Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Detrusor Underactivity Model in Rats by Conus Medullaris Transection
03:26

Detrusor Underactivity Model in Rats by Conus Medullaris Transection

Published on: August 28, 2020

Voiding dysfunctions in children with mental retardation

Pei-Yu Yang1, Nai-Hsin Meng, Eric Chieh-lung Chou

  • 1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.

Neurourology and Urodynamics
|October 24, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Mentally retarded children experience higher rates of voiding dysfunction and incontinence. Early, non-invasive detection is crucial, especially for those with severe cognitive impairments.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Urology
  • Developmental Disabilities
  • Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms

Background:

  • Children with intellectual disabilities often present with complex health issues.
  • Voiding disorders and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) can impact quality of life and require specialized assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of voiding disorders and LUTS in children with intellectual disabilities.
  • To compare these findings with a typically developing control group.
  • To analyze the relationship between the severity of intellectual disability and the incidence of voiding dysfunction.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 51 children with intellectual disabilities and 36 typically developing children were assessed.
  • Uroflometric investigation and sonographic detection of residual urine were performed.
  • Urological history, including urinary tract infections and incontinence, was collected and analyzed using Chi-square and Student's t-tests.

Main Results:

  • Children with intellectual disabilities showed a significantly higher incidence of voiding dysfunction (35.2%) compared to controls (8.3%).
  • Higher rates of urinary incontinence and frequency were observed in the intellectually disabled group.
  • Severe intellectual disability was associated with the highest incidence of voiding dysfunction and incontinence, and a higher percentage of small bladder capacity.

Conclusions:

  • Intellectually disabled children have a greater prevalence of voiding dysfunction and incontinence.
  • Objective, non-invasive screening for voiding dysfunction is essential in this population.
  • Particular attention should be given to children with severe cognitive impairments due to increased risk.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

The Micturition Reflex01:26

The Micturition Reflex

Urination, or micturition involves the coordination of the bladder's detrusor muscle and two sphincters to ensure controlled bladder emptying.
The process begins with bladder filling, where the bladder wall stretches as urine accumulates. This stretching activates the urine storage reflex, mediated by the sacral spinal segments and the pontine storage center. Efferent sympathetic impulses stimulate the detrusor muscle to relax and the internal urethral sphincter to contract, facilitating urine...
Disorders of the Urinary System01:20

Disorders of the Urinary System

The urinary system is responsible for eliminating waste and excess fluids from the body. However, disorders of the urinary system can arise due to various reasons like infections, stress, age, congenital abnormalities, and lifestyle.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common urinary system disorders. They are caused by bacteria that enter the urethra and can spread to the bladder resulting in cystitis. Pyelonephritis is the result of a UTI that has ascended to the level of the...
Urodynamic Studies: Uroflowmetry01:19

Urodynamic Studies: Uroflowmetry

Uroflowmetry is a non-invasive urodynamic test designed to measure various aspects of urination, including volume, flow rate, and the time to void. This test is crucial for diagnosing and assessing conditions such as bladder outlet obstruction, bladder dysfunction, incomplete bladder emptying, incontinence, and urinary tract blockages caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and urethral strictures.Pre-Test Instructions:Before a uroflowmetry test, patients are typically advised to drink...
Urinary Tract Infection IV: Nursing Management01:17

Urinary Tract Infection IV: Nursing Management

In managing urinary tract infections (UTIs) in nursing, a comprehensive assessment is essential. Begin by gathering subjective data, such as the patient’s complaints of dysuria (painful urination), urinary frequency, urgency, suprapubic pain, and any lower abdominal discomfort. This information can be complemented by questions regarding previous UTIs, sexual activity, and personal hygiene practices, which can provide insight into risk factors. Objective assessment should focus on signs like...
Nursing Assessment of the Genitourinary System I: Health History01:21

Nursing Assessment of the Genitourinary System I: Health History

The genitourinary system is critical to maintaining fluid balance, waste elimination, and reproductive function. Nurses play a vital role in assessing this system, beginning with a thorough health history. This process involves gathering patient information, identifying risk factors, and recognizing symptoms of genitourinary disorders. Early detection is vital for timely interventions and management.1. Gathering Patient InformationA complete health history includes the patient’s personal,...
Imaging Studies VI: Voiding Cystourethrography and Cystography01:22

Imaging Studies VI: Voiding Cystourethrography and Cystography

Voiding Cystourethrography (VCUG) and Cystography are specialized radiographic procedures used to examine the structure and function of the bladder and urethra.Voiding Cystourethrography (VCUG)A Voiding Cystourethrogram (VCUG) is a diagnostic imaging procedure that assesses the anatomy and function of the lower urinary tract. It focuses on the bladder, bladder neck, and urethra, helping detect abnormalities such as vesicoureteral reflux (VUR)—the backward or reverse flow of urine into the...