Increased excretion of glycosaminoglycans in children with urinary incontinence compared to those with monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis

Abstract

Objective. To analyse the urinary excretion of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in patients with either urinary incontinence or nocturnal enuresis. Material and methods. The study population comprised 65 patients with either nocturnal enuresis (n=34) or urinary incontinence (n=31) and 67 controls. Excretion of urinary GAGs was assessed using the sodium tetraborate–carbazole method. Results. GAG excretion in patients with urinary incontinence was significantly higher than that in controls (p<0.000129) and in children with nocturnal enuresis (p<0.016). There were no age or sex differences in GAG excretion in the three groups studied. Conclusion. Increased GAG excretion in patients with urinary incontinence suggests an association with urothelial/detrusor pathology.

• Glycosaminoglycans
• urinary incontinence
• enuresis