Prevalence and psychosocial impact of lower urinary tract symptoms in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) frequently report lower urinary tract symptoms at the outpatient rehabilitation clinic. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms in the Dutch male DMD population and their effect on quality of life. A postal questionnaire was sent to members of Dutch DMD patient organisations. 199 male patients with confirmed DMD and over the age of 3years were included. 170/199 (85%) patients reported one or more lower urinary tract symptoms. Generally, post micturition dribble, straining and feeling of incomplete emptying were most frequently mentioned. 42% of patients (range 18-76%) experienced the symptoms as a problem. In 49/170 (29%) patients, it reduced quality of life. In conclusion, lower urinary tract symptoms in DMD patients are under reported and under diagnosed. However, the vast majority of male DMD patients with symptoms experience them as a problem, often reducing quality of life.