Constipation and Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction in Children and Adolescents: A Population-Based Study.

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Urology
• Gastroenterology
• Public Health

Background:

• Lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) and constipation are common conditions in children.
• The relationship between constipation and LUTD requires further investigation in population-based studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the correlation between constipation and lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) in children and adolescents.
• To identify specific urinary symptoms associated with constipation.
• To assess the association between constipation and nocturnal enuresis.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional population-based study involving 829 children and adolescents aged 5-17 years.
• Voiding Dysfunction Symptom Score (DVSS) used to assess LUTD.
• Rome III questionnaire utilized to diagnose constipation.

Main Results:

• Children with constipation were 6.8 times more likely to have LUTD (p < 0.001).
• Infrequent urination and holding maneuvers were independent predictors of constipation.
• Constipation severity correlated with worse urinary symptom scores (DVSS).
• No statistically significant association was found between constipation and nocturnal enuresis (p = 0.483).

Conclusions:

• Constipation is a significant risk factor for LUTD in children.
• Urinary symptom characteristics like infrequent voiding and holding maneuvers are key indicators in constipated children.
• No direct link was established between constipation and enuresis in this cohort.