Nocturnal enuresis in children: The role of arginine-vasopressin.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review of pathophysiology and mechanisms without systematic methodology.
PubMed 34238464 · doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-820683-6.00021-X
What was done
This paper reviews the pathophysiology of nocturnal enuresis in children past age 5, focusing on the role of arginine-vasopressin (AVP) circadian rhythm disturbances, nocturnal polyuria, desmopressin treatment, and other potential somatic contributors.
What was found
The abstract reports no numerical findings or statistics. It summarizes that nocturnal polyuria in enuresis often stems from a lack of the normal nighttime surge in AVP, which can be managed with desmopressin. It also notes that non-responders likely have alternative or additional mechanisms, such as natriuresis, hypercalciuria, sleep-disordered breathing, or genetic factors.
Why it matters
It summarizes the modern understanding of nocturnal enuresis as a somatic maturation defect involving hormonal circadian dysregulation rather than a psychiatric issue, supporting targeted hormonal treatment.
Limits
No primary data, sample sizes, or quantitative outcomes are reported in the abstract. As a narrative review, it lacks a systematic search protocol or quantitative synthesis to grade underlying study quality.
Cited by
- supports Bedwetting and nighttime urination problems in young children occur because the hormone vasopressin has not fully developed yet.