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.