Predictive value of urodynamic evaluation in newborns with myelodysplasia

We examined 36 infants with myelodysplasia, using excretory urography, voiding cystourethrography, and urodynamic assessment in the newborn period and periodically thereafter to determine those at risk for decompensation of the urinary tract. Urodynamic evaluation showed 18 with dyssynergia of the detrusor and external sphincter, nine with synergic activity of the sphincter, and nine with no activity of the sphincter. Thirteen (72%) of the group with dyssynergia had or later were found to have hydroureteronephrosis, while this was the case in only two (22%) with synergy and one (11%) with absent activity. The conditions of these 16 patients improved after decompression by cutaneous vesicostomy or intermittent catheterization. Infants with dyssynergia of the detrusor-external sphincter are at high risk for deterioration of the urinary tract; they should be followed up closely, and intermittent catheterization should be started early.