The Onset or Worsening of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Patients Infected with COVID-19

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) manifestations are highly diverse, potentially affecting nearly all organ systems during or after infection. Given the importance of a thorough assessment of COVID-19. Objectives: Our study aimed to investigate any new onset or worsening lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in patients infected with COVID-19. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 88 COVID-19 patients completed the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Overactive Bladder and the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score Questionnaires (OABSS). The patients assessed stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and difficulty voiding. Results: Our study revealed that urinary symptoms were the only initial symptom for 28 (31.8%) of the patients or part of the initial symptoms. Furthermore, new onset of OAB symptoms was noted in 35 (39.8%) patients; worsening of pre-diagnosed OAB symptoms was noted in 4 (4.5%) patients; new onset SUI was reported in 17 (32.7%) women, and voiding dysfunction was reported in one woman and two men. There was no significant difference in demographic characteristics, laboratory tests, and lung involvement between patients with and without LUTS (P > 0.05). However, new onset or worsening LUTS significantly (P < 0.001) affected the quality of life. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that LUTS could be the only symptom or one of the initial symptoms of COVID-19. Therefore, physicians should consider COVID-19 as a differential diagnosis in patients presenting with these symptoms.