Lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) is common in men and women, and the incidence and prevalence increases as people age. The effects of LUTD on individuals and the nation are enormous. People with LUTD face a number of social, mental, and physical health effects as a result of their symptoms, and treatments for LUTD are not very effective, have significant side-effects, and are costly. The financial burden of this disorder is expected to increase dramatically as the population ages.
To better understand the nature of the symptoms that characterize LUTD, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) has established the Symptoms of Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction Research Network (LURN). LURN is composed of an interdisciplinary team of researchers, study coordinators, and medical facilities at six US clinical sites and a data coordinating center. These sites work together to improve the lives of people with LUTD.
The long-term goals of LURN are to increase our understanding of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) by:
- Identifying and explaining the important subtypes of patients with LUTS
- Improving the measurement of patient experiences of LUTS by developing new patient questionnaires
- Disseminating data, research tools, and biological samples to research and clinical communities
Through these activities, investigators hope to inform strategies to prevent and manage LUTS and improve patients’ lives.
LURN is sponsored by NIDDK, a division of the National Institutes of Health.
Primary Investigators
Study Coordinator
Jean Walshire
jean-walshire@uiowa.edu
319-384-9265