The role of desmopressin in the treatment of adult nocturia

Nocturia in Patients With Parkinson's Disease

Background

Waking up from sleep more than once to pass urine, known as nocturia, is an important nonmotor symptom in Parkinson's disease (PD). Very little is known about the cause for nocturia. The aim of this work was to evaluate lower urinary tract (LUT) symptoms in patients with PD reporting nocturia using standardized validated questionnaires and bladder diaries and to assess the impact of nocturia on quality of life and sleep.

Methods

Twenty-three consecutive patients with PD (17 males, 6 females; mean age: 68.5 years; range, 50-85) referred to a specialist uro-neurology clinic reporting nocturia according to the International Continence Society definition were included. Patients measured their daily fluid intake, urinary output per void, and recorded these with the timing of voids on a 3-day bladder diary. Standardized questionnaires were used to assess LUT symptoms (Urinary Symptom Profile, International Prostate Symptom Score, and Qualiveen Short Form) and sleep quality (Parkinson's Disease Sleep Scale).

Results

Mean duration of PD was 10.1 years, and mean severity on H & Y scale was 3.0 (range, 1.0-5.0). Median duration of LUT symptoms was 6.0 years. Mean night-time urinary frequency was 3.5 (range, 1.0-7.3), and mean nocturnal maximum voided volume was 242 mL. Mean Nocturnal Polyuria Index (NPi) was 0.4 (range, 0.13-0.75), and 13 patients (56.5%) had nocturnal polyuria (NPi > 0.33). Patients with nocturnal polyuria reported more-severe LUT symptoms that impacted quality of life and sleep.

Conclusions

In this preliminary study, nocturnal polyuria seems to be common in patients with PD reporting nocturia and appears to affect quality of life and sleep, though this was not statistically significant. The bladder diary is an essential tool in the assessment of nocturia in patients with PD.

Evaluation and management of patients with nocturia

Nocturia, or awakening one or more times to void at night, becomes clinically significant with two or more voids a night. In the past, nocturia has typically been viewed as a symptom of benign prostatic hyperplasia and/or overactive bladder syndrome. However, newer evidence supports that this is no longer just a symptom but a medical condition that warrants further workup and treatment given its effect on quality of life. The negative effects of nocturia include sleep fragmentation, decreased productivity at work, and increased risk of falls and fractures. A workup to find the underlying cause of nocturia will help guide treatment, which may include pharmacologic agents.

Management of nocturia: the role of antidiuretic pharmacotherapy

Strategies to manage nocturia include lifestyle modifications and treatment with alpha-blockers, antimuscarinic therapies, and antidiuretics. The concept of achieving success should not be limited to reduction of nighttime voids; it should ideally include proof of improvement of conditions generally associated with nocturia, such as falls, quality of life, and overall health. Few studies have looked specifically at parameters other than nocturnal voids, such as sleep latency, first undisturbed sleep period (FUSP), and total sleep time, including their clinical relevance to patient well-being. Lifestyle modifications, such as voiding before bedtime, limiting caffeine and alcohol, and adjusting medication timing, may be initially effective in mild cases of nocturia. Statistically significant reductions in voiding have been reported with antimuscarinic agents and alpha-blockers as initial therapy, but these reductions generally are not clinically relevant. The antidiuretic therapy desmopressin acetate, a selective vasopressin receptor 2 agonist, is effective in adults with nocturia associated with nocturnal polyuria; however, hyponatremia can occur. The newest formulation-desmopressin orally disintegrating sublingual tablet (ODST)--has greater bioavailability; thus, lower doses can be used, potentially reducing hyponatremia risk. A phase 3 study demonstrated statistically significant reductions in nocturnal voids for desmopressin ODST 50 and 100 µg versus placebo (-1.18 and -1.43 vs. -0.86; P = 0.02 and P < 0.0001, respectively) in patients with nocturia. Treatment was well-tolerated, and low-dose desmopressin ODST was associated with statistically significant increases in duration of FUSP. Development of a validated composite endpoint may help clinicians identify and compare strategies for treating nocturia.

Considering the prominent complaint as a guide in medical therapy for overactive bladder syndrome in women over 45 years

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the response of women over 45 years with overactive bladder and detrusor overactivity to a 12-week course of oxybutynin or tolterodine treatment.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 301 eligible Iranian women were studied. In this double-blinded trial, data were analyzed from 3-day urinary diaries from before and after 12 weeks of treatment in which patients were randomly assigned to receive oxybutynin or tolterodine in recommended doses. Patients' convenience and the drugs' side-effects were assessed by a monthly clinical appointment. End-points were changed from baseline to week 12 in bladder-diary variables and all observed or reported adverse events. The effectiveness of each drug was studied using the paired t-test and improvement after treatment between the two groups was compared by independent t-test.

RESULTS

Mean improvements in the terms of urgency (P = 0.64) and urge incontinence (P = 0.75) showed an insignificantly larger score in patients who were treated by oxybutynin. Improvement in night-time urinary urgency and nocturia (41.2% and 54.3% vs 39.7% and 40.1% in oxybutynin vs tolterodine groups, respectively) were shown to be more improved by tolterodine in comparison to oxybutynin (P = 0.72 and 0.04 for night-time urinary urgency and nocturia, respectively). Discontinuation of treatment due to adverse events was not significantly different in the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Oxybutynin and tolterodine showed similar efficacy on daytime symptoms of overactive bladder and similar side-effects in perimenopausal patients. For patients with the chief complaint of nocturnal frequency, prescription of tolterodine is preferably suggested.

Etiology, evaluation, and management of nocturia in elderly men and women

One of the most common problems affecting both elderly men and women is nocturia. Not only is nocturia a quality-of-life complaint, but the condition also is associated with increased morbidity and even mortality. Elderly people with nocturia are more at risk for hip fractures, resulting in an increased mortality. Nocturia can also be a harbinger of underlying disease states that can certainly affect a man or woman's quality of life in addition to the morbidity and mortality of those who suffer from this common medical problem. This article discusses the causes of nocturia, the evaluation, and the treatment options available for managing this common medical complaint that affects so many elderly patients.

Preliminary Experience with Low-dose Desmopressin Treatment and Urinary Arginine Vasopressin Concentration as a Response Predictor for Patients with Nocturia with Nocturnal Polyuria

OBJECTIVES

To assess whether urinary arginine vasopressin (AVP) concentrations adjusted for urinary creatinine (Cr) can predict responsiveness to low-dose desmopressin for nocturia with nocturnal polyuria (NP).

METHODS

Nine NP patients aged 64-84 years with ≥ 2 nocturnal voids received 2.5 µg of intranasal desmopressin for 4 weeks and were evaluated for its effectiveness. Prior to treatment, urinary AVP/Cr concentrations at first morning void and serum sodium and plasma natriuretic peptide (BNP) concentrations were measured, and all patients underwent 5% hypertonic saline infusion.

RESULTS

Six responders to 2.5 µg desmopressin had average decreases in nocturnal frequency from 3.2 to 1.8 voids nightly and in nocturnal diuresis by 40%, without clinically significant adverse events. Non-responders remained unaffected even with dose escalation to 5.0 µg desmopressin. For responders, urinary AVP/Cr concentrations were less than 14 pg/mg · Cr, which is lower than in non-responders. Within a physiological range of plasma osmolality, plasma AVP release in response to 5% hypertonic saline infusion was less in responders than in non-responders. Blood pressure measurements and BNP concentrations were unchanged.

CONCLUSIONS

Urinary AVP/Cr at first morning void may have potential clinical value as a predictor for responsiveness to low-dose desmopressin in nocturia with NP.

The Effects of Long-Term Administration of Oral Desmopressin on the Baseline Secretion of Antidiuretic Hormone and Serum Sodium Concentration for the Treatment of Nocturia: A Circadian Study

PURPOSE

We assessed the effects of long-term oral desmopressin on serum sodium and baseline antidiuretic hormone secretion in elderly patients with nocturia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 15 elderly male patients with severe nocturia (greater than 3 voids nightly) who did not show hyponatremia within 7 days of administration of 0.2 mg desmopressin were enrolled in this study. Desmopressin (0.2 mg) was administered orally nightly for 1 year. Before and 1 month after the 1-year medication 24-hour circadian studies were performed to monitor changes in antidiuretic hormone. Every 3 months during the 1-year medication serum changes and timed urine chemistry were monitored.

RESULTS

Desmopressin significantly decreased nocturnal urine output and the number of nocturia episodes (p<0.01). Compared to before treatment desmopressin gradually decreased serum sodium and induced statistically but not clinically significant hyponatremia after 6 months of treatment. After discontinuing desmopressin serum sodium returned to the normal range in all patients. There were no significant differences when baseline and posttreatment endogenous antidiuretic hormone were compared. No serious systemic complications were found during medication.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term desmopressin administration gradually decreased the serum concentration and induced significant hyponatremia from 6 months in patients who did not show initial hyponatremia. Long-term administration of desmopressin for 1 year in elderly patients did not affect baseline antidiuretic hormone secretion. For long-term desmopressin administration serum sodium should be assessed regularly, at least every 6 months.

Intérêts des antidiurétiques, des anticholinergiques, des anti-inflammatoires et de la toxine botulinique pour le traitement des troubles mictionnels liés à I’HBP (Forum CTMH-AFU 2005)

New therapeutic approaches have recently been investigated in order to improve the voiding disorders of patient with lower urinary tract symptoms related to benign prostatic hyperplasia. The purpose of this article is to provide a review of these treatments: anti-inflammatory, antidiuretic, anticholinergic and botulinum toxin. Anticholinergic drugs associated with a risk of urinary retention, appear to be effective for irritative disorders in combination with an alpha-blocker. Antidiuretics can be proposed in patients younger than 65 with disabling polyuria confirmed by a voiding diary, related to BPH and refractory to conventional treatment of BPH. The interaction between inflammation and BPH has not yet been clarified, but anti-inflammatory drugs appear to improve symptoms and may have a place in short-term treatment of BPH, as their long-term use is not recommended and COX-2 inhibitors have been withdrawn from the market. Finally, botulinum toxin could have a place in the treatment of disorders related to BPH if clinical studies confirm the recently published promising results. These new approaches will probably be integrated into guidelines and flow-charts for the treatment of voiding disorders related to BPH.

Nighttime dosing with tolterodine reduces overactive bladder-related nocturnal micturitions in patients with overactive bladder and nocturia

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of nighttime tolterodine dosing on urgency-related micturitions in patients with overactive bladder (OAB) and nocturia.

METHODS

This was a 12-week randomized controlled study of 850 patients given 4 mg tolterodine extended release (TER) or placebo once daily 4 hours or less before bed. Patients with eight or more micturitions/24 hours and a mean of 2.5 episodes/night or more were included. Changes in the number of nighttime and 24-hour micturitions were analyzed by urgency rating per micturition. The urgency per micturition was recorded in 7-day diaries using a 5-point rating scale (score 1 to 5). Each micturition was classified according to the following urgency rating categories: total (1 to 5), non-OAB (1 to 2), or OAB (3 to 5). OAB-related micturitions were further classified as nonsevere (score 3) and severe (score 4 to 5).

RESULTS

TER reduced the total number of nocturnal micturitions, but, compared with placebo, this difference was not statistically significant. However, TER did significantly reduce OAB-related and severe OAB-related nocturnal micturitions compared with placebo. TER had no effect on non-OAB micturitions. TER significantly reduced the total, OAB, and severe OAB micturitions during 24-hour and daytime intervals compared with placebo. Significantly more TER-treated than placebo-treated patients reported a treatment benefit and willingness to continue treatment. Adverse events associated with nighttime dosing of TER versus placebo were few.

CONCLUSIONS

TER significantly reduced OAB-related micturitions during 24-hour, daytime, and nighttime intervals. TER did not affect normal (non-OAB) micturitions. Nighttime dosing with TER was associated with few adverse events and adverse event-related withdrawals. The 24-hour efficacy of TER was maintained with nighttime dosing.

Other therapies for BPH patients: desmopressin, anti-cholinergic, anti-inflammatory drugs, and botulinum toxin

The usual treatments of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) including the alpha-blockers, the inhibitors of the 5-alpha reductase and the phytotherapy drugs allow significant improvements of the lower urinary tracts symptoms (LUTS). However, some patients are not responders or have side effects due to the treatments. Other therapeutic approaches described in the literature are possible in order to alleviate the LUTS. The anti-cholinergic drugs seem to be efficient against the irritating symptoms even if they are supposed to be contra-indicated when there is BPH. Anti-diuretic hormone could be useful to treat nocturia due to diuresis reversal. Inflammation is a part of the underlying mechanisms of BPH and as such the role of the anti-inflammatory drugs has to be revised. Eventually, botulinum toxin is more and more used for patients with neurological bladder and could also have a role in LUTS. If the coming clinical studies on those different treatments confirm the preliminary results, the learning societies in charge of the guidelines would have to update the decision trees by adding these new therapeutic approaches.

Antidiuretic hormone in elderly male patients with severe nocturia: a circadian study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the circadian variation of plasma antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and urine output in patients with severe nocturia (> three times per night) and to assess the effect of oral desmopressin on nocturnal urine output in these patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twelve patients with severe nocturia and five age-matched controls without were assessed over 24 h (circadian sampling) during a 72-h hospital admission. Blood levels of ADH and changes of urine output were measured in the patients before and after the oral administration of desmopressin (0.2 mg, at 22.00 hours in the second day), and in the controls not treated with desmopressin.

RESULTS

Compared with the normal control, the patients had no diurnal variation in urine output and greater nocturnal urine production, associated with a lack of nocturnal increase in ADH level. Compared with the baseline urine output, desmopressin significantly decreased night-time (23.00-08.00 hour) urine output in the patients (P < 0.05). Desmopressin significantly increased the osmolality of night-time urine (P < 0.05), and there was no systemic adverse reaction.

CONCLUSIONS

Severe nocturia in a large proportion of elderly men with lower urinary tract symptoms is caused by nocturnal polyuria and natriuresis, because they have no nocturnal increase in ADH. These results suggest that desmopressin may be effective in decreasing nocturnal urine production in patients with severe nocturia who do not respond to conventional treatment.

Nocturnal polyuria in community-dwelling women

OBJECTIVE

To determine the age prevalence of nocturnal polyuria among older women in the community, and to investigate the relationship between nocturnal polyuria and nocturia.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In all, 1183 women aged > or = 50 years, who were registered with a family doctor practice and who had taken part in a prevalence study, were sent brief questionnaires and a frequency/volume chart (FVC) to complete.

RESULTS

There were 227 FVCs with adequate data and 264 completed questionnaires available for analysis. The prevalence of nocturnal polyuria increased disproportionately with age. There was no clear relationship between nocturia or nocturnal polyuria and daytime frequency, nor was there a clear relationship between diuretic use and nocturnal polyuria.

CONCLUSION

Nocturnal polyuria is common among women in the community and not obviously related to daytime frequency. Night-time symptoms are common in women as well as men, and are troublesome to them.

Nocturia, nocturnal polyuria, and sleep quality in the elderly

Nocturia is a common symptom in the elderly, which profoundly influences general health and quality of life. One consequence of nocturia is sleep deterioration, with increased daytime sleepiness and loss of energy and activity. Accidents, e.g., fall injuries, are increased both at night and in the daytime in elderly persons with nocturia. Nocturia is caused by nocturnal polyuria, a reduced bladder capacity, or a combination of the two. Nocturnal polyuria can be caused by numerous diseases, such as diabetes insipidus, diabetes mellitus, congestive heart failure, and sleep apnoea. In the nocturnal polyuria syndrome (NPS), the 24-h diuresis is normal or only slightly increased, while there is a shift in diuresis from daytime to night. NPS is caused by a disturbance of the vasopressin system, with a lack of nocturnal increase in plasma vasopressin or, in some cases, no detectable levels of the hormone at any time of the 24-h period. The calculated prevalence of NPS is about 3% in an elderly population, with no gender difference. In NPS, there are serious sleep disturbances, partly due to the need to get up for micturition, but there is also increased difficulty in falling asleep after nocturnal awakenings and increased sleepiness in the morning. The treatment of NPS may include avoidance of excessive fluid intake, use of diuretics medication in the afternoon rather than the morning, and desmopressin orally at bedtime.