Enuresis

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Distribution within Medical Sciences

Kinds of Enuresis

  • monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis
  • nocturnal enuresis
  • primary nocturnal enuresis


  • Selected Abstracts


    Long-term continence after surgery for Hirschsprung's disease

    JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 12 2007
    Anthony G Catto-Smith
    Abstract Aim:, Our aim was to examine the long-term bowel dysfunction that followed surgery for Hirschsprung's disease. Methods:, Of 414 patients diagnosed with Hirschsprung's disease between 1974 and 2002, 98 were interviewed using a structured questionnaire to provide an assessment of bowel function, medication, diet, physical and social limitations. Forty-two completed a prospective 4-week toileting diary and 16 underwent anorectal manometry. Results:, Four of the 98 patients had permanent stomas and 10 had Down's syndrome. Of the remaining 84 patients (mean age 12 ± 8 years, range 1.9,41.9 years), 13% (11/84) had heavy soiling by day and 17% (14/84) by night. Fifty percent reported episodic urgency, but 36% also reported episodic constipation. Stool consistency was looser in patients with a history of long segment disease. Some aspects of bowel function improved with age. Enuresis was much more frequent than expected. Sixty-four percent reported adverse reactions to foods, particularly to fruit, vegetables, fats and diary products, and 15% limited their social activities because of fecal incontinence. There were no significant differences in manometric parameters between those patients who soiled and those who did not. Conclusions:, Fecal incontinence is common after surgery for Hirschsprung's disease and has a significant impact on social activities. Some aspects of bowel function did improve with age. Adverse reactions to food were unexpectedly frequent and need to be further studied. [source]


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

    PEDIATRICS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 1 2004
    Emel Gür
    AbstractBackground: 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 ,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 ,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 ,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. [source]


    Child abuse as a result of enuresis

    PEDIATRICS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 1 2004
    Gamze Can
    AbstractBackground: Enuresis is a frequent manifestation with important psychological and social consequences. The aim of the present study was to describe the types of child abuse as a result of enuresis, and to investigate the association of child abuse. Methods: A cross-sectional field study was conducted between March 2001 and August 2001 in the 5,17-year-old age group, to identify risk factors and prevalence of enuresis in the province of Trabzon, Turkey. A face-to-face interview with 889 mothers was carried out. In the questionnaire, the existence, frequency, and risks factors of enuresis were questioned in detail and the parental reactions to the child's enuresis were widely investigated. Results: The prevalence of nocturnal enuresis was 17.9% in the 5,17-year-old age group. It was also found out that of 154 mothers, 86.4% (n = 133) were involved in child abuse of different types. It was found that 40.6% of children who were abused as a result of their enuresis were neglected medically, 42.1% were spanked and 12.8% were beaten. Conclusions: The high prevalence of enuresis among Turkish children leads to a high frequency of neglect. The high frequency of other types of child abuse in Turkey can be taken as being punishment. [source]


    Enuresis in childhood, and urinary and fecal incontinence in adult life: do they share a common cause?

    BJU INTERNATIONAL, Issue 7 2005
    Ayse Gurbuz
    OBJECTIVE To investigate whether there is any association between urinary or fecal incontinence and childhood bedwetting, and given such a relationship, to detect which type of urinary incontinence (UI) is associated with childhood bedwetting. PATIENTS AND METHODS In all, 1021 patients who were admitted to the outpatient gynaecology clinics of the authors' institution for an annual gynaecological examination were included in this descriptive clinical study. A simple multi-choice screening questionnaire was used to collect data for analysis. RESULTS There was a history of bedwetting in childhood in 181 (21.1%) of women without and in 48 (29.6%) of those with UI; the difference was significant (chi-square, P < 0.05). Women with stress UI had significantly higher rates of enuresis in childhood (35.4%) than those without UI (21.1%; P = 0.003). Of women who had a history of bedwetting in childhood, 12.2% had stress UI, but only 6.4% of those with no such history had stress UI. Fecal incontinence was significantly more common in women with a history of bedwetting in childhood (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION A history of childhood bedwetting seems to increase the risk of having UI, stress UI and fecal incontinence. Being aware of this association may provide an opportunity to avoid exposing these women to additional risk factors for these condition. [source]


    Enuresis and urinary incontinence in children and adolescents with spinal muscular atrophy

    BJU INTERNATIONAL, Issue 4 2001
    A. Von Gontard
    Objective To assess the rate and type of urinary incontinence in a large sample of children and adolescents with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a genetic disorder characterized by loss of motor function caused by anterior horn degeneration. Patients, subjects and methods The study included 96 severely incapacitated patients with SMA (aged 6.0,18.11 years) who were examined in detail, including a structured interview (Kinder-DIPS), the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL) and a specific questionnaire for urinary incontinence. They were compared with two control groups of unaffected siblings and normal children. Results In all, 29% of the patients were wet at night and/or during the day; mostly younger children with SMA types I and II only were affected. The results of the interview were more reliable than the CBCL. The specific questionnaire revealed a variety of possible functional and neurogenic forms of wetting, including nocturnal enuresis, voiding postponement, dysfunctional voiding, stress, symptomatic (urinary tract infections, UTIs) and neurogenic incontinence. Many patients were constipated, soiled or had UTIs. The rate of behavioural problems was twice as high (32%) as normal (15%; CBCL). Conclusion Children with SMA have a high rate of urinary incontinence which is often overlooked, and not diagnosed and treated adequately. These problems should be addressed routinely by paediatricians in children referred to paediatric urological specialists. [source]


    Enuresis in hyperthyroidism: a temporary lack of central control mechanism leads to nocturnal enuresis

    ACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 1 2010
    J Meir
    Abstract We report on a 9-year-old boy who suffered from hyperthyroidism and a new appearance of enuresis. Bedwetting ceased and prepulse inhibition (PPI) , measured as a parameter of central control , increased during the course of therapy. Conclusion:, The increase in PPI is an indication that enuresis in hyperthyroidism could be as a result of a temporary loss of central control on brainstem reflexes. The case conveys new insights into the correlation between thyroid hormones and micturition patterns and the aetiology of enuresis. [source]


    The role of sleep and arousal in nocturnal enuresis

    ACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 10 2003
    T Nevéus
    Aim: To review what is known about the role of sleep and arousal mechanisms in the pathogenesis of nocturnal enuresis. Methods: A review of the literature was carried out. Results: The sleep of enuretic children, although polysomnographically quite normal, is exceedingly "deep"; that is enuretic children have high arousal thresholds. Apart from some overlap between enuresis and the (other) classic parasomnias, the sleep of enuretic children is no more problematic than that of the general population. Recently, the exciting possibility has arisen that the low arousability of enuretic children may be linked to the autonomous nervous system and to disturbances in the upper pons. Conclusions: Enuresis is not just a nocturnal problem but a disorder of sleep. The high arousal threshold is one of three major pathogenetic factors in enuresis,nocturnal polyuria and detrusor hyperactivity being the other two. [source]


    Prepulse inhibition of startle, intelligence and familial primary nocturnal enuresis

    ACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 4 2000
    EM Ornitz
    Previous studies have shown a significant reduction of prepulse inhibition of startle in boys with primary nocturnal enuresis. Those enuretic boys who had higher IQs showed less prepulse inhibition. This study evaluates the association of prepulse inhibition and IQ in primary nocturnal enuresis in respect to family history of primary nocturnal enuresis. Prepulse inhibition of startle was studied in 83 boys with primary nocturnal enuresis and 57 non-enuretic boys using an interval of 120 ms between the onset of a 75 dB 1000 Hz tone and a 104 dB noise burst. Of the boys with primary nocturnal enuresis, 56 had a family history of primary nocturnal enuresis and 27 had no family history (no first-degree relative). Of the 57 non-enuretic boys, 42 also had no family history (no first-degree relative) of primary nocturnal enuresis, while 15 did have a positive family history. Associations between prepulse inhibition and IQ scores were compared among these four groups. Strong and significant associations between prepulse inhibition deficit and higher IQ scores in the enuretic group with familial primary nocturnal enuresis were unique in comparison to the other groups. Conclusions: The strong heritabilities of primary nocturnal enuresis, intelligence and prepulse inhibition suggest genetic mediation of the association of prepulse inhibition with intelligence in familial primary nocturnal enuresis. [source]


    Neuromotor development in nocturnal enuresis

    DEVELOPMENTAL MEDICINE & CHILD NEUROLOGY, Issue 9 2006
    Alexander von Gontard MD PhD
    In children with nocturnal enuresis, a higher rate of minor neurological dysfunction has been found. The aim of this study was to assess timed performance (a measure of motor performance speed) and associated movements using a standardized and reliable instrument. The motor function of 37 children with nocturnal enuresis (27 males, 10 females; mean age 10y 7mo [SD 1y 10mo]; age range 8y-14y 8mo) and 40 comparison children without enuresis (17 males, 23 females; mean age 10y 7mo [SD 1y 6mo]; age range 8y-14y 8mo) was assessed using the Zurich Neuromotor Assessment. Children with nocturnal enuresis showed a slower motor performance than comparison children, particularly for repetitive hand and finger movements. This study provides evidence for a maturational deficit in motor performance in children with nocturnal enuresis. In addition to a maturational deficit of the brainstem, it is proposed that there is a possible maturational deficit of the motor cortex circuitry and related cortical areas in children with nocturnal enuresis. [source]


    Long-term desmopressin response in primary nocturnal enuresis: open-label, multinational study

    INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PRACTICE, Issue 1 2009
    H. Lottmann
    Summary Background:, Primary nocturnal enuresis (PNE) is a distressing condition, particularly in severe cases (, 3 wet nights/week). A prevalent pathophysiological mechanism, especially in monosymptomatic PNE (PMNE), is commonly believed to be an insufficient increase in night-time release of antidiuretic hormone. Desmopressin, a synthetic analogue of antidiuretic hormone, has been shown to reduce the number of wet nights experienced by PMNE patients in several controlled trials. Aim: This study was performed to evaluate desmopressin treatment in the real-life clinical setting and was a large-scale, 6-month investigation of efficacy and safety in patients with severe PNE. Predictive factors for desmopressin response were also evaluated. A total of 744 children aged 5 years and above from four countries were involved in the study. Results: At baseline, patients had a median of 6 wet nights/week; at 6 months, 41% of patients had experienced , 50% reduction in the mean number of wet nights. Long-term desmopressin treatment was consistently well-tolerated across all ages, with 5% of patients experiencing any treatment-related adverse events. The strength of treatment response was associated with nocturnal diuresis (p < 0.0001) and age (p = 0.0167) in logistic regression analyses. Compliance and dosage were also associated with response and more patients experienced , 50% reduction in wet nights after 6 months' treatment than earlier in the study, suggesting the value of persistent treatment. Conclusion: This study shows that long-term desmopressin treatment in the clinical setting is effective and well-tolerated in PNE patients of 5 years and upwards. Early improvements in bedwetting of any appreciable magnitude may be rewarding, may facilitate compliance and enable good long-term response. [source]


    A randomised comparison of oral desmopressin lyophilisate (MELT) and tablet formulations in children and adolescents with primary nocturnal enuresis

    INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PRACTICE, Issue 9 2007
    H. Lottmann
    Summary Aims:, Desmopressin is a useful treatment for primary nocturnal enuresis (PNE), a common childhood condition that can persist into adolescence. This open-label, randomised, cross-over study evaluated the preference of children and adolescents with PNE for sublingual desmopressin oral lyophilisate (MELT) vs. tablet treatment, and the efficacy, safety, compliance and ease of use associated with each formulation. In total, 221 patients aged 5,15 years who were already receiving desmopressin tablets were randomised 1 : 1 to receive desmopressin treatment in the order MELT/tablet (n = 110) or tablet/MELT (n = 111) for 3 weeks each. Each formulation was administered in bioequivalent doses (0.2/0.4 mg tablets , 120/240 ,g MELT). Following treatment, patients were questioned regarding treatment preference. Diary card data and 100 mm Visual Analogue Scale scores were also recorded. Results:, Overall, patients preferred the MELT formulation to the tablet (56% vs. 44%; p = 0.112). This preference was age dependent (p = 0.006); patients aged < 12 years had a statistically significant preference for desmopressin MELT (p = 0.0089). Efficacy was similar for both formulations (MELT: 1.88 ± 1.94 bedwetting episodes/week; tablet: 1.90 ± 1.85 episodes/week). Ease of use of both formulations was high. Compliance (, 80%) was 94.5% for MELT patients vs. 88.9% for the tablet (p = 0.059). No serious/severe adverse events were reported. Conclusions:, There was an overall preference for the MELT, and a statistically significant preference for desmopressin MELT in children aged 5,11 years. Desmopressin MELT had similar levels of efficacy and safety at lower dosing levels than the tablet, and therefore facilitates early initiation of PNE treatment in children aged 5,6 years. [source]


    Clinical guidelines for nocturia

    INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF UROLOGY, Issue 5 2010
    The Committee for Establishment of the Clinical Guidelines for Nocturia of the Neurogenic Bladder Society
    Abstract Nocturia is a bothersome condition, defined as a complaint whereby the individual has to wake one or more times per night in order to void. Nocturia that occurs twice or more per night can have a substantial adverse effect on the patient's quality of life (QOL), and in many cases treatment may be required. These guidelines provide a treatment algorithm for use by primary care physicians. The initial assessment is conducted through a history taking interview. With a clear understanding of symptoms, patients can be classified into three broad categories: (1) nocturia only, (2) nocturia and diurnal pollakisuria without other lower urinary tract symptoms, and (3) nocturia and diurnal pollakisuria accompanying other lower urinary tract symptoms. For treatment, the literature supporting each form of drug therapy was ranked and a recommendation grade was determined for each form of therapy. A grade of ,F (pending)' was applied to any drug not currently approved for use in Japan or for which the efficacy and safety in Japanese patients was unconfirmed at the time of evaluation. We recommend instruction and guidance on water intake that will generally result in 24-h urine volume of 20 to 25 mL/kg. This corresponds to a daily water intake of 2.0% to 2.5% of body weight. In Japan, desmopressin is indicated for central diabetes insipidus and nocturnal enuresis, but not indicated for nocturia. The therapeutic mechanism of the anticholinergic drugs for nocturia may depend on the action of the sensory nerve mediated by the muscarinic receptors. [source]


    Afferent pathway dysfunction in children with primary nocturnal enuresis

    INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF UROLOGY, Issue 2 2010
    Linya Lv
    Objectives: To investigate afferent pathway dysfunction in children with primary nocturnal enuresis by measuring pudendal somatosensory evoked potential and tibial somatosensory evoked potential. Methods: Subjects with primary nocturnal enuresis, 36 boys and 18 girls, aged from 5 to 16 years, were enrolled in this study: 24 subjects had complicated primary enuresis (CPE) and 30 subjects had monosymptomatic primary enuresis (MPE). There were no differences in bodyweight or gender between the MPE and CPE groups (P > 0.05). All of the children underwent physical examination, urine analysis, urinary ultrasound and spinal magnetic resonance imaging. Only subjects without urological and neurological abnormalities (with the exception of spina bifida occulta, which was found in some of the patients) were included in this neurophysiological study. Results: There were 20 children who were positively recorded with pudendal somatosensory evoked potential in the CPE group, and all of the children in the MPE group were positively recorded (P < 0.05). Positive records of tibial somatosensory evoked potential were successfully achieved in both groups. Furthermore, the pudendal and tibial conductive velocity were slower as compared to the normal range, especially in children in the CPE group (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Afferent pathway function may be impaired by some factors, which should be considered by both clinicians and parents. [source]


    Clinical, urodynamic and endoscopic characteristics of the Stanford pouch ileal neobladder constructed with absorbable staples

    INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF UROLOGY, Issue 12 2000
    M Cemil Uygur
    Abstract Purpose The clinical, urodynamic and endoscopic aspects of the Stanford pouch ileal neobladder formed with absorbable staples were investigated. Methods A Stanford pouch ileal neobladder was formed using absorbable staples after radical cystoprostatectomy in 30 male patients with the diagnosis of muscle invasive carcinoma of the bladder between 1995 and 1998. The mean age of the patients was 62 (range 41,70) years. Patients were followed with arterial blood gas, serum biochemistry, pouch cystography, urodynamic tests and endoscopy. Results Five (16.7%) patients had early postoperative complications and three were related to the neobladder. One year postoperatively, low grade (I, II) vesicoureteral reflux was present in five (16.7%) cases. The mean preoperative and 6 months postoperative serum creatinine levels were 1.07 ± 0.3 mg/dL and 1.2 ± 0.4 mg/dL, respectively, but the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.1). Six months postoperatively the mean serum chloride level was 109 ± 4.5 (range 100,113) mmol/L and the mean arterial blood pH was 7.37 ± 0.2 (range 7.3,7.4). Two (6.7%) patients required oral alkaline supplementation because of high chloride levels. All the patients except one were continent throughout the day after 1 year. However, nocturnal enuresis was present in 25 (83.3%) cases. The pouch capacity was increased gradually up to 12 months postoperatively and the mean pouch capacity 12 months postoperatively was 460 ± 95.8 mL. Micturition occurred spontaneously in most patients while some needed abdominal straining. None of the patients had a residual urine of more than 60 mL. The mean maximum flow rate 6 months postoperatively was 9.8 (range 5.4,15.0) mL/s. After 6 months the stapled edge was noticed as a nodular line. One year postoperatively only a white scar could be observed at the suture line. Conclusion The Stanford pouch ileal neobladder constructed using absorbable staples was able to provide a good capacity,low pressure reservoir with a low rate of complications. [source]


    The effectiveness of family therapy and systemic interventions for child-focused problems

    JOURNAL OF FAMILY THERAPY, Issue 1 2009
    Alan Carr
    This review updates a similar paper published in the Journal of Family Therapy in 2001. It presents evidence from meta-analyses, systematic literature reviews and controlled trials for the effectiveness of systemic interventions for families of children and adolescents with various difficulties. In this context, systemic interventions include both family therapy and other family-based approaches such as parent training. The evidence supports the effectiveness of systemic interventions either alone or as part of multimodal programmes for sleep, feeding and attachment problems in infancy; child abuse and neglect; conduct problems (including childhood behavioural difficulties, ADHD, delinquency and drug abuse); emotional problems (including anxiety, depression, grief, bipolar disorder and suicidality); eating disorders (including anorexia, bulimia and obesity); and somatic problems (including enuresis, encopresis, recurrent abdominal pain, and poorly controlled asthma and diabetes). [source]


    Elimination disorders in people with intellectual disability

    JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH, Issue 10 2008
    E. Van Laecke
    Incontinence in children with intellectual and physical disabilities is an underestimated problem in paediatric urology. Literature is scarce, often limited to the incidence and urodynamics, and seldom focused on treatment and prevention. Lack of interest and knowledge of this population are the major reasons why urologists know so little. Very often continence difficulties are accepted and even expected in children with intellectual disabilities. The published prevalence of urinary incontinence in children with intellectual and physical disabilities varies between 23% and 86%. In our experience the prevalence ranges from 60% to 65%. The vast majority of these children have bladder dysfunction, showing overactive detrusor and sphincter dyssynergia on video-urodynamic examination. The uroflow pattern is disturbed in over 65% of these children but is not correlated with the degree of urinary incontinence. Over 70% of the children have reduced bladder capacity. This is due to low bladder compliance and restricted fluid intake which effects urinary incontinence and is an important cause of constipation. Constipation is a common problem in intellectual and physical disabled children and there is a correlation between constipation and urinary incontinence. Children with intellectual disability, particularly those with a greater degree of disability need more time to become continent than typically developing children. Children with mild intellectual disability do not differ significantly from typically developing children with regard to nocturnal enuresis and faecal continence but they are more prone to urinary incontinence during the day. Greater mobility is associated with a higher incidence of continence. Some factors that influence continence, such as intellectual and motor capacity cannot easily be influenced but others, such as bladder capacity, detrusor overactivity and fluid intake, are treatable. It is importance that children with intellectual and physical disabilities suffering urinary incontinence are referred for assessment and treatment to increase their quality of life. [source]


    Epidemiology of childhood nocturnal enuresis in Malaysia

    JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRICS AND CHILD HEALTH, Issue 2 2003
    Y Kanaheswari
    Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of nocturnal enuresis in primary school children in Malaysia and to determine the factors associated with primary nocturnal enuresis. Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey. A total of 3371 self-administered questionnaires were distributed to parents of children aged 7, 9 and 12 years attending four primary schools in the city. The ICD-10 definition of enuresis was used. Results: From an overall response rate of 73.8%, nocturnal enuresis was reported in 200 children (8%), primary nocturnal enuresis in 156 children (6.2%) and secondary nocturnal enuresis in 44 children (1.8%). Fifty-three percent of those with primary enuresis had a positive family history, and 54% had two or more wet nights per week. Eighty-seven percent had not sought any form of treatment despite 74% admitting to being embarrassed. Using logistic regression analysis, only three factors were significant predictors of primary nocturnal enuresis. These were: (i) younger age (P < 0.001); (ii) male sex (P < 0.033); and (iii) Indian ethnic group (P < 0.044) compared to Chinese. Conclusion: The prevalence of nocturnal enuresis in urban-dwelling Malaysian children is similar to that reported from Korea and Taiwan but appears to be lower than that reported from developed countries. Predictive factors associated with primary nocturnal enuresis included lower age group, male sex and Indian ethnicity. [source]


    Desmopressin, an unexpected link between nocturnal enuresis and inherited thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (Upshaw-Schulman syndrome)

    JOURNAL OF THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS, Issue 3 2006
    A. VEYRADIER
    [source]


    Non-invasive Assessments of Pediatric Voiding Dysfunction

    LUTS, Issue 2 2009
    Shang-Jen CHANG
    In the evaluation of pediatric dysfunction, the initial approach relies on non-invasive diagnostic tools. Through these examinations, the possible etiology of pediatric voiding dysfunction may be identified, and children who require further evaluation with invasive diagnostic tools may be differentiated. In addition, these non-invasive diagnostic tools can be used as surrogate parameters for follow-up of voiding function in children with neurogenic or non-neurogenic voiding dysfunction. Updated information and controversy on this issue are provided and discussed in the present review. Thorough and well-organized history taking and focused physical examination are essential. A 2-day bladder diary and a 14-daysbowel movement diary, at least, should be recorded. Dysfunctional voiding symptom scores have been recommended for identifying children with possible voiding dysfunction. Consensus on which scoring system is best for clinical practice has not been reached. Low inter-observer agreement in interpreting specific types of abnormal uroflow pattern and high inter-observer agreement in identifying "no abnormality" make uroflowmetry a first-line screening tool for pediatric voiding dysfunction. Optimal bladder capacity is paramount in the interpretation of uroflowmetry curves and postvoid residual urine (PVR). Voided volume <50 mL is not eligible, while bladder over-distention may result in an abnormal uroflow pattern and increased PVR volume. Renal ultrasonography has been recommended for the evaluation of children with enuresis. However, the gain achieved through routine renosonography may be small. Thickened bladder wall thickness warrants further investigation of voiding dysfunction. However, inter- and intra-examiner's variability does not yet make this examination popular. [source]


    The effect of familial aggregation on the children with primary nocturnal enuresis

    NEUROUROLOGY AND URODYNAMICS, Issue 5 2009
    Qing Wei Wang
    Abstract Objective To evaluate the effect of familial aggregation on the children with PNE by evaluating nocturnal urine output, bladder, and arouse function. Patients and Methods According to whether relatives of family of probands over three generations were affected by PNE, forty-five children with familial aggregation PNE (FPNE), seventy children with sporadic PNE (SPNE) and ten children with normal lower urinary tract function but waiting for operation (control group) were included. Questionnaire of arousal from sleep (AS scores), bladder diary and daytime urodynamic studies were performed in all patients. Results The incidences of severe PNE and nonmonosymptomatic PNE in FPNE group were significantly higher than those in SPNE group. The nocturnal urine output and AS scores in both PNE groups was significantly higher, maximal voided volume significantly smaller than those in control group. Moreover, the incidences of small bladder in FPNE group was 44%, significantly higher than that in SPNE group (21%), but no significantly difference was found in nocturnal polyuria and arousal AS scores between two PNE groups. There were 53% patents with daytime detrusor overactivity and 60% patents with urodynamic functional bladder outflow obstruction in FPNE group, significantly higher than those in SPNE group (19% and 37%). Maximum cystometric capacity significantly decreased from control group to FPNE group. Conclusion Familial aggregation has significant effects on the children with PNE, and FPNE are more likely to be severe symptoms and bladder dysfunction. It would be beneficial to have an urodynamic study for their diagnosis and treatment. Neurourol. Urodynam. 28:423,426, 2009. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    Family and segregation studies: 411 Chinese children with primary nocturnal enuresis

    PEDIATRICS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 5 2007
    QING WEI WANG
    Abstract Background: The aim of the present paper was to determine the incidence of primary nocturnal enuresis (PNE) among relatives of Chinese children with PNE, the inheritance pattern, and to identify the characteristics of PNE with positive family history. Methods: From July 2003 to June 2004, an epidemiological survey on PNE children was carried out by self-administered questionnaires to parents of 5,18-year-old Chinese students in Henan Province, central China. A detailed family history was recorded in order to determine the presence of familial PNE as defined as any close relative with PNE beyond the age of 5 years. Results: The response rate was 88% (10 383/11 799), and 411 children (235 boys and 176 girls) with PNE were identified. A positive family history was found in 94 families (22.87%) of 411 probands with PNE, including 48.94% of fathers, 8.51% of mothers, 6.38% of both parents, 6.38% of the siblings and 29.79% of grandfathers or (and) mothers. Among the probands the ratio of male to female was 1.3:1 excluding sex-linked inheritance. Autosomal dominant inheritance was in 14.60%, and autosomal recessive inheritance was consistent in 1.46% of families. In PNE children with positive family history, the proportion of adolescents, with associated daytime symptoms, marked PNE and seeking professional help were significantly higher than those in PNE children without positive family history. Conclusions: PNE has a significant family clustering, and all modes of inheritance can occur in different families on the basis of a formal genetic analysis. Those with positive family history often manifest marked PNE, and have daytime symptoms. [source]


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

    PEDIATRICS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 1 2004
    Emel Gür
    AbstractBackground: 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 ,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 ,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 ,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. [source]


    Child abuse as a result of enuresis

    PEDIATRICS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 1 2004
    Gamze Can
    AbstractBackground: Enuresis is a frequent manifestation with important psychological and social consequences. The aim of the present study was to describe the types of child abuse as a result of enuresis, and to investigate the association of child abuse. Methods: A cross-sectional field study was conducted between March 2001 and August 2001 in the 5,17-year-old age group, to identify risk factors and prevalence of enuresis in the province of Trabzon, Turkey. A face-to-face interview with 889 mothers was carried out. In the questionnaire, the existence, frequency, and risks factors of enuresis were questioned in detail and the parental reactions to the child's enuresis were widely investigated. Results: The prevalence of nocturnal enuresis was 17.9% in the 5,17-year-old age group. It was also found out that of 154 mothers, 86.4% (n = 133) were involved in child abuse of different types. It was found that 40.6% of children who were abused as a result of their enuresis were neglected medically, 42.1% were spanked and 12.8% were beaten. Conclusions: The high prevalence of enuresis among Turkish children leads to a high frequency of neglect. The high frequency of other types of child abuse in Turkey can be taken as being punishment. [source]


    Recommended management of nocturnal enuresis in children

    PRESCRIBER, Issue 8 2010
    Anthony Cohn MRCP, FRCPC
    Our series Prescribing in children gives practical advice for successful management of childhood problems in general practice. Here, the author describes the three systems approach used in the treatment of nocturnal enuresis. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Interface Ltd [source]


    Latest news and product developments

    PRESCRIBER, Issue 2 2008
    Article first published online: 11 FEB 200
    NICE should evaluate all new medicines NICE should determine the cost effectiveness of all new medicines, the Health Select Committee has concluded in its second review of the Institute. The review, prompted by criticisms from patients, health professionals and the pharmaceutical industry, found that NICE is doing ,a vital job in difficult circumstances'. The Committee called for the costs to carers and society to be included in cost effectiveness estimates (this is currently prohibited) and for cost per QALY thresholds to be aligned with NHS affordability. NICE should publish brief appraisals at the time of a product launch , these could be used to negotiate prices. GPs responsible for unlicensed co-proxamol GPs who prescribe co-proxamol are now responsible for the consequences, the MHRA warns. The Agency agrees that the drug may be needed by ,a small group of patients who are likely to find it very difficult to change from co-proxamol or where alternatives appear not to be effective or suitable'. Following the withdrawal of product licences, stock that is currently in the supply chain may be dispensed but no new stock should be released by suppliers. The Drug Tariff price of co-proxamol has now increased from £2.79 to £20.36 per 100 tablets. Vitamin D deficiency on the increase Pregnant and breastfeeding women may need vitamin D supplements, the Department of Health has warned, and GPs are seeing increasing numbers of patients with vitamin D deficiency. Endogenous synthesis may be low in some ethnic groups and dark-skinned people, and north of Birmingham there is no light of the appropriate wavelength for the synthesis of vitamin D during the winter. The Department says free vitamin supplements are available for eligible patients through its Healthy Start Scheme (www.healthystart.nhs.uk) and may also be supplied at low cost by some PCTs. Innovation and good practice recognised Innovative practice and better outcomes for patients have been recognised through awards from the NHS Alliance and Improvement Foundation presented by the Secretary of State for Health, Rt Hon Alan Johnson, at the annual NHS Alliance conference held in Manchester. The Mountwood Surgery in Northwood, Middlesex, won the CHD QOF GP Practice Award sponsored by Schering Plough for their outstanding multidisciplinary approach to tackling CHD. In addition to having a highly organised in-house cardiology team, they have produced an interactive, patient-empowering booklet for CHD. Mountwood Surgery achieved blood pressure targets of 96.79 per cent in their CHD patients. North Tees PCT wins the CHD QOF PCO Award, also sponsored by Schering Plough, for their support and encouragement to GP practices to ,own' CHD care. They provide timely feedback of performance data using funnel plots and regular communication by the CHD LIT and Cardiac Network. Even though North Tees PCT has a high CHD prevalence, 4.2 per cent vs 3.6 per cent nationally, across the 27 practices 85 per cent of patients achieved cholesterol targets and 91 per cent reached the QOF blood pressure target. The St Benedict's Hospice Day Centre Project (for the Sunderland Teaching Primary Care Trust) won the Guy Rotherham Award for its excellent multidisciplinary team improvement of the palliative care provided. This team demonstrated a thorough understanding of the use of quality improvement methods to improve patient care, and carefully measured the individual improvements they made. Through the use of a referral ,decision tree', nonattenders were reduced by 300 per cent and average waiting times halved. The Extended Primary Care (EPC) Gynaecology Service (for the Practice Based Commissioning Consortium South Manchester Hub) was highly commended for its development of an effective and innovative service offering gynaecological treatment managed within a primary care setting, allowing patients improved access closer to home. The Salford Perinatal Mental Health Project was also highly commended for effectively challenging the high levels of maternal suicides. The awards were also supported by Prescriber, the British Cardiac Patients Association and the British Cardiac Society. Anastrozole superior to tamoxifen in long term A new analysis of the ATAC trial (Lancet Oncology 2008;9:45-53) shows that the advantages of the aromatase inhibitor anastrozole (Arimidex) over tamoxifen as adjuvant therapy for breast cancer persist for at least four years after the end of treatment. After primary treatment with surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy, postmenopausal women with localised invasive breast cancer were randomised to five years' treatment with anastrozole or tamoxifen. Among 5216 women who were hormone-receptor positive, anastrozole increased disease-free survival by 15 per cent after 100 months. Time to recurrence and distant recurrence were also increased, though overall survival was similar; the absolute difference in time to recurrence was greater at nine years (4.8 per cent) than at five years (2.8 per cent). Joint symptoms and fractures were more frequent with anastrozole during treatment but not thereafter. Use a steroid with a LABA , MHRA reminder The MHRA has reminded clinicians that patients treated with an inhaled long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) should also use an inhaled steroid. In the latest edition of Drug Safety Update (2008;1:No.6), the Agency reviews the implications of the SMART study (Chest 2006;129:15-26), which reported an increased risk of respiratory- and asthma-related deaths among patients using salmeterol (Serevent). This is contradicted by epidemiological data suggesting that asthma-related admissions have declined since LABAs were introduced. Randomised trials also do not support such a risk, probably because inhaled steroids are used more consistently in trial settings. The latest Update notes that product licences for carisoprodol (Carisoma) have been suspended due to concerns about the risk of abuse and psychomotor effects. It also includes a comprehensive summary of drug interactions with statins, a warning that methylene blue should not be prescribed for a patient taking a drug with serotonergic activity, and a reminder that only oral formulations of desmopressin are now licensed for primary nocturnal enuresis. This issue of Update is available at www.mhra.gov.uk. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Interface Ltd [source]


    Latest news and product developments

    PRESCRIBER, Issue 19 2007
    Article first published online: 22 NOV 200
    UK data suggest OCs may reduce cancer risk The latest analysis of the RCGP oral contraception (OC) study suggests that oral contraceptives may be associated with an overall reduction in the risk of cancer (Br Med J online: 11 September 2007; doi:10.1136/bmj.39289. 649410.55). The cohort of 46 000 women provided 744 000 woman-years for ever use of an oral contraceptive and 339 000 woman-years of never use. Longer use was associated with increasing risks of cervical (RR 2.73), and pituitary or CNS (RR 5.51) cancers, but decreasing risks of uterine (RR 0.57) and ovarian (RR 0.38) cancers. OC use was also associated with a lower overall risk of colorectal cancers. The overall risk of any cancer was reduced by 12 per cent (RR 0.88). CombAT two-year data Two-year data revealed at the 29th Congress of the Société Internationale d'Urologie in Paris in September show that dutasteride (Avodart) and tamsulosin combination therapy provides significantly improved symptom control in BPH compared with either therapy alone. The Combination therapy with Avodart (dutasteride) and tamsulosin (CombAT) study took over 4800 eligible men (age ,50 years with a prostate volume ,30cc, serum PSA level ,1.5-10ng per ml and IPSS ,12) who received placebo for four weeks before being randomised in a 1:1:1 ratio to either dutasteride monotherapy (0.5mg per day), tamsulosin monotherapy (0.4mg per day) or a combination of both drugs. At two years the primary efficacy end-point was achieved: combination therapy was significantly more effective than either monotherapy, and continuous improvement could be observed throughout the two years. The combination therapy was also well tolerated, although drug-related adverse events were more common with combination therapy (24 per cent) than either monotherapy (dutasteride 18 per cent, tamsulosin 14 per cent). Dutasteride, a 5-, reductase inhibitor, has been shown to be more effective for long-term use in men than tamsulosin, while tamsulosin, an alpha blocker, has been shown to be effective in the short term. CombAT is the first study to demonstrate that the combination therapy of both drugs could lead to greater symptom improvement over time than an alpha blocker alone. Aliskiren - new class of antihypertensive Novartis has introduced aliskiren (Rasilez), the first direct renin inhibitor for the treatment of hypertension. It is likely to be used in combination with other agents but is also licensed as monotherapy. The commonest adverse effect is diarrhoea. At the recommended dose of 150-300mg per day, a month's treatment costs £19.80-£23.80. MHRA updates drug safety advice The balance of benefit and risks from HRT may be more favourable for younger women, the MHRA says in its monthly bulletin, Drug Update (September 2007). GPs considering prescribing HRT should evaluate the potential risks and benefits for each individual, the MHRA says. The bulletin summarises the risks of cardiovascular events and cancers associated with HRT. Cardiovascular risk is a particular concern for women over 60, whose baseline risk is high; although evidence for the safety of HRT in younger women is limited, their baseline risk is lower. Overall, the lowest dose of HRT should be used for the shortest possible time, and HRT should be prescribed to prevent osteoporosis only when alternatives are not suitable. The MHRA also advises in the bulletin that: Individual risk of stroke, breast cancer and endometrial cancer should be considered before prescribing tibolone (Livial). Nasal formulations of desmopressin are no longer indicated for primary nocturnal enuresis; prescribers are reminded to adhere to product guidance on fluid intake. Patients and carers should be warned of the risk of psychiatric effects associated with corticosteroids; symptoms may develop within a few days or weeks in children and adults, and may be more common at higher doses. Patients taking steroids for more than three weeks are reminded not to stop treatment abruptly. A list of questions and answers for patients is available at www.mhra.gov.uk. The use of parenteral B vitamins plus ascorbic acid (Pabrinex) may rarely be associated with severe allergic reactions, but this should not preclude its use for patients who need it. Study claims statin switch may increase CV morbidity Switching patients from atorvastatin (Lipitor) to simvastatin may increase the risk of cardiovascular events, according to a UK study presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress in Vienna. The analysis, from The Health Improvement Network database, included 11 520 patients taking atorvastatin for at least six months, of whom 2511 were switched to simvastatin. Switching was associated with a 30 per cent increase in the relative risk of cardiovascular events, though absolute figures have not been reported. Patients who were switched were also more likely to discontinue treatment (21 vs 8 per cent of those continuing atorvastatin). Details of the conduct of the study, which will be published in the British Journal of Cardiology, are not available. Glitazones controversy rumbles on New systematic reviews have fuelled the controversy over the cardiac safety of rosiglitazone and pioglitazone. A meta-analysis of four trials involving 14 291 patients and lasting one to four years found that rosiglitazone was associated with a significantly increased risk of myocardial infarction (relative risk, RR, 1.42) and heart failure (RR 2.09) but not cardiovascular mortality (RR 0.90) (J Am Med Assoc 2007;298:1189-95). The second review included 19 trials of pioglitazone involving 16 390 patients, with follow-up from four months to 3.5 years. Pioglitazone was associated with a lower risk of composite events (death, myocardial infarction, stroke; hazard ratio, HR, 0.82) but an increased risk of serious heart failure (HR 1.41) (J Am Med Assoc 2007;298: 1180-8). Neither review reported significant heterogeneity between the included studies. Another systematic review of eight controlled and cohort studies concluded that metformin is the only antidiabetic drug not associated with an increased risk of harm in patients with diabetes and heart failure (Br Med J Online First 30 August; doi:10.1136/bmj.39314. 620174.80). The Canadian authors found methodological problems with all studies, and concluded that results for sulphonylureas were conflicting due to differences between the studies. Asthma prescribing education Health professionals need more education about rational prescribing for children with asthma, say researchers from Australia (Arch Dis Child online: 4 September 2007; doi: 10. 1136/adc.2007.119834). Analysing trends in asthma medication prescriptions for children in the UK between 2000 and 2006, they found the proportion of steroid inhalers prescribed as combinations increased from 2.7 per cent in 2000 to 25 per cent in 2006. The authors say this excessive increase is inconsistent with guidance that steroid-only inhalers should be the mainstay for most people with asthma. Copyright © 2007 Wiley Interface Ltd [source]


    Practitioner Review: Clinical applications of pediatric hypnosis

    THE JOURNAL OF CHILD PSYCHOLOGY AND PSYCHIATRY AND ALLIED DISCIPLINES, Issue 8 2007
    Jeffrey I. Gold
    Background:, Over the past quarter century, hypnosis has been employed in a broad range of pediatric clinical settings; however, its efficacy and feasibility as a treatment approach for children and adolescents remain in question. Method:, Published studies on the role of clinical hypnosis in the management of specific pediatric medical and psychological conditions were identified and reviewed. Results:, Pediatric clinical hypnosis has been employed in diverse medical settings to treat primary conditions (e.g., enuresis), as well as to address factors related to management of the condition (e.g., skills training for asthma) or its treatment (e.g., burn dressing changes). Despite great breadth to the possible applications of pediatric hypnosis and many reported successes, much of the present research comprises case histories and small, uncontrolled group studies. Conclusion:, To date, research in pediatrics views clinical hypnosis as a promising tool with the potential to help manage a variety of conditions. However, additional research, particularly utilizing randomized, controlled methodologies and adequate sample sizes, is required. [source]


    Annotation: The use of psychotropic medications in children: a British view

    THE JOURNAL OF CHILD PSYCHOLOGY AND PSYCHIATRY AND ALLIED DISCIPLINES, Issue 2 2003
    David Bramble
    Background: Prescribing practices relating to the use of psychotropic medication with mentally disordered children have changed significantly in Britain over recent years. Methods: I conducted a review of the modest body of empirical data available relating to the prescribing practices of child psychiatrists, paediatricians and general practitioners (primary care physicians). The data were obtained primarily from postal questionnaire studies but also from British drug studies and a government-sponsored evaluation of the efficacy of stimulant medication. Postgraduate training guidelines for the three principal clinical disciplines are also discussed. Results: Systematic evaluation of prescribing practices has a relatively short history. All the studies reviewed demonstrated consistent methodological weaknesses, the most important of which was reliance upon retrospective reports of prescribing practices from clinicians with no analysis of actual prescription data. No studies relating to the general use of psychotropic medication by paediatricians were found. Child psychiatrists and general practitioners appear to be using a range of drugs for a range of conditions; however, there was evidence of intra- and interdisciplinary variations in practice. It was also evident from the general practitioner data that drug treatments were frequently used for conditions best managed with behavioural methods (e.g., common sleep problems and enuresis). Government prescription data relating to methylphenidate use in ADHD reveal a dramatic rise over the past ten years. Currently, most child psychiatrists use this treatment compared to approximately half the profession only seven years ago. The use of newer antipsychotic agents as well as the SSRI antidepressants appears to be growing in child psychiatric practice. A majority of clinicians surveyed believed that medication was an important treatment modality but also felt that they were relatively unskilled in the field and requested further training. Conclusions: Overall, a picture of both a growing and better informed use of psychotropic medication is emerging in Britain despite shortcomings in postgraduate training. Future research needs to evaluate prescribing practice in a more objective manner in order to improve training and also service developments in the field. [source]


    Effectiveness of Adenotonsillectomy in the Resolution of Nocturnal Enuresis Secondary to Obstructive Sleep Apnea

    THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 6 2005
    Suzanne Basha MD
    Abstract Objectives: To investigate the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) syndrome and nocturnal enuresis (NE) in patients who required tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy. Study Design: Retrospective chart review with prospective collection of data. Methods: All charts of patients ages 2 to 18 years that had tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy over a 44 month period were reviewed for presence of NE and indication for surgery. Those patients with a positive history of both NE and OSA were surveyed to determine whether there was no change in enuresis, decreased enuresis, or no enuresis postoperatively. Results: Three hundred twenty-six children who had undergone tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy had data regarding enuresis available in their charts. One hundred seven of these 326 (32.8%) children had a positive history of enuresis. Of the 107 children with a positive history, 44 (41.1%) were female, and 63 (58.9%) were male. All 107 children with enuresis underwent adenotonsillectomy for OSA. None of the children who had a history of recurrent adenotonsillitis or chronic tonsillitis reported enuresis as a presenting symptom. Of the 107 children with a positive preoperative history of NE, 57 (53.3%) agreed to participate in the second phase of the study. Postoperatively, 61.4% (35) of the children were free of enuresis, 22.8% (13) had a decrease in enuresis, and 15.8% (9) had no change in enuresis. A chi-square test showed a statistically significant difference among the groups (P < .0001). Conclusions: NE is a relatively common finding in children with OSA symptoms. NE resolves or markedly improves in the vast majority of these patients postoperatively. [source]


    Parent-administered modified dry-bed training for childhood nocturnal enuresis: evidence for superiority over urine-alarm conditioning when delivery factors are controlled

    BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTIONS, Issue 4 2002
    Shazia Nawaz
    We compared the relative efficacy of modified dry-bed training and standard urine-alarm conditioning for treating functional nocturnal enuresis in 36 children aged 7,12 years attending health centres in Glasgow, Scotland. A minimal intervention, self-help approach was adopted. Parents and children received standardized instruction, which, for each method, consisted of one clinic interview and a manual and videotape for home viewing. Outcomes were contrasted with those from untreated controls. Twelve children were randomly assigned to each condition. All groups were matched for age, gender, social class (deprivation category), and baseline wetting frequency. In the two treated groups, an intake interview was followed by two review appointments, otherwise families carried out the programmes independently at home with fortnightly telephone support either until the success criterion of 14 consecutive dry nights was met or the 16 week maximum treatment period expired. Of the 12 children treated by dry-bed training, eight achieved initial success compared with only three of the 12 treated by the conventional urine-alarm method. One waiting-list control child remitted spontaneously. ANOVA showed highly significant differences in wet nights per week immediately after intervention for both treatment and time factors (p,<,0.001) and their interaction (p,<,0.01). The dry-bed group averaged 0.8 nights per week wet on treatment cessation, a frequency which was significantly superior to the average of 3.25 for the urine-alarm group and 5.00 for the controls. Six months after attaining initial success, one child in each treated group had relapsed. Our results show an outcome of 58% long-term remission (67% initial arrest, 13% relapse) for dry-bed training when delivered by minimal intervention methods and indicate dry-bed training as being more effective than orthodox urine-alarm conditioning for the same input of clinic time and instruction. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]