Clinical Features of Enuresis in Children with Diabetes Mellitus

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is known as one of the common causes of secondary enuresis in children. However, enuresis in diabetic children is overlooked only as a symptom of polyuria due to hyperglycemia. We evaluated the prevalence of nocturnal enuresis in children with diabetes mellitus in this paper. METHODS: Among children with diabetes in three hospitals in Daegu area, 117 agreed to 'Tele research by means of a questionnaire'. RESULTS: Diabetic patients were divided into two groups Nocturnal enuresis and non-nocturnal enuresis group. thirty-two of 117 (27.0%) patients were in enuresis group, with more daytime urination than non-nocturnal enuresis group (4.2+/-1.6/3.6+/-1.2 times, P =0.016). HbA1c at diagnosis was 12.0+/-2.3%/12.0+/-2.5%, and at follow-up 9.3+/-2.3%/8.3+/-2.3% (P =0.042). Insulin was administered at 1.1+/-0.5/1.1+/-0.4 units/kg/day. Ten children of enuresis (31.2%) group were monosymptomatic (MNE) and 22 (68.8%) children were non-monosymptomatic enuresis (non-MNE). Fourteen (43.8%) of enuresis group had persistent symptoms, with 5 MNE and 9 non-MNE each. HbA1c at diagnosis was 11.1+/-2.5, 12.4+/-2.1, higher in non-MNE (P =0.144). Average arousal during sleep was step 3.3+/-1.2, 2.5+/-1.0, higher in improved enuresis group (P =0.059). CONCLUSION: Nocturnal enuresis among DM patients is underestimated. However, considering psychological and social effects of enuresis in children, extensive and long-term studies are needed in the future to clarify relationship between prevalence and DM control.