[Uroflowmetry in children: Prospective study of normal parameters].

INTRODUCTION

Uroflowmetry is the simplest urodynamic test to study the lower urinary tract. Uroflowmetry parameters, especially maximum flow rate, are important, but are difficult to interpret due to the lack of normal uroflowmetry data in children.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this prospective clinical study was to evaluate normal uroflowmetry parameters in a prospective series of 202 children between the ages of 5 and 15 years.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We prospectively studied uroflowmetry in a series of 202 children between the ages of 5 and 15 years. Children with voiding disorders, or a psychiatric or neurological illness were excluded. The following variables were determined: age, body surface area (BSA (m2)), maximum flow rate (Qmax (ml/s)), voided volume (V (ml)) and maximum flow time (TQmax (s)).

RESULTS

Qmax increased with age, V and BSA in both sexes and was greater in girls. In girls between the ages of 5 and 6 years, mean Qmax was 15.8 for a mean V of 173 and BSA less than 1.06 and, in girls between the ages of 13 and 15 years, mean Qmax was 26.2 for a mean V of 327 and BSA greater than 1.06. TQmax also increased with age, V and BSA and was greater in boys. In boys between the ages of 5 and 6 years, mean TQmax was 6.5 for a mean V of 174 and BSA less than 1.6 and, in boys between the ages of 13 and 15 years, mean TQmax was 7.4 for a mean V of 332 and BSA greater than 1.6. A positive correlation was demonstrated between age and uroflowmetry parameters and the most significant correlation was observed between age and Qmax in both sexes.

CONCLUSION

This study on normal uroflowmetry parameters in children not presenting any voiding disorders demonstrated a significant difference, in both sexes, between Qmax and TQmax in relation to age, V and BSA. Uroflowmetry could therefore be useful in the diagnosis of infravesical obstruction.