Vitamin D and vitamin B12 profiles in children with primary nocturnal enuresis, an analytical cross-sectional study

PURPOSE

To outline the prevalence of vitamin D and vitamin B12 deficiencies in enuretic children.

METHODS

An analytical descriptive study was conducted on enuretic children who were followed up at the outpatient clinic for nocturnal enuresis at the Children's Hospital, Cairo University. Sociodemographic and clinical data were recorded. The levels of vitamin D and vitamin B12 were assessed and correlated with the severity of enuresis.

RESULTS

Two hundred and eighty-eight children were enrolled. Insufficiency of Vitamin D predominated (n = 139; 48.3%). Vitamin D deficiency was present in 31.3%, n = 90 and it was normal in 20.5%, n = 59). Vitamin B12 deficiency was observed in 25% of the studied children, n = 72). The one-sample Wilcoxon signed-rank test was significant for both vitamins (P value =0.001). Vitamin D showed a stronger inverse correlation with the number of enuresis episodes per day than vitamin B12 (-0.680 vs. -0.219 respectively). A cut-off of 13.7 ng/ml for vitamin D was detected, below which the child was predicted to have failed dry nights. Using multivariate logistic regression, higher vitamin D levels and behavioural treatment coexistence were significant protective factors for the absence of dry nights.

CONCLUSION

Low levels of vitamin D and B12 were detected in children with primary nocturnal enuresis, which could be considered a burden on the clinical severity of enuresis.

An Economic Evaluation of a Web-Based Management Support System for Children With Urinary Incontinence: The eADVICE Trial

PURPOSE

Children who require specialist outpatient care typically wait substantial periods during which their condition may progress, making treatment more difficult and costly. Timely and effective therapy during this period may reduce the need for lengthy specialist care. This study evaluated the cost-effectiveness of an individualized, evidence-informed, web-based program for children with urinary incontinence awaiting a specialist appointment (Electronic Advice and Diagnosis Via the Internet following Computerized Evaluation [eADVICE]) compared to usual care. eADVICE was supervised by a primary physician and delivered by an embodied conversational agent.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A trial-based cost-effectiveness analysis was performed from the perspective of the health care funder as a substudy of eADVICE, a multicenter, waitlist-controlled, randomized trial. Outcomes measures were incremental cost per incremental change in continence status and quality of life on an intention-to-treat basis. Uncertainty was examined using cost-effectiveness planes, scenarios, and 1-way sensitivity analyses. Costs were valued in 2021 Australian dollars.

RESULTS

The use of eADVICE was found to be cost saving and beneficial (dominant) over usual care, with a higher proportion of children dry over 14 days at 6 months (risk difference 0.13; 95%CI 0.02-0.23, P = .03) and mean health care costs reduced by $188 (95%CI $61-$315) per participant.

CONCLUSIONS

An individualized, evidence-informed, web-based program delivered by an embodied conversational agent is likely cost saving for children with urinary incontinence awaiting a specialist appointment. The potential economic impact of such a program is favorable and substantial, and may be transferable to outpatient clinic settings for other chronic health conditions.

First uninterrupted sleep period in children and adolescents with nocturnal enuresis: Added value in diagnosis and follow-up during therapy

BACKGROUND

The first uninterrupted sleep period (FUSP, time up to the first episode of enuresis/nocturia after falling asleep) is a frequently investigated parameter in adults with nocturia, as it correlates with quality of life. However, it has not been included in pediatric enuresis studies.

AIM

Investigate FUSP, circadian renal water and sodium handling, as well as sleep quality before and after desmopressin therapy in enuresis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a post hoc analysis of a prospective study in 30 treatment-naïve children with enuresis who underwent a video-polysomnography and a 24-h urine concentration profile before and after 6 months of desmopressin therapy. We analyzed FUSP, periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS), and arousal indexes and their correlations with the urinary parameters.

RESULTS

Sixteen children with a mean age of 10.9 ± 3.1 years had full registrations and were included in this subanalysis. After therapy, FUSP was significantly longer (p < 0.001), and the PLMS index was lower (p = 0.023). Significant differences in the circadian rhythm of diuresis (night/day diuresis, p = 0.041), nocturnal urinary osmolality (p = 0.009), and creatinine (p = 0.001) were found, demonstrating the increase of urinary concentration overnight by desmopressin, as well as a significant antidiuretic effect (diuresis [p = 0.013] and diuresis rate (p = 0.008). There was no correlation between the difference of FUSP, PLMS index, and urinary parameters. Nevertheless, despite this study being underpowered, there are indications of a correlation between nocturnal diuresis and diuresis rate.

RESULTS

Our results support the need for further research regarding FUSP in children with enuresis, in accordance with nocturia studies in adults, as this parameter could be valuable in the follow-up and evaluation of therapeutic strategies for enuresis.

The role of renal circadian biorhythms in lifelong LUTS

INTRODUCTION

This article delves into the intricate relationship between kidney function, diuresis, and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) throughout the transitions of the human lifespan. It explores circadian regulation of urine production, maturation of renal function from birth to adulthood, and effects of aging on kidney function and LUTS. The complex connections between these factors are highlighted, offering insights into potential interventions and personalized management strategies.

METHODS

An international panel of seven experts engaged in online discussions, focusing on kidney function, diuresis, and LUTS throughout life. This manuscript summarizes expert insights, literature reviews, and findings presented during a webinar and subsequent discussions.

RESULTS

Renal function undergoes significant maturation from birth to adulthood, with changes in glomerular filtration rate, diuresis, and tubular function. A circadian rhythm in urine production is established during childhood. Adolescents and young adults can experience persistent enuresis due to lifestyle factors, comorbidities, and complex physiological changes. In older adults, age-related alterations in kidney function disrupt the circadian rhythm of diuresis, contributing to nocturnal polyuria and LUTS.

CONCLUSION

The interplay between kidney function, diuresis, and LUTS is crucial in understanding lifelong urinary health. Bridging the gap between pediatric and adult care is essential to address enuresis in adolescents and young adults effectively. For older adults, recognizing the impact of aging on renal function and fluid balance is vital in managing nocturia. This holistic approach provides a foundation for developing innovative interventions and personalized treatments to enhance quality of life for individuals with LUTS across all stages of life.

The cost of lifelong LUTS-A systematic literature review

BACKGROUND

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are highly prevalent and very bothersome. To support the best possible allocation of health care resources and to avoid unnecessary expenditures, it is important to understand and quantify the wide-ranging health care costs affecting people suffering from LUTS. We aimed at creating a foundation for exploring the cost of LUTS.

METHOD

In this systematic literature review, we explored the costs of illness of the LUTS umbrella. We used the online literature review tool Silvi.ai for transparent decision-making and literature management.

RESULTS

A total of 1821 original articles were screened. Forty had explored the cost of illness of a LUTS disease since 2013. The studies were conducted in 18 countries. A number of different study designs were applied, including both retrospective and prospective studies. In total, seven LUTS indications were explored. None of them focused on lifelong LUTS. None of them were conducted in infants or children. Eighty-two percent were conducted in adults and 18% in frail elderly. Most cost of illness studies focused on the cost of hospitalization and use of medicine.

CONCLUSION

We have created the groundwork for understanding the cost of LUTS illness. To fully understand the cost of illness of lifelong LUTS, the main gap in research is to investigate the cost of LUTS in infants and children.

Transition in enuresis patients: Identifying the gaps and opportunities for the future

BACKGROUND

Nocturnal enuresis is generally considered a children's condition, yet it may persist 1%-2% in adolescence and early adulthood. Refractory patients often demand follow-up by multidisciplinary teams, which is only restricted to some of the expert tertiary centers. However, there are no standardized transition programs/guidelines when follow-up must be passed from pediatric to adult healthcare providers.

AIM, MATERIALS & METHODS

To investigate this issue, we conducted a literature search on enuresis transition, which resulted in no articles. We, therefore, proceeded in a rescue search strategy: we explored papers on transition programs of conditions that may be related and/or complicated by enuresis, nocturia, or other urinary symptoms (chronic diseases, CKD, bladder dysfunction, kidney transplant, neurogenic bladder).

RESULTS

These programs emphasize the need for a multidisciplinary approach, a transition coordinator, and the importance of patient and parent participation, practices that could be adopted in enuresis. The lack of continuity in enuresis follow-up was highlighted when we investigated who was conducting research and publishing on enuresis and nocturia. Pediatric disciplines (50%) are mostly involved in children's studies, and urologists in the adult ones (37%).

DISCUSSION

We propose a stepwise approach for the transition of children with enuresis from pediatric to adult care, depending on the clinical subtype: from refractory patients who demand more complex, multidisciplinary care and would benefit from a transition coordinator up to children/young adults cured of enuresis but who persist in having or present lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS)/nocturia later on. In any case, the transition process should be initiated early at the age of 12-14 years, with adequate information to the patient and parents regarding relapses or LUTS/nocturia occurrence and of the future treating general practitioner on the enuresis characteristics and comorbidities of the patient.

Enuresis in young offenders - a study on prevalence and mental health comorbidity

Background

Enuresis is a common disorder in the school-age period, and is often associated with a variety of behavioral, psychological, and social problems. While early studies suggested an association between enuresis and delinquent behavior, there has been no recent research assessing the prevalence of enuresis and its comorbid psychopathology in young offenders. The aim of this study was to therefore assess the prevalence of enuresis and its associated psychiatric comorbidity in incarcerated young offenders.

Methods

The prevalence of past and current enuresis and comorbid psychopathology was assessed using a semi-structured psychiatric interview and self-reports from 366 incarcerated male young offenders [age 14 to 19 years (mean age = 16.4)] from Northern Russia.

Results

Seventy-three (20.0%) adolescents reported a previous history of enuresis, and in addition almost 10% of the youth reported current enuresis symptoms. Delinquent youth with enuresis did not significantly differ from other youth in the prevalence of comorbid psychiatric diagnoses when assessed by a clinical diagnostic interview, but had significantly higher levels of self-reported mental health problems, and suicidal ideation and attempts.

Conclusion

Problems with enuresis are common among delinquent youth and may be associated with increased mental health problems. Given the potentially increased risk for suicidal thoughts and behavior in young offenders with enuresis, comprehensive mental health screening of those who are detected with this condition should be considered in the juvenile justice system.

A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Web-Based Management Support System for Children With Urinary Incontinence: The eADVICE Trial

PURPOSE

Children referred to specialist outpatient clinics by primary care providers often have long waiting times before being seen. We assessed whether an individualized, web-based, evidence-informed management support for children with urinary incontinence while waiting reduced requests for specialist appointments.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A multicenter, waitlisted randomized controlled trial was conducted for children (5-18 years) with urinary incontinence referred to tertiary pediatric continence clinics. Participants were randomized to the web-based eHealth program electronic Advice and Diagnosis Via the Internet following Computerized Evaluation (eADVICE), which used an embodied conversational agent to engage with the child at the time of referral (intervention) or 6 months later (control). The primary outcome was the proportion of participants requesting a clinic appointment at 6 months. Secondary outcomes included persistent incontinence, and the Paediatric incontinence Questionnaire (PinQ) score.

RESULTS

From 2018 to 2020, 239 children enrolled, with 120 randomized to eADVICE and 119 to the control arm. At baseline, participants' mean age was 8.8 years (SD 2.2), 62% were males, mean PinQ score was 5.3 (SD 2.2), 36% had daytime incontinence, and 97% had nocturnal enuresis. At 6 months, 78% of eADVICE participants vs 84% of controls requested a clinic visit (relative risk 0.92, 95% CI 0.79, 1.06, P = .3), and 23% eADVICE participants vs 10% controls were completely dry (relative risk 2.23, 95% CI 1.10, 4.50, P = .03). The adjusted mean PinQ score was 3.5 for eADVICE and 3.9 for controls (MD -0.37, 95% CI -0.71, -0.03, P = .03).

CONCLUSIONS

The eADVICE eHealth program for children awaiting specialist appointments doubled the proportion who were dry at 6 months and improved quality of life but did not reduce clinic appointment requests.

Predictors of response and adherence to enuresis alarm therapy-a confirmatory study

AIM

To look for predictors to response and adherence to the enuresis alarm while exploring the possibility of families managing therapy independently.

METHODS

We used a body-worn alarm linked to a smartphone app. Subjects with enuresis were recruited both via paediatric nurses and independently as families bought the alarm and downloaded the app on their own.

RESULTS

We recruited 385 nurse-supported and 1125 independent subjects. Many (79.9%) dropped out before 8 weeks, but among adherent subjects 48.2% had a full or partial response. Age was a predictor of non-response (p = 0.019). Daytime incontinence did not influence response. If enuresis frequency did not decrease during the first 4 weeks of therapy the chance of response was very small (p < 0.001). Adherence was higher among subjects supported by a nurse (p < 0.001), but for adherent subjects the outcome was similar regardless of nurse support (p = 0.554).

CONCLUSIONS

Daytime incontinence is no contraindication to enuresis alarm therapy. Treatment can be managed independently by the families, but adherence is enhanced by nurse support. Alarm treatment should be reassessed after 4 weeks. Enuresis alarm treatment guidelines need to be updated.

Traditional and innovative interventions in the management of enuresis

Introduction

Enuresis (NE) is a socially stigmatising and stressful condition affecting children's and parent's quality of life. The aim of this review was to evaluate and summarize the current knowledge about the pharmacological and non-pharmacological traditional and innovative treatments in children with NE.

Material and methods

We examined the following bibliographic electronic databases: PubMed and the Cochrane Library, from January 2000 until July 2023. The search was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) (8) and was limited to English-language papers that focused on enuresis in patients under 18 years old. Each paper that met the eligibility criteria was reviewed and analyzed in full text by three authors and any discrepancies among them were solved by debate. Due to the heterogeneity of the articles examined, we focused on a qualitative analysis.

Results

Overall, we identified 560 records through database searching. As first step, we excluded 46 articles in non-English language, 6 records whose related articles were not available, 8 articles concerning ongoing trials and 210 duplicated papers. As second step, we eliminated 215 records by evaluating only title and abstract because they did not match the inclusive criteria we mentioned before. Of the remaining 75 studies, we excluded 34 through a further discussion among authors upon the reliability of data. Thus, 41 selected articles were included in the review.

Conclusions

Multiple treatment approaches, both pharmacological and non pharmacological, have been established and validated to reduce signs and symptoms of NE and improve quality of life and the social and emotional discomfort experienced by children. The aim of pediatrician is to identify the right therapy protocol for very single child, evaluating the best approach for him and the family.

Prevalence of nocturnal enuresis among children of Aseer region in Saudi Arabia

Introduction

Nocturnal enuresis (NE) in children is a very common problem managed in pediatric urology. In this study, we present the prevalence of NE in children in Aseer region in Saudi Arabia.

Methodology

This study was conducted as a descriptive cross-sectional survey to estimate the prevalence of NE among 555 Saudi children aged 5-15 years in Aseer region in Saudi Arabia. Data collection was done through a questionnaire, which included questions on sociodemographic data, personal knowledge, enuresis-related characteristics, risk factors, and management modalities.

Results

This study identified a prevalence of enuresis of 24% of the study population, most of whom were boys. The majority of the parents had a high educational level. Clinical characteristics of the study population showed: 9% have a family history of NE, 2.2% have a history of neurological disorder, 10.0% have a history of urinary tract infections, 66.8% have associated daytime urgency, 67% have urine-holding behavior, and 19.5% have associated daytime enuresis of the study population.

Conclusion

Our study found that 24% of children in the Aseer region in Saudi Arabia have NE. Our study finding helps us to understand the prevalence of NE in Aseer region in Saudi Arabia, and this can be applied to other regions in the kingdom. Furthermore, this finding helps us to understand the need to raise awareness in the community about NE and the need to educate the nonpediatric urologist health-care provider about the best management practice for NE.

The association of lower urinary tract symptoms with schizophrenia and its treatments: A narrative review

BACKGROUND

A higher incidence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in people with schizophrenia compared to the general population is often suggested. However, it is not clear whether this is a genuine association, and whether it is a direct result of schizophrenia itself, or a side-effect of certain antipsychotics.

METHODS

We undertook a narrative review evaluating how the published literature reports the relationship between LUTS and schizophrenia and its treatments. We searched Embase, Ovid Emcare, and Ovid MEDLINE(R) ALL to August 2022, limited to the English language. We selected the following search terms: schizophrenia, schizophrenic, LUTS, overactive bladder, urinary urgency, urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, enuresis, nocturnal enuresis, and voiding dysregulation. We identified seven domains for assessment in advance of commencing the review. These were the categorization, description, and treatment status of schizophrenia; evaluation of LUTS; categorization of LUTS confounders; recapturing of the disease states of both schizophrenia and LUTS after therapies; assessment of the association between LUTS and schizophrenia and/or antipsychotics.

RESULTS

The association between LUTS and schizophrenia was poorly described. The evidence was low quality and focused predominantly on urinary incontinence as an antipsychotic side effect, neglecting other LUTS. The status of schizophrenia was often incompletely characterized, and no papers made use of a bladder diary or LUTS-specific questionnaires to assess symptoms. No papers collected information about LUTS in patients not on antipsychotics, nor did any thoroughly evaluate the influence of confounding variables. Despite the tendency of symptoms and severity of both conditions to fluctuate over time, no studies fully assessed the status of both schizophrenia and LUTS at baseline, therapy initiation, and follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

It is not possible to state whether there is an association between LUTS and schizophrenia or its treatments. This review highlights the need to improve research and clinical management of the urinary tract in schizophrenia, with meticulously designed longitudinal studies.

Urodynamic findings in children with primary refractory nocturnal enuresis: 10 years' experience of a tertiary center

Background/Aim

To identify correlations between urodynamic study (UDS) findings and urinary symptoms in children with refractory monosymptomatic and nonmonosymptomatic primary nocturnal enuresis.

Materials and Methods

A total of 96 neurologically normal children were enrolled, 44 consecutive boys and 51 consecutive girls, aged 5-18 years, of whom 41 (38.8%) had refractory monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (MNE) and 55 (61.2%) had refractory non-MNE (NMNE). We assessed the urodynamics of all children to detect any underlying bladder overactivity. A comparative analysis was carried out between the two groups of patients.

Results

Detrusor overactivity (DO), low bladder capacity, low compliance, and increased postvoid residual (PVR) were identified in 70 (72.9%), 35 (36.5%), 43, and 76 (79.2%) patients, respectively. The mean bladder compliance was 21.66 ± 14.52 mL/cmH2O (2-75 cmH2O). Of the NMNE patients, 50 (90.9%) had abnormal urodynamic findings, while 40 (97.5%) had abnormal urodynamic findings in the MNE group. There was a statistically significant relationship between NMNE and both increased PVR and abnormal voiding patterns. Both high PVR and DO were significantly associated with obstructive urinary symptoms. Constipation and history of urinary tract infection (UTI) did not significantly correlate with UDS abnormality (p = 1.0 and p = 0.49, respectively).

Conclusion

There was a high prevalence of bladder function disorders in both refractory MNE and NMNE patients in our study. This included small functional capacity, low bladder compliance, and marked DO. A nocturnal enuresis may be the only presenting symptom, however, it may be associated with bladder overactivity, UTI, and constipation; the UDS findings may aid in guiding the assessment and treatment of children suffering from primary refractory nocturnal enuresis and its association with bladder and bowel symptoms.

Relationship between elimination disorders and internalizing-externalizing problems in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Elimination disorders are highly prevalent in childhood and often associated with clinically relevant comorbid psychological disorders. The aim of this study is to determine if, and to what extent, children with elimination disorders show higher internalizing and externalizing problems than their healthy peers.

Methods

A multistep literature search was performed from database inception until May 1st, 2022. PRISMA/MOOSE-compliant systematic review (PROSPERO: CRD42022303555) were used to identify studies reporting on internalizing and/or externalizing symptoms in children with an elimination disorder and a healthy control (HC) group. First, a systematic review was provided. Second, where data allowed for it, a quantitative meta-analysis with random effects model was conducted to analyze the differences between the elimination disorder and the HC groups for internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Effect size was standardized mean difference. Meta-regression analyses were conducted to examine the effect of sex, age, and study quality. Funnel plots were used to detect a publication bias. Where found, the trim and fill method was used to correct it.

Results

36 articles were included, 32 of them reporting on enuresis (n = 3244; mean age = 9.4; SD = 3.4; 43.84% female) and 7 of them on encopresis (n = 214; mean age = 8.6; SD = 2.3; 36.24% female). Children with an elimination disorder presented significantly lower self-concept (ES:0.42; 95%CI [0.08; 9.76]; p = 0.017) and higher symptom scores for thought problems (ES:-0.26; 95%CI: -0.43;-0.09]; p = 0.003), externalizing symptoms (ES: -0.20; 95%CI [-0.37;-0.03]; p = 0.020), attention problems (ES:-0.37; 95%CI [-0.51;-0.22]; p = 0.0001), aggressive behavior (ES:-0.33; 95%CI [-0.62;-0.04]; p = 0.025) and social problems (ES:-0.39; 95%CI [-0.58;-0.21]; p = 0.0001). Significant publication biases were found across several of the studied domains. No significant effect of sex, age or quality of the study score was found.

Conclusions

Children with an elimination disorder may have significant internalizing and externalizing problems, as well as impaired self-concept. It is recommendable to screen for them in children with enuresis or encopresis and provide appropriate interventions.

Eficácia E Custo-Utilidade De Intervenções Para O Tratamento Da Enurese Em Crianças E Adolescentes Sob A Perspectiva Do Sistema Único De Saúde Brasileiro: Effectiveness and Cost-Utility of Interventions for Enuresis Treatment in Children and Adolescents From the Brazilian Single Health System Perspective

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to estimate the cost-utility of effective interventions for enuresis treatment in children and adolescents and to calculate the incremental cost-utility ratio from the perspective of the Brazilian Unified Health System in a 1-year time horizon.

METHODS

The economic analysis is in 7 stages: (1) survey of evidence of treatments for enuresis, (2) performing the network meta-analysis, (3) estimation of the probability of cure, (4) cost-utility analysis, (5) model sensitivity analysis, (6) analysis of acceptability of interventions by acceptability curve, and (7) monitoring the technological horizon.

RESULTS

The association between desmopressin and oxybutynin is the therapeutic strategy with the highest probability of success in the treatment of enuresis in children and adolescents compared with placebo (relative risk [RR] 2.88; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.65-5.04), followed by the combination therapy between desmopressin and tolterodine (RR 2.13; 95% CI 1.13-4.02), alarm (RR 1.59; 95% CI 1.14-2.23), and neurostimulation (RR 1.43; 95% CI 1.04-1.96). Combination therapy between desmopressin and tolterodine was the only 1 considered not to be cost-effective. Neurostimulation, alarm therapy, and therapy had the respective incremental cost-utility ratio values: R$5931.68, R$7982.92, and R$29 050.56/quality-adjusted life-years.

CONCLUSION

Among the therapies that are on the borderline of efficiency, the combined therapy between desmopressin and oxybutynin presents the greatest incremental benefit at an incremental cost that is still feasible, given that it does not exceed the reference value of the cost-effectiveness threshold established in Brazil.

[Functional (Nonorganic) Enuresis and Daytime Urinary Incontinence in Children and Adolescents: Clinical Guideline for Assessment and Treatment]

Functional (Nonorganic) Enuresis and Daytime Urinary Incontinence in Children and Adolescents: Clinical Guideline for Assessment and Treatment Abstract: Objective: Enuresis and daytime urinary incontinence are common disorders in children and adolescents and are associated with incapacitation and a high rate of comorbid psychological disorders. This interdisciplinary guideline summarizes the current state of knowledge regarding somatic and psychiatric assessment and treatment. We formulate consensus-based, practical recommendations. Methods: The members of this guideline commission consisted of 18 professional associations. The guideline results from current literature searches, several online surveys, and consensus conferences based on standard procedures. Results: According to the International Children's Continence Society (ICCS), there are four different subtypes of nocturnal enuresis and nine subtypes of daytime urinary incontinence. Organic factors first have to be excluded. Clinical and noninvasive assessment is sufficient in most cases. Standard urotherapy is the mainstay of treatment. If indicated, one can add specific urotherapy and pharmacotherapy. Medication can be useful, especially in enuresis and urge incontinence. Psychological and somatic comorbid disorders must also be addressed. Conclusions: The recommendations of this guideline were passed with a high consensus. Interdisciplinary cooperation is especially important, as somatic factors and comorbid psychological disorders and symptoms need to be considered. More research is required especially regarding functional (nonorganic) daytime urinary incontinence.

Identifying Targets for Innovation in Amazon Reviews of Bedwetting Alarms: Thematic Analysis

BACKGROUND

Nocturnal enuresis (NE) is a frequent diagnosis in pediatric and adolescent populations with an estimated prevalence of around 15% at the age of 6 years. NE can have a substantial impact on multiple health domains. Bedwetting alarms, which typically consist of a sensor and moisture-activated alarm, are a common treatment.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine areas of satisfaction versus dissatisfaction reported by the parents and caregivers of children using current bedwetting alarms.

METHODS

Using the search term "bedwetting alarms" on the Amazon marketplace, products with >300 reviews were included. For each product, the 5 reviews ranked the "most helpful" for each star category were selected for analysis. Meaning extraction method was applied to identify major themes and subthemes. A percent skew was calculated by summing the total number of mentions of each subtheme,+1 for a positive mention, 0 for a neutral mention, and -1 for a negative mention, and dividing this total by the number of reviews in which that particular subtheme was observed. Subanalyses were performed for age and gender.

RESULTS

Of 136 products identified, 10 were evaluated based on the selection criteria. The main themes identified across products were long-term concerns, marketing, alarm systems, and device mechanics and features. The subthemes identified as future targets for innovation included alarm accuracy, volume variability, durability, user-friendliness, and adaptability to girls. In general, durability, alarm accuracy, and comfort were the most negatively skewed subthemes (with a negative skew of -23.6%, -20.0%, and -12.4% respectively), which are indicative of potential areas for improvement. Effectiveness was the only substantially positively skewed subtheme (16.8%). Alarm sound and device features were positively skewed for older children, whereas ease of use had a negative skew for younger children. Girls and their caretakers reported negative experiences with devices that featured cords, arm bands, and sensor pads.

CONCLUSIONS

This analysis provides an innovation roadmap for future device design to improve patient and caregiver satisfaction and compliance with bedwetting alarms. Our results highlight the need for additional options in alarm sound features, as children of different ages have divergent preferences in this domain. Additionally, girls and their parents and caretakers provided more negative overall reviews regarding the range of current device features compared to boys, indicating a potential focus area for future development. The percent skew showed that subthemes were often more negatively skewed toward girls, with the ease of use being -10.7% skewed for boys versus -20.5% for girls, and comfort being -7.1% skewed for boys versus -29.4% for girls. Put together, this review highlights multiple device features that are targets for innovation to ensure translational efficacy regardless of age, gender, or specific family needs.

Parasacral transcutaneous electrical neural stimulation versus urotherapy in primary monosymptomatic enuresis: A prospective randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical response of parasacral transcutaneous electrical neural stimulation (parasacral TENS) associated with urotherapy in children with primary monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (PMNE) compared to urotherapy alone.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This prospective controlled clinical trial enrolled 72 children over 5 years of age with PMNE. Children were randomly divided into two groups, control group (CG), treated with urotherapy and scapular stimulation, and experimental group (EG), treated with urotherapy and parasacral TENS. In both groups, 20 sessions were performed, 3 times weekly, for 20 min each, with 10 Hz frequency, 700 μS pulse width and intesity determinated by the patient threshold. The percentages of dry nights were analyzed for 14 days before treatment (T0), after the 20th session (T1), 15 (T2), 30 (T3), 60 (T4), and 90 (T5) days after the end of the sessions. Patients of both groups were followed with intervals of 2 weeks in the first month and monthly for three consecutive months.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight enuretic children, 14 girls (50%) with a mean age of 9.09 ± 2.23 years completed the study. There was no difference in mean age between groups. Mean percentage of dry nights in EG at T0 was 36%, at T1 49%, at T2 54%, at T3 54%, at T4 54%, and 57% at T5; while in CG, these percentages were 28%, 39%, 37%, 35%, 36%, and 36%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Parasacral TENS associated with urotherapy improves the percentage of dry nights in children with PMNE, although no patient had complete resolution of symptoms in this study.

Limited caffeine consumption as first-line treatment in managing primary monosymptomatic enuresis in children: how effective is it? A randomised clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

Evidence about the negative caffeine effect on enuresis in children remains understudied or poorly understood. The study aimed to investigate the effect of caffeine restriction on the improvement and severity of primary monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (PMNE).

DESIGN

Randomised clinical trial.

SETTING

Two referral hospitals in Tehran, Iran, from 2021 to 2023.

PATIENTS

Five hundred and thirty-four PMNE children aged 6-15 years (each group 267).

INTERVENTIONS

Amount of caffeine consumption was recorded by the feed frequency questionnaire and was estimated by Nutrition 4 software. Caffeine consumption per day in the intervention group was <30 mg, and in the control group, 80-110 mg. All children were asked to return 1 month later to check the recorded data. The ordinal logistic regression analysis was used to assay the effects of caffeine restriction on PMNE by relative risk (RR) at a 95% CI.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The effect of limited caffeine consumption on the improvement and severity of PMNE.

RESULTS

The mean age of the intervention and control groups was 10.9±2.3 and 10.5±2.5 years, respectively. The mean number of bed-wetting before caffeine restriction in the intervention and control group was 3.5 (SD 1.7) times/week and 3.4 (SD 1.9) times/week (p=0.91) and 1 month after intervention were 2.3 (SD 1.8) times/week and 3.2 (SD 1.9) times/week, respectively (p=0.001). Caffeine restriction significantly reduced the severity of enuresis in the intervention group. Fifty-four children (20.2%) improved (dry at night) in caffeine restriction and 18 children (6.7%) in the control group with RR 0.615 at 95% CI 0.521 to 0.726, p=0.001. The caffeine restriction significantly reduced the enuresis in children with a number-needed-to-treat benefit 7.417. It means you must treat 7.417 PMNE children with caffeine limitation to improve one child with enuresis (become dry).

CONCLUSION

Caffeine restriction can be helpful in reducing PMNE or its severity. Constructive limitation of caffeine is suggested as one of the first-line treatments in the management of PMNE.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

IRCT20180401039167N3.

Can enuresis alarm therapy be managed by the families without the support of a nurse? A prospective study of a real-world sample

AIM

The alarm is the first-line treatment of nocturnal enuresis. However, the therapy is labour-intensive for both families and healthcare providers. Our aim was to see whether the treatment could be successfully used by the families, without support from healthcare providers.

METHODS

An alarm linked to an application on a parent's smartphone was used. The app recorded enuretic events and gave instructions. Group A were children supported by a nurse. Group B were patients whose families had bought the alarm and downloaded the app independently.

RESULTS

There were 196 children in group A and 202 in group B. The percentages of full responders, partial responders, non-responders and dropouts were 18.4%, 20.4%, 22.4% and 38.8% in group A and 13.4%, 11.4%, 14.9% and 60.4% in group B. The risk for dropping out of therapy was higher in group B (p < 0.001), whereas the chance for adherent children to become dry did not differ between the groups (p = 0.905).

CONCLUSION

For families who are able to adhere to alarm therapy the chance of success is just as good when managed independently as when supported by a nurse. But the latter children will have a greater chance of adhering to the full treatment.

[The problem of comorbid disorders in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents: clinical cases]

The problem of comorbid disorders in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is considered, which occur in at least 60% of patients and lead to additional difficulties in intra-family, school and social adaptation. Children and adolescents with ADHD have a wide range of neurological and somatic disorders caused by complex polygenic pathogenetic mechanisms. Among the pathologies associated with ADHD in this cohort of children, neurotic and anxiety manifestations, motor disorders: dyspraxia, discoordination, impaired gross and fine motor skills, tics, behavioral disorders, enuresis, tension cephalgia are common disorders. Treatment of ADHD should be pathogenetic, taking into account the main symptoms of ADHD and manifestations of comorbid disorders, since it is quite long. When choosing pharmacotherapy, it is preferable to use drugs with verified efficacy not only in the correction of ADHD, but also concomitant behavioral, motor and emotional disorders. Also an important aspect in the pediatric clinic is the use of drugs with a reliable safety profile.

Do Sleep Disorders Influence the Prognosis and the Response to the Therapy in Enuretic Children?

OBJECTIVE

The current study describes the prevalence of sleep disorders in enuretic children, playing as influencing factors in the response to treatment and risk of relapse.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data were collected from September 2020 to February 2021 in 114 children aged between 5 and 14 years, with a diagnosis of nocturnal enuresis and concomitant sleep disorders, referred to the Pediatric Unit, Campus BioMedico University, Rome. Enuretic children were subjected to an anamnestic and clinical assessment. Sleep disorders investigated were sleep apnea, sleep talking, snoring, bruxism, restless sleep, and somnambulism. Each patient was subjected both to pharmacological and to non-pharmacological treatments and monitored for 3 months to identify the presence of relapse. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to therapy response, and statistical analysis was performed to evaluate possible variables involved in enuresis relapse.

RESULTS

A high prevalence of sleep disorders was documented: 8/114 children (7%) had sleep apnea, 47/114 (41.2%) had bruxism, 66/114 (57.8%) had snoring, 54/114 (47.3%) had sleep talking, 18/114 (15.7%) had restless sleep. Forty-three of 114 children (37.7%) had relapses: 21/43 (49%) relapses occurred in children with only 1 sleep disorder, while 22/43 (51%) relapses occurred in children with 2 or more sleep disorders. Lower risk of relapses was reported in children subjected to dual therapy.

CONCLUSION

Sleep disorders were widely associated with nocturnal enuresis, acting as comorbidities in the clinical course of nocturnal enuresis. Combined therapy seems to be associated with a lower rate of relapse of enuresis in a 3-month follow-up. A multidisciplinary approach is required to improve patients' management.

The Efficacy of Combined Alarm Therapy Versus Alarm Monotherapy in the Treatment of Monosymptomatic Nocturnal Enuresis: A Review of Current Literature

Primary monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis is a common clinical condition in childhood and affects the psychosocial development of the child. The management of this clinical condition, which includes the preschool and adolescence period, is very important for child development. Diagnostic evaluation should be performed in terms of diabetes mellitus, diabetes inspidus, neurogenic bladder, spinal anomalies, and congenital urogenital system anomalies. Treatment modalities in primary monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis include enuretic alarm therapy, behavioral therapy, and pharmacological treatments such as desmopressin, tricyclic antidepressants, and anticholinergics. There are also experimental treatments such as percutaneous nerve stimulation, acupuncture, and manual therapy. In this study, we examined randomized controlled studies in the literature that included alarm monotherapy and combined therapy. We aimed to present the efficacy, advantages, and disadvantages of combined treatment with the results of the studies.

Enuresis and Hyperfiltration in Children With Sickle Cell Disease

Nocturnal enuresis is a common symptom in children with sickle cell disease (SCD). Risk factors for development of enuresis are currently unknown. An early manifestation of SCD-associated kidney damage is glomerular hyperfiltration. We test the hypothesis that in a pediatric SCD cohort, individuals with hyperfiltration are more likely to have nocturnal enuresis when compared to children without hyperfiltration. To assess the relationship between nocturnal enuresis and hyperfiltration, we retrospectively evaluated children with SCD enrolled in the Evaluation of Nocturnal Enuresis and Barriers to Treatment among Pediatric Patients with SCD study and prospectively identified children who reported nocturnal enuresis and were enrolled in the longitudinal cohort study Sickle Cell Clinical Research and Intervention Program. Nocturnal enuresis occurred in 46.5% of Pediatric Patients with Sickle Cell Disease participants and was more frequent in participants with HbSS/HbSβ 0 thalassemia and in male participants. We did not identify an association between hyperfiltration from 3 to 5 years of age with the later development of enuresis. Severe SCD genotypes and male sex were associated with nocturnal enuresis after age 5 years. We could not identify additional renal or hematologic predictors associated with the diagnosis of nocturnal enuresis. Future studies should incorporate nonrenal risk factors into studies that predict development of enuresis.

Assessing the outcomes of parasacral transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PTENS) in the treatment of enuresis in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials

INTRODUCTION

Nocturnal enuresis (NE) is a common pathology in children that can have significant behavioral, emotional, and social impacts on a child's life. Recent studies have assessed PTENS as a potential treatment method for NE, particularly in those who do not respond to initial first-line treatments. Literature has shown varying results with regard to its success. There has been no systematic review and meta-analysis to date assessing outcomes following this treatment.

OBJECTIVES

Despite multiple studies showing the potential benefits of PTENS in NE, there has been no consensus regarding its efficacy. The aim of this study was to systematically analyze the effects of PTENS on children with NE.

STUDY DESIGN

In September 2021, a search of PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library was carried out for studies relating to outcomes following PTENS in children with NE. Studies included were original publication English language randomized controlled trial (RCT's) with at least ten children receiving parasacral transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PTENS). After assessing for relevant studies, data were collated and analyzed from the included studies. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane seven domain assessment. Our primary outcome was response and nonresponse to treatment. These results were combined in a fixed effects meta-analysis model to obtain an overall estimate of the success rate. Information regarding demographics was also collected. There was no external funding for this review.

RESULTS

Of 145 studies found initially, four RCT's (208 children) were included. The weighted mean rate of full response to active PTENS was 10.8% (0%-19%). All studies considered, meta-analysis showed no difference between PTENS and controls (RR: 0.70, 95% confidence interval [CI: 0.37-1.32]). Subgroup analysis of monosymptomatic enuresis showed no effect of PTENS compared to controls (RR = 0.58, 95% CI: [0.24-1.42]). When grouped, studies comparing PTENS to sham/behavioral treatment showed no benefit compared to controls (RR = 0.81, 95% CI: [0.05-12.53]) and those comparing PTENS to biofeedback/interferential current (IFC) showed no difference to controls (RR = 0.69, 95% CI: [0.36-1.33]). There was no evidence of a difference between cases and controls between these latter subgroups (RR = 0.70, 95% CI: [0.37-1.32]).

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that PTENS has no clear benefit in the management of children with NE compared to controls. Subgroup analysis showed that its use in monosymptomatic NE has no clear advantage. However, this review has highlighted the need for further high quality studies. Limitations to this review included a relatively small sample size and the use of prior or concomitant therapies.