Clinical examination of children with urination disorder
Geisert, J.; Fischbach, M.; Siméoni, U.
La Revue du Praticien 41(23): 2293-2297
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0035-2640 PMID: 1792489 Document Number: 380640
The management of a child with disorders of urination must begin with a high-quality clinical examination. Detailed questioning in an atmosphere of confidence yields information on the type of disorder (dysuria, frequencies, urgencies, burning sensation at voiding, enuresis, incontinence) either alone or in association. Physical examination aims to find signs pointing to the cause of the disorder. Particular attention must be paid to an inspection fo the external genitalia and to a search for possible abnormalities affecting the pinna of the ear and the extremities, since they are frequently found in association with deep malformations of the urinary tract. Collecting the urine provides an opportunity to observe the process of urination and possible abnormalities in the initial, middle and terminal voiding streams. The reagent dipstick is a minute but true laboratory test accessible to children, which makes it possible to detect glomerular, tubular and interstitial lesions. This clinical examination will lead to a precise diagnosis, inform on the need, if any, for additional explorations and enable the clinician to select the correct treatment.