Nocturnal enuresis: a guide to evaluation and treatment

Nocturnal enuresis has several possible causes, including genetic inheritance, reduced bladder capacity, sleep disorders, abnormal secretion of antidiuretic hormone, psychologic abnormalities, neurologic dysfunction, bacteriuria, and diet. A through assessment of the patient's voiding history is of major importance in the management of nocturnal enuresis. Whether the patient has monosymptomatic or polysymptomatic nocturnal enuresis must be determined. Treatment options include pharmacotherapy, behavioral modification with an alarm system, or a combination of these modalities. In order for treatment to be successful, the physician, patient, and patient's parents must be involved in the decision-making process.