Recent advances in managing and understanding enuresis

F1000Res. 2017 Oct 24:6:1881. doi: 10.12688/f1000research.11303.1. eCollection 2017.

Abstract

Enuresis, particularly in children during sleep, can be a debilitating condition, affecting the quality of life of the child and his or her family. The pathophysiology of nocturnal enuresis, though not clear, revolves around the inter-related mechanisms of overactive bladder, excessive nocturnal urine production, and sleep fragmentation. The first mechanism is more related to isolated nocturnal voiding, whereas the latter two are more related to nocturnal enuresis, in which circadian variations in arginine vasopressin hormone play a key role. A successful treatment would depend upon appropriately addressing the key factors precipitating nocturnal enuresis, necessitating an accurate diagnosis. Thus, advancements in diagnostic tools and treatment options play a key role in achieving overall success. This review summarizes recent advances in understanding the pathophysiology of nocturnal enuresis, diagnostic tools, and treatment options which can be explored in the future.

Keywords: enuresis; enuretic; nocturnal enuresis.

Publication types

  • Review

Grants and funding

The author(s) declared that no grants were involved in supporting this work.