Muscle Nerve

Introduction Genitourinary (GU) health among patients with Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies (DBMD) has not been explored using population-based data. Methods Medical records of 918 males ascertained by the Muscular Dystrophy Surveillance, Tracking, and Research Network were reviewed for documentation of GU-related hospitalizations and prescribed medications. Percentages of males who received these medical interventions were calculated, hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated for associations with sociodemographics (study site, race/ethnicity), symptoms (early-versus late-onset, ambulation status, scoliosis), and treatments (respiratory support, steroids). Results Among the 918 males, 81 (9%) had a GU condition; voiding dysfunction (n=40), GU tract infection (n=19), and kidney/ureter calculus (n=9) were most common. A Kaplan-Meier curve produced a cumulative probability of 27%. Cox regression showed GU conditions were more common when males were non-ambulatory (HR=2.7, 95% CI=1.3-5.6). Discussion These findings highlight increased awareness of GU health and multidisciplinary care of DBMD patients.

25297835

PMC4412791

CDC Public Access