Lola BLADT 1, Stefan DE WACHTER 2, Alexandra VERMANDEL 2 and Gunter DE WIN 2
1) Minze Health, Antwerp, BELGIUM – 2) Antwerp University Hospital, Department of Urology, Edegem, BELGIUM
PURPOSE
Uroflowmetry is a simple and noninvasive test to evaluate lower urinary tract function. Since it requires voiding on command, the available data on pediatric uroflows –and especially toddlers- are scarce and varied. In addition, such tests can be affected by the unnatural hospital/study environment and by the lack of a proper posture on the big, currently available uroflowmeter seats. In this study, the feasibility of a novel uroflowmeter potty is assessed to obtain uroflows from toddlers.
![](https://minzehealth.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Potty-ESPU1.jpg)
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Uroflowmetry studies with the novel potty were performed on 10 healthy toddlers (mean age 3 years, range 2-4 years, male:7 female:3) following their normal potty training routine. Voided volume, maximum flowrate (Qmax) and uroflowcurve shape were analysed. Additionally, different potty designs were evaluated on their ergonomics.
![](https://minzehealth.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Potty-ESPU2.jpg)
![](https://minzehealth.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Potty-ESPU3.jpg)
RESULTS
20 uroflows were successfully recorded with a mean voided volume of 50.4 ml (SD 28.8 ml; range 10-147 ml) and a mean Qmax of 7.8 ml/s (SD 3.0 ml/s; range 4-14 ml/s). Analysis of the curve shape showed 50% bell-shaped, 30% interrupted and 20% plateau curves.
The design of the potty was optimized to enable a proper voiding posture – flat feet on the floor and horizontal pelvis position. An oval-shaped potty design (30×25 cm) with a 18 cm height was found most ergonomic and comfortable.
![](https://minzehealth.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Potty-ESPU4.jpg)
![](https://minzehealth.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Potty-ESPU5.jpg)
CONCLUSIONS
The uroflowmeter design possibly influences representativeness of a child’s void. The designed uroflowmeter potty is considered a comfortable and valuable tool to obtain uroflows in toddlers, enabling more research in pediatric uroflowmetry.
![](https://minzehealth.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Potty-ESPU6.jpg)
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