Examination of Lower Urinary System Symptoms and Related Factors in Children With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

The aim of this study is to examine the prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) and the relationship between functional level, posture, muscle strength, pelvic floor muscle control, participation in activities of daily living, and quality of life that may be associated with these symptoms.

Forty-five children with DMD between the ages of 5-18 (Age: 9.00±3.32 years, Weight: 31,10±12,59 kg, Height: 125,87±18,46 cm) and their families were included in the study. LUTS was assessed with Dysfunctional Voiding And Incontinence Scoring System, functional level with Brooke Upper Extremity Functional Classification and Vignos Scale, posture with the New York Posture Assessment Questionnaire, Baseline Bubble Inclinometer (10602, Fabrication Enterprises Inc. New York, USA) and Baseline Digital Inclinometer (12-1057, Fabrication Enterprises Inc, New York, USA), participation in activities of daily living was assessed with the Barthel Index and quality of life was assessed with the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 3.0 Neuromuscular Module. Also, using the Hoggan microFET2 (Hoggan Scientific, LLC, Salt Lake City UT, USA) device, hip flexors, quadriceps femoris muscles, shoulder flexors, elbow extensors, elbow flexors, trunk extensors and flexors were evaluated in terms of muscle strength. Evaluations were made once, and the associated factors were compared in the group with and without LUTS, and the relationship between the factors and the severity of LUTS was examined.