Current guidelines and treatment paradigms for nocturnal polyuria: A "NEW" disease state for US physicians, patients and payers

Association of nocturia with cardiovascular and all-cause mortality: a prospective cohort study with up to 31 years of follow-up

Background

Nocturia is a highly prevalent and under-considered condition and impacts the quality of life for many individuals. The long-term impact of nocturnal voiding on mortality, especially mortality from cardiovascular disease, remains unknown. The current study aimed to evaluate the relationship of nocturnal voiding episodes with cardiovascular and all-cause mortality among adults in the United States.

Methods

This is a prospective cohort study of a nationally representative sample of 13,862 U.S. adults aged 20 years or older who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III (1988-1994). Nighttime urination frequency was reported during an in-house interview. All-cause and cause-specific mortality were ascertained by linking to National Death Index mortality data through December 31, 2019. The associations of nocturia with cardiovascular and all-cause mortality were estimated using weighted Cox proportional hazards regression models.

Results

Throughout a median follow-up of 26.7 years, 5,029 deaths were reported, comprising 1,720 deaths from cardiovascular disease. In the fully adjusted model, participants who reported once, twice, and three or more times nocturnal voiding episodes have a higher risk of cardiovascular mortality (HR1, 1.22 [95% CI, 0.997-1.49], HR2, 1.47 [95% CI, 1.13-1.91], and HR ≥ 3, 1.96 [95% CI, 1.52-2.53]) as well as all-cause mortality (HR1, 1.12 [95% CI, 0.90-1.39], HR2, 1.54 [95% CI, 1.23-1.93], and HR ≥ 3, 2.48 [95% CI, 1.81-3.40]), compared to those without nocturia, and heart disease-specific mortality (HR1, 1.33 [95% CI, 1.08-1.64], HR2, 1.62 [95% CI, 1.25-2.10], and HR≥3, 2.07 [95% CI, 1.61-2.67]). Nevertheless, there was no significant relationship between the number of nocturia episode changes and stroke-specific mortality.

Conclusion

Nocturia was associated with a significantly augmented risk of overall and heart disease-specific mortality in a dosage-dependent manner. Early recognition and taking precautions may benefit individuals with nocturia by promoting quality of life and cardiac health.

Desmopressin treatment for nocturia caused by nocturnal polyuria: practical guidelines

Introduction

Desmopressin is an effective and safe therapy for nocturia caused by nocturnal polyuria. However, many physicians are unsure about the proper diagnosis of nocturnal polyuria and the identification of patients who may benefit from desmopressin treatment. Therefore, to support urologists in their routine clinical practice, the aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive paradigm for diagnosing nocturnal polyuria with recommendations for the use of desmopressin.

Material and methods

A multidisciplinary group of experts reviewed the available literature. Findings were compiled into a practice-based approach for workup and treatment.

Results

We designed the nocturia diagnostic pathway to confirm nocturnal polyuria, identify possible causes of nocturnal polyuria, and classify patients with indications and contraindications for desmopressin therapy. A bladder diary remains a basic diagnostic tool. Underlying conditions that may lead to nocturnal polyuria include mainly cardiac insufficiency, arterial hypertension, chronic kidney failure, obstructive sleep apnea, peripheral edema, and excessive fluid intake at night. Treatment for nocturia caused by nocturnal polyuria is based on conservative management and pharmacotherapy, but pharmacological treatment should not precede a prior attempt at conservative treatment. Before administration of desmopressin, patients should be assessed for serum sodium concentration and carefully educated about the symptoms of hyponatremia. Older individuals or persons with risk factors for the development of hyponatremia should be checked regularly for hyponatremia during desmopressin therapy.

Conclusions

People with nocturia due to nocturnal polyuria should be evaluated carefully before initiating desmopressin treatment. Patients treated with desmopressin should be followed for both clinical efficacy and treatment-related adverse effects.

[Diagnostic and therapeutic approach to nocturia in Primary Care]

Nocturia is the interruption of the main sleep, one or more times, due to the need for urination. It is associated with a decrease in the quality of life and an increase in mortality. It is a complex and multifactorial symptom in which two pathophysiological mechanisms are mainly involved. These occur alone or in combination as nocturnal polyuria or decreased bladder capacity. Nocturnal polyuria is the most frequent. The preparation of a bladder diary is the key to diagnosis. Treatment usually combines lifestyle changes and drug therapy. Desmopressin has proven to be an effective and well-tolerated treatment in patients with nocturnal polyuria. The risk of hyponatraemia should be controlled in patients treated with desmopressin.