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Urinary incontinence due to idiopathic hypercalciuria in children
P Vachvanichsanong1, M Malagon, E S Moore
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine, Knoxville 37920.
Insights
Idiopathic hypercalciuria, a common cause of childhood urinary issues, is frequently linked to urinary incontinence. Early screening for hypercalciuria is recommended for children with incontinence.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Urology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Idiopathic hypercalciuria is a known cause of pediatric non-stone urinary tract disorders.
- It is the most common cause of microhematuria in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between idiopathic hypercalciuria and urinary incontinence in children.
- To determine the prevalence of different types of urinary incontinence in children with idiopathic hypercalciuria.
Main Methods:
- Evaluation of 124 children for idiopathic hypercalciuria.
- Screening using random urinary calcium-creatinine ratio.
- Confirmation of diagnosis through quantitative urinary calcium excretion.
Main Results:
- 28% of children evaluated for idiopathic hypercalciuria had urinary incontinence.
- Nocturnal incontinence was most common (54%), followed by diurnal (21%) and combined (25%).
Conclusions:
- Idiopathic hypercalciuria is frequently associated with all types of urinary incontinence in children.
- Urinary calcium-creatinine ratio screening is advised for children with urinary incontinence.
- Treatment for hypercalciuria or thiazide diuretics can effectively manage incontinence in these cases.
Abstract:
Idiopathic hypercalciuria is known to cause many nonstone urinary tract disorders in childhood. In addition to being the most common cause of microhematuria in children, our study demonstrates that idiopathic hypercalciuria is also frequently associated with urinary incontinence of all types. Of 124 children evaluated for idiopathic hypercalciuria 28 (23%) had urinary incontinence. Of the 28 children 15 (54%) had nocturnal, 6 (21%) diurnal, and 7 (25%) nocturnal and diurnal incontinence. The random urinary calcium-creatinine ratio, which was used to screen for hypercalciuria, should be part of the initial evaluation for urinary incontinence in children. Diagnosis may be confirmed by quantitative urinary calcium excretion. Most urinary incontinence in children that is due to idiopathic hypercalciuria responds to a combination of general treatment for hypercalciuria or thiazide diuretics.