Background: Sudden onset of daytime urinary frequency of a small amount of urine in a previously toilet-trained child can be a disturbing problem. Psychosocial problems, problems at school, or problems within the family have to be taken into consideration.
Methods: Fifteen children with sudden onset of isolated daytime urinary frequency were evaluated and followed for a period of 12 to 18 months. A thorough medical and family history was obtained for each child, with special attention given to any psychosocial problems the child had experienced. All the children underwent a physical examination, complete urinalysis, and ultrasonography of the kidneys and bladder.
Results: In all of the patients, the urinalysis and ultrasonographic findings were within normal limits. A trigger factor was identified as the cause of urinary frequency in each case.
Conclusions: Because urinary frequency is usually a benign self-limited condition, an extensive urological evaluation is not indicated. In most cases, providing reassurance to the parents and the child is the only intervention necessary.