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Iatrogenic nocturnal eneuresis – an overlooked side effect of anti histamines?
D Italiano, F Italiano, C Genovese
1Allergology and Immunology Unit, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
Insights
Nocturnal enuresis, or bedwetting, can be a side effect of antihistamines like cetirizine in children. This case study highlights a potential link between antihistamine use and the development of childhood bedwetting.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric medicine
- Pharmacology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Nocturnal enuresis is a common childhood disorder with incompletely understood causes.
- Iatrogenic nocturnal enuresis has been linked to certain psychotropic medications.
Observation:
- A 6-year-old child developed nocturnal enuresis while undergoing treatment with the antihistamine cetirizine.
- The enuresis resolved upon discontinuation and recurred upon readministration of cetirizine, indicating a positive drug rechallenge.
Findings:
- Antihistamine treatment, specifically with cetirizine, may induce nocturnal enuresis in susceptible children.
- This effect could be related to cetirizine's impact on neurotransmitter pathways involved in bladder control, such as noradrenaline, serotonin, and dopamine.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider antihistamines like cetirizine as a potential cause of iatrogenic nocturnal enuresis in pediatric patients.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms by which antihistamines affect bladder function and neurotransmitter balance.
Abstract:
Nocturnal enuresis is a common disorder in childhood, but its pathophysiological mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Iatrogenic nocturnal enuresis has been described following treatment with several psychotropic medications. Herein, we describe a 6-year-old child who experienced nocturnal enuresis during treatment with the antihistamine cetirizine. Drug rechallenge was positive. Several neurotransmitters are implicated in the pathogenesis of nocturnal enuresis, including noradrenaline, serotonin and dopamine. Antihistamine treatment may provoke functional imbalance of these pathways resulting in incontinence.
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