Abstract
Background: Non-neurogenic urinary and fecal incontinence (UI, FI) affects approximately 6% of North American children with 1% of cases becoming refractory (nonresponsive to standard therapies). Incontinence has major potential long-term physiological and psychological implications for patients and their families. While Sacral Neuromodulation (SNM) and Transcutaneous Nerve Stimulation (TENS) are alternative therapies available for the treatment of refractory UI/FI, these are not approved for use in children in Canada. The present study assessed participants' perception of current treatments, incontinence burden, and attitudes toward novel therapies in a single pediatric institution.Methods: Multiple validated questionnaires including Dysfunctional Voiding Scoring System (DVSS), Bristol Stool Chart (BSC), Pediatric Incontinence measurement (PinQ), and Time-Driven Activity Based Costing were used to perform a needs assessment for patients with non-neurogenic refractory incontinence, and to determine patients' and caregivers' attitudes toward alternative therapies.Results: 75% of patients and 89% of caregivers reported a moderate to severe impact of incontinence on QoL with diminished social interactions among the primary concerns. Caregivers were frustrated with current treatments and were open to trying alternative therapies (SNM and TENS), which, at least in the case of SNM, seems to be less expensive, possibly less burdensome and more effective than current surgical options.Conclusion: Pediatric refractory UI/FI has a large impact on patients' and caregivers' QoL and alternative therapies with the potential to improve QoL of patients and caregivers should be further investigated as a substitute for surgery.
Highlights
Non-neurogenic urinary and/or fecal incontinence (UI/FI) refers to the involuntary leakage of urine or stool in the absence of central or peripheral neurological causes
This study aims to determine the impact of nonneurogenic refractory UI/FI on children and their caregivers, assess patient’s and caregiver’s attitudes toward the potential use of Sacral Neuromodulation (SNM)/Transcutaneous Nerve Stimulation (TENS) therapies in Canada and to provide a preliminary cost analysis of SNM therapy vs. standard surgical options within the Canadian context
Study Design, Population, and Recruitment. This was a single-center, cross-sectional study of patients with non-neurogenic refractory UI/FI followed at the urology outpatient clinic of a quaternary care pediatric hospital in Ontario, Canada
Summary
Non-neurogenic urinary and/or fecal incontinence (UI/FI) refers to the involuntary leakage of urine or stool in the absence of central or peripheral neurological causes. 10% of adults and 6% of children in both Canada and the US [1,2,3] suffer from these conditions, the actual prevalence is likely underreported due to the social stigma associated with incontinence. The most common cause of nonneurogenic incontinence in children is Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction (BBD), which can be responsible for up to 40% of pediatric urology clinical visits [4]. Non-neurogenic urinary and fecal incontinence (UI, FI) affects approximately 6% of North American children with 1% of cases becoming refractory (nonresponsive to standard therapies). The present study assessed participants’ perception of current treatments, incontinence burden, and attitudes toward novel therapies in a single pediatric institution
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