Symptoms and subtypes of patients with lower urinary tract dysfunction - insights from the Symptoms of Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction Research Network

Claire C Yang; Ziya Kirkali; Anne P Cameron; H Henry Lai; David Cella; Victor P Andreev; Karl J Kreder; Catherine S Bradley; Brian T Helfand; J Quentin Clemens; Cindy L Amundsen; Abigail R Smith; Kevin P Weinfurt; Symptoms of Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction Research Network

doi:10.1038/s41585-026-01155-6

Back

Symptoms and subtypes of patients with lower urinary tract dysfunction - insights from the Symptoms of Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction Research Network

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Symptoms and subtypes of patients with lower urinary tract dysfunction - insights from the Symptoms of Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction Research Network

Claire C Yang, Ziya Kirkali, Anne P Cameron, H Henry Lai, David Cella, Victor P Andreev, Karl J Kreder, Catherine S Bradley, Brian T Helfand, J Quentin Clemens, …

Nature reviews. Urology

05/27/2026

DOI: 10.1038/s41585-026-01155-6

PMID: 42204281

View Online

Abstract

Lower urinary tract dysfunction presents with a wide range of bothersome urinary symptoms, which are common in both men and women, with incidence and prevalence increasing with age. Individuals with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) suffer from the chronicity of their symptoms, have a reduced quality of life, and experience high morbidity with associated medical conditions. Various treatment options exist, but many patients do not find satisfactory or lasting relief. The Symptoms of Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction Research Network (LURN) was formed in 2012 with the goals of improving methods for assessing patient-reported experiences with LUTS; identifying and describing patient subtypes; and generating data, research tools and biological samples for future studies. LURN developed three self-report instruments for measuring LUTS. More than 1,000 men and women with LUTS seeking treatment were enrolled, and completed a baseline and interval assessments throughout a 12-month observational period. Findings from LURN studies showed that various biological, non-urological, psychosocial and behavioural factors contribute to the development and persistence of LUTS. Additionally, patients seeking care for LUTS often present with a wider variety of urological symptoms than previously thought. Diagnoses for these patients do not reliably fit into traditional categories such as overactive bladder or BPH. LURN has addressed its objectives by creating new, top-tier assessment tools; conducting studies to gather clinically relevant data to identify potential new and accurate patient subtypes; and collecting a wealth of data and biological samples for future research to continue subtype refinement.

Details

Title: Subtitle: Symptoms and subtypes of patients with lower urinary tract dysfunction - insights from the Symptoms of Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction Research Network
Creators: Claire C Yang - University of Washington
Ziya Kirkali - National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Anne P Cameron - University of Michigan
H Henry Lai - University of Iowa
David Cella - Northwestern University
Victor P Andreev - Arbor Research Collaborative for Health
Karl J Kreder - University of Iowa
Catherine S Bradley - University of Iowa
Brian T Helfand - Erie Family Health Center
J Quentin Clemens - University of Michigan
Cindy L Amundsen - Duke University
Abigail R Smith - Northwestern University
Kevin P Weinfurt - Duke University
Symptoms of Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction Research Network
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Nature reviews. Urology
DOI: 10.1038/s41585-026-01155-6
PMID: 42204281
ISSN: 1759-4820
eISSN: 1759-4820
Language: English
Electronic publication date: 05/27/2026
Academic Unit: Epidemiology; Obstetrics and Gynecology; Urology
Record Identifier: 9985166834002771

Metrics

1 Record Views