Hypercalciuria in children with monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to measure the 24 h urinary calcium content in children with monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (MNE) and compare with those in healthy children to investigate whether there is any relation with enuresis and hypercalciuria. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study included 120 children and adolescents with MNE aged between 7 and 14 years. Eighty age- and sex-matched healthy children served as a control group. To determine urinary calcium excretion, 24 h urine samples were collected. The children with enuresis were divided into two sub-groups as hypercalciuric and normocalciuric groups according to the amount of urinary calcium excretion. RESULTS: Hypercalciuria was found in 27 (23%) of the MNE patients compared with two (4%) of continent children (p<0.001). In addition, the mean 24 h urine calcium/body weight ratio was higher in the enuresis group than in the control group, 2.94±2.42 versus 1.59±1.72, respectively (p=0.002). When the children with enuresis were divided into two groups as normokalsiuric and hypercalciuric, the hypercalciuric children were younger and the majority of this group were boys.. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that hypercalciuria is common in children with MNE, so we suggested measuring urine calcium levels in NE patients. However, further studies are needed to clarify the relationship between hypercalciuria and NE in larger series..

The quality of life of mothers of children with monosymptomatic enuresis nocturna.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (MNE) on the quality of life of the mothers. METHODS: Mothers who have a child with MNE (n = 60) and mothers who have a child without any health problems (n = 90) were included in the study. Groups were similar for background variables (child's age, gender, and number of siblings; mother's age and marital status; and economic status of families and presence of health insurance). The key question was to determine whether or not the difference between the two groups in terms of the quality of life. All mothers underwent Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) Questionnaire, Spielberg's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). RESULTS: All SF-36 subscales except social functioning were significantly lower in mothers of enuretic children. The trait-anxiety score, the subcomponent of the STAI, was higher in mothers who have a child with enuresis nocturna (P < 0.001). The mean BDI score was higher in enuretic group (P < 0.001). There was no significant correlation between SF-36, STAI, and BDI scores and child's age, gender, number of siblings, and mother's age. CONCLUSION: This study shows that the quality of life of the mothers was negatively affected by having a child with MNE.