Follow-up of clean intermittent catheterization for children with neurogenic bladders

Intermittent catheterization remains the primary method of treatment in the management of patients with neurogenic bladders such as those with meningomyelocele. In a follow-up of a previous study, we re-examined the urologic status of patients with neurogenic bladders continuing on a regimen of clean intermittent catheterization five years after the completion of the first study. Thirty-seven of the original 49 patients were available for follow-up, and no significant differences were found between those lost to follow-up and those included in this study. Among the patients re-evaluated, reflux remained unchanged or improved in most patients, renal function was maintained, and the urinary tract infection rate remained low. Additionally, continuation of an intermittent catheterization program does provide independence and social continence in most young adults with meningomyelocele. We conclude that a long-term intermittent catheterization program is associated with stable reflux status, renal function, and infection rate, and that compliance with a catheterization program can result in improved social continence and independence.