Is it possible to predict the response to therapy in enuretic children? The PiFe score.

INTRODUCTION

Nocturnal enuresis (NE) is defined as the involuntary passage of urine during sleep in children over the age of five. Although the precise mechanisms of NE are unclear, factors like delayed development, genetic influences, excessive nighttime urine production, disrupted sleep, and bladder dysfunction play a role. This study aims to evaluate the role of comorbidities in NE and develop a scoring system to predict treatment response, with clinical applications.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

We recruited 374 patients aged 5-18 years undergoing pharmacological treatment (single or combined) for NE. Demographic and clinical data were collected through parent interviews. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics and categorical analysis using χ2 tests, followed by logistic regression.

RESULTS

Statistical associations were found between recurrence and learning disorders (χ2 = 4.862, p = 0.027), and between treatment response and learning disorders, encopresis, polythelia, language delay, and snoring. Logistic regression identified learning disorders (OR = 3.023), encopresis (OR = 2.156), polythelia (OR = 2.196), language delay (OR = 2.137), and snoring (OR = 1.560) as predictors of poor treatment response. We propose the PiFe score, a clinical tool to predict treatment outcomes in children with NE. This score integrates factors such as comorbidities, age, and symptom severity, helping to guide multidisciplinary interventions.

CONCLUSIONS

This study emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to managing NE. The PiFe score could be a useful tool for predicting treatment outcomes and guiding interventions. Further research is needed to validate and refine the scoring system.