Association between overweight and lower urinary tract symptoms in children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Objectives: Childhood obesity is a growing public health concern linked to various health complications, including lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), which can significantly affect quality of life. Despite evidence suggesting an association between obesity and LUTS, existing studies report inconsistent findings regarding whether obesity predominantly affects bladder storage symptoms or both storage and voiding functions, necessitating a comprehensive evaluation. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the association between overweight or obesity and LUTS in children and adolescents.

Method: A comprehensive search of the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library was performed using controlled vocabulary (MESH, EMTREE) and free-text keywords related to obesity, overweight, and LUTS in pediatric and adolescent populations. The search was conducted on July 1, 2023.

Results: Among the 11 studies involving 31,754 patients, 8, 4, and 5 studies pertained to enuresis, daytime urinary incontinence (DUI), and overactive bladders, respectively. Patients with obesity had a higher rate of enuresis (RR = 1.44; 95 % [CI], 1.19-1.74; I2 = 64.7 %, p < 0.001) and were more likely to have OAB (RR = 1.59; 95 % CI, 1.13-2.24; I2 = 80.8 %, p = 0.008). The risk of DUI was also elevated (RR = 1.64; 95 % CI, 0.97-2.77; I2 = 74 %, p = 0.07), though not statistically significant.

Conclusion: Obesity appears to be a potential risk factor for LUTS in children and adolescents, particularly nocturnal enuresis. These findings may inform clinical strategies and preventive interventions to mitigate the adverse impact of overweight on pediatric LUTS.