[Functional (Nonorganic) Enuresis and Daytime Urinary Incontinence in Children and Adolescents: Clinical Guideline for Assessment and Treatment]. / Enuresis und nicht-organische (funktionelle) Harninkontinenz bei Kindern und Jugendlichen ­ klinische Leitlinie zur Diagnostik und Therapie.

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.

Continence Problems and Mental Health in Adolescents from a UK Cohort.

BACKGROUND: Adolescents with continence problems experience unique threats to their psychological well-being, but long-term mental health sequelae are unknown. OBJECTIVE: To examine prospective relationships between incontinence/lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and mental health problems in young people. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A prospective cohort study of young people (n = 7332: 3639 males and 3693 females) from a population-based sample was conducted. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: We estimated the association between incontinence/LUTS and mental health outcomes using multivariable regression models adjusted for sex, socioeconomic position, developmental level, intelligence quotient, stressful life events, maternal psychopathology, body mass index, and emotional/behavioural problems. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Daytime wetting and voiding postponement showed the greatest number of associations with mental health problems. All incontinence subtypes/LUTS were associated with increased odds of generalised anxiety disorder (eg, odds ratio for daytime wetting = 3.01, 95% confidence interval [1.78, 5.09], p < 0.001) and/or higher anxiety scores. There was also evidence of associations with common mental disorder (eg, voiding postponement: 1.88 [1.46, 2.41], p < 0.001), depression (eg, urgency: 1.94 [1.19, 3.14], p = 0.008), depressive symptoms (eg, daytime wetting: 1.70 [1.13, 2.56], p = 0.01), self-harm thoughts (eg, voiding postponement: 1.52 [1.16, 1.99], p = 0.003), and disordered eating (eg, nocturia 1.72 [1.27, 2.34], p = 0.001). We are unable to generalise our results to minority ethnic groups, less affluent populations, and non-UK samples. CONCLUSIONS: Young people with incontinence/LUTS are at an increased risk of mental health problems. Further research is needed to establish the direction of causality. PATIENT SUMMARY: We looked at the association between continence problems and mental health outcomes in young people from a large population-based cohort. Young people with continence problems at the age of 14 yr were more likely to suffer from a range of mental health problems at the age of 18 yr, including common mental disorder, depression, anxiety, self-harm thoughts, and disordered eating. Paediatric continence clinics should address the mental health needs of young people and provide clear and effective care pathways to child and adolescent mental health services.

Managing children with daytime urinary incontinence: a survey of Dutch general practitioners.

BACKGROUND: In the Netherlands, parents of children with daytime urinary incontinence (UI) first consult general practitioners (GPs). However, GPs need more specific guidelines for daytime UI management, resulting in care and referral decisions being made without clear guidance. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to identify Dutch GP considerations when treating and referring a child with daytime UI. METHODS: We invited GPs who referred at least one child aged 4-18 years with daytime UI to secondary care. They were asked to complete a questionnaire about the referred child and the management of daytime UI in general. RESULTS: Of 244 distributed questionnaires, 118 (48.4%) were returned by 94 GPs. Most reported taking a history and performing basic diagnostic tests like urine tests (61.0%) and physical examinations (49.2%) before referral. Treatment mostly involved lifestyle advice, with only 17.8% starting medication. Referrals were usually at the explicit wish of the child/parent (44.9%) or because of symptom persistence despite treatment (39.0%). GPs usually referred children to a paediatrician (n = 99, 83.9%), only referring to a urologist in specific situations. Almost half (41.4%) of the GPs did not feel competent to treat children with daytime UI and more than half (55.7%) wanted a clinical practice guideline. In the discussion, we explore the generalisability of our findings to other countries. CONCLUSION: GPs usually refer children with daytime UI to a paediatrician after a basic diagnostic assessment, usually without offering treatment. Parental or child demand is the primary stimulus for referral.

Alarm-assisted urotherapy for daytime urinary incontinence in children: A meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Wearable alarm systems are frequently used tools added to urotherapy for children with both daytime and nighttime urinary incontinence. For functional daytime incontinence (DUI) specifically, the effect of alarm interventions has not been systematically reviewed. This study systematically evaluates, summarizes, reviews, and analyzes existing evidence about the effect of wearable alarm systems in urotherapy for children with functional DUI. STUDY DESIGN: We completed a comprehensive literature search in August 2022 using MEDLINE/PUBMED, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Google Scholar, conference abstracts, and citation tracking. Clinical controlled trials at controlled-trials.com and clinicaltrials.gov were consulted, as was the National health Service Center For Reviews And Dissemination. Eligible studies including the use of noninvasive wearable alarm systems as (part of) treatment for functional DUI in children were included. The main outcome was continence after treatment. Three independent reviewers extracted data. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane and National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute quality assessment tools. RESULTS: A total of 10 studies out of 1,382 records were included. Meta-analysis revealed a nonsignificant risk ratio of 1.4 (95% CI: 0.8-2.6) for the use of alarm systems. Urotherapy with alarm systems resulted in a 48% (95% CI: 33-62%) continence rate after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Alarm systems might be helpful as part of urotherapy for functional DUI in select cases. Adherence is problematic, and the optimal duration of the use of alarm systems is to be determined. Overall, the risk of bias was high in all studies.

Vibegron shows high efficacy in pediatric patients with refractory daytime urinary incontinence.

PURPOSE: Sparse published reports exist nowadays on vibegron and pediatric overactive bladder, so its usefulness of this agent remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to clarify the effectiveness of vibegron for pediatric cases of daytime urinary incontinence (DUI), including refractory cases. METHODS: Participants comprised 57 patients treated with vibegron for DUI from March 2019 to April 2022. To investigate treatment outcomes and risk factors for pediatric patients with refractory DUI, the following factors were evaluated: age at initiatial administration; frequency of DUI; duration of vibegron treatment; presence of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs); presence of constipation; and anticholinergic medications before and after initiation of treatment. RESULTS: Patients included 38 boys and 19 girls with a median age at initial administration of 111 months (range: 64-202 months) and a median administration term of 6 months (range: 1-33 months). With treatment for 6 months, the response rate (complete response + partial response) was 68.3%. A total of 24 cases with NDD showed a 72.0% response rate at 6 months. As for the relationship between anticholinergic agents and vibegron, 15 cases were treated with vibegron as the first choice without anticholinergics (First-choice cases), and 33 cases were treated with vibegron alone after switching from anticholinergics (Switch cases). Vibegron was used in combination with anticholinergic agents in 9 cases (Add-on cases). Response rates at 6 months were 85.0% in First-choice cases, 66.3% in Switch cases, and 40.7% in Add-on cases. Univariate analyses failed to identify any significant risk factors for refractory cases. CONCLUSIONS: Vibegron was effective in pediatric cases of DUI, with efficacy demonstrated within a short time in many cases. Vibegron is expected to play a significant role in the treatment of DUI in pediatric cases.

Role of Transabdominal Ultrasonography in the Evaluation of Pediatric Patients With Daytime Wetting: A Single-Center Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVES: Urinary incontinence (UI) is a frequent cause of admission to pediatric nephrology outpatient clinics. The aim of this study was to determine whether anatomical changes in lower urinary tract structures (retrovesical angulation [RVA] and bladder neck position [BNP]) are associated with UI in pediatric patients with daytime-wetting in comparison to healthy children. METHODS: In this prospective study, patients with daytime UI diagnosed using the Dysfunctional Voiding Symptom Score of the International Children's Continence Society and 3-day-voiding/bowel diary were compared with an age- and sex-matched control group without incontinence. In addition to routine clinical evaluation, RVA and BNP were measured at rest using transabdominal ultrasound (TA-US). Intra-rater agreement was estimated. RESULTS: A total of 88 children were included in the study, with 44 children (22 boys, 22 girls) each in patient and control groups. RVA was significantly greater and BNP was significantly lower in the patient group versus control group (RVA: 134.30 ± 10.05 vs 127.94 ± 13.15, P = .013; BNP: 11.88 ± 4.53 vs 17.20 ± 5.55, P < .001, respectively). Irrespective of the presence of incontinence, girls had a significantly greater RVA than boys (P < .001). However, there was no difference between sexes in BNP values (P = .630). Intra-rater agreement was very strong for RVA (P < .001, r = .897), and strong for BNP (P < .001, r = .774). CONCLUSIONS: TA-US imaging is a non-invasive and practical procedure routinely performed in pediatric patients presenting with UI complaints. Our study demonstrated anatomical changes in lower urinary tract structures in pediatric patients with UI. These changes should be considered in the diagnosis, follow-up, and treatment of patients with UI.

Anxiety disorders, depression and incontinence in preschool children-A population-based study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to examine associations of specific anxiety disorders, depressive symptoms, and incontinence in a representative, population-based sample of preschool children. METHODS: All preschool children of a defined geographical area examined before school-entry were included. Parents completed a questionnaire including the Preschool Feelings Checklist (PFC), eight questions referring to nocturnal enuresis (NE), daytime urinary incontinence (DUI), fecal incontinence (FI) and constipation, and 30 items regarding Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition (DSM-5) diagnostic criteria of separation anxiety disorder (SAD), social phobia (SOC), specific phobia (PHOB), and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Data of 1206 children (mean age = 5.7 years; 53.5% boys) are presented. RESULTS: 34.6% of incontinent children had an anxiety disorder based on DSM-5 criteria and 13.3% had clinically relevant depressive symptoms (measured by the PFC). Rates of incontinence overall were 14.1% (11.9% NE, 3.1% DUI, and 1.8% FI) and 6.3% for constipation. Rates of SOC and PHOB were increased in NE (20.8% and 25.4%), DUI (39.3% and 34.5%) and FI (35.3% and 50.0%) compared to continent children (13.5% and 17.2%). Children with constipation had higher rates of SOC, PHOB, and GAD than those without. Compared to continent children (9.7%), depressive symptoms were more frequent in children with NE (26.8%), DUI (50.0%), and FI (61.9%). CONCLUSION: Anxiety disorders and depressive symptoms are common in children with incontinence. The most specific DSM-5 disorders associated with incontinence are SOC and PHOB, which can be incapacitating and may require treatment. Due to the high rates of anxiety disorders, it is important to screen all children with incontinence, for example, with specific questionnaires.

Study protocol for a parallel-group randomized controlled multi-center trial evaluating the additional effect of continuous ultrasound bladder monitoring in urotherapy for children with functional daytime urinary incontinence (SENS-U trial).

BACKGROUND: Lower urinary tract dysfunction or functional urinary incontinence is a common condition with a prevalence up to 21% between 6 and 8 year-old children. It is associated with an impaired quality of life, lower self-esteem, and social stigmatization. Urotherapy is the first treatment of choice for functional daytime urinary incontinence (DUI) in children. Alarm therapy can be a part of urotherapy as it provides the child adequate feedback on wetting accidents. Current alarm systems notify either at a set interval or give a notification when wetting has already occurred to prompt the child to go to the toilet. These alarms do not teach the child the interpretation of the bladder sensation preceding wetting accidents. A new wearable bladder sensor, the SENS-U, recently became available. This is a relative small, wireless ultrasonic sensor, which continuously monitors bladder filling. The SENS-U is able to provide an alarm at the exact moment voiding is warranted. It facilitates the child to learn the sensation of bladder filling preceding voiding in an easier way, increasing the learning curve throughout treatment. Its additional effect in urotherapy on continence and cost-effectiveness is to be determined. METHODS/DESIGN: This is a multi-center clinical superiority parallel-group randomized controlled trial including a total of 480 children. Participants between 6 and 16 years of age with functional DUI in which urotherapy is offered as the next treatment of choice are eligible. Four centers, two academic hospitals, and two general care (peripheral) centers are participating. Participants will be randomized at a 1:1:1 ratio into three groups: urotherapy (care as usual), urotherapy with the SENS-U added for 3 consecutive weeks throughout the training, or urotherapy with a SHAM device for 3 weeks. The primary outcome is number of wetting accidents per week after 3 months of training, compared between the SENS-U and the SHAM device. The magnitude of the placebo effect will be assessed by comparing the results of the SHAM group versus the control (care as usual) group. DISCUSSION: To our knowledge, this is the first trial studying not only the effect but also the cost-effectiveness of alarm interventions as commonly added in urotherapy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN44345202 . Registered on March 2022.

Incontinence and sleep disturbances in young children: A population-based study.

AIMS: Nocturnal enuresis (NE), daytime urinary incontinence (DUI), fecal incontinence (FI), as well as sleep and behavioral problems are common in young children. The aim of this study was to analyze the association of sleep and psychological parameters for all types of incontinence in a representative sample of young children. METHODS: Six hundred thirty eight (of 1161) children with a mean age of 5.9 years (50.9% boys) were assessed during their mandatory school entry examination. The participation rate was 55%. Instruments included the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire and other clinical questions. Incontinence was diagnosed according to ICCS standards. Constipation was assessed by two questions. RESULTS: 17.1% of children had at least one type of incontinence, 14.8% had NE, 5.0% DUI, 2.1% FI, and 4.8% were constipated. 6.7% of children had clinically relevant psychological problems. 22.7% of children had sleep problems regularly (5-7 times/week). A wide variety of sleep problems were reported. Children with incontinence were not affected by a higher rate of sleep problems. Children with NE had fewer night wakings and those with constipation fewer parasomnias. Sleep and psychological problems were significantly associated, especially in children with DUI and FI. CONCLUSIONS: Sleep and behavioral problems are common in young children. Psychological problems have a clear impact on sleep. Young children with incontinence do not have more sleep problems than continent children. Therefore, both sleep and psychological problems should be addressed in young children with incontinence.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation as add-on therapy in children receiving anticholinergics and/or mirabegron for refractory daytime urinary incontinence: A retrospective cohort study.

AIMS: To investigate if children with daytime urinary incontinence (DUI) and overactive bladder (OAB) refractory to standard urotherapy and medicinal treatment, would experience improvement in symptoms after add-on treatment with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). METHODS: Children were retrospectively enrolled from tertiary referral centers at Aarhus and Aalborg University Hospitals. All data were retrieved from the patients' journals. All children were prescribed TENS as an add-on treatment to the highest-tolerable dose of medicinal treatment in a standardized regime of 2 h a day for around 3 months. Primary endpoints were the number of wet days per week (WDPW) and incontinence episodes per day. Effect of treatment was defined as greater or equal to 50% reduction in the frequency of DUI episodes. Secondary endpoints were to establish predictive factors for the effect of treatment using logistic regression. RESULTS: Seventy-six children diagnosed with DUI and OAB refractory to treatment with standard urotherapy and pharmacological treatment, at the age of 5-16 years were included from February 2017 to February 2020. A reduction in WDPW (from 6.31 [5.86-6.61] to 4.27 [3.45-4.90], p < 0.05) and incontinence episodes per day (from 2.45 [1.98-2.91] to 1.43 [1.07-1.80], p < 0.05) was observed. Twelve patients became completely dry. At 6 months follow-up, seven of the 12 complete responders had relapsed while five remained dry. A history of constipation before TENS was a predictor of poor treatment response (p = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS: TENS as add-on to anticholinergic treatment seems effective in a number of children with treatment-refractory DUI.

Comparison and characteristics of children successfully treated for daytime urinary incontinence.

INTRODUCTION: Daytime urinary incontinence (DUI) is defined as an involuntary leakage of urine during daytime in children 5 years or older. It is a common disorder in the pediatric population most often caused by an overactive bladder (OAB). A stepwise approach is recommended in the treatment of DUI, with standard urotherapy (SU) being first line treatment followed by pharmacological treatment when SU is unsuccessful. To our knowledge few studies have compared patients achieving continence solely on urotherapy with patients achieving continence on a combination of urotherapy and pharmacological treatment in the pediatric population. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to characterize and compare children suffering from OAB and DUI who became continent solely on urotherapy with patients achieving continence on a combination of urotherapy and pharmacological treatment. METHODS: All children successfully treated for DUI from 2015 to 2020 were retrospectively analyzed and compared using data from patient's records, 48-h flow-volume charts, and uroflowmetry analysis. RESULTS: 180 children were successfully treated for DUI. Of these 23 (13%) had bowel dysfunction, 94 (52%) were successfully treated with standard urotherapy (SU) and 64 (35%) needed pharmacological treatment. Children who achieved continence on a combination of SU and pharmacological treatment had a significantly higher baseline voiding frequency (7.6 and 6.5 respectively, p=0.007) and more baseline incontinence episodes during daytime when compared to children who became dry solely on urotherapy (2.2 and 1.1 respectively, p < 0.001). Both groups had a similar baseline age (p=0.96) and received a similar duration of standard urotherapy prior to the eventual pharmacological treatment (p = 0.73). DISCUSSION: Most children achieved daytime continence solely on standard urotherapy. We found that children requiring additional pharmacological treatment to achieve continence suffer from a more severe overactive bladder. As such it could be speculated that children with high voiding frequencies and multiple daily incontinence episodes may benefit from adding anticholinergics to SU earlier during the course of treatment, than what is recommended by the International Children's Continence Society (ICCS) today. However prospective interventional studies are needed for safe conclusions. CONCLUSION: Our comparison showed that children requiring a combination of SU and pharmacological treatment to achieve continence, had a significantly higher baseline voiding frequency and more baseline incontinence episodes when compared to children requiring only SU to achieve continence.

The effect of meatal correction on daytime urinary incontinence in girls with an anterior deflected urinary stream.

INTRODUCTION: Girls with an anterior deflected urinary stream (ADUS) are known to wet the toilet rim and their buttocks while voiding. This deviation may prevent adopting an ideal toileting position and can thus develop into a functional voiding disorder. Although surgical correction of the urinary stream by a meatotomy is part of standard care in girls with ADUS and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) at our center, little is known about the effect of this procedure on daytime urinary incontinence (DUI). OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of meatal correction on incontinence in girls with ADUS and DUI, and to find predictors for therapy success. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective chart study including all girls with ADUS and DUI who underwent a dorsally directed meatal correction at our tertiary referral center between 2005 and 2018 (n = 274). The main outcome measurement was continence according to the International Children's Continence Society criteria, expressed as the percentage of children that were continent at post-surgical follow-up (complete response). Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify predictors of continence. RESULTS: In 93% of girls, the direction of the urinary stream was no longer anterior deflected. 29% (n=79) of all girls were continent at post-surgical follow-up. We could not find a convincing predicting factor for achieving continence. DISCUSSION: Although meatal correction is successful on normalizing the direction of the urinary stream, less than one-third of girls became continent. In addition, we were unable to indicate which girls will profit from this procedure in terms of continence. Since not every girl with ADUS develops incontinence complaints, it may also be questionable whether ADUS and incontinence are directly related. Since other, less invasive and more effective treatment options for DUI are available, meatal correction should therefore be considered a last-resort option in the treatment of pediatric DUI in girls with ADUS. CONCLUSION: Of the 274 girls with ADUS and DUI, 29% did benefit from a meatotomy. No convincing indicator for therapy success could however be found. Therefore, we discourage a meatotomy as standard treatment in girls with ADUS and DUI.

Urinary incontinence during laughter in children: Is it giggle incontinence?

AIM: Giggle incontinence is a distinct entity of childhood daytime urinary incontinence (DUI), where children wet themselves only when they laugh. The prevalence of true giggle incontinence is unknown, with confusion about the diagnosis of urinary incontinence occurring during laughter and true giggle incontinence. The aim of the study is to improve our understanding of urinary incontinence during laughter by comparing those children with children who have DUI at other times, but not with laughter. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective medical record review of children with DUI who presented to a tertiary continence service from 2017 to 2018, collecting data on age, gender, associated comorbidities, lower urinary tract symptoms, investigations, provisional diagnosis at first visit and initial treatment responses. Differences between those with DUI occurring during laughter and those with DUI at other times, but not with laughter were compared using standard statistical methods. RESULTS: Of the 277 new patients seen during the study period, 140 (51%) had DUI, and of these, 72 (51%) had DUI occurring during laughter. Children with incontinence occurring during laughter were more likely to have incontinence associated with other activities. One child had giggle incontinence according to the International Children's Continence Society's definition. Four other children were referred specifically for urinary incontinence associated with laughter, with the term giggle incontinence sometimes used by the referring doctor. CONCLUSION: Children with DUI commonly experience incontinence during laughter, but true giggle incontinence is rare. Correct diagnosis is essential as it directs treatment.

Parents' expectations of the outpatient care for daytime urinary incontinence in children: A qualitative study.

INTRODUCTION: Daytime urinary incontinence (UI) can have an enormous impact on a child's life, lowering both self-esteem and quality of life. Although most children start therapy after their first visit to our outpatient clinic, no studies have reported on parents' or patients' expectations of care for daytime UI in this setting. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to explore the expectations of the parents of children referred to an outpatient clinic for daytime UI. STUDY DESIGN: This was a qualitative study that involved performing semi-structured interviews with the parents of children who had been referred for daytime UI (with or without nocturnal enuresis). Interviews took place between July 2018 and October 2018 and continued until saturation was reached. The results were transcribed verbatim and analyzed according to Giorgi's strategy of phenomenological data analysis. RESULTS: Nine parents of children, aged 5-12 years old, were interviewed, revealing "(Experienced) Health," Self-management," and "Social Impact" as the main themes that influenced parental expectations. All parents wanted to know if there was a medical explanation for UI, some were satisfied when diagnostics revealed no underlying condition, and others wanted treatment. Parents expressed no preferences about diagnostics or the content and duration of treatment, but they hoped that any previously attempted ineffective steps would not be repeated. Some parents defined treatment success as their child becoming completely dry, but most stated that learning coping strategies was more important. DISCUSSION: This is the first study to explore the expectations of parents when attending outpatient care for children with daytime UI. We employed a strong theoretical framework with a clear interview guide. The main limitations are that we only interviewed parents and that this was a qualitative study, precluding the drawing of firm conclusions. Nevertheless, our results point to the need for quantitative evaluation. CONCLUSION: Expectations seem to be influenced by (experienced) health, efforts at self-management, and the social impact of UI, making it critical that these themes are addressed. It was interesting to note that parents do not always attend outpatient departments with the goal of completely resolving daytime UI. Instead, some only want to know if there is an underlying medical condition or want to reduce the social impact by learning coping mechanisms. Excluding underlying medical conditions may therefore stimulate acceptance of watchful waiting without the need to start treatment.

Quality of life in enuretic children

ABSTRACT Introduction: Nocturnal enuresis is a highly incident chronic disorder that generates countless problems to the child and their parents. Bed-wetting has significant negative impacts on self-esteem and the performance of children. The aim of the current study is to assess the quality of life of enuretic children, as well as its association to sex and age. Patients and Methods: Thirty-nine enuretic children (23 boys) and 49 healthy children (27 boys) without any history of previous treatment for enuresis or voiding dysfunction were included. Age ranged between 6 and 11 years old. The "AUQEI" questionnaire was applied in a private environment to all children by the same researcher (psychologist) to evaluate quality of life. Results: Enuretic children displayed loss in quality of life when compared to non-enuretic (35.9% of enuretic x 16.3% of non-enuretic, p=0.035). They were mostly affected in their daily activities (p=0.02). No significant differences were found in the association of sex and gender with quality of life. These results suggest that, children with nocturnal enuresis have 2.87 times more chances of having loss in quality of life compared to non-enuretic. Conclusions: Enuresis has a great impact in quality of life of children. This impact is not related to the age or sex of the child.

Sex and age differences in lower urinary tract dysfunction in healthy children.

AIM: Information about healthy children's urinary tract symptoms is scarce but would be helpful in children with congenital urinary tract conditions. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction (LUTD) questionnaire. METHODS: A 15-item questionnaire based on definitions by the International Children's Continence Society (ICCS) about urinary tract function, was given to children 4-15 years old with no gastrointestinal or urinary tract conditions. The study was approved ethically. RESULTS: The response rate was 82% (311/377), 50% (n = 155) were girls. Children were of the age groups 3.5-7 years (n = 136), 8-12 years (n = 127), and 13-15 years (n = 48). More girls than boys reported urinary tract infections (20% vs 3%, p < 0.001), while prevalences of incontinence and enuresis were equivalent in both sexes. In the youngest age group, enuresis was the most frequently reported symptom (11%), then daytime incontinence (10%). The older children more frequently reported previous urinary tract infections (12% and 17% in respective groups) and daytime incontinence (9% and 6%, respectively). CONCLUSION: A LUTD questionnaire is developed and evaluated within this study. Daytime urinary incontinence is the overall most common lower urinary tract symptom and girls report infections more frequently than boys.