[Treatment of nocturnal enuresis in France]

To evaluate the current incidence of nocturnal enuresis in France and the ways this condition is managed.

A survey was conducted amongst 3,803 school children (5 to 10 years old). In addition, management of nocturnal enuresis proposed by various specialists were collected through an analysis of the literature.

The incidence of nocturnal enuresis was found to be 9.2% (11.2% in the subgroup of patients 5 to 7 years of age). 42% of the children (the most severe cases) stated they were bothered by their problem and that it affected their social life, although the mothers had a tendency to minimize the impact of enuresis. 66% of the mothers of children suffering from moderate to severe enuresis did address the problem to a medical doctor, mainly a general practitioner. Amongst these latter, 20% did not propose any solution. The remaining mainly proposed advise for lifestyle and dietary habits as well as a "wait and see" attitude. As a specific treatment, drugs (oxybutynin 48%, desmopressin 22%, imipramine 12%) were prescribed more often than alarms as drugs proved to be more effective than alarms. 48% of the mothers of enuretic children considered that doctors do not pay enough attention to this problem. Options for specific treatments of nocturnal enuresis vary from one specialist to another.

A consensus about the most appropriate management approach to nocturnal enuresis is needed. Management of voiding dysfunction should be part of the medical curriculum.