Considerations in Pediatric Overactive Bladder

Overactive bladder is a term used to describe the symptoms of urgency with or without urgency incontinence that is not the direct result of a known neurologic abnormality. This troublesome condition has a prevalence of as high as 15–20% of the pediatric population, with 2–4% of 7-year-old children reporting incontinence episodes at least once a week. The main objectives of treatment are to normalize the micturition pattern, bladder and pelvic floor overactivity, and cure incontinence. Treatment follows a stepwise, multimodal approach including behavioral modification, adjunctive biofeedback, and in refractory cases, pharmacotherapy. This review will outline the pharmacologic treatment options for pediatric overactive bladder in cases where conservative management has proven unsuccessful.