Traditional and innovative interventions in the management of enuresis

Abstract

Introduction Enuresis (NE) is a socially stigmatising and stressful condition affecting children’s and parent’s quality of life. The aim of this review was to evaluate and summarize the current knowledge about the pharmacological and non-pharmacological traditional and innovative treatments in children with NE. Material and methods We examined the following bibliographic electronic databases: PubMed and the Cochrane Library, from January 2000 until July 2023. The search was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) (8) and was limited to English-language papers that focused on enuresis in patients under 18 years old. Each paper that met the eligibility criteria was reviewed and analyzed in full text by three authors and any discrepancies among them were solved by debate. Due to the heterogeneity of the articles examined, we focused on a qualitative analysis. Results Overall, we identified 560 records through database searching. As first step, we excluded 46 articles in non-English language, 6 records whose related articles were not available, 8 articles concerning ongoing trials and 210 duplicated papers. As second step, we eliminated 215 records by evaluating only title and abstract because they did not match the inclusive criteria we mentioned before. Of the remaining 75 studies, we excluded 34 through a further discussion among authors upon the reliability of data. Thus, 41 selected articles were included in the review. Conclusions Multiple treatment approaches, both pharmacological and non pharmacological, have been established and validated to reduce signs and symptoms of NE and improve quality of life and the social and emotional discomfort experienced by children. The aim of pediatrician is to identify the right therapy protocol for very single child, evaluating the best approach for him and the family.