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A comparative study of various electrodes in electromyography of the striated urethral and anal sphincter in children
Insights
This study evaluated functional disturbances in children with recurrent urinary tract infections and enuresis. Perianal surface ECG electrodes are recommended for painless, effective external sphincter evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Urology
- Urodynamics
- Clinical Electrophysiology
Background:
- Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) and enuresis are common in children.
- Accurate diagnosis of functional disturbances requires reliable assessment of the external urethral sphincter.
- Existing methods may have limitations in patient tolerance or ease of use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and reproducibility of simultaneous carbon dioxide cystometry and electromyography (EMG) in children.
- To assess the utility of perianal surface electrocardiographic (ECG) electrodes for evaluating external sphincter function.
- To compare different methods for examining the striated anal sphincter.
Main Methods:
- 41 children (aged 6-14) with recurrent UTIs and/or enuresis underwent carbon dioxide cystometry in supine and erect positions.
- Simultaneous electromyography (EMG) was performed using a ring electrode for the external urethral sphincter and an anal plug electrode for the striated anal sphincter.
- Perianal surface ECG skin electrodes were used for additional sphincter recordings.
Main Results:
- A total of 211 examinations were completed, yielding satisfactory results across all three methods.
- Good correlation and reproducibility were observed between cystometry, EMG, and perianal ECG recordings.
- Perianal surface ECG electrodes proved to be a valuable, well-tolerated, and easy-to-use method.
Conclusions:
- Simultaneous cystometry and EMG are effective for evaluating functional disturbances in pediatric patients.
- Perianal surface ECG electrodes offer a painless and reliable approach for assessing external sphincter function in children.
- This combined methodology enhances diagnostic accuracy for urinary tract dysfunction in pediatric populations.
Abstract:
The series comprised 41 children aged 6 to 14 years consecutively referred with recurrent urinary tract infection and/or enuresis. Carbon dioxide cystometry was carried out in the supine and the erect position and combined with simultaneous electromyography (EMG). The external urethral sphincter was examined with a ring electrode mounted on a urethral catheter, while recordings from the striated anal sphincter were based on an anal plug electrode and perianal electrocardiographic (ECG) skin electrodes: 211 EMG and cystometric examinations were performed and all three methods gave satisfactory results. Correlation between them was good, as was reproducibility. Perianal surface ECG electrodes are recommended for the evaluation of functional disturbances of the external sphincter. They are painless, easy to use, and are well tolerated by the patient.