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Maximal electrical stimulation in children with unstable bladder and nocturnal enuresis and/or daytime incontinence:

B Trsinar1, B Kraij

  • 1Department of Urology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slovenia.

Insights

Maximal electrical stimulation (MES) effectively treats childhood unstable bladder, nocturnal enuresis, and daytime incontinence. This therapy significantly improved symptoms and urodynamic parameters in girls, offering a promising treatment option.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Urology
  • Neurology
  • Physiology

Background:

  • Idiopathic detrusor instability is a common cause of bladder dysfunction in children.
  • Nocturnal enuresis and daytime incontinence significantly impact a child's quality of life.
  • Current treatment options for pediatric unstable bladder may have limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the clinical and urodynamic efficacy of anal maximal electrical stimulation (MES) in children.
  • To assess MES for treating unstable bladder, nocturnal enuresis, and daytime incontinence.
  • To compare MES outcomes with a control group using a non-stimulated anal plug.

Main Methods:

  • Seventy-three girls (5-17 years) with diagnosed idiopathic detrusor instability received 1-2 months of anal MES.
  • A control group of 21 girls (6-14 years) used a non-powered anal plug for 1 month.
  • Clinical outcomes (cure/improvement rates) and urodynamic parameters were assessed post-treatment.

Main Results:

  • 75% of girls treated with MES showed significant improvement or cure of symptoms.
  • MES significantly reduced monthly nocturnal enuresis episodes (from 14 to 6.5) and daytime incontinence (from 3 to 0).
  • Urodynamic studies revealed increased bladder capacity, compliance, and desire to void, with reduced uninhibited contractions post-MES.

Conclusions:

  • Anal MES is an effective treatment for nocturnal enuresis and daytime incontinence in children with unstable bladders.
  • The treatment demonstrates significant improvements in both clinical symptoms and objective urodynamic measures.
  • Recurrence rates were manageable, supporting MES as a recommended therapeutic option.

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