Significance of recent onset nocturnal enuresis in adult men: a prospective study

Although literature on childhood nocturnal enuresis and its persistence into adulthood is abundant, recent onset nocturnal enuresis in adults is a poorly studied symptom.

To determine the significance of recent onset nocturnal enuresis in adult males in relation to lower urinary tract pathology, and its treatment.

All men with recent onset nocturnal enuresis attending a urology unit over a period of 12 months were evaluated prospectively. Their treatment and outcome were recorded.

There were 30 patients (mean age 64 years). Ultrasonography revealed upper urinary tract dilatation in 22 patients. Another six patients had post-void residual urine volume over 500 mL without upper tract dilatation. Only two patients did not have ultrasonographic evidence of bladder outflow obstruction. Elevated blood urea was noted in 14 patients. Twenty patients underwent transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and one patient with balanitis xerotica obliterans had circumcision and meatotomy. Three patients were taught clean intermittent self catheterisation, and three patients preferred indwelling urethral catheters. One patient while awaiting TURP died of a myocardial infarction. Eight patients, who were treated with alpha-adrenergic antagonists initially, required further intervention later as the response to medical therapy was poor.

Recent onset nocturnal enuresis in adult males is a symptom closely associated with significant lower urinary tract pathology requiring early urological intervention. Considering its impact on management it is reasonable to classify recent onset nocturnal enuresis as a lower urinary tract symptom in adult men and including it in symptom scores used to assess bladder outflow obstruction.