Early Response to Desmopressin in Pediatric Patients with Monosymptomatic Nocturnal Enuresis
Abstract
Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the treatment responses of primary monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (MNE) patients who were chosen for desmopressin treatment after the family was informed about the pros and cons of alarm and desmopressin therapies.
Material and Methods: Primary MNE patients aged 5–18 years who received desmopressin as first-line treatment between May 2023 and April 2024 were enrolled. Patients' responses to treatment were categorized as complete response, partial response, and non-response.
Results: Fifty-five patients with MNE were included in the study; 37 (67.3%) were male, and the mean age was 8.7±2.7 years. The mean duration of enuresis was 73±33 month, and the frequency of enuresis was 7 nights/week in 45 patients (82%). 35 patients (64%) had a family history of enuresis. After two weeks of treatment with 120 mcg of desmopressin, the complete response rate was 63.6%, the partial response rate was 18.2%, and the non-response rate was 18.2%. Two weeks after increasing the desmopressin dose to 240 mcg in partial responders and non-responders, and after excluding the 10 patients who either declined dose escalation or were lost to follow-up, the overall complete response rate was 84.4% (38/45 patients), the partial response rate was 4.4% (2/45 patients), and the non-response rate was 11.2% (5/45 patients). Age, sex, family history, duration of enuresis, and prior desmopressin use were not significantly associated with complete response.
Conclusion: This study confirms that desmopressin is an effective first-line therapy for primary MNE. When completion of a voiding diary by a family member is not feasible, empiric initiation of desmopressin may be considered as first-line treatment.
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Ethical Statement
References
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Clinical Sciences (Other)
Journal Section
Research Article
Authors
Publication Date
September 22, 2026
Submission Date
February 27, 2026
Acceptance Date
July 29, 2026
Published in Issue
Year 2026 Volume: 16 Number: 3