In a nutshell
This study investigated the effects of desmopressin on nocturia symptoms in older men. The study concluded that desmopressin was safe and effective at reducing nocturia symptoms.
Some background
Desmopressin has been under the focus of recent investigation as a novel way to treat nocturia. While desmopressin has been shown to reduce nightly trips to the toilet and sleep interruptions, it may also cause a potentially dangerous side effect; hyponatremia (low blood sodium levels).
The safety and effectiveness of desmopressin is not clear in older men (over the age of 65), and in those who may be experiencing nocturia due to an enlarged prostate.
Methods & findings
This study investigated the safety and effectiveness of desmopressin to treat nocturia in men with or without nocturnal polyuria.
This study included data from 136 men over the age of 65 with nocturia from different causes. All patients were treated with desmopressin (0.05-0.2 mg per day). Patients were followed for an average of 4 years.
All patients reported a reduction in the number of nightly voids following desmopressin treatment, regardless of the cause of nocturia. Patients with nocturia due to increased nighttime urine production (called nocturnal polyuria) showed a greater reduction in the number of voids than men with nocturia of another cause.
The concentration of sodium in the blood was reduced in all patients. The reduction in sodium was not clinically significant in general. 6.6% of patients reported side effects including nausea and headaches.
The bottom line
This study concluded that desmopressin was safe and effective at reducing nocturia symptoms in older men.
Published By :
International journal of clinical practice
Date :
May 01, 2016
