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Published on: April 4, 2025
[Acute urinary retention in children]
Rachel Marans1, Asaf Mandel, Ilan Gielchinsky
1Department of Pediatrics, Hadassah Medical Center, Mount Scopus, Jerusalem. rmarans@hadassah.org.il
Insights
Acute urinary retention (AUR) in children is rare but causes significant distress. Prompt diagnosis and treatment, along with addressing underlying causes like constipation, are crucial for preventing recurrence.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Urology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Acute urinary retention (AUR) is the sudden inability to urinate despite a full bladder.
- AUR in pediatric patients is uncommon and can lead to severe pain and distress.
- Timely diagnosis and intervention are critical for managing pediatric AUR.
Abstract:
Acute urinary retention is defined as failure to urinate in spite of an adequate amount of urine in the bladder. Acute urinary retention in children is rare, and may cause pain and distress. Diagnosis and urgent treatment are essential. Identification and treatment of underlying medical conditions such as constipation, neurological impairment or adverse reactions to medications may prevent recurrence of retention. We describe six cases of children who were hospitalized with acute urinary retention and review the medical literature on the subject.
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