Hidden causes of increased frequency of vesicoureteral reflux in patients with joint hypermobility

Abstract

Purpose: The relationship between vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) is known. However, voiding dysfunction (VD) and constipation are also common in patients with GJH. We aimed to examine the relationship between VD, constipation and VUR in patients with GJH. Methods: A total of 224 children including 122 children with recurrent urinary tract infection (RUI) and 122 children as a control group were enrolled in a cross sectional study performed between April 2018, and April 2020. Control group was evaluated only for GJH. Patients with RUI were divided into two groups as groups with (Group 1), and without VUR (Group 2) and evaluated for the presence of VD, constipation and GJH. Results:The prevalence of GJH was statistically significantly higher in patients with RUI than the control group (p>0.001). The prevalence of GJH was significantly higher in Groups 1 and 2 than the control group (p>0.001, and p>0.001) without any significant difference between Groups 1 and 2 (p=0.36). VD and constipation were observed in significantly higher number of patients with GJH in Group 1 compared to Group 2 (p=0.01 and p=0.02, respectively). Conclusion:Our findings confirmed that the prevalence of GJH in children with VUR is higher than in the general population. In addition, constipation and VD in children with GJH contribute to the increased frequency of VUR in these patients.