Therapeutic Efficacy and Safety of Oral Desmopressin for Nocturia in the Elderly Patient

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of using oral desmopressin in the treatment of nocturia in the elderly. Patients And Method:During the last 8 years we have treated with oral desmopressin (Minurin® 60 mcg) 118 elderly males (mean age 75 years) suffering from nocturia (mean of 5 urinations). We prospectively evaluated the micturition volume the night before and after treatment and the number of voids and the time until the first night-time micturition. Periodic analytical studies were conducted in all patients, primarily of plasma sodium levels. To assess the impact of nocturia on quality of life and satisfaction with treatment received, we used the validated nocturia-specific N-QoLquestionnaire. Results:In all patients there was a decrease in the number of nighttime micturitions from the first week of treatment, none presenting any manifestations of clinical relevance to suggest treatment side effects. No significant laboratory abnormalities were evident either, and the patients experienced significant quality of life improvement. Conclusions:Treatment with oral desmopressin is an effective and well tolerated measure in the elderly nocturia patient. It provides a significant reduction in nocturnal urine volume compared to baseline, showing a reduction in the number of night-time urinations and a prolongation of uninterrupted sleep to first void. This offers a clear improvement in patients' quality of life, with minimal likelihood of adverse effects, and we believe that its use should be included in the urologist's routine therapeutic measures.