Epidemiology of enuresis in Turkish children

Assessment of Voiding Dysfunction and Nocturnal Enuresis Rates in Primary School Children in Nablus, Palestine: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background

Voiding dysfunction (VD) is a frequent reason for primary care referrals to urologists and pediatric urologists. VD symptoms include urine incontinence (UI), urinary tract infection (UTI), hyperactive bladder, and constipation. Early detection of Nocturnal enuresis is critical due to its high frequency and the consequences for families and children regarding psychological and behavioral aspects.

Objectives

This study aims to determine the prevalence of voiding disorder in Palestine and its relationship to demographic, family, and behavioral risk factors.

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Methods

This study administered a 2-part validated questionnaire to the mothers of primary school-age children who had no history of urological disease between December 2022 and March 2023.

Results

Out of 169 children; daytime incontinence was found in 39 (23.2%) of the sample, whereas nocturnal enuresis was found in 49 (28.4%). Age was significantly correlated with voiding dysfunction, in which 25 (55.6%) were under the age of 7 years (P = .025).

Conclusion

According to our data, VD is a widespread health issue in primary school. Expanding our understanding of voiding dysfunction is important to eliminate the social stigma associated with voiding disorder and encourage parents and children to seek treatments and therapies. Furthermore, raising awareness will aid in early diagnosis, resulting in fewer long-term problems and earlier treatments. Raising awareness can be accomplished through educational programs focusing on primary care screening.

Sleep-Disordered Breathing and Its Association with Nocturnal Enuresis at the Primary Schools in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

The correlation between nocturnal enuresis (NE) and sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) was reported. We aim to determine whether there is an association between NE and SDB in children and to assess the prevalence of SDB and NE in primary school children aged 6-12 years in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among the caregivers of children aged 6-12 years in all Saudi Arabia regions. The data were gathered through a self-administered online questionnaire. It included demographic information, weight and height, and associated comorbidities, in addition to the weekly frequencies of snoring symptoms and of enuresis, as well as of unrefreshing sleep using Likert-type response scales. Counts and percentages, the mean ± standard deviation, chi-square test, independent samples t-test, and regression analysis were used in the statistical analysis using R v 3.6.3. The questionnaire was completed by 686 respondents. Most respondents did not report any comorbidities in their children (77.1%). Asthma and adenotonsillar hypertrophy were reported in 16.2% and 15.6% of children, respectively. Unrefreshing sleep, mouth breathing at night, snoring, chronic nasal obstruction, and difficulty breathing while asleep were reported once or twice per week in 38%, 34%, 28%, 18%, and 18% of children, respectively. The prevalence of NE was 22.3%, with about 36.6% of children having NE two or more times per week. Significantly, NE was reported in 26.6% of children who slept before 10 PM compared to 19% of children who slept after 10 PM; in 28.6% of children who snored or loudly snored (57.1%) three times or more per week; and in 51.2% and 27.5% of children with difficulty breathing while asleep and who breathed through their mouth at night for one or two nights per week, respectively. A multivariable regression analysis showed that male gender (OR = 1.52, p = 0.010), obesity (OR = 1.24, p = 0.028), early sleeping time (OR = 1.40, p = 0.048), loud snoring for three or more nights per week (OR = 1.54, p = 0.001), difficulty breathing for one or two nights per week (OR = 1.85, p = 0.010), and mouth breathing at night for one or two nights per week (OR = 1.55, p = 0.049) were associated with higher odds of NE. Our study revealed that 22.3% of primary school children reported suffering from NE. SDB is a common problem among children with NE. The exact mechanism that links SDB to the increase in the risk of NE is unknown. Male gender, obesity, early sleeping time, loud snoring, difficulty breathing, and mouth breathing at night are potential independent risk factors of NE in school-age children.

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.

Current perspectives on the correlation of nocturnal enuresis with obstructive sleep apnea in children

BACKGROUND

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and nocturnal enuresis (NE) are common clinical problems in children. OSA and NE are thought to be interrelated, but the exact pathophysiological mechanisms are not yet clear. This review aims to explain the possible pathogenesis of NE in children with OSA.

DATE SOURCES

We have retrieved all relevant original articles from Database that have been published so far, including the prevalence studies of NE and OSA in children, sleep characteristic studies that use polysomnography (PSG) to focus on children with NE, and studies on the relationship between OSA and NE.

RESULTS

Clinical studies have revealed that the risk of NE in children with OSA was increased compared with that of their healthy peers. This increased risk may be associated with sleep disorders, bladder instability, detrusor overactivity, nocturnal polyuria, endocrine and metabolic disorders, and inflammation.

CONCLUSIONS

Cardiopulmonary and renal reflex-induced neuroendocrine disorder may play an important role in the mechanism of NE in children with OSA, but this remains to be confirmed by animal studies. Other causes such as oxidative stress and inflammatory responses need to be further researched.

Can Seasons be an Etiologic Factor for Monosymptomatic Nocturnal Enuresis?

Introduction

Primary nocturnal enuresis is the most frequent urinary system complaint among pediatric patients. 

Material and Methods

Data compiled from 5,500 children, aged between five to 16 years, diagnosed with enuresis during the period from January 2010 to December 2015 were analyzed. The inclusion criteria were having a diagnosis of monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis, a birth date known for certain, and complete family history taken. A total of 3,547 children met the inclusion criteria and were included in the study. The study was performed by retrospective analyses. 

Results

Analysis of the results revealed a statistically significant difference among the rates of enuresis with respect to months and seasons (p < 0.001). In our study, we retrospectively reevaluated 3,500 patients for their birth dates and determined a statistically significant difference in the rates of nocturnal enuresis with respect to seasons (p < 0.001). 

Conclusion

As a result of this study, we determined that monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis in children is more frequent, particularly in those born during the summer months.

Prevalence and Perception of Nocturnal Enuresis in Children of a Rural Community in Southwestern Nigeria

Nocturnal enuresis after the fifth year of life is a distressing problem. In Nigeria, there is a dearth of information about the condition. This cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the prevalence and perception of the condition among children in Igbo-Ora, a rural community in southwestern Nigeria.

Four hundred parents/guardians were interviewed and information obtained on 644 children aged 6–12 years. Overall enuresis prevalence was 17.6% (19.9% among boys and 14.9% among girls). The reported causes of nocturnal enuresis included urinary tract infection (33.5%), excessive play (27.5%) and deep sleep (25%). A majority (74.5%) of the respondents would use herbs or traditional medicine to treat enuresis, while only 6.8% of the respondents sought orthodox healthcare facilities for its management. Only 18 (25%) of the 71 parents/guardians with enuretic children had ever consulted a health worker. The misconceptions and inappropriate enuresis management methods among the parents/guardians require health education intervention.

Prevalence of nocturnal enuresis and its influence on quality of life in school-aged children

OBJECTIVE

According to the ICCS definitions, enuresis is defined by an intermittent, wetting during sleep after organic causes have been ruled out with a minimum wetting frequency of once per month. Previous studies reported a prevalence rate of 9-12%. Eighty to 90% of enuresis cases are identified as primary enuresis and are based on genetic predisposition, biological and developmental factors. On the other hand, secondary enuresis frequently arises from psychological factors. In this study we aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of nocturnal enuresis (NE) among primary school children.

METHOD

We initiated a prospective cross-sectional epidemiological study from January 2013 to May 2013 by sending a questionnaire to parents of 4250 school children, aged 6-13 years. The questionnaire consisted of three parts. The first part investigated the demographic characteristics of the child and family, such as age, gender, number of siblings, and enuresis history of the parents and siblings. The second part consisted of questions about the presence and frequency of bedwetting, presence of constipation/fecal incontinence, and presence of daytime incontinence (DI). The last part surveyed school performance and the effect of enuresis on quality of life of parents and children. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the significant predictive factors for NE.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of enuresis was 9.52%. The prevalence of NE among boys and girls was 12.4% and 6.5%, respectively. Daytime incontinence was present in 18% of children. Of enuretic children, 59.2% had a positive family history of enuresis. Constipation was found in 13.2% of children with enuresis and there was no significant association between NE and the presence of constipation. In addition, 48% of enuretic children had poor school performance.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study demonstrated that age, male gender, parents' history of enuresis, and siblings' history of enuresis were significant predictive factors for NE. The majority of the parents did not have adequate interest in enuretic children and most of the children were not treated. Physicians should inform parents of enuretic children with the aim of solving this problem to prevent future issues and development of adulthood lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).

Prevalence of enuresis nocturna among a group of primary school children living in Diyarbakır

OBJECTIVE

In this study, the prevalence of enuresis nocturna (EN) was investigated among primary school children living in Diyarbakır.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Five primary schools in the center of Diyarbakir and a village primary school were selected randomly. Four thousand and five hundred self-administered questionnaires were distributed to parents; 4300 were returned, and 4203 of these questionnaires were included in this study.

RESULTS

Of the children participating in the study, 52.2% of them were boys and 47.8% of them were girls. The mean age of the children was 8.66±1.61 (6-15) years, and the mean number of siblings was 4.03±2.06 (0-13). The prevalence of nocturnal enuresis was determined to be 25.9% (1087) among 4203 children, and it was more common in boys than in girls (27.8 and 23.7%, respectively). The rate of a positive family history in the nocturnal enuresis, and nonenuretic groups were 64.8, and 35.2%, respectively. The average number of siblings in the enuretic, and nonenuretic groups were 4.49±2.65, and 3.87±2.57, respectively Socioeconomic level of the families of enuretic children was worse than that of nonenuretic children. Enuretic children had episodes of bedwetting (92.3%) during night hours or both day and night (8.7 %).The number of bed wetting incidents per week was 4.1±2.2. A minority (5.7%) of the families believed that the condition resolved without any treatment.

CONCLUSION

Family history, a low socioeconomic level and an increased number of children were factors that increased the frequency of enuresis nocturna in our region.

Nocturnal enuresis with spina bifida occulta: Does it interfere behavioral management success?

PURPOSE

We aimed to investigate the incidence of spina bifida occulta (SBO) in patients with nocturnal enuresis (NE) and its effect on the success of behavioral interventions. We also aimed to identify predictive factors related to success of behavioral interventions.

METHODS

A total of 163 patients with NE and 160 patients without NE were enrolled to study. Urinalysis, urine culture, biochemical evaluation, plain radiography and urinary system ultrasonography were performed before treatment. Patients with NE received behavioral interventions for 3 months. Response to behavioral interventions was analyzed according to the presence and absence of SBO. Possible predictive factors for treatment success were also evaluated.

RESULTS

Spina bifida occulta was detected in 47 (28.8 %) children at NE group and 24 (15.0 %) at control group (p = 0.138). Non-monosymptomatic NE was more prevalent in patients with SBO (p < 0.001), and response to the treatment was significantly lower (p = 0.037). Presence of SBO (OR 8.8, 95 % CI 3.1-25.6), NE severity (OR 7.2, 95 % CI 2.4-21.7) and NE frequency on 3-day voiding diary (OR 9.4, 95 % CI 3.7-24.3) were significantly related to the success.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of SBO, severe NE and higher frequency of NE in voiding diary affect the response to behavioral interventions. Other treatment options such as medical treatment or enuresis alarm may be recommended for those patients.

Prevalence of nocturnal enuresis and its associated factors in primary school and preschool children of khorramabad in 2013

Background. Nocturnal enuresis refers to an inability to control urination during sleep. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of nocturnal enuresis and its associated factors in children in the city of Khorramabad. Materials and Methods. In this descriptive-analytic, cross-sectional study, 710 male and female children were divided into two groups with equal numbers. The samples were selected from the schools of Khorramabad using the multistage cluster and stratified random sampling methods based on the diagnostic criteria of DSM-IV. The data was analyzed using the logistic regression. Results. The results showed that 8% of the children had nocturnal enuresis, including 5.2% of primary nocturnal enuresis and 2.8% of secondary nocturnal enuresis. The prevalence of nocturnal enuresis in the boys (10.7%) was higher compared with that in the girls (5.4%) (P = 0.009). There were statistically significant relationships between nocturnal enuresis and history of nocturnal enuresis in siblings (P = 0.023), respiratory infections (P = 0.036), deep sleep (P = 0.007), corporal punishment at school (P = 0.036), anal itching (P = 0.043), and history of seizures (P = 0.043). Conclusion. This study showed that the prevalence of nocturnal enuresis in the boys was higher compared with that in the girls.

Prevalence of daytime urinary incontinence and related risk factors in primary school children in Turkey

Purpose

Urinary incontinence is one of the major urinary symptoms in children and adolescents and can lead to major distress for the affected children and their parents. In accordance with the definitions of the Standardization Committee of the International Children's Continence Society, daytime urinary incontinence (DUI) is uncontrollable leakage of urine during the day. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the prevalence and associated risk factors of DUI in Turkish primary school children.

Materials and Methods

The questionnaire, which covered sociodemographic variables and the voiding habits of the children, was completed by the parents of 2,353 children who were attending primary school in Denizli, a developing city of Turkey. The children's voiding habits were evaluated by use of the Dysfunctional Voiding and Incontinence Symptoms Score, which is a validated questionnaire. Children with a history of neurological or urological diseases were excluded.

Results

The participation rate was 91.9% (2,164 people). The overall prevalence of DUI was 8.0%. The incidence of DUI tended to decrease with increasing age and was not significantly different between genders (boys, 8.8%; girls, 7.3%; p=0.062). Age, maternal education level, family history of daytime wetting, settlement (urban/rural), history of constipation, urinary tract infection, and urgency were independent risk factors of DUI.

Conclusions

Our findings showed that DUI is a common health problem in primary school children. In an effort to increase awareness of children's voiding problems and the risk factors for urinary dysfunction in the population, educational programs and larger school-based screening should be carried out, especially in regions with low socioeconomic status.

Prevalence and factors affecting enuresis amongst primary school children

Aims and Objectives:

The aim of the study was to establish the prevalence of enuresis in school children and to determine contributing factors along with treatment methods used in these children.

Materials and Methods:

The parents of 1473 children aged between 6-10 years completed a self-administered semi-structured questionnaire. Socio-demographic profiles, enuresis data, medical and psychiatric disorders and family stressors were collected. The data was analyzed and the results presented.

Results:

The response rate was 89.22%. The overall prevalence of enuresis was 7.61%. Enuresis was more common in boys. A positive family history of enuresis was seen in 28.57% children; 14.29% of the children had daytime wetting as well. Only 24.11% of the parents had taken their child to a doctor for the problem. Family stressors, significant birth history and lower socioeconomic status was present to a larger extent in the enuretic group. Scholastic backwardness was also an important factor in this group.

Conclusions:

This study reports on the prevalence of enuresis in school-going children and stresses on the need for parental education and awareness about this problem.

Prevalence and risk factors of monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis in Turkish children

Objectives

To determine the prevalence of primary monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (PMNE) and assess risk factors that can cause this disease.

Methods

After the determination of 15 primary schools in the provincial center of Ankara, questionnaires were given to 15,150 students to be answered by their parents. Detailed urologic history was obtained and physical examination applied to the students whose parents answered the questionnaire. After excluding children with polysymptomatic NE, 14060 questionnaires of MNE patients were evaluated. Demographic features with social and medical history of students and their parents, general approach of family to the children, school success of the students and general behavioral attitudes, method of toilet training and the presence of nocturnal enuresis were questioned.

Results

MNE was determined in 9.0% (n: 1266) of the students and nocturnal enuresis frequency was higher in boys than girls (P<0.05). Univariate analysis revealed gender, method of toilet training, sleep problems, school success, and general approach of the family to children and general behavioral attitudes of the children as significant factors. In logistic regression analysis; age, male gender, toilette training with threatening method, deep sleeper, sleep walking, being introverted and shy, significantly increases the risk of nocturnal enuresis.

Conclusions

The current study suggests that the methods of toilet training are extremely important to prevent bedwetting and behavioral disorders due to enuresis. Parents should be well-informed about the appropriate toilet training method.

The epidemiology and factors associated with nocturnal enuresis among boarding and daytime school children in southeast of Turkey: a cross sectional study

Background

Nocturnal enuresis is an important problem among young children living in Turkey. The purpose of this study was to determine the possible differences in the prevalence of enuresis between children in boarding school and daytime school and the association of enuresis with sociodemographic factors.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional survey. A total of 562 self-administered questionnaires were distrubuted to parents from two different types of schools. One of them was a day-time school and the other was a boarding school. To describe enuresis the ICD-10 definition of at least one wet night per month for three consecutive months was used. Chi-square test and a logistic regression model was used to identify significant predictive factors for enuresis.

Results

The overall prevalence of nocturnal enuresis was 14.9%. The prevalence of nocturnal enuresis declined with age. Of the 6 year old children 33.3% still wetted their beds, while the ratio was 2.6% for 15 years-olds. There was no significant difference in prevalence of nocturnal enuresis between boys and girls (14.3% versus 16. 8%). Enuresis was reported as 18.5% among children attending day time school and among those 11.5% attending boarding school (p < 0.05). Prevalence of enuresis was increased in children living in villages, with low income and with positive family history (p < 0.05). After multivariate analysis, history of urinary tract infection (OR = 2.02), age (OR = 1.28), low monthly income (OR = 2.86) and family history of enuresis (OR = 3.64) were factors associated with enuresis. 46.4% of parents and 57.1% of enuretic children were significantly concerned about the impact of enuresis.

Conclusion

Enuresis was more frequent among children attending daytime school when compared to boarding school. Our findings suggest that nocturnal enuresis is a common problem among school children, especially with low income, smaller age, family history of enuresis and history of urinary tract infection. Enuresis is a pediatric public health problem and efforts at all levels should be made such as preventive, etiological and curative.

Lower urinary tract symptoms in enuretic and nonenuretic children

PURPOSE

We determined the prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms in enuretic and nonenuretic children and adolescents in an urban community.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional survey including 296 children and adolescents in a small urban community. Trained medical students visited all homes and interviewed the parents or guardians. There were no refusals to participate. Results were analyzed using chi-square and McNemar statistics.

RESULTS

The enuresis rate was 10%, including 16.6% and 3.9% in children 5 to 10 years old and adolescents, respectively. The monosymptomatic enuresis rate was only 1.34%. Of those with vs without enuresis lower urinary tract symptoms were present in 86.7% vs 26.8% (p <0.001). In the nonenuretic group lower urinary tract symptoms were associated with nocturia (p = 0.008). The most common daytime urinary symptoms were urgency in 38.2% of cases, holding maneuvers in 30.4% and daytime incontinence in 27.5%. The prevalence rate decreased with age in the nonenuretic group (p = 0.013).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms was high. Nonmonosymptomatic enuresis was common and monosymptomatic enuresis was rare in this population based survey. In nonenuretic cases daytime symptoms were associated with nocturia, suggesting decreased bladder capacity with a mature arousal reaction.

Hyperventilation response in the electroencephalogram and psychiatric problems in children with primary monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of an increased hyperventilation (HV) response in the electroencephalogram and to compare the results of psychometric assessments and electroencephalography (EEG) patterns in children with and without primary monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis and in dry siblings of enuretics. We also compared the results of psychometric assessments and EEG patterns between enuretic and non-enuretic children.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study included 89 children divided into three groups: 41 with primary monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis, their 29 dry siblings and 19 with no history of voiding dysfunction (controls). Resting EEG changes were evaluated in all children. In addition to a psychiatric evaluation, the Maudsley Obsessive Compulsive Questionnaire, the Beck Child Depression Inventory and the State and Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children were used to assess obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression and anxiety, respectively.

RESULTS

The time at which real words were first spoken occurred significantly later in enuretic children (p<0.01). The frequency of EEG abnormalities was significantly higher in the enuresis group and in their dry siblings than in the control group (p<0.01). Additionally, as an indicator of cortical dysmaturity, an increased HV response was observed more often in enuretic children and their dry siblings than in the control group (p<0.001). Anxiety scores for the enuretic children were higher than those for the controls (p<0.01). There was no significant difference in psychiatric problems between the enuresis and control groups (p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The increased frequency of a high-level HV response in resting-state EEG recordings and the anxiety scores suggested that delayed cortical maturity and high anxiety may be important factors in the pathogenesis of primary monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis. The HV responses in the dry siblings of the enuretic children may emphasize the relationship between insufficient cerebral maturation and the genetic origin of nocturnal enuresis.

Incidence of Nocturnal Enuresis And Nocturia in Children with Tuberculosis

Nocturnal enuresis is a common problem and occurs in 15 to 20 percent of 5-year-old children. The etiology of nocturnal enuresis remains unknown and is probably multifactorial. In this study 52 children aged between 6-17 years with tuberculosis were questioned for nocturia and nocturnal enuresis, retrospectively. Nocturnal, enuresis was found in 12 (23%) and nocturia in 22 (42%) of the children, respectively. After specific treatment with antituberculosis drugs nocturnal enuresis and nocturia were improved in 5 and 21 children, respectively. However, it could not be explained why these disorders were much higher in children with tuberculosis than healthy children. The findings suggest that nocturnal enuresis and nocturia may be in a high frequency in children with tuberculosis; however, the authors think that prospective and more extensive studies should be performed to clarify these preliminary findings.

Prevalence of nocturnal enuresis, risk factors, associated familial factors and urinary pathology among school children in Iran

AIM

To estimate the prevalence of enuresis in school-age children in Iran and determine associated factors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 7562 children, aged 5-18 years, enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Using a standard questionnaire, data on demographic characteristics, and familial and physical conditions were obtained from the parents by interview. The ICD-10 definition of enuresis was used. In the case of enuretics, a detailed history was taken, and physical and ultrasonographic examinations, urinalysis and urine culture were performed.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of enuresis was 6.8%. A significant relationship was found between the prevalence of enuresis and age (P=0.001), educational level of parents (P=0.001), number of family members (P=0.028), positive family history of enuresis (P=0.001), parenting methods (P=0.001), and deep sleep (P=0.001). Birth weight (P=0.07), monthly income (P=0.322), employment status of parents (P=0.08), ethnic differences (P=0.09), delayed development (P=0.062), drinking (P=0.072) or urination habit before sleep (P=0.06), and stool incontinence (P=0.062) were not significantly associated with enuresis. Prevalence of urinary tract pathology was 2.9% in enuretics.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides a quantitative estimate of the prevalence and main risk factors for enuresis in Iranian children.

Bed-wetting in Chinese children: epidemiology and predictive factors

AIMS

To estimate the prevalence and severity of bed-wetting in 1-18-year-old Chinese children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study of bed-wetting was performed by using 13,515 self-administered questionnaires distributed to the parents of 1-18-year-old Chinese children in Henan province. The prevalence of bed-wetting was determined. The relationship of wetting to age, gender, community characteristics (rural or urban), arousal dysfunction, associated day-time symptoms (frequency, urgency, and incontinence), and family history were analyzed.

RESULTS

There was a response rate of 87% (5,978 boys and 5,786 girls). The overall prevalence of bed-wetting was 23.03% in those aged 1-4, 5.66% in those 5-12, and 1.37% in those 13-18. When a logistic regression analysis was applied to determine risk factors for the bed-wetting, a positive relationship was seen with male gender and living in rural areas. Further, living in rural areas, arousal dysfunction, and associated day symptoms were significantly related to more severe bed-wetting. Only 3.64% of the children had undergone professional evaluation.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of bed-wetting is significant in Chinese children, but lower than in most western countries, which is likely due to cultural differences. Living in rural areas, having arousal dysfunction, and having associated day-time symptoms may be predicative factors for marked bed-wetting.

Prevalence and associated factors of enuresis in turkish children

OBJECTIVE

Enuresis, which is frequently diagnosed amongst schoolchildren, is an important psychosocial problem for both parents and children. In the present study we aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of enuresis in Turkish children and to identify common methods for its management.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross sectional epidemiological study was performed among primary school children living in Ankara, Turkey. A self-administered questionnaire was prepared for this study and distributed to the parents of 1,500 schoolchildren whom aged 6-12 years.

RESULTS

Of the 1,500 questionnaires distributed, 1,339 (89%) were completed. The overall prevalence of nocturnal and diurnal enuresis were 17.5%(n=234) and 1.9% (n=25), respectively. Although male gender, low age, history of enuresis among parents, low educational level of the parents, deep sleep, increased number of siblings, increased number of people sleeping in the child's room, history of enuresis among siblings, poor school performance and history of recurrent urinary tract infections (UTI) were significantly associated with enuresis, but not with severe enuresis. The percentage of children with enuresis seen by physician for treatment was 17.2%. The most preferred treatment option for enuresis was medications (59.5%), whereas alarm treatment was the least preferred (2.4%).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results with enuresis prevalence and associated factors were comparable to other epidemiologic studies from various countries. Furthermore we demonstrated that families in Turkey do not pay sufficient attention to enuresis and most of enuretic children do not receive professional treatment.

Differences in characteristics of nocturnal enuresis between children and adolescents: a critical appraisal from a large epidemiological study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate any differences in the characteristics of primary nocturnal enuresis (PNE) between younger enuretic children and adolescents.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

In all, 21 000 questionnaires designed to determine the presence or absence of bed-wetting, diurnal incontinence, frequency of wetting, systemic illness, and family history, were sent to children aged 5-19 years from 67 kindergartens, primary schools and secondary schools randomly selected by a computer from different areas in Hong Kong. In addition, questions were asked to evaluate when and how the parents became aware that bed-wetting is a significant medical problem deserving attention in children after the age of 5 years.

RESULTS

Of the 21,000 questionnaires distributed, 16 512 (78.6%) were completed. Among the respondents, 512 children (302 boys, 210 girls) had PNE; of these, 106 (20.7%) also had daytime incontinence. There was a marked reduction in the overall prevalence of PNE with advancing age. At 5 years old, 16.1% of children had PNE (20.7% boys, 10.8% girls; at age 9 and 19 years, 3.14% and 2.2% of children had PNE, respectively. However, this reduction was significantly more apparent among those with mild enuretic symptoms (wet <3 nights/week) than in those with more frequent bed-wetting. Furthermore, younger enuretic children behaved very differently from adolescents and older patients. As age increased there was a significant tendency towards more severe enuretic symptoms. At age 5 years, 14.3% of enuretic children wet 7 nights/week, compared with 48.3% at age 19 years (P < 0.001). In addition, significantly more adolescent boys aged >10 years had daytime urinary incontinence than had enuretic children aged < or = 10 years (32% vs 14.6%, respectively, P < 0.001). Most (89%) parents only became aware that bed-wetting was a significant medical problem deserving attention through material in the mass media over the past 3-4 years.

CONCLUSIONS

The present finding suggesting that PNE spontaneously resolves with increasing age probably applies only to those with mild enuretic symptoms. There are significant differences in characteristics between younger enuretic children and older subjects. As age increases there is an increasing proportion of enuretic patients with more severe bed-wetting. Enuretic children aged >10 years and adolescents have significantly more daytime urinary symptoms and incontinence. The previously reported low prevalence of PNE in Hong Kong was probably due to parental indifference to the problem.

Epidemiology of enuresis among school-age children in Thailand

Enuresis is a very common developmental problem in young children. The aims of this study were to estimate the prevalence of enuresis in school-age children, to determine the factors associated with nocturnal enuresis, and to evaluate the parental strategies for managing enuresis. A randomly selected cross-sectional population-based study was conducted in eight elementary schools in Bangkok, Thailand. A total of 3453 parents of children aged 5 through 15 years completed the questionnaires. The overall response rate to the questionnaire was 70%. The prevalence of enuresis was 4.2% and that of nocturnal enuresis was 3.9%. The prevalence declined with increasing age from 10%, 5.3%, 3%, and 1.2% at ages 5, 7, 10, and 12 years, respectively. There was no enuretic child at ages 13 through 15 years. The prevalence of bed-wetting was slightly more frequent in females than males. Nocturnal enuresis was also found to be significantly associated with the history of encopresis and positive family history of enuresis. There was no significant associated with parental education, birth order, socioeconomic status, diaper use, toilet training, and behavioral and school problems. Behavioral techniques mostly used by parents for management of their children with bed-wetting were ensuring that the child voids before bedtime (72.9%), waking the child up at night to void (61.8%), and evening water intake restriction (28.5%). The overall prevalence rate of nocturnal enuresis in Bangkok school-age children is lower than that of many previous studies reported from other countries. The significant differences in the prevalence reported by other countries' studies attributed to the criteria selection for ranges of age, definition of enuresis, genetic predisposition, and traditional and cultural background.

Nocturnal enuresis at 7.5 years old: prevalence and analysis of clinical signs

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of nocturnal enuresis (NE) in a large cohort of children at 7.5 years old, and to examine the frequency of variables such as gender, severity, associated elimination problems, and clinical signs within the identified group.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Of an original cohort of 13 971 infants alive at 12 months, 11 251 who were still active in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) survey, were followed at 91 months. The mother or main carer was given a questionnaire which asked, amongst other items, about the presence and frequency of bedwetting, other elimination problems, and signs related to the wetting behaviour; 8269 (73.5%) questionnaires were returned and 8151 contained information on the frequency of bedwetting.

RESULTS

In all, 1260 children (15.5%) at 7.5 years wet the bed, but most wet once or less a week, and only 215 (2.6%) met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (fourth edition) criteria of NE (wetting at least twice a week). A higher prevalence was reported in boys than girls and 266 children (3.3%) had both daytime wetting and bedwetting, with 189 (2.3%) having both daytime soiling and bedwetting. Daytime urgency increased with severity of bedwetting and occurred in 28.9% of children with NE.

CONCLUSION

At 7.5 years old the incidence of bedwetting is high, but only 2.6% of this large population-based sample wet at a frequency meeting the definition of NE. Although a small percentage of children had both daytime wetting and bedwetting, the evidence suggests that these are discrete problems. Amongst children with NE, indicators of bladder overactivity were present, supporting the view of heterogeneity and the importance of individual assessment in deciding on appropriate treatment.

Enuresis: prevalence, risk factors and urinary pathology among school children in Istanbul, Turkey

BACKGROUND

Enuresis is a common problem among children and adolescents, and can lead to important social and psychological disturbances. The aim of the present study was to establish the prevalence of enuresis among school children and determine the risk factors associated with this disorder.

METHODS

A cross sectional population-based study was conducted in 1576 children. The pupils enrolled in the study were chosen randomly from 14 primary schools located in seven different regions of Istanbul. Data were collected via a questionnaire completed by parents. Enuretic children were invited to the pediatric nephrology outpatient clinic of Cerrahpasa Medical School, Istanbul, Turkey. A detailed history was taken, physical and ultrasonographic examinations, urinalysis and urine culture were performed. The relationship between the prevalence of enuresis and the patients' age, gender, region, the parental educational level and employment status, number of family members, and the family's monthly income were tested by means of chi(2 ) and logistic regression analysis. The comparison between the two enuretic groups (monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis group vs diurnal enuresis only and diurnal-nocturnal enuresis group) regarding the sociodemographic factors were tested with the chi(2) test and P < 0.05 was accepted as statistically significant.

RESULTS

The study group was composed of 1576 school children aged between 6 and 16 years. The overall prevalence of enuresis was 12.4%. When the chi(2) test was used, a significant relationship was found between the prevalence of enuresis and age, educational level of the father, the family's monthly income, and number of family members. However, when logistic regression analysis was applied, there was a statistically significant relationship only between enuresis, and age and number of family members. In the whole group, monosymptomatic enuresis nocturna was found to be more common in boys. When the two enuretic children groups (monosymptomatic nocturnal, diurnal only and nocturnal-diurnal enuretics) were compared with each other regarding gender, parental educational and employment status, and number of family members, statistically significant differences were found. Both maternal and the paternal low educational status were found to be associated with monosymptomatic enuresis nocturna. Likewise, monosymptomatic enuresis nocturna was found to be more common in the children of the unemployed mothers, while diurnal enuresis was more common in the children of unemployed fathers. Nocturnal enuresis was found to be associated with large families. No statistically significant difference was demonstrated between the two groups of enuretics regarding age and family income levels. The rate of urinary abnormalities in the whole group was 7.1%.

CONCLUSIONS

Enuresis is a common problem among school children and associated urinary abnormalities are not uncommon. Identification of children at risk is an essential first step before choosing the individualized management for each enuretic child.

The assessment of constipation in monosymptomatic primary nocturnal enuresis

OBJECTIVES

Nocturnal enuresis and constipation are common pediatric problems. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of constipation in children with or without monosymptomatic primary nocturnal enuresis.

METHODS

The study included 5350 children, ages 5-19 years, who were surveyed to detect the incidence of nocturnal enuresis. Of those surveyed, 679 (12.7%) had primary nocturnal enuresis. All children were questioned by mail with a standard form that addressed their micturition and defecation habits. The children those who had primary nocturnal enuresis were invited to the Pediatric Urology Section of the University Hospital. Of those 679 children, 125 kept that invitation. All 125 of those children underwent an abdominal ultrasound. Also, these children had serum creatinine levels drawn and plain abdominal films taken.

RESULTS

Constipation, defined as less than 3 bowel movements per week, was seen in 48 of 679 children with nocturnal enuresis (7.06%). Of those 4671 children without nocturnal enuresis, only 68 (1.45%) had constipation. The difference in constipation between the two groups was statistically significant (z = -9.251; p = 0.000). Of note, 10 of the 125 children (8%), evaluated at the hospital, had constipation. None of the children had an abnormal neurologic examination. Finally, faecal loading was detected on the plain films of 8 of the 125 children evaluated, 7 of who had constipation. The sensitivity of grading plain films for faecal loading to denote constipation in this population was 87.5%.

CONCLUSIONS

Children with primary nocturnal enuresis should be thoroughly assessed for coexisting constipation.

An epidemiological study of nocturnal enuresis in Taiwanese children

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the prevalence of primary nocturnal enuresis (PNE) in Taiwanese children, and to examine factors associated with PNE and its severity.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

In all, 1683 questionnaires were sent to parents of schoolchildren aged 6-11 years randomly selected from three primary schools in Taipei City, Taiwan. The questionnaire was designed to collect information about the prevalence of and factors associated with PNE.

RESULTS

Of the questionnaires distributed, 1176 (70%) were completed. PNE was reported in 92 (8%) of the children; nine (10%) of these children were wet > 3 nights per week. Factors associated with PNE included male gender, deep sleep, divorced parents or separated family and a positive family history of enuresis. Of these factors, only those children with deep sleep were more likely to have > 3 wet nights per week.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of and factors associated with PNE in Taiwan are similar to those reported in Western countries, but the percentage of children with severe enuresis is lower than in Sweden, France and Turkey. Deep sleepers are more likely to have severe enuresis.

Is routine urinary tract investigation necessary for children with monosymptomatic primary nocturnal enuresis?

OBJECTIVES

To investigate in a prospective study the role of bladder function and to compare the results of urinary tract ultrasonography and urinalysis in children with and without primary nocturnal enuresis because, although this is a common problem in children, the etiology and mechanisms of the disorder have not been elucidated.

METHODS

The study included 106 children with monosymptomatic primary nocturnal enuresis and a control group of 57 children with no history of voiding dysfunction, aged 5 to 19 years. All children underwent urinalysis, bladder and upper urinary tract ultrasonography, and uroflowmetry. The bladder capacity, bladder wall thickness, and postvoid residual volume were measured using ultrasonography. The findings were compared between the enuresis and control groups according to age: 5 to 9 years, 10 to 14 years, and 15 to 19 years.

RESULTS

The mean age was 9.6 +/- 3.1 years in the nocturnal enuresis group and 9.4 +/- 3.3 years in the control group (P = 0.727). The mean number of defecations per week was significantly lower statistically in the enuresis group than in the control group in the age categories of 5 to 9 years and 10 to 14 years (P = 0.038 and P = 0.018, respectively), and the mean number of urinations per day was significantly higher statistically in the enuresis group than in the control group in the age groups of 5 to 9 years and 10 to 14 years (P = 0.002 and P = 0.001, respectively). The bladder capacity, bladder wall thickness, postvoid residual volume, uroflowmetry maximal flow rate, and average flow rate were not significantly different statistically between the children with primary nocturnal enuresis and the control group in the three age brackets. Urinary infection was detected in 2 children (1.88%) in the nocturnal enuresis group and none of the children in the control group (P = 0.547). Upper urinary tract abnormalities detected by ultrasonography were seen in 3 children (2.83%) in the nocturnal enuresis group and 1 child (1.75%) in the control group, revealing no statistical significance (P = 0.671).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings show that the ultrasonographic and uroflowmetry findings on bladder function and the upper urinary system and the incidence of urinary infection are similar in children with and without nocturnal enuresis. Obtaining a voiding and elimination diary in conjunction with a good history may be beneficial in children with monosymptomatic primary nocturnal enuresis. In addition, routine urinalysis may be unnecessary in the evaluation of children with monosymptomatic primary nocturnal enuresis after obtaining a careful and complete history of the voiding dysfunction.

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

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the comparative therapeutic efficacy of traditional Chinese acupuncture.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

During the period from January 1997 to April 1999, 50 children (23 boys, 17 girls) suffering from primary persistent nocturnal enuresis, aged 9-18 years, were included in the study. The response rate was monitored at 2 and 4 weeks, and then every 3 months by recording dry nights on a calendar.

RESULTS

The efficacy of treatment, which was expressed as a percentage of dry nights, was high. Within 6 months, 43 (86%) patients were completely dry and 2 (10%) patients were dry on at least 80% of nights.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment using acupuncture in patients with persistent enuresis nocturna appeared to be most efficacious both in terms of the percentage of dry nights at the end of treatment and in relation to the stability of results, even after the end of the study.

Development of parasomnias from childhood to early adolescence

OBJECTIVES

This study examines the prevalence and developmental changes of parasomnias and assesses gender differences, relationships between parasomnias, and associations with anxiety and family adversity using data collected during the course of a longitudinal study of a representative sample of children from Québec.

METHOD

The present analyses are based on results available for 664 boys and 689 girls for whom mothers have completed questions concerning demographics, parasomnias, and anxiety level. For the prevalence and developmental aspects of parasomnias, prospective data were collected at annual intervals from 11 to 13 years old and retrospective data for the period between ages 3 and 10 years were collected when the children were 10 years old.

RESULTS

Somniloquy, leg restlessness, and sleep bruxism are the most frequent parasomnias. More girls were afflicted with leg restlessness, while enuresis and somniloquy were more common in boys. High anxiety scores were found in children suffering from night terrors, somniloquy, leg restlessness, sleep bruxism, and body rocking. Parasomnias were unrelated to the index of family adversity.

CONCLUSIONS

Although sleepwalking, night terrors, enuresis, and body rocking dramatically decreased during childhood, somniloquy, leg restlessness, and sleep bruxism were still highly prevalent at age 13 years, paralleling results found in adults. Sleepwalking, night terrors, and somniloquy are conditions often found together. The only robust gender difference was for enuresis. High anxiety scores in parasomnias are reported for the first time in a large, controlled study. Sociodemographic variables do not seem to play a major role in the occurrence of parasomnias.