Low-Dose Desmopressin In The Treatment Of Nocturnal Urinary Incontinence In The Exstrophy-Epispadias Complex

Objective To report our experience of the use of desmopressin to improve nocturnal dryness in patients who have undergone a staged reconstruction of the exstrophy-epispadias complex (EEC), who although continent by day, have nocturnal incontinence because their nocturnal urinary output exceeds their bladder capacity.Patients and methods Seven children (aged 8-12 years) who had undergone a staged reconstruction for EEC (six with classical bladder exstrophy, one with incontinent epispadias) were treated with intranasal desmopressin for persistent nocturnal incontinence despite daytime dryness. Previous additional procedures far continence had been self-augmentation in one and periurethral collagen injection in three others. The criteria for inclusion in the study were: normal renal function, no upper tract deterioration, no urinary tract infections, spontaneous voiding during the day with dry intervals between micturitions, a postvoid residual volume of <10% of bladder capacity and night-time incontinence for 7 nights/week. Desmopressin was administered at bedtime at increasing dosages from 10 to 30 mu g until effective. Body weight, arterial blood pressure, and serum electrolytes were measured, and all patients assessed using renal ultrasonography, a voiding diary and a nocturnal pad-test.Results Desmopressin at doses of 10-30 mu g was successful in keeping all the patients dry. The nocturnal urinary output was decreased so that it did not exceed bladder capacity. There was only one minor side-effect (nose bleeding).Conclusions In selected patients with EEC, desmopressin is effective in improving nocturnal dryness, with no significant side-effects.