ORI GIN AL PA PER Children Treated for Nocturnal Enuresis: Characteristics and Trends Over a 15-Year Period

Background Nocturnal Enuresis (NE) is one of the most prevalent childhood disorders and has significant negative psychosocial impact on the child and family. Objective To assess the characteristics of children with NE and trends over a 15-year period. Methods The study included 18,677 children [11,205 (60 %) boys and 7,472 (40 %) girls] referred to a network of clinics specializing in treatment of voiding problems (Age range: 4–12 years; Mean age = 7.06) between the years 1995–2009. We analyzed socio-demographic characteristics and trends over time using a standard questionnaire admin-istered in the clinics. Results Over the course of the 15-year period, children were referred to treatment at a younger age (Mean age 1st period = 7.52, Mean age 2nd period = 7.12, Mean age 3rd period = 6.71) and the likelihood of referrals of younger children (4–5 years) increased (1st period = 24.5 %; 2nd period = 33.6 %; and 3rd period = 41.9 %). More children were referred during winter than summer or transition seasons. The higher prevalence of boys was maintained across this period. In addition, girls had 34 % higher chance to suffer from primary NE compared to boys and had 12 % higher chance to suffer from NE only compared to boys. Birth order and children’s age predicted NE type (primary/secondary) and in addition to family size also predicted enuresis pattern (NE only/combined NE and Diurnal Enuresis). Conclusions The findings of this largest study on children referred for NE treatment provides a wider understanding of important associated factors to this phenomenon