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Updated: Oct 22, 2025
Measurements of Motor Function and Other Clinical Outcome Parameters in Ambulant Children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Published on: January 12, 2019
Prevalence of Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Using the Childhood Bladder and Bowel
Judith M Lionarons1,2, Imelda J M de Groot3,4, Johanna M Fock5
1Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Introduction:
Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and gastrointestinal (GI) problems are common in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), but not systematically assessed in regular care. We aimed to determine the prevalence of bladder and bowel dysfunction (BBD) in DMD patients compared with healthy controls (HC).
Methods:
The Childhood Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction Questionnaire (CBBDQ) based on the International Rome III criteria and the International Children's Continence Society was filled out by 57 DMD patients and 56 HC. Additionally, possible associations of BBD with, for example, medication use or quality of life were evaluated in an additional questionnaire developed by experts.
Results:
In 74% of patients versus 56% of HC ≥ 1 LUTS (n.s.) were reported, 68% of patients versus 39% of HC reported ≥1 bowel symptom (p = 0.002) and 53% of patients versus 30% of HC reported combined LUTS and bowel symptoms (p = 0.019). A negative impact of BBD on daily life functioning was reported by 42% of patients.
Conclusions:
These data underscore that standard screening for BBD is needed and that the CBBDQ could be of added value to optimize DMD care.
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