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Nocturnal enuresis in children with upper airway obstruction
D J Weider1, M J Sateia, R P West
1Department of Surgery, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Hanover, NH 03756.
Insights
Surgical removal of upper airway obstruction significantly reduced or cured nocturnal enuresis in 76% of 115 children. This highlights a link between airway issues and bedwetting in pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
- Sleep Medicine
- Urology
Background:
- Nocturnal enuresis is a common condition in children.
- Upper airway obstruction (UAO) can manifest with various symptoms, including sleep disturbances.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of surgical intervention for UAO in resolving nocturnal enuresis in children.
- To explore potential correlations between sleep patterns and nocturnal enuresis in affected children.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 115 children (ages 3-19) with UAO and nocturnal enuresis.
- Surgical removal of UAO was performed.
- Polysomnographic tracings were utilized in a subset of patients.
Main Results:
- 76% of children (87 out of 115) experienced a significant decrease or complete resolution of nocturnal enuresis post-surgery.
- 103 children had primary enuresis, and 12 had secondary enuresis.
- Preliminary polysomnography data was collected to assess sleep patterns.
Conclusions:
- Surgical treatment of upper airway obstruction is an effective intervention for nocturnal enuresis in pediatric patients.
- A potential link exists between upper airway obstruction, sleep disturbances, and nocturnal enuresis.
- Further research with polysomnography is warranted to elucidate the sleep-related mechanisms.
Abstract:
This study presents the results of our experience with 115 children between the ages of 3 and 19 years who have had symptoms of upper airway obstruction and nocturnal enuresis. Twelve children had secondary enuresis, and 103 children had primary enuresis. Surgical removal of upper airway obstruction led to a significant decrease in or complete cure of nocturnal enuresis in 87 (76%) of the children studied. Eleven children were also studied with polysomnographic tracings in an attempt to determine a relationship between their sleep patterns and nocturnal enuresis.