapy is provided, other treatment options need to be explored. To date, little is known about the clinical value of pelvic floor rehabilitation in the treatment of functional voiding disorders.

OBJECTIVE

Therefore, we compared pelvic floor rehabilitation by biofeedback with anal balloon expulsion (BABE) to intensive urotherapy in the treatment of children with inadequate pelvic floor control and functional LUTD.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective chart study was conducted on children with functional incontinence and inadequate pelvic floor control. All children referred for both intensive inpatient urotherapy and pelvic floor rehabilitation between 2010 and 2018 were considered for inclusion. A total of 52 patients were eligible with 25 children in the group who received BABE before inpatient urotherapy, and 27 children in the group who received BABE subsequently to urotherapy. Main outcome measurement was treatment success according to International Children's Continence Society criteria measured after treatment rounds and follow-up.

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics demonstrate no major differences between the BABE and control group. There was a significant difference in improvement between BABE and inpatient urotherapy after the first and second round of treatment (round 1: BABE vs urotherapy; 12% vs 70%, respectively, round 2: urotherapy vs BABE; 92% vs 34%, respectively, both P < .001). In both cases, the urotherapy group obtained greater results (Fig. 1). When the additional effect of BABE on urotherapy treatment is assessed, no significant difference is found (P = .355) in the children who received BABE; 30 (58%) showed improvement on pelvic floor control.

DISCUSSION

Our findings imply that training pelvic floor control in combination with inpatient urotherapy does not influence treatment effectiveness on incontinence. Intensive urotherapy contains biofeedback by real-time uroflowmetry; children receive direct feedback on their voiding behaviour. Attention offered to the child and achieving cognitive maturity with corresponding behaviour is of paramount importance. It is known that combining several kinds of biofeedback does not enhance the outcome. However, our results do not provide a conclusive answer to the effectiveness of pelvic floor physical therapy in the treatment of children with LUTD because we specifically investigated BABE.

CONCLUSION

In this study, we could not prove that pelvic floor rehabilitation by BABE has an additional effect on inpatient urotherapy on incontinence outcomes. Considering the invasive nature of BABE, the use of BABE to obtain continence should therefore be discouraged.

Conservative interventions for treating functional daytime urinary incontinence in children

BACKGROUND

In children, functional daytime urinary incontinence is the term used to describe any leakage of urine while awake that is not the result of a known underlying neurological or congenital anatomic cause (such as conditions or injuries that affect the nerves that control the bladder or problems with the way the urinary system is formed). It can result in practical difficulties for both the child and their family and can have detrimental effects on a child's well-being, education and social engagement.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of conservative interventions for treating functional daytime urinary incontinence in children.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Incontinence Specialised Register, which contains studies identified from CENTRAL, MEDLINE, MEDLINE In-Process, MEDLINE Epub Ahead of Print, CINAHL, ClinicalTrials.gov, WHO ICTRP and handsearching of journals and conference proceedings (searched 11 September 2018). We also searched Chinese language bibliographic databases: Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang. No language restrictions were imposed.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-randomised, multi-arm studies, cross-over studies and cluster-randomised studies that included children aged between 5 and 18 years with functional daytime urinary incontinence.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently screened records and determined the eligibility of studies for inclusion according to predefined criteria. Where data from the study were not provided, we contacted the study authors to request further information. Two review authors assessed risk of bias and processed included study data as described in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Where meta-analysis was possible, we applied random-effects meta-analysis using the Mantel-Haenszel method for dichotomous outcomes.

MAIN RESULTS

The review included 27 RCTs involving 1803 children. Of these, six were multi-arm and one was also a cross-over study. Most studies were small, with numbers randomised ranging from 16 to 202. A total of 19 studies were at high risk of bias for at least one domain. Few studies reported data suitable for pooling due to heterogeneity in interventions, outcomes and measurements.Individual conservative interventions (lifestyle, behavioural or physical) versus no treatmentTranscutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) versus sham (placebo) TENS. More children receiving active TENS may achieve continence (risk ratio (RR) 4.89, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.68 to 14.21; 3 studies; n = 93; low-certainty evidence).One individual conservative intervention versus another individual or combined conservative interventionPelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) with urotherapy versus urotherapy alone. We are uncertain whether more children receiving PFMT with urotherapy achieve continence (RR 2.36, 95% CI 0.65 to 8.53, 95% CI 25 to 100; 3 studies; n = 91; very low-certainty evidence).Voiding education with uroflowmetry feedback and urotherapy versus urotherapy alone. Slightly more children receiving voiding education with uroflow feedback and urotherapy may achieve continence (RR 1.13, 95% CI 0.87 to 1.45; 3 studies; n = 151; low-certainty evidence).Urotherapy with timer watch versus urotherapy alone. We are uncertain whether urotherapy plus timer watch increases the number of children achieving continence compared to urotherapy alone (RR 1.42, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.80; 1 study; n = 58; very low-certainty evidence).Combined conservative interventions versus other combined conservative interventionsTENS and standard urotherapy versus PFMT with electromyographic biofeedback and standard urotherapy. We are uncertain whether there is any evidence of a difference between treatment groups in the proportions of children achieving continence (RR 1.11, 95% CI 0.73 to 1.68; 1 study; n = 78; very low-certainty evidence).PFMT with electromyography biofeedback and standard urotherapy versus PFMT without feedback but with standard urotherapy. We are uncertain whether there is any evidence of a difference between treatment groups in the proportions of children achieving continence (RR 1.05, 95% CI 0.72 to 1.52; 1 study; n = 41; very low-certainty evidence).Individual conservative interventions versus non-conservative interventions (pharmacological or invasive, combined or not with any conservative interventions)PFMT versus anticholinergics. We are uncertain whether more children receiving PFMT than anticholinergics achieve continence (RR 1.92, 95% CI 1.17 to 3.15; equivalent to an increase from 33 to 64 per 100 children; 2 studies; n = 86; very low-certainty evidence).TENS versus anticholinergics. We are uncertain whether there was any evidence of a difference between treatment groups in the proportions of children achieving continence (RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.05 to 12.50; 2 studies; n = 72; very low-certainty evidence).Combined conservative interventions versus non-conservative interventions (pharmacological or invasive, combined or not with any conservative interventions)Voiding education with uroflowmetry feedback versus anticholinergics. We are uncertain whether there was any evidence of a difference between treatment groups in the proportion of children achieving continence (RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.58 to 1.78; 1 study; n = 64; very low-certainty evidence).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The review found little reliable evidence that can help affected children, their carers and the clinicians working with them to make evidence-based treatment decisions. In this scenario, the clinical experience of individual clinicians and the support of carers may be the most valuable resources. More well-designed research, with well-defined interventions and consistent outcome measurement, is needed.

Traditional Biofeedback vs. Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy-Is One Clearly Superior?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Pelvic floor physical therapy is a worldwide accepted therapy that has been exclusively used to manage many pelvic floor disorders in adults and children. The aim of this review is to suggest to clinicians an updated understanding of this therapeutic approach in management of children with non-neuropathic voiding dysfunction.

RECENT FINDINGS

Today, pelvic floor muscle training through biofeedback is widely used as a part of a voiding retraining program aiming to help children with voiding dysfunction which is caused by pelvic floor overactivity. Biofeedback on its own, without a pelvic floor training component, is not an effective treatment. Biofeedback is an adjunct to the pelvic floor training. In the current review, we develop the role of pelvic floor physical therapy in management of children with non-neuropathic voiding dysfunction and compare it with biofeedback therapy alone.

EMG biofeedback or parasacral transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in children with lower urinary tract dysfunction: A prospective and randomized trial

AIMS

Evaluate the efficacy of biofeedback and parassacral electric nerve stimulation (TENS) for the treatment of children with lower urinary tract (LUT) dysfunction.

METHODS

A prospective, randomized study was approved by our Hospital Ethics Committee. We enrolled 64 children, 43 girls and 21 boys, average age of 9.39 years. The initial evaluation consisted of history, physical examination, urine analyses, voiding diary, uroflow, and ultrasound. Dysfunction voiding symptom score (DVSS) questionnaires were applied pre- and post-treatment. The children were divided into two treatment groups independent of the predominant type of voiding dysfunction (dysfunctional or overactive bladder): biofeedback group and TENS group. The criteria for assessing the effectiveness of the techniques was the resolution of daytime and nighttime symptoms including urinary leakage, improvements in voiding diary, DVSS, and changes in uroflow. After 6 months, the children were reassessed with the same work-up of baseline.

RESULTS

Regarding daytime symptoms, results for complete response were similar between the two groups (P = 0.483); 54.9% of children treated by the biofeedback group and 60.6% in the TENS group. The same have been observed in the nighttime incontinence with complete resolutions in 29.6% and 25%, respectively ( P = 0.461). Analyzing the voiding diary, uroflow and DVSS questionnaires both groups had significant improvement ( P = 0.001) after treatment. The biofeedback group required fewer sessions than TENS group, 10.9 and 18.1, respectively ( P < 0,001).

CONCLUSIONS

Both biofeedback and the TENS are equally effective for treating non-neurogenic voiding dysfunction. Biofeedback seems to require a lower number of sessions to obtain similar results of the TENS.

The effectiveness of biofeedback therapy in managing Bladder Bowel Dysfunction in children: A systematic review

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of biofeedback therapy as a non-invasive intervention to treat Bladder Bowel Dysfunction in pediatrics.

METHODS

Six databases were searched between February 2016 and September 2016. Biofeedback studies for children aged 4-16 with idiopathic urinary or fecal incontinence were included. Articles were excluded on subjects' medical histories, study design, timeline of study, and lacking expert review. Quality was determined using Sackett's Levels of Evidence and the PEDro scale.

RESULTS

Twelve articles were included in the review. Quality of evidence was moderate, as the average PEDro score of the selected articles was 5.3. The participants' ages ranged from 4-16 years old. Studies demonstrated that a multifactorial approach consisting of biofeedback therapy and behavioral modification can be successful in resolving Bladder Bowel Dysfunction.

CONCLUSION

Biofeedback is a beneficial treatment for children with dysfunctional voiding and functional fecal incontinence. More conclusive research needs to be completed to explore the effects of biofeedback therapy treatment to make more concrete conclusions. Healthcare professionals should consider biofeedback as an alternative approach in conjunction with traditional treatments. A multidisciplinary approach is best when treating dysfunctional voiding and functional fecal incontinence in the pediatric population.

Bladder and bowel dysfunction in children: An update on the diagnosis and treatment of a common, but underdiagnosed pediatric problem

Bladder and bowel dysfunction (BBD) describes a spectrum of lower urinary symptoms (LUTS) accompanied by fecal elimination issues that manifest primarily by constipation and/or encopresis. This increasingly common entity is a potential cause of significant physical and psychosocial burden for children and families. BBD is commonly associated with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), which at its extreme may lead to renal scarring and kidney failure. Additionally, BBD is frequently seen in children diagnosed with behavioural and neuropsychiatric disorders such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Patients with concomitant BBD and neuropsychiatric disorders have less favourable treatment outcomes. Early diagnosis and treatment of BBD are critical to avoid secondary comorbidities that can adversely impact children's kidney and bladder function, and psychosocial well-being. The majority of patients will improve with urotherapy, adequate fluid intake, and constipation treatment. Pharmacological treatment must only be considered if no improvement occurs after intensive adherence to at least six months of urotherapy ± biofeedback and constipation treatment. Anticholinergics remain the mainstay of medical treatment. Selective alpha-blockers appear to be effective for improving bladder emptying in children with non-neurogenic detrusor overactivity (DO), incontinence, recurrent UTIs, and increased post-void residual (PVR) urine volumes. Alpha-1 blockers can also be used in combination with anticholinergics when overactive bladder (OAB) coexists with functional bladder outlet obstruction. Minimally invasive treatment with onabotulinumtoxinA bladder injections, and recently neurostimulation, are promising alternatives for the management of BBD refractory to behavioural and pharmacological treatment. In this review, we discuss clinical presentation, diagnostic approach, and indications for behavioural, pharmacological, and surgical treatment of BBD in children based on a thorough literature review. Expert opinion will be used when scientific evidence is unavailable.

Assessment of the effect of pelvic floor exercises on pelvic floor muscle strength using ultrasonography in patients with urinary incontinence: a prospective randomized controlled trial

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the effect of pelvic floor exercises on pelvic floor muscle strength could be detected via ultrasonography in patients with urinary incontinence. [Subjects and Methods] Of 282 incontinent patients, 116 participated in the study and were randomly divided into a pelvic floor muscle training (n=65) group or control group (n=51). The pelvic floor muscle training group was given pelvic floor exercise training for 12 weeks. Both groups were evaluated at the beginning of the study and after 12 weeks. Abdominal ultrasonography measurements in transverse and longitudinal planes, the PERFECT scheme, perineometric evaluation, the stop test, the stress test, and the pad test were used to assess pelvic floor muscle strength in all cases. [Results] After training, the PERFECT, perineometry and transabdominal ultrasonography measurements were found to be significantly improved, and the stop test and pad test results were significantly decreased in the pelvic floor muscle training group, whereas no difference was observed in the control group. There was a positive correlation between the PERFECT force measurement scale and ultrasonography force measurement scale before and after the intervention in the control and pelvic floor muscle training groups (r=0.632 and r=0.642, respectively). [Conclusion] Ultrasonography can be used as a noninvasive method to identify the change in pelvic floor muscle strength with exercise training.

Comparison of biofeedback therapy in children with treatment-refractory dysfunctional voiding and overactive bladder

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate and compare the effectiveness of biofeedback therapy (BF) in children with treatment refractory overactive bladder (OAB) and dysfunctional voiding (DV).

METHODS

This study was performed between April 2012 and March 2014. Patients with treatment refractory OAB and DV were included. All patients had 3 months of BF. Patients' urologic system symptoms and uroflow parameters before BF and 3 months after BF and response rates were compared.

RESULTS

Forty-five patients completed the study. Significant improvement was seen in urinary tract infections, urge incontinence, fractionated voiding, constipation, voided volume, maximum flow rate (Qmax), average flow rate (Qave), and postvoiding residue for patients with DV and in urinary tract infection, frequency, urge incontinence, Qmax, Qave, voiding time, and postvoiding residue for patients with OAB. Overall, better results were observed in patients with DV.

CONCLUSION

BF is an effective treatment modality in children with treatment refractory OAB and DV; however, patients with DV show better improvement.

[Psychosomatic primary care for urinary incontinence]

Urinary incontinence is a significant impairment of the quality of life. Many patients are treated insufficiently or even suffer from complications of incontinence surgery. Psychosomatic primary care serves to improve the diagnostic work-up and helps to select the appropriate therapeutic option. It also optimizes the treatment outcome by supplementing the somatically oriented urological therapy with the psychosomatically aligned extended medical dialogue and body-oriented methods. Psychosomatic primary care is based on the biopsychosocial model and uses theoretical knowledge and practical techniques that can be learnt under professional guidance.

Evaluation and management of recurrent urinary tract infections in children: state of the art

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) represent an important cause of febrile illness in young children and can lead to renal scarring and kidney failure. However, diagnosis and treatment of recurrent UTI in children is an area of some controversy. Guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics, National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence and European Society of Paediatric Radiology differ from each other in terms of the diagnostic algorithm to be followed. Treatment of vesicoureteral reflux and antibiotic prophylaxis for prevention of recurrent UTI are also areas of considerable debate. In this review, we collate and appraise recently published literature in order to formulate evidence-based guidance for the diagnosis and treatment of recurrent UTI in children.

Combined functional pelvic floor muscle exercises with Swiss ball and urotherapy for management of dysfunctional voiding in children: a randomized clinical trial

We report the clinical results of two types of urotherapy programs in children with dysfunctional voiding (DV). Sixty children with a median age of 8 (range, 5-14) diagnosed with DV were randomly allocated to one of two groups, each made up of 30 patients. Patients in group A underwent behavioral urotherapy (hydration, scheduled voiding, toilet training, and high-fiber diet) combined with pelvic floor muscle (PFM) exercises, whereas group B only received behavioral urotherapy. All parents completed a voiding and bowel habit diary chart. Uroflowmetry with pelvic floor surface electromyography (EMG) and bladder ultrasound were performed on all patients at the beginning and the end of the 1-year study. Abnormal voiding pattern normalized to a bell shape in 21/30 of patients in group A and 8/30 of patients in group B (P < 0.000). EMG activity during voiding disappeared significantly in 23/30 patients in group A compared to 15/30 patients in group B (P < 0.02). Episodes of urgency resolved in 12/14 of patients in group A and 3/11 of patients in group B (P < 0.01). Daytime wetting improved in 15/17 and 4/11 of patients in groups A and B, respectively. In addition, reduction in post-void residue (PVR) was significant in group A (P < 0.003).

CONCLUSION

Functional PFM exercises with Swiss ball combined with behavioral urotherapy proved as a safe and effective therapeutic modality, reducing the frequency of urinary incontinence, PVR, and the severity of constipation in children with DV.

Biofeedback for nonneuropathic daytime voiding disorders in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

PURPOSE

Biofeedback has been used to treat children with symptoms of bladder dysfunction not responding to standard therapy alone. However, evidence of the effectiveness of biofeedback is scarce and is based on small studies. We conducted a systematic review of the literature to assess the effects of biofeedback as adjunctive therapy for symptoms of nonneuropathic voiding disorders in children up to age 18 years.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We searched MEDLINE(®), Embase(®) and CENTRAL on the OvidSP(®) platform as well as conference proceedings for randomized trials presented at scientific conventions, symposia and workshops through August 13, 2013. Hand searches and review of reference lists of retrieved articles were also performed.

RESULTS

Five eligible studies were included in the systematic review, of which 4 (382 participants) were pooled in the meta-analysis based on available outcomes data. The overall proportion of cases with resolved incontinence at month 6 was similar in the biofeedback and control groups (OR 1.37 [95% CI 0.64 to 2.93], RD 0.07 [-0.09, 0.23]). There was also no significant difference in mean maximum urinary flow rate (mean difference 0.50 ml, range -0.56 to 1.55) or likelihood of urinary tract infection (OR 1.30 [95% CI 0.65 to 2.58]).

CONCLUSIONS

Current evidence does not support the effectiveness of biofeedback in the management of children with nonneuropathic voiding disorders. More high quality, randomized controlled trials are needed to better evaluate the effect of biofeedback.

Simple behavioural interventions for nocturnal enuresis in children

BACKGROUND

Nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting) is a socially disruptive and stressful condition which affects around 15% to 20% of five year olds and up to 2% of adults. Although there is a high rate of spontaneous remission, the social, emotional and psychological costs can be great. Behavioural interventions for treating bedwetting are defined as interventions that require a behaviour or action by the child which promotes night dryness and includes strategies which reward that behaviour. Behavioural interventions are further divided into:(a) simple behavioural interventions - behaviours or actions that can be achieved by the child without great effort; and(b) complex behavioural interventions - multiple behavioural interventions which require greater effort by the child and parents to achieve, including enuresis alarm therapy.This review focuses on simple behavioural interventions.Simple behavioural interventions are often used as a first attempt to improve nocturnal enuresis and include reward systems such as star charts given for dry nights, lifting or waking the children at night to urinate, retention control training to enlarge bladder capacity (bladder training) and fluid restriction. Other treatments such as medications, complementary and miscellaneous interventions such as acupuncture, complex behavioural interventions and enuresis alarm therapy are considered elsewhere.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effects of simple behavioural interventions in children with nocturnal enuresis.The following comparisons were made:1. simple behavioural interventions versus no active treatment;2. any single type of simple behavioural intervention versus another behavioural method (another simple behavioural intervention, enuresis alarm therapy or complex behavioural interventions);3. simple behavioural interventions versus drug treatment alone (including placebo drugs) or drug treatment in combination with other interventions.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Incontinence Group Specialised Trials Register, which contains trials identified from the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, MEDLINE in process, and handsearching of journals and conference proceedings (searched 15 December 2011). The reference lists of relevant articles were also searched.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All randomised or quasi-randomised trials of simple behavioural interventions for treating nocturnal enuresis in children up to the age of 16. Studies which included children with daytime urinary incontinence or children with organic conditions were also included in this review if the focus of the study was on nocturnal enuresis. Trials focused solely on daytime wetting and trials of adults with nocturnal enuresis were excluded.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two reviewers independently assessed the quality of the eligible trials and extracted data. Differences between reviewers were settled by discussion with a third reviewer.

MAIN RESULTS

Sixteen trials met the inclusion criteria, involving 1643 children of whom 865 received a simple behavioural intervention. Within each comparison, outcomes were mostly addressed by single trials, precluding meta-analysis. The only exception was bladder training versus enuresis alarm therapy which included two studies and demonstrated that alarm therapy was superior to bladder training.In single small trials, rewards, lifting and waking and bladder training were each associated with significantly fewer wet nights, higher full response rates and lower relapse rates compared to controls. Simple behavioural interventions appeared to be less effective when compared with other known effective interventions (such as enuresis alarm therapy and drug therapies with imipramine and amitriptyline). However, the effect was not sustained at follow-up after completion of treatment for the drug therapies. Based on one small trial, cognitive therapy also appeared to be more effective than rewards. When one simple behavioural therapy was compared with another, there did not appear to be one therapy that was more effective than another.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Simple behavioural methods may be superior to no active treatment but appear to be inferior to enuresis alarm therapy and some drug therapy (such as imipramine and amitriptyline). Simple behavioural therapies could be tried as first line treatment before considering enuresis alarm therapy or drug therapy, which may be more demanding and have adverse effects, although evidence supporting their efficacy is lacking.

Long-term prospective evaluation of an inpatient voiding reeducation program for lower urinary tract conditions in children

PURPOSE

Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy of our treatment program for children with lower urinary tract conditions, developed at the Department of Pediatric Nephrology of the University Children's Hospital in Ljubljana.

METHODS

Sixty-four patients with lower urinary tract conditions were randomly allocated to two groups. Group A received treatment immediately, whereas patients of group B received no treatment for a period of 3 months-the amount of time it takes to complete our program. No child in group B experienced spontaneous regression of their symptoms in the 3-month delay period, while the patients of group A were already being treated and were achieving results. Thus, all the patients of group B then entered the program in exactly the same way as patients of group A.

RESULTS

The final success rate in both groups did not differ significantly (p = 0.706-1.000) and ranged from 86.2 % for group A and 86.7 to 90 % for group B. Long-term follow-up showed statistically identical success rates (p = 1.000).

CONCLUSION

This prospective controlled study with long-term follow-up (48 months) shows that our treatment program, applied as an inpatient voiding school program, is an effective method, with durable results.

Prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms in school-age children

Epidemiological studies have demonstrated rates of incontinence and enuresis as high as 20% in school-age children. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the prevalence of lower urinary tract (LUT) symptoms in 739 children aged 6-12 years enrolled in three government schools with different socioeconomic levels in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Symptoms of LUT were evaluated using a modified version of the Dysfunction Voiding Scoring System in which the cutoff point considered as an indicator of LUT dysfunction is >6 for girls and >9 for boys. Children with a score indicative of symptoms received an educational booklet on the functioning of the LUT and were sent for clinical evaluation. LUT dysfunction symptoms were detected in 161 (21.8%) children. Symptoms were most frequent in girls (p < 0.001), children aged 6-8 (p < 0.028), and attended the school with the lowest social level (p < 0.001). Intestinal constipation was the most prevalent finding (30.7%), independent of LUT score. The most common urinary symptoms in children with an elevated score were diurnal urinary incontinence (30.7%), holding maneuvers (19.1%), and urinary urgency (13.7%). Stress factors were associated in 28.4% of children. Our findings suggest that LUT symptoms must be investigated carefully at routine pediatric visits.

High efficacy of biofeedback therapy for treatment of dysfunctional voiding in children

Introduction

Dysfunctional voiding is a frequent condition in children associated with symptoms of incontinence. The aim of this study was to present the efficacy of biofeedback treatment on the resolution of clinical symptoms in a large cohort of children with urodynamically confirmed dysfunctional voiding.

Material and methods

81 children (75 girls and 6 boys) aged 6-18 years (mean: 10.32 ±3.17 yrs.) with a dysfunctional voiding pattern are presented. 74/81 (92.6%) of children were unresponsive to standard urotherapy and prior pharmacotherapy. Symptoms of bladder dysfunction were evaluated by questionnaire, bladder diary and an urodynamic study according to definitions and standards set by ICCS. The biofeedback training was planned for 2 months. Each session consisted of about 30 repeats of 5 s contraction and 30 s relaxation of pelvic floor muscles and external urethral sphincter. Biofeedback was performed together with standard urotherapy.

Results

67 (82.72%) of the 81 children declared wetting during the day and 41 (50, 62%) – wetting during the night. 32/81 (39.5%) children had increased voiding frequency and 43 (53.08%) had decreased bladder capacity. Following 2 months of biofeedback therapy daytime incontinence resolved in 34/67 (50.7%) children and nighttime incontinence in 22/41 (53.65%). A further 40,3% declared partial improvement in daytime and 26.7% in nighttime wetting.

Conclusions

Biofeedback treatment is an effective therapeutic option for children with dysfunctional voiding. Pelvic floor therapy with biofeedback should be offered to children with dysfunctional voiding resistant to standard urotherapy.

Behavioural and cognitive interventions with or without other treatments for the management of faecal incontinence in children

BACKGROUND

Faecal incontinence is a common and potentially distressing disorder of childhood.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of behavioural and/or cognitive interventions for the management of faecal incontinence in children.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Incontinence Group Specialised Trials Register (searched 28 October 2011), which contains trials identified from the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE and CINAHL, and handsearching of journals and conference proceedings, and the reference lists of relevant articles. We contacted authors in the field to identify any additional or unpublished studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised and quasi-randomised trials of behavioural and/or cognitive interventions with or without other treatments for the management of faecal incontinence in children.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Reviewers selected studies from the literature, assessed study quality, and extracted data. Data were combined in a meta-analysis when appropriate.

MAIN RESULTS

Twenty one randomised trials with a total of 1371 children met the inclusion criteria. Sample sizes were generally small. All studies but one investigated children with functional faecal incontinence. Interventions varied amongst trials and few outcomes were shared by trials addressing the same comparisons.Combined results of nine trials showed higher rather than lower rates of persisting symptoms of faecal incontinence up to 12 months when biofeedback was added to conventional treatment (OR 1.11 CI 95% 0.78 to 1.58). This result was consistent with that of two trials with longer follow-up (OR 1.31 CI 95% 0.80 to 2.15). In one trial the adjunct of anorectal manometry to conventional treatment did not result in higher success rates in chronically constipated children (OR 1.40 95% CI 0.72 to 2.73 at 24 months).In one small trial the adjunct of behaviour modification to laxative therapy was associated with a significant reduction in children's soiling episodes at both the three month (OR 0.14 CI 95% 0.04 to 0.51) and the 12 month assessment (OR 0.20 CI 95% 0.06 to 0.65).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is no evidence that biofeedback training adds any benefit to conventional treatment in the management of functional faecal incontinence in children. There was not enough evidence on which to assess the effects of biofeedback for the management of organic faecal incontinence. There is some evidence that behavioural interventions plus laxative therapy, rather than laxative therapy alone, improves continence in children with functional faecal incontinence associated with constipation.

Effectiveness of biofeedback for dysfunctional elimination syndrome in pediatrics: a systematic review

PURPOSE

Dysfunctional elimination syndrome is associated with an inability to effectively empty the bladder and may present with UTI, incontinence, intestinal constipation or other voiding symptoms. Biofeedback has emerged as one potentially effective and non-invasive treatment. We sought to analyze if biofeedback is an effective method to treat children less than 18 years of age.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Database, AUA, CUA, AAP and ESPU abstracts. Copies of all relevant articles were retrieved for quality assessment and data abstraction by two independent reviewers. Primary outcomes were UTIs and daytime incontinence.

RESULTS

27 studies were included (1 RCT and 26 case-series). The pooled estimate showed 83% (95% CI: 79%-86%) and 80% (95% CI: 76%-85%) improvement in UTI and daytime incontinence respectively. I(2) statistic showed "Low" (7%) and "High" (77%) heterogeneity across studies results for UTI and daytime incontinence. The only included RCT favored biofeedback over standard therapy (RR 1.4, 95% CI: 0.98-2.00) but this was not statistically significant. On analysis of all included studies there was also improvement in constipation (18%-100%), frequency (67%-100%), urgency (71%-88%) and VUR (21%-100%). PVR improvement ranged from 26 ml to 99 ml and Q(max) improvement was from 3.1 ml/s-4.7 ml/s.

CONCLUSION

Based on this review, biofeedback is an effective, non-invasive method of treating dysfunctional elimination syndrome, and approximately 80% of children benefited from this treatment. However, most reports were of low level of evidence and studies of more solid design such as RCT should be conducted.

The evaluation of combined standard urotherapy, abdominal and pelvic floor retraining in children with dysfunctional voiding

PURPOSE

The aim of the study was to compare the treatment outcome of two urotherapy programs in children with dysfunctional voiding (DV) through analyzing the clinical manifestations and uroflowmetry parameters.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighty-six children with DV were randomly divided into two groups (A and B). Children in both groups were educated about the importance of regular voiding and hydratation, and about the appropriate posture during voiding. Simple voiding instructions were provided. In group A diaphragmatic breathing and pelvic floor muscles (PFM) retraining were additionally assigned to children. Constipation and recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) were treated in both groups. Selected children from both groups received pharmacotherapy (anticholinergics or desmopressin). Uroflowmetry with pelvic floor electromyography and ultrasound residual urine volumes were obtained before and at the end of the 12-month treatment period.

RESULTS

After one year of therapy, urinary incontinence and nocturnal enuresis were cured in a significantly larger number of children in group A than in group B (P < 0.001; P < 0.05). Although more children with UTIs were cured in group A, the difference was not statistically significant compared to group B. There was a significant recovery constipation-wise in both groups. Post-treatment uroflowmetry parameters and curve pattern were markedly improved only in group A.

CONCLUSIONS

Carefully planned and regularly controlled abdominal and PFM retraining is beneficial in children with DV for curing urinary incontinence, nocturnal enuresis, UTIs and normalizing urinary function. Further trials are needed to define the most effective treatment program for achieving the best treatment outcome.

Correlation between uroflowmetry parameters and treatment outcome in children with dysfunctional voiding

PURPOSE

To investigate the correlation between subjective (clinical) treatment outcome and objective uroflowmetry parameters and curve pattern in children with dysfunctional voiding.

METHOD

Seventy-five children were randomly allocated to two urotherapy programs. Group A was submitted to standard urotherapy and pelvic floor exercises while group B received conservative treatment. Constipation and recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) were treated in both groups. Selected children from both groups received pharmacotherapy (anticholinergics or desmopressin). Uroflowmetry with electromyography of the pelvic floor and ultrasound post-void residual (PVR) urine volumes were obtained before and at the end of the 12-month treatment period. Uroflowmetry findings were stratified into two categories based on clinical treatment outcome: 'cured' and 'unchanged'. Uroflowmetry findings were compared between categories at the beginning and the end of the investigation.

RESULTS

Voided volume, average and peak flow rates were significantly increased while PVR urine was decreased in children with cured urinary incontinence and nocturnal enuresis compared with 'unchanged' category. Significant decrease of PVR urine was noted in children with cured UTIs. The frequency of a bell-shaped curve was significantly higher compared to other curve patterns in children with cured urinary incontinence and UTIs.

CONCLUSION

Post-treatment improvement in clinical symptoms correlated with improvement in uroflowmetry parameters and curve pattern. Correction of voiding phase is necessary for urinary continence achievement and resolution of UTIs.

The role of uroflowmetry biofeedback and biofeedback training of the pelvic floor muscles in the treatment of recurrent urinary tract infections in women with dysfunctional voiding: a randomized controlled prospective study

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy of a training program with uroflowmetry biofeedback and pelvic floor relaxation biofeedback on urodynamic and voiding parameters in women with dysfunctional voiding.

METHODS

Eighty-six women with recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) and dysfunctional voiding were randomly assigned to receive a treatment schedule as follows: uroflowmetry biofeedback (group 1), biofeedback training of the pelvic floor muscles (group 2), uroflowmetry biofeedback combined to biofeedback training of the pelvic floor muscles (group 3), no treatment (group 4). Patients were regularly evaluated by American Urological Association Symptom Index and urodynamics during the study period. All the patients were followed up for 1 year with monthly urine cultures. A further evaluation was done at month 24 by American Urological Association Symptom Index and free uroflowmetry with measurement of residual urine.

RESULTS

The prevalence of storage and emptying symptoms decreased significantly at 3, 6, and 12 months in the groups 1, 2, and 3, and remained stable during the study period. Mean flow rate, flow time, voiding volume increased significantly, whereas postvoid residual urine decreased. The prevalence of UTI decreased significantly in groups 1, 2, and 3. At month 24, storage and emptying symptoms and voiding patterns were similar to the baseline values in all the patients. The incidence of UTIs was similar to baseline values in groups 1, 2, and 3.

CONCLUSIONS

Training the voluntary control of the pelvic floor seems essential in obtaining control over the bladder function. These results reinforce the importance of pelvic floor therapy in the resolution of UTIs.

Chiropractic management of a 5-year-old boy with urinary and bowel incontinence

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this article is to describe chiropractic management of a 5-year-old boy with urinary and bowel incontinence.

CLINICAL FEATURES

A 5-year-old boy presented with the primary symptoms of a complete lack of bowel and bladder control with prior surgical correction for lumbar meningocele, spinal lipoma, and tethered spinal cord. Examination revealed spinal and pelvic dysfunction.

INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME

Chiropractic treatment methods included using the Activator adjusting instrument and shortwave diathermy to the lumbar spine and sacrum. A total of 5 treatments were initially provided over a period of 4 weeks. After the initial treatment period, he was able to maintain satisfactory control of his bladder and bowel, day and night, for a period of approximately 6 months. A second course of treatments was initiated approximately 6 months later because of a recurrence of bladder and bowel incontinence. Four additional treatments were provided over a period of 4 weeks. This second course of treatment reestablished satisfactory control of bladder and bowel function.

CONCLUSION

For this patient, chiropractic care was successful in establishing satisfactory bladder and bowel control.

The management of dysfunctional voiding in children: a report from the Standardisation Committee of the International Children's Continence Society

PURPOSE

We present a consensus view of members of the International Children's Continence Society on the management of dysfunctional voiding in children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Discussions were held by the board of the International Children's Continence Society and a multi-disciplinary core group of authors was appointed. The draft document review process was open to all International Children's Continence Society members via the web site. Feedback was considered by the core authors and, by agreement, amendments were made as necessary.

RESULTS

Guidelines on the assessment, and nonpharmacological and pharmacological management of dysfunctional voiding are presented.

CONCLUSIONS

The final document is not a systematic literature review. It includes relevant research when available as well as expert opinion on the current understanding of dysfunctional voiding in children.

Risk factors for recurrent urinary tract infections in a cohort of patients with primary vesicoureteral reflux

BACKGROUND

Knowledge of risk of urinary tract infection (UTI) recurrence in vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) can help clinicians make therapeutic decisions. The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to identify risk factors associated with recurrent urinary tract infection in children with VUR. In addition, a risk score that might predict the chance of UTI recurrence was also proposed.

METHODS

Between 1970 and 2007, 740 patients were diagnosed with VUR and were systematically followed up at a single tertiary Renal Unit. Recurrent UTI was defined as more than 1 episode during follow-up. A binary logistic regression model was applied to identify variables independently associated with recurrent UTIs.

RESULTS

During follow-up, information was obtained on 58,856 person-months. Recurrent UTIs occurred in 120 (16.2%) patients. The overall incidence rate of UTI was 8.4 episodes per 1000 person-months (95% CI, 7.7, 9.2). After adjustment by multivariable analysis, 5 variables were independent predictors of recurrent UTI: UTI as clinical presentation, age < 6 months, female gender, dysfunctional elimination syndrome, and severe grade of reflux. The risk for recurrent UTI was classified as low in 24% of children, medium in 42%, and high in 34%. UTI incidence rates per 1000 person-months were 4.3 (95% CI, 3.2, 5.6), 7.9 (95% CI, 6.7, 9.1), and 11.3 (95% CI, 9.9, 12.8) for low-, medium-, and high-risk groups, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The prediction model of recurrent UTI allows an early recognition of patients at risk for long-term morbidity and might contribute to the formulation of therapeutic strategies.