PURPOSE: We characterized bladder dysfunction in boys with posterior urethral valves during childhood and adolescence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 12 prepubertal boys with posterior urethral valves presenting before age 1 year was followed from ages 4 to 14 years and compared to 6 postpubertal boys with posterior urethral valves. Urodynamic evaluations and renal function studies were performed repeatedly. RESULTS: Patients had a changing urodynamic pattern with instability decreasing with time, increasing bladder capacity and commonly an unsustained voiding contraction causing emptying difficulties. Postpubertal boys had high capacity bladders with low contractility. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that previously described urodynamic patterns of the valve bladder (unstable, poorly compliant and over distended bladders) are variations of the same basic pattern that changes with time toward decompensation.
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