Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 22, 2026
Evaluation of Biomaterials for Bladder Augmentation using Cystometric Analyses in Various Rodent Models
Published on: August 9, 2012
Trends in Pharmacotherapy for Bladder Dysfunction Among Children in the United States, 2000 to 2013
Alan C Kinlaw1, Michele Jonsson Funk1,2, Michael J Steiner3
11 Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
Insights
Pediatric bladder dysfunction medications, primarily antimuscarinics like oxybutynin, are prescribed to approximately 1 in 500 children. Utilization patterns show higher rates in girls and specific age groups, highlighting a need for effectiveness and safety research.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Urology
- Pharmacology
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Bladder dysfunction, including nocturnal enuresis and incontinence, is common in pediatric practice.
- Clinicians increasingly prescribe medications for pediatric bladder dysfunction.
- No prior population-based data existed on antimuscarinic utilization in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the utilization patterns of antimuscarinic medications in children.
- To assess demographic and geographic variations in prescription rates.
- To identify associated diagnosis codes for children receiving these medications.
Main Methods:
- Utilized MarketScan health care claims data from 32,074,638 insured children in the U.S. (2000-2013).
- Analyzed prescription data for antimuscarinic medications, focusing on oxybutynin and tolterodine.
- Correlated prescription data with diagnosis codes for genitourinary symptoms and congenital anomalies.
Main Results:
- Approximately 1 in 500 children filled an antimuscarinic prescription.
- Oxybutynin (78%) and tolterodine (17%) were the most common prescriptions.
- Prescription rates were highest in children aged 6-10 years, 31% higher in girls, peaked in 2011, and were most frequent in the Midwest.
- 73% of children had genitourinary symptom codes; 13% had congenital anomaly codes.
Conclusions:
- Antimuscarinic medications are utilized in a notable proportion of the pediatric population for bladder dysfunction.
- Utilization varies significantly by age, sex, region, and time.
- Further research is crucial to determine the comparative effectiveness and safety of these drugs in children.
Abstract:
Bladder-related issues such as nocturnal enuresis and incontinence have long been a part of general pediatric practice. Increasingly, clinicians are prescribing medications directed at a variety of types of bladder dysfunction, but no prior population-based data exist. We used MarketScan health care claims data on 32 074 638 insured children to estimate utilization patterns by age, sex, year, and geographic region in the United States from 2000 to 2013, and to assess related diagnosis codes. Approximately 1 in 500 children filled an antimuscarinic prescription. The most common prescriptions were for oxybutynin (78%) and tolterodine (17%). Rates were highest at ages 6 to 10 years (65/100 000 person-months), 31% higher for girls versus boys, peaked in 2011 (44/100 000 person-months), and were highest in the Midwest (59/100 000 person-months). Seventy-three percent of children with prescriptions had diagnosis codes for genitourinary symptoms, and 13% had codes for congenital anomalies. Research is needed regarding the comparative effectiveness and safety of these drugs in children.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Urinary Tract Infection III: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
01:26Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion
01:23Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption
01:24Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism
01:17Urinary Tract Infection IV: Nursing Management
01:17Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...