Characteristics of primary nocturnal enuresis in adults: an epidemiological study

Abstract

Overall, 2.3% of Hong Kong adults aged 16-40 years have persistent PNE. Unlike PNE in early childhood the prevalence remained relatively unchanged with age, suggesting that enuretic symptoms persisting into adulthood are probably less likely to resolve with time. Also, significantly more patients had more severe enuretic symptoms. These findings therefore highlight the possibility that PNE in adults may represent a more pronounced form of the condition, and with a more serious social and psychological effect on affected individuals. Further work is needed to evaluate the pathogenesis and management strategy.