Assessment of the efficacy of desmopressin in treatment of Primary Monosymptomatic Nocturnal Enuresis in Egyptian children

Abstract

Background: Enuresis is defined as a normal void occurring at an inappropriate social time or place. The treatment approach for enuresis is controversial due to a lack of consensus as to the exact causes of nocturnal enuresis.
Aim: Aim was to assess the efficacy of desmopressin therapy in the treatment of Primary
Monosymptomatic Nocturnal Enuresis (PMNE) in Egyptian children.
Method: The study assessed 40 children aged 6–15 years suffering from PMNE. They were divided into 2 groups; Group 1 (20 patients) were on desmopressin tablets (0.2 mg) once daily before bedtime for 8 weeks in addition to behavioral modifications. Group 2 received only behavioral modifications. Both groups were followed up for 8 weeks of treatment, and then another 8 weeks to detect relapse.
Results: The wetting frequency decreased during treatment by 70% in Group 1 and 65% in Group 2. However, this difference was not statistically significantly different. The complete and partial response rates were 45% and 25% respectively in Group 1 and were 35% and 30% respectively in Group 2.
Conclusion: There is a highly significant decrease in wet nights in response to either desmopressin or behavioral therapy. However, the difference is not statistically significant. Also, it was found that relapsers (mainly early relapsers) are significantly more encountered in patients treated by desmopressin.

KEYWORDS: Nocturnal enuresis; Efficiency; Desmopressin; Relapse