Results of the Study on Pathological Factors Associated with Nocturnal Enuresis in Patients at the National University Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Urinary incontinence is a significant complaint encountered by physicians in urology clinics, defined as the involuntary leakage of urine. It is classified based on chronicity into primary and secondary types, and based on the persistence of symptoms throughout the day into continuous and non-continuous incontinence. The latter is further divided into diurnal and nocturnal incontinence. Nocturnal enuresis, in particular, is more common in children and decreases in prevalence with age.

Objective: The study aims to highlight some organic pathological disorders that manifest as nocturnal enuresis and emphasizes the importance of urodynamic studies in diagnosis.

Patients and Methods: The study was conducted retrospectively at the National University Hospital in Damascus, covering the period from January 1, 2018, to June 1, 2024.

Results: The study included 42 patients, with the majority aged between 10 and 27 years. Males constituted the majority at 73.8%. Secondary nocturnal enuresis was observed in 59.6% of cases, and daytime lower urinary tract symptoms were present in 52.4% of patients. Urodynamic studies yielded positive results in 58.8% of cases, with hyperactive bladder being the most common finding at 40%, followed by hyperactive bladder with detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia at 14%.

Conclusion: In cases of nocturnal enuresis, functional urinary disorders cannot be ruled out, especially in older patients, those with secondary enuresis, those who have failed initial treatments, and those with daytime urinary symptoms. Urodynamic studies are essential in the evaluation of these patients, particularly when the aforementioned factors are present.

Keywords: Nocturnal enuresis, urodynamic study, hyperactive bladder.