An exploratory study of elatonin in children with nocturnal enuresis

This exploratory study evaluated the use of melatonin to treat patients with nocturnal enuresis. Patients were seen at a tertiary paediatric outpatient clinic between February 2012 and March 2014. Data summarises results in children with nocturnal enuresis who returned for follow-up after being prescribed melatonin. Data collected from the medical records included: demographics, medical and sleep history, incontinence, any previous treatments and response to melatonin. Factors associated with treatment response are presented using descriptive statistics. A total of 39 children diagnosed with nocturnal enuresis were prescribed melatonin. Seven had no follow-up data so data for 32 patients are included. Most participants (94%) had not responded to prior treatment and had non-monosymptomatic enuresis (84%). Sleep problems were reported in all. After melatonin, 90.6% (29/32) reported sleeping better and 75% (24/32) became dry. In addition, 81.3% (26/32) now reporting waking to void, included: 80% (16/20) who used melatonin in conjunction with alarm training and 83.3% (10 of 12) who used melatonin without alarm therapy. Responders included 81.5% (22/27) who had previously failed alarm training and 95.5% (21/22) who previously failed desmopressin. This report of melatonin effectiveness as an adjunct for treating enuresis, suggests a need for additional studies to further define its role in the management of treatmentresistant enuresis.