The efficacy of alarm therapy versus desmopressin therapy in the treatment of primary mono-symptomatic nocturnal enuresis: a systematic review

Beyond bedwetting: How successful treatment is observed in sleep macrostructure

INTRODUCTION

Sleep enuresis (SE), commonly known as bedwetting, refers to involuntary urination during sleep. It is a prevalent condition affecting approximately 15 % of children at age 5, 10 % by age 7, and 5 % by age 10. This condition can significantly impact both children and their families. The pathophysiology of SE is complex and not yet fully understood. There are several established treatment methods, but limited information on their sleep dynamics.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate differences in sleep structure before and after treatment in patients with monosymptomatic SE (MSE), focusing on alarm therapy, desmopressin, and a combination of both. The analysis compared pre- and post-treatment differences within each treatment arm. The analysis was conducted for both successful and unsuccessful treatment outcomes.

METHODS/RESULTS

This was a prospective study with MSE patients, aged 6-16 years, diagnosed by multidisciplinary assessment. Of the 140 initial applicants 75 were initially included in the study and randomized for therapeutic intervention in three treatment arms, namely: alarm, desmopressin and alarm + desmopressin. Therapeutic response was evaluated 12 months after treatment discontinuation. Polysomnographic evaluation pre and post treatment was carried out. 51/75 completed the entire protocol. 42/51 were successfully treated and had a median age of 10 [8-12] and the non-success, 8 [7-10]. Among the successful patients, the percentage of N2 sleep decreased from a median of 55.7 %-48.5 % (p = 0.0004) in the alarm arm, from 58.8 % to 50 % (p = 0.002) in the desmopressin arm, and from 54.7 % to 50.9 % (p = 0.044) in the combined arm. The percentage of N3 sleep increased from 25.7 % to 30.1 % (p = 0.004) in the alarm arm, from 21.6 % to 26 % (p = 0.032) in the desmopressin arm, and from 23.7 % to 28.3 % (p = 0.014) in the combined arm. The arousal index significantly increased from pre-to post-treatment in all arms: in the alarm arm, from 1.25 to 2.8 (p = 0.002); in the desmopressin arm, from 1.3 to 2.7 (p = 0.019); and in the combined treatment arm, from 1 to 4 (p = 0.003). No significant differences were observed in the non-successful arm or among those who experienced complete resolution of the enuresis without treatment.

CONCLUSION

The observed increase in N3 sleep and arousal and decrease in N2 sleep following successful treatment, regardless of the specific interventions, underscores the role of sleep in the pathophysiology of enuresis. Conversely, the lack of sleep differences in the non-successful arm further highlights the importance of sleep, beyond developmental factors, in influencing the clinical outcomes of enuresis, especially since all children were assessed 12 months after the start of treatment.

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.

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 value of case history and early treatment data as predictors of enuresis alarm therapy response

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Two central problems with the enuresis alarm are the family workload and the lack of predictors of therapy response. We wanted to look at predictors of alarm response in a setting reflecting clinical reality.

METHODS

An alarm linked to a smartphone app was provided to enuretic children managed at pediatric outpatient wards. Baseline data (sex, age, daytime incontinence, urgency, previous therapies, arousal thresholds and baseline enuresis frequency) were recorded. Further information, such as enuretic episodes and actual alarm use, was gathered via the app during therapy. Therapy was given for 8-12 weeks or until 14 consecutive dry nights had been achieved.

RESULTS

For the 196 recruited children the outcome was as follows: full responders (FR) 18.4%, partial responders (PR) 20.4%, nonresponders (NR) 22.4% and dropouts 38.8%. We found no clear predictors of response or adherence among baseline data. But as treatment progressed responders reduced their enuresis frequency as compared to NR (week two P = 0.003, week three and onwards P < 0.001). This is further illustrated in the Figure below. Furthermore, the children unable to complete the full treatment had more non-registered nights already from the second week (week two P = 0.005, week three P = 0.002 and so on).

DISCUSSION

Anamnestic data give little predictive information regarding enuresis alarm response or adherence. Contrary to common belief neither daytime incontinence nor previous alarm attempts influenced treatment success. But after 2-4 weeks of therapy the children with a good chance of treatment success could be discerned by decreasing enuresis frequency, and the families that would not be able to comply with the full treatment showed incomplete adherence already during the first weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

Maybe the enuresis alarm strategy should be changed so that the treatment is reassessed after one month and only children with a high chance of success continue. This way, unnecessary frustration for the families of therapy-resistant children may be reduced.

Comparison of the efficacy of desmopressin fast-melting formulation and enuretic alarm in the treatment of monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis

BACKGROUND

Primary monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (MNE) is a common pediatric condition and there are two firstline, evidence-based treatments available; desmopressin and the enuresis alarm. Although there are many studies comparing enuresis alarm and desmopressin treatments in the literature, most were conducted using old formulations of desmopressin.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy of desmopressin MELT formulation and enuresis alarm therapy in patients with MNE.

STUDY DESIGN

A total of 130 patients who had primary MNE were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups using simple randomization; desmopressin MELT (Group 1, n = 66) and enuresis alarm (Group 2, n = 64). The patients were invited for a follow-up visit at the fourth, 12th and 24th weeks of treatment. Treatment response and compliance were evaluated using bed-wetting diary and ICSS criteria.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients Group 1 and 2 was 11.2 + 3.3 and 10.2 + 3.4 years, respectively (p = 0.104). Complete response rate was similar at 4th week (53% vs. 37.3%, p = 0.162) and at 12th week (68.4% vs. 68.2%, p = 0.257). The relapse rate was significantly higher in the desmopressin MELT group than in the enuresis alarm group (48.9% vs 20.5%, p = 0.007). At the end of the study ten patients were excluded from the study because of loss to follow-up and/or side effects. The overall complete response rate was significantly higher in the enuresis alarm group than in the desmopressin MELT group at the end of the study (41.3% vs 64.9%, p = 0.035). When the intention to treat analysis population was considered, similarly the complete response rate was significantly higher in the enuresis alarm group than in the desmopressin MELT group (40.9% vs 64.1%, p = 0.027).

DISCUSSION

With regard to the management of children with MNE, our study revealed that desmopressin MELT and enuresis alarm both have high efficacy rates in primary MNE treatment both at 4th and 12th week. However, overall complete response rate was better in enuresis alarm treatment at 24th week. In addition, enuresis alarm treatment also presents as a more favorable relapse rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Enuresis alarm presented a more permanent treatment response and a lower relapse rate than desmopressin MELT formulation.

Pediatric Pharmacology of Desmopressin in Children with Enuresis: A Comprehensive Review

Desmopressin is a synthetic analogue of the natural antidiuretic hormone arginine vasopressin. Over the years, it has been clinically used to manage nocturnal polyuria in children with enuresis. Various pharmaceutical formulations of desmopressin have been commercialized for this indication-nasal spray, nasal drops, oral tablet and oral lyophilizate. Despite the fact that desmopressin is a frequently prescribed drug in children, its use and posology is based on limited pediatric data. This review provides an overview of the current pediatric pharmacological data related to the different desmopressin formulations, including their pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and adverse events. Regarding the pharmacokinetics, a profound food effect on the oral bioavailability was demonstrated as well as different plasma concentration-time profiles (double absorption peak) of the desmopressin lyophilizate between adults and children. Literature about maturational differences in distribution, metabolism and excretion of desmopressin is rather limited. Regarding the pharmacodynamics, formulation/dose/food effect and predictors of response were evaluated. The lyophilizate is the preferred formulation, but the claimed bioequivalence in adults (200 µg tablet and 120 µg lyophilizate), could not be readily extrapolated to children. Prescribing the standard flat-dose regimen to the entire pediatric population might be insufficient to attain response to desmopressin treatment, whereby dosing schemes based on age and weight were proposed. Moreover, response to desmopressin is variable, whereby complete-, partial- and non-responders are reported. Different reasons were enumerated that might explain the difference in response rate to desmopressin observed: different pathophysiological mechanisms, bladder capacity and other predictive factors (i.e. breast feeding, familial history, compliance, sex, etc.). Also, the relapse rate of desmopressin treatment was high, rendering it necessary to use a pragmatic approach for the treatment of enuresis, whereby careful consideration of the position of desmopressin within this treatment is required. Regarding the safety of the different desmopressin formulations, the use of desmopressin was generally considered safe, but additional measures should be taken to prevent severe hyponatremia. To conclude the review, to date, major knowledge gaps in pediatric pharmacological aspects of the different desmopressin formulations still remain. Additional information should be collected about the clinical relevance of the double absorption peak, the food effect, the bioequivalence/therapeutic equivalence, the pediatric adapted dosing regimens, the study endpoints and the difference between performing studies at daytime or at nighttime. To fill in these gaps, additional well designed pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies in children should be performed.

Alarm interventions for nocturnal enuresis in children

BACKGROUND

Enuresis (bedwetting) affects up to 20% of five-year-olds and can have considerable social, emotional and psychological effects. Treatments include alarms (activated by urination), behavioural interventions and drugs.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of enuresis alarms for treating enuresis in children.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Incontinence Specialised Register, which contains trials identified from the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, MEDLINE In-Process, MEDLINE Epub Ahead of Print, ClinicalTrials.gov, WHO ICTRP, and handsearching of journals and conference proceedings (searched 25 June 2018), and reference lists of relevant articles.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised or quasi-randomised trials of enuresis alarms or alarms combined with another intervention for treating nocturnal enuresis in children between 5 and 16 years old.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently assessed risk of bias and extracted data.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 74 trials (5983 children). At treatment completion, alarms may reduce the number of wet nights a week compared to control or no treatment (mean difference (MD) -2.68, 95% confidence interval (CI) -4.59 to -0.78; 4 trials, 127 children; low-quality evidence). Low-quality evidence suggests more children may achieve complete response (14 consecutive dry nights) with alarms compared to control or no treatment (RR 7.23, 95% CI 1.40 to 37.33; 18 trials, 827 children) and that more children may remain dry post-treatment (RR 9.67, 95% CI 4.74 to 19.76; 10 trials, 366 children; low-quality evidence). At treatment completion, we are uncertain whether there is any difference between alarms and placebo drugs in the number of wet nights a week (MD -0.96, 95% CI -2.32 to 0.41; 1 trial, 47 children; very low-quality evidence). Alarms may result in more children achieving complete response than with placebo drugs (RR 1.59, 95% CI 1.16 to 2.17; 2 trials, 181 children; low-quality evidence). No trials comparing alarms to placebo reported the number of children remaining dry post-treatment. Compared with control alarms, code-word alarms probably slightly increase the number of children achieving complete response at treatment completion (RR 1.11, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.27; 1 trial, 353 children; moderate-quality evidence) but there is probably little to no difference in the number of children remaining dry post-treatment (RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.79 to 1.05; moderate-quality evidence). Very low-quality evidence means we are uncertain if there are any differences in effectiveness between the other different types of alarm. At treatment completion, alarms may reduce the number of wet nights a week compared with behavioural interventions (waking, bladder training, dry-bed training, and star chart plus rewards) (MD -0.81, 95% CI -2.01 to 0.38; low-quality evidence) and may increase the number of children achieving complete response (RR 1.77, 95% CI 0.98 to 3.19; low-quality evidence) and may slightly increase the number of children remaining dry post-treatment (RR 1.39, 95% CI 0.81 to 2.41; low-quality evidence). The evidence relating to alarms compared with desmopressin in the number of wet nights a week (MD -0.64, 95% CI -1.77 to 0.49; 4 trials, 285 children) and the number of children achieving complete response at treatment completion (RR 1.12, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.36; 12 trials, 1168 children) is low-quality, spanning possible harms and possible benefits. Alarms probably slightly increase the number of children remaining dry post-treatment compared with desmopressin (RR 1.30, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.84; 5 trials, 565 children; moderate-quality evidence). At treatment completion, we are uncertain if there is any difference between alarms and tricyclics in the number of wet nights a week, the number of children achieving complete response or the number of children remaining dry post-treatment, because the quality of evidence is very low. Due to very low-quality evidence we are uncertain about any differences in effectiveness between alarms and cognitive behavioural therapy, psychotherapy, hypnotherapy and restricted diet. Alarm plus desmopressin may reduce the number of wet nights a week compared with desmopressin monotherapy (MD -0.88, 95% CI -0.38 to -1.38; 2 trials, 156 children; low-quality evidence). Alarm plus desmopressin may increase the number of children achieving complete response (RR 1.32, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.62; 5 trials, 359 children; low-quality evidence) and the number of children remaining dry post-treatment (RR 2.33, 95% CI 1.26 to 4.29; 2 trials, 161 children; low-quality evidence) compared with desmopressin alone. Alarm plus dry-bed training may increase the number of children achieving a complete response compared to dry-bed training alone (RR 3.79, 95% CI 1.85 to 7.77; 1 trial, 80 children; low-quality evidence). It is unclear if there is any difference in the number of children remaining dry post-treatment because of the wide confidence interval (RR 0.56, 95% CI 0.15 to 2.12; low-quality evidence). Due to very low-quality evidence, we are uncertain about any differences in effectiveness between alarm plus bladder training versus bladder training alone. Of the 74 included trials, 17 reported one or more adverse events, nine reported no adverse events and 48 did not mention adverse events. Adverse events attributed to alarms included failure to wake the child, ringing without urination, waking others, causing discomfort, frightening the child and being too difficult to use. Adverse events of comparator interventions included nose bleeds, headaches and abdominal pain. There is probably a slight increase in adverse events between code-word alarm and standard alarm (RR 1.34, 95% CI 0.75 to 2.38; moderate-quality evidence), although we are uncertain because of the wide confidence interval. Alarms probably reduce the number of children experiencing adverse events compared with desmopressin (RR 0.38, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.71; 5 trials, 565 children; moderate-quality evidence). Very low-quality evidence means we cannot be certain whether the adverse event rate for alarms is lower than for other treatments.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Alarm therapy may be more effective than no treatment in reducing enuresis in children. We are uncertain if alarm therapy is more effective than desmopressin but there is probably a lower risk of adverse events with alarms than with desmopressin. Despite the large number of trials included in this review, further adequately-powered trials with robust randomisation are still needed to determine the full effect of alarm therapy.

Brazilian consensus in enuresis-recomendations for clinical practice

Introduction

Enuresis, defined as an intermittent urinary incontinence that occurs during sleep, is a frequent condition, occurring in about 10% of children at 7 years of age. However, it is frequently neglected by the family and by the primary care provider, leaving many of those children without treatment. Despite of many studies in Enuresis and recent advances in scientific and technological knowledge there is still considerable heterogeneity in evaluation methods and therapeutic approaches.

Materials and Methods

The board of Pediatric Urology of the Brazilian Society of Urology joined a group of experts and reviewed all important issues on Enuresis and elaborated a draft of the document. On September 2018 the panel met to review, discuss and write a consensus document.

Results and Discussion

Enuresis is a multifactorial disease that can lead to a diversity of problems for the child and family. Children presenting with Enuresis require careful evaluation and treatment to avoid future psychological and behavioral problems. The panel addressed recommendations on up to date choice of diagnosis evaluation and therapies.

Doctor, Snitch, and Weasel: Narrative Family Therapy With a Child Suffering From Encopresis and Enuresis

Children who experience enuresis and encopresis can face many difficulties, including social isolation, shame, embarrassment, anxiety, and depression. Due to the prevalence of enuresis and encopresis, it is essential for mental health professionals to understand the common symptoms and available treatment options for enuresis and encopresis, particularly to assist parents struggling to help their children overcome these challenges. Despite this need, there is very little clinical literature that incorporates a systemic approach for families who have a child diagnosed with enuresis and encopresis. Furthermore, common treatment approaches may unwittingly reinforce children’s perception that these problems are rooted in their identity. In an effort to address these concerns, the present case study aims to illustrate how a narrative therapy approach was utilized to effectively treat a child with enuresis and encopresis. Narrative therapy can uniquely assist children and their parents by helping them externalize the problem, overcome the problem-saturated view of their lives, and create new experiences where the problem is nonexistent.

Comparison of desmopressin, alarm, desmopressin plus alarm, and desmopressin plus anticholinergic agents in the management of paediatric monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis: a network meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy of desmopressin, alarm, desmopressin plus alarm, and desmopressin plus anticholinergic agent (AA) therapy in the management of paediatric monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (MNE) using a network meta-analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We searched the electronic databases PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE and Web of Science from inception to 1 March 2018. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared desmopressin, alarm, desmopressin plus alarm, and desmopressin plus AAs were identified. The network meta-analysis was conducted with software R 3.3.2 and STATA 14.0.

RESULTS

Eighteen RCTs with a total of 1 649 participants were included. The meta-analysis results showed that complete response (CR) and success rates with desmopressin plus AAs were higher than with desmopressin or alarm monotherapy. Success rates for desmopressin plus alarm therapy were higher than for alarm monotherapy. No obvious difference was observed between desmopressin plus AAs and desmopressin plus alarm therapy with regard to CR rate and success rate. The relapse rate with alarm monotherapy was much lower than with desmopressin monotherapy. Adverse events seemed to be infrequently and tolerable for all treatments. The ranking probability results were as follows: desmopressin plus AA ranked first for the outcomes of CR and success, desmopressin plus alarm therapy ranked first for mean number of wet nights per week, and alarm therapy had the lowest relapse rate.

CONCLUSIONS

The network meta-analysis showed that desmopressin had similar efficacy to alarm therapy but a higher relapse rate. Desmopressin plus AA therapy was associated with better efficacy than and a similar relapse rate to desmopressin monotherapy. Desmopressin plus alarm therapy was similar to both desmopressin and alarm monotherapy in efficacy. All treatments, including desmopressin plus AAwere associated with tolerable adverse events; however, additional high-quality studies are needed for further evaluation of these treatments.

Reboxetine in therapy-resistant enuresis: A randomized placebo-controlled study

INTRODUCTION

A significant minority of children with enuresis do not respond to either desmopressin or the enuresis alarm. Anticholinergics have not proven as successful as expected. The fourth evidence-based treatment, the tricyclic antidepressant imipramine, is cardiotoxic when overdosed, which has led to diminished use.

AIM

The aim was to determine whether there is a role for the noradrenergic antidepressant reboxetine, as monotherapy or combined with desmopressin, in the treatment of enuresis in children who have not responded to standard therapy, and whether there are side effects involved. We also sought prognostic factors in anamnestic data and in the voiding chart.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study was a randomized placebo-controlled study with a double-blind cross-over design, in which all patients underwent treatment during three 4-week periods, one with reboxetine 4 mg and placebo, one with reboxetine 4 mg and desmopressin, and one with double placebo treatment. The proportion of wet nights out of 14 was compared before treatment and during the last 2 weeks of each treatment period.

RESULTS

Eighteen patients were included. The reduction of wet nights was much better with either reboxetine in monotherapy or in combination with desmopressin than during the placebo period (p = 0.002) (Figure). However, only one patient achieved complete dryness, this during monotherapy. There were three intermediate responders to monotherapy and five to combination treatment. With reboxetine in monotherapy, six children experienced negative side effects compared with three with combination therapy, and two with placebo. All of these side effects were mild and reversible. Only one patient chose to cease treatment because of side effects. No prognostic factors were found in either the case history or in voiding chart data.

DISCUSSION

The present study, the first placebo-controlled trial, confirms that reboxetine is an evidence-based alternative to cardiotoxic antidepressant treatment in therapy-resistant enuresis. The fact that few patients achieved complete dryness may be due to the low dosage used. In our clinical practice we increase the dose to 8 mg when dryness is not achieved with the lower dose. Our experience is that this leaves more children with full response, but the evidence of this has yet to be shown.

CONCLUSION

Reboxetine seems to be an alternative in the treatment of enuretic children who have not responded to standard treatment.