Introduction The Mirabegron-anticholinergic (MAC) combination has proven effective as a step-up strategy in managing paediatric neurogenic bladder following anticholinergic medication and botulinum toxin (BTX) therapy. This study assesses the long-term efficacy of MAC in children with neurogenic bladder. Patients and methods A retrospective chart review was conducted from 2015 to 2023, including consecutive paediatric patients receiving Mirabegron (25/50 mg) with an anticholinergic agent (solifenacin 16, tolterodine 7, oxybutynin 7, trospium 1). MAC was started where previous therapy had failed to control bladder pressures. The study cohort had a minimum of 2 years of videourodynamics (VUD) follow-up (2-7 years) and 3.5 years of symptomatic follow-up (2-7 years). All patients used CIC. Efficacy was determined from VUD data, symptom reports, and adverse events (AEs) with upper tract status. Statistical analysis used median values, Friedman's two-way analysis of variance by ranks and Chi- squared testing (p < 0.05). Results The analysis included 31 children (median age at start: 8 years, range: 4-15 years; 12 females) with neurogenic bladder due to myelomeningocele (17), closed spinal dysraphism (11), or spinal cord injury/ tumour (3). A minimum of 8 weeks post-MAC therapy, significant improvements were observed in VUD parameters of: bladder capacity, compliance, and maximum detrusor pressure. These improvements were sustained at final VUD follow-up (median 33 months) in 21 patients (Summary Table). However, 9 patients who showed initial VUD improvement at median 5 months lost the effect by median 27 months, with 4 non-adherent patients and 5 with lower initial bladder compliance. Initial symptom improvement occurred in 25 patients, sustained for a median of 43 months (range: 23-85) in 19 patients. Adverse events were minimal (constipation, fatigue, and UTI reported in one patient each). No significant changes in blood pressure or upper tract status were observed. Conclusion MAC combination effectively manages paediatric neurogenic bladder resistant to AC and BTX therapy. The VUD benefits (present in 77.8 %) and symptom benefits (present in 61 %) are maintained and ongoing for a significant period (median 33 and 43 months respectively) when commenced before significant loss of compliance. MAC presents a promising long-term treatment option for the paediatric neurogenic bladder.
INTRODUCTION AND AIM:Posterior urethral valves (PUV) are often associated with bladder dysfunction. Our primary aim was to investigate bladder status following primary valves resection to gather evidence of function and to guide early clinical management. PATIENTS AND METHODS:Between July 2015-2020, we prospectively evaluated bladder function of PUV infants. Primary outcomes measured were number of voids, voided volume (VV), post-void residual (PVR) and bladder capacity (BC). Statistical comparisons and descriptive analysis were carried out between groups using 2-tails T test and Chi square test using an IBM SPSS Statistics program version 25. RESULTS:Sixty-one infants were included. Median age at resection was 28 days (5 days-11 months). In thirty-eight patients (62%) diagnosis was suspected antenatally. Vesico-ureteric reflux (VUR) was present in 16 (26%). The 4-h observational study was performed at median 4 days following primary cold-knife valve resection and 1 day (range from 1 to 12 days) after catheter removal. Infants voided an average 6 times (2-13 voids). Bladder capacity was large in 20 (33%) and small in 4 (6.5%) patients with a median ratio BC/eBC = 1.2 (0.49-22.6). Median residual urine was 9 mls but with great variability among the cohort (0-121 mls). A big variability in bladder emptying was noted between patients and between voids performed in one patient. In 13 infants (21%) average PVR was larger than the average voided volume. In 26 (42.6%) PVR was larger than VV at least once. Thirty-eight infants (62.3%) emptied their bladders almost completely at least once (with PVR <5 mls). No difference was found in PVR, Median BC/EBC and PVR/BC between infants with and without VUR (p = 0.654, P: 0.594 and p = 00.481, respectively). DISCUSSION:We presented our experience of non-invasive bladder function assessment in infants affected by PUV following primary valve resection. An interesting data is the great variability identified both between patients and between voids performed in a single patient. Average number of voids was similar to the voiding pattern in healthy newborns what reported by Gladh but variability was greater. We observed up to 13 voids in some infants and we can speculate this could reflect the presence of an overactive bladder. We observed at least 1 complete emptying in only 62% of infants and 21% of the cohort had PVR bigger than VV. In almost half of the infants (42.6%) PVR was larger than VV at least once. CONCLUSIONS:Around 40% of infants affected by PUV have abnormal bladder capacity and almost half of them have significant post void residuals following primary resection. Although controversies and limitations are present, we believe that this non-invasive study can provide valuable information to understand the dynamic of the bladder, particularly in children affected by PUV and allow early intervention in children considered "at risk". Having a non invasive way of assessing can help tailor intervention and be useful for future research into early bladder intervention and improving outcomes.
Objective Describe families’ experiences of interventions to improve continence in children and young people with neurodisability, and health professionals’ and school and social care staff’s perspectives regarding factors affecting intervention use.Design Four online surveys were developed and advertised to parent carers, young people with neurodisability, health professionals and school and social care staff, via societies, charities, professional contacts, schools, local authorities, and national parent carer and family forums, who shared invitations with their networks. Survey questions explored: difficulties helping children and young people use interventions; acceptability of interventions and waiting times; ease of use and availability of interventions, and facilitators and barriers to improving continence.Results 1028 parent carers, 26 young people, 352 health professionals and 202 school and social care staff registered to participate. Completed surveys were received from 579 (56.3%) parent carers, 20 (77%) young people, 193 (54.8%) health professionals, and 119 (58.9%) school and social care staff. Common parent carer-reported difficulties in using interventions to help their children and young people to learn to use the toilet included their child’s lack of understanding about what was required (reported by 337 of 556 (60.6%) parent carers who completed question) and their child’s lack of willingness (343 of 556, 61.7%). Almost all (142 of 156, 91%) health professionals reported lack of funding and resources as barriers to provision of continence services. Many young people (14 of 19, 74%) were unhappy using toilet facilities while out and about.Conclusions Perceptions that children lack understanding and willingness, and inadequate facilities impact the implementation of toileting interventions for children and young people with neurodisability. Greater understanding is needed for children to learn developmentally appropriate toileting skills. Further research is recommended around availability and acceptability of interventions to ensure quality of life is unaffected.
Objective Mirabegron (either alone or in combination with an anticholinergic) has been shown to be effective in adult patients with OAB but remains unlicensed in the Paediatric population. Our aim was to review the symptomatic outcome ≥24 months after starting Mirabegron in a Paediatric population with significant OAB who had failed urotherapy and anticholinergic medication with urodynamically proven detrusor overactivity. Methods Retrospective, single Centre review of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) at start of therapy, 6, 12, 24 months and final follow up. Results 84 patients started Mirabegron (25–50mg daily), 56% female at a mean age 11 (range 5–17 years). Baseline LUTS: urinary urgency 81%, daytime wetting (DUI) 75%, (88% of these wet 7/7 days), enuresis (NE) 80% (91% of these wet 7/7 nights), combined day and night time wetting 58%. At 6 months: 71% remained on treatment. 4 patients dry off medication (further 4 had partial response and off medication) and 66% stated improvement. 50% on combination therapy (with anticholinergic). Of those on medication: urinary urgency 50%, DUI 47% (30% wet 7/7 days), NE 57% (33% wet 7/7 nights). At 12 months: 63% remained on treatment. Further 4 dry and off treatment. 70% on combination therapy. Of those on medication: urinary urgency 48%, DUI 43% (15% wet 7/7 days), NE 46% (26% wet 7/7 nights). At 24 months: 45% remained on treatment, further 10 dry off treatment. 79% on combination. Of those on treatment: urgency 29%, DUI 26% (18% wet 7/7 days), NE 26% (18% wet 7/7 nights). At last follow up (24–76 months): 21 patients remained on treatment. 71% on combination. Urinary urgency 19%, DUI 19% (14% severe 7/7) and NE 9% (9% wet 7/7 nights). Outcomes Improvement in incontinence over time is shown in figure 1. Overall, 73% good response to treatment with 54% dry (on or off medication) and a further 19% show partial response (50–90%improvement) Figure 2. The mean duration of Mirabegron therapy was 25.9 months. During follow-up 16 (19%) patients reported side effects with 4 stopping treatment. Conclusion Mirabegron alone, or in combination with an anticholinergic, offers a well-tolerated and effective treatment for children and young people suffering from frequent urinary incontinence caused by significant detrusor overactivity that has failed to respond to anticholinergics. Resolution of symptoms occurred in nearly half of patients by 24 months.
INTRODUCTION:Previously in our unit, urodynamics were delayed after insertion of suprapubic (SP) lines. We postulated that performing urodynamics on the same day as SP line insertion would not result in increased morbidity. We retrospectively compared complications in those having urodynamics on the same day against those who had delayed urodynamics. PATIENTS AND METHODS:Notes were reviewed for patients undergoing urodynamics via SP lines from May 2009 until December 2018. In 2014 we modified our practice to allow urodynamics on the same day as SP line insertion in some patients. Patients undergoing videourodynamics would have two 5 Fr (mini Paed) SP lines inserted under general anaesthesia. Patients were divided into two groups: those that had urodynamics on the same day as SP line insertion and those that had urodynamics after an interval of more than one day. The outcome measure was the number of problems affecting those in each group. The two groups were compared using Mann-Whitney U tests and Fisher's Exact tests. RESULTS:There were a total of 211 patients with a median age of 6.5 years (range three months to 15.9 years). Urodynamics were performed on the same day in 86. Delayed Urodynamics were performed at an interval of more than one day in 125. Adverse events included pain or difficulty with voiding, increased urinary frequency, urinary incontinence, leak from catheter site, extravasation, extension of in-patient stay, visible haematuria, urethral catheterisation, and urinary tract infection. Problems affected 43 (20.4%) children. In the same day group, 11 (13.3%) patients had problems, in the delayed group 32 (25.6%) had problems; this was statistically significant (p = 0.03). The difference in combined incidence of important problems (requiring urethral catheterisation, extended admission or abandonment of urodynamics) was not statistically significant between the two groups. CONCLUSION:When using suprapubic catheters for urodynamics there is no additional morbidity when catheters are inserted on the same day as the urodynamics study compared to when urodynamic are delayed.
Introduction Urological problems are a recognised feature of anorectal malformation (ARM). Previous assumptions of favourable long-term urinary outcomes are being challenged. Objective We hypothesised that urinary tract problems are common in ARM and frequently persist into adulthood. We retrospectively reviewed long-term renal and bladder outcomes in ARM patients. Study design Patients with ARM born between 1984-2005 were identified from electronic hospital databases. Their case notes were reviewed. Renal outcomes included serum creatinine and the need for renal replacement therapy. Bladder outcomes included symptom review, bladder medication, need for intermittent catheterisation, videourodynamics and whether the patient had undergone augmentation cystoplasty. Result (Table 1) The case notes of 50 patients were reviewed. The median age at last follow up was 18 years (range 12-34 years). The level of fistula was noted to be high in 17 patients, intermediate in eight, and low in 10. Four had cloaca. Congenital urological abnormalities were present in 25 (50%). An abnormal spinal cord was present in 22 (44%) patients. VACTERL association occurred in 27 (54%). Chronic kidney disease stage II or above was found in 14 (28%) patients, of whom four required a renal transplant. Abnormal bladder outcomes were found in 39 (78%) patients. Augmentation cystoplasty with Mitrofanoff had been performed in 12. Of those who had not undergone cystoplasty, 17 had urinary symptoms, including urinary incontinence in 12. Of the 39 patients with abnormal bladder outcome, 19 (49%) did not have a spinal cord abnormality. There was no significant statistical association between level of ARM and abnormal renal outcome or presence of bladder abnormality. Discussion Adverse renal and bladder outcomes are common in our cohort of young people with ARM with a significantly higher incidence compared with current literature. We did not demonstrate an association between level of ARM or presence of spinal cord anomaly with persistent bladder problems. Congenital urological anomalies are more common in those who later have an abnormal renal outcome. Although this difference is statistically significant, one fifth of patients born with anatomically normal upper tracts develop reduced renal function, implying an important acquired component. Conclusion Bladder problems and reduced renal function affect a significant proportion of young adults with ARM. Neither adverse outcome is reliably predicted from ARM level, congenital urological anomaly or spinal cord anomaly. We advise continued long-term bladder and kidney follow-up for all patients with ARM.
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDs) are incapacitating disorders, which begin early in life, are mainly caused by genetic and neurobiological factors, and show a tendency to persist. They are associated with higher rates of incontinence in children and adolescents, including nocturnal enuresis, daytime urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, and constipation. Without diagnosis and treatment, they will interfere with incontinence treatment leading to less favorable outcomes. The aim of this International Children's Continence Society (ICCS) document is to provide an overview of the three most important NDs, that is, attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and intellectual disability (ID).
Background Despite the undeniable diagnostic benefits of urodynamic studies (UDS), their adoption into clinical practice in Africa has been slow. This study aimed to review the use of invasive UDS in children at a tertiary paediatric hospital in South Africa. Methods A retrospective analysis of 1108 UDS was conducted. Patient demographic characteristics, primary diagnosis, indication and urodynamic outcomes were reviewed. Presence of urodynamic high-risk features were documented, and a comparison was made between the first study and follow-up study. Results This study revealed increasing trends in the use of UDS from 2015. Referrals were from Urology (37.7%), Spinal defects clinic (34.4%), Nephrology (20.8%) and other departments (7.0%). The most common reason for referral was review of medical treatment (36.5%). Spinal dysraphism (58.3%) accounted for the majority of conditions seen. Majority (59.1%) of the patients were receiving more than one type of bladder treatment at the time of their first study, with clean intermittent catheterisation (46.5%) being the most common form of bladder management. 97.5% of studies were performed using transurethral bladder catheterization. Urodynamic diagnosis was neurogenic in 74.0%, anatomical (12.2%), functional (8.8%) and normal (5.0%). There was statistically significant improvement in bladder compliance, detrusor leak point pressure and detrusor sphincter dyssynergia between the first study and a subsequent study following therapeutic intervention. Conclusions The unique ability of UDS to demonstrate changes in detrusor pressures, which is a common reason for therapy failure, makes UDS an invaluable tool in the diagnosis and management of children with lower urinary tract dysfunction.
AIMS:Giggle incontinence is a rare condition resulting in excessive urinary incontinence with laughter, where bladder function is otherwise "normal." Urodynamic descriptions of the condition to date are limited. We believe that giggle incontinence has characteristic urodynamic findings. We tested this hypothesis.METHODS:We retrospectively reviewed the urodynamic investigations of patients with giggle incontinence managed in a tertiary regional bladder unit between February 2014 and November 2019.RESULTS:We identified the studies of seven patients, median age 13.5 years (10.4-15.7) of whom 6 were female. All had videourodynamics. Two went on to have further invasive investigation; one had urethral pressure profile and one had ambulatory urodynamics. Detrusor overactivity (DO) was observed in six. DO was asensate in all. In five DO was triggered by laughter and was associated with laughter induced incontinence in four. Six had DO that was not provoked by laugher. In one amplitude of DO was proportional to vigour of laughter. In three patients there was identification of sudden pelvic floor relaxation during laughter resulting in incontinence. Stress urinary incontinence was not observed in any.CONCLUSIONS:Giggle incontinence is a complex phenomenon. Urodynamic diagnosis is challenging and is dependent on eliciting laughter. We present the first urodynamic demonstration that giggle incontinence is associated with laughter-induced, asensate DO and concurrent, momentary pelvic floor relaxation. We hope this will provide a more consistent basis for defining this condition in the future.
BACKGROUND:Daytime urinary incontinence (UI) is common in childhood and often persists into adolescence. UI in adolescence is associated with a range of adverse outcomes, including depressive symptoms, peer victimization, poor self-image, and problems with peer relationships. The first-line conservative treatment for UI is bladder training (standard urotherapy) that aims to establish a regular fluid intake and a timed schedule for toilet visits. The success of bladder training is strongly dependent on good concordance, which can be challenging for young people.OBJECTIVE:This paper aims to describe the development of a smartphone app (URApp) that aims to improve concordance with bladder training in young people aged 11 to 19 years.METHODS:URApp was designed by using participatory co-design methods and was guided by the person-based approach to intervention design. The core app functions were based on clinical guidance and included setting a daily drinking goal that records fluid intake and toilet visits, setting reminders to drink fluids and go to the toilet, and recording progress toward drinking goals. The development of URApp comprised the following four stages: a review of current smartphone apps for UI, participatory co-design workshops with young people with UI for gathering user requirements and developing wireframes, the development of a URApp prototype, and the user testing of the prototype through qualitative interviews with 23 young people with UI or urgency aged 10 to 19 years and 8 clinicians. The app functions and additional functionalities for supporting concordance and behavior change were iteratively optimized throughout the app development process.RESULTS:Young people who tested URApp judged it to be a helpful way of supporting their concordance with a timed schedule for toilet visits and drinking. They reported high levels of acceptability and engagement. Preliminary findings indicated that some young people experienced improvements in their bladder symptoms, including a reduction in UI. Clinicians reported that URApp was clinically appropriate and aligned with the best practice guidelines for bladder training. URApp was deemed age appropriate, with all clinicians reporting that they would use it within their own clinics. Clinicians felt URApp would be of particular benefit to patients whose symptoms were not improving or those who were not engaging with their treatment plans.CONCLUSIONS:The next stage is to evaluate URApp in a range of settings, including pediatric continence clinics, primary care, and schools. This research is needed to test whether URApp is an effective (and cost-effective) solution for improving concordance with bladder training, reducing bladder symptoms, and improving the quality of life.
BACKGROUND Children and young people with neurodisability often need help to achieve socially acceptable bladder and bowel control. Approaches vary depending on whether or not the impairment results from spinal cord pathology that impairs motor control and sensation of the bladder and bowel. Currently, there is uncertainty about which interventions are effective. OBJECTIVE The objective was to summarise the available evidence on and current practice for improving continence in children and young people with neurodisability. DESIGN A systematic review of the effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and factors that modify intervention implementation, alongside a cross-sectional, online survey of current practice with health professionals, parent carers, school and care staff and young people with neurodisability. RESULTS Twelve databases were searched in the review, resulting in 5756 references; 71 studies (72 papers) were included in the analyses. Most of the evidence was for children with spinal cord pathology, which involved evaluations of pharmacological approaches and surgical techniques, whereas the evidence pertaining to those with non-spinal-cord-related pathology tended to be for behavioural interventions. The methodological quality of studies was rated as being moderate to poor. There were three robust qualitative studies about the experience of continence among children with spinal cord pathology. We found substantial heterogeneity across the interventions that we evaluated in terms of quality, study design and outcomes measured. No economic studies were found. The results were synthesised narratively and reported in text and tables. We did not find any eligible studies evaluating interventions using toilet and clothing adaptations in the review, although the survey highlighted that these types of interventions are frequently used and considered. In total, 949 people responded to the survey: 202 health professionals, 605 parent carers, 122 school and social care staff, and 20 young people. The survey results illustrated the different roles that professionals have in improving continence, highlighting the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to supporting children and young people and their families. Clinicians employ a range of assessments and interventions to improve continence or independent toileting, depending on the needs of the child. LIMITATIONS Quantitative studies in the review were not methodologically robust. The survey had a risk of response bias. CONCLUSIONS Our research found a dearth of good-quality evidence for many of the interventions currently in use, and no evidence of experiences of implementing interventions for children with non-spinal-cord-related pathology. There was also no evidence of cost-effectiveness of any of the interventions. FUTURE WORK There is a need to involve young people and families in the design of high-quality evaluative research for interventions that aim to improve continence. This is especially the case for children with autism and learning disability, who have been neglected in previous evaluative and qualitative research. We recommend better training for health, education and care professionals about toileting, informed by evidence and the lived experiences of children and their families. We recommend a joined-up multidisciplinary and holistic approach to improving continence to maximise independence, dignity and comfort. It is vital that children and young people with neurodisability have early access to regular, integrated assessment of their bladder and bowel health, and are fully supported with appropriate personalised treatment. STUDY REGISTRATION This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42018100572. FUNDING This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 25, No. 73. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
PURPOSE:Intradetrusor botulinum toxin is an established part of the treatment pathway for pediatric patients with neurogenic bladder. We determined the urodynamic effect of single and multiple administrations of abobotulinum toxin A in pediatric patients with neurogenic bladder, and determined the urodynamic efficacy of abobotulinum toxin A in low compliance vs overactive bladders.MATERIALS AND METHODS:We conducted a single center retrospective review of all pediatric patients with neurogenic bladder treated with abobotulinum toxin A. Videourodynamic data on cystometric capacity, maximum neurogenic detrusor overactivity pressure and compliance were gathered before and after the first abobotulinum toxin A administration and after the last administration. Patients were divided into low compliance and overactive bladder groups depending on initial videourodynamics findings. Paired t-test was used to compare videourodynamic outcomes before vs after abobotulinum toxin A injection. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare bladder groups.RESULTS:A total of 30 patients were included in the study. Of these patients 15 (50%) received multiple abobotulinum toxin A injections. There were 16 patients (53%) with overactive bladder. Abobotulinum toxin A administration significantly improved cystometric capacity (p <0.0001) and maximum neurogenic detrusor overactivity (p=0.0001). Overall, compliance did not change significantly (p=0.25). There was no significant difference in urodynamic parameters between first and last abobotulinum toxin A injections. Improvement in cystometric capacity (p=0.05) and maximum neurogenic detrusor overactivity (p=0.25) was similar between the low compliance and overactive bladder groups. Compliance significantly improved in the low compliance group vs the overactive bladder group (p=0.016).CONCLUSIONS:Intradetrusor abobotulinum toxin A improves cystometric capacity and maximum neurogenic detrusor overactivity in pediatric patients with neurogenic bladder. This effect is maintained over multiple injections. Compliance is significantly improved in patients with low compliance bladder vs overactive bladder.
BackgroundWe present a consensus view from the International Children's Continence Society (ICCS) on the evaluation and management of bladder bowel dysfunction (BBD) in children with urinary tract infection (UTI). The statement aims to highlight the importance of BBD in the development and recurrence of childhood UTI and its management to reduce its associated morbidity and sequelae.MethodsA systematic literature search was done on PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases until August 15, 2016. Relevant publications concerning BBD and its relationship with UTI among children were reviewed and aggregated for statements of recommendation. Discussion by the ICCS Board and a multi-disciplinary core group of authors resulted in a document available on its website for all ICCS members to review. Insights and feedback were considered with consensus and agreement reached to finalize this position statement.ResultsBBD in children with UTI is summarized. Details regarding epidemiology, pathophysiology, and recommendations for general and family practitioners and pediatricians relating to the evaluation and management of this condition are presented.ConclusionsThis document serves as the position statement from ICCS, based on literature review and expert opinion providing our current understanding of BBD in children with UTI.
Objectives To explore the clinical care experiences of young people with continence problems. Design In-depth semistructured qualitative interviews were conducted by Skype and telephone, with the addition of art-based participatory research techniques. Transcripts were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Setting Primary and secondary care in the UK. Participants We interviewed 20 participants (9 females, 11 males) aged 11-20 years. There were six participants with bedwetting alone, five with daytime wetting alone, five with combined (day and night) wetting and four with soiling. Results We identified four themes: appointment experiences, treatment experiences, engagement with treatment and internalisation and externalisation of the continence problem. Patient-focused appointments using age-appropriate language were highly desirable. Continuity of care was highlighted as an important aspect of positive clinical experiences; however, this was found to be rare with many participants seeing a different person on each visit. Participants had tried a wide range of treatments for their continence problems with varying degrees of success. Relapse and treatment failure were common. Experiencing relapse was distressing and diminished participants' belief in the success of future treatments and undermined adherence. Participants would be seen to adopt two opposing coping strategies for dealing with their continence problem-internalisation and externalisation. Conclusion Incontinence in young people is challenging to manage. Young people may need to try a range of treatments before their symptoms improve. Due to challenges in treatment, there is an increased risk of poor adherence. During patient-focused appointments, clinicians should work to build rapport with patients and use age-appropriate language. Involving young people in their own care decisions is important. The way in which young people understand their continence problem can influence their coping strategies and adherence to treatment regimes.
Objectives To explore the clinical care experiences of young people with continence problems. Design In-depth semistructured qualitative interviews were conducted by Skype and telephone, with the addition of art-based participatory research techniques. Transcripts were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Setting Primary and secondary care in the UK. Participants We interviewed 20 participants (9 females, 11 males) aged 11–20 years. There were six participants with bedwetting alone, five with daytime wetting alone, five with combined (day and night) wetting and four with soiling. Results We identified four themes: appointment experiences, treatment experiences, engagement with treatment and internalisation and externalisation of the continence problem. Patient-focused appointments using age-appropriate language were highly desirable. Continuity of care was highlighted as an important aspect of positive clinical experiences; however, this was found to be rare with many participants seeing a different person on each visit. Participants had tried a wide range of treatments for their continence problems with varying degrees of success. Relapse and treatment failure were common. Experiencing relapse was distressing and diminished participants’ belief in the success of future treatments and undermined adherence. Participants would be seen to adopt two opposing coping strategies for dealing with their continence problem— internalisation and externalisation. Conclusion Incontinence in young people is challenging to manage. Young people may need to try a range of treatments before their symptoms improve. Due to challenges in treatment, there is an increased risk of poor adherence. During patient-focused appointments, clinicians should work to build rapport with patients and use age-appropriate language. Involving young people in their own care decisions is important. The way in which young people understand their continence problem can influence their coping strategies and adherence to treatment regimes.
In Dysfunctional voiding, failure of the external sphincter-pelvic floor complex to relax during micturition results in bladder outflow obstruction with a spectrum of presentation from more benign lower urinary tract dysfunction including recurrent urinary tract infections, to significant upper tract pathology and end-stage renal failure. There is no underlying neurological or anatomical cause and the condition is postulated to be a largely learnt behavior. Diagnosis relies on non-invasive urodynamics and in particular uroflowmetry, plus or minus EMG, which is also used in biofeedback, the mainstay of treatment. The etiology, presentation, diagnosis, and treatment with particular emphasis on non-invasive urodynamics are covered.