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Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Ultrasonography of the Adult Male Urinary Tract for Urinary Functional Testing
Published on: August 14, 2019
Urinary flow patterns of healthy newborn males
Lars Henning Olsen1, Ingrid Grothe, Yazan F Rawashdeh
1Pediatric Urology and Research Unit, Department of Urology, Aarhus University Hospital-Skejby, Aarhus, Denmark.
Newborn male urinary flow patterns were analyzed using ultrasound probes, revealing diverse curve shapes including a novel "spike-dome" type. Most voiding occurred while awake, with a significant portion showing uncoordinated flow.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Urology
- Neonatal Physiology
- Medical Ultrasound Applications
Background:
- Understanding normal urinary function in newborns is crucial for identifying potential abnormalities.
- Previous research has characterized some urinary flow patterns in infants, but comprehensive analysis in neonates is limited.
- Ultrasound flowmetry offers a non-invasive method to assess urodynamic parameters.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess and characterize urinary flow patterns in newborn males.
- To analyze the configuration, maximum flow rate, and voided volume of neonatal urine streams.
- To investigate the relationship between urinary flow patterns and the neonate's state of arousal.
Main Methods:
- Customized ultrasound flow probes were attached to the penis of 30 newborn males.
- Flow data, voided volume, and maximum flow rate were recorded using a flowmeter and personal computer.
- Neonatal arousal states (sleep to awake) were monitored and correlated with voiding events.
Main Results:
- Data from 23 neonates yielded 61 flow assessments.
- Common flow curve configurations included bell-shaped (57%), interrupted (18%), and a newly identified "spike-dome" (8%).
- Median voided volume was 10.6 ml, median maximum flow rate was 2.3 ml/s, and most neonates were aroused during voiding.
Conclusions:
- Urinary flow curves in newborn males exhibit a range of configurations, including a novel "spike-dome" pattern.
- A significant proportion (34%) of observed urinary flow patterns were dyscoordinated.
- Voiding in neonates predominantly occurs in the awake state.
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