Urinary incontinence in persons with Prader-Willi Syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
To assess and identify the frequency and type of urinary incontinence (UI), as well as associated symptoms in persons with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). PWS is characterized by mental retardation, short stature, obesity and hypogonadism. The behavioural phenotype includes eating problems, temper outbursts, affective disorders, stereotypies and speech abnormalities. UI is common in children with mental retardation in general, but has not been reported systematically in children with PWS so far.


METHODS
The Dutch version of the 'Parental Questionnaire: Enuresis/Urinary Incontinence' was completed by 118 parents of children with PWS. This questionnaire includes items referring to day- and night-time wetting, toilet habits, observable voiding behaviours and reactions, urinary tract infections, stool habits and behavioural symptoms.


RESULTS
The rate of nocturnal enuresis in persons with PWS was 13.6% (16) at a mean age of 15.1 years. 3.8% (5) had additional daytime urinary incontinence, and 3.3% (4) had faecal incontinence. Lower urinary tract symptoms were commonly indicative of overactive bladder, dysfunctional voiding and postponement. Also, the rate of internalizing and externalizing behavioural problems was high.


CONCLUSIONS
Urinary incontinence is more common in persons with PWS than in typically developing children, adolescents and adults. As lower urinary tract symptoms are common, detailed assessment and specific treatment of UI should be part of the care of all persons with PWS.
Von Gontard
Alexander
A
Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Saarland University Hospital, Homburg, Germany. alexander.von.gontard@uks.eu
Didden
Robert
R
Sinnema
Margje
M
Curfs
Leopold
L
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology; D002657:Child Development; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004775:Enuresis / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011218:Prader-Willi Syndrome / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology; D055815:Young Adult