The natural history of nocturia

This study investigated the natural progression of nocturia in adults. The authors concluded that nocturia primarily affects individuals older than 60, and that approximately 12% of patients experience remission of symptoms each year.

Despite being a common problem that can significantly affect quality of life, little is known about the natural progression of nocturia. The exact incidence of nocturia, progression over time and remission rates have not yet been properly examined.

This study analyzed data from sixteen observational studies, including 33,868 individuals, to determine the incidence, progression and remission rates of nocturia.

Overall, the incidence of nocturia was 4.9%. The incidence of 3 or more nocturia episodes per night was 3.7%.

The incidence of nocturia increased with age: 0.4% among individuals 40 years or younger, 2.8% among individuals 40 – 59 years, and 11.5% among individuals 60 years or older. Compared to younger adults, those over 60 years old were nearly four times more likely to report nocturia.

One study examining the progression of nocturia in men during a 5-year follow-up reported that 45% of men had unchanged symptoms, 28% of men experienced worsening of symptoms, and 27% of men experienced remission of symptoms. In another study examining nocturia in women, 21% experienced worsening of symptoms and 23% experienced remission of symptoms.

A combined analysis showed the yearly remission rate of nocturia to be 12.1%. This rate did not differ significantly with age.

The authors concluded that nocturia symptoms remain unresolved in the majority of patients. Approximately 12% of patients experience remission of symptoms each year.

The observational studies analyzed here utilized different definitions of nocturia. Follow-up times in these studies also varied widely, making annual incidence and remission rates challenging to estimate. Comparing outcomes between men and women is also difficult because of variations in age and follow-up times between studies. Few studies included younger adults with nocturia.