Posterior tibial nerve stimulation versus desmopressin in treating children with primary mono-symptomatic nocturnal enuresis. A randomized clinical trial

Objective: Assessment of the efficacy of Posterior Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS) versus Desmopressin in treating Primary Mono-symptomatic Nocturnal Enuresis (PMNE). Patients and methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted at the Urology department of Abo Elreesh pediatric hospital, Cairo University on 80 children, aged between 5 and 13 years old, diagnosed to have PMNE between June 2020 and November 2020. Children were divided into two equal groups; those who underwent PTNS (as one session per week for 12 weeks) (Group A) and those who received Desmopressin 0.2 mg. single evening dose for 12 weeks (Group B). Both groups were constructed to adhere to behavioral therapy and were statistically evaluated regarding the frequency of nocturnal enuresis (NE) before, after treatment, and after 1 month of follow-up. Results: Both groups showed statistically significant improvement in the frequency of NE before and after treatment (p < 0.001), but there were no statistically significant differences between them (p = 0.763). There was a statistically significant relapse of NE frequency after 1 month of follow-up after completion of treatment in both groups (p < 0.001), with no statistically significant differences between the two groups (p = 0.075). Conclusion: Posterior tibial nerve stimulation and Desmopressin are viable treatment options for children with primary mono-symptomatic nocturnal enuresis. However, relapse in some responders with time suggests the need for maintenance therapy.