The role of primary nocturnal enuresis in the aetiology of overactive bladder syndrome

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of nocturnal enuresis (NE) in childhood on the development and course of overactive bladder (OAB) in adulthood. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between January and September 2021, data from patients who visited the Urology Outpatient Clinic with OAB symptoms were collected. Patients with a history of diabetes mellitus, neurological diseases, bladder outlet obstruction, active urinary system infection, or previous medical treatment for OAB and those who did not agree to join the study were excluded. Patients with a diagnosis of NE in childhood were classified as group 1, and patients without a diagnosis of NE were classified as group 2. Demographic data were recorded. Frequency of incontinence, and the number of daytime voids and nocturia were evaluated according to a three-day voiding diary. In addition, the maximum urinary flow ratio (Qmax), bladder wall thickness, and postvoid residual volume were determined using uroflowmetry and pelvic ultrasound. RESULTS: After applying the inclusion/exclusion criteria, the mean age of the study group of 103 patients, consisting of 34 women and 69 men, was 32.85 ±11.20 years (18–65), and the mean BMI of both groups was 26.62 ±3.34 (19.49–39.18). Sixty-five of 103 patients (63.1%) had a history of childhood NE diagnosis. Patients in the group with a history of NE were younger than those without a history of NE. CONCLUSIONS: The earlier onset and more intense course of OAB symptoms in patients diagnosed with NE in childhood suggests that NE may be a triggering factor in the aetiology of OAB.