Residual bladder dysfunction 2 to 10 years after acute transverse myelitis

Abstract

Objective: Acute Transverse Myelitis (Atm) Is A Relatively Rare Condition In Children. The Recovery Rate Is Reported To Be Generally Complete. In The Current Study, The Long-Term Urological Outcome Of Children With Atm Was Assessed. Methodology: The Medical Records Of Children With Atm Admitted To Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, Over The Last 15 Years, Were Reviewed. Results: The Median Age Of The Five Children With Atm At The Time Of Onset Was 6 Years (Range = 2-12 Years). The Median Length Of Follow Up Was 5 Years (2-10 Years). Four Children Recovered Completely From Paraparesis; Two Had No Urinary Symptoms With Normal Micturition. However, Video- Urodynamic Studies 3 Years After The Acute Onset Revealed That Four Out Of The Five Children, Including One Without Any Urinary Symptom, Suffered From Residual Bladder Dysfunction - Two From Contractile Neurogenic Bladder And Two From Intermediate Type Of Neurogenic Bladder. Conclusions: Residual Bladder Dysfunction Is Common In Children Suffering From Atm Despite Improvement Of Paraparesis And Apparent Lack Of Urological Symptoms. Long- Term Follow Up Of Urological Function In These Patients Is Recommended.