Lower urinary tract dysfunction in children with generalized hypermobility of joints

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Laetitia M O de Kort1, John A P M Verhulst, Raoul H H Engelbert

  • 1Department of Pediatric Urology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands. l.m.o.dekort@chir.azu.nl

The Journal of Urology
|October 9, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Children with generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) show higher rates of nonneurogenic bladder sphincter dysfunction. This includes constipation and fecal issues in boys, and urinary incontinence and infections in girls.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Rheumatology
  • Urology

Background:

  • Generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) is a condition affecting connective tissues.
  • Nonneurogenic bladder sphincter dysfunction can manifest in various lower urinary tract symptoms.
  • The link between GJH and these urological symptoms in children requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the association between generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) and lower urinary tract symptoms.
  • To determine the prevalence of nonneurogenic bladder sphincter dysfunction in children with GJH.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study involving 89 children (5-12 years) diagnosed with GJH.
  • A control group of 116 healthy children (5-12 years) was included.
  • Parents completed questionnaires on symptoms of nonneurogenic bladder sphincter dysfunction, including incontinence, UTIs, constipation, and fecal soiling.

Main Results:

  • Boys with GJH had significantly higher rates of constipation (19% vs 4%, p=0.02).
  • Girls with GJH showed increased prevalence of daytime (38% vs 13%, p=0.004) and nighttime urinary incontinence (14% vs 2%, p=0.02).
  • Fecal soiling (34% vs 18%) and urinary tract infections in girls (24% vs 11%) were also more common in the GJH group, though not statistically significant.

Conclusions:

  • Children with generalized joint hypermobility exhibit a higher incidence of nonneurogenic bladder sphincter dysfunction.
  • In boys, GJH is associated with constipation and potentially fecal soiling.
  • In girls, GJH is linked to urinary incontinence and possibly urinary tract infections.
Abstract

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