Do males diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) unnecessarily suffer bowel and bladder problems?

Forty-eight males aged 4-28 years diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) participated in an exploratory study to investigate the type and extent of reported bowel and bladder problems. Using parental interviews, this study aimed to identify the types and incidence of bowel and bladder voiding problems and explore associations with mobility, eating and drinking patterns. One third of the study group reported urinary and bowel urgency and constipation, and did not urinate during a school or workday. Urinary frequency and hesitancy, bowel pain and discomfort were reported in a quarter of the group. The high levels of reported urinary problems, especially in the transition group, as well as the lack of association between bowel problems and mobility, were of interest.