Nocturnal enuresis in children: prevalence, correlates, and relationship with obstructive sleep apnea

Abstract

Objectives: To examine the prevalence and correlates of nocturnal enuresis (NE) in primary school children, and to compare the prevalence of NE in children with and those without obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Study design: Parents of children aged 6-11 years completed a questionnaire eliciting information on sleep-related symptoms, demography, and family and past medical history. Children screened due to high risk for OSA, along with a randomly chosen low-risk group, underwent overnight polysomnography (PSG).

Results: A total of 6147 children (3032 girls) were studied. The overall prevalence of NE (≥1 wet night/month) was 4.6% (6.7% of boys and 2.5% of girls). Boys had a significantly greater prevalence across all age groups. In 597 children (215 girls) who underwent PSG, the prevalence of NE was not greater in children with OSA, but was increased with increasing severity of OSA in girls only. Boys with NE had longer deep sleep duration. Sex and sleep-related symptoms were associated with NE.

Conclusions: This community-based study demonstrated a sex-associated prevalence of NE in relation to increasing OSA severity.