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Prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms in school-age children

Pediatric Nephrology volume 27, pages 597–603 (2012)Cite this article

Abstract

Epidemiological studies have demonstrated rates of incontinence and enuresis as high as 20% in school-age children. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the prevalence of lower urinary tract (LUT) symptoms in 739 children aged 6–12 years enrolled in three government schools with different socioeconomic levels in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Symptoms of LUT were evaluated using a modified version of the Dysfunction Voiding Scoring System in which the cutoff point considered as an indicator of LUT dysfunction is >6 for girls and >9 for boys. Children with a score indicative of symptoms received an educational booklet on the functioning of the LUT and were sent for clinical evaluation. LUT dysfunction symptoms were detected in 161 (21.8%) children. Symptoms were most frequent in girls (p < 0.001), children aged 6–8 (p < 0.028), and attended the school with the lowest social level (p < 0.001). Intestinal constipation was the most prevalent finding (30.7%), independent of LUT score. The most common urinary symptoms in children with an elevated score were diurnal urinary incontinence (30.7%), holding maneuvers (19.1%), and urinary urgency (13.7%). Stress factors were associated in 28.4% of children. Our findings suggest that LUT symptoms must be investigated carefully at routine pediatric visits.

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Acknowledgements

This study was partially supported by CNPq (Brazilian National Research Council) and FAPEMIG. Dr. EM Lima and Dr. EA Oliveira received a research grant from the Brazilian Research Council (CNPq).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Pediatric Nephrology Unit, Hospital das Clinicas, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Rua Piauí, 933 apt 502, Belo Horizonte, MG, 30150-320, Brazil

    Giovana T. Vaz, Monica M. Vasconcelos, Eduardo A. Oliveira, Aline L. Ferreira, Paula G. Magalhães, Fabiana M. Silva & Eleonora M. Lima

Authors
  1. Giovana T. Vaz
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  2. Monica M. Vasconcelos
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  3. Eduardo A. Oliveira
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  4. Aline L. Ferreira
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  5. Paula G. Magalhães
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  6. Fabiana M. Silva
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  7. Eleonora M. Lima
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Correspondence to Eleonora M. Lima.

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Vaz, G.T., Vasconcelos, M.M., Oliveira, E.A. et al. Prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms in school-age children. Pediatr Nephrol 27, 597–603 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00467-011-2028-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00467-011-2028-1

Keywords

  • Lower urinary tract dysfunction
  • Urinary incontinence
  • Intestinal constipation
  • School-age children