In a nutshell
This study investigated the short-term effectiveness and safety of desmopressin in elderly patients with nocturia (NOC; waking up at night more than one time to urinate). Researchers suggested that this drug might be a good and safe option for the treatment of these patients.
Some background
NOC can be caused by a variety of factors. Nocturnal polyuria (NP) is the overproduction of urine during the night. It involves a production of urine during the night that is 33% higher than the total volume of urine during 24 hours. It is a type of NOC. NP is increased in older patients, being present in about 50% of men and women over the age of 60.
NP affects the quality of life of these patients due to worse mental and physical health caused by poor sleep. These patients have a higher risk of falls, fractures, and even death with an increasing number of NOC episodes. Available treatment options are only of limited effectiveness, indicating a need for new therapy options.
Desmopressin (Noctiva; Minirin) is a hormone-like drug that controls the water removed through the kidneys. Prior studies showed that desmopressin improved the outcomes of patients with diabetes and NOC episodes in children. However, the effectiveness and safety of desmopressin alone in the treatment of NP in elderly adults are still not clear.
Methods & findings
This study included 25 males and 15 females with urinary symptoms. All patients received desmopressin. Patients recorded the number of NOC episodes using a digital urine meter. Patients were followed-up at the start of the study and 12 weeks after. The effectiveness of desmopressin and quality of life were assessed through questionnaires filled by the participants. The dosage of desmopressin varied, beginning with one tablet before going to bed at night for three months. The dose was increased at 1-week intervals if a reduction in NOC was not achieved.
Desmopressin treatment significantly reduced the nocturnal urine volume from 4.12 ml to 1.88 ml. Significant improvements were also seen with desmopressin treatment in quality of life reported by the patients. No significant blood tests or body weight changes were observed, as well as negative side effects.
The bottom line
This study concluded that desmopressin might be a good and safe option for the treatment of NP in elderly patients.
The fine print
This study was based on medical records. Some information might have been incomplete. This might affect the results.
Published By :
International journal of clinical practice
Date :
Jul 15, 2020
