Search Results (19)

Although often considered benign, monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (MNE) can significantly affect various domains of children’s quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between polysomnography-derived sleep parameters and quality of life in children with MNE. Forty-four participants aged 8–12 years, with a diagnosis of MNE, underwent polysomnography and completed a quality of life questionnaire (PedsQL). Multiple linear regressions were used to assess the role of sleep variables in predicting four PedsQL domains. Moderation analysis was also performed to evaluate whether the N2 sleep percentage influenced the relationship between arousals and PedsQL. A higher frequency of microarousals predicted lower scores in the physical (B = −3.28, p = 0.01) and social (B = −3.50, p = 0.004) domains. A higher N2 sleep percentage was associated with better social (B = 0.69, p = 0.03) and school functioning (B = 0.88, p = 0.03). Moderation analysis revealed that N2 sleep amplified the negative impact of arousals on the social domain, particularly when the N2 sleep percentage was one standard deviation above the mean (B = −4.31, p < 0.001). The findings underscore the importance of sleep continuity and N2 stability for the quality of life of children with MNE. These results demonstrate the complex interaction between sleep and quality of life in pediatric enuresis. Full article

Pediatric lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are influenced by age and coexist with nocturnal enuresis (NE) and bladder-bowel dysfunction (BBD). Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common and linked to LUTS, though the causal relationship remains unclear. This systematic review aims to analyze microbiome alterations in pediatric LUTS and UTIs. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL databases were searched for studies analyzing gut and urinary microbiomes in pediatric patients with LUTS and UTIs. Quality assessment was performed using the QUADOMICS checklist. Results: Nine studies published between 2018 and 2024 were included; seven out of nine studies employed prospective designs. Six hundred nineteen patients (44.3% pathology groups, 55.7% controls) were analyzed, with microbiome sequencing performed on stool samples in four studies and urine samples in five studies. UTIs and BBD were associated with reduced alpha diversity and distinct bacterial compositions, while beta diversity analyses revealed distinct clustering of microbiome compositions between affected and healthy groups. The gut microbiome of UTI patients showed alterations in Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria abundance, while voiding dysfunction (VD) was linked to the presence of Fusobacterium nucleatum, Clostridium difficile, and Bacteroides clarus without significant VDSS correlation. Conclusion: This systematic review reveals microbial alterations in pediatric LUTS and UTIs, with lower urinary diversity in UTI patients and sex-specific differences post-puberty. Microbiome-based interventions may offer novel therapeutic strategies for LUTS and UTIs. Full article

Background/Objectives: Nocturnal enuresis (NE) is a common condition in children, affecting more than 10% of 6-year-olds and typically characterized by involuntary bedwetting during sleep. Although the exact causes remain unclear, ultrasound has emerged as a valuable tool for assessing bladder function and predicting therapy response and relapse, with several studies linking urological abnormalities like reduced bladder capacity and increased wall thickness to treatment outcomes. Methods: We performed a literature review utilizing five distinct search queries on PubMed with the following keywords: “enuresis & ultrasound”, “enuresis & bladder ultrasound”, “enuresis & bladder wall”, “enuresis & bladder capacity”, and “enuresis & bladder thickness”. We reviewed each article that met the eligibility criteria, and after a thorough selection, we included 17 studies. Results: Bladder ultrasound is a valuable tool for assessing bladder function and structure in children with NE, providing crucial insights into bladder capacity, wall thickness, and the bladder wall thickness index (BVWI). These ultrasound measurements correlate with the severity of NE and treatment success, aiding in personalized therapy, particularly for children with smaller bladder capacities and thicker bladder walls. Although studies have explored the link between ultrasound findings and treatment response, further research is needed to standardize methods and confirm these connections. Conclusions: The review highlights the predictive role of ultrasound in enuresis management, focusing on the response rate and choice of therapy. Future studies should investigate how bladder imaging can predict both short-term and long-term treatment outcomes, with current evidence supporting its use in customizing NE treatment for improved results. Full article

Background: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of nocturnal enuresis (NE) in children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the effect of adenotonsillectomy (AT) and the width of the arches, and to compare them with control children without respiratory problems. Methods: Children from 2 to 12 years old were divided into three groups: children with OSA and NE (n = 51), children with OSA without NE (n = 79), and the control group (n = 168). NE was defined as at least one bedwetting incident per month. Arch widths were measured at the baseline and one year after. OSA was diagnosed by means of polysomnography, and the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was obtained. Parents completed the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ) to classify their children into those with and without NE. Results: NE was present in 39.2% of children with OSA compared to 28% in the control group (p = 0.04). After AT, 49% of the children with OSA and NE significantly improved. Both OSA groups had narrower arch widths than the control group (p = 0.012), with the NE group having the narrowest widths. NE is more prevalent in children with OSA and should be considered one of the first signs of breathing disorders. Adenotonsillectomy reduces NE in about half of the affected children. Both arch widths are narrower in children with OSA, particularly in those with NE. Full article

Background: Nocturnal Enuresis (NE) is a common problem among children that is stressful for both the child and adults. There is a lack of adults’ knowledge and awareness of the NE condition. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the adults’ knowledge and awareness of NE in Medina City, Saudi Arabia. Method: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among adults in Medina through September and October 2023, using a questionnaire composed of socio-demographic characteristics and adults’ knowledge and awareness of NE. A statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software. Results: The study was conducted among 553 adults in Medina, with a mean (standard deviation [SD]) age of 37.69 (10.775). Most participants (94.8%) were Saudi nationals, of which 84.4% were females, 76.3% were married, and 97.1% were urban residents with university degrees (80.3%). The mean (SD) total score of knowledge and awareness was 4.69 (1.783) out of 9 and 6.49 (2.167) out of 12, respectively. Being female (p < 0.001), with a university degree (p = 0.002), and knowing about enuresis in children (p = 0.011) are significant factors affecting adults’ knowledge with higher scores than others. Conclusions: An inadequate knowledge and awareness level of NE in children was revealed among adults living in Medina City, Saudi Arabia. These results emphasize the need for targeted educational campaigns to enhance adults’ knowledge and awareness of enuresis. Full article

Nocturnal enuresis (NE) is involuntary bedwetting during sleep, typically appearing in young children. Despite the potential benefits of the long-term home monitoring of NE patients for research and treatment enhancement, this area remains underexplored. To address this, we propose NEcare, an in-home monitoring system that utilizes wearable devices and machine learning techniques. NEcare collects sensor data from an electrocardiogram, body impedance (BI), a three-axis accelerometer, and a three-axis gyroscope to examine bladder volume (BV), heart rate (HR), and periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS). Additionally, it analyzes the collected NE patient data and supports NE moment estimation using heuristic rules and deep learning techniques. To demonstrate the feasibility of in-home monitoring for NE patients using our wearable system, we used our datasets from 30 in-hospital patients and 4 in-home patients. The results show that NEcare captures expected trends associated with NE occurrences, including BV increase, HR increase, and PLMS appearance. In addition, we studied the machine learning-based NE moment estimation, which could help relieve the burdens of NE patients and their families. Finally, we address the limitations and outline future research directions for the development of wearable systems for NE patients Full article

The correlation between nocturnal enuresis (NE) and sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) was reported. We aim to determine whether there is an association between NE and SDB in children and to assess the prevalence of SDB and NE in primary school children aged 6–12 years in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among the caregivers of children aged 6–12 years in all Saudi Arabia regions. The data were gathered through a self-administered online questionnaire. It included demographic information, weight and height, and associated comorbidities, in addition to the weekly frequencies of snoring symptoms and of enuresis, as well as of unrefreshing sleep using Likert-type response scales. Counts and percentages, the mean ± standard deviation, chi-square test, independent samples t-test, and regression analysis were used in the statistical analysis using R v 3.6.3. The questionnaire was completed by 686 respondents. Most respondents did not report any comorbidities in their children (77.1%). Asthma and adenotonsillar hypertrophy were reported in 16.2% and 15.6% of children, respectively. Unrefreshing sleep, mouth breathing at night, snoring, chronic nasal obstruction, and difficulty breathing while asleep were reported once or twice per week in 38%, 34%, 28%, 18%, and 18% of children, respectively. The prevalence of NE was 22.3%, with about 36.6% of children having NE two or more times per week. Significantly, NE was reported in 26.6% of children who slept before 10 PM compared to 19% of children who slept after 10 PM; in 28.6% of children who snored or loudly snored (57.1%) three times or more per week; and in 51.2% and 27.5% of children with difficulty breathing while asleep and who breathed through their mouth at night for one or two nights per week, respectively. A multivariable regression analysis showed that male gender (OR = 1.52, p = 0.010), obesity (OR = 1.24, p = 0.028), early sleeping time (OR = 1.40, p = 0.048), loud snoring for three or more nights per week (OR = 1.54, p = 0.001), difficulty breathing for one or two nights per week (OR = 1.85, p = 0.010), and mouth breathing at night for one or two nights per week (OR = 1.55, p = 0.049) were associated with higher odds of NE. Our study revealed that 22.3% of primary school children reported suffering from NE. SDB is a common problem among children with NE. The exact mechanism that links SDB to the increase in the risk of NE is unknown. Male gender, obesity, early sleeping time, loud snoring, difficulty breathing, and mouth breathing at night are potential independent risk factors of NE in school-age children. Full article

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are a relevant problem in the pediatric population, having a very high prevalence. Diurnal incontinence and nocturnal enuresis are surely the most frequent symptoms, presenting, respectively, in up to 30% of school-age children and up to 10% of children between 6 and 7 years. Stypsis is the most common comorbidity, and it must be considered in the management of LUTS; indeed, the treatment of constipation is curative in most cases for both incontinence and enuresis. The presence or absence of diurnal symptoms in nocturnal enuresis and urgency in diurnal incontinence helps in the differential diagnosis. Urotherapy is always the first-line treatment, while oxybutynin and desmopressin (where appropriate) may help if the first-line treatment is unsuccessful. It is essential to identify conditions that are potentially dangerous for kidney and urinary tract well-being, for which LUTS can be the first manifestation. Starting from a series of clinical scenarios, we will underline the diagnostic clues behind LUTS in children and we will summarize clinical and surgical approaches for the proper management of these conditions. Full article

In this work, we suggest that children’s social withdrawal might be a precursor of Hikikomori, a phenomenon observed among adolescents and young adults. Hence, psychotherapy interventions with preschool children showing signs of social withdrawal might play a critical role in Hikikomori prevention. This paper presents the case of a five-year-old child treated with intensive psychoanalytic psychotherapy who began therapy due to his refusing to go to school and exhibiting isolating behavior from other children. Among other symptoms were regression, emotional tension, nightmares, and nocturnal and diurnal enuresis. Moreover, the relationship in the family was difficult, both between the parents and between the parent and the child. The intensive psychoanalytic treatment involved three weekly sessions for about a year, followed by six months with one weekly session. Besides illustrating the therapeutic process through clinical vignettes taken from the sessions, this paper also provides clues on how early social withdrawal can contribute to the construction of internal personality organizations that lead to social withdrawal up to self-reclusion (or Hikikomori). Full article

Introduction: Nocturnal enuresis is a common problem affecting 20% of 5-year-old children; its prevalence decreases with age. Nocturnal bedwetting in children younger than 5 is generally accepted by parents and society, but the expectation of parents is that children will achieve a higher degree of responsibility and increased control with age. Some studies have identified maternal distress as a factor associated with childhood urinary incontinence; specifically, maternal stress, maternal depression, and maternal anxiety. The aim of this study was to compare the degree of anxiety (trait and state) among mothers of children with nocturnal enuresis and mothers of healthy children. Methods: This was a prospective, cross-sectional, comparative study including two groups: a control group of 25 mothers of healthy children from open population, and an enuresis group of 25 mothers of children with nocturnal enuresis of the pediatric urology clinic of a third-level Mexican Hospital. STAI-T and STAI-S tests were performed and assessed blindly. Quantitative variables were compared using the Mann–Whitney U test, and qualitative determinations using a chi-square test or Fischer’s exact test. Results: The STAI-S and STAI-T tests results identified 14 (56%) mothers of enuretic children with moderate-to-severe trait anxiety versus 4 (16%) mothers from the control group and moderate-to-severe state anxiety in 23 (92%) of the mothers of enuretic children compared to 7 (28%) control-group mothers. The anxiety scores were significantly higher for the enuresis group for both tests: STAI-T: 53.00 ± 8.39 versus 41.52 ± 9.61 (p < 0.001) and STAI-S: 56.48 ± 6.83 versus 43.84 ± 10.57 (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Mothers of children with nocturnal enuresis present state anxiety ranging from moderate to severe. In clinical practice, our results indicate that the transitory emotion experienced by mothers of enuretic children cannot be neglected in an enuresis treatment program, state anxiety needs to be evaluated, and psychological interventions need to be implemented. Full article

Objectives: To determine the diagnostic value of overnight ambulatory urodynamics (aUDS) and to assess if a urodynamic diagnosis of detrusor overactivity (DO) or nocturnal enuresis resulted in a change in patient management and an improvement in their urinary symptoms. Methods: A retrospective review of 25 consecutive patients (28% male) with a median age of 38 years (range 18 to 86) having overnight aUDS for bothersome urinary symptoms of primarily nocturia and/or nocturnal enuresis following non-diagnostic conventional urodynamics between November 1998 and August 2018. Urinary symptoms were assessed before overnight aUDS and again after urological treatment following any changes in urodynamics diagnosis and treatment. Six patients were excluded as follow-up data were not available. Results: Twenty-four patients (96%) presented with nocturia and 20 (80%) presented with nocturnal enuresis. DO was demonstrated in 19 (76%) patients (mean pressure 69.1 ± 53.3 cmH2O). UUI was demonstrated in 16 (80%) out of the 20 patients who complained of nocturnal enuresis. Of the 19 patients with follow-up data, following overnight aUDS a change in urodynamic diagnosis was made in 15 patients (79%); 16 patients (84%) also had their clinical diagnosis and subsequent management changed; and 15 patients (79%) reported an improvement in their urinary symptoms following these changes in diagnosis and treatment. There was a significant improvement in ICIQ-OAB (120 ± 44 versus 32 ± 53, p < 0.0001) scores following the changes to clinical management post-overnight aUDS. Conclusion: In our study cohort, change in primary diagnosis following overnight aUDS led to a significant change in treatment care pathway and resulted in significant improvement in urinary symptoms at follow-up. Full article

This is a case description of a patient with previously diagnosed rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD) and nocturnal enuresis, who complained about a “peculiar sound” while sleeping and, occasionally, while awake during intensive exercise, for the last three months. A home audio recording, which his wife obtained while he was sleeping, showed a high-pitched sound identified as stridor. Full video polysomnography revealed no apneas or hypopneas. The flow-volume loop yielded an inspiratory plateau, indicating variable extrathoracic obstruction. The upper and lower respiratory system computed tomography did not show any anomalies or mechanical lesions (e.g., masses and scars). Fiberoptic laryngoscopy revealed an abnormal activity of the vocal cord abductor during quiet breathing and inspiration in a supine position, leading to partial obstruction. A positive dopamine transporter scan and the coexistence of stridor, RBD, and nocturnal enuresis were diagnostic for multiple system atrophy. The patient was treated with continuous positive airway pressure as a symptomatic therapy for stridor and levodopa. Full article

The objective of this article is to provide a comprehensive personal survey of all the major parasomnias with coverage of their clinical presentation, investigation, physiopathogenesis and treatment. These include the four major members of the slow-wave sleep arousal parasomnias which are enuresis nocturna (bedwetting), somnambulism (sleepwalking), sleep terrors (pavor nocturnus in children, incubus attacks in adults) and confusional arousals (sleep drunkenness). Other parasomnias covered are sleep-related aggression, hypnagogic and hypnopompic terrifying hallucinations, REM sleep terrifying dreams, nocturnal anxiety attacks, sleep paralysis, sleep talking (somniloquy), sexsomnia, REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD), nocturnal paroxysmal dystonia, sleep starts (hypnic jerks), jactatio capitis nocturna (head and total body rocking), periodic limb movement disorder (PLMs), hypnagogic foot tremor, restless leg syndrome (Ekbom syndrome), exploding head syndrome, excessive fragmentary myoclonus, nocturnal cramps, and sleep-related epileptic seizures. There is interest in the possibility of relationships between sleep/wake states and creativity. Full article

In Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS), conditions that are associated with hyponatremia are common, such as excessive fluid intake (EFI), desmopressin use and syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) caused by psychotropic medication. However, the prevalence of hyponatremia in PWS has rarely been reported. Our aim was to describe the prevalence and severity of hyponatremia in PWS. In October 2020, we performed a retrospective study based on the medical records of a large cohort of children and adults with PWS from seven countries. Among 1326 patients (68% adults), 34 (2.6%) had at least one episode of mild or moderate hyponatremia (125 ≤ Na < 135 mmol/L). The causes of non-severe hyponatremia were often multi-factorial, including psychotropic medication in 32%, EFI in 24% and hyperglycemia in 12%. No obvious cause was found in 29%. Seven (0.5%) adults experienced severe hyponatremia (Na < 125 mmol/L). Among these, five recovered completely, but two died. The causes of severe hyponatremia were desmopressin treatment for nocturnal enuresis (n = 2), EFI (n = 2), adrenal insufficiency (n = 1), diuretic treatment (n = 1) and unknown (n = 1). In conclusion, severe hyponatremia was very rare but potentially fatal in PWS. Desmopressin treatment for nocturnal enuresis should be avoided. Enquiring about EFI and monitoring serum sodium should be included in the routine follow-ups of patients with PWS. Full article

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder affecting 2% of children in the United States. Biochemical abnormalities associated with ASD include impaired methylation and sulphation capacities along with low glutathione (GSH) redox capacity. Potential treatments for these abnormalities include cobalamin (B12). This systematic review collates the studies using B12 as a treatment in ASD. A total of 17 studies were identified; 4 were double-blind, placebo-controlled studies (2 examined B12 injections alone and 2 used B12 in an oral multivitamin); 1 was a prospective controlled study; 6 were prospective, uncontrolled studies, and 6 were retrospective (case series and reports). Most studies (83%) used oral or injected methylcobalamin (mB12), while the remaining studies did not specify the type of B12 used. Studies using subcutaneous mB12 injections (including 2 placebo-controlled studies) used a 64.5–75 µg/kg/dose. One study reported anemia in 2 ASD children with injected cyanocobalamin that resolved with switching to injected mB12. Two studies reported improvements in markers of mitochondrial metabolism. A meta-analysis of methylation metabolites demonstrated decreased S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH), and increased methionine, S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), SAM/SAH ratio, and homocysteine (with small effect sizes) with mB12. Meta-analysis of the transsulfuration and redox metabolism metabolites demonstrated significant improvements with mB12 in oxidized glutathione (GSSG), cysteine, total glutathione (GSH), and total GSH/GSSG redox ratio with medium to large effect sizes. Improvements in methylation capacity and GSH redox ratio were significantly associated with clinical improvements (with a mean moderate effect size of 0.59) in core and associated ASD symptoms, including expressive communication, personal and domestic daily living skills, and interpersonal, play-leisure, and coping social skills, suggesting these biomarkers may predict response to B12. Other clinical improvements observed with B12 included sleep, gastrointestinal symptoms, hyperactivity, tantrums, nonverbal intellectual quotient, vision, eye contact, echolalia, stereotypy, anemia, and nocturnal enuresis. Adverse events identified by meta-analysis included hyperactivity (11.9%), irritability (3.4%), trouble sleeping (7.6%), aggression (1.8%), and worsening behaviors (7.7%) but were generally few, mild, not serious, and not significantly different compared to placebo. In one study, 78% of parents desired to continue mB12 injections after the study conclusion. Preliminary clinical evidence suggests that B12, particularly subcutaneously injected mB12, improves metabolic abnormalities in ASD along with clinical symptoms. Further large multicenter placebo-controlled studies are needed to confirm these data. B12 is a promising treatment for ASD. Full article