$Unique_ID{BRK01222}
$Pretitle{Genitourinary System}
$Title{A New Treatment for Bed Wetting}
$Subject{bed wetting child treatment}
$Volume{J-16}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


A New Treatment for Bed Wetting


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QUESTION:  I am writing concerning an article I read a month ago with news of
a new treatment for bed wetting.  My daughter is seven years old and the
problem is very embarrassing.  We have tried drops for allergies which helped
some but the problem is still there.  I can't fond any information on the new
treatment.  Can you help me?  Thank you.

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ANSWER:  The medication, which was just recently approved by the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) is desmopressin acetate (DDAVP Nasal Spray marketed by
Rorer) and may be used in both adults and children.  Normally the levels of a
hormone that prevents the kidneys from producing urine (called vasopressin
rises at night, so little urine is formed or stored in the bladder.  However,
in some individuals the quantity of this antidiuretic hormone stays low during
the overnight hours, and the amount of urine produced is much higher, and in
youngsters where the control of the muscles that keep the bladder closed is
not fully developed, results in bed-wetting at night.  DDAVP is a synthetic
chemical resembling the hormone and fools the body into thinking that there is
sufficient hormone present, and so urine production is lowered.  Although most
children can urinate on command by age four, It isn't until they have passed
age five or six that they can hold their urine in when there is a bit of
pressure in the bladder.  Girls are better at this than boys, and control
urination at an earlier age.  When bed-wetting continue past age five in girls
or age six in boys, the new medication, which is expensive, can be considered
for use by your physician (it is "by prescription only").  One or two puffs
from the nasal spray pump usually is sufficient to control the problem.  Once
wetting is under control, the medication may be used on an every other night
basis.  It takes about three months of regular use to achieve regular dryness,
and when the medication schedule is interrupted before that, bed-wetting may
recur immediately.  A complete study is necessary to be sure that the problem
is only night bed-wetting (or nocturnal enuresis, if you wish the medical
terminology) and not the result of another medical condition, diabetes or
urinary tract obstruction for example.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
