The Efficacy of Desmopressin Tablets in the Management of Nocturnal Enuresis

Ahn, Seung Yong; Kim, Kyung Do

Abstract

BACKGROUND: In recent years the treatment of primary nocturnal enuresis (PNE) with desmopressin (DDAVP) has been promising. The route of administration until now had been intranasal, but because the tablets were introduced for the treatment of diabetes insipidus they have also become available for the treatment of PNE. PURPOSES: To find the efficacy and safety of the treatment with desmopressin tablets in a group of children with monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis. Materials and
METHODS
The efficacy and safety of at least 3 months of treatment with oral desmopressin (1-deamino-8-D-arginine-vasopressin) (DDAVP tablets, Minirin) at doses of 200 to 600 ug. at bedtime were investigated in 50 children (ages 5 to 15 years) with monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis. The efficacy of the drug was measured in reductions of the number of wet nights per week.
RESULTS
The number of wet nights per week decreased from a mean of 6.1 to 2.0 (p<0.01). During the treatment period, 22 (44%) patients could be classified as good responders (0 to 1 wet night per week) and 15 (30%) as responders (over 50% reduction of wet night) and 13 (26%) as nonresponders (less than 50% reduction of wet night). No side effects we.e observed.
CONCLUSION
Oral desmopressin has a clinically significant effect on patients with monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis, and therapy is safe when administered as long-term treatment.