Clinical features of, and association of bladder ultrasound and uroflowmetry with, overactive bladder recovery period in children

Background Overactive bladder (OAB) is a symptomatic syndrome defined by urinary urgency, usually accompanied by increased urination frequency and nocturia, with or without urinary incontinence. The prevalence of pediatric OAB in 5–13 year olds is as high as 16.6%, but the pathophysiology and epidemiology have not been sufficiently elucidated. Methods We retrospectively reviewed medical records in 117 children with OAB aged between 5 and 15 years during the years 2012–2016. At initial presentation, abdominal ultrasound and uroflowmetry were performed, and behavioral modifications, such as timed voiding, and constipation therapy were initiated. If there was no response after 4 weeks, antimuscarinic treatment was added. We evaluated the clinical features of OAB and factors related to the recovery period, which was defined as the period from the start of behavioral modifications to cure. Results The average recovery period was 11.9 ± 9.73 months. There was no significant difference in the recovery period according to age, gender, percentage of urination frequency, nocturnal enuresis, or constipation. The recovery period was significantly shorter in the group with bladder wall thickness ≥5 mm than with bladder wall thickness