Hyponatremia in patients with nocturnal enuresis treated with DDAVP

Abstract

Treatment of nocturnal enuresis with DDAVP is associated with a low incidence of adverse effects. The only reported serious adverse effect is seizure or altered level of consciousness due to water intoxication. We reviewed 14 articles that reported data on serum sodium in patients treated with DDAVP for nocturnal enuresis and 11 articles that reported patients who developed a seizure or altered level of consciousness during treatment with DDAVP for nocturnal enuresis. Excess fluid intake was identified as a contributing factor in 6 of the 11 case reports.

Conclusion: Hyponatremia is a potential adverse effect in patients with nocturnal enuresis who are treated with DDAVP. To prevent this adverse effect we recommend that the patients prescribed DDAVP for nocturnal enuresis should be counseled not to ingest more than 240 ml (8 ounces) of fluid on any night that DDAVP is administered.