Infants and children can suffer from a range of common bladder disorders, such as day- or night-time bed wetting, rare forms of cancer or physical abnormalities. Diagnosis of these disorders requires special attention from pediatric urologists. In many cases, congenital bladder abnormalities occur without any other urinary anomalies. These physical abnormalities can cause increased risk of infection, retention, incontinence and reflux.
Bladder Diverticula
According to Merck Manuals Online Medical Library, bladder diverticula predispose a child to urinary tract infections. These diverticula are sacs or pouches in the wall of the bladder. In most cases, they are present at birth, but they also can be produced by infection, inflammation or a bladder obstruction. In certain circumstances, children may present with symptoms of reflux, a condition in which the urine flows back into the kidneys. Physicians may recommend surgical reconstruction of the bladder wall and removal of the diverticula in order to achieve a more normal urinary tract.
Exstrophy of the Bladder
According to Children's Hospital Boston, exstrophy of the bladder is a complex combination that occurs during the baby's development. It usually affects the urinary tract, skeletal muscle, bones and the digestive system. Essentially, the child is born with the bladder inside out and exposed to the outside of the body. This rare disorder, which occurs approximately once in every 40,000 births, is more common in boys than girls. Treatment depends on the child's overall health, medical history, tolerance for procedures, and expectations. Corrective surgery can be performed in one stage, shortly after birth. During the procedure, the bladder is returned to the abdomen, and the genitalia is reconstructed and repaired.
Neurogenic Bladder
The bladder requires a complex orchestration of muscles and nerves in order to work effectively. The nerves carry signals to control bladder function. When nerves are damaged, the bladder can empty too quickly, too frequently or not completely. This damage can be done during pregnancy or after birth. According to the Children's Hospital in Aurora, Colorado, children can present with symptoms such as urinary accidents during the day or night, recurrent urinary tract infections and kidney stones.
Megacystis Syndrome
Megacystis syndrome is more common in girls than in boys. According to Merck Manuals Online Medical Library, an affected baby develops with a large, thin-walled, smooth bladder without any evidence of an outlet obstruction that would have caused the condition. Physicians are not sure why the condition develops. Ultrasounds show a normal looking upper urinary tract, but a voiding cystourethrogram can show reflux with dilation of the upper tract. Some children benefit from re-implantation of the ureters but others find treatment is effective with antibacterial prophylaxis, behavioral modification or intermittent catheterization.
