Are EAU/ESPU pediatric urology guideline recommendations on neurogenic bladder well received by the patients? Results of a survey on awareness in spina bifida patients and caregivers

Abstract

Aims The Paediatric Urology Guidelines Panel reports initial experience with patient involvement in spina bifida patient groups to gather information on their awareness of the guidelines and reflection of guideline recommendations. Methods The survey was delivered to spina bifida patients/parents via the national society groups in Turkey, Germany, and The Netherlands. Questions included demographic features, medical status, awareness, and agreement on the recommendations given in the guidelines and future expectations. Results A total of 291 patients from 3 countries responded to the survey. Mean age was 13.9 ± 12.2 years, male/female ratio 138/151, 75% of all surveys were completed by the caregivers. The medication was taken by 78% of patients (64% anticholinergics). Complete dryness rates for urine and stool were 24% and 47%, respectively. The agreement rates on the recommendations regarding urodynamics, intermittent catheterization, anticholinergics drug use, bowel management, and life‐long follow‐up were 97%, 82%, 91%, 77%, and 98%, respectively. Only 8% of responders were aware of the European Association of Urology/European Society for Pediatric Urology guidelines. The priorities of patients for future expectations were as the following: quality of life (QoL), surgical techniques, development of new medications and sexuality/fertility issues. Male spina bifida patients preferred new medications and sex/fertility issues more, whereas females favored QoL issues improvement more. Conclusions Although the native language of the involved patients was different from English, awareness of guidelines was 8%. The general approval of the recommendations given in the guidelines is quite high. The national society groups showed a great interest to get involved in the creation of the guidelines to improve health care for spina bifida patients.

EAU/ESPU guidelines on the management of neurogenic bladder in children and adolescent part I diagnostics and conservative treatment

“…A recent survey in 291 patients from three countries with a mean age of 13.9 ± 12.2 years, demonstrated that medication was taken by 78% of patients (64% anticholinergics) and complete dryness rates for urine and stool were 24% and 47%, respectively . A recent systematic review concerning the outcome of adult meningomyelocele patients demonstrated that around 37% (8‐85%) were continent, 25% had some degree of renal damage and 1.3% end‐stage renal failure .…”

Risk determination for upper urinary tract damage in children with neuropathic bladder

“…16 Dogan HS et al reported 24% and 47% of dryness for urine and stool respectively from patients of three countries. 17 There are several guidelines and timetables for evaluation schedule of neuropathic bladder patients. European Association of Urology (EAU)/European Society of Pediatric Urology (ESPU) guidelines recommend proactive management with CIC AE anticholinergic medication starting in the first months of life.…”

“…Dogan HS et al . reported 24% and 47% of dryness for urine and stool respectively from patients of three countries 17 …”