Nocturnal enuresis: a suggestion for a European treatment strategy

The objective of this study was to review the published literature on aetiology and treatment of nocturnal enuresis, with the aim of providing a treatment strategy which is easy for the patient and their family to follow. Results from European studies conducted over the last 15 y were included in this review. It can be concluded from the results of these studies that enuresis is the cause and not the result of a psychiatric disorder. However, there is still considerable variation in success rates, from 28 to 90%. It is of vital importance that a caring approach from the doctor and a positive family and patient attitude are present for successful treatment. The first choice of treatment should be the one most acceptable to the family, e.g. alarm, desmopressin and combination treatment.