Lower urinary tract symptoms in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy: An evaluation in terms of functional level, posture, and muscle strength.

Aim: To examine factors associated with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 45 individuals diagnosed with DMD between the ages of 5 and 18 years. LUTS were evaluated with the Dysfunctional Voiding and Incontinence Scoring System, functional levels with the Brooke Upper Extremity Functional Classification and the Vignos Scale, lumbar lordosis angle with a bubble inclinometer, pelvic inclination angles with a digital inclinometer, and muscle strength with a hand-held dynamometer.

Results: The mean age of the children was calculated as 9.00 ± 3.32 years, body weight as 31.10 ± 12.59 kg, and height as 125.87 ± 18.46 cm. LUTD was detected in 20 children (44.44%). There was an association between high LUTD severity and low strength of the following muscles: bilateral hip flexor (Dominant: r = -0.338, p = 0.023; nondominant: r = -0.411, p = 0.005), quadriceps femoris (Dominant: r = -0.445, p = 0.002; nondominant: r = -0.504, p < 0.001), elbow flexor (Dominant: r = -0.461, p = 0.001; nondominant: r = -0.455, p = 0.002), and elbow extensor (Dominant: r = -0.442, p = 0.002; nondominant: r = -0.450, p = 0.002). Upper extremity functionality level was significantly higher in the LUTD-negative group (p = 0.004). There was no relationship between lumbar lordosis and pelvic inclination angles and LUTS symptoms (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: To provide the adequate care for bladder health in children with DMD, it is essential to focus on parameters that will increase functionality and independence in this population.