Obesity contributes to lower urinary system voiding dysfunction in childhood

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Public Health
• Urology

Background:

• Obesity is a global public health challenge.
• Childhood obesity rates are rising worldwide.
• Understanding comorbidities of obesity is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between obesity and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).
• To explore the relationship between childhood obesity and voiding dysfunction.
• To assess the prevalence of LUTS and voiding dysfunction in obese children.

Main Methods:

• A study involving 404 children aged 6-16 years in Zonguldak.
• Obesity defined as BMI at or above the 95th percentile for age and sex.
• Lower urinary tract voiding dysfunction (LUTVD) assessed using the dysfunctional voiding and incontinence scoring system (DVISS).

Main Results:

• 37.4% of children were classified as obese.
• Obese children showed significantly higher rates of monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (MSNE), daytime urinary symptoms, and voiding dysfunction.
• A strong correlation was found between obesity and both bladder storage and emptying symptoms.

Conclusions:

• Obesity in children is a significant risk factor for enuresis and voiding dysfunction.
• Screening obese children for these urinary symptoms is important.
• Timely intervention can improve the quality of life for affected children.