ABSTRACT
Research involving urodynamic and electroencephalographic studies support the theory that nocturnal enuresis is due to a disorder of brainstem arousal whereby the immature brainstem fails to recognise bladder fullness. A delay in the natural development of continence as described earlier is felt to be the most common reason for the persistence of nocturnal enuresis. Urine production normally falls at night to about 50% of daytime levels but in enuretic children, there is nocturnal polyuria due to a lack of the normal nocturnal increase in vasopressin secretion. The prevalence of enuresis in sickle-cell disease is higher than normal and is thought to be due to chronic sickling compromising renal concentrating capacity. Enuresis alarms are powered by battery and the alarm sounds when urine comes into contact with the sensor. It is well known that nocturnal enuresis is a strongly inherited trait.
