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Biomedical subjects

E Van Laecke

Publications and source records attributed to E Van Laecke.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Abnormal circadian rhythm of diuresis or nocturnal polyuria in a subgroup of children with enuresis and hypercalciuria is related to increased sodium retention during daytime.

PURPOSE: In a subgroup of children with enuresis an increase in nighttime water and solute excretion has been documented. To investigate if modifications in renal function are involved in nocturnal enuresis, we assessed circadian variation in natriuresis and tubular sodium handling in polyuric hypercalciuric children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 10 children with proved hypercalciuria and nocturnal polyuria and 10 age matched controls were included in the study. A 24-hour urine collection was performed in 8 sampling periods for measurement of urinary sodium excretion. Segmental tubular sodium transport was investigated during a daytime oral water load test and calculated according to standardized clearance methodology. RESULTS: The children with enuresis showed a marked increase in the fractional excretion of sodium during the night (0.93% +/- 0.36%), while daytime sodium excretion was decreased (0.84% +/- 0.23%). Analysis of segmental tubular sodium transport revealed decreased delivery of sodium to distal tubule (C(H2O) + C(Na) = 10.7 ml/100 ml glomerular filtration rate), indicating increased proximal tubular sodium reabsorption but also stimulation of distal sodium reabsorption as demonstrated by increased fractional distal sodium reabsorption (92.9% +/- 2.2%, controls 90.5% +/- 2.9%). Increased distal reabsorption was associated with increased fractional potassium excretion (17.5% +/- 2.7%, controls 13.6% +/- 6.4%), indicating increased distal tubular sodium/potassium exchange. CONCLUSIONS: No intrinsic defect in renal tubular sodium transport was found, but during the day increased sodium reabsorption in proximal and distal tubules was observed, suggesting extrarenal factors to be involved in altered circadian variation in solute and water excretion by the kidney.

Adolescent↗

The effect of botulinum-A toxin in incontinent children with therapy resistant overactive detrusor.

PURPOSE: We determined the effect of detrusor injection of botulinum-A toxin in a cohort of children with therapy resistant non-neurogenic detrusor overactivity. This prospective study included therapy resistant children with overactive bladder. MATERIAL AND METHODS: During the study period of 19 months 10 boys and 11 girls were included. All patients showed decreased bladder capacity for age, urge and urge incontinence. Main treatment duration before inclusion was 45 months. A dose of 100 U botulinum-A toxin (Botox) was injected in the detrusor. RESULTS: Side effects were evaluated in all 21 included patients. The side effects reported were 10-day temporary urinary retention in 1 girl and signs of vesicoureteral reflux with flank pain during voiding in 1 boy, which disappeared spontaneously after 2 weeks. No further examinations were done since the boy refused. Two girls experienced 1 episode each of symptomatic lower urinary tract infection. Eight girls and 7 boys with a minimum followup of 6 months represent the study group for long-term evaluation. In this study group after 1 injection 9 patients showed full response (no more urge and dry during the day) with a mean increase in bladder capacity from 167 to 271 ml (p <0.001). Three patients showed a partial response (50% decrease in urge and incontinence) and 3 remained unchanged. Eight of the 9 full responders were still cured after 12 months, while 1 of the initially successfully treated patients had relapse after 8 months. The 3 partial responders and the patient with relapse underwent a second injection with a full response in the former full responder and in 1 partial responder. CONCLUSIONS: Botulinum-A toxin injection in children with non-neurogenic overactive detrusor is an excellent treatment adjunct, leading to long-term results in 70% after 1 injection.

Adolescent↗

Is an anal plug useful in the treatment of fecal incontinence in children with spina bifida or anal atresia?

PURPOSE: We evaluated the efficacy and tolerance of the Conveen anal plug in children with spina bifida or anal atresia with persistent fecal incontinence necessitating diapers despite bowel management. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven 4 to 12-year-old patients with high congenital imperforate anus and 9 who were 6 to 13 years old with spina bifida, no mental retardation and no involuntary urine loss on clean intermittent catheterization were included in the study. During a prospective, 6-week crossover descriptive study after a test period to find the most comfortable plug with a diameter of 37 or 45 mm patients and parents completed a diary with the number of soiling episodes, stool frequency, stool consistency and the number of diapers used during 3 weeks without and with the plug, respectively. They provided a final assessment of the device. RESULTS: Two of the 7 patients with congenital imperforate anus discontinued use because of pain and discomfort, 1 had a decrease in soiling episodes and 4 achieved full continence and needed no diapers while using 2 plugs daily (range 1 to 4). All patients preferred the smaller plug. Two of the 9 patients with spina bifida always lost the plug within 1 hour after introduction, 5 had a decrease in soiling episodes but continued to need diapers and 2 achieved full continence using 2 plugs daily (range 1 to 4). All patients preferred the larger plug. CONCLUSIONS: The Conveen anal plug is an adjuvant treatment option for fecal incontinence in children with congenital imperforate anus or spina bifida, enabling a minority to stop using diapers. The Conveen anal plug is not a universal solution for fecal incontinence problems in these patients.

Anus, Imperforate↗

The daytime alarm: a useful device for the treatment of children with daytime incontinence.

PURPOSE: We present the results of the use of a daytime wetting alarm as treatment for therapy resistant daytime wetting in children with an overactive detrusor. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a retrospective study we reviewed the files of 63 children treated with a daytime alarm because of persistent daytime wetting. Results were considered a complete success when the children were completely dry after treatment, a partial success when there was greater than 50% improvement in daytime wetting and a failure when no change was observed in daytime symptoms. RESULTS: During a study period of 25 months 63 children were treated with a daytime alarm at the department of pediatric urology. The mean treatment period was 14 days. At a followup of 12 months treatment failed in 20 children (32%), 21 (33%) had partial success and 22 (35%) were successfully treated. CONCLUSIONS: In children with therapy resistant daytime wetting and an overactive detrusor the daytime alarm may be a useful treatment tool. Complete cure of daytime incontinence can be attained in 35% of patients, almost a third have improvement in their complaints and training fails in a third.

Adolescent↗

Retrospective analysis of efficacy and tolerability of tolterodine in children with overactive bladder.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of tolterodine in children with an overactive bladder, treated in a single incontinence centre. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of a database of a total of two hundred and fifty-six patients (175 boys and 81 girls, age range 3 years to 17 years, mean age 8.33 years) with urodynamically confirmed bladder overactivity was performed. All children received tolterodine tartrate (dose range of 0.5-4 mg orally). In group I (n=205) tolterodine tartrate replaced anticholinergic drugs (AC) (oxybutinin chloride or oxyphencyclimin hydrochloride). A subgroup of patients switched because of intolerance due to serious adverse events (60.4%) or because of lack of improvement in micturition variables (39.6%). In group II tolterodine was prescribed as initial therapy (n=51). Tolerability was assessed by a standardised questionnaire on adverse events at every outdoor clinic visit. Efficacy assessment was based on micturition diary variables, mean change of maximum bladder capacity and number of incontinence episodes/24 h. RESULTS: The mean treatment time was 9.32 months with a range from 1.5 months to 23.4 months. The final dose was 0.1mg/kg orally daily divided into two doses. In group I central nervous system disorders (81%) were the most common adverse events, 26.2% showed flushing, 12.2% accommodation problems and 25.2% had gastrointestinal complaints (constipation, encopresis, abdominal pain). Withdrawal of the non-selective antimuscarinic drug resulted in total recovery from adverse events. Introduction of tolterodine in group I and II caused no serious adverse events. Nine patients (3.5%) reported side-effects and only two discontinued treatment. There were no reports of flushing, troubles of visual accommodation, hyperpyrexia. In group I we observed a mean decrease in urgency by 38.7%, a mean increase in maximal bladder capacity by 33.6% and the number of incontinence episodes decreased by 64.8%. In group II we observed equivalent values with a significant (p<0.001) change in maximal bladder capacity (49.7%), incontinence episodes (64.8%) and micturition episodes/24 h. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this retrospective analysis suggest that tolterodine is well tolerated in children and offers an effective treatment for urinary symptoms due to overactive bladder. Tolterodine is superior to non-selective antimuscarinic drugs, with respect to adverse events, allowing more compliance and more effective treatment in children.

Adolescent↗

'Batman excision' of ventral skin in hypospadias repair, clue to aesthetic repair (point of technique).

OBJECTIVE: In the hypospadiac penis the ventral skin is poorly developed, while dorsal skin is redundant. The classical Byars' flaps are a way to use the excess dorsal skin to cover the penile shaft. The appearance after Byars' flaps however is not natural. We use a more natural looking skin allocation with superior aesthetic results. METHOD: The clue in this reconstruction is an inverted triangle shaped excision of ventral skin expanding over the edges of the hooded prepuce (which makes it look like Batman). After excision of the ventral skin it is possible to close the penile skin in the midline, thus mimicking the natural raphe. In case of preputial reconstruction the excised ventral skin makes the prepuce look more natural. CONCLUSION: The trend of further refining aesthetic appearance of the hypospadiac penis often neglects the penile skin reconstruction. A technique is presented by which the total penile appearances after surgery ameliorates due to better skin reconstruction.

Humans↗

A high easy-to-treat complication rate is the price for a continent stoma.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the conduit-related complications and their treatment in Mitrofanoff continent urinary diversion and antegrade colonic enema (ACE) procedures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The files of 53 patients (18 men and 35 women) in whom 58 continent stomas were created were retrospectively reviewed. Gender, age, age at the time of surgery, underlying disease, concomitant surgery, abdominal position of the stoma, follow-up, complications and treatment were assessed. The mean (sd) age at the time of surgery was 19 (13) years; 30 patients were aged <15 years and the mean follow-up was 2.8 (1.9) years. Fifty-three continent vesicostomy-type Mitrofanoff stomas were constructed and five ACE procedures performed. Forty-five stomas were in the umbilicus and 13 on the abdominal wall. For 45 conduits the appendix was used; in the other 13 a transverse tubularized ileal segment according to Monti was created. RESULTS: There were stoma-related complications in 19 patients (36%), with 27 in all and stomal stenosis accounting for more than half. Five patients had urinary leakage. The median time to the first complication was 9 months. Multiple regression analysis showed that gender and stoma location were the only significant determinants of the complication/follow-up ratio. Women had more complications than men and umbilical stomas fared worse than those on the abdominal wall. Age, underlying disease and type of stoma were not significantly related to the complication/follow-up ratio. The complication was treated by one procedure in 13 patients; four needed two and two needed three surgical revisions. Most complications were relatively easy to treat, i.e. dilatation in five, endoscopic incision in one, re-anastomosis in four, Y-V plasty in seven, a new channel in two, reimplantation in three, a bladder cuff in two for stomal leakage, and abdominoplasty in two. Only one stoma had to be abandoned. CONCLUSION: The complication rate for continent small-diameter stoma is high. However, most complications are relatively easy to treat. Despite these complications, patient satisfaction remains high.

Adolescent↗

The role of pelvic-floor therapy in the treatment of lower urinary tract dysfunctions in children.

The pelvic-floor is under voluntary control and plays an important role in the pathophysiology of lower urinary tract (LUT) dysfunctions in children, especially of non-neuropathic bladder sphincter dysfunction. The following therapeutic measures can be applied to try to influence the activity of the pelvic-floor during voiding: proprioceptive exercises of the pelvic-floor (manual testing), visualization of the electromyographic registration of relaxation and contraction of the pelvic-floor by a curve on a display (relaxation biofeedback), observation of the flow curve during voiding (uroflow biofeedback), learning of an adequate toilet posture in order to reach an optimal relaxation of the pelvic-floor, an individually adapted voiding and drinking schedule to teach the child to deal consciously with the bladder and its function and a number of simple rules for application at home to increase the involvement and motivation of the child. In children however with persisting idiopathic detrusor instability additional therapeutic measures may be necessary to improve present urologic symptoms (incontinence problems, frequency, urge) and to increase bladder capacity. Intravesical biofeedback has been used to stretch the bladder and seems to be useful in case of sensory urge. Recently a less invasive technique, called transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), has been applied on level of S3 with promising results in children with urodynamicaly proven detrusor instability, in which previous therapies have failed.

Biofeedback, Psychology↗

One thousand video-urodynamic studies in children with non-neurogenic bladder sphincter dysfunction.

OBJECTIVE: To ascertain the aetiology and epidemiology of non-neurogenic bladder sphincter dysfunction (NNBSD) by assessing the results of prospective video-urodynamic studies (VUD) in 1000 children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: During a 4-year study period (January 1995 to December 1998) 1000 children prospectively underwent VUD to further define their NNBSD. After a noninvasive screening assessment consisting of a history, voiding diary, clinical examination, urine analysis, ultrasonography and uroflowmetry, those children who would benefit from further VUD were selected. The selection criteria included a history of urinary tract infection (UTI), a small bladder capacity not responding to training, dysfunctional uroflow, ultrasonographic abnormalities and resistance to therapy. During the study period 3500 children were screened for incontinence problems, including monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis; 1000 of these were selected for VUD (524 boys and 476 girls). RESULTS: The urodynamic diagnosis was of normal bladder-sphincter function in 62 (6.2%, male : female 44 : 56), urge syndrome in 582 (58%, 58 : 42), dysfunctional voiding in 316 (32%, 49 : 51) and 'lazy bladder' in 40 (4%, 20 : 80). Boys diagnosed with a 'lazy bladder' were younger than those with urge syndrome and dysfunctional voiding. Girls with dysfunctional voiding were younger than those with urge syndrome. The incidence of UTI was significantly higher in girls than in boys; boys with NNBSD had no greater risk for UTI and in girls the general risk was 34%. Only in girls with a lazy bladder was there a significantly higher incidence of UTI (53%). Reflux occurred equally in all groups, with an overall incidence of 15%. The incidence of obstipation was significantly higher in girls with a lazy bladder, and overall was 17%. CONCLUSION: These results from a large series provide a new insight into the epidemiology and pathophysiology of NNBSD. The age distribution provides evidence against a dysfunctional voiding sequence. The risk of developing UTI in NNBSD is greater only in girls. In children with a lazy bladder the risk is also significantly higher, indicating that residual urine is a greater risk factor than detrusor instability. Urge syndrome and dysfunctional voiding in girls carry the same risk for developing UTI, indicating that bladder instability is a higher risk factor for UTI than detrusor sphincter discoordination. All dysfunctions carry an equal risk for developing secondary reflux. Children with NNBSD have different primary diseases but all have a common risk of incontinence, UTIs, reflux and obstipation.

Age Distribution↗

Voiding disorders in severely mentally and motor disabled children.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the voiding and continence patterns in severely mentally and motor disabled children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The hetero-anamnestic, uroflometer and morning urine concentration profile results of 17 girls and 21 boys with severe mental and motor disability were evaluated in a prospective study. RESULTS: Of the children 20 (52.7%) suffered daytime and/or nighttime wetting and 18 (47.4%) were continent. Daytime and nighttime wetting occurred in 85.7% of children with tetraparesis and in 66.6% of those with an IQ between 46 and 55, representing the highest incidence rates. Bladder capacity was too small for age (mean deficit 145 ml.) in 92% of the children. Uroflowmetry demonstrated a dysfunctional pattern in 60.7% of patients. Dysfunctional voiding occurred in 100% of children with coordination disorders and in 87.5% of those with an IQ between 46 and 55, representing the highest incidence rates. The morning urine concentration profiles showed an osmolality of at least 1,021 mOsm./kg. in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: Although we found a remarkably high incidence of dysfunctional voiding, no correlation between the uroflow and continence patterns could be found. Restricted fluid intake, due to swallowing problems and insufficient hydration, causes an important bladder capacity deficit in most patients. Becoming continent is determined by motor disability, especially the degree of mobility, rather than by mental development.

Adolescent↗

Impact of urinary tract infection and detrusor pressure on renal tubular function in patients with vesicoureteral reflux.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate prospectively the impact of bacteriuria with or without pyuria and/or detrusor pressure on renal tubular function in patients with secondary vesicoureteral reflux. METHODS: From October 1994 to December1998, we evaluated 54 patients with secondary vesicoureteral reflux (26 men and 28 women; age 30+/-24 years), of whom 28 had a neurogenic and 26 a nonneurogenic voiding dysfunction. In a reference population (n = 48; 28 men, 20 women; age 38+/-14 years), 43 had a neurogenic and 5 a nonneurogenic voiding dysfunction. Urinary alpha-1-microglobulin was measured immunonephelometrically. Statistical analysis was performed by multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: Patients with vesicoureteral reflux had a significantly higher urinary alpha-1-microglobulin/creatinine ratio. Urinary alpha-1-microglobulin excretion was related to the grade of vesicoureteral reflux, detrusor pressure and compliance, but not to bacteriuria or pyuria, and was diagnostic for vesicoureteral reflux with a sensitivity of 90%, a specificity of 70% and a negative predictive value of 97%. CONCLUSION: Urinary alpha-1-microglobulin excretion is diagnostically useful in patients with secondary vesicoureteral reflux. The use of urinary alpha-1-microglobulin excretion in the follow-up of patients with vesicoureteral reflux has yet to be established.

Adult↗

Transcutaneous neuromodulation for the urge syndrome in children: a pilot study.

PURPOSE: Neuromodulation has been used to treat voiding dysfunction in adults. Due to its invasiveness it has rarely been used in children until now with the availability of transcutaneous neurostimulation. We evaluated clinical effects of transcutaneous neuromodulation on detrusor overactivity in children with the urge syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between May 1, 1998 and February 28, 1999, 15 girls (mean age 10.2 years) and 26 boys (mean age 10.7 years) with proved detrusor hyperactivity on videourodynamic study underwent neuromodulation. All children had been given anticholinergic therapy previously. Neurostimulation only was used in children in whom anticholinergics had no effect and those who had significant side effects. Anticholinergics were continued in children in whom they had a partial effect. Stimulation of 2 Hz. was applied for 2 hours every day. Surface electrodes were placed at the level of sacral root S3. After 1 month of trial stimulation those children who responded continued the treatment for 6 months, and were evaluated every 2 months. RESULTS: Of the 41 children 15 boys and 13 girls responded after 1 month of trial therapy with an increase in bladder capacity, decrease in urgency, decrease in incontinence and/or better sensitivity. Of the 13 children who did not respond 9 lacked motivation and 4 had no clinical effect despite motivation. After 6 months of therapy a significant increase in bladder capacity, decrease in voiding frequency and decrease in incontinence periods were noted. Adverse effects were not observed. One year after therapy relapse was noted in 7 patients, leaving 21 of 41 children definitively cured. CONCLUSIONS: Although preliminary, our results indicate that transcutaneous neuromodulation can improve symptoms of detrusor overactivity, as response to stimulation was noted in 76% of our patients and 56% were cured after 1 year. This therapeutic option is attractive for children because of its noninvasiveness and absence of adverse effects.

Child↗

Urodynamic assessment of voiding dysfunction and dysfunctional voiding in girls and women.

Voiding dysfunction is defined as impaired bladder emptying, and presents with a mixture of lower urinary tract symptoms. Dysfunctional voiding is a condition in which there is a lack of coordination between the sphincter and detrusor during emptying in a patient without overt uropathy or neuropathy. Assessment of voiding dysfunction is important in women and girls in the prevention and treatment of urinary incontinence, retention, urinary tract infection and subsequent kidney damage. Accurate diagnosis is essential in order to select the correct treatment. Screening can be done by history-taking: symptom scores can help to guide the screening. More objective measures are uroflowmetry, ultrasonography and video-urodynamics. The latter is the gold standard for the diagnosis of voiding dysfunction and consists of simultaneous registration of pressure in the bladder and rectum and external sphincter behavior, either by electromyographic recording of pelvic floor activity or by pressure recording at the external sphincter, during the whole bladder cycle of filling and emptying. On fluoroscopy the bladder can be visualized throughout the filling and emptying phase. In dysfunctional voiding, hypertonicity and instability of the external urethral sphincter during filling cystometry and impaired external sphincter relaxation during emptying are pathognomonic findings. Pressure-flow analysis reveals no obstruction and the detrusor contractility is low.

Adolescent↗

Pelvic-floor therapy and toilet training in young children with dysfunctional voiding and obstipation.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse experience in treating young children (4-5 years old) with urodynamically confirmed voiding dysfunction, using a noninvasive training programme. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 1996 and October 1997, 20 children (all < 5 years old, mean age 4.45 years, 18 girls and two boys, mean ages 4.44 and 4.5 years, respectively) with voiding dysfunction were treated. Three children showed filling phase dysfunction alone (bladder instability), six emptying phase dysfunction alone (dysfunctional voiding) and 11 showed both filling and emptying phase dysfunction. Sixteen children had incontinence problems (three diurnal, two nocturnal and 11 diurnal and nocturnal). Eight children had a history of recurrent urinary tract infections and 12 girls had vaginal irritation. Four children were referred for perineal pain caused by spasms of the pelvic floor. Eight children had encopresis based on chronic obstipation. Therapy consisted of keeping a voiding and drinking chart, instructions on proper toilet posture, daily rules for application at home, and if possible relaxation biofeedback of the pelvic-floor muscles. Therapy was considered successful if incontinence and other urological symptoms resolved. The treatment of encopresis is also discussed. RESULTS: Of the 20 children, 13 had a good result; they all became dry during the day and night, and encopresis resolved. Six children had moderate success; in one, nocturnal incontinence persisted, and in two diurnal and nocturnal incontinence continued. In two children encopresis persisted and in one the faecal incontinence ameliorated. In one child the therapy was prematurely interrupted because of lack of motivation. CONCLUSION: This experience suggests that a noninvasive training programme is applicable in very young children with symptoms of dysfunctional elimination of urine and faeces.

Biofeedback, Psychology↗

Bladder neck closure for treating pediatric incontinence.

AIMS OF STUDY: In order to evaluate the effects of bladder neck closure (BNC) for treatment of pediatric incontinence, on the quality of life of those children, we reviewed the files of 17 children who underwent this procedure during the last 5 years. Information on previous surgery before BNC, continence and complications after BNC and patient satisfaction are gathered. MATERIAL AND METHODS: During the study period, 17 children (9 male, 8 female) underwent BNC with continent diversion. Ten children (5 male, 5 female) suffered neurogenic incontinence in meningomyelocele, 5 children (4 male, 1 female) had bladder exstrophy, 1 girl suffered iatrogenic incontinence after treatment of an ectopic ureterocele and 1 girl suffered structural incontinence after pelvic fracture. Previous surgery for incontinence was done in 12 children with 36 procedures. Primary BNC was done in 5 children. For continent diversion the appendix was used in 13, the ureter in 2, a Monti procedure in 1, and an ileal valve in 1. In 9 children, ileal bladder augmentation was performed at the time of BNC. Four children were augmented before. Mean age at time of operation was 13.5 years. Mean follow-up is 35 months. RESULTS: After BNC, all patients were completely dry. One girl suffered some stomal incontinence during the night. This disappeared after recent bladder augmentation. Patient satisfaction is extremely high after surgery. All patients feel happy with their stoma and do not regret the choice they made. As for complications, urinary tract infections were seen in 9 patients. Stomal complications were seen in 8 patients. Three patients had some difficulty with catheterization, which could be solved with dilatation. Appendiceal polyps, which could be removed under local anesthesia, were seen in 3 and stomal stenosis which needed re-intervention in 2. In 1 patient, three revisions of the stoma were done, in the other patient, two surgical corrections. Out of 8 patients showing stomal complications, only 2 needed revision under anesthesia. All complications are seen in the first 6 months after the continent diversion. CONCLUSIONS: We present a series of patients who underwent BNC for treatment of incontinence. BNC is the ultimate bladder neck reconstruction. However, regarding the high success rate, the low complication rate and the high patient satisfaction, we must consider BNC as an important procedure for the reconstructive surgeon. If reconstruction fails, closure must be considered. Compared to most other procedures for bladder neck reconstruction, BNC gives the highest continence rate. Good patient compliance and strict medical follow-up of the upper tract is mandatory in these patients.

Adolescent↗

Anomalies of the external urethral meatus in girls with non-neurogenic bladder sphincter dysfunction.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate in a prospective study the clinical and urodynamic characteristics associated with the correlation previously reported between non-neuropathic bladder sphincter dysfunction and minimal meatal deformities in girls. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 1995 to June 1996 all girls referred for urodynamics to investigate non-neuropathic bladder sphincter dysfunction were examined for meatal anomalies. Two types of meatal anomalies were recognized, i.e. hypospadias, in which the urethral meatus is displaced dorsally and meatal web or covered hypospadias, in which there is a mucosal web on the dorsal side of the urethral meatus that deflects the urinary stream anteriorly. The girls presenting with minimal meatal deformities were compared with those presenting a normal meatal configuration for their history and video-urodynamic features. RESULTS: During the study, 288 girls were referred for video-urodynamics; 88 presented with meatal anomalies (24 hypospadias and 64 covered hypospadias) and comprised the study group; all other girls were considered as the control group. Incontinence during the day was more frequent in the study group (56%) than in the control group (34%) (P=0.003). Nocturnal enuresis was more frequent in the control group (87%) than in the study group (68%, P=0.006). Urge was more frequent in the study group (80%) than in the control group (65%, P=0.02), as was anterior deflection of the urinary stream (voiding over the toilet rim), in 48% and 4.5%, respectively (P<0.001). On video-urodynamics, dysfunctional voiding (detrusor sphincter dyscoordination during voiding) was more frequent in the study group (59%) than in the control group (38%, P=0.009), and vaginal voiding was more frequent in the study group (40%) than in the control group (11.5%, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Girls presenting with meatal anomalies have more severe dysfunction, as estimated by urodynamics. Although the natural history of these anomalies and the incidence in the normal population is not known, it is thought that there is an aetiological correlation between the functional voiding disorders and the meatal anomaly. Surgical treatment to correct the anomalies is proposed.

Female↗

Assessment of lower urinary tract dysfunction in children with non-neuropathic bladder sphincter dysfunction.

Although nonneuropathic bladder sphincter dysfunction in children is frequently encountered, there is no consensus on the assessment of children presenting with this problem. An example is given of how these children can be assessed. After a noninvasive screening consisting of history, voiding diary, clinical examination, urinalysis, ultrasound and uroflowmetry, those children that will benefit from further videourodynamic studies are selected. Videourodynamics help to describe accurately the filling phase dysfunction and the voiding phase dysfunction, which helps to outline therapy. By using the described methods we are able to select those patients who will benefit from pharmacotherapy and those who will benefit from urotherapy.

Adolescent↗