Evaluation of the Influence of a History of Childhood Nocturnal Enuresis on Nighttime Urinary Frequency and the Causes of Nocturia in Adults

OBJECTIVE To examine whether a history of nocturnal enuresis affects nighttime urinary frequency and to evaluate nocturia etiologies in adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 143 participants with at least one episode of nocturia per night were included in this study. The self-reported questionnaire collected data on demographic characteristics, medical history, history of nocturnal enuresis in elementary school, lower urinary tract symptoms, and frequency-volume charts. RESULTS A history of nocturnal enuresis was observed in 52.4% of participants. However, night-time urinary frequency was significantly lower in participants with a history of nocturnal enuresis in elementary school than in those without such history. On multivariate analysis, a history of nocturnal enuresis was also negatively associated with nighttime urinary frequency (P <.01). There was a collinearity effect between age and nighttime urinary frequency. A history of nocturnal enuresis did not affect the presence of nocturnal polyuria or overactive bladder in participants. However, sleep disturbances were fewer in participants with a history of nocturnal enuresis (odds ratio 0.404). CONCLUSION A history of nocturnal enuresis might be negatively associated with nighttime urinary frequency due to fewer sleep disturbances. Further, progression of nocturia may depend on conditions, such as age and acquired diseases. UROLOGY 164: 106-111, 2022.(c) 2022 Elsevier Inc.