The association between urinary continence and quality of life in paediatric patients with spina bifida and tethered cord/L'association entre la continence urinaire et la qualité de vie chez les patients d'âge pédiatrique ayant un spina-bifida et un syndrome du filum terminal

• Published in: Paediatrics & child health 2013-08, Vol.18 (7), p.E32-e38
• Main Authors: Olesen, Jamie D, Kiddoo, Darcie A, Metcalfe, Peter D
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Childrens health; Congenital diseases; Quality of life; Studies; Urinary incontinence
• ISSN: 1205-7088; 1918-1485

To determine the association between urinary continence and quality of life (QoL) in a paediatric spina bifida population. After appropriate ethics approval, a prospective study was initiated using multiple validated QoL instruments that were distributed to patients as they presented for their annual appointment at the Northern Alberta Spina Bifida Clinic (Edmonton, Alberta). General demographic information was collected and validated questionnaires were used. The survey package included two instruments to assess overall QoL: Global Pediatric QoL (PedsQL 4.0) and Health Specific QoL-Spina Bifida (HRQoL-SB). Two instruments were also included to quantify urinary symptoms and assess urinary specific QoL: the Urinary Incontinence Severity Index - Pediatric (ISI-P) and Urinary Specific QoL (PinQ). A total of 71 patients were enrolled in the study. The general QoL (PedsQL 4.0) and health-specific QoL (HRQoL-SB) scores for the population indicated an overall QoL of 66% (n=69) and 83% (n=67), respectively. Approximately 46% (33 of 71) reported >1 episode of urinary incontinence per week. Urinary continence was associated with a significantly higher urinary-specific QoL (PinQ; P