The relationship between lower urinary system symptoms and the level of independence and quality of life in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Pediatr Nephrol. 2024 Oct;39(10):3005-3012. doi: 10.1007/s00467-024-06419-0. Epub 2024 Jun 1.

Abstract

Background: The purpose was to investigate the frequency of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and the relationship between these symptoms and independence and quality of life (QoL).

Methods: The cross-sectional study included children aged 5-18 years and diagnosed with DMD and their families. Data were collected using the Dysfunctional Voiding and Incontinence Scoring System (DVISS), the Barthel Index, and the Pediatric Quality of Life™ 3.0 Neuromuscular Module (PedsQL-NMM).

Results: The study was completed with 45 children with DMD. LUTS was found in 86.66% and LUTD was found in 44.44%. The most common symptom was holding maneuvers (62.22%). Other common symptoms were urinary urgency (55.55%), daytime urinary incontinence (46.66%), and enuresis (31.11%). There was a significant correlation of the DVISS with the level of independence and QoL (p < 0.05). Moreover, higher LUTS score was associated with lower Barthel and PedsQL-NMM scores.

Conclusion: LUTS is a neglected condition, although it is frequently seen in children with DMD.

Clinical trial registration: NCT05464446.

Keywords: Activities of daily living; Child; Duchenne muscular dystrophy; Enuresis; Lower urinary tract symptoms; Quality of life.

Publication types

  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms* / diagnosis
  • Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms* / etiology
  • Male
  • Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne* / complications
  • Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne* / diagnosis
  • Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne* / physiopathology
  • Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne* / psychology
  • Quality of Life*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT05464446