Abstract General Information

Title

Prevalence and Association of Pediatric Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction and objective

The prevalence of pediatric Bladder and bowel dysfunction (BBD) and spinal cord injury (SCI) is commonly appreciated in a lot of countries, significantly impacting the quality of life for affected individuals. Understanding the prevalence and this association is crucial for better patient management and treatment strategies. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to assess the prevalence of BBD in individuals with SCI and explore its relationship to spinal cord injury.

Method

We conducted a systematic literature search using the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and PubMed databases, seeking articles related to BBD in SCI patients. A comprehensive search strategy was implemented to identify relevant studies published up to the present date. Inclusion criteria comprised studies that reported on BBD in individuals with SCI, while excluding studies with irrelevant or inadequate data. After an initial screening, 37 studies were deemed eligible for further evaluation.

Results

Among the 37 studies, ten were selected for meta-analysis, comprising a total of almost 300 participants. The prevalence of BBD in SCI patients was estimated through the meta-analysis. Our findings indicate a significantly higher prevalence of BBD in individuals with SCI compared to the general population. The pooled prevalence demonstrated a substantial burden of bladder and bowel dysfunction in these patients, underscoring the need for improved management and intervention strategies.

Conclusion

This systematic review and meta-analysis highlight the considerable burden of bladder and bowel dysfunction in individuals with spinal cord injury. The prevalence of BBD was found to be significantly higher in this population compared to the general population. Additionally, the study established a positive relationship between the severity of spinal cord injury and the likelihood of developing BBD. Further research is warranted to explore effective preventive measures and therapeutic interventions to mitigate the impact of bladder and bowel dysfunction in spinal cord injury patients.