Primary Nocturnal Enuresis: A Urodynamic Study Spanning Three Generations

Abstract

The familial incidence of primary nocturnal enuresis is well recognised. Twin studies suggest there to be a significant genetic component to the aetiology of this disorder. However, family studies to date have been based on symptomatic enquiry alone although detrusor instability is a recognised feature of primary noctural enuresis in 70–80% of cases. For the first time we describe a family of adults with urodynamically proven instability spanning three generations. The pattern of inheritance lends support to the proposition that such detrusor instability is transmitted as an autosomal dominant characteristic.

Keywords:

• enuresis
• nocturnal
• detrusor instability
• familial.