Acupuncture therapy in the management of persistent primary nocturnal enuresis--preliminary results

Effect of laser acupuncture on monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis in adolescent females: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Nocturnal enuresis (NE) is prevalent in children and adolescents and affects their social life later. Therefore, the objective of this study was to ascertain laser acupuncture (LA) therapy's effect on NE in adolescent females.

METHODS

Sixty adolescent females diagnosed with chronic monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (MNE) were randomly divided into two equal groups: The intervention group (received LA and desmopressin) and the control group (received desmopressin only) (n = 30 each). Treatment was delivered and LA was used three times a week for 12 successive weeks. Abdominal ultrasonography and voiding calendar were used to assess bladder capacity and maximum voiding volume (MVV), respectively. The frequency of bed wetness was assessed throughout the trial period in a diary.

RESULTS

Statistically significant differences were reported in the intervention group. Bladder capacity significantly increased in the intervention group (LA and desmopressin) than in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study suggest the beneficial influences of LA on MNE, despite the very poor quality of the literature's available evidence.

Alarm therapy and desmopressin in the treatment of patients with nocturnal enuresis

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to compare the rates of success, relapse, and compliance to treatment in patients undergoing alarm therapy or receiving desmopressin for primary monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (PMNE).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study was performed by reviewing the medical files of patients undergoing alarm therapy (Group 1) or receiving desmopressin (Group 2) for PMNE, between January 2010 and July 2014. Patients undergoing treatment in the 3^rd and 6^th month as well as 1^st year follow-up data were analyzed. Two groups were compared with regard to treatment success, relapse rate, and compliance to treatment.

RESULTS

Group 1 included 64 and Group 2 included 70 children. Relapse rates at the 3^rd month, 6^th month, and 1^st year were 67.2%, 71.9%, and 17.0% for Group 1 and 74.3%, 80.0%, and 21.4% for Group 2, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between relapse rates at any point of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Alarm therapy and desmopressin have the same success rate and relapse rates for PMNE. Compliance with alarm therapy is higher and we recommend it as the first-line treatment. On the other hand, desmopressin has low side effects and can also be used.

Acupuncture points used in the prophylaxis against recurrent uncomplicated cystitis, patterns identified and their possible relationship to physiological measurements

OBJECTIVE

To explore the correlation between single acupoints used and the recurrence rate of cystitis among cystitis-prone women receiving acupuncture as a prophylactic treatment.

METHODS

In all, 58 cystitis-prone women were included in the analysis. Customised acupuncture treatments were given twice a week, over 4 weeks. The main effect parameter was the number of cystitis episodes during the 6-month observation time. Residual urine was measured at baseline, 2, 4 and 6 months using portable ultrasound equipment. Sympathetic and vagotone nerve activities were measured by using skin conductance and respiratory sinus arrhythmia, respectively.

RESULTS

The main acupoints used for patients with Kidney (Shen) qi/yang deficiency were Shenshu (BL23), Taixi (KI3), Zhongji (CV3), Sanyinjiao (SP6) and Pangguangshu (BL28), compared with Taichong (LR3), CV3, BL28, Yinlingquan (SP9) and SP6 for Liver (Gan) qi stagnation, and SP6, CV3, BL28, Zusanli (ST36) and SP9 for Spleen (Pi) qi/yang deficiency patients. The combination BL23 and KI3 were used in 16 women, 13 of which were Kidney pattern related patients. When used, the number of symptomatic episodes were reduced to a third compared with what occurred in the 42 women where this combination was not used (3/16 vs. 28/42, P<0.05). BL23 application correlated to a significant reduction in residual urine measured a few days after treatment. Patients with the pattern of Spleen qi/yang deficiency had an initial increase in residual urine after treatments.

CONCLUSION

Treating Kidney pattern related patients with the combination of BL23 and KI3 resulted in far better outcome than other points/combination of points for other Chinese medicine diagnoses. The acupoint SP6 may be less indicated than previously assumed when treating cystitis-prone women prophylactically.

Combined laser acupuncture and desmopressin for treating resistant cases of monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis: a randomized comparative study

OBJECTIVE

Monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (MNE) is a common sociomedical problem affecting children that may persist until adulthood despite various lines of therapy. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of combined laser acupuncture and desmopressin in managing patients with resistant MNE, compared with their efficacy when used as monotherapy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study included 186 patients with a mean age of 15.7 years (range 10-21 years) presenting with persistent MNE. All patients were evaluated clinically and investigated with urine analysis, plain X-ray of the urinary tract and abdominal ultrasonography. They were randomized into three equal groups based on the line of management: group A, managed with laser acupuncture alone; group B, managed with desmopressin alone; and group C, managed with a combination of laser acupuncture and desmopressin, with a treatment course of 3 months and follow-up period of 6 months to record the efficacy of therapy, side-effects and bladder capacity.

RESULTS

A statistically significant higher cure rate was reported in group C patients, being reported in 33, 35 and 46 patients in groups A, B and C, respectively. Improvement was reported in 18, 17 and 13 cases in groups A, B and C, respectively, but the difference was not statistically significant. Bladder capacity significantly increased only in patients receiving acupuncture (groups A and C).

CONCLUSION

Combined laser acupuncture and desmopressin is a promising and valid option to manage resistant cases of MNE.

Chinese medicine and the surgeon

The surgeon aims at a direct, complete removal of the pathology. In spite of the modern advancements of imaging facilities and precision instrumentations, unsatisfactory results and recurrences are not uncommon. This paper provides a general review of the four specific areas in surgery that would benefit from Chinese medicine. Extensive searches were made on four surgical areas based on available English language journals, viz. low-back pain, chronic ulcers, renal calculus, and enuresis in children, in the past 10 years. The quoted communications are mainly related to clinical evidences, while a smaller number of crucial laboratory reports are also included. Low-back pain, a most frequent orthopaedic problem, would benefit from acupuncture treatment. Chronic leg ulcers could achieve better results of healing using herbal supplements. Problems of renal stones, besides the conventional methods of removal, could be further supplemented with herbal drinks that aim at prevention of recurrences. Enuresis in children, an untreatable common condition, may respond well to acupuncture. Surgeons should keep an open mind. In case of difficulties, they could seriously consider options of traditional treatment.

[Evaluation and management of enuresis. An update]

Enuresis is defined as nocturnal bed wetting for at least 2 nights per month in children older than 5 years. At this age the prevalence of enuresis is about 15-20%. More than 50% of these children show day time symptoms, such as frequency, urgency and incontinence (non-monosymptomatic enuresis). The other children are asymptomatic during day time and wet the bed during the night time (monosymptomatic enuresis). The main pathogenetic factors are nycturia, detrusor overactivity and reduced arousability. Psychological and psychiatric aspects, genetics and obstipation play an additional role in the etiology. Basic diagnostic investigations are mandatory before treatment. Clinical history, physical examination, sonography of the urinary tract, urinalysis and bladder diary are prerequisites before any therapeutic steps are taken. The cornerstones of primary enuresis therapy are general lifestyle advice, pharmacotherapy and alarm devices. Therapy-resistant children deserve further evaluation and a multidisciplinary therapy approach. After careful evaluation specific therapy is efficient in approximately 80% of patients.

Chiropractic treatment for primary nocturnal enuresis: a case series of 33 consecutive patients

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a specific type of chiropractic treatment on the wet night frequency of patients between the ages of 3 and 18 years who were treated for primary nocturnal enuresis (PNE) in the chiropractic setting.

CLINICAL FEATURES

Thirty-three consecutive patient records, dating over a 3-year period, of children 3 to 18 years old who had been treated for PNE using a form of chiropractic treatment method (NeuroImpulse Protocol) were included.

INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME

All patient records were analyzed for a baseline wet night frequency and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after the commencement of treatment. Data were collected regarding the number of treatment visits over the 12-month period and the presence of constipation and/or positive family history at presentation. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Friedman's test, and Dunn's Multiple Comparison test. Of the 33 patient records analyzed, 22 showed resolution of PNE during the 12 months after commencement of chiropractic care. The mean number of treatments in the responders group was 2.05 +/- 1.33. Ten responders presented with constipation and a further 8 with a positive family history of PNE. Resolution of constipation was noted to be essential to the successful response to treatment. A combination of constipation and positive family history at presentation represented a poor prognostic factor.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a 66.6% resolution rate within 1 year in 33 consecutive children and teenagers who experienced PNE. This study provides an indication for possible effectiveness of chiropractic treatment in patients with PNE.

Pediatric acupuncture: a review of clinical research

Practiced in China for more than 2000 years, acupuncture has recently gained increased attention in the United States as an alternative treatment approach for a variety of medical conditions. Despite its growing prevalence and anecdotal reports of success among pediatric populations, few empirically based studies have assessed the efficacy of acupuncture for children and adolescents. This article presents a review of the current literature, including a systematic appraisal of the methodological value of each study and a discussion of potential benefits and adverse effects of acupuncture. While acupuncture holds great promise as a treatment modality for diverse pediatric conditions, a significant amount of additional research is necessary to establish an empirical basis for the incorporation of acupuncture into standard care.

An exploration of outcome criteria in nocturnal enuresis treatmentThe way forward

This paper is a review of outcome definitions and criteria for nocturnal enuresis treatment. A search of the literature published between 1991 and 2001 highlighted 97 papers. Although the International Children's Continence Society and the World Health Organization have published outcome criteria, different, often idiosyncratic, outcome criteria and/or definitions have been adopted in published research on treatment for nocturnal enuresis in recent years. There remains a debate as to what constitutes successful treatment and how to document improvement. Lack of an agreed definition of outcome reduces confidence in comparing studies, with serious clinical and research implications. This paper reviews aspects of importance in determining outcome, including a suggestion to focus on the establishment of dry nights rather than the reduction of wet nights. A new set of criteria is suggested, consisting of a banding system referred to as a "dryness scale", which focuses on the percentage of dry nights accomplished at a point in time, thus eliminating the need to compare current levels of dryness with a baseline.

The evaluation and treatment of therapy-resistant enuresis: a review

Children with enuresis that neither responds to the alarm or to desmopressin medication usually have nocturnal detrusor over-activity combined with high arousal thresholds as a cause for their bedwetting. The evaluation of these children is focused on 1) excluding underlying pathology such as kidney disease, urinary tract infection or neurogenic bladder, 2) looking for concomitant day-time bladder problems or constipation, and 3) detecting possible reasons for failure of alarm treatment. A bladder diary is essential, but blood tests, radiological examinations or invasive procedures are seldom informative. The non-pharmacologic treatment of these children consists of eradication of constipation, if present, and the provision of advice regarding sound drinking and toilet habits. Such treatment is essential but not uniformly sufficient by itself. The first-line pharmacologic treatment of therapy-resistant enuresis is anticholinergic medication, although this is, as yet, not evidence-based. Anticholinergics can be combined with desmopressin for better efficiency. For children failing all these measures there is still a place for tricyclic antidepressant therapy, provided that adequate safety precautions are strictly observed.

Acupuncture for nocturnal enuresis in children: a systematic review and exploration of rationale

OBJECTIVES

This review identified reports of acupuncture for childhood nocturnal enuresis, with the aim of ascertaining whether acupuncture is efficacious and or better than standard therapy for treating enuresis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Studies of children of either gender <18 years of age who received acupuncture treatment for nocturnal enuresis, were considered. The primary outcome measure was change in the mean number of wet episodes following treatment. Electronic searching was supplemented by hand searching of western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) journals along with English language alternative medicine journals. Trials were assessed for quality and sources of bias. Meta-analysis was performed and the overall weighted odds ratio (OR) and associated 95% confidence interval (CI) were computed using the fixed effect model; the Forest plot was used to demonstrate results.

RESULTS

Two hundred six abstracts were identified, of which 11 studies were eligible for data extraction. All the trials were of low methodological quality. There was some evidence that acupuncture is useful for nocturnal enuresis when used in conjunction with other treatment that may also include a different form of acupuncture (OR 3.98, CI: 2.2-7.2). When one form of acupuncture is compared with another there was marked heterogeneity, implying that some forms of acupuncture are effective.

CONCLUSION

This review provides tentative evidence for the efficacy of acupuncture for the treatment of childhood nocturnal enuresis. Due to the low methodological quality of studies, evidence to identify, which parameters of acupuncture work best, is lacking. More rigorous trials are clearly warranted.

Neuromodulation in pediatrics

Several neuromodulatory options are available for selected children who have voiding dysfunction resistant to conventional therapy. Integral to all types of treatment is an educated team that reinforces progress rather than cure and encourages long-term behavioral changes.

[Laser acupuncture as third-line therapy for primary nocturnal enuresis. First results of a prospective study]

Laser acupuncture is a painless, non-invasive, and cost effective treatment for children with therapy resistant monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis. This kind of acupuncture is an alternative treatment with positive results. Currently, we are treating 24 children (22 males, 2 females) out of a planned 200 children aged between 5 and 12 years. These patients have had a classic monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis. Up to now, school medicine therapy has been unsuccessful. Over 3 months, we treated the children once a week with acupuncture, inserting at the following points: medial Ren 3, bilateral Ma 36, bilateral Mi 6, bilateral Bl 33, medial Ren 6, medial Ex B5.A better enuresis frequency was achieved in 21 out of the 24 children (87.5%). Before the end of the 12th treatment, six of the 24 children (25%) were completely dry and 16 (66.6%) had an enuresis frequency reduced by more than half after the 12th treatment.

Acupressure versus oxybutinin in the treatment of enuresis

We aimed to assess the efficacy of acupressure for treating nocturnal enuresis, compared with oxybutinin. Acupressure was administered to 12 patients by their parents, who had been taught the technique. Pressure was applied at acupuncture points Gv4, Gv15, Gv20, B23, B28, B32, H7, H9, St36, Sp4, Sp6, Sp12, Ren2, Ren3, Ren6, K3 and K5. Twelve control patients received 0.4 mg/kg oxybutinin. Parents were asked to record incidences of bed-wetting and patients and/or parents completed a questionnaire 15 days and 1, 3 and 6 months after the start of treatment. Complete and partial responses after 6 months of treatment were seen in 83.3% and 16.7%, respectively, of patients treated with acupressure, and in 58.3% and 33.3%, respectively, of children who received oxybutinin. In conclusion, nocturnal enuresis can be partially treated by oxybutinin but acupressure could be an alternative non-drug therapy. Acupressure has the advantages of being non-invasive, painless and cost-effective.

Nocturnal enuresis: behavioral treatments

Nocturnal enuresis is a common problem. Physiologic and environmental factors are thought to have a role in the etiology and treatment of this condition. This article discusses the association between enuresis and behavioral or emotional problems. Common behavioral treatments are described, and evidence for their efficacy is reviewed. A brief discussion of hypnosis and acupuncture is included.

Nocturnal enuresis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this review is to highlight and comment upon important areas of enuresis research.

RECENT FINDINGS

Current areas of pathophysiological focus are nocturnal urine production, in which alternative mechanisms other than deficient vasopressin secretion has been implicated in some patients. Bladder reservoir function has gained renewed interest, and has proved to be one of the best predictors of treatment response to desmopressin. Various aspects of central nervous system function, including arousability and pontine reflexes, are in focus, and molecular genetics has provided firm evidence of a link between enuresis and different chromosomal markers. The therapeutic focus is directed towards a differential approach based upon the underlying mechanism and towards combination therapies such as alarm devices and desmopressin as well as anticholinergic agents and desmopressin. Furthermore, new exciting treatment concepts such as laser acupuncture have shown promising results in initial studies.

SUMMARY

Despite recent advances in our understanding of nocturnal enuresis, we are still far from understanding in detail this socially discomfiting and scientifically intriguing condition, and many controversies remain. However, the substantiation that enuresis is a heterogeneous condition that requires a differential approach has provided the basis for further progress.