Nocturnal enuresis in older adults

Nocturnal enuresis is uncommon in older adults. The paucity of literature about this problem prompts us to review our cases to determine the management strategy.

Six older adults, including 2 females and 4 males, were evaluated for refractory nocturnal enuresis. Only 2 of them had minor daytime urge symptom. Most of them had failed in the treatment using anticholinergics and/or alpha-adrenergic blocker. Evaluation consisted of detailed medical history, voiding diary, and urodynamic studies. Clinical follow-up persisted for 12 months. We define nocturnal polyuria as nighttime urine amount being more than 35% of total daily urine amount. Bladder outlet obstruction in men was diagnosed based on the definition described by International Continence Society.

The average age was 71 years (range 61-84). The average duration of the symptom was 3.1 months (range 0.5-6). Two patients had bladder outlet obstruction. Four patients used hypnotics for insomnia, which might result in difficult awakening on bladder distension. Nocturnal polyuria was found in 3 patients. Most patients had multiple factors contributing to their nocturnal enuresis except 1, who was found to have an enlarged prostate with chronic bladder distension. Specific treatments were given based on the causes for each patient. Hypnotics were discontinued for a certain meanwhile in some patients. Nocturnal polyuria was managed with afternoon diuretic or bedtime desmopressin. Bedtime anticholinergic agent was used in patients with detrusor overactivity. The patient with enlarged prostate and urinary retention was managed with indwelling catheter followed by elective transurethral prostatectomy. All patients were dry in the night following the treatment.

Nocturnal enuresis in older adult is usually multi-factorial. Hypnotic usage and nocturnal polyuria are frequently overlooked. Detailed investigation is necessary to identify the causes. Tailored treatment may achieve satisfactory results.