J Urol. 2026 Sep 10:101097JU0000000000005303. doi: 10.1097/JU.0000000000005303. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Large-scale epidemiological data on pediatric lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and bowel dysfunction are limited. We conducted a nationwide internet-based survey in 2025 to clarify the prevalence of LUTS and bowel dysfunction in children.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Caregivers of children aged 6-15 years were invited to complete an internet-based questionnaire. The survey consisted of 65 questions, including the Dysfunctional Voiding Symptom Score (DVSS), Rome III criteria, and the Bristol Stool Form Scale. The prevalence of daytime LUTS, nocturnal enuresis (NE), and bowel dysfunction was assessed.
RESULTS: A total of 3,100 responses were analyzed, including 1,513 girls and 1,587 boys. Daytime LUTS were observed in 17.5% of children and were more prevalent in boys, with urinary urgency being the most common symptom. NE was present in 5.1% of children overall and was also more frequent in boys. The prevalence rates were significantly higher in boys for any NE types (monosymptomatic/non-monosymptomatic, primary/secondary), and significantly decreased with age regardless of sex in all types. Chronic functional constipation, as defined by the Rome III criteria, was identified in 14.0% of children, with no significant difference between the sexes.
CONCLUSIONS: This large-scale nationwide survey provides contemporary estimates of LUTS and bowel dysfunction in children using standardized definitions. These findings improve understanding of the burden of bladder and bowel dysfunction in children, enhance recognition of age- and sex-related symptom patterns, and inform more tailored clinical assessment.
PMID:42721405 | DOI:10.1097/JU.0000000000005303
