Nocturnal enuresis in pediatric sickle cell disease

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Hematology
• Urology
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Nocturnal enuresis is a common concern in childhood.
• Sickle cell disease (SCD) may impact bladder function and increase enuresis risk.
• Limited data exist on enuresis prevalence and management in pediatric SCD populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of nocturnal enuresis in children and adolescents with SCD.
• To identify factors associated with enuresis in this population.
• To assess current management strategies and caregiver perspectives on enuresis in SCD.

Main Methods:

• Structured telephone interviews with primary caregivers of 217 children and adolescents (≥5 years) with SCD.
• Assessment of enuresis prevalence, perceived causes, interventions, and emotional impact.
• Comparison of enuresis rates with general population data.

Main Results:

• Nocturnal enuresis was significantly more prevalent in males (28.2%) than females (11%) with SCD (p = .002).
• Children with SCD showed significantly higher enuresis rates compared to the general population (p < .01).
• Caregivers frequently cited SCD as the cause of enuresis, yet few utilized evidence-based treatments or consulted healthcare teams.

Conclusions:

• Pediatric patients with SCD exhibit a higher burden of nocturnal enuresis.
• Current interventions for enuresis in SCD are often suboptimal and lack empirical support.
• Systematic screening and evidence-based interventions for nocturnal enuresis are crucial components of comprehensive SCD care.