Urodynamic studies are recommended in children with central nervous system tumors regardless of location

Neurogenic bladder dysfunction is a frequent occurrence in association with neoplasms involving the central nervous system. We determine whether tumor location in children with central nervous system neoplasms correlates with specific patterns of urodynamic abnormalities, alleviating the need for urodynamic investigations in these patients.

A total of 62 children with the diagnosis of a central nervous system neoplasm underwent urodynamic investigation after treatment between 1994 and 2004. Patient demographics, tumor location and etiology were assessed. Urodynamic variables recorded included bladder capacity, early and late compliance, voiding pressure and post-void residual volume. For comparative analysis patients were grouped according to central nervous system level of involvement. Statistical analysis was performed, with p<0.05 considered significant.

Mean±SD patient age at urodynamic evaluation was 10.6±7 years. Tumor was located intracranially in 21% of patients and in the spinal cord in 79% (cervical/thoracic in 27%, lumbar in 27%, sacral in 47%). There was no correlation between tumor location and any specific bladder dynamic parameter (p>0.05). Similarly there were no significant differences in urodynamic findings in patients with intracranial vs extracranial tumors, or in those with sacral vs suprasacral involvement.

Abnormalities in urodynamic parameters in children with a central nervous system tumor cannot be predicted based on the location of tumor involvement. Therefore, urodynamic evaluation is appropriate in all patients with neoplastic involvement of the central nervous system, regardless of the tumor location, for best management of lower urinary tract function.