INTRODUCTION: Four-hour voiding observation with provocation test (VOP) using a scale, a damp detector and ultrasound for determination of residuals, is an easily performed non-invasive method for the evaluation of bladder function in newborns. Neonatal bladder function evaluated with VOP has been described for healthy newborns (HN) but not for children with spinal dysraphism (SD), for whom early bladder evaluation is essential for decisions regarding Clean Intermittent Catheterization and follow-up. The aim of the present study was to describe voiding observation with provocation test in newborns with spinal dysraphism and compare with corresponding data for healthy newborns.

METHODS AND MATERIALS: At a tertiary hospital, a 4 h voiding observation with provocation (VOP) was performed in 50 neonates (22 girls, 28 boys) with spinal dysraphism (37 open SD, 13 closed SD) consecutively evaluated for possible neurogenic bladder-sphincter dysfunction (1998-2019). All newborns with open SD and 4/13 with closed SD had been through postnatal neurosurgery before the test. Mean age was 10 days. Voiding observation was performed during 4 h with visual observation the fourth hour recording behavior and urinary flow (e.g. stream, dribbling). Finally, bladder provocations (e.g. suprapubic compression) were performed, and any leakage was noted. Findings were compared to those of 50 healthy newborns (HN) earlier published (Gladh et al., 2002). There were no significant differences in background data such as gender, age or diuresis between newborns with SD and HN.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Voiding observation with provocation test of children with SD revealed significant differences compared to HN see summary table. Some children with SD had frequent small voids/leakages and low bladder volumes while three had no voiding and high volumes. Leakage during bladder provocation test and not voiding with a stream was not seen in HN but were common in newborns with SD (69% resp. 74%) (p < 0.01). A child with these findings should thus be investigated further. Identifying children needing Clean Intermittent Catheterization is important as well as being able to postpone or refrain from invasive urodynamic studies if not strongly indicated. VOP may give valuable information for these judgements.

CONCLUSION: Newborns with spinal dysraphism differ from healthy newborns in many aspects of bladder function. Bladder function varies between newborns with closed and open spinal dysraphism. Many newborns with spinal dysraphism leak at bladder provocation and void without a stream but healthy newborns do not. Early determination of post-void residuals is mandatory in children with spinal dysraphism and non-invasive VOP gives this information in a standardized way, also adding information on frequency, voiding with a stream and leakage at provocation.

Introduction

Night-time polyuria as the dominating pathophysiological mechanism for primary monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (PMNE) has been put in question with nocturnal detrusor overactivity and high arousal thresholds as alternatives. An earlier finding of night-time polyuria in 12% of healthy non-enuretic schoolchildren underscores that excessive night-time diuresis per se is unlikely the major cause of PMNE.

Objective

The objective of this study was to compare the night-time diuresis pattern in children with and without PMNE and to evaluate the role of night-time polyuria in provoking enuretic episodes in children with PMNE.

Study design

Night-time diuresis pattern was recorded in 27 children with PMNE, aged 6–15 years, and 29 non-enuretic children, aged 6–13 years. Using a portable ultrasound recorder, the bladder volume was estimated at 15-min intervals for at least three nights with the child sleeping in its own bed at home. The volume of enuretic episodes was controlled using preweighed diapers. All voids were registered by time and volume. Diuresis during night time was estimated from the slope of regression lines fitted to ultrasound recording points. Mean night-time diuresis was calculated from total urine production during the night and time interval from the last void before bedtime to the first morning void.

Results

Night-time bladder filling pattern was recorded from 189 nights, giving 149 interpretable patterns for analysis (77 children with PMNE and 72 dry children). The night-time diuresis pattern was similar for children with or without PMNE, showing large variability between different nights of the same child. Most nights displayed a smooth bladder filling at constant low rate, whereas other nights showed an early phase with high diuresis followed by a longer period of low diuresis with no difference between the two groups.

Discussion

Night-time diuresis has been non-invasively monitored in children while asleep in their own beds at home. The pattern of night-time diuresis varies considerably between different nights of the same child, with no obvious differences in any diuresis parameters between children with or without PMNE.

Conclusion

Non-enuretic children have similar diuresis pattern and maximal night-time diuresis values as children with PMNE, making it unlikely that PMNE is caused by night-time polyuria per se (Summary figure). Delayed maturation of sleep mechanisms such as decreased arousability or sleep inhibition of the micturition reflex is more likely to be the main etiology for enuresis.

AimThe aim was to evaluate and compare different bowel regimes with regard to satisfaction, faecal incontinence and independence, and the relationship to quality of life among children with myelomeningocele (MMC). MethodsA questionnaire, including the health-related quality of life instrument PedsQL 4.0, was sent to all children aged seven to 16years (n=172) with MMC, treated at two centres in Sweden and one in Norway. The three centres cover a third of the population in the two countries. The response rate was 62%. ResultsParents of children (30%) using antegrade colonic enemas (ACE) reported higher satisfaction (p=0.01) than the parents of those (47%) using transanal irrigation (TAI). The children reported no significant difference. Children and parents in the ACE group reported more complete evacuation of the bowels than the TAI group. No significant difference was found in faecal incontinence or independent toileting. The children (40%) who emptied their bowels independently reported a higher quality of life. Children using TAI or ACE spent around one hour on the toilet at every bowel emptying. ConclusionTAI and ACE are effective treatments, but time-consuming and difficult to perform independently. Higher parental satisfaction is obtained with ACE. Irrespective of method the children who can use the toilet independently report a higher quality of life, which makes efforts to support independence valuable.

Objective: Regarding adult life and independence the most common obstacles for young adults with myelomeningocele (MMC) are cognitive dysfunction and difficulties in performing toilet activities. A step-by-step method with goal setting for the training of self-care in toilet activities for children with MMC was evaluated. Method: Twenty-two children with MMC and bladder and bowel dysfunction (12 girls, 10 boys) aged 3-17.2 (m 9.1) were included. The toilet activities were observed at home jointly by an occupational therapist and urotherapist. Goal-setting procedures of self-training were promoted. Observation scores before and after intervention were compared, the goal setting being evaluated on a Goal Attainment Scale (GAS). Results: Fifteen children who trained in self-catheterization had a median observation score of 22 before and 37 after the training period (p = 0.002). Another seven trained in trans-rectal irrigation with a median score of 30 before and 49 after (p = 0.02). As a result of GAS all children improved, of whom 17 reached the goal or even more so than expected. Conclusions: In this pilot study mutual goal setting in a step-by-step training programme based on professional observation of the toilet activity at home showed a better outcome than traditionally performed training in a hospital setting or with traditional habilitation support.

PURPOSE: Neurogenic bladder-sphincter dysfunction (NBSD) constitutes the major reason for morbidity in children with spina bifida. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for renal damage in children with NBSD followed according to the Swedish national guidelines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Records and cystometries from 6 to 16 years (median 11) follow up of 41 consecutive children born 1993-2003 with NBSD were evaluated. The children were divided into a high pressure group (baseline pressure above 30 cmH(2)O at maximal clean intermittent catheterization volume in at least two cystometries) and a low pressure group. Most children (34/41) were followed from birth. RESULTS: Although renal scarring on DMSA-scintigraphy was found in 5/41 children, all but one had normal renal function. Two already had renal scars on entering the follow-up program at age 2.5 and 3 years. Renal scarring was more frequent in the high pressure group (P < 0.01). Most children with renal scars (4/5) had a combination of low compliant bladder and insufficient compliance with treatment and follow up. CONCLUSION: High baseline pressure is confirmed as a risk factor that, in combination with complex social issues, creates a demanding situation for families and professionals. A structured early follow up with treatment compliance effectively prevents renal damage.

Aim: To examine the ability of children and youth with myelomeningocele to independently manage clean intermittent catheterization. Methods: There were 50 participants with myelomeningocele (5-18 years); 13 of them had also participated in a previous hospital-based study. Their abilities and interest in completing the toilet activity were examined at home or in school using an interview and the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). Actual performance was observed and rated. Background variables were collected from medical records and KatAD+E tests. Results: In total, 48% were observed to perform the toilet activity independently, in comparison with 74% who self-reported independence. Univariate analyses found KatAD+E could predict who was independent. COPM failed to do so. Ability to remain focused and ambulation were predictors of independence, but age, sex and IQ were not. Multivariable analysis found time to completion to be the strongest predictor of independence. Four children were independent in their familiar environment, but not in the hospital setting, and six of 13 children maintained focus only in their familiar environment. Conclusions: Interviews were not sufficiently accurate to assess independence in the toilet activity. Instead, observations including time to completion are recommended. The execution of the toilet activity is influenced by the environmental context.

Background: Hypothermia in burns is common and increases morbidity and mortality. Several methods are available to reach and maintain normal core body temperature, but have not yet been evaluated in critical care for burned patients. Our units ordinary technique for controlling body temperature (Bair Hugger®+ radiator ceiling + bed warmer + Hotline®) has many drawbacks e.g.; slow and the working environment is hampered.The aim of this study was to compare our ordinary heating technique with newly-developed methods: the Allon™2001 Thermowrap (a temperature regulating water-mattress), and Warmcloud (a temperature regulating air-mattress).Methods: Ten consecutive burned patients (andgt; 20% total burned surface area and a core temperature andlt; 36.0C) were included in this prospective, randomised, comparative study. Patients were randomly exposed to 3 heating methods. Each treatment/measuring-cycle lasted for 6 hours. Each heating method was assessed for 2 hours according to a randomised timetable. Core temperature was measured using an indwelling (bladder) thermistor. Paired t-tests were used to assess the significance of differences between the treatments within the patients. ANOVA was used to assess the differences in temperature from the first to the last measurement among all treatments. Three-way ANOVA with the Tukey HSD post hoc test and a repeated measures ANOVA was used in the same manner, but included information about patients and treatment/measuring-cycles to control for potential confounding. Data are presented as mean (SD) and (range). Probabilities of less than 0.05 were accepted as significant.Results: The mean increase, 1.4 (SD 0.6C; range 0.6-2.6C) in core temperature/treatment/measuring-cycle highly significantly favoured the Allon™2001 Thermowrap in contrast to the conventional method 0.2 (0.6)C (range -1.2 to 1.5C) and the Warmcloud 0.3 (0.4)C (range -0.4 to 0.9C). The procedures for using the Allon™2001 Thermowrap were experienced to be more comfortable and straightforward than the conventional method or the Warmcloud.Conclusions: The Allon™2001 Thermowrap was more effective than the Warmcloud or the conventional method in controlling patients temperatures. © 2011 Kjellman et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

Background: Most children with neurogenic bladder and bowel dysfunctions suffer from myelomeningocele and shunted hydrocephalus. Fewer such births and better treatment have led to more children reaching adulthood. Increased knowledge about their lived experiences can direct support to help them. Aim: The study aims to investigate how children and adolescents aged between 10 and 18 years old with neurogenic bladder and bowel dysfunction live their everyday life. Methods: Hermeneutic phenomenology was appropriate to investigate the participants experiences in depth. Thirteen qualitative interviews were analysed by coding line-by-line in order to find the essence and themes that underpin their responses. Findings: The major theme being an outsider in the community, was built upon the themes, constraint and togetherness. Constraint was caused by their need for regular clean intermittent catheterization, bowel movement, aids and assistance from others, which identified a participant as being an outsider. They were only partially outsiders because they were inside the community and they enjoyed togetherness in their everyday life from their families, peers and other significant people. They appeared to be rather unaware of their problems. Limitations: The wide range of participants ages was a limitation, as these young people develop a great deal between these ages; in order to guarantee confidentiality, the participants were too few to divide into groups. Conclusions: These young people would be helped if supported more towards independence by people inside their circle. Today, support is usually given by personal assistants and by the use of advanced techniques. Less support is given for development towards independence. Competent health-care professionals working together with the parents should have the opportunity to provide such valuable support.

Råd och anvisningar för toaletträning vid utvecklingsstörning har efterlysts av föräldrar och vårdpersonal.

Evidensbaserade riktlinjer enligt SBU:s rekommendationer för handläggning av toaletträning vid utvecklingsstörning har tagits fram efter granskning av befintlig forskning, som nästan uteslutande berör toaletträning vid måttlig, svår eller grav utvecklingsstörning.

Barnorienterade råd för toaletträning av normalutvecklade barn kan eller ska som regel tillämpas för barn med utvecklingsstörning utan tilläggsproblematik.

Intensiv strukturerad beteendeträning är sannolikt den bästa metoden för barn och ungdomar med svårare grad av utvecklingsstörning och för individer med neuropsy­kiatriska funktionsnedsättningar.

Medicinsk bedömning ska alltid föregå toaletträning vid utvecklingsstörning, då neurogena och anatomiska avvikelser är vanligare hos barn och ungdomar med utvecklingsstörning.