Medical diseases affecting lower urinary tract function

To date, some functions of the lower urinary tract are not fully understood. Lower urinary tract disorders such as lower urinary tract symptoms and overactive bladder are debilitating conditions with a negative impact on quality of life. The major medical diseases, which have systemic effects on their victims, may play a role in the disturbance of the lower urinary tract function. Recent studies provide further evidence that a number of medical diseases such as chronic heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, constipation, chronic kidney disease, autoimmune diseases, and metabolic syndrome can affect the lower urinary tract function via the disease mechanisms. Our aim was to summarize and analyze the results of epidemiological surveys and recent advances in the understanding of systemic disease-related lower urinary tract dysfunction. We expect our findings to indicate some areas for future research in this topic. © 2013, Taiwan Urological Association.