Urinary and bowel disfunction in autism spectrum disorder: a prospective, observational study

Vesico- sphincter and bowel dysfunction have been frequently detected in Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) patients, but to date no consistent information exist on adults affected by the disease. We evaluated the prevalence and types of bladder and bowel disfunction (BBD) in young and adult patients affected by ASD.

Twenty- seven adults and 20 children/teens with ASD and a matched group of typically developing subjects were enrolled. Daily pads use and episodes of urinary incontinence (UI) were recorded in a 3- day voiding diary. Patients underwent also the measurement of post-void urinary residual volume and 3- day bowel diary. In addition, type and duration of the pharmacological agents assumed by the patients were accurately recorded.

Any type of UI was observed in 85.1% of adults and in 90% of children/teens. In adults, nocturnal enuresis (NE, 62.9%) and diurnal intermittent UI (37%) were the most frequently observed bladder dysfunction while in children/ teens were NE (75%) and diurnal continuous UI (40%). In all patients was demonstrated a significant relationship between urinary symptoms and pharmacological agents, particularly NE and clotiapine (p<0.004) and periciazine (p<0.008).

Young and adult patients with ASD present with a high prevalence of BBD and concomitant antipsychotic medications could to play a contribution in induction and/or maintaining of BBD.