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Updated: Jun 16, 2026
12:55
P50 Sensory Gating in Infants
Published on: December 26, 2013
Afferent pathway dysfunction in children with primary nocturnal enuresis
Linya Lv1, Huisheng Deng, Xuling Li
1Medical Examination Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China. dhs666@yahoo.com.cn
Summary
Children with primary nocturnal enuresis show impaired afferent pathway function. Pudendal and tibial somatosensory evoked potentials were slower, particularly in complicated cases, indicating potential nerve dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pediatrics
- Urology
Background:
- Primary nocturnal enuresis (PNE) affects many children.
- The underlying neurophysiological mechanisms are not fully understood.
- Investigating afferent pathway function is crucial for PNE management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate afferent pathway dysfunction in children with PNE.
- To measure pudendal somatosensory evoked potential (PSEP) and tibial somatosensory evoked potential (TSEP).
- To compare neurophysiological findings between complicated PNE (CPE) and monosymptomatic PNE (MPE) groups.
Main Methods:
- Enrolled 36 boys and 18 girls aged 5-16 years with PNE.
- Included 24 CPE and 30 MPE subjects.
- Excluded participants with significant urological/neurological abnormalities, except spina bifida occulta.
Main Results:
- Positive PSEP recordings were observed in all MPE and 20 CPE children (P < 0.05).
- TSEP was successfully recorded in both groups.
- Both PSEP and TSEP conduction velocities were slower than normal, especially in the CPE group (P < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Afferent pathway dysfunction is implicated in primary nocturnal enuresis.
- Impaired nerve conduction velocities suggest underlying neurophysiological factors.
- Clinicians and parents should consider these findings in managing PNE.
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