Challenging factors for enuresis treatment: Psychological problems and non-adherence

Effect of desmopressin on water and solute circadian rhythms in treatment-naïve children with monosymptomatic enuresis and nocturnal polyuria

BACKGROUND

Enuresis has a complex pathophysiology involving nocturnal polyuria, reduced bladder capacity at nighttime, and impaired arousability. Desmopressin has long been used as a treatment. However, approximately 30% of children do not fully respond to it, suggesting the involvement of other factors. Solute handling and osmotic excretion have been studied in refractory patients. Nevertheless, data on the effect of desmopressin on these factors are sparse.

METHODS

We conducted a post hoc analysis of the SLEEP study. We analyzed the circadian rhythm of solute and water excretion before and after desmopressin in 30 children with monosymptomatic enuresis and nocturnal diuresis > 100% of expected bladder capacity by means of a 24-h urine concentration profile (four daytime and four nighttime urine portions at equivalent time intervals).

RESULTS

Under desmopressin, nocturnal diuresis (rate) and Na/creatinine ratio were significantly lower compared to day values (p = 0.009, p = 0.021, respectively). Osmolality, Na/creatinine, and osmotic excretion showed a significant day vs. night variance only after desmopressin. Nighttime osmotic and sodium excretion were significantly lower (p = 0.004, p = 0.019, respectively) under treatment, indicating the impact of desmopressin on kidney sodium handling. During desmopressin treatment, nocturnal diuresis (rate) showed strong positive correlation with nighttime Na/creatinine (r = 0.436, p < 0.05) and very strongly with nighttime osmotic excretion (r = 0.875, p < 0.0001). However, no correlation was observed with osmolality under desmopressin treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The anti-enuretic and antidiuretic effects of desmopressin therapy are not only related to urinary concentration and nocturnal diuresis but also to the amelioration of circadian rhythms of sodium and solute handling.

Prevalence of nocturnal enuresis among children and adults in Saudi Arabia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Nocturnal enuresis (NE) is defined as any intermittent incontinence while sleeping in a child over the age of 5. This disorder can have emotional and psychological implications. Here, we performed the first meta-analysis to provide an overall assessment of the prevalence of NE and the factors associated with it in Saudi Arabia. We also examined its psychological impact and mothers' behavior in dealing with this disorder.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A thorough search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases for studies assessing the prevalence of NE. Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Version 3.3 was used to conduct the analysis. We evaluated NE prevalence, NE frequencies, NE by time, social shame and embarrassment in children with NE, and mothers seeking medical advice. A meta-regression analysis was performed to determine the correlation between the frequency of NE and NE in parents, NE in siblings, gender, and age. The quality of the included studies was assessed by Newcastle Ottawa Scale.

RESULTS

Sixteen cross-sectional studies, totaling 14 284 participants, were included. NE prevalence was 24.8% (95% CI: 17, 34). The prevalence of NE one to two times per week was 26.8% (95% CI: 15.1, 43.0), three to four times was 31.8% (95% CI: 18.5, 48.9), and five to seven times was 33.8% (95% CI: 18.2, 54.1). NE occurring at night was 24.4% (95% CI: 22.8, 26.2) and at day and night was 16.6% (95% CI: 15.3, 17.9). A significant difference was found between the regions of Saudi Arabia in the prevalence of NE, with the southern and eastern regions having the highest prevalence and the central region having the lowest prevalence. The overall pooled prevalence of embarrassment and social shame in children with NE was 63% (95% CI: 46, 77). The percentage of mothers seeking medical advice was 54.4% (95% CI: 39.7, 68.3). The prevalence of NE is positively correlated with the prevalence of NE in parents and siblings, but no association was found with males or age.

CONCLUSION

A quarter of Saudi Arabian children suffer from NE, and it is associated with feelings of embarrassment and social shame. Half of the mothers seek medical counseling. Having parents or siblings with NE increases the likelihood of NE in the child. Future research is needed to corroborate the findings of other risk factors, such as age and gender. Future research will also be required to identify the precise causes or effects within each region that contribute to the varying prevalence of NE.

Circadian rhythm of water and solute excretion in nocturnal enuresis

BACKGROUND

Nocturnal polyuria (NP) due to a suppressed vasopressin circadian rhythm is a well-documented pathogenetic mechanism in enuresis, mainly studied in monosymptomatic enuresis. A substantial percentage of patients do not respond to desmopressin. This suggests that NP may not only be related to vasopressin, but that other kidney components play a role. Solute handling and osmotic excretion have been investigated in the past, especially in refractory patients. Nevertheless, data in treatment-naïve populations with information on timing overnight are sparse. This study aims to investigate the diuresis and solute excretion in treatment-naïve patients with or without NP, with emphasis on circadian rhythms.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of 403 treatment-naïve children 5-18 years with severe enuresis (> 8 nights/2 weeks). Circadian rhythms were evaluated by a 24-h urine collection in 8 timed portions (4 day, 4 nighttime) at in-home settings. Urine volume, osmolality, and creatinine were measured. Patients were subdivided into three groups according to nocturnal diuresis (ND) and Expected Bladder Capacity (EBCage) ratio: (a) < 100%, (b) 100-129%, (c) > 130%.

RESULTS

All groups maintained circadian rhythm for diuresis and diuresis rates. Patients with higher ND (100-129% and > 130% EBCage) had higher daytime volumes and less pronounced circadian rhythm. In the ND group > 130% EBCage, the ND rate was higher during the first night collection and osmotic excretion was significantly higher overnight.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall 24-h fluid intake (reflected by 24-h diuresis) and nutritional intake (24-h osmotic excretion) might play a role in enuresis. Increased diuresis rate early in the night can be important in some patients, whereas the total night volume can be important in others. A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary Information.

Determinants of bedwetting trajectories between 4 and 7 years - A birth cohort analysis

INTRODUCTION

Enuresis is frequent in school-aged children and results from a complex interaction between genetics, biological and psychosocial factors. This study aims to analyze bedwetting trajectories between 4 and 7 years of age and to evaluate the impact of biological and developmental characteristics of the child and sociodemographic factors in those bedwetting trajectories.

METHODS

Data from 5433 children from the Generation XXI population-based birth cohort was analyzed. Four bedwetting trajectories were defined: normative (acquired nighttime bladder control at 4 years and no enuresis at 7 years); delayed (no nighttime bladder control at 4 years and no enuresis at 7 years); enuresis (no nighttime bladder control at 4 years and enuresis at 7 years); and secondary enuresis (acquired nighttime bladder control at 4 years and enuresis at 7 years). Multinomial logistic regression models were fitted to test the association between biological and developmental characteristics of the child and sociodemographic factors with bedwetting trajectories.

RESULTS

At the age of 4 years, 36.5% of children had bedwetting (8.1% infrequently and 28.4% frequently) and at the age of 7 years, 11.0% had enuresis (5.8% infrequently and 5.2% frequently). Of the 4-year-old children who were infrequent bedwetters, 14.0% had enuresis at 7 years, while among frequent bedwetters, 30.2% had enuresis at 7 years. Regarding bedwetting trajectories, 26.8% of children were classified in the delayed trajectory, 9.7% in the enuresis trajectory and 1.3% were in the secondary enuresis trajectory. Children with developmental disorders presented an increased risk of being in enuresis trajectory (OR = 1.47, 95% CI 1.15-1.88) than children without developmental disorders. Living in overcrowded houses (OR = 1.60, 95% CI 1.12-2.30), growing up in families with low household income (OR = 1.27, 95% CI 1.03-1.57) and an orphan of one parent (OR = 3.19, 95% CI 1.18-8.64) presented higher odds of being in the enuresis trajectory than in the normative trajectory. Having a sibling both before the age of 4 years and between the ages of 4 and 7 years was associated with delayed trajectory (OR = 1.55, 95% CI 1.16-2.07) and with enuresis (OR = 1.53, 95% CI 1.01-2.33), when compared with children without siblings born at that time.

CONCLUSION

Both developmental disorders and sociodemographic factors seem to be important determinants of bedwetting trajectories. Further studies are needed to better characterize the impact of biological and environmental determinants, on the nighttime bladder control acquisition, to enable timely medical interventions that improve the quality of life of enuretic children.

Evaluation of Nocturnal Enuresis After Adenotonsillectomy in Children With Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

Children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are at increased risk for nocturnal enuresis (NE). However, randomized clinical trials assessing NE outcomes in children randomized to adenotonsillectomy (AT) vs watchful waiting are lacking.

Objective

To assess the outcomes of AT vs watchful waiting in children with nonsevere OSA who experience NE.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Secondary analysis of data from a multicenter randomized clinical trial conducted at tertiary children's hospitals was performed. Participants included 453 children aged 5.0 to 9.9 years with nonsevere OSA who were randomized to either watchful waiting or AT as part of the multicenter Childhood Adenotonsillectomy Trial. Caregivers completed the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire, which includes a binary item on bed-wetting, at baseline and 7-month follow-up. The trial was conducted between October 2007 and June 2012. Evaluation in this secondary analysis involving NE occurred from October 2019 to March 2021.

Interventions

Adenotonsillectomy vs watchful waiting in children with NE.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Prevalence of NE as defined by parental response to the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire bed-wetting item at baseline and 7-month follow-up.

Results

Of the 453 children enrolled, 393 were included in analysis; of these, 201 were girls (51.1%). Mean (SD) age at baseline was 6.54 (1.40) years. At baseline, the number of children with NE was similar (2.6%; 95% CI, -0.12% to 0.07%) between the AT (59 [30.7%]) and watchful-waiting (67 [33.3%]) groups. The odds of NE in the watchful-waiting group were approximately 2 times higher than the AT group after 7 months (odds ratio, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.3 to 3.1). Following AT, there was a decrease (-11.0%; 95% CI, -16.3% to -5.7%) in the number of children with NE (n = 38). The prevalence of NE did not change significantly (-0.5%; 95% CI, -5.4% to 6.4%) in the watchful-waiting group (n = 66) at follow-up. Although NE was less frequent in girls (adjusted odds ratio, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.33-0.85), other clinical factors, such as age, race and ethnicity, obesity, and apnea-hypopnea index, were not associated with improvement of NE.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial, AT for the treatment of pediatric OSA appears to result in improvement in NE. Further research is needed to assess whether AT is associated with long-term benefits for NE compared with watchful waiting.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00560859.

Pathogenesis and brain functional imaging in nocturnal enuresis: A review

Nocturnal enuresis is a common and distressing developmental disease, which may cause various degrees of psychosocial stress and impairment to self-esteem in affected children as well as agitation to their parents or caregivers. Nevertheless, the etiology and pathogenesis of nocturnal enuresis are not understood. Currently, nocturnal enuresis is generally considered a multifactorial disease associated with a complex interaction of somatic, psychosocial, and environmental factors. A variety of postulations have been proposed to explain the occurrence and progression of nocturnal enuresis, including hereditary aberration, abnormal circadian rhythm of antidiuretic hormone secretion during sleep, bladder dysfunction, abnormal sleep, difficulties in arousal, neuropsychological disorders, and maturational delays of the brain. In recent decades, the introduction of functional neuroimaging technologies has provided new approaches for uncovering the mechanisms underlying nocturnal enuresis. The main neuroimaging modalities have included brain morphometry based on structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), task-based and event-related functional MRI (fMRI), and resting-state fMRI. The relevant studies have indicated that nocturnal enuresis is associated with functional and structural alterations of the brain. In this review, we briefly summarized the popular hypotheses regarding the pathogenesis of nocturnal enuresis and the current progress of functional neuroimaging studies in examining the underlying mechanisms thereof.

Epidemiology of enuresis: a large number of children at risk of low regard

Aim

To describe the epidemiological aspects of nocturnal enuresis (NE). In this study we identify the prevalence and the familial conditions in a large, representative sample of children with monosymptomatic NE (MNE) and nonmonosyptomatic NE (NMNE).

Material and methods

In this descriptive-analytic study the Italian Society of Pediatrics (SIP) promoted a prevalence study of NE using a questionnaire involved 320 primary care Pediatricians from Northern, Central and Southern Italy, from January 2019 to July 2019, with a total of 130,000 children analyzed by questionnaire related to epidemiology and type of NE, familiarity, quality of sleep, eating and drinking habits, pharmacological and psychological/behavioural interventions and family involvement.

Results

270/320 (84.4%) Paediatrician replied to our questionnaire. We enrolled a total of 9307/130,000 (7.2%) children with NE, aged between 5 and 14 years: 2141 diagnosed with MNE and 7176 qualified as NMNE. Poor quality of sleep were reported in 7064 patients; 90% of children did not consider a dietary and drinking recommendation. Pediatrician reported a total of 54.1% of parents who declared to have a negative reaction to their children because of the bedwetting. A percentage of 71.4% of parents declared to use or to have used alternative therapies and not to prefer, at first, a pharmacological intervention.

Conclusion

The choice of treatment should include psychological/behavioural interventions in all cases to improve the therapeutic outcome. All primary care Pediatricians should be aware of the all aspects of NE to choose the best way to treat every patient.

Practical recommendations of the EAU-ESPU guidelines committee for monosymptomatic enuresis-Bedwetting

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The objective of this update of the EAU-ESPU guidelines recommendations for nocturnal enuresis was to review the recent published literature of studies, reviews, guidelines regarding the etiology, diagnosis and treatment options of nocturnal enuresis and transform the information into a practical recommendation strategy for the general practitioner, pediatrician, pediatric urologist and urologist.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Since 2012 a monthly literature search using Scopus® was performed and the relevant literature was reviewed and prospectively registered on the European Urology bedwetting enuresis resource center (http://bedwetting.europeanurology.com/). In addition, guideline papers and statements of the European Society for Paediatric Urology (ESPU), the European Association of Urology (EAU), the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the International Children Continence Society (ICCS) were used to update the knowledge and evidence resulting in this practical recommendation strategy. Recommendations have been discussed and agreed within the working group of the EAU-ESPU guidelines committee members.

RESULTS

The recommendations focus to place the child and his family in a control position. Pragmatic analysis is made of the bedwetting problem by collecting voiding and drinking habits during the day, measuring nighttime urine production and identification of possible risk factors such as high-volume evening drinking, nighttime overactive bladder, behavioral or psychological problems or sleep disordered breathing. A questionnaire will help to identify those risk factors.

CONCLUSION

Motivation of the child is important for success. Continuous involvement of the child and the family in the treatment will improve treatment compliance, success and patient satisfaction.

Complementary and Integrative Management of Pediatric Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction Implemented within an Interprofessional Clinic

Lower urinary tract dysfunction in children is a common multifactorial functional problem that often correlates with bowel dysfunction and behavioral disorders. Ideal management combines integrative therapies that optimize bladder and bowel habits, address behavioral issues, foster mind–body connection, and improve pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. Movement therapies that teach diaphragmatic breathing and relaxation, mind–body awareness, and healthy pelvic floor muscle function are vital for long-term symptom improvement in children. This paper outlines recommendations for integrative management of these patients and discusses a recently developed interprofessional clinic that aims to better meet these patients’ complex needs and to provide patients with an integrated holistic plan of care. Additional work is needed to scientifically assess these treatment models and educate providers across the various disciplines that evaluate and treat these patients.

A prospective cohort study of biopsychosocial factors associated with childhood urinary incontinence

The objective of the study was to examine the association between biopsychosocial factors and developmental trajectories of childhood urinary incontinence (UI). We used developmental trajectories (latent classes) of childhood UI from 4-9 years including bedwetting alone, daytime wetting alone, delayed (daytime and nighttime) bladder control, and persistent (day and night) wetting (n = 8751, 4507 boys, 4244 girls). We examined whether biopsychosocial factors (developmental level, gestational age, birth weight, parental UI, temperament, behaviour/emotional problems, stressful events, maternal depression, age at initiation of toilet training, constipation) are associated with the trajectories using multinomial logistic regression (reference category = normative development of bladder control). Maternal history of bedwetting was associated with almost a fourfold increase in odds of persistent wetting [odds ratio and 95% confidence interval: 3.60 (1.75-7.40)]. In general, difficult temperament and behaviour/emotional problems were most strongly associated with combined (day and night) wetting, e.g. children with behavioural difficulties had increased odds of delayed (daytime and nighttime) bladder control [1.80 (1.59-2.03)]. Maternal postnatal depression was associated with persistent (day and night) wetting [2.09 (1.48-2.95)] and daytime wetting alone [2.38 (1.46-3.88)]. Developmental delay, stressful events, and later initiation of toilet training were not associated with bedwetting alone, but were associated with the other UI trajectories. Constipation was only associated with delayed bladder control. We find evidence that different trajectories of childhood UI are differentially associated with biopsychosocial factors. Increased understanding of factors associated with different trajectories of childhood UI could help clinicians to identify children at risk of persistent incontinence.

Nocturnal enuresis and sleep disordered breathing in primary school children: Potential implications

INTRODUCTION

The association between nocturnal enuresis (NE) and sleep disordered breathing (SDB) has been repeatedly reported, but has primarily been focused on clinical cohorts. The purpose of this study, was to assess whether SDB-related symptoms such as snoring and unrefreshing sleep in the morning are associated with NE in a large-scale community school-based survey.

METHODS

A cross-sectional assessment using a standard questionnaire was conducted on nearly 20 000 primary school children (5-12 years old) in Matsuyama, Japan. Associations between NE and the frequencies of snoring and unrefreshing sleep were evaluated using multivariate logistic and regression analyses.

RESULTS

Multivariate adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for enuresis were 1.21 (1.04 to 1.40) and 1.36 (1.07 to 1.73) in boys who snored 1 or 2 nights per week and ≥3 nights per week, respectively (P for trend <0.0001). Those for enuresis were 1.67 (1.41 to 1.99) and 1.96 (1.63 to 2.36) in boys who showed unrefreshing sleep 1 or 2 nights per week and ≥3 nights per week, respectively (P for trend <0.0001). Significant associations between NE and snoring frequency emerged among children who did not report unrefreshing sleep (P-trend for boys and girls were <0.0001 and <0.01, respectively), while significant associations between NE and frequency of unrefreshing sleep were detected among children who snored ≥1 nights per week (P for trend >0.1).

CONCLUSIONS

The pathogenic mechanisms linking snoring and unrefreshing sleep to increased risk of NE are unknown. However, snoring, a surrogate reporter of SDB, is associated with increased urine production, while unrefreshing sleep may result from disrupted sleep facilitating increased sleep pressure and elevated arousal thresholds. Thus, both SDB and unrefreshing sleep are potential independent risk factors of NE in school age children.

Enuresis Management in the Primary Care Pediatrics Clinic

Enuresis is a frequent complaint not always volunteered by parents or patients. The pediatric clinician has to inquire about enuresis to break the secrecy surrounding this symptom that could be related to a more serious underlying renal, endocrine, or psychosocial disease. Determining the type of enuresis is crucial to offer optimal treatment. We present a review for the pediatric clinician to optimize their care of the child with monosymptomatic enuresis. [Pediatr Ann. 2018;47(10):e390-e395.].

An interprofessional approach to managing children with treatment-resistant enuresis: an educational review

Enuresis (intermittent urinary incontinence during sleep in a child aged ≥ 5 years) is commonly seen in paediatric practice. Despite the availability of effective interventions, treatment resistance is encountered in up to 50% of children. In this educational review we attempt to provide insight into the causes of treatment resistance, and offer practical suggestions for addressing this condition using an interprofessional approach. We explore the pathophysiology of and standard treatments for enuresis and discuss why standard treatments may fail. An interprofessional approach to treatment resistance is proposed which utilises the expertise of professionals from different disciplines to address the problems and barriers to treatment. The two interprofessional approaches include a multidisciplinary approach that involves the patient being sent to experts in different disciplines at different times to address their treatment resistance utilising the skills of the respective experts, and an interdisciplinary approach that involves a patient being managed by members of interdisciplinary team who integrate their separate discipline perspectives into a single treatment plan. Although an interdisciplinary approach is ideal, interdisciplinary teams may not be available in all circumstances. Understanding the roles of other disciplines and engaging clinicians from other disciplines when appropriate can still be helpful when treatment resistance is encountered.

Tips for managing treatment-resistant enuresis

Enuresis (bedwetting) is common in school-aged children and can impact health, psychosocial well-being and quality of life. Although effective treatment is available, treatment resistance is encountered in about 50%. This paper discusses the management of treatment-resistant enuresis from a multidisciplinary perspective. Causes of treatment resistance include lower urinary tract problems, constipation, incorrect alarm training techniques, sleep disorders including sleep apnoea and psychological comorbidities. Practical suggestions to address treatment resistance are offered utilising expertise from clinicians from different disciplines.

Activation of organum vasculosum neurons and water intake in mice by vasopressin neurons in the suprachiasmatic nucleus

Previous studies have shown that mice housed under 12:12 h light-dark conditions display a pronounced increase in water intake during a 2-hour anticipatory period (AP) near the end of their active period (Zeitgeber Time ZT; ZT21.5-ZT23.5) compared to the preceding basal period (BP, ZT19.5-ZT21.5). This increased water intake during the AP is not associated with physiological stimuli for thirst, such as food intake, hyperosmolality, hyperthermia, or hypovolemia. Denying mice the water intake supplement during the AP causes them to be dehydrated at wake time. These observations suggest that this form of thirst may be driven by the circadian clock and serve to mitigate the dehydrating effect of absence of water intake during sleep. Here we review recent findings showing that this behavior is mediated by vasopressin (VP) containing neurons in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). SCN VP neurons project to the organum vasculosum lamina terminalis (OVLT) where the activity dependent release of VP causes excitation of thirst-promoting neurons. SCN VP neurons increase their electrical activity during the AP and the resultant release of VP causes an increase in the action potential firing rate of OVLT neurons. Experiments involving optogenetic control of VP release from the axon terminals of SCN neurons indicate that this network mechanism is necessary and sufficient to mediate pre-sleep water intake in mice. These findings provide insight into the output mechanisms that are used by the central clock to generate circadian rhythms, and reveal that the regulation of water intake contributes to osmoregulatory homeostasis during sleep. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis in pediatric patients: multidisciplinary assessment and effects of therapeutic intervention

BACKGROUND

Few studies manage patients with isolated monosymptomatic enuresis (MNE) with multidisciplinary evaluation and pre- and long-term post-intervention monitoring.

METHODS

This was a prospective study of MNE patients, aged 6-16 years, diagnosed by multidisciplinary assessment. Of the 140 initial applicants (58.6%) with MNE, 82 were included in the study and randomized for therapeutic intervention in three treatment groups, namely: alarm, desmopressin and alarm + desmopressin. Therapeutic response was evaluated 12 months after treatment withdrawal.

RESULTS

Of the 82 patients [mean age 9.5 (SD ± 2.6) years, n = 62 males (75.6%)], 91.1% had a family history of nocturnal enuresis (NE) in first-/second-degree relatives, 81.7% had constipation and 40.7% had mild-to-moderate apnea. Prior to randomization, management of constipation and urotherapy led to remission in seven of the 82 patients; 75 patients were randomized to intervention. There were 14/75 (18.7%) dropouts during the intervention, especially in the alarm group (p = 0.00). Initial complete/partial response was achieved in 56.6% of the alarm group, 70% of the desmopressin group and 64% in the combined group (p = 0.26). Continued success occurred in 70% of the alarm group, 84.2% of the desmopressin group and 100% of the combined group (p = 0.21). Recurrence occurred in 3/20 (15%) patients in the alarm group and 1/19 (5.2 %) patients of the desmopressin group. Post-intervention Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and PedsQL 4.0 scores showed significant improvement.

CONCLUSIONS

The three therapeutic modalities were effective in managing MNE with low relapse rates; the alarm group showed the highest dropout rate. Therapeutic success was associated with improvement of behavioral problems and quality of life scores.

Predictors and Outcomes of Childhood Primary Enuresis

OBJECTIVE

Although enuresis is relatively common in early childhood, research exploring its antecedents and implications is surprisingly limited, perhaps because the condition typically remits in middle childhood.

METHOD

We examined the prevalence, predictors, prognostic factors, and outcomes of primary enuresis in a large (N = 559) multi-method, multi-informant prospective study with a community-based sample of children followed from age 3 years to age 9 years.

RESULTS

We found that 12.7% of our sample met criteria for lifetime enuresis, suggesting that it is a commonly occurring childhood disorder. Males were more than twice as likely as females to have a lifetime diagnosis. Significant age 3 predictors of developing primary enuresis by age 9 included child anxiety and low positive affectivity, maternal history of anxiety, and low authoritative parenting. In addition, poorer global functioning and more depressive and anxiety symptoms at age 3 years predicted a greater likelihood of persistence through age 9. By age 9 years, 77% of children who had received a diagnosis of primary enuresis were in remission and continent. However, children who had remitted exhibited a higher rate of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and greater ADHD and depressive symptoms at age 9 compared to children with no lifetime history of enuresis.

CONCLUSION

Results of the present study underscore the clinical significance of primary enuresis and demonstrate that it shows both strong antecedent and prospective associations with psychopathology. The findings also highlight the possible role of parenting in the development of enuresis.

Psychiatric dimensions in mothers of children with primary nocturnal enuresis: A controlled study

INTRODUCTION

The etiology of primary nocturnal enuresis (PNE) is not fully understood, but multifactorial factors have been associated with PNE. Parental factors, including attitudes to PNE, disciplinary behaviors, and psychiatric comorbidities in parents have been related to etiology of PNE, outcomes and the quality of life in children with enuresis.

OBJECTIVE

We examined the psychopathology in mothers of children diagnosed with monosymptomatic PNE(MoPNE) compared with mothers of non-enuretic children (MoNEC) in terms of personality characteristics, early traumatic experiences, and psychiatric symptom evaluation.

STUDY DESIGN

The study included 44 mothers of children diagnosed with PNE and 45 mothers of non-enuretic children who were randomly selected from the population applying to the pediatric outpatient clinic. Individuals were assessed through psychometric questionnaires, including the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire Revised Abbreviated (EPQR-A), the Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90-R), and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), in addition to a sociodemographic form including 9 structured "yes/no" questions that evaluated intrafamilial relationships, as well as mothers' perceptions of enuresis and its treatment.

RESULTS

The median age of enuretic children was 7 (6, 9.5) (25th, 75th) years in the study population. The rates of history of enuresis in childhood were 26.7% in the MoPNE group (n = 12) and 6.7% in the MoNEC group (n = 3; p = 0.011). There were significant differences between the groups for the subscales of somatization, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive behavior, depression, interpersonal sensitivity, psychoticism, hostility, phobic anxiety, additional items, and the general psychopathology index in the SCL-90-R scores (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, there was no significant difference for the subscale of paranoid ideation (p = 0.070). There were statistically significant results for the subscales of sexual abuse, physical neglect, and total score in CTQ scale, while the personality dimensions evaluated using the EPQR-A resulted in significant differences in the E and L subscales (p < 0.05) (Table).

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that psychiatric symptomatology and childhood traumatic experiences were considerably higher in mothers of children with PNE. This study highlights the importance of evaluating PNE not only from a biological aspect, but also in terms of psychosocial factors, including assessment of the mother's mental status.

Importance of neuropsychiatric evaluation in children with primary monosymptomatic enuresis

BACKGROUND

Nocturnal enuresis (NE) is an involuntary voiding during sleep. It is a very common disorder in school-age children. Comorbid psychopathologies are common in patients affected by enuresis. According to the ICCS, the rate of behavioral and emotional disorders in children with enuresis is doubled compared with healthy control (HC) children.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of neuropsychiatric comorbidities in children affected by NE.

STUDY DESIGN

Two hundred children with a diagnosis of enuresis were recruited from the Neuropsychiatric Unit of Catania University and 200 age-matched neurologically intact HC children were recruited from local schools. The inclusion criteria were a normal IQ and the absence of other pathological clinical conditions such as diabetes or kidney malformation. The exclusion criteria were failure to complete the initial evaluation or clinical/diagnostic procedures, inability (because of young age) to complete study questionnaires, and severe neurological or physical impairment.

RESULTS

Age and gender proportions were not significantly different between the groups. In the NE group, 138 subjects (69%) had a familial history of NE, compared with 24 subjects (12%) in the HC group (p < 0.01). The NE group demonstrated significantly higher scores in the Child Behavior Check List, Conners' Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children, and the Child Depression Inventory compared than the HC group as well as the Yale Global Tic Severity Score and Child-Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale scores (p < 0.01). Quality of life scores were significantly lower in the NE group than in the HCs group; specifically, between-group differences were significant in the relationship and self domains (p > 0.01 for both comparisons) (Figure).

DISCUSSION

The present case-control study evaluates the prevalence of different neuropsychiatric comorbidities in children with NE as diagnosed according to the new ICCS criteria. An important finding was that neuropsychiatric conditions were more prevalent in NE patients than in age-matched HC subjects. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report associations between enuresis and obsessive compulsive disorder as well as tic disorder, and is the first to describe the comparative psychopathological profiles of 200 children with enuresis and 200 matched HC children.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that clinicians should not underestimate the effects of enuresis on psychosocial development. Childhood NE should be managed carefully and comprehensively in order to prevent the development of more serious behavioral problems in the future.

Optimizing response to desmopressin in patients with monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis

Most patients with monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis can be effectively treated with an enuresis alarm or antidiuretic therapy (desmopressin), depending on the pathophysiology of the condition in the individual patient. Desmopressin is first-line therapy for enuresis caused by nocturnal polyuria, an excessive urine output during the night. However, in a recent study, around one-third of patients thought to be resistant to desmopressin were subsequently treated effectively with desmopressin monotherapy in a specialist centre. The aim of this article is to review best practice in selecting patients for desmopressin treatment, as well as outline eight recommendations for maximizing the chances of treatment success in patients receiving desmopressin. The roles of formulation, dose, timing of administration, food and fluid intake, inter-individual variation in response, body weight, adherence, withdrawal strategies and combination therapies are discussed in light of the most recent research on desmopressin and enuresis. Possible reasons for suboptimal treatment response are explored and strategies to improve outcomes in patients for whom desmopressin is an appropriate therapy are presented. Through optimization of the treatment plan in primary and specialist care centres, the hope is that fewer patients with this distressing and often embarrassing condition will experience unnecessary delays in receiving appropriate care and achieving improvements.

The pathophysiology of monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis with special emphasis on the circadian rhythm of renal physiology

Nocturnal polyuria in monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (MNE) has so far mainly been attributed to a disturbed circadian rhythm of renal water handling. Low vasopressin levels overnight correlate with absent maximal concentrating activity, resulting in an increased nocturnal diuresis with low urinary osmolality. Therefore, treatment with desmopressin is a rational choice. Unfortunately, 20 to 60 % of children with monosymptomatic enuresis are desmopressin-resistant. There is increasing evidence that other disturbed circadian rhythms might play a role in nocturnal polyuria. This review focuses on renal aspects in the pathophysiology of nocturnal polyuria in MNE, with special emphasis on circadian rhythms. Articles related to renal circadian rhythms and enuresis were searched through the PubMed library with the goal of providing a concise review.

CONCLUSION

Nocturnal polyuria can only partially be explained by blunted circadian rhythm of vasopressin secretion. Other alterations in the intrinsic renal circadian clock system also seem to be involved, especially in desmopressin-resistant enuresis.

WHAT IS KNOWN

• Disturbance in the circadian rhythm of arginine vasopressin secretion is related to nocturnal polyuria in children with enuresis. • Desmopressin is recommended as a treatment for monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis, working as a vasopressin analogue acting on V2 receptors in the collecting ducts of the kidney. What is New: • Other renal circadian rhythms might play a role in nocturnal polyuria, especially in desmopressin-resistant case.