Acute urinary retention in pediatric patients: one-single center experience

Abstract

Acute urinary retention (AUR) in pediatrics is a rare disease with various causes. In this study, we were aimed to review and analyze cases of pediatric patients with AUR at Nanjing Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University. AUR was defined as the inability to void and associated bladder region pain and agitation that lasts more than 12 hours; or distended palpable bladder associated with pain. All children with AUR were alleviated with urethral catheterization or vesicopuncture. The past and current history, physical examination, laboratory tests and imaging modalities were reviewed and extracted by two independent authors. Finally, the basic characteristics, the causes of AUR and risking factors were analyzed. A total of 97 pediatric patients were included in our study. Lower urinary tract stones, neurological disorders and trauma were identified as the most common causes of the AUR in pediatrics in our center. For the boys, lower urinary tract stone was identified as the primary cause of AUR, whereas the prolapse of urethra was observed to be the first leading cause of AUR in girls. Ten patients underwent surgery, and five patients required continuous catheterization during follow-up. AUR in pediatrics was characterized by a variable etiology. Lower urinary tract stones, neurological disorders and trauma were identified as the most common causes of the AUR in pediatrics.