Urine flow in childhood: a study of flow chart parameters based on 1,361 uroflowmetry tests.
OBJECTIVE
We attempted to analyze the parameters of the urine flow chart in children.


METHODS
We evaluated 1,361 uroflowmetry tests of healthy boys and girls, analyzed voided volume in relation to age and body surface area, and made a descriptive study of flow chart parameters. Analysis of variance was used for comparative study of these parameters in sex, age and body surface area groups.


RESULTS
Mean values of maximum and average flow increased with voided volume, patient age and body surface, and they were higher in girls. However, mean values of flow time and time to maximum flow were higher in boys. Flow time increased with volume, and decreased with age and body surface, although time to maximum flow increased slightly with volume and did not change with age in boys or girls.


CONCLUSIONS
Generally, we noted significant differences in maximum and average flow, and flow time and time to maximum flow in the different age groups and in both sexes. Regarding flow curve shape, a normal flow pattern (bell-shaped curve) was noted in more than 90% of cases. The plateau curve was apparent in 5.2 and 0.7% of boys and girls, respectively.
Gutierrez Segura
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Unidad de Urodinámica Pediátrica, Hospital Central Universitario de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain.
D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012016:Reference Values; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D014554:Urination / Q000502:physiology*; D014563:Urodynamics