Comparison of quality of life in children with posterior urethral valves, isolated hydronephrosis and minor urologic conditions.

Samer Maher; Joana Dos Santos; Nithiakishna Selvathesan; Dan Flanders; Mirriam Mikhail; Beverly Miranda; Noreen Goraya; Jin Kyu Kim; Adree Khondker; Rodrigo Romao; Joao Pippi Salle; Michael Chua; Armando J Lorenzo; Mandy Rickard

doi:10.1016/j.jpurol.2026.106059

PubMed · 42287855

Comparison of quality of life in children with posterior urethral valves, isolated hydronephrosis and minor urologic conditions.

Samer Maher·Joana Dos Santos·Nithiakishna Selvathesan·Dan Flanders·Mirriam Mikhail·Beverly Miranda·Noreen Goraya·Jin Kyu Kim·Adree Khondker·Rodrigo Romao·Joao Pippi Salle·Michael Chua·Armando J Lorenzo·Mandy Rickard

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Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To compare the quality of life (QoL) and family impact scores of children with posterior urethral valves (PUV), isolated hydronephrosis (HN), and those with minor urologic conditions, referred to here as minor urologic controls (MUC). METHODS: From December 2022 to April 2025, the PedsQL Inventory and Family Impact Module (FIM) questionnaires were distributed to patients in dedicated PUV, HN, and community-based urology clinics. Higher scores indicate better QoL. Children ≥8 years self-completed the questionnaires, while parents served as proxies for younger children. PUV patients were compared to HN patients and MUC. RESULTS: A total of 331 patients were included (124 PUV, 101 HN, and 106 MUC). The median age differed across groups, with HN patients being the youngest (median: 7 months), followed by MUC patients (median: 36 months) and PUV patients (median: 79.5 months). Overall, PUV patients scored similarly to HN patients and MUC in QoL and FIM scores. When stratified by age, however, PUV patients <2 years old had lower median scores in total QoL, psychosocial, and family functioning domains compared to other groups. CONCLUSION: Overall, PUV was not associated with lower QoL or family impact scores compared to comparator groups in this tertiary-care cohort; however, lower scores were observed among younger children with PUV, likely reflecting parent-perceived burden early in the disease course. This highlights the importance of age-tailored support and close monitoring, particularly for younger children and families navigating early post-diagnosis care.

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Humans Quality of Life Hydronephrosis Male Child, Preschool Urethra Infant Child Surveys and Questionnaires Female Urologic Diseases Adolescent Family impact Posterior urethral valves Quality of life Journal Article Comparative Study

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Samer Maher, Joana Dos Santos, Nithiakishna Selvathesan, Dan Flanders, Mirriam Mikhail, Beverly Miranda, Noreen Goraya, Jin Kyu Kim, Adree Khondker, Rodrigo Romao, Joao Pippi Salle, Michael Chua, Armando J Lorenzo, Mandy Rickard. 2026-06-03. Comparison of quality of life in children with posterior urethral valves, isolated hydronephrosis and minor urologic conditions.. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpurol.2026.106059

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Journal Article; Comparative Study resource Adolescent subject Child subject Child, Preschool subject Comparative Study subject Female subject Humans subject Infant subject Journal Article subject Male subject

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