High-intensity, short-term biofeedback in children with Hinman's syndrome (non-neuropathic voiding dyssynergia)

To evaluate the long-term response to high-intensity, short-term biofeedback in children with severe voiding dysfunction.

We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent short-term, high-intensity biofeedback therapy from 1996 to 2004. Improvement was classified based on clinical and radiographic findings. Patients were categorized as having Hinman's syndrome when, in addition to urinary incontinence, at least four of the following categories were present: sphincter dyssynergia, bladder trabeculation, large post-void residual (PVR), hydronephrosis, vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and urinary tract infections. There were 14 patients (eight males and six females), 13 of whom had Hinman's syndrome. Age when biofeedback was initiated varied from 5.6 to 12.9 years (mu=8.9+/-2.2). Before biofeedback, all had large PVRs, bladder trabeculation and sphincter dyssynergia. Nine had hydronephrosis and five had VUR. One patient had renal failure.

Before biofeedback, the mean PVR was 109 ml (25-270 ml); after biofeedback, this decreased to 21 ml (0-150 ml), including two patients who eventually failed treatment. All 14 patients were able to relax their external sphincter and reduce the PVR during biofeedback and on short-term follow up. Long-term follow up (mu=59.4 months) in 12 patients established that seven had a durable response with remission of symptoms, reduced PVR and radiographic improvement. In three, symptoms partially recurred over time and two failed treatment completely.

Short-term, high-intensity biofeedback achieves a durable response in the majority of children with Hinman's syndrome. Long-term follow up is needed to assure compliance.