Enuresi: del ritual màgic fins als tractaments actuals / Enuresis: desde el ritual mágico hasta los tratamientos actuales / Enuresis: From magic rituals to current treatments

Introducció. L’enuresi és un trastorn greu, per la gran prevalença i la repercussió que té sobre la qualitat de vida dels pacients i les seves famílies. Al llarg de la història s’han emprat diferents teràpies, i fins avui no es disposa d’una solució definitiva. Objectiu. Examinar l’evolució del concepte d’enuresi, les causes atribuïdes i els tractaments aplicats des de les primeres referències fins a l’actualitat. Mètode. Revisió bibliogràfica del concepte, les causes atribuïdes i els tractaments aplicats contra l’enuresi, estructurada en etapes històriques. Resultats. Al llarg de la història s’han donat diferents explicacions sobre l’origen de l’enuresi, des de la invasió del cos per animals fins a càstigs divins o debilitat de l’individu. La ciència ha descartat diferents teories fins a conèixer els veritables mecanismes fisiopatològics, dels quals encara queden molts aspectes per aclarir. Al llarg dels segles s’han aplicat càstigs, s’han elaborat pocions màgiques, dispositius complexos que inhibeixen la micció, teràpies conductuals, intervencions quirúrgiques i tractaments tòpics i sistèmics. També les alarmes d’enuresi evolucionen, des de les que aplicaven descàrregues elèctriques fins a les actuals que desperten el pacient mitjançant senyals acústics o vibratoris. Conclusions. Els tractaments aplicats per a l’enuresi al llarg de la història han estat relacionats amb el concepte de malaltia de cada època. Conèixer els mecanismes fisiopatològics ha permès trobar tractaments efectius que han millorat la qualitat de vida dels enurètics. Avançar en aquest coneixement és clau per trobar la solució definitiva. (AU)

Introducción. La enuresis es un trastorno grave por su gran prevalencia y repercusión sobre la calidad de vida de los pacientes y sus familias. A lo largo de la historia se han utilizado diferentes terapias y, hasta hoy, no se dispone de solución definitiva. Objetivo. Examinar la evolución del concepto, causas atribuidas y tratamientos aplicados para la enuresis, desde las primeras referencias hasta la actualidad. Método. Revisión bibliográfica del concepto, las causas atribuidas y tratamientos aplicados contra la enuresis, estructurada en etapas históricas. Resultados. A lo largo de la historia se han dado diferentes explicaciones sobre el origen de la enuresis, desde la invasión del cuerpo por animales hasta castigos divinos o debilidad del individuo. Diferentes teorías han sido descartadas por la ciencia hasta el conocimiento de los verdaderos mecanismos fisiopatológicos, de los cuales aún quedan muchos aspectos por aclarar. A lo largo de los siglos se han aplicado castigos, se han elaborado pociones mágicas, complejos dispositivos que inhiben la micción, terapias conductuales, intervenciones quirúrgicas y tratamientos tópicos y sistémicos. También las alarmas de enuresis evolucionan, desde las que aplicaban descargas eléctricas hasta las actuales que despiertan al paciente mediante señales acústicas o vibratorias. Conclusiones. Los tratamientos aplicados para la enuresis a lo largo de la historia se han relacionado con el concepto de enfermedad de cada época. Conocer los mecanismos fisiopatológicos ha permitido encontrar tratamientos efectivos que han mejorado la calidad de vida de los enuréticos. Avanzar en este conocimiento es clave para hallar la solución definitiva. (AU)

Background. Enuresis is a severe disorder because of its high frequency and impact on the quality of life of affected children and their families. Although until today there is no established treatment for enuresis, diverse therapies have been applied over history. Objective. To examine the historic evolution of the concept, presumed causes, and treatments of enuresis from first references until today. Method. Bibliographical review of presumed causes and treatments applied in the treatment of enuresis, structured in historical stages. Results. Throughout history, enuresis has been considered as the invasion of human body by animals, divine punishments, or weakness. Different theories have been rejected by science until the knowledge of the true pathophysiological mechanisms. Punishments, potions and magic, complex devices inhibiting the urination, behavioral therapies, surgical trials, and topical and systemic treatments have been applied throughout history. In addition, different “alarm systems” have been used, evolving from applying electric shocks to wake patients by acoustic or vibrating signals. Conclusions. Treatments applied in the management of enuresis throughout the centuries have been closely related to the understanding of its cause over time. Knowing the pathophysiological mechanisms has made it possible to find effective treatments that have improved the quality of life of affected children. However, to establish a definitive treatment for enuresis, it is necessary to advance in the understanding the diverse mechanisms involved in its etiopathogenesis. (AU)

Prevalence of smooth muscle dysfunction among children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Smooth muscle dysfunction in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) has been rarely studied. A cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of smooth muscle dysfunction (vascular, upper gastrointestinal, and bladder smooth muscle) in children with DMD using questionnaires (Pediatric Bleeding Questionnaire, Pediatric Gastroesophageal Symptom Questionnaire, and Dysfunctional Voiding Symptom Score). Investigations included bleeding time estimation, nuclear scintigraphy for gastroesophageal reflux, and uroflowmetry for urodynamic abnormalities. Ninety-nine subjects were included in the study. The prevalence of vascular, upper gastrointestinal, and bladder smooth muscle dysfunction was 27.2%. Mean bleeding time was prolonged by 117.5 seconds. The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux was 21%. Voided volume/estimated bladder capacity over 15% and abnormal flow curves on uroflowmetry were seen in 18.2% and 9.7% of the subjects, respectively. Our study highlights the need for addressing issues related to smooth muscle dysfunction in the routine clinical care of patients with DMD.

Prevalence of enuresis and its impact in quality of life of patients with sickle cell disease.

INTRODUCTION: Evidence indicates an increase in the prevalence of enuresis in individuals with sickle cell disease. The present study aims to evaluate the prevalence and impact of enuresis on quality of life in individuals with sickle cell disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study evaluated individuals with sickle cell disease followed at a reference clinic, using a questionnaire designed to evaluate the age of complete toilet training, the presence of enuresis and lower urinary tract, and the impact on quality of life of these individuals. RESULTS: Fifty children presenting SCD (52% females, mean age ten years) were included in the study. Of those, 34% (17/50) presented as HbSC, 56% with HbSS (28/50), 2% Sα-thalassemia (1/5) and 8% the type of SCD was not determined. The prevalence of enuresis was 42% (21/50), affecting 75% of subjects at fi ve years and about 15% of adolescents at 15 years of age. Enuresis was classifi ed as monosymptomatic in 33.3% (7/21) and nonmonosymptomatic in 66.6% (14/21) of the cases, being primary in all subjects. Nocturia was identifi ed in 24% (12/50), urgency in 20% (10/50) and daytime incontinence 10% (5/50) of the individuals. Enuresis had a signifi cant impact on the quality of life of 67% of the individuals. CONCLUSION: Enuresis was highly prevalent among children with SCD, and continues to be prevalent throughout early adulthood, being more common in males. Primary nonmonosymptomatic enuresis was the most common type, and 2/3 of the study population had a low quality of life.

Prevalence of enuresis and its impact in quality of life of patients with sickle cell disease

ABSTRACT Introduction Evidence indicates an increase in the prevalence of enuresis in individuals with sickle cell disease. The present study aims to evaluate the prevalence and impact of enuresis on quality of life in individuals with sickle cell disease. Materials and Methods This cross-sectional study evaluated individuals with sickle cell disease followed at a reference clinic, using a questionnaire designed to evaluate the age of complete toilet training, the presence of enuresis and lower urinary tract, and the impact on quality of life of these individuals. Results Fifty children presenting SCD (52% females, mean age ten years) were included in the study. Of those, 34% (17/50) presented as HbSC, 56% with HbSS (28/50), 2% Sα-thalassemia (1/5) and 8% the type of SCD was not determined. The prevalence of enuresis was 42% (21/50), affecting 75% of subjects at five years and about 15% of adolescents at 15 years of age. Enuresis was classified as monosymptomatic in 33.3% (7/21) and nonmonosymptomatic in 66.6% (14/21) of the cases, being primary in all subjects. Nocturia was identified in 24% (12/50), urgency in 20% (10/50) and daytime incontinence 10% (5/50) of the individuals. Enuresis had a significant impact on the quality of life of 67% of the individuals. Conclusion Enuresis was highly prevalent among children with SCD, and continues to be prevalent throughout early adulthood, being more common in males. Primary nonmonosymptomatic enuresis was the most common type, and 2/3 of the study population had a low quality of life.

The amount of urine voided in bed by children with enuresis.

INTRODUCTION: Enuretic children wet their beds either because of nocturnal polyuria or nocturnal detrusor overactivity. Polyuric children often respond to desmopressin, whereas children with nocturnal detrusor overactivity are often therapy resistant and may have low daytime voided volumes. It is logical to assume that the enuretic event in children with nocturnal polyuria occurs with a full bladder, i.e. with the enuretic voided volume (EVV) close to the child's expected bladder capacity (EBC) for his/her age. However, the EVV has only rarely been studied, and little is known about how it relates to case history, polyuria, or daytime bladder function. The aim of this study was to look at EVV and relate it to voiding chart data and treatment response. METHODS: Anamnestic data and voiding charts, including measurement of nocturnal urine production and EVV, in enuretic children with or without concomitant daytime incontinence attending a tertiary center were retrospectively reviewed. The EVV was analyzed and compared to anamnestic data, voiding chart data, and response to therapy in accordance with the guidelines of the International Children's Continence Society. RESULTS: Data were available for 220 children (age 5-24, median 9), 40 of whom were girls. The prevalence of previous or present daytime incontinence was 42.4%, and 50.5% sometimes experienced urgency. The average EVV was 54.9 ± 32.8% of EBC. EVV correlated highly significantly to nocturnal urine production (p < 0.001). Still, EVV ≥ EBC was observed in only 16 children. EVV was slightly larger in girls (p = 0.013) and in children with urgency (p = 0.034), but there were no significant EVV differences between children responding or not responding to antidiuretic, anticholinergic, or antidepressant therapy. Relevant data are summarized in the Table below. DISCUSSION: Case history and daytime voiding chart data give very little information about nocturnal bladder function. The EVV is strongly influenced by nocturnal urine production but only rarely reaches up to a level close to or exceeding the EBC. The enuretic event only very rarely represents the emptying of a full bladder. Thus, a component of nocturnal detrusor overactivity can be assumed to be present in almost all enuretic children, even in children with nocturnal polyuria. The value of the EVV is limited in predicting response to therapy.

Rectal diameter assessment in enuretic children-exploring the association between constipation and bladder function.

OBJECTIVES: Detrusor overactivity and constipation often co-exist in children with enuresis. Constipation is known to be linked to detrusor overactivity. The voiding chart is the best non-invasive way to investigate bladder function, whereas the ultrasonographical detection of rectal dilatation is the best way to objectify constipation. We wanted to investigate a possible relationship between the rectal diameter and voiding chart data in enuretic children. METHODS: Children with therapy-resistant enuresis were retrospectively evaluated. All had completed a voiding chart for at least 48 h. The rectal diameter was assessed ultrasonographically. The cutoff for rectal dilatation was set at 30 mm. RESULTS: We evaluated 74 patients (12 girls) aged 10.2 ± 2.8 years, 35 of whom had rectal dilatation. No significant differences in voiding chart parameters were found between children with normal versus dilated rectum. Neither did urgency or a history of daytime incontinence differ between the groups. Boys were more likely to have rectal dilatation than girls (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The absence of differences regarding voiding chart data may be explained as two mechanisms neutralizing each other: behavioral factors may make the constipated children void seldom and with large volumes, whereas detrusor overactivity caused by rectal compression of the bladder may have the opposite effect. Another option may be that the voiding chart is too blunt an instrument to detect detrusor overactivity. Constipation, and thus presumably bladder dysfunction, seems to be more important in enuretic boys than girls.

Voiding school as a treatment for daytime incontinence or enuresis: Assessing the effectiveness of intervention by measuring changes in wetting episodes.

BACKGROUND: Most urotherapy interventions are planned for children with daytime incontinence or symptoms, and are based on individual education. This study conducted a voiding school (VS) program with groups of 4-6 children with daytime incontinence or enuresis with or without daytime symptoms. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this quasi-experimental study with a one-group pretest-posttest design was to assess the effectiveness of the VS intervention for treating children's daytime incontinence or enuresis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-nine 6-12-year-old children with incontinence classified as treatment resistant participated in the VS at an outpatient clinic. Based on a power analysis, a sample of 52 participants was required. The VS involved two whole-day group visits 2 months apart. The educational content of the intervention was based on the International Children's Continence Society's standards for urotherapy, and was delivered with child-oriented teaching methods, including group discussions with peers. The primary outcome measure was the number of dry days and nights. The amount of wetting was also estimated, and the frequency of voiding measured. Data were collected with 1-week voiding diaries before and after each visit. Changes in dependent variables between four measurement points was measured by using repeated measures variance analysis. The long-term effectiveness was evaluated from patient records concerning 3-month follow-up phone calls or other contacts 8-18 months after the VS. RESULTS: Fifty-eight children, 34 girls and 24 boys, completed the study. Twelve children had daytime incontinence, 18 had enuresis, and 28 had both. The number of dry days increased from a mean of 3.5-5.3 (P < 0.001), and the number of dry nights increased from a mean of 2.4-3.9 (P < 0.001) (Summary table). Thirteen (22%) children became completely dry. Three of them had daytime incontinence, five enuresis, and five both. Twenty-four out of 40 (60%) children with daytime incontinence, and 23 out of 46 (50%) children with enuresis showed ≥50% decrease in wetting episodes. The amount of wetting reduced, but the voiding frequency remained unchanged based on the voiding diaries. Twenty-two (45%) of the children were completely dry (six had daytime incontinence, nine enuresis, and seven both), and 16 (39%) showed further improvement, but eight (16%) children remained unchanged 8-18 months after the VS. CONCLUSIONS: Voiding school (VS) was an effective intervention for treating both daytime incontinence and nocturnal enuresis in children who had not benefited from standard treatment and were classified as treatment resistant.

Risk Factors for Daytime or Combined Incontinence in Children with Cerebral Palsy.

PURPOSE: We identify risk factors for daytime or combined urinary incontinence in children with cerebral palsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional case-control study was conducted including children with cerebral palsy with or without daytime or combined urinary incontinence from the CP-Reference Center at Ghent University Hospital and 2 associated special education schools. Factors were subdivided in 3 clusters of demographic and general medical data, cerebral palsy classification, and bladder and bowel dysfunction. Data were obtained using uroflowmetry with electromyography testing, a nonvalidated questionnaire and bladder diaries. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed for variables and clusters, respectively. A final associative logistic model including all clusters was developed. RESULTS: The study included 34 incontinent children and 45 continent children. Daytime or combined urinary incontinence was associated with intellectual disability (OR 7.69), swallowing problems (OR 15.11), use of external aids (OR 27.50) and use of laxatives (OR 13.31). Daytime or combined urinary incontinence was positively associated with dyskinesia (OR 5.67) or combined spasticity and dystonia (OR 4.78), bilateral involvement (OR 4.25), Gross Motor Function Classification System level IV (OR 10.63) and V (OR 34.00), and severe impairment in manual (OR 24.27) or communication skills (OR 14.38). Lower maximum voided volume (OR 0.97) and oral fluid intake (OR 0.96) influenced daytime or combined urinary incontinence negatively. Pathological uroflow curves were not significantly associated with incontinence. The final model defined functional impairment, intellectual disability and oral fluid intake as predictive factors for daytime or combined urinary incontinence. CONCLUSIONS: Risk analysis revealed functional impairment, intellectual disability and fluid intake as important factors influencing continence in a child with cerebral palsy.

Pathogenesis of enuresis: Towards a new understanding.

Enuresis was historically viewed as a primarily psychiatric disorder, but this understanding has changed dramatically since the end of the last century, when it became clear that somatic factors, such as nocturnal polyuria as a result of vasopressin deficiency, nocturnal detrusor overactivity and high arousal thresholds, all play a crucial role in enuresis pathogenesis. It has also become clear that enuresis is inherited in the majority of cases, although the correlation between genotype and enuretic phenotype is not straightforward. The standard view of enuresis as being the result of either (i) nocturnal polyuria and high arousal thresholds; or (ii) nocturnal detrusor overactivity and high arousal thresholds has become well-established, but further research now complicates the picture. First, psychological/psychiatric problems are overrepresented in enuresis, and might in a minority of cases have a causal or aggravating role. Second, nocturnal polyuria is not always linked to vasopressin deficiency. Third, nocturnal detrusor overactivity is in itself pathogenetically heterogeneous, and could be linked to constipation. Fourth, the sleep of enuretic children might be "deep," but possibly also disturbed (by obstructed airways or a distended or contracting bladder). These children might have high arousal thresholds because of the enuresis instead of the other way around. The same might possibly be said about nocturnal polyuria. Taking these new insights into account, a new model of enuresis pathogenesis is presented, which is more complicated but hopefully also more true than the standard consensus.

Incontinence and psychological symptoms in individuals with Mowat-Wilson Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Mowat-Wilson Syndrome (MWS) is caused by deletion/mutation of the ZEB2 gene on chromosome 2q22. MWS is characterized by a distinctive facial appearance, severe intellectual disability and other anomalies, e.g. seizures and/or Hirschsprung disease (HSCR). Most individuals have a sociable demeanor, but one third show psychological problems. AIMS: The aim was to investigate incontinence and psychological problems in MWS. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: 26 children (4-12 years), 13 teens (13-17 years) and 8 adults (>18years) were recruited through a MWS support group. The Parental Questionnaire: Enuresis/Urinary Incontinence, as well as the Developmental Behaviour Checklist (DBC) were completed by parents or care-givers. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: 97.7% of persons with MWS had incontinence (nocturnal enuresis 74.4%; daytime urinary incontinence 76.2%; fecal incontinence 81.4%). Incontinence remained high over age groups (children 95.8%, teens 100%, adults 100%). 46.2% of children, 25% of teens and 37.5% of adults exceeded the clinical cut-off on the DBC. The ability to use the toilet for micturition improved with age. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: MWS incontinence rates are very high. All had physical disabilities including anomalies of the genitourinary and gastrointestinal tract. Due to the high prevalence rates, a screening for incontinence and psychological problems in MWS is recommended.

Moderate agreement between bladder capacity assessed by frequency volume charts and uroflowmetry, in adolescent and adult enuresis patients.

AIMS: Frequency Volume Charts (FVC) are recommended for the evaluation of enuretic patients. Although this is a good instrument for the assessment of functional bladder capacity, it is known that patient compliance could introduce problems. Therefore, we assessed whether uroflowmetry and post-void residual volume could replace FVC recordings in specific cases, by comparing the bladder capacity as measured by FVC or uroflowmetry. METHODS: We performed post-hoc analyses using data from a retrospective cohort study, in secondary/tertiary care. This included 907 patients between 2003 and 2013, aged ≥11 years, suffering from enuresis (≥1 wet night/fortnight). Data were collected from the medical files. Bland Altman plots were made to compare the two methods. RESULTS: Agreement between uroflowmetry and FVC was reasonable only when uroflowmetry was between 200 and 450 ml. CONCLUSIONS: For individual clinical purposes, uroflowmetry can be used if values are in this range. For future research, we recommend to keep measuring bladder capacity with an FVC. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:745-747, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Association between exclusive maternal breastfeeding during the first 4 months of life and primary enuresis.

INTRODUCTION: Although the relationship between enuresis and breastfeeding is still poorly documented in the literature, a possible association is speculated as both are strongly associated with children's development. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to evaluate whether there is an association between primary enuresis and the duration of exclusive breastfeeding. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is an observational, case-control study, involving 200 children and adolescents from 6 to 14 years old, who were divided into two groups: the enuresis group (EG), composed of 100 children with primary enuresis; and the control group (CG) of 100 matched children without enuresis. The matching criteria were sex, age, and socioeconomic level. Adults responsible for each infant answered a structured questionnaire to identify biological and behavioral factor, as well as the duration of maternal breastfeeding. Children whose parents could not comprehend the questionnaire or children with neurological or psychiatric disorders or secondary enuresis were not included in the study. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Evaluating the duration of exclusive breastfeeding, 72% of the subjects of the EG and 42% of the CG had been breastfed for less than 4 months (p < 0.001) (Figure). In bivariate analysis, there was a strong association between symptoms of enuresis with a positive family history of enuresis and duration of exclusive breastfeeding (p < 0.001), and also association with full breastfeeding duration (p = 0.044), number of children (p = 0.045), and parents' education (p = 0.045). After logistic regression, primary enuresis continued to be associated with duration of exclusive breastfeeding and family history of enuresis. The proportion of children that had been exclusively breastfed for more than 4 months was significantly higher in the CG 58% (58/100) than in the EG 28% (28/100) (p < 0.001, OR 4.35, 95% CI 1.99-9.50). CONCLUSIONS: This study confirmed the association between primary enuresis and various factors that have already been studied, with the addition of a new factor, duration of exclusive breastfeeding for less than 4 months, which is strongly associated with primary enuresis.

Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder symptoms and daytime voiding symptoms in children with primary enuresis: an observational study to evaluate the effectiveness of desmopressin treatment.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of presence of desmopressin in treating primary enuresis (PE) for children with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Children aged from 5 to 12 years with the chief complaint of PE treated with desmopressin were enrolled in pediatric urology clinics. The parent-reported SNAP-IV questionnaire was used to evaluate ADHD symptoms (cut-off value: 90th percentile). Voiding symptoms were assessed by the Dysfunctional Voiding Scoring System (DVSS) questionnaire. The responses to desmopressin were analyzed in children with and without ADHD symptoms. RESULTS: The study sample comprised 68 children; 27 (39.7%) presented with ADHD symptoms and 41 (60.3%) with non-ADHD symptoms. The children collected from a tertiary referral center may explain the high prevalence of ADHD symptoms in the present study. The total DVSS score in the ADHD symptoms group was significantly higher than in the non-ADHD symptoms group (7.72 versus 5.65, P=0.05). In the ADHD symptoms group, there were significantly higher score in the "pee 1-2 times/day" and "can't wait" subscales of DVSS and lower sleep quality based on the Pediatric Sleep Quality questionnaire, as well as significantly lower peak flow rate and voided volume. The responses to desmopressin for enuresis were comparable between children with ADHD and non-ADHD symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 39.7% of PE children presented with ADHD symptoms at urologic clinics. PE children with ADHD symptoms had higher risk of daytime LUTS and comparable response to desmopressin treatment for PE. To evaluate ADHD symptoms and daytime voiding symptoms is important in children with PE.

Infrequent enuresis, the uninvestigated majority comparisons between children with enuresis of varying severity.

OBJECTIVE: The main objective was to compare children with frequent enuresis (FE) and children with infrequent enuresis (IE) using anamnestic data and variables related to bladder and kidney function. A secondary aim was to look at the group of children who wet their beds every single night, a phenomenon we chose to call constant enuresis (CE). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The parents recorded the number of wet and dry nights for a period of 14 days, and measured the voided volumes as well as nocturnal urine production for 48 h. History data relevant to bladder and bowel function was also recorded. RESULTS: The children could be grouped as follows: IE, n = 14; FE, n = 18; and CE, n = 22. The children with IE were slightly older than the other groups, IE mean 7.57; FE mean 6.22; CE, mean 6.56 (p = 0.004). When comparing the groups in terms of the measured parameters, only one significant difference was found: the FE group had larger average daytime voided volumes, but only when the first morning void was included. The only significantly differing anamnestic variable was previous daytime incontinence, which was more common among the children in the IE group. CONCLUSIONS: When comparing children with varying enuresis severity, no major differences regarding bladder function and urine production were found. Furthermore, children with infrequent enuresis tend to be slightly older when they seek medical help.

Urinary incontinence in patients with Alzheimer's disease: relationship between symptom status and urodynamic diagnoses.

OBJECTIVE: To assess factors associated with detrusor overactivity in urinary incontinence patients with Alzheimer's disease, and to determine the correlation between the degree of Alzheimer's disease and the presence of detrusor overactivity. METHODS: A total of 144 Alzheimer's disease patients (48 men, 96 women; aged 56-97 years) with urinary incontinence were enrolled in this protocol. Cognitive testing was carried out using the Mini-Mental State Examination, the Clinical Dementia Rating scale, the Global Deterioration Scale and Barthel's Activities of Daily Living. Urinary incontinence was assessed using a frequency-volume chart and the Incontinence Questionnaire on Urinary Incontinence Short Form. All study participants had a urodynamic study carried out. RESULTS: Based on the Incontinence Questionnaire on Urinary Incontinence Short Form, the most common type of urinary incontinence was urge urinary incontinence followed by enuresis in men, whereas women most commonly complained of urge urinary incontinence followed by stress urinary incontinence. Detrusor overactivity was found in 57.6% of patients (25 men, 58 women) on urodynamic study. No statistical differences were found between those with and without detrusor overactivity in terms of age, sex or duration of education. No significant correlation was found between changes in Incontinence Questionnaire on Urinary Incontinence Short Form scores and those in the Mini-Mental State Examination, Clinical Dementia Rating and Barthel's Activities of Daily Living status. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed the presence of detrusor overactivity could be predicted using Clinical Dementia Rating and Barthel's Activities of Daily Living scores (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The most common type of urinary incontinence in patients with Alzheimer's disease is urge urinary incontinence. Clinical Dementia Rating and Barthel's Activities of Daily Living predict the severity of detrusor overactivity in this patient population.

Simultaneous EMG-fMRI during startle inhibition in monosymptomatic enuresis--an exploratory study.

Evidence is growing that monosymptomatic enuresis (ME) is a maturational disorder of the central nervous system with a lack of arousal and lacking inhibition of the micturition reflex. Previous studies have shown a significant reduction of prepulse inhibition (PPI) of startle in children with enuresis. However, it is still unclear whether the abnormal PPI in enuresis is based on an inhibitory deficit at brainstem or cortical level. Nine children with ME and ten healthy children were investigated using simultaneous recording of EMG from the M. orbicularis oculi and functional MRI. The experimental paradigm consisted of acoustic startle stimulation, with startle-alone stimuli and prepulse-startle combinations. Functional MRI data were processed using multiple regression and parametric modulation with startle amplitudes as a parameter. Neither patients with enuresis nor healthy children revealed measurable PPI in the MRI scanner. Startle stimuli caused equal hemodynamic changes in the acoustic cortex, medial prefrontal and orbitofrontal cortex in both groups. The amplitude of startle correlated with more prominent BOLD signal changes in the anterior cingulate cortex in healthy subjects than in patients with ME. This pronounced frontal activation in healthy controls was related to the PPI condition, indicating that the prefrontal cortex of healthy children was activated more strongly to inhibit startle than in patients with ME. In conclusion, apart from the possibility that recordings of PPI inside the MRI scanner may be compromised by methodological problems, the results of this study suggest that high cortical control mechanisms at the prefrontal level are relevant for the pathogenesis of ME.

Enuresis - children's predictions of their treatment's progress and outcomes.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To investigate how nurses can use children's ability to predict treatment outcomes as a possible feature contributing to successful therapeutic processes targeting enuresis. BACKGROUND: Prediction of outcomes was viewed both as a self-efficacy component or belief (based on self-efficacy theory), and also as a skill for actually influencing change. DESIGN: The study was conducted in a mental health community center, located in a large city in central Israel, which was well known for treatment of children with enuresis. For the purpose of the study, the children and their parents completed three questionnaires and underwent training to maintain bedwetting records. METHODS: The study compared three groups of children aged 8-14 years who: made predictions only at baseline (n = 32), predicted progress every week during treatment (n = 38), or did not use prediction at all (n = 31). RESULTS: Findings pinpointed the role of practice in improving predictions. Children who predicted weekly showed the highest congruence with outcomes. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Based on self-efficacy, skills acquisition, and learning and training in the change process, nurses may help children overcome enuresis.