Evaluation of the Effectiveness of a Short-term Treatment and Repeat Treatment of Nocturnal Enuresis Using an Enuresis Alarm

Abstract

To evaluate the effectiveness of a 3-month enuresis alarm (EA) treatment and repeat EA treatment among pediatric patients with nocturnal enuresis, and to compare patient characteristics among "responders" and "nonresponders" to treatment. Clinical outcomes were retrospectively evaluated for 137 children (94 boys and 43 girls, mean age, 10.1 years). Effectiveness was evaluated after an initial 3-month treatment, using the International Children's Continence Society criteria. Among children in the no-response group at 3 months, those who continued the EA treatment for ≥4 months were subclassified into group 1, whereas children who repeated the EA treatment at an interval ≥6 months were subclassified into group 2. Among our 137 cases, 19 achieved complete response and 47 achieved partial response at 3 months, for an overall treatment effectiveness rate of 48%. Among the no-response group, treatment was extended in 17 cases (group 1), with 3 (18%) achieving a successful outcome. Treatment was repeated in 18 cases (group 2). In group 2, 8 (44%) achieved successful outcome at 3-month time point. Daytime urinary incontinence did not modify treatment effectiveness. EA treatment should be given for a short period of time and should not be continued without a definite purpose or clear response. Suspending and then repeating this treatment after an appropriate interval is effective for patients who do not respond to the initial course of treatment.