The use of radiography, urodynamic studies and cystoscopy in the evaluation of voiding dysfunction

Who needs an ultrasound? Using patient symptom questionnaire & UTI history to determine when to obtain an RBUS in children with non-neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction

INTRODUCTION

Non-neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) is one of the most common reasons for presentation to a pediatric urologist, affecting up to 20% of children. Predicting who will benefit from RBUS as part of their work-up is challenging as the majority will have normal imaging.

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to assess the utility of using the Dysfunctional Voiding and Incontinence Scoring System (DVISS) and urinary tract infection (UTI) history to predict which LUTD patients were most likely to have an abnormal RBUS as well as determine a DVISS cutoff to aid in making this prediction. We hypothesized that higher DVISS scores and a positive urinary tract infection (UTI) history would be associated with increased likelihood of RBUS abnormality.

STUDY DESIGN

We retrospectively reviewed outpatients seen for LUTD from 5/2014-1/2016 who received an RBUS. Association between prior UTI, DVISS score, gender, and race and RBUS abnormality were evaluated using logistic regression analysis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were created to evaluate the predictive model and a Youden index calculated to determine the optimal cutoff for DVISS score to predict abnormal RBUS.

RESULTS

15 of 333 patients (4.5%) had a clinically significant RBUS abnormality. Significantly more patients with abnormal RBUS had a positive UTI history and median DVISS was higher. UTI history and DVISS score were associated with RBUS abnormality whereas neither gender nor race were. A DVISS score cutoff of 12 was determined to be ideal for predicting abnormal imaging. Using DVISS≥12 and positive UTI history, patients with both risk factors were significantly more likely to have an abnormal RBUS than those with zero or one risk factor (Figure).

DISCUSSION

To the best of our knowledge this is the first study to try to identify risk factors associated with RBUS abnormality in pediatric LUTD patients and create an evidence-based approach to imaging these patients. We found both DVISS cutoff ≥12 and positive UTI history to be useful to risk stratify LUTD patients' likelihood of abnormal RBUS. Limitations include the study's retrospective nature as well as the fact the population was drawn from a tertiary care pediatric hospital with a large referral population and the fact that the decision to order an RBUS was based on individual clinician preference and decision making.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that DVISS score≥12 and UTI history are useful in guiding the decision to obtain RBUS in pediatric LUTD patients.

Endoscopic Botulinum Toxin Injection for Refractory Enuresis Based on Urodynamic Assessment

Purpose

This study aimed to determine the urodynamic characteristics of refractory enuresis and explored whether those characteristics can be managed through differential endoscopic injections with botulinum toxin.

Methods

In total, 27 patients with nonmonosymptomatic enuresis who showed no response after conservative treatment for more than 12 months were included. The patients then underwent a videourodynamic study and received a differential endoscopic injection of botulinum toxin on the same day. Reduced capacity, detrusor overactivity, and bladder neck widening were the 3 major abnormal findings assessed during the filling phase, while sphincter hyperactivity was the only abnormality assessed during the emptying phase. An intravesical or intrasphincteric injection of botulinum toxin was attempted according to the videourodynamic study findings. Follow-up was conducted at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment.

Results

The median age was 10 years (range, 7–31 years). Although 19 and 8 patients had a preoperative diagnosis of overactive bladder or dysfunctional voiding, respectively, the urodynamic diagnosis was different in more than half of the patients. Those showing detrusor overactivity benefited from intravesical botulinum toxin injection, whereas those with only sphincter hyperactivity benefited from both intravesical and intrasphincteric injections. Treatment resistance to botulinum toxin seemed to be attributable to bladder neck widening. Time had no apparent effect on efficacy, which persisted 6 months after the injection. More than 80% of the patients maintained the benefits of the injection after 1 year.

Conclusions

Videourodynamic studies were useful for identifying the reasons underlying refractory nonmonosymptomatic enuresis and helpful for determining the appropriate site of botulinum toxin injection.

EAU-ESPU guidelines recommendations for daytime lower urinary tract conditions in children

The objective is to review the literature related to lower urinary tract (LUT) conditions in children to conceptualize general practice guidelines for the general practitioner, pediatrician, pediatric urologist, and urologist. PubMed was searched for the last 15-year literature by the committee. All articles in peer-review journal-related LUT conditions (343) have been retrieved and 76 have been reviewed extensively. Prospective trials were few and the level of evidence was low. Most of the recommendations have been done by committee consensus after extensive discussion of literature reports. History taking is an integral part of evaluation assessing day- and nighttime urine and bowel control, urgency, and frequency symptoms. Exclusion of any neurogenic and organic cause is essential. Uroflowmetry and residual urine determination are recommended in all patients to evaluate bladder emptying. Urodynamic studies are reserved for refractory or complicated cases. Urotherapy that aims to educate the child and family about bladder and bowel function and guides them to achieve normal voiding and bowel habits should initially be employed in all cases except those who have urinary tract infections (UTI) and constipation. Specific medical treatment is added in the case of refractory overactive bladder symptoms and recurrent UTIs.Conclusion: Producing recommendations for managing LUTS in children based on high-quality studies is not possible. LUTS in children should be evaluated in a multimodal way by minimal invasive diagnostic procedures. Urotherapy is the mainstay of treatment and specific medical treatment is added in refractory cases.What is Known:• Symptoms of the lower urinary tract may have significant social consequences and sometimes clinical morbidities like urinary tract infections and vesicoureteral reflux. In many children, however, there is no such obvious cause for the incontinence, and they are referred to as having functional bladder problems.What is New:• This review aims to construct a practical recommendation strategy for the general practitioner, pediatrician, pediatric urologist, and urologist for LUTS in children. Producing recommendations for managing LUTS in children based on high-quality studies is not possible. LUTS in children should be evaluated in a multimodal way by minimal invasive diagnostic procedures. Urotherapy is the mainstay of treatment and specific medical treatment is added in refractory cases.

Filum Section for Urinary Incontinence in Children with Occult Tethered Cord Syndrome: A Randomized, Controlled Pilot Study

PURPOSE

Occult tethered cord syndrome, in which there is normal neuroanatomic imaging despite clinical and urodynamic evidence of neuropathic bladder behavior, is controversial. Several uncontrolled series describe improvement in bladder function following section of the filum terminale. We performed a pilot randomized, controlled study comparing medical treatment to surgical section of the filum plus medical treatment in children with occult tethered cord syndrome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Children refractory to standard medical management for 1 year or more with normal conus position on magnetic resonance imaging and abnormal urodynamics were randomized. Exclusion criteria included any neurological conditions, spinal dysraphism, bladder outlet obstruction and an atonic bladder. Patients were assessed at randomization and 1 year later with a standardized urodynamic score, the validated PEMQOL (Pediatric Enuresis Module on Quality of Life™) scale, and a validated bowel and bladder dysfunction score.

RESULTS

After 8 years we accrued 21 patients. The bowel and bladder dysfunction score improved in the surgical and medical arms (20% and 24%) and the urodynamic score improved slightly (6% and 4%, respectively). The PEMQOL Child and Family Impact Scales improved modestly in both groups. All differences were nonsignificant. Interim analysis indicated that more than 700 patients in each arm would be required to demonstrate a statistical difference with respect to urodynamic score based on our preliminary data.

CONCLUSIONS

There appears to be no objective difference in urological outcome between medical management plus or minus filum section for patients with occult tethered cord syndrome. These data challenge the existence of the concept of occult tethered cord syndrome, in which bowel and bladder dysfunction score is attributed to tethering by the filum despite a normally located conus.

Role of uroflowmetry with electromyography in the evaluation of children with lower urinary tract dysfunction

INTRODUCTION

A conventional urodynamic study (UDS) is considered invasive while uroflowmetry is considered inadequate in the evaluation of children with lower urinary tract dysfunction. The aims of this study were to identify the role of uroflowmetry with electromyography (UFEMG) in this group.

METHODS

A cohort of 121 children (age 5-12 years; M:F = 2:3) with symptoms of lower urinary tract dysfunction underwent a detailed voiding history and clinical assessment. Those with evidence of neurological abnormality, obstructive uropathy or active urinary tract infection were not included. They were prospectively studied using UFEMGfirst, followed by UDS on the same day.

RESULTS

A total of 76 (63%) children had abnormality on UFEMG while only 12 (10%) had abnormality on UDS. UFEMG was significantly superior in picking up abnormality (P = 0.03). Three types of UFEMG abnormalities were identified: (1) dysfunctional voiding (prolonged staccato trace with active pelvic floor and normal voided volume: n = 42), (2) idiopathic detrusor overactivity (shortened trace with quiet pelvic floor and reduced voided volume: n = 16) and (3) detrusor underutilization disorder (prolonged flat trace with quiet pelvic floor and large voided volume: n = 18).

CONCLUSIONS

UFEMG is ideal non-invasive test in children with lower urinary tract dysfunction. It helps in identifying the different patterns and the appropriate treatment modality.

Lower urinary tract dysfunction is frequently seen in urinary tract infections in children and is often associated with reduced quality of life

AIM

Previous studies suggest that 6-46% of children suffer from lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD). This study evaluated the prevalence of LUTD in children with a urinary tract infection (UTI) and assessed the impact of standard urotherapy on patients with LUTD.

METHODS

We enrolled 228 patients who were 4 years of age or older with at least one episode of UTI, together with a control group of 100 children. All the children were evaluated using the Pediatric Lower Urinary Tract Symptom Score (PLUTSS), and the intervention group were re-assessed after therapy to gauge their response.

RESULTS

Lower urinary tract dysfunction was detected in 134 (59%) patients. Their mean PLUTSS was 15.9 ± 5.3, and 78% of these patients had a reduced quality of life (QOL). After 5 ± 2.7 months of behavioural therapy, 105 (78%) patients with LUTD were evaluated for the second time. This showed that LUTD was ameliorated in 69% of the patients and improved in 26%, with a mean post-treatment PLUTSS of 6.6 ± 5.6. Two control group children had LUTD.

CONCLUSION

Lower urinary tract dysfunction was frequently seen in patients with UTIs, but standard urotherapy was usually successful. Most of the patients in our study with LUTD also had an impaired QOL.

Renal bladder ultrasound evaluation in monosymptomatic primary nocturnal enuresis: is it really necessary?

BACKGROUND

Published guidelines regarding radiographic imaging in the evaluation of monosymptomatic primary nocturnal enuresis (MPNE) are not followed. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of urological abnormalities on renal/bladder ultrasound (RBUS) in children with MPNE and to compare the RBUS findings in children with and without MPNE.

METHODS

Retrospective data collection in all children aged 5-17 years seen for the initial evaluation of MPNE. Control group consisted of age- and sex-matched children who had abdominal ultrasound for other than bladder-/kidney-related causes. RBUS findings were analyzed with regard to the need for intervention and/or follow-up.

RESULTS

While abnormalities on RBUS were seen in 12.54% of enuretic children and in 5.38% of controls (p = 0.004), the majority of these findings were clinically insignificant. Of those with abnormalities, only 4 enuretic children (1.43%) required intervention and 8 (2.87%) needed follow-up studies. These rates were not significantly different from the controls. However, enuretic children with RBUS abnormalities appear to be more resistant to treatment than enuretic children with normal RBUS (p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

A small proportion of abnormalities seen on RBUS in children with MPNE require intervention and/or further evaluation. The identification of insignificant RBUS findings could lead to unnecessary additional investigations owing to parental concern. Detailed history and a voiding diary may be sufficient in the initial evaluation of children with MPNE, although RBUS may play an important role in patients who are resistant to treatment.

Effective and organ specific radiation doses from videourodynamics in children

PURPOSE

Effective and organ specific doses of ionizing radiation during videourodynamics are unknown. We estimated radiation exposure in children undergoing videourodynamics, and identified patient and examination factors that contribute to higher dosing.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fluoroscopy data were collected from consecutive patients undergoing videourodynamics. Documented dose metrics were used to calculate entrance skin dose after applying a series of correction factors. Effective doses and organ specific doses (ovaries/testes) were estimated from entrance skin dose using Monte Carlo methods on a mathematical anthropomorphic phantom (ages 0, 1, 5, 10 and 15 years). Regression analysis was performed to determine patient and procedural factors associated with higher dosing.

RESULTS

A total of 100 children (45% male, mean ± SD age 9.3 ± 5.7 years) were studied. Diagnoses included neurogenic bladder (73%), anatomical abnormality (14%) and functional/nonneurogenic disorder (13%). Mean fluoroscopy time was 0.17 ± 0.12 minutes. Mean age adjusted entrance skin dose, effective dose, and testis and ovary doses were 2.18 ± 2.00 mGy, 0.07 ± 0.05 mSv, 0.09 ± 0.10 mGy and 0.20 ± 0.13 mGy, respectively. On univariate analysis age, height, weight, body mass index, bladder capacity and fluoroscopy time were associated with effective dose. On multivariate adjusted analysis, body mass index, bladder capacity and fluoroscopy time were independently associated with effective dose.

CONCLUSIONS

The average effective dose of ionizing radiation from videourodynamics was less compared to voiding cystourethrogram dose reported in the literature. Greater fluoroscopy time, body mass index and bladder capacity are independently associated with higher dosing.

Urodynamic testing in children: indications, technique, interpretation and significance

PURPOSE

Urodynamic studies in children have been performed with increasing frequency as the techniques, reproducibility and reliability of the testing have been refined in the last quarter century. Children of all ages and with a variety of comorbidities are now often referred for urodynamic testing to evaluate and understand the causes of incontinence and/or persistence of lower urinary tract symptoms, as well as to appropriately define and evaluate treatment regimens.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a MEDLINE® search for relevant articles on urinary tract dysfunction, neurogenic bladder and urodynamic studies in the pediatric population. We also included 3 major textbooks that addressed the subject matter.

RESULTS

We review the current indications for urodynamic studies in children with nonneurogenic and neurogenic bladder dysfunction. We summarize the components and techniques of the current practice of urodynamic studies in the pediatric population, and explain how to identify abnormal results.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of urodynamic studies in pediatrics has become almost mandatory for the effective management of severe or therapy resistant urinary tract abnormalities. This review may be used as a guideline for the appropriate application of urodynamics in this patient population.

Dysfunctional urinary voiding in women with functional defecatory disorders

BACKGROUND

While pelvic floor dysfunction may manifest with bladder or bowel symptoms, the relationship between functional defecatory disorders and dysfunctional voiding is unclear. Our hypothesis was that patients with defecatory disorders have generalized pelvic floor dysfunction, manifesting as dysfunctional urinary voiding.

METHODS

Voiding was assessed by a symptom questionnaire, a voiding diary, uroflowmetry, and by measuring the postvoid residual urine volume in this case-control study of 28 patients with a functional defecatory disorder (36 ± 2 years, mean ± SEM) and 30 healthy women (36 ± 2 years).

KEY RESULTS

 Women with a defecatory disorder frequently reported urinary symptoms: urgency (61%), frequency (36%), straining to begin (21%), or finish (50%) voiding, and the sense of incomplete emptying (54%). Fluid intake and output, the minimum voided volume, and the shortest duration between voids measured by voiding diaries were higher (P < 0.05) in patients than in controls. Uroflowmetry revealed abnormalities in seven controls and 22 patients. The risk of abnormal voiding by uroflowmetry was higher in patients (OR 8.0; 95% CI, 2.3-26.9) than in controls. Patients took longer than controls (P < 0.01) to attain the maximum urinary flow rate (12 ± 2 VS 4 ± 0 s) and to empty the bladder (29 ± 4 VS 20 ± 2 s), but the maximum urinary flow rate and postvoid residual volumes were not significantly different.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

Symptoms of dysfunctional voiding and uroflowmetric abnormalities occurred more frequently, suggesting of disordered urination, in women with a defecatory disorder than in healthy controls.

Efficacy of combined anticholinergic treatment and behavioral modification as a first line treatment for nonneurogenic and nonanatomical voiding dysfunction in children: a randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

This randomized blinded clinical study was designed to compare the efficacy of tolterodine treatment combined with behavioral modification, behavioral modification alone and behavioral modification plus placebo in children with nonneurogenic, nonanatomical voiding dysfunction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 72 children meeting inclusion criteria were randomly allocated to 1 of 3 groups. One group received tolterodine (1 mg twice daily) along with behavioral modification, 1 received behavioral modification only and 1 received placebo with behavioral modification. A dysfunctional voiding scoring system questionnaire was completed for all patients at the beginning of the study, and at 1 and 3 months of treatment.

RESULTS

A total of 71 patients were evaluated. The groups did not differ with respect to age, gender and symptom score before study enrollment (p >0.05). Repeated calculations of symptom scores at 1 month of the treatment revealed a significant decrease in symptoms in all 3 groups, with a significant decrease in patients receiving tolterodine. In addition, at month 3 the symptom score of the tolterodine group was significantly lower compared to month 1, while scores remained steady in the behavioral modification and behavioral modification plus placebo groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Tolterodine combined with behavioral modification for voiding dysfunction in children without neurological or anatomical abnormality can be recommended as a first line treatment before invasive evaluation.

Medical management of vesicoureteral reflux--quiz within the article. Don't overlook placebos

Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in children is associated with increased risk of urinary tract infection (UTI). Recurrent UTI in the presence of the VUR is believed to cause renal scarring, which carries a risk of subsequent hypertension, toxemia of pregnancy, and significant renal damage, including end-stage renal disease. The natural history of VUR is to improve or resolve completely with time in most of the patients. The traditional management consists of prompt treatment of UTI, long-term anti-microbial prophylaxis until the VUR resolves, or surgical intervention in those with persistent high grade VUR, recurrent UTI in spite of prophylaxis with anti-microbial agent, allergy to anti-microbial agents, and patient/parent non-compliance with the medical management. Voiding dysfunction and constipation play an important role, and their diagnosis and appropriate management helps reduce the frequency of UTI and promote the resolution of the VUR. Patients with renal scarring need to be monitored for potential complications such as hypertension, proteinuria, and progression of the renal damage. In patients with hypertension and/or proteinuria, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are the drugs of choice, because of their reno-protective properties. Recent studies have revealed that there is no convincing evidence that UTI in the presence of VUR predicts renal injury or that the use of long-term anti-microbial prophylaxis or surgical intervention prevents renal scarring or its progression. However, until proven otherwise by a prospective, placebo-controlled, randomized study, it is advisable to err on the side of caution and consider VUR and UTI risk factors for renal scarring and treat each patient on individual basis.

High Yield of Urodynamics Performed for Refractory Nonneurogenic Dysfunctional Voiding in the Pediatric Population

PURPOSE

In the pediatric population urodynamic evaluation for nonneurological causes has been previously reported as a low yield endeavor when considering patients with a primary diagnosis of dysfunctional voiding. We evaluated the rate of clinically significant urodynamic findings that would drive therapeutic intervention for a spectrum of urological disorders in pediatric patients without neurological deficit in whom initial conventional management had failed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the charts of patients who had undergone urodynamics in the last 7 years. Patients with known neurological deficits were excluded.

RESULTS

A total of 805 pediatric urodynamic evaluations were performed from December 1997 to July 2004 at our institution, including 89 in patients with no known neurological diagnosis and charts available for review. Of the urodynamic studies 33 (37.1%) were reported as normal and 56 patients (62.9%) had clinically significant discoveries. Storage phase abnormalities were the predominant finding in 37 patients (66.1%), including uninhibited detrusor contractions in 31 (55.4%). Emptying phase abnormalities were less common (19 patients or 33.9%). There was no difference in the percent of patients with positive urodynamics findings depending on sex.

CONCLUSIONS

In our analysis evaluation of all recent urodynamics performed at a single institution revealed a high rate of pathological findings in patients with various nonneurological diagnoses.

An approach to daytime wetting in children

Daytime wetting is a common problem with various causes that can usually be identified through a careful history, thorough physical examination, and urinalysis. Conservative approaches to therapy have a successful outcome in most children. Invasive diagnostic imaging studies and pharmacologic or surgical intervention are necessary only for carefully selected children.

Efficacy of tolterodine as a first-line treatment for non-neurogenic voiding dysfunction in children

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect of antimuscarinic treatment with tolterodine combined with behavioural modification as a first-line treatment, before invasive investigation, in children with non-neurogenic voiding dysfunction but no obvious anatomical or neurogenic cause.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study comprised 44 children presenting with voiding dysfunction (30 girls and 14 boys, mean age 7 years, range 5-14); all had a noninvasive evaluation consisting of a history, urine analysis, renal and bladder ultrasonography and physical examination, with specific emphasis on the voiding pattern. Anticholinergic treatment with tolterodine (1 mg twice daily) was started in all patients; they were also informed about conservative management, including timed voiding, double voiding and relaxation of the pelvic floor during voiding. At the start and after 3 months, the dysfunctional voiding symptom score (DVSS) was completed twice by all patients.

RESULTS

For all patients the mean (sd) DVSS was 14.0 (2.67) and 6.68 (3.67) before and after treatment, respectively; the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). The mean scores for girls and boys, respectively, were 13.8 (2.79) and 14.5 (2.44) before and 6.43 (3.79) and 7.50 (3.34) after treatment.

CONCLUSION

Tolterodine combined with behavioural modification for dysfunctional voiding in children with no neurological or anatomical abnormality can be recommended as a first-line treatment before invasive evaluation. Additionally, the DVSS appears to provide accurate and objective data for monitoring the effect of treatment in such children.

[Urodynamic investigations in children]

Performing urodynamic investigations in children presents some difficulty due to the lack of any normogram, and due to the results that vary with age. Such investigation is therefore carried out only when clinical examination and radiological assessment fail to explain a voiding dysfunction. The procedure should be performed in a urodynamic unit that has paediatric expertise. A specific paediatric procedure is to be respected when performing uroflowmetry and cystometry in children. Assessing the urethral pressure profile is very difficult since moving a catheter along the urethra causes a reflex activity of the pelvic floor muscles. Main indications are: neuropathic bladders, voiding dysfunctions, urinary infections, anorectal malformations and pelvic tumours. As in adults, urodynamic investigations are useful when selecting a therapeutic strategy.

DYSFUNCTIONAL VOIDING AND INCONTINENCE SCORING SYSTEM: QUANTITATIVE EVALUATION OF INCONTINENCE SYMPTOMS IN PEDIATRIC POPULATION

PURPOSE

Functional voiding problems in children are common. Although pathophysiology and presentation of this clinical entity are well described, there is not yet a generally accepted method of quantitative and standard evaluation of clinical symptoms, and there are few studies addressing the issue of symptom scoring in children. We investigated use of a symptom scoring system in children with functional voiding problems and the normal population, and validated it using a scientific tool.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A symptom scoring system was designed empirically. The questionnaire was composed of items regarding daytime symptoms, nighttime symptoms, voiding habits, bowel habits and quality of life. There were 2 groups whose symptoms were evaluated using this scoring system. Group 1 consisted of 86 patients who were admitted to our clinic with various wetting and daytime voiding problems. Group 2 consisted of 265 controls with no urological complaints. Parents of all children were asked to fill out a questionnaire that included the symptom scoring system. Boys with lower urinary tract abnormalities, and patients with spina bifida occulta and neurogenic bladder were excluded from the study. Odds ratios of answers to each item in the questionnaire were used to define strength of the questions to differentiate patients from healthy controls. According to the value of odds ratios, questions were modified and a score for each question was given. Receiver operating characteristic plots were used to define detection cutoff or threshold score, and Youden's index was used to detect best reflecting optimal sensitivity and specificity.

RESULTS

The total score was determined to range from 0 to 35, and items were modified to 13 questions and 1 quality of life question at the end of the study. Among the 86 patients in group 1 (female-to-male ratio 1.5:1) mean score was 18.56. Among the 265 controls in group 2 (female-to-male ratio 1.5:1) mean score was 2.88. Statistical analysis revealed that within a confidence interval of 96.2% patients with a score of 8.5 or greater had voiding abnormalities, with 90% sensitivity and 90% specificity. There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 genders and 2 age groups of 4 to 7 and 8 to 10 years.

CONCLUSIONS

This statistically validated functional voiding problems symptom score may provide accurate, objective and scientific bases to grade the symptoms in comparative research, diagnosis, treatment and followup of patients with wetting and functional voiding disorders.

[Diagnostics of functional bladder disorders in children]

Functional bladder disorders are one of the most frequent urinary disorders in children. Today, we strictly differentiate enuresis from pediatric urinary incontinence. In most cases, these classifications will be achieved with non-invasive, primary diagnostic procedures. In monosymptomatic enuresis, further invasive examinations are not necessary. However, in pediatric urinary incontinence invasive diagnostic tools such as video-urodynamic studies are mandatory for a correct classification. Recently established guidelines on the diagnostic procedures for the evaluation of pediatric bladder disorders will help to standardize the diagnostic work-up.

The role of video-urodynamic studies in managing non-neurogenic voiding dysfunction in children

OBJECTIVE

To retrospectively evaluate the role of video-urodynamics (VUD) in the diagnosis and management of voiding dysfunction in children.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The records of the 128 children with dysfunctional voiding symptoms were retrospectively evaluated. All patients had a noninvasive screening assessment consisting of a detailed voiding history, ultrasonography and uroflowmetry, and measurement of residual urine. All the patients had also undergone VUD with no selection criteria. The results of VUD were compared retrospectively with the noninvasive screening assessment results.

RESULTS

In 84 patients with urge syndrome VUD showed detrusor overactivity in 72 (86%); the bladder configuration and voiding-phase results were normal. Three (3.5%) patients had low-grade reflux. In 38 patients with voiding dysfunction VUD showed an intermittent flow pattern and/or increased electromyographic activity with a "spinning top" deformity of the bladder neck and increased detrusor pressure during voiding. Five (13%) of these children had low-grade reflux. In six infrequent voiders VUD revealed increased bladder capacity with fractionated flow patterns, with concomitantly increased abdominal pressures. There was decreased detrusor pressure during voiding with significant residual urine volume in only two patients; there was no reflux in any of the patients in this group.

CONCLUSION

We do not recommend routine VUD in children with non-neurogenic voiding dysfunction, as it does not generally change the management and treatment. A detailed voiding history and physical examination is usually sufficient for a correct diagnosis.

Oxybutynin for diagnosis of infravesical obstruction in boys with urinary incontinence

OBJECTIVES

To investigate whether good suppression of symptoms during anticholinergic therapy in boys with urinary urge incontinence is correlated with anatomic infravesical obstruction.

METHODS

In a prospective study, 65 boys with urge incontinence were treated temporarily with anticholinergics. The effect of therapy was assessed, and a full video-urodynamic evaluation was performed. When obstruction could not be excluded urodynamically, urethrocystoscopy was done to assess the level and severity of obstruction, followed by endoscopic treatment. The effect of oxybutynin on incontinence was compared with the presence or absence of obstruction.

RESULTS

In 49 of 65 boys aged 4 to 14 years with daytime urge incontinence, infravesical obstruction was found. Of the 49 boys, 38 (76%) had a good response to anticholinergic therapy. Of the 16 boys without infravesical obstruction, 12 (75%) did not improve with anticholinergic therapy. When anticholinergic therapy was used as a diagnostic test for infravesical obstruction, we found a positive predictive value and negative predictive value of 90% (95% confidence interval 74% to 96%) and 52% (95% confidence interval 31% to 73%), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The effect of anticholinergic therapy on urge incontinence can be used as a diagnostic test to differentiate between anatomic infravesical obstruction and other causes of incontinence in boys.

Biofeedback therapy and dysfunctional voiding in children

Dysfunctional voiding, a condition in which a neurologically intact child fails to relax the urinary sphincter during micturition, was first described in the 1970s. Clinically, these children have urinary incontinence and recurrent urinary tract infections. Biofeedback, through which the child is taught to relax the pelvic floor during voiding, has become an increasingly popular method of treatment. Many series, most retrospective, have shown biofeedback to be very effective in the treatment of this disorder.

Urinary incontinence in girls

Girls with incontinence may have minor irritative conditions or undiagnosed anatomic abnormalities that may require surgery. These abnormalities can be identified during a comprehensive history and physical examination that focuses on voiding signs and symptoms. Urinary tract infection and constipation if present should be identified. Most girls with daytime wetting will respond to conservative therapy using timed voiding, dietary changes, and anticholinergic medication. Uroflowmetry with a postvoid residual urine measurement can identify girls who may benefit from biofeedback to treat pelvic floor dysfunction. Formal urodynamics and spinal magnetic resonance imaging should be done in girls refractory to treatment. Instruments and tools to quantify dysfunctional voiding symptoms are being developed. Because most dysfunctional voiding will be treated clinically, these validated tools will be useful in documenting severity of symptoms and clinical outcomes.

[Detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia: four case reports and literature review]

Detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia is responsible for major impairment and is factor for social and professional activity repercussions.

METHODS

We have studied the clinical and urodynamic finding in four patients (two men and two women) with detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia. Mean age is 36 years (26-44 years). Dyssynergia was secondary to tuberculosis meningitis in one case, surgery for rectal adenocarcinoma in one case, tight vertebral canal in one case and in one case the cause is indeterminate. The detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia were treated by autocatheterism in two cases, antibiotherapy antituberculosis associated with an anticholinergic drugs in one case and by alpha-blockers agent in another.

RESULTS

Quasi-complete salvage of the motor deficit and the dysfonctional voiding in a patient treated by antibiotherapy antituberculosis associated with an anticholinergic drugs. As well, maid evolution in patient treated by alpha-blockers agent and who practice self catheterization.

CONCLUSION

Optimal treatment is unknown, and the existence of several cures indicated the limit of all therapeutic methods.

Is routine urinary tract investigation necessary for children with monosymptomatic primary nocturnal enuresis?

OBJECTIVES

To investigate in a prospective study the role of bladder function and to compare the results of urinary tract ultrasonography and urinalysis in children with and without primary nocturnal enuresis because, although this is a common problem in children, the etiology and mechanisms of the disorder have not been elucidated.

METHODS

The study included 106 children with monosymptomatic primary nocturnal enuresis and a control group of 57 children with no history of voiding dysfunction, aged 5 to 19 years. All children underwent urinalysis, bladder and upper urinary tract ultrasonography, and uroflowmetry. The bladder capacity, bladder wall thickness, and postvoid residual volume were measured using ultrasonography. The findings were compared between the enuresis and control groups according to age: 5 to 9 years, 10 to 14 years, and 15 to 19 years.

RESULTS

The mean age was 9.6 +/- 3.1 years in the nocturnal enuresis group and 9.4 +/- 3.3 years in the control group (P = 0.727). The mean number of defecations per week was significantly lower statistically in the enuresis group than in the control group in the age categories of 5 to 9 years and 10 to 14 years (P = 0.038 and P = 0.018, respectively), and the mean number of urinations per day was significantly higher statistically in the enuresis group than in the control group in the age groups of 5 to 9 years and 10 to 14 years (P = 0.002 and P = 0.001, respectively). The bladder capacity, bladder wall thickness, postvoid residual volume, uroflowmetry maximal flow rate, and average flow rate were not significantly different statistically between the children with primary nocturnal enuresis and the control group in the three age brackets. Urinary infection was detected in 2 children (1.88%) in the nocturnal enuresis group and none of the children in the control group (P = 0.547). Upper urinary tract abnormalities detected by ultrasonography were seen in 3 children (2.83%) in the nocturnal enuresis group and 1 child (1.75%) in the control group, revealing no statistical significance (P = 0.671).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings show that the ultrasonographic and uroflowmetry findings on bladder function and the upper urinary system and the incidence of urinary infection are similar in children with and without nocturnal enuresis. Obtaining a voiding and elimination diary in conjunction with a good history may be beneficial in children with monosymptomatic primary nocturnal enuresis. In addition, routine urinalysis may be unnecessary in the evaluation of children with monosymptomatic primary nocturnal enuresis after obtaining a careful and complete history of the voiding dysfunction.