Urodynamic Risk Factors for Upper Urinary Tract Deterioration in Children with Spina Bifida
ŞK Özel*, İ Alataş**, A Alim***, H Canaz**
*İstanbul Bilim University Spina Bifida Research Center Department of Pediatric Urology
**İstanbul Bilim University Spina Bifida Research Center Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery
***Yeditepe University Faculty of Medicine Department of Pediatric Surgery
IntroductionSpina bifida is a neurological condition which causes significany
urological problems if left untreated. Urodynamic studies are the main
diagnostic tool to set proper treatment indications in this patient group. The
aim of this study was to delineate the urodynamic risk factors for upper
urinary tract deterioration in spina bifida. Patients and MethodsMedical records of patients with spina bifida were
evaluated. Two groups were formed; Group 1 randomly selected spina bifida
patients without any sign of upper urinary tract problems and Group 2 those
spina bifida patients with upper urinary tract signs namely hydronephrosis w/o
vesicoureteral reflux and /or renal scarring. Age, gender and urodynamic
parameters of these two groups were compared. Numeric values were analysed with
Student’s t-test and qualitative values, with chi-square test.ResultsA total of 1200 patients were evaluated in our center for
the last two years. 50 patients with spina bifida were randomly selected for
comparison (Group 1) and 41 patients with upper urinary tract deterioration
were evaluated as the study group (Group 2). The mean age was 15,6±25,6 months in Group 1
and 70,2±54,3 months in Group 2 (p<0,05). The gender distribution was
insignificant. There were no significance in the comparison of leak point or
maximal detrusor pressures, status of urodynamic capacity and sphincter
activity between two groups. However, reduced compliance and underactivity was
more pronounced in patients with upper tract deterioration (p<0,05).Conclusions
Upper tract changes may occur in relation with the status of
the bladder in patients with spina bifida. As the bladder loses its compliance
and underactivity appears by age, these patients should be followed up
carefully to protect kidneys against threatening conditions. Reduced compliance
and detrusor activity may be a significant risk factor for upper urinary tract.
Delineation of the risk factors with urodynamic studies may help for a safe
follow up of these children.
Keywords: