PURPOSE: Children with Down syndrome are at risk for lower urinary tract dysfunction and delay in toilet training.
Comparative studies regarding voiding function in the DS population are lacking. The aim of this study is to assess urinary continence and voiding function in the DS population and to compare these findings to a control group.
METHODS: A questionnaire designed to assess toilet training, continence status, symptoms of LUTD, and prior evaluation of urologic complaints was sent to parents of children with DS who had been previously seen at our institution. The same survey was administered to parents of patients without DS. Data were compiled and descriptive and comparative statistics were performed.
RESULTS: 77 patients (of 326 who received a questionnaire) comprised the DS group and were compared to the CG (78 children). The average age of reported toilet training completion was 5.5 years in the DS group and 2.2 years in the CG. For children ≥ 5 years of age, 79% and 100% of the DS and CG were toilet trained, respectively. Incontinence in previously toilet-trained children was found in 46% and 24.5% in the DS and CG groups. The above were statistically significant. No significant difference was found in the rate of UTI, symptoms of LUTD, or evaluation for urologic complaints.
CONCLUSIONS: Children with DS can experience marked delay in toilet training and are more likely to suffer incontinence afterwards. The current study was ineffective in highlighting whether symptoms of LUTD could be related to decreased continence rates.
Written by:
Powers MK, Brown ET, Hogan RM, Martin AD, Ortenberg J, Roth CC. Are you the author?
Children's Hospital New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, USA; Tulane University School of Medicine, Department of Urology, New Orleans, LA, USA; Children's Hospital New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, USA; Louisiana State University Health Science Center, Department of Urology, New Orleans, LA, USA.
Reference: J Urol. 2015 Apr 4. pii: S0022-5347(15)03688-5.
doi: 10.1016/j.juro.2015.03.114
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 25849603