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Nocturnal enuresis in children between laser acupuncture and medical treatment: a comparative study
Jehan Alsharnoubi1, Adly A Sabbour2, Ahmed I Shoukry3
1National Institute of Laser Enhanced Sciences, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt. broncojena@gmail.com.
Insights
Laser acupuncture offers a highly effective, non-invasive treatment for childhood nocturnal enuresis (NE), showing a significantly higher cure rate than medication alone. This painless therapy presents a promising alternative with fewer recurrences.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Urology
- Complementary and Alternative Medicine
- Urodynamics
Background:
- Nocturnal enuresis (NE) affects children aged 5 years and older, characterized by involuntary nighttime voiding.
- Current treatments include medication and behavioral therapy, but alternative options are sought.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of laser acupuncture versus desmopressin acetate in treating childhood nocturnal enuresis.
- To evaluate urodynamic parameters and recurrence rates following treatment.
Main Methods:
- A randomized study involving 45 children (5-15 years) with NE.
- Three groups received desmopressin acetate, laser acupuncture, or a combination, all with behavioral therapy.
- Evaluation included efficacy, side effects, and bladder capacity over 3 months, with a 3-month follow-up.
Main Results:
- Laser acupuncture demonstrated a significantly higher cure rate (73.3%) compared to desmopressin acetate (20.0%) and the combination therapy (13.3%).
- Laser acupuncture was associated with no reported side effects and a lower recurrence rate.
- A statistically significant difference in cure rates was observed (p=0.002).
Conclusions:
- Laser acupuncture is a safe, non-invasive, and effective alternative treatment for nocturnal enuresis in children.
- It offers a superior cure rate and lower recurrence compared to conventional medication.
- The findings support laser acupuncture as a viable therapeutic option for NE management.
Abstract:
Nocturnal enuresis (NE) is intermittent involuntary voiding during sleep in a child aged 5 years or more. The study was conducted to compare the effect of using laser acupuncture and medication for the treatment of children with nocturnal enuresis (NE) and evaluation of urodynamic parameter after treatment. A randomized study included 45 children ranged from 5 to 15 years presenting with NE. They were randomized into three equal groups-group A, managed with desmopressin acetate; group B, managed with laser acupuncture; and group C, managed with a combination of laser acupuncture and desmopressin-all groups received behavioral therapy. The children were evaluated before and after 3 months of the study to record the efficacy of therapy, side effects and bladder capacity, and 3 months of follow-up after cessation of treatment by bladder diary. A statistically significant higher cure rate was reported in group B patients (73.3 %), while in groups A and C, improvement was reported in 20.0 and 13.3 %, respectively (p value = 0.002). Laser acupuncture is noninvasive, painless tool, with no side effects and lower recurrence rate which can be considered as an alternative therapy for patients with NE.
