Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction in Children and Adolescents

Lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD), spanning functional and neuropathic subtypes in children and adolescents represents a major concern within pediatric urology and nephrology. Recent findings underscore not only the prevalence of LUTD but also its profound implications—ranging from recurrent urinary tract infections and risk of renal impairment to substantial psychosocial distress impacting children, adolescents, and their families. Despite clinical advances in diagnostics and treatment, challenges remain in differentiating subgroups of LUTD, understanding the interplay with comorbid conditions such as constipation, and elucidating the complex mechanisms driving urinary and bowel symptoms. Existing literature reveals dominant theories concerning bladder and sphincter dysfunction, a growing recognition of the role of comprehensive urological assessments, and an emphasis on preventive strategies, yet ongoing debates persist about optimal management pathways, especially in the presence of neurogenic etiologies like spinal dysraphism.

This Research Topic aims to advance the understanding of lower urinary tract dysfunction across diverse pediatric and adolescent subgroups by synthesizing insights from clinical practice, basic science, and multidisciplinary care models. The goal is to address pressing questions concerning the differentiation of functional versus neuropathic LUTD, explore the psycho-social dimensions affecting patients and families, and identify innovative approaches for diagnosis, monitoring, prevention, and intervention. By fostering dialogue among urologists, nephrologists, neurologists, rehabilitation specialists, and mental health professionals, this Research Topic seeks to refine best practices, inform evidence-based standards, and highlight the importance of early, integrated, and family-centered care strategies.

The scope of this Research Topic encompasses the full clinical spectrum of lower urinary tract dysfunction in childhood and adolescence, with a focus on both functional and neuropathic forms. Contributions are encouraged that go beyond isolated case studies to address broader themes of comorbidity, management, prevention, and psychosocial impact. To gather further insights in LUTD subgroups, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

o Etiological diversity and classification of functional and neuropathic LUTD in children

o Interactions between lower urinary tract and bowel dysfunction, including shared pathophysiology and management

o Advances in diagnostic tools, from biomarkers to imaging and functional assessments

o Multimodal and multidisciplinary therapeutic approaches, including pharmacological, behavioral, and surgical interventions

o Psychosocial consequences of LUTD, quality-of-life measures, and psychosocial support strategies

o Preventive and educational strategies for families and caregivers

o Outcomes of long-term management and implications for renal health and development

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Pediatric lower urinary tract dysfunction, Functional and neuropathic LUTD, Bladder–bowel dysfunction, Pediatric urology diagnostics, Multidisciplinary LUTD management

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.