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Changes in nocturnal bladder capacity during treatment with the bell and pad for monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis
1Department of Urology and Institute of Experimental Clinical Research, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark.
Insights
Bell and pad treatment for nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting) significantly increases nighttime bladder capacity in children. This enhanced capacity helps children achieve dryness and sleep through the night without waking up to urinate.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Urology
- Sleep Medicine
Background:
- Nocturnal enuresis is a common condition in children.
- Effective treatments are crucial for improving quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of bell and pad treatment on nocturnal urine production and bladder capacity in children with enuresis.
Main Methods:
- 18 children (7-11 years) with severe nocturnal enuresis participated.
- Nocturnal urine production was measured over 14 days (baseline).
- A 6-week bell and pad treatment was administered, monitoring urine production and bladder capacity.
Main Results:
- 10 out of 18 children achieved dryness.
- Nocturnal bladder capacity increased significantly during treatment, regardless of dryness.
- Increased bladder volume during enuretic episodes was observed.
- No significant changes in overall nocturnal urine production were found.
Conclusions:
- Bell and pad treatment effectively increases nocturnal bladder capacity in children with enuresis.
- This increase in capacity is key to achieving sustained dryness and preventing nocturia.
Purpose:
We examined changes in nocturnal urine production and bladder capacity in enuretic children during bell and pad treatment.
Materials And Methods:
A total of 18 children 7 to 11 years old with severe nocturnal enuresis had nocturnal urine production measured for a 14-day baseline period, which included daytime voidings on weekends. Thereafter, a 6-week treatment with the bell and pad was initiated, and nocturnal urine production and bladder capacity were monitored.
Results:
Of 18 patients 10 became dry. Maximum daytime bladder capacities before treatment were fairly normal with no indication of treatment outcome. At the beginning of treatment maximum nocturnal bladder capacity was smaller than maximum daytime bladder capacity and during treatment it increased gradually. An increase in bladder volume during the enuretic episode was noted as well. No overall changes were found for nocturnal urine production.
Conclusions:
Treatment with the bell and pad is associated with a significant increase in nocturnal bladder capacity, in children who became dry and in those who remained wet. This increase explains why after attaining dryness the children were able to sleep through the night instead of having nocturia.
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