Lower urinary tract symptoms following perineal burns: Clinical characteristics and predictors of symptom persistence

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are frequently observed following perineal burn injuries, but their long-term clinical implications and predictors of prognosis remain poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of newly developed LUTS in patients with perineal burns and to identify factors associated with persistent symptoms.

We retrospectively reviewed 172 patients who were admitted to a burn center with perineal burns and subsequently referred to the urology department for evaluation of new-onset LUTS between August 2010 and December 2023. LUTS were evaluated at the time of urologic referral using available clinical data. Patients were categorized into transient and persistent symptom groups based on whether pharmacologic treatment was required beyond 3 months. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors.

The most common LUTS were urinary frequency (44.2 %), nocturia (28.5 %), and incomplete bladder emptying (25.6 %). Storage symptoms were observed in 64.5 % of patients, while voiding symptoms were noted in 58.1 %. Most patients showed symptom resolution with short-term standard treatment. However, 30 % experienced persistent LUTS beyond 3 months, requiring continued pharmacologic therapy. Eleven patients (6.4 %) ultimately needed catheter-based management. Among burn-related factors, electrical burns were independently associated with persistent LUTS (OR 7.7, 95 % CI 2.3-26.0, p = 0.001), whereas other variables were not statistically significant.

LUTS following perineal burns generally resolve with short-term treatment, but a substantial proportion of patients experience persistent symptoms requiring long-term care. Early identification and management are particularly important in patients with electrical burns.