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

Abstract

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.