Effect of alarm treatment on bladder storage capacities in monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis

Abstract

Objective: Despite a great number of studies, very little is known about the mechanism of action of enuresis alarm systems. Nevertheless, as a result of this treatment many children are able firstly to wake up before urination occurs and then, in time, to sleep through the night without voiding. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of enuresis alarms on bladder storage capacities.

Material and methods: A total of 28 children aged >7 years who were not polyuric but who voided once every night, slept alone in their own bedroom and who were willing, along with their family members, to cooperate were recruited. Patients were asked to record their urine output using a frequency/volume chart for two consecutive days. After these records and the results of physical and laboratory examinations were taken into consideration, treatment was instituted with the bell-and-pad (alarm) system for a period of 12 weeks. At the end of this period, patients were asked to complete another frequency/volume chart.

Results: The pre- and post-treatment maximum functional bladder capacity was 178.35 +/- 87.86 ml and 243.03 +/- 102.84 ml, respectively and the pre- and post-treatment mean day-time bladder capacity was 111.11 +/- 45.87 and 148.445 +/- 7.68 ml. Both of these differences were statistically significant (p < 0.0001 and <0.0001, respectively). The maximum nocturnal bladder capacity was found to be increased from 177.85 +/- 84.95 to 255.25 +/- 124.52 ml after treatment (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion: Treatment with the alarm system for a period of 12 weeks was seen to be associated with a significant increase in bladder storage capacities (maximum nocturnal bladder capacity, maximum functional bladder capacity and mean day-time bladder capacity).