Bladder and voiding dysfunction in adolescents with anorexia nervosa: a novel finding and potential causes

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Pediatrics
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a complex eating disorder with significant physical manifestations.
• Lower urinary tract (LUT) dysfunction can impact quality of life and may be associated with various medical conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate bladder capacity (BC) and bladder dynamics in adolescents diagnosed with anorexia nervosa (AN).
• To identify the prevalence of lower urinary tract (LUT) dysfunction symptoms in this population.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study involving 15 adolescents with newly diagnosed AN during acute weight loss.
• Assessment of LUT dysfunction symptoms, functional bladder capacity (FBC), and voided volume using uroflowmetry.
• Analysis of uroflow curves to identify pathological patterns.

Main Results:

• 93.3% of patients reported at least one LUT dysfunction symptom (voiding symptoms, urinary incontinence, or abnormal uroflow).
• Bladder capacity (BC) increased in 86.6% of patients.
• 80% of patients exhibited pathological uroflow patterns, indicating impaired bladder contraction and reliance on abdominal muscles for voiding.

Conclusions:

• Adolescents with AN demonstrate altered bladder dynamics, characterized by increased BC and a high prevalence of LUT dysfunction.
• Pathological uroflow patterns suggest compromised bladder contractility in this population.
• Impaired bladder dynamics should be recognized as a potential medical complication of anorexia nervosa.