Are children with food allergies more likely to have lower urinary tract symptoms? A case-control study

There are multiple historic reports linking lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in children with food allergies (FA), but contemporary studies are sparse. The objective of this study was to evaluate a potential link between FA and LUTS in the pediatric population. We hypothesized that children with FAs are more likely to have LUTS.

After local IRB approval, pediatric patients (6-17 years [y]) with FAs proven by positive skin prick and/or serum IgE testing were invited to participate. A control group of pediatric patients without FAs was also recruited. All families/legal guardians signed informed consent, and all children signed written assent. Each participant filled out the Vancouver Symptom Score (VSS), a validated questionnaire for dysfunctional elimination syndrome, and the Pediatric Incontinence Questionnaire (PinQ), a validated quality of life assessment for children with bladder dysfunction. Demographic and clinical information were obtained retrospectively.

From 2019-2020, 26 children with FAs and 57 without agreed to participate. Mean age was 9.3 y (IQR 7.9 y-13.5 y). There were no differences in gender, age, or race between the two cohorts. There were no significant differences between the two groups in mean VSS score or mean PinQ score. Four children with FAs (15%) and 15 children without (26%) had VSS score ≥ 11 (p = 0.339), indicating dysfunctional elimination. The median PinQ score was 0 (IQR 0-2) in both cohorts.

This study did not identify an association between FAs and LUTS in a population of pediatric patients with laboratory proven FAs.