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Family and segregation studies: 411 Chinese children with primary nocturnal enuresis
Qing Wei Wang1, Jian Guo Wen, Rui Li Zhang
1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Pediatric Urodynamic Centre of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou City, Zhengzhou, China.
Insights
Primary nocturnal enuresis (PNE) shows significant family clustering, with various inheritance patterns observed. Children with a family history of PNE are more likely to have severe symptoms and daytime issues.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Pediatrics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Primary nocturnal enuresis (PNE) is a common condition in children.
- Understanding the genetic basis and familial patterns of PNE is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of PNE among relatives of Chinese children with PNE.
- To investigate the inheritance patterns of PNE.
- To identify characteristics of PNE in children with a positive family history.
Main Methods:
- An epidemiological survey was conducted using self-administered questionnaires for parents of 5-18-year-old students in Henan Province, China.
- Detailed family histories were collected to identify familial PNE.
- A positive family history was defined as having a close relative with PNE beyond age 5.
Main Results:
- A positive family history of PNE was found in 22.87% of probands.
- Autosomal dominant and recessive inheritance patterns were observed in 14.60% and 1.46% of families, respectively.
- Children with a positive family history had a higher prevalence of severe PNE, daytime symptoms, and sought professional help.
Conclusions:
- PNE exhibits significant familial aggregation, with diverse inheritance modes possible.
- A positive family history is associated with more severe PNE manifestations and daytime symptoms.
Background:
The aim of the present paper was to determine the incidence of primary nocturnal enuresis (PNE) among relatives of Chinese children with PNE, the inheritance pattern, and to identify the characteristics of PNE with positive family history.
Methods:
From July 2003 to June 2004, an epidemiological survey on PNE children was carried out by self-administered questionnaires to parents of 5-18-year-old Chinese students in Henan Province, central China. A detailed family history was recorded in order to determine the presence of familial PNE as defined as any close relative with PNE beyond the age of 5 years.
Results:
The response rate was 88% (10 383/11 799), and 411 children (235 boys and 176 girls) with PNE were identified. A positive family history was found in 94 families (22.87%) of 411 probands with PNE, including 48.94% of fathers, 8.51% of mothers, 6.38% of both parents, 6.38% of the siblings and 29.79% of grandfathers or (and) mothers. Among the probands the ratio of male to female was 1.3:1 excluding sex-linked inheritance. Autosomal dominant inheritance was in 14.60%, and autosomal recessive inheritance was consistent in 1.46% of families. In PNE children with positive family history, the proportion of adolescents, with associated daytime symptoms, marked PNE and seeking professional help were significantly higher than those in PNE children without positive family history.
Conclusions:
PNE has a significant family clustering, and all modes of inheritance can occur in different families on the basis of a formal genetic analysis. Those with positive family history often manifest marked PNE, and have daytime symptoms.
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