Article Sections

Introduction

Nocturnal enuresis is defined as bed-wetting in children age ≥5.  The most common cause is delayed maturation of bladder control (ie, primary nocturnal enuresis), which occurs in an otherwise asymptomatic child who has never achieved prolonged nighttime dryness.  Less common, underlying medical conditions (eg, diabetes mellitus, urinary tract infection [UTI]) must be excluded based on a thorough history and evaluation.

Classification

Nocturnal enuresis is defined as bed-wetting in children age ≥5 and can be classified as primary or secondary ( Table 1):

  • Primary nocturnal enuresis (most common):  Defined as nighttime urinary incontinence in a child who has never achieved a prolonged period of nighttime dryness.  This condition affects approximately 15% of children age 5; males are twice as likely to be affected compared to females.  A family history of bed-wetting is the greatest risk factor.

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