Clinical perspectives in primary nocturnal enuresis

There are several effective treatments for nocturnal enuresis, or bed-wetting. Bed-wetting is common in young children, affecting an estimated five to seven million American children. It has a hereditary component and may be caused by anatomic abnormalities or developmental disabilities. Affected children are not aroused from sleep by a full bladder. Many children will outgrow the condition. The most effective treatment is an alarm that attaches to the child's underwear. Underwear soaked with urine will trigger the alarm. The drug desmopressin is also effective but expensive. Imipramine can also be used.