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Antiepileptic Drugs-Induced Enuresis in Children: An Overview
Arya Sathyan1, Reshma Scaria1, Pavithra Arunachalam1
1KMCH College of Pharmacy, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.
Insights
Antiepileptic drugs can cause enuresis (bedwetting) in children, an underreported side effect. Recognizing this adverse drug reaction is crucial for managing epilepsy treatment and reducing patient distress.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Pharmacology
- Adverse Drug Reactions
Background:
- Enuresis, or bedwetting, is a common childhood condition that can also be an adverse drug reaction.
- Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are frequently prescribed for long-term management of epilepsy in children.
- Drug-induced enuresis can cause significant embarrassment and psychological distress for affected children and their families.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and evaluate antiepileptic drugs known to induce enuresis in pediatric populations.
- To highlight enuresis as an underreported adverse effect of AEDs in children.
- To synthesize current knowledge on AED-induced enuresis for improved clinical awareness.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive PubMed literature search was conducted from 1917 to July 2020.
- Keywords included "antiepileptic drugs," "enuresis," "pediatric population," "drug-induced enuresis," and "epilepsy."
- Studies published in English focusing on AED-induced enuresis in children were selected for review.
Main Results:
- Enuresis is an underreported adverse drug reaction associated with certain antiepileptic drugs in children.
- The occurrence of enuresis can complicate long-term epilepsy management and impact a child's quality of life.
- While often outgrown, drug-induced enuresis can cause significant distress and requires careful consideration during treatment.
Conclusions:
- Identifying enuresis as a potential adverse effect of AEDs is vital for minimizing stress in pediatric patients.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the exact mechanisms of AED-induced enuresis.
- Understanding and addressing this side effect can contribute to safer and more effective epilepsy treatment in children.
Abstract:
Objective: To evaluate enuresis-induced antiepileptic drugs in children. Data Sources: A PubMed search (1917 to July 2020) was performed using the following keywords and associated medical subject headings: antiepileptic drugs, enuresis, pediatric population, drug-induced enuresis, and epilepsy. Study Selection and Data Extraction: The search was conducted to find the role of antiepileptic drugs-induced enuresis in children in studies published in English. Data Synthesis: Enuresis or bedwetting is an underreported adverse drug reaction of antiepileptic drugs. Owing to that fact, it is a condition that is outgrown with age and also could cause embarrassment. As antiepileptic drugs sometimes need to be taken for a long duration until epilepsy relapses, the occurrence of enuresis in this situation can be troublesome for both the child and the caretaker. Even though enuresis is proposed to have a significant effect on the child's psychology, it is still considered to be a condition that is outgrown with age. This article includes a review of antiepileptic drugs reported to have caused enuresis in children. Conclusions: If a child develops enuresis as an adverse drug reaction, this adds further challenges to their life. A better understanding of this potential adverse effect may help prevent unwanted stress. Though the exact mechanisms are not known, the hypothesis generated is from the occurred cases, most of which relapsed when the drug was withdrawn. Considering the gravity of epilepsy in children, more detailed studies need to be conducted on this adverse effect to ensure a safe and effective treatment in children.
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