Adulthood Urge Incontinence: Is Childhood Nocturnal Enuresis A Risk Factor?

Abstract

Urge incontinence and childhood nocturnal enuresis are two related urinary conditions that significantly affect individuals and their quality of life, varying prevalence between age and obesity. This systematic review examines the literature on the relationship between childhood nocturnal enuresis and urge incontinence in adulthood, including the potential mechanisms linking these conditions. Ten studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The results showed a consistent association between childhood nocturnal enuresis and urge incontinence in adulthood. The pooled analysis demonstrated that childhood nocturnal enuresis was a risk factor for adult urge incontinence, with odds ratios ranging from 1.75 to 2.7. This relationship’s potential mechanisms include nocturnal polyuria, detrusor overactivity, and arousal thresholds. However, the exact mechanisms still need to be fully understood and further investigated. Clinical implications of these findings suggest the importance of early identification and intervention for childhood nocturnal enuresis to potentially reduce the risk of developing urge incontinence in adulthood. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to better understand the association between these conditions and explore potential risk factors and preventive strategies. Overall, this review highlights the need for increased awareness and management of childhood nocturnal enuresis to minimize the socioeconomic burden and improve the outcomes for individuals with urge incontinence.