WOFAPS 2025 8th World Congress of Pediatric Surgery

Asma Marzouk ¹, Rahma Thebti ¹, Yosra Ben Ahmed ², Leila Jallouli ¹, Ahlem Kefi ¹, Farida Friha ¹

¹ departement pediatrics Ben Arous Tunisia
² Children Hospital Bechir Hamza, Pediatric surgery department B. Tunis, Tunisia

Introduction:
Urinary incontinence is a common but often underestimated pediatric condition, frequently concealed by children and their families. It can significantly affect a child’s emotional, social, and academic development.

Objectives:
To investigate the etiological profile of urinary incontinence in children and assess its psychosocial, familial, and academic impact. Aggravating factors were also explored.

Patients and Methods:

This prospective study was conducted over 3 months in a pediatric unit. Included were children over 5 years of age with urinary incontinence occurring at least once monthly for three consecutive months. All patients underwent detailed clinical evaluations to rule out organic causes. Additional investigations were guided by clinical suspicion. The social and psychological impact was also assessed.

Results:
Twenty-six cases were collected, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.88. The mean age was 7 years ± 10 months. Consanguinity was reported in 19% of cases, and 50% had a first-degree family history of voiding disorders. Secondary incontinence with psychological triggers was noted in 4%. No signs of organic disease or neurological anomalies were found clinically. Constipation and parasitic infection were present in 15% and 30% respectively. Renal ultrasound abnormalities were found in 15% of cases. Incontinence was diurnal and nocturnal in 35%, and nocturnal-only in 65%. Psychosocial consequences included guilt (30%), social withdrawal (20%), decreased daily performance (19%), school difficulties (27%), and associated dyslexia (19%). Treatment involved hygiene-dietary measures (68%), pharmacotherapy (23%), and psychotherapy (8%).

Conclusion:
Pediatric urinary incontinence is a multifactorial disorder with notable psychological and social consequences. A multidisciplinary approach is essential, combining medical management with psychological support to improve outcomes and quality of life.