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Relationship of generalized joint hypermobility with vesicoureteral reflux and urinary tract infection
Zahra Pournasiri1, Abbas Madani, Hamed Zandi
1Department of Pediatrics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. pournasiri.z@gmail.com.
Insights
Generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) is more common in children with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). The prevalence of GJH increases with the severity of VUR, indicating a significant link between these conditions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Genetics
- Urology
Background:
- Generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) is recognized as a risk factor for various clinical conditions.
- The association between GJH and vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of GJH in pediatric patients diagnosed with VUR.
- To explore the relationship between GJH and the severity of VUR.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 313 children aged 3–15 with a history of urinary tract infections.
- Assessment of GJH using Beighton scores; diagnostic imaging included ultrasonography and cystography.
- Comparison of GJH prevalence between a control group, a group without urinary tract abnormalities, and a group with primary VUR.
Main Results:
- GJH was present in 62.3% of children with VUR, compared to 37.2% in the control group (OR, 2.79).
- A significant positive correlation was observed between GJH prevalence and VUR severity (mild: 44.1%, moderate: 60.5%, severe: 86.2%).
- The odds of GJH increased significantly with the severity of VUR (P = .003).
Conclusions:
- The prevalence of GJH is higher in children with VUR than in the general population.
- Hypermobility syndrome incidence escalates with increasing VUR severity.
- These findings suggest a potential clinical link warranting further research.
Introduction:
Generalized joint hypermobility is deemed to be an underlying risk factor for many clinical conditions. The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of generalized joint hypermobility in patients with vesicoureteral reflux.
Materials And Methods:
This was a cross-sectional study on 313 children, 3 to 15 years old, with a history of urinary tract infection. Generalized joint hypermobility was evaluated according to the Beighton scores. Urinary tract ultrasonography and cystography were done if indicated. Participants were divided into 2 groups, group 1 without urinary tract abnormality and group 2 with primary vesicoureteral reflux, which were compared with the control group.
Results:
Generalized joint hypermobility was documented in 37.2% of the children in the control group and 45.7% of those in group 1. This rate was 62.3% in group 2 (odds ratio, 2.79; 95% confidence interval, 1.61 to 4.82). Generalized joint hypermobility was seen in 44.1% of the children with mild vesicoureteral reflux, 60.5% of those with moderate vesicoureteral reflux, and 86.2% of those with severe vesicoureteral reflux. There was a significant relationship between the hypermobility incidence and the urinary reflux severity (P = .003).
Conclusions:
This study showed the prevalence of generalized joint hypermobility in children with vesicoureteral reflux was more than that in the general population, and the prevalence of hypermobility syndrome increased with the reflux severity.
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