Prevalence and factors associated with urinary incontinence in females with cystic fibrosis : An Italian single-center cross-sectional analysis

Background: Individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) are deemed to have a higher risk of developing urinary incontinence (UI), likely due to repeated increasing pressure on the pelvic floor. We aimed to determine the prevalence of female UI in a large CF referral center, and to assess the association between UI and severity of CF disease. Methods: We consecutively recruited female patients regularly attending our CF center, aged ≥6 years and with a confirmed diagnosis of CF. Prevalence, severity, and impact of UI were assessed by administering two validated questionnaires. Relationship between variables was evaluated by means of multiple correspondence analysis, whereas a logistic model was fitted to capture the statistical association between UI and independent variables. Results: UI was present in 51/153 (33%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 26%–41%) females. Among children and adolescents, the prevalence was 12/82 (15%, 95% CI: 8%–25%) whereas among adults was 39/71 (55%, 95% CI: 43%–67%). The only explanatory variable associated with UI was age, with children presenting the lowest risk (odds ratio, 0.32; 95% CI: 0.05–0.93). Females presenting low or high nutritional status show higher profile risk of having UI. Conclusions: Stress UI is a common complication in females with CF since childhood. Although it frequently occurs in older patients with a more severe phenotype, much attention should be paid to adults and to their nutritional status.