ABSTRACT
Voiding problems and in particular nocturnal enuresis can usually be evaluated and managed without resorting to cornilex procedures or invasive tests. A good history with attention to toilet habits can help distinguish patient who may have significant organic pathologic conditions which require further investigations. The cause of classic nocturnal enuresis is unknown, spontaneous resolution rate without any therapy makes it difficult to evaluate any one treatment. Completely different approaches have nearly equivalent success rates in nocturnal enuretics. The concept that enuresis results from failure to gain a high alpha sympathetic tone stimulated us to test the efficacy of giving Ephedilne HCI[an alpha sympathomimitic drug] to treat primary nocturnal enuresis in girls. The study included 154 girls, of ages 6 to 18 years, suffering primary nocturnal enuresis, not responding to conventional therapies. After having a consent to share in the study, all patients were subjected to history-taking, physical examination, routine investigations and urodynamic studies, before and 2 mo after giving Ephedrine UCI tablets, half a tablet for those under 10 years and one tablet for girls over 10 years, twice daily, after lunch an half an hour before bed time. The cure rate accounted for 92%, relapses occurred in 3% and 4.5% of girls, after 3 and 6 mo, respectively, with complete cure after consuming the drug for 1-2 mo more. Side effects were transient and tolerable. Cytometrogram and leak oint pressures displayed non-significant change, after 2 mo treatment, while, out of urethral pressure profilmetry, MUP, MUCP and total closing area displayed significant differences. It is concluded that treatment of primary nocturnal enuresis, in girls, using Ephedrine HCI is both effective and safe