Understanding of and misconceptions around monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis: findings from patient and physician surveys.

BACKGROUND: Monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (MNE) is a common paediatric condition, caused by the interaction of multiple physiological mechanisms. The condition can lead to psychiatric comorbidities that are detrimental to quality of life but is under-recognised and misunderstood by society and healthcare providers. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to gather information from non-specialist physicians on their understanding of enuresis in selected European countries and from patients about the prevalence of MNE, its relationship with comorbidities and the burden of the condition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between June 2016 and March 2017, physicians and patients in Alpe-Adria, Italy, Romania, Russia, Serbia and Slovakia were asked to complete different surveys on their understanding of the medical condition, its impact on the lives of patients and the prevalence of comorbidities. Surveys were translated into local languages. Survey responses were collated, and data were presented descriptively. RESULTS: Overall, 261 physicians (paediatricians comprising nearly two-thirds) and 340 patients (approximately two-thirds were male) completed their respective surveys. Most physicians (67%) believed MNE to be caused by circadian variation of antidiuretic hormone but also mentioned psychological factors as a cause (48%). The most common explanation for MNE given by patients was psychological factors (26%), but 17% gave no explanation. For patients, difficulties related to enuresis were often behavioural (77%), including difficulties at school (61%) and with sleeping (40%). Physicians perceived low self-esteem (32%), anxiety (24%) and embarrassment (17%) as having the greatest impact on patients. There was disagreement among physicians about which discipline is best placed to treat MNE. Favoured treatments were not necessarily consistent with evidence-based guidelines, with lifestyle changes and pharmacological interventions cited most frequently. DISCUSSION: The findings of these complementary surveys illustrate that the causes and best treatment of MNE are subject to misconceptions on the part of both the physician and the patient's caregiver. Overall, MNE is perceived as a psychological condition, rather than having a multifactorial pathophysiological basis with a substantial psychological impact. Educational initiatives for healthcare practitioners and the public should help to optimise the understanding of MNE and care of patients.

Evaluation of bladder capacity in children with lower urinary tract symptoms: Comparison of 48-hour frequency/volume charts and uroflowmetry measurements.

INTRODUCTION: Objective evaluation of bladder capacity (BC) in children with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) is important for recognizing types of bladder dysfunction. Bladder capacity is evaluated from 48-hour frequency/volume (48-h F/V) charts or by uroflowmetry with ultrasound post-void assessment. There are limited data on the reliability of both methods of assessment in children. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to compare two modalities of assessment, (F/V chart and uroflowmetry) in cohorts of children with bladder dysfunctions. STUDY DESIGN: Maximum bladder capacity (MBC) obtained from 48-h F/V charts was compared with volumes calculated from uroflowmetry in a cohort of 86 children with different bladder dysfunctions. The BC obtained by the two modalities was compared for the three most frequent subtypes of bladder dysfunction: monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (MNE), overactive bladder (OAB), and dysfunctional voiding (DV). Considering a 48-h F/V chart as standard, the sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive values of uroflowmetry measurements were calculated for detecting low bladder capacity. RESULTS: The mean maximal bladder capacity (188 ± 99.42 ml) obtained from home 48-h F/V chart measurement was 17 ml lower than the mean value obtained from uroflowmetry (205 ± 112.11 ml) (P = 0.58). The differences between bladder capacities estimated by 48-h F/V chart and uroflowmetry for subjects were not significant (Figure). Concordance between 48-h F/V chart and uroflowmetry categorization of BC was present in 64 (74%) subjects. The sensitivity and specificity of uroflowmetry, in comparison with 48-h F/V chart evaluation, for recognizing low bladder capacity were 75.5% and 73.17%. The sensitivity and specificity for the different types of LUTS achieved 68.42% and 58.83% for OAB, 80% and 83% for MNE, and 50% and 83.3% for DV. DISCUSSION: According to the International Children's Continence Society, the management of MNE in children can be made without uroflowmetry. History and MBC evaluation by 48-h F/V charts yields sufficient information. Nevertheless, in situations where F/V charts are unreliable or unavailable, uroflowmetry can be used as an alternative method. The highest discrepancy between both methods of BC evaluation was found in DV; this was mainly due to the mean PVR of 31 ml. CONCLUSION: For children with MNE, both 48-hour frequency/volume charts and triplicate urine flow measurement with PVR evaluation are reliable methods of maximum bladder capacity evaluation. For children with OAB or DV, both methods may be necessary for accurate evaluation of decreased BC, as F/V chart and uroflow results may not be comparable.