ICI-RS 2019 nocturia think tank: How can experimental science guide us in understanding the pathophysiology of nocturia?

INTRODUCTION

The following is a report on the proceedings of the 2019 International Consultation on Incontinence-Research Society nocturia think tank (NTT).

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the 2019 NTT were as follows: (a) to evaluate the role of urothelium in the pathophysiology of nocturia; (b) to determine whether nocturia is a circadian disorder; (c) to discuss the role of melatonin in nocturia; (d) to consider ambulatory urodynamic monitoring in evaluating patients with nocturia; (e) to explore studies of water handling in human compartments utilizing heavy water; and (f) to explore whether basic science is the key to understanding the treatment options for diminished bladder capacity in patients with nocturia.

METHODS

A compendium of discussions of the role of experimental science in understanding the pathophysiology of nocturia is described herein.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Translational science will play an increasing role in understanding the pathophysiology of nocturia, which may result in improved treatment strategies.

Beyond the bladder: poor sleep in women with overactive bladder syndrome

BACKGROUND

Nocturnal bladder symptoms and sleep disruption commonly coexist in middle-aged and older women. Although sleep disruption is often attributed to nocturnal bladder symptoms in women with overactive bladder syndrome, nonbladder factors also may influence sleep in this population. Many women with overactive bladder are eager to identify nonpharmacologic strategies for both bladder symptoms and sleep disruption, given the potential adverse effects of sedative and anticholinergic bladder medications in this population.

OBJECTIVES

To provide greater insight into the complex relationship between nighttime overactive bladder symptoms and sleep disruption, and to evaluate the effects of a guided slow-paced respiration intervention on sleep outcomes in women with overactive bladder.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted an ancillary study within a randomized trial of slow-paced respiration in women with overactive bladder symptoms. Ambulatory community-dwelling women who reported ≥3 episodes/day of urgency-associated voiding or incontinence were randomized to use either a portable biofeedback device (RESPeRATE; Intercure, Ltd) to practice guided slow-paced respiration exercises daily for 12 weeks (N=79) or an identical-appearing device programmed to play nonrhythmic music without guiding breathing (N=82). At baseline and after 12 weeks, bladder symptoms were assessed by voiding diary, sleep duration, and disruption were assessed by sleep diary corroborated by wrist actigraphy, and poor sleep quality was determined by a Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index global score >5.

RESULTS

Of the 161 women randomized, 31% reported at least twice-nightly nocturia, 26% nocturnal incontinence, and 70% poor sleep quality at baseline. Of the 123 reporting any nighttime awakenings, 89% averaged 1 or more nighttime awakenings, and 83% attributed at least half of awakenings to using the bathroom. Self-reported wake time after sleep onset increased with increasing frequency of nocturnal bladder symptoms (P=.01 for linear trend). However, even among women without nocturia, average sleep quality was poor (Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index global score mean of 7.3; 95% confidence interval, 6.0-8.6). Over 12 weeks, women assigned to slow-paced respiration (N=79) experienced modest improvements in mean nocturnal voiding frequency (0.4 fewer voids/night), sleep quality (1.1 point score decrease), and sleep disruption (1.5% decreased wake time after sleep onset). However, similar improvements were detected in the music control group (N=81), without significant between-group differences.

CONCLUSIONS

Many women with overactive bladder syndrome experience disrupted sleep, but not all nocturnal awakenings are attributable to bladder symptoms, and average sleep quality tends to be poor even in women without nocturia. Findings suggest that clinicians should not assume that poor sleep in women with overactive bladder syndrome is primarily caused by nocturnal bladder symptoms. Guided slow-paced respiration was associated with modest improvements in nocturia frequency and sleep quality in this trial, but the results do not support clinician recommendation to use this technique over other behavioral relaxation techniques for improving sleep.

Prevalence, subtypes, and correlates of nocturia in the symptoms of Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction Research Network cohort

AIMS

We determined the prevalence, severity, and correlates of nocturia in a large clinical cohort of patients.

METHODS

Patients presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) completed 3-day bladder diaries. Nocturia was quantified based on the mean number of nighttime voids documented over the 3 days. Nocturia subtypes (global polyuria, nocturnal polyuria [NP], reduced global bladder capacity, and reduced nocturnal bladder capacity) were assessed. Bother due to nocturia was measured by the LUTS Tool. Sleep quality was assessed with the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Sleep Scale. Multivariable multinomial regression was used to explore patient characteristics associated with nocturia.

RESULTS

In 502 participants with analyzable diaries (285 men and 217 women), the mean number of nocturia episodes over 3 days was 0 in 103 (20.5%), >0 to <1 in 151 (20.1%), 1 to <2 in 165 (32.9%), and ≥2 in 83 (16.5%). Sixty-seven percent of the participants with nocturia ≥1 reported significant bother from their nocturia. NP was the most common nocturia subtype and was present in 17% of those with nocturia = 0, 40% of those with nocturia >0 to <1, 65% of those with nocturia 1 to <2%, and 77% with nocturia 2+. Higher degrees of nocturia were associated with male sex, greater sleep disturbance, and a higher likelihood of exhibiting multiple nocturia subtypes.

CONCLUSIONS

Nocturia ≥1 occurred in 49% of LUTS patients and caused significant bother in the majority of them. The most common subtype was NP, but a substantial proportion of patients exhibited additional characteristics.

Comparison of nocturia etiology in black and white male patients

INTRODUCTION

Much of what is known about the etiology of nocturia (i.e., nocturnal polyuria [NP], small bladder capacity [SBC], etc.) at the population level stems from the Krimpen study, which enrolled aging males from a homogenous municipality in the Netherlands. Given the higher prevalence of benign prostatic hyperplasia and overactive bladder in black versus white males in population research, we aim to test the hypothesis that black males seeking treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are more likely to have nocturia owing to SBC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 24 hour frequency-volume charts (FVCs) completed by males seeking treatment for LUTS at a Veterans Affairs urology clinic from 2008-2016. Patients were included if they were ≥ 18 years, identified as either Caucasian or African American, and had a complete baseline FVC showing ≥ 1 nocturnal void. Patients were stratified by race and classified as having nocturia owing to SBC (defined by a maximum voided volume < 200 mL or a nocturnal bladder capacity index > 1.3); NP (defined by a nocturnal polyuria index > 0.33); 'mixed' (SBC + NP); or 'other' (neither SBC nor NP).

RESULTS

Between white and black patients, 28 (24%) versus 28 (26%) had NP, 32 (27%) versus 33 (30%) had SBC, and 35 (30%) versus 30 (28%) had mixed nocturia. Overall, there was no difference in distribution of underlying etiology by race (p = 0.51).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate no difference in the etiology of nocturia between black and white males. Accordingly, race should not play a role in the evaluation of patients seeking treatment for nocturia.

Factors involved in sleep efficiency: a population-based study of community-dwelling elderly persons

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Research indicates that sleep efficiency below 80% substantially increases mortality risk in elderly persons. The aim of this study was to identify factors that would best predict poor sleep efficiency in the elderly, and to determine whether associations between these factors and sleep efficiency were similar for men and women and for younger and older elderly persons.

METHODS

A total of 2468 individuals aged 65-96 years (40.7% men) participated. They were recruited via random generation of telephone numbers according to a geographic sampling strategy. The participants agreed to have health professionals visit their home and to answer structured interview questions. Sleep efficiency was calculated based on interview responses. Descriptive statistics and logistic regressions were conducted.

RESULTS

The factors most strongly associated with sleep efficiency below 80% were pain, nocturia, sleep medication use, and awakening from bad dreams. Some factors varied by sex: women aged 75 years and older or who had an anxiety disorder were more likely to have sleep efficiency below 80%, whereas being single or having painful illness raised the likelihood for men only. Except for sex, all the factors that showed associations with sleep efficiency affected younger and older elderly persons similarly.

CONCLUSIONS

Poor sleep efficiency is prevalent among elderly persons. The results shed new light on factors associated with poor sleep efficiency, highlighting the presence of sex differences and that certain factors make no significant contribution, such as typically proscribed sleep hygiene behaviors, mood disorders, and illness in general.

Nocturia - Symptom or a Disease?

Waking at night to void is known as nocturia and it is a common condition experienced by both men and women with profound impact on patient's health, quality of life, and economic condition. It is often perceived as a symptom of an organic disease, but the pathophysiology of nocturia is now well-understood, and it is considered as a disease itself. It is classified based on four different pathophysiologic mechanisms (24-hour polyuria, nocturnal polyuria, reduced bladder capacity, and sleep disorders). The association of nocturia with impaired quality of life, cardiovascular morbidity and all-cause mortality is well established. Various pharmacological agents are available, of which desmopressin is considered safe and effective in both short- and long-term studies for the treatment of nocturia in men and women, including the elderly. Combining desmopressin with other agents provides an effective treatment option for nocturia in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms, benign prostatic hypertrophy or overactive bladder syndrome. This review covers the various aspects of pathophysiology and impact of nocturia, as well as the treatment of nocturia. We present the novel concept of a "nocturia clinic", which is a comprehensive diagnostic and management center for patients with nocturia. This set-up may help bring about a positive change in the underreported and undertreated status of nocturia, and bring relief to sufferers of nocturia. Therefore nocturia though perceived as a symptom of many disorders; it itself has a defined pathophysiology and needs treatment.

Effects of Melatonin and Rilmazafone on Nocturia in the Elderly

We compared the effects of melatonin, an antioxidant and sleep inducer in humans, and rilmazafone hydrochloride, a hypnotic, in elderly patients with nocturia. Patients received either melatonin (2 mg/day; n = 20) or rilmazafone (2 mg/day; n = 22) for 4 weeks. There were no significant differences in the mean age, the quality of life (QoL) score and the serum melatonin levels between the two groups at baseline. After 4 weeks' treatment, the number of nocturnal urinations was significantly decreased and the QoL score was significantly improved in both groups. There was no significant difference between the patient-reported effectiveness ratings between the two groups. The serum melatonin level was significantly increased in the melatonin-treated group, but it remained unchanged in the rilmazafone-treated group. Melatonin and rilmazafone were equally effective for nocturia in the elderly. We recommend that the problems of sleep disturbance should be considered when choosing a therapy for nocturia.

Sleep Apnea and Circadian Extracellular Fluid Change as Independent Factors for Nocturnal Polyuria

PURPOSE

We investigated the relationships among nocturnal polyuria, sleep apnea and body fluid volume to elucidate the pathophysiology of nocturia in sleep apnea syndrome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We enrolled 104 consecutive patients who underwent polysomnography for suspected sleep apnea syndrome. Self-assessed symptom questionnaires were administered to evaluate sleep disorder and lower urinary tract symptoms, including nocturia. Voiding frequency and voided volume were recorded using a 24-hour frequency-volume chart. Body fluid composition was estimated in the morning and at night using bioelectric impedance analysis. Frequency-volume chart data were analyzed in 22 patients after continuous positive airway pressure therapy.

RESULTS

Patients with nocturnal polyuria showed a higher apnea-hypopnea index (33.9 vs 24.2, p = 0.03) and a larger circadian change in extracellular fluid adjusted to lean body mass (0.22 vs -0.19, p = 0.019) than those without nocturnal polyuria. These relations were more evident in patients 65 years old or older than in those 64 years or younger. A multivariate linear regression model showed an independent relationship of nocturnal polyuria with the apnea-hypopnea index and the circadian change in extracellular fluid adjusted to lean body mass (p = 0.0012 and 0.022, respectively). Continuous positive airway pressure therapy significantly improved nocturnal polyuria and nocturia only in patients with nocturnal polyuria.

CONCLUSIONS

This study identified sleep apnea and the circadian change in extracellular fluid as independent factors for nocturnal polyuria.

Comprehensive Health-Related Quality of Life is Influenced by Nocturia and Sleep Disturbance: Investigation Based on the SF-8

We investigated the influence of nocturia and sleep disturbance on health-related quality of life(HRQOL) using the Medical Outcomes Study 8-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-8) in patients with nocturia. We also assessed the effect of therapeutic intervention by means of an anticholinergic agent on the results of the SF-8. One hundred and eighty-four patients who voided at least once per night were surveyed using the SF-8, Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). These parameters were also evaluated before and after 12 weeks of imidafenacin treatment in 51 patients with OAB accompanied by nocturia. The SF-8 physical component summary score (PCS) showed a significant decrease as nighttime voiding frequency increased. The mental health component summary score was 47.1 and 47.6 (which were lower than the standard value of 50) in the group with a nighttime frequency of once and ≥3/night, respectively. The SF-8 PCS and 6 subscales were negatively associated with nighttime voiding frequency, while the PSQI global score was positively associated with it. Imidafenacin significantly improved the OABSS, PSQI, and ESS, as well as the SF-8 score. This is the first study using the SF-8 to show that nocturia and sleep disturbance have a major influence on comprehensive HRQOL and that the SF-8 can be used to monitor HRQOL in OAB patients receiving treatment for nocturia.

Intravesical resiniferatoxin for the treatment of storage lower urinary tract symptoms in patients with either interstitial cystitis or detrusor overactivity: a meta-analysis

Background

While Resin­iferatoxin (RTX) has been widely used for patients with storage lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), its clinical efficiency hasn't yet been well evaluated. A meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the exact roles of intravesical RTX for the treatment of storage LUTS in patients with either interstitial cystitis (IC) or detrusor overactivity (DO).

Methods

A meta-analysis of RTX treatment was performed through a comprehensive search of the literature. In total, 2,332 records were initially recruited, 1,907 from Elsevier, 207 from Medline and 218 from the Web of Science. No records were retrieved from the Embase or Cochrane Library. Seven trials with 355 patients were included and one trial was excluded because of the lack of extractable data. The analyses were all performed using RevMan 5.1 and MIX 2.0.

Results

Bladder pain was significantly reduced after RTX therapy in patients with either IC or DO. The average decrease of the visual an alogue pain scale was 0.42 after RTX treatment (p = 0.02). The maximum cystometric capacity (MCC) was significantly increased in patients with DO (MCC increase, 53.36 ml, p = 0.006) but not in those with IC (MCC increase, −19.1 ml, p = 0.35). No significant improvement in urinary frequency, nocturia, incontinence or the first involuntary detrusor contraction (FDC) was noted after RTX therapy (p = 0.06, p = 0.52, p = 0.19 and p = 0.41, respectively).

Conclusions

RTX could significantly reduce bladder pain in patients with either IC or DO, and increase MCC in patients with DO; however, no significant improvement was observed in frequency, nocturia, incontinence or FDC. Given the limitations in the small patient size and risk of bias in the included trials, great caution should be taken when intravesical RTX is used before a large, multicenter, well-designed random control trial with a long-term follow-up is carried out to further assess the clinical efficacy of RTX in in patients with storage LUTS.

[Nocturia and the circadian rhythm]

Nocturia, undesired micturition at night, is present in 60% to 90% of individuals older than 60 years and causes significant deterioration in quality of life. Prevention of micturition at night is regulated by a triad of factors including decreased arousal in the brain, decreased urine production rate in the kidneys and increased functional bladder capacity. There is increasing evidence that the triad of micturition is modulated by the circadian clock system. Risk factors of nocturia such as hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, cerebrovascular accidents and depression have also been associated with dysfunction of the circadian clock system. The etiology of nocturia might be elucidated by investigating it as dysfunction of peripheral or central circadian clock.

Comparison of diary-derived bladder and sleep measurements across OAB individuals, primary insomniacs, and healthy controls

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Can diary-derived bladder and sleep measurements differentiate individuals with overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) from individuals with primary insomnia and healthy controls?

METHODS

Bladder- and sleep-diary data were compared in nine OAB, ten insomnia, and five control individuals. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for normally and Kruskal-Wallis test for nonnormally distributed variables, followed, when significant effects were found, by pairwise comparisons.

RESULTS

OAB individuals woke up as frequently as insomniacs, but their awakenings were respectively shorter in duration (18.6 vs. 38.1 min.) and were predominantly initiated by nocturic events (89.2 vs. 23.9 % respectively). Regardless, their reported quality of sleep was as impaired as for the insomniacs. Furthermore, smaller mean volume voided awakenings were evident not only in those with OAB but also in insomniacs compared to controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Bladder- and sleep-diary data provide means to differentiate those with OAB from those with insomnia and healthy controls. Awakenings in OAB individuals were shorter than those with insomnia and much more likely due to the need to void. Thus, a reduction in the number of nocturic voids could be the most appropriate sleep-related outcome for nocturia therapy in individuals with OAB. In addition, limited nocturnal bladder capacity, though expected in OAB, was unexpectedly found in insomnia, possibly reflecting the role of consciousness (wakefulness at night) in modulating bladder sensation.

Nocturia--a guide to assessment and management

BACKGROUND

Nocturia is a common cause of sleep disturbance affecting up to 40% of the adult population.

OBJECTIVE

This article provides a framework for the management of nocturia. Based on the frequency volume chart, nocturia can be divided into three categories: global polyuria, nocturnal polyuria and bladder storage disorders. Differentiating between these categories enables effective targeting of treatment.

DISCUSSION

Although nocturia is one of the most bothersome urinary symptoms, it has generally been poorly understood and managed. Aetiology is often multifactorial and includes systemic medical disease, lower urinary tract pathology, sleep disorders and behavioural and environmental factors.

Urinary symptoms and natural history of urinary continence after first-ever stroke--a longitudinal population-based study

BACKGROUND

there are limited population-based data on urinary symptoms and the natural history of urinary incontinence after a first stroke.

AIM

to study the prevalence of urinary symptoms, and the natural history and factors associated with urinary incontinence after first-ever stroke.

METHODS

we administered a standardised urinary symptom questionnaire at 3 and 12 months after stroke to patients enrolled in the North-East Melbourne Stroke Incidence Study. Urinary symptoms and evolution of urinary incontinence were recorded. Logistic regression was used to model associations between baseline factors and incontinence at 12 months.

RESULTS

more than 80% of survivors reported one or more abnormal urinary symptoms at 3 or 12 months, with nocturia most frequent. Incontinence was present in 43.5% of patients at 3 months, and 37.7% at 12 months, with urge incontinence being most common. Pre-stroke continence (P < 0.001) and female sex (P < 0.001) were independently associated with incontinence at 12 months, whereas the effect of greater stroke severity was magnified with advancing age (P for interaction = 0.05).

CONCLUSION

the majority of survivors reported abnormal urinary symptoms early and late after stroke. Around a third of patients had incontinence at 12 months, with pre-stroke UI, age, female sex and stroke severity predicting its presence.

Self-rated sleep characteristics and bother from nocturia

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate if men with varying degrees of bother from a similar number of nocturia episodes differ with respect to self-rated sleep characteristics and fatigue.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

As part of the baseline assessments during a nocturia treatment trial, 55 participants reported frequency and bother of nocturia using the AUA Symptom Inventory and completed 7-day sleep diaries prior to treatment. Participants who reported moderate nocturia (either two or three episodes nightly) were further grouped into categories of LOW (nocturia is no problem or a very small problem) or HIGH bother (nocturia is a big problem). Information from the participant completed sleep diaries was abstracted, including information on daytime napping, total sleep time, mean time needed to return to sleep, nighttime ratings of fatigue, and daytime ratings of fatigue.

RESULTS

Of the 55 individuals who completed the pilot study, 24 study participants reported two or three episodes of nocturia and had either HIGH (n = 11) or LOW (n = 13) bother. Participants categorised with HIGH bother were significantly more likely than those with LOW bother to report difficulty initiating sleep (47.7 ± 34.4 vs. 23.5 ± 13.6 min, p = 0.05), difficulty returning to sleep after an awakening (28.9 ± 16.1 vs. 15.4 ± 9.6 min, p = 0.03) and greater morning fatigue (3.3 ± 0.7 vs. 2.5 ± 1.0, p = 0.04 on a 7-point scale).

CONCLUSIONS

Since bother related to nocturia is linked to sleep quality, interventions targeting fatigue and sleep maintenance may provide useful targets in the management of nocturia in men.

Nocturia, sleep-disordered breathing, and cardiovascular morbidity in a community-based cohort

Background

Nocturia has been independently associated with cardiovascular morbidity and all-cause mortality, but such studies did not adjust for sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), which may have mediated such a relationship. Our aims were to determine whether an association between nocturia and cardiovascular morbidity exists that is independent of SDB. We also determined whether nocturia is independently associated with SDB.

Methodology/Principal Findings

In order to accomplish these aims we performed a cross-sectional analysis of the Sleep Heart Health Study that contained information regarding SDB, nocturia, and cardiovascular morbidity in a middle-age to elderly community-based population. In 6342 participants (age 63±11 [SD] years, 53% women), after adjusting for known confounders such as age, body mass index, diuretic use, diabetes mellitus, alpha-blocker use, nocturia was independently associated with SDB (measured as Apnea Hypopnea index >15 per hour; OR 1.3; 95%CI, 1.2–1.5). After adjusting for SDB and other known confounders, nocturia was independently associated with prevalent hypertension (OR 1.23; 95%CI 1.08–1.40; P = 0.002), cardiovascular disease (OR 1.26; 95%CI 1.05–1.52; P = 0.02) and stroke (OR 1.62; 95%CI 1.14–2.30; P = 0.007). Moreover, nocturia was also associated with adverse objective alterations of sleep as measured by polysomnography and self-reported excessive daytime sleepiness (P<0.05).

Conclusions/Significance

Nocturia is independently associated with sleep-disordered breathing. After adjusting for SDB, there remained an association between nocturia and cardiovascular morbidity. Such results support screening for SDB in patients with nocturia, but the mechanisms underlying the relationship between nocturia and cardiovascular morbidity requires further study. MeSH terms: Nocturia, sleep-disordered breathing, obstructive sleep apnea, sleep apnea, polysomnography, hypertension.

Excessive nocturnal urine production is a major contributing factor to the etiology of nocturia

PURPOSE

Nocturnal polyuria is a common but often overlooked cause of nocturia. We investigated the proportion of adults with 2 or greater voids nightly who had nocturnal polyuria in 2 cohorts from the United States and Europe.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data on nocturnal polyuria were obtained from 3 or 7-day frequency-volume charts completed by patients as part of screening for inclusion in subsequent trials of nocturia therapy. Patients recorded the time and volume of each void. Nocturnal polyuria was defined as nocturnal urine volume greater than 33% of 24-hour volume, including the first morning void.

RESULTS

In the first cohort 1,003 patients were screened, of whom 846 provided evaluable diary data, including 641 (76%) with nocturnal polyuria. Of the total screened population of 1,003 patients 641 (64%) had confirmed nocturnal polyuria. The prevalence of nocturnal polyuria increased with age but was high in all age groups. In the second cohort 1,412 patients were screened, of whom 917 provided evaluable diary data, including 806 (88%) with nocturnal polyuria. Of the total screened population of 1,412 patients 806 (57%) had confirmed nocturnal polyuria. The prevalence of nocturnal polyuria increased with age but was high in all age groups. Of 158 patients receiving benign prostatic hyperplasia and/or overactive bladder medication 141 (89%) had nocturnal polyuria. In each cohort the nocturnal polyuria prevalence was high in all ethnic groups (63% or greater).

CONCLUSIONS

In this large study nocturnal polyuria was present in most patients with nocturia regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, country and concomitant benign prostatic hyperplasia/overactive bladder therapy.

Reducing nocturia in the elderly: a randomized placebo-controlled trial of staggered furosemide and desmopressin

AIMS

The purpose of this study was to investigate efficacy, safety, and impact on quality of sleep of staggered furosemide and desmopressin in the treatment of nocturia in the elderly.

METHODS

Patients aged >60 years with nocturia at least two voids per night were screened for enrollment into the study. A 3-week dose-titration phase established the optimum desmopressin dose (0.1, 0.2, or 0.4 mg). After a 1-week "washout" period, patients who showed sufficient response during the dose-titration period were randomized to receive staggered furosemide and the optimal dose of desmopressin or placebo in a double-blind design for 3 weeks. Voiding diaries were assessed before and after the treatment.

RESULTS

In all, 82 patients were randomized to either staggered furosemide and desmopressin (n=41) or placebo (n=41). In the study group, most patients reported a good response with both reduced nocturnal voids (3.5 vs. 2.0, P<0.01) and urine volume (919.6 ml vs. 584.2 ml, P<0.01). The mean duration of the first sleep period was improved by 70 min (133.6 vs. 203.2, P<0.01). Compared to placebo, staggered furosemide and desmopressin resulted in a significant reduction in the mean number of nocturnal voids (43% vs. 9%; P<0.01), nocturnal urine volume (37% vs. 5%; P<0.01), and increase in the mean duration of the first sleep period (52% vs. 19%, P<0.01). Adverse events were mild.

CONCLUSIONS

Staggered furosemide and desmopressin provide an effective and well-tolerated treatment for nocturia in the elderly.

[Advances in clinical study of nocturia]

Nocturia is one of the most common reasons for interrupted sleep in general adult population. The condition affects both men and women, with an incidence that increases dramatically with age. Nocturia has a negative impact on quality of life, affecting both morbidity and mortality. International Continence Society (ICS) issued a report of terminology standardization in 2002, in which nocturia is defined as waking during the night at least once to urinate. Nocturia is a common complaint in elderly population. Although most cases of nocturia are assumed to be caused by urologic problems, the interacting effects of aging and sleep on renal and urinary function, in fact, cause nocturia in the elderly. Effective diagnosis of the condition is dependent on a clear understanding of its underlying etiology. Multiple factors may cause nocturia, such as behavioral or environmental factors and pathologic conditions. In general, the causes of nocturia fall into three categories: diurnal polyuria, nocturnal polyuria, and low bladder capacity. Careful evaluation of medications and underlying medical conditions is essential for the proper management of nocturia. A voiding diary is necessary to diagnose the syndrome of nocturnal polyuria, which is a common cause of nocturia. Addressing any underlying conditions that contribute to nocturia is the first step in treating the condition. Lifestyle and behavioral changes may provide benefit in some individuals, but for many cases, pharmacotherapy is the best option. Antimuscarinic agents are first-line therapies for overactive bladder and are often used in the management of nocturia. Current treatment options also include desmopressin, a synthetic analog of arginine vasopressin, which can increase urinary osmolality and decrease total urinary volume. The desmopressin therefore increases the length of time until the first nocturnal void and decreases the number of nocturnal voids, the NUV voided, and the percentage of urine voided at night.

[Botulinum toxin type A in patients with overactive bladder]

The aim of the study was to investigate safety and efficacy of intradetrusor injection of 100 units of botulinum toxin type A in 26 patients with refractory overactive bladder. The diagnostic scheme consisted of 72 h diary, laboratory tests, ultrasound investigation with measurement of residual urine, urodynamic investigation and neurological examination. The patients were divided into 3 groups: 14 patients with idiopathic detrusor overactivity (DO), 9 with neurogenic DO, and 6 with overactive bladder without DO. 100 units of botulinum toxin type A mixed with 20 ml of normal saline were injected into the detrusor sparing the trigone. Clinical and urodynamic evaluations were performed before the injection and 1, 3 and 6 months after it. The patients with idiopathic DO and overactive bladder without DO showed improvement of such clinical symptoms as frequency, urgency, nocturia and urgent incontinence which lasted for at least 6 months. Patients with neurogenic DO had improvement of the clinical symptoms only for one month after treatment. We had no patients who exhibited acute urinary retention or residual urine. Thus, 100 units of botulinum toxin type A injected into the detrusor is an effective, safe and well tolerated treatment for patients with idiopathic DO and overactive bladder without DO in whom an anticholinergic medication has failed.

[Nocturia in elderly patients]

This study demonstrates a comparative assessment of the causes of nocturia in young and elderly patients with overactive bladder (OAB). We used the database of 245 patients over 18 years (117 men, 128 women) with OAB (more than 8 micturition per day), with presence or absence of urgent urinary incontinence and nocturia (an average of 2.5 episodes per night). All the patients had to complete a diary within 3 days indicating the time of the urge to urinate, urine volume per micturition and sleep time (when the patient is actually asleep before waking time). These patients were divided by sex and also into three age groups: younger than 60 years, 61-69 years and over 70 years. A diary was used to determine the nocturia index, nocturnal polyuria index, index of nocturnal bladder capacity. The most obvious reason for nocturia in patients with OAB was the polyuria and reduced nocturnal bladder capacity, which are not dependent on age. In young patients (< or = 60 years) nocturia was the result of the decrease of nocturnal bladder capacity and was evaluated by IBC. For the patients older than 70 years, the most common cause of nocturia was nocturnal polyuria, which was estimated by the index of nocturnal polyuria.

Circadian rhythm of blood pressure in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia

OBJECTIVE

Nocturia, a common and bothersome symptom of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), may cause sleep disturbances. Patients with nocturia may have difficulty returning to their normal sleep after repeated episodes of waking and voiding. Therefore, nocturia may have an impact on the circadian rhythm of blood pressure (BP). The association between nocturia and the circadian rhythm of BP was investigated in this study.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 100 male patients who had been diagnosed with BPH and 53 healthy male subjects were included in the study. Nocturnal urinary frequency was assessed by means of a questionnaire and recorded in both groups. Ambulatory BP monitoring was performed in all patients over a 24-h period.

RESULTS

Patient characteristics and laboratory parameters were similar in both groups. Seventy-five patients (75%) in the BPH group and 20 subjects (37.7%) in the control group were non-dippers, i.e. they did not have a normal nocturnal fall in BP, and this difference was statistically significant (p=0.001). Eighty-nine patients in the BPH group and 13 in the control group had nocturia. Seventy-one patients (79.8%) with nocturia were non-dippers and the difference compared to the patients without nocturia in the BPH group was significant (p=0.003), whereas four patients with nocturia (30.8%) were non-dippers in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that non-dipping was more prevalent in elderly men with BPH and nocturia. BPH and nocturia may be etiological factors in the pathogenesis of non-dipping, which is an indicator of early cardiovascular disease. Further studies must focus on this relationship and, especially, on whether treatment of nocturia and BPH helps to treat non-dipping or not.

[Impact of surgical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia on nocturia]

The aim of this study was the evaluation of effect of surgical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia with the methods of transurethral resection of the prostate and open prostatectomy to nocturia. Research material was based on 80 patients of whom 40 patients were treated with method of open prostatectomy and other 40 patients with method of transurethral resection of prostate gland for benign prostatic hyperplasia. All patients were in age group under 80 years old (approximate age in the group A 70.23 with variation interval of 21, and in the group B 69.37 with variation interval of 22), with value of IPSS>19 points, quantity of residual urine higher than 150 ml, the weight of benign prostatic gland hyperplasia tissue over 30 grams for method of prostate transurethral resection and over 80 grams for method of open prostatectomy. In all patients, and on two occasions, IPSS value was determined, and then again in postoperative period in intervals of 4, 8 and 12 weeks. Arithmetic mean of IPSS preoperatively in group A was 32.050 points and in group B 31.750 points. During the postoperative checkups in intervals from 4, 8 and 12 weeks, arithmetic mean of IPSS in group A was 5.400, 3.475 and 1.850 points, and in group B 11.425, 9.550 and 9.025 points. This study includes the arithmetic mean of the answers given on question about number of nocturia in preoperative period, as well as during all postoperative controls. Obtained results of this study were shown with descriptive statistics (arithmetic mean and standard deviation) and Student t-test for testing the difference of total IPSS arithmetic means and preoperational values in 4, 8 and 12 week checkup and arithmetic mean of the answers on questions on number of nocturia isolated forthe groups A and B; and also testing of difference of arithmetic means of total IPSS and arithmetic means of answers given on questions about number of nocturia preoperatively and during all post operational checkups between the groups A and B. It can be concluded that after mentioned surgical operations significant reduction of the lower urinary tract symptoms quantified by IPSS occurred. Surgical treatment of BPH had more pronounced effect on the urination symptoms in relation to filling symptoms, and nocturia was one of the most obstinate filling symptoms.

Nocturia, nocturnal incontinence prevalence, and response to anticholinergic and behavioral therapy

To determine whether participants in the behavior enhances drug reduction of incontinence (BE-DRI) trial experienced reduction in the frequency of nocturia and/or nocturnal leakage during treatment with antimuscarinic phamacotherapy with or without additional behavioral therapy. We analyzed urinary diary data relating to nocturia and nocturnal incontinence before and after 8 weeks of study treatment in the BE-DRI trial, in which patients were randomly assigned to receive drug therapy with tolterodine tartrate extended-release capsules 4 mg alone or in combination with behavioral training. Chi-square tests assessed whether nocturia and nocturnal incontinence prevalence varied by treatment arm and paired t tests assessed the change in mean frequency of nocturia and nocturnal leakage. Among 305 women, 210 (69%) had an average of at least one nocturia episode at baseline. There were small but statistically significant differences (p < 0.001) in mean nocturia frequency and nocturnal incontinence frequency with both treatments after 8 weeks, but no significant difference between study treatment groups. Among these urge incontinent women, tolterodine with or without supervised behavioral therapy had little impact on either nocturic frequency or nocturnal incontinence.

Biochemical and body composition analysis of nocturia in the elderly

AIMS

Nocturia is a common symptom in the elderly, and various contributing factors have been suggested. Therefore, in order to investigate which factors are strongly related to occurrence of nocturia, we performed a suite of examinations.

METHODS

One hundred eighty volunteers were divided into three groups: a young adult control group (60 healthy persons without nocturia), an elderly control group (60 healthy persons with a low mean frequency of nocturnal urination, i.e., <once per night), and an elderly nocturia group (60 healthy persons with a high mean frequency of nocturnal urination, i.e., more than twice per night). Biochemistry tests, measurement of the osmotic pressure of plasma and urine, and body composition analysis were performed in three groups during the daytime and nighttime. In the elderly control group and the elderly nocturia group, measurement of blood pressure and recording of urinary frequency-volume charts were performed.

RESULTS

The features specific to the elderly nocturia group are as follows: (1) a decrease of the nighttime plasma melatonin level, (2) an increase of nighttime plasma catecholamine levels, (3) an increase of daytime and nighttime plasma natriuretic peptide levels, (4) an increase of blood pressure, (5) a decrease of daytime and nighttime urinary osmotic pressure, (6) an increase of total urine volume, and (7) an increase of the edema ratio before sleeping.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that sleep disturbance, hypertension, and excessive fluid intake are major factors contributing to an increased frequency of nocturnal urination (>twice per night) in the elderly.

The Effect of Doxazosin, Finasteride and Combination Therapy on Nocturia in Men With Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

PURPOSE

We evaluated the effectiveness of single or combination drug therapy on nocturia in men with lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 3,047 men with lower urinary tract symptoms/benign prostatic hyperplasia enrolled in the Medical Therapy of Prostatic Symptoms trial were randomly assigned to receive doxazosin alone, finasteride alone, combination therapy or placebo. Treatment effectiveness was assessed according to intent to treat by mean reduction in self-reported nightly nocturia at 1 and 4 years. A subgroup analysis by age (younger than 70 vs 70 years old or older) was also performed.

RESULTS

Of the men 2,583 reported 1 or more episodes of nocturia and finished 12 or more months of the trial. Mean nocturia was similar in all groups at baseline. Mean nocturia was reduced at 1 year by 0.35, 0.40, 0.54 and 0.58 in the placebo, finasteride, doxazosin and combination groups, respectively. Reductions with doxazosin and combination therapy were statistically greater than with placebo (p <0.05). At 4 years nocturia was also significantly reduced in patients treated with doxazosin and combination therapy (p <0.05 vs placebo). In men older than 70 years (495) all drugs significantly reduced nocturia at 1 year (finasteride 0.29, doxazosin 0.46 and combination 0.42) compared to placebo (0.11, p <0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Doxazosin and combination therapy reduced nocturia more than placebo, but the net benefit of active drug compared to placebo was often modest with a net difference of less than 0.20 fewer nightly nocturia episodes at 1 and 4 years. Findings in men 70 years old or older were similar, with an even smaller effect observed for finasteride.

Basis and therapeutical rationale of the urinary concentrating mechanism

The urine-concentrating mechanism performs one of the most essential functions in water and electrolyte metabolism and serves primarily to maintain extracellular osmolality within a very narrow range. The history of anti-diuresis dates back more than 100 years and includes the discovery of antidiuretic hormone (AVP), the renal AVP receptor, and most recently the water channel (aquaporin) proteins. Today, the mechanisms of antidiuresis are understood on a highly detailed molecular level including both short term and long-term regulation of AQP2 function. Furthermore, the background behind many acquired and inherited disturbances of water balance has now been revealed and has enabled a precise differential diagnosis. These include different forms of diabetes insipidus, nocturnal enuresis and nocturia in the elderly. Diabetes insipidus represents a dramatic but rare disturbance of water balance caused by deficient AVP secretion (neurogenic), reduced renal sensitivity to AVP (nephrogenic), an abnormally high fluid intake (primary polydipsia), or in rare cases by placental enzymatic degradation of AVP (gestational). Nocturnal enuresis and nocturia in the elderly represents much more common disturbances and share common pathogenic features including an abnormally high nocturnal urine production. This seems at least in part to be caused by abnormally low levels of plasma AVP during night. The increased understanding of such water balance disturbances have changed dramatically prior treatment practice by introducing antidiuresis as a treatment modality. The ongoing progress in our understanding of antidiuresis may provide the basis for the development of new antidiuretic compounds.

[Evaluation of symptoms in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia]

Validation of reliable symptom scores for evaluation of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) provides reproducible tools for patient follow-up and for use in therapeutic trials. The International Prostate Symptom Score (I-PSS) is currently the reference questionnaire for evaluation of patients with BPH. Some of the symptoms of BPH are particularly disabling, especially nocturia. Evaluation of nocturia is essential in view of its direct impact on the patient's daily life. The I-PSS devotes a single item to nocturia. The N-QoL questionnaire appears to be more suitable to measure the impact of nocturia on quality of life, as it investigates the concepts of sleep, vitality, discomfort and overall quality of life.

Voiding patterns in men and women with lower urinary tract symptoms combined with nocturia

AIM

We evaluated differences between men and women with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) combined with nocturia.

METHODS

A total of 71 age-matched female-male pairs (median 58, range 20-81 years) who had moderate to severe LUTS and nocturia of more than once per night were enrolled in this study.

RESULTS

In the younger group (<50 years), the International Prostate Symptom Score (I-PSS) results of the sexes were not significantly different. However, although total I-PSS results in the elderly group (> or =50 years) were not significantly different, quality of life index scores for women were higher (P = 0.002). On frequency-volume (FV) charts, mean total daytime voided volume (DVV) was significantly higher in younger men than in younger women (P = 0.017), but the mean nocturnal polyuria index (NPi) for women was higher than that for men (P = 0.047). However, maximum DVV (P = 0.009), mean DVV (P < 0.0001), total DVV (P < 0.0001), and mean nocturnal urine volume (P = 0.009) were significantly higher in elderly men than in elderly women. However, numbers of daytime voids were not different.

CONCLUSION

Elderly women with LUTS have lower functional bladder capacities than elderly men, as suggested by their smaller mean voided volumes. However, no significant differences were observed between numbers of daytime voids, which was probably due to the smaller total daytime voided volumes of elderly women. In addition, although NPi for younger women and nocturnal urine volume for elderly men was higher, no other differences were observed in terms of other night-time parameters.

Pathophysiological Aspects of Nocturia in a Danish Population of Men and Women Age 60 to 80 Years

PURPOSE

We applied the International Continence Society Guidelines and categorized men and women with nocturia 2 or more times a night in pathophysiological groups based on selected lower urinary tract symptoms, clinical examination, frequency volume charts and urodynamics, and categorized the most likely pathophysiological causes of nocturia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Participants were randomly selected among respondents in a population study of 4,000 individuals 60 to 80 years old living in Copenhagen County. Nocturia was assessed using the new and validated Nocturia, Nocturnal Enuresis, and Sleep-interruption Questionnaire. Nocturic (2 or more voids) or control (less than 1 void) status was assessed by a 3-day frequency volume chart. Participants were interviewed regarding lower urinary tract symptoms, and physical examination was performed. Nocturia pathophysiology was divided in 4 groups according to frequency volume chart variables, that is nocturnal polyuria, low bladder capacity, nocturnal polyuria and low bladder capacity in combination, and polyuria. Spontaneous flow rate and post-void residual urine were determined, and invasive urodynamic examination was performed in patients.

RESULTS

Of 1,111 eligible individuals 75 patients and 75 controls were included. More patients vs controls had daytime frequency, urgency and urge incontinence. However, the difference was not significant in men. Nocturnal polyuria was the only pathophysiological finding that differed significantly in prevalence between patients and controls. The most prevalent urodynamic finding in patients was detrusor overactivity incontinence (26%) in women and detrusor overactivity (64%) in men.

CONCLUSIONS

Urgency in women, and symptoms suggestive of bladder outlet obstruction in men were the major complaints. Frequency volume charts demonstrated that 55% of patients had nocturnal polyuria which was significantly more than controls. From frequency volume chart variables alone we could categorize 84% of the patients. When symptoms and urodynamic examination were added to the assessment, the most likely cause of nocturia was categorized in 96% of participants.

Desmopressin in the Treatment of Nocturia: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

OBJECTIVES

To investigate efficacy, safety, and impact on quality of sleep of desmopressin in the treatment of nocturia.

METHODS

Adults aged > or =18 yr with nocturia (> or =2 voids/night) received desmopressin tablets (0.1, 0.2, or 0.4 mg) during a 3-wk dose-titration period. Patients should show sufficient response during the dose-titration period (> or =20% reduction in nocturnal diuresis) and a return of nocturnal diuresis to > or =80% of baseline levels during washout. Eligible patients then entered a 3-wk double-blind treatment period and received either desmopressin or placebo.

RESULTS

127 patients were randomised to either desmopressin (n=61) or placebo (n=66). Twenty (33%) desmopressin-treated patients compared with seven (11%) placebo-treated patients showed a clinical response, defined as a > or =50% reduction in the number of nocturnal voids compared with baseline (p=0.0014). Compared with placebo, desmopressin resulted in a significant reduction in the mean number of nocturnal voids (39% reduction with desmopressin vs. 15% with placebo; absolute difference -0.84, p<0.0001) and duration of the first sleep period (prolonged by 108 min with desmopressin vs. 41 min with placebo; p<0.0001). Quality of sleep was also improved with desmopressin versus placebo (statistically significant for one of the two parameters evaluated). Adverse events were mainly mild.

CONCLUSIONS

Oral desmopressin tablets provide an effective and well-tolerated treatment for nocturia. Compared with placebo, nocturnal voiding frequency is reduced, duration of the first sleep period is increased, and sleep quality may be improved.

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.

Nocturia, nocturia indices and variables from frequency-volume charts are significantly different in Asian and Caucasian men with lower urinary tract symptoms: a prospective comparison study

OBJECTIVE

To describe and compare the patterns of nocturia in Asian and Caucasian men presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), and to identify associations or correlations between LUTS and variables from a frequency-volume chart (FVC), as nocturia is common among men with LUTS, and analysis of FVCs shows nocturnal polyuria and reduced nocturnal bladder capacity (NBC) as the predominant causes in Western patients, but there are few comparisons with other ethnic groups.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Consecutive men aged > or = 40 years, presenting with LUTS and nocturia to an Asian and a Caucasian tertiary centre, were recruited prospectively. The men completed the International Prostate Symptom Score and a 3-day FVC. Men having had bladder outlet surgery and/or receiving anticholinergics were excluded. We computed the nocturia ratio, i.e. the nocturnal urine volume/ 24-h urine volume, nocturia index, predicted nocturnal voids and NBC index (NBCI), and analysed comparisons and correlations.

RESULTS

In all, 93 Asian and 200 Caucasian men were recruited prospectively, with a similar age and overall severity of LUTS. The nocturia ratio was larger in the Caucasian men, whereas the NBCI was larger in the Asians (P < 0.001). The prevalence of nocturnal polyuria in men aged > or =60 years (nocturia ratio > or =0.3) was significantly higher in the Caucasian population. Conversely, the prevalence of reduced NBC appeared to be higher in the Asians (based on a NBCI of >2; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The patterns of nocturia and FVC variables differed significantly in age-matched Asian and Caucasian groups. There are also possible ethnic differences in the causes of nocturia, with nocturnal polyuria being more prevalent in Caucasians.

[Association with relative nocturnal polyuria using BNP (brain natriuretic peptide) in eldely patients with nocturia]

OBJECTIVE

In addition to overactive bladder (OAB) and sleep disorders (disturbance of additional sleep induction), nocturnal polyuria has been reported as an etiology of nocturia in elderly people. To investigate the influence of heart function on nocturnal polyuria in elderly people, we examined the association with nocturnal polyuria using brain natoriuretic peptide (BNP), which are useful for evaluating the prognosis of heart failure.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The patients were 128 patients (92 males, 36 females) who were treated for nocturia in Kohsei general hospital and other relative hospital between October 2002 and September 2005. We measured BNP levels at physical examination. Simultaneously, the patients were instructed to write a frequency volume chart (FVC) for 4 days. 24-hour urine volume, Daytime urine volume, nocturnal (sleep) urine volume, nocturnal polyuria index (NPi) were calculated from FVC. The association was examined. However, alphal-blockers or anticholinergic agents that had been prescribed to treat urination disorders were continuously administered.

RESULTS

Overall, the mean BNP level was high, 46.3+/-39.6 pg/ml. The mean 24-hour urine volume was 1,555+/- 458 ml. The mean daytime urine volume was 935+/-322 ml. The mean nocturnal urine volume was 624+/-251 ml. The mean nocturnal urine volume rate was high, 40.1 - 10.5%. However, there was a close association between BNP and the 24-hour urine volume (p = 0.0215), the daytime urine volume (p = 0.0004), the NPi (p = 0.0003). The daytime urine volume decreased with the BNP level. The NPi increased with the BNP level. Patients were divided into 2 groups, a group with a BNP level less than 50 pg/ml and a group with a BNP level of 50 pg/ml or more. In the group with a BNP level less than 50 pg/ml, the nocturnal urine volume rate was 38.14+/-10.07%. In the group with a BNP level of 50 pg/ml or more, the rate was significantly higher (43.97+/-10.48%, p<0.0029).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that many elderly patients latently have mild heart failure, and that relative nocturnal polyuria reduces cardiac load. Therefore, in patients with a high BNP level, administration of antidiuretic hormone to decrease nocturnal urine volume is risky. Administration of diuretics during the afternoon or evening may be safer.

Obesity in elderly people with nocturia: cause or consequence?

OBJECTIVE

To assess the relationship of nocturia and sleep to body weight.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A questionnaire survey among all (n = 10216) members of a pensioners'association in the Swedish counties of Västerbotten and Norrbotten.

RESULTS

A total of 6103 evaluable questionnaires were received, of which 39.5% were from men. The response rate was 61.3%. The ages of the male and female participants were 73.0 (6.0) [mean (SD)] and 72.6 (6.7) years, respectively. Body mass index (BMI) was 25.4 (3.1) in men and 25.4 (3.7) in women. BMI increased in parallel with increasing number of nocturnal micturition episodes in women, while the corresponding increase in men did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.10). The habit of nocturnal eating and the occurrence of poor appetite in the daytime increased in parallel with increasing number of nocturnal micturition episodes in both men and women.

CONCLUSION

Obesity increased in parallel with increased nocturnal voiding, and both nocturnal eating and daytime loss of appetite increased correspondingly. The pattern of increase of these symptoms may support the interpretation that frequent nocturnal micturition increases the risk of obesity, partly as a consequence of its negative impact on sleep.

[The effectiveness of naftopidil in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia evaluated by QOL index]

We examined the effectiveness of naftopidil in 81 patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). We examined quality of life (QOL) and determined which symptoms improved as a result of naftopidil administration. The findings indicated that storage symptoms, voiding symptoms, total International Prostate Sympotom Score (IPSS), QOL index, Qmax and residual urine volume were significantly improved after treatment when compared to baseline. Improvement of nocturia and incomplete emptying by naftopidil contributed to improvement in QOL, odds ratio between the good response group and poor response group were 3.6 and 2.3, respectively. During naftopidil treatment, two of the 81 patients complained of adverse events. The results show that naftpidil is effective for LUTS caused by BPH, and that improvement of nocturia and incomplete emptying contributed to the improvement in QOL.

Incidence of Nocturia in 50 to 80-Year-Old Finnish Men

PURPOSE

We estimated the incidence and natural course of nocturia in an unselected Finnish male population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A mail interview of a cohort of 3,143 randomly selected men 50 to 70 year old at study entry was done in Finland in 1994, 1999 and 2004. The questionnaire included questions on sociodemographic status, overall health and disease, urinary symptoms, sexual functioning and symptom bother. The overall response rate was 70% on the 1994 survey, 75% on the 1999 survey and 76% on the 2004 survey. A response to nocturia questions was obtained from 1,633 men at the 1994 to 1999 followup and from 1,618 at the 1999 to 2004 followup.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of 1 or more nocturnal voidings was 56% at baseline and 74% 10 years later. The crude incidence rate for nocturia was 75 new cases per 1,000 men annually (95% CI 66 to 85) during the first 5-year followup period and 126/1,000 (95% CI 113 to 140) during the second period. The incidence of moderate or severe nocturia was 9/1,000 (95% CI 7 to 11) and 14/1,000 men (95% CI 12 to 17), respectively. Incidence and prevalence increased clearly with age but also by calendar time, which was most prominent for the mild nocturia incidence. The incidence of moderate to severe symptoms increased, especially in the oldest cohort (incidence density ratio 5.6 to 5.7/5 years).

CONCLUSIONS

Every year 10% more males older than 50 years start to void during the night. The incidence of mild nocturia increases, especially in men when they age from 50 to 60 years. In older men mild symptoms are more stable but the incidence of severe nocturia increases strongly after age 75 years.

Hip fractures, nocturia, and nocturnal polyuria in the elderly

This study was undertaken to evaluate the relation between hip fractures and nocturnal micturition habits in elderly men and women. A questionnaire survey was undertaken among 10,216 elderly subjects. The mean (+/-S.D.) ages of the men and women were 73.0+/-6.0 and 72.6+/-6.7 years, respectively. A hip fracture during the past five years had occurred in 97 (3.9%) of the men and 175 (4.6%) of the women and the occurrence increased with increasing age in both sexes. In both men and women nocturnal micturition increased with age. Among men, passing of subjectively large amounts of urine at night was reported to occur never or very seldom in 63.3% and rather seldom, rather often, and very often in 21.9%, 12.7%, and 2.1%, respectively. The corresponding frequencies in women were 65.1%, 17.2%, 13.7%, and 3.9%, respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis with sex, nocturia, and nocturnal voided volumes as independent variables and occurrence of hip fracture during the last five years as the dependent variable showed that the risk of having had a hip fracture was increased by nocturia three or more episodes versus two or fewer; odds ratio (OR) 1.8, confidence interval (CI) 1.1-3.0, and by large nocturnal urine volumes, very often versus very seldom or never; (OR 3.5; CI 1.8-7.3). One can conclude that in these elderly subjects the risk of hip fractures during a five-year period was increased independently by increased nocturnal micturition and increased nocturnal urine output.

Polynocturia in chronic kidney disease is related to natriuresis rather than to water diuresis

BACKGROUND

Nocturnal polyuria has been well known in renal insufficiency. Recently, we found that as renal function deteriorated in chronic kidney disease (CKD), natriuresis was enhanced during the night with nocturnal blood pressure elevation. In the present study, we investigated whether nocturnal polyuria in CKD was due to the inability to concentrate urine, as previously proposed, or based on osmotic diuresis mainly by natriuresis.

METHODS

In 27 CKD patients, circadian rhythms of urinary sodium, potassium, urea and osmolar excretion rates (U(Na)V, U(K)V, U(urea)V, U(osm)V) as well as of urinary volume (V) and free-water clearance (C(H(2)O)) were estimated during both daytime (6:00 to 21:00) and nighttime (21:00 to 6:00). Then, the night/day ratios of these parameters were analysed in relation to creatinine clearance (C(cr)) as a marker of glomerular filtration rate.

RESULTS

C(cr) had significantly negative relationships with night/day ratios of V (R = -0.69; P < 0.0001), U(osm)V (R = -0.54; P = 0.004) and U(Na)V (R = -0.63; P = 0.0005), but no correlation with night/day ratios of C(H(2)O) (R = -0.33; P = 0.1), U(K)V (R = -0.29; P = 0.1) or U(urea)V (R = -0.31; P = 0.1). Linear and multiple regression analysis identified nocturnal natriuresis rather than urea excretion as an independent determinant of nocturia.

CONCLUSION

As renal function deteriorated, nocturnal polyuria was seen, being consistent with classical recognition. Furthermore, this increase in nocturnal urine volume seemed related to osmotic diuresis mainly by natriuresis rather than to water diuresis or urea excretion.

The natural history of overactive bladder and stress urinary incontinence in older women in the community: A 3-year prospective cohort study

AIMS

This is the first study designed to describe the natural history of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and overactive bladder (OAB), using validated symptom syndrome severity scores developed for the purpose.

METHODS

Two separate but related studies were involved, (i) a clinic sample (N = 2,052) from a randomised controlled trial (RCT) and (ii) a prospective cohort study (N = 12,750) with 3-year follow-up. Subjects in both studies were women aged 40 or more living in the community, approached using similar postal questionnaires. Severity scores using standardised urinary symptoms were derived for SUI and OAB from weightings obtained from logistic regression models of symptoms in relation to urodynamic diagnosis. Symptom severity scores were plotted for baseline and 3 years of follow-up to demonstrate the natural history of the main categories of SUI and OAB.

RESULTS

Overactive bladder and SUI syndrome severity scores showed good criterion validity in relation to relevant clinical measures and good test-retest reliability. OAB severity increased progressively with age including a period of accelerated increase in the 60s. In contrast, SUI severity showed two age-related peaks around age 60 and again at age 80. SUI severity also showed a more fluctuating pattern from year to year compared to OAB.

CONCLUSIONS

Contrasting patterns of natural history for OAB and SUI syndromes were identified consistent with differences in the patterns of related co-morbidities. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.