IMMATURE BLADDER AND NOCTURNAL ENURESIS

Key words: Immature bladder, Nocturnal enuresis, Desmopressin, Alarm devices

Immature bladder is a physiologic condition in infants and toddlers. In the great majority of cases, nocturnal enuresis is accompanied by signs of immature bladder (urgency, frequency, day incontinence etc.) during daytime. Treatment with alarm devices are effective in 70% of cases, while bladder training is successful in 50% of cases and desmopressin (DDAVP) in 25% of cases. DDAVP is an effective drug, although not free from side effects. It should be considered as an adjunctive approach to a behavioural strategy for bladder control, rather than a causal therapy.