Urinary symptoms and urodynamics findings in patients with Friedreich's ataxia.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the prevalence of LUTS, urinary tract and urodynamics changes in patients with Friedreich's Ataxia (FA), the most common form of hereditary ataxia.


METHODS
This study evaluated 258 patients with genetically confirmed diagnoses of FA. Of the patients, 158 responded to a questionnaire which assessed their urinary symptoms. Patients with clinical changes underwent renal function examinations, ultrasound, and urodynamic studies (UDS).


RESULTS
The sample analyzed showed that 82% of the patients complained of LUTS, although only 22% related the symptoms with quality of life impairment. Twenty eight (18%) of them agreed to undergo urodynamic evaluation. Urgency was the most common symptom. The exam was normal in 4 (14%) and detrusor underactivity was the most common finding. 14% (4 patients) presented with dilatation of the upper urinary tract at ultrasound scans. None of them had creatinine alterations.


CONCLUSIONS
LUTS was found in a large percentage of patients with FA, but only a few related it to their quality of life impairment. Although creatinine levels was normal in this sample, some patients may show upper urinary tract abnormalities, with deserves close observation and proper care.
SARAH Network of Rehabilitation Hospitals, Salvador, BA, Brazil.
André F A
AF
Musegante
Priscila Natasja S
PN
Almeida
Raphael Temporão M
RT
Monteiro
Ubirajara
U
Barroso
D000328:Adult; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D005621:Friedreich Ataxia / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D059411:Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012737:Sex Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D001743:Urinary Bladder / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014555:Urination Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology; D014563:Urodynamics / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult